December 2010 Shepshed Eye

ISSUE 1: December 2010/January 2011

Packed With Information.

Please Read Every Page!

Shepshed Community

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EYE

It’s NEW - It’s HERE - and It’s for YOU! Your chance to get involved!

A Community Plan for Shepshed Samantha Woods reports

A group of local residents and business people have been meeting regularly since the Summer to work on creating a Community Plan for Shepshed.

The first stage of drawing up the Community Plan is a consultation exercise. A large part of the consultation will be done through the distribution and completion of a questionnaire to every household and business in Shepshed. This is currently being drafted by the steering group. If you are interested in contributing to the questionnaire then please contact Samantha Woods (contact details page 2) or leave a message on our Facebook Group.

You can also meet us and give us your views at the Shepshed Xmas Community Event on Friday 3rd December at Shepshed High School 6.30pm - 8.30pm .

We want to hear everybody’s views – so if you are part of a community group and would like a member of the Steering Group to come to one of your meetings to discuss your most pressing issues about our town, please use the contact details below to let us know. Or you could come and join the Steering Group yourself!

From the public meetings already held and a Planning for Real exercise held at Newcroft school, a number of ideas have already started to emerge about current concerns and possible future activities. We have started looking the possibility of having a Farmers Market/Food Fair and a Summer Carnival. Other things people have said are really important to them include; adult education, leisure activities and facilities, business regeneration and shopping, road safety, public toilet provision and the resiting of the war memorial.

Continued on page 2 >>>

Shepshed’s Best Dressed Christmas Shop Window Shepshed Town Council has invited local shops to enter into a competition for the “Best Dressed Christmas Window”.

Judging will take place during the beginning of the week commencing Monday 13th December; a plaque will be awarded to the best-dressed window and will be presented by the Chairman of Shepshed Town Council, Cllr Diane Horn.

The Town Council hope that as many shops as possible will join in and help to brighten up Shepshed for the festive season.

Eye Eye! - it’s your new community magazine Welcome to the first issue of Shepshed Community Eye - your new community magazine.

A few weeks ago, Shepshed Town Council contacted us to discuss to setting up a regular community magazine, which would be distributed free to homes and businesses throughout the town.

The result of that phone call is the magazine which you are reading now.

After a rollercoaster few weeks of contacting potential advertisers, inviting local groups to send us news, and drawing up lots of new adverts for local businesses - we are pleased to be able to bring you Issue 1.

Please have a read - and let us know if you like it. We’d like Shepshed Eye to become a valued part of Shepshed life - but we need your feedback to improve the magazine. Your comments and suggestions are essential.

Please let us know the type of news items, articles and features you are interested in and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

Email us at info@shepshedeye.co.uk or drop a line to Shepshed Eye, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT. We look forward to hearing from you!

We’d like to express our thanks to all of the advertisers who have supported this new venture, and we hope that your advertising messages receive a good response from readers.

Thanks also to everyone who has sent in an article, news item or club details for inclusion in the magazine.

The Shepshed Eye Team

Tel: 01509 822 000 - www.theshepshed.co.uk Articles & News: info@shepshedeye.co.uk • Advertising Enquiries: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Report from the Chairman of Shepshed Town Council My name is Cllr Diane Horn and I am the Chairman of Shepshed Town Council.

I am one of 15 Elected Councillors who work voluntarily for the benefit of Shepshed. The Council works closely with other Shepshed organisations and community groups to make Shepshed a better place.

Some examples of the work that we have achieved here in Shepshed has been to purchase new play equipment in Glenmore Park for the benefit of the town’s young people in the form of a kick-wall and outside gym equipment. We are grateful to Loughborough Students Rag for their donation of £1,000 to help toward funding the gym equipment. Also, the BMX track is seeing a revival with the Town Council giving £5,000 to the BMX club to assist its members to having a makeover.

The Town Council has dealt with many issues throughout the year. Currently, its involvements to keep Shepshed’s public conveniences open- in response to the views of the community- and fighting the proposals to build an incinerator on the Ashby Road have been two such issues.

