18.11.2014 Views

Oadby Town Football Club - Aspire Magazine

Oadby Town Football Club - Aspire Magazine

Oadby Town Football Club - Aspire Magazine

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

Feature<br />

ISSUE 249<br />

YOUR FREE COPY<br />

All you need<br />

to know about<br />

London 2012<br />

with our Olympic<br />

Supplement<br />

Retirement<br />

Make sure you make the<br />

most of your prime years<br />

Plan a holiday north of<br />

the border with<br />

Spotlight On Scotland<br />

<strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />

With households all over the country feeling the pinch, it’s more important than ever to make<br />

the most of those special moments, which is why <strong>Aspire</strong> would like to recommend <strong>Oadby</strong><br />

<strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong>, in <strong>Oadby</strong> Leicestershire, winners of our Certificate of Recognition for<br />

Local Venue of the Year. For more info, call 0116 2715728 or turn to page 3<br />

View this issue online at www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk<br />

Follow us on twitter @aspire_magazine<br />

ASPIRE 1


St David’s Day Recipe<br />

This Thursday (March 1st) is St David’s<br />

Day, the patron saint of Wales. The day<br />

is celebrated in remembrance of the<br />

death of St David (Dewi Sant) on March<br />

1st in the year 589; it was declared as a<br />

national day of celebration in the 18th<br />

Century.<br />

A poll conducted by BBC Wales in 2006 found that nearly<br />

nine out of every ten people in Wales want St David’s Day<br />

to be a public holiday, even if a day’s holiday was lost<br />

elsewhere (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/4760362.<br />

stm). One thousand and one people were questioned<br />

for the poll and 87% said they wanted March 1st to<br />

become a public holiday with just 11% against the idea.<br />

When this 87% were asked if they would give up another<br />

public holiday to ensure St David’s Day became one, 65%<br />

remained in favour. However, in 2007 a petition calling for<br />

St David’s Day to become a public holiday was rejected by<br />

Tony Blair, who was British Prime Minister at the time.<br />

Once again, <strong>Aspire</strong> have called upon<br />

our resident chef, Neil Walker, to give us<br />

a delicious and easy recipe…<br />

Welsh Rarebit With Goats<br />

Cheese And Leeks<br />

Serves 2<br />

A good Welsh rarebit is so much more than cheese on<br />

toast – it is comfort food of the highest order and really<br />

tackles the cold spell we're going through at the minute.<br />

It's an easy recipe to play around with and improvise but<br />

to me, this is the ultimate Welsh rarebit. Don't be put off<br />

by the goat’s cheese, I know it's not to everybody’s liking,<br />

but combined with the other ingredients in this recipe, it's<br />

not overpowering, just mellow and delicious!<br />

Enjoy.<br />

Ingredients<br />

1 leek or 2 small thin ones<br />

2 free range eggs<br />

2 thickly cut slices of bread<br />

100g -125g goat’s cheese<br />

1 tsp of mustard<br />

1 tablespoon Worcester sauce<br />

Salt and freshly ground pepper<br />

Knob of butter or a splash of olive oil<br />

Method<br />

1. Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 8.<br />

2. Slice the leeks thinly and sweat off in a frying pan with<br />

a knob of butter for about 10 minutes.<br />

3. Whilst the leeks are slowly cooking, beat the eggs,<br />

goat’s cheese, mustard, Worcester and seasoning<br />

together.<br />

4. When cooked add the leeks to the egg mix, give it<br />

a good stir, then spread evenly over the thick slices of<br />

bread.<br />

5. Place on a baking tray and toast in the oven for about<br />

10 minutes until browned and crispy.<br />

6. Serve with a bottle of Worcester sauce on the side – ok<br />

not very Welsh, but an absolute must!<br />

Delicious!<br />

A Delicious<br />

St David’s Day<br />

<strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />

<strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />

Triumphs<br />

Situated in the suburb of <strong>Oadby</strong> in Leicester, <strong>Oadby</strong><br />

<strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong> is <strong>Aspire</strong>’s choice for Local Venue<br />

of the Year. Ideal for wedding receptions (during<br />

the summer months), birthday parties and family<br />

get-togethers, <strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong>’s modern clubhouse<br />

boasts a fully manned and fully stocked bar, a kitchen<br />

for preparing food and a cold cellar to store food –<br />

everything you need for the perfect party, just add<br />

music and partygoers.<br />

Originally established in 1908 as <strong>Oadby</strong> Imperials,<br />

<strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> receive sponsorship from a number of local<br />

businesses, including Freeway and Greene King, but as a<br />

small football club just trying to survive hard economic<br />

times, hiring out the clubhouse brings in much needed<br />

revenue. <strong>Club</strong> Chairman, Ken Farrant, explained: “As the<br />

football team only use the clubhouse before and after<br />

matches and at the end of the season for club and team<br />

celebrations, it sits unused for the majority of the year.<br />

So, we started hiring it out for private functions and it’s<br />

been a great way to being in extra income. We’re a small<br />

club, just trying to survive. Hiring out our clubhouse for<br />

functions is a great way to serve the community, as well as<br />

supply the club within another source of income.”<br />

The clubhouse is ideal for all day wedding receptions<br />

during the summer, when the clubhouse is not being<br />

used by the football club. It is still available during the<br />

football season (August to May) but only in the evenings<br />

at weekends. You might be shocked at how inexpensive<br />

the clubhouse is to hire, just £150 for evening events<br />

and £300 for all day hire. Ken added: “included in our<br />

hire charge, as well as where food can be prepared. You<br />

can also use our. We have a music and bar license until<br />

midnight and our bar manager, Kelly, is happy to show<br />

anyone interested around and answer any queries you<br />

may have. We do require a £100 cheque as a damage<br />

deposit (£300 for 18th birthday parties) but we will not<br />

cash that if everything is as it should be; it’s only to cover<br />

us if there’s any damage, as, like I said, we’re a small<br />

club just trying to survive these tough economic times.<br />

There are football clubs much bigger than us going<br />

into administration and we’re just trying to continue for<br />

another 100-plus years.”<br />

If that wasn’t enough, <strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> also boast a taxi<br />

firm, Direct Taxis, run from the edge of the clubhouse,<br />

meaning party-goers won’t have to ring around for a taxi<br />

once the party’s over. Ken said: “We’re passionate about<br />

discouraging drink-driving so having Direct Taxis here is<br />

perfect. It works really well.”<br />

As well as being the perfect venue for celebrations,<br />

<strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> FC clubhouse is also ideal for conferences,<br />

business meetings and even team building days, with<br />

hourly hire just £20 a hour. Teas and coffee is supplied<br />

and anyone choosing the clubhouse for business will<br />

be in good company, as Ken told us: “Every Tuesday, the<br />

Leicester Tigers hold their weekly press conference here.<br />

We get reporters from Sky, the BBC, ITV and local radio<br />

and news coming here to speak to Richard Cockerill and<br />

other members of the team. It’s great for us and provides<br />

a different environment for the managers and players of<br />

Leicester Tigers, away from the intensity of their training<br />

ground and the fierce competition of rugby.”<br />

With such excellent facilities within five acres of grounds<br />

on Wigston Road near Parklands Leisure Centre and<br />

Leicester Tigers’ training ground, <strong>Aspire</strong> have awarded<br />

<strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> with our Certificate of Recognition for Local<br />

Venue of the Year. On hearing the news, <strong>Club</strong> Chairman,<br />

Brian Fletcher-Warrington, said: “Thank you for this<br />

accolade <strong>Aspire</strong>. It means a lot to us to know that our<br />

clubhouse is catering to a gap in the market and we hope<br />

some of your readers will consider holding their next<br />

celebration at <strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong>.”<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> Sales Executive, Emily Davison, added: “Households<br />

across the country are feeling the pinch these days, which<br />

is why it’s more important than ever to make the most<br />

of those special moments. <strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />

provides the perfect option for those looking to celebrate<br />

with friends and family without breaking the bank. I hope<br />

this Certificate of Recognition is a great boost to everyone<br />

at <strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> – they deserve it!”<br />

2 ASPIRE<br />

For more information or to make an appointment to view the clubhouse,<br />

please call 0116 2715728<br />

<strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> FC, Greene King Park, Wigston Road, <strong>Oadby</strong>, Leicester LE2 5QG<br />

ASPIRE 3


Editor: Claire Tipton<br />

claire@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk<br />

0116 2517385<br />

Accounts: Kathy Tipton<br />

accounts@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk<br />

0116 2515919<br />

Feature Writers: Laura Hyde<br />

editorials@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk<br />

0116 2517385<br />

2. St David’s Day Recipe<br />

12. Antiques & Collectables<br />

3. <strong>Oadby</strong> <strong>Town</strong> <strong>Football</strong> <strong>Club</strong> 13. Olympic Supplement<br />

4. Contents<br />

21. Seasonal Gardening<br />

6. <strong>Aspire</strong> Recommends<br />

24. Holidays & Leisure<br />

7. Advertise With Us<br />

26. Explore The Cotswolds<br />

Contents<br />

8. Retirement<br />

28. Spotlight On Scotland<br />

10. Care<br />

Graphic Designer: Lucy Crookston<br />

design@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk<br />

0116 2517385<br />

Sales Manager: Stacey Wragg<br />

north@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk<br />

0116 2624867<br />

Sales Executives: Emily Davison,<br />

Barbara Stone, Ashley Cooper,<br />

Jade Savage<br />

Distribution: Michael Tipton &<br />

Self Select Distribution<br />

Published by:<br />

Spectrum Printing Services<br />

0116 246 1717<br />

To subscribe to <strong>Aspire</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> call<br />

0116 2517385<br />

The Olympic Park<br />

Picture taken on 5th December 2011 by Anthony Charlton<br />

Web Design: Paul Tipton at Q Creative Design<br />

paul@qcreativedesign.co.uk<br />

0116 251 7298<br />

Write to us:<br />

ASPIRE MAGAZINE<br />

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE GROUP<br />

3rd Floor Office, 29-35 St Nicholas Place,<br />

Leicester LE1 4LD<br />

Name & Registered Office:<br />

ASPIRE MAGAZINE<br />

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LIMITED<br />

Allen House, Newarke Street,<br />

Leicester LE1 5SG<br />

Company Number: 06036102<br />

Image Courtesy Of Bob Martin<br />

©VisitBritain<br />

©VisitBritain/ Tony Pleavin<br />

4 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 5


1<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> Recommends<br />

Choose The Best<br />

We know how difficult it can be to find well-established companies that can offer<br />

a high level of service that’s tailored to your personal needs, so we work hard to<br />

bring you the very best organisations and specialist services in the UK. We also<br />

understand that it can often be a challenge to find a reliable company when the<br />

services and goods you’re looking for are not readily available on the High Street.<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> strive to support independent businesses, as there are many advantages to<br />

choosing these companies over their large, multi-national counterparts. Independent<br />

companies pride themselves on treating each and every customer as an individual rather<br />

than a number and as our specialists are armed with a wealth of experience in this field,<br />

they’re guaranteed to provide you with the very best customer service.<br />

The companies within this feature offer their customers the whole package: high<br />

quality products and competitive prices, as well as an excellent and personal service.<br />

We’ve searched high and low, across the length and breadth of the UK to find you these<br />

companies.<br />

Although these companies are offering different things, the factors that lead to success<br />

remain the same; good customer service, reliability, and professionalism are three of the<br />

most important factors for keeping customers happy – and happy customers means<br />

more recommendations and more success.<br />

These companies are surviving in hard economic times, so you can be sure any money<br />

and time you invest with them is safe and will be highly rewarded. These individuals will<br />

endeavour to provide only the highest standards of service, the very best products, and<br />

great value for money – just remember to tell them that your favourite weekly magazine<br />

sent you!<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> recommends only the best in the business...<br />

