Bosworth Court Care Home - Aspire Magazine

For information on Bosworth Court Care Home 

Call 01455 290867 

or email bosworthcourt@givecare.co.uk 

Feature 

ISSUE 260 

YOUR FREE COPY 

Get involved in 

archeological digs with 

Diggin’ It 

Help worthy charities with 

Run For A Reason 

The Perfect Day 

Prepare for your big day with 

our wedding guide 

Founded in 1984, Bosworth Court Care 

Home provides palliative and dementia care 

within a tranquil setting in the picturesque 

village of Market Bosworth in Leicestershire. 

For more info, visit 

www.at-home-care.co.uk or turn to page 3… 

Bosworth Court Care Home 

View this issue online at www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk 

ASPIRE 1

Care & Independent Living 

A Little Tender, Lovin’ Care 


Call 01455 290867 


Quality Care From 

As well as a healthy diet and regular 

exercise, progress in modern medicine 

continues to help us live longer; in fact 

more and more of us can now expect 

to live in to our 80’s and 90’s, leaving 

a whole generation to become heavily 

dependent on others. 

Instead of struggling to complete a never ending list 

of domestic tasks around the home, or reluctantly 

asking a friend or family member for help, letting 

someone else take responsibility will free up more 

time for enjoying other activities. Home helpers can 

not only give you the extra medical help you require, 

but can also give you the support you need around 

the home and also when getting out and about. So, 

there’s no need to struggle alone. 

Many people, understandably, are reluctant to give 

up their own homes in order to enter residential care, 

so employing the services of a home carer may be 

a better option and can help you or your loved one 

regain their independence. No one likes to think 

about putting a family member into care, but for some 

of us it’s just not possible to provide the right care. In 

2007, there were 420,000 elderly or disabled people 

Home Care From Blue 

Ribbon Community Care 

Established in 2005, Blue Ribbon 

Community Care is an independent 

health and social care provider, 

offering personalised care and 

support services throughout the UK 

to people in the comfort of their own 

homes 

The service was brought to Leicestershire 

late last year by experienced nurse, Cathy 

Thompson, who stumbled across the 

franchise opportunity when looking for 

specialist care for her father within his own 

home. Cathy said: “I’ve worked in the NHS 

for 30 years but it wasn’t until I was searching 

for home care for my father that I realised 

how poor the home care services in Market 

Harborough and the surrounding villages 

really were; I thought ‘there must be a better 

way’ so began to research our options. I 

decided to go with a Blue Ribbon franchise 

as I felt it was important to have the backing 

of an expert, both in regard to care for the 

service users and policies and training for 

members of staff, as well as bringing more 

choice to other service users within the area. 

Blue Ribbon share my ethos and vision of 

bringing high quality care and reliable and 

friendly carers to all service users within their 

own home, whether they were private, local 

authority or continuing care. The aim is to 

For more information, please call 01858 827092 

or email cathy@blueribboncare.org.uk 

recorded as living in residential care homes and that 

number looks set to rise steadily as we continue to live 

longer. 

Many care homes today, pride themselves on their 

homely feel and personal service, but it’s important to 

ask the right questions before you agree to place your 

loved one there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions – 

remember you’re entitled to expect a service that suits 

your needs. All good care homes will be more than 

happy to answer any of your queries and may even 

offer a trial period to ensure it’s the right environment 

for the individual. 

It’s not just our physical well-being but also our 

mental well-being that may need help from time to 

time. Offering a welcoming, safe and confidential 

environment, counselling is a great way to talk about 

your problems with a non-judgemental trained 

expert who will just listen and equip you with the 

tools to work through your issues, enabling you to 

make the most of your life. Counselling is used by 

people from all walks of life for all sorts of reasons, 

including: stress, bereavement, depression, alcohol or 

drug dependency and anger issues. Counselling is a 

confidential way to release your worries, without the 

fear of being judged or being misunderstood. 

help you continue to lead your life the way 

you always have.” 

Cathy and the Leicestershire Blue 

Ribbon team provides a wide range 

of services to residents living within 

Market Harbrough and the surrounding 

villages, including assisting with dressing, 

undressing and personal care, assisting 

with medication, shopping for food and 

household essentials, light house work 

and companionship. These services can be 

provided from as little as 30 minutes each 

day, once a day, or numerous time each 

day, as required. Rehabilitation and respite 

care can also be provided. 

Registered Charity No: 1077147 

Help for adult male survivors 

of sexual abuse and their 

supporters. 

We offer one-to-one counselling/ 

support in a local city centre location 

where you will receive a warm, 

confidential, non-judgemental service. 

Your identity remains anonymous 

at all times. 

If you are ready to call… 

0116 254 8535 

Call for an appointment: 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 

9am - 8pm 

Thursday 

9am - 4pm 

Please leave a message on 

the answerphone if no-one 

answers - we will get back 

to you. 

cas@firststepleicester.org 

BOSWORTH 

HOMECARE 

Our company has been supporting people 

in their own homes since 1996 and are the 

proud holders of the ‘Investors in People’ 

Award. Our high standard of domiciliary 

care is maintained and delivered to our 

clients via our committed, friendly and 

extremely well-trained care staff, who have 

been vetted and chosen to ensure the safety 

and best interests of our clients are being 

looked after at all times. 

We can offer: short-term, long-term and 

emergency help for 

up to 24 hours per day. 

Personal care, Domestic care 

and Social Care. 

If you or a relative are considering some 

help and would like more information 

please contact our care team on: 

Tel: 01455 292648 (option 1) 

Email: managementteam@givecare.co.uk 


Over 18,000 British care homes are 

registered with the Care Quality 

Commission, an organisation that 

ensures high standards of safety 

and care are continually met by all. 

Providing palliative and dementia 

care, Bosworth Court Care Home, 

in the picturesque village of Market 

Bosworth in Leicestershire, is a care 

home with nursing services for the over 

50s. Founded in 1984, Bosworth Court 

is housed with Market Bosworth’s old 

town hall, which up until recently was a 

Grade II Listed building. 

Bosworth Court has 35 rooms, which are made up 

of single and shared (for couples), some of which 

are en-suite. As well as 35 bedrooms, Bosworth 

Court also has two communal lounges, one 

upstairs and one downstairs, for residents to use. 

There’s also a relaxation area, known as ‘Snoozlem’, 

for sensory purposes as it’s very useful in reducing 

the need for medication in some residents. 

Julie Hards from Bosworth Court said: “We 

have laundry facilities onsite and a visiting 

hairdresser, chiropodist and optician; we’re also 

able to get any service residents require. We have 

award-winning chefs preparing meals, which 

are provided. Residents have a choice of two, 

sometimes three, meals per day.” 

Each floor of Bosworth Court has its own activity 

co-ordinator who will plan structured group 

activities each day, such as crafts, gardening in 

the Home’s raised beds, bingo, dominoes and 

other board games and even poetry readings. 

One-to-one activities are also available upon 

request. Bostworth Court also welcomes outside 

entertainment regularly, which in the past has 

included talks, sing-alongs and visits from pet 

therapy dogs and other animals. There are also 

monthly church services. 

Acknowledging everything Bosworth Court Care 

Home offers residents, Aspire have presented 

Julie, Pam and everyone at Bosworth Court with 

our Certificate of Recognition for Care Services 

2012. On hearing the news, manager, Caroline 

Yates, said: “We’re very pleased to receive this 

recognition; it’s a nice reward for all the hard work, 

time and effort of our staff. I hope this Certificate 

promotes Bosworth Court as somewhere that 

truly cares for our residents and their families, 

somewhere where residents, and staff, are happy 

and content. It’s very important to us to create 

and provide a happy, trusting and welcoming 

environment. We’re a very family orientated care 

home and every resident is warmly welcomed by 

staff and other residents; we’re like a family!” 

Bosworth Court is very proud of their personcentred 

care. Each member of staff goes through 

rigorous training and many have specialist 

knowledge and experience in a specific field, as 

Pam Waddington explained: “Our staff go through 

lots of training. We’re always up-to-date on the 

latest procedures or policies. I feel we offer a 

great all round care package. Many of our staff 

are trained in specific areas so they’re almost 

specialists in a field, whether it be wound care, 

mental health or incontinence.” 

Julie added: “As well as experienced and 

knowledgeable staff, we also make our 

management team accessible whenever it 

is needed, for family members or residents 

themselves. We’re very approachable in that way. 

Each resident is allocated a Primary nurse and a 

Keyworker, who work closely with our residents 

and their families to ensure person-centred care is 

delivered on an individual basis, with dignity and 

respect.” 

For more information on Bosworth Court Care Home, 

or to enquire about their three vacant rooms, 

please call 01455 290867 or email bosworthcourt@givecare.co.uk 

2 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 3

Contents 

Front cover image courtesy of 


Editor: Claire Tipton 

claire@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk 

0116 2517385 

Accounts: Kathy Tipton 

accounts@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk 

0116 2515919 

Feature Writers: Laura Hyde, Zeenat Sabur 

editorials@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk 

0116 2517385 

Graphic Designer: Lucy Crookston 

design@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk 

0116 2517385 

Sales Manager: Stacey Wragg 

north@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk 

0116 2624867 

Sales Executives: Emily Davison, 

Barbara Stone, Steph Lapidge 

Distribution: Michael Tipton & 

Self Select Distribution 

Published by: 

Spectrum Printing Services 

0116 246 1717 

To subscribe to Aspire Magazine call 

0116 2517385 

Web Design: Paul Tipton at Q Creative Design 

paul@qcreativedesign.co.uk 

0116 251 7298 

Name & Registered Office: 

ASPIRE MAGAZINE 

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE GROUP 

3rd Floor Office, 29-35 St Nicholas Place, 

Leicester LE1 4LD 

8 10 16 

19 24 30 

©VisitBritain/ James McCormick 

©VisitBritain/ Britain on View 

©VisitBritain/ Pawel Libera 

2. Care & Independent Living 

4. Contents 

6. An Inspector Calls 

7. Dominoes 

8. Childcare Time Line 

10. Diamond Jubilee 

11. Homes 

12. Diggin’ It 

14. Oadby Town Football Club 

16. The Perfect Day 

18. Holidays & Leisure 

19. Wondrous Wales 

20. Discover Scotland 

24. Spotlight On The Hebrides 

27. Fun In The Peak District 

28. Say No To Caravan Tax 

29. Martin Dalby 

30. Run For A Reason 

Company Number: 06036102 

Find us on Facebook: Aspire Magazine 

Follow us on Twitter @aspire_magazine 

4 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 5

An Inspector Calls 

Dominoes 

Acclaimed Production Of 

Chilling Classic 

Thriller 

Following its triumphant success in the West End, 

Stephen Daldry’s multi-award-winning production of 

J.B. Priestley’s classic thriller An Inspector Calls marks 

its 20th anniversary with a major UK tour that comes to 

Northampton’s Royal & Derngate from Tuesday 15th to 

Saturday 19th May. 

Director Stephen Daldry, now triple Oscar nominated for 

his films The Reader, The Hours and Billy Elliot, had his 

first major directorial success in 1992 when his visionary 

revival of J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls opened at the 

National Theatre to outstanding critical acclaim. Featuring 

ingenious designs, a sweeping score and atmospheric 

lighting, the production has received an unprecedented 

string of awards, including the Olivier for Best Revival, 

Best Director and Best Designer. 

An Inspector Calls returns to touring following its recent 

phenomenal success in the West End, where, once 

again, the production proved a smash hit with critics 

and audiences alike. The longest running play revival in 

history, Stephen Daldry’s An Inspector Calls has played in 

the West End, on Broadway, across Australia, the United 

States, Japan and Europe and has currently completed six 

major UK tours. The production is widely renowned as the 

theatrical event of our generation, now seen by an excess 

of two million theatregoers worldwide. 

Written at the end of the Second World War and set before 

the First, the play is a compelling and haunting thriller. 

When the mysterious Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly 

on the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful 

dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the 

death of a young woman. His startling revelations not 

only shatter the very foundations of their lives but 

challenge us all to examine our consciences. Daldry’s 

visionary production unites the 1912 setting with the 

time it was written in 1945, transferring the play to a 

dramatic cobblestone war-torn wasteland, where the 

Edwardian Birling family home looms precariously, 

suspended on stilts. 

An Inspector Calls can be seen in Derngate auditorium 

from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 May at 7.30pm, with 

matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and Saturday. 

Tickets – priced from £29.50 to £15 – can be booked 

by calling Box Office on 01604 624811 or online at 

www.royalandderngate.co.uk 

6 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 7

Childcare Time Line 

Signing classes for babies from 6 - 18 months. 

Visit www.singandsign.co.uk 

Prepare For Your Bouncing 

Top Recommendation 

Go for it... 

Join the business mums! 

Bundle Of Joy 

Beat the trend and work with a 

successful, international company, 

with a £36 million turnover in the 

UK, $2.5 billion worldwide, and a 

25% growth over the 

last two years. 

Every mother wants only the 

best for their child, especially 

first time mothers. Organising 

everything for your new 

arrival can be a stressful time: 

ensuring you have the highest 

quality, safest and most 

practical products can take a 

lot of time. But by organising 

your time effectively, your 

pregnancy and child’s early 

months will run smoothly. 

Vital products for your child include 

nappies, a cot, a mosses basket, 

feeding bottles, bibs, clothes and 

finally, blankets to not only keep your 

newborn warm, but to comfort them as 

they adjust to life outside the womb. 

During your pregnancy, it’s vital to 

take care of yourself, so eat a healthy 

diet, aiming for five portions of fruit 

and veg, as well as a range of dairy 

products, dark green leafy veg, beans, 

pulses and wholegrain cereals for 

their zinc, b vitamins, folic acid and 

calcium. However, don’t eat for two 

– it’s a common mistake to consume 

more than you need to because you’re 

pregnant, but you actually only need 

an extra 300 calories maximum during 

your third trimester (after week 24). 

