To advertise call: 01327 353753 Your free local magazine delievered to 10,000 homes & businesses The Butchers Arms at the heart of Greens Norton Saturday 25th August 12:30 onwards The Butchers Arms, 10 High Street, Greens Norton Tel: 01327 350488 www.thebutchersarmsgreensnorton.co.uk Scarecrow Competition and Fund Raiser Carvery & Entertainment BOUNCY CASTLE FOR THE KIDS PLUS: GIANT GARDEN GAMES INCLUDING JENGA, CONNECT 4, TWISTER, & CHESS Everyone is welcome at our Award Winning Pub
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To advertise call: 01327 353753
Your freelocal magazinedelievered to
10,000 homes& businesses
August - September 2012Issue 23
The Butchers Armsat the heart of GreensNorton
Saturday 25th August 12:30 onwards
The Butchers Arms, 10 High Street, Greens Norton Tel: 01327 350488 www.thebutchersarmsgreensnorton.co.uk
3Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Welcome
We gratefully acknowledge the support of businesses whose adverts appear in Focus Towcester, whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy,the publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advert. All artwork is acceptedon strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that the descriptionsof goods and services are fair and accurate. Any reproduction of any material is forbidden without the written consent of the publishers.The publishers cannot accept responsibility for views expressed by contributors, or for the accuracy of claims made by the advertisers.
Focus Towcester &Surrounding Villages isPublished bi-monthly by
Focus Towcestermagazine is distributedFREE to 10,000 homes inthe NN12 area
Copy deadline for ournext issue is 3rd September
Tel: 01327 353753Mobile: 07754 434960
Email: [email protected] Web: www.focusmagazinegroup.co.ukPublished by Focus Magazine Group, The Studio 15 Buckingham Way, Towcester, Northants NN12 6JYEditorial design and magazine production by Simon Goodger Creative Design www.simongdesign.co.uk
Welcome to our August/September issue ofFocus Towcester.
I hope that by the time you’rereading this, the weather has finallychanged and that the sun is shiningbrightly to make us all smile, whichis more than can be said of the2012 Men’s Wimbledon final…the less said about this the better!
For those of youwith children, I
expect you’llbe spendingsome timeshopping fora new uniformfor the next
school yearand trying to
source new shoes(which will only looknew on the first morning
they leave for school), the rest ofthe time will be taken up using yourimagination to keep them busyduring the long summer holidays.Have a look on page 26 for areally great and unusual idea!
Also during this time the Olympicswill be in full flow, I wonder howmany medals we will have wonby the time you’re reading this. Ofcourse on 29th August there is alsothe start of the Paralympic Gameswhere we will truly see some inspiringpeople who have not allowed theirdisabilities to hold them back.
As always we have our Sudoku onpage 11, news about our very ownannual August fete and duck race onpage 8 and on page 43 you’ll finda flag quiz to keep you occupiedwhilst you have a cuppa. As wellas all that there’s news about a newBeauty Salon for the ladies on page
6 and for the fishermenout there, there’ssome really excitingnews on page14.
Our next issue willbe the October/November edition,so please feelfree to contact us ifthere is anything youwould like us to share forthe… dare I say the Cword so soon… yes,I’m talking aboutChristmas – soany fetes, balls,gatheringsor charityevents youwould liketo promote,give usa call.
I’m talking about I’m talking about Christmas – so any fetes, balls, gatherings or charity events you would like to promote,
5Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Health, Beauty & Fitness
With a range of gym equipment andworkout classes including Zumba™, Pilates,Body Pump and Spinning, there really is something for everyone. A range ofmemberships is available from only £29.99* permonth. Whatever your fitnesslevel, it's the perfect time to start feeling great!
For full details of all facilities and activitiesavailable and to join online visit:
*Relates to full health & fitness membership. 12 month minimum term applies.Other memberships also available, see online for details.
Terms and conditions apply, all parts of this offer may be subject to change.
BeinspiredthisSummer
Come and join us atTowcester Centre for Leisureand try our• Fitness Suite• Workout Classes• SwimmingPool• LeisurePool,Flume&Wave• SportsHall• 3GAllWeather Pitchandmuchmore
6 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Tranquility Nails -New studio now open
Cheryl Brown and herteam welcome you to anewly opened Studio at
4 A Park Street, Towcester.
Cheryl a local girl, and nostranger to the beauty industryhas been offering her servicesto regular clients for manyyears and now she has starteda family and has decided tomove back to the area andexpand her business.
The salon offers not just the latestin nail extensions, with a hugerange of tips (colours, glitter,crushed shells) to name a few,but you will also be able to getyour teeth whitened or your skintanned with the latest technology.
Mob: 0782 5742 413146 Watling Street EastTowcester - NN12 6BD
(above Jackie Oliver's Estate agents)
Holistic Massage Therapies
Professional MassageComplementary & Beauty treatments
Late evening and weekendappointments available
Sienna X Spray Tan £20.00Full Set £25.00Full Set Soak Off £35.00In-fills £15.00Soak Off £15.00Glitter Acrylic £35.00Gems £ 1.00Repair £ 3.00Manicures & Pedicures Inc Polish £15.00French Polish £ 2.00
Fully Trained with 6 Years ExperienceFriendly Service
Mobile Nail Technician
Call now on:07526 669300
by ShannonNails
Now offering semi-permanenteyelash extensions for just£55.00 and Infill’s £35.00
7Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Health, Beauty & Fitness
The salon also offers packages available to Brides,Mums to Be, Girls Night In and for those growinggirls a Princess party is something of a must for aspecial occasion or birthday party.
