Win a Spa Day at Ragdale Hall!

March/April 2014

Plus Focus on Easter Take Time to Relax Events around the Vale A Short Guide to Modern Pilates Historical Events in March & April Lemon & Poppy Seed Cake recipe New Books to Read Quiz Page

Welcome to ...

Have we finally seen the end of the winter I’ve been working on updating my website weather? Floods, high winds and perishing (www.intothevale.co.uk) which includes temperatures have tested us all, but having past issues and feature articles, plus some just spent the morning on the side of a beautiful photography from David Hunt who football pitch in glorious sunshine (albeit takes my front cover images. For those of wrapped up like an Eskimo against the you who are thinking of advertising you can biting wind) I think we can say we’re over find prices and distribution details on the the worst. website, or you can just give me a call and I’ll be happy to help. So now we can look ahead to bluer skies, greener grass and warmer days. Hooray! Enjoy this issue. The Easter period is coming soon too (turn Sophie

to the centre pages for our Easter feature plus useful date chart). With pancakes, hot DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE cross buns and lots of chocolate around at The deadline for the May/June issue is this time of year, what’s not to like? Friday 18th April. Front cover image © dwhphotography

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 3

WHAT’S ON ...

in & around the Vale

Sundays & Tuesdays in March for the first time entry will include access Celebrating 40 Years of House & Garden to the beautiful grounds of Belton House Holmepierrepont Hall and the adventure playground, shop and A chance to look around the earliest brick everything else The National Trust has to building in Nottinghamshire, which first offer. Many top event riders from the UK opened its doors and gardens in 1974. and Europe will be competing for the The house was built in 1500 by Sir William Lycetts Grantham Cup, and in addition to Pierrepont and is still lived in as a private the eventing there will be other equine family home by his descendants. Visitors competitions such as the Inter-Hunt Relay, start their visit in the Medieval Lodgings Unaffiliated Dressage and Pony Club and finish in the Ball Room where tea is Mounted Games as well as the showcase served on a Sunday. Open 2-5pm. House Stallion Parade. Other activities include and Garden* Adults £5.00 Children free. the Dog Show, Dog Agility, and a Garden only* Adults £3.00 Children free. 10K Trail Run – for humans. The popular For details call 0115 933 2371. Ladies Lunch and Expert’s Eye will feature again and a variety of arena attractions Saturday 15th March, 2pm and entertainment will ensure something International Women’s Day Walk for everyone. For further details and ticket Nottingham Women’s History Group prices visit www.belton-horse.co.uk. A popular walk around parts of Nottingham to highlight the role women have played in Sunday 6th April history. For further details visit Vale of Belvoir Ramblers Walk www.nottinghamwomenshistory.org.uk. Cropwell Bishop Enjoy a leisurely five and a half mile Saturday 22nd March, from 12pm morning walk, taking in beautiful country Auction & Table Top Sale views, from Cropwell Bishop to Colston Dove Cottage Hospice Bassett walk with the Ramblers. At the This grand auction of household goods, end there’s optional tea and cakes in the soft furnishings, toys, small appliances and village hall in aid of the NSPCC. For small items of furniture is always popular. further details telephone 01949 836042. Donations of items to auction are welcome Ramblers’ walks are intended primarily for during w/c 17th March. Viewing starts from members but non-members are welcome 12 noon, bidding 1.30pm prompt. Free as guests on two or three walks before entry and everyone welcome! For more being expected to join. details telephone 01949 860303. Thursday 10th April Friday 4th to Sunday 6th April An Evening with Etienne Stott MBE Belton International Horse Trials Hose Village Hall Belton House An evening with Olympic C2 Canoe This year Belton Horse Trials is being run Slalom gold medallist Etienne Stott MBE. in conjunction with The National Trust and