If you find yourself stressed during your 

pregnancy or if you find symptoms of 

existing conditions worsen (such as 

asthma, hay fever or eczema), Aspire 

would like to recommend a trip to 

The Salt Cave in Old Stratford. The Salt 

Cave is a complimentary and drug 

free clinic offering salt treatments in 

a relaxing and tranquil environment. 

The Salt Cave has two treatment rooms 

where the healing microclimates of salt 

mines are reproduced. This treatment 

involves resting on comfy loungers and 

breathing in natural salty air. Dry salt 

particles help to alleviate the symptoms 

of asthma, as well as other respiratory 

conditions such as hay fever, COPD, 

bronchitis, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis 

and sinusitis. Salt therapy also detoxes 

the body and rebalances the body’s pH 

levels, a great healer for skin conditions 

like eczema and psoriasis. It is a natural 

and safe treatment that is suitable for 

all, including babies from six-monthsold 

and pregnant women. 

Twenty first century mums have 

numerous extra pressures to deal with 

than our own parents did; most notably 

obesity. Studies show that over the past 

100 years children have become less 

active. Families are smaller, meaning 

children have fewer playmates at home, 

and at school. Also, increasing numbers 

of children are now driven everywhere, 

even to school, meaning they do less 

walking. 

Motivating your kids to be more active 

is easier than you think; even the most 

stubborn children can get active by 

just incorporating physical activity into 

everyday life. For example, kids can do 

30 minutes of walking, 10 minutes of 

bike riding and 20 minutes of active 

play, such as trampolining – all of which 

easily makes up the recommended 60 

minutes a day. All types of activities 

count toward this 60-minute total, 

including team sports, dance or martial 

arts classes, biking, running, swimming, 

walking, and even ‘active tasks’, such as 

washing the car or hoovering. 

A great way to get children active from 

an early age, swimming is a fantastic 

form of exercise. Why take your baby 

swimming? Really the question should 

be why not take your baby swimming? 

Swimming is fantastic activity for you 

and your little one to do together and 

you can start almost from birth! From 

just a few weeks old, your baby can be 

on the road to a healthy active lifestyle, 

developing confidence and life-saving 

skills all while spending precious quality 

time with mum or dad. 

Swimming is an incredibly effective way 

to help your baby develop. As well as 

exercising all the parts of their body in 

the warm water, swimming will help 

develop their balance, coordination 

and motor skills, as well as regulating 

and improving their eating and 

sleeping patterns. It’s great for mental 

development too! 


fish 

Sing 

and 

Sign 

Baby signing classes 

for babies from 6 - 18 

months. Help your baby 

to ‘talk’ BEFORE speech. 

Lots of fun, songs, 

music, props & puppets. 

Now in Northampton, 

Towcester, Brackley, 

Bicester & Banbury. 

Contact: Corma Holmes 

Tel: 01280 704705 

Email: cormaholmes@singandsign.co.uk 

www.singandsign.co.uk 

Yoga inspired fun classes, that 

encourage movement and enhance 

development. For babies and children 6 

weeks to 9 years. 

Class Times 

Mondays 

10am - 10:45am Brook Health Centre, 

Towcester (Baby Bumpkin) 

11:30am - 12:15pm Whitespace Yoga Studio, 

Stony Stratford (Baby Bumpkin) 

Wednesdays 

10:15am - 11am Whitespace Yoga Studio, 

Stony Stratford (Baby Bumpkin) 

11:30am - 12:15pm - NEW! Active Baby Class, 

Whitespace Yoga Studio, Stony Stratford 

Thursdays 

10am - 10:45am Oxley Park Community Centre, 

Milton Keynes (1-4 years) 

11am - 11:45am Oxley Park Community Centre, 

Milton Keynes (Baby Bumpkin) 

Saturdays 

10am - 10:45am Grange Park Community 

Centre, Northampton (2-5 years) 

Tatty Bumpkin also loves to visit nurseries, 

pre-schools and schools. 

Email: 

miltonkeynes@tattybumpkin.com 

Tel: 0845 6804981 

www.tattybumpkin.com/miltonkeynes 

Find relief for 

• Asthma • Bronchitis 

• Cough • Hay Fever 

• Sinusitis • Eczema 

Try Salt Therapy! 

Unit A, Old Stratford Local Centre, 

Falcon Drive, Old Stratford, Milton Keynes MK19 6FG 

Tel: 01908 888480 | Email: mk@saltcave.co.uk 

www.saltcave.co.uk 

Successful ‘business mum’ is 

looking for five working partners 

to work part-time, £500-£1,500 

pm or full-time, £2,000- 

£5,000+ pm, without having 

to compromise current career, 

business or family commitments. 

If you have a supervisory, 

managerial, sales, marketing, 

recruitment, self-employed 

background, would like to work 

from home, or feel you wish to 

develop an extra ordinary income. 

Please call: 

Lynne James on 

01295 722 525 

8 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 9

Diamond Jubilee 

©VisitBritain/ Pawel Libera 

60 years, 13 Prime 

Ministers, Royal Weddings 

and Much, Much More... 

Having accumulated 60 years 

on the British throne, Queen 

Elizabeth II has over seen 13 Prime 

Ministers, the formation of the 

European Parliament, various royal 

marriages and much more. Here we 

look at ten of the many momentous 

occasions that have taken place 

during her reign. 

1. After years spent as a British colony, 

in 1957 Ghana, then known as the Gold 

Coast, became the first African nation 

to gain independence and Dr Kwame 

Nkrumah became the independent 

country’s first Prime Minister. 

2. In 1979 the British Conservative Party 

won the national election, making 

Margaret Thatcher Britain’s first and so 

far only, female Prime Minister. The ‘Iron 

Lady’ went on to stay in power for 11 years 

– thus becoming Britain’s oldest serving 

Prime Minister, a record that is yet to be 

broken. 

3. In 1981 the monarchy welcomed a new 

member, as Prince Charles married Lady 

Diana Spencer at St Paul’s Cathedral and 

600,000 people gathered on the streets of 

London to celebrate. A further 750 million 

watched on TV worldwide. 

4. In November 1993 the Maastricht Treaty 

came into force and led to the creation 

of the European Union and eventually to 

the adaption of the Euro in 17 of the 27 

member states. 

5. The channel tunnel linking Britain with 

mainland Europe was opened in 1994. The 

Eurostar trains take people from London 

to Paris and vice-versa in 2 hours and 15 

minutes and at its lowest point lies 75 

metres below the ocean bed. 

6. In 1997 Labour finally ended 18 years of 

Conservative power as Tony Blair took the 

reins as Prime Minister; his government 

introduced the minimum wage, the 

Human Rights Act and the Freedom of 

Information Act. 

7. With 2002 came the Queen’s Golden 

Jubilee, but perhaps more significantly it 

also marked the passing of the Queen’s 

younger sister, Princess Margaret, at age 

71. Almost two months later the Queen 

Mother passed away at the age of 101. 

8. In 2007 the Queen became the first 

British monarch to celebrate a Diamond 

wedding anniversary as she and Prince 

Phillip celebrated 60 years of marriage. 

9. A coalition Government was formed 

after the general election in May 2010 

produced a hung parliament. David 

Cameron and Nick Clegg, leaders of the 

Conservatives and Liberal Democrats 

respectively, formed a majority 

government together. 

10. On April 29th 2011 Prince William 

and Catherine Middleton tied the knot at 

Westminster Abbey and were titled the 

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The 

event was covered by 8,500 journalists 

in London alone and an estimated two 

billion people worldwide watched the 

wedding on TV. 

Visit www.thediamondjubilee.org 

for more information on the Queen’s 

Diamond Jubilee. 

St Martins 

House 

7 Peacock Lane, Leicester LE1 5PZ 

Situated right next door to the 

Cathedral in the heart of Leicester’s 

historic quarter, St Martins House 

isn’t your average conference centre. 

Run by the Diocese of Leicester, St 

Martins House is one of Leicester’s 

best kept secrets – it boasts four 

conference rooms, accommodating 

up to 50 delegates, and an exquisite 

Grand Hall, which is ideal for 

wedding receptions, birthday 

celebrations and corporate events of 

up to 200. 

For more information, or to make 

a booking, please ring 

0116 261 5200 

or visit 

www.stmartinshouse.com 

Leicester Conferences is the dedicated 

conference and accommodation team 

within the University of Leicester. We 

offer some of the best year-round 

conference and event facilities in the 

East Midlands region, combined with 

over 50 years’ experience in providing 

excellent service and value for money. 

Having two prime locations offers significant 

benefits to our customers. Our City Campus 

is based on the edge of the city centre, and 

the other is in the delightful, picturesque area of 

Oadby – a beautiful, leafy green venue complete with a 

16-acre botanic garden, ideal for any event. Choose from 

a wide range of conference and meeting rooms available 

year-round. 

Our three-star rated group accommodation is available throughout the Easter, 

summer and winter vacation periods on a self-catered or fully catered basis at 

excellent rates. We have been hosting various groups for many years and are 

frequently used as a perfect residential base for exploring the Leicester region. 

The range of venues available include small meeting rooms within our Arts and Crafts 

style Edwardian houses to large fully equipped state-of-the-art conference halls and 

exhibition space. Delegates will also soon be able to benefit from our new sports and 

leisure facility due for completion in September 2012. This exciting new development 

will include a 25 metre swimming pool, sauna, spa pool and steam rooms. 

To find out more about this stunning new venue and how Leicester 

Conferences can help with your event needs, contact the sales team to 

arrange a visit or make an enquiry. 

T: 0116 271 9933 E: conferences@le.ac.uk W: www.leicesterconferences.co.uk 


Call 01455 290867 


French Fancies For You 

Established eight years ago, Village 

Chic specialises in antique French 

Furniture, imported direct from 

France. Each item can be customised 

to suit your individual taste and home 

décor by qualified interior designer 

and company founder, Lucretia Henry- 

Brewin. 

Lucretia told Aspire: “Village Chic has grown 

into a successful business from a hobby. 

I started off revamping French antiques 

whilst running an interior design company; 

I revamped a couple of pieces of furniture 

for clients and it escalated from there, 

going from a small side-line to a full-time 

business. In order to meet demand, I closed 

the interior design company to concentrate 

solely on French antiques. I started with 

an online shop but when the recession hit 

three years ago, I decided to utilise the shop 

space I had in Sileby, and we’ve not closed 

our doors since.” 

Village Chic import fresh stock direct from 

France every eight weeks; every item 

comes in in its original condition, allowing 

customers to customise how their chosen 

piece is revamped, as Lucretia explained: “A 

photo of every item goes onto our website 

in the condition we receive it in, so, once a 

customer has decided that’s the piece they 

wish to buy, they can choose their paint 

colour and finish. We then take seven days 

to customise the piece to their individual 

specifications, before delivering and 

constructing it at any UK address; or clients 

can have their own furniture revamped by 

us in a French Shabby Chic Style.” 

As well as authentic French antiques, 

Village Chic also stocks a range of French 

vintage inspired accessories, chandeliers 

and mirrors. They are also stockists of Annie 

Sloan Chalk Paints. Village Chic is an eclectic 

mix of old meets new vintage chic. 

Village Chic is open from Tuesday to Sunday 

from 10:30pm until 5:30pm. The shop, at 8 

High Street, is closed on Mondays. For more 

info, call 01509 812035 or visit 

www.villagechic.co.uk 

According to figures released 

last week, the surge in 

mortgage lending reported 

at the start of 2012 has 

ended now the stamp duty 

exemption for first-time 

buyers (on homes valued 

at between £125,000 and 

£250,000) is over. There were 

57,954 mortgage approvals 

in January, but this figure 

has fallen sharply to 49,860 

in March. This fall is not 

surprising when you consider 

that the average house in 

the East Midlands is worth 

£162,393 (according to the 

latest figures). 

If you already own your own home, 

consider yourself lucky and make 

the most of it, whether it’s a new 

build, character cottage or 1950’s 

semi. With spring finally here and 

the warm weather making everyone 

feel good, now’s the time to improve 

your home, whether you do it 

yourself or get the professionals 

in. With interest rates so low, if 

you’ve got hard-earned cash sitting 

in the bank, now’s the time to do 

Homes 

There’s No Place Like Home 

something with it, as it’s not making 

you any money sat in your savings 

account. 

A 2011 survey of estate agents 

carried out by Rics discovered that 

many homeowners were considering 

making home improvements in order 

to beat the housing market slump. 

The lack of mortgage approvals since 

2008 has created an ‘improvements 

culture’, as homeowners try to curb 

their disappointment at not being 

able to move up the property ladder. 

If you’re looking to update your 

home, it’s worth working out what 

you can afford to spend and stick 

to it. It’s amazing what a fresh lick 

of paint can do – if you want to 

make the accessories stand out, or 

make the scheme easy to change, 

opt for a neutral colour, but if you 

want to make a statement, choose 

a colour you love and complement 

it with natural/neutral furniture that 

can be used time and time again. 

Filling your home with personal 

mementoes ensures your house 

always feels like home. 

To keep up-to-date with the latest on 

the property market, please visit 

www.bbc.co.uk/homes 

& 

Northamptonshire 

10 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 11

Diggin’ It 


Call 01455 290867 


A Journey Back In Time 

With 152,033 square miles of Great Britain to 

discover and explore, every region in the country 

boasts historical and heritage-rich sites, thanks 

to Britain’s vast and varied past. 

With a long history of invasions, empires and battles, 

every region of the land boasts captivating castles and 

pristine palaces, as well as colossal military defences and 

strongholds dotted along the coast. Periods of history 

have also shaped our towns and cities; soaring spires, 

Gothic carvings and gigantic Medieval masterpieces are 

a familiar sight, as are stunning Victorian and Georgian 

properties, as well as black and white, timber-framed 

Tudor homes in towns, cities and villages the length 

and breadth of the UK. It’s this rich history that makes 

dear ol’ Blighty one of the best countries in the world for 

discovering the past and since it’s all on our doorstep, it’s 

about time we took a closer look at Britain’s colourful and 

eventful past. 

Who our ancestors were and how they lived is a great 

source of fascination for many of us, particularly as our 

lives today are dramatically different to those who lived 

in centuries past. The BBC’s popular ‘Who Do You Think 

You Are?’ series has inspired many of us to discover more 

about our own past and research our family trees, but it’s 

also given us a renewed sense of enthusiasm for looking 

at how our ancestors lived. 

