August 2010 Groby Spotlight

IT’S GROBY COLLEGE COURSE TIME AGAIN - see details on page 9

It’s the Double for Martinshaw!

After the most successful season in the school’s history, Martinshaw Primary School’s football team ended the academic year by bringing both the Marconi Cup and the Bosworth League Trophy to Groby.

The boys’ success can be attributed to their excellent teamwork and spirit, to the coaching of year 5 teacher Mr Enoux and to the participation of a number of enthusiastic parent volunteers.

World Cup glory in 2022, methinks ?

Also, just before the end of term, Martinshaw pupil Lucy Jones (recently pictured in the Spotlight competing in the children’s London Marathon) added to her earlier County cross country victory, the title of County girls’ 800m champion, breaking a record which had previously stood since 1984.

Lucy’s running has been consistently admired; we think she is a name to look out for in the future!

Owen Lawrence

The All-Conquering Martinshaw School Football Team celebrate winning the double with their teacher Mr.Enoux

Changes to street lighting in Leicestershire Leicestershire County Council has approved a project to reduce street lighting levels in the County.

Vicki’s Race For Life team raises £1,000 for Cancer Research

There are three new options for street lighting across the county and these are:•

Part-night lighting in residential areas. Switching lights off between midnight and 5.30pm; Dimming of the brightest lights at non-peak hours; • Switching off lights in rural areas.

• Sacheverell Way in Groby has been approved to have its street lighting switched off. The switch off started during June 2010 and will be followed by a three year monitoring period.

The lights will be switched off from just after the Sacheverell Way island to just before the junction with Ratby Road with three street lights being illuminated at both entrances to Laundon Way, Groby.

Also affected are the street lights along the Markfield A50 Markfield Road / Bradgate Hill to the A46 which will be switched off.

You are invited to forward your comments on the matter to: The Parish Clerk, Groby Parish Council, Parish Council Office, Village Hall, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DQ or e-mail: parishclerk@groby.com.

Vicki Hewitt, who runs a local aerobics class in Groby, ran with a team of her class members in the Race For Life recently, and raised £1,000 for Cancer Research.

The fundraising runners, pictured above, were: (l-r) Mel Mantle, Angie Bracey, Helen Roe, Marian, Alana Mounteney, Carla Moorley, Gillian Boulton, Vicki Hewitt, Sarah Mayer, Lisa Botterill, Mandy Waldram & Marnie. Well done!

Next issue out on 11th September • Article/Advert Deadline: 28th August

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

Bradgate Twinning News From Mike Brewer

Following last year’s 30th Anniversary celebrations, things are back to normal. That means busy and fun.

As usual, we visited our French friends at the end of May and it is pleasing to report that for some of our new members it was their first twinning experience and they enjoyed it. A trip to Le Havre was included in the weekend’s programme.

The last Saturday in June saw us taking on Glenfield Twinning Association at our annual pétanque challenge match. The weather was kind, so the full number of games took place, followed by some very tasty refreshments.

We seemed to be on a run, having won the previous four matches. We won again. This is not braggadocio, just a matter of report.

On the 18th July we had a Garden Party in the back garden of one of our members in Newtown Linford. The emphasis was on eating, drinking and socialising. But those of a competitive bent played pétanque (skilfully of course), or were introduced to the esoteric challenges of croquet, with its unique opportunities to let off steam. Again, the rain held off.

August will be quiet. In September we will as usual be taking part in the Anstey Gala, providing tea, coffee, drinks, cobs and cakes from our café under canvas. If the weather is kind yet again, the crowds will seethe and our funds will flourish, but we’ll be exhausted.

Finally, some exciting news. On Saturday, 9th October the No. 1 Sir Cliff Lookalike, Will Chandler, will be performing for us at Newtown Linford Village Hall.

Tickets are £10 or £7.50 for accompanied children (includes supper), irrespective of what the weather is like. For further information and booking contact Anne on 0116 2213786.

Natasha Jackson Memorial Day in aid of The Air Ambulance Service On Saturday 28th August The Stamford Arms, Groby will be holding a Charity Event in memory of Natasha Jackson. This will include a Golf Tournament during the Day at Forest Hill Golf Club, Botcheston, followed by a Disco, Buffet and Raffle at The Stamford Arms in the evening from 8pm.

Tasha lived in Groby all her life and went to Elizabeth Woodville Primary School, Brookvale High School, GCCOLL and then onto De Montfort University, where she achieved a Degree in Media Production. Tasha lived in Beaumont Green with her parents, Ann & Colin, and her two brothers Nick & Nathan Jackson.

Tickets for the Disco & Buffet are £5 each and are available now from The Stamford Arms or by contacting: Andy Eversfield : 07852 109759 or Mick Quilter : 07894 547830 or Neil Bosworth : 07841 475772 Entry fee for the annual `Natasha Jackson Memorial Golf Tournament` is £35.00 per person, to include golf and entry to the disco and buffet at The Stamford Arms in the evening. Please contact any of the above if you would like to book a place. Many thanks go to all friends and businesses for their kind raffle prize donations.

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Dogs, horses, buckets & shovels GROBY Parish Council is to consider the introduction of dog control orders and empowering Council operatives to issue fixed penalty notices.

There would be public consultation before such a step and if adopted staff would be trained in conflict resolution and the other skills they would need. For some residents it is not dogs but horses that foul the highway that they are unhappy about, but there is no easy answer to this problem as the current legislation only applies to dog fouling.

“The origin of this legislation is associated with a particular concern over the risk of toxocariasis (a harmful infection carried in dog faeces which can lead to blindness in children)”, explained an Environmental Services spokesperson at Hinckley. “Horse manure has not been linked to any infections harmful to humans and is therefore not the subject of such controls. As there is no specific Environmental Health legislation prohibiting horse fouling on public highways, the Environmental Health team is unable to take enforcement action to prevent this activity.”

A member of the Legal Team checked to see if the legislation on littering could be used instead, but was not optimistic. “Looking at the legislation on littering,” he said, “ I think we would have problems with using this to enforce the clean up as there is the impracticality for any horse riders of doing so and

the lack of environmental damage it causes. More importantly there is the lack of physical dropping of the waste by the person themselves – as required in a littering offence. The legislation is not geared towards this type of matter.”

So the best you can hope for is a keen gardener with a bucket, a shovel, and the best roses in Groby.

Glebe Road pavements Leicestershire County Council has said that it has reviewed the condition of pavements on Glebe Road and does not propose to undertake any improvement work.

Groby Parish Council is not happy with this response as it feels that there is a risk to those who are disabled or using pushchairs. The County Council is to be asked to reconsider.

Football to continue on Stamford Park?

The trial this year of the return of organised football to Stamford Park is considered to have been a success.

In a public consultation exercise 250 households were asked for their views. Nearly 95% did not respond, and of those who did only 3 objected. The Parish Council decided that the football club should be offered a permit for the 2010/2011 season on similar terms and conditions.

HOSPITALITY: Making your guests feel at home, even though you wish they were.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby & Field Head Spotlight PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics.

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NEXT ISSUE OUT ON

Saturday 11th Sept Advert Deadline: Saturday 28th August

TO ADVERTISE: Call 01530 244069 Email: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk

Local pupils show off their cycling skills School children from six local primary schools took part in an inter schools bike competition at Brookvale High School as part of ‘Bike Week’.

The competition, which was organised by Leicestershire County Council’s Travel Choice and Access team, challenged the students’ cycling skills including tests of balance, coordination and bike control. The schools involved were keen to promote cycling and had actively taken part The Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Peter Osborne, with in previous year’s ‘Bike his wife Catherine, and the schoolchildren who took part in the Bike Week’ events including Week Competition at Brookvale School BMX displays and bike maintenance sessions.

Peter Osborne, Chairman of the County Council said, “This competition is a great way for us to launch Bike Week in the County. Though the competition should be fun for all involved, when the children cycle to school they’ll be putting these skills to the test on the roads. Cycling is a healthier and greener option for the school journey and helps to reduce congestion.

“The primary schools involved are all feeder schools to Brookvale High School, and hopefully the children will continue to cycle to school when they move up to year 7.”

To find out more about cycling in the county, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/cycling The primary schools which took part were Newtown Linford, Ratby, Kirby Muxloe, Martinshaw, Elizabeth Woodville and Lady Jane Grey. The eventual winners of the competition were Kirby Muxloe.

Celebration of Marriage Exhibition in Groby Church A display of wedding outfits, photographs and other mementos was held in St Philip and St James Church on July 3rd and 4th.

This included 16 brides’ dresses, the oldest being from 1879! We would like to thank the many Spotlight readers who contributed to this weekend – either by lending things for display, coming to look round the exhibition, or joining us for the special marriage service held on Sunday 4th.

We hope to hold a similar exhibition next summer with the provisional theme of ‘Baptism’ – time to look out those Christening gowns! In the meantime we look forward to welcoming you to our Christmas Tree Festival, to be held from 4th – 6th December.

Pauline Ashby

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When I was 10 my father told me never to talk to strangers. We haven’t spoken since.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Budgens Prize Draw Winners

What’s Happening?

The recent Budgens Prize Draw proved very popular.

The winners were: • First Prize ( a 32” Samsung TV) - Kim Frith • Second prize (a 12MP Samsung Camera) - India Simandi • Third Prize (a £20 Voucher To use instore) - Mrs Taylor Well done to everyone!

Mrs.Taylor

India Simandi & Family

Kim Frith: Winner of the 32” Samsung TV

See page 10

VISIT THE NATIONAL FOREST WOOD FAIR

Enjoy A Great Day Out At The End Of The Summer If you’re looking for a great day out as the perfect end to the summer holidays, get along to the National Forest Wood Fair at Beacon Hill Country Park, Leicestershire, on August Bank Holiday Monday (30 August).

Now in its sixth year, the Fair will be bigger than ever, with more car parking and over 100 exhibitors and demonstrators.

Don’t miss the lumberjack displays by the New Forest and South East Axemen. They went down a storm last year, with log chop races and board climbs – they even invited members of the crowd to join in, with guys and girls hauling at either end of a cross cut saw.

Hear the throttles of the chainsaw carving, as skilled craftsmen buzz and feather massive chunks of timber into works of art, some of which will feature in the charity auction for Tree Aid at the end of the day.

New for this year is the ‘log to leg’ race! It’ll be ready, steady, go in Bodgers’ Corner, as half a dozen pole lathe turners race to turn a log into a leg in the shortest time possible. The shavings will be flying and the pole lathes pumping!

One of the most popular attractions at the National Forest Wood Fair is the horse logging, and this year the team will be joined by Bruno, an Ardennes horse from Warwickshire, who has recently been hauling timber in Jackson’s Bank in The National Forest.

Visitors can also find out how to make a coracle, see willow weaving, woodcarving and pyrography. Kids can have a go at the climbing wall, eco art and other ranger led activities.

A new Park & Ride service will operate this year, enabling visitors to leave their cars at County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, and travel by bus – free of charge – to the Fair. The service will run from 9.30am-6pm.

The National Forest Wood Fair is organised jointly by the National Forest Company and Leicestershire County Council and is supported by emda.

It is held at Beacon Hill Country Park and will run from 10am – 5pm on Bank Holiday Monday 30 August. Entry costs adults £7, concessions £4 and a family ticket £15 (for two adults and three children). For further information see www.leics.gov.uk/woodfair

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The invisible man married an invisible woman. Their kids were nothing to look at.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Parking problems The County Council has written to the Parish Council concerning the steps that could be taken to alleviate some of the parking problems in the village.

Details are not yet available for local residents.

Christmas lights Following the consultation earlier this year Groby Parish Council has now approved a scheme for Christmas lights next December.

The lights will cost around £7,700.

Park and ride at A50/A46 on hold There’ll be mixed feelings about the news that the Park and Ride scheme at the A50/A46 intersection may be shelved.

On the one hand some residents may feel that as well as more traffic and congestion it would also result in part of the remaining open land between the bypass and Gynsill Lane disappearing under concrete.

On the other hand much needed

traffic lights for the island seem to depend on the scheme.

A County Council spokesman said: “The government has said that funding for major schemes is on hold, pending the spending review this October, so work on Glenfield Park and Ride is currently suspended.

Improvements to the A46/A50 roundabout were due to be linked to this Park and Ride but in light of developments we will review our approach which will be determined by the funding available.”

Saturday shoppers can still use the Park and Ride service at County Hall which gives a fast direct link to the city centre rather than St Margaret’s bus station. Buses leave County Hall every 15 minutes from 08.45, with the last bus back leaving the city at 17.45. One reader has commented on how few people seem to take advantage of this service, pointing out that parking is free and for over 60’s with a pass there’s no bus fare to pay either.

The County Council has no plans at the moment to cut this service but with the financial constraints it may well turn out to be a case of use it or lose it.

Meanwhile last month, the business model for Birstall Park and Ride was agreed and the project can go ahead if £2.1m of funding is received from the government.

Slimming World See page 22 for details of the Groby Group - which meets at Groby Community College on Thursday evenings

Late night TV is very educational. It teaches you that you should have gone to bed earlier.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

LETTERs

Refurbisment of St Philip & St James Church, Groby

My initial reaction to the “Planning for the Future” leaflet for St Philip and St James Church was that I didn’t really have any right to express an opinion as I do not attend church regularly but on reflection, have changed my mind because when the deed has been done, it will be too late.