They offer a walk in system, so it’s not just anappointment system, but to make sure you are lookinggreat for that special occasion, I’d give them a calland book your slot!
8 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Health, Beauty & Fitness
The Rotary AugustFete and Duck Races
The Rotary Club of Towcester is running theAugust Fete on the Recreation Ground onBank Holiday Monday 27th August 2012.
They are incorporating the annual Duck Races –the “Adult” race and the “Children’s” race, each withseveral prizes. There is also a Dog Show, on the samelines as the last two years, with 12 or more classes.As previously there will be other events and displaysin the Main Ring, including a Tug of War competitionbetween, anybody really, any team of 6 will beeligible, quite a few of the local pubs are entering atleast one team.Enjoy live music from local bands and watch localdance groups put on demonstrations of their skills andof course the Beer tent, which is being provided byThe Rockin Horse, with Vision Café providing a BBQand other refreshments, plus lots of activities for kids torun off some energy.Again they are offering the opportunity to Charitiesand local “Good Causes” (you don’t have to be a
HAIR & BEAUTYROWENA CURSON
Unisex Salon for all age groups
Tel: 01327 35047958 Watling Street Towcester
Call Now onon 01327 358 57201327 358 572Towcester Centre For Leisure Springfields Towcester NN12 6UW
High Class Products, High Class Professionals, Low Cost TreatmentsHairdresser's Beauticians & Therapists
No Gym Membership required for ANY treatments • Open late on Mondays 12noon - 8.00pm
9Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Health, Beauty & Fitness
registered charity) to use the Fete to raisefunds for their cause, so will all interestedparties please contact (see below) tobook a space.You should plan to be completely “self
contained” in terms of tables, chairs,gazebos, etc and a generator if you need
power. Please contact (see below) if you want todiscuss any of these points.Stall/stand space will not be limited to Charities.Commercial organisations can also book a space.Charities are free but commercial organisations willneed to pay a small charge or make a donation.Sponsorship for the Duck Races and the Dog Show isavailable and commercial organisations in the areashould be considering participation, which wouldinclude display of banners, space for your own stall/stand and advertising in the programme and over thetannoy on a regular basis throughout the afternoon.For details contact Rotarian David Reed on01327 352414 or email: [email protected].
10 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Health, Beauty & Fitness
AGreat Family Day Out.There’s something for everyoneat SouthNorthamptonshireLeisure Trust.
For full details of all facilities and activities availableand to join online visit:
www.southnorthantsleisure.com
Enjoy everything Towcester Centre for Leisure, BrackleyLeisure Centre andBrackley Swimming Pool has to offer.Gym, Swimming,Workout Classes, Soft Play, ASAParent &Baby Swimming Lessons,Junior courses, Swimfit , Hair &Beauty , Crèche and Cafe all under one roof.
Terms and conditions apply.All offers are subject to availability.
Towcester Centre for LeisureTel: 01327 322 480Brackley PoolTel: 01280 704 906Brackley Leisure CentreTel: 01280 701 787
11Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition.That’s all there is to it! You solve the puzzle with reasoningand logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up.
Cut out and send completed entries along with your name, address and phone number to: The Studio,15 Buckingham Way, Towcester, Northants, NN12 6JY. Save a stamp - FREE ENTRY email your solutionto: [email protected]. Closing date for entries: 27th August 2012
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9, with no repetition. That’s all there is to it! You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up.
Pit your wits against our SudokuPuzzle and see if you can win yourselfa meal for two at Dilraj in Towcester
Congratulations to the winner ofour Sudoku from our last issue,Mrs D Kittle from Towcesterwho wins a Sunday lunch fortwo at The Stables Barand Grill, Towcester.
13Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Health, Beauty & Fitness
The bag health checkfor your children
A s an Osteopath, I treat all sorts of achesand pains which are sometimes madeworse by carrying heavy items. Carryingheavy bags with books and laptops can
cause neck and shoulder strains, headaches andeven tingling and numbness in the arms and legs.Over time they can also contribute to the developmentof long term back pain through poor posture andincreased pressure on the discs in the spine.This is especially important for children whose bodiesare still developing and who are increasingly tendingto carry heavy school bags. Reports show that upto half of secondary school children report to haveoccasional back pain and evidence is mounting thatthey may be storing up potential problems in the futurefor their spinal health.So before you set off to work or send your child offto school, here are a few tips to minimize your bag’sstrain on your day.
If you’re unsure which treatment is best for you, thisis a useful website: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Back-pain/Pages/Introduction.aspx otherwise seekprofessional help.Suzanne Burgess BSc (Hons) OsteopathyBACK at EASE Osteopathy and Pilates Therapy,07880 750 258.
Health, Beauty & Fitness
s an Osteopath, I treat all sorts of aches
• Minimize the weight you carry.Remove all unnecessary items regularlyand use any storage lockers available atwork or school.
