German Youth Wind Band to perform at Brookvale BROOKVALE GROBY Learning campus will be hosting 40 young German students from Lindau in Bavaria.
They have chosen Leicestershire as their venue to come on tour this year. During their stay they will be visiting our cathedral and Richard III centre as well as stopping off in Nottingham and London. They will be spending the afternoon with Brookvale’s Groby music and language students of similar ages, rehearsing together and eating pizza. The evening will end with a joint performance at the college with the Brookvale campus wind band. All are welcome. The event takes place on Tuesday 6th September 7.00pm Groby College Drama Studio. Tickets cost £3.50/£2.50 concessions. The two bands will present a lively programme of music including Slumdog Millionaire, Movie themes from 1984 and Glee Showstoppers as well as traditional Bavarian music. Who knows... could this lead to a cultural exchange to Germany for our Groby music and language students? • There’ll be a futher opportunity to hear the Bavarian Band at St Patrick’s Church, Beaumont Leys Lane, Leicester on Thursday 8th September 7.30pm
Letter
Wilson and Sons AFTER 44 YEARS of being the newsagents to Groby we are now transforming into Wilsons of Groby Convenience Store. While we will continue to sell and deliver papers and magazines we shall now be able to offer a wide range of services and products for many years to come in our new refitted shop still at our old address 26 Ratby Road Groby. My staff and I would like to thank all those who have continued to support us with patience and tolerance during the turmoil of the reconstruction work. With the help of our Symbol Group, Mace, we shall endeavour to serve the people of Groby with competitiveness, friendliness, and choice and will be retaining all the staff you already know plus a few new faces. We thank you for your past support and hope you will be with us on this new adventure.
Bob, Stuart, Greg, and all the staff
Co-Op Launches Scheme For Green-Fingered Pupils PUPILS FROM the Lady Jane Grey Primary School helped to put the “grow” into Groby as they dug into a new scheme launched by the Co-op’s Groby food store to connect children to the food they eat. Children from the school planted vegetables in a plot created by the Co-op’s Laundon Way food store in a bid to provide a fun way to “cultivate” an interest in gardening and encourage a greater understanding about seasonal produce. The new scheme, known as “A Place to Grow”, works in partnership with the school and with the support of the Hawgrip Nurseries, Enderby, to help to enrich the curriculum by providing a creative, practical and first-hand learning experience. The hands-on activity also provides opportunity for crosscurricular learning, including developing social and team skills, and promoting science, numeracy, literacy, problem solving and creative writing. Kelly Hearn, Community Pioneer at the Co-op’s food store in Laundon Way, Groby, said: “The children had a great time. ‘A Place to Grow’ provides a space for pupils to learn and engage in a creative and fun way. As a community retailer we are committed to making a positive difference locally. The activity presents a host of cross-curricular learning opportunities, but also provides a flavour for the dedication and hard work that growers have to put in to grow the great quality seasonal British produce that the children will see on the shelves in store.”
NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 17th September - Advert/Articles needed by 3rd September
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Bradgate Rotary Club launch the Bradgate Park Calendar for 2016
Football for the little ones
BRADGATE ROTARY MEMBERS were proud and excited to head down to the amazing new visitor centre in the middle of Bradgate Park (sponsored by the Leicester Rotary Club) on July 3rd to launch the Bradgate Park Calendar for 2016 and meet some of the amateur photographers who feature in the colourful calendar.
GROBY JUNIORS Football Club would like to invite all 4 to 6 year olds to come and join us on Saturday mornings to have fun, make new friends, learn about teamwork all while learning and playing football.
Bradgate Rotary Club had launched a competition during the spring for local amateur photographers to send in their favourite camera shots from their visit to the park. After a great deal of difficult deliberation by a small team of volunteers; 12 winners were finally chosen to feature in the calendar (thanks to Tom Clark, John Hitchings, John Wilcox of i2image Photography, Jo Hayward and Jim Davis from BBC Radio Leicester). The calendar was generously sponsored by local businesses and organised and printed by Ask Sue Witts Printing Services in Anstey. It is now displayed proudly for sale in the Bradgate Park shop and at the Visitor Centre and all proceeds raised will go to The Bradgate Park Trust. Please pop to the park and take a look – it would make a lovely present for local friends or a reminder of a local beauty spot to have on your own wall next year. Or you can call in at The Stamford Arms in Groby to order a copy or attend one of our Rotary Breakfast meetings (the first and third Wednesday of each month 7.30am at The Stamford Arms) where members will make you feel very welcome. Contact our new President, Clare Walker on 0116 270 1935 if you want to know more about becoming a member of Bradgate Rotary. Clare took up her new role as President for 2016-2017 in June as Club Members ( supported by Graham Martin, Rotary Assistant District Governor) thanked Brian Rigby for all of his hard work, enthusiasm and big ideas during the formation and the first year of the new club. We hope 2016 will see lots more members of the community wanting to join our team.
We meet every Saturday Morning on the Groby College playing fields from 9:30 till 10:30. The cost is £2 per session. All you need is a water bottle, shin pads, clothes to suit the weather and a smile. All are welcome, Girls, Boys, all abilities. The planned sessions are run by our Academy coaches who are FA qualified, including first aid training and FA CRB (now called DBS) checks. More importantly they are full of enthusiasm to put smiles on kids faces. Feel free to call/text Ant on 07792 764759, or drop him an email on grobyjuniorsacademy@hotmail. com
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby author’s new thriller highlights newspaper life in the 1970s FORMER journalist Richard Cox has had his second Simon Jardine murder thriller series book published by Fahrenheit Press. Set in the1970s, A Fatal Drug explores a fictional world of torture, murder and drug dealing and smuggling.
Richard, who writes under the name Tony R Cox, says that the new book is available digitally through Amazon, and will be published in paperback in July. One of his short stories was published in the Leicester Writes Festival anthology, Lost & Found, and he also took part in the online crime fiction festival weekend, BritCrime. The hero of A Fatal Drug is a young reporter who works with crime reporter Dave Green and their friend Tom Freeman to solve the puzzle of a mutilated dead body on a hotel roof – all in the quest for a career-making front page lead. The action switches between the Midlands and Southern Spain. “The book, and the whole Simon Jardine series, are clearly fictitious, but I have tried to capture some of the excitement of being a reporter during the heady days of hot metal printing, and when there were no mobile phones or internet. They were an era when the reporter was given the time and, to some extent the wherewithal, to dig out complex stories,” he says. A Fatal Drug, published through Fahrenheit Press, is the second in the series. The first, First Dead Body, was self published. Both are available through Amazon. Richard spent seven years on the Derby Evening Telegraph before moving to the Nottingham Evening Post, where he was a sub-editor and later appointed Business Editor. He has lived in Kirby Muxloe and now Groby for more than 26 years.
Richard Cox Tel: 0116 287 5495 Email: richard@tonyrcox.co.uk Web: www.tonyrcox.co.uk
FREE Budgeting Course www.capmoney.org Are you in control of your money... or do your finances control you? Can you save up to pay for the things you need... or do you pay for them all ‘later’ - with interest? The CAP Money Course, comprises three easy sessions to help with building a budget and saving for the future. The CAP Money Course is not for people with debts (though they can be catered for) - it is suitable for anyone and everyone whatever their financial situation –good or bad – and is completely confidential. The next course will be: When: Where: To book:
7pm on October 3, October 10 and October 17 Glenfield Methodist Church, Station Road, Glenfield, LE3 8BT email stephbc@hotmail.co.uk or call Steph on 01530 243606 / 07572 852684
We will be using CAP’s systems, resources and training but essentially, it is local people helping other local people at a local venue.
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Groby Allotment Society News “Life With A Lottie” By Jane Marston THE SEASON is very much in full swing with the emphasis on picking and cropping. As the weather is hot and dry (at the moment) the boss leaves the plot alone as much as he can. He is not a believer in watering main crops as the dry roots go down looking for damper soil instead of looking to surface water. This makes the plants more stable and stops any rocking from shallow roots. The boss has asked me to mention the problem on the plots at present with the onion crop (some sort of beetle). It was suggested to him by a fellow gardener that a spraying of a weak solution of Jeyes Fluid would do the trick and so far so good the onions have picked up very well. We have had a second year of not very good results from the strawberry patch and as older age catches up with us, and the tending of the crops and the bending over to crop the fruit the boss has decided that the strawberries have to go! I must admit the price of English strawberries in the season means that they are readily available and I will still be able to make my jam – I don’t freeze strawberries as they are not something I cook with. The new freezer is already nearly full of fruit and veg ready to use ‘off season’. As with most seasons we have had great successes and some disappointments – is this what makes gardening interesting and challenging? We are already looking to the autumn and its mellow fruitfulness – I think autumn must be my favourite season - the feeling of another year of bounties appreciated and the planning of the next seasons to be enjoyed. The plots are looking good and the allotment committee have reported no problems to be discussed, although I think we did have a few sheds broken into earlier on in the season. The bacon buttie mornings continue on the first Sunday morning in the month and we continue to meet and chat with new and old friends over a drink and a bacon buttie – you will be made very welcome. The memorial/community garden has gained some new roses and the garden is well cared for and it is a pleasure to sit awhile and rest. Thanks to all of you who spend time and effort making this a lovely addition to Ratby Road plots.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH Cheesy baked courgettes • 4 courgettes halved lengthways • 250g tub ricotta • Zest 1 lemon • Handful of fresh herbs or a sprinkling of dried herbs • 4tbsp breadcrumbs Heat the oven to 200c or gas 6. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds of the courgette then place in a baking dish. Mix together the ricotta, lemon zest and herbs and season with salt and pepper – top with the breadcrumbs and a few knobs of butter – you could sprinkle on some grated cheese instead. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the courgettes are tender and the stuffing is golden brown. As usual I tend to make up the stuffing as I go along and you can replace the ricotta with almost anything and cover with grated cheddar and bake – this is a good way to use up the glut of courgettes.
Parallel lines have got so much in common. It’s a shame they’ll never meet.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby Christian Aid Photographic show at Collection raised £3,313 the Atkins Gallery
Groby Christian Aid collection 2016
Thank you to the many, many people in Groby who contributed to this annual collection.
A total of £3,313.62 was donated. Raising funds is just one link in the marvellous chain of aid which reaches vulnerable people in great need. If you missed this opportunity and would like to help, there are more stories of practical help to be given and ways of supporting to be found at www.christianaid.org.uk
Do you have a sweet tooth? If you have a sweet tooth, beware: the cost of chocolate bars, biscuits, cakes and fizzy pop are going up and up. And no wonder – the cost of sugar has risen by nearly 40 per cent in one year. Data from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation shows that raw sugar is at a two year high due to freak weather conditions that have hit sugar-producing regions.