I am not sure how widely the proposals to “accommodate the diverse requirements of the church” have been circulated but I suspect very few villagers know about these proposals.

I have lived in Groby all my life (nearly 60 years) attended Sunday School, was confirmed in Groby Chruch, attended regular Church parades in the Brownies and Guides, was married in the church, my two children were christened and one was married there and many friends and family members are buried in the churchyard. My father-in-law was indeed a curate at the church for several years and and I do visit the church several times a year to support various activities and I am utterly incensed that yet another part of our heritage is being destroyed before our eyes.

To desecrate such a wonderful, historic building which is part of the core of the village in this manner, is sacrilege and I can only presume that the “Christian conservation architect” appointed to develop the proposals has not been part of the local community but is just doing his job. If in fact there is a need for a multi-purpose hall with disabled access and an inside toilet, then build one. To remove the lovely pews, choir stalls, original flooring, the beautiful rood screen and the inside solid, wooden door at the entrance of the church and replace it with a wooden floor, stackable chairs and a glass door is criminal.

I am sure that my opinion will count for nothing but too often these days we are all guilty of being complacent and only when it is too late, do we complain. I just want to make the villagers in Groby aware of the proposals, look at them and make your opinions known.

Mrs Ruth Rolinson

Open letter to St Philip and St James Church Council It was with great regret that I had to read in the Leicester Mercury about the proposed desecration of our Village Church.

Like the previous writer, I am now not a regular Church goer, but I feel as a member of the Parish of Groby like all residents that my views are valid for two reasons: - The Church Council are only custodians of the Church on behalf of residents. The Church was built in the 1840’s by Lord Grey of Groby for his family and the people of Groby.

- Groby Parish Council helped to maintain the graveyard and more recently bought the Church a mower; therefore as Groby residents we all contributed to St Philip and St James Church through the precept.

If the Church wants further facilities what research have they done?

- Are more community facilities needed as we already have five building with rooms to hire and that does not include educational establishments, or is this purely for Church activities? What will be the costs for heating and running such a large building and can this be recouped? Will they still get the same income for example though donations presently given for the upkeep and fabric of the church and income from weddings when the Church will look like a glorified hall?

If additional facilities are required for the Church use only I’m sure the existing space could be utilised. For example the balcony could be altered by making the stepped area flat and enclosing it with sound proof glass panels. This would make a meeting room. The vestry could be utilised and the vicar join the choir in their changing area. A small extension could be built. By these types of conversion there would be no need to remove all the pews, choir stalls and rood screen. As for removing the oak door and replacing it with a modern one, that in my view is pure vandalism and would not go with the ambiance of the exterior of the Church.

In this day and age when most people are into conservation and saving our heritage it would appear that this Church Council are using a “hammer to crack a walnut”.

I do hope that the Church Council will have the decency to widely consult the people of Groby before spending any more money and not just have the information available in the Church which is only open for services and other functions.

Perhaps there will be an article in this issue.

(Ed - yes, there is - see page 13)

C.M.Purves

The Village Blight!

Reading letters, mid June Spotlight, I can sympathise with P S Brudenell regarding GE Sensing car parking.

Ten years ago local residents on Chapel Hill – Crane-Ley Road had meetings with the company regarding this problem, lots of promises but all came to nothing. It seems that as long as the company gets free street parking at no cost to itself it is quite content to let the problem rumble on.

Employees park with no consideration to residents, in the same place every day resulting in one way traffic in many areas of the village. Parking right up to corners is popular enabling company drivers a quick get away in the evening. This is well illustrated by trying to emerge from Chapel Hill at the junction with Crane-Ley Road. Drivers cannot see traffic speeding over the rise on Crane-Ley, an accident waiting to happen. Just who is responsible for road safety in the village? I have tried talking to the drivers causing the problem - this varies from understanding the resident’s concerns to verbal abuse, often the latter.

I had one driver park directly opposite my car, which was parked on the front of my house, (which needs to be achieved before 7.00 a.m. incidentally). I remarked that no traffic could now pass, the reply was, you are not going to park there all day are you. I explained that I did live here.

Verbal abuse and he moved on. Another pastime employees practice is two wheels on the pavement. This successfully prohibits electric invalid vehicles and pushchairs.

Recently, speaking to a spokesman for the company I was informed that a total of 80 car owners are waiting for permits to use the company car park with a further 20 or more waiting in the background. So 100 cars littering the streets in our village!

We must face the question “has the company now out grown the site within the village” It seems that no further on site parking will be available, However while the company proudly announces expansion plans in the Leicester Mercury it can rest assured that company street parking policy will not cost anything.

W J Thornton

Short Story Competition update We have received a small response to the idea of arranging a sponsored short story competition, which was mentioned in the last issue of Spotlight.

More details will appear in next month’s issue.

Do you know why Turtle Wax is so expensive? Because turtles have really tiny ears.

Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster is a maniac.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Fasten your seat belts and prepare for take off…

For the second year running Churches Together in Groby organised a six day programme of events for the elderly of Groby called Holiday @ Home to provide a holiday experience without having to travel out of the village.

The theme for this year was “Up, up and Away”, with holiday flights (of fancy) each day. The sun shone all week, cardigans were left at home, and each of the six days gave a new holiday experience.

The entertainment programme varied daily. There was lunch, music and buggy rides at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation’s, Ulverscroft Grange and Manor.* Then a fun, games and creativity afternoon. Next day a three course luncheon was followed by music from flight Captain Cliff. On the Friday there was an in-flight movie afternoon with pop corn and ice cream and on Saturday afternoon a garden party in beautiful sunshine, where straw hats were much in evidence and as tradition dictates, homemade scones with strawberries and cream were served on the lawns.

There were times of nostalgia when scenes of old Groby were projected onto a large screen and a further talking point when childhood photos were dusted off and taken along for the ‘Who do you think they are’ competition?

The fun packed week was brought to a close on Sunday afternoon by Golden Oldies Songs of Praise, favourite hymns chosen and sung with much enthusiasm by the guests, with reflective moments on growing old gracefully. ‘Duty free’ cake and an awards ceremony brought the week to its final destination – safely home to Groby.

Churches Together in Groby Airlines hope you will fly with them again soon and wish to thank their wonderful group of volunteers and bakers of fine cakes.

Views from the flight deck…

To the lovely ladies of the flight crew: My wife and I would like to say how much we appreciate how you have been looking after us this last week….

It is a long time since we have had such an enjoyable week as we don’t get out much these days, as neither of us can walk very well….. It was a brilliant idea getting dressed up so everybody knew where to go if they needed assistance.

With reiterated thanks, John & Joyce • If you are interested in assisting the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation or volunteering and would like to know full details, please telephone 01530 244914

What did the Romans ever do for Leicestershire?

Dog Show & Fete

Don’t miss the Redgate Dog Show & Fete which takes place on Sunday 15th August from 11am to 3.45pm at Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, Shaw Lane/Billa Barra Lane, near Stanton.

(Dog registration from 10am) The entertainment will include dog agility classes and games all day, craft stalls, other stalls and sideshows, competitions, hot and cold food, teddy bear tombola, ice creams, ‘mini-beach’ with paddling pool, bouncy castles and a raffle. It promises to be a brilliant date out for the whole family - you can even bring your own dog! Entrance costs £1.50 per person, and there is a large free car park accessed off Billa Barra Lane. Visit www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk

You can find out the answer by enrolling on the WEA course starting at Groby Village Hall on Thursday 23rd September, 10-11.30 for 10 weeks.

For details contact srogers@wea.org.uk or phone 01509 268636.

Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of what our ancestors got up to 2,000 years ago!

Did you hear about the man who put his false teeth in backwards and ate himself?

Courses At Groby Community College

& Surrounding Venues - Starting September 2010 KEY: Groby Community College (GCCOLL) • Groby Village Hall (GVHALL) • Glenfield Park House (GLENPH) Glenfield Library (GLENLIB) • Kirby Muxloe Library (KMLIB) • Kirby Muxloe Village Hall (KMVH) Newbold Verdon Library (NVLIB) • Markfield Community Centre (MARKCC) Course Name

Location

Day

Start Time

No wks

Start Date

Full Fee

MONDAY COURSES

Course Name

Location

Day

Start Time

No wks

Start Date

Full Fee

Japanese Beginners - Part 2

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

10

15/02/2011

£65.00

Watercolour Painting - Beginners Level

KMVH

MON

13:00

15

13/09/2010

£115.50

Spanish Year 4

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

25

21/09/2010

£162.50

Watercolour Painting - Mixed Level

KMVH

MON

10:00

15

13/09/2010

£115.50

English - GCSE

GCCOLL

TUE

18:45

30

14/09/2010

£256.25

Cooking - Around the World

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

10

20/09/2010

£77.00

English for Life

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

30

21/09/2010

£0.00

Cooking - Winter Cookery

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

5

17/01/2011

£38.50

Maths - GCSE

GCCOLL

TUE

18:45

30

14/09/2010

£256.25

Computer Workshop (ITQ) - CLAiT

GLENPH

MON

10:00

15

27/09/2010

£90.00

Maths for Life

County Hall

TUE

16:30

30

21/09/2010

£0.00

Computer Workshop (ITQ) - ECDL/ CLAiT - Using Microsoft Office 2007

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

15

20/09/2010

£90.00

Pilates Based Body Conditioning - Mixed Ability

GCCOLL

TUE

19:45

15

21/09/2010

£72.19

First Steps In Computing

GLENPH

MON

12:30

15

27/09/2010

£52.50

TUE

18:30

15

21/09/2010

£57.75

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

15

11/10/2010

£52.50

Pilates Based Body Conditioning - Mixed Ability

GCCOLL

First Steps In Computing - Using Microsoft Office 2007

Yoga and Relaxation

GCCOLL

TUE

17:45

15

21/09/2010

£86.63

Introduction to Computers - Taster

GCCOLL

MON

18:30

3

20/09/2010

£28.13

French Year 2

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

25

20/09/2010

£162.50

Guitar - Improvers Level

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

15

15/09/2010

£115.50

French Year 5+ Advanced

GVHALL

MON

10:00

25

20/09/2010

£162.50

Guitar - Mixed Level

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

10

22/09/2010

£77.00

German Beginners - Part 1

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

15

20/09/2010

£97.50

GVHALL

WED

10:00

10

22/09/2010

£77.00

German Year 2

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

25

20/09/2010

£162.50

Jewellery Making - Using Recyled Materials - Beginners Level

German Year 4

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

25

20/09/2010

£162.50

Pottery - Mixed Level

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

15

15/09/2010

£115.50

Italian Year 5 Intermediate

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

25

20/09/2010

£162.50

Astronomy - Planets, Stars and Galaxies - A Tour of the Universe

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

10

22/09/2010

£77.00

Japanese Beginners - Part 2

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

15

20/09/2010

£97.50

Family History - Introduction

NVLIB

WED

09:30

10

29/09/2010

£57.75

English for Life

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

30

20/09/2010

£0.00

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

20

22/09/2010

£177.50

ESOL

GCCOLL

MON

19:00

34

13/09/2010

£187.00

Introduction to Counselling Skills/ Nature of Counselling

ESOL

KMLIB

MON

10:00

34

13/09/2010

£187.00

Computer Workshop (ITQ) - CLAiT

MARKCC

WED

10:00

15

22/09/2010

£135.00

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

15

22/09/2010

£90.00

WEDNESDAY COURSES

12

20/09/2010

£57.75

Computer Workshop (ITQ) - ECDL/ CLAiT - Using Microsoft Office 2007

WED

19:00

8

22/09/2010

£72.00

3

14/09/2010

£46.00

TUE

19:00

6

05/10/2010

£61.20

Website Design with Flash Animation Using Dreamweaver - iMedia Level 2 Award

GCCOLL

19:00

NVLIB

TUE

10:00

20

26/10/2010

£145.00

French Beginners - Part 1

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

15

22/09/2010

£97.50

CLAiT Certificate - Tutor Led (ITQ) - Using Microsoft Office 2007

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

20

26/10/2010

£145.00

French Beginners - Part 2

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

10

02/02/2011

£65.00

French Year 4

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

25

22/09/2010

£162.50

Computer Confidence - Improve Your Skills

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

5

14/09/2010

£37.50

Italian Beginners - Part 1

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

15

22/09/2010

£97.50

Russian Beginners - A Taster

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

1

22/09/2010

£6.50

Computer Confidence - Improve Your Skills

NVLIB

Russian Beginners - Part 1

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

15

06/10/2010

£97.50

Spanish Beginners - Part 1

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

15

22/09/2010

£97.50

English for Life

KMLIB

WED

10:00

30

22/09/2010

£0.00

Maths for Life

GCCOLL

WED

19:00

30

22/09/2010

£0.00

Pilates Based Body Conditioning - Mixed Ability

GVHALL

WED

13:45

15

22/09/2010

£73.15

Tai Chi - Beginners

KMVH

WED

10:30

12

22/09/2010

£57.75

30

23/09/2010

£0.00

Tai Chi - Beginners

GCCOLL

MON

First Aid - Emergency First Aid at Work

GCCOLL

TUE

First Aid for Parents and Carers

GCCOLL

CLAiT Certificate - Tutor Led (ITQ)

19:00

TUESDAY COURSES

TUE TUE

10:00 19:00

5 8

14/09/2010 09/11/2010

£37.50

Digital Cameras and Graphic Editing Using Photoshop - iMedia Level 2 Award

GCCOLL

£72.00

Digital Cameras and Photo Editing - First Steps

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

5

28/09/2010

£37.50

Discover IT @ Your Library

NVLIB

TUE

12:30

12

12/10/2010

£77.50

Introduction to Computers - Taster

NVLIB

TUE

12:30

3

21/09/2010

£28.13

IT Skills for Employment - ECDL Extra (ITQ) Using Microsoft Office 2007

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

18

05/10/2010

£135.00

French Year 3

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

25

21/09/2010

£162.50

French Year 5+ Advanced

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

25

21/09/2010

£162.50

Glass One Day Workshop - Kiln Fused

GVHALL

FRI

10:00

1

04/02/2011

£19.25

German Year 3

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

25

21/09/2010

£162.50

Family History - Workshop

GLENLIB

FRI

09:30

10

24/09/2010

£77.00

Italian Year 3

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

25

21/09/2010

£162.50

English for Life

GVHALL

FRI

10:00

30

24/09/2010

£0.00

Japanese Beginners - A Taster

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

1

21/09/2010

£6.50

Maths for Life

KMLIB

FRI

10:00

30

24/09/2010

£0.00

Japanese Beginners - Part 1

GCCOLL

TUE

19:00

15

05/10/2010

£97.50

THURSDAY COURSE Maths for Life

NVLIB

THU

09:45

FRIDAY COURSES

in the local area Further courses and information on www.leics.gov.uk/golearn Learners in receipt of certain benefits can get between 70% and 100% discount.