• Making sure that you are carryingbags evenly. Try not to carry a bag on one
shoulder as this will alter your posture and furtherincrease pressure to joints and discs and the risk of pain.• Children should never carry more than about 15% of their
own body weight. Check your child’s posture after theyhave put their bag on. If you notice your child leaningforward or slouching, it may be too heavy for them.
• When buying a bag, look for wide, padded shoulderstraps that reduce pressure on the neck and shoulderarea. For children, make sure the bag has adjustablestraps which can be altered as the child grows andencourage them to wear rucksacks with both straps.
20 Years teaching experience& Remedial Training
1STSESSIONFREE
YOGA CLASSES
Greens Norton Community CentreTues 1.30pm - 3pm &Tues & Thurs 7pm - 8.30pmPotterspury Village HallWed 10.00am - 11.30am
FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR TO ENROL RING MICHELE01327 353371 or 07749 825448www.yogawithmichele.co.uk
1-1ClassesAvailable
Male &FemaleOf Any
Age Welcome
Tuesday Evening, 7.30pm - 9.00pmNicholas Hawksmoor School HallEnjoy some “me” time: Relax, refresh,
stretch, strengthen, de-stress and re-balanceCall or text Vanessa on 07899 997326
Fishing tackle is not what you might associatewith Weals Motoring & Leisure but don’t befooled. Lee Weals, formerly of the TowcesterMotorists Centre has now added a welcome
line to his newly refurbished shop next door to theVintage Boutique in Park Street Towcester.
In these difficult trading times, wall space and shopspace is gauged on the sales / return per sq ft. Whatbetter way is there to slightly diversify and increasefootfall by utilizing the current space with an addedarea containing a cross section of Fishing Tackleaccessories and baits. With help, advice and a smallinvestment Lee has managed just this.
Welcomed greatly by local fisherman, bait can nowbe obtained in Towcester, essential items such ashooks, floats, weights, carp rigs, line, lures, clothingand rods and many other items can now all be
Health, Beauty & Fitness
Feel rightat home atPrimrosePlace
Primrose Place is a dedicated dementia careunit situated within Longlands Specialist CareCentre in Daventry. Residents are cared forbased on their individual requirements andhave access to a full range of dementia re-lated care services.
For further information about Primrose Placeplease contact:
15Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
purchased at the shop. Although in its infancy thereare many products already on the shelf and with theplan set to increase the range and depth of tacklewith many more branded names in the very nearfuture.
Fishing rod licenses are also available so why not visitor see what there is on the shelf for your next fishingtrip. To order your bait or just ask a question call Leeon 01327 354711.
• You'll find a great range of fishing tackleand baits at Weals Motoring & Leisure
16 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Entertainment & Leisure
Playscheme open 8-6pm (variable sessions & 20% discount available for full time places)
Come and make a splash this summer! Build dens, dig for worms or cook on the BBQ ... -it's your time to play ....
Where children choose their play....
Find us at : Blisworth Primary SchoolCourteenhall RoadBlisworth, Northants(Close to A5, A45, A43 & A508)For more information andinformal chat, call Nikki,Club Manager on 01604 857623 or 07769 [email protected]
19Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Entertainment & Leisure
A blend of tea, food,arts, crafts and books
ARTea Room at WakefieldCountry Courtyard is adelightful haven servinghomemade food
and refreshments as well asdisplaying and selling locallycreated art and craft works.Owners Amy and Bridie arealso planning a programmeof exciting, arts related events,including book sharing mornings,exhibitions and a secret cinema!
On Sunday 23rd September 2012 allare invited to join them for a fascinating andfun day of talks, music and art, ARTea Room TalksAbout Books! There will be talks by local authors JudithAllnatt and Leo McNeir, by children’s writer MegHarper and an intriguing insight into the life of thepoet Olive Custance, wife of Lord Douglas (the man
romantically linked withOscar Wilde), by DrSarah Parker. There willbe a musical interludewith The BlisworthTunnel Rats performingmusic and songs ofAppalachia between 1and 2pm and late night
opening of a special exhibitionfeaturing four exciting artistsas part of NorthamptonshireOpen Studios (8th – 23rdSeptember). The exhibition
will include Gemma Frearson’s,paintings and illustrations, Val
Tickets for ARTea Room Talks About Books! are onsale now – book early to avoid disappointment!
For more information visit www.artearoom.co.uk/talksaboutbooks.php or call 01327 810245.
RTea Room at Wakefi eld Country Courtyard is a delightful haven serving
including book sharing mornings,
On Sunday 23rd September 2012 all are invited to join them for a fascinating and
opening of a special exhibition featuring four exciting artists as part of Northamptonshire Open Studios (8th – 23rd September). The exhibition
will include Gemma Frearson’s, paintings and illustrations, Val
Goldfi nch’s watercolours and local scenes, Miriam Kybird’s etchings
and Mary Standing’s enamel jewellery.
Entertainment & Leisure
romantically linked with Oscar Wilde), by Dr Sarah Parker. There will be a musical interlude with The Blisworth Tunnel Rats performing music and songs of Appalachia between 1 and 2pm and late night
20 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Be aware of the risk oflungworm for your dog
You may recently have seen an advertisingcampaign about lungworm in dogs. The latestresearch shows that this parasite is becoming
more widespread. Traditionally it has been consideredto be a problem only in the South of England but isnow affecting dogs across the country.
Lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a life threateningcondition in dogs. Severely infected dogs may showsigns of coughing and lung disease. However,lungworm also release substances that affect the blood’sability to clot. This allows adult worms to survive inthe blood vessels near the heart. Therefore, dogs thatare infected with lungworm are much more prone thanother dogs to bleeding. This can cause a wide rangeof symptoms such as prolonged bleeding from cuts,internal bleeding and anaemia. Seizures may occur ifbleeding takes place in the brain.
Dogs can only be infected by eating slugs andsnails. Infection cannot pass directly from dog to dogInfection cannot pass directly from dog to dog
For more information about our serviceplease contact Shirley Rands
R
Let us arrange for your dog/s to staywith one of our local, carefullyselected, very special families –because at Barking Mad we believeyour dog deserves a holiday too!
Luxury CatteryOur cattery located in Flore offers the mostmodern cattery facility available within abeautiful secluded rural setting. Your catshealth, safety and comfort is our priority andour light spacious, heated chalets provide theideal environment for your cat. As a fab (felineadvisory board) listed cattery you are assuredthat your cat will receive the best attention andcare.
Small Animal Boarding…...Is now available at the cattery. Guinea pigsand bunnies can now be cared for in purposebuilt hutches with grass runs available. Theirusual diet will be catered for with fresh fruit andvegetables available daily. Hamster care isalso part of our service where you can bringtheir own home and we will ensure they arecleaned and exercised regularly.
Call 01327 341475 to place a booking orarrange a viewing. www.cloverleacattery.co.ukCloverlea, Brington Road, Flore, Northants, NN7 4NQ
21Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
but dogs living in the samehousehold are likely to beexposed to infected slugs andsnails so are at risk of disease.
There are several drugs thatcan be used to treat lungworm.Fortunately, most dogs recoverfully with appropriate treatmentbut infection can provefatal in some cases, evenwith intensive treatment.
Preventative treatments are alsoavailable (the most commonlyused being a spot on treatmentthat can be applied to the skinbetween a dog’s shoulder blades)and of course try to preventyour dog from eating slugs andsnails! If you are concernedabout lungworm please contactTowcester Veterinary Centreon 01327 350 239
Pets
Call The Wash Pod TODAY!07985 729 553
Our uniqueGuarantee to you.
Your dog, clean, flea freeand smelling great -Or You Don’t Pay!
Maxine (formerly of The Pooch Mobile) will bathyour dog in warm, fresh water using
environmentally friendly solutions, then brush,clip their nails, clean their eyes and ears andlastly blow dry, and deodorise your faithful
friend.
It’s Just 4
Dogs
DO YOU WANT YOUR DOGTO LOOK AND FEEL FANTASTIC?
Is your dog looking a little rrruffand in need of a tidy up, but you
just don’t have the time?
Dog Grooming
Wash & Blow DryClip & TrimHand strip
Offering :
from £20 - Small/medium dogs onlyGive Helen a call eve/weekends on
07714 335969Based in Silverstone
Shaggy MuttzPractical Cutz for your dog
City & GuildsQualified &Fully insured
For an informal chat to learn more aboutthis exciting opportunity -
Call Mandy or Steve on 01327 353753
ocus Magazine Group is a localIndependent companybased In Towcester.
We have a rapidlygrowing portfolio
of magazines and areseeking an additional
sales person tojoin our company.
The right candidate must have proven salesexperience, a professional telephone manner
and be able to work independentlyas well as part of our team.
We are offering flexible working hours and asalary / commission structure.
23Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Education
• A happy & safe environment for 0-5 yrs• Experienced & qualified staff• Gold heartbeat award for our nutritioushomecooked meals & snacks
• Funded 2½ hr sessions available for pre-school• Full, part-time and school sessions available• Enclosed rear garden• Activities include music, dance & yoga
• A happy & safe environment for 0-5 yrs• Experienced & qualified staff• Gold heartbeat award for our nutritioushomecooked meals & snacks
• Funded 2½ hr sessions available for pre-school• Full, part-time and school sessions available• Enclosed rear garden• Activities include music, dance & yoga
24 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Food & Drink
Celebrating 20 yearsat Bosworth College
In June we were extremely proud tocelebrate three members of our teachingstaff working at the College for over 20 years.From left to right: Mrs Alison Robbins (GCSE Course
Director), Mrs Elisabeth Carter (College Principal) andMrs Brenda Renouf (AS Course Director).
Mrs Sue Hardy was also celebrating: she, supportedby her husband Chris, has been looking after ouryounger boys for over twenty one years.
Past staff and students joined us at a garden party,held on the last day of the summer half term, to helpthe College celebrate. It was fascinating to meet thestudents that have graduated from Bosworth, many ofwhom had successfully completed their Undergraduateand Masters courses and have their feet firmly on acareer ladder. Some had travelled from the other sideof the world to be with us. Our youngest students (G1)helped out by becoming highly efficient waiters andwaitresses for the afternoon, welcoming our guests
staff working at the College for over 20 years. From left to right: Mrs Alison Robbins (GCSE Course
25Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
and making sure they were nevershort of a freshly brewed cup of teaand a freshly baked cake.