This will take place in Hose village hall USEFUL NUMBERS with proceeds going to the 1st Waltham Explorer Scout Unit (Japan Jamboree Fund). Licenced bar, admission £8 (under EMERGENCIES 18's £6) to include interval snacks. Please Emergency Services: 999 call 01949 860067 for tickets. Fire Service: 0115 967 0880 Police Service: 101 Mon 14th - Mon 21st April from 11am Electrical Power Loss: 0800 056 8090 Easter Egg Tree Gas Emergency: 0800 111 999 Nottingham Castle Severn Trent Water: 0800 783 4444 Drop in and decorate an egg shape to hang on our Easter Egg Tree, then go on NATIONAL HELP & ADVICE LINES an Easter Egg Hunt to find hidden eggs Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111 around Nottingham Castle. Claim your Victim Support: 0845 30 30 900 prize at the end of the trail. Tickets cost £1 Childline: 0800 1111 per person and normal admission price Age Concern: 0800 1698787 applies. For further details visit Citizens Advice: 08444 111 444 www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk. Trading Standards: 08454 040506

Domestic Violence: 0808 200 0247 Saturday 19th April, 11am

Easter Fair DOCTORS & HOSPITALS Wollaton Park Belvoir Health Group: 08444 773 999 Hop down to Wollaton and browse among Long Clawson Practice: 01664 822 214 an array of stalls selling everything from NHS Direct: 111 sculpture to jewellery. Free entry, parking QMC Hospital: 0115 924 9924 charges apply. For details visit City Hospital: 0115 969 1169 www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk.

Fri 25th to Sun 27th April, 10am - 5pm BOROUGH COUNCILS Newark & Notts Garden Show Rushcliffe: 0115 981 9911 Newark Showground Melton: 01664 502502

This popular show features a treasure SPORT & LEISURE trove of the finest trees, shrubs, flowers Bingham Leisure Centre: 01949 838628 and pot plants for green-fingered Cotgrave Leisure: 0115 989 2916 enthusiasts to explore. There are talks from garden experts and an extensive LIBRARIES range of stands displaying gardening tools Bingham Library: 01949 837905 and gadgets, plants and homewares, Cotgrave Library: 0115 989 2578 crafts, food, drink and gifts at special event Radcliffe Library: 0115 933 2312 prices. Running alongside the event is the 'All About Dogs Show' so you can bring TRAVEL the whole family to enjoy two unforgettable National Rail Enquiries: 08457 484 950 days out for the price of one. Adults £6.50 East Midlands Trains: 08457 125 678 OAPs £5.50 Kids £2. Free parking, dogs Notts City Transport: 0115 950 6070 allowed on a lead. For details and tickets East Midlands Airport: 01332 852 852 visit www.aztecevents.co.uk. 7

COMMUNITY NEWS

ET’s Cotgrave Service Station has otgrave Advice Centre is delighted been recognised as one of the top- to be celebrating over 30 years of performing petrol stations in the UK caring in the community. J C at the industry-leading Forecourt Trader of Originally set up to support families during the Year Awards 2013. The forecourt, on the Coal Miners Strike, the centre has a Main Road, was shortlisted as one of the dedicated team of advisers together with top three in the Midlands while the site was several specialists who all provide also recognised as one of the top three professional help to people in Cotgrave forecourts in the UK in the awards’ Best and Rushcliffe. Soft Drinks Outlet’ category. Their advice is totally free and Lee Whiteman, managing director at the confidential, and often their help dealing JET site, comments: “We’re delighted to with benefits, refunds and claims has have been recognised as a finalist in both meant the difference between financial these categories. Since starting out 53 security and total despair for their clients. years ago, we’ve established our family business over three generations, adapting No appointment is required for a general to the changing needs of our community. query; just turn up at their offices in the Methodist Community Hall (behind the “We recognise that our local community is Methodist Church) during opening hours. the lifeblood of our business, so we’re If you need to be referred to their Solicitor, actively involved in a range of activities, Income Tax Specialist, Debt Specialist, sponsoring the local school football team, Welfare Benefits Specialist or helping with town Christmas decorations Employment Specialist a further and donating gifts for various local fund- appointment can be arranged after the raising activities. It’s great to have this initial meeting. recognised, and it’s also a well-deserved pat on the back for our dedicated staff, all Opening times are Tuesday and Thursday of whom play a key role in making the mornings from 9am to 12 noon and forecourt such a success. We would also Monday evenings from 5pm to 7pm. like to thank our valued customers for the Computers are available for use and support they have given us over the many support is given for form-filling on-line. A years we’ve been a JET forecourt.” weekend on-line access point is also being set up in All Saints’ Church which will initially be an appointment service, with a staff member on hand to help with setting up accounts and other requirements.