To enrol call FREEPHONE 0800 988 0308, or contact Jane, Lisa or Pete in the Adult Learning Office at Groby Community College on 0116 2874725 or email community@grobycoll.leics.sch.uk

10

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Swarm of bees causes a major buzz down at the allotments John Thornton’s eyewitness report

Addressing various and unusual problems at any time of the day or night is all part of committee responsibilities.

These can be no more than a small boundary dispute; here Jamie Craig drives two stakes into the ground to declare that’s it and final. Water supply is an ongoing discussion, he’s got a tap and I haven’t. Fortunately stealing from someone else’s tank hasn’t arisen yet.

The muck tractor just slipped onto my plot, what are you going to do about it!

We are even expected to make it rain.

The more serious phone call ‘the sheds are being broken into’ needs action, instantly ring the Police, and get up to the plots quickly, but on occasion when we do need them the Police have attended within minutes, a very good response.

Dear Martin who knows no boundaries, can try to help on plots with his own croppers or spade but a quiet word and it will stop until the next time, he’s happy.

A quiet Sunday night, just back from York, washed and in underclothes.

Doorbell rings. Peering through crack in door, panic, a lady on the step from the plots, she exclaims ‘I have got a wasp or a bee’s nest in my damson tree’ I race upstairs and hurriedly get dressed to invite the lady in to discuss the situation. A new one this, we decide it’s bees, the swarm entered the damson tree Sunday afternoon, they are nice brown furry chaps, wasps black and bright yellow and sting if they don’t like you. Bees only sting to defend but they die after the deed is committed so are a bit more responsible.

We meet early Monday morning to assess the situation. It’s only feet from the Chapel footpath, but high up. Action is needed so we decide to visit the local bee expert, Mr. Cramp. He is already attending to other calls but Mrs Cramp visits the site with us and confirms ‘honey bees’.

Mr. Cramp with fellow expert Mr. Newham arrives later fully attired with head protection and suits to match, all looks very professional. The height is a problem, maybe twelve feet up into the tree, a hook is provided to weigh the branch down so the seething brown ball of bees can be disturbed, by beating with a pole. They don’t go much for this treatment, me wearing shorts holding camera, also not so keen.

A box, the lid removed, the inside resembling a small hive is placed under the action, Within the box is an attraction for the queen bee; the bees are now very wild resembling ME109 fighters around a Lancaster bomber, with me imitating one of our bombers. All in vain, the queen is happy in the tree, drastic action needed. The branch must be lowered and the nest complete with queen cut from the branch and placed in the box. This achieved, the lid is replaced and the bees scenting the queen within the box cling to the outside around the entrance fanning the queen’s scent away from the box to attract their fellow friends. The box is now left on the ground so they can acclimatize to their new temporary home. Mr. Cramp later suggested that she was probably a virgin queen with only about 10,000 followers, most of them being around me. They will eventually be accommodated in a spacious new-detached property and will work very hard making the best Groby honey, which Mr. Cramp will be pleased to sell to you. The Allotment Society thanks Mr. Cramp and Mr. Newman for their speedy response to cries of help.

I could listen to you for ever. And I think I just did.

Twenty Interesting Facts About Bees 1. The honey bee has been around for 30 million years.

2. It is the only insect that produces food eaten by man.

3. Honey bees are environmentally friendly and are vital as pollinators.

4. They are insects with a scientific name - Apis mellifera.

5. They have 6 legs, 2 eyes, and 2 wings, a nectar pouch, and a stomach.

6. The honeybee’s wings stroke 11,400 times per minute, thus making their distinctive buzz.

7. A honey bee can fly for up to six miles, and as fast as 15 miles per hour, hence it would have to fly around 90,000 miles - three times around the globe - to make one pound of honey.

8. The average honey bee will actually make only one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.

9. It takes about 556 workers to gather 1 pound of honey from about 2 million flowers.

10. It takes one ounce of honey to fuel a bee’s flight around the world.

11. A honey bee visits 50 to 100 flowers during a collection trip.

12. A colony of bees consists of 20,000-60,000 honeybees and one queen.

13. Worker honey bees are female, live 6 to 8 weeks and do all the work.

14. The queen bee lives for about 2-3 years and is the only bee that lays eggs. She is the busiest in the summer months, when the hive needs to be at its maximum strength, and lays up to 2500 eggs per day.

15. The male honey bees are called drones, and they do no work at all, have no stinger, all they do is mating.

16. Each honey bee colony has a unique odour for members’ identification.

17. Only worker bees sting, and only if they feel threatened and they die once they sting. Queens have a stinger, but don’t leave the hive to help defend it.

18. It is estimated that 1100 honey bee stings are required to be fatal.

19. Honey bees communicate with one another by “dancing”.

20. During winter, honey bees feed on the honey they collected during the warmer months.

They form a tight cluster in their hive to keep the queen and themselves warm.

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12

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Walkers Wanted for Historic Railway Ramble WALKERS are being invited on a ramble along the historic Great Central Railway as part of the Leicestershire Walking Festival on September 4.

The day will begin with a steam train ride from Rothley Station to Leicester North Station at Birstall.

From there, walkers will set off for Cossington via Watermead Country Park before heading back to Rothley on a scenic nine-mile route or a shorter five-mile walk.

Afterwards, tired feet can take a break as all participants will be allowed to travel on the train for no extra cost for the rest of the day.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to meet at Rothley station at 10am to be registered and fill in health forms.

The walk is free and a heavily discounted one-day pass for the railway, which usually costs about £14, will cost just £5.

Councillor Peter Lewis, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for culture and leisure, said: “Walks like this really showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Charnwood countryside.

Did you know your baby could use up to 6000 “This fantastic event is not only about the scenery, however. It is disposable nappies by the time they are potty also a tremendous way of keeping trained? That is a lot of nappies! fit, getting some fresh air and Have you thought about using real nappies? Even using them some of enjoying nature. I hope it is a the time will help reduce the 8 million disposable nappies that are sent runaway success.” to landfill every day in Britain.

Almost 100 people joined a similar Real nappies can save you up to £500 over the time your baby is walk in May and attendance is in nappies. Gone are the days of terry towelling, real nappies today again expected to be high. require no boiling or folding, but are easy to use with hundreds of fun For more information, call Nita designs.

Pearson at Charnwood Borough Council on 01509 634594.

To help parents find out more, Leicestershire County Council has a

Real nappies can save you £500

number of real nappy schemes available to parents and parents to be: 1. Nappuccinos. These are informal drop-in sessions where parents can find out more about real nappies from a member of the Leicestershire Real Nappy Network.

2. A free real nappy lending kit. The kit contains different types and brands of nappies and wraps to try before you commit to buying them.

3. £30 cash back to Leicestershire residents when they purchase real nappies or real nappy accessories.

Kerry Mullins, a Leicestershire mum who uses real nappies has recently become a Leicestershire Real Nappy Network Advisor.

“I love that I’m doing my bit for the planet and love the comments I get from other Mums when they see my nappies.” When asked why she became an advisor Kerry replied “I love passing on my tips and hints to people and can’t stop talking about real nappies!”

If you are interested in becoming a Leicestershire Real Nappy Network Advisor or if you require any more information please visit www.leics.gov.uk/nappies or contact us on 0116 305 0001.

Not only is smoking bad for you, apparently it’s one of the leading causes of statistics.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

What Changes in the Church?

The church of St. Philip and St. James in Groby is thinking through the implications and possibilities of reordering the building. Throughout July and August there has been an unhurried, thoughtful and fruitful consultation with those of all ages who attend the church; after this important phase, the church will invite the wider village community to listen to the reasons behind what we seek to do and to respond. We will welcome your comments, and will provide a process for you to respond directly.

Alongside local consultation, the church is in regular discussion with the relevant diocesan and national bodies, such as English Heritage and the Church Buildings Council. All these conversations will help to shape the final plans.

So in due course, please expect a more detailed article in an edition of Spotlight and the open opportunity to listen, discuss and contribute to the church’s consultation.

Revd. Louise Corke

13

Missing Cat

My cat went missing in Groby on the weekend of the 10th/11th of July and I was wondering if you could mention this in the Spotlight?

I have already created and distributed a leaflet in my immediate area, but there has been no response over the last few weeks. I believe that the Spotlight is an ideal place for an article as it will reach many more people than my leaflet.

My cat is grey with Amber eyes and answers to the name of Sunny. She has been a house cat for 9 years, and so is not used to being outside. She is timid and easily frightened.

I know it may be a long shot, but we are hoping that someone in the village may have taken her in. She has never been apart from her sister, who is missing her terribly.

My mobile number is 07989 149462 should anyone have any news about Sunny.

Vanessa McBride

Why do parents always take their children to supermarkets to smack them?

14

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

National Trust NEWS from Alan Tyler Kedleston Hall near Derby has a new visitor route and you are now able to see the hall dressed in both the 18th century and Edwardian periods.

The hall was built in 1760 and has the most complete and least altered sequence of Robert Adam interiors in England. Visitors now enter into Caesars Hall on the ground floor which is furnished as it would have been in the Edwardian era and was the original entrance in the 18th century.

Here there is a real fire and comfy chairs where you can sit and take in the surroundings. Proceeding upstairs you visit the State Floor where all the lavish rooms were designed for entertaining. You return down the newly opened and furnished West Staircase which features paintings and engravings that would have been found on the back stairs of a great country house. Finally you visit the Eastern Museum and Lord Curzon’s Smoking Room which is shown in the Edwardian style.

Many heritage buildings, including National Trust properties, will be open free of charge on National Heritage Open Day on Saturday 11 September.

Take your chance to visit one of the many wonderful buildings in the East Midlands.

The Calke Show, “Pot to Plate” takes place at Calke Abbey on Saturday 18 September and is a large and colourful vegetable, fruit and flower show. Combine your visit with a tour round the house and/or a walk in the wonderful parkland.

The Leicester Association of National Trust members resumes its programme of meetings in September. On Tuesday 14 September Tim Mackrill will present an illustrated talk on the Return of the Osprey. The meeting will be at the Premier Inn, Braunstone Lane East, Leicester at 7.30pm.

At our afternoon meeting on Wednesday 22 September at the St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester, John Coleman will describe Ballooning over the Masai Mara. The meeting begins at 2.30pm.

Admission to all meetings is NTLA members £2 and visitors £4. New members are always welcome. For more information on the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations call, 0116 2229133.

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Speed indicator devices Leicestershire County Council has said that if Groby wants speed indicator devices to be installed the Parish Council should meet the bill.

Groby Parish Council believes this is a Highways Authority responsibility and has rejected the request.

Quarry car park

Country Music Evening at The Charnwood Arms

Contact ANN on 01530 230389 (after 5pm) for ticket price and further details.

CHARITY EVENT - RAISING FUNDS FOR GUIDE DOGS

In June the Spotlight reported on the delivery van that reversed through a flower bed crushing a display of hollyhock plants.

Although those who enjoy the flowers on the footpath on Chapel Hill will have to wait until next year for them to recover there is good news for the fund raisers at one local charity. The delivery company has demonstrated its regret over the mishap by making a generous charitable donation of £100 to the Millennium Green Trust.

“We depend on our fund raising,” said Chris Tordoff for the Trust, “and this donation will be a great help.”

One of their fund raising schemes is the 100 Club, which gives a chance of winning £75 for a monthly donation of £2. If you want to know more about this, or other ways in which you can help, phone 0116 299 1868.

Remember the winter?

Saturday 21st August 2010

Top UK Country Band WEST VIRGINIAN - PLUS a Special Guest Appearance of a Professional Skater from TV’s Dancing On Ice Doors Open 7pm until 11pm Limited Admission - Only 200 Tickets Available Book Now to Avoid Disappointment

Hollyhock tale has happy ending for Millennium Green

The condition of the access road to the parking area at Quarry Park was discussed at the August meeting of the Parish Council.