There were two particular guests ofhonour – Mrs Sheilagh MacIntoshand Mrs Carole Collis, who, betweenthem, were running the College twentyyears ago and were instrumental in
appointing our present trio of senior teachers.
Twenty years ago the College was much smaller – just75 students and one main building, St. George’sopposite The Racecourse. Acquiring Nazareth Housein 1997 and Queen’s some years later has meantthat we have been able to increase the facilities andstudent numbers significantly. We are now, duringterm time, home to 320+ students, but Bosworth willstay what it has always been - a friendly, supportiveand happy place to work, study, and build skills andqualifications for the next important life-defining step.
We plan to make the garden party for Bosworthalumni a regular event every three years – the nextone will be on the afternoon before the summer halfterm in 2015, so please put this date in your diary!
Food & Drink
and making sure they were never short of a freshly brewed cup of tea and a freshly baked cake.
There were two particular guests of honour – Mrs Sheilagh MacIntosh and Mrs Carole Collis, who, between them, were running the College twenty years ago and were instrumental in
26 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Food & Drink
Cooking up someSummer holiday fun
Newly refurbished premises and corporatebacking from well-known kitchen brandshas meant the Silverstone franchise of SplatCooking is able to offer a wider range
of Summer holiday cooking workshops this year, inaddition to the regular Fridayand Saturday cooking clubs.
Children of all ages canattend workshops onFrench, Italian or EnglishSummer cooking, whilemums and tots can sign up for the Cupcakes andCookies workshop. These workshops are held onWednesdays during holidays, typically lastingfrom 11am to 2.30pm, and include lunch.
For those going off to university or college andlooking to learn the basics of cooking there are anumber of Cooking for Yourself sessions where youcan learn how to make nutritious dishes covering the
27Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Food & Drink
major food groups.
For adults, or those moreexperienced, there is Thai,Middle Eastern, andIndian Cooking, as wellas Bread making.Adult workshops runthroughout the yearfrom 10am to 2.30pmand include lunch.
Regular events includethe Saturday morning Cooking Club for kids and theFriday mid-day Food for the Freezer session for adultslooking to make something for dinner.
Splat Cooking Silverstone also runs childrens’ cookingparties, bespoke corporate events, hen parties, adultcooking parties, and school cooking clubs. They alsowork closely with holiday clubs such as Kidsstop inBlisworth to offer cooking sessions for children.
Telephone: 01327 858978 or 07875 239962email: [email protected]/network/silverstone/
The Coffee Pot TavernYardley Gobion
01908 542345www.coffee-pot-tavern.co.uk30 High Street, Yardley Gobion, NN12 7TN
10% OFFAll pre-bookedMeals*ValidAugust
To launch our New Menu we are offering 10% off all pre-orderedmeals through August from Tuesday through to Saturday, just
bring this advert with you to claim your discount.
Sat 11th AugustRetrobution
Rock and Soulcovers
Saturday Night Summer of Live Music
Sat 25th AugustSpaced OutRock Covers
Sat 15th SeptCourtin a StormPopular songs fromthe 60s 70s and 80s
Weather permitting we will be running aBBQ on the above dates.
Come and join the fun and don’t forget to claim your 10%
Sat 29th SeptCover to Cover,playing a range ofpopular covers
*10% off any booking taken and paid for duringAugust 2012.
28 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Financial
Tax Planning –Everyone can win!
Reading recent headlines, itwould be easy to believe thattax planning is a crime. Howevernot all tax planning is bad. Indeed
there are many non-aggressive tax reliefs that do alot of good.Take the Business Premises Renovation Allowance(BPRA) for example. BPRA was introduced toencourage the renovation of property in “DesignatedDisadvantaged Areas”. In return for providing valuabletax reliefs to investors, there can be a number ofbenefits to the country.
• The regeneration of property in an area specificallyearmarked for regeneration.
• The creation of new employment opportunities.• The employment can provide further tax revenues for
the Exchequer.Overall, it is possible that unemployment benefits will
be reduced; new employees will pay IncomeTax and National Insurance; Employer’sNational Insurance is paid on wages;Businesses will pay some Corporation Tax,VAT and other duties. Not a bad deal forthe government.Another example of tax reliefs that can do
a lot of good are the tax reliefs available toinvestors in Enterprise Investment Schemes and
Venture Capital Trusts. These non-aggressive schemesaim to provide much needed finance / investmentto small businesses, through private investment. Thiscan help UK business and also create employmentopportunities and therefore more tax for the taxman.In summary, although there are aggressive schemesthat simply aim to avoid tax, there are also tax reliefsthat do a lot of good. They simply aim to reducethe risk to investors and to encourage investors topart with their money in these difficult times. In thesesituations, everyone can win!To contact Chancery please call Roger Eddowes, aPartner at Chancery on 01327 350888 or visit:www.chancerypartnership.com.
THE LAST THING I NEED IS YET ANOTHERFIRM OF NUMBER CRUNCHERS…Here at Chancery Accounts and Tax LLP we believe that our business is to solve problems, identify opportunities for you and turn advice into action - not just to crunch numbers.