For further details call 0115 9893294.

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 9

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 11

have two new fridge magnets; one says ‘Dance like No One is Watching’ and the other ‘Sing like No One is Listening’. What great advice! And being a child I of the eighties all I need is a Wham, Spandau or Meatloaf offering and I’m off like an X factor contestant on acid!

As a family we have very different musical tastes. The children have just entered the ‘plug in and zone out’ phase of their lives. My son is into rap music and occasionally uses incomprehensible phrases that may as well be Welsh as far as I am concerned. My husband is an ageing rocker who has recently revived his love of live bands and been to see some real shockers, including Alice Cooper’s Halloween Tour. We have our breakfast accompanied by Planet Rock until 8.55 when I can retune to Radio 2 and the safety of Chris Evans and Ken Bruce. My daughter will happily listen to everything from Joe Bonamassa to One Direction. She is an expert on Black Stone Cherry (apparently not a jam ingredient) and can sing along with confidence to Hinder or Black Sabbath.

I have what I like to think is an eclectic taste. I like some rock music, I can easily suffer an hour or two of Andrew Lloyd Webber or a big band, and Billy Joel often joins me in the car.

We’ve been to some excellent open-air live concerts, but all my musical experiences were blown to pieces when I recently had my first (and I suspect only) experience of Rock City. Nicknamed ‘Rock Sticky’ it’s a dark and somewhat basic venue with plastic glasses and the stickiest floor I have ever had the misfortune to step foot upon. Why the stickiness? I am not even giving that brain space. The entertainment for the evening was an American singer called Beth Hart, and she and her band were phenomenal. The passion and power behind her voice were second to none with a story behind every song she belted out. I remember looking round the room and feeling overwhelmed that the music we were listening to had brought together a whole group of strangers.

I came home invigorated and all on for getting tickets to a weekend rock festival. Thankfully after a night in a warm bed I decided that maybe Lowestoft wasn’t the place to be in winter, tying my tent to the nearest portaloo in the hope of making it through the night. As I get older so do the bands I like, and given time all my favourite performers will, no doubt, prefer the comfort of the Royal Concert Hall with a chilled Sauvignon to squatting behind a hedge or sliding headlong into 6ft of mud. So I think I’ll leave the festivals to my kids and let the music come to me. Cheers! Nikki

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 13

HISTORICAL EVENTS ... In March 1727 Sir Isaac Newton dies.

1796 Napoleon Bonaparte marries Josephine de Beauharnais.

1876 Alexander Graham Bell patents his first telephone.

1910 The first movie is made in Hollywood.

1934 Driving tests are introduced in the UK.

1963 Alcatraz, the prison in San Francisco Bay, closes.

1969 Concorde makes its maiden flight from Toulouse, France.

1975 Charlie Chaplin is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.

1981 The first London marathon takes place.

1997 The ashes of Star Trek creator, Gene Rodenberry, are launched into space.

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 15

A SHORT GUIDE TO ...

Modern Pilates he Pilates method of training is physically aims to work muscles from the based on the original works of inside out, creating a stronger flatter T German born Joseph Pilates mid-section, improved posture and muscle (1880-1967) who devised a system of tone, realigning the spine and improving exercises which were intended to both the flexibility and appearance of the strengthen and condition the human mind body. Mentally it helps to relieve stress and body. and improve sleep patterns and tension, specifically in the neck and shoulders. Joseph Pilates believed that mental and physical health were inter-related and his Who is Modern Pilates suitable for? method of exercise evolved through his Modern Pilates is suitable for all ages and study and practice of many disciplines abilities, from the first time exerciser to the including gymnastics, martial arts and sports person looking to improve their yoga. He refined his knowledge of performance. It is also beneficial for pre rehabilitative exercise while working as a and post natal women and is particularly volunteer in a World War I hospital, recommended by doctors, physio- helping to rehabilitate seriously wounded therapists, chiropractors and osteopaths soldiers. for rehabilitative purposes including relief from : Joining forces with his ballet teacher wife Clara he developed the first Pilates Studio  Back pain in New York in the 1920s. Almost all of his  Poor abdominal tone published exercises in his lifetime were  Injury highly advanced; aimed at improving  Osteoporosis posture, building strength and balance and  Weak pelvic floor increasing flexibility. Thus, suitably  Poor posture modified, his method is eminently suitable  ME for anyone to improve their overall  MS well-being.  Sciatica