Another major concern is dog fouling. This is not a pleasant subject but one, which the Town Council receives many complaints about. The Council is looking into creating bye laws to stop owners allowing their dogs to foul in public places especially around the Town’s play areas.

The Council works hard to promote the town with efforts to attract new businesses to Shepshed. It appreciates the businesses that have stayed in Shepshed and looks forward to welcoming new concerns. Recently, I was pleased to be invited to the official opening of the Tesco Express store, which shows an example of new business coming to Shepshed. The Council recognises the work that goes into retaining the weekly Shepshed Market on Fridays. Without your continuing support this much-needed facility would cease to come to our town.

On 3rd December the Town Council will hold its Annual Christmas Event at Shepshed High School from 6.30pm until 8.30pm (FREE admission) and we hope everyone will come along and enter into the Christmas spirit.

On behalf of the Town Council I would like to wish everyone in our community a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Kindest regards

Cllr Diane Horn

Community Plan Continued from page 1

Friendly local meditation group Charnwood Open Meditation Group is a Shepshed based, independent, not-for-profit community group that has been running for some years.

It is a well-established group which offers meditation for serenity, insight and stress control.

Meetings are held at Charnwood Road Community Centre in Shepshed, at 7:30pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month.

Members receive free tuition from an experienced independent teacher in a friendly atmosphere.

Beginners are always welcome There’s nothing weird involved: no chanting, uncomfortable postures, or religious beliefs.

Next few meeting dates: 9th December, 13th January, 27th January, 10th February, 24th February, 10th March, 24th March.

For more information, contact the organiser - Chris North - on 01509 506585.

The Consultation is a real opportunity for the residents and business people of Shepshed to let the Borough and County Councillors know what we want and to put like-minded people in touch with each other so we can work together to improve our town.

If anyone wants to get involved, you don’t need to attend meetings (unless you want to). You can keep in touch on Facebook via the ‘Shepshed Community Plan’ Group and we are awaiting the opportunity to use the Leicestershire Villages website (www.leicestershirevillages.com/shepshed/) for more communication about our progress in creating a Shepshed Community Plan.

There will also be opportunities in the future to volunteer for special projects like helping with the Carnival or Local Food Fair and we are open to suggestions about other events and activities you would like to see happening. This is all about bringing the community together so don’t be shy – we’d love to hear from you.

Samantha Woods

M: 07890 587611 E: sam@samanthawoods.wanadoo.co.uk

Shepshed Community Eye on the Web We’ve set up a basic website for Shepshed Community Eye at www.shepshedeye.co.uk.

The website has details of our advertising rates and a page-flip version of the magazine which you can read online. (Useful if you have relatives outside the delivery area who want to keep up with what’s happening in Shepshed.)

We’ll also be adding other useful information from time to time, including links to the websites of Shepshed groups and organisations, and possibly an events guide. Have a look when you get a minute ...

Never resist a mad impulse to do something nice for me.

Shepshed Community EYE Articles & News:

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Contact Mike or Susan on 01530-244069 Email articles & news to: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

Advertising:

Open Box Promotions: Contact Carla or James on FREEPHONE 0800 644 6150 Email enquiries to: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

(See rates: page 4) Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk 5,800 copies distributed 10 times a year (no issue in January or August) to homes and businesses in Shepshed.

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

Shepshed Community Eye 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 Shepshed Community Eye Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies.

Shepshed Community Eye 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.

Shepshed Community Eye reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication.

NEXT ISSUE: February 2011 Out in last week of January 2011 Advert Deadline: Sat 15th January

CHRISTMAS FAIR St James’ Oaks-in-Charnwood Saturday 4th December 11.00 - 2.30 Light lunches, free parking.

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Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

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Campaigners SPENCERS celebrate as incinerator bid is rejected

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Leicestershire County Council received more than 2,000 representations from Shepshed and Loughborough residents giving a resounding no to Biffa’s application for an energy recovery site at the old Newhurst Quarry site off the A5123 next to the M1 motorway.

They were delighted to hear their prayers answered when it was refused on October 15th because of the impact on the Garendon Estate, due to its size.