AN exhibition promoting the art of photography is being staged at Hinckley’s Atkins Gallery later this summer. It is being staged from 22 to 30 August by Earl Shilton Camera Club, which is promising an even bigger and better display than its inaugural show last year. The club, which holds Wednesday meetings at the George Ward Centre in Barwell, is aiming to provide a wide range of photographic subjects and techniques in an exhibition that will appeal to everyone. The exhibition is sponsored by fellow photographer and actor Bill Ward and Earl Shilton Town Council and incorporates an Evening View on Wednesday 24 August, which is free and open to everyone. Councillor Jan Kirby, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Arts Champion, welcomed the exhibition and urged people to pop along and take a look at the photographs on display. “After the success of last year’s show, I am sure there will be much to appreciate with the range and quality of the exhibits.” For further information on the club please see the website: www. earlshiltoncameraclub.org.uk. For more information on any of the upcoming events and exhibitions at the Atkins Gallery please visit www.atkinsbuilding.co.uk or email info@ atkinsbuilding.co.uk
Letter
THOUGHT this would put a smile on your readers’ faces! I couldn’t believe my ears! Two 13 / 14 year old girls were ‘pokemoning’ in Groby village centre when this conversation was overheard: Girl 1: I’ve never been to ‘Grobby’ before! Girl 2: Where do you live then? Girl 1: I live ‘Shevril Way’. At least pokemon had got them out the house - let’s just hope they found their way home!
Name & Address Supplied
Did you hear about these new reversible jackets? I’m excited to see how they turn out.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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When will we get a GRIP on the housing crisis? Norman Griffiths reads Matthew Lay’s thoughts on social housing MATTHEW LAY lives in Field Head and in addition to being a Councillor on Markfield Parish Council he has also been the Borough Councillor for Markfield, Stanton and Field Head on Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for the past 21 years. He is the last remaining Labour member on the Borough Council. Matthew writes thoughtful and carefully considered articles for the Markfield Herald, many of which deal with issues that extend beyond the parish boundary and affect everyone. One such article in April discussed the policy of extending the Right to Buy to tenants living in Housing Association properties. His concerns are shared by leaders of the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats locally and led to a joint meeting with David Tredinnick MP who still represents most of the Borough area, but not Groby. The purpose of their visit to Westminster was to ask him to make representations to his government about how how damaging they believed the proposed changes will be to the Borough Council’s efforts to meet the housing needs of residents. “The Government are determined to give a ‘right to buy’ to current housing association tenants,” explained Matthew. “The problem is that they don’t own these properties to give away and don’t have the money to fund such a programme. So the government’s answer to this is to tell local Councils that they must sell off the highest value void [houses that become empty] properties and hand these proceeds direct to the government to compensate the housing associations. This move has a particular impact in places like Markfield and Stanton and other similar villages such as Groby. This is because house prices tend to be higher in these places than in urban areas. This means of course that these will be the houses sold first. These communities already have far too few council properties for the needs of the local community (resulting in local families on low incomes being forced to move out of a community they have lived in perhaps all of their lives) and so this change will in the space of just a few years, reduce to almost nothing the numbers of council houses available here. It will be made worst because the Government is also proposing to effectively make all current council tenants undergo 3 yearly reviews of their tenancy. If in those three years they have improved their standing or are deemed not to need a council property because they earn too much, could rent privately or possibly look to buy, they may find themselves unable to renew their
tenancy and as a consequence have to give up their council home. Apart from the merits of this which I believe to be wrong, the other issue here is that not just has a tenant been told to leave a home for no other reason than they have been doing OK in life, but when this home becomes empty as a result and classed as void, the Council is forced to sell the property onto the open market. This will happen despite the Borough alone having over 4,000 families on the waiting list. This is how we end up with no council houses but still lots of people needing them.” With regards to the promise to build a new house for each one sold Matthew says that it is a hollow promise : it has never happened and never will. He adds that “the government are set to allow housing developers the ability to offset requirements to set aside a certain percentage of all new homes built for social rent. This requirement will be relaxed and replaced by a simple discount on purchases of the house for first time buyers, but the problem is that once the discount has been taken it is only of benefit to the original buyer not future buyers of these properties.”
Concerns shared at Westminster A number of things have happened since the April article and the meeting with David Tredinnick. “At the Lords stage there was a great deal of concern expressed by all sides and at one stage the bill looked like it might not pass and a result the government made concessions and pilot trials,” Matthew explained.
So what are the views of Groby’s MP? Charnwood MP Edward Argar is more optimistic. “The key point remains that nothing has been formally set as criteria/process given the pilot, and it is the outcome/
analysis of that pilot that will determine how the scheme will actually be designed,” he explained to the Spotlight. “I am, however, confident that the roll-out version of the scheme will be designed to give people increased opportunities to buy their own house, without leading to shortages of social housing or increased pressures on social housing locally.” Unlike the sceptics he believes that receipts from selling current property will help build an additional house on a one-for-one basis. He says that, as currently proposed, Local Authorities could exempt certain properties (even if high value) from sale, for example if they meet a particular specific local need and could not easily be replaced. “This would allow a Local Authority to protect certain properties, however valuable.” He does not believe a void would automatically trigger sale, adding “I believe the criteria and process will prove far more nuanced to local circumstances than that.” In respect of ‘high-value’, he argues that that this is envisaged as reflecting local conditions, not a single national amount, “so the fact that property prices are relatively high in Hinckley and Bosworth compared to some other parts of the country would not mean disproportionately large amounts of housing in H&B would need to be sold.” This does not, however, clarify the policy within the borough where there may be significant price differences between local communities.
Matthew is not convinced “I remain concerned about the impact of high value voids in reference to housing in places like Markfield and Groby where typical housing prices remain above the Borough average so an adjusted ‘High Value level’ for the Borough
would have a disproportionate impact here, “he said. “In addition although the one-for-one is promised it is not legislated for as yet and although this requirement might be delivered (although because of the discount the actual return from the sale is likely to be less than the cost of building a new home so it might be sell 2 to get 1 built) it could simply mean a Housing Association building its replacement properties in cheaper areas such as Earl Shilton/Barwell which would again disadvantage those families needing social housing for rent in our community, where there are already shortages of affordable rented property.”
Winners and losers With the population of the UK forecast to increase by 5 million over the next 10 years the pressure on housing is going to continue, and market forces are unlikely to produce a satisfactory result. Some might argue that The Great Social Housing Sell Off over the last few decades has produced winners and losers. The winners are those who may be able to buy their housing association homes, as buying a home at a discount is eminently sensible for a family and probably the best financial decision they can make. The losers include the generations that follow who wake up aged 35 and realise that because of economic necessity they are still living with mum and dad. And if previous experience is any guide the taxpayers could also be losers. A Guardian investigation found that Council houses have been sold off at valuations up to seven years out of date and at discounts of up to 70%, bigger than those ever envisaged by Margaret Thatcher. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets sold a one-bedroom flat for £42,000 when it was valued at £142,000. A twobedroom maisonette was sold for £40,000 when it was worth at least £125,000. Exceptional cases no doubt but the total discount given has been estimated at a staggering £4billion. Critics of The Great Social Housing Sell Off might feel that, just like the great energy debate about how we keep the lights on, successive Governments have spent more time tweaking around the edges than getting to grips and resolving the challenges that face the country. Only time will tell whether they are right or wrong.
When you drop your phone, your heart hits the ground before your phone does.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Letter
Macmillan Coffee Morning at Studio J
Letter from Uncle Eustace
On how to baffle the church committee The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren I WAS DELIGHTED to hear that you have been made chairman of the Missionary Subcommittee; it should help you to hone your skills in appearing to encourage committee members to contribute while ensuring that they only say the things you want to hear. It is a skill that needs not a little practice; democracy only works if all the important decisions have been made beforehand.
WE ARE holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning, for the 4th consecutive year this September. As you are no doubt aware, the Coffee Morning is a charity fund raiser to help raise money to assist cancer sufferers, and it is something close to our hearts. This year we are making a big effort, with a marquee at the front of the salon, and we are hoping to raise our biggest amount to date. Please help us to support this very worthwhile cause.
Julie Hogben Studio J, Groby.
However, do remember that sub-committees are only formed in order either to kill an idea stone dead, or to give the chairman of the main committee some time to decide what he wants, since he isn’t sure how to handle the issue at that particular moment. I formed a sub-committee in 1999 to discuss Miss Fothergill’s suggestion of creating a “water feature” on the Rector’s Glebe land, as a way of celebrating the Millennium. I noted at the time that no one wanted the thing on their own land. It’s significant that whenever people suggest some imposing edifice, they always think it will be most appropriate either in the Rector’s garden, or in some public place, well out of sight of their own homes. While this particular group has been working away tirelessly, and endless masons and architects have been approached, a suitable design has yet to be presented. It looks as if a suggestion will eventually be considered by my hundredth successor as we enter the third Millennium. That is the customary rate of progress for St. James the Least, which I find entirely satisfactory. The procedure for decision-making is always the same: after enormous effort, the sub-committee will produce a carefully worded report, which will be circulated round all members of the church council. At the next meeting, they will be thanked profusely for all their hard work and the matter will be discussed at great length. It will then be proposed that the final decision will be taken at the next meeting, after everyone has had time to consider the matter more thoroughly. Come the next meeting, the item will somehow fail to appear on the agenda, and when it is raised in Any Other Business, it will be pointed out that it is now far too late in the evening to tackle such an important issue. From then on, you can be assured, it will sink without trace. Always remember the golden rule: a church committee meeting consists of a body of people waiting to go home. Your loving uncle,
Eustace
Groby Book Club: Thomas Herbert For All Book Lovers Smith’s Trust Fund GROBY BOOK CLUB meets on 3rd Thursday of each month between 2.00pm-3.30pm at the Waldrom Room, Groby Village Hall. The participation fee of £2.00 per session includes refreshments.
The next meeting will be on Thursday 15th September. This is our first meeting back after the summer break so please do come and join us if you can. Our reading tastes are quite varied and we are starting back with a very gentle romance by JoJo Moyes entitled The Last Letter From Your Lover. On the 20th of October we move on to Gerald Durrell’s My Family and other Animals after the success of the tv series. On the 17th November it is Susan Hills’ Black Sheep. We do not meet in December so we have set ourselves a challenge for January meeting next year by reading Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind. If you want to come and join us at any time please do you are more than welcome, and don’t worry if you haven’t finished Gone With The Wind you can always cheat a bit and watch the film - it’s always on TV over Christmas! For more information contact Linda Boyd via email to: bookclubgroby@gmail. com or phone Julia Taylor on 0116 287 1895.