What is Modern Pilates? In recent years Pilates has gone from Modern Pilates brings Joseph’s work into being confined to the few and practiced in the 21st century by taking the best of his a specialised studio to becoming a popular techniques and combining them with the specialised form of exercise practiced in latest research and knowledge available studios, health clubs and in private classes about safe and effective exercise. tutored by fully trained teachers.

Modern Pilates is very different from many other types of exercise. It is a slow and Written by Robin Baxter Simms controlled exercise programme which 07971 519301 works both the body & mind. Developed by Robin is a fully qualified Modern Pilates teacher with over 10 years’ teaching experience. physiotherapy and fitness experts it

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 17

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 19

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 21

FRONT COVER IMAGE ...

by David Hunt The Cormorant is a common bird seen on our lakes and rivers, diving for fish and spreading their wings out to dry in a characteristic pose. With practice it is quite easy to photography these birds as they are well used to people and normally allow you to get fairly close.

Unlike snow scenes where white is the dominant colour, cormorants are mainly dark, so again exposure correction may be needed to achieve a good result. This is easy to achieve by shooting the images in RAW format, which most cameras have as a selectable option. RAW is the film equivalent of a negative maximising detail and allows the image to be adjusted after capture without deterioration. The image on the cover was taken with a Canon 7D using a telephoto lens at 350mm on 100mm - 400mm lens. If you would like any advice or have any questions about photography please contact me at www.dwhphotography.co.uk.

FOCUS ON ...

EASTER

aster brings lots of fun and treats Lent with it - chocolate eggs, hot cross Lent is the 40 days before Easter Day (not E buns and tasty pancakes to name including Sundays) when Christians spend a few - but let’s not forget what they all time thinking of the things they have done represent. wrong. It reminds them of the 40 days Jesus spent alone in the desert, without Easter is the most important festival in the food, to prepare for his teachings about Christian calendar, when worshippers God. remember the time leading up to Jesus’ death on the cross and his resurrection. Shrove Tuesday

For Christians the egg is a symbol This is also known as Pancake Day and is of Jesus' resurrection, as when they the day before Lent begins. The word are cracked open they stand for the 'Shrove' means to be forgiven for wrong- empty tomb. Easter Eggs represent the doings and long ago this was a day for miracle of life after death. feasting and having a good time before fasting for Lent began. People used up Easter Day food by making pancakes and went to Easter Day is a day to celebrate as it is church to confess the bad things they had when Christians believe Jesus rose from done so they would be 'shriven' or forgiven the dead. It is always celebrated on a before the start of Lent. Sunday – hence it is also known as Easter Sunday - but the exact date varies from The custom of pancake year to year. It is actually always the races grew from of a legend Sunday following the first full moon after dating back to 1445. On the first day of spring, which means that it Shrove Tuesday a woman can fall any Sunday between 22nd March was still making pancakes as and 25th April. the church bells rang and rather than be late she took her frying pan and pancake Why do we call it Easter? with her. Some believe that Easter got its name from ‘Eostre’, the Goddess of Spring. Ash Wednesday People thought that the sun died in winter Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. It and that it was the goddess who brought is called this because Christians see the spring and, with it, the sun again. ashes as a symbol of being sorry for things they have done wrong and want to get rid Eostre had a hare - representing of forever. fertility and rebirth - as her companion. Later Christians Palm Sunday changed the symbol of the hare to the Palm Sunday marks the start of Holy Easter bunny, who today brings chocolate Week; the time Christians remember the eggs to children all over the world. last week of Jesus’ life. It reminds