Home Support Service<br />

Direct Care Works provides a Home<br />

Support Service for people who wish<br />

to live the way they want to, in their<br />

own home.<br />

We can help with the following:<br />

Social activities, cooking a meal,<br />

domestic chores, shopping and travel<br />

training.<br />

We also offer a sitting service for<br />

family carers, provide friendship,<br />

reassurance and companionship<br />

when needed. Help after a hospital<br />

stay or recovery from and illness.<br />

All our staff are carefully selected<br />

for their attitude, empathy and<br />

communications skills.<br />

Now registered with the Care Quality<br />

Commission for personal care.<br />

For further information contact<br />

Richard on<br />

0116 2330297 or 07515 730715<br />

Email us on<br />

info@directcareworks.co.uk<br />

www.directcareworks.co.uk<br />

LUTTERWORTH<br />

& DISTRICT<br />

LEUKAEMIA & LYMPHOMA<br />

RESEARCH CHARITY SHOPS<br />

NEEDS YOUR DONATIONS OF<br />

• FURNITURE • BOOKS<br />

• CLOTHING • AND BRIC-A-BRAC<br />

Lutterworth and District Leukaemia &<br />

Lymphoma Research Branch has been<br />

running a charity shop for 13 years.<br />

Our Station Road shop has been running<br />

for nearly 3 years selling everything from<br />

clothes, bedding, old handbags, shoes and<br />

trainers and much more!<br />

Our Furniture and Book Shop on Bells Street<br />

is growing day-by-day but we still need your<br />

support. We need more furniture in good<br />

condition and we gratefully accept most types<br />

such as settees, arm chairs, cupboards, toy<br />

chests, tables & chairs, coffee tables, nest of<br />

tables, TV stands, bunk beds, wooden beds,<br />

cots, headboards and china cabinets.<br />

We can deliver and collect with our own<br />

van and if you would like to donate furniture<br />

please contact us.<br />

33a Station Road, rear of car park,<br />

Lutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4AP<br />

Tel: 01455 556649 (Usual items)<br />

1 Bell Street, Lutterworth,<br />

Leicestershire LE17 4DW<br />

Tel: 01455 553094 (Furniture & books)<br />

Burton Road<br />

Melton Mowbray<br />

Are you looking for hourly,<br />

full-time or part-time care for your child?<br />

We provide care for babies from 6-weeks-old through to<br />

Pre-School 2-5-year-olds.<br />

'One-offs' available. Also flexible shift/term-time only bookings.<br />

FREE taster sessions, also nappies and babymilk<br />

15 hours FREE child care available PER WEEK<br />

for 3-5-year-olds in our Pre-School room.<br />

Bookings now being taken.<br />

Before and after-school club drop & collection for<br />

schools in the Melton area.<br />

Also school HOLIDAY CLUB 4-11-year-olds<br />

Full days or part days.<br />

Call for more details on (01664) 481506<br />

Email: ke7nursery@btconnect.com<br />

www.kingedwardviidaynursery.co.uk<br />

Discover St. Gilles, France<br />

Highlighted in Raymond Blanc’s recent TV<br />

programme, the picturesque old town of<br />

Beaune is the centre of an area where wine<br />

tasting and excellent restaurants serving<br />

local specialities welcome you at every<br />

turn. Half and hour’s drive at a leisurely<br />

pace through the famous Burgundy<br />

villages and vineyards of Meursault,<br />

Pouligny Montrachet, Volnay, Bouzeron<br />

and Rully, you drop down to St. Giles, where<br />

Judy Rhodes’ comfortable cottage nestles<br />

by the canal.<br />

She bought it ten years ago and over<br />

the years has restored, updated and fully<br />

equipped it as a holiday cottage for her<br />

family and friends. It sleeps five and with<br />

another bedroom/playroom off the galleried<br />

landing, could accommodate a family of six.<br />

Two bathrooms with showers, one up and<br />

one downstairs and wash hand basins<br />

in two of the bedrooms are only part of<br />

the practical renovation. From the large<br />

sliding glass doors looking across the<br />

safely enclosed garden, you can watch the<br />

interesting selection of boats that cruise<br />

by and the occasional walkers and cyclists,<br />

using the towpath across the water. At the<br />

front of the house, there is plenty of parking,<br />

and a garage and storage, easily accessible<br />

from the quiet, original old farmyard.<br />

Visiting the market at Beaune, Chagny<br />

and Chalon Sur Saône, one cannot resist<br />

the huge variety of vegetables, salad and<br />

ripe, ready-to-eat fruit; and with more than<br />

60 cheeses to choose from at the local<br />

supermarket, cooking or eating al fresco<br />

under the vine-shaded pergola adjoining<br />

the house is so much easier and more fun<br />

in France.<br />

Sadly this lovely house is now up for sale,<br />

What with such an easy six-hour journey<br />

from St Pancras to Le Creusot where hire<br />

cars await you, or an equally pleasant drive<br />

from Calais via excellent, uncrowded roads,<br />

I am sure it will soon have some new, lucky<br />

owners for the bargain price of £249,000.<br />

Tel: 01823 451792<br />

Email: cath.may@talktalk.net<br />

Advertise your company in...<br />

To advertise your company in <strong>Aspire</strong>,<br />

call our sales team on 0116 262 4867<br />

As well as one week at our distribution<br />

points, each issue of <strong>Aspire</strong> is also available<br />

on our website for 3 months!<br />

Advertise With Us<br />

www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk<br />

6 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 7


Retirement<br />

Golden<br />

Oldies<br />

Dream It,<br />

Situated in Leicester, in the heart of the East Midlands,<br />

Santorini Financial Planning offers financial planning for<br />

individuals and business owners across Leicestershire and<br />

into Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.<br />

With almost 15 years’ experience as a financial advisor,<br />

company Director Matthew Walne established Santorini at<br />

the end of 2010. Offering advice on all aspects of financial<br />

planning including retirement investment planning and<br />

protection planning for your family or for your business,<br />

Matthew takes a more holistic approach to financial<br />

planning, focusing on what the client wants to achieve,<br />

what their motivation is, what they fear and what they want<br />

from life; this allows Matthew to fit each individual clients’<br />

financial architecture around their life.<br />

Matthew told <strong>Aspire</strong>: “Many clients actually get excited<br />

when they can see what’s achievable, and it’s not all<br />

money-related; for many people, spending more time<br />

with their family and less time at work is a dream, a dream<br />

we can help them achieve. At Santorini, we specialise in<br />

offering long-term advice for long-term financial planning.<br />

I would encourage <strong>Aspire</strong> readers to contact me if they’re<br />

Many people look forward to<br />

their retirement, seeing it as an<br />

opportunity to enjoy life and do all<br />

the things you always dreamed of<br />

doing, but never quite got round<br />

to. Nowadays, retirement isn’t the<br />

scary event it once was, when hitting<br />

your 60th or 65th birthday meant<br />

a carriage clock, weekly trips to the<br />

Post Office and taking life at a slower<br />

pace. Without the hectic nine-to-five<br />

working week, it leaves much more<br />

time to start experiencing all of those<br />

things you’ve never had time to do,<br />

such as hobbies and travel.<br />

Retirees are now following the example<br />

of gap year students and using their<br />

free time to indulge in holidays,<br />

especially those once-in-a-lifetime<br />

round-the-world trips. According<br />

to Leger Holidays, 4.6 million UK<br />

pensioners now spend their free time<br />

travelling the world. Whether you’re<br />

taking part of your pension as a lump<br />

sum, downsizing your house or using<br />

your savings, your retirement offers the<br />

chance to visit somewhere you’ve only<br />

ever dreamed of going.<br />

Making Your Money Work For You<br />

worried about their pension investments or their savings<br />

as these seem to be the two areas individuals are most<br />

concerned about at the moment. We’re living longer yet the<br />

state pension is still poor, for most, and with interest rates<br />

being so low, it can be hard to know where to invest your<br />

money to make a return. I can offer bespoke, individual<br />

advice specific to you on both these areas, and more.<br />

“I come across a number of common mistakes, such as not<br />

increasing your savings in line with your earnings, relying<br />

on the State Pension, not taking ongoing advice or relying<br />

on a Lottery win, to name but a few. Retirement planning<br />

is complicated and is a long-term project, there are usually<br />

no quick fixes. Don’t forget you need to provide yourself<br />

with an income in retirement for nearly as long as you are<br />

working so it’s important to get it right.”<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> are so impressed with the ethos and attitude of<br />

Santorini, as well as the advice and expertise on offer, late<br />

last year we selected them for a Certificate of Recognition<br />

for Financial Services 2011. Matthew said: “Thank you so<br />

much for this recognition <strong>Aspire</strong>. It’s great to have such<br />

prestigious recognition so soon after starting my own<br />

To ensure you have the funds to afford<br />

a comfortable lifestyle during your<br />

retirement, organising a personal<br />

pension is vital. While the state pension<br />

allows everyone a safety net for their<br />

retirement, the reality is that the<br />

amount you receive may not be enough<br />

for your personal needs. Many people<br />

are beginning to find they need to keep<br />

working in order to supplement their<br />

pension fund, whether this was because<br />

they failed to save enough, or spent<br />

some time unemployed during their<br />

working life. If you don’t want to work<br />

once you reach the state retirement<br />

age (visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/<br />

Pensionsandretirementplanning/<br />

StatePension/DG_4017919 to<br />

calculate your individual retirement<br />

age), you need to ensure you firstly,<br />

have a pension scheme in place, and<br />

secondly, are saving enough money<br />

each month to provide sufficient funds<br />

for your retirement. For a personalised<br />

pension saving plan, <strong>Aspire</strong> would like<br />

to recommend enlisting the services<br />

of a financial advisor, such as Matthew<br />

Walne at Santorini Financial Planning.<br />

business. It’s a great boost and I hope it highlights my<br />

services to more <strong>Aspire</strong> readers, in order for me to help as<br />

many people as possible sort out their finances and plan for<br />

their future.”<br />

Travelling can be the most amazing,<br />

fun, enlightening and unforgettable<br />

experience that stays with you long<br />

after the suntan fades.<br />

A boutique travel agency specialising<br />

in creating your perfect Latin American<br />

experience, Latitude Journey guarantees<br />

to build a journey around your<br />

expectations, timescales and budget,<br />

based on the things you want from a<br />

holiday. The brain-child of passionate<br />

travellers Edd and Angela Tillen, Latitude<br />

Journey is a family-run company that<br />

dedicates lots of time and effort into<br />

creating your perfect tour.<br />

Edd told <strong>Aspire</strong>: “Latin America holds a<br />

special place in my heart as it’s where<br />

my wife, Angela and I met. I did the Inca<br />

Trail in Peru and she was a tour guide, we<br />

fell in love and decided to get married<br />

in 2009 after I proposed at the mouth of<br />

the Devil’s Throat in Iguazu Falls. Being<br />

from Derby, we invited my family over<br />

to Peru for the wedding and my parents,<br />

sisters and their families and two of my<br />

best friends made it over and I suppose<br />

that’s when our journey began. My mum is<br />

disabled, my dad is over 70 and my sisters<br />

have children aged seven to 17 so that in<br />

itself presented us with a number of travel<br />

and accommodation problems that we<br />

had to overcome. Angela and I were so<br />

grateful that so many people were coming<br />

over to Peru to share our special day that<br />

we wanted to do something special for<br />

them to say thank you, so we arranged<br />

for my parents to enjoy a Caribbean<br />

cruise from Miami before they came to<br />

Peru, my best friends completed the Inca<br />

trail and we arranged for my sisters and<br />

their children to visit the rainforest. The<br />

younger children were given diaries to<br />

complete and take back to their schools to<br />

make up for their missed time.<br />

“After getting married we moved back<br />

to the UK and began seriously thinking<br />

about setting up our own travel agency.<br />

We officially launched with a party in<br />

November 2011 at Revolution in Derby<br />

but the website didn’t launch until<br />

Christmas. We’re very new, but we work<br />

with experienced local operators, that<br />

Angela has worked with for years, who<br />

share our passion for ensuring everyone is<br />

able to experience Latin America on their<br />

own terms.”<br />

Latitude Journey can organise holidays<br />

to anywhere within South America but<br />

Edd and Angela are currently focusing on<br />

Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Ecuador as Edd<br />

explained: “We have travelled all over<br />

South America but have spent the most<br />

time in these four countries so, at the<br />

moment, we want to focus on those. We<br />

definitely never want to sell a journey to<br />

anywhere we have never experienced for<br />

ourselves, so we plan to travel much more<br />

extensively throughout this stunning<br />

continent to discover more wonderful<br />

places. We’re not in this for the money; we<br />

just want to share our passion for Latin<br />

America, its people and the culture with as<br />

many people as possible.”<br />

The biggest expense when travelling to<br />

any South American country is the air<br />

fare, which can vary greatly from month<br />

to month. An economy flight to Peru in<br />

early June can cost as little as £550 but<br />

in August the same flight could set you<br />

back £1,000. “We have a few example<br />

itineraries on our website but as every<br />

tour is bespoke, you can add or remove<br />

anything you like; we’re 100% flexible. We<br />

have three main classes: basic, comfort<br />

or deluxe, to suit any individual need. All<br />

our holidays are tailor-made so they can<br />

incorporate as much or as little of each of<br />

these styles as you wish; for example, we<br />

can arrange an extra special night if you<br />

happen to be celebrating a birthday or<br />

anniversary whilst on holiday. We strongly<br />

believe that customers should not have to<br />

pay a premium for this bespoke service.<br />

We do offer a number of discounts<br />

including 15% for over 60s and students;<br />

however getting there in the first place is<br />

usually the biggest expense, once you’re<br />

actually in South America the cost of living<br />

day-by-day is actually very little,” Edd<br />

added.<br />

Edd and Angela highly recommend<br />

learning a little Spanish before<br />

travelling, to get the most out of your<br />

experience. As part of the service,<br />

they will help with this, and all other<br />

preparations for your journey. For<br />

more information, please visit<br />

www.latitudejourney.co.uk or call<br />

0116 3183518 to speak to Edd or<br />

Angela directly.<br />

Live It, Love It<br />

Where North meets South<br />

at The Equator, Ecuador<br />

Passengers with the Uros People on the<br />

Floating Islands of Lake Titicaca, Peru<br />

Sunset on the Pacific Coast in Lima, Peru<br />

Machu Picchu, one of the Wonders of the World, Peru<br />

Iguazu Falls, Biggest waterfalls in the<br />

world, Brazil / Argentina<br />

CONTACT US NOW<br />

TELEPHONE 0116 235 5733<br />

EMAIL info@santorini-fp.co.uk<br />

FAX 0116 227 1372<br />

WEB www.santorini-fp.co.uk<br />

Santorini Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Financial Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority<br />

Sunset on the Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia<br />

8 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 9


Care<br />

Show You Care<br />

As progress in modern medicine continues to<br />

help us live longer, more and more of us can<br />

now expect to live in to our 80’s and 90’s. Whilst<br />

a healthy diet and plenty of exercise can help<br />

to keep us fitter for longer, many of us may still<br />

need a little extra help as we reach our twilight<br />

years, and as a result can become heavily<br />

dependent on others.<br />

Instead of struggling to complete a never ending list of<br />

domestic tasks around the home, or reluctantly asking a<br />

friend or family member for help, letting someone else<br />

take responsibility will free up more time for enjoying<br />

other activities. Home helpers can not only give you the<br />

extra medical help you require, but can also give you<br />

the support you need around the home and also when<br />

getting out and about. So, there’s no need to struggle<br />

alone.<br />

Many people, understandably, are reluctant to give up<br />

their own homes in order to enter residential care, so<br />

employing the services of a home carer may be a better<br />

option and can help you or your loved one regain their<br />

independence. No one likes to think about putting a<br />

family member into care, but for some of us it’s just not<br />

possible to provide the right care. In 2007, there were<br />

420,000 elderly or disabled people recorded as living in<br />

residential care homes and that number looks set to rise<br />

steadily as we continue to live longer.<br />

Many care homes today, pride themselves on their<br />

homely feel and personal service, but it’s important to ask<br />

the right questions before you agree to place your loved<br />

one there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – remember<br />

you’re entitled to expect a service that suits your needs.<br />

All good care homes will be more than happy to answer<br />

any of your queries and may even offer a trial period to<br />

ensure it’s the right environment for the individual.<br />

Whether old or young, if you have mobility difficulties<br />

just getting to the shops and back can be a difficult task.<br />

Relying on other people just to get through the day can<br />

leave you feeling out of control and often, like you’ve<br />

lost your independence. There are numerous mobility<br />

companies out there who can provide advice about<br />

mobility aids that may help your day-to-day life run a<br />

little easier and give you back some of the independence<br />

you may have lost. From scooters and walking sticks to<br />

stairlifts and bathroom hoists, there are thousands of<br />

products specially designed to help you through the day.<br />

It’s not just our physical well-being but also our mental<br />

well-being that may need help from time to time.<br />

Counselling is a great way to talk about your problems<br />

with a non-judgemental trained expert who will just listen<br />

and equip you with the tools to work through your issues,<br />

enabling you to make the most of your life.<br />

Unfortunately, negative attitudes to mental illness<br />

continue to make it difficult for sufferers to talk about the<br />

serious issues affecting their everyday lives and mental<br />

health charity, Mind strongly believe the media are failing<br />

to give the issue the attention it needs. In a recent survey<br />

conducted by the charity, 45% of people admitted they<br />

couldn’t remember seeing any stories or reports about<br />

mental health in the media over the past 12 months.<br />

Earlier this year, it was discovered that music may have a<br />

positive effect on our mental well-being by boosting our<br />

feel-good chemicals. Experts from Nature Neuroscience<br />

found that volunteers who listened to music they enjoyed<br />

had dopamine levels of up to 9% higher than normal<br />

levels, leaving listeners in a better mood.<br />

First Step Awarded<br />

Certificate of Recognition<br />

Male sexual assault/abuse is one of the last great<br />

taboos; there’s great societal denial surrounding male<br />

sexual assault/abuse. Men are often, mistakenly,<br />

thought of as immune, safe and invulnerable; however<br />

these beliefs can also increase the pain that is felt by a<br />

male survivor of sexual assault.<br />

Established in May 1997, First Step provides support<br />

and one-to-one counselling for male survivors of sexual<br />

abuse, as well as their partners and family. First Step<br />

Co-ordinator, Cas Beckett, told <strong>Aspire</strong>: “First Step was<br />

founded by Alistair Hilton. He was looking for support<br />

for the sexual abuse he himself had suffered but there<br />

was nothing, so he founded First Step together with a<br />

group of abuse survivors that had become his friends<br />

and we’ve grown from there. The last two years have<br />

been very successful. We were getting by with no<br />

funding but were only helping four men a week; now<br />

Please fill in your contact details below...<br />

Name:<br />

Address:<br />

Tel:<br />

Email:<br />

we’ve managed to secure funding until 2014, we’re now<br />

able to help 24 men a week. The last two years have<br />

been a phenomenal success and I hope it continues.”<br />

Acknowledging the vital work First Step do, <strong>Aspire</strong> have<br />

awarded the charity with a Certificate of Recognition for<br />

Care & Support. <strong>Aspire</strong> Sales Executive, Emily Davison,<br />

said: “Whether you’re a man or a woman, sexual assault/<br />

abuse is traumatic; it’s vital to have someone you can<br />

turn to, someone you can trust. Unfortunately, men<br />

aren’t ‘supposed’ to talk about their feelings, so when<br />

something traumatic, like sexual abuse, happens to<br />

them, many assume they have to suffer in silence and<br />

just ‘get on with it’; this is not the case, which is why<br />

I had to nominate First Step for the excellent work<br />

they do. I’m so pleased to award this Certificate of<br />

Recognition to Cas and the team and I hope it leads to<br />

increased awareness of First Step’s services.”<br />

Donation Form<br />

Please help First Step continue their vital work by making a donation today:<br />

