Verve Life - Aspire Magazine

Feature
ISSUE 276
YOUR FREE COPY
Win
Tickets to
watch the
Magic Of
motown
Brand
New Mini
Magazine
Niche
Inside
Become the next
big star with
Performing
Arts
Verve Life
Enderby
Giving children and
young people a chance,
Verve Life Enderby is a
residential care home
catering for 12-years-old
to 18-years-olds who have
learning disabilities and/
or autism. For more info,
visit www.vervelife.co.uk
or turn to page 3…
View this issue online at www.aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
ASPIRE 1

Magic Of Motown Competition
Magic of Motown at
De Montfort Hall
Celebrating 50 Years Of Number One
Hits – It’s The Magic Of Motown
Ain’t no mountain high, ain’t no valley
low, ain’t no river wide enough – to keep
The Magic of Motown concert show from
getting to UK music lovers in 2012. . .
classic stage show honours Motown
legends that brought the world to its
dancing feet, including the Temptations,
Diana Ross and the Supremes, the Four
Tops, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, Smokey
Robinson, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder and
many, many more.
Friday
26th
October
Verve Life Enderby
Verve Life Enderby currently
has two vacancies.
For more information,
please call 0116 2752617 or
visit www.vervelife.co.uk
Officially the UK busiest touring production
featuring the music of Motown Records,
there are already 71 dates announced for its
2012 tour and more are being added daily.
“There’s no need to worry, it’ll be there
in a hurry,” says show producer Michael
Taylor, paraphrasing unashamedly from
the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell hit
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. “In 2012,
once again our hit show from the States
The Magic of Motown will be appearing
at prestigious venues across the country,”
says show producer Michael Taylor. “From
Aberdeen to the Isle of Wight, it’ll ‘be there
on the double’ at a venue near you.”
The non-stop spectacular features 36
massive chart-toppers from The Supremes,
Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 5, Stevie
Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves,
Lionel Richie and more. An all-star cast, a
talented live band that faithfully reproduces
Motown’s original Detroit sound, 16
sparkling costume changes and tightly
choreographed dance routines saw the
show attract glowing reviews in 2011:
There’ll be dancing in the street – this
2 ASPIRE
Get ready - to journey back as scores of
classic hits are authentically recreated
including Get Ready, Stop in the Name of
Love; My Girl; Dancing in the Street; Reach
Out I’ll Be There; What Becomes of the
Broken Hearted, Ain’t Too Proud To Beg and
many, many more.
Heard it through the grapevine – This show
attracts glowing reviews with The Magic
of Motown Band boasting an impeccable
pedigree.
Whether you’re young, young at heart,
or old enough to know better, this is a
show for all those who just can’t help
themselves… a stunning spectacular for
all the family. Reach out. And you could
be back in Detroit during Tamla Motown’s
heyday with this non-stop musical
extravaganza.
Tickets: £21.50 & £23.50
Box office: 01162 333 111
Website: www.demontforthall.co.uk
Address: De Montfort Hall, Granville Road,
Leicester LE1 7RU
“From an era of style and sequins, the show
was slick, stylish, smooth and infinitely sexy.”
WIN
Aspire have teamed up with the promoters of
the show to offer our readers the chance to win a
pair of tickets to see the show. Simply answer this
simple question:
In which American city was the Motown
label based?
Send your answer, name, address and daytime
phone number to Magic of Motown Competition,
Aspire Magazine, 3rd Floor, 29-35 St Nicholas
Place, Leicester LE1 4LD or email competitions@
aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk (subject: Magic of
Motown) by 1pm on Friday October 12th 2012.
First prize will go to the first entry drawn on Monday
October 15th. There is no cash alternative. Editor's
decision is final. Aspire Magazine are not responsible for
this competition – we’re merely promoting it on behalf
of the organisers of the Magic of Motown.
“…spellbinding all the way through.”
Verve Life Enderby:
Giving Children
& Young People
A Chance
Around two per cent of the UK population have learning difficulties but
there is still much misunderstanding amongst the general population
surrounding children and adults with learning difficulties. The term refers to
a group of disorders that affect a broad range of academic and functional
skills, including the ability to speak, listen, read, write, spell, reason and
organise information. If your child has learning difficulties, specialist
schools and residential homes, like Verve Life Enderby, not only provide
the very best care, but also enable your child to reach their full potential in
comfortable and safe surroundings.
Founded by David Powell in 2001, Verve Life Ltd is an independent company that
provides safe, caring residential services for children and young people with learning
difficulties. Verve Life owns adult homes in London, as well as two children’s homes in the
East Midlands: one in Coventry, Warwickshire and another in Enderby, Leicestershire.
Caring for children from 12-years-old to 18-years-old, Verve Life in Enderby caters for
a maximum of four children with learning disabilities and/or autism. The home offers
long-term, short-term or respite care and support 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365
days a year.
This four bedroomed, 19th Century refurbished property is located in the quiet and
picturesque village of Enderby in Leicestershire, close to Fosse Park shopping centre
and excellent local leisure facilities including sports halls and swimming pools. All four
bedrooms (on the first floor) allow adequate space for private activities and the storage
of personal possessions and each resident has a lockable storage chest for treasured
items.
Outside there is a large brick barn, attached to the house and accessible via the back
door, which offers ample space for outdoor games in inclement weather and vocational
activities. A sensory garden is in the process of being constructed to provide an outdoor
space to encourage and aid development. The garden offers the space for games and
other leisure activities and there is a greenhouse which can be used, under supervision,
by those interested in cultivating plants.
Verve Life Enderby registered manager, Peter Harrhy, said: “As well as activities onsite,
there’s provision to take residents out to enjoy off site activities, such as swimming and
bowling. We’ve just spent the last week doing different daily activities, such as laser
quest and go karting, with one company, which our residents have loved. We’re in a great
location here, with so much within easy reach, from leisure activities to SEN schools – the
local area is well provided.”
Aspire Sales manager, Stacey Wragg, recently visited Verve Life Enderby to see for herself
exactly what this residential home offers. She said: “Verve Life Enderby isn’t your average
residential home; it’s more like a family house. Walking in, the atmosphere is very warm,
welcoming and homely. The two current residents interact with the care workers as if
they were family, it’s great to see.
“Residents get to pick the décor and theme of their bedroom and care workers use a
reward system to aid development and encourage independence. Verve Life Enderby
have been helping children and young adults with learning difficulties for many years
and have had all manner of success, ranging from residents moving back with their
family to moving onto other residential homes as they get older.”
Verve Life Enderby is staffed and equipped to provide social and living support to those
who have moderate to severe learning difficulties. With 1:1 staff to resident ratio, Verve
Life provides an environment in which your child can grow and develop.
Peter added: “Verve Life Enderby benefits from some excellent, knowledgeable and
qualified staff who provide good quality care. We believe children and young people
thrive in small units like ours, operated in a flexible, caring and homely way that larger
institutions are unable to. This therefore enables Social Workers to place young people
in an environment that is most likely to meet their individual needs and circumstances
often with a higher staff to child ratio. Many of our residents come to us via referrals from
Social Services.”
ASPIRE 3

Editor: Claire Tipton
claire@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
0116 2517385
Accounts: Kathy Tipton
accounts@aspiremagazinegroup.co.uk
0116 2515919
Feature Writer: Laura Hyde
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: Barbara Stone, Emma Cross
Niche: Emily Davison
Distribution: Michael Tipton &
Self Select Distribution
Published by:
Spectrum Printing Services
0116 246 1717
To subscribe to Aspire Magazine call
0116 2517385
©VisitBritain / Ian Shaw
Co n ten
2. Magic Of Motown Competition
3. Verve Life Enderby
6. We Love Local Christmas
8. An Alternative Christmas
Niche - Our Brand New Mini Magazine
9. Holidays & Leisure
10. Performing Arts
13. Charity Awareness
14. Homes
t
s
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
Company Number: 06036102
Find us on Facebook: Aspire Magazine
Follow us on Twitter @aspire_magazine
4 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 5

We Love Local Christmas
Find The Perfect Present
Locally This Christmas
With the peak holiday season over and with autumn
creeping in, the countdown to Christmas is officially
on! The gift sets, chocolate covered treats, and
festive decorations will soon be appearing on shop
shelves and the general atmosphere on the High
Street is set to become more festive and seasonal in
the coming weeks.
The Aspire region likes to celebrate Christmas in style; streets
lined with sparkling lights, Christmas markets, numerous Santa’s
grottos, reindeers and numerous magical Christmas pantos.
In 2008, Leicester was propelled into the top ten UK shopping
destinations, thanks to the opening of the £350 million
Highcross project; however if you venture away from the main
shopping centre and down the narrow streets that surround the
city, you’ll find some delightful shopping gems.