Christians of the journey Jesus made into Jerusalem, on a donkey, to celebrate the EASTER DATES Jewish festival of Passover. Many people 2014 welcomed Jesus by waving palm branches and throwing them down in his path. Tuesday 4th March Maundy Thursday PANCAKE DAY This is the night before Jesus’ death when he had ‘The Last Supper’ with his twelve Ingredients: 100g plain flour, 2 large eggs, disciples. He knew he was going to die 300ml milk, 1tbs oil, salt, lemon wedges, and he passed round bread and wine to caster sugar to serve. represent his body and blood, reminding Method: Put the flour, eggs, milk and a them of the sacrifices he had made. Before pinch of salt into a bowl and whisk to a the meal he washed the feet of strangers smooth batter. Lightly grease and heat a passing by to show his followers that they medium frying pan, pour in some pancake should love and look after one another. mix to cover the base, cook for 1 min until

Before 1689 it was customary in golden and then flip to cook the other side. England for the king or queen to Serve with lemon wedges and sugar. wash the feet of the poor in Makes 12.

Westminster Abbey every Maundy Thursday. They also gave them gifts of Wednesday 5th March food, clothing and money. Today the ASH WEDNESDAY Queen gives out specially made Maundy What are you giving up for Lent? money in white and red leather purses. The white purse contains silver Maundy Sunday 30th March coins matching the Queen's age in pence, 88p, while the red purse contains ordinary MOTHERS DAY money. This year the money will be given Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. to 88 male and 88 female The name rose from the tradition that in pensioners who are chosen the past girls who worked as domestic because of good work they servants were given the day off to visit have done in their community. their mothers.

Good Friday Friday 18th April Good Friday is the day that Jesus was killed; nailed to a wooden cross by Roman GOOD FRIDAY soldiers. It seems an odd name for such a Remember your hot cross buns! sad day, but it is because Christians believe that Jesus gave up his life for the EASTER DAY good of everyone. The cross is Sunday 20th April therefore very symbolic, used to A day to celebrate and hope that the represent the suffering of Christ in Easter bunny brings you lots of lovely churches and on cards as well as chocolate eggs! decoration for hot cross buns. Three days later Jesus rose from the dead. 25

COMPETITION

Win a Ragdale Experience Day for two people at award-winning Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa!

You and a friend could be enjoying a relaxing Ragdale Experience Day which includes:

 Light lunch in the Verandah Bar.

 Use of all facilities including the multi- million pound Thermal Spa featuring candle pool, indoor/outdoor waterfall and a series of heat and water experiences plus two further pools, including whirlpool bath and cascade.

 Gym, exercise classes and outdoor facilities.

Q: When is Mothers Day this year?

Send your answer, along with your name, address and email to:

Ragdale Hall Competition 5 Straws Croft, East Bridgford, Notts, NG13 8PQ

or email your answer to: [email protected] Ragdale Hall gift vouchers make the perfect

The first correct entry selected after Mothers Day present! Starting at £25, they are valid for a year from the day of purchase. the closing date of Friday 18th April will receive a Ragdale Experience Day To make a purchase or for further information contact Voucher Sales on 01664 433030 or visit for two, valid Monday to Friday only. our website on www.ragdalehall.co.uk and take If you do not wish to receive any further a look at our video brochure.

information please mention this on your Ragdale Hall Health Hydro & Thermal Spa entry. Ragdale Village, Melton Mowbray, Leics, LE14 3PB

HISTORICAL EVENTS ... In April 1858 The hour bell of Big Ben is cast.

1865 The US President Abraham Lincoln, is assassinated.

1918 The RNAS and RFC form as the RAF.

1939 All men aged 20 and 21 in Britain are conscripted.

1958 Bobby Charlton plays his first international football match.

1960 Ben Hur wins a record ten Oscar awards.

1968 London Bridge is sold, to be reconstructed in Arizona.

1969 President Charles de Gaulle resigns as President of France.

1975 Microsoft is founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.

2005 Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles marry.

