Anyone living in Corby would be pretty hard pushed not to notice some rather delicious looking cakes and sweet treats being splashed about on social media. Having two coffee / cake shops going head to head is great for Corby but maybe not for our waistlines.

Cake Porn in Corby

Both of these cake / coffee shops are fabulous and run but lovely people, so make some time to pay them a visit.

Sarah’s Cafe & Coffee Shop

A friendly and cosy cafe to meet with friends & enjoy freshly made hot & cold food and drinks. Serving all-day breakfasts, paninis, toasted & cold filled sandwiches, hot filled rolls, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes, cake, cheesecakes & more.

Contact & Find

T: 01536 737372

On Google

Butterwick

Butterwick is your one stop shop for all your cake needs. From a simple delicious cupcake to the most elegant of wedding cakes, at Butterwick you find it all.

Contact & Find

T: 01536 601313

On Google

So if you are out and about in Corby and in need of a sweet treat give these coffee shops a try.

Out of this world!

The post The Corby Cake Wars appeared first on the Daily Grind.

There are no specific set of strict rules when it come to directing and creating your own music video because a huge part of the craft rests on creativity.

Whether you’re making a music video for a school project, a small business promotion campaign material, or your own band’s promotion, there is a common template to follow so that you don’t waste resources and create a successful music video.

Shooting music videos take a lot of time, effort, and money, so it is critical to plan well and be prepared.

Before you begin shooting those videos, it is vital to remember that creativity and imagination play an important role in the success of your music videos. Sky’s the limit when it comes to imagination, so go bold, think big, and don’t be afraid to let loose. Holding back for fear of other people’s comments will just curb your style and impair your vision. Do what you think and feel is right, so you can make the best music video of your life.

Tips to Shooting a Music Video

1. The Song

This is a pretty obvious step and is the most critical component of making a music video, but it is one worth repeating because many newbie musicians take their song choice for granted. All the success of your music video will depend on your song. You have to to make sure that your song composition is polished and fine-tuned to perfection before you advance to the next step, which is your videos. Test out your own song on different crowds to see how well they respond to it. Make the necessary tweaks and adjustments if needed.
 

2. Brain Storm

What is will be the theme of your music video? There are generally three types of music videos: performance, narrative, and concept. Which approach will you be taking to tell you story? List down all your ideas. You have to decide, which among these three will be your thrust.

Performance videos are videos that generally showcase the artist in a concert type setting. They typically just sing or play instruments while the camera rolls. They perform, hence the name of this category. There’s not much flare or fancy. It is all about giving a good, quality performance, which gives these types of music videos this the most realistic feel. A performance based music video gives the listeners the vibe that they are there listening live to the band or artist play. To illustrate, think of the Beatles Don’t Let Me Down music video on a rooftop building.

A narrative music video tells a story. Think of Taylor Swift’s Love Story or You Belong with Me. All these have a plot interspersed with her performance. A narrative music video needs a good, interesting story line that will go along with the song words. A narrative based music video has a film like vibe to it, with various settings or location shoots, making it a bit more expensive to shoot. You will need quite a bit of characters and props to make this happen.

Concept music videos, on the other hand have no story lines. Sometimes, there is a little bit of performance interspersed in it. But usually, the images that are depicted have no relationship to the song. The images used either have thematic and/or symbolic representation. Think fields of grass, birds flying around, ocean waves, and other kinds of imagery that evoke feeling. Concept music videos can also choose to play with lighting such as utilising dark shadows to give an eerie vibe or using psychedelic colours and abstract images. The whole point of this is to create a mood. An example of this kind of video is Best of You by Foo Fighters.
 

3. Your Budget

Everything hinges on how much you are willing to spend. Your budget will determine if you can afford one or more cameras. It can also indicate if you can hire a professional post-production company. This is the time to be honest with yourself and your group mates. How much are you really willing to spend? Choosing to borrow equipment, asking friends to be your actors, doing your own post production, or accessing a free location will help curb some expenses.
 

4. The Storyboard

This is your plan of action on what you expect to happen during the shoot. It is akin to a script when making films. This story board gives your entire production direction. It is something concrete that your team can aspire for and work on to reach your goals. The storyboard will help you flesh out requirements such as: scenes to be shot, costumes needed, number of artists, locations to be used, gear needed, and the like. Without proper planning, then you are planning to fail your music video production. Having this set plan will not just give your team direction, but it will also help you with your budget allocation because you can more or less anticipate your needs. Expectations are set in drafting storyboards so be sure to never skip this part.
 

5. Shoot Location

Scout the location before your start filming so you can get the right gear ready. Some locations have low lights, so you will need to bring additional lights. With this, you will also need to consider the availability of electrical supply. If unavailable, you have to pack a lot of batteries to sustain your shoot. Often, you can get free locations like in school campuses, public parks, churches, and the like. But before you proceed, you have to check with the local authorities because some areas may require a permit. The last thing you want to happen is to begin shooting only to be told that you need to stop because you don’t have the rights to shoot in that location. Mitigate this problem by preparing ahead of time. Remember to take photos of your prospective shoot location when you do your scouting work so you can match these up with your storyboard.

6. Gearing Up

If you are an amateur production, using ordinary video cameras or even your camera phone will do the trick. But of course, if you want professional quality, you will have to go for the big professional equipment. Since these are expensive, you may need o rent these. Aside from this, you also need to rent wash lights, spot lights, diffusers, and so on. If your budget is limited, working with natural light during the day may be your best bet.
 