Roy Kershaw, a town councillor compared the size to the Angel of the North, saying this would be Demon of the East Midlands. Joan Tassell also speaking on behalf of the Town Council highlighted issues of traffic, and other speakers raised health concerns.

The MP for Shepshed and Loughborough Nicky Morgan also spoke out against the proposed Incinerator. Christine Radford, the County Councillor for Shepshed moved the recommendation to refuse, and went on to say she is pleased now that she can talk openly about this proposal, because being on the Development Control Board was not allowed to.

It was a shame that highway and health grounds were not able to be included as part of the refusal, but because Leicestershire County Council’s highways department, the Highways Agency, nor the Environment department at Charnwood and the Health Protection Agency had not raised concerns or objected, councillors were warned that refusal on these grounds was not advisable by the County Council’s head of planning.

New play equipment installed at Glenmore Park New play equipment costing over £15,000 has recently been installed in Glenmore Park.

A Section 106 (planning) contribution is expected which will help finance this valuable new asset.

In addition, a cheque for £1,000 has been received from Passion who managed to gain this from Loughborough Students’ Union.

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Occasional group rate by negotiation An extra £10 is charged if you require the licensed bar.

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Shepshed Community Eye Advertising Rates Shepshed EYE Advertising Rates

PricePrices per insertion Here are the advertising rates for Shepshed EYE. shown are PER INSERTION. Advert design is FREE. Advert Size

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To place an advert or enquire about advertising, telephone Carla or James on FREEPHONE 0800 644 6150. Or email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Glenmore Centre upstairs room has been modernised The upstairs room at Shepshed’s Glenmore Community Centre has finally been completed and is looking fantastic.

Thanks are due to The Shepshed Building Society, Campbell Scientific, The Helen Jean Cope Trust, The British Old School Trust and The Rotary Club of Shepshed who between them donated the money to enable the work to be carried out.

A new window has been installed, making the room much lighter and more welcoming. The room has been decorated by a team of volunteers from the Model Railway Club and Radio Club. New curtains and furniture really finish off the room making it more homely and a useful meeting room or classroom.

Call in and have a look next time you’re passing.

Friday Afternoon Badminton The Shepshed Over 50s Badminton Club (we do not check your age!) meets every Friday afternoon 3.30 pm until 5.00 pm in the Sports Hall at Hind Leys Community College.

Players of any standard welcome.

A small fee is charged to help cover the cost of hall hire and shuttlecocks. For further details contact Norman Revell on 01509 218886.

Work starts on new £1.2m ‘green’ homes project

Colouring Competition!

WORK is about to begin on a £1.2 million project to build the first council houses in Charnwood for almost 20 years.

The nine new affordable and energy efficient properties will be built in Shepshed, Barrow-Upon-Soar and Thurmaston.

It is part of Charnwood Borough Council’s bid to provide 250 affordable homes in the Borough by 2012.

The housing schemes were able to progress following an investment of £406,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) – the national housing and regeneration agency.

The new properties will meet high energy efficiency standards and will feature timber-frame construction, high levels of insulation in the walls and roof, and energy efficient windows and doors.

They will be designated for local families and older and disabled people in housing need and should be available from June 2011.

Councillor John Bush, Charnwood Borough Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see we are now able to start work on these new buildings – our first council homes in two decades.

“These new developments, although small, are an important part of the council’s plan to provide affordable homes for our residents.

“Not only will they become homes to those most in need, they are also highly energy efficient so will reduce the impact on the environment.”

The scheme consists of: • Three Houses at St Winefride Road, Shepshed • One bungalow at Glenfield, Shepshed • One bungalow at Newton Close, Barrow • Two Houses at Redhill Lane Thurmaston • Two bungalows at Charnwood Avenue Thurmaston The work is being carried out by Morgan Sindall, part of the Morgan Sindall Group plc, a leading UK construction and regeneration group operating through four divisions of fit out, construction and infrastructure, affordable housing and urban regeneration.

Helpful Sandra was out driving and while stopped at a red light, the car just died. It was a busy intersection, and the traffic behind her starting growing. The man in the car directly behind her started beeping his horn continuously as Sandra struggled to get her car going again.