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 29

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 31

LEMON & POPPY SEED CAKE

Everyone loves a slice of lemon cake!

This recipe makes a lovely light and moist cake, and the poppy seeds make it extra special - perfect for serving on Mother’s Day.

INGREDIENTS METHOD (makes 9 large squares) 1. Soak the poppy seeds in the milk for at least 1 hour.  250g butter 2. Heat the oven to 150ºC.  250g caster sugar 3. Line a 25cm square baking tin with  1tsp vanilla essence greaseproof paper.

 zest & juice of 1 lemon 4. Cream together the butter, sugar,

 4 large eggs vanilla essence, lemon zest and juice.  5tbs poppy seeds 5. Beat in the eggs, poppy seeds &  150ml milk milk.

 250g self-raising flour 6. Finally fold in the flour.

This recipe has been created by 7. Pour the mixture into the lined tin Becky Dewdney-York. and bake for 45 minutes.

For more great recipes visit Becky’s 8. Leave it to cool, cut into squares blog at Girl Interrupted Eating. and serve.

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 33

HEALTH

Take Time to Relax uilding relaxation time into your life 5 Stress-Relieving Tips is so important. It can help to keep B your stress levels down, which in Breathe Deeply turn helps maintain and improve your Deep breathing counters the effects of health. stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Close your eyes We all live busy lives and it’s often difficult and slowly inhale through your nose, then to fit our work and home schedule into the reverse the process as you exhale through day, let alone find time for ourselves. your mouth. Without time to relax we can feel we’re losing control, our stress levels increase Enjoy the Moment causing our blood pressure to rise and our Don’t rush through everything but spend brain to behave differently. Too much work time in the moment, enjoying whatever and not enough time out can result in you are doing with awareness. When you physical and mental health problems, and focus on your senses you should feel the although finding ‘me’ time can be difficult, tension leave your body. it’s essential for our overall wellbeing if we’re to keep anxiety at bay. Have a Chat Having a friend to talk to is a great way to Fitting just twenty minutes into your day for relieve stress, whether it’s face-to-face or ‘calm’ can be all you need to improve your on the phone. As they say, - ‘A problem wellbeing. Take a break and remove shared is a problem halved.’ - and having yourself from your work for a while; take a someone else’s perspective on a situation stroll in the open air, have a coffee with a can be a real help. friend or listen to some soothing music. Physically and mentally leave your work at Meditate the office and when you get home use This needn’t mean twisting your body into your evenings to unwind, whether it’s an uncomfortable position or humming enjoying a glass of wine, soaking in a loudly! It can be any repetitive action that lovely warm bubble bath or snuggling on keeps your attention calmly in the present the sofa with your spouse. moment, such as walking, painting or knitting. If you catch yourself thinking There are so many wonderful ways to about what’s stressing you out, simply let relax and studies show many additional the thought escape and bring your mind benefits including a lower risk of heart back to the repetition of the activity. attack, a boost for your immune system and even an improvement for your Laugh out Loud memory. Chilling out is a way to not only Having a laugh fills your body with ‘happy look after yourself physically, mentally and hormones’ and your mind with funny emotionally, it is also the best way to thoughts that help make everything feel soothe the soul. better. So go on, have a giggle!

Prograss – Your Local Independent Lawn Treatment Company

Prograss are Nottingham’s local, independent lawn treatment company and we’d love to show you the difference we can make to your lawn. By using Prograss your lawn will be overseen by a qualified agronomist who makes sure it is given the correct treatments to keep it greener, stronger and thicker. Your lawn’s performance depends on soil type, characteristics, nutrient availability and the weather. Our expertise can help manage your soil and nutrients, limiting the damage prolonged bad weather does to your lawn.

A Prograss lawn programme can be surprisingly inexpensive, with treatments starting at £15- plus they will be applied correctly with professional equipment by a qualified operator. eW also use products that are only available to the trade.

Prograss also carry out mechanical treatments such as scarification and hollow tine aeration to the highest standards using quality commercial equipment.

New for Spring 2014! An additional organic-based lawn programme call Prograss Organic. Please see our website www.pro-grass.com for more details.