As well as Highcross, Leicester city centre also boasts the
Haymarket Shopping Centre, which boasts a great variety of
retailers such as Primark, H&M and TK Maxx as well as several
relaxing cafes.
Leicester Lanes, one of the oldest and most beautiful parts of
the city, boasts a comprehensive selection of trendy boutiques
and independent shops, whilst St Martins Square is the ideal
place to find a Christmas gift for any discerning label junkie!
Labels like Ugg can now only be bought from authorised
dealers, like Jellyrolls, who applied to be an independent
authorised dealer of the Ugg brand.
If it’s a real taste of India that you’re after, head north to Belgrave
Road, where you’ll find an abundance of Asian shops boasting
an array of beautiful sarees, jewellery and spices. Known as ‘The
Golden Mile’, Belgrave Road is home to some of the best Asian
shops and restaurants in the UK.
To the south of the city, Stoneygate has a cluster of independent
shops and galleries, offering exclusive products and designer
names. Located along Allandale Road and Francis Street, just
off London Road, shopping in Stoneygate allows you to indulge
in an exclusive shopping experience along tree-lined Victorian
streets offering unique products, free parking and friendly,
personal service.
Leicester also boasts a large undercover market, right at the
heart of the city. Open six days a week, Leicester Market is
always a hive of activity. The large outdoor area is packed full of
fruit and vegetable stalls, as well as clothes, fabric and bric-abrac.
It’s well worth a browse, even if it’s just to soak up the busy,
friendly atmosphere, and the 700 years of history.
If all that’s not enough to tempt you into the city to spend your
hard earned cash then why not make a day of it. Leicester has
numerous festive events and attractions that are sure to keep
the whole family happy and entertained; there’s Santa’s Grottos
in Highcross and The Guildhall, the Lord Mayor's Carol Concert
at Leicester Cathedral, and even the chance to get creative at
Jewry Wall Museum where your children can make cards and
decorations that you’ll treasure for years to come.
These independent shops in the Aspire region need your money
now more than ever. With numerous large and established
shopping chains going into administration in the last few years,
the future could look bleak for the independent retailers that
make the region so unique if it wasn’t for you. By choosing to
shop with local companies, you can help them to flourish, as
well as keeping your hard-earned cash in the local area.
For more info on shopping in Leicester, visit
www.goleicestershire.com/shopping
For details on Christmas in Leicester, go to
www.oneleicester.com/christmas
We are a retail outlet based in
the heart of Leicester specialising
in High Street Ladies Fashion
with brands like Love, Ray-Ban,
Angeleye, Ichi, Little Mistress and
many more. Our outlet and online
store are updated on a constant
basis ensuring you get the best in
fashion & price.
Our team are trained to provide
an outstanding customer service
online and in-store ensuring your
expectation is met with no space to
compromise.
Our aim is to become your first
point of call, when it comes to
style, fair pricing and fashion.
22 Malcolm Arcade,
Silver Street, Leicester
LE1 5FT
Tel: 0116 3679935
www.candystripes.net
Aspire’s Top Recommendation
Our unisex salon
provides a welcoming
service to all customers
at an affordable price.
• Ladies & Gents Cut & Blowdrys
• Colouring • Highlights
• Traditional Hot Towel Shaves • Perming
• Bridal Packages • Hair Up
• Racoon Hair Extensions
We sell all amazing products from:
• TIGI
• MUK
• Matrix
• Fudge
• Moroccan oil
• Schwarzkopf
Cutting Room
36 Belvoir Street, Leicester,
Leicestershire LE1 6SL
Tel: 0116 275 7000
www.cuttingroomhair.co.uk
Please quote ‘ASP276’ to
receive a 15% discount
“Leicester’s NO.1 Bag Store”
• Ally Capellino • Angel Jackson • Atelier Swarovski • Armani
• Bill Amberg • Comme des Garcons The Beatles • Comme des
Garcons Wallets • DKNY • Eastpak • Juicy Couture • Kate Sheridan
• Lulu Guinness • Melissa x Vivienne Westwood • Michael Kors
• Moschino Cheap & Chic • Orla Kiely • Ralph Lauren
• Red Valentino • See By Chloe • WANT Les Essentiels + More
SOLE EXCLUSIVE STOCKIST OF MICHAEL KORS
BAGS & ACCESSORIES FOR LEICESTER
Opening Times
Tuesday - Saturday
11am - 5pm
38 Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester LE2 2BD
Facebook: La Maison De Sacs | Twitter: @Maisondesacs
www.maisondesacs.com
Jellyrolls Kidswear established
since 1998 is the largest kids
clothing independent in the
Midlands - stocking over 25
brands over two floors at
our store on the High Street,
Leicester.
We pride ourselves on customer
service and offering the best in
designer kidswear to our customers.
A team of staff who have the
knowledge and expertise to help
you through the brands including:
Chloe, Burberry, Timberland, Hugo
Boss. We also stock accessories and
baby products. We pride ourselves
on seeking out new and exciting
collections each season.
Please feel free to contact us anytime by phone or email and we will always be
ready to help with ideas on gifts, latest trends, existing orders or what is coming
in for the new season.
Gift Vouchers available with a free gift wrapping service also offered.
27 High Street, Leicester LE1 4FP
Tel: 0116 251 9500
www.jellyrollskidswear.com
Outerspace first opened its doors in 2007 at the lovely
Wistow Rural Centre. We then opened a larger store in
Market Harborough enabling us to expand our range and
stock larger items. In 2011 we opened our largest store in
Francis Street, Stoneygate where we have an ‘outer space’
in the form of a courtyard garden filled with Mediterranean
plants and other garden items. All of our shops are filled
with unusual and inspiring products to enhance both your
home and garden. Our next project is to incorporate a
coffee shop into our Francis Street store so that customers
can relax in the lovely south-facing courtyard.
Here at Outerspace we believe your garden should be
an extension to your living space. We produce our own
outdoor weatherproof canvas art and also stock a wide
range of outdoor mirrors adding interest
to a blank wall or fence.
Our product range evolves constantly and includes
luxury reed diffusers, oil torches, gel burners, bird
boxes, climate instruments, station clocks, lighting for
inside and out, solar products, utility items, sculpture
and gardening accessories. We also sell gift vouchers in
denominations of £5, £10 and £20
Come and visit us, we guarantee you’ll feel inspired!
6 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 7

An Alternative Christmas
Food
Glorious
Food
More Than Just A Restaurant…
Christmas is a time for celebrating; washing away
the year and looking forward to the next 12 months
with your friends and family. However, over the
last few years since the recession hit, we’ve become
more aware of the cost of Christmas. We’re all
under pressure to shower our children, partners
and parents with lavish gifts and a feast fit for
a king, but the reality is that splashing the cash,
without considering the eye-watering grand total,
will end up costing you well into the New Year and
beyond. In fact, Moneysupermarket.com have
calculated that clocking up £500 on a credit card
featuring an average APR if 18.12% may take an
agonising 11 years and eight months to pay off if
only the minimum repayment of 2.5% is paid each
month. In the meantime, you’ll have paid an extra
£477 in interest along the way. It’s got to make you
wonder, is it worth it?
If you’re determined to celebrate the festive season
on a budget, leaving everything until Christmas
Eve is just not an option. For Christmas on a budget
there are many things you can ditch in order to
avoid racking up massive a credit card bill, such
as Christmas cards, pricy tags and ribbons, buying
excess food, splashing out on new decorations and
buying gifts for absolutely everyone.
At this time of the year, we all like to catch up with
old friends and family members. To ensure you have
plenty of time to discuss the year gone by and raise
a glass to the new one, book a table at one of our
region’s top eateries. Whether it’s a pre-Christmas
dinner with turkey and all the trimmings or
something a little more exotic, there are hundreds of
places to choose from and a get together is the ideal
time to relax, enjoy great food and have a few drinks.
If you fancy making Christmas 2012 a relaxing one,
why not let someone else take the strain and book
a stay at a hotel over the festive season. Nothing
sounds better than having your Christmas dinner
cooked for you, enjoying it with friends and family,
and then not having to tackle the mountain of
washing up afterwards. You can sit back, relax, put
your feet up and let others take care of you for a
change!
If you want to get the family together this festive
season but don’t want to pay a premium to eat out
on Christmas Day, why not get together before
Christmas Day and enjoy a delicious Christmas
meal at one of the Aspire region’s wonderful pubs,
restaurants and hotels.
A Place of One’s Own
Outdoor Holidays in Scotland
Martin Dalby
On our back cover
Established eight years ago, Hammer
& Pincers in Loughborough is an
award-winning gastro pub offering
delicious dishes, made using the finest
local ingredients, by owners Sandra &
Danny Jimminson.
Danny told Aspire: “When Sandra
and I bought the property, it was a
run-down pub, but we did an extensive
refurbishment ourselves, with the help of
friends and family, over three weeks and
transformed it into what you see today.