Finally Sandra got out of her car and approached the man in the car behind her. “I can’t get my car started,” she said smiling. “Would you be so kind as to see if you can do it? While you try, I’ll stay here in your car and beep your horn for you.”

Ryatt Optometry, based in Shepshed, is launching a Christmas colouring competition to help children get into the Christmas spirit and be in with a chance of winning some great prizes in the process.

The competition is free to enter and is open to children aged between 5 and 11. Entry forms with an outline of Santa and his snowman friend are now available from the practice.

Local illustrator, Val Singh will be judging the competition, and looking for the best colouring in.

Alternatively, if children are feeling imaginative, they can draw their own colourful pictures of absolutely anything to do with Christmas on the back of the entry form.

The lucky winner will receive a Toys R Us voucher worth £30 and and there are two runnerup vouchers of £20 and £10.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday 23 December and the results will be announced on Thursday 7 January. Entries can be dropped in to the practice anytime before then and must include the child’s name, age and telephone number.

For further information contact the practice on 01509 503344 or email info@ryattoptometry.co.uk

The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

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Tel: 01509 822 000 - www.theshepshed.co.uk

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Teenagers ‘date’ councillors at major youth conference “Have you ever been arrested?”

That was just one of the questions that young people asked Charnwood Borough Councillors and Officers during a political speed dating session at The Big Charnwood Youth Conference on October 13.

Charnwood Youth Council organised the conference, which was attended by 100 13-19 year olds representing nearly every secondary school in Charnwood, as well as many local youth clubs.

Rachael Mott, a Charnwood Youth Councillor, said: “It was so encouraging to see so many young people want to get involved. The conference was a great chance to show the youth of Charnwood what we do and to understand their views. I loved every minute of it!”

Councillors also turned out in force to support the Youth Council.

“This is the most important Council event that’s happened all year in my view – these young people are our future,” said Cllr Debbie Green.

Cllr Roy Brown agreed. “If the tut-tutters came to see what young people have achieved today they’d have to change their perception,” he said.

Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan told the young delegates in her opening speech: “You have the power to make a difference. We want to hear your voice regarding the issues that you care about”.

Ms Morgan didn’t have to wait for long. By lunchtime the conference had agreed that having somewhere to go and something to do, environmental issues such as water pollution and litter and community events to support cohesion were high on the list of their priorities.

Young people explored these issues in more depth in the afternoon, using graffiti boards to tell Charnwood Borough Council’s Leisure Services team that they want more parkour - areas where people use the urban landscape to run and climb - and street dance sessions, as well as authorised graffiti space.

This feedback will influence the content of upcoming Leisure and Cultural Services activity programmes, joint work with the Youth Service and applications to fund specific projects.

“Children don’t come with a manual,” was the message from the Youth Service as youngsters tried to sooth wailing SIM Babies.

Eddy and Ben from Shepshed High School learnt about how energy can be used in different ways when they generated their own electricity by cycling on bikes hooked up to a Scalextric track. “It wasn’t as hard as we thought Advertising Feature

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to power the cars to go round but unfortunately our team just missed out on winning The Big Switch Off goody bag.”

Mayor Jill Vincent closed the conference by echoing the theme of the day: “You’re getting involved, making it happen, making a difference”.

For more information contact Sarah Coupe, Charnwood Borough Council’s Children and Young People’s Strategic Co-ordinator on 01509 632532 or sarah.coupe@charnwood.gov.uk

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Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk The last meeting of Shepshed and Hathern Area Forum was held at Shepshed High School on 20th September and was attended by residents, town councillors, and officers from the County Council, Police and the NHS Primary Care Trust.

As always the Forum presented an opportunity for local people to hear about developments in their local area, to make their views and ideas known, and to ask questions of local councillors and local service providers. John Popley and Ian Hamilton Smith stood down as chair and vice chair of the Forum and Christine Radford and Claire Poole were elected to those respective positions for the next two years. Christine would like to place on record her thanks to both Ian and John for their contributions to the Forum.