If you would like a free, no-obligation lawn health check and report please contact us on 01949 837367. Alternatively email us on [email protected].

Make Your Lawn A Prograss Lawn

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 35

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 37

NEW BOOKS FOR SPRING

Skeletons by Jane Fallon Irene by Pierre Lemaitre Jen has discovered a secret. For Commandant Verhoeven It's not hers to share, but is it life is beautiful: he is happily hers to keep? If she tells her married, expecting his first husband Jason, he might get child with the lovely Irene. But over the shock but will he his blissful existence is forgive her for telling the truth? punctured by a murder of She might drive a wedge through their unprecedented savagery. Worse still, the marriage. If she tells someone else in press seem to have it in for him - his every Jason's family - the family she's come to move is headline news. When he finds out love more than her own - she'd not only that the killer has killed before - that each tear them apart but could also find herself murder is a homage to a classic crime on the outside: she's never really been novel - the fourth estate are quick to coin a one of them, after all. But if she keeps this nickname - The Novelist. With both men in dirty little secret to herself, how long can the public eye the case develops into a she pretend nothing is wrong? How long personal duel, but there can only be one can she live a lie? Jen knows the truth - winner - whoever has the least to lose. but is she ready for the consequences? Maclehose Press £16.99 Penguin £7.99 Salt Sweat Tears by No Regrets by Coleen Nolan Adam Rackley No Regrets is Coleen Nolan's Fewer people have rowed gripping new memoir about across the Atlantic than have love and heartbreak. As a climbed Everest. Adam member of the Nolan sisters, Rackley is among them. For Coleen Nolan was born into 70 days he and his rowing the spotlight and has stayed partner ate, slept and rowed in a boat there ever since. She has now become 7m long by 2m wide, in one of the world's one of the nation's favourite TV presenters most extreme environments. This is his and is used to newspapers and story of adventure, endurance and self- magazines claiming to have the inside discovery. They were following in the story of her private life. In No Regrets wake of pioneers of 1896; two Norwegian Coleen finally reveals the truth of what fisherman who crossed the 2,500 miles in really happened during the last few a wooden fishing dory - and their record rollercoaster years, truly the worst of her stood for 114 years. John Fairfax, a life. Wonderfully warm and moving, and smuggler, gambler and shark hunter, was brilliantly funny and honest, No Regrets the first to complete the feat single- will take you from laughter to tears and handedly in 1969. Others have followed; back again as you share in Coleen's very some have not survived the attempt. This personal journey. is their story too. Michael Joseph £16.99 Viking £18.99 All books are available from local branches of Waterstones and online at www.waterstones.com

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 39

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 41

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 43

ADVERTISERS’ DIRECTORY

ANIMAL & BIRD CARE FOOD & DRINK Food4wildbirds 43 Haveli Indian Restaurant 3 ITA Grooms 40 The Plough, Cropwell Butler 4 Orchard Farm Feeds 39 FUNERAL SERVICE BED & BREAKFAST M A Mills 40 Hillcrest 36 GARDEN CARE CARDS & STATIONERY D L Walker Services 36 Hello Turtle 47 Martins Handyman & Garden Services 11 CHILDREN & EDUCATION Paul Mountain Landscape Gardener 19 ProGrass 35 Colston Bassett Preparatory School 21 Weed It & Reap 41 Fosse Paddock Kindergarten 30 Millfield Nursery & Preschool 21 GARDEN MACHINERY SERVICE

CLEANING SERVICES Grass & Power 37

Broadoak Chimney Sweeps 11 GLAZIER Chewings Services 15 Classic Doors & Windows Ltd 22 CLOTHING Soal Glass & Windows Ltd 19 Alterations by Sarah Highet 30 HAIR & BEAUTY Love & Piste 10 The Closet Boutique 30 Enhance Hair & Beauty Studio 20 Under Wraps 13 Sarah Storey Beauty & Wellbeing 14

DANCE CLASSES HEALTH & FITNESS

Bingham School of Dance 10 Harlequin Osteopathy 15 Modern Pilates Classes 17 DENTISTRY Vale Physio & Sports Injury Clinic 11