Our reputation has steadily grown over
the last eight years: in 2006 we were
awarded ‘Best Gastro Pub in the East
Midlands’ from the Metro newspaper and
in 2008, Giles Coren from The Times gave
us an excellent review and even placed
us in his top ten restaurants for that
year. Three years running we were also
runner-up in the ‘Best Gastro Pub’ and
‘Best Use of Local Produce’ categories in
the Leicestershire and Rutland Awards.
We pride ourselves on using the finest
local produce, gathering from what we
call ‘spitting distance’ of the pub – a
30-mile radius around Loughborough.
We make everything ourselves, even
all our butter, bread, ice cream and
accompaniments.”
Aspire Sales Executive, Emma Cross,
recently enjoyed a meal at Hammer
& Pincers, she said: “I had a wonderful
meal at Hammer & Pincers and Danny
and Sandra and their staff were very
friendly and welcoming. The service was
exceptional and it was great to be able
to see via local produce cards exactly
where what I was eating had come from.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pork from the
gourmet menu – it was the best I’ve ever
eaten!”
Hammer & Pincers are currently taking
booking for their Christmas menu, which
runs from December 1st until January
1st 2013 (except on December 24th and
25th) - five courses for £35 per head.
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 12noon – 2pm and 6pm – 10pm,
and Sunday 12noon – 4pm
Tel: 01509 880735 | Web: www.hammerandpincers.co.uk
STAYING IN .....
.....IS THE NEW GOING OUT
Get your friends together and enjoy a Pampered Chef Cooking Show! Tracey will show
you how to create simple recipes that produce dramatic results with an intereactive
recipe demonstration that lets you try our fabulous tools before you buy.
Everyone gets involved and it’s lots of fun! When you host a Cooking Show, you earn
FREE products and 10% discount for a year.
BE YOUR OWN BOSS
As a Pampered Chef Consultant, you choose the hours you work whilst running a
fun and rewarding business, with an incredible support network and training, you
can earn £50 - £100 per show, showing guests how to create simple yet effective
recipes at in-home Cooking Shows.
Quote
‘ASP276’
when
booking
To find out more about Hosting a show or becoming a Pampered Chef
Consultant, contact Tracey 07718 533 163 or tracey.aldridge@yahoo.co.uk
or www.pamperedchef.biz/bicesterkitchen
8 ASPIRE

Golden Years 3
What’s Inside...
©VisitBritain /
Britain on View
Enjoy Your
Retirement
Do you dread the thought of collecting your bus pass
and pension? Nowadays there’s no need to panic at
the thought of retiring, as your golden years promise
a wealth of enjoyment and excitement. In fact, you
can shun the pipe and slippers, as retirement has
become the time to grab missed opportunities and
live life to the full.
3 4 6 7
With the children all grown-up and working life a distant
memory you’ve now got the freedom to make your dreams a
reality, whether it’s travelling the world, signing up to a course
or pursuing a much-loved hobby. It seems that more people
than ever are choosing an exciting, active retirement than
ever before, as a survey from Opinium Research has revealed.
Dubbing themselves the ‘anti-retirees’, 18% of the 50 to 70-yearolds
quizzed said they were planning an extended overseas
break and 30% said they would take more weekend breaks.
Many of those surveyed also said they were enjoying learning
new skills, with 45% improving their IT and 26% learning a new
language.
Golden Years
Outdoor Holidays
In Scotland
A Place Of
One’s Own
Showcase
Retirees are now following the example of gap year students
and using their free time to indulge in holidays, especially those
once-in-a-lifetime round-the-world trips. According to Leger
Holidays, 4.6 million UK pensioners now spend their free time
travelling the world. Whether you’re taking part of your pension
as a lump sum, downsizing your house or using your savings,
your retirement offers the chance to visit somewhere you’ve
only ever dreamed of going.
If you can’t quite afford that dream round the world trip,
caravanning and camping breaks or investing in your own
holiday home provides an excellent alternative. Since the 2008
recession, caravanning and camping breaks have enjoyed
something of a revival. With more to offer than just financial
benefits, you may also discover that by buying your own
holiday home, your own childhood memories can be re-lived
and enjoyed by your own children, or grandchildren. In fact,
tens of thousands of people are enjoying the flexibility and
freedom of owning their own holiday home in Britain – why not
make 2012 the year you become one of them.
Redefining
Safari
Tourism Office
tel: 020 76471018 Email: dparr@botswanatourism.org.uk
Web: www.botswanatourism.org.uk
Ace York is a city centre hostel, conveniently located near York Railway Station, bus
station and situated in Micklegate, one of the oldest parts of York. Ace York is rated as
a 4 star hostel. This grand Georgian 1752 townhouse has many impressive features,
including stone-flagged entrance hall, a grand sweeping staircase, panelled rooms,
vaulted cellar and a fabulous Rococo ceiling featuring Shakespeare's head. If you are
looking for a budget York option, then Ace York is the place to be!
Ace York Double Bedrooms
Ace York double rooms overlook the famous York wall built in 1192
and have safes, televisions and their own original 18th Century
fireplaces.
Twin Bunk Rooms at Ace York
Twin Bunk Rooms offer views of Micklegate and all twins rooms
offer en-suite bathrooms, televisions, in-room safes & tea and coffee
facilities.
Ace York Family Rooms
Family Rooms overlook the Medieval walls and have original oak
beams and fire places, these large spacious rooms offer tea & coffee
facilities, in-room safes and plasmas screens.
Ace York Dormitories
The Dormitories range from 4 beds to 14 beds and all are en-suite
apart from our 4 bed dormitory. Most have a view of either the Walls
of York, the Cathedral or Micklegate itself. With under bed storage
lockers and individual reading lights, any chosen room is a delight.
Ace York, Micklegate House, 88-90 Micklegate, York YO1 6JX
Tel: 01904 627720 | Fax: 01904 338934
Email: reception@ace-hotelyork.co.uk
www.acehotelyork.co.uk
©VisitBritain / Rod Edwards
Pleasant Valley, Narberth SA67 8LN
Tel: 01834 811811
Email: sales@heritageparkpembrokeshire.co.uk
www.heritageparkpembrokeshire.co.uk
Exclusive Park & Leisure Homes
Situated just a short woodland walk from the quiet coastal hamlet of Wisemans Bridge
and set in the idyllic Pleasant Valley, Heritage Parks enjoys a setting of unrivalled
surroundings amid the dramatic and inspirational Pembrokeshire Coast.
At Heritage Park, all lodges are built to last and come with a 99 year licence agreement,
clearly demonstrating the total commitment level of quality the owners insist upon. The
lodges range in size from 40 x 14 to 40 x 20 and are built to British standard BS 3632.
Prices range from £89,950 to £129,950
according to size, specification and plot.
To ensure you have the funds to afford a comfortable lifestyle
during your retirement, organising a personal pension is
vital. While the state pension allows everyone a safety net for
their retirement, the reality is that the amount you receive
may not be enough for your personal needs. Many people
are beginning to find they need to keep working in order to
supplement their pension fund, whether this was because
they failed to save enough, or spent some time unemployed
during their working life. If you don’t want to work once you
reach the state retirement age (visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/
Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/DG_4017919 to
calculate your individual retirement age), you need to ensure
you firstly, have a pension scheme in place, and secondly, are
saving enough money each month to provide sufficient funds
for your retirement.
Like to own a holiday home
in highly desirable Lytham St Annes?
Eastham Hall Caravan Park, Saltcotes Road, Lytham St Annes FY8 4LS
Tel: 01253 737907
Email: info@easthamhall.co.uk
Web: www.easthamhall.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.
Follow us on Twitter
www.twitter.com/EasthamHall

Outdoor Holidays In Scotland 5
Adventures In
The Great
Outdoors
©VisitBritain / Britain on View
We’re fast becoming a nation
of couch potatoes; in fact the
average Brit now watches more
than 26 hours of television per
week. With so many wonderful
outdoor locations to explore
and enjoy, and so many
different methods for making
the most of our abundant wide
open spaces, it really doesn’t
take a lot of effort to get active,
even during the cooler autumn
months.
A country of staggering beauty,
dramatic landscapes and fascinating
sites, Scotland’s dramatic landscape
makes it a haven for lovers of the
outdoors. From imposing mountains
to vast lochs, it’s got everything you
need to enjoy adventurous or relaxing
outdoors pursuits.
Walking is another way to get out
and about around Britain’s wide
open spaces. Helping to boost the
circulation of oxygen around the body,
walking will also make you feel more
energised. 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. Cycling is a great
way to see more of the outdoors and a
fun activity for the whole family to get
involved with. There are many health
benefits of taking up cycling. Research
by the British Heart Foundation found
that 20 miles of cycling per week
can reduce the risk of coronary heart
disease by half, compared to noncyclists.