7. The Right Actors

You need the perfect actors to make your music video come alive. If you need people to dance, then you have iron out the choreography ahead of time, too. On top of that, you need them fit their costumes and other paraphernalia they will use on the day of the actual shoot. It would be prudent to have quick practices the day before the shoot to ensure that all the intricate elements that can make or break your music video are ironed out. All these are details that you need to work on before you start filming so that you can eliminate potential delays and headaches.
 

8. Shooting

Be sure to prep everything so that you are ready on the day of the actual shoot. Keep a good attitude because this will affect the work flow and the final outcome. Take as many footage as you possibly can, so you will have plenty of material to work with when the time comes for you to edit the video.
 

9. Post Production Issues

This is a critical component post shoot. Dubbing is one consideration that you have to take because the last thing you want is your audio and video not in sync. Then comes the arduous task of splicing and weaving together hours of video footage and reducing it to a mere three minutes. You will need access to high end video editing software like Avid, Adobe Premier, After Effects, or Final Cut Pro. But for school projects, Windows Movie Maker or i-Movie will be more than enough.

Here, you can put in video effects, fix the tone of the images, edit sequences to give the right feel, and the like. It is important to take time to do your post production and editing work to make sure you come up with a quality video that people will appreciate and love.

Now that you have finished making your whole video, it is critical to promote it. After all, the whole point of crafting a whole music video is to expand your band’s reach. Make sure that you share your music videos in as many social media apps as you can. Be sure to create engagement with your audience, so they will be compelled to like, share, and comment in your videos that you have worked painstakingly hard on to produce.

The post Music Video Shooting Tips appeared first on the Daily Grind.

There’s something spiritually fulfilling about driving around for hours through remote countryside and urban areas in search of the perfect photo shoot locations. However, many times, you don’t have to drive for kilometres on end as more often than not the best locations may be right around the corner. That being said, before you set out to scout locations near or far from home, here are a few things to consider in order to achieve the right look and feel for your finished product.

The Power of Simplicity

It may be natural to be attracted to extravagant, over the top locations for a dynamic photo shoot, but many times they are too over the top and only distract viewers rather than showcasing the models, products, or other subject matter. Therefore, simple landscapes and areas typically work best for shooting locations. Ultimately, a photo shoot location should complement the subject matter, not pull the eye away from it.

Universal Importance

Any serious photographer likely has quite a few unique potential photo shoot locations stored away in their mind or a zip drive. However, there’s a good chance none of these locations will work for a specific shoot, making it important to select spots with a universal appeal. When there are times none of your unique, specialised locations will work for a photo shoot, it’s nice to have a handful of universal or cliché locations such as open fields, urban spots, wooded areas, historic buildings, and train tracks to fall back on.

The More Shooting Areas the Better

In keeping with the universality theme, you should also choose locations that provide a number of areas to shoot in or at. For instance, old railroad track bridges are often popular shooting locations. While the top of the bridge showing the wooden or steel railroad tracks may be the predominate area to shoot, the river running underneath the bridge, the hills and wooded area around the bridge, and the bridge’s underside can also be used for the shoot.

Timing Is Everything

Due to the sun and a variety of other factors, certain locations will be better for shooting in the afternoon than the morning and vice versa. Thus, it is important to scout during the time of day you plan on scheduling the shoot. This will give you a good idea of the lighting, noise, traffic, and even weather to expect at the time of the shoot.

Consider the Elements

Rain, snow, sun, wind, and so on are natural factors that may positively or negatively affect your photo shoot, so you should check the weather forecast prior to and during the shoot. Some cameras don’t work well in moist, rainy conditions, lenses can easily become dirty in the salty air, and batteries don’t like the cold. These are all strong reasons to consider the elements when scouting the perfect photo shoot location.

Get Permission

Regardless of whether the photo shoot takes place on private or public property, there are times when you may need to receive written or verbal permission prior to setting up and taking any photos. Many photographers have been removed from their prime shooting locations for failing to gain permission to shoot, so plan ahead and get the permission you need well in advance.

Safety First

Safety should be a huge consideration when scouting photo shoot locations. Even if you are the adventurous type and don’t consider yourself the safest of people, it’s critically important to consider the safety of a location prior to taking clients, models, and others to it. Run-down buildings and structures can make some of the best shooting locations, but you should inspect every element of these locations to ensure it is safe and suitable for a photo shoot. Regardless of how unique or interesting it may be, if your safety is in doubt, simply choose another spot. Ultimately, you need to be smart in your location decision.

Bottom Line

As you can see, there are a variety of things to keep in mind when scouting potential photo shoot locations, but luckily, there are even more wonderful locations out there to shoot. By keeping these tips in mind, you are sure to find a great location for any photo shoot each and every time.

The post Finding that Perfect Photo Shoot Location appeared first on the Daily Grind.

The Newborn Baby Photoshoot Trend & How You Can Create Beautiful Baby Pictures

Over the past few decades, newborn baby shoots have become increasingly more common, with much of this being started by acclaimed photographer Anne Geddes. In the years before the internet became popular, Geddes sold close to 20 million books focused on baby photography and helped to launch the niche.

Since then, the area has become more popular as parents look to document the first few weeks of their child’s life. Throughout this time, there have been a variety of changes to the niche, with photographers planting their creative stamp on the images.

Alongside this has been the unique images and looks that parents have demanded with their newborn baby shoot images. This has meant that many professional photographers may have felt somewhat overwhelmed if they consider entering the niche.