I would like to make a donation of £ and enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to First Step.<br />

Please return this form to<br />

First Step, Alliance House, 6 Bishop Street, Leicester LE1 6AF<br />

Registered Charity No: 1077147<br />

Registered Charity No: 1077147<br />

Serving Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, First Step<br />

provides free, confidential one-to-one support and<br />

counselling for men, their partners, friends and families,<br />

who have stepped out of the shadows, broken their<br />

silence, and reached out to benefit from the services<br />

First Step provides.<br />

Cas added: “We understand how hard taking that ‘first<br />

step’ is, but would encourage any man suffering to<br />

contact us. We provide a non-judgemental ear that<br />

many men who use our service find invaluable. We<br />

know how important it is to just listen.”<br />

For more information on First Step, please visit<br />

www.firststepleicester.org<br />

For confidential support and advice, please call<br />

0116 2548535 or 07581 568144<br />

Alternatively email info@firststepleicester.org<br />

BOSWORTH<br />

HOMECARE<br />

Our company has been supporting<br />

people in their own homes since<br />

1996 and are the proud holders of<br />

the ‘Investors in People’ Award. Our<br />

high standard of domiciliary care is<br />

maintained and delivered to our<br />

clients via our committed, friendly<br />

and extremely well-trained care staff, who have been vetted and chosen to<br />

ensure the safety and best interests of our clients are being looked after at<br />

all times.<br />

We can offer: short-term, long-term and emergency help for<br />

up to 24 hours per day<br />

Personal care, Domestic care and Social Care.<br />

If you or a relative are considering some help and would<br />

like more information please contact our care team on:<br />

Tel: 01455 292648 (option 1)<br />

E-mail: managementteam@givecare.co.uk<br />

Keeping Your Stairlift in Tip Top Condition<br />

With Stairlift Maintenance Services<br />

Established in February 2006, Stairlift Maintenance<br />

Services provide a full range of repair and<br />

maintenance services for stairlifts in care homes<br />

and residential properties across the UK, as well as<br />

selling new and reconditioned stairlifts.<br />

Stairlift Maintenance Services was founded by Paul Ford, who<br />

has over 20 years’ experience supplying and maintaining<br />

stairlifts, as he explained: “Working in the industry, I noticed<br />

that manufacturers were charging a lot for their call outs<br />

once stairlifts were out of their one-year warranty. It seemed<br />

like there was a gap in the market, space for someone with<br />

the experience and knowledge I had, so I started Stairlift<br />

Maintenance Services. In the last six years, the business has<br />

steadily expanded and I now sell new and reconditioned<br />

stairlifts. It’s going pretty well and I actually look after the<br />

stairlifts for some big care companies, who have homes across<br />

the country.”<br />

Annual services are carried out by Paul and the team to ensure<br />

stairlifts are in the best condition. All the mechanics and<br />

fittings are expertly checked and recommendations are made<br />

on anything Paul feels may cause problems within the next<br />

12-month period, such as worn parts. Repairs can then be made<br />

should anything need updating or replacing.<br />

Stairlift Maintenance Services are also able to carry out repairs<br />

and attend call outs; these are usually handled with 24-hours<br />

to ensure customers aren’t struggling without their stairlift<br />

for any longer than necessary. Paul says: “We try and get as<br />

much information about the problem over the phone as, in<br />

Top Recommendation<br />

the past, we’ve managed to get the stairlift working again over<br />

the phone, negating the need for a call out charge. If we can’t<br />

get it working over the phone, the more information we have<br />

regarding the problem, the better equipped we can be –we<br />

can ensure we have any parts we think we may need in the van<br />

already.”<br />

Paul and the team can also install new and reconditioned<br />

stairlifts, as Paul explained: “Most of the installations we do<br />

are upgrades for people who already have a stairlift, but<br />

their stairlift is probably too old, meaning parts for it are very<br />

hard to come by. Manufacturers are always changing their<br />

products so certain models become obsolete after a while. We<br />

can usually install a stairlift within 10 days and we can even<br />

take the old stairlift away. If required, we can also provide a<br />

full demonstration of how the controls work – we offer a full<br />

service.”<br />

Stairlift Maintenance Services also provide extended warranties<br />

for stairlifts of all makes that are out of their one-year<br />

manufacturer’s guarantee. Paul said: “Extended warranties<br />

can be purchased at any time. We first of all carry out a full<br />

inspection and service of the lift to ensure it’s in top condition<br />

before we offer a warranty. Warranties are offered for a<br />

12-month period. We also rent out stairlifts.”<br />

For a free, no obligation quote, call 0800 0789087<br />

(freephone) or 07725 021335. Alternatively, please<br />

visit www.stairliftmaintenanceservices.co.uk<br />

10 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 11


Antiques & Collectables<br />

In With The Old,<br />

Out With The New<br />

In a world where nearly everything is new, sometimes it’s nice to<br />

cherish a little bit of the past. Whether it’s an antique Chesterfield, a<br />

classic car or much loved childhood teddy bear, there comes a time<br />

when most of these things require a little tender loving care.<br />

It’s perhaps our surrounding heritage that has fuelled our nostalgic<br />

enthusiasm for the past; our buildings hold the secrets of centuries<br />

gone, our museums house ancient relics of all shapes and sizes, and<br />

ways of life from bygone eras have been well-documented.<br />

Our history has always captured our hearts and over the years the<br />

past has slowly crept into our homes as well. You are sure to have<br />

many items from the past around the home that perhaps look a little<br />

worse for wear. However, don’t be foolish and modernise items that<br />

may be valuable in their current state, especially antiques.<br />

Across the country, there are numerous experts who specialise<br />

in restoring old items back to their original glory; from furniture<br />

experts to oil painting restorers, floor refinishers to fabric specialists,<br />

if you have something precious that you would like to restore, then<br />

there’s an expert for the job.<br />

Don’t let just anybody loose with your treasured items; ask to see<br />

‘before and after’ photographs of previous projects the expert<br />

has completed. Most reputable restoration companies will have a<br />

portfolio of previous work for new clients to view and should be<br />

more than happy to show you. It’s well worth paying for someone<br />

whose talent and knowledge will enhance your item and hopefully<br />

its value, as once it’s been tarnished, there’s no going back!<br />

Auctions are a great place to pick up an antique, especially if you<br />

know what you’re looking for, but for work by up-and-coming artists,<br />

a visit to a local gallery is a must and may prove to be a fantastic<br />

investment. Whether you’re investing in a painting or a collectable<br />

piece of memorabilia, once you’ve splashed the cash there’s no point<br />

hiding your item away, have it framed, show it off and tell everyone<br />

all about it.<br />

Some people mistakenly believe that if an item’s old it must be<br />

an antique, however, it’s possible that the item may simply be a<br />

collectible. An antique is considered to be a valuable and collectible<br />

item whose beauty and age, rarity and unique features make it stand<br />

out amongst the crowd. To qualify as an antique, an item must be<br />

over 100-years-old and must be unaltered.<br />

The numerous TV programmes, including ‘Antiques Roadshow’, ‘Cash<br />

in the Attic’ and ‘Bargain Hunt’, and wealth of Internet resources<br />

dedicated to our love of antiques – as well as our dream of finding<br />

a rare and expensive piece lurking in our attics – has led many of us<br />

to believe that we know what we’re looking for when it comes to<br />

objects from the past. However, if a piece catches your eye, be sure<br />

to get an expert’s opinion before parting with your hard-earned cash<br />

to ensure that it’s the real deal.<br />

Olympic Supplement<br />

Support Team GB<br />

There are now just over 150 days to go until the 2012 Olympic Games in<br />

London. The Games will see 10,500 athletes from 204 nations descend upon<br />

our capital to take part in 26 different sporting events over 17 days (July 27th<br />

until August 12th). The Olympic Games are sure to inspire the nation, even our<br />

couch potatoes, into trying a sport they’ve never tried before…<br />

Megarrys Antiques<br />

Blackmore Essex<br />

Antiques<br />

* Verbal Valuations selling on commission<br />

* 18th, 19th & 20th Century furniture, in<br />

mahogany, walnut, oak and Pine<br />

* Ceramics, Glass, late 19th to mid-20th Century<br />

* Metalware - brass, copper, pewter, spelter, silver<br />

slate and small silver<br />

* Oil lamps and shades<br />

* 19th Century prints 20th Century paintings<br />

* Collectables - postcards, medals, bottles, beswick, Doulton, treen, scent bottles<br />

and jewellery<br />

* Garden antiques, cards, crafts & tea shop<br />

Opening Times Wednesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm<br />

Closed Mondays & Tuesdays<br />

Good Trade Call<br />

Jericho Cottage, The Duckpond Green, Blackmore, Essex CM4 0RR<br />

T: 01277 821031 | E: megarrys@yahoo.co.uk<br />

www.megarrysantiques.co.uk<br />

My Business has been trading<br />

for 25 years and I am a full<br />

member of the Guild of<br />

Mastercraftsmen as well as<br />

the Basketmakers Association.<br />

All types of cane work can<br />

be undertaken, including<br />

Basic, Blind, Curved and<br />

Danish Cord, Double Sided,<br />

Medallion, Natural Rush & Fibre Rush, Seagrass, Sunburst, Pre-Woven or Loom Cane, Rattan & Wicker<br />

Furniture. In addition, very fine canework can be undertaken (French style).<br />

I am a specialist in Lloyd Loom furniture, as recommended by Lloyd Loom of Spalding: repair, with<br />

respray in Lloyd Loom colours a further option available to customers. My business also specialises<br />

in the repair of Cane Bergere suites. All of the work is undertaken with the highest standards of<br />

workmanship and top quality materials.<br />

Throughout the past thirteen years, Cane Chairs Repaired has established itself as one of the most<br />

reliable and cost effective in the area. The size of the business means that customers receives that<br />

increasingly rare thing - personal attention.<br />

www.canechairs.co.uk<br />

From the wonder of the Opening Ceremony to the thrills of<br />

the sporting action, find out what will be happening where<br />

during London 2012 by visiting www.london2012.com<br />

The Olympic Park<br />

Picture taken on 5th December 2011 by Anthony Charlton<br />

12 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 13


Support Team GB<br />

Countdown To The Olympics With<br />

Christopher Clarke<br />

With just over 150 days to go until the Olympic Games in London, the country<br />

will soon be gripped by Olympic fever. Although the Games take place over<br />

17 days, the athletes’ preparation begins much sooner. Features Writer, Laura<br />

Hyde, spoke to London 2012 Men’s 400m hopeful Christopher Clarke to find<br />

out a little more about training for such a massive event on the world-stage…<br />

How long have you been running and why did you start in the<br />

first place?<br />

“My twin brother, Ben, and I were very competitive from a young age and loved<br />

to play sports such as football, tennis and cricket as well as athletics through<br />

school. So we both joined the athletics team after that and it continued from<br />

there.”<br />

What are your hopes for London 2012?<br />

“As this is my first Olympic Games, my first goal is to qualify. The Aviva 2012<br />

Trails and Championships on 23rd and 24th June will determine whether<br />

I qualify or not. As I hope to compete in the Men’s 400m and the Men’s<br />

4x4oom Relay I need to run a time of at least 45.3 seconds or better and finish<br />

within the top two for the 400m, but for the 4x400m Relay I need to finish in<br />

the top five as six runners will be taken to the Olympic Games. At the World<br />

Championships in South Korea in August last year, I ran 44.99 seconds for<br />

my leg of the 4x400m Relay, so I know it’s within me to run 45.3 seconds. I<br />

hope to reach the Men’s 400m Final, but from there anything can happen; the<br />

ultimate aim would be a medal.”<br />

What are your hopes following London 2012?<br />

“I hope to be consistent among the world’s elite and consistently give<br />

performances that achieve medals at major championships, such as the<br />

European Championships, World Championships, Commonwealth Games<br />

and the next Olympics in Rio De Janiero, Brazil in 2016.”<br />

Are there any other athletes our readers should keep their eye<br />

on, either for London 2012, or beyond?<br />

“Nathan Woodward, who is an up and coming 400m hurdler with great talent<br />

and looking to do well this year following a great season last year. He trains<br />

in the group I do and he is training very well as the moment. We are both still<br />

quite young and looking to come on leaps and bounds this year.”<br />

How is your preparation for London 2012 going?<br />

“I’ve recently moved to a new coach, so we are still in the learning phase,<br />

discovering what training suits me best. We have decided not to change training<br />

much from last year’s training schedule, but seeing as this is a special year, you<br />

usually try to give a little more in every possible way. I train six days a week; on<br />

Mondays, I do sprint drills and a CV (cardiovascular) workout of about 15 to 20<br />

minutes, followed by body weight circuits in the evening. Tuesdays are usually<br />

track-based sessions consisting of high intensity reps, followed in the afternoon<br />

by aqua jogging, which works as recovery. Wednesdays are strength and<br />

conditioning in the gym; this sessions consists of a lot of weights, followed by 25<br />

minutes of CV. On Thursdays, I do a lighter running session, usually on the grass.<br />

Fridays are the same as Wednesdays, but without the CV workout, and more core<br />

strengthening. Saturdays could be a range of running sessions, depending on<br />

the week’s training, ranging from high intensity track sessions to low intensity,<br />

longer grass sessions. All sessions have their challenges and that’s what I love<br />

about athletics, but my favourites would have to be the high intensity running<br />

sessions, such as 3x300m with three minutes recovery then 12 minutes recovery,<br />

then 2x350m with four minutes recovery.”<br />

Wow! What’s a typical day like for you?<br />

“I wake up at 7:30am and prepare breakfast, which usually consists of either<br />

granola and Greek yoghurt or scrambled eggs on brown bread. I then pack<br />

my bag for training with all necessary equipment, such as running shoes or<br />

weightlifting shoes depending on what session I have. I will also pack a banana,<br />

cashew nuts and raisins as recovery snacks for after my session. Recovery snacks<br />

are important as they help my body recover faster, so I can work out to my full<br />

potential in the session the following day. If I did not have a recovery snack, my<br />

body wouldn’t have everything it needs for my muscles to function properly.<br />

Then I usually have lunch, followed by treatment with the physiotherapists,<br />

which can be anything from a sports massage to a general body assessment,<br />

followed by possible appointments with the nutritionist or psychologist. In the<br />

afternoon, I will have a further strength and conditioning session, which may<br />

include core and other exercises. The rest of the day is mine so I usually spend<br />

time on my other passions, which include music (playing the piano), playing<br />

chess or reading history books. I like to relax as much as possible after such a<br />

busy day, so the rest of the night I will cook a meal and rest.”<br />

You recently got back from three weeks warm weather training<br />

in Stellenbosch, near Cape <strong>Town</strong> in South Africa. How did you get<br />

on there?<br />

“South Africa was a great training aid due to the great weather and the simplicity<br />

of the whole training camp. All meals were prepared for us and we had no<br />

distractions, so we could just train and rest. I’ve been to this training camp twice<br />

before as it’s funded by UK Athletics, so I literally did just rest on my rest days. In<br />

the past though I have done the tourist thing and have been to Table Mountain,<br />