Brompton House Dental Practice 37 HOME INTERIORS

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS Buxton Carpets & Blinds 40 Dick Lees 41 Rachel Buxton 10

ELECTRICAL LETTINGS L R Mees 31 Holiday cottage in Norfolk 18 Wilson Electrical 28 Rushcliffe Borough Council 42

ENTERTAINMENT MOTOR REPAIRS & SERVICES

Classical Music Recital 14 Cotgrave Service Station Ltd 48 44

NEWSPAPER DELIVERIES MAGAZINE INFORMATION Post News Shop, Cotgrave 9 DISTRIBUTION OPTICIANS Every two months to 5,650 homes & Lesley Cree Opticians 15 businesses in Barnstone, Bingham, Colston Bassett, Cotgrave, Cropwell PLUMBING Bishop, Cropwell Butler, Granby, Harby, Hickling, Kinoulton, Langar, Long John Quinn Plumbing & Heating 41 Clawson, Owthorpe, Plungar, Radcliffe Martin Shelton Plumbing & Heating 18 and Tythby. She Plumbs 11

PROMOTIONAL GIFTS PRICE PER ISSUE (No VAT)

Shoestring Promotions 10 FULL PAGE: £120 INSIDE COVERS: £150 PROPERTY BACK COVER: £200 Chesterton Humberts 27 HALF PAGE: £80 Savills 5 QUARTER PAGE: £45

PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE The copy deadline for the May/June issue Ian Dawson Painter & Decorator 19 is Friday 18th April. J L Builders 29 LA Joinery 33 Mr Gerrard 43 CONTACT DETAILS Palmers of Trent Bridge 23 [email protected] PlanDwell 28 Tel: 01949 20009 Mob: 07786 968132 SKIP HIRE www.intothevale.co.uk

Vale Skip Hire 42

TILING The Publisher cannot take any responsibility for incorrect statements AG Tiling 18 made by contributors or the quality of goods/services advertised, or for loss TRANSPORT & TRAVEL arising from non-publication of any advert. Haven Hire 31 This publication may not be reproduced or Sharpes of Nottingham 2 transmitted in any form, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of TREE SURGERY the Publisher. All adverts created by the Falcon Tree Services 18 Writing Desk remain the property of the Vale Tree Care 37 The Writing Desk by law. COMPETITION WINNER Katie Peters wins tickets to see Disney on Full artwork specifications and terms & Ice at the Capital FM Arena Nottingham. conditions can be found on the website.

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 45

QUIZ TIME

Wordsearch Crossword HORSE HEN DOG Across Down CAT RABBIT GERBIL 3. Assign (9) 1. Treason (9) HAMSTER BUDGIE CHICKEN 8. Frolic (4) 2. Salary (9)

K E D L U V C A T 9. Primness (9) 4. Jog (4) 10. At sea (6) P R I L Q G X A F 5. Dance (5) 11. Seraglio (5) 6. Credo (6) S A T I N O M G R 14. Mortal (5) 7. Carry (4) L B E B U D G I E 15. Stable (4) 9. Swoon (5) Z B V R O W I S T 16. Faith (5) 11. Dwelling (5) P I D E B N R O S 18. Peel (4) 12. Tiny (9) A T B G S O T R M 20. Surmise (5) 13. Vast size (9) Q U D S H P L L A 21. Vex (5) 17. Poisonous (5) 24. Gap (6) C H I C K E N E H 19. Destitute (6) 25. Mechanical (9) 22. Fish-eggs (5) Sudoku 26. Worry (4) 23. Dumb (4) Place a number in each empty box so that 27. Willingness (9) 24. Sibilate (4) each row, column and 3 x 3 block contains all the numbers from 1 to 9.

9 4 7 1 6 4 7 5 1 8 9 7

7 6 5 3 6 3 4 8 7 8 3 2

5 1 6 8 3 8 9 1 7 9 1 8

For the answers to all quizzes please email [email protected] 46

Please mention Into the Vale magazine when responding to advertisements 47