As well as walking in the footsteps of our ancestors at 

our country’s castles, stately homes and museums, the 

best way to get a real sense of life long forgotten is on an 

archaeological dig. Archaeology is defined as ‘the study 

of human activity, primarily through the recovery and 

analysis of material and environmental data left behind’. 

First televised in 1994, Channel 4’s ‘Time Team’ has 

inspired a whole new generation of archaeologists. There 

are a diverse range of digs taking place across the country 

on a daily basis that you and your family or friends can get 

involved in. From day digs to holidays with a difference 

and from degree course digs to volunteer excavations, 

there’s a dig out there for anyone who just can’t leave the 

past alone! 

Whether you have a lifelong interest in history or just a 

casual interest, anyone can get involved with archaeology, 

anywhere in the world. The best place to start is in your 

local community; contact archaeology or history societies 

or clubs to see if they know of any digs in your own 

neighbourhood. You could also try contacting your local 

university for information on talks, walks, guides and 

events local to you. If you’re serious about archaeology, 

you may want to consider becoming a member of a of 

local or national archaeology organisation, as this will 

introduce you to like-minded people, as well as giving you 

the opportunity to become involved in actual fieldwork, 

Thornton Abbey Medieval 

& Monastic Field School 

Project Description 

Location: Thornton Abbey, Ulceby, 

North Lincolnshire, United Kingdom 

Season Dates: July 1st 2012 - July 27th 2012 

Application Deadline: June 1st 2012 

Website: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ 

archaeology/fieldwork/thornton 

Project Director: Dr. Hugh Willmott 

Thornton Abbey was founded as an Augustinian priory in 1139 by William Le Gros and 

over the next two centuries expanded into one of the richest houses in England. In 1539 

the abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII, although it continued to be used as a college of 

secular priests until 1547 when it was finally suppressed by Edward VI. After passing through 

ownership of the Bishop of Lincoln and the Tyrwhitt family, the abbey was acquired in 1603 

by Sir Vincent Skinner. He demolished many of the church buildings to provide building 

material for a newly constructed mansion situated close to the medieval gatehouse. The field 

school, run by the University of Sheffield, will offer volunteers the opportunity to become 

directly involved in geophysical and excavation on the site, helping to unravel more about 

the site’s complicated but interesting past. 

The field school fee is £195 p/w. 

This includes supervision, course materials, all meals, accommodation. We are offering ‘day 

taster’ sessions (£50) for those who have never been on an excavation and would like to give 

it a go. You’ll get a full tour of the site and the opportunity to try your hand at trowling. 

Period(s) of Occupation: medieval, post-medieval, historical, monastic. 

Dr Hugh Willmott 

Department of Archaeology, University of Sheffield, 

Northgate House, West Street 

Sheffield, South Yorkshire S14ET 

Email: h.willmott@sheffield.ac.uk 

working with trained, professional archaeologists. 

Archaeological dig are mostly organised and run by 

museums, universities and historical societies. Some 

of these digs welcome volunteers, whilst others are 

restricted to professionals and student archaeologists. 

Some digs are long, on-going projects, whilst others take 

place over a few days or a couple of weeks, depending on 

the extent of the excavation. 

You’ll find that archaeologists are friendly people who 

love their subject, which is why there are talks and guides 

about archaeology nearly every week around the country. 

Most archaeologists want to tell people about their 

work and encourage others to get involved, so don’t be 

afraid to contact archaeologists working or living in your 

community to ask them for help and advice. Again, start 

by contacting your local archaeology society; if you have 

no luck with them, try searching online for your local 

government archaeologist, or contact the archaeology 

department of your local university. 

According to figures from VisitBritain, we’re not the only 

ones who are hooked on history; Britain’s national tourism 

agency has discovered that the attractions international 

holidaymakers most want to see when visiting our shores 

are our ancient castles and palaces. 

Exciting year for 

Piddington Roman Villa Museum 

Fine pottery from the continent, glassware, 

manicure sets and even oyster shells are just a 

few of the ancient Roman artefacts unearthed at 

the Piddington Roman Villa in the past 33 years, 

at a site occupied from 50BC until the early Fifth 

Century. 

The Heritage Lottery funded Piddington Roman Villa 

Museum, directed by Roy and Liz Friendship-Taylor, 

exhibits the historical items discovered at the site 

through excavations over the past three decades. The 

excavation, which is still on-going today, is conducted 

by the Upper Nene Archaeological Society, which is 

celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 

The Museum is holding two special events: a Roman 

Family Day, on Saturday, 7th July, and an Open Day 

on Saturday, 25th August, both 11am – 4:30pm. 

Members of the public attending the Family Day will 

be able to take part in a range of activities – from 

learning about Roman cooking, meeting Roman reenactors 

and marvelling at the various artefacts that 

detail Roman life. 

Liz, who has a long held interest in history, said: 

“I have been passionate about history for a long 

time; my father was a Latin teacher so I grew up 

learning about history before studying History and 

Archaeology at university. The site was re-discovered 

during farming and the museum was founded in the 

disused Wesleyan Chapel in Piddington, after we had 

been digging for some years.” 

The museum has built close relationships with 

schools in Northamptonshire, Peterborough and 

Cambridgeshire. School children visit the museum 

and are able to dig on the site and enjoy hands-on 

activities, such as learning about Roman cooking their 

dress, their medicines, writing, farm animals and how 

they built their houses. Visits last either half a day or a 

whole day. 

The excavation at the site is carried out on Sundays, 

from Easter to October, as well as a week at Easter 

and all of August. The museum is open from 2pm to 

5pm on Sunday afternoons; however, due to their 

close living proximity to the Museum, Liz and Roy 

are happy to arrange other times by appointment. 

The admission cost is £3.50 for adults and £2 for 

concessions, including children, retired people, village 

residents and groups. 

Fascinating displays at the museum bring Roman 

times to life and detail how it may have been to 

be alive as far back as 50BC and it also houses a 

study and library. For those who would like to get 

involved and perhaps unearth a Roman gem or two 

themselves, the museum welcomes volunteers for 

excavations and also for various activities at the 

Museum. 

For further information 

please contact Liz on 07752 429911, 

email piddington.museum@tiscali.co.uk 

or visit www.unas.org.uk 

12 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 13

Oadby Town Football Club 

Party In Style At 

Oadby Town Football Club 

Situated in the suburb of Oadby in Leicester, 

Oadby Town Football Club is Aspire’s choice 

for Local Venue of the Year 2012. Ideal for 

wedding receptions, birthday parties and 

family get-togethers, Oadby Town’s modern 

clubhouse boasts a fully manned and fully 

stocked bar, a kitchen for preparing food 

and a cold cellar to store food – everything 

you need for the perfect party, just add 

music and partygoers. 

Facilities 

The clubhouse is ideal for all day wedding receptions 

during the summer, when the clubhouse is not being 

used by the football club. It is still available during the 

football season (August to May) but only in the evenings 

at weekends. You might be shocked at how inexpensive 

the clubhouse is to hire, just £150 for evening events and 

£300 for all day hire. Club Chairman, Ken Farrant, added: 

“There’s a fully manned and fully stocked bar included in 

our hire charge, as well as a kitchen where food can be 

prepared. You can also use our cold cellar to store food. 

We have a music and bar license until midnight and our 

bar manager, Kelly, is happy to show anyone interested 

around and answer any queries you may have.” 

If that wasn’t enough, Oadby Town also boasts a taxi 

firm, Direct Taxis, run from the edge of the clubhouse, 

meaning party-goers won’t have to ring around for a taxi 

once the party’s over. Ken said: “We’re passionate about 

discouraging drink-driving so having Direct Taxis here is 

perfect. It works really well.” 

Recognition 

With such excellent facilities within five acres of grounds 

on Wigston Road near Parklands Leisure Centre and 

Leicester Tigers’ training ground, Aspire recently awarded 

Oadby Town our Certificate of Recognition for Local Venue 

of the Year. On hearing the news, Club Chairman, Brian 

Fletcher-Warrington, said: “Thank you for this accolade 

Aspire. It means a lot to us to know that our clubhouse is 

catering to a gap in the market and we hope some of your 

readers will consider holding their next celebration at 

Oadby Town Football Club.” 

Aspire Sales Executive, Emily Davison, added: “Households 

across the country are feeling the pinch these days, which 

is why it’s more important than ever to make the most 

of those special moments. Oadby Town Football Club 

provides the perfect option for those looking to celebrate 

with friends and family without breaking the bank. I hope 

this Certificate of Recognition is a great boost to everyone 

at Oadby Town – they deserve it!” 

History of the Club 

Originally established in 1939 as Oadby Imperials, Oadby 

Town have a long history. In their first season, they won 

the City of Leicester Medals Competition and, as their 

first season as Oadby Town in 1951/52, they won the 

2nd Division Championship in the Leicestershire Senior 

League. In 1962/63, Oadby Town were Leicestershire 

Senior Cup Winners and in 1963/64 they went on to 

become Leicestershire Senior League Champions. The 

team won every major trophy it entered, including a 

League and Cup double, culminating in a 4 – 3 victory 

over Enderby Town in the only Senior Cup Final to ever 

be played at Filbert Street, Leicester City FC’s ground at 

the time. 

During the 60s, Oadby & Enderby dominated the 

Leicestershire Senior League, but, during the 70s, both 

clubs conceded their position to Friar Lane Old Boys, 

who emerged as League Champions seven times in eight 

seasons. Their reign from 1970-78 was only interrupted 

in the 1972/73 season, when Oadby took the title, losing 

just one game throughout the season. During Friar Lane's 

supremacy, Oadby finished runners up twice, in 1973/74 

& 1976/77. The club's fourth placing in 1975/76 was the 

first time for 10 seasons that Oadby had finished out of 

the top three. 

Oadby Town continued to win during the 1980s and 

1990s, winning: Leicestershire Senior Cup in 1980/81, 

1993/94, 1996/97, 1997/98 and 1998/99, the President 

Cup in 1983/84, the Harborough Charity Cup in 1983/84 

and 1988/89, Rollestone Charity Cup in 1988/89, 1993/94, 

1994/95, 1996/97 and 1997/98 and the Battle of Britain in 

the 1993/94, 1994/95 and 1996/97 seasons. 

In the last 12 years, Oadby Town have continued to 

impress. In 2000/01, they were Joe McGorian winners and 

F.A. Vase semi-finalists in 2002/03, eventually losing 3-1 

to Brigg Town over two legs; this was also the season the 

team were third in the F.A. Youth Cup for the first time in 

the Club’s history. 

Sponsorship 

Oadby Town receive sponsorship from a number of local 

businesses, including Freeway and Greene King, but as a 

small football club just trying to survive hard economic 

times, hiring out the clubhouse brings in much needed 

revenue. Ken explained: “As the football team only use 

the clubhouse before and after matches and at the end of 

the season for club and team celebrations, it sits unused 

for the majority of the year. So, we started hiring it out 

for private functions and it’s been a great way to being 

in extra income. We’re a small club, just trying to survive. 

Hiring out our clubhouse for functions is a great way to 

serve the community, as well as supply the club within 

another source of income.” 

Business as well as Pleasure 

As well as being the perfect venue for celebrations, Oadby 

Town FC clubhouse is also ideal for conferences, business 

meetings and even team building days, with hourly 

hire just £20 per hour. Teas and coffees are supplied 

and anyone choosing the clubhouse for business will 

be in good company, as Ken told us: “Every Tuesday, the 

Leicester Tigers hold their weekly press conference here. 

We get reporters from Sky, the BBC, ITV and local radio 

and news coming here to speak to Richard Cockerill and 

other members of the team. It’s great for us and provides 

a different environment for the managers and players of 

Leicester Tigers, away from the intensity of their training 

ground and the fierce competition of the game of rugby.” 

Contact 

For more information or to make an appointment to view the clubhouse, please call 0116 2715728 or 

email oadbytownfc@btconnect.com 

Oadby Town FC, Greene King Park, Wigston Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5QG 

14 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 15

The Perfect Day 


Call 01455 290867 


Any Occasion 

Florist & Giftware 

Caters for all wedding 

flowers from bouquets 

through to table decorations. 

STOP - No Stress 

Before your wedding plans 

are under way - you have more 

questions than answers! 

It’s A Nice Day, For A, 

White Wedding 

1484 Pershore Road, Birmingham, 

West Midlands B30 2NT 

Contact Claire Waldo 

Telephone: 07949 174 987 

Email: clairewaldo@yahoo.co.uk 

One of Milton Keynes’ most renowned cake makers established in 1986 is a mother and 

daughter team. With a high reputation for a professional and friendly service, they work 

hard to create the perfect wedding cake for your special day. 

Our bespoke wedding cakes are designed and decorated to complement your 

wedding theme. We cater for most dietary needs and use only the finest ingredients. 

We also have a range of favours and gifts to enhance your day. 

3 Cosgrove Road, Old Stratford, 

Milton Keynes MK19 6AG 

Tel: 01908 561187 

Email: teresa@creative-cakes.co.uk 

www.creative-cakes.co.uk 

This is where Theresa is able to help you. Theresa is an expert in 

wedding planning. She knows more about weddings, stretching 

the budget, etiquette and keeping that feel good factor than 

any books or magazine you are going to read! Theresa will not 

only plan your wedding but she is able to design and create 

your wedding attire, as well as tiaras & crowns, flowers, hair 

accessories and so much more. Theresa can also take care of 

venue design and even the cake! 

Celebrate your wedding from the planning... 

not just on the big day! 

Contact Theresa now for all of your wedding needs 

Tel: 01922 279584 | Mob: 07722 565717 

Email: occasionsbytj@gmail.com 

www.occasionsbytj.co.uk 

If you’ve recently taken the 

plunge and got engaged, 

Aspire would like to offer our 

‘Congratulations’ to the happy 

couple. However, once the 

initial glow has died down and 

your face no longer aches from 

smiling 24 hours a day, it’s time 

to get planning. 