We can help individuals in need, and local groups resident in Groby. Some of the types of help given in the past include:
• • • • • • • • • •
Assistance to the elderly Children’s clothing Food Training courses Help with travel costs during family sickness Convalescent holidays Electric wheelchairs and scooters Computer equipment for the disabled Special medical treatment Help to improve the quality of life for the disabled
Further information and application forms can be obtained from: Mr A R York Clerk to the Trustees 6 Magnolia Close Leicester LE2 8PS Tel: 0116 283 5345 or mobile: 07980 451336. Email: andrew_york@sky.com
Whenever I have a problem, I just sing, then I realize my voice is worse than my problem.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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When people go underwater in movies, I like to hold my breath and see if I would have survived in that situation.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
County Councillor’s Report Wallace Drive Traveller Appeal AFTER 4 MONTHS of waiting it was a relief to residents when they finally got the news on Friday 22nd July that the Appeal against the Council’s decision to refuse this application had been dismissed. This application was in the most inappropriate location and had access issues from the start, which would have led to an increased use of the access track onto the A50 causing a highway danger to road users. This application has been going on for over two years now. It has seen two applications refused by the Borough Council’s planning committee, the last one resulting in this Appeal. During that time I have worked with Cllr Peter Batty who was the then Borough Councillor and the recent Chair of the Parish Council. We have worked closely with the local community who set up their own residents’ group known as the Bradgate Hill Residents’ Group. The residents also set up their own fighting fund to put objections against the first application.
I would like to thank the Parish Council for funding the objections to the second application and the subsequent appeal. I was particularly pleased for the residents with this result, after all the diligent hard work they had put into fighting the two applications and the subsequent appeal. As the County Councillor I had always argued that this application should have been refused on Highway Grounds and that was the only reason the Appeal Inspector refused the application on.
Groby Pool AntiSocial Behaviour IN APRIL this year I received several complaints about activities of AntiSocial Behaviour on the car park and surrounding area of Groby Pool. To that end I have had meetings with the police and the Borough Council’s Anti-Social Endeavour Team and the executive member for community safety. The police arranged for extra patrols and the Borough Council were putting extra measures in place. After our meeting the following joint message from the Police and Borough
Council was put out to residents: “With the spring and summer months approaching it is anticipated that we will see an increase in antisocial behaviour across the borough and in public places. “To pre-empt this seasonal rise, the police and borough council are looking to proactively tackle any anti-social behaviour issues that may arise at Groby Pool and to look at some preventative methods such as new signage and increased police patrols. As part of the focused campaign we want to actively encourage people who witness antisocial behaviour to report it. “Anti-social behaviour is a wide range of unacceptable activity and includes things like vandalism, graffiti and fly-posting, fly tipping, anti-social driving, incidents of indecency and groups of young people drinking or taking drugs.” I have since received complaints that unacceptable behaviour has not only taken place around Groby pool, but it has also spread into the community Meadow next door. This is not acceptable and I have as your County Councillor requested the police take firm action to stop this. If you witness any such behaviour and are offended, please ring the police on 101 and report these incidents to the police. This is the only way we can get extra police resources to deal with these issues. How to Report Anti-Social Behaviour If you want to report anti-social behaviour or a crime that is not an emergency, you should call Leicestershire Constabulary on 101 or your council anti-social behaviour team on 01455 238141. To report an environmental issue or environmental crime such as litter, dog fouling, graffiti; fly tipping, fly posters, abandoned vehicles, litter bins, road sweeping and removal of needles and glass call the council’s Clean Neighbourhoods team on 01455 238141 Remember, in an emergency, you should always call 999. Alternatively, if you want to remain anonymous, you can pass on information about crimes to the independent charity, Crime stoppers, either on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
LED Street Lighting LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is currently in the process of carrying out 68,000 street light replacements across the County.
They will converting all the current lighting elements to LED. They are programmed to complete all the installations within the next 3 years. Initially we will be concentrating on the low level street lights (5&6m columns) which are mainly in residential areas. The (6m & above) are due to commence from October this year. Work on replacing the street lights in Groby is due to start in September. What change can residents expect to see? I am told the streets will look different at night with the ability to see colours for what they really are, the grass will look green and no longer a funny shade of orange/grey. There will be little difference in the overall brightness however the eye perceives white light better than orange light so a change will be noticeable.
Temporary Road Closure Of: Ratby Lane, Kirby Muxloe (Blood Hill) Leicestershire County Council Highways has agreed to the closure of the above road. The closure is required at the bridge over the brook near to the main street mini island. The road will be closed on the 1st August 2016 for up to 3 weeks. This will allow Leicestershire County Council Highways to safely carry out maintenance to the bridge.
Groby Post Office IT WAS a pleasure to be invited to the official opening of the refurbished Groby Post office on the 25th June 2016 which was opened by our local MP Edward Argar. Residents will be aware I campaigned to keep the post office at its current location and supported the campaign run by Groby’s retired postman Ernie Twells and the union representative. I would like to wish the new post mistress Ila Mashru and her husband Dipesh Mashru all the very best for the future.
Wilsons Convenience Store, Ratby Road Groby WILSON’S newsagents closed their shop a couple of weeks ago to allow the builders to move in to modernise the store. Greg had decided to diversify and
How do people write an auto biography? I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
from Ozzy O’shea mental illness. We currently spend £7.7 million on Community Life Choices and it is proposed to make reductions of £500,000 in 2017/18, rising to £750,000 in 2018/19, a saving of nine per cent. Paper copies of the survey are available on request by calling 0116 305 0232 or if you currently receive Community Life Choices your service provider will be able to give you a copy.
Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825
Email: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com change the news agents into a modern day convenience store. Well I am pleased to say the new store opened on Thursday 4th August. They have done a wonderful job it is a bright shop fully kitted out for all your grocery needs and still retains the newsagent’s side of the business. I wish Greg and all the staff a very successful future.
Have your say on highway maintenance A CONSULTATION is running on the future maintenance of roads, pavements and verges in the county. The Consultation runs from Tuesday, July 5, to midnight 25th September 2016 The authority spent £26 million looking after roads, pavements and verges, in 2015/16, either directly or through contractors. By 2020 the authority needs to reduce this to £16.5 million. The consultation is available in an easy-read format by calling 0116 305 0001 or emailing ; highwaysconsultation@leics.gov.uk
Community Life Choices LEICESTERSHIRE County Council has launched a consultation to seek feedback on proposed changes to Community Life Choices. The consultation will run from 25 July, until midnight on 4 September 2016. Community Life Choices are better known as day services, and provide a safe and supported place for people in Leicestershire with health needs such as learning difficulties, physical disabilities and
Accommodation strategy for older people and extra care review HAVE YOUR say on the proposed new adult social care accommodation strategy for older people and extra care review. In Leicestershire, there are increasing numbers of older people living in accommodation that doesn’t best meet their needs or support them to remain active, independent, safe and healthy. It has also been estimated that that between 2015 and 2030 the number of people aged over 75 years will increase from 59,900 to 94,400 - an increase of 39.74%. The consultation is available in an easy-read format by calling 0116 305 0232 or by emailing ascengage@leics.gov.uk
Possible Council Tax Reduction Scam I WANT to make residents aware of this possible scam. People and being cold called and advised that they can get their council tax banding reduced. The other week I dealt with a case where an 82 year old lady in Groby had received such a call. The lady contacted me and told me she had asked the caller to put it in writing. I gave the lady reassurance and I told her it seemed like a scam. I informed her that she could approach the council herself or come through me to verify that she was on the correct council tax banding. I established that she had not passed on any personal or bank details to the caller. I asked her to contact me straight away if any paperwork arrived, a week later the lady received a letter which asked her to complete and to return a form which required her to give them her personal details including her bank card and security number it said they would take a £65 fee to contact the council for her.
I visited the lady again reassuring her and handed the letter in to our trading standards officer at County Hall who are looking into this. Please do not be taken in by such potential scams from cold callers. You can always contact the Borough Council yourself to verify that you are on the correct council tax banding. If you are not happy with the Council’s response you can always challenge the banding yourself. This is not the first case I have come across. Please remember I am always here to help residents. I will gladly come out and give help and advice. I would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents. Please remember I am only a phone call or email away.
Ozzy O’shea
Always working for you Tel 0116 2394336 Mobile 07808585825 Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com
Groby Village Society Forthcoming Events Thursday August 25 Elizabeth Woodville ~ Mrs Sally Henshaw ~ Thursday September 22 Violet Jessop ~ Mr Bob Massey ~ Thursday October 27 You cannot be Serious ~ Mr Mick Rawle ~ Thursday November 24 Leicestershire in the 1940s and 50s ~ Mr David Bell ~ Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- groby.villagesociety@ tiscali.co.uk Non Members are Welcome.
I think my iPhone is broken. I pressed the home button and I’m still at school.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Road sign outside the gates of a cemetery: Drive carefully. We don’t mind waiting for you.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Message from Simon the Postman
ADAPT Prembabies charity is 21 this year! THIS YEAR we are off to Scotland for a walk on the wild side. We plan to tackle the Great Glen Way which is one of Scotland’s four long distance walks.
A great countryside day out this August Bank Holiday! AN ACTIONPACKED event showcasing what the Leicestershire countryside has to offer is being held at one of the county’s iconic country parks.