It’s also a fantastic way to lose
weight and get fit, as even a gentle
cycle of around 12mph, on flat land,
uses 450 calories an hour, but of course,
the faster you go the more you burn.
Find a route that’s ideal for you in
bonnie Scotland at
active.visitscotland.com/findroute
If leisurely strolls and bike rides around
the park aren’t really your thing, why
not think about heading out with an
adventure specialist or visiting an
outdoor pursuits centre, where you can
enjoy a wide variety of activities that
test your nerves, as well as your skills.
Not only do these types of activities
help to keep you fit and healthy, they
also make you feel good. The hormone
adrenaline is released by the body
when it’s under stress or in a physically
exhilarating situation, often referred to
as the ‘fight or flight’ feeling; it was an
evolutionary adaptation that allowed us
to cope in dangerous, life threatening
situations. Nowadays however, the
hormone gives us that extra buzz when
we’re under pressure, flooding the body
and giving us a natural high.
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
Get Away From It All At Gigha Hotel
Situated off the west coast of Scotland,
the community-owned Isle of Gigha
is the most southerly and one of the
most beautiful and unspoilt Hebridean
Islands. Owned by the community since
a buy-out in 2002, the Isle of Gigha is the
ideal place for a relaxing autumn retreat,
thanks to clear green seas, a wealth of
wildlife and a tranquil atmosphere that
makes this island unique.
Located just a few hundred yards from
the ferry terminal, Gigha Hotel boasts
traditional Scottish charm, comfortable
beds, delicious meals and a warm
welcome, making it the ideal base from
which to explore this breathtaking
island. With 12 en-suite bedrooms (a
mix of doubles and twins, as well as one
single and one suite), Gigha Hotel is
small enough to feel like home, yet large
enough to ensure your every need is
catered for.
With superb views from practically
every room, Gigha Hotel offers guests
spacious and comfortable rooms with
TV, hospitality tray and central heating.
A large, comfortable guest lounge offers
wonderful views over Ardminish Bay
towards the mainland of Scotland.
Appin
House
Choose to visit our small West Highland
self-catering complex of just three units which
has fantastic loch and countryside views, set
within our large fragrant and well landscaped
garden.
We are in an excellent touring area, being
midway between the bustling towns of Oban
and Fort William. There is lots to do in the
area. Suggestions include walking, wildlife
watching, cycling, golf, fishing, castle viewing
– or merely relaxing and enjoying the scenery.
The accommodation consists of one
beautiful, high quality 3 bedroom house
with magnificent views, and it’s own garden,
situated at the front of our own house, and
also two wood-clad cabins, sleeping just up
to 4 people. Set near our front entrance. These
are positioned back to back, and also have
lovely loch and hillside views.
Dave and Denys Mathieson, Appin
House, Appin, Argyll, Scotland PA38 4BN
Tel: 01631 730207
Fax: 01631 730567
Email: denys@appinhouse.co.uk
www.appinhouse.co.uk
The hotel bar is a favourite with locals as
well as visitors; it’s the ideal place to learn
the history of the island, hear fascinating
anecdotes from the locals and acquire a
taste for the finest Scottish malt whiskies!
Alternatively, the casual, yet elegant
dining room is the perfect environment
in which to sample the island’s local fare,
with scallops, halibut, crab and lobster
(all caught locally), as well as vegetables,
lamb/beef and cheese (produced locally)
regularly appearing on the varied and
constantly changing menu. All this local
produce comes cheaper than you might
think, with a two-course meal (plus tea/
coffee) costing just £24.99 per person;
bar snack starters are available from
£3.60.
A room at Gigha Hotel costs from £30 per
person, per night (bed and breakfast),
depending on the season. So what are
you waiting for? Book your stay today by
calling 01583 505254
www.gigha.org.uk
Balcary Bay Country House Hotel
takes its name from the beautiful
bay on which it stands commanding
a stunning location overlooking the
Solway, within an area of Galloway
that is romantic in its isolation,
and which was once full of intrigue.
Heston Isle, the hide-out of 17th
Century smugglers, fronts the hotel’s
view across the Solway coast, while
beyond rise the majestic peaks of the
Cumbrian Lake District.
Romantic, secluded, tranquil &
welcoming. We invite you to escape
the pressures of everyday life. The
hotel is set within three acres of
mature landscaped coastal grounds
& stands on the shore of the secluded
bay offering all the comforts you
would expect from a family owned
country house hotel.
Balcary Bay Country House Hotel,
Auchencairn, Castle Douglas,
Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland DG7 1QZ
Tel: 01556 640217 / 640311
Email:
reservations@balcary-bay-hotel.co.uk
www.balcary-bay-hotel.co.uk
Visit Kintyre
Argyll
Follow in the footsteps
of Saints and Kings.
Enjoy the local food and drink
(listed in the Good Food Guide.)
Chill out walking the beach.
Visit website for more
information.
Autumn Gold Offer
Book for three nights
and get 20% discount
(offer not available online)
Dunvalanree Hotel, Port Righ,
Carradale PA28 6SE
Tel: 01583 431226
Email: book@dunvalanree.com
www.dunvalanree.com
Strumhor
Where the Highlands meet
the Islands
Strumhor is a four-star bed and
breakfast in the village of Connel,
near Oban, Argyll.
A loch-side location with magnificent
views of the Falls of Lora, offering
delicious home-cooked food.
• Directly overlooking the Falls of Lora
• Five miles from Oban
• Mind-blowing sunsets
• Super food
• Sea kayaking
• Hogmanay Escape
• Free Wi-Fi Internet Access
Tel: 01631 710167
Email: info@strumhor.co.uk
www.strumhor.co.uk

A Place Of One’s Own Showcase 7
Create A
Cosy Cocoon
Now that the summer is all but over,
it’s time to prepare your home for
winter. It’s not just spring that’s
a great time for cleaning, so give
every room a good tidy up (put
away summer coats, shoes and toys)
and give every room an autumn
clean, from ceiling to floor. Then you
can set about cosying up your key
rooms, such as bedrooms and living
rooms. You can do this by adding
sumptuous throws, cosy hot-water
bottles and indoor games/activities
to keep the whole family warm,
cosy and entertained throughout
the winter. Don’t forget to invest in
new draught excluders, soft rugs
(especially if you have hard wood
floors) and even thicker curtains
and blinds to keep the cold out and
the warmth in.
However, to stay truly warm this winter,
you may need to go a step further. The
average home in the UK emits around six
tonnes of CO2 every year, and up to 50%
of energy used to heat our homes is lost
through walls and the roof. Loft insulation
250mm thick costs approximately £500
to install and can save you £180 - £200
per year on your energy bills. Cavity
wall insulation is the most cost-effective
energy efficiency measure you can take; it
can reduce heat loss through walls by up
to 60% and can save you up to £200 per
year, meaning any money spent installing
cavity wall will be recovered within five
years. Cavity walls are at least 30cm thick
and comprise an outer and inner wall
separated by an air gap. If you are unsure
whether your home is suitable for cavity
wall, contact a cavity wall specialist. If
everyone in the UK installed cavity wall
insulation, Britain’s CO2 emissions would
be cut by nine million tonnes, that’s
enough to fill nearly 51 million doubledecker
buses (facts taken from
www.eeph.org.uk).
To identify which energy-saving
technologies may be suitable for your
home, visit www.energysavingtrust.
org.uk/renewableselector/start
At Energy Solutions we have advised
owners of over 100 period properties how
to make their homes as energy efficient
as possible without compromising the
performance or character of the building.
We do this by taking the time to understand
the unique nature of the house – evaluating
its strengths and weaknesses from an
energy aspect.
Our approach includes:
• Advising how to get the property to best
“Hang onto the Heat”
• Evaluating how the house can best
"Produce and Control Heat “
Traditional properties tend to have
particular characteristics and we have
extensive experience from tiny period
cottages to the largest country estates of all
periods. Our remit is to ensure that we never
recommend anything unless we can be
sure it will not compromise the character or
performance of the building.
If you are looking to improve the
energy efficiency of your period
home, we can help you.
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 or 07581 568 144
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
The
Best,
Around
In 2010, UK retail sales amounted to a whopping
£293billion, with more than one third of consumer
spending going through our nation’s shops. Whilst
this may seem like a huge amount of money, the
reality is that many companies across the country
are finding it tough as shoppers turn to the Internet
for the best bargains.
Over the last few years we’ve gone from being a nation
of shoppers to a nation of savers, as we avoid the High
Street in favour of hanging on to our hard earned cash.
This has dealt a devastating blow to our independent,
local businesses, who have closed at an alarming rate,
particularly in smaller market towns. Many companies
across the country have suffered the effects of the
recession, but it’s our local businesses that have been
hit hardest. Without the financial backup of a parent
company, with a chain of businesses, they are finding it
tough to stay afloat.