Community-led Plan for Shepshed

Samantha Woods, chair of the Community Plan for Shepshed steering group, reported on the development of the consultation process. The steering group had spoken to wide range of local groups and organisations and sought to include everyone living in Shepshed. They also welcome anyone with an interest in the development of Shepshed

• Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Shepshed & Hathern Area

FORUM

to join the steering group. Arising from the discussion, a number of the main priority issues for Shepshed had already been attempted by the Town Council but had not progressed in some cases due to lack of support and wider interest.

However, because the Community Plan is supported by the Rural Community Council, which can draw in support from local organisations, it was hoped that greater support would now be found to help move these ideas forward, particularly as residents were still showing a clear interest in bringing these into action.

Police report

PC Neville reported a drop of 36% in the number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents (compared to the same three month period last year) and a great reduction in the number of burglaries in both police beats, Shepshed East and Shepshed West. PC Martindale was aware of concern over how budget cuts might affect policing in Shepshed and confirmed that the Police would report back to a future meeting when more information was available.

Winter maintenance

Simon McIntosh, Leicestershire

County Council, explained the County Council’s “Winter Maintenance” plan and described how the Council’s salting network maintains 45% of roads in the County. The County Council is well prepared in the event of another severe winter. A number of questions were raised specific to Shepshed and Simon undertook to investigate these with LCC Highways and report back to the next meeting of the Forum.

NHS consultations

Andrew Roberts presented a report on the future plans for community health services currently provided by NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland and encouraged Members of the Forum to fill in the questionnaire. He also presented a report on the consultation document for Pharmaceutical needs and encouraged completion of a questionnaire. He took details of the specific health service queries raised by individual residents and agreed to provide a written response for the next meeting.

Adult Learning in Hathern and Shepshed

Val Watts, Adult Learning Manager of Moira Youth and Community Centre, provided an update on the

changes which had been made to Adult Learning Services in the area and the introduction of Multi Access Centres. A leaflet outlining the Go Learn courses available in and around Charnwood during 2010/11 was circulated at the meeting. She encouraged people to take up, and help publicise, the learning opportunities that are available in Shepshed.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Area Forum will be at Hathern Village Hall on Monday 14th February 2011, starting at 7.00pm.

Richard Downing, Community Engagement Manager, welcomes input into the agenda from anyone living in Shepshed or Hathern, as well as from Shepshed Town Council and Hathern Parish Council.

Richard can be contacted on 0116 3055823, or email Richard.downing@leics.gov.uk.

Chair of the Forum Christine Radford said: “The Forum presents a great opportunity to ask questions and find out more about what is happening in our area, so that we can all help to bring about changes for the better. If there is a particular issue that is important to you, please let Richard know so that we can look into it and get some answers. This is your Forum”.

(Information supplied by Richard Downing)

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Skittles donated to hospital Earlier this year Shepshed and District Stroke and Heart Club were presented with two sets of table skittles by the Occupational Therapy Department of Loughborough Hospital.

Shepshed Swimming Club SHEPSHED SWIMMING CLUB was established in 1972 and is based at the Hind Leys College swimming pool.

The project was the brain child of David Eggleton ably assisted by his friends Barry Lowe and Keith Guyler.

Sadly David passed away before he could see his project come to fruition. In October, representatives of The Stroke and Heart Club went to Loughborough Hospital to say a big thank you and to present £50 to the Occupational Therapy Department for the two sets of table skittles.

• Shepshed And District Stroke And Heart Club meet on a Thursday from 10am until 2pm at the Charnwood Road Community Centre.

We do craft work and play games, we also have a cooked lunch. Anyone who is suffering the effects of a Stroke or someone who is suffering from Heart Failure can come.

If they are interested in joining us, they should in the first place contact either Joan or Bill Tassell on 01509 506661 or email tassellj@aol.com.

Monday Lunch Club - a friendly social way to start the week!

The Monday Lunch Club meets between 10am and 2pm every Monday to enjoy a home cooked meal, play dominoes and bingo and socialise with each other.

The Club is open to elderly or frail people from Shepshed who live alone and would like to get out and mix with friends. Transport can be provided by Shepshed Special Community Bus if required.

The Lunch Club is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who do a great job every week feeding the members and keeping them entertained.