Unless you have unlimited funds, 

chances are your wedding day will have 

to be done on some sort of budget. 

If your budget doesn’t stretch to the 

UK average of £18,500 (http://www. 

weddingsday.co.uk/average-weddingcost), 

then you’ll not only need to open 

a bank account to save for your big day, 

you’ll also need to plan carefully to avoid 

starting married life in debt. 

There's a popular folklore rhyme that 

claims your marriage will take on certain 

characteristics depending on the month 

you chose to tie the knot: 

January - Marry when the year is new, 

he'll be loving, kind and true, 

February - When February birds do mate, 

you wed nor dread your fate, 

March - If you wed when March winds 

blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know, 

April - Marry in April if you can, joy for 

maiden and for man, 

May - Marry in the month of May, you will 

romance the day, 

June - Marry when June roses grow and 

over land and sea you'll go, 

July - Those who in July do wed must 

labour for their daily bread, 

August - Whoever wed in August be, 

many a change is sure to see, 

September - Marry in September's shine 

so that your life is rich and fine, 

October - If in October you do marry, love 

will come but riches tarry, 

November - If you wed in bleak 

November, only joys will come, 

remember! 

December - When December's snows fall 

fast, marry and your love will last. 

The venue you choose for your wedding 

day all depends on the type of ceremony 

you’d like. A marriage ceremony is 

basically the same whether you opt 

for a religious or civil affair: it’s a public 

declaration of your love for one another 

and it will give your new, legal status 

as husband and wife. Many brides 

dream of a traditional white wedding, 

in church with all the trimmings, whilst 

others dream of declaring their love in 

an ancient castle, a charming country 

estate or a contemporary city hotel. 

A survey, carried out by Condé Nast 

Brides Magazine in 2009, discovered the 

average couple will spend £1,679 on a 

ceremony venue and a further £3,500 

on a reception venue; if you’d like to cut 

this figure, the advice is not to tie the 

knot on a traditional summer Saturday 

date and opt for a weekday wedding or 

a winter date, where prices can lower by 

up to 50%. 

You deserve a fabulous 

wedding, we specialise 

in fabulous 

Stockists of: 

Phoenix • D’Zage 

• Verise Couture • Stevies 

New collections from Bellice 

and Diane Harbridge 

arriving soon 

We also offer a wedding planning and 

consultation service 

www.weddingdresskent.com 

01303 250179 

5 Rendezvous Street, Folkestone, Kent CT20 1EY 

Perfect 

Honeymoon 

Destination 

Get Away From It All In Glorious Rhodes 

Both properties are open from mid-April until the end of October. 

For more information, visit www.villa-in-rhodes.co.uk, 

call 01444 236883 or email rhodes_villa@hotmail.com 

Situated in the eastern corner of the 

sparkling Aegean Sea, Rhodes boasts 

220km of coastline and a mild climate that 

just begs to be enjoyed. A four and a half 

hour flight from England, Rhodes is an 

excellent destination for families, couples 

and friends alike. For a comfortable homefrom-home 

base, Aspire would like to 

recommend the two modern villas owned 

by Ivor Henley. 

Ivor bought the first property, Villa Helios, in 

2002 after seeing plans for a new development 

on a hillside with fantastic sea views of Kalathos 

Bay and the Aegean coastline; it was completed 

in 2005. The second property, Villa Artemis, in 

Tsambika, situated amidst pine and olive groves 

offering spectacular sea and mountain views, 

was purchased in 2007. 

Villa Helios accommodates four to five people 

within two bedrooms: a double and a twin, with 

the added benefit of a put-up bed available. In 

both bedrooms, French doors lead to private 

balconies with fantastic sea views of Kalathos 

Bay. The villa comes with a fully fitted kitchen 

with washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, full 

oven with hobs, juice maker, coffee machine and, 

most importantly in Greece, air conditioning in 

all rooms. The open-plan lounge/diner boasts 

two leather sofas, 42” flatscreen TV with Satellite 

(Nova) and DVD player, wood burner and a 

dining table for six. The lounge/diner flows out 

to large tile frontage, via French doors, with 

covered pergola for al fresco dining, adjacent 

to a barbecue and 10m x 5m private swimming 

pool. The villa is built upon a third of an acre plot, 

within a gated complex of 15 villas. 

Villa Helios, located near dazzling Lindos, is 

well positioned for peace and tranquillity on a 

fortress topped hill at the end of a sweeping bay. 

Lindos is fully pedestrianised; no motor vehicles 

are allowed within the village, only donkeys are 

allowed for transportation along the village’s 

stone pebbled alleyways. 

Villa Artemis accommodates up to seven people 

in three bedrooms: one double and two twins, 

all with private balconies. It’s one of only four 

villas in the development, ensuring privacy and 

seclusion. The villa boasts spectacular sea and 

mountain views, as well as a fully fitted kitchen 

with dishwasher and washing machine and a 

spacious lounge/diner with satellite TV/DVD, 

which leads out to a large covered pergola, 

barbecue and 9m x 5m private pool. 

Tsambika beach is approximately a three-minute 

drive from Villa Artemis; it’s one of the most 

beautiful beaches on Rhodes, boasting a long 

stretch of golden sand with numerous bars 

and taverns. The beach also boasts numerous 

opportunities for watersports such as waterskiing 

and banana boats. 

16 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 17

Holidays & Leisure 

York City Holidays 

Luxury self-catering accommodation near York city centre 

Visit www.yorkcityholidays.com 

DOLSWYDD CARAVAN PARK 

For more information call 01597851267 or 

email hughes@dolswydd.freeserve.co.uk 

Wondrous Wales 

Discover Your 

©VisitBritain/ James McCormick 

For Proper Holidays, 

Perfect Holiday 

In 2012 

There are so many reasons to holiday in Great 

Britain in 2012, including The London 2012 

Olympic and Paralympic Games in July/August 

and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June. In 

fact, national tourism agency VisitBritain has 

predicted that the UK should attract 30.7 million 

visitors in 2012, who will in turn contribute £17.6 

billion to our economy. 

Research by Towergate Bakers Insurance found the five 

most popular holidays enjoyed by Brits, with the traditional 

holiday on the coast topping the list. The survey of 2,000 

people found that most families are looking for a nostalgic 

break, with many looking to relive childhood seaside 

holidays, rekindling fond memories of donkey rides and 

amusement arcades. 

The country cottage holiday came in second place, 

suggesting many holidaymakers simply want to escape 

from it all. As rural retreats offer the unique chance to relax 

in peace and quiet, whilst soaking up the beautiful British 

scenery, who can blame them. The budget caravan break also 

saw a revival as families, as well as young couples, choose a 

self-catering, no-frills holiday. In fourth place, camping seems 

to be an ideal choice, as holidaying on a shoestring can save 

you enough cash to be able to splash out a little while you’re 

there. After all, what’s a holiday for if you can’t afford to have 

any fun? 

All these four different types of holiday can be enjoyed in 

England’s largest county, Yorkshire. Yorkshire is a big and 

beautiful county that reaches into no less than three National 

Parks - the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and the Peak 

District, making it the ideal place for walking, cycling, horse 

©VisitBritain/ Rod Edwards 

riding, birdwatching, fishing and just generally enjoying the 

great British outdoors. The North York Moors National Park is 

one of the finest landscapes in Britain, with miles of stunning 

heather, towering sea cliffs, secluded beaches and grassy 

dales, all of which give it a character of its own. 

There’s a lot to love about Yorkshire’s 45 miles of coastline; 

the bracing sea air, dramatic cliffs and harbour towns have a 

charm like no other place in Britain. Combining all of these 

perfectly, Whitby has ample attractions for all to enjoy. The 

ominous Abbey in Whitby is simply not to be missed. The 

view of the mist hovering over Whitby’s Abbey is rumoured 

to have inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula and there is a 

museum to discover more about this celebrated writer. 

The survey also saw a surprising choice creep into fifth place, 

as canal narrowboat holidays make an unusual appearance. 

Few things in life can be as relaxing as holidaying on water, as 

exploring Britain’s canals and rivers allows you to take life at a 

slower pace. Narrowboat holidays have grown in popularity 

in recent years, as more couples choose to swap the hustle 

and bustle of busy tourist destinations for an unrivalled tour 

of Britain’s extensive network of waterways. 

Not only do boating holidays offer a comfortable place to 

lay your head, they’re also a fantastic way to see more of 

the country and offer us a rare opportunity to experience a 

different way of life. The unique aspect of a boating break is 

that you’re not tied to one place, leaving you free to explore 

as much of the country as you can fit into your holiday. 

It’s easy to see the big attraction, as this type of holiday is 

described as the ‘fastest way to slow down’. 

For more info and ideas on holidaying in the UK, please visit 

www.visitbritain.com 

• Suppliers of made to measure 

retractable, fixed or slot in 

flyscreens for boats, homes 

offices and commercial 

kitchens. 

• Dinettes and L shapes 

furnished with fabric or leather. 

York City Holidays 

A 5 star experience 

Luxury self-catering accommodation 

near York city centre 

This modern house, near the 

city walls, has been stylishly 

refurbished. It has full gas central 

heating. There is allocated parking 

for one car. A short walking 

distance into the city centre. Near 

to the Novotel and many eating 

places. 

The owners previously ran two, 

5 star apartments in York and 14 

Fewster Way is maintained to this 

high standard. 

Hilary and Gordon Jones, 

2 Chalfonts, York YO24 1EX 

Tel: 01904 702043 

Email: hilary@yorkcloisters.com 

www.yorkcityholidays.com 

CABINCARE, 8 Sawpit Lane, Brocton, 

Stafford ST17 0TE 

Tel: 01785 661172 | Fax: 01785 663848 

Email: info@cabincare.co.uk 

www.cabincare.co.uk 

• Venetian blinds supplied 

for canal boats with side 

guide wires for tumblehome 

compatibility. 

• Curtains, roller blinds, pleated 

blinds and blackout blinds to 

the waterway leisure industry. 

With three stunning National Parks, covering a 

combined area of 4122 square kilometres – that’s a 

whopping 20% of the total land area of the country – 

Wales is full of wide open spaces, history, wildlife and 

breathtaking scenery. Wales really is one of the few 

places that can truly claim to cater for every taste… 

Boasting the highest mountain in England and Wales, 

Snowdonia National Park attracts thousands of visitors 

each year, to witness the breathtaking scenery of this Area 

of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Covering 823 square miles 

of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in North 

Wales, Snowdonia is a haven for walkers, bird watchers, 

history buffs - thanks to the huge collection of castles 

in the area - and families looking for a stress-free family 

holiday. 

Llandudno is a beautiful Victorian seaside resort at the 

foot of Great Orme that offers a great mix of things to do, 

whether you’re holidaying with your family, friends or 

partner; you could take a romantic stroll along the beach, 

see the array of animals at the Mountain Zoo, take a trip 

back in time to four-thousand-year-old mines, or even 

take a relaxing ride on Britain’s longest cable car – the 

choice is yours. 

Covering a vast 5,196 kilometres squared, Powys is Wales’ 

biggest county. Made up of mountains, small villages 

Visit Wales 


DOLSWYDD CARAVAN PARK 

The Hughes family extend a warm 

welcome to their park, Dolswydd, which 

is situated on the edge of a traditional 

working farm. 

The park is peaceful, with fine views of the 

Welsh hills and surrounding area. It has 

modern facilities and 25 good spacious pitches 

mainly on hard standings, all with electric 

connections (16A). The park is within walking 

distance of the local pub, which offers good 

home-cooked food. It has modern and clean 

facilities including lots of hot water, showers, 

dishwashing, and laundry facilities and WC/ 

washroom for disabled people. 

Fishing is available on the adjacent River Ithon 

and local footpaths criss-cross the countryside 

from the site. Radnor Forest and picturesque 

Water-Break-its-Neck waterfall, the famous Elan 

Valley Reservoirs, Llandrindod Wells Victorian 

spa town are all within easy reach of the site. 

The Royal Welsh Show at Builth Wells in July is 

also within easy reach, as is Knighton, the town 

situated on Offa’s Dyke and the historic Judges 

Lodges at Presteigne. We are ten minutes from 

beautiful Abbey Cwm Hir, with its Cistercian 

monastery remains and fine Hall and gardens 

or you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet at 

the park. 

Dolswydd, Penybont, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5UB 

Tel: 01597851267 | Mob: 07764 774004 

Email: hughes@dolswydd.freeserve.co.uk 

and quaint towns, this magnificent county is one of the 

country’s most wild and rugged areas, making it the 

perfect destination for discovering the great outdoors. 

To see the very best of Powys, get out on foot and follow 

Offa’s Dyke Path – a long-distance footpath stretching 

along the Welsh-English border. Known as one of 

Britain’s premier National Trails, Offa’s Dyke covers 283 

kilometres of stunning countryside and passes the towns 

of Abergavenny, Hay-on-Wye and Llangollen to name but 

a few. 

Cardigan Bay in Ceredigion is home to one of only two 

resident groups of Bottlenose Dolphins in the UK. This 

stunning seaside region is one of Wales’ most popular 

holiday destinations for families, couples and groups 

of friends alike. The most southerly of the area’s towns, 

Cardigan, guards the entrance to the county from 

Pembrokeshire. Located on the northern bank of the Teifi 

estuary, Cardigan is surrounded by stunning countryside 

with much of that environment carrying Special Area 

of Conservation status. The largest of the area’s towns is 

Aberystwyth, established over seven hundred years ago is 

surrounded on three sides by some of the most glorious 

countryside courtesy of the Cambrian Mountains and the 

Rheidol Valley. 

For more info, visit www.visitwales.co.uk 

Moorlands 

Caravan Park 

Moorlands is a family-run private caravan 

park, situated near the little village of 

Llangybi (Llan-gib-e) in the heart of Wales 

amidst glorious countryside, yet only 15 

miles from Cardigan Bay. 

The park has sited 64 static holiday homes 

all barring one being privately owned. 

The emphasis is for everyone to relax and 

enjoy themselves in a family environment. 