Beacon Hill Country Park, in Loughborough, will host Leicestershire County Council’s Countryside Show on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 August. Including heavy horse, lumberjack, sheepdog and bird-of-prey demonstrations alongside, art, photography and music, the show has been designed for all ages. Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for country parks said: “Beacon Hill is the gateway to the National Forest so is the perfect setting for our countryside show. “Through the event we’re building on the success of the Wood Fair, providing a family-friendly event for people of all ages to enjoy the delights of the countryside.” The event will run from 9am to 5pm, with tickets available to buy in advance or on the gate. Mountain bike displays and chainsaw carving demonstrations will be held across the day, with an auction finale for visitors to bid on some of the exhibitors’ show-stopping creations. Delicious Local food and drink will also be on sale. Around 100 exhibitors will also be there with demonstrations and products, while a craft marquee will be filled with handmade items to browse and buy. Early birds tickets with a 20 per cent saving are available online until midday on 26 August. These tickets are £8 for adults and £4.80 for concessions. Ticket prices include show entry, car parking and an event programme. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.leicscountryparks.org.uk
The route we will take runs from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the east, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the North Sea for a distance of 79 miles. With midges and weather permitting the hike should take 3 days! 2016 year marks the 21st anniversary of ADAPT Prembabies, it’s hard to believe that some of the tiniest of babies which includes my eldest daughter Sophie have now reached and are celebrating their 21st birthday this year. What started out as a small group of parents having the odd coffee together has grown and more importantly has survived to be what it is today. ADAPT now has a dedicated Family Support Co-ordinator who is actually based on the neonatal units at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General, a Support Group Co-ordinator who continues with the care for parents when babies go home right up to when they start school and a Development Co-ordinator who handles the day to day running of the charity which requires £50,000 each year to keep us going. Throughout the UK over 80,000 babies are born each year needing specialist hospital care so if someone you know – family member, friend or work colleague - is planning to have a baby, then statistics show there is a 1 in 9 chance that baby will need some type of Neonatal support. You may be surprised to learn that of around 10,500 babies born in Leicestershire each year, 10% need special care initially, with 2.5% of those needing neonatal intensive care – a frightening thought, isn’t it? Especially frightening to the parents who don’t understand fully what’s happening – and that is why ADAPT was born and is so needed. Many of you will be aware that my round has been altered as we have lost the bikes! My previous post round has been joined together with another round which I and my colleague Gary now cover with the van! This is why you do not see me as often as you used if you live on Woodlands, Markfield Road, Far Wood, Shaw Wood and Forest View. However, if you live on Crane Ley Road, Meadow Way, Larchwood Avenue, Beacon Close or Beaumont Green then you will see a lot more of me! I have been very fortunate that all my fund raising events have received fantastic support from family, friends, residents of Groby Village and Royal Mail and I would like to express my sincere thanks for your wonderful generosity. The final total for my last challenge which was the 2015 London Marathon was a grand figure of £3600. If you would like to sponsor me for this year’s challenge then please catch me on my post round in Groby or pop into Groby Post Office. For more information to donate or to fund raise on behalf of Adapt call Sue Williams, Trustee, on 01455 459523 or 07739 504783 or visit the website at www.prembabies.co.uk
How ‘Great’ are your Grandparents? AGE UK Leicester Shire & Rutland are inviting local primary schools to celebrate Grandparents’ Day whilst helping to raise funds for the charity. The day is celebrated on 2nd October although schools can participate at any time to suit them within the month of October. Primary schools are invited to support Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland with their own special fundraising day to help celebrate Grandparents’ Day which could include a Grandparents Assembly, non-school uniform day or silly hat afternoon for example. Schools can enter the competition by asking pupils to write a poem, letter or paragraph, creating a piece of art or anything creative they wish as long as it represents why their grandparents or great grandparents are so special to them. Tessa Trace, Head of Marketing and Income Generation at Age
UK Leicester Shire & Rutland said: “This competition is now in its third year and is great for both schools and children’s development as it encourages them to use their creative skills and imagination to produce some really special messages. Last year, the event was supported by over 120 school children and it was tough to judge as we received some really imaginative entries”. This competition and fundraising activity prompts pupils to think about the special relationship they already have with older people and to think more widely about
helping vulnerable older people through fundraising activities. The winning entries will be selected by a panel of Age UK staff and volunteers. The winner will receive four tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk at De Montfort Hall with runner up prizes. All participating schools will also receive a certificate of thanks for their support.
To participate, schools should contact Helen Fairhead at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland on 0116 223 7346 or by email on:
helen.fairhead@ageukleics.org.uk Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland will also be able to assist with ideas for fundraising.
I hate when people all of a sudden decide to be funny when I am drinking something.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
News from Elizabeth Woodville Primary School Farewell and Good Luck to Year 6!
Brazilian Carnival Dance Workshop
SAMBA! To celebrate the Rio 2016 Olympics, Elizabeth Woodville turned into Rio de Janeiro when we hosted a Brazilian dance workshop. Every child from the school had the chance to learn a traditional Brazilian dance with our instructor Rosetha. There was an incredible finale to the day when the children performed their acrobatic carnival routines in front of the whole school.
Y4 Trip to Woburn
AS WE COME to the end of another successful school year at Elizabeth Woodville, it is time to say a heartfelt goodbye to our wonderful Year 6’s. They have been a fantastic class and have achieved some amazing things during their time at our school, including performing at the Leicester Mercury School Awards and reaching the finals of the Rice Bowl and Premier League Schools tournament. They even reflected on their many achievements on the last day of term by burying a class time capsule in the school grounds (pictured below). Everyone at school will miss them tremendously. We wish you all continued success at high school and in the future. Come back and see us soon!
Area Athletics Champions
OUR TALENTED athletes from Years 4, 5 and 6 represented our school at the annual Area Athletics competition at Saffron Lane. Our children performed brilliantly, securing victory for our school for the first time in our history. We are very proud of you all!
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Our Year 4 children enjoyed an exciting end of term expedition to Woburn Safari Park. The pupils and staff had a great day in the sunshine. The children particularly enjoyed seeing the monkeys fighting to get on top of the coach! A fantastic trip which many Year 4’s said was the highlight of their year.
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We are all time travelers moving at the speed of exactly 60 minutes per hour.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Calling all Builders, Bakers and Candlestick Makers Also Plumbers, Kitchen and Bathroom fitters
Can YOU Help Your Library Grow?
WE ARE NOW in the position to progress our coffee shop plans which have been much talked about within the village. We have funding to adapt the staff kitchen area into a kitchen from where we can serve drinks, cakes and biscuits and to also change the staff toilet to a fully accessible disabled toilet for all our customers to use. This is where you can help, because we are looking for local tradesmen who would like to be involved in creating this coffee shop area for us. Please leave your details at the library or email janetebb@hotmail. co.uk for further details. There are so many areas in which the library needs help, advice and volunteers. We will need volunteers to help run the coffee shop, food and hygiene regulated bakers, flooring fitters and craft people to help us achieve our goal. The display within the library highlights other ways that people can help, so please take a few minutes to have a look and pass over your details to our volunteer librarians or email the above email address. Thank you to everyone for your continued support and in particular our invaluable volunteers.
Christine Fowler and Janet Bishop
Summer Activities In Groby Library SUMMER arrived at Groby Community Library with the arrival of the FREE Summer Reading Challenge - The Big Friendly Read. Children aged 3 to 12 years can sign up for this exciting reading challenge, this year celebrating 100 years of Roald Dahl, which runs until Saturday 3rd September. The challenge encourages children to keep reading and looking at books over the summer months while collecting fun cards and other items such as fun rainbow glasses, scratch and sniff cards and a medal when the challenge is completed. With the Big Friendly Read wallet each child has free entry to Bosworth Battlefield, Donington-le-Heath Manor House and The Roald Dahl Museum in Aylesbury. (One free child per one paying adult). There is still time to join up. The library is open Monday - Wednesday 2 till 5pm, Thursday 10am till 1 pm, Friday 2 till 7pm and Saturday 10am till 1 pm. Look out for Roald Dahl related activities in the library. There are lots of colouring sheets, making activity worksheets and also a treasure hunt.
Wriggle while you read WRIGGLY READERS continues over the Summer with older siblings welcome to come along too. On Thursday 18th August 10.30 till 11am, weather permitting, the session will be held outside sitting under a tree, so please bring a rug and children are welcome to bring a favourite teddy. Wriggly Readers is a free activity run by volunteer parents/ grandparents and carers on a fortnightly basis and the dates for September are the 1st and 15th September.
Children’s Activity Day: 25th August THE SECOND of our two Children’s activity days this month is on Thursday 25th August, from 2pm till 4pm. Join us for some fun-themed activities which will be based on favourite books and characters for all ages. There will be refreshments for both children and adults. Look out for the posters for further details.
What’s New WE HAVE introduced a Book Swap Shelf which is ideal for summer holiday reading. Browse through the books on our ‘Book Swap Shelf ’ and if there is any you like you can either swap it for a book from home or pop a £1 donation per book, in our donation box. When you have read it, bring it back and swap it for another! Our Jigsaw Library has finally arrived, so if you are bored with the television or want something to keep the kids entertained, come and check it out. For a weeks rental, adult jigsaws are £1 each and children’s 50p each. Come along and flick through our file to see our selection from 3D castles to 1500 piece jigsaws and wooden tray children’s puzzles. Did you know that we have Free Wifi for library members? All you need is your library membership pin number to connect onto our free wifi service at the library. Ask our volunteers if you need any help.
To err is human, to blame it on somebody else shows management potential.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Black Roses event helps highlight dangers of hate crime
E
IGHT YEARS after her daughter Sophie’s death, Sylvia Lancaster OBE is still campaigning to stamp out prejudice and intolerance towards people from alternative subcultures.
Sophie was 20-years-old when she and her boyfriend Rob Maltby were attacked in a Lancashire park in 2007. As a result of her severe head injuries Sophie never regained consciousness and died 13 days later. Following her death, Sylvia created a lasting legacy for her daughter by setting up The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. On 12 and 13 July, Sylvia was at Brookvale High School and Groby Community College as part of an event organised by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Leicestershire Police that aimed to raise awareness of hate incidents and hate crime among young people. Cllr Chris Boothby, Executive Member for Community Safety at the Borough Council, said: “Having seen the Black Roses film last year I Sylvia Lancaster (front row, centre) together with Groby Community College students Lauren really wanted young people in our borough to get the chance to see what is a very powerful and Dann, Lauren Fawcett and Rebecca Felstead. And (back, left to right): Lord Willy Bach (Police and Crime Commissioner); Bill Cullen (Deputy Chief Executive, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough moving film. Council); The Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth, Cllr Richard Allen; Cllr Chris Boothby (HBBC “We worked with Leicestershire Police, Groby Executive Member for Community Safety Services); Cllr Ozzy O’Shea (HBBC Ward Member for Community College, Brookvale High School Ratby, Bagworth and Thornton); and Cllr Mike Hall (Leader of HBBC). and The Sophie Lancaster Foundation to put on this event for young people in our borough as I feel it is really different is not something to The following day, Year 10 and 12 sessions. important that stories like Sophie’s be feared or loathed but to be pupils were shown the film Black “Working in partnership with the are told so that young people Roses which intercuts Sylvia’s appreciated and understood. The educators, police and council is understand the devastating impact recollections of her daughter students at the college didn’t shy the way forward. We were proud crimes like this have on people’s with first-person poetry written away from this tragic story but to work with Lord Bach, the Police lives. by English poet, playwright and faced the impact of the prejudiced and Crime Commissioner as he is “Being targeted because of novelist Simon Armitage. actions of a minority head on in clearly trying to ensure victims of who you are is unacceptable but After the screening, a question order to learn the importance of hate crime are heard. unfortunately still a reality for and answer panel including empathy with all people.” “We urge anyone who has been a some people. At the two day event Sylvia, Leicester, Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner victim of hate crime to report it.” students learned about the impact and Rutland Police and Crime Willy Bach added: “The appalling Rob Coles, Headteacher at of hate crimes not only on the Commissioner Lord Willy Bach murder of Sophie Lancaster, who Groby Community College, said: victims but also on their families, and Inspector Daniel Eveleigh of was brutally assaulted simply “Being able to share Sophie friends and the wider community.“ Leicestershire Police gave students because of her appearance, is a Lancaster’s story with our students The event, the first of its kind in and staff the chance to discuss the shocking example of how hate and was incredibly powerful. It is Hinckley and Bosworth, took place topic of hate crime. prejudice can show itself in such a so important for young people over two days. On the first day Sylvia Lancaster said: “We had violent and extreme way. growing up in a complex world to Year 8 and 9 pupils were shown a a warm welcome in Hinckley “Sylvia has committed herself understand that hate crimes exist two minute animated film called and Bosworth where we had to doing everything she can to on our doorstep. It taught our Dark Angels, which shows Sophie the pleasure of working with raise awareness of hate crime and students about how, despite lessons and her boyfriend being viciously over 1,000 students in Brookvale educate young people so that learned from history, that prejudice attacked. Before the film, young High School and Groby College. we can work to eradicate it from and hate still exists in the world and people listened to a talk by Sylvia Education is the key to challenging society. in our country. on bullying and stereotypes and prejudice and hate that blights our “I urge students to have the afterwards asked her questions about “By raising their awareness, communities and to share Sophie’s courage to report hate crime and hate crime, her experiences and her students at Groby Community story has made a positive impact work to stamp out hate crime. play their part in stamping it out.” College have learned that being on everyone who attended the five
The Sally Army – marching on prayer and a smile ON 20TH AUGUST the Church of England marks the lives of two formidable Christian pioneers of the Victorian era, William and Catherine Booth. Faced with the poverty and deprivation of the growing cities of the industrial revolution, they founded a new and revolutionary Christian mission. Eventually named the ‘Salvation Army’, it met with ridicule and abuse at first, but when people saw how lives were changed and families rescued from squalor and despair, attitudes altered. By the Great War years the Salvation Army – ‘the Sally Army’ as it was affectionately dubbed – was every soldier’s favourite charity. They were always there, just behind the front line, with a cup of tea, a smiling face and a prayer. As the recent TV series ‘The Sally Army and Me’ presented by Paul O’Grady demonstrated, although our cities are very different now, they still hide a multitude of desperate human needs. The Booths’ unusual ‘army’ is still there, still smiling and still praying.
Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Groby BMX maintenance – all talk and no action? Norman Griffiths listens in to the latest Parish Council debate
Time to act?
THEY SAY that what goes around comes around. In this case this doesn’t refer to the BMX cyclists but the Parish Council discussions about what is to be done with the track. It’s been discussed before and at the August meeting was discussed again. But on this occasion there was straight talking from one of the new members of the Council suggesting that it is time to stop talking and do something. The track has been embroiled in controversy since it was opened in May 2011, mainly because there has been little response to appeals for community involvement. In October 2009 local BMX enthusiast Jamie West gave a presentation to Groby Parish Council. The Council agreed to undertake a tender exercise for quotes for the design and build of a BMX track and £1,000 was set aside to enable the creation of a BMX Club membership scheme and associated administration costs. Twelve months later the project had virtually ground to a halt. The Council wanted to provide a high quality track at an estimated cost of £45,000, but fencing and low level lighting added another £29,000. The proposed BMX club would have to be apply for external top up grant funding, with no guarantee of success. There was little enthusiasm locally for this arrangement and at a meeting held in October 2010 it soon became clear that the preferred option was to fund a more modest track. Within a month the scheme had been revised by dropping the provision of lighting, the starting gate and the fencing. Jamie West, who had played a key role in delivering the BMX proposals,was delighted. “The approved scheme has not compromised the quality of the track being proposed and will provide an excellent facility for today’s young (and old) of Groby as well as for future generations,” he said at the time. “We hope that a club can be formed as soon as possible so we can start to deliver a structured training to those who want it and provide a safe environment for those who just wish to ride on a casual basis. We expect that once built the track will be a great success and the envy of surrounding villages.” Less than six months later the track was open.
Concerns about community involvement Twelve months after Groby’s BMX track was opened, questions were raised about the extent of
community involvement, the cost of maintenance and remedial works, and an alleged decline in the number of users using the facility. Groby Parish Council arranged a meeting in April 2012 to discuss the BMX track and the way forward. The lack of turnout for the meeting disappointed council members as only 3 members of the public with an interest in the track attended. In addition they heard that within the previous 24 hours there had been vandalism at the track. Attempts to form a club before the track was built were unsuccessful, but it was believed this would become much easier when the track was opened. This was not the case and further efforts were equally unrewarding. The community involvement which had been apparent in some other parishes has not materialised in Groby and the problem that had to be faced was that it was never the intention that the Parish Council run the track. Although young people were thought to be the prime users of the BMX track, this is a facility for the whole community. Surprisingly it seems that there has been little interest from schools, church or community youth groups, clubs or employers asking if they can organise events or competitions
at the BMX site. No mums or dads have formed a group and asked if they can organise girls-only sessions for those who may be reticent about riding with the boys. The summer of 2013 saw a turnaround in use and young people made the most of the track during the dry weather. “It’s spot on,” said one dad who was at the track with his son. “Whoever conceived and executed it needs to be thanked. “I had to coax my son on to the track initially as he was a little nervous, but now he really enjoys it.” By October 2015 Parish Councillors were still pleased with the success of the track but had some concerns as the area around it can get somewhat waterlogged and probably needed some drainage work. The track itself was also thought to be in need of maintenance and the Council planned an inspection by the suppliers before the 2016 season to see what needed to be done. After 5 years the track is deteriorating. Although designed for BMX use, parents have allowed children to use skateboards and scooters on it and this has accelerated surface damage. This is not just a problem for Groby and the installers have found they need to to offer a tougher, but expensive, surface coating which can cope with non-BMX use.
At the August 2016 Parish Council meeting, a member expressed the view that the condition of the track when it was discussed last October was such that it needed some attention before the risk of winter weather caused further damage. He added that the BMX issue was one which seemed to keep getting deferred without any resolution, and he wouldn’t like to see the track go into next winter without some remedial work. He added that the Parish Council had provided a good resource but is not looking after it, something which he thought couldn’t be left to ‘Joe Public’. He thought it wasn’t adequate to discuss it from month to month then do nothing, and advocated that at least some essential maintenance should take place to protect it through the winter months. He described the option of just bulldozing it as ‘sacrilege’. It was said that only around £2,000 had been spent on maintenance since it was opened 5 years ago. Another member said that a further sum had been set aside for essential maintenance before last winter but hadn’t been spent. In response to the argument that something needs to be done urgently, the familiar issues concerning the lack of community involvement and allegations of antisocial behaviour and vandalism were given another airing. No statistics are collated about the use of parish Council facilities and car parks but one observation about the BMX track was that this year there seemed to be few users during the first few weeks of the school holidays. The member who raised the issues about the lack of action agreed to get more involved and investigate the comparative costs of short term and more permanent remedial work. After 5 years it may be time for the Council to come to terms with the lack of community involvement and reluctantly decide whether or not the original plan has any chance of working. If an acceptable alternative strategy is needed but cannot be found they will then have to face a difficult decision.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? If you have ideas about how the community can be more involved, then the Parish Clerk would be pleased to hear from you.
Some of us learn from the mistakes of others; the rest of us have to be the others.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby Gardening Society News
June Trip to Barracca Garden OUR JUNE meeting has traditionally been the evening when we visit a local private garden.
This year a trip to Earl Shilton had been arranged. A short distance off the main road through this village we found our destination, “Barracca garden”, and what a gem it was! Apparently, a century ago, it was recognised as one of the finest gardens in England, although many changes to it have taken place since then. Whilst still a wonderful garden, it is much smaller than it was as some land has progressively been sold off for development. Originally, large water gardens were a feature of the plot and these were fed by the numerous springs to be found in the vicinity. The existing garden is usually opened under the N.G.S., but we were lucky to have a private viewing. Beautiful, mature trees blended into the meandering borders which were stocked with shrubs and favourite garden perennials. Large lawns with water features enhanced the spectacular views
A Wedding Cake Tree (cornus controversa variegata) seen from the patio and house areas. A large vegetable plot was also admired. The design of the garden allowed visitors to wend their way through hidden pathways which afforded different views at every turn and there were some lovely specimen plant and shrubs along the way. One in particular caught all eyes. This was the amazing “wedding cake tree” or cornus controversa variegata. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was rounded off by tea/coffee and lovely cakes.
Village Show – August 20th
BEHIND the scenes, preparations for this event have been going on for months and our show secretary must take the plaudits for undertaking the quite daunting organisational tasks. The availability of the schedules (Spotlight web site and village library) enables us all to see what contributions we can make so that the show maintains its enviable reputation. Each year it is good to welcome regular exhibitors, but it is especially rewarding when new exhibitors come and “have a go”. We say it each year, but without exhibitors the show would not exist and its continuation really needs a conveyor belt of new exhibitors as Father Time chips away at our stalwarts. Each year,visitors to the afternoon exhibitions can see that almost anyone will have something they could exhibit. Classes such as “A clematis flower” or “A hosta leaf ” or “A rose flower”, and more, ensure that all types of gardens
and gardeners have a place on the exhibition bench. In the Young Person’s section there are classes such as “A handmade greetings card”, “Garden flowers in a jam jar”, “A handmade sock puppet”, “A decorated gingerbread man” and, with The Olympics as a theme, “A decorated paper plate”. There are, of course, the usual floral, container plants, fruit and vegetables, flower arranging, handicrafts and cookery and preserves sections. Schedules are available from the library and are on the Spotlight web site (www.grobyspotlight.co.uk). In this you will find that exhibits in the container section are now limited to pots of a maximum of 9” diameter.
Our 3 day trip to Norwich area
ONCE AGAIN we were blessed with lovely weather for our annual 3 day trip. This run cannot last, can it? On Thursday, 14th July, we departed for our first visit which was Houghton Hall near Fakenham. What a splendid stop this turned out to be! The walled gardens were fantastic with their herbaceous borders at their very best. The current garden design was put into place in 1991 by Lord Cholmondeley as a memorial to his grandmother who died in 1989. As well as the aforementioned borders there was a herb garden, a fruit and vegetable section, a cherry walk, a croquet lawn, a greenhouse, a splendid rose garden and Mediterranean and Italian gardens. In addition there were acres of parkland boasting avenues of pleached lime trees and a resident herd of white deer. The hall was built by Sir Robert Walpole, England’s first Prime minister, and he saw it as a house for family living and a centre for sporting life, for riotous political entertaining and for splendid parade. Within a short space it is impossible to do justice to the elegance and sophistication of the hall and , suffice it to say, it is very well worth a visit, not only to listen to the enthusiastic stewards within the various rooms, but to see the enormous collection of toy soldiers, arranged in battle formation dating from Wellington’s time through numerous engagements right up to the second World War. Late afternoon saw us arrive in Norwich for our two night stay. The welcome received from The Maid’s Head Hotel was but the first of so many superb memories of this former coaching inn. The friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness of the rooms and the wonderful food served at dinner and breakfast were all exemplary. Situated in the centre of the city, and about 1 minute away from the cathedral, it could not have
been more conveniently placed. Members had plenty of time to relax at the hotel as well as having half a day to explore Norwich itself. More details about this memorable trip will be in the september edition of Spotlight.