Cook required

One of our volunteers however, would like to retire after many years of service and we need a new volunteer to help out with the cooking. No particular experience is required, just a love of cooking basic home cooked food. If you would like to join or have time to help out please get in touch with Bill on 01509 650662.

Borough Councillor Information My role as a Borough Councillor can be very interesting.

Most of my work on behalf of the residents of Shepshed has involved sorting out housing problems, such as improvements to help with adaptations and improving the condition of the Council property in which they live and helping them move to a more suitable accommodation.

I also have a role in planning matters, where planning applications can impact on the residents’ property, and I help to make sure when plans have been approved that they conform to the conditions imposed, such as tree planting, footpaths, frosted glass in windows etc.

I work closely with the Town Council - especially over the proposed closure of the public toilets outside of the library - making sure that the people of Shepshed keep these toilets and that the facilities are brought up to a good condition before they are taken over.

My work also involves securing any grants and money which is available to Shepshed to help with financing play equipment.

At all times I will only support any proposals which will have no detrimental effect to Shepshed and its residents.

I hold a monthly surgery in the Town Council offices from 10-11am the last Saturday of the month except December, or I can be contacted any time on 01509 502974.

Christine Radford

We are a friendly family orientated club working towards Swim 21 accreditation and all helpers are police checked in line with child protection guidelines.

We are affiliated to the ASA and compete in the Leicester League, autumn, winter and Diddy Leagues.

The club also participates in the Leicestershire County Age Groups & Championships as well as regular friendly galas in and around the county.

Training sessions are held 3 times a week. Out of the pool, regular social events are organised, including a presentation evening, Christmas party and various organised trips. The club is always on the lookout for new members, and if you or your child can swim three strokes confidently please feel free to email Ian Burdett on ian_airtime@hotmail.com to arrange a trial.

In addition, if you would like to help us with fund raising or to make a donation we would love to hear from you. For general enquiries contact the club Secretary Margaret Callender on 01509 506775 or mac2alex@tiscali.co.uk

Toddler Group Paula Batty runs the Rascals Toddler Group at the Council Offices in Charnwood Road, Shepshed.

The group is open on Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 2.30pm, term time only, £1.50 per session payable per half term for birthto-school age children and their mum/nan.

For further information, please contact Paula on 01509 821191.

Lions donation financed a trip to Garden Centre Shepshed and District Stroke and Heart Club would like to say a big THANK YOU to Loughborough Lions for their donation of £100.

This money was put towards a trip to Woodlands Garden Centre near Hinckley on 4th November. Members and helpers were able to visit the Christmas displays at the Garden Centre and enjoy a lunch in the restaurant. Because of this donation we were able to hire from G.H. Watts of Leicester a coach converted to take wheel chairs for the trip. Their driver Brian was extremely helpful and the Club would like to thank him for making our day a huge success”.

Joan Tassell

Organiser - Shepshed and District Stroke and Heart Club

If you’re naturally kind, you attract a lot of people you don’t like.

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

• Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Tel: 01509 822 000 - www.theshepshed.co.uk

THREE YEAR TWO YEAR FIXED RATE BOND FIXED RATE BOND

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STANDS FOR ANNUAL EQUIVALENT RATE AND ILLUSTRATES WHAT THE INTEREST RATE WOULD BE IF IT WERE PAID AND COMPOUNDED MONTHLY, HALF YEARLY OR YEARLY.

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Before applying for one of the above accounts, please ask a member of staff for a copy of the Society’s Terms and Conditions and Individual Product Leaflet.

Before applying for one of the above accounts, please ask a member of staff for a copy of the Society’s Terms and Conditions and Individual Product Leaflet.

Shop locally. Save locally.

We had a lot in common. I loved him and he loved him.

10

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Why we should protect Garendon Park Green Wedge

By Pat Murphy You may have seen in the press and TV, letters and articles concerning the Green Wedge between Loughborough, Hathern and Shepshed (the Garendon Green Wedge).

You may also have heard of the Garendon Park Countryside Protection Group who has fought tirelessly for over 20 years to save this area from development.

If you are fairly new to the area you may be wondering what all the fuss is about.