So whether you require a base to tour this 

part of Wales from or a relaxing break with 

plenty to do on your doorstep, Moorlands 

is for you. 

Bookings being taken for 

this Season. 

We look forward to seeing you this 

coming season. 

Moorlands Caravan Park, Llangybi, 

Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 8NN 

Tel: 01570 493543 

Email: enquiries@moorlandslampeter.co.uk 

www.moorlands-caravan-park.co.uk 



The 

Rocksley Hotel 

The Rocksley recently renovated 

all amenities including the bar and 

en-suite rooms. 

Two days £24 pppn 

Three days £69 pppn 

Free parking 

For more information and 

booking call 

01492 876626 

18 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 19

Discover Scotland 

Ness Cottage 

Self-Catering Cottage 


Call 01455 290867 


Experience The Dramatic Wilds Of Bonnie Scotland 

Ness Cottage is situated about five 

minutes’ walk from Eden Court Theatre 

and ten minutes’ walk from the City 

Centre. The Sports Leisure Centre and 

Aqua Dome are only a short distance 

away. The River Ness is just across the 

Bught Park. In the middle of the River 

Ness is a group of islands which are 

linked with bridges and the paths make 

walking a pleasure. 

Ness Cottage has been well-furnished 

and decorated to make it comfortable, 

welcoming and easy to live in. The Cottage 

sleeps two, and the bedroom is situated 

upstairs and has twin beds. The room is 

equipped with wardrobe, dressing table, 

chest and other accessories. All linen and 

towels are provided. 

The kitchen is equipped with most 

amenities, including a four-burner cooker 

with oven, microwave, washing machine 

and a dryer. 

NESS COTTAGE, 56A Ballifeary Road, 

Inverness IV3 5PF 

Tel/ Fax: 01463 232976 

Email: dgreig@nildram.co.uk 

www.nesscottage.co.uk 

Famous around the world for its fine whiskies, 

Scotland has a long history when it comes to 

producing quality alcohol. One family who are 

making a significant contribution to this history is 

the Delap family, who started their own brewery 

in 2001. Established within an old milking parlour 

on the family farm at Achadunan, Cairndow, Fyne 

Ales Brewery produces a regular range of seven 

core ales, as well as seasonal and special project 

ales, which are distributed via wholesalers to pubs 

across Great Britain. 

Tuggy Delap told Aspire: “Our farm is situated at the head 

of Loch Fyne, which has some of Scotland’s best water, 

and as we got 147 inches of rainfall last year, there’s a lot 

of water going spare. The Loch Fyne area has a reputation 

as somewhere to come for quality food. We brew using 

local water, malt from south England, as there’s no one 

in Scotland that grows the kind of malt we use, and we 

import our hops from all over the world, mostly from 

America and New Zealand. The draff is fed to a fold of 

Highland cattle, which we started ten years ago with five 

Tasty 

Scotland 

and now consists of 70, and the yeast and hops are used 

as a fertiliser on the farm. We designed the brewery and 

the process of brewing to have as little impact on the 

environment of the surrounding Glen as possible. 

“Our brewer loves hops, so most of our beers are 

distinctively hoppy and really different. The first 

commercial brew was Highlander, which was brewed on 

St. Andrew’s Day in 2001. Our most popular ale is ‘Jarl’ 

which is a very fresh, hoppy, 3.8% session beer; other 

favourites include ‘Hurricane Jack’ and Avalanche’, which 

both sell very well.” 

Fyne Ales are opening a Brewery Tap this month to 

serve ale straight from the cask to customers. beers are 

available to buy via mail order, in bottles and mini casks, 

directly from the Scottish brewery. Tuggy added: “Our 

ales have a six week shelf life once they’re in the cask but 

the bottles last much longer, for about 18 months or so. 

We sell five litre mini casks; these are ideal for summer 

barbecues as you can order a few casks, or even one 

of each beer, and hold a mini beer festival in your back 

garden. 

“The business has brown massively in the last three years 

since my son, Jamie, took over as CEO. He’s really found 

a way to drive the business forward and we’ve got plans 

to expand the brewery from its current size in order to 

cope with the demand; we’re brewing at full capacity at 

the moment! I’m overwhelmed with how the business 

has grown since Jamie came on board and the feedback 

we’re getting from customers is excellent.” 

For more information on Fyne Ales Brewery, 

please visit www.fyneales.com or call 

01499 600120. Follow the brewery on Twitter: 

@fyneales 

The Delap family also have a four bedroom 

holiday home available to hire throughout the 

year. For more info, visit 

www.argyllholidaycottages.com 

Ghost stories are an integral part of our society 

and whether you believe them or not, most 

people enjoy being spooked. For a ghost 

walk with a difference, Aspire would like to 

recommend heading to the ancient town of 

Dumfries. There you’ll find Mostly Ghostly, a 

local paranormal team with a deep fascination 

for the many eerie tales and legends connected 

with Dumfries and its rich, turbulent history. 

Kathleen Cronie, of Mostly Ghostly said: 

“The Dumfries Ghost Walk has given us the 

opportunity to share our passion for all things 

ghostly, as well as delving into the town’s dark 

and dreadful past. We spent a year researching 

and preparing for the walk; each story is 

presented in our own individual style and, 

using our expertise as real-life paranormal 

investigators, we offer a unique viewpoint on 

ghost-related matters.” 

Mostly Ghostly’s walk starts at the iconic 

Midsteeple in the High Street before 

For further details, 

please contact the team direct 

Tel: 07791 047835 

Email: mostlyghostly@hotmail.co.uk 

Web: www.mostlyghostly.org 

Follow us on Twitter 

Ghosts, Ghouls, 

Murder and Witchcraft! 

Join Mostly Ghostly For 

A Terrifying Tour Around 

Darkest Dumfries… 

meandering for up to an hour and a half, 

in and out of familiar streets and hidden 

shadowy closes. Kathleen added: “We aim to 

provide a darkly intriguing experience that is 

fun, educational and interactive and believe 

the Dumfries Ghost Walk is a must-do for 

anyone with an interest in curious characters, 

harrowing history and spine-tingling ghost 

lore. One of our project’s key aims is to 

encourage re-generation of Dumfries town 

centre. We hope to attract more visitors to 

the town by providing an interesting and 

alternative way for them to learn more about 

dark Dumfries and uncover its sinister and 

spellbinding secrets…” 

The walk runs at 9pm every Wednesday in July 

and August and there are scheduled tours 

throughout the year. Private bookings are 

also available, catering for coach tours, school 

and community groups, corporate events and 

celebration parties. 

A country of staggering beauty, 

dramatic landscapes and 

fascinating sites, Scotland’s 

tourist attractions make it a 

must for holidaymakers seeking 

a holiday to remember. From 

imposing mountains to vast 

lochs, it’s got everything you 

need to enjoy adventurous or 

relaxing outdoors pursuits. 

For more than a century walkers 

and climbers have been drawn to 

Scotland’s towering mountains, which 

are well-known for offering many 

challenges and boast stunning views. 

The highest mountains are known as 

the Munros, which stretch more than 

3,000 feet into the sky, but you don’t 

have to go to extremes to experience 

Scotland’s dramatic scenery as there 

are many other walking opportunities 

throughout the country. Simply go to 

walking.visitscotland.com to find a 

route that’s right for you. 

If you’d rather explore on two wheels, 

rather than two feet, there are also an 

abundance of cycling routes to discover 

and with trails offering family rides, hilly 

terrain and easy routes, all abilities are 

easily catered for. Find a route that’s 

right for you at 

active.visitscotland.com/findroute 

Surrounded by sea and boasting 100 

rivers and 500 fresh and saltwater 

lochs, it’s easy to see why water-based 

activities are so popular in Scotland. 

With canoeing, sea-kayaking, white 

water rafting and sailing to choose 

from, there are many ways to get out 

on the water and admire the Scottish 

scenery from a different angle. Go to 

active.visitscotland.com for more 

ideas. 

Famous for its salmon, north of the 

border boasts unrivalled opportunities 

for fishing – in fact, it has some of the 

most prolific salmon rivers in the world. 

It’s also known for offering excellent 

trout and grayling fishing and with sea, 

loch and river fishing for various species 

available all year round, it’s a great 

destination for keen anglers. Excellent 

resources on fishing in Scotland can be 

found at www.fishpal.com/Scotland 

Everyone likes to indulge in local 

cuisine when visiting somewhere new, 

but in Scotland you can discover much 

more about local produce and muchloved 

delicacies by following one of 

its famous trails. Visit seven renowned 

distilleries on the world-famous Scotch 

Malt Whisky Trail, taste fish at its 

freshest on the Scottish Seafood Trail or 

follow the real ale trail, which takes in 

23 breweries across the country. 

To experience some of Scotland’s 

finest events, visit during the summer 

months, when you can see the famous 

Highland Games in action. Dating back 

more than 300 years, their origins lie 

with the Scottish Clan system, where 

men would participate in feats of 

strength, skill and endurance in order to 

prove themselves. These days, they’re a 

highlight of the Scottish calendar and 

bring together the traditional ‘heavy’ 

events of throwing the hammer and 

tug o’ war with dancing and bag pipers. 

With so much on offer in this charming 

yet compact country, you’ll benefit 

from somewhere warm, welcoming 

and relaxing to rest your head after all 

that exploration. Scotland is home to 

an array of holiday accommodation, 

from loch-side cabins to cosmopolitan 

hotels in the big cities, and from 

historic cottages with roaring fires to 

farmhouses with the most breathtaking 

views – whatever accommodation 

solution you’re in need of, you’ll find it 

in Scotland. 

If you want your holiday in Scotland 

to take in as much of this intriguing 

country as possible, why not book 

yourself onto a tour of one of the areas 

that fascinate you the most. With island 

hopping, history, wildlife and sea-based 

adventures to try, you’ll soon discover 

a whole different side to Scotland. To 

plan your trip, visit 

www.visitscotland.com 

20 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 21

Discover Scotland 

Quality Camping At 

Twenty Shilling Wood Caravan Park 

Situated in the very heart 

of Scotland, Perthshire 

represents the perfect place 

to find all that you’d expect 

of a great Scottish holiday. 

Referred to as ‘the Shakin' 

Toon’ thanks to its position on 

the Highland Boundary Fault, 

Comrie is a great base from 

which to enjoy all Perthshire 

has to offer. 

A secluded family-run park boasting 90 

pitches for static and touring caravans, 

Twenty Shilling Wood Caravan Park is 

located in the rural and picturesque village 

of Comrie, little more than one hour by 

road or rail from Glasgow or Edinburgh, but 

is a world apart. With a peaceful and rural 

location, it’s not hard to see why Aspire 

have chosen Twenty Shilling Wood Caravan 

Park for a Certificate of Recognition for 

Rural Accommodation 2012. 

Nestling on a south-facing hillside, Twenty 

Shilling Wood was established in the early 

1960s, but has been owned by the Lowe 

family since 1988. Rod Lowe, who runs 

the park with his wife, Wendy, told Aspire: 

“We’re in a very peaceful location here, 

surrounded by breathtaking scenery; in 

fact, glorious views can be enjoyed from 

the majority of our pitches. Unfortunately, 

we do not accept tents. We have everything 

you could need onsite, including a 

laundrette, two modern toilet blocks 

(heated in early and late season), with 

shower, razor and hairdryer points and each 

pitch comes with a car parking space. Some 

pitches are wider to accommodate awnings. 

Our reception building has a games room 

and library attached and we’re just a 

15-minute stroll to the centre of Comrie, 

where you’ll find numerous cafes, a couple 

of pubs and restaurants, a green grocers, 

a general store, a bakers, a delicatessen, a 

fish ‘n’ chips shop and a chemists. Many of 

our visitors return year after year having 

enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of our 

park and have many happy memories of 

their holidays.” 

The Park boasts three separate areas: the 

families’ area, the couples’ area and the 

holiday homes’ area, ensuring guests get 

the kind of holiday they want. Each ‘area’ is 

divided by shrubs and grassed area and in 

small groups – with direct electric hook-up 

to all the pitches. For the past 14 years, the 

Park has been a proud holder of a David 

Bellamy Conservation Gold Award. 

Twenty Shilling Wood Caravan Park is open 

until October 21st 2012 and prices for a 

night’s stay are just £19 per touring van for 

two people (electric included). Awnings and 

extra people are charged at £2 a night each. 

Pets by arrangement. 

There’s so much to do within a 25-mile 

radius of Twenty Shilling Wood Caravan 

Park. The village of Comrie, which lies on 

the Highland Boundary Fault, a major fault 

line which runs right across Scotland from 

Grampian to Argyll, is home to a state-ofthe-art 

seismometer to monitor tremors. In 

1874, the Earthquake House was built on 

solid rock to hold a primitive seismometer 

to monitor these tremors. 

Rod added: “I’ve felt numerous tremors 

since I’ve lived in this area and the modern 

seismometer can be viewed through a 

window at the Earthquake House. The 

Park is seven miles from the ancient town 

of Crieff and Comrie itself has lots to 

see and do. Comrie is in the heart of the 

scenic West Strathearn area of Perthshire, 

on the banks of the River Earn, on the 

edge of the Scottish Highlands. With 

such an outstanding location, The Park is 

frequented by numerous flora and fauna, 

including woodpeckers, deer, buzzards, red 

kites, squirrels and wonderful plant life as 

well as the occasional osprey. In fact, the 

Park borders a Site of Scientific Interest. It’s 

so peaceful and tranquil here; if you wish, 

you can just sit back, relax and watch the 

wildlife that visits the Park.” 

For further information, please visit www.ukparks.co.uk/twentyshilling 

To enquire about availability or to make a booking, please call 01764 670411 

or email alowe20@aol.com 

Situated in the quiet village of Gelson near Castle 

Douglas, Rose Cottage offers all the peace and 

tranquillity you could ask for, surrounded by stunning 

rural countryside. Dating back to 1760, Rose Cottage 

offers spacious accommodation for a large family 

or group of friends within two twin and two double 

bedrooms. 