Nelson Mandela’s cell and to a zoo to hold lion cubs. Training for me went really<br />

well and my coach and I are happy with the way things are progressing towards<br />

the Olympic trials in June.”<br />

Fact File<br />

• Christopher was born in London on 25th January 1990<br />

• He is a twin - his twin brother Ben plays professional football<br />

in Australia<br />

• He currently lives in Loughborough, Leicestershire<br />

• He has an ear for music - he taught himself how to play both<br />

the piano and guitar<br />

• Christopher’s 400m Personal Best of 45.59 seconds was set<br />

at the European Junior Championships in Serbia in 2009<br />

• Christopher’s athletic idol/hero is Roger Black: “He was an<br />

inspirational athlete for Men’s British 400m running and I<br />

hope to emulate the success he had, and then some.”<br />

• As a Junior, Christopher won the World Youth Championship<br />

400m in 2007 in Ostrava, Czech Republic, the European<br />

Junior championships 400m and 4x400m Relay in 2009<br />

in Novi Sad, Serbia and 4x400m relay bronze medal at the<br />

World Junior Championships in 2006 in Bejing, China<br />

when he was just 16-years-old<br />

• As a Senior, he has a bronze medal from the 4x400m Relay at<br />

the World Indoor Championships in 2010 in Doha, Qatar<br />

We’ll be following Christopher’s road to the Olympics closely, so keep your eyes peeled in early July as we report on his progress at the<br />

Aviva 2012 Trials and Championships. Until then, follow Christopher on Twitter: @user1557chris


Support Team GB - Equestrian<br />

Support Team GBR With<br />

Dodson & Horrell Country Store<br />

www.Dodsonandhorrellcountrystore.co.uk<br />

Saddle Up & Go For<br />

Gold<br />

Image Courtesy Of Bob Martin<br />

Man has been riding horses for over 5,000 years.<br />

Anyone who has ever owned a horse will know the<br />

special bond horse and rider share and the endless<br />

joy they bring. The relationship between horse and<br />

rider is one of trust and builds up over time, but like<br />

any relationship, there has to be a bit of a spark to<br />

start with.<br />

Whether you are looking for a horse, simply for pleasure,<br />

for hacking, hunting, dressage, gymkhana or carriage<br />

driving, there are hundreds of breeds to choose from.<br />

From a beautifully poised horse from a top progeny to a<br />

more humble mare from a less renowned background,<br />

it’s so important for the right horse to be paired with the<br />

right rider.<br />

Horse riding is a sport that anyone, regardless of age,<br />

ability or background can have a go at. Horse riding is<br />

one of the most versatile sports you can take up. Once the<br />

basics have been mastered at one of the various places<br />

where you can learn to ride, you can even progress to<br />

show jumping and dressage events.<br />

The Equestrian Team GBR competes across a number<br />

of disciplines and has enjoyed great success on the<br />

World and European stage; from 2000 to 2009 Team<br />

GBR has won 108 medals across dressage, eventing<br />

and showjumping at Youth Level, 78 medals in paraequestrian<br />

dressage, 20 senior medals in the Olympic<br />

sports and 10 senior medals in the non-Olympic sports.<br />

It’s not hard to see why Team GBR is regarded as being<br />

one of the best in the world.<br />

The Olympic Games feature three equestrian disciplines;<br />

dressage, eventing and showjumping, whilst the<br />

Paralympic Games features para-equestrian dressage.<br />

In Athens and Beijing, Team GBR won 22 medals in both<br />

eventing and para-equestrian dressage.<br />

The Olympic Opening Ceremony takes place on 27th July<br />

and will be followed by 12 days of equestrian competition<br />

with the world’s best athletes competing for six gold<br />

medals in the Olympic disciplines of eventing, dressage<br />

and jumping. Greenwich Park, on the south bank of the<br />

River Thames in south east London, will play host to the<br />

2012 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian competitions,<br />

plus the combined running and shooting event of the<br />

Modern Pentathlon.<br />

The Paralympic Games starts on 30th August; the Games<br />

will see the world’s best para-equestrian dressage<br />

riders battle it out for team and individual glory, with<br />

a total 11 gold medals up for grabs over the six days.<br />

Paralympic Game athletes are classified according to<br />

their disability across five grades: Grade Ia is for athletes<br />

whose impairment has the greatest impact on their<br />

ability to ride, through to Grade IV for athletes whose<br />

impairment has the least impact on their ability to ride.<br />

Grades determine the complexity of the movements that<br />

the riders perform with their horses and ensure the tests<br />

can be judged on the skill of the rider, regardless of their<br />

disability.<br />

To read Equestrian Performance Director Will's<br />

blog as he and the team prepare for 2012, visit<br />

equestrianteamgbr.blogspot.com<br />

Did You Know?<br />

• There are over 200 breeds of horses in<br />

the world<br />

• Equestrian is the only Olympic sport<br />

in which men and women compete<br />

against each other on equal terms.<br />

• The oldest horse was named Old Billy.<br />

He was a cross breed, born in 1760<br />

and he lived to be 62.<br />

• The Cross Country course in Eventing<br />

is between 5,700 and 6,840m long.<br />

• The World's Largest Horse was a<br />

Shire gelding named Samson,<br />

measuring 21.2 1/2 hand high in<br />

1850, and weighed 3,360 pounds.<br />

• Women first participated in Olympic<br />

Eventing at the 1952 Helsinki Games.<br />

Pippa Funnel (GBR) riding Billy Shannon at fence<br />

5 on the Cross Country course at the Greenwich<br />

Park Olympic test event with Canary Wharf in<br />

the distance.<br />

Is an injury to your horse stopping you riding?<br />

Conditions you can treat include:<br />

Wounds/abscesses<br />

Skin conditions such as mud fever<br />

Musculo - skeletal injuries<br />

Inflammation & swelling<br />

Pain<br />

Plus many more<br />

Try new LED red light therapy<br />

Quick and very simple - used by equine therapists,<br />

olympic riders, competition stables, rehabilitation<br />

centres and hobby riders to:<br />

• Speed up healing<br />

• Reduce scarring<br />

• Provide drug-free pain relief<br />

• Help improve the performance of your horse<br />

Local treatments now available in your area by<br />

Tori Graham - qualified equine therapist with specialities in<br />

McTimoney Corely, Bowen therapy and sports massage.<br />

Or hire a unit to treat your own horse. *<br />

* Under the guidance of your own professional equine therapist<br />

This treatment can provide amazing results so if you are stuck and looking<br />

to try something new for injuries or other conditions , contact us.<br />

Pharmalight UK<br />

Office 4, Broad March, Daventry, Northamptonshire NN11 4HE<br />

Tel: 01327 310909/ Mob: 07801 698488<br />

Email: info@danetrehealthproducts.com<br />

www.pharmalight.co.uk<br />

Using light to enhance performance & healing<br />

Serious about horses, Konabo is a British Equestrian company dedicated to<br />

developing high quality, performance products for both horse and rider. Our<br />

product range is continually evolving so please visit our website regularly where<br />

you can also register your interest in receiving updates of all our new products.<br />

Our PRO range of horse rugs incorporating the innovative Hy-Liner system is<br />

currently for sale. Our Total Pro rug got a 5* Tried & Tested Review in Eventing<br />

magazine:<br />

“This was brilliant for my horse who is prone to getting itchy and scurfy skin<br />

when rugged up for the winter. The two interchangeable linings meant that it<br />

was easy to wash one and use another so he had clean linings close to his skin<br />

for the duration of the cold weather. The rug was highly waterproof and it fitted<br />

his shoulders really nicely. The liners didn’t rub and his mane stayed intact.”<br />

Lauren Barber (Tester)<br />

New products will be arriving in the spring.<br />

Please visit www.konabo.com or call 01832 710937<br />

to discuss your requirements.<br />

• Master Saddler<br />

• Qualified Saddle fitter<br />

• Award-winning Side<br />

saddle Specialist<br />

* Saddle Fitting service, including Flair,<br />

with onsite adjustments<br />

* Full repair service for all types of leatherwork<br />

Stockist for: Kent & Masters, Thorowgood<br />

and Wow Saddles.<br />

The Midland Side Saddlery Centre, Pittern Hill Stables,<br />

Kineton, Warwickshire CV35 0JF<br />

Tel: 01926 640869<br />

Email: info@lauradempseysaddler.com<br />

www.lauradempseysaddler.co.uk<br />

Central Clipper Care UK<br />

The Clipper Specialists<br />

Farm Cottage, Butlers Marston,<br />

Warwickshire CV35 ONG<br />

Drop Off/Collection<br />

Windmill Farm, Banbury Road (A422)<br />

Oxhill, Warwickshire CV35 0RP<br />

Sales . Service . Sharpening . Parts<br />

All work done on the premises by qualified people !<br />

Open Monday - Saturday 8am to 5pm<br />

Tel: 01926 641 278<br />

Tina: 07837 557783 Ian: 07779 643881<br />

Email: iancrockett8@aol.com<br />

21 Downlands Avenue, Bexhill-on<br />

Sea, East Sussex TN39 3PL<br />

Tel/Fax: 01424 215 222<br />

Email: info@cozeehomes.co.uk<br />

www.cozeehomes.co.uk<br />

Static and Mobile Timber Stable<br />

Manufacturers, Field Shelters,<br />

Workshops and Animal Housing<br />

Cozee Homes Equestrian Buildings Ltd, are<br />

manufacturers of quality hand-built wooden<br />

buildings. We have been trading since 2003,<br />

and moved to our current larger premises in<br />

2007.<br />

With over 23 years experience building and<br />

erecting stables, you can be sure that you are<br />

getting the bespoke building of your choice,<br />

at a very competitive price. Our extensive<br />

knowledge of stabling manufacture and<br />

equine ownership will see you through the<br />

ordering process with ease and reassurance.<br />

Model Farm, Harbury<br />

Bed and breakfast with overnight stabling<br />

Model Farm is a working farm, providing excellent B&B facilities,<br />

in 14 acres of land, with spacious gardens and patio, all set in<br />

the wonderful Warwickshire countryside.<br />

Full, Part or DIY Horse Livery Currently Available.<br />

* High quality stabling<br />

* Parking for horse boxes and vehicles<br />

* An exercise area for horses kept on the farm<br />

We supply a serviced livery providing a safe, secure location<br />

for horse owners to leave their horses in full confidence that the<br />

level of care required will be delivered on a daily basis.<br />

Bush Heath Road, Harbury, Royal Leamington Spa CV33 9JH<br />

Tel: 01926 613988<br />

Email: jacquelin@bloxham1.orangehome.co.uk<br />

www.modelfarm-harbury.co.uk


Support Team GB<br />

Earlier in February, The London<br />

Organising Committee of the<br />

Olympic and Paralympic Games<br />

(LOCOG) announced the details of<br />

the lighting of the Olympic Flame<br />

for the London 2012 Olympic<br />

Games on 10th May, and its arrival<br />

into the UK on 18th May. The<br />

Flame will travel around the UK<br />

for 70 days on the Olympic Torch<br />

Relay from 19th May to 27th July,<br />

presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB<br />

and Samsung.<br />

Organised by the Hellenic Olympic<br />

Committee (HOC), the Olympic Flame<br />

will be lit mid-morning (BST) on 10th May<br />

using the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera<br />

in Olympia, in a traditional hour-long<br />

ceremony, among the historic ruins of the<br />

home of the ancient Games.<br />

From the Lighting Ceremony in Olympia,<br />

the HOC will take the Olympic Flame on<br />

an eight-day relay around Greece before<br />

arriving at the Panathenaic Stadium<br />

in Athens on 17th May for the official<br />

Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony.<br />

During an early evening (BST) hourlong<br />

ceremony, the Olympic Flame<br />

will be handed over to a London 2012<br />

representative.<br />

The Greek leg of the Torch Relay will<br />

showcase the beauty and history of the<br />

Greek mainland and islands to the world.<br />

The second Torchbearer on the first day<br />

and the penultimate Torchbearer on the<br />

last day of the Greek leg will be chosen by<br />

London 2012. Both Torchbearers will be<br />

inspirational people from the UK whose<br />

names will be confirmed nearer the time.<br />

British Airways, the official airline partner<br />

of the London 2012 Games and Supporter<br />

of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay,<br />

will carry the Olympic Flame on board<br />

flight ‘BA2012’ - a gold-liveried aircraft<br />

from Athens into the UK on 18th May. The<br />

specially chartered Airbus 319 will also<br />

transport the official delegation of UK<br />

representatives to and from the Athens<br />

Handover Ceremony.<br />

As the Olympic Flame is classified as<br />

a symbolic flame, it is permitted to be<br />

carried on board an aircraft subject<br />

to special authorisation from the Civil<br />

Aviation Authority. The Flame will travel in<br />

a ceremonial lantern that is secured in a<br />

specially designed cradle which is, in turn,<br />

firmly fixed to its seat on the plane using<br />

a secure holding device. The lantern is<br />

designed so the Olympic Flame can burn<br />

safely for up to 30 hours.<br />

The Flame will arrive into the UK at RNAS<br />

Culdrose, near Helston in Cornwall early<br />

evening (BST) of 18th May. In addition<br />

to being close to the start point of the<br />

Torch Relay at Land’s End, the arrival at<br />

RNAS Culdrose acknowledges the vital<br />

contribution that maritime and coastal<br />

search and rescue services undertake<br />

for our island nation. RNAS Culdrose,<br />

home to most of the Navy’s Merlin and<br />

Sea King helicopter squadrons that are<br />

supporting operations around the world,<br />

also offers a beautiful Cornish setting in<br />

which an estimated 1000 guests, media<br />

and members of the local community are<br />

expected to welcome the Olympic Flame.<br />

On the morning of 19th May, the Olympic<br />

Flame will then travel from RNAS Culdrose<br />

to Land’s End ready for the start of the<br />

London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The<br />

Olympic Flame will travel 8,000 miles<br />

across the UK to within 10 miles of 95%<br />

of the population; 8,000 Torchbearers will<br />

carry the Olympic Flame for approximately<br />

300 metres each, passing the Olympic<br />

Flame from torch to torch until it reaches<br />

the Olympic Stadium on the eve of 27th<br />

July.<br />

For further information, please visit<br />

www.london2012.com<br />

Find out the latest from London 2012<br />

HQ on the official blog<br />

http://blog.london2012.com<br />

or follow them on Twitter:<br />

@London 2012<br />

STAFFED BY RUNNERS<br />

• Personnel Service<br />

• Gait Analysis<br />

• Mail Order Welcome<br />

Opening Hours<br />

Mon - Thurs: 9:30am - 5:30pm | Fri: 10am - 5:30pm | Sat: 9am - 5pm<br />

Stockist of :<br />

• Asics • Mizuno • Saucony • Brooks • Gore<br />

• Ronhill • Garmin • Polar • Hilly • Falke • Timex<br />

Come & visit our specialist running shop for all your needs.<br />

11 St Leonards Rd, Far Cotton, Northampton NN4 8DL<br />

Tel : 01604 701961 Email: judith@therunningshop.org.uk<br />

www.therunningshop.org.uk<br />

Following<br />

The Flame<br />

Best Western<br />

Weston Hall Hotel<br />

Weston Hall Hotel Conference &<br />

Banqueting Centre is a stunning<br />

16th Century, Grade II Listed,<br />

three-star accommodation<br />

• Tranquil, rural setting<br />

• Two function rooms: The Manor Suite<br />

& The Middlemarch Suite<br />

• 37 en-suite rooms - some adapted<br />

for disabled guests<br />

• Free of charge parking<br />

Weston Hall Hotel Conference &<br />

Banquet Centre on 02476 312989 or<br />

log onto www.westonhallhotel.co.uk.<br />

Alternatively, email<br />

info@westonhallhotel.co.uk<br />

Image Courtesy Of LOCOG<br />

Jackson<br />

Caravans<br />

New and secondhand<br />

vans for sale<br />

• 10% discount on all new vans<br />

• 15 minutes from the sea<br />

• No connection charges<br />

Tel: 01754 763910<br />

92 Burgh Road,<br />

Skegness, Lincolnshire<br />

Put Your Best Foot Forward<br />

With Salts Techstep<br />

Olympic fever will soon be gripping the<br />

nation, inspiring us all to get up off the<br />

sofa and outside, into the fresh air to<br />

have a go at one of the numerous sports<br />

for ourselves. If you’ve not exercised for<br />

a while, or have trouble with blisters,<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> would like to recommend<br />