Trips, outings and events planned •
August 20th (Saturday): The Village Show
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October 14th (Friday): A day trip to Batsford Arboretum
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November 16th (Wed): Social meal at The Stamford
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December 8th (Thur): Our regular meeting Christmas meal
Change of date PLEASE NOTE that the October trip to Batsford has been changed to Friday 14th. (Signing board available at meetings)
Future Meetings • September 8th: “Herbs” (with plants and books) - Lynn Tann-Watson • October 13th: “Secrets in the garden” - Alvar Johnson (At this October meeting, we will also have our seeds and plants swapping) • November 10th: Radio Leicester “Down to Earth” programme from our meeting If you like the sound of what we get up to, why not come along to a meeting and try us out. You will be most welcome. Our monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Eric Atherton. (Tel. No. 0116 287 6637) or Email e.atherton637@ btinternet.com
Alvar Johnson
Men are like mascara, they usually run at the first sign of emotion.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Martinshaw Primary School News ‘Head’ in the Stocks
Seed to Tum
FIRST OF ALL, I know that the thing that traps your head and hands is called a pillory.
YEAR TWO celebrated the end of the school year a little differently.
Some smarty kid in early years had already explained that to me. You know you’re getting old when you are being patronised by a 5 year old, at least they haven’t started to say ‘you’ll be alright dear’, yet ! Anyway, ‘Head’ in the Stocks makes a better sub-heading than ‘Head in the Pillory’. If you came to Martinshaw School Fayre you would, perhaps have been surprised at the length of one particular queue. Some thought that they were selling season tickets for Leicester City’s coming Premier League games judging by the excitement, but no, school Headmaster Mr Elson had sportingly agreed to put his head into the pillory and invited pupils and whoever wanted to, to chuck wet sponges at him. He personally raised over £60 and at 5 pence a throw, that’s a lot of pain and a lot of sogginess. I exaggerate, it was more like a pound a throw, but still a great effort. Despite competing with a number of other events locally, and the dodgy weather, the Fayre managed to raise in excess of £1700 towards whatever the school needs next year. Tracy Shearer, chair of the MSA, would like to thank all the parents, staff and helpers who made the Fayre such a success again, this year.
Gangsters on the loose WHAT WITH the Head being trapped in a Pillory and now American Gangsters roaming the school at will, what on earth is happening to our quiet little school at the end of Forest Rise. Year 5 and 6 decided to take on the monumental task of producing the stage version of the children’s gangster classic ‘Bugsy Malone’. Complete with, of course, gangsters: (with tommy guns), gangsters molls, dancing girls, a heroine and, of course, a somewhat sleazy hero. All supplemented by lots of knuckle cracking and foam filled violence, with some very passable American, lower east side accents. With plenty of great music, talented dancing and singing, but most importantly the children and audience had a great time.
Along with the Rainbow Jelly and ice cream produced by Teacher Mrs Tipton, the children ate peas and potatoes, with relish, that they had grown, nurtured and picked themselves, with the help of Mrs Tipton and our gardening expert and volunteer Mr Alvar Johnson. The moral of this story is; if you want the kids to eat their greens, ‘get ‘em to grow ‘em themselves’ !
Hello and Goodbye SADLY MARTINSHAW says goodbye, or is it ‘Au Revoir’ to long term staff member Mrs Hammond and also year 5’s Miss Talbot, to pastures new. While we welcome into the Martinshaw family, new teachers, Mr Green and Miss Wood also LSA’s (Learning Support Assistants) Mr Pyatt and Mrs Jackson. As it’s the end of the academic year we also, of course, say goodbye to our wonderful year 6’s, most of whom entered the school as slightly nervous and tiny 4 & 5 year olds 7 years ago, but now leave us as confident young men and women on the verge of teenage-hood. Good luck to them and God Speed in their futures.
And Finally I WOULD like to congratulate Elizabeth Woodville School for their success at Goodison Park representing Leicester City in the Premier League School Tournament. It makes you wonder what it is in the air, or perhaps in the school dinners that continues to produce such fine sportsmen from our small Primary Schools, with Martinshaw’s success at Wembley in 2012 and now Elizabeth Woodville’s. Whatever it is, we need to bottle it.
Owen Lawrence
Anyone for Badminton? Friendly Badminton Club requires players at Groby Community College on Wednesdays 8pm-10pm. Tel: 0116 267 5800 for details.
Who invented the brush they put next to the toilet? That thing hurts!
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Gem 106 star Amy Voce helps LOROS Lottery celebrate turning 20 COMPLETE with a delicious cake created by Royal baker Fiona Cairns, tea and an extra special visit from Gem 106 presenter Amy Voce, LOROS Lottery enjoyed an afternoon celebrating their 20th birthday.
How low can they go? Norman Griffiths hears of more crime at Groby cemetery IT WOULD BE EASY to assume that the well maintained grounds of Groby cemetery would be the one part of the village where one could escape the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Somewhere you could sit quietly with your thoughts and reflections on one of the many benches provided. On a day to day basis this is true, but there are those in our society who see something else, an opportunity. It’s now nearly six years since families who arrived to pay their respects to loved ones found horses had apparently been let loose, trampled across graves and eaten floral tributes. Distraught visitors to Groby cemetery had to usher the five animals away from the resting places of their loved ones. Groby Parish Council said that mourners had been left “shocked” and “incensed”. It is thought that the horses were let into the cemetery so they could graze, before someone locked the gate behind them so they were unable to get out. The council said at the time that it fenced off fields it owns in the area after it previously had problems with horses. The cemetery grounds includes a Parish Council store building which in the past has been the subject of a very carefully planned burglary clearly designed to circumvent the alarm system. Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen in this incident. Last month brought the most baffling theft of them all – the removal of the dovecote. The Chair of the Parks and Cemetery Committee summed up her thoughts in just a few words - “How low can they go?” The Parish Council will not be replacing it for the moment in case the thieves are tempted to revisit. Meanwhile there appears to be someone in, or visiting, the village who wants the pleasure of seasonal flowers but without the chore of growing them or buying them. At least that’s the conclusion of those who have had to deal with the theft of plants from the Parish Council flower beds.
Two decades after launching in 1996, the Lottery team hosted a party, held in the Hospice grounds for staff and volunteers to celebrate their milestone. Radio star Amy Voce, who is best known for playing her half of famous duo ‘Sam and Amy’ on the Gem 106 breakfast show, made a guest appearance at the event. Liz Singleton, Amy Voce and Speaking about the visit Amy said: “I was honoured to Jennifer, Lady Gretton, celebrating LOROS Lottery’s 20th birthday be invited to LOROS for the lotteries 20th birthday. “I’m always blown away by what an incredible job all at LOROS do and what a fun and warm place it is to be. Here’s to another twenty years of more vital and fantastic work.” Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton and President of LOROS also attended the event, as well as Fiona Cairns, who is best known for baking the Royal Wedding Cake in 2011. Skylark Bakery also baked a selection of delicious cakes for the event, while acoustic guitarist, Martin the Wedding Singer kept those attending entertained. Lottery Manager Liz Singleton, who has been part of the team since the beginning said: “It took a little convincing from the rest of the team to hold a party to celebrate LOROS Lottery turning 20 but now, I am so pleased we did. “I was overwhelmed with the attendance, as we had staff members and volunteers from all different departments come along to help us celebrate. “To think, 20 years ago, there was just the two of us, sitting in a small office and now, look how far we have come, I have a team of 10, with more than 80 collectors and 25 volunteers. “The past 20 years has been an absolute rollercoaster of a journey but we definitely wouldn’t be where we are now, having raised more than £11million for LOROS Hospice, without the commitment, passion and support from my wonderful team. “I want to thank everyone who helped us celebrate and ensure the party was such a success.”
Why you should leave your tea to cool before you drink it HERE IS A bizarre finding: that extremely hot drinks can cause cancer, and should therefore be left to cool for a few minutes. According to the World Health Organisation, hot drinks of 65C (150F) and over are likely to cause cancer of the oesophagus. It’s the heat; not the beverage; there was no evidence that the coffee or tea caused cancer. Of course, it is an easy problem to solve: recent research published in the journal Burns found that a cup of tea with 10ml of milk cools down to under 65C in less than five minutes. The Royal Society of Chemistry recommends drinking tea at 60 – 65C, while Northumbria University believes the perfect temperature is 60C for tea. As for coffee, most experts recommend 40 to 60C.
Laugh and the world laughs with you. Snore and you sleep alone.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Summer lost for students in the East Midlands, as cost pressures bite
Spotlight Small Ads • PRO FITNESS Trampette (ex. Argos).Designed for indoor use. Dia. 92cms. Height 23 cms.(supported by 6 steel feet). As new. Price: £30.00 Tel: 0116 287 6686. • 11’ EXTENDABLE ALUMINIUM LADDER, full length 20’, Good condition. Buyer to Collect. Price: £20.00 Tel: 0116 225 0559. • FREE - Qualcast cylinder electric lawnmower. In working condition. Tel: 0116 232 1960. • LADIES FALCON EXPLORER silver/purple with black wire basket, rear rack, lights & helmet. Price: £30.00 ono. • BMW GS - indoor dust cover, grey heavy duty. £15.00 ono. Tel: 0116 232 2541.
IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Spotlight, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Our postal address is Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk. Please put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line, and include your postal address (not for publication).
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84% of students in the East Midlands say they feel pressure to gain work experience over the summer because of higher education costs and greater competition for graduate jobs
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Over three quarters (77%) of students feel it is important to work over the summer, citing various primary reasons…
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A third (33%) say they are working mainly to get work experience, but 17% say they are doing it to meet everyday living expenses and 21% cite the need to cover next year’s living costs
IT’S ALL WORK and no play for students in the East Midlands this summer, according to a survey commissioned by Europe’s largest student lender, Future Finance. Over four in five (84%) students say that, compared to previous generations, there is now more pressure to gain work experience over the summer because of higher education costs and greater competition for jobs after graduation, meaning that for most the prized break will be spent in employment – if they can find it. Conducted as students were breaking up for the summer, the survey asked 2,000 youngsters from around the UK about their plans, and finds that over three quarters (77%) of students in the East Midlands feel it is important to work over the summer months, citing various reasons. 33% state the main reason they will be working is to gain work experience. However, at the other end of the spectrum 17% cite their motivation as being ‘to pay for everyday living expenses’ and a further fifth (21%) plan to work this summer to cover next year’s living expenses. When asked about how much they would save to meet this goal, just over half (52%) say they expect to save between £500 and £2,000 to put towards fees or living costs. At the typical hourly rate of just £6-£8 an hour that over a half of students (54%) expect to earn, this suggests that at least 83 hours of pay will have to be put aside to
meet the £500 target. To reach the £2,000 saving target, students in the East Midlands would need to put aside over 333 hours’ worth of wages. A shocking 21% say they will be working 31-40 hour a week this summer and a further quarter (26%) say they will be working just under that at 21-30 hours. Jill O’Hara, a second year psychology student, said: “Once you’ve had a bit of a rest and recharged the batteries, the summer break is a great time to explore all kinds of opportunities. It’s a priority for me that I gain work experience that will help my future career. But it can be tough finding work that’s relevant to your degree, in your area, pays ok and is temporary or shortterm. So many jobs demand very particular experience, or they tend to be permanent roles, which a student obviously can’t take on. So it feels like there is really strong competition for the few jobs that are an ideal fit.” When asked what summer is all about, 68% agree that it’s important to earn money, but two thirds of students (66%) see summer as an opportunity to spend time with the family (66%). Brian Norton, CEO of Future Finance, commented: “Summer is becoming an increasingly important time for students. It’s a great opportunity to gain work experience that will ultimately prepare them for life after university and accelerate their careers, as well as earn a bit of money to help towards the next academic year. But, it’s very worrying that
so many students could lose out on their entire summer, a period traditionally associated with play and winding down after a tough academic year, because of the cost pressures they now feel. “There’s no doubt students are facing a more competitive work environment these days. Relevant, interesting summer work on a CV makes it a lot easier to get noticed when applying for jobs after graduation. But it’s equally important they get enough rest and downtime, so they can start their next university year energised and focused on their studies.”