We are committed to developing close relationships with our clients so that we can understand their requirements and help them deal with the many challenges and opportunities they face on a day to day basis.
Accountancy, Audit, Taxation, Tax Planning, Bookeeping, VAT, Payroll- These are just some of the services we offer
Contact us today to see how we can help you and your business.
29Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Financial
Call our office on 01327 831 269 oremail your CV to [email protected]
Sykes & Co Recruitment Limited are an independent recruitmentconsultancy based just outside of Towcester.
We pride ourselves on providing an outstanding and personal serviceto both our candidates and clients in the local area.
Whether you are looking for temporary work during Universityholidays or a permanent role in the Towcester area, from warehouseoperative through to senior executive we would love to hear from you.
30 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Services
NorthamptonshireCentre for
Independent Living
Supporting Disabled People andCarers across NorthamptonshireThe centre offers a range of support which includes:
• Wheelchair Hire Scheme and equipment sales• Display areas including disability related equipment and daily living aids• Independent Support for Direct Payments, PA recruitment and Payroll• Disability Rights Support• Disability Information and Advice• Carers Information• Welfare Benefits Support
TUESDAY 10.00am until 3.00pmGladstone Road Resource CentreGladstone Road,Northampton, NN5 7EJ
Tel 01604 588501Fax 01604 591276Text 07751 359396
The centres are open every weekdayfrom 9:00am until 5:00pm for appointmentsJoin us at one of our weekly drop-in daysor contact us for more information
THURSDAY 10.00am until 3.00pmPatrick Road Resource CentrePatrick Road,Corby NN18 9NT
33Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Home Services
With the summer holiday periodcoming to an end, its time tofocus on getting the kids readyfor going back to school!
Dig out those lunchboxes, pencil cases and calculatorsas its time to think about the next term. Have yougot everything you need ready? It’s a hectic time,planning ahead is a good place to start and cansave a lot of rushing around on the morning of the big
day! For some that won’t be a problem,though if you are anything like I used
to be it will be a struggle to wake up,forgetting half the things you need
and nearly being late!
Try drawing up a list of thingsyou need, include packingthe bag the night before andeven doing those lunchboxes
can save a good 10minutes in the morning!
Have you given thoughtto uniforms and shoes?
Chances are there has been some growing done byyour bundle of joy, get them to have a try on sessiona week or two before they start back, this will leaveplenty of time to make sure everything fits and youaren’t sending your loved ones off to school in clothesthat look like they are for a child 3 years younger!Most of all, enjoy the peace and quiet.
Thinking ahead togoing back to school
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37Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Home Services
year but in case you haven’t, here is a littledefinition of what will be occurring.
Main events includethe Grand Parade,
Adam’s Axemen,a display by dogsfor the disabled,working vintagemachinery and sheepshearing demonstrations.With all this going on,you might wonder howyou are going to fit allof it in, but wait, there is more! TheBlakesley and District Agricultural willalso host a large amount of qualifyingrounds for several events.
Why not head along for a fun filledday, with lots of events and activitiesfor all ages throughout the day it is sure to be aday out that everyone will enjoy! Full details and acomprehensive guide can be found on the website atwww.blakesleyshow.co.uk.
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Home Services
Boy Racers or simplycar enthusiasts?
I’m sat here looking out into the world trying thethink of a subject to write an article about, thena car goes past that is alarmingly louder than it
looks like it should be. So I thought I’d make thisabout the preconceptions of modified cars and lookinto some of the myths that surround “Boy Racers.”
There are some of these boy racers around,no denying that. But are all cars that are
modified just boy racers?
To the general public, anything that looks or soundsdifferent to a normal car can be perceived as a “BoyRacer” car or one of a million other names that aregiven, insert your own version here... The reality isthat there are some of these boy racers around, nodenying that. But are all cars that are modified justboy racers?
My opinion is not, the amount of people that spendtime and effort cleaning, polishing, maintaining and
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modifying their pride and joy is far beyondwhat some may consider healthy. There are evenwebsites catering purely for people who clean andpolish their cars.
For some it is a hobby, a way of life, a way ofsocialising with friends or a way of becoming the nextLewis Hamilton? It is different for all but however youlook at it, as long as the driver is sensible, road legaland not causing danger to others I see no problem.
If however you do want to become a LewisHamilton, there is always Silverstone, Santa Pod andRockingham locally where appropriate use of a motorvehicle can be used safely. In this environment thefacilities are there for entertainment, pleasure and athrilling experience with no chance of knocking downa pedestrian. Safety first, First aid last!
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43Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Homes
Flags of theworld quiz
How observant were you of the opening ceremony at theOlympic Games or how well do you know the your flags of theworld anyway? For a bit of fun match up this list of countries withtheir respective flags: Great Britain, Mexico, Greece, France,USA, Poland, Croatia, Brazil, Germany, and Canada.
47Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Homes
Get behind our athletesat the Paralympic Games
W ith this issue of Focus Towcestercovering August andSeptember, the Olympic rush
is all but over and so is the bedlam itbrings with it or so you would think!Following the Olympics, London hoststhe Paralympics from 29th August to 9thSeptember 2012. With a multitude ofevents from Archery to Wheelchair Tennis the sportsinvolved really do range phenomenally.Having described the torch route and the informationrelated to it in the last issue I won’t go over the sameagain, however the Paralympics have their own torchwhich starts following the close of the Olympic gamesand goes through to the start of the Paralympics. Datesfor those interested are 24th to 29th August 2012.The Great Britain squad compete in a large numberof events and have many hopefuls for medals from themen’s Rugby team to the swimming pool. All hopefuls
would no doubt love to be backedby all of Great Britain in what
they are doing and I think thededication shown through
no doubt tough timesshould be commended.At the time of going topress not all the team have been named.Three local athletes who have their places
confirmed are Nigel Murray from LeamingtonSpa, in Boccia. London will be Nigel's fourth
games, having already wontwo golds and a silver previously.Competing in their first Paralympicsin the Wheelchair Fencing will beGabby Down and Justine Moore,both from nearby MiIlton Keynes.Good luck from all at Focus to allof the athletes competing! The storiesinvolved with the participants can’t allbe described as each member would deserve a fullmagazine of their own, so lets get behind ParalympicsGBand bring on some medals!
press not all the team have been named.
Nigel Murray
at the Paralympic Gamesith this issue of Focus Towcester
events from Archery to Wheelchair Tennis the sports
they are doing and I think the dedication shown through
no doubt tough times should be commended.At the time of going to press not all the team have been named. Three local athletes who have their places
confi rmed are Nigel Murray from Leamington Spa, in Boccia. London will be Nigel's fourth
games, having already won two golds and a silver previously.
51Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Are you a day dreamerand people watcher?
Watching peopleis a part timeoccupation manypeople partake
in. Sitting in a waiting room,train carriage, pub, club,waiting for a bus,airport, awaiting aloved one or justidling away timesitting in the carawaiting the kids fromschool. Does it ringany bells?
We act as judge, juryand executioner with manyassumptions too quicklyto jot or note down.How, what, when,
where? Wouldn’t be seen deadwearing that, wonder what he/she decided to buy that for?Bet they're loaded, nice car….I reckon that’s on the knock, hairsnice…. Or not. Bet she’s just got up,look no makeup and can’t be seengetting out the car. No wonder, justlook at her she’s still in her track pants!
Yes we all love it. Why? Because itcosts nothing and we can think whatwe wish, dreaming away those five orten spare minutes whilst putting thingsright in our own minds. A mind that justfree wheels and then BANG! Back toreality, no lottery winnings, no exoticholiday, no mansion, luxury cars orbeing able to live like the aristocracy justplain reality.
Bring on the next opportunity to spend afew minutes as judge jury and executionerfrom your own bench. The best thing is youcan do it for free. Happy watching!
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55Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Homes
The Northampton based window repair company,are revolutionising how homeowners view doubleglazing in our area. The company which specialises
in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken ordamaged by replacing the panes – not the frames hasgrown rapidly as customers take advantage oftheir services.
Managing Director Trevor Skidmore is more than happyto explain the process. ‘Our product is simple. If yourdouble glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at
a fraction of thecost of a newwindow, in anytype of frame,and with anew 5 yearguarantee. Ifind peopleare amazed
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at just how simple the process is and the speed withwhich we can replace the glass. This isn’t like whenyou have new frames put in with people levering outthe old ones with loads of mess. We can pop theold glass out and deliver, effectively, a brand newwindow within a matter of minutes. At the end of theday most frames, even timber ones, will last forever.It’s very rare we come across a window that needsa full replacement and that means the customer gets,effectively, a new window at a fraction of the cost.’
Trevor is rightly proud too of comments he receives backfrom satisfied customers, a selection of which he has puton his website www.cloudy2clear.co.uk. For example,he recently completed an installation at Mr Miners housein Northampton. Here’s what he had to say. ‘I haveto say that I thought the service Cloudy2Clear offercompared to having completely new windows absolutelyincredible value. The service was reliable, simple andwithout complication. The windows look absolutely brilliantand installation was incredibly quick. Thank you!’
High praise indeed! So, if your windows are steamed up,broken or damaged give Trevor a call for a free quotationon 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be more than happy to help!• Trevor Skidmore
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Homes
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Gardens
Brač - a holiday youcan�t afford to miss
A re you thumbingat the holidaybrochure for nextyear already
and nothing enlightening isappealing? Then perhapsconsider this. Forget thekiss me quick hat anddonkey, crowded beaches,rowdy night clubs and lagerdrinkers. Brač, an island,unspoilt and very inviting.
Ancient and modern history, culture and artawait every visitor. The very place to relax,try many of the unspoilt coves and the crystalclear waters on pebble or sandy beaches. Forthe more energetic souls amongst us, walkers,hikers or bikers (pedal power or motor) thenexplore the steep mountainous slopes andbreathtaking scenery all over the island.
61Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Gardens
Brač, untouched and situated in theAdriatic sea, the main town of Supetaris found just 7 miles from the coast ofDalmatias largest city Split. Reached bya £3.50 (33 Kouna) - 45 minute ferryride, no Euro – (currency is CroationKouna) and “very affordable”. The landmass is a whopping 24 miles long andan average width of just 7.8 miles wide. If
you're looking for a walking holiday, history, beautyor just total relaxation then look no further than thisbeautiful Croation island.