It was agreed that remedial work costing about £6,000 was needed, half of which would be met by the County Council as the road is extensively used by parents taking children to the Martinshaw Primary School.

Hopefully the slippery roads experienced last winter will not be repeated, but just in case they are the Parish Council is going ahead with it’s plan to buy additional salt bins.

The Council may also invest in its own stock of salt to avoid further shortages but will wait for the outcome of a County Council review before making a final decision.

QUIZ MASTER REQUIRED For long-established Tuesday Night MUSIC quiz slot.

Format & Fee Negotiable PA facilities available Prizes supplied Interested? - Call Jim @ The Stamford Arms, Groby - 0116 287 5616

Travels When Columbus started out, he didn’t know where he was going.

When he got there, he didn’t know where he was. When he got back, he didn’t know where he had been. And he did it all on other people’s money. Can’t help thinking that Columbus reminds me of some teenagers who go on family holidays...

A wise man will never plant more vegetables than his wife can take care of.

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15

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1. NappucciNos

To find out more about real nappies, why not come along to one of our free nappuccinos. They are held at venues across the County and provide a relaxed and friendly environment to learn more about the alternative to disposables. *Terms and conditions apply.

Offers 1 and 3 available to Leicestershire County residents only.

2. FRee Real Nappy leNdiNg Kit*

To help decide which type of real nappy is for you, why not try our free lending kit? You will receive a selection of real nappies to try for 2 weeks and then simply return them to us.

3. £30 cashBacK*

Once you have decided to make the change to real nappies we can still help you by giving you £30 cashback on your real nappy purchase.

For more information or to apply contact us on 0116 305 0001 or visit www.leics.gov.uk/nappies

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16

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Next Markfield, Ratby and Groby Community Forum The next Markfield, Ratby and Groby (MRG) Community Forum will take place on 9th September 2010 at 7pm at the Methodist Church, 31 Station Road, Ratby, LE6 0JQ

What is a Forum?

The Community Forum meeting gives you the opportunity to discuss local services with your County, District and Parish Councillors and representatives from other agencies such as the Health Service and the Police. We would like you to come along to these meetings and have your say about how local services can be improved.

Who is involved?

The County Council, District Councils, Police and Health Service (the Primary Care Trust, or PCT) want to work together to involve people in the services they deliver and to help local people influence the services they receive.

How will it help and benefit me?

By attending your local forum meeting, representatives from the Police, the PCT and your local councils can tell you about services provided or planned in your area.

You will be able to obtain answers to queries about local services - such as policing levels, services available for young people, access to health care etc. Join your local County, District and Parish Councillors in discussions about how services could be improved.

This way, you can help influence and shape the services available for your community.

What won’t it do?

A forum is not able to go into detail about individual cases or someone’s personal issues - such as their planning applications, case work or care and services received.

Each forum meeting has a general ‘Question Time’ slot when queries and issues can be raised.

Meetings will also go into certain issues in detail. You will be able to obtain answers to queries about local services - such as policing levels, services available for young people, access to health care etc. These will be a mix of the topics that you and other local representatives have indicated you want to discuss, as well as those which service providers want to bring to your attention and on which they want your views. Through presentations and discussions on these issues with both service providers and local people, the forum will develop recommendations for further action. This is how you can help influence and shape the services available for your community.

Groby Village Hall Craft Market Saturday 9th October

What about the bigger picture?

You can also use the forum to find out what is being done to tackle the bigger issues affecting your local community, including speeding, crime & anti-social behaviour, congestion, housing and planning policies and the availability of community facilities and leisure activities.

Diary Date

What do I need to do to get involved?

Just turn up on the evening – with neighbours, friends & family if you want.If you have any requirements, please get in touch before the meeting, so that we can make suitable arrangements.

You don’t have to let us know in advance if you want to raise a query or an issue at the Forum meeting, as each forum meeting has a ‘Question Time’ slot, however, our chances of providing a satisfactory answer will increase if you are able to contact us in advance. Knowing the issues you want to raise will also help us decide which topics we should discuss in more detail at the Forum meetings.

WEBSITE: www. leicestershireforums.org/ markgro/

A Craft market is to be held at Groby Village Hall on Saturday 9th October to raise funds for the Leicestershire Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre.

This will be between 10a.m and 3.30p.m and will feature stalls selling a variety of individually crafted items. Tea, coffee & snacks will be available.”

Book Winner The Winner of The Dog Expert Book competition in the last issue of Spotlight was: Mrs.A.Powell of Tudor Grove Groby. Congratulations!

Your prize will be with you in the next few days.

Fabulous Fashions Raise Funds for Foundation

This year the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Leicestershire’s unique registered charity - celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

On Thursday 9th September, the Foundation is hosting two fashion shows

by Dressini, the Midlands number one independent fashion outlet, in the beautiful grounds of Ulverscroft Manor, Priory Lane, Ulverscroft nr Markfield on Thursday 9th September 2010. Admission is by ticket only, which are priced at £10 each.

The morning show begins at 11am and the afternoon show at 2pm.

Tickets are available from the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation on 01530 244914 or email admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org or at Dressini on 01455 290234.

The trouble with doing nothing is you never know when you’ve finished.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

17

Martinshaw Returns to De Montfort Hall

Going Bats for Bats

Nearly 20 Martinshaw musicians together with 18 singers were selected to take part in the Leicestershire Arts Summer Festival which comprised memorable performance by various orchestras and a massed childrens choir which, I should imagine, will remain with both audience and performers for years to come.

Speaking to the children afterwards, I gained the impression that if they never played or sang another note for as long as they lived, this evening, performing as they did on a huge professional stage, was an experience that would stay with them for the rest of their lives.

What a pity then that this may be the last opportunity for these performances, as I understand that funding could end next April. Perhaps if the people who have to make these difficult decisions had seen the faces of the young people and their parents, a way could be found to continue this annual event.

Martinshaw’s choirs have enjoyed a busy time! On 26 June the full children’s choir were invited to open a prestigious event celebrating 25 years of LOROS at Lonsdale College in Birstall, while on 9 July they performed in a concert in aid of LOROS held at Martinshaw school. At the end of May, the children’s choirs were joined by a staff choir of 18 adults (including myself!) - a truly school, ‘family’ event. Many congratulations to the Martinshaw’s Musical Director, teacher Mrs. Steph Ong.

Then don’t miss an exciting chance to learn all about the wonderful world of the flying mammals at a free nature walk on August 19, 2010.

The Charnwood Water Bat Walk leaves Charnwood Water car park, on Tuckers Road, Loughborough, at 8.30pm.

A Woodland Trust officer will give wildlife enthusiasts a guided walk and share a variety of bat facts as visitors tour Charnwood Water.

Councillor Peter Lewis, lead member for culture and leisure, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for nature lovers to experience a darkly fascinating evening. Bats are an incredibly mysterious and misunderstood creature so this walk promises to shed new light on their nocturnal activities.”

The duration of the walk, which will be restricted only to Charnwood Water, depends on how many bats are spotted.

For more information, contact Nita Pearson on 01509 634594.

Nearly 40 children from Martinshaw Primary School , along with children from all over Leicestershire, performed in front of a packed audience of proud families and friends at the De Montfort Hall on the evening of 1st and 2nd July.

Owen Lawrence

I’m a bad lover. Once I caught a peeping Tom booing me.

ARE you bats about bats?

18

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Youngsters hardest hit by free swimming cuts Norman Griffiths reports that despite the cuts over 60’s can still swim free Swimming is one of the most popular sport and recreational activities that takes residents out of Groby.

It must have been a disappointment for many when it was announced that because of the cost it would not be possible for the Parish Council to proceed with an ambitious plan for a pool on Quarry Park. Then came the news following the election that £65 million was to be saved by cutting free swimming for the under 16’s and over 60’s. Free swimming for people aged 60 and over and young people 16 and under will end in Hinckley on Friday 3 September. But read on for some good news for the over 60’s.

Free swimming was made possible by the grant received from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Without this grant the Borough Council does not have the resources to continue to support the initiative. However, because the council recognises the benefits of this scheme, it will maintain it throughout the busy summer holiday period. Charges will be reinstated at the end of the summer holidays on Saturday 4 September.

Together with Hinckley Leisure Centre operators SLM, the council will then reinstate the offer of free swimming sessions for those aged 60 and above from September, which was already provided before the introduction of the government scheme in 2009.

“In line with the council’s previous policy, free swim sessions will still be on offer for 60+ at the specified times,” explained Councillor Wendy Moore, the Borough Council’s Executive Member for Cultural Services.

The following free swim session times have been agreed with SLM: Tuesdays 2.30 - 4.00pm Fridays 9.00 -10.00am Sundays 4.00 - 5.30pm

Leicester pools also free

Residents aged 60 and above from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough will also be able to swim for free, at any public swimming times, in any of the swimming pools operated by Leicester City Council providing they have a Hinckley Leisure Centre ‘Everyone Active’ card. The card can be collected free from the Leisure Centre but it means a trip to Hinckley with proof of age to complete the application. Online application at www.everyoneactive.com may be more convenient for many people.

The Leicester pools include: • Braunstone Leisure Centre.

• Leicester Leys Leisure Centre • New Parks Leisure Centre • Spence Street Sports Centre

Small Ads FOR SALE THREE PIECE SUITE Burgundy (Settee 2 Seater) Langtons as new.

Price: £250ono.

T: 0116 2295930.

PAINTINGS of Bradgate Park, 3 (Seasons), framed 10x8, by JC Hutchinson, vgc. Price: £30.

T: 01509 561728.

BICYCLE Ladies Touring, Peugeot ‘Parisienne’, S.H. 10 speed gears, straight handle bars. Price: £25.

T: 0116 2229133.

COMPOSTING BIN black ‘Earth Machine’, vgc. Price: Free to good home.

T: 0116 2878323.

Free swimming for youngsters may return

The council is discussing the possibility of offering free swim sessions for 16 and unders in 2011 with SLM. Nicola Towers, Contracts Manager for SLM, said: “In response to customer comments regarding free swimming being withdrawn we will be introducing exciting new memberships for seniors and children starting in September. One of the main features of these memberships will be swimming as we are aware how popular an activity this is with our members at Hinckley Leisure Centre.”

Health benefits of swimming

Nigel Cube, who runs the very successful Swim Therapy training business in Groby, hopes that free swimming for youngsters will return as it is a sound investment in a healthy lifestyle. “By encouraging youngsters to swim regularly, we are hopefully inducing a healthier lifestyle and avoiding increased future costs for the health service,” he said. “There is no better sport/leisure activity for the young and old. Swimming is well known for its cardio vascular benefits, though this non-weight bearing exercise also helps considerably to encourage full joint movement and flexibility with very little risk of injury. Hopefully, the government have a new long term strategy to ensure that the mass participation of this hobby/sport is not undermined by the latest round of cost cutting.”

Coast cream/black silk cocktail/prom dress, strapless, worn once/cleaned Size 10 £150 new, £65 Cream tab top curtains 2 pairs, each curtain 69 wide x 82” deep + tabs £15 Pine single headboard, slatted, good condition £10 Chanel sheer illuminating make up base £10 (£20 new) TMI diary – selection of boxed forms, 6 hole original, and dividers £15 Laptop case, black, carrying handle 15.5 wide x 13 deep vgc £5 T: 0116 287 7757

WANTED WANTED to Rent: Storage Space for household items. Lock-up garage or shed.

T: 0116 287 1021.

WANTED ‘Portable’ Electric Domestic Sewing Machine in good working order.

T: 01530 244069.

Advertise your items for sale FREE. Send us the details, cost of item and your contact phone number for the display box, together with your home address for our purposes only (not for publication).

Max FOUR items, please.

Max price asked: £300 Our address is: Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

I recently took up meditation. It beats sitting around doing nothing.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287-1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk NOTICE TO MEMBERS New Members Welcome Fri 13 Aug: SHAUN EB Sat 14 Aug: AXIS DUO Sun 15 Aug: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 20 Aug: MARK ANTHONY (Soul Motown Experience) Sat 21 Aug: Simon(ELVIS)Hendley Sun 22 Aug: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 27 Aug: PETE WAYRE (Superb Vocalist) Sat 28 Aug: DERREN BOULTON Sun 29 Aug: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 3 Sept: SARAH QUINN Sat 4 Sept: T.B.A. Sun 5 Sept: Super Sunday ‘50’

The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616.

Every SUN 3 ~ 6pm:‘GOOD TIME SUNDAY’ Sat 14 Aug: PRIVATE Function (So no public Entertainment) Sat 21 Aug: KICKING HABITS BANK HOLIDAY SUNDAY:Sun 29 Aug: FAMILY DAY Music & Entertainment from 2pm (Free Entry) Sat 4 Sept: STONEPARK Sat 18 Sept: SOUL’D OUT KARAOKE ~ Every Wed OPEN MIC ~Every Thurs QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker ~ EVERY Sun QUIZ – Music ~ EVERY Tues

The Nag’s Head Station Road, Glenfield T: 0116 287 2794

GALA DAY :Mon 30 Aug: Bank Holiday Family Fun from 2pm STONEPARK Band, Kid’s Fun Slides, Body Zorbing, HOG Roast, Outdoor Bar, Children’s Entertainer.