With the whole nation gripped by tough economic times,
it’s vital that you choose the services offered by local
companies. The more money you spend within our own
economy, the better equipped businesses across our
two counties will be to ride out the crunch and come
out the other side stronger and better for it. Spending
your money in local shops keeps your money in the local
economy, resulting in more jobs being created locally
and more funding for local services being raised through
tax revenue. Supporting local businesses also aids
community development.
Local, independent businesses add character to a town
or city and help to shape it as a distinctive destination
for shopping by offering unique products based on the
interests and needs of local customers. Ensuring that
this all important local character survives and thrives is
essential; without these companies every High Street up
and down the country would be lined identically with the
same brand names selling the same products.
Formed in 1983 by the merger of Hinckley
Permanent Building Society (founded in
1865) and Rugby Provident Building Society
(established in 1861), Hinckley & Rugby
Building Society provides an extensive range
of mortgages to residents living near their
Leicestershire branches at Hinckley, Lutterworth,
Broughton Astley, Coalville, Barlestone, South
Wigston, Countesthorpe and Nuneaton.
To find out more and to get the lowdown on the
different mortgages offered by Hinckley & Rugby
Building Society, Aspire spoke to Marketing & PR
Manager Stewart Heeley…
Firstly, what do Aspire readers need in order
to secure a mortgage with Hinckley & Rugby
Building Society?
“Due to the current economic instability and the
housing market recovery, most Aspire readers would
need to find a minimum 10% deposit in order to
apply for a mortgage with Hinckley & Rugby Building
Society. All mortgage applications are subject to
a detailed assessment of the applicant’s financial
status, income multiples and underwriting criteria.
Unlike many larger lenders who decide applications
via preset computer programmes, Hinckley &
Q&A With Hinckley &
Rugby Building Society
Rugby Building Society have a team of experienced
underwriters who can make decisions on a caseby-case
basis, offering applicants more flexibility.
The Society will consider applications from first-time
buyers who are aged 23 or over and who are
financially aware and will also consider applications
involving parental guarantees.”
What kind of mortgages do Hinckley & Rugby
Building Society offer?
“As a top 20 society, Hinckley & Rugby Building
Society is strongly committed to first-class customer
care and providing a range of products and services
that meet your needs. We offer: tracker mortgages,
discount mortgages, fee free mortgages, flexible
mortgages, offset mortgages and fixed rate
mortgages. We currently offer a 90% loan to value
product, a Two-Year Discount, details of which can
be found on our website. Our comprehensive range
of residential mortgages feature regularly in the best
buy tables, published in the national press.”
What’s the best way for Aspire readers to get in
touch with Hinckley & Rugby Building Society to
apply for a mortgage?
“It is always best to contact us directly on our
freephone number - 0800 434 6343. Hinckley &
Rugby does not operate an automated call centre
and your enquiry will be answered personally by a
member of our friendly and professional mortgage
team within seconds. The Mortgage Department is
open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.”
For more information, visit www.hrbs.co.uk
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
The Perfect Party Venue This Festive Season
Now that the summer is all but over and
the festive season is edging closer, we’re
sure you’ve begun thinking about the
party season. As Leicester city centre’s
premier events venue, De Montfort
University’s Level 1 promises a party
to remember. Spacious, modern and
affordable, the venue is a fantastic
location for celebrations of any kind, from
weddings to anniversaries, Christmas
corporate dos to birthday parties. With a
fully stocked bar, attractive drinks prices
and free onsite parking, Level 1 are sure to
help your party go with a bang.
Commercial Operations Manager, Will
Greasley, explains all the benefits of
celebrating at Level 1: “Level 1 has been
available for private hire for around four
years now, but in the last couple of years
it’s become a popular option for those on
a budget. We offer a well maintained night
club facility at very competitive prices; venue
hire starts from just £350 and covers the cost
of hiring the room, bar and security staff,
the DJ and cleaning, but our most popular
package is a five-hour room hire, which
typically runs from 8pm until 1am. Level 1 is
essentially a fully equipped nightclub venue
and our capacity and facilities far exceed the
vast majority of city centre venues. Our tariffs
are set at a competitive rate and we boast an
extensive bar range. As a Students’ Union, we
are also able to offer prices that other venues
can’t compete with.”
At Level 1, the emphasis is on bespoke
service, which is why the friendly and
experienced team will happily assist you
every step of the way and will ensure your
dream celebration becomes a reality. Level
1 has a standing capacity of 1,000 and can
accommodate a maximum of 250 seated
guests; the uniquely designed venue comes
fully equipped, with entertainment and
décor arranged to suit your requirements
and colour scheme. The various buffet menus
have been designed by the in-house team to
cater for all tastes, with prices ranging from
£6.50 to £11.50 per head.
Level 1 also boasts the recent addition of a
second room – The Factory. The Factory has
just undergone a major facelift, creating an
impressive, modern space and an inviting
location for engagement parties, 18th
and 21st birthday parties, surprise parties,
anniversary get-togethers or any other kind
of celebration you can think of. With in-house
entertainment and a great bar, a night to
remember is guaranteed.
Situated on the first floor of De Montfort
University Students’ Union building in Mill
Lane, Level 1 and The Factory are easily
reachable for those seeking a versatile venue
in the heart of the city.
www.demontfortstudents.com
Contact Will directly on
0116 255 5576 ext 332 or email
wgreasley@dmu.ac.uk
Alternatively, contact Chris Hackett
on 0116 257 6300 or
email chackett@dmu.ac.uk

Holidays & Leisure
Martin Dalby
Music for the organ loft, churches and choirs,
solo singers, children’s voices, brass and wind
bands, film, instrumentalists, chamber groups
and orchestras.
Dalby’s large output of compositions is heard widely throughout the UK and abroad
and includes performances at many festivals with four performances at The Proms.
Scottish Music Centre
City Halls
Candleriggs
Glasgow
G1 1NQ
Martin Dalby
23 Muirpark Way
Drymen
Stirlingshire
G63 0DX
info@scottishmusiccentre.com | martindalby@btinternet.com
www.impulse-music.co.uk/dalby/
PIDDINGTON
ROMAN VILLA
MUSEUM
Come and visit a multi-awardwinning
museum, housed in
the historic former Wesleyan
Chapel in the village of
Piddington!
The displays depict life in the
nearby late Iron Age settlement
and Roman Villa, still under
excavation.
Open Sunday Afternoons
1st Oct to 31st Mar - 2pm to 4pm
1st Apr to 30th Sep - 2pm to 5pm
Entrance charge, with
concessions.
Piddington Roman Villa Museum, Chapel
End, Piddington, Northampton NN7 2DD
Tel: 01604 870312
Email: Piddington.museum@tiscali.co.uk
Website: www.unas.org.uk
Inverskilavulin
Holiday Lodges
Two lovely luxury detached timber lodges
with ample parking and raised decking.
Spectacular views across Glenloy to Aonach
Mor & Ben Nevis.
These two properties are set in beautiful
landscaped gardens, paths and streams,
adventure play park for the kids.
The single track, no through road up to
Glenloy meanders through trees alongside
the river for 3 miles, giving a peaceful feeling
of isolation yet the properties are only 6
miles from Corpach which has shops and
hotels, 9 miles from Fort William which has all
the leisure facilities and a railway station.
The properties are bright, spacious and
welcoming with exceptional features to
provide the very highest of standards for a
holiday home in a truly outstanding location
in the Great Glen.
This area is the outdoor activity centre of
Scotland for walking, climbing, winter sports,
water sports, mountain biking, golfing and
many more.
Inverskilavulin Holiday Lodges, Glenloy,
by Fort William, Scotland
Tel: 01671 840 228 or 0789 988 4709
www.glenloy.com
Despite having less money in our pockets, for
most families and couples going without their
annual break is simply not an option. In fact, a
survey from ebookers.com last year revealed
that only 12% of Brits would be going without a
holiday. Since Britain is well-known for having
the longest working hours in Europe, who can
blame us for wanting to swap the daily grind for
a week of relaxation, indulgence and adventure.
If you’ve tried to do without a holiday this year, but have
spent hours daydreaming about leisurely lie-ins, country
walks or exploring somewhere new, then it’s time to
give in and book an autumn break. Holidaying during
September, October and November offers numerous
benefits, especially for those with limited funds. With
accommodation cheaper at this time of the year, it’s
possible to enjoy a long weekend or a week-long
holiday that won’t break the bank. As most destinations
will be less crowded than in the summer months, it will
also allow you to enjoy activities and attractions without
the queues.