When I was a boy, I laid in my twin-sized bed and wondered where my brother was.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk I NOW KNOW I am getting old! At our June meeting, Pat, our President, came to our monthly meeting with a very sore throat so was unable to speak, a rare event at our WI. So, yours truly as VicePresident was called upon. I have been a member for well over thirty years and have sung Jerusalem at every meeting. This time, however, I stood up, welcomed the ladies and said, “We shall now sing…” It had just gone. When I did remember the word Jerusalem the ladies by then were laughing their heads off. That was only the beginning. Ruth Green, an Executive at W I House came to give us a few tips on showing crafts, cookery etc. Ruth, a very jolly person, admitted that cookery was not her speciality but she did pass on a few good tips. It was a night of laughs. Ruth was to judge a competition for the best lemon drizzle cake. Our Judy, a known non-cook, submitted her cake. When Ruth picked Judy’s purely on its look Judy’s ‘friend’ just yelled out, “But she doesn’t cook”. Judy couldn’t stop laughing along with the rest of us. The lesson to be learned is to have a go, even though you think you are no good and haven’t a chance, you never know!
AGM Report We also had Angela reporting on the AGM which was held at Brighton. Every time our Rep attends, the report is that it was very interesting but always what a good time they had had. There were two Resolutions this year: “Appropriate care in hospitals for people with dementia’ and ‘Avoid food waste, addresss food poverty’ (lunch followed!). Angela was pleased to say both were passed. Rona Fairhead, BBC Trust Chairman was the first speaker. Rona showed them a few clips from a wide range of BBC programmes, including Blue Peter to David Attenborough and even, wait for it,
Groby WI visited the lovely town of Stamford ‘The Night Manager’. The second speaker was Baroness D’Souza, Lords Speaker, whose role is to promote and protect the reputation of the House of Lords. To use her words, the purpose of the Lords is to sort out the rubbish put forward by the Commons”. The Baroness went on to explain many things, one of which is that the House could operate just as effectively with half the number of peers but it will be slow to change.
Outings Our monthly outings included the Lunch Club, the W I walk and a visit to see ‘The 39 Steps’. It was given mixed reviews. There was also a trip to Stoney Stanton for their annual ‘Strawberry and Wine’ do, very good with a lady doing flower arrangements. Some members went to see “Absolutely Fabulous” which again got mixed reviews. How lucky can you get. Our July trip to Stamford and Easton Hall Gardens turned out to be a great
day out. We spent the morning in the lovely town of Stamford where the weather remained dry. It’s a really pretty place. I went into the Tourist Information for some info. The lady couldn’t have been more helpful. Whilst there she said, “Would you like to see the Ballroom”. With that we were whisked through a door into a lovely Georgian ballroom. The lady told us that behind many of the pretty façades there are some lovely hidden places. It was suggested we went to the Library to see the tapestry. This tapestry took 17 years and was finished in 2000. It depicts the Town’s history, the churches, buildings, industries and the people. It has 6 panels and measures 20’ x 2’. It was wonderful and a visit to Stamford is highly
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recommended. Later we boarded the coach to Easton Hall Gardens. We were met by, please note, Lady Ursula Cholmeley, whose family estate it has been since 1561. Lady Ursula gave a very interesting talk on the House and estate’s history. The actual House, unfortunately, has had to be pulled down but the Gatehouse and many buildings remain. I arranged our visit to fit in with their sweet pea time, they have over 100 different varieties. The modern sweet peas apparently are more hardy but not very fragrant but the old fashioned varieties were just wonderful. We finished up with a cuppa and piece of cake which was huge. Everyone appeared to fall in love with the place Our next meeting is at 7.30pm on Thursday 18th August at the Village Hall, when Nasser Butt will be speaking about Tai Chi and not doubt getting us Tai Chi ing, if you see what I mean. Come along and enjoy yourself, you would be most welcome.
Margaret
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I don’t wish there were more hours in the day, but I could use a few more at night.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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I wear sunglasses at the poker table so people can’t see me crying.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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National Trust Leicester Association
Award-winning Stoneywell Cottage is now one of Leicestershire’s top attractions STONEYWELL COTTAGE at Ulverscroft opened to the public just 18 months ago. Since then it has proved to be a very popular NT property and has won a number of awards. The property was awarded a Highly Commended certificate in the Small Visitor Attraction category at the Leicester and Leicestershire Excellence in Tourism Awards. Recently the property was also awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the independent web site “Trip Advisor”. They now list it as one of the top ten visitor attractions in Leicestershire. The cottage is kept in immaculate condition by a large group of conservation volunteers who clean and maintain the property every day. They also “dress” the rooms according to the seasons with summer objects mid year and items such as bed warmers in the winter. The split level cottage consists of a dining room and a sitting room on the ground floor and five bedrooms and a bathroom upstairs. All the rooms contain some of the original furniture from 1899 when the cottage was built. The four acres of garden are looked after by the NT gardener and 20 volunteers. Over the last three years they have worked very hard to bring the garden to its current excellent condition. In the spring there are carpets of daffodils and bluebells and throughout the year over 50 varieties of rhododendron flower at different times, including in winter. In addition the garden contains many varieties of plants, shrubs and trees including magnolias, a Handkerchief tree, a Chilian Firebush tree and a Wisteria to name but a few. Since opening, the small tea room has been refitted to offer more comfortable seating and the small “shop” has been enlarged. The stable block has been tidied considerably and some old family photographs are now projected on to one of the walls. The cottage still features in a number of international books on architecture and receives visitors from all over the world. During a visit you can learn about the cottage, the stable block, the garden, the attached woods and the three generations of the same family that lived there. A very detailed “virtual tour” of the property is available for less mobile visitors. Stoneywell Cottage is open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm until 30th November. All visits must be pre booked either on line at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ stoneywell or by telephone on 01530 248048. The National Trust Leicester Association begins is winter meetings on Tuesday 13th September at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. Alan Tyler (NT) will present a talk on The NT on the Devon/Somerset Border. For details of the National Trust Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.
Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer
Every Saturday morning 10.00am—12.30pm
Weekly events for children and young people For 6’s to 14’s on Mon evenings, at 6.00pm or 7.45pm;
for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm; for 15-18’s on Fri at 7.30pm. We meet at the United Reformed Church
Catch
All of these activites, along with our work in schools, are provided by the two churches in Groby under the group name EXTEND.
Fair Cuppa:
fairtrade refreshments in fairly traded mugs! Every Thursday, 10.30—12noon Pop in, meet friends and make new ones!
For further information please see websites and church magazines St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church www.grobyurc.com Revd Sue McKenzie 232 1733 Youth Worker Ruth Cross 07759 087804 Children and Families Worker John Fryer 07540 957926
Some people have a way with words, others not have way.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Borough Councillors’ Monthly Report locally know where facilities such as schools, churches and surgeries are. It is also worthy of note that too many signposts not only spoil the look and feel of an area, but that this can also be both confusing and distracting for motorists.”
Appeal Decision for Land to the East of Wallace Drive THE APPEAL against the refusal from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to grant planning permission for a traveller site at Wallace Drive has been dismissed.
Fellas Following Footpaths
For the residents of Lena Drive and Wallace Drive area of Groby as well as Groby as a whole this is an excellent result. Whilst many arguments were put forward by both sides it was on Highway Safety Grounds that the inspector deemed the site inappropriate and therefore dismissed the appeal. The inspector also considered the applicant’s eleventh hour request to reduce the number of pitches from two to one. This significantly in my view called into question the applicant’s insistence on his needs to the inspector throughout the public enquiry. The inspector also deemed this solution inappropriate, therefore dismissing it too. So what does this mean for the site? Since the applicant purchased the land, two planning applications have been refused by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Planning Department one of which (the latest one) went to appeal. The appeal has been dismissed. What happens next? The applicant could choose to seek a judicial review of the appeal decision. Maybe occupy the site illegally or sell it on to someone else who may try the whole process again. We have no way of knowing the intention of the applicant but would ask residents of the area to keep a close eye on activity at the site and report anything suspicious to us. If anyone would like a full copy of the notice please e-mail me at: hbbc@applicancehome.co.uk
Groby Pool Condition of the Water A NUMBER of residents have contacted us regarding the quality of the water at Groby Pool. I have had notification through from the Environment Agency that there is Blue Green Algal bloom at Groby Pool causing the issue. They are contacting the land owner, Hanson’s, who will be responsible for erecting signs etc, this has already been completed. Blue Green Algal is a common issue of open lakes at this time of
Martin Cartwright Call: 0116 287 4500 Mobile: 078 50 70 70 50 E-mail: hbbc@appliancehome. co.uk Write: Maverick House, 10 Pine Tree Avenue Groby, LE6 0EQ year. People are requested to stay out of the water and keep dogs on leads to minimise the risk.
Mes Enfants Day Nurseries Increased Capacity MES ENFANTS day nurseries have applied to the Borough Council to increase the number of children permitted from the current number of 28 to the increased capacity of 36 children. This application has been successful and therefore granted. Ted and I congratulate Mes Enfants on this having given our full support to the proposals. This will see the number of places available to Groby parents increase further adding to the choice available.
Bradgate Park Calendar Congratulations to Mike Pratt for his photograph chosen for the Bradgate Park Calendar and sponsored by the Stamford Arms in Groby. Well done!
Lawnwood Road Shops COUNCILLOR HOLLICK and I have requested a sign to be installed at the Woodbank Road, Ratby Road junction advising motorists of the Lawnwood Road shops. Sadly the response from Highways is not a positive one, please see below “Thank you for your e-mail pertaining to the proposed introduction of a local shops sign at the junction of Woodbank Road and Ratby Road.