We in Garendon Park & Countryside Protection Group (GPCPG) believe this area to be of great importance both locally and nationally. Locally because it is easily accessible to three communities, having several public footpaths, bridleways and a national cycle route, all for your enjoyment – AND ABSOLUTELY FREE! If you are a user of a disability scooter there is also easy access for you to enjoy traffic free countryside and all the flora and fauna that this open countryside can offer. You can listen to the sounds of over 90 species of birds (many of which are on the endangered list) that have been sighted in this area over the past few years.

Of National Importance: Within the Garendon Green Wedge lies an 18th Century Grade 2 listed park. In 1133 Robert, Earl of Leicester and Lord of the Manor of Shepshed founded the Cistercian Abbey of St Mary’s. The monks were given 550 acres of land. By the 13th Century the monks had acquired other lands and had also become very successful sheep farmers, exporting their wool to Flanders.

The community continued to thrive until the abolition of the monasteries.

On March 8th 1540 Henry VIII gave Garendon to Thomas Manners 1st Earl of Rutland.

Today, little remains of what was once a thriving religious community.

However, you can still see the remains of the chapter house and an 11th century wall, a dovecote, a barn and Stonebow Bridge. These are all on the English Heritage Ancient Buildings Register.

It seems ironic that it was a later owner of Garendon that gave the land for the Cistercian Abbey of Mount St Bernard’s. Today this is the only Cistercian Abbey in England.

The jewel in the crown Garendon Park, situated in this Green Wedge, was once a deer park of outstanding beauty. It has 14 English Heritage listed buildings/monuments.

In 1682 Garendon came into the hands of Ambrose Philipps, an ancestor of the present owner. On his death it passed to his son Ambrose who travelled extensively in Europe. The ‘Follies’ were his idea and built as a memento of his travels in Italy, Greece and Palestine, and can be seen today.

They include: The Temple of Venus inspired by the Temple of Sibyl at Tivoli; The Triumphal and Bavarian Arches (thought to be by Railton), the Obelisk, and; Two Gate Houses, also by Railton.

Garendon is steeped in legends. I will wet your appetite with this one:

Minute taker required The Glenmore Community Centre Management Committee meet every six weeks to discuss the running of the Community Centre.

The Bloody Pool The Pool was constructed to water cattle. In 1645 it was reported in London that in a space of 4 days the pool was bright red and had the appearance of blood. Villagers were amazed at the sight and cattle refused to drink. People came from far and near to view this strange sight.

Locals dipped their handkerchiefs in the pool and they remained looking bloodstained. A certain Master Neal, riding from Nottingham to London also came to see. He rode his horse into the pool and great clots rose to the surface and then sank again. The fish in the pool remained unharmed.

Later the pool was drained but no reason was found for this strange happening. It was widely believed that God was showing his anger at the great loss of life during the civil war, because at that time the Duke of Buckingham, a protagonist, owned Garendon. Whatever the reason it has never happened since. However, if large-scale development should go ahead at Garendon I’m sure I won’t be the only old native who will watch the pool closely to see if God once more shows his displeasure.

In planning for the future, Charnwood Borough Council put forward this unique area as their Preferred Option for major development (4000 dwellings plus roads) suggesting that Shepshed, Loughborough & Hathern be joined to form one large sub-region. This would mean the loss of our separate identities and the tragic loss of The Garendon Green Wedge for all time.

The GPCPG preferred option is that this irreplaceable area should be saved for future generations to enjoy. Where else in the Borough is there an area such as this?

For more information contact GPCPG website www.garendon.org.uk

Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration

The Mayor of Charnwood, President of Loughborough Council of Faiths invites you to attend the 11th annual commemoration of

Each meeting is minuted. Due to the retirement of our normal minute taker we are now in need of help.

Should you have time to attend the meetings and take our minutes we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Bill Sloane on 01509 650662 for more information.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Please gather on Thursday 27th January at 1.45pm by the Bandstand in Queen’s Park, Loughborough.

An exhibition will be open at Charnwood Museum and the park café will be open for refreshments following the short ceremony.

Somebody’s boring me. I think it’s me.