While there are a variety of shots and pictures that are timeless and will continue to remain trendy, there are others that will come and go as time passes. This means that photographers should have a sturdy foundation to start their shoot with while also giving them room to be creative.

Behind The Rise Of The Newborn Baby Shoot

For the first few years of the newborn baby shoot trend, it was primarily just for holiday cards and baby models. This is no longer the case as parents now share photos of their children on social media almost constantly.

Throughout this time, there have been a variety of different looks and images that have been popular. The prevailing trend at the moment seems to be homespun and dreamy images, such as the type that you might find on Pinterest.

During this time, many photographers have recommended taking the photos between five and ten days after a baby is born. This is because parents will be able to enjoy the newborn look of their child for the rest of their lives. Alongside this, babies in their first few weeks may pose much better than you might expect.

Combined with photo-editing software, photographers have been able to create a significant number of landscapes and settings for the child to pose in. Throughout this time, there have been a few shots that have proven to be quite popular, and which show no signs of going away.

Perhaps the most notable of these is what’s known as the Froggy. Though this takes a large amount of composite work, it can be much more visually appealing than many others, especially for parents. With this photo, the baby lies on its stomach with its elbows propped. Their heads will then rest in their hands.

This is a photo that almost every parent gets at some point or another and is often used as part of the birth announcement.

The trend of photographing newborns is a distinctly millennial one, as the generation tends to photograph almost everything. While many of these may be somewhat trivial, the majority of people these days have their most important moments photographed, such as their wedding days.

This has made it natural for new parents to have their baby professionally photographed not long after they’re born. Social media has played a notable role in this, as parents want to share beautiful pictures of their child as much as possible.

While many of these may be taken by the parents on a smartphone, there are some occasions that they may want done professionally. This is especially true when it comes to newborns.

Alongside this has been the influence of celebrities, who have made pregnancy and childbirth much more glamorous. This was started by actress Demi Moore and has continued with the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, up to Kim Kardashian, and much more.

This glamorisation is something that many parents look to replicate, especially among their social circles. While having a child is naturally a special occasion, professional photos help to increase this and allow parents to share it with many more people.

While there isn’t any real data about the number of newborn baby shoots compared to several decades ago, many industry experts have shared their insight into the topic. According to many, the area has become much more popular in the past five to ten years.

This would dovetail perfectly with the ongoing rise of social media, as well as the increasing influence of celebrity culture, among other factors. Before this, many people would only see the occasional baby photographer at industry events, but they can now be spotted almost everywhere.

Technological advancement in the photography world has also played an influence in this. In decades past, it was often difficult to photograph a newborn and create an image that everybody would love. This is no longer true, as professionals can remove any unattractive qualities of a photo, such as shakiness.

Professionals can also even out a newborn’s skin tone, which can often be slightly unappealing the in days following their birth. With a few small touch-ups, many parents will now be able to enjoy images that are accurate and are visually beautiful without having any awkward spots or an uneven skin tone.

This has meant that professional photoshoots have been able to paint a picture of a newborn that actually sleeps instead of the sleepless nights that affect every baby and their parents. Much of this chaos is why many parents will want to have pictures taken in the first place.

The days and weeks following birth can often be hectic, which means that many people, especially mothers, may not accurately remember them in the future. With how quickly a child can seem to grow, this means that they can often never look the same as they once they, which means that parents may forget it.

This is avoided through photoshoots, which allow parents to set these priceless and precious moments in stone and enjoy them for years to come.
 

The Gear You’ll Need For A Newborn Baby Shoot

Many photographers may believe that they’ll need specific gear for photographing a newborn baby, this isn’t completely true. In contrast, you should be able to use what you already have, although you’ll need to make sure that you bring along specific things.

The first of these is a macro lens, as you should want to capture the detail of a baby’s face and features. The macro lens should be perfectly suited to close-up shots, as well as full-length images, both of which will then come out sharp and appealing.

Alongside this is a portrait lens. There aren’t any specific lens’ you should bring, so it’s recommended that you bring along the ones that you typically rely on.

Lighting gear is another obvious choice to bring. While it’s recommended that you use natural light as much as possible, you’ll still need to use a reflector and other devices. If you need to use extra lighting, then you should aim to keep this as minimally as possible.

You’ll also need to bring a variety of toys and props, although many of these can depend on the age of the baby. These can often be crucial for keeping the child engaged and happy while you’re taking photos, which will then result in better photos.

You might want to invest in a backdrop, although you shouldn’t need to spend too much on this. In many cases, you can use a plain white bedsheet for both portraits and full-length shots. This can provide a significant amount of contrast for the images and ensure that all of the focus is on the newborn.

Blankets may also play a role in this, although these should be meaningful. In many cases, you’ll be able to speak with the parents about any of these they want to include. For example, many may want to add a baby’s first blanket in the photos, which could also extend to the toys that are in the pictures.

By having each of the above, you should have everything you need to create beautiful and engaging photos that everyone in the family will enjoy for years.
 

Ideas For Photographing The Babies

When it comes to ideas for photographing a newborn baby, many people may struggle. This is because there are many obvious pictures that you can take, although many of us may want to put our creative stamp on the shoot.

These don’t have to be mutually exclusive, as you’ll be able to put a unique twist on some of the most common. There’s also the fact that many parents will want certain images and moments captured, which means that you should be prepared to take some of the following photos.
 

Capture Their Age

Although much of this can be subtle, babies change almost daily. Over time, these changes build-up, and they can be almost unrecognisable from what they looked like months beforehand. This can make it vital to capture their age when you’re taking photos.