Ideal for families, couples and friends, the Great British
Heritage Pass will allow you to explore Britain on a
budget and skip those pesky queues. For a small price
you can choose a pass that lasts between four and 30
days, which grants you access to 580 stately homes,
castles and gardens up and down the country, including
Shakespeare’s birthplace. Get yours from
www.britishheritagepass.com
For those who want to get outside, the 130,000 miles of
public footpaths that stretch through the countryside of
England and Wales offer a great opportunity to embrace
the great outdoors. Whether you’re a serious rambler
or fancy a leisurely wander, there are 15 long-distance
National Trails providing beautiful scenery and the
chance to spot Britain’s native wildlife. Discover a route
that’s right for you at www.nationaltrail.co.uk
When it comes to museums, Britain can’t be beaten.
From London’s famous Natural History Museum to
Southport’s British Lawnmower Museum, whether
you’re looking for an educational day out or crave
something a little wackier, our 2,500 museums cater for
all tastes and many are also free. Head to
www.visitbritain.com for ideas.
Explore the past by visiting one of Britain’s Heritage
Cities and discover the wealth of historical attractions
there are to explore. Six amazing British cities – Bath,
Carlisle, Chester, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and York
have all joined forces to promote our nation’s 2,000
years of history and royal connections. Find out more
about the special events these cities have planned by
logging onto www.heritagecities.com
If you can’t afford an autumn escape, there are still
plenty of things you can do to entertain the children
and make the most of your weekends while the weather
is fine. Did you know that if you catch a leaf as it floats
down from the tree, you’re granted a wish by the
woodland fairy folk? Autumn is a great time for kids
of all ages to play leaf games, thanks to the golden
crunchy carpet that covers the ground. Aspire’s favourite
game is to hunt for leaves using different criteria: the
biggest, the smallest, the most unusual, the most
colourful, and so on. This game is great for everyone,
from toddlers to teenagers! As well as collecting
leaves, you can also set your children the challenge of
finding other autumn goodies, such as conkers (Horse
Chestnuts), Fir cones and evergreen leaves.
Amazing
Autumn
Escapes
©VisitBritain / Ian Shaw
ASPIRE 9

Performing Arts
The Stars Of
The Future
From singing to dancing, acting to playing an instrument,
there are many different activities for children of all ages to
try out. However, ensuring they get the right tuition, support
and guidance to flourish is essential. Whether your child
dreams of stardom or just wants to try a new hobby, learning
how to do any of these activities can equip them with valuable
skills for the future and boost self-confidence, as well as
encourage creativity and imaginative thought processes.
According to statistics, the top career aspirations to children aged
five to 11 are now sports star, popstar and actor, and the numbers of
children taking steps to achieve these goals has increased dramatically
in recent years. In the last five years alone, the number of child
performance licences has increased by a whopping 80%, these are
issued to children who are absent from school for three or more days
each half year in order to perform. Stagecoach, a national network of
theatre arts schools, have also reported an increase in student numbers,
which stood at just 12,000 in 1999 compared to 36,000 in 2010. The
figures suggest that more young people than ever dream of having
their name in lights.
Whilst a good, well-rounded education is vital in today’s world, after
school activities have long been championed as having a positive effect
on a child’s learning. Research conducted by the Educational Testing
Service in America found that those who participate regularly in extracurricular
activities had higher self-esteem and an enhanced status
amongst their peers (http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr237.
shtml).
more self-disciplined. Performing arts may also have an effect on a
child’s creative development, as they are encouraged to explore the
world through the eyes of another, either a real or imagined character.
If your child loves belting out a tune and you want to see them make
the most of their voice, here are our top tips:
• Breathe – an essential aspect of singing is learning to control
breathing. By combining good posture and abdominal breathing with
opening the throat, singers have much more control over their voice
and much more staying power.
• Practice daily – singing comes naturally to some, whilst others have to
work that little bit harder. Practice always makes perfect, so if your child
is dedicated and passionate about singing they’ll be glad to put in the
training.
• Train the ears – singing isn’t just about training the voice, it’s also
about training the ears, so it’s vital to know how your voice sounds and
how it fits in with the music that’s being played. Ear training is all about
being able to identify notes and sing in tune with them, which is why
it’s so important to practice scales.
• Be kind to your voice – budding singers should remember not to
overdo it as the vocal chords are muscles and can easily be strained and
injured. Warming up before any big performance is essential.
For those with a passion for singing, it’s easy to practice at home.
However, if your youngster dreams of taking it to the next level,
employing the services of a voice coach can provide them with the
tools they need to turn their hobby into a career or prepare them for
future study.
There are significant benefits to be had from taking a drama class,
joining a dance workshop or being part of a choir. These types of
activities encourage children to become more social by meeting new
people of all ages, working together as a team and discussing what’s
required of them. Performing in front of others will also bring children
added confidence, which will prove vital for future leaning and in the
work place, and learning new lines or routines will also make them
For those who decide they want to take their talents and skills further,
there are many options for further study and higher education. From
dedicated stage schools to college and university courses, there have
never been more choices for those who want to see their name in
lights. So, whether they dream of being a West End star, standing on
the X Factor stage or being part of a successful dance troupe, Aspire are
here to help make dreams come true.
Broad Oak
Studio
The studio offers the best in analogue and
digital recording.
A TLA 32 channel valve mixing console, Apple
Mac/Logic 32 Track Hard Disk Recording,
Studer A80 24 Track Analogue Recorder, ATC/
Yamaha/Beyer Monitoring, Comprehensive
range of Valve and Digital Outboard
Microphones by Neumann, Audio Technica,
Sennheiser etc.
We have competitive rates, and all work is
overseen by a professional and experienced
Engineer/Producer.
If you have any questions, or would like a
quote, please call 01981 580 132 or email
broadoakstudio@btconnect.com
Butterfly
Dance School
Established Dance School
offering classes for all ages and
abilities. Excellent exam success
rates. Opportunities to perform
available.
• RAD Ballet & Mentoring
• ISTD Modern
• Licentiate Qualified Teacher
• Tap, Jazz & Disco
• Irish Dancing, Musical Theatre
• Professional & Welcoming
Crewe Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 5NS
Tel: 01270 568720
Email: louisekcolenso@btinternet.com
The club was
established in
1959 and offers
a welcoming and
friendly environment
for all ages from 2½
years upwards to learn and enjoy Scottish
Country and Highland dancing.
Although the club is based in Harpenden,
Hertfordshire, our pupils come to
attend dancing lessons from a wide
area in Herts., Beds, Bucks, Cambs and
Northants.
Classes are held weekly during term
time, with pupils divided by age and
experience. Scottish Country and
Highland dancing are taught in separate
lessons and pupils may choose to do
either one or both.
Parents are welcome to sit in on our dance
classes and watch the progress of their
children.
Telephone: 01582 769607
Email: info@hielandtoeclub.co.uk
www.hielandtoeclub.co.uk
Peter Wilkins Photography
Member Of The British Institute Of Professional Photography
And The Royal Photographic Society
We are a family-run business established in 1988, and have been
steadily growing by reputation. We offer a personal, friendly and
reliable service undertaking most aspects of photography.
We are based in Saltash, Cornwall centrally situated to cover Cornwall,
Devon, and the rest of the West Country of England but we do
undertake commissions all over the UK and Ireland, the Channel
Islands and further a-field.
In addition to priding ourselves with ‘any location’ we offer studio
facilities in Plymouth and Saltash, as well as a complete portable
studio equipment for those requiring this facility.
Tel/Fax: 01752 844104 | Mobile: 07880 710337
Email: petewilkins@blueyonder.co.uk
www.peterwilkinsphotography.com
Sarah Andrews
Dance Academy
Performing Arts Tuition
Ballet, Tap, Modern Dance,
Singing & Drama
Principal Sarah Andrews A.I.S.T.D. A.M.B.A
Based in Harpenden amid the glorious Hertfordshire Countryside.
I.S.T.D. Ballet, Tap, & Modern, Singing & Drama Classes Available.
Dance classes have a different meaning for individual students,
those who dance for fun, and those who wish to follow a
professional career in the world of entertainment.
All are welcome at the Sarah Andrews Dance Academy, no
pressure on those dancing for fun, and every encouragement and
support, through I.S.T.D Examinations and performance is given to
those looking to the future.
Administration & Technical Director/ Singing & Drama, Roger
Andrews, 93 Lomond Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts HP2 6PB
Tel: 01442 265836
Email: Sarah & Roger @sadance.co.uk
www.sadance.co.uk
10 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 11

Charity Awareness
Be
Charitable
Can you remember when you last donated money
to charity? According to the Charity Commission
there are now 180,000 registered charities in
England and Wales (all recorded on the online
Register of Charities), all are worthy causes
and many are desperate for donations. In
addition to these 180,000, there are
countless small charities below the
income threshold of £5,000 per
year that aren't required to
register.