A return low cost, two hour ten minute flight Gatwickto Split booked 6 months in advance for two personscosts less than £70 per person. Accommodation canbe found with ease, self catering or hotels. Start at
www.brac.inyourpocket.com which will reveal moreabout this island and get your taste buds working.Take a look, give yourselfa holiday that you willwant to treasure andperhaps evenreturn to againand again.
you're looking for a walking holiday, history, beauty or just total relaxation then look no further than this beautiful Croation island.
A return low cost, two hour ten minute fl ight Gatwick to Split booked 6 months in advance for two persons costs less than £70 per person. Accommodation can be found with ease, self catering or hotels. Start at
Brač, untouched and situated in the Adriatic sea, the main town of Supetar is found just 7 miles from the coast of Dalmatias largest city Split. Reached by a £3.50 (33 Kouna) - 45 minute ferry ride, no Euro – (currency is Croation Kouna) and “very affordable”. The land mass is a whopping 24 miles long and
62 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Gardens
W ell I hope by now your indoorgrown tomatoes are reaching5 to 6 feet tall. By pinching outall the growing tips of
the plant you will encourage rapiddevelopment of the fruits.
When the lower truss of fruit islarge enough for eating removethe lower leaves of the plant toallow the sun to ripen the fruit.Great smell and flavour, enjoy!
Now is the time to start planningand planting your spring floweringbulbs. Yes daffodil, tulip, bluebells, crocus,snowdrops (snowdrops are actually better transplantedin the green, alive and growing rather than a bulb)etc. All these bulbs and corms will be available to buybetween late August and November.
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63Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
Gardens
August is the timefor planting springcabbages,lettuce for earlywinter use.If you alreadyhave cabbage orany brassicas cover them with a mesh to prevent theCabbage white butterfly laying her eggs on yourplants, once the eggs hatch your cabbages willdisappear very fast. Prevention is better than cure!Keep dead heading flowering plants, this willencourage the plant to flower more and for longer.Get ready to preserve and store your fruit andvegetables for the winter.H��� � ��ea� ����, A�� .For any gardening help or advice call one of theplant team at Bell Plantation on 01327 354126.
August is the time August is the time for planting spring cabbages, lettuce for early winter use.
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Challenging conditionshamper Rob�s progress
Rounds 7 and 8 of the Toyota MR2Championship came from Donington Park. Wetconditions greeted Barnett Motorsport and thecircuit remained wet for qualifying.
The team opted to run fresh tyres for the session but thecombination of a damp Donington track, aviation fuelfrom East Midlands Airport (next door to Donington)and tyres which were not scrubbed in meant gripwas at a premium. Rob set some good times andwas reducing them lap after lap. As the circuit beganto develop a drying line Rob realised his best timeswould come at the end but traffic and yellow flagsconspired to halt his progress at the crucial momentleaving him 21st from 36 entrants.
Confusion at the start of Race 1 led to red flags anda wayward car clouted Rob leading to suspension
Motoring
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67Focus Towcester August - September 2012 www.focusmagazinegroup.co.uk
and handling problems. This considered, Rob did wellto bring the car home in 15th place. Between racesthe suspension was fixed and realigned. In Race 2 Robstruggled to get heat into his tyres and continued tosuffer with low grip. He made it up to 15th again beforean uncharacteristic error sent him to the barriers afterexiting the Old Hairpin. The car was not substantiallydamaged so Rob rejoined and finished 20th. TheBarnett Motorsport Team have taken the decision toswitch focus to the CSCC Future Classics series for theremainder of 2012. Thank you to all our supportersand especially Briar Hill Engineering, Beacon WaterTreatments, Julian Hunt, MR2Sparez.co.uk and, ofcourse, Focus Magazine Group.
68 Advertise your business locally from as little as £20 a month - Call us on 01327 353753
Motoring
Shop around for yourcar insurance renewal
Everybody dreads that time of year when yourcar insurance is due for renewal. You fearhaving to pay an extortionate amount ofmoney for a piece of paper that you hopefully
never need to use or look at again until the nextrenewal date.
I’ve always thought it was a bit of an annoyance thatyou had to ring around, can I get your best quote, soand so has quoted me happier, I best go compare itwith others, oh yes I’ve got the best deal.... You’ve allseen the adverts on TV and no doubt found yourselfwishing it was simples with a squeak.
Without going into numbers, I nearly halvedmy premium with some ringing around.
Having spent the best part of 3 hours on the phoneof late, I’ve been astounded with not just how friendlythe brokers have been but how much it can be
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Motoring
reduced by. Without going into numbers, I nearlyhalved my premium with some ringing around. Betterstill, was that I didn’t even have to ring an expensivepremium rate number and I was called back promptlyby the same friendly operator. A personal servicewhich gives faith in an insurance company!
With my renewal due, the price and cover is allsorted and considerably lower than my renewal price,it is still a lot for a piece of paper (or email as it isnow!) but knowing I have reduced it to what I have,gives a great deal of satisfaction. Another 12 monthsmotoring sorted....see you on the highway!
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