While many parents may write the child’s age on the back of the printed image, there are a few creative ways that you’ll be able to work this in. One of the most common is to have colourful numbers that you can include in the picture.

In the majority of cases, you may want to include the baby’s age in days, especially if they’re only a few weeks old. For special occasions, such as birthdays, then you may not need to use too many of these.

You could also set up regular photoshoots celebrating every week or month, which can mean that parents will have a scrapbook of their baby’s changes and growth over several months.
 

Mom & Child

Photos of the mom and child are a no-brainer, as they’ll have a connection that many will want captured for eternity. As the mother will be easy to direct and work with, these photos should often be much easier to take than the child on its own.

They may also want a few nursing shots taken, although this is something that you’ll have to work out beforehand and be prepared for. Alongside this are images of the father and the child, as well as the trio.
 

Bring In The Siblings

If this isn’t a person’s first child, then bringing in the siblings could be mandatory. Similar to including the parents, this provides a picture that everybody will want to be framed. Parents will more than likely want sibling photographs taken.

You may need to take some precautions when taking these photos, depending on the age of the children. This is because children under a certain age may not be able to hold a baby for too long. By being careful, however, you’ll be able to take some engaging photos that last a lifetime.
 

Generational Photos

Generational photos have been popular for years, and there are a few reasons behind this. One of the most prominent is that they can be some of the more visually and emotionally pleasing for family members. Everyone will want a picture of as much of the family as possible, as they’ll be able to cherish it for years to come.

Regardless of whether these are candid or posed, if you’re able to be there to take one of these photos, then you should do so. These are the photos that every client will want to keep, which can make them some of the most important to capture.

While it can be difficult to do so, it will be well worth the investment once you see the smile on a client’s face.
 

Milestones

Milestones are what everybody looks forward to, especially with their children. In the first few weeks and months after their birth, a baby will have quite a significant number of them, such as the first time they try a particular food, or when they start crawling.

These are things that many parents may want to be captured in a photograph. While it may not be possible to take a picture of the first time of each, you may be able to replicate it within days of it occurring. This could be something that parents will want to be done, as it will allow them to remember the initial memory better.

Pictures of the first time a baby tries a particular food have also proven to be popular. This is something that you’ll be able to photograph and which could provide a significant number of creative and entertaining photos.
 

Tips For Baby Photography

Many of us may not have worked with babies before, especially newborns. This could mean that many photographers may not know how they should photography them effectively. There are several tips and tricks that you’ll be able to take advantage of.

The most obvious of these is to get down onto their level, which is something that can be applied to almost every portrait that you take. Doing so ensure that you can capture as much detail as possible when photographing them.

You should also get as close as possible to the baby to fill the frame with them. This doesn’t mean that you should be too close; instead, it means that you should ensure that the newborn is the central focus, and there are minimal distractions in the frame.

Alongside this is keeping the background as clutter-free as possible; parents will want their child to be the focus, which means taking as many objects out of the background as possible. While this could be difficult for more candid shots, it can be worth the time it takes. One quick workaround is to ensure that you frame the image effectively.

Though you may inevitably use lights when doing the photoshoot, you should aim to use as much natural lighting as possible. This should mean that you keep the windows and doors open to allow a significant amount of sunlight in. While this may not always be possible, it’s highly recommended when you can.

This will help you catch the light in their eyes, which could prove to create much better photos during the shoot.

While the majority of newborns will sit still for most of the photoshoot, this isn’t true for those who are slightly older; once they’ve learned how to walk or crawl, they’ll want to do so as much as possible. This shouldn’t be a negative when you’re taking pictures of them.

Instead, switch over to your camera’s continuous or burst mode and take a variety of photos of the baby in motion. Though few of these pictures may be used, those that are could prove to be quite unique and appealing.

Taking advantage of each of the above tips will give you the best chance possible to creating unique newborn photos that every parent should love. If you’re starting in the niche, then it’s recommended you stick to each of the types of images we mentioned above.

Though it can seem overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be. Like many other niches, the more practice you have, the more confident you’ll be. Newborn baby photography can be much more similar to other forms of portrait and candid photography.

This means that you’ll be able to rely on the skills that you already have; you’ll simply need to harness them in a slightly different manner than you usually have. Though all photographers will need a large amount of patience, this is especially true with newborn babies.

The post Newborn Photo Shoot Trends and Tips appeared first on the Daily Grind.

Wedding Venue Open Day in Brigstock at The Hill Farm House.

Looking for a stunning country styled, rustic, vintage wedding venue?

Meet “Rajni” the Marquee

“Rajni” is a Raj style canvas Marquee with a beautiful lining which has come from India, I’ve named her after my gorgeous friend. 15m x 11m or 49ft x 36ft we are comfortable seating 120 maximum, welcoming catering from a picnic, hog roast or street food vendors in converted horse boxes to traditional wedding breakfast caterers.

“Rajni” Marquee is yours to hire either in Home Close Field, Brigstock with power, water, fire-pits & most importantly a bar or you can hire the Marquee only for a location of your choice.

Choose to furnish the Marquee to suit your style, this can be hay bales, trestle or traditional round tables, the list goes on!

The Hill Farm House

Sunday 20th May 2018
11am – 3pm

Access to Wedding Venue Open Day via

Home Close Field
Grafton Road
Brigstock
Northampronshire
NN14 3EY

Tel: 07962 324 551
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/AYBiZBJ8xQ32

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHillFarmHouse/
 

The post Wedding Venue Open Day in Brigstock appeared first on the Daily Grind.