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454

TRIBUTE Nights All £2 Entry after 7pm Fri 20 Aug: ABBA Fri 3 Sept: NEIL DIAMOND/ELVIS Fri 17 Sept: THE BEATLES Every Mon: POKER Nite Every 2nd Tues: QUIZ Nite

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats: 21 Aug & 4 & 18 Sept. (’King of the Road’) Sundays: QUIZ Night Play Area/Beer Garden

The Plough Inn Burroughs Road, RATBY. T: 0116 239 2103

EVERY Tues ~ QUIZ Weekend Charity (£2 Day Entrance) RIDER & CUSTOM BIKE SHOW:Sat 14 Aug: BANDS All day 2pm Start Sun: BIKE SHOW (Camping Available) Wed 18 Aug: AMERICAN Custom & Classic Car Show Sat 4 Sept: WARLOCK (Rock&Roll) www.ploughinnratby.co.uk

The Charnwood Arms Beveridge Lane, Bardon.

T: 01530 813644

Every MON Night:POKER TOURNAMENT FREE ~ Starts 7pm TRIBUTE NIGHTS (Monthly) £10 a Ticket Includes Supper Fri 27 Aug: REAGGAELICIOUS New Outdoor Play Area Out Back

Bagworth WMC Station Road, Bagworth T: 01530 230 205 Every Wed: Tea Dance 2-4pm £1 Incl.Tea & Biscuits.

The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251

Open to Non-Members FESTIVAL WEEKEND 3,4 & 5 Sept MUSIC & BEER

All information correct at time of going to print.

I don’t believe in luck but then how else do you explain other people doing so well.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

LETTERs Bribing students to continue education?

The government say no to EMA Education Maintenance Allowance is a scheme, launched in 2004, to encourage students to continue into higher education by offering them funding to compensate for the costs of attending college. The student receives £10, £20, or £3o a week, depending on their parent’s income.

In addition, £100 bonuses are awarded bi -annually for good behaviour and grades.

However, as of September 2010, the £100 bonuses will stop. The Department of Children, Schools and Families say that as a result of this cut “80,000 additional college places for school leavers from disadvantaged backgrounds” will become available. However, with many students losing £200 a year, the topic has sparked widespread discussion around colleges as to whether the scheme is effective at encouraging students to continue their education.

One student, who receives EMA, stated that “Indirectly it helps you get better grades. It works as a good incentive” When the student was asked if they would have left education after GCSE’s without this incentive, they replied “No, but I would be more inclined to skip classes if I didn’t get my EMA” After speaking with them further, specifically what the payments are spent on, they admitted “I don’t think I spend any of it on school supplies” The majority of students receiving EMA share a similar attitude.

Many students have said that they would have continued in education regardless of the funding, and the payments are spent on things other than school materials. As one student explained, their payments were spent on “Fags, booze, and shoes” A student, who does not receive EMA, remarked that some students “modify” the facts in order to receive a higher amount, by altering their number of family members, “They’re getting money they aren’t entitled to, money which could be spent on better causes.” When asked what the

money should go towards, they replied “The elderly. My nana lives on £109 a week, and that has to pay for all living costs. It’s ridiculous” I believe that the £100 bonuses are a brilliant cut for the government to make. It is evident that, if the money is being spent on wants rather than needs, then it is not a necessity for students.

Obviously there will be exceptions; I have no doubt that some students may need the payments to go to college. However these students are few in comparison to the great majority who exploit this system. The government has chosen to reduce the amount students are spending on top ups, rather than to let the country plunge deeper into the black hole of recession.

Rebecca Harrison

Too many charity bags Now I do like recycling whether its paper, card, glass etc. that goes in the recycling receptacles or sending unwanted objects and clothes to charity shops.

But as good as I feel about all this I am greatly ticked off by the way that the charities leave bags at my house without asking. I had the other week 36 charity bags unopened next to my front door and still the charities posted more through.

On average I receive 7 bags every fortnight, so the other day I calculated how many extra plastic charity bags my street is throwing away each year.

There are 60 houses in my street that means in just two weeks 420 bags, times that by 26 (fortnights in a year) that makes 10920 bags per year. Take away an average of one bag per household used per month 720.

That means approx 10200 bags put in the bin each year JUST in my street alone! Multiply that by all the streets in Groby - then Leicester - then, well you can see what I am getting at.

So I am now laminating a sign to go on my door: “NO charity bags. Thank you!” Then when I do get something to recycle I will take it to LOROS in Anstey when I next go, happy in the knowledge that I have not only passed something I no longer need to someone who can appreciate it and made much needed money for a charity, but also added my little contribution towards halting global warming!

Name & Address Supplied

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IDC Home Maintenance Painter and Decorator Full interior and exterior painting service for your home also wallpaper hanging, tiling and laminate floor fitting.

For a free estimate please call Ian on:

01530 245461 or 07885 541428 NO JOB TOO SMALL

The best way to get your husband to do something is to suggest he’s too old to do it.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

21

Bloors Appeal The Refusal for Planning Permission Application Number 09/00798/FUL As you may remember at the December 2009 Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Councils planning committee meeting the Bloors Planning Application for planning permission to build new homes alongside Groby Cemetery was refused planning permission as a result of a resolution proposed by Cllr Chris Boothby (Ratby Ward Member) and Seconded by myself, Cllr Martin Cartwright (Groby Ward Member), supported by a majority vote of the planning committee to refuse the Bloors Planning Application 07/00798/FUL. Cllr Peter Batty (Groby Ward Member) and Cllr Ozzy O’Shea (Ratby Ward Member) spoke up endorsing the reasons for refusal as ward members in support of the planning permission refusal.

Your Borough Councillors were successful on that occasion in getting the application refused; an example of the reasons for refusal is enclosed below: • The applicant failed to demonstrate that sufficient affordable housing would be provided in the development • The applicant failed to submit an acceptable flood risk assessment.

• Development unacceptable in the Green Wedge.

• Lack of proposals to address pressure on local infrastructure, doctors, dentist provision, schools etc • Application is outside the development boundary of Ratby • Development would generate traffic likely to exceed capacity of local road network affecting Groby & Ratby.

• Scale of proposed development would provide housing numbers in excess of those identified in the Core Strategy (Ratby’s allocation had already been met).

The above being examples and not the definitive list.

Collectively all four HBBC Councillors above are united in defending the reasons for refusing the planning permission and will again do so at the public enquiry.

As a result of the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Councils Planning Committee’s refusal of the Bloors Application, Bloors have six months from the refusal date to lodge an appeal for a public enquiry I have been notified that Bloors have submitted an appeal with respect the planning permission refusal and opted to go for a public enquiry.

FENCING

S G S

SHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES

NEW & REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKEN ALL WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED

CALL JIM SHOOTER . 95 LEICESTER ROAD, GROBY

0116 2879715 / 07814224630

What happens next?

As said above the appeal has been submitted by Bloors with HBBC being notified in June, the appeal is likely to be held sometime in October / December 2010.

The Borough Council planning committee took a corporate decision to refuse the planning application and will defend the reasons for refusal at the public enquiry.

Cllr Martin Cartwright Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Groby ward Groby Parish Council

Holiday at home was fantastic I would like to say a big Thank You to the organisers, helpers, and volunteer drivers of Churches Together in Groby for a week of activities called ‘Holiday at Home for the Over-60s’.

Monday: Lunch at Ulverscroft Manor. Trips around the grounds on a buggy • Tuesday: Activities Afternoon in the Chapel • Wednesday: Home-cooked 3-course meal in the Chapel followed by a sing-along • Thursday: Day off • Friday: Movie in the Chapel, including ice cream and popcorn during the interval • Saturday: Garden Party on the lawn at Ann’s - delicious food • Sunday: Ending the week in Chapel with Songs of Praise - everyone’s favourite hymns.

We were blessed all week with glorious weather and wonderful friendship and I am sure I can say thank you on behalf of everyone for a fantastic week.

Mrs.J.Rudin My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. He was dragged down by a strong currant.

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Martinshaw Primary School art Year 5 and 6 children from Martinshaw Primary School explored the use of art in different religions and created an exhibition in their classroom.

Samples are displayed in Groby library. If the work of your son or daughter is included in the library display you, or your relatives, can also view it on www.grobyonline.tk.

Norman Griffiths

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

AUGUST On the perils of leaving your pulpit

happenings from the past 400 years ago: 2nd August 1610 - English explorer Henry Hudson sailed into what is now called Hudson Bay, Canada – named in his honour. (He mistakenly thought he had Found the north-west passage and had arrived in the Pacific) 175 years ago: 25th August 1835 - The ‘New York Sun’ newspaper published what became known as the ‘Great Moon Hoax’. The series of six articles told of fantastic creatures living on the Moon – and significantly increased sales of the paper 150 years ago: 7th August 1860 - Birth of Alan Leo, British astrologer, ‘the father of modern astrology’ 150 years ago: 30th August 1860 The first tramway in Europe opened in Birkenhead, England 125 years ago: 29th August 1885 - German engineer Gottlieb Daimler patented the world’s first motorcycle 90 years ago: 20th August 1920 - The USA’s first commercial radio station 8MK (now WWJ) began broadcasting in Detroit, Michigan

70 years ago: 20th August 1940 British Prime Minister Winston Churchill paid tribute to the Royal Air Force in a famous House of Commons speech, saying, ‘Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.’

60 years ago: 15th August 1950 - Birth of Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, British royal family 60 years ago: 27th August 1950 The BBC transmitted the first ever live TV pictures across the Channel 40 years ago: 17th August 1970 - The Soviet Union launched Venera 7 to Venus. It would become the first spacecraft to transmit data from the surface of another planet 20 years ago: 7th August 1990 - Gulf War – Operation Desert Shield: US President Bush (Snr) sent American forces to Saudi Arabia to prevent an Iraqi invasion 20 years ago: 10th August 1990 - NASA’s Magellan space probe arrived at Venus after a 15-month journey from Earth and began its mission to map the planet

The Rectory St. James the Least

My dear Nephew Darren It was good of you to take Evensong here last Sunday while I was at my old college re-union – but I would prefer you used the pulpit in future when preaching. How could Colonel Brockle complete ‘The Times’ crossword and Miss Balmer her knitting with you constantly walking up and down in front of them? They found it most disconcerting, as out of politeness, they were obliged to listen to you. It was a unique experience they do not wish to repeat.

Those few who defy Anglican tradition and sit at the front of the church were also placed in the dilemma of trying to decide whether they should keep turning in their pews as you paraded down the nave and then rotating back to the front as you re-emerged up the side aisle. It did Lady Plumptree’s vertigo no good at all. It also allowed people to see that you were wearing suede shoes. For many of our worshippers, the most appalling of heresies are as nothing when compared to brown shoes under a cassock.

I appreciate you made heroic efforts and got your sermon down to 30 minutes, but that is still 20 minutes longer than they anticipated and 29 minutes longer then their attention span. That is why the noise you thought was sidesmen counting the morning’s collection while you preached was in fact the organist jangling his keys in an attempt to remind you that his oven timer had long since switched off and his casserole was getting cold.

No, use the pulpit in future; that is the reason why stonemasons 600 years ago put twenty tons of marble in our church in the first place and it would be a shame to disappoint them. It also means that from a distance of 100 yards and a height of 20 feet, no one can tell that the glass of water I use liberally while preaching is in fact a gin and tonic.

I concede that our pulpit has its dangers. I have known several bishops come to grief as their robes wrap themselves around the newel post as they ascend the steps. One, unable to untangle himself, was obliged to preach while half way up the steps and with his back to the congregation, while our verger was dispatched to find a pair of scissors.

Perhaps, before your next visit, we may install a mechanical floor in the pulpit, so that after 10 minutes, it slowly lowers you into the crypt while the congregation can get on with singing the last hymn before getting home in decent time.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Visit Shackerstone Family Festival Sat 4th & Sun 5th September At Barton Lane, Congerstone, Near Market Bosworth 10am-5pm both days Details at www.shackerstonefestival.co.uk

23

Looking For a New Painting Class?

Local artist Mark Wilde still has spaces available in his watercolour painting classes, starting the week of Monday 20 September at Groby and Woodhouse Eaves.

Mark has been teaching in the area for many years, and now has daytime and evening classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. In each course, he will describe and demonstrate the various techniques used in both traditional and modern watercolours. Step-by-step demonstrations and one-to-one tuition are features of the courses, which will be run in a friendly, workshop atmosphere.

The eleven week courses are £49.50 (£39.50 reduced rate). For more information ring Mark at 01509 673064.

Stamp Fair: 12th September THE NEXT stamp fair in aid of LOROS will take place on Sunday 12th September at Newbold Verdon Primary School, Dragon Lane, Newbold Verdon - between 10am and 3pm.

If you’d like to donate stamps, please trim them leaving a border of about ¼ inch (6mm) around each stamp.

For more information, call Roger Simmons (01455 822645) or Graham Hunt (01455 822774).

Lord’s Prayer I had been teaching my threeyear-old daughter, Cathy, the Lord’s Prayer. Then one evening at bedtime she attempted it solo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word, right up to the end of the prayer. “Lead us not into temptation,” she prayed, “but deliver us some e-mail. Amen.”

ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement.

The group meets on the 1st Saturday of every month (except at Bank Holidays) in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.

Next dates: Saturday 4th Sept & Saturday 2nd Oct 2010 ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

I called the paper to put in an ad, but I couldn’t tell the lady about it because it was classified.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

24 History on your doorstep

What did the Romans ever do for Leicestershire?