Ted Hollick Call: 0116 287 5955 Mobile: 07962 373983 E-mail: ted.hollick@tesco.net Write: 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, LE6 0FY
“Whilst we can appreciate that there is an existing combined sign at the junction of Ratby Road and Martinshaw Lane we would not look to implement this type of sign now. “Directional signs exist to guide drivers who are unfamiliar with their route toward their destination and the majority of these signs serve a valuable function in preventing drivers becoming lost. Facilities such as schools / local shops generally do not attract significant amounts of visitors from outside the area, and normally the local population will have means of finding the locations of these without requiring traffic signing. “Furthermore, guidance has recently been issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding the amount of clutter on the highway network. This guidance requests that local authorities actively seek to reduce local signing that is unnecessary and that highlights the fact that regular visitors and people living
INSTEAD of the winter Film & Food for Fellas for the lighter evenings the Fellas will be going outdoors and Following Footpaths around Groby. Meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 7.00pm in the URC car park we will walk out of Groby and back via a different route. They will be walking for 60-90 minutes on at times muddy/rough paths – so walking boots and possibly waterproofs required. If the route takes us by a local pub we will stop for a drink. All Fellas welcome – just turn up and join in. Suitable for all ages takes place on the first Thursday of each month from April – September starting at 7pm from the United Reform Church car park.
We Are Here To Help You Should you have any comments or problems you would like us to mention in our articles please get in touch. Please remember if we can ever be of service to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact us, our details are listed under our photos. Kind regards
Martin Cartwright & Ted Hollick
How to grow your brain IF YOU DO exercise which is strenuous enough to get your heart pumping hard, it may help your memory, because it triggers a protein that fosters the growth of brain cells. Researchers at the National Institute on Ageing have discovered that when muscles exercise, they produce a protein that travels to the brain and triggers neuron growth. “Overall, the message is that a consistently healthy lifestyle pays off,” explained one neuroscientist.
Vitamins and pain-killers FOR THE first time in a decade, we are taking our vitamins more seriously than our pain killers. Sales of vitamins in chain stores and supermarkets have increased by 1.8 per cent to reach £362.7million, according to an analysis in The Grocer magazine. The magazine said: “As lifestyles become increasingly hectic, Britons are choosing pills as their preferred nutrient source – or as a daily pick-me-up.”
I love being a writer. What I can’t stand is all the paperwork.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
‘This Changes Everything’ A FILM about why the climate crisis is the best opportunity we’ve ever had to build a better world. Narrated and inspired by the book by Naomi Klein. • • • • •
Friday 7th October 2016 Groby Community College 7.00-9.30pm Bar open from 7- 9.30pm, film screening 7.30-9pm followed by feedback opportunities and further information.
Filmed over 211 shoot days in nine countries and five continents over four years, ‘This Changes Everything’ is an epic attempt to reimagine the vast challenge of climate change. The film presents seven powerful portraits of communities on the front lines, from Montana’s Powder River Basin to the Alberta Tar Sands, from the coast of South India to Beijing and beyond. Interwoven with these stories of struggle is Klein’s narration, connecting the carbon in the air with the economic system that put it there. Throughout the film, Klein builds to her most controversial and exciting idea: that we can seize the existential crisis of climate change to transform our failed economic system into something radically better. Unlike many works about the climate crisis, this is not a film that tries to scare the audience into action: it aims to empower. Provocative, compelling, and accessible to even the most climate-fatigued viewers, ‘This Changes Everything’ could leave you refreshed and inspired, reflecting on the ties between us, the kind of lives we really want, and why the climate crisis is at the centre of it all. Will this film change everything? Absolutely not. But you could, by answering its call to action. “Purposely unsettling… Ultimately encouraging”– Variety Magazine “If you care about justice you must see this.” Kumi Naidoo, Former Director at Greenpeace International Come and be inspired! For more information contact karensilverwood@googlemail.com
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A SMALL BOY asked his mother for a cucumber to take to Junior Church. A slightly puzzled mother complied. Later she asked what it had been used for. ‘Sorry, mum,’ he confessed. ‘I got it wrong. We were supposed to bring a newcomer.’
I’ve just painted a giant blue square in my back yard so Google Earth thinks I have a pool.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Newtown Linford Gardening Club News THE WEATHER was glorious on the evening of our annual summer garden party. Over eighty members and friends gathered at our chairman’s home and enjoyed a most convivial evening. A buffet of salmon, quiche and salad followed by gateaux, cheesecakes and cheese was served and washed down by glasses of Pimms, wine, beer and soft drinks. Everybody brought a prize for the raffle and a record number of 75 tickets were drawn to give them all away. July has been a momentous month for two of our members. Joanne Kennedy who runs the ‘Garden Blueprints’ Garden Design Company created her first garden at the recent garden show at Tatton Park. She entered her garden in the ‘blooming gardens’ section and not only won a gold medal but also best-in-show in her category. This is a tremendous achievement on her very first occasion and we are all delighted for her. Patricia Hardy, another of our members is also a member of the Cottage Garden Society and has had one of her photographs selected for their 2017 calendar, She is naturally delighted to receive this honour. Her work can be seen at an exhibition at the Shuttleworth Clarke Centre in Ulverscroft from August 1st until September 30th. Hopefully some readers will take the opportunity to view this exhibition. Our August trip to Felley Priory in Nottinghamshire has proved very popular with a full coach of members aiming to enjoy a private visit to the gardens and a private lunch. In September our speaker is Mick Eaton from Leicester Parks Department. He comes to us quite regularly and is always highly knowledgeable and entertaining and we never quite know what we are going to get until he arrives. The opportunity to hear Fergus Garrett from Great Dixter has proved popular and all tickets have now been sold. We will have a packed hall to hear one of Britain’s most charismatic gardening experts – a most prestigious highlight of our year. We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us. If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary (tel. 242452 or e-mail 01530242452@talktalk.net), or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors). Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.
Anne and David Couling
Why story-telling is good for us DON’T LET anyone tease you if you enjoy novels and drama. Story-telling is more than just entertainment – it really does have an important role to play in our lives. So says a professor at the University of Toronto. It seems that reading or watching fiction increases your ability to understand the feelings of others, and so can break down divisions between people of different backgrounds. “What’s a piece of fiction…a novel… a short story… a play or movie or TV series? It’s a piece of consciousness being passed from mind to mind.”
Groby & Field Head Spotlight PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT
Telephone 01530-
244069
Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk 3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings. Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby & Field Head. Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press. The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight. None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.
Breakfast like a king, dine like a pauper THE OLD saying ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper’ could well turn out to the very best of advice if you want to lose weight and stay healthy. According to a recent study by King’s College, the modern lifestyle of eating more as the day goes on, instead of less, is causing havoc to our body clocks and digestion.
NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 17th September DEADLINE: 3rd Sept
The nice thing about being single is I’m always there when I need me.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Funny how the phone always rings longer when you’re ignoring a call.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
8/7/2016
Word Search Puzzle
OLYMPICS Wordsearch Forgot username or password?
Passcode/Cre
If you can spot the names of 12 OLYMPIC SPORTS in this issue’s Wordsearch puzzle,
Solutions Resources you could win yourself a meal for and Districts a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: Free A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.
What We Offer
Who We Are
Teachers
To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 OLYMPIC SPORTS. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: CHARIOTS OF FIRE, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8,
M W H Z G Y Z E W I A S U Y K M S A O D A H N U W U Y I E A A O S N F K L M N F I H S N A R I D B J E O N D A F D Y V N Q C G E Y X V V V C E E L S B E I H U R Z E M K E W T L O K S T A E D N H N L Q C S W I J Z C E E R L P G Z F N D H Y S P R A L V Y O E L X I M F N L B H Q Y B I K V N N G N I C N E F G O G A U V F T L M A F A N O C O U O T M R I A Z C J S C S K D C U R T Y W A T E R P O L O L C U Y J R I E S H F Z Z J M X F S M J B L F N L L A B Y E L L O V H C A E B Q G O U W I L F M B S I O T E P D F N E L C C T L C H V K C A T T Z Q B K M E P O E W O A B V F O A J P
Coming up at CURVE ARCHERY BEACHVOLLEYBALL CANOESLALOM DIVING FENCING HANDBALL ITJUDO IS JUST over 40 years since ABBA MODERNPENTATHLON won Eurovision RUGBYSEVENS and now it’s your SHOOTING chance to thank TABLETENNIS ABBA for the WATERPOLO music!
ABBA MANIA! The Original From London’s West End
Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Friday 2nd SEPTEMBER 2016. Remember to include your name and address. The first allcorrect entry drawn out of the Editor’s swimming cap will win the prize. Good luck! Here are the twelve OLYMPIC SPORTS you have to find:
ARCHERY • BEACH VOLLEYBALL • CANOE SLALOM DIVING • FENCING • HANDBALL JUDO • MODERN PENTATHLON • RUGBY SEVENS SHOOTING • TABLE TENNIS • WATER POLO Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................
Last Issue’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch competition was: EMMA BROWN of Fieldcourt Road, Groby Congratulations! Your prize will be with you soon.
Could YOU be a foster carer? A SUMMER campaign has launched to encourage people to find out about fostering with their local authority.
Leicestershire’s children need foster carers
Children across Leicestershire need residents in their communities to come forward to offer them loving, secure homes ABBA MANIA is in familiar surroundings. accepted as the Leicestershire County Council’s fostering We’re asking, world’s number one Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com service is on the doorstep to provide regular could you? touring ABBA tribute placements to carers, as well as tailored production, which support and specialist training every step of celebrates their music the way. and revives those 0116 305 0505 Councillor Ivan Ould, cabinet fosteringleicestershire.com special memories of member for children and families, said: when the group ruled “Leicestershire children need families from the airwaves. their communities to offer them loving homes. This is a night not to “Having local foster families means we can ensure our children have be missed, so dig out those platforms, dust down those flares, and enjoy all familiar surroundings and support during their time in fostering. of your favourites including Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen, “And by fostering with your local council, you know support, advice and Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper and many more! training is available right here on your doorstep; it’s like being part of a wider To book, call the Ticket Office on 0116 242 3595 or visit the website at community. www.curveonline.co.uk “It is important that we encourage more potential foster carers to come forward to find out more about the rewarding and valuable role. Our priority is keeping children safe and supporting young people in the best possible If you enjoy reading the Spotlight, please pass way.” To find out more about fostering call the recruitment team on 0116 305 it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished 0505, email fosteringandadoption@leics.gov.uk or visit the website at with it. Thanks! www.fosteringleicestershire.com Quote: ‘FOSTER7’ when enquiring
Q0293 FOSTERING AD GROBY AND FIELDHEAD SPOTLIGHT 194(W)X268(H)MM 01.indd 1
I’m giving up on the silent treatment. Going to start talking to myself again.
11/07/2016 16:59:04
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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South Charnwood High School Facilities & Venue Hire Situated within convenient access of the M1 and with ample parking, South Charnwood High School is the ideal place for venue hire for a number of activities. Outdoor and indoor facilities can be hired by a wide range of organisations including sports and arts clubs, residents’ associations, community groups and private individuals. Facilities include sports hall, tennis courts, field, kitchens, halls and classrooms. The newly built dining hall is a fantastic party venue! To book or discuss your requirements please contact Angela Preston Tel: 01530 242351 Email: apreston@southcharnwood.org or complete the booking form on the school website: www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk
South Charnwood High School, Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9TB
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19 Ratby Road Groby, Leicester 0116 287 0041
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