A recently planned weekend break to Chester was going south and quickly. Friends who were flying in to Liverpool were delayed (we were driving up) and now our hotel had lost our booking, how do you loose a booking? To top it off, horrendous weather was forecast and although I have lived in the UK for the past 20yrs, I don’t get on with crappy weather.

This blog was meant to be about the weekend, the hotel and great food instead the saving grace of the weekend was a local taxi firm in Chester, called Chester Taxi Services. Who writes about a taxi, well this is the first for me too.

Why We Love Chester Taxi Services

Our delayed friends finally landed and the had planned on grabbing the train from Liverpool up to Chester, but time was running our, so a quick Google search I found Chester Taxi Services. As luck would have it, they had a airport transfer being dropped off shortly and if we did not mind waiting 15 minutes then they would happily transport them back to Chester.

Result, this weekend may turn out okay.

Whilst we were having some well earned drinks in the bar across the street, the conversation in the taxi had turned to the weekend plans and the horrendous weather and getting around Chester. We had planned on using the Chester Hop on Hop off bus, but with this weather all bets were off.

After a bit of discussions we came to the arrangement with Chester Taxis to ferry us around for the weekend.

We ended up visiting the Roman Wall and the ladies enjoyed window shopping and more in Chester Rows, with look-in at the Cathedral and some great food at Moules a Go Go and Siam Thai.

What started out looking like a wash out turned out to be a great weekend, and although a taxi service is just that, the guys at Chester Taxi Services were outstanding throughout the weekend.

If you are in Chester and need a cab, get these details in your phone.

Call: 01244 421024
Online Booking: www.taxis-in-chester.co.uk/online-taxi-bookings
On Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/f62xwpS31zH2

The post Why We Love Chester Taxis (And You Should, Too!) appeared first on the Daily Grind.

The Pantry is Corby’s latest addition to the growing town centers cafe / coffee shop and vintage tea room scene which has become my bolt hole savior for those shopping weekends that husbands around the country know so well.

The Pantry offers a selection of freshly made hot and cold food, drinks, treats and snacks and not forgetting homemade cakes.

Breakfast & Lunch Served All Day

(I need to learn to take better pictures)

All the cakes and treats are freshly made by the owner Kelly, who together with her fantastic staff really makes a customers feel welcome at The Pantry.

The Pantry is situated in the lower floor of what used to be the Glass House, so don’t be confused where it is, it really is inside.

The Pantry Opening Times:

• Monday: 9am–4pm
• Tuesday: 9am–4pm
• Wednesday: 9am–4pm
• Thursday: 9am–4pm
• Friday: 9am–4pm
• Saturday: 9am–4pm
• Sunday: 10am–4pm

Brunch and Lunch options include homemade soup, jacket potato’s with a choice of fillings, baguettes or sandwiches and sublime toasties.

You wont find a pre-prepared refrigerated offering that you have to wait in line for to get warmed up or toasted at The Pantry, its all freshly prepared for you to enjoy.

The Pantry Vintage Tea Room

Spencer Court, Willow Place,

Corby NN17 1NU

The post The Pantry : Coffee, Cakes, Treats and More in Corby appeared first on the Daily Grind.

The holiday season is upon us! These are the days to take a little extra time out of your schedule to meet up with your friends and get an update on their lives; it’s a time to spread a lot of good cheer around. Why not call a few of those old friends and make a date to wander around a local Christmas Market or perhaps catch a panto? You’ll find a lot of gifts you can give as presents to your loved ones.

Wellingborough Christmas Fair

Wellingborough Christmas Fair at Orient Way in Market Square has so many opportunities for finding great presents for your friends and family. Visit their trading chalets where you’ll find holiday jumpers and warm winter hats for both children and adults. Stop by the Hog Roast for a tasty treat at meal time or anytime in between. Be sure to pay a visit to Santa – he would love to see the children.

Wellingborough Christmas Fair 2017 is open from 10am – 6pm through 6th December. From 7th December until 24 December, they are open from 10am – 8pm daily. You can find them at Orient Way, Market Square, Wellingborough.

Christmas Fair and Tree Sale

There’s still time to visit the Christmas Fair and Tree Sale at Broughton House. Catch a sense of the holidays here wandering amongst the Christmas trees where you’ll be surrounded by an intoxicating scent of pine trees. Choose a British-grown Nordmann Fir or perhaps a potted Omorika tree. All the trees Broughton sell are of a high quality; neither variety is prone to dropping their needles so there will be no need to worry about your carpet or floor being covered with pine needles.

Next, check out the Christmas Fair to see the handmade wreaths and exclusive Christmas decorations. You will find a large selection of impressive gifts to bestow upon your friends. Sumptuous foods from the surrounding region will be available for your tasting pleasure.

Broughton House is located between Weekley and Geddington on the A43. The Christmas Fair and Tree Sale will be happening from 1st -17th December 2017; 10am – 5pm with a late night opening on Friday evenings until 7pm.

Tea with Santa

The children will be delighted as Santa drops by their table for a personal chat with them when they come round for Tea with Santa at Bosworth Garden Centre, Finedon Road, Burton, Latimer. The jolly old man in the red suit takes tea daily at 4:30pm. He will even have a present for each child. Throughout the day, there will be other forms of entertainment and other Christmas characters as well as the elves. Prices will vary depending on the package you choose. Make your reservation on the website of Bosworth Garden Centre. Tea with Santa continues to run daily until 20 December 2017.