Owner, Kerr Steele, told Aspire: “My late wife, Sheila, and 

I ran Rose Cottage as a guesthouse, offering dinner, bed 

and breakfast accommodation, for 20 years but when she 

took ill six years ago, we scaled back our involvement and 

turned the cottage into self-catering accommodation. I 

now live in a chalet at the back of the cottage. The cottage 

is modern and traditionally decorated and furnished for 

that ‘country cottage’ look. All rooms are STB grade three, 

meaning they’re suitable for some disabled visitors.” 

With two twin (one en-suite) and two doubles bedrooms, 

as well as a large family bathroom, Rose Cottages 

comfortably caters for groups of up to eight. Downstairs, 

holidaymakers will find a cosy lounge with fire, spacious 

Relax & Unwind At 

Rose Cottage 

kitchen and adjacent utility room with all the mod cons, 

including washing machine and dish washer, a pine-lined 

sun room/conservatory used as a dining room, and views 

over the surrounding farmland. Bed linen and towels are 

provided and there is a TV in each bedroom, as well as a 

TV and DVD player in the lounge. 

Outside there is ample parking in the car park, whilst 

round the back you’ll find a large garden with a decking 

area. Furniture and a barbecue can be provided. There 

is a stream and waterfall bordering the property, which 

overlooks the surrounding Scottish countryside. 

A week’s stay at Rose Cottage starts from £360 per week 

in the off season, rising to £624 per week. A maximum of 

two well-behaved pets are welcome. 

The tranquil village of Gelston is located two and a half 

miles from Castle Douglas, where you’ll find a whole host 

of fun-filled activities and attractions to keep all ages and 

interests entertained. Kerr added: “There’s just so much to 

do around here; we’re located four miles from Loch Ken, 

where you’ll find Galloway Activity Centre, where you can 

have a go at sailing, water skiing and archery. Seven miles 

away is the Georgian market town of Kirkcudbright and 

30 minutes drive from us is Galloway Forest Park, Britain’s 

largest forest park covering 300 square miles, where you 

can enjoy numerous walks, cycle routes and even do a 

bit of wildlife spotting. Within a six-mile radius there are 

three or four excellent beaches and with a 10-mile radius 

there are eight or nine golf courses, both nine-hole and 

18-holes. This is a truly peaceful area; in fact, I think you 

can travel for miles on road and not see another car – it 

really is the perfect place to relax, away from the hustle 

and bustle of city living.” 

The naturally inspiring landscape of Dumfries and 

Galloway makes the area ideal for outdoor enthusiasts 

and nature lovers; from historic castles to mountain 

biking centres and from wildlife trails to wild and dramatic 

beaches, there’s nowhere better for enjoying the great 

British outdoors throughout the year. 

Located on the southwest edge of Castle Douglas you’ll 

find Threave Gardens and Threave Castle, spectacularly 

located on an island in the River Dee. 

As you can see, Rose Cottage is an excellent base 

from which to explore everything Galloway and the 

surrounding area has to offer. For more information, or 

to discuss availability, please call Kerr 

on 01556 502513. 

Kerr Steele, Rose Cottage, Gelston, Castle Douglas, 

Kirkcudbrightshire, SCOTLAND DG7 1SH 

Twenty Shilling Wood Caravan Park, Comrie, Perthshire & Kinross PH6 2JY 

22 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 23

Discover 

Spotlight On The Hebrides 

Island Life 


Wild, dramatic and largely 

untouched by human hands, 

the Hebrides are a unique and 

inspiring part of the British Isles. 

Located off the west coast of 

Scotland, the Hebrides are a chain 

of charming islands steeped in 

history and tradition, and a visit 

to any of these promises to leave a 

lasting impression. 

The Hebrides can be divided into two 

main groups: 

• Inner Hebrides - including the islands 

of Islay, Jura, Skye, Mull, Raasay, Staffa 

and the Small Isles 

• Outer Hebrides - Barra, Benbecula, 

Berneray, Harris, Lewis, North Uist, South 

Uist, and St Kilda 

Situated off the west coast of mainland 

Scotland, the Isle of Skye is the largest 

island of the Inner Hebrides. Skye is an 

excellent holiday destination for anglers, 

watersports lovers, divers, sightseers, 

birdwatchers and even those who 

love a good fish dish. The coastline of 

Skye is a series of peninsulas and bays 

radiating out from a centre dominated 

by the Cuillin Hills. The highest point 

of the Cuillin, and of the Isle of Skye, 

is Sgurr Alasdair in the Black Cuillin at 

992m (3,255 ft). These hills beckon those 

with a passion for heights at their most 

dramatic, offering serious challenges to 

walkers and climbers alike. 

The most populous of the Outer 

Hebridean islands is Lewis, with over 

20,000 inhabitants, 8,000 of which 

live in Stornoway. Stornoway often 

surprises first-time visitors; it boasts all 

the amenities and industry of a small 

mainland town, as well as a lively and 

vibrant social scene, with lots of pubs, 

restaurants and clubs. Home to one of 

the best prehistoric sites in Scotland, 

Lewis is steeped in history and culture, 

making it an ideal holiday destination 

for history buffs. The contrast of the 

ages and cultures is experienced all 

over Lewis, both in the towns and out 

in the hills and mountains. On the 

northwest coast you’ll also find the 

islands’ best-preserved prehistoric 

Cuan Siar, Eriskay 

The Island of Eriskay has some of the most 

beautiful and evocative scenery in the Outer 

Hebrides, or Western Isles, of Scotland. 

Cuan Siar is a large, modern & comfortable 

self-catering house, with accommodation for 

eight or more people, providing an ideal base 

from which to immerse yourself in Eriskay's 

special charm and atmosphere; it's a truly 

idyllic location, complemented by the equally 

fascinating neighbouring islands of South 

Uist and Barra. We hope this brief preview will 

inspire you to come and holiday on Eriskay, 

this romantic & unforgettable jewel amongst 

the ‘Islands on the Edge of the World’. 

remains - Dùn Charlabhaigh broch 

(which perches on top of a conspicuous 

rocky outcrop overlooking the sea, as 

it has done for almost 2000 years) and 

Calanais Standing Stones (a fascinating 

group of nearly 50 megaliths dating 

from around 3000 BC which never fail 

to impress) - as well as a smattering of 

ancient crofters’ houses in various stages 

of abandonment. 

Separated into North and South Harris 

by a narrow isthmus, the Isle of Harris 

boasts some of the best beaches in 

Scotland, making it ideal for family 

holidays. The mountains of North Harris 

contrast with the rolling moors and 

lochans of the north of Lewis, while 

South Harris offers some of the most 

dramatic scenery in Scotland, with wide 

beaches of golden sand trimming the 

Atlantic in full view of the mountains 

and a rough boulder-strewn interior 

lying to the east. 

With over 20 miles of brilliant white 

shell beaches, South Uist could easily 

be mistaken for a tropical paradise. 

The incredible machair lands and 

dunes alongside these beaches are 

brimming with flowers and wildlife and 

The Loch Druidibeg Nature Reserve 

presents a fantastic day out for all the 

family. The island was once home to a 

thriving Neolithic community; evidence 

of this remains today thanks to the 

numerous archaeological sites including 

chambered tombs, Beaker sites, a Bronze 

Age hoard, roundhouses, brochs, cairns, 

ogham inscriptions, Viking settlements, 

medieval longhouses and post-medieval 

industry, scattered across the island. 

The resident population, of 1,818 (2001 

Census), uphold many of the island’s 

traditions and the crofting industries of 

peat cutting and seaweed gathering are 

still an important part of everyday life. 

To enjoy The Hebrides at the slow pace 

the islands deserve, you really need five 

to seven days; after that, you will have 

fallen in love with the islands and will 

probably want to return for a fortnight, 

or more, on your next visit! Discover the 

wonder of these stunning islands by 

logging onto www.visithebrides.com 

Top 

Recommendation 

Tel: 0141 954 0218 or 07776 144161. 

Email: djm@cuansiar.com 

www.cuansiar.com 

The Rowans Bed & Breakfast 

4 star Bed and Breakfast with a difference 

Visit www.TheRowansOnSkye.com 


With a resident population of just 1,818 (2001 

census), South Uist in the Outer Hebrides offers peace 

and tranquillity in abundance. It’s the perfect place 

to escape the hustle and bustle of living in the city, 

enabling you to relax and unwind and enjoy life at a 

slower pace. 

A stunningly beautiful island of crystal clear waters with 

white powder beaches, South Uist can be reached by 

ferry from Oban or Skye. Set just 50 metres from the 

sea, Tarantum House is a 2002-built property, which 

sleeps eight to ten people in four en-suite bedrooms. 

Two of the bedrooms contain king-sized beds, whilst the 

other two have doubles; the house also boasts a wellequipped 

kitchen featuring a dishwasher, microwave 

and washing machine, a dining room, a living room, a 

sitting room, a bathroom and a utility room. There is 

plenty of parking next to the property and the garden is 

ideal for relaxing after a long day exploring. 

Property owner, Alice Mackinnon, told Aspire: “As 

we’re only 50 metres from the sea, most of the rooms 

boast glorious views over the sea and to the islands 

beyond. Everyone who stays with us raves about the 

breathtaking views of the bay from the house; it really is 

something else!” 

Children and pets are catered for at Tarantum House 

Editor’s Choice 

The Rowans 

Bed & Breakfast 

4 star Bed and Breakfast 

with a difference 

The Rowans is different to most B&Bs. We 

offer 4 star service and comfort, but with 

the added flexibility and privacy of a selfcontained 

suite. 

Your accommodation is a one-bedroom 

annexe with its own shower room, 

kitchen/diner and separate entrance, so 

you can come and go as you please. We 

supply you daily with everything you 

need to make a substantial continental 

breakfast and packed lunch, in your own 

kitchen, so that you are not restricted to 

fixed breakfast times and don't have to 

choose from menus the night before. So 

if you are walking or climbing, you can 

be in the hills at first light, or if you are 

having a lazy day you can enjoy a leisurely 

breakfast in your pyjamas. 

The Rowans offers unrivalled comfort as a 

base for climbing, walking, birdwatching 

or exploring Skye, or just a lazy break from 

the frantic pace of modern life. We look 

forward to welcoming you at The Rowans! 

Tel: 01478 640478 

Email: Jenny@TheRowansOnSkye.com 

www.TheRowansOnSkye.com 

Tarantum House in South Uist: 

Utterly Amazing 

and prices for a week’s stay start from £500 per week. 

Tarantum House is open from January until September, 

but is closed this July. 

There is so much to do in and around Tarantum House. 

Firstly, the beaches along Uist’s coastline span for almost 

30 miles, making them a paradise for walkers, families, 

surfers, wildlife watchers and adventure seekers, 

as well as artists and photographers, thanks to the 

unpolluted light and endless skies that penetrate the 

sea, transforming the Atlantic Ocean into a mesmerising 

vision and a kaleidoscope of colour – it’s not hard to 

see why so many people imagine they’re in a tropical 

paradise and not in The Hebrides! 

The island is home to a number of sites of archaeological 

interest, including the only location in Great Britain 

where prehistoric mummies have been found. For 

nature lovers, the island is a must-visit destination; it’s 

home to thousands of birds during the spring, summer 

and winter season and, with three nature reserves and 

endless miles of beach and coastline, there’s an array of 

flora and fauna to see. 

Thanks to an abundance of freshwater lochs, intertidal 

sea pools and brackish sea lochs, fishing on Uist is 

plentiful. Uist boasts excellent trout fishing in the island’s 

numerous hill lochs, as well as some of the best sea 

fishing the Hebrides has to offer. 

For further details, call 

01878 700348 or write to 

Alice MacKinnon, 

Tarantum House, 

12 East Kilbride, South Uist, 

The Hebrides HS8 5TS 

24 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 25

Spotlight On The Hebrides 

Relax & Unwind At 

Leumadair Guest House 

Contact Leumadair Guest House today! 

Tel: 01851 621706 

Web: www.leumadair.co.uk 

Email: info@leumadair.co.uk 

The Rowans Bed & Breakfast 

4 star Bed and Breakfast with a difference 

Visit www.TheRowansOnSkye.com 


Call 01455 290867 



Qwirky Cottages 

We offer a choice of three wellequipped 

self-catering holiday 

cottages, available all year round. 

All three are set in the picturesque 

market town of Wirksworth, in the 

Derbyshire Dales, which offers an 

ideal base for exploring Derbyshire 

and the Peak District. The Peak Park 

has been popular with day trippers 

since it was established in 1951, but 

there is so much more to see and do 

here than could possibly be fitted 

into a day trip, so why not come and 

stay in one of our cosy cottages and 

explore it thoroughly. 

Fun In The Peak District 

©VisitBritain/ Tony Pleavin 

Discover the Peaks 

Glorious countryside, rolling hills, 

stunning valleys and post-card like 

scenery are all to be found in the 

Peak District – surely one of the most 

beautiful areas of the UK. 

means all there is to do here, perhaps 

you would like to visit Chatsworth, a 

historic house and estate with spectacular 

fountains in the gardens and worldfamous 

works of art to be appreciated. 

Known as the ‘long islands’ as they stretch for 

100 miles along the west coast of Scotland, the 

Hebrides offer holidaymakers a peaceful, wild and 

dramatic destination for a holiday this summer. 

The most northerly island, The Isle of Lewis, offers 

ancient history, diverse wildlife, and inspiring 

landscapes, all of which beg to be explored. If 

you’re looking to discover a world of unique 

activities and experience authentic Scottish 

hospitality then Leumadair Guest House is the 

place to stay. 

A working croft on the Isle of Lewis, Leumadair Guest 

House overlooks the Callanish Stones and boasts all 

of your home-from-home comforts and is a great 

location for a weekend break or a long getaway. 

Designated a four-star accommodation by Scottish 

Tourist Board and awarded a Hebridean Hopscotch 

Silver Award in 2009, Leumadair Guest House is 

equipped with four comfortable en-suite rooms: two 

family rooms with king-size bed and bunk beds, one 

double room and one disabled-friendly twin room. 

Guests can make themselves feel at home with tea 

and coffee making facilities and enjoy an added treat 

of local Hebridean chocolate. 