HydroHeel is the first blister prevention<br />

product made from skin-friendly<br />

hydrocolloid shaped for happy heels.<br />

Created by Salts Techstep, part of the Salts<br />

Healthcare Group, HydroHeel can be used<br />

to prevent blisters forming, reduce friction<br />

and minimise skin trauma, making it ideal<br />

for anyone who often finds themselves<br />

reaching for the plasters after a long day<br />

at work, or a night out.<br />

Now for the science bit: A hydrocolloid<br />

is composed of materials that display<br />

fundamentally different characteristics,<br />

making it an exceptional skin contact<br />

adhesive for use in many different<br />

circumstances. The hydrocolloid is a<br />

pressure-sensitive adhesive, where<br />

a small amount of force placing the<br />

inherently tacky product on the skin<br />

gives an immediate adhesion that builds<br />

in strength over time. Hydrocolloids are<br />

well-known for their capability to absorb<br />

large amounts of fluid, while maintaining<br />

a cohesive structure and adhesive bond<br />

to the skin.<br />

Using HydroHeel is really simple: just<br />

make sure the HydroHeel is centered<br />

on the blister and big enough to cover<br />

it completely, without the blister being<br />

anywhere near an edge. Firm down the<br />

plaster all around the edges to make a<br />

good, clean seal. Within hours, you'll see<br />

a little white blob forming in the middle<br />

where the plaster is removing moisture<br />

from the blister helping it to heal.<br />

Once HydroHeel is in place, leave it alone<br />

for a few days. You may have to wait a<br />

week until you can safely remove it. Just<br />

watch, wait, and be patient. Take the<br />

plaster off very slowly and carefully when<br />

you think it’s ready. Eventually, the skin<br />

will be as good as new.<br />

As well as HydroHeel, Salts Techstep<br />

also offer HydroTape, the first blister<br />

prevention product on a roll. HydroTape<br />

is the simple, flexible and effective way to<br />

combat friction points anywhere on your<br />

skin. It can be used on hands - fingers,<br />

thumbs and palms, and feet - heels and<br />

toes. Being able to cut HydroTape offthe-roll<br />

to your required length is a huge<br />

comfort benefit to a wide range of people<br />

including runners, rowers and cyclists.<br />

Tried & Tested<br />

To really put HydroHeel through its paces,<br />

we asked Team GB athlete and London<br />

2012 400m hopeful, Christopher Clarke,<br />

to test it out for us during a training<br />

session. He said: “This was a great help<br />

and an effective resource to combat the<br />

discomfort of blisters and other pain<br />

while training at a high intensity. It helped<br />

assist me in my training sessions, where I<br />

previously may have needed to stop due to<br />

the pain from rubbing. I would definitely<br />

recommend HydroHeel to fellow athletes.”<br />

To find out more about HydroHeel/<br />

HydroTape, email hydro.tape@salts.co.uk<br />

or visit www.saltstechstep.co.uk/otherfoot-care/hydrocolloid-blister-packs<br />

Salts Techstep is the established leader in<br />

the manufacture of custom-made surgical<br />

footwear, with a proven reputation for<br />

quality, innovation, value for money and<br />

service. They also supply and manufacture:<br />

• NovaPED <strong>Football</strong> Insoles -<br />

developed to help alleviate the<br />

symptoms of common foot conditions<br />

experienced by professional footballers,<br />

as well as to provide more protection<br />

and improve foot posture to reduce<br />

musculoskeletal injuries.<br />

• NovaPED Golf Arch Supports - developed<br />

to fit the specialist needs of a golf<br />

player by improving the course of<br />

motions during tee-off and backswing.<br />

• LucRo Socks - specifically designed for<br />

diabetes sufferers.<br />

• Stepahead Elite Insoles - a significant<br />

upgrade to traditional EVA devices, with<br />

longer-lasting foam memory, it is the<br />

material of choice for the at-risk foot.<br />

• Shuform - footwear for healthcare<br />

workers, coated with advanced silver<br />

chloride technology to keep MRSA at<br />

bay.<br />

Salts Techstep have it all!<br />

Visit the Salts Techstep website -<br />

www.saltstechstep.co.uk - for<br />

more info on any of these products


Seasonal Gardening<br />

Get Fit At Home With<br />

Jordan Fitness<br />

Beautiful Blooms From<br />

Eurobulbs<br />

Established 25 years ago by Neil<br />

Jordan, Jordan Fitness specialise<br />

in the design and manufacture<br />

of commercial quality free<br />

weights, flooring and studio<br />

equipment for use at home and<br />

in gyms across the UK, as well as<br />

throughout the USA and Europe.<br />

In the last 10 years, the brand has<br />

gathered pace and is now one of the<br />

leading suppliers of functional fitness<br />

equipment in Europe.<br />

Emma Gosling, Jordan Fitness MD, said:<br />

“We’re constantly refining existing designs<br />

and producing new equipment based on<br />

customer feedback; this helps us remain<br />

at the forefront of the fitness industry.<br />

Our friendly and knowledgeable team of<br />

fitness professionals not only offer a firstclass<br />

service, but they’re also happy to<br />

advise customers on any of our products<br />

when necessary.”<br />

Aimed at the fitness industry, the<br />

majority of Jordan’s equipment is ideal<br />

for resistance training at home or in the<br />

gym. The Jordan brand can be found in<br />

commercial and independent gyms, MOD<br />

sites all over the world, including Camp<br />

Bastion in Afghanistan, prisons across the<br />

UK and elite sports clubs including F1<br />

and Premier League clubs. In fact, they’ve<br />

most recently supported the contestants<br />

on ITV1’s ‘Biggest Loser’.<br />

As well as Jordan’s own equipment, the<br />

company also distributes Powerbag,<br />

Alpha Strong and Lifeline USA equipment.<br />

Emma added: “I think what sets us apart<br />

is the quality of our products; they’re all<br />

made for commercial use, so you can<br />

rest assured you’ll be buying a tried and<br />

tested piece of equipment that’s been<br />

designed, developed and manufactured<br />

for quality, as well as maximum benefit to<br />

the end user. Everything we sell has been<br />

tried and tested in a gym, which receives<br />

a lot of traffic, so you know you’re getting<br />

something robust, something that will<br />

last, something of quality that cannot<br />

be compared to the usual ‘home’ fitness<br />

equipment. This is obviously reflected<br />

in the prices, which we aim to keep as<br />

competitive as possible, but you really are<br />

paying for exceptional quality.”<br />

Instruction DVDs are also<br />

available to buy with all Jordan’s<br />

equipment, and discounts are even<br />

offered when bought with the relevant<br />

fitness equipment. Emma added: “As well<br />

as equipment, we also run REPs accredited<br />

courses nationwide for trainers and PTs<br />

looking to learn all about our wide range<br />

of equipment, both for themselves and<br />

their clients, to get the maximum benefit<br />

from the equipment.”<br />

A recent addition to the Jordon range<br />

is the Bobby Hinds Lifeline USA range.<br />

Jordan’s were kind enough to send us<br />

the Lifeline USA Train-Station (for door<br />

or wall) so we could enlist the expertise<br />

of Christopher Clarke (pictured), Team<br />

GB 400m athlete. Chris says: “Jordan’s<br />

supplied me with some great equipment<br />

to use at home. I took great pleasure in<br />

using the Train-Station, as well as the<br />

Jordan brand 16kg kettle bell; they really<br />

helped me maintain the strength and<br />

conditioning work I have to carry out<br />

at the athletics track, without having to<br />

leave the house. They were really easy to<br />

set up and the instructional leaflet clearly<br />

showed some really good exercises to<br />

do. I would recommend this to anyone,<br />

athlete or not, as an easy way to perform<br />

day-to-day exercise from the convenience<br />

of your own home. I will definitely be<br />

spreading the word about the products<br />

Jordan Fitness has to offer.”<br />

The Train-Station is not only perfect for<br />

training at home, it’s also ideal for taking<br />

your fitness routine on the road. Weighing<br />

in at just one-and-a-half pounds, the<br />

multi-function Train Station just loops<br />

over a nearby door, so you can get to<br />

work almost anywhere, working your<br />

back, shoulders, legs, core, arms, hips<br />

and more. Direct from Jordan Fitness, this<br />

revolutionary piece of equipment costs<br />

just £49.17 plus p&p.<br />

For more information, or to see the full range of Jordan’s excellent<br />

products, please visit www.jordanfitness.co.uk<br />

or call 01945 880257.<br />

UK<br />

Now that the snow has thawed and the<br />

milder weather is on the way, we’d like to<br />

encourage you to get out in to your garden<br />

to get it ready for the summer months. By<br />

spending a little time outside now you’ll not<br />

only reap the benefits of fresh air, but you’ll<br />

also be able to sit back and relax, enjoying<br />

the fruits of your labour come summertime.<br />

A family-run business, Eurobulbs UK Ltd specialise in high<br />

quality cultivated bulbs, especially Snowdrops and True<br />

English Bluebells. Established in 1999, Eurobulbs take<br />

extra care and attention into cultivating each of one of<br />

their top quality bulbs; their aim is to supply your garden<br />

with the best blooms and as each bulb is graded, sorted<br />

and inspected by staff, you are ensured to receive only the<br />

highest quality product.<br />

Based in the Fens, East Anglia Eurobulbs was founded<br />

by Linda Fitt after successfully building up a string of<br />

similar businesses; despite having the opportunity to<br />

retire, Linda threw herself into setting up a new project,<br />

cultivating many rare, sought after bulbs, and over ten<br />

years later, business is blooming.<br />

Linda told <strong>Aspire</strong>: “We stock an extensive range of bulbs,<br />

so whether you’re looking for common bulbs or slightly<br />

more unusual varieties, we have something for you.<br />

We’re proud of our long history in the industry and our<br />

experience in cultivating the highest quality bulbs. We’re<br />

currently coming to the end of the Snowdrop season, so if<br />

you’re looking for Snowdrops in the green, April is the last<br />

opportunity to get them in the ground; however, as one<br />

season ends, another is in full swing, so if you’re looking<br />

to create a carpet of bluebells in your garden, we’ve<br />

English Bluebells in abundance.”<br />

Whether you’re looking for common bulbs or slightly<br />

more unusual varieties, you are sure to find something<br />

you fancy in the Eurobulbs vast range. As well as the<br />

traditional and much loved common Snowdrop - or<br />

Galanthus Nivalis to use its Latin name - Eurobulbs also<br />

cater for those who may be looking for a more unusual<br />

or uncommon variety of this early flowering bulb. One<br />

of the varieties of Snowdrop available for order include<br />

the Galanthus Elwesii, which is a very tall and distinctive,<br />

early flowering bulb and one of the most popular bulbs<br />

supplied due to its large, broad grey/green leaves.<br />

Galanthus ‘S. Arnott’, a strongly scented flower is also a<br />

firm favourite with customers and grows between ten and<br />

18cm high. Prices vary from 100 single Snowdrops for £9<br />

to £2 each for rarer bulbs.<br />

As a protected<br />

species, Bluebells<br />

can be hard to<br />

come by which<br />

is why these<br />

bulbs prove so<br />

popular<br />

with Eurobulbs<br />

customers.<br />

Linda added:<br />

“Removing a wild<br />

Bluebell bulb is<br />

strictly prohibited<br />

by law, but we know<br />

how beautiful this English flower is, which<br />

is why we’re one of the only companies, as well as the<br />

largest, in Britain that produce and sell Bluebells. Each<br />

year, we collect the seeds from our Bluebells, meaning<br />

we can ensure each year the bulbs we’re selling are TRUE<br />

English Bluebells. We also collect Bluebell seeds each<br />

year from our stock, ensuring the supplied bulbs are true<br />

English Bluebells. As well as being an established, familyrun<br />

business, we have many years experience of growing<br />

bulbs, and because of this, our Bluebells have become<br />

one of the most sought after, mainly because they are so<br />

difficult to get hold of.”<br />

As well as top quality bulbs, Linda is also keen to offer her<br />

customers tips for planting and caring for their products,<br />

she says: “I would recommend transplanting during<br />

spring or ‘in the green’ for our Snowdrops, between<br />

January and April. They need very little care, plant them<br />

in fertile soil, ensure you keep them watered and don’t let<br />

them dry out. We always add a little liquid feed when the<br />

leaves are dying down. They are very easy to manage.”<br />

This long running business is able to cater to anyone,<br />

anywhere in Britain and Europe, and customers are so<br />

impressed, they return year after year. Linda explains: “We<br />

have many repeat customers, a large number of which<br />

order up to five or six times in one season, and they know<br />

the quality will be second to none. Our customer service<br />

is always friendly and helpful, and we aim to have our<br />

bulbs with you 24 hours after dispatch, with an overnight<br />

delivery service.”<br />

For a wide range of traditional and extraordinary bulbs, you will find a<br />

huge choice on the Eurobulbs website - www.eurobulbs.co.uk - or by<br />

requesting a catalogue.<br />

Eurobulbs UK<br />

Tel: 01945 430009 | Email: info@eurobulbs.co.uk<br />

ASPIRE 21


Seasonal Gardening<br />

In recent years, more and more people (including the Obamas and The Queen) have<br />

been getting green-fingered and have given ‘growing your own’ a go. A number of<br />

factors have aided in this revolution: firstly, the recession then following economic<br />

hardship has made many of us question every penny we spend and growing your<br />

own veggies is so much cheaper than buying them from a supermarket: secondly,<br />

the increased awareness of where our food comes from and how far it travels from<br />

field to plate has made many carbon-conscious wannabe gardeners give it a go:<br />

finally, those that want to eat organic but can’t afford it have taken to growing their<br />

own as they know exactly what has, and hasn’t, been sprayed on their veg.<br />

If you’ve never given it a go, either because you’re not very green-fingered, or because<br />

you don’t think you have the room, I’d like to encourage you to make 2012 the year you<br />

do give it a go; there’s a whole host of fruit and veggies that can be grown in the smallest<br />

of spaces and a wide variety that grow without much fuss, just a sunny spot and a daily<br />

water is all that’s needed.<br />

First thing is first, where are you going to grow said veggies; well, if you have an<br />

established garden, you could convert one of your flower beds into a veggie patch, or<br />

you could dig up a bit of lawn. For those of you who aren’t green-fingered at all so have<br />

no idea what’s lurking in your garden, why not spend the afternoon clearing some space<br />

and giving the soil a boost by adding some compost before you plant anything.<br />