Christmas Light Switch On

The Spanhoe Lodge will be decked out and dressed up for the season. Inside and out, this lovely family-run B&B will be pulling out the stops to show the Lodge at its festive best. The family invites you to come and join them as they switch on their Christmas lights. The event is free to attend. This year, they have decided to raise money to benefit the Lakelands Hospice. You will find a Memory Tree, hear carol singing and have the opportunity to visit Santa’s Grotto. In addition, there will be the chance to enjoy mince pies and mulled wine. All the proceeds will go toward Lakelands Hospice.

This event takes place on Friday, 1 December 2017. Doors open at 6pm. Lights will be switched on at 7pm and remain on throughout the month of December. Spanhoe Lodge is located Nr Corby, Laxton, Harringworth.

Sky Lark Christmas Market

This year’s Christmas Market at Sky Lark will be held in a specially built events barn, nicely kitted out with lovely trees from Sky Lark’s Christmas tree field. They will be decorated in all their holiday finery. Items to be sold at the Market will range from traditional seasonal crafts to unique items and even the unusual. You will find a wide assortment of presents for your family, and maybe a gift for yourself at Sky Lark. This will be a special excursion, making this Christmas shopping outing a beautiful and exclusive event.

The Market will be held on 10th, 16th and 17th December 2017. It opens its doors to visitors from 11am to 3pm. Admission is free.

Santa’s Grotto at Sky Lark

The same Sky Lark Farm is hosting Santa’s Grotto. Bring your child out to visit Santa. He’s brought along two of his reindeer this year. While you’re there, you may also pick out a Christmas tree for your home. Choose your preferred time to call round and call them at 01327 300471 to make a booking. For the price of £10 for each child, they will be able to see Santa and his reindeer, receive their own present and be given food they can feed the reindeer. Each one will receive a photo. While the reservations must be made by phone and in advance, payment will only need to be given on the day of the event. Please make note of the dates and times when the Grotto will be open:

• Saturday 2 December: 10am – 4.30pm
• Sunday 3 December: 10am – 4.30pm
• Saturday 9 December: 10am – 4.30pm
• Sunday 10 December: 10am – 4.30pm
• Friday 15 December: 3pm – 6.00pm
• Saturday 16 December: 10am – 4.30pm
• Sunday 17 December: 10am – 4.30pm
• Wednesday 20 December: 1pm – 5.00pm
• Thursday 21 December: 1pm – 5.00pm
• Friday 22 December: 10am – 4.30pm
• Saturday 23 December: 10am – 4.30pm

Both the Christmas Market and Santa’s Grotto can be found at Sky Lark Fields Farm, Lower Shuckburgh Rd, Daventry. Sky Lark is easy to find between Staverton and Napton.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Bring the family out to experience some of the best Kettering panto of the 2017 holiday season. That Wicked Queen is out to get Snow White all because the beautiful young lady has replaced the Queen as “the fairest of them all”. Luckily for Snow White, Dame Dolly and Herbie the Huntsman will do everything in their power to thwart that Wicked Queen. Between those two and Snow White’s own “Magnificent Seven” you know the battle to rescue the fair maiden will keep you in stitches. But who will win? We hope she and Prince Simon of Sofaria will get their happily ever after ending. You’ll have to attend the show at The Lighthouse Theatre to find out how it all works out.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs runs from 8th – 31st December 2017. Tickets run between £12.50 to £18 for a single adult ticket. The Lighthouse offer family package prices, so check out their website or call their box office to book your tickets. The Lighthouse Theatre is at Thurston Dr, Kettering.

The Wind in the Willows

This one is a classic for the whole family. The Core at Corby Cube presents, The Wind in the Willows. All your old friends are here, living their adventuresome lives on the bank of the river. Join them on their mad-cap journeys down the river and into the Wild Wood. Ratty, Toad and Badger will warm your heart and have you laughing as they sometimes get into silly mischief. The production at The Core is “filled with humor, song and dance and lively storytelling that puts the audience right at the glittering heart of the action and gets you ready for Christmas.” Revisit this wonderful tale of talking animals and camaraderie with your children, or perhaps introduce them to The Wind in the Willows for their first of many journeys with these beloved characters.

The Wind in the Willows will be running from 7th – 30th December 2017 at The Core at Corby Cube, located on George Street, Corby. Tickets range in price from £9 – £14.50. Book online or call their box office at 01536 470470 if you’re booking a group of 8 or more.

Christmas in Uppingham

You’ll find Uppingham in the gorgeous countryside of Rutland where you will be most welcome to join in their Christmas Market. The town’s mayor will be switching on the Christmas lights at 5.30pm on 7th December 2017. This is also the official starting time of the market. You’ll hear choirs, buskers and live music playing as you roam about the market stalls, munching on roasted chestnuts and sipping on mulled wine. Santa will join in the festivities with one of his reindeer. Enjoy the street entertainers and competitions. The children can have their faces painted and everyone should have a meal from at least one of the food vendors. You will find a wide variety of gift ideas in Uppingham. Many of the local stores with stay open for late night shopping.

The Uppingham Christmas Market will remain open until 9pm. You will find it set up in The Market Place in Uppingham.

Christmas in and around Corby is filled with a multitude of things to do and see. Take some time out of your busy schedule and spend a few hours with those closest to you, exploring regional holiday displays and markets. You’ll be making memories for a lifetime. Merry Christmas everyone!

The post Upcoming Christmas Events in and around Corby appeared first on the Daily Grind.

Beards: You can’t ignore them, make you stand out, and they add that special touch of “manliness” that some people love. Yet a beard without proper grooming may be drawing the wrong kind of attention.