All bedrooms are comfortably furnished but it was a 

conscious decision by owners, Don and Nita Macleod 

not to include TVs in the bedrooms. Nita said: “With 

such wonderful views and a beautiful environment 

to enjoy, our aim was to create family friendly 

accommodation for people to escape to for a relaxing 

holiday. However, there is Wi-Fi available for those 

who really what to contact the outside world.” 

With a real emphasis on home-reared and locally 

produced food, guests are treated to a magnificent 

feast every morning thanks to Don and Nita’s crofting 

skills. Tuck into a selection of cereals, yoghurts, 

toast, fresh fruit and fruit juices, before sampling a 

hearty Hebridean breakfast. From free-range eggs 

from the resident hens to sausages and bacon from 

Leumadair’s own Gloucester Old Spots pigs, plus a 

slice of Stornoway’s famous black pudding, this is one 

breakfast that certainly won’t be forgotten in a hurry. 

For those who are looking for a mouth-watering 

evening meal, a three-course Hebridean dinner, 

plus coffee, is available at Leumadair. Evening meals 

are available for just £20 per person and include a 

traditional homemade soup and a delicious main 

course of local salmon, lamb, pork or venison, 

followed by dessert. Guests wishing to enjoy a homecooked 

evening meal are asked to book in advanced. 

The Isle of Lewis remains remote, rugged and largely 

untouched by human hands. A true beauty, the Isle of 

Lewis is surrounded by the wild waters of the Atlantic 

Ocean and is home to some truly unique sites. 

The Isle of Lewis is bursting with activities and 

days out for all ages to enjoy, but none are more 

popular than a visit to the world-famous Callanish 

Standing Stones. An ancient stone monument and 

archaeological wonder, the Callanish Stones date 

back to the Neolithic period and are second only to 

Stonehenge in terms of their size and grandeur. A 

place of great mystique, these huge stones predate 

the Egyptian Pyramids and were once a place of 

worship; to this day they remain a place of pilgrimage 

and many people visit the Isle of Lewis just to take in 

this magnificent sight. 

Donald Macleod added: “The archaeology of the 

Western Isles is fantastic. Samples from within the 

peat which pinpoint the first human activity on the 

islands to around 8,000 years ago and the earliest 

human remains here date back 5,000 years. The 

whole island was once native woodland and a wealth 

of ancient artefacts, temples and communal burial 

grounds have been unearthed, but the Callanish 

Stones remain the most striking monument on the 

island. I’m lucky enough to be able to glance out of 

my window at any time and admire these wonderful 

stones, which I believe have close links to our crofts.” 

To see all of this and much, much more, Leumadair 

Guest House is the place to stay. A warm Hebridean 

welcome awaits all who stay at this charming working 

croft and Nita and Donald have become well-known 

for their hospitality since opening the guest house 

in 2005. 

If you wish to contact us to discuss booking 

and availability please call 01629 581663 or 

email cottages@qwirkycottages.co.uk 

www.qwirkycottages.co.uk 

If you feel like stepping into a premodern 

day England, head to Crich 

Tramway Village, a traditional old 

England village, complete with trams, 

an old sweet shop stocked with 

sweets from past and present times 

and tearooms selling delicious treats. 

Located in Derbyshire, this living museum 

will transport visitors back to a time long 

gone by and included in the admission price 

is all-day-long tram rides – on trams dating 

back to 1860 - so you can ride to your heart’s 

content! 

Laura Greaves of the Crich Tramway Village 

said: “A visit to the village provides the perfect 

day out for families. It’s such an enjoyable 

experience and there is so much to do - 

there’s a children’s play area and people can 

go on a woodland walk and enjoy the views, 

get some fresh country air and even have a 

picnic.” 

Step into Historic 

England 

There are also plenty of exciting events 

coming up at the recreated historic village. 

There will be a ‘beside the seaside’ themed 

Bank Holiday weekend on June 3rd and 4th, 

where visitors can enjoy a traditional British 

seaside holiday, and a Jubilee celebration day 

on June 5th with a street party and various 

activities, from children’s entertainment and 

crafts to a display of owls and parrots. 

Laura explains that the village has a long 

history: “In 1959 the Tramway Museum Society 

was looking for a site to store old trams and 

came across the perfect place in Crich and the 

whole village just grew from there.” 

From March 31st to November 4th the village 

is open from 10am to 5:30pm. Admission 

prices for adults start from £12, Seniors from 

£9.50, Children from £7 and families from £35. 

With each ticket purchased there is a free 

return ticket included, although certain days 

are excluded in this offer. 

For more information, visit www.tramway.co.uk, 

email enquiry@tramway.co.uk or ring 01773 854 321. 

Britain’s first national park, straddling 

the area between Britain’s highland and 

lowland – covering Derbyshire, Greater 

Manchester, Cheshire, Staffordshire and 

south and west Yorkshire - provides 

spectacular landscapes that can be 

gasped at whether you decide to visit for a 

day trip or a slightly longer break. 

An estimated 22 million visitors per year 

flock here, making it the world’s second 

most visited national park after Japan’s 

Mount Fuji, and who can blame them? 

If you do decide to stay a couple of nights 

there are plenty of places to pick from, 

from quaint historic villages to bustling 

market towns you really will be spoilt for 

choice. One such town is Wirksworth, one 

of the oldest towns in the Peak District, it 

is even mentioned in the Doomsday book. 

While here you can explore the town’s 

antique and gift shops and second-hand 

book shops and if all the shopping leaves 

you tired there are various cafés and delis 

to take your pick from. 

At the Peak District itself there are the 

obvious activities of walking, hiking and 

cycling, all while admiring your stunning 

surroundings of course. But that is by no 

Throwley Hall Farm 

Throwley Hall Farm, Ilam, Ashbourne, Derbyshire DE6 2BB 

Tel: 01538 308202 | Email: throwleyhall@btinternet.com 

www.throwleyhallfarm.co.uk 

For nature lovers a trip to the Tropical 

Butterfly House will suffice, here visitors 

can wonder alongside the beautiful 

free flying butterflies, Egyptian bats 

and tropical birds. For those who prefer 

their animals furry and cuddly there is 

the Meerkat Mansion – you can feed the 

adorable creatures meal worms or simply 

watch them play. 

For those who want to marvel at plants 

there is the Lea Gardens, here you will find 

a huge variety of plants from all corners of 

the globe, from rhododendrons to azaleas, 

kalmias and acers. Set on four acres of 

hillside the Gardens also have a nursery 

and tearooms. 

Film and literature enthusiasts will not 

want to leave the Peaks without walking 

in Charlotte Bronte’s footsteps at North 

Less Hall and visiting the places that are 

featured in Jane Ayre. Perhaps you’d like 

to imagine yourself as Keira Knightley in 

Pride and Prejudice at Haddon Hall, fans 

of the BBC series will want to pay visits 

to Chapel Street, Lyme Park and Sudbury 

Hall. 

For more information on all things Peak 

District visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com 

Peak District B&B and 

Holiday Cottages at Ilam, 

Ashbourne, Derbyshire. 

Holiday accommodation 

on a working farm in a 

beautiful area of the Peak 

District National Park. 

We have four holiday 

cottages located close 

to Throwley Hall Farm, 

accommodating from 5 to 

12 people. 

All the cottages are graded 

four-star by Enjoy England. 

Quote ‘ASP260’ 

when booking 

26 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 27

Say No To Caravan Tax 

©VisitBritain/ Rod Edwards 

Caravanning 

Crazy! 

Over the last three years, caravan holidays have enjoyed something of a revival 

due to the unstable economic climate. Brits still want to enjoy an annual break 

but they’ve swapped the sun-soaked poolsides of Europe for the family-friendly 

campsites scattered across the UK. However, this way of holidaying could be under 

threat due to new plans announced by the Coalition Government in the most recent 

Budget. 

Caravan manufacturers fear the closure of a VAT loophole on static caravans may ‘damage’ 

sales and lead to 2,000 job losses, many of these would be in East Yorkshire, as according to 

the National Caravan Council (NCC), 95% of all British caravans are made in East Yorkshire. 

From 1st October 2012, the 20% sales tax will be levied on static caravans, which have been 

VAT-free since the introduction of VAT in 1973. 

Overlooked by many holidaymakers thanks to stereotypical ideas of cramped caravans 

and no privacy, it’s a well-kept secret by keen caravanners that 21st Century caravans are 

not as behind with technology as one might think. Today, many caravans come generously 

equipped with DVD players, Sky, Freeview, double beds, toilets and private shower cubicles, 

as well as a generous plot, ensuring privacy as well as room to park the car. 


Call 01455 290867 


Jackson 

Caravans 

New and secondhand 

vans for sale 

• 10% discount on all new vans 

• 15 minutes from the sea 

• No connection charges 

Tel: 01754 763910 

92 Burgh Road, 

Skegness, Lincolnshire 

Like to own a holiday home in 

highly desirable 

Lytham St Annes? 

Eastham Hall Caravan Park, Saltcotes Road, 

Lytham St Annes FY8 4LS 

The Life & Works Of 

Martin Dalby 

It is said that music can be a calming influence and 

is commented as being the soundtrack to our lives. 

An expression through sound, music is everywhere, 

everyday, and affects everyone. One man who lives for 

his music, as well as the creation of music by others, is 

Martin Dalby… 

Martin Dalby is an experienced and knowledgeable 

musician and composer, who was born in Aberdeen in 

Scotland in 1942. In a successful career spanning almost 

50 years, Martin has worked with numerous well-known 

musicians and has even had his music performed at The 

Proms on four occasions. 

Martin was educated at Aberdeen Grammar School and in 

1960 won a Foundation Scholarship to the Royal College 

of Music in London where he studied composition with 

Herbert Howells and viola with Frederick Riddle. In 

1963 the Octavia Prize and a Sir James Caird Travelling 

Scholarship enabled him to spend two years in Italy 

where besides composing he played the viola with a small 

Italian Chamber Orchestra. With this orchestra he toured 

widely in Europe and North Africa. 

In 1964, whilst in Rome, Martin wrote Laudate Dominum. 

He dedicated it to the pupils and staff of Aberdeen 

Grammar School where Dalby once was a pupil; Laudate 

Dominum was performed for the first time in the Music 

Hall, Aberdeen in May, 1965 by the pupils and staff of 

Aberdeen Grammar School. The words are drawn from 

Psalm 150 and Jubilate Agno by Christopher Smart. It 

is scored for Tenor soloist, SATB chorus and Organ or 

Orchestra. 

In 1965, Martin was appointed as a music producer to 

the BBC’s newly formed Music Programme (later to be 

Radio 3.) In 1971 he became the Cramb Research Fellow 

in Composition at the University of Glasgow and in 1972 

returned to the BBC as Head of Music, Scotland where he 

began the development of the public profile of the BBC 

Scottish Symphony Orchestra, both in Great Britain and 

abroad, which increases as time goes on. 

In 1991 he relinquished this post in order to pursue a 

more creative role in BBC Scotland. Martin told Aspire: 

“John Purser and I made a massive series for BBC Radio 

Scotland called Scotland’s Music, for which we won 

a Sony Gold Award. As well as the Sony Award, I won 

a Gramophone award, with some colleagues, for our 

production of the CD of James MacMillan’s The Confession 

of Isobel Gowdie.” 

Work for his home city occupied him after that. First, The 

White Maa for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, music 

to celebrate 200 years of Union Street in Aberdeen and 

more recently a String Quartet to celebrate 500 years 

of Aberdeen University. In 1998 he composed his third 

Piano Sonata for Peter Seivewright and a year later, a 

short piece for the National Youth String Orchestra of 

Scotland, The First Thursday in May, welcoming the return 

of a Government in Scotland. At this time he was reliving 

his fascination with the music of the great Scots fiddler 

and composer, J. Scott Skinner, creating his own five 

movement orchestral suite A Wheen in Doric from it. The 

act of ‘rebuilding’ Skinner’s tender and characteristically 

Scottish music is born of devotion not of destruction. 

In 1993, Martin retired from the BBC; he now composes 

full-time. 

Martin has always concerned himself with the interests of 

his fellow composers. He helped in forming and running 

several chamber groups in Scotland. He was Chairman of 

the Composers’ Guild of Great Britain from 1995 to 1998 

and was a founding director of both the British Academy 

of Composers and Songwriters and British Music Rights. 

His membership of the BASCA Concert Executive 

Committee continued from its start until 2009. He was 

also Warden of the Incorporated Society of Musicians’ 

Performers and Composers Section in 2001 and 2002. He 

retained his interest in the ISM as Convener of its South- 

West Scotland Centre. 

When not composing, Martin loves spending time in 

the outdoors; he’s a hill walker and birdwatcher; he has 

an interest in railways and literature and he also holds a 

Private Pilot’s Licence. 

Martin Dalby 

Not only are caravan breaks good for your pocket, they’re also good for the environment, 

as they drastically reduce your family’s CO² emissions. Whether you’re getting there by 

car or train, your carbon footprint will be lower if you choose to cut out that flight to the 

continent. In fact, around 600,000kg of C02 is produced (per aircraft) on a short haul flight 

to Europe; this is a substantial amount in comparison to towing a caravan 400 miles, which 

only produces 161kg 

(www.busyoutdoors.com/caravanning_articles/Green_Caravanning). 

Tens of thousands of people are enjoying the flexibility and freedom of owning their own 

holiday home in Britain. The home is yours to visit for as long as you like throughout the 

year, whenever the site is open, and all the comforts of home will already be waiting for 

you. With locations up and down the country, and with so much choice, you can buy a static 

caravan or luxury cabin as near or far from home as you like; and now’s the time to do it, 

especially if the VAT increase does come into effect on 1st October this year. 

An e-petition to ‘Drop the VAT hike on the sale of static caravans’ has been created - 

epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32781 - which calls on the government to drop their 

proposal to apply standard rate VAT to static caravans. 

For more information on caravanning holidays, or for a list of Certified sites in which to buy 

a holiday home, please visit www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk 

At Eastham Hall you are five minutes from the tree-lined 

streets of the Lytham, chic shops, golf courses galore and 

golden sands. 