A great way to grow veggies is in a raised bed. These ease the strain on your back as you<br />

bend over less when weeding and planting and they also warm up quicker, meaning<br />

you’ll be enjoying crops before those ground-growing gardeners. Raised beds are also<br />

ideal for those gardens with a heavy clay soil as they create good drainage; so obviously<br />

if you have sandy soil in your garden, a raised bed may not be the best solution as you’ll<br />

be constantly watering your veggies.<br />

If you don’t have much room in your garden, or even no garden to speak of at all, you can<br />

still grow your own vegetables. Certain veggies will grow happily in pots on windowsills,<br />

in window boxes or even on balconies. Tumbling Tom tomatoes will flourish in hanging<br />

baskets, whilst potatoes grow well in compost bags. Beans and peas, which grow<br />

vertically, will be quite happy climbing up trellis, wooden frames or even bamboo sticks<br />

in the shape of a wigwam.<br />

If you’re new to gardening, it’s advisable to start with veggies that are relatively easy to<br />

grow to ensure you have some reward for your hard work and time. Our top, easy-togrow<br />

veggies include: courgettes, beetroot, garlic, lettuce, runner beans, potatoes and<br />

tomatoes. However, the best vegetables to grow are ones that you actually enjoy eating<br />

and will use in a variety of dishes – there’s no point being overrun by courgettes if you<br />

will never cook with them. Once you get the hang of when to plant what and how often<br />

to weed and water, your repertoire will increase and you can enjoy a whole host of<br />

unusual and exotic vegetables and fruit.<br />

Once your veggies are fighting fit, make sure you water them well in dry weather, and<br />

keep the area free of weeds to ensure your crop is getting all the water and nutrients it<br />

needs – a little bit of TLC will ensure you get a bumper crop of delicious vegetables for<br />

the whole family to enjoy.<br />

It’s a great idea to get your children involved as it may encourage them to eat a wider<br />

variety of fruit and vegetables. Buy them some children’s tools and get them to check the<br />

growth and progress of each veggie, and you’ll be amazed how many previously refused<br />

veggies are now eaten with delight, and pride.<br />

Don’t be disheartened and give up if your first year doesn’t go exactly to plan; everyone<br />

has a few mishaps and disasters, so just keep trying and keep planting and you’ll soon be<br />

enjoying home-grown food throughout the year!<br />

Get Gardening… Then Cooking<br />

A Beginners’ Guide To Garden Tools<br />

You don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds on<br />

the latest high-tech equipment, but there are a few<br />

essentials every gardener needs…<br />

• Spade – essential for digging, good spades<br />

can break and move soil efficiently.<br />

• Fork – potentially more useful than spades<br />

when clearing new ground and breaking firm soil.<br />

• Rake – you’ll need to level your soil once it’s been dug and<br />

that’s when you’ll need this little piece of kit.<br />

• Hoe – best used for chopping heads off annual weeds, a<br />

hoe can make light work of weeding; make sure you<br />

hoe on hot and dry days so weeds don’t re-root.<br />

• Trowel – an invaluable digging tool, a trowel is<br />

ideal for planting and weeding; use the pointed<br />

end to make furrows when seed sowing.<br />

• Shears – ideal for keeping plants and bushes under<br />

control, as well as keeping your lawn edges looking neat<br />

and tidy.<br />

• String – it may seem primitive, but tying a length of string<br />

to two sticks enables you to plant/sow in straight lines.<br />

by Laura Hyde<br />

What to Plant This Month:<br />

As we’re now into late winter, the ground<br />

is still hard with frost so planting should<br />

be reserved to the greenhouse, indoor<br />

window sills or mild areas – ensure to<br />

protect any outdoor seedlings with<br />

cloches.<br />

• Bulb Onions<br />

• Lettuce<br />

• Beetroot<br />

• Spinach<br />

• Carrots<br />

• Early Peas<br />

• Broad Beans<br />

So, what are you waiting for? Now that the warmer weather is on its way, get out into<br />

your garden this weekend and start preparing to plant an array of vegetables that’ll taste<br />

all the more delicious come harvest time because they’re grown by your own fair hand.<br />

For more information about growing and eating seasonally, visit eatseasonably.co.uk<br />

22 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 23


Holidays & Leisure<br />

‘Great’ Ads Launched<br />

To Encourage World<br />

To Choose Britain<br />

A £25 million image campaign was<br />

launched earlier this month which will<br />

add to the £100 million match-funded<br />

tactical campaign already being run by<br />

VisitBritain with commercial partners<br />

such as British Airways, easyJet, Hilton<br />

Worldwide, Radisson Edwardian and<br />

STA Travel. The marketing campaign<br />

aims to drive an extra 4.6 million<br />

visitors to the UK over the next four<br />

years, stimulating an additional £2.3<br />

billion in international spend.<br />

Looking to enhance overseas<br />

perceptions of the UK as a major tourist<br />

destination and help drive economic<br />

growth, the highly impactful image<br />

blitz will run until March next year, with<br />

activity being undertaken in major<br />

cities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China,<br />

France, Germany, India, Japan and the<br />

US. The campaign will show the world<br />

what makes the UK such a GREAT place<br />

to visit at a time when high profile<br />

events, such as the Queen’s Diamond<br />

Jubilee, Cultural Olympiad, Torch Relay<br />

and the London 2012 Games, are taking<br />

place.<br />

New York commuters will see subway<br />

trains wrapped in the Union Jack and<br />

Grand Central Station filled with GREAT<br />

images. Subway routes in the city – the<br />

largest source of US visitors to the UK -<br />

will also be lined with Britain branding<br />

and copies of the New York Metro<br />

newspaper will be covered with an<br />

invitation to come to choose Britain for<br />

their next holiday.<br />

In Delhi, GREAT billboards will line<br />

the main routes in the city and 200<br />

GREAT branded taxis will be on the<br />

streets. Residents in Rio and Sao Paulo<br />

will see GREAT images across the<br />

sides of buildings, line key city streets<br />

and will have our invitation to visit<br />

Britain wrapped around their Metro<br />

newspaper.<br />

Unsurprisingly France, the UK’s largest<br />

source market for inbound arrivals,<br />

is also being targeted as part of the<br />

campaign. Franklin D. Roosevelt Métro<br />

station on the Champs-Élysées will<br />

be dressed as an art gallery of GREAT<br />

images for all to enjoy. Ads will be also<br />

seen by millions of French cinemagoers<br />

on movie screens, as well as in cinemas<br />

in India, Brazil and Germany.<br />

Along with the GREAT image effort<br />

telling people overseas about the<br />

fantastic place that Britain is to visit,<br />

passengers arriving at airports across<br />

the UK - including Heathrow, Gatwick,<br />

London City and Manchester - will<br />

see GREAT posters on display when<br />

they get off the plane and as they<br />

travel onwards through the airport.<br />

Altogether these airports account for<br />

75% of all UK air passengers and will<br />

help reinforce the sense of a warm<br />

welcome and help improve perceptions<br />

of the UK’s overall friendliness.<br />

Towards the end of 2011, VisitBritain<br />

predicted that Great Britain should<br />

attract 30.7 million visitors in 2012,<br />

spending £17.6 billion in the process.<br />

In fact, Britain’s image overseas has<br />

improved significantly over the last 12<br />

months, driven by better perceptions of<br />

British culture, its people and its appeal<br />

as a tourist destination. The findings,<br />

published in the latest Anholt-GFK<br />

Roper Nation Brands Index (NBI), noted<br />

that the UK now overtakes France on<br />

the overall rankings to become the<br />

third most admired country globally<br />

- now one place higher than it was<br />

in 2010 - positioning itself as one of<br />

the strongest and most well-rounded<br />

nations in the world.<br />

For more information on these<br />

campaigns, or for ideas on holidays<br />

here in GREAT Britain, please log onto<br />

www.visitbritain.com<br />

Braemar<br />

Haydon Bridge<br />

This delightful bungalow is situated in<br />

the Northumberland village of Haydon<br />

Bridge and offers all year round cosy<br />

accommodation and a large rear garden<br />

for those lazy sunny days.<br />

Lounge, kitchen/diner, bathroom with<br />

shower over bath, toilet and basin, 2<br />

bedrooms:1 double & 1 twin,1 store away<br />

bed and cot available on request.<br />

Oil central heating, open fire in lounge.<br />

All fuel, power, bed linen and towels<br />

included in rent. Colour TV, video, stereo,<br />

washing machine, tumble dryer, iron,<br />

ironing board, microwave, fridge/freezer.<br />

Enclosed lawned garden, patio, barbecue,<br />

garden furniture, off-street parking. One<br />

pet welcome. Baby sitting by arrangement.<br />

Mrs Cynthia Bradley<br />

Edenholme, John Martin Street,<br />

Haydon Bridge, Hexham NE47 6AA<br />

Tel: 01434 684622<br />

Email: edenholme@btinternet.com<br />

www.edenholme.btinternet.co.uk<br />

Tara’s House<br />

Only 4½ miles from Southwold and<br />

2 miles from the sea at Covehithe,<br />

this house is situated in an ideal<br />

place. The fishing port of Lowestoft,<br />

the pretty town of Beccles on the<br />

River Waveney and Oulton broad<br />

- the most southerly of the Broads -<br />

are all within a radius of 7 miles.<br />

The house offers ample<br />

accommodation with an enclosed<br />

garden suitable for children and<br />

pets.<br />

It has gas central heating, satellite<br />

TV, DVD player, CD player and free<br />

Wi-Fi (using a BT hub).<br />

No Smoking<br />

Sleeps 6<br />

Dog(s) allowed<br />

D & S Walker, 5 High Street,<br />

Wrentham, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 7HD<br />

Tel: 01502 675226<br />

Email: dswalker2@gmail.com<br />

www.tarashouse.co.uk<br />

Chalet 140<br />

Kingsdown Park, Kent,<br />

South East England<br />

Scandinavianstyle<br />

three<br />

bedroom chalet,<br />

comprising one<br />

twin upstairs,<br />

one double &<br />

one bunkroom<br />

and bathroom downstairs. Fully equipped<br />

with TV, shower, microwave etc. Sleeps 6<br />

+ cot. Situated on tree-lined holiday park,<br />

with swimming pool, tennis court, crazy golf,<br />

volleyball, children’s play area, clubroom/bar,<br />

restaurant, & launderette. Near beach for<br />

fishing & watersports with 3 pubs nearby.<br />

Take beautiful walks along the cliffs.<br />

• Microwave • Hob<br />

• Oven • Fridge/Freezer<br />

• Toaster • Cot available<br />

• High chair available • TV<br />

• Freeview • Video • DVD<br />

• CD Player • Radio<br />

No Smoking<br />

No Pets<br />

Price Range: £210 - £500 pw<br />

Contact Mr & Mrs Arkwright<br />

Tel: 020 8446 2026<br />

Email: rick@arkwrght.fsnet.co.uk<br />

Rockstone Cottage<br />

Freshwater, Isle Of Wight<br />

Rockstone Cottage, built in 1790, is situated<br />

just a 4 minute walk from the coastal path<br />

and sandy beach of Colwell Bay. If you are<br />

looking for a relaxed & friendly retreat -<br />

somewhere you can take a deep breath &<br />

unwind following a day exploring - then<br />

Rockstone Cottage is the place for you.<br />

We offer a high standard of bed and<br />

breakfast accommodation in a quiet,<br />

friendly, relaxing and atmosphere for adults<br />

only. All our rooms are en-suite with tea &<br />

coffee facilities, hairdryers, LCD televisions &<br />

free Wi-Fi, while the lovely garden provides<br />

a place to sit and relax. Our breakfast<br />

includes quality local produce, where<br />

possible.<br />

You can visit our website<br />

www.rockstonecottage.co.uk,<br />

or call us on 01983 753723.<br />

The ‘Garden Isle’ with its captivating landscapes, beautiful beaches, wonderful seascapes<br />

and a climate as warm and as gentle as its people. Shanklin, named after the famous Chine,<br />

overlooks sandy beaches and thatched roofs of ‘Old ShanklinVillage’, suffuse it with ‘Old<br />

World Charm’.<br />

The Ocean View is an elegant hotel commanding magnificent<br />

views across Sandown Bay, offering a number of spacious<br />

bedrooms with seaviews and balconies upon which one can<br />

sit and relax, enjoying the tranquil views of Shanklin beach.<br />

The hotel provides a good standard of comfort throughout<br />

including a large in-house leisure centre and a snooker<br />

room. The hotel is conveniently located for the facilities and<br />

amenities within the town centre and Old Shanklin Village.<br />

24 ASPIRE<br />

The Ocean View Hotel, 1 – 5 Park Road,<br />

Shanklin, Isle of Wight PO37 6BB<br />

Tel: (01983) 861 111 | Fax: (01983) 861 122<br />

Email: info@holdsworthhotels.co.uk<br />

The Old Vicarage<br />

Hartburn, Morpeth NE61 4JB<br />

Rooms: 3 - 1 double, 1 twin, 1 single sharing bath.<br />

Price: £65-£85. Singles £50.<br />

Meals: Dinner, 3 courses with wine, £25. Pub 1 mile.<br />

Closed: Christmas, New Year & Easter.<br />

Come for the tiny village, the ancient church, and<br />

a gentler way of life in this stone-built, wisteriacovered<br />

former vicarage. Light pours in to an elegant<br />

drawing room with large open fire, chintzy chairs<br />

and sofa, soft rugs, beautiful antique furniture and<br />

pictures. Bedrooms are comfortingly traditional,<br />

with crisp white sheets, squishy pillows, thick<br />

curtains and white bathrooms. Margaret gives you<br />

a grand breakfast in a toasty warm conservatory<br />

overlooking the garden; wander down to the river or<br />

to have a peek at the church, which dates from 1080!<br />

Newcastle, Alnwick Garden and stunning beaches are<br />

all a short drive away.<br />

Contact:<br />

Tel: 01670 772562<br />

Email: margiecook2001@yahoo.co.uk<br />

Award-winning Accommodation in Scotland<br />

Scotland is simply teeming with cute cottages, modern hotels, and<br />

welcoming guesthouses but if you want a self-catering holiday<br />

accommodation with a difference, <strong>Aspire</strong> would like to recommend<br />

the six properties owned by Family Holiday Homes.<br />

The brain-child of Peter and Barbara Reese, Family Holiday<br />

Homes boast six traditional in style (with original features<br />

and cosy open fires for those cold evenings) but modern in<br />

facilities (with well-equipped kitchens and en-suite bath and<br />

shower rooms) properties.<br />

The area of Loch Gairloch is the perfect place for family<br />

holidays and with these six properties sleeping four to eight<br />

guests, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Within a short<br />

distance, holidaymakers will find beautiful sandy beaches, low<br />

level walking routes around lochs, dramatic coastal cliff top<br />

walks, stunning mountain top vistas, wonderful wildlife boat<br />

trips and ample opportunities for an afternoon’s fishing. The<br />

area is made even more stunning by the breathtaking mix<br />

of rain and sunshine, which creates the most spectacular<br />

rainbows.<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> are so impressed with not only the facilities on offer<br />

but the stunning coastal location surrounding Loch Gairloch<br />

(which boasts dramatic mountain scenery, tranquil lochs and<br />

uncrowded sandy beaches), we’ve awarded Family Holiday<br />

Homes with a Certificate of Recognition for Rural Getaways.<br />

On hearing the news, Barbara said: “We’re very honoured to<br />

receive this Recognition for our six properties. We feel that<br />

this is a very special corner of Scotland and we’d just like to<br />

share it with as many people as possible – they’ll fall in love<br />

with the area, just as we did.”<br />

Peter added: “I used to walk and climb a lot in Scotland, mainly<br />

on the east coast and in the Cairngorms, but I decided it<br />

was time to explore the west coast and stumbled across the<br />

stunning Gairloch area. For me, it has everything: mountains,<br />

sea coast, lochs and beautiful low-level walks across the<br />

moors. My wife, Barbara and I have been running self-catering<br />

holiday properties in the area for over 30 years now and<br />

we still love it. All six of the properties we own have been<br />

carefully chosen for their location; they’re all individual and<br />

different but make the most of their location.”<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> Sales Executive, Barbara Stone, added: “I had to<br />