To be sure that you get the right kind of looks from people with your incredible beard, consider including these grooming tips in your “beauty” routine:

• Take your time. Having a beard is a lesson in patience, both in growing it out and maintaining it. When you make a commitment to your beard, make sure to set aside time in your daily routine for its maintenance. Your beard deserves to look as handsome as you, so be sure to pay it due attention. It’s worth waking up 15 minutes earlier to ensure that your beard gets it grooming before you set out for the day.
• Use face wash. For a long time, men wouldn’t pay so much attention to grooming, but nowadays men are realizing that they can look “pretty,” as well. Especially with a full-grown beard, you want to make sure that you are cleaning your skin under the beard.

Your skin can easily get irritated when sporting a beard, whether because of hot weather or simply from not keeping your beard or face clean, so using a good face wash can make sure that your skin looks good which will ensure that your whole face looks good. An attractive beard with rough skin isn’t the look you should be going for.

• Use lotion on your face. With or without a beard, your face can get dry, especially in the winter. If you notice that your skin is feeling a bit rough and dry, don’t be afraid of using lotion or some type of moisturizing wash. It’s ok to have a soft face with that manly beard you have growing. While you may not want to use lotion on your face in the area where your beard is growing, a moisturized face complements your beard perfectly.
• Use beard balm. A way to ensure that your beard isn’t running wild-as if you didn’t have a place to live-go ahead and use a bit of beard balm to keep those stray hairs in place. Some men even like to style their beards and beard balms can help you to do just that.
• Wash your beard often. You’ll be smelling your beard, trust me. To ensure that it smells amazing and looks great, you should make sure that you wash it as often as needed. Invest in quality shampoo and make sure that you clean your beard whenever it starts looking too greasy or perhaps starts smelling a little off.

• Use beard oil. While not every man will have this issue, you should think about using a quality beard oil if you see that your beard is getting a bit bristly and dry. Some brands like Mo’s Bros offer excellent beard oils that will ensure a soft, lustrous, and maintained beard. While you may use lotion like we mentioned above for your face, you will want to use beard oil to both moisturize your beard, as well as your facial skin in that area.
• Go to a professional for trimming. Part of keeping your beard looking beautiful is to trim it every now and then to avoid split ends and ensure optimal growth and beard health. Some men may have the skill to trim their beard to perfection, but to be sure that you end up with a perfectly groomed beard, you should entrust your beard into the hands of an experienced professional who will be sure to take great care of it.
• Brush your beard. Some guys think that letting your beard be “as is” is perfectly fine and while this could be true for some lucky men, it’s a good idea to brush your beard. Keep in mind that once a day is perfectly fine. You can use a brush if you like, but most men like to use a comb to avoid frizzing out their beards and do a better job at getting out any tangles that may have built up. A good time to comb your beard is during your grooming time when you’re washing it or applying beard oils and beard wax.
• Use moustache wax for stray moustache hair. Of course, you will most likely have a mustache with a full-grown beard and you don’t want to forget that facial hair. A finely groomed mustache is glorious, but many men forget to pay attention to it and instead focus solely on their beard. While you are applying your beard wax every morning, go ahead and use some moustache wax on your moustache to ensure that it is as equally beautiful as your beard.

Men take on the idea of growing a full beard without realizing that it is a serious commitment-although one that is so worth it-and in a short amount of time they find themselves with beards that look like something from a homeless shelter.

The good news is that with a little bit of attention, some Mo Bro’s grooming products, and help from the best barber shop in Corby, your beard will look as incredible as you imagined it would.

The post The Art of Beard Grooming with Mo Bros Products appeared first on the Daily Grind.

The débâcle surrounding the Corby Urgent Care Centre (CUCC) has been festering for the better part of six months now. Despite providing a vital service to the local community for over five years, the UCC has been threatened with closure, mainly due to funding trouble and contractual disputes between the operators and the local Clinical Commissioning Group or CCG. With just a couple of months left in the current contract, the town of Corby and neighbouring boroughs may soon be left without a local Urgent Care Centre come October, unless the feuding parties can reach an amicable settlement.

The Corby UCC – A Brief Intro

The UCC was established in the town in 2013. Located on Cottingham Road, the centre has been operated by the Lakeside+ Limited since its inception. Like all similar Type 3 A&E departments in the UK, the Corby UCC is also funded by the NHS, through its local Clinical Commissioning Groups. The funding and functioning of the Corby centre are the responsibility of the Corby CCG. The Nene CCG in Northamptonshire was also instrumental in providing the funding for the establishment of the centre in 2013.

 
Lakeside+ is the urgent care arm of Lakeside Healthcare, which is the biggest GP partnerships working under the NHS in the UK. Lakeside is a “super-practice,” with a registered patient list of over 100,000, based mainly in Northamptonshire, North Cambridgeshire, South Lincolnshire, Rutland and East Leicestershire.

 
The Corby centre is open seven days a week, from 8 AM. to 8 PM., and provides prompt medical attention to urgent illnesses and injuries that cannot wait for a GP appointment. Some of the common conditions handled by the Corby UCC include:

• Broken bones and suspected fractures/sprains
• Cuts, burns and other soft tissue injuries
• Back pain, head injuries, other minor injuries
• Any suspected infections, high fever
• Illnesses in children and the elderly

The centre offers both radiology and pathology facilities on site, which means that patients don’t have to travel all the way to the hospital in Kettering for diagnosis.