Starting Thursday 23 September 2010

Groby Village Hall, Leicester Road

10 to11.30 am, 10 meetings To enrol or for further information phone 01509 268636

Email: srogers@wea.org.uk

Workers’ Educational Association

Groby Gardening Society NEWS Local garden visit Over the past years it has become a tradition for the Society’s June evening meeting to be held at a guest garden.

Sometimes we have travelled outside of Leicestershire, but more commonly we have found somewhere within 20-30 minutes drive away. This year it was therefore a real bonus to visit a very local garden in Groby.

What a garden this turned out to be! We were the guests of Jackie and Gary Manship and everyone would agree that we could not have been made more welcome.

Jackie’s wonderful garden has been made out of a most unpromising small field. At the start, very high brambles and nettles were the resident plants, but now a garden to rival any our members have seen has been created. Jackie and Gary photographically recorded progress and if the finished article provokes a sense of awe, then the work involved over the years adds to this wonderment. They have made a great team. On a grand scale, Jackie has the ideas and Gary brings them to fruition. Gary’s hard landscaping is of the highest quality with brick retaining walls, walkways of varying composition and two large carp ponds connected by a water course.

Three large greenhouses, a gorgeous summer house, seating a-plenty and covered areas make it a garden for all seasons. It is a long garden, by local standards, and gently slopes to a natural stream. Many small “rooms” add enormously to the interest, as different views open up with every few steps. Climbing back up the garden is like another experience as different vistas become apparent.

As if all this was not enough, Jackie and Gary opened up their lovely home and served the most sumptuous of suppers, including fresh salmon, delicious sweets, cheeses and wine. Space prohibits more, but if you talk to any members who visited, you will get a flavour of this spectacular evening. Many, many thanks to Jackie and Gary!

Food for thought Our July meeting took on an unfamiliar format.

Launde Abbey Fun Weekend Saturday 28th Aug – Mon 30th Aug Entrance Free All Day Saturday & £5 per Car Sun/Mon Craft Fair, Fun Fair, Art Exhibition, Pony Rides and much more!

Experience the sights and sounds of a Viking encampment with Historical presentations and battles across the weekend

Car Boot Sale Monday Coffee~ Lunch ~ Tea

Barbeque on Sun & Mon

We had strawberries with cream and delicious homemade scones with butter, jam and cream for our refreshments. Prior to these we had to earn our supper by trying two light-hearted quizzes set by Roy and Graham. These were very enjoyable as the questions just managed that delicate balance of being reasonably challenging yet accessible to all the teams.

An away weekend

This was spectacular and covered an enormous area to the rear of the Palace. The coach took one hour to travel the last two miles, but it was all worthwhile. The hottest day of the year in London posed various challenges ranging from finding shade to keeping hydrated. An overnight stay at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow proved to be popular, especially when typical room tariffs were discovered! A balmy evening on the terrace overlooking a picturesque lake will be a lingering memory for most.

A few hardy members enjoyed the delights of an early morning swim in the hotel’s wonderful fitness suite. The next day saw the party at one of the many palaces of the Rothchild family-Waddesdon Manor. This is arguably the best National Trust property in the country and its contents ooze opulence. (One member even managed to engage Baron Rothchild in casual conversation!)

Saturday was welcomed as a more restful day after the heat of the Friday. A tired, but happy party returned to Groby on the Saturday evening.

Village Show Schedules for the Village Show on Saturday 21st August are available from the village library, or any committee member.

Time is now short and we hope that many will bring along all sorts of exhibits. If you have not managed to get a copy, you can view the Spotlight website (www. grobyspotlight.co.uk) to see this schedule. Exhibitors and others are very welcome to attend in the afternoon, so come along and see what can be achieved! As well as all the fruit, flowers, veg, cakes and preserves, the youngsters’ exhibits are always a delight.

Forthcoming events • August 21st: The Annual Village Show • Sept. 9th: A Year of Garden Colour - Dr. Andrew Ward We always welcome new members and casual guests at our monthly meetings that are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month, usually in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill.

Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Alvar Johnson. (Tel. No. 01162877870) or E mail alvar3@talktalk.net

Alvar Johnson

On July 9th, thirty eight members set off for their long-awaited trip to Hampton Court Flower Show.

I like long walks, especially when they’re taken by people who annoy me.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

25

Local Crime Figures for May, June & July The following incidents were reported to the Police in Groby and Field Head during the period May-July 2010.

Description

May

June

July

Groby

Field Head

Groby

Field head

Groby

Field Head

0

0

1 actual 1 attempted

0

1 actual

0

3 actual

0

2 actual

0

2 actual 1 attempted

0

Theft of Motor Vehicle

1

0

0

0

0

0

Theft from Motor Vehicle

4

0

2

0

0

1

Damage to Motor Vehicle:

1

0

1

0

0

0

Non-Domestic Assaults

5

1

0

0

5

0

House Burglaries Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries

7

0

4

0

9

0

Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars

19

2

20

0

15

0

TOTAL (Actual)

40

3

30

0

32

1

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

TOTAL (Attempted) Please note within the other crimes Police now log incidents of reported anti social behaviour that was previously unrecorded in the crime figures. Because of the additional reporting this is why this figure has increased and will continue to stay at a higher level unless incidents of anti social behaviour are reduced.

Local crime news in more detail is available at www.groby.org.uk Information supplied by Martin Cartwright - Secretary - Groby Branch Neighbourhood Watch - Tel: 0116 2874500 • Mobile: 07850 707050 Email: neighbourhoodwatch@appliancehome.co.uk

In An Emergency dial 999. Contact the local police on 0116 222-2222.

CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555111

1

1

Groby NHW Calendar of Events 2010 Meetings take place at Groby Village Hall in the new room to the rear of the main hall.

Everyone welcome.

Thursday 9th September 2010 at 7.30pm Thursday 2nd December 2010 at 7.30pm

I’ve bought myself some glow-in-the-dark contact lenses. When I close my eyes I can still see.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

The Old School in Groby Exercise the fun way: is for sale: £445,000 play Dodgeball!

THOSE looking for a fun way to get fit in a fun way could try a sport that is quickly growing in popularity.

BENTONS Estate Agents are offering for sale The Old School, Leicester Road, Groby.

The Grade II Listed property, which was built in 1873, is of granite construction, under a Swithland Slate roof. Features of the property include a series of magnificent stone mullioned windows and a highly decoratve open entrance vestibule with raised ceiling, exposed timbers, dressed stone detailing and original tiled floor. The Price Guide is £445,000.

Full details can be viewed on the Bentons website at www.bentons.co.uk or phone 01664 563892 for particulars.

Over a year old, the Enderby Dodgeball Club “Dodge This!” are on the look out for both new male and female players for 2010.

Dodgeball, is a fun and exciting sport that uses hand eye co-ordination plus the only sport where the object of the game is to hit an opponent out with a ball. This sport has been recognised as an Official Sport, by Sport England last year and is growing to become a popular alternative sport.

The sport is accessible for males and females, as well as a variety of ages that play it. I have been playing Dodgeball competitively for three years and currently play for the UK’s top side, the Leicester City Ligers.

The Enderby Dodgeball session currently runs on a Tuesday from 8.30pm to 10.30pm and Thursday nights between 8.30pm – 10.00pm at the Enderby Leisure Centre on Mill Lane.

Sessions are for those aged 16 and above, and beginners are welcome and rules are explained on the night.

Further information is available from me, Simon Moody, on (07743) 098544 or by email at: enderbydodgeball@googlemail.com

Simon Moody

Craft Fair every first Saturday in Ibstock The Palace Community Centre in Ibstock are holding a regular monthly Craft Fair on the first Saturday of each month commencing with 4th September from 10am to 3pm.

Free Admission. A large variety of interesting stalls including: Jewellery, Wooden Toys, Hand-Knitted Goods, Ceramics, Cookies, Books, Pearls, Bags plus Craft Supplies, Farm Produce, Fair Trade and much more! Public Car Park opposite venue at 57 High Street, Ibstock LE67 6LH. (T: 01530 267303).

Answering machine message: “If you want to buy marijuana, press the hash key ...”

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Ex-Servicemen’s Club rejects Tesco bid speculation Norman Griffiths checks out the rumour Reports that leading supermarket chain Tesco has offered £1million for the Ex-Servicemens Club on Leicester Road in Groby, near the Co-operative Village Store, have been rejected by a spokesman for the club.

He said it was not policy to comment on gossip and added that “the Club is out-performing most trends and continues to welcome more and more new members – especially young families within, and new to the Village.” The Groby Club also received applications from former members of the Anstey Working Mens Club which closed last year. In a short statement Tesco made no comment other than to say that they ‘will not be going to this site.’ This leaves residents wondering whether they would like an outlet in the village, which already has two supermarkets.

Tesco convenience store expansion After concentrating on larger supermarkets for some years Tesco, which has annual profits of over £3 billion, is now accelerating the opening of smaller stores. It opened 2 million square feet of store space in its past financial year, including about 100 new Tesco Express and One Stop convenience stores. It

plans to increase this to 2.4 million sq ft in 2010-11. In addition to buying convenience store chains the company has also acquired sites or buildings such as the club, to convert to its smaller store format.

The company has looked for the most cost effective way of developing its new Tesco Express stores and has worked with Yorkon, who say they are the UK’s leading modular building manufacturer, to produce a new store design. This uses a standard Yorkon module, rather than a bespoke structure, allowing Tesco to benefit from the standardisation of module components and greater economies of scale for both stand-alone Express stores and those on petrol forecourts.

Modules craned into position The glazing system for each store is now fully fitted off site in York, reducing time on site and improving quality. Other design changes have included the use of white pre-finished wall panels to minimise internal painting and the manufacture and fitting out of store modules in a factory environment.

They are delivered to site by road where they are craned into position complete with freezers/chillers, checkouts, toilets, flooring, internal walls and glazing. Yorkon says this

approach reduces the programme time for a typical store to just two weeks from erection of the building to handover, whilst improving quality, cost control and safety on site. They also believe that off-site

construction also helps to address the issue of skills shortages which is severely affecting the building industry.

True stories from John Eley of Groby Our curious kitten was sitting on the lawn gazing fixedly at an object.

After a short time she put out a tentative paw to touch it, a frog made a huge leap forward, the kitten leapt back landing in the fish pond!

I don’t know who was the most surprised, the frog; the kitten or the fish!

While working in a hospital laboratory I used to take patients blood, usually from their ear. On one occasion a young lady came in for a blood test, I said I would like to take some blood from your ear, I turned round to get my instruments and when I looked back there she was with her skirt lifted and pants down. She had thought I had said from your rear!

During the war I was sent to work in the laboratory at RAF Rausby, an old civilian mental hospital, on one occasion some so called friends grabbed me and a WAAF nurse and pushed us into a padded cell, there was nothing we could do about it until they decided to let us out! I don’t think there are many people who can claim to have been locked in a padded cell!

Interested in Alternative & Holistic Talks?

Find Out What’s Taking Place Locally

Visit the website at: www.leicesterlectures.co.uk A man at the bar gave me a nasty look. I said ‘Thanks, but I’ve got one already.’

28

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

FARMING WORDSEARCH

1st Prize: A Sunday Lunch for Two and a Bottle of House Wine at The Plough Inn, Ratby!  2nd Prize: A £10 DVD Hire Voucher to Spend at Glenfield Moviezone!



                Name: .................................................................................................

 Address: ................................................................................................

  .................................................................Postcode: .............................   If you can spot 12 pieces of farming equipment in the  Wordsearch grid above, you could win a Sunday Lunch for Two  and a Bottle of House Wine at The Plough Inn, Ratby (see ad  this page) - or a £10 DVD Hire Voucher to spend at Glenfield  Moviezone (see ad on page 12).  All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through -  12 items of farming equipment. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Guitar Club Looking to improve your guitar skills? Guitarist Mark Wilde is offering an eleven week course to be held on Tuesday nights at Groby.

This class is aimed at those who have some basic playing skills but want more experience playing along with others. Lead and rhythm techniques, chord theory, and performing skills are features of the course, which is run in a friendly, club-like atmosphere. A variety of musical styles will be covered, and there will be opportunities to perform live gigs.

The eleven week course starts 21 September from 7-9pm, and is £49.50 (£39.50 reduced). Please ring Mark at 01509 673064 for more details.

Calling residents in the Farr Wood Close Area Please can someone support Groby in Bloom and volunteer to take over planting and weeding the flower bed on the corner of Farr Wood Close.

Send your marked entry forms to: OLD MACDONALD, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by I have to give up looking after Saturday 28th August 2010. Please remember to fill in your name and this area after several years and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will am looking for someone to take win the Sunday Lunch for Two at The  Plough and the sender of the my place. second will win the Moviezone DVD hire voucher. Good luck!

If you can help, or would

Here are the 12 Farming Items you have to find: ALLEN SCYTHE • BALE WRAPPER • BEET HARVESTER CARROT PULLER • FRONT END LOADER • GRAIN AUGER HAY RAKE • ROTARY TILLER • ROTAVATOR SPIKE HARROW • STONE PICKER • THRESHING MACHINE



like further information please contact me on 01530 249711.

Thank you.

Margaret Purves

Last Issue’s TWO Winners Last issue’s first prize winner was MRS. ANITA CHAPMAN of Greys Drive, Groby. You win a £20 Voucher to spend at Broughton’s Luxury Coffee Lounge in Anstey.