Call us today to arrange a viewing! 

New and second-hand holiday homes for sale. 

Tel: 01253 737907 | Email: info@easthamhall.co.uk 

Web: www.easthamhall.co.uk 

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/EasthamHall 

Tel: 01360 660427 

Web: www.impulse-music.co.uk/dalby 

Email: martindalby@btinternet.com 

28 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 29

Run For A Reason 


Call 01455 290867 


Keep On Running… 

According to the Charity Commission there are 

now 180,000 registered charities in England 

and Wales, all are worthy causes and many are 

desperate for donations. Aiming to improve the 

lives of the most vulnerable members of our 

society, protect mistreated animals and find 

a cure for life threatening diseases, there are 

charities up and down the country who are in 

desperate need of our hard earned cash. 

Most charities have seen a marked decrease in 

donations over the last few years and whilst larger 

charities have been able to combat this by reducing 

costs, cutting staff and drawing on their reserves in 

order to survive, for smaller charities this simply isn’t 

an option. In the current economic climate, it can be 

tough to find the money for good causes, but in order 

for these organisations to continue their work and 

provide vital services, we all need to do our bit to help 

and that means putting our hands in our pockets and 

digging deep. 

If you’d like to go one step further and do more than 

just donate, Aspire are here to encourage you to get 

involved and take part in a fundraising event for your 

chosen charity. There are numerous fun-runs and 

marathons that you can enter throughout the year 

that can raise much needed funds. The majority of 

organised runs, like the London Marathon and Great 

North Run, allow you to choose a charity to raise your 

own funds for, but there are a few, such as the Race 

for Life, that have all participants running and raising 

money for the same cause. 

If you do decide to enter a run of any length, make 

sure you embark on a committed training programme 

before running in said race – you don’t want to over 

stretch yourself, pick up an injury and fail to complete 

the run. 

Top tips for staying motivated with a running/training 

programme: 

1. Give yourself a realistic time frame to improve your 

general fitness. 

2. Don’t be put off by the weather – buy suitable 

running gear so you can run all year round. 

3. Keep safe and invest in reflective clothing for 

running in the dark and always tell someone where 

you’re running, or even better. 

4. Join a running club or run with a friend. 

5. Stay positive. 

Running is an excellent form of exercise. Not only does 

running improve your fitness and aid with weight 

loss, it also improves your strength, stamina and 

speed. Beginners need to take care as their muscles 

and tendons may need many months to adapt to 

the forces and range of movement of running. When 

starting any kind of running programme, only run 

every other day. This will allow you to get to know 

your body and its limits. Make sure you cool down 

after every session. A cool down allows your muscles 

to return to their resting length gradually to avoid any 

injuries! 

Practice makes perfect when it comes to running, 

but you’ll need some well-fitting running shoes and 

adequate socks if you want to avoid blisters. Your 

runners need to support your foot arch, cushion 

your heel and offer stability over your whole foot. 

However, don’t invest in a shoe that’s too restrictive 

– lightweight or racing flats allow you to feel more 

of the stress each stride puts on your feet. If you’re 

looking for a new pair of trainers and would like to try 

lightweight runners, try alternating lightweights with 

your regular trainers for a few weeks to get used to 

them to see if they’re right for you. 

Your shoe should also be suited to the surface you 

are running on; road runners should choose a shoe 

with a good level of cushioning because shoes wear 

out quickest on this surface; footpath runners should 

opt for shoes with good support and a tread sole. 

Don’t wait for an injury to occur before you buy 

new runners; replace shoes with a thick sole after a 

maximum of 2,000 kilometres (1,242.74 miles) and 

lightweight shoes after a maximum of 500 kilometres 

(310.7 miles). 

If you’re serious about running, it may be worth 

investing in comfortable and breathable running 

clothes, such as light, breathable shorts, t-shirt and 

running socks, all designed for maximum comfort, as 

well as style. Ensuring you buy items made from light 

materials, which promote moisture wicking, will keep 

you comfortable, allowing you to focus solely on your 

run. 

Despite recent research suggesting that running is 

good for every part of your body, even your eyes, it’s 

vital to ensure you get a full check-up from your GP 

before beginning any kind of training programme or 

new exercise. 

If you’re feeling inspired, why not sign up to the 

Aspire Charity Bike Ride from Leicester to Skegness, 

which takes place in August to raise funds for Tiger 

Awareness. To register your interest and details, please 

email editorials@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk 

£7,000 for hospices thanks 

to Hinckley & Rugby savers 

Be Inspired By Phil Davis of 

Three Leicestershire and Warwickshire hospices are sharing a £7,000 

windfall generated by savers choosing a special affinity account at Hinckley 

& Rugby Building Society. 

More than £2,330 each is going to: LOROS, which cares for people from 

Leicestershire and Rutland; The Myton Hospices, covering Coventry and 

Warwickshire; and Mary Ann Evans Hospice, based in Nuneaton and covering North 

Warwickshire. 

The three hospices have now shared an impressive £25,000 from the account since 

its launch in 2008. The Hospice Affinity Savings Account sees one per cent of its 

average balances donated by the Society to the charities each year. 

The account also pays interest to the account’s savers, giving them a useful return 

on their money and the knowledge they are helping provide care and support to the 

terminally ill and their relatives. The minimum investment is £500 and the maximum 

investment is £300,000. 

A top 20 society, Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, which was formed in 1983, 

is strongly committed to first-class customer care, providing an extensive range 

of mortgages to residents living near its Leicestershire branches at Hinckley, 

Lutterworth, Broughton Astley, Coalville, Barlestone, South Wigston, Countesthorpe 

and Nuneaton. 

Denise Bradshaw, Hinckley & Rugby branch manager for Hinckley and Nuneaton, 

said: "Thanks to our customers choosing the Hospice Affinity Savings Account the 

Society is able to support three hospices which are deeply valued by our customers. 

Most people in the communities we serve will have been touched by the work of 

these hospices at some point.” 

Claire McDowell, community fundraiser at The Myton Hospices, said: “We would like 

to thank Hinckley & Rugby and its customers who have chosen to support The Myton 

Hospices again through the hospice Affinity Account.” 

Janet Kavanagh, fundraising manager at Mary Ann Evans Hospice, said: “The 

support from Hinckley & Rugby is really appreciated. As well as the vital funding, the 

account raises awareness about the services provided locally.” 

Christian Weikert-Picker, fundraiser at LOROS, said: “It is wonderful that such 

commitment has been shown to this account by Hinckley & Rugby and its savers 

since 2008. Such long-term help for hospices is key to us being able to deliver the 

free care to our patients and their families.” 

If you have any questions about the Hospice Affinity Savings Account or about 

savings in general, it’s best to contact Hinckley & Rugby Building Society directly on 

0800 434 6343 (freephone) Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. Hinckley & Rugby do not 

operate an automated call centre and your enquiry will be answered personally by a 

member of their friendly and professional savings team. 

Visit www.hrbs.co.uk for more information 

Hinckley & Rugby Building Society, Principal Office, 

Upper Bond Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire LE10 1DG 

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up 

repayments on your mortgage. 

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority 

Registration number 206043 

A critically endangered animal, there are 

approximately just 1,300 – 1,500 tigers left in 

the wild in India and a further 1,500 in Russia, 

Vietnam, Thailand, Sumatra and south China. 

Tiger numbers are dwindling for a number of 

reasons, including deforestation, man-animal 

conflict, poaching (tigers are being killed at the 

rate of one a day) and human consumption of 

tiger body parts in accordance with traditional 

Chinese medicinal beliefs. 

Founded in 1998 by Phil Davis, Tiger Awareness is a charity 

entirely run by volunteers, working in the UK and across 

India in Sundarbans, Bandhavagarh, Ranthambhore and 

Dudhwa, giving free talks to schools, the public, and 

other organisations, as well as supporting at ground level 

supporting local NGOs, who give safety advice on living and 

working in forest areas. 

An ex-soldier who has worked all over the world, Phil has 

always had a fascination and respect for wild animals but it’s 

the tiger that really captured his imagination. Phil says: “I’ve 

always thought the tiger was a beautiful, majestic animal, and 

from the mid-90s I ‘sponsored’ a tiger with another charity, but 

I was inspired into action about 15 years ago when I read an 

article about how few tigers were lift in the wild; it’s amazing 

to me that there are no more than 3,000 left in the wild, but 

there are 5,000 in zoos across the United States. I wanted to 

do more than just sponsor a tiger in a zoo; I wanted to help 

ensure as many tigers as possible remained in the wild, in 

their natural habitat. I think the tiger is a really special animal; 

they’re not as social as lions but there’s just something about 

them that I’m drawn to. The more I learnt about them, the 

more I wanted to help. 

“I travelled to India in 1999 to learn about work at ground 

level to increase awareness of the tigers’ plight and provide 

education on safety in the forests and surrounding villages. 

Since then, I have travelled to India on numerous occasions 

to help and work with organisations at ground level. We give 

funds in person at ground level, buying the items locally, 

which helps the local economy. We have also supported 

organisation that give alternative ways to making a living, 

other than hunting, also part of that, is education for 

the younger generation, which also passes onto further 

generations.” 

Aspire Sales Manager, Stacey Wragg, has been inspired by Phil 

and tales of the tigers’ plight, which is why she is organising 

a sponsored bike ride from Leicester to Skegness in August 

to raise much-needed funds for Tiger Awareness. Anyone 

wishing to join the bike ride should visit 

www.justgiving.com/teams/tigerawareness 

If you’d like to know more about Tiger Awareness, 

please visit www.tigerawareness.co.uk or follow 

@tigerawareness on Twitter or 

‘Tiger Awareness-NON PROFIT’ on Facebook. 

Alternatively, contact Phil directly on 

0116 2761221 or email 

tigerwild@btinternet.com 

Registered Charity Number: 1117234 

30 ASPIRE 

ASPIRE 31

Friendship & Support From 

Saffron Support for Elderly People 

According to the Charity Commission, 

there are now 180,000 registered charities 

in England and Wales. Many of these are 

small, independent charities who have 

been hit hard by the fall in donations due to 

the current economic climate. One charity 

that’s desperate for donations in order to 

continue its vital work is Saffron Support 

for Elderly People. 

Founded in 1989 by the Southfields Drive 

Community Association, a group of likeminded 

people who wanted to provided 

somewhere for elderly people within the 

community to meet and socialise, Saffron 

Support for Elderly People provides a range 

of services for elderly people within the south 

Leicester area. 

Lunch & Social Clubs 

They run a lunch club five days a week and on 

Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons, 

Saffron Support for Elderly People welcomes 

the over 50s to their social club, allowing likeminded 

elderly people to meet and socialise. 

Project Co-ordinator, Audrey Mather, said: “We 

have about 30 members at our social club 

at the moment but we always welcome new 

faces. Our eldest service user is 96-years-old 

and our youngest is 57; there’s no restrictions 

on age. It seems that the older people get, 

the less there is for them, so Saffron Support 

for Elderly People strives to offer somewhere 

for elderly people to socialise. We play bingo 

and welcome guest speakers for talks; we do 

a whole range of things to encourage the 

elderly residents of Southfields Drive and 

the surrounding areas to remain active into 

their twilight years. We’re happy to provide 

transport, for a small charge, to collect and 

drop people off door-to-door so they can 

attend our clubs.” 

Day Care 

On May 21st, Saffron Support for Elderly 

People are launching a bespoke day care 

service for older people who require a little 

extra help. Audrey explained: “We’ve spoken 

extensively with current services users to 

ensure the care services we provide are 

exactly what they need and want, as well 

as ensuring the activities and outings are 

suitable and interesting. We have provision 

for 14 people per day and at the moment will 

be offering day care for just five days a week. 

We will be charging between £40 and £50 a 

day but that includes transport door-to-door, 

meals and refreshments.” 

Annual Getaway 

If that wasn’t enough, each summer, Saffron 

Support for Elderly People runs an annual 

residential holiday to somewhere in Britain, 

giving elderly people a change of scenery 

and their families the respite break they crave. 

This year, Audrey and five helpers will be 

travelling with a coach-load of service users to 

Eastbourne on 29th July for one week. Audrey 

said: “We’ve been to Eastbourne before but 

we enjoyed it so much we’re going again. The 

price is £345 for the week but that includes 

half board accommodation, door-to-door 

transport, entertainment and three or four 

daily trips. We have volunteers who come 

with us to help push wheelchairs etc. and we 

fundraise to enable them to go. It’s a great 

way to give the pensioners a break from their 

daily routine, as well as giving their loved ones 

a break from caring for them.” 

Open Day 

To celebrate The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, 

Saffron Support for Elderly People will be 

hosting a street party on Southfields Drive, 

as well as a community centre open day from 

10am until 4pm on Saturday June 2nd. Audrey 

explained: “We thought we’d get into the 

spirit of the occasion by holding a good, oldfashioned 

street party for all our volunteers, 

services users and their families, as well as the 

local community. There will be a selection of 

party food served around lunchtime and the 

community centre will be open for anyone 

who wishes to come and have a look round.” 

Recognition 

To encourage our readers to donate as much 

or as little as they can to Saffron Support 

for Elderly People, Aspire have chosen the 

organisation as our Charity of the Year 2012. 

Audrey said: “It’s amazing to be chosen as 

Aspire’s Charity of the Year, as we’re a small 

charity just trying to continue to offer a high 

standard of services to our service users. 

All our volunteers and our staff go above 

and beyond; they all dedicate so much time 

and energy to ensuring things not only run 

smoothly, but also to ensuring everyone 

enjoys themselves. Without our volunteers, 

and our staff, things wouldn’t work as well as 

they do.” 

Saffron Support for Elderly People have 

also been awarded an Aspire Certificate of 

Recognition for Care & Support. 

Saffron Support for Elderly People are always looking for more donations to ensure their vital 

services can continues. To make a donation, or for more information on 

Saffron Support for Elderly People, 

please call 0116 2440219 or email ssep@ntlbusiness.com

Bosworth Court Care Home - Aspire Magazine

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