The Headline Grabbing Origins Of The Dispute

The conflict became headline news back in March 2017, due to a chance remark in the House of Commons by the local Tory MP. Tom Pursglove invited the Health Secretary to pay a visit to his local UCC, claiming it to be the best in the business in the UK. The invitation was gladly accepted by Jeremy Hunt, who also heaped praise on the centre. But the Health Secretary was left red faced when news broke the very next day about the potential closing of the “class leading” NHS care centre, ostensibly due to funding constraints.

Opponents were quick to point to Tory funding cuts and mismanagement of the NHS as the primary reason for this débâcle. On the other hand, the Corby CCG was displeased with the way in which Lakeside+ chose to go public with the issue, claiming that it was just a “contractual dispute” and nothing more. Lakeside+ were pointed in the airing of their grievances, laying the blame squarely at the Corby and Nene CCGs.

The Core Issue – National Tariffs

Despite claims to the contrary from the Corby GCC, the problem at the heart of the Corby UCC is not a “simple contractual dispute.” Funding, or lack of it, is the main issue. As per the NHS rules, the Corby and Nene CCGs are required by law to pay the operators of local Urgent Care Centres the minimum fees based on national tariff rates. The national tariffs came into effect in the year 2014. And according to Lakeside+, they are yet to see this payment enforced by the Corby CCG.

The lack of minimum fee payment has left the Centre in financial troubles, according to their spokesperson. They claim that the mounting operating costs and resulting losses were responsible for the decision not to renew the contract with the Corby and Nene CCG. The monthly losses to the centre are to the tune of £30,000, according to company sources.

In the light of this situation, the demand from Lakeside+ is quite simple and straightforward: pay the minimum fees as per national tariff rates, and they are ready to consider a contract extension/renewal.

The CCG Response Falls Flat

Lakeside+’s decision to go public with their complaints forced the Corby CCG to go on the defensive. Local CCG representatives claimed in March that they had “contingency plans” in place, to continue providing emergency care services in the eventuality of Lakeside+ shutting down their services. But the ensuing months only served to strengthen Lakeside+’s stance, and while putting a serious dent into the CCG claims of having things under control.

Things started unravelling for the Corby CCG when they issued a fresh tender inviting new bids from contractors to run the Corby UCC once the current contract expires in September 2017. To say that the tender elicited a lukewarm response would be an understatement. Only one operator applied, and by July 2017, news broke that even they had formally withdrawn their bid. And much to the chagrin of the local NHS commissioners, that sole bidder turned out to be their contingency candidate to run the facility in the event of a service shut down.

That withdrawal may have something to do with Lakeside+’s willingness to take the Corby CCG to court over the dispute. This position had been put forward in March by Lakeside as part of a compromise to allow the facility to remain open beyond 31st March.

The Current Status: Ongoing Negotiations and Public Outcry

The reaction from the residents and their representatives have been nothing short of unmitigated alarm and protest. The prospect of a shutdown of emergency services in the town of Corby is almost unthinkable. The centre has been nothing short of a godsend to locals in the town and its neighbouring hamlets and boroughs. The public reaction at meetings over the issue was tense and irate.

Local representatives across party lines have also taken initiatives in an attempt to find a solution, showing the severity of the issue. Local MP Tom Pursglove was adamant in his support for the continued running of the facility, and he urged the feuding parties to reach an amicable settlement somehow. Local Labour councillors, despite aiming their criticisms at the Tories, have expressed support for any initiative that could lead to a satisfactory resolution of the crisis. And even Labour politicians from neighbouring Kettering have taken an active interest in the issue, due to the far reaching repercussions of a potential closure of the Corby UCC.

The Corby Council has been holding talks with both parties since the outset in a bid to find a solution. There should be further developments in the month of August, with a court decision on the case expected on the 4th. The Corby CCG is also scheduled to hold a public meeting once the decision is heard, to decide on future options.

Why A Positive Resolution Is Essential

The impact of a shutdown of the Corby Urgent Centre on the healthcare infrastructure in the region would be nothing short of disastrous. According to Lakeside figures, the Corby Centre handles over 70,000 patients annually. And the majority of those patients are treated at the centre itself and sent home, reducing the burden on the General Hospital in Kettering and other A&E centres in the region. The Centre saves the NHS over two million pounds annually by diverting patients away from the already overcrowded facilities in Kettering.

If the centre were to shut down., these 75,000 patients would inevitably end up in the Kettering General Hospital, which could potentially overburden the facility. The result would be a catastrophe for health and emergency services in Northamptonshire. And the local patients would also suffer a lot, without a centre close by to handle potentially dangerous medical emergencies. And with the elderly accounting for a significant percentage of visitors to Urgent Care Centres like Corby, a shutdown would lead to untold misery to the public.

Final Thoughts On The NHS Crisis

The NHS being in shambles has become something of a running gag ever since the 1980s and ’90s. But the situation is undoubtedly worsening with a fast ageing population in England. Despite increasing funding in recent years, the system is coming under increasing stress, according to media reports. A&E services are one of the worst hit, and the current débâcle at Corby is just one other sign of the times. And the current system is also flawed, with the mixing of NHS with private practices like Lakeside bound to throw up disputes regarding profitability and funding.

Throwing more money may seem like the only viable solution in the case of Corby. But at the systemic level, NHS is in dire need of major reforms. The current structure must be tackled, but that requires strong political will. And with the state of the current government and the ongoing Brexit saga, such a solution seems too distant at best.

The post What The Hell Is Going On With The Corby Urgent Care Centre appeared first on the Daily Grind.