The winner of the second prize - a £10 DVD Hire Voucher to spend at Glenfield MovieZone - was P. jeffery of Parkside, Groby.

Congratulations! Your vouchers will be with you within 21 days.

I became a member of the Secret Seven. It’s so secret, I don’t even know who the other six are ...

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

New & Future Releases on DVD UNTHINKABLE (18)

Starring Samuel L Jackson, Carrie-Ann Moss, Michael Sheen Somewhere in the United States, three nuclear weapons are about to detonate. There are only 2 days to find them and only one man knows where they are. To FBI agent Brody’s (Carrie-Anne Moss) surprise, the terrorist (Michael Sheen) is already in their hands and a mysterious interrogator named H (Samuel L. Jackson) is charged with getting the crucial information by all means necessary. As they start to run out of time, the power struggle between the two agents and the terrorist turns deadly in this intense, action-packed thriller that will take you to the brink and beyond.

THE GHOST (15)

Starring Ewan McGregor, Kim Catterall, Pierce Brosnan A ghost writer stumbles onto a secret that places his life in danger as he takes down the life story of a former U.K. prime minister in this Roman Polanski-helmed adaptation of the Robert Harris novel. Convinced by his agent that he’s been granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, talented British screenwriter “The Ghost” (Ewan McGregor) agrees to aid British prime minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan) in completing his memoirs after the leader’s former aid dies under mysterious circumstances. Almost immediately after The Ghost arrives at a remote mansion in the U.S. to begin working with the prime minister, Lang is accused of committing a war crime by a former British cabinet minister. Amidst a deluge of protestors and reporters, The Ghost delves into the unfinished manuscript and comes to the terrifying conclusion that his predecessor died because he discovered a link between Prime Minister Lang and the CIA. The more information The Ghost uncovers, the more convinced he becomes that his life could be in danger as well.

DATE NIGHT (15)

Starring Steve Carell, Mark Wahlberg,Tina Fey Claire and Phil Foster (Tina Fey and Steve Carell) are a typical suburban couple whose lives – including their weekly date nights of dinner and a movie – have become routine. To reignite the marital spark, they visit a trendy Manhattan bistro where a case of mistaken identity turns their evening into the ultimate date night-gone-awry.

But as Claire and Phil take their unexpected walk on the wild side, they begin to remember what made them so special together.

AFTER.LIFE (18)

Starring Liam Neeson, Justin Long and Christina Ricci After a horrific car accident, Anna (Christina Ricci) wakes up to find the local funeral director Eliot Deacon (Liam Neeson) preparing her body for her funeral. Confused, terrified and feeling still very much alive, Anna doesn’t believe she is dead, despite the funeral director’s reassurances that she is merely in transition to the afterlife. Eliot convinces her he has the ability to communicate with the dead and is the only one who can help her. Trapped inside the funeral home, with nobody to turn to except Eliot, Anna is forced to face her deepest fears and accept her own death. But Anna’s grief-stricken boyfriend Paul (Justin Long) still cannot shake the nagging suspicion that Eliot is not what he appears to be. As the funeral nears, Paul gets closer to unlocking the disturbing truth, but it could be too late; Anna may have already begun to cross over the other side. With an unrelenting edge of menace, After.life is a stylish psychological thriller which provocatively questions the line between life and death.

29

Success for new Travellers’ unit

A scheme to tackle unauthorised Travellers’ camps more effectively has been hailed a success.

There have been fewer complaints about travellers and speedier action to move on problem groups, since a single Travellers’ unit was set up a year ago. Until last year, Leicestershire and Leicester faced frequent problems with unauthorised Travellers’ camps, leading to public complaints and clean-up costs. Now, Traveller groups that cause problems are dealt with as a priority, and others that abide by a new code of conduct are tolerated for a short period.

The county, city and district councils, the police and the NHS have set up a single Travellers’ unit, to tackle issues surrounding unauthorised encampments. Over the last year, it has: • Reduced the time taken to move camps that breach the code of conduct, to fewer than 10 days, on average • Built up a data-base of families that cause problems, so they could be identified and moved on more quickly • Advised Travellers on acceptable behaviour • Dissuaded Travellers from camping on parks and car parks and urged them to keep to groups of six caravans or fewer • Reduced clean-up costs from around £80,000 per year to £10,000 per year across Leicester and Leicestershire.

The team has dealt with around 100 camps in Leicestershire and Leicester over the last year but very few caused problems or sparked newspaper stories.

Don’t Forget ...

It’s the Groby Annual Show on Saturday 21st August at Groby Village Hall starting at 2.30pm.

Flowers, fruit, vegetables, handicrafts ... and cake!

You can view the Show Schedule on the Spotlight website at: www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

A friend of mine is a scarecrow. He’s won 5 awards for being outstanding in his field.

30

lowe’s

plumbing & heating

Central Heating Breakdowns and Repairs Boiler Installations / Replacements Free Quotes 30 Years Exp. Landlords Gas Safety Certificates No Callout Fee 10% Off for OAP’s System Power Flushing 0116 2879760 / 07925 802265 Servicing info@lowesplumbingandheating.co.uk

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

COME AND JOIN US!

GUIDES LEAD THE WAY The Girl Guiding organisation has been in the media spotlight recently with Centenary celebrations and national campaigns.

31

Setting up your own website If you’re thinking of setting up a website - for business or personal use - you may be interested in a new website design program called Website X5.

On a local level we have also had a very busy year. Our activities have included: Orienteering, outdoor cooking, making mobile phone cases, attending ‘Great Guide Get Aways’ to Hunstanton and a national camp in Essex...and of course completing the ever popular chocolate ‘Go for It’!

If any of this sounds appealing to you (I’m guessing it’ll be the chocolate!) then why not come and help us out?

Girl Guides in Groby are on the hunt for more adults to come forward and help run their meetings. So as not to disappoint the thriving group of 10-14 year-olds who meet weekly in term time, Girlguiding Groby needs at least 2 adults to volunteer and support their current leader. There are training courses available for all volunteers and, however you choose to help there is support and advice available.

Women who love a challenge, are young at heart, looking for something rewarding to spice up their evenings and yes, believe it or not, help them relax(!) should take a look at www.girlguiding.org.uk and contact Sarah at girlguiding.groby@btinternet.com or on 0116 2221258.

We discovered it about 6 months ago and have been using it ever since.

The program is very easy to use and helps you to produce acceptable websites in a very short space of time.

If you visit www.websitex5.com, you can view a brief tutorial which demonstrates how user-friendly the program is. It’s available from the website (www.websitex5.com) priced at around 70 Euros, or from Amazon - price: £59.99.

Designing a website is one thing - you’ll also require a domain name and some web space.

We recommend a visit to Virtual Names (www.virtualnames.co.uk). On their home page, you can find out whether your preferred new website name is available - and if it is, you can purchase it online. You can also buy webspace on which to host your site.

Virtual Names charge £4.25 per year plus VAT for domain names ending with .co.uk and their hosting charges start at £20 plus VAT per year.

So for a total of around £95, you could be promoting your business - or yourself - on the World Wide Web in a few days time!

Sarah Holt, Guider in Charge - 2nd Groby Guides

Mike Wilkinson

School holidays are the time when parents realise that teachers are grossly underpaid.

32

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

All the latest Groby WI News ... from Margaret Gamble Whilst the Spotlight team have been away, Groby WI have also been enjoying themselves.

To continue our events diary I begin with the visit to the Major General’s Review at Horse Guards Parade. The weather on that day left a lot to be desired but it didn’t spoil this occasion at all.

Everyone came back with high praise of our parading forces. As far as could be seen everything went perfectly except for one young chap who passed out completely. With military precision out marched the rescue squad who neatly carted him off. The soldiers are somehow numbered so if one falls, a message is passed that number so and so has gone down and therefore can be precisely spotted. As my friend said, “The poor lad didn’t seem old enough to be out of nappies”.

The regiment had only got back from Afghanistan a few weeks before and only had a couple of weeks leave. This military ceremony dates back to the early eighteenth century or earlier, when the colours (flags) of the battalion were carried (or ‘trooped’) down the ranks so they could be seen and recognised by the soldiers.

At this rehearsal commemorating the Queen’s official birthday a Major General commanding the Household Division took the Salute.

The ceremony is exactly the same as the real thing but on the actual day, the Queen of course, takes the salute.

Some of us went to the Abbots Ripton Garden Show near Huntingdon. This time it was a scorcher. It is a privately owned mansion which opens for just two days every other year. Beautiful gardens, a lovely house and Huntingdon WI doing their bit serving cream teas on a lovely lawn. There were some very different trade stalls, nothing of course, tacky. Our ladies went home with loads of plants etc. but one lady I had in my car topped the lot by buying a lovely wrought iron garden seat. Luckily it just fitted in my boot which is quite large (no jokes please).

The picnic in the park at Kilworth House was a wonderful afternoon. We all arrived and settled down to a fantastic picnic provided by our own Julie and Diane. At this event we allow chaps to come along so long as they behave themselves (of course they did having no doubt been well drilled). Then we went into the open air theatre to see “Guys and Dolls”. It was as good as any London production. What amazed me was the Mercury’s write up

which slated it. We came to the conclusion that critics deliberately do so just to be awkward. No one had a bad word for the Show. What amused me was the toilet doors which had been renamed as “Guys” and “Dolls”. We enjoyed a lovely warm sunny afternoon but as we left there were a few drops of rain.

We pitied the poor folk who were coming in for the evening picnic in the park and show as it just threw it down for the rest of the evening.

Another evening out was a visit to the theatre to see “Strictly Come Dancing”. That turned out to be yet again a great show.

As they say, “A funny thing happened on the way” to our Luncheon Club. Firstly, although I have visited the venue many times, I somehow found myself going in the wrong direction, which my friends will tell you is par for the course. Then from somewhere in the car (the radio wasn’t on) a voice kept repeating 87654321.

After pressing every button in sight I gave up and eventually she shut up.

We couldn’t hear ourselves speak!

We arrived at the Earl Shilton bypass only to find a diversion sign.

Being the kind of “girl” who does as she is told I took the diversion only to find myself at a dead end, due to road works, at the wrong end of the village. Whilst debating whether to retrace my steps, my friend hopped out and asked a chap whether we could go around the back streets to reach the restaurant. He came over to the car and began to explain, then said, “I’ll take you there” then does no more than squeeze in the back. He was rather unshaven, obviously had had a drink and in his carpet slippers. It was rather startling especially as we had been chatting about the goings on at Rothbury. Anyway, bless him, he directed me around the back streets and we finished up right by the Restaurant. I had just finished my meal when my companion said, “I think I am going to faint,” and she did. The seating fortunately was a tight fit so as she slumped on me I was able to prop her up. Of course, being the W I, we had on hand a first aider and a nurse. I know we were supposed to put her in the recovery position but we couldn’t have laid a thin plank out. An ambulance duly arrived, my friend came round and was given a good “going over” by the young medical team. I am pleased to say the lady in question is fine now.

At our meeting our speaker unfortunately rang at the last minute to say his wife had had an accident and had been rushed into hospital. Ros (our lovely programme organiser) managed to get hold of a replacement, a lady

Abbots Ripton whose name unfortunately I forget.

She gave us a talk on “wire work”.

This turned out to be electric wires in all colours which she made into various shapes. Some were very pretty covered in beads, buttons etc but others were quite odd. To be honest I don’t know what you could do with a wobbly creation with no real purpose. Anyway for a last minute booking she did her best.

I haven’t a clue what next month’s speaker will talk about but Douglas Maas’s subject is “The Adventures of the Pea Green Boat” (not pea green board as I was daft enough to type in the

Programme). The meeting is on the l9th August at the Village Hall as usual.

By the way don’t forget the Village Show on the 21st August.

Programmes are all around the Village, do have a go, you don’t have to be brilliant. Saying that, I put things in regardless without a hope of winning but it’s the fun that counts. Even if you don’t enter anything do come along and enjoy the Show and have a cuppa and homemade piece of cake. See you there, as usual I shall be around the kitchen!

Margaret

Call Now 07522 671792 BOOK NOW FOR THE SUMMER! If it’s raining on the day you can cancel your booking with no charge.

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12Õ x 12Õ Bouncy Castle

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Suitable for indoor and outdoor parties 12Õ x 18Õ Bounce and Slide

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Delivered, assembled and collected from your venue

I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I couldn’t find any.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Top Local Talent Appearing

Royal Accolade for the Baldwin Trust

Don’t miss the Groby Club Variety Show!

A Grand Variety Show will take place on Thursday 23rd September at Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club between 8pm-11pm. All proceeds from the show will go to Cancer Research and Loros.

There will be a full night’s entertainment with local professional talent including some of Leicester’s top bands, singers, dancers, and two amazing speciality acts. There will also be a prize raffle with proceeds going to both charities. The show will be compered by me, Digg Haywood.

I am the chairman of the Leicester and Coventry branch of Equity, (the Variety artistes’ and actors’ union) and the organizer of this charity event I have been a professional entertainer myself for 40 years and appeared on many tv and radio shows.

Having lost several relatives and friends to cancer I decided some years ago to help raise funds for Loros and other cancer charities. Almost everyone has lost someone near and dear to cancer, so these charities are close to all our hearts. We have already raised a considerable amount of money at past variety show events and hope to top our previous fund raising efforts. So I would appeal to everyone to come to Groby Club and have a great night of live entertainment and help raise funds for these worthy causes.