nominate Peter and Barbara’s properties for this Certificate<br />

of Recognition; they’re stunning and all situated in wonderfully<br />

tranquil and picturesque countryside. I couldn’t think of<br />

anywhere better than the Loch Gairloch area to enjoy an<br />

authentic Scottish experience.”<br />

For more information, or availability on any of<br />

these properties, contact<br />

Tel: 01252 325119 | Email: barbara.reese@ntlworld.com<br />

Web: www.gairlochholidays.co.uk<br />

ASPIRE 25


Explore The Cotswolds<br />

Be Charmed By<br />

The Cotswolds<br />

©VisitBritain/ Tony Pleavin<br />

The Living<br />

Green Centre,<br />

at Bourton on the Water<br />

Combining the counties of Gloucestershire,<br />

Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire,<br />

Wiltshire and Somerset, the Cotswolds is a truly<br />

diverse place. 'Cotswolds' is a combination of two<br />

very old English words; everyone's pretty much<br />

agreed that ‘wolds’ are gentle hills, and most<br />

people agree that 'Cots' are sheep enclosures, so<br />

'Cotswolds' probably means ‘an area of gentle hills<br />

with plenty of sheep’.<br />

The Outdoors<br />

As the Cotswolds have been designated an Area of<br />

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) there are some<br />

magnificent views to take in, especially over the Severn<br />

and Thames Valleys and the Vale of Evesham. The largest<br />

AONB in England and Wales, the Cotswolds are a paradise<br />

for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. The best way to see<br />

some of England’s best scenery is to take a stroll along<br />

The Cotswolds Way, a long distance footpath which<br />

runs the length of this AONB, mainly on the edge of the<br />

Cotswold escarpment.<br />

If you’re after a bit of adventure, the Cotswolds’ diverse<br />

landscape provides plenty of opportunities to experience<br />

the thrills of canoeing, white water rafting and cycling, to<br />

name but a few.<br />

History<br />

This historic region also allows you to experience its<br />

varied past thanks to the numerous historical sites dotted<br />

around the ‘heart of England’. Our top recommendation<br />

would be a trip to Sudeley Castle in Winchcombe,<br />

Gloucestershire where you’ll be given a fascinating<br />

insight into Sudeley throughout the ages. There is also<br />

the opportunity to explore the 14 acres of magnificent<br />

gardens surrounding the castle.<br />

Another excellent fun yet educational day out can be<br />

enjoyed at Gloucester Cathedral. Standing in the north of<br />

the city, the Cathedral has welcomed worshippers for over<br />

900 years.<br />

Gloucestershire is also home to 32 Iron Age hill forts,<br />

many in strong positions on the Cotswold scarp.<br />

Leckhampton Hill has a fine accessible example from this<br />

period.<br />

If you’re a fan of William Shakespeare, no trip to<br />

the Cotswolds would be complete without visiting<br />

Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of England’s<br />

national poet. Enjoy the exhibition at Henley Street,<br />

Shakespeare’s childhood home, as well as the exhibit at<br />

Anne Hathaway’s cottage just one-mile from Stratford.<br />

Step back in time to old Stratford and visit New Place on<br />

Chapel Street, where Shakespeare spent his last years or<br />

even visit his last resting place at Holy Trinity Church in<br />

Stratford-upon-Avon.<br />

Traditional <strong>Town</strong>s<br />

The Cotswolds are home to some of England’s most<br />

charming and unspoilt towns and villages. These towns<br />

and villages are built of the underlying Cotswold stone (a<br />

yellow oolitic limestone). This limestone is rich in fossils,<br />

in particular fossilised sea urchins, adding to the area’s<br />

unique charm.<br />

Nestling in the Cotswold Hills you’ll find the beautiful<br />

villages of Snowshill and Painswick, whilst the historical<br />

market towns of Tetbury, Stroud, Evesham and Cirencester<br />

offer visitors of all ages excellent local shopping.<br />

Shopping in the Cotswolds these days is a welcome<br />

escape from the usual trundle around your local<br />

supermarket. There are numerous Farmers’ Markets held<br />

around the region that offer locally produced goods,<br />

such as cheese, craft items and veggies. Cheltenham was<br />

recently voted ‘Britain’s Favourite High Street’ largely in<br />

praise of the Promenade row of excellent smaller shops.<br />

©VisitBritain/ Britain on View<br />

If you’d prefer to experience the countryside from a more<br />

urban base, the towns of Gloucester, with its historic<br />

waterfront, and Cheltenham, with the Royal Crescent and<br />

the Municipal Buildings, offer impressive architecture,<br />

stylish shopping and world-class horse racing.<br />

Food & Drink<br />

Fabulous local produce and award-winning restaurants<br />

make eating and drinking in the Cotswolds a truly<br />

memorable experience. The restaurant scene here is<br />

healthy, with established Michelin-starred addresses in<br />

Cheltenham at Le Champignon Sauvage and 5 North<br />

Street in Winchcombe.<br />

The sheltered climate beneath the escarpment of the<br />

Cotswolds, the light, loose soils and the ready availability<br />

of river water for irrigation in dry weather has led to a<br />

great deal of vegetable production in the area: spring<br />

onions, leeks, cabbages, Brussels sprouts and runner<br />

beans but also rhubarb, lettuce, spinach, broccoli,<br />

beetroot, courgettes, artichokes and pumpkins.<br />

The Vale of Evesham (known as the fruit and vegetable<br />

basket of England) has numerous orchards in the area,<br />

survivors of a time when the entire Vale was covered with<br />

blossom in the spring, making Evesham town the perfect<br />

place to pick up locally grown, delicious produce.<br />

Film & TV<br />

With stunning rural scenes, historic pubs, ancient<br />

buildings and market squares, it’s not hard to see why the<br />

Cotswolds are used for numerous TV programmes and<br />

films each year. In the past, big productions such as Harry<br />

Potter, James Bond in ‘Die Another Day’, Bridget Jones's<br />

Diary and Doctor Who have all used the area for filming.<br />

Heath Farm<br />

Swerford, Chipping Norton OX7 4BN<br />

Award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages<br />

in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. Relax in comfort and<br />

style in the privacy of your own space in the English<br />

countryside.<br />

Self-catering holiday cottages in the Cotswolds, lovingly<br />

converted from old farm buildings set round a stunning<br />

paved courtyard with water garden and adjoining the<br />

owners’ house, these five award-winning, very individual<br />

stone cottages offer guests the ultimate in comfort, quality<br />

and cleanliness and a chance to enjoy the high standards of<br />

craftsmanship, which is the hallmark of this idyllic retreat.<br />

Tel: 01608 683270<br />

Email: barbours@heathfarm.com<br />

www.heathfarm.com<br />

For more information on travelling to the<br />

Cotswolds, visit www.cotswolds.com<br />

Whether you are wanting to explore the<br />

famous English countryside or looking for the<br />

perfect place to get away from it all for the<br />

weekend, The Cotswold Gateway Hotel can<br />

meet your needs.<br />

Situated in the historic Cotswold region of<br />

England, this charming hotel, restaurant<br />

and bar is ideally located for those wishing<br />

to visit classic traditional villages, beautiful<br />

countryside and world-famous Oxford.<br />

Traditional comfort and service, fine cuisine,<br />

and a charming attention to detail await you<br />

at the edge of one of the Cotswold’s premier<br />

destinations.<br />

The Cotswold Gateway Hotel<br />

216, The Hill, Burford,<br />

Oxfordshire OX18 4HX<br />

Tel: 01993 822695<br />

Email: cotswoldgateway@btconnect.com<br />

www.cotswold-gateway.co.uk<br />

Waiten Hill<br />

Farmhouse<br />

Imposing 19th Century farmhouse<br />

overlooking River Coln, water meadows,<br />

old mill and famous church. Short walk to<br />

pubs, (5 minutes) shops and restaurants<br />

(10 minutes). Ideal base for touring the<br />

Cotswolds and water park, and local<br />

walks.<br />

The farmhouse stands within large<br />

gardens, where you will find vegetables<br />

and soft fruit beds, cherry, plum, pear<br />

and apple trees. There are also spacious<br />

south-facing lawns with tables and chairs,<br />

ideal for picnics, playing or just enjoying<br />

the beautiful surroundings and summer<br />

sunshine.<br />

TV, coffee/tea in all rooms. Ample private<br />

parking.<br />

Richard Rymer<br />

Waiten Hill Farmhouse, Coronation<br />

Street,Fairford, Glos GL7 4HX<br />

Web: www.waiten-hill-farmhouse.com<br />

Email: richard@waiten-hill-farmhouse.com<br />

Telephone: 01285 712 652<br />

Right on the High Street, at Bourton<br />

on the Water, the Living Green Centre<br />

is a place where you can see for real,<br />

the ideas and actions that can be put<br />

into practice in any home. We believe in<br />

people change not climate change and<br />

encourage people to take positive steps.<br />

First impressions are ‘what a beautiful<br />

place! I’d like to live here’. In its charming<br />

setting the organic show garden and<br />

ultra green shop building really have the<br />

wow factor. The eco-show home is now<br />

going ahead. It looks at how to make<br />

existing houses environment friendly.<br />

Attached to the project is a marvellous<br />

shop. You can shop with confidence<br />

every product is carefully chosen with<br />

the environment as number one. Lovely<br />

local products made in Gloucestershire,<br />

interesting eco gismos and an extensive<br />

range of Fairtrade and fairly traded<br />

goods.<br />

Tel: 01451 820942<br />

Email: people@living-green.co.uk<br />

www.living-green.co.uk<br />

The Old Coach House B&B<br />

Whether it’s the sublime cathedral of Gloucester, you want to visit or the racing at<br />

Cheltenham, equine pursuits at Gatcombe or Badminton, the wonderful trees at<br />

Westonbirt, or just a relaxing walk in the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside, Rachel<br />

and Stephen are waiting to welcome you. The Old Coach House B&B in the village<br />

of Eastcombe, set beside the beautiful Toadsmoor valley in the Cotswolds Area of<br />

Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has two en-suite bedrooms, one with ground floor<br />

access onto a courtyard. The bedrooms offer king-sized beds with all the extras you<br />

would expect from a quality B&B.<br />

On arrival, a cup of tea and home-made sponge cake will make you feel at home. If you<br />

require it, an evening meal can be provided by prior arrangement, and then – after a<br />

good night’s sleep – breakfast! Fresh baked croissant, home-made breads and rolls,<br />

locally produced bacon and sausages, and Winnie's eggs (however you want them) all<br />

complement the home-made marmalades and jams; fresh fruit salad and yoghurt or<br />

good old cereals and muesli. Take your pick and tuck in!<br />

If you are going to stay in England this year, stay in the Cotswolds, and where better than<br />

the Old Coach House B&B, in Eastcombe.<br />

Tariff: £75 per night for double occupancy. £60 per night for single occupancy.<br />

Visit England Four Stars, Breakfast and Silver Awards.<br />

Contact: Stephen W. Wright<br />

Dr. Crouch’s Road, Eastcombe, Stroud, Gloucestershire GL6 7EA<br />

T: 01452 771196 | E: admin@oldcoachhousebandb.co.uk<br />

www.oldcoachhousebandb.co.uk<br />

26 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 27


Spotlight On Scotland<br />

Whether you’re looking for a city<br />

break, beach getaway or countryside<br />

adventure, Scotland is the place. A<br />

holiday in Scotland promises to be a<br />

unique and memorable event. Despite<br />

its compact size, Scotland is home to<br />

an array of attractions that are sure to<br />

occupy every member of the family, no<br />

matter what their age or taste. From the<br />

excitement of Scottish cities Glasgow<br />

and Edinburgh, to the mystery and<br />

wonder of Loch Ness, Scotland is an<br />

exciting and dynamic country, steeped<br />

in history, tradition and culture.<br />

For a romantic break for you and your<br />

partner, why not take a trip to one of<br />

the six major cities in Scotland: Glasgow,<br />

Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness<br />

and Stirling. These cosmopolitan cities<br />

mix traditional Scottish culture with the<br />

vibrancy and excitement of a modern<br />

city. These six wonders are positively<br />

oozing with things to see and do, from<br />

superb shopping and nightlife, to some<br />

of the best museums and galleries in<br />

the UK!<br />

If it’s a traditional family holiday by<br />

the seaside you’re after, you’re sure to<br />

find it in Scotland. The west coast of<br />

Scotland stretches for miles offering<br />

delightful marinas, harbours and seaside<br />

resorts for you to enjoy, but with new<br />

developments and improvements on<br />

the east coast, deciding which coast to<br />

explore will be difficult.<br />

As Scotland is home to a beautiful<br />

yet diverse landscape, it’s the perfect<br />

destination for those wanting to enjoy<br />

the great outdoors. Whether you want<br />

to take a relaxing stroll to enjoy the<br />

stunning views or need an adrenaline<br />

rush, there’s an outdoor pursuit for<br />

you. From fishing and golf to mountain<br />

biking and white-water canoeing, the<br />

great Scottish outdoors has something<br />

for everyone.<br />

Scotland is also the place for wildlife;<br />

The Scottish Wildlife and Nature Tourism<br />

Operators Association believes Scotland<br />

is the number one destination for<br />

watching wildlife in Europe, thanks to<br />

the diversity of the landscape. Recent<br />

years have see the re-introduction of<br />

many native Scottish species, most<br />

notably the Sea Eagle and Red Kites,<br />

which now grace the Scottish skies once<br />

again. Each summer, six million seabirds<br />

nest in the cliffs and the Mull coastline<br />

is home to hundreds of marine wildlife,<br />

including whales and sharks, so it’s<br />

worth taking a look!<br />

The ideal place to book a golfing break<br />

is Scotland, due to its fascinating history<br />

with the sport. The origins golf still<br />

remains a mystery, although the widely<br />

accepted theory is that it was created<br />

in Scotland during the 12th Century.<br />

It’s believed to have been invented by<br />

shepherds, who would knock stones<br />

into rabbit holes on the area that is<br />

now home to the world’s most famous<br />

golf course, St Andrews. However, the<br />

game as we know it today was certainly<br />

developed in Scotland, as the first<br />

permanent course was created there,<br />

along with the first written rules and<br />

club memberships. Today, there are a<br />

whopping 556 registered golf courses<br />

in Scotland; in fact, the sheer number of<br />

courses has earned Scotland’s eastern<br />

shoreline the title of ‘Golf Coast’, as<br />

combined with the stunning scenery,<br />

it’s the perfect destination for a golfing<br />

holiday.<br />

If you’re thinking of getting married, why<br />

not elope to Scotland. Imagine getting<br />

married on a sandy beach or even on<br />

top of a mountain – you can get married<br />

anywhere you can imagine in Scotland<br />

as the minister, priest or clergyman<br />

carries a licence that means you can<br />

choose your venue, no matter how wild<br />

or romantic! So, if you want a wedding<br />

with a difference, choose Scotland!<br />

©VisitBritain/ Britain on View<br />

Witness The<br />

Beauty Of Scotland<br />

Leumadair Guest House is a working croft where we carry on<br />

the tradition of working the land and raising animals. Highland<br />

Cattle, Glouster Old Spot Pigs (croft-made smoked bacon and<br />

sausages are served at breakfast).<br />

In the village of Callanish, Leumadair is within sight of the famous Callanish (Calanais) Stones.<br />

Run by Don & Nita, all our rooms are en-suite. We have 2 family rooms with a king-size bed and<br />

bunk beds and the other with 1 double and 1 twin with disabled facilities.<br />

Price £37 per adult, per night for B&B. Credit/Debit cards taken. Booked dinner<br />

available.<br />

Tel: 01851 621706 | Web: www.leumadair.co.uk<br />

The Ferry Inn Hotel<br />

The Ferry Inn occupies a superb position overlooking Uig Bay with magnificent uninterrupted<br />

views towards Waternish Peninsula. The Inn’s bars are small and friendly; the Bistro Bar is<br />

ideal for that quiet pint of cask conditioned beer to reflect on the day’s excursions, while in the<br />