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 that are
in desperate need of our hard
earned cash. To be a charity,
the Charity Commission state
that ‘an organisation must have
exclusively charitable purposes
and must operate for the public
benefit’. The Charities Act 2006
contains 13 descriptions of purposes:
• the prevention or relief of poverty
• the advancement of education
• the advancement of religion
• the advancement of health or the saving of lives
• the advancement of citizenship or community
development
• the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or
science
• the advancement of amateur sport
• the advancement of human rights, conflict resolution
or reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial
harmony or equality and diversity
• the advancement of environmental protection or
improvement
• the relief of those in need by reason of youth,
age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other
disadvantage
• the advancement of animal welfare
• the promotion of the efficiency of the armed forces
of the Crown; or the efficiency of the police, fire and
rescue services or ambulance services
• any other purposes charitable in law
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 fact, Charity Commission figures show
that around 6% of charities generate almost 90% of
the total annual income recorded. The largest 500
charities (0.3% of those on the register) generate
almost 50% of the total income.
So, this issue, we’d like to encourage our kind-hearted
and generous readers to pledge their support to these
smaller charities, who are struggling to keep their
heads above water. Many charities main source of
income is from its regular donations, which can be put
towards new projects and supplies, but how much you
choose to donate is up to you. One-off cash donations
can help in the short-term, but setting up a regular
monthly donation online can provide your charity of
choice with long-term help. You could even give a gift
that lasts this Christmas by making a monetary in the
name of a loved one.
Dedicated to improving the lives of people
with sight loss in Leicester, Leicestershire
and Rutland, Vista provides services,
support, advice and information to almost
6,000 registered blind and partially sighted
local people each year.
There are many different ways in which
you can support Vista in their vision of a
world in which people with sight loss of all
ages have choice and control over their
lives and no-one experiences avoidable
sight loss...
• Firstly, make a donation by texting
VIST40 £2 to 70070
• Secondly, buy Vista Christmas cards
from http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Vistore
• Volunteer your time to raise muchneeded
funds – visit www.vistablind.org.
uk/get-involved/fundraising
• On October 11th, dress in your brightest
clothing and raise money for Bright 4
Sight, which aims to raise awareness of
good eye health.
Finally, you can pledge your support to
Vista as part of The Big Give. As part of
The Big Give, Vista is aiming to encourage
old and new supporters alike to help them
raise £21,000, which will then be matched
by The Big Give initiative.
0116 249 8839
www.vistablind.org.uk
Founded in 2010, Eva Organization for Women (EOW)
is charitable organisation, whose aim is to empower
women and their families from all walks of life.
Empowerment in this context involves mobilisation,
sensitisation, awareness, education and all aspects and
forms of advancement and capacity building of women
organisations, groups, and individuals.
EOW is the brain-child of Sadiyo Siad, who got together
with a group of like-minded professional women to
create a charitable organisation whose sole aim was the
development of women and young girls for a brighter future.
Aspire spoke to EOW vice-chair, Catherine Parker, who told
us: “Initially EOW was founded to provide a safe place for
women to get together to talk to one another and to also
get access to any help they needed, in any area of their lives.
However, after running drop-in sessions and one-to-ones
at our base in Leicester, we discovered that these women
were worried about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),
which is, unfortunately, still a huge problem. Last summer
we held a conference on the subject at the University of
Leicester where Sadiyo Siad is a student and over 100 people
attended, including doctors, midwives and solicitors, raising
much-needed awareness of the issue. FGM is still something
we will be campaigning against and raising awareness of, as
EOW: The Change of Tomorrow
FGM is a painful reality.”
EOW’s latest project, Operation Read To Learn, hopes to
re-establish a library in Mogadishu, Somalia, where war has
seen many of the universities and libraries closed and many
books destroyed.
An Appeal to build a library in Mogadishu, Somalia for the
first time in 22 years:
Education changes lives, empowers and enriches people,
and can shape communities and even countries for the
better. Books are the main tools of education and we want
to help students in Somalia by giving them access to books,
and a library in which to read and study them.
There has not been a single library built in Mogadishu,
Somalia for 22 years, and most today are derelict due to war
and conflict. However, change and a desire for peace and a
good future is growing in Mogadishu, and now more than
ever support is needed to help those students to learn and
grow.
EOW very much need your help; they’re trying to raise
£84,752.50 to build a library in Mogadishu, Somalia, to
transport text books and to establish a sustainable library.
The library would have books, access to the internet, a café
and a community centre with access for all. It would form
the centre of the community, and be a powerful force for
positive change.
Indeed, Education Empowers and Changes Lives for the
Better – your donation can bring about that Change!
What EOW ask of you is to fund a brick or two, or donate a
book.
What your donation will do is to help build a better future for
Somalia. In the Library the name of any donor who donates
£1,000 or more will be recorded on a plaque of friendship,
to let the Library readers know who provided the good will
from the peoples across the seas.
EOW are appealing for book donations, particularly
academic books, to fill this library. Email
eow@evaorganizationforwomen.org for details on how
to donate.
The organisation is always on the lookout for more
volunteers, as well as funding. If you can help, please call
Sadiyo Siad on 07961 618589 or visit
www.evaorganizationforwomen.org
GreenTowers OPEN DAY
Saturday 6th October 2012!
Times 12pm to 4pm
Come and join in our 2nd year anniversary celebrations.
experience our amazing activities centre.
Sample food from our new professional caterers tasty
bites and more whilst enjoying a drink in our famous
Jackie’s Bar.
Why Not Hire Our Outstanding Facilities!
• Children’s Birthday Parties • School
Visits • Fitness Suite • Gym • Music
Recording Studio • Sports Hall • Climbing
Wall • 3G Astroturf • Skate Park • BMX
Track • Business Meeting Room
Don’t Miss Our Up Coming Events 2012!
• 2nd Year Anniversary Celebrations Saturday 6th
October • GreenTowers Got Talent Saturday 20th
October • Halloween/Firework Friday 2nd November
• Wedding Fair Sunday 2nd December • Christmas
Fayre Sunday 9th December
Tasty Bites & More
For All Your Catering Needs
• Functions • Weddings • Special
Occasions • Conferencing • Parties
Contact Tanya on 07970 128749 or email
tastybitesandmore@btinternet.com
12 ASPIRE
ASPIRE 13

Homes
House prices in the East Midlands are
currently £162,393; it’s not hard to
see why so many first-time buyers are
struggling to get on the property ladder.
The average first-time buyer is now aged
33 and although the number of mortgage
approvals for house purchases hit a
two-year high in January (ahead of the
withdrawal of a stamp duty concession),
with 38,092 approvals that month, it’s still
almost impossible for first-time buyers to
get on the property ladder.
So 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 something with it, as it’s not making you any
money sat in your savings account.
With autumn just round the corner and another cold winter
predicted, now’s the perfect time to get your home ready
for winter. To avoid unnecessary expense and stress this
winter, we recommend having your boiler and heating
system serviced by a Gas Safe Registered professional,
cleaning out your gutters, inspecting your roof and chimney
for missing/cracked tiles and sealing draughts in windows
and doors (a much cheaper option if you can’t afford to
replace windows and doors).
14 ASPIRE
Home
Sweet
Home
Another essential pre-winter task is to get your fireplace
ready. Again, it’s best to call in the professionals to cap the
top of your chimney to keep out rodents and birds, sweep
the chimney to rid it of soot and creosote and inspect
the fireplace damper for proper opening and closing. The
only thing you really need to do once you’ve called in the
professionals is to buy or chop firewood, keeping it dry and
away from the exterior of your home.
If you’ve decided that this winter is the ideal time to
make improvements to your home, think about making
alterations that’ll add the most value once the housing
market picks up. The Royal Institution of Chartered
Surveyors (Rics) recently discovered that the best ways to
increase the value of your home was with the addition of
another bedroom, closely followed by a new kitchen or
bathroom. Adding square footage to your home will make
the biggest difference to your family life as well as being the
best investment.
If you want to give your home a new look, but don’t have
hundreds or thousands of pounds to spare, a fresh lick
of paint on the walls and some new accessories, such as
cushions, storage jars and even candles, can make the world
of difference. Fashionable colours/trends for 2011 include
orange, green, floral and vintage.
If you choose to make improvements to your home this
winter, be sure not to scrimp – the cheapest quote you
get might not give you the best result, so hire reputable,
recommended companies to carry out any work and ensure
you always use the best products, fixtures and fittings that
your money can buy. However, if you’re only doing up
rooms in order to add value and sell your home, don’t spend
more than you anticipate to gain.
Certificate Of Recognition For
Quality Traditional Trades 2012
Northamptonshire’s specialists in
listed and period buildings
01604 833500
E.G Est 1964
Swingler & Sons
Roofing Specialists
Knowledge, experience and
expertise covering:
• Northamptonshire
• Leicestershire • Warwickshire
• Oxfordshire
Specialists in:
• Leadwork
• Clay & Concrete Tiles
• Slates Natural and man made
• Roofing
• Guttering
• Chimney Re-builds
• Masonry
• Timberwork & treatment
Fully covered by public liability insurance
If you are looking for professional roofers
in and around the Northampton and the
Warwickshire area, then please don't
hesitate to get in touch today.