Advanced tickets £5.00 - On the door £6.00 - Concessions/Children £2.50. Tickets obtainable from Digg Haywood on 07801924013 or from Groby Ex- Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby on 0116 2571809 Thank you all in anticipation of your support !

N.B. should anyone want advice regarding joining Equity the variety artistes’ and actors’ union and beginning a career in the entertainment business, I will be happy to give any advice or guidance after the show.

Digg Haywood

33

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List published in the London Gazette on June 2nd 2010 announces the news that the Rothley based charity the Baldwin Trust has won the ‘Queens Award for Voluntary Service’ (The volunteers MBE).

The award is seen as the national benchmark for volunteering excellence.

The Baldwin Trust, founded in 1982 provides narrow boat day trips for the elderly, disabled, learning difficulties and other community/family groups. They have two boats “Dandelion” operating from Pillings Marina, Quorn and “St Clare” operating from Raynsway Marina, Thurmaston. Both boats are fully wheelchair accessible and have disabled toilets and fully equipped galleys. The Trust has 58 volunteers, all unpaid; who are either qualified skippers or crew.

Glenda Townsend, Secretary to the Trust said “We are thrilled and very proud that our members have been recognised in this way, without their dedicated support none of this would be possible”.

For Further information about the Trust ring Glenda on 0116 230 1731 or see the Trust’s website www.baldwintrust.org.uk

Anstey & District Funeral Service Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors

We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way.

• •

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Traditional hearse & fleet Horse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives available Memorial showroom Extensive car parking Private catering suite Private chapels of rest Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred

0116 234 0548 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT

www.ansteyfunerals.com

I saw a sign that said ‘24-Hour Banking’ but I didn’t have that much time.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

34

Groby Online with Norman Griffiths

The cold call support scam The scams just keep coming.

If it’s not someone phishing for your bank details or offering you a lucrative job, it’s someone who wants to charge you for doing something that’s free anyway, like applying for an EHIC health service card for travelling internationally.

And these guys, and no doubt gals, are nothing if not resourceful. As soon as we are wise to scams linked to pop up boxes on our computers telling us we have a virus on board they think of something else.

Now believe it or not the latest actually involves them ringing you at home, as the fortnightly Computeractive magazine reports in it’s latest issue. It seems you get a cold call, possibly claiming to be from a Microsoft support centre, to tell you that that there is a problem with your computer and it has a virus or malicious software on it.

They don’t work for Microsoft and they don’t receive error reports from the company to follow up.

They will try and demonstrate that your computer is affected by capitalising on the ignorance of most of us about the nuts and bolts of how Windows works. After all what we want from an operating system is the ability to switch the computer on and get on with our business. So they guide their victim into the depths of Windows to demonstrate that there are errors reported, of course they don’t say

This month – the support scam, added security, and broadband speeds that such errors are common and harmless.

The good news they give is that they can fix it. The bad news you’ll have guessed - there’s a fee which can be arou nd £90. They may provide software to “fix” the nonexistent problem, software which is probably available free on the internet anyway.

Internet users may feel isolated when trying to deal with viruses, scams and other cyber threats, but this is one threat where there has been a successful police crackdown. Computeractive reports that the Metropolitan police closed 19 websites linked to this scam in April, but the magazine reports that readers are telling them of new sites that are using the same tactics. They advise readers who receive a cold call claiming a problem with a pc to hang up, and report them as nuisance calls if they persist. If you have already paid for this kind of support by card they recommend cancelling the card immediately and if you have been defrauded contact the police and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

As part of their investigation Computeractive recorded their telephone conversations with the scammers and have made their video available for all to watch on

http://www.computeractive.co.uk/ computeractive/video/2266990 or go to www.grobyonline.tk and follow the link to security software downloads.

Added security with Rapport All computer users are advised to ensure that they have anti-virus software and a firewall on their machines and that they keep it up to date. If you don’t want to pay for software the least you should do is install one of the free packages. You can download them from the links on www.grobyonline.tk.

There’s also a link there for a free package which a number of banks and building societies are advising their online users to install. It’s been described as “a major boost in fraud prevention” and has been predicted to emerge as the primary mode of defence against online identity theft and fraud. It works by shielding your online banking details from prying eyes, safeguarding your identity and protecting your details, even if your computer is infected. Rapport claims to lock down the connection between your machine and your bank or building society, checks if the site is genuine, and stops your

data going to counterfeit sites. It’s easy to download, install and use.

And it’s not just limited to banking -you can set up the software to protect any website that uses private or personal data.

Broadband speeds Work is continuing at the Glenfield exchange to enable it to deal with fibre optic data transmission, but it is still unclear how Groby will be affected. Although speeds locally for non-cable broadband customers are better than they are in some more rural areas they generally fall below the speeds which service providers claim. Nevertheless one new broadband customer in the village was pleased when his line was connected recently. A speed check indicated a rate of 2.7 Mbps on day one and 3.4Mbps on day two, more than double the speed some Groby customers achieve. Whether or not that will be sustained,or how reliable the connection turns out to be at that speed, is yet to be seen. It illustrates, however, that it may be how your service provider sets up or tweaks your connection that may play an important part in the speed you get. You can read more about this issue in archived articles on www.grobyonline.tk.

At a national level the new government has dropped the promise to ensure that everyone can get a 2Mbps broadband service by 2012. With luck the new target of 2015 will be achieved.

Churches Together in Groby

Churches Together in Groby Third Sunday Evening worship at 6.30pm will be on Sunday 15th Aug Facing Change- a Students’ View Sunday 19th Sept topic t.b.c.

These are modern services, tackling the issues of lifestyle, ethics and faith which young people face. They are run by Extend (St. P&J and the URC), supporting and enabling work with children and young people in Groby.

Held at St. Philip and St. James; all are welcome.

Harvest Festival Sunday 3rd October at St. P&J, Sunday 10th October at the URC

Fair Cuppa: an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Please note the change of time.

All tea/coffee is fairtrade Every Thursday, 10.30—12noon.

Urban Saints

During term time, held at the URC chapel: games, friends, crafts and a Christian basis to discussions.

- for 5’s to 14’s on Mon evenings at 3.45pm, 6.30pm, 7.45pm - for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm - for 15-18’s o Fri at 7.30pm More details on the church websites

For all Sunday services: please see our websites and church magazines: St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church www.grobyurc.com Mrs Norma Whittaker 287 6606 Children/Youth Worker Deb Goodhead 07730 596309 I tried sniffing Coke once, but the ice cubes got stuck in my nose.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-AUGUST 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069

Advert FINDER Accountants (Henstocks) P.21

Gas/Heating/Boilers (UK Gas) P.11

Aerials (Almighty) P.4

Hairdressing (Classic Cuts) P.33

Aerials (Digivision) P.24

Hairdressing (Snips) P.22

Appliance Repairs & Sales P.29

Interiors (Broughtons) P.11

Bathrooms (Dalby) P.30

Jewellers (Sykes) P.31

Bereavement Support (A.F.S.) P.23

Landscape Gardening (Groby L/S) P.11

Blinds (Brookvale) P.20

Landscape Supplies (Sunningdale) P.35

Bouncy Castles P.32

Lectures/Leicester P.27

Builder (MT. Builders) P.31

Meat (Little Markfield Farm) P.31

Builder (T. Walton) P.8

M.O.T Testing (Cropston Garage) P.35

Care Services (Bosworth) P.19

M.O.T Testing (Service Garage) P.23

Car Sales (Anstey M. Co.) P.15

Moviezone P.12

Cleaning/Domestic (M.Maid) P.30

Nappies/Real P.15

Cleaning/Varied (Cleaneaves) P.4

Nursery (Toddlers) P.7

Club (Groby) P.30

Pets & Parrots (Midland) P.31

College (Groby Community) P.9

Plasterer (M. Hoyland) P.12

Computer Repairs (Anstey C.) P.2

Plasterer (A. Merrall) P.5

Computer Repairs (Groby C.) P.12

Plumbing/Heating (C.Foulds) P.2

Computer Repairs (ICN C.) P.19

Plumbing/Heating (C.Harrison) P.24

Curtainmaker (ADJ) P.28

Plumbing/Heating (G.Knight) P.19

Curtainmaker (Hatton’s) P.5

Plumbing/Heating (Lowes) P.30

Decorating (A.Cox) P.26

Plumbing/Tiling/Heating (MRM) P.20

Decorating (J.A. Herbert) P.29

Plumbing/Heating (G.Weisner) P.12

Decorating (P.W.Yeomans) P.34

Plumbing/Heating/(A. Douglas) P.5

Dentist (Crofton House) P.1

Print Services Etc. (Mayprint) P.18

Dentures (Dentures at Home) P.21

Property Maintenance (IDC) P.20

Double Glazing (A1 L.Windows) P.22

Property Maintenance (J. Wait) P.18

Double G. Repairs (W. Services) P.27

Pub Food (Nag’s Head) P.17

Driving Lessons (Alliance) P.8

Pub Food (Plough Inn) P.28

Drum Lessons (D. Rowe) P.20

Pub Food (Old Thatched Inn) P.35

Electrical Sales (Keith Smith) P.15

Skip Hire (Anstey) P.16

Electrician (Control Electrics) P.3

Skip Hire (Map Waste) P.25

Electrician (G & T Electrical) P.6

Slimming World (Hazel) P.22

Electrician (P. Glover) P.20

Solicitors (Dodds) P.26

Energy Assessor (S. Mason) P.26

Taxi (Area Link Travel) P.19

Estate & Lettings Agent (S&W) P.36

Therapy (Bodytalk) P.14

Estate & Lettings Agent(Spectrum)P.7

Tree Care (Hunter T. Care) P.7

Fencing (Fensit) P.4

Tree Care (Martin Page) P.22

Fencing (Shooter) P.21

Upholstery (S. Shuttlewood) P.29

Fitted Furniture (Swift) P.7

Veterinary Services (Leggett) P.33

Foot Health (J. Partridge) P.8

Vinyl Records (Jonny) P.12

Funerals (Anstey F. Services) P.33

W.E.A. Classes P.24

Furniture (Suite Superstore) P.13

Yoga (Jackie) P.3

Garage Services (D. Colledge) P.17

Zumba (Sarah) P.11 & 26

ATTENTION PARTY ORGANISERS and anyone wishing to enjoy our hospitality

Summer Special Offers

Garden Services (Shooter) P.35

Always buy good shoes and a good bed, because if you’re not in one you’re in the other.

35

Thornton

Glenfield

Oakfield Avenue

Extended four bedroom detached family house situated within a cul de sac. With as fired central heating and double glazing this spacious family sized accommodation briefly comprises; 20ft lounge, 20ft dining room, fitted breakfast kitchen, cloakroom, conservatory, four bedrooms, bathroom, garage and garden to the rear. £235,000

Mere Cottage

Believed to be the oldest house in the village, this house has been sympathetically and lovingly restored by its current owners.

The cottage stands on a stunning landscaped plot. Four bedrooms, open-plan live in kitchen and a wealth of period features. The family sized accommodation has views over Thornton Reservoir.

£545,000

Kirby Muxloe

Sileby

Markfield

Botcheston

Spinney Drive

Cygnet Close

Barbara Avenue

Birchfield Avenue

A two bedroom modern town house situated in a cul de sac location convenient for the centre of Sileby village.

A spacious three bedroom detached bungalow situated on a mature plot in the ever popular Kirby Muxloe area. £239,950

Three bedroom semi detached house, situated in a cul-de-sac position within the popular village of Markfield close to the village centre..

£119,500

£120,950

Situated on an over 55’s development a well maintained two bedroom s/d bungalow located on the outskirts of the popular village of Botcheston, £123,500 near Markfield.

Thornton

Earl Shilton

Merrylees Road

Lyndene Close

A large four bedroom executive detached house with stunning views over Thornton Reservoir.

£285,000

Ratby

Thorpe Astley

Oakham Road

The Pinfold

Bolus Road

£2,400 PCM

Selling or Letting you will need an Energy Performance Certificate.

We can supply at £50 including VAT.

Let - More Required. Beautiful two bed semi detached property located in a quiet cul-de-sac location.

£550 PCM LET

Very well presented two double bedroom semi detached home located in Thorpe Astley.

£575 PCM

Thorpe Astley

Bradgate Heights

Thurnby Lodge

Marshall Close

Blakeshay Close

Drumcliff Road

LET - More Required. One bedroom coach house style apartment.

£450 PCM LET

Modern two bedroom, second floor flat located in a good residential location to the edge of Glenfield.

£475 PCM

Thorntree Close

A modern three bedroom detached house convenient for Glenfield hospital, the A46/ M1 link, Leicester city centre, Beaumont Leys Shopping centre £192,500 and Bradgate Park.

We are delighted to present this outstanding and secluded property sitting on a large plot.

The property has recently undergone much refurbishment to the highest quality. There are electric gates and surveillance cameras at the entrance to the property, a tree lined tarmac driveway which is large enough for several vehicles leading to £450,000 a double integral garage.‘

Halstead Keep

This beautiful property is deceptively spacious throughout, ideal for a large family and will be let on an unfurnished basis.

Bradgate Heights

LET- More Required. Refurbished to a high specification throughout is this spacious three bedroom semi detached family home.

£575 PCM LET

Ingarsby

Ingarsby Old Hall Cottage

New to the market is this spacious detached family home, benefiting from oil fired central heating & double glazing throughout.

£750 PCM