Quaich Bar, with its own access from the hotel, there is a selection of malt whiskies to enjoy.<br />

The Inn’s restaurant is very popular and the varied menu incorporates, where possible, locally<br />

sourced ingredients.<br />

Craigard House<br />

Relax in a Victorian house retaining many original features, set in the breathtaking<br />

splendour of the Highlands. We are located rurally on the edge of the small village<br />

of Invergarry. Our spacious rooms give a feel for the Victorian era. We offer bed and<br />

breakfast with an option of an evening meal by arrangement.<br />

Craigard House is the perfect base for a holiday exploring what the Highlands have<br />

to offer. For touring the Highlands the central location of Craigard House is ideal,<br />

for example, Loch Ness is just 8 miles or Eilean Donan Castle about 1 hour travel.<br />

Whatever your interest in visiting the Highlands, there is something here for you.<br />

The comfortable accommodation is to 3 star standard. All six rooms are attractively furnished<br />

and decorated, with flatscreen DVD/TVs, individual heating, tea/coffee making facilities and all<br />

are en-suite.<br />

Uig, on the Trotternish peninsula, is an ideal location for exploring the top end of Skye, with its<br />

spectacular scenery, walks, castles, art studios and wildlife including otters, golden eagles and<br />

corncrakes. It is also the ferry terminal to the Outer Isles.<br />

Ferry Inn Hotel, Uig, Isle of Skye IV51 9XP<br />

Tel: 01478 611216 | Email: info@ferryinn.co.uk<br />

www.ferryinn.co.uk<br />

Contact Andrew or Joy Middleton, Craigard House,<br />

Invergarry, Highland PH35 4HG<br />

Tel: 01809 501 258 Email: andrew@craigardhouse.co.uk<br />

www.craigard.saltire.org<br />

‘wild and dramatic’<br />

28 ASPIRE<br />

ASPIRE 29


Spotlight On Scotland<br />

30 ASPIRE<br />

Music From Martin<br />

Born in 1942 in Aberdeen, Martin Dalby is an experienced and<br />

knowledgeable musician and composer. He’s worked with numerous<br />

well-known musicians during his long and successful career and has even<br />

had his music performed at The Proms on four occasions.<br />

Martin told <strong>Aspire</strong>: “It was my father, John,<br />

who sparked my interest in music. He spent many<br />

years as the organist of St Machar’s Cathedral<br />

in Aberdeen after moving to Scotland from<br />

Yorkshire in 1939. He was a very fine musician<br />

and his love and passion for music was inbred<br />

into me from the day I was born.”<br />

Martin was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School<br />

where he learnt lots from his teachers. He joined the<br />

National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain in the late<br />

1950s, after which he won a Foundation Scholarship to<br />

the Royal College of Music in London in 1960, where<br />

he studied composition with Herbert Howells and<br />

viola with Frederick Riddle. Three years later, Martin<br />

was lucky enough to spend two years in Italy thanks<br />

to the Octavia Prize and a Sir James Caird Travelling<br />

Scholarship. Here, Martin composed many pieces, as<br />

well as playing the viola with a small Italian Chamber<br />

Orchestra. With this orchestra he toured widely in<br />

Europe and North Africa.<br />

Martin added: “I had a wonderful two years in Italy<br />

but on my arrival back to the UK, I discovered from<br />

my father that an interview had been arranged with<br />

the BBC for a music producer for the BBC’s newly<br />

formed Music Programme (later to be Radio 3). I was<br />

lucky enough to get the position and stayed there<br />

until 1971.”<br />

In 1971, Martin became the Cramb Research Fellow<br />

in Composition at the University of Glasgow, but<br />

in 1972 he returned to the BBC as Head of Music<br />

for Scotland, where he began the development of<br />

the public profile of the BBC Scottish Symphony<br />

Orchestra, both in Great Britain and abroad. In 1991<br />

he relinquished this post in order to pursue a more<br />

creative role in BBC Scotland. A result of this was the<br />

production, amongst other things, of BBC Scotland’s<br />

massive radio history, Scotland’s Music, for which he<br />

won a Sony Gold Award. In 1993, Martin retired from<br />

the BBC and he now composes full time.<br />

Martin was Chairman of the Composers’ Guild of<br />

Great Britain from 1995 to 1998 and was a founding<br />

director of both the British Academy of Composers<br />

and Songwriters (now BASCA) and British Music<br />

Rights. His membership of the BAC&S Concert<br />

Executive Committee continued from its start until<br />

2009. He was also Warden of the Incorporated<br />

Society of Musicians’ Performers’ and Composers’<br />

Section in 2001 and 2002.<br />

Martin has written a large amount of music: for<br />

orchestra, for chorus, for brass and wind bands, for<br />

the Church, for film, radio and television, many songs<br />

and song cycles, and chamber music ranging from<br />

duos and trios to octets and nonets. Most of it has<br />

been commissioned: from festivals such as Edinburgh,<br />

Cheltenham, Cardiff, Orkney and Peterborough, or<br />

from orchestras and ensembles.<br />

It has been performed widely throughout the world,<br />

most notably at such festivals as the Warsaw Autumn<br />

and the Henry Wood Proms in London for which in<br />

1991 he wrote The Mary Bean for the Royal Scottish<br />

National Orchestra.<br />

Work for his home city occupied him after that. First,<br />

The White Maa for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra,<br />

music to celebrate 200 years of Union Street in<br />

Aberdeen and more recently a String Quartet to<br />

celebrate 500 years of Aberdeen University. In<br />

1998 he composed his third Piano Sonata for Peter<br />

Seivewright and a year later, a short piece for the<br />

National Youth String Orchestra of Scotland, The<br />

First Thursday in May, welcoming the return of a<br />

Government in Scotland. At this time he was reliving<br />

his fascination with the music of the great Scots<br />

fiddler and composer, J. Scott Skinner, creating his<br />

own five movement orchestral suite A When in Doric<br />

from it. The act of ‘rebuilding’ Skinner’s tender and<br />

characteristically Scottish music is born of devotion<br />

not of destruction.<br />

More recently, Martin’s attention has turned to<br />

writing vocal music both for children and adults. He<br />

is completing a set of songs for voice and piano in<br />

memory of one of his Labradors, A Little Songbook<br />

for Tessa. Sunbeam for Sheba (2002) is likewise a song<br />

in memory of a Labrador - Tessa’s mother. He is also<br />

completing a substantial work for eight double basses<br />

and is beginning to write Lang Johnnie More: an<br />

essay with trumpet mutes.<br />

Martin is passionate about encouraging the youth of<br />

today to get involved with music, both listening to it<br />

and playing it. He said: “I think music is a marvellous<br />

thing. In my opinion there’s nothing better than<br />

playing in an orchestra or a band. Music is not only<br />

good for the soul, it’s good for the brain too, so I’d<br />

encourage any young people out there to get involved<br />

with their school or local choir or orchestra, or even<br />

take music lessons – life’s too short not to do what<br />

makes you happy!”<br />

With such a successful career behind him, it’s not hard<br />

to see why Martin was chosen for <strong>Aspire</strong>’s Platinum<br />

Certificate of Recognition 2011. Sales Executive,<br />

Emily Davison, explained why he was chosen for our<br />

most prestigious Certificate: “Martin has a wealth of<br />

knowledge and experience from a long and successful<br />

career in the music industry, which is why he was the<br />

obvious choice for our Certificate.”<br />

On hearing the news Martin added: “It comes as a<br />

surprise to be selected from many others who are as<br />

well deserving as I am.”<br />

Contact Martin Dalby on Tel: 01360 660427<br />

Email: martindalby@btinternet.com Web: www.impulse-music.co.uk/dalby<br />

Discover The Hear t Of The<br />

Highlands At Ness Cottage<br />

Not constrained to holidaying in the school<br />

holidays, retired and semi-retired couples are<br />

free to explore Great Britain as and when they<br />

please. This freedom and flexibility enables<br />

them to travel further for longer, which is why<br />

we’d like to recommend holidaying in Scotland<br />

this spring.<br />

Situated just ten minutes’ walk from Inverness city centre,<br />

Ness Cottage provides the perfect base from which to<br />

explore the north Highlands and surrounding Invernessshire<br />

region. Catering for a couple, Ness Cottage has<br />

been owned by Don Greig for the last 12 years. Don told<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong>: “My family and I originally bought Ness Cottage as<br />

a temporary home when we were selling and moving out<br />

of the family home; we actually didn’t end up moving but<br />

we still bought the property. We decided to open it up to<br />

holidaymakers because it’s in such a wonderful location,<br />

central to the whole of Inverness, as well as easily<br />

accessible to the rest of Inverness-shire.”<br />

Well-furnished and decorated for comfort, Ness Cottage is<br />

an excellent base from which to explore thanks to its cosy<br />

twin bedroom, well-equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer,<br />

washing machine and tumble dryer, lounge with TV and<br />

DVD player and an enclosed garden with garden furniture<br />

and privacy courtesy of a 6ft-high, well-maintained<br />

hedge. Don added: “There’s a car parking for about 10<br />

cars directly opposite the cottage, but the cottage boasts<br />

unrivalled privacy as it’s set back from the road, tucked<br />

away behind another house. Regrettably, we do not<br />

accept pets and as the cottage only has twin beds it’s not<br />

ideal for couples with children; in fact, I’d say it’s more<br />

geared towards older couples.”<br />

Within walking distance of Eden Court Theatre and<br />

Inverness City Centre, Ness Cottage is ideally situated<br />

for exploring the thriving city of Inverness, which boasts<br />

an enviable location on the banks of the River Ness at<br />

the head of the Great Glen. The city is crowned by a<br />

pink crenellated castle and is amongst the top ten cities<br />

in Britain visited by overseas visitors. There are plenty<br />

of places to shop, eat, drink and relax, and as a small,<br />

compact city, it’s easy to get around.<br />

Further afield, holidaymakers can explore the history<br />

and heritage of Scotland; re-live one of Scotland's most<br />

famous battles at Culloden battlefield, sample some<br />

of Scotland’s finest whisky at the numerous distilleries<br />

littered across the region or even see a school of dolphins<br />

frolic in the nearby Moray Firth 0 the possibilities are<br />

endless.<br />

One of the most famous residents that you can visit<br />

around the Inverness region is Nessie; Loch Ness is just<br />

14 miles from Ness Cottage (about a 30-minute drive). In<br />

fact Loch Ness Cruises are just a 10-minute stroll from the<br />

cottage door, making hunting this world-famous monster<br />

a must for holidaymakers holidaying here for the first<br />

time.<br />

Don added: “There’s so much to see and do in this area,<br />

guests are often spoilt for choice. In fact around 90% of<br />

my clientele is returning guests, who simply ran out of<br />

time to explore everything this area has to offer; either<br />

that or they fell in love with the area and I can’t blame<br />

them!”<br />

Prices for a week’s stay at Ness Cottage range from<br />

£240 per week in the winter to £370 in the summer. All<br />

linen and towels are provided. The central heating can<br />

be adjusted easily, or in summer can be switched off<br />

altogether. Alternatively the gas fire can be easily ignited,<br />

providing instant heat.<br />

For more information, please contact<br />

Tel: 01463 232976 | Web: www.nesscottage.co.uk | Email: dgreig@nildram.co.uk<br />

Don Greig<br />

Ness Cottage<br />

6 Ballifeary Road<br />

Inverness<br />

IV3 5PJ<br />

ASPIRE 31


Feature<br />

Editor’s Choice:<br />

Rose Cottage<br />

Situated in the quiet village of Gelston<br />

near Castle Douglas, Rose Cottage, winner<br />

of <strong>Aspire</strong>’s Certificate of Recognition for<br />

Rural Getaways, offers all the peace and<br />

tranquillity you could ask for, surrounded<br />

by stunning rural countryside. Dating<br />

back to 1760, Rose Cottage offers spacious<br />

accommodation for a large family or<br />

group of friends within two twin and two<br />

double bedrooms.<br />

All on one level, Rose Cottage boasts<br />

two twin (one en-suite) and two double<br />

bedrooms, as well as a large family<br />

bathroom; it comfortably caters for groups<br />

of up to eight. Holidaymakers will find a<br />

cosy lounge with fire, spacious kitchen<br />

and adjacent utility room with all the<br />

mod cons, including washing machine<br />

and dish washer, a pine-lined sun room/<br />

conservatory used as a dining room, and<br />

views over the surrounding farmland. Bed<br />

linen and towels are provided and there is<br />

a TV in each bedroom, as well as a TV and<br />

DVD player in the lounge.<br />

Outside there is ample parking in the<br />

car park, whilst round the back you’ll<br />

find a large garden with a decking area.<br />

Furniture and a barbecue can be provided.<br />

There is a stream and waterfall bordering<br />

the property, which overlooks the<br />

surrounding Scottish countryside.<br />

Owner, Kerr Steele, told <strong>Aspire</strong>: “My late<br />

wife, Sheila, and I ran Rose Cottage as<br />

a guesthouse, offering dinner, bed and<br />

breakfast accommodation, for 20 years but<br />

when she took ill six years ago, we scaled<br />

back our involvement and turned the<br />

cottage into self-catering accommodation.<br />

I now live in a chalet at the back of the<br />

cottage. The cottage is modern and<br />

traditionally decorated and furnished for<br />

that ‘country cottage’ look. All rooms are<br />

STB grade three, meaning they’re suitable<br />

for some disabled visitors.”<br />

It’s not hard to see why Rose Cottage was<br />

chosen for our Certificate of Recognition<br />

for Rural Getaways. On hearing the news,<br />

Kerr added: “Thank you <strong>Aspire</strong>, I’m very<br />

glad to receive this Recognition. It’s a<br />

wonderful start to the year and I hope it<br />

boost my business, although I am starting<br />

to get booked up for this year; I had<br />

someone book most of June this morning<br />

so we look set for an excellent year.”<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong> Sales Executive, Barbara Stone, said:<br />

“Scotland is such a wonderful country to<br />

visit for a holiday, with the whole family.<br />

There’s so much to do in and surrounding<br />

Castle Douglas that Rose Cottage is the<br />

perfect place to relax after a long day<br />

exploring. Alternatively, you can just<br />

relax amid breathtaking and tranquil<br />

countryside. That’s what I love so much<br />

about Rose Cottage; it’s so centrally<br />

located you can get to all the area’s<br />

attractions easily but it’s still set away<br />

from the hustle and bustle, allowing you<br />

to escape the stresses of city living. I hope<br />

our Certificate of Recognition encourages<br />

more <strong>Aspire</strong> readers to travel north of<br />

the border this summer for a wonderful<br />

holiday in Scotland.”<br />

<strong>Aspire</strong>’s Editor, Claire Tipton, added: “I<br />

think Rose Cottage is the perfect place in<br />

which to sample the delights of Scotland.<br />

As it’s not too far over the border, it<br />

doesn’t take as long to get there as other,<br />

more well-known parts of Scotland. And,<br />

because it’s not as well-known, there will<br />

be fewer crowds, allowing you to truly<br />

appreciate the scenery and tranquillity of<br />

the area.”<br />

A week’s stay at Rose Cottage starts from £360 per week<br />

in the off season, rising to £624 per week, meaning there’s<br />

no excuse not to see this stunning cottage for yourself.<br />

A maximum of two well-behaved pets are welcome.<br />

Rose Cottage is an excellent base from which to explore<br />

everything Galloway and the surrounding area has to offer.<br />

For more information, or to discuss availability, please call<br />

Kerr on 01556 502513.<br />

Kerr Steele<br />

Rose Cottage, Gelston, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire,<br />

SCOTLAND DG7 1SH<br />

32 ASPIRE

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!