Visit www.swinglerroofing.co.uk
West Barn Country Interiors
Awarded certificate of Recognition
The brain-child of Sue Kirk-Patrick,
West Barn Country Interiors
specialise in hand-painted
furniture, household and garden
accessories and linens all of which
will transform your house into a
home. Aspire are so impressed with
the range of products on offer, as
well as Sue’s talent when it comes
to customising existing pieces of
furniture, we’ve awarded West Barn
Country Interiors with an Aspire
Certificate of Recognition for First-
Class Country Living.
On hearing the news, Sue said: “I’m thrilled;
thanks you, Aspire. This is a wonderful
surprise. I only established the business last
October, so to already have recognition is
wonderful. I pride myself on stocking the
unusual. Everything I sell has been hand
selected by me for its uniqueness. I didn’t
want to stock items that were readily
available in other shops on the High Street. I
think it is difficult to beat the individuality of
aged and rustic pieces.”
Based in the lovely village of Gayton,
Northamptonshire, West Barn Country
Interiors stock home accessories from wellknown
names including Garden Trading, Cox
and Cox, Biggie Best, which is a new range
from South Africa, Parlane, Polie Pottery, a
lovely new range of pottery from Poland,
and many more.
As well as these well-known names, West
Barn Country Interiors specialises in
customised furniture, as Sue explained: “I’ve
always painted furniture and have been
selling my own hand-painted furniture at
local shows and markets for many years,
but I decided to take the plunge and set
up my website when I realised there was a
gap in the market. Each piece of furniture is
individually hand painted by me. As well as
an existing range of customised furniture, I
am also happy to customise individual pieces
of furniture from customers who like the
furniture but want to revamp it.”
For more information, call Sue on 01604 858328 or 07920 578089
or visit www.westbarncountryinteriors.co.uk
New Approach to
Sustainable Building
Rewarded
With increased awareness of our
impact on the environment, we’re
being encouraged to reduce our
carbon emissions. The average
annual carbon footprint per
year, per Briton is 10.92 tons
of CO2, according to a study by
the government-funded Carbon
Trust. Of this 10.92 tons, 1.49
tons of CO2 is used through
heating our homes; if you’d like
to reduce this shocking figure,
Aspire would like to point you
towards the Leicestershire village
of Ratby, where Cawrey Homes
are in the process of building 26
eco-friendly homes.
These eco-friendly homes are the first of their
kind; Cawrey Homes are the first housing
development company to build eco-friendly
homes in any significant volume, which is
why Aspire have awarded the company with
a Certificate of Recognition for Sustainable
Living.
Dedicated to building in the village of Ratby
for over 40 years, Cawrey Home’s latest
development brings together traditional
building skills with high environmental
performance targets. These four-bed
detached, three-bed and two-bed semis all
provide energy efficient living through the
use of heat retaining glass, air source heat
pumps, insulated floors, walls and roof, a
sedum ‘green’ roof (to reduce rainwater runoff)
and solar photovoltaic panels, as well as
British-made materials, sourced as locally as
possible. Each home also has a downstairs
toilet, a shed (for bikes), compost heap and
water butt in the back garden and frontage
parking for two cars.
All traditionally built using brick and block
cavity walls, the first phase of these Cawrey
eco-friendly homes are available to buy,
starting from £150,000 for a two-bed semi,
rising to £199,950 for the en-suite three-bed
semis.
Cawrey Homes Managing Director, John
Cawrey, said: “This development is a big
step forward for environmentally friendly
building. We wanted to do this development
to prove it could be done; the majority of
other developers are building one or two
environmentally conscious homes but,
to my knowledge, no one else is building
eco-friendly homes in the volume that we
are. We’re building 26 homes in total on this
site, two four-beds, four two-beds and 20
three-bed semis, some with en-suite master
bedroom, some without. Each home may take
us six months to build but we’ve learnt so
much, lessons that other developers haven’t
yet learnt because they haven’t attempted
anything on this scale before.
“It’s not just what we’re building though;
it’s the way we’re building. We’re sourcing
materials from sustainable suppliers, we’re
using local products where we can, and we’re
dealing with all our own waste, even crushing
up broken bricks onsite to make our own
hardcore mill waste. My father started this
company in 1948 and we’ve been building in
the village of Ratby since 1968, in fact, we’ve
owned this site since 1972. In that time, we’ve
earned a reputation for building high quality,
traditionally constructed homes, so we felt
the only way to move the business forward,
and cater to a niche but growing market,
was to build environmentally friendly homes.
Of course, being environmentally friendly,
these homes will also be kind to your purse;
we’re currently monitoring the amount of
energy the homes have the potential to make
and should have clear results by October or
November.”
Situated just 15 minutes from Leicester City
Centre, Ratby is a rural village with a primary
school (secondary and upper schools are
a short walk away), three public houses, a
mini market, shops, newsagent and post
office, a sports club with both cricket and
football pitches and a network of countryside
footpaths. The village also boasts excellent
commuter links, being just minutes from the
M1.
On hearing the news of their Certificate of
Recognition for Sustainable Living, John
said: “Thank you, Aspire. It’s so nice to have
recognition for the new homes we’re building,
which meet very high environmental
standards. It’s nice to know that someone has
noticed the effort we’re putting in to changing
the face of house building, to enable future
generations to limit their impact on our
environment. I hope this official recognition
encourages your readers to visit our show
home and see for themselves how a house on
this development will change their lives.”
Visit the Cawrey Homes new Showhome at the top of Fielding Lane, off Ferndale Drive, Ratby (Sat
Nav - LE6 0AS) – open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12noon until 4pm.
Call 0116 239 0600 or visit www.cawrey.co.uk for further details.
ASPIRE 15

Improve Your Quality
of Life with
The Healing Works
More people than ever before
are now turning to holistic,
complementary therapies to help
with their anxiety, emotional
issues and pain management;
these treatments are also
becoming increasingly popular
with those looking to unwind
and de-stress. With acupuncture
clinics in Daventry and Southam,
The Healing Works offers a range
of therapies which can help you
to live a healthier and more
enjoyable life.
Founder, Brian Pollitt, told Aspire: “I
take a holistic look at you as the unique
human being that you are, and tailormake
a treatment plan just for you. When
seeking complementary medicine there
are so many choices today. My primary
therapies are based on the principles of
Chinese Medicine, which are acupuncture,
moxabustion, cupping and dietary
advice. I am a fully qualified and licensed
acupuncturist, and a member of the British
Acupuncture Council.
“At The Healing Works I work hard to help
you take control of your life. Although your
treatment will be focused on your primary
condition, I can offer advice and guidance
on the various lifestyle choices which will
have contributed to you becoming who you
are today. This means looking at both your
physical and emotional health, and may
include dietary advice, exercise, meditation,
and so on, all of which will be aimed at
achieving a better balance in all that you do.
“I treat a wide range of issues but I would
say at least half of my patients come to
me for help with anxiety, stress and pain
management. However I often have people
coming to me for help with numerous other
conditions, such as morning sickness, sleep
problems, digestive issues, coping with
side-effects of cancer treatments, and so on
– the list goes on. In fact the World Health
Organisation has a long list of conditions
that acupuncture has been proven to be
an effective treatment through controlled
trials. Have a look at my website
www.thehealingworks.net which has links
to the WHO and the British Acupuncture
Council, which both have many evidencebased
research papers showing the efficacy
of acupuncture.”
Things Brian’s patients have said about him:
“Brian (The Healing Works) has been
my therapist of choice since 2009 and
I confidently recommend him and his
acupuncture skills to friends, family and
colleagues. Initially seeking an alternative
to prescription drugs (post-traumatic stress
recovery), I now only require ad-hoc (‘top
up’) therapy. The results never fail to amaze
me. My most recent appointment was
booked when my energy and spirits were
understandably low (work/life issues), and
yet within hours of therapy, I felt ‘brilliant’.
If you believe that age is reducing your
vitality, please treat yourself to a couple of
sessions: Feeling is believing!”
“I have been having acupuncture from Brian
for various conditions, he is the type of
person who really listens to you and treats
you in a professional manner, and with
respect. I now feel that I can face the world
and all it throws at me.”
Brian offers a free, no obligation, informal chat, either in person
or on the phone, to help you decide if the therapies he offers are
likely to help you. Acupuncture costs £40 per treatment but Brian
is offering a fantastic £10 discount for Aspire readers who quote
‘ASP276’ when booking. For more information, visit
www.thehealingworks.net or call 07772 010081.