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12

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Christmas Day Lunch at the Glenmore Centre

Your chance to get on air

If you are worried about being on your own for Christmas day and would like to join in the fun at the Glenmore Centre please contact Bill on 650662 for more information.

Transport can be provided if required, as well as a festive dinner and drinks and plenty of Christmas cheer. The cost is £8.50 per person.

ST. BOTOLPH`S CHURCH SHEPSHED

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Saturday 27th November 11.00am until 4.30pm in the Church Hall Refreshments and stalls SANTA ARRIVES at 2.00pm

People in North West Leicestershire can learn about being a radio presenter – thanks to a £10,000 Community Forum Grant.

The grant has enabled Hermitage FM to increase its studio space and train up to 300 volunteers to improve their job prospects and develop their interest in broadcasting.

Jon Sketchley, Hermitage FM, Station Manager, said: Hermitage FM is the new community radio station serving North West Leicestershire.

Our transmissions have served the community for almost a year and this has resulted in a high level of interest in training to be a presenter. Our new studio located in Hotel Street provides the perfect opportunity for up and coming presenters to learn on-air skills.

Training courses are being held on Monday and Wednesday evenings with groups of four to five trainees. This opportunity is available to all age groups and can result in being part of the on-air team broadcasting on 99.2 FM to North West Leicestershire.

Without the help of the Community Forum it would not have been possible to have this facility.”

As well as the training facility, Hermitage can now also provide a comfortable meeting space, with refreshments, for individuals and local groups. Hermitage FM pitched the idea for the training facility to local residents at the Coalville Community Forum as a part of the Participatory Budgeting process.

The residents liked the idea enough to give it the largest allocation of the money available.

Danny Massingham, trainee, said: The training facility at Hotel Street is excellent and has given me the opportunity to work in an area which was previously unavailable. I hope to be a volunteer and work with the on-air team at Hermitage FM presenting my own programme.”

For more information, telephone Hermitage FM on 01530 460992.

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

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

• Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Children make a difference!

13

After successfully securing some money from the Shepshed and Hathern Area Forum, Shepshed Volunteer Centre organised several youth based volunteering events throughout Shepshed.

Shepshed Volunteer Centre held a ‘Make A Difference Day’ on Friday 29th October in Shepshed.

To introduce young people to volunteering, we held assemblies at the schools asking for volunteers for the day, and were overwhelmed with 300 children stepping forward to volunteer!

We managed to accomodate almost 200 volunteers on the day, including adult volunteers already registered with the centre. There were lots of events going on on the day: children from Shepshed High School made and sold cakes on Shepshed market to raise money for charity, they were entertaining people of Shepshed in the residential homes by playing games, chatting and singing, and they were also collecting litter from around Shepshed.

In addition, St Winefride’s school held a tea party for elderly residents of Shepshed brought in on the Shepshed Special Community Bus and young people at ‘Passion’ the youth club made a mural with helping hands on it to be placed somewhere in Shepshed, probably at the park.

All these activities gave a great opportunity for inter-generational mixing and helped give the general public a better understanding of young people within the town. The event was well supported, and Mayor Jill Vincent and Nicky Morgan MP both attended the event.

It was a great success and we hope to make it an annual event!

Shepshed High School pupils busy making cakes

Angie Whitmore

Activities Support Worker, Voluntary Action Charnwood 01509 508040 Volunteer Centre Shepshed, 9a Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9QE, tel: 01509 508040 • Email: shepshed@voluntaryactioncharnwood.org.uk Website: www.voluntaryactioncharnwood.org.uk

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Have a GREAT night out at..

The Black Swan Loughborough Road, Shepshed 01509 502659 • Last Monday of every month Sing Around / Acoustic Music Night 8:30pm start.

• Quiz Night, every Wednesday at 9pm, free entry, plus free supper, plus free £10 drink voucher for quiz winner.

• December 4th - Male Vocalist Paul Ravel, 9pm, free entry.

• 27th December - Reel MC Celtic Acoustic Duo, 7:00pm, free.

• 8th January Sat - Fantastic Female Vocalist Sophie Hardy, 9pm, free.

It only takes four men to wallpaper a house, but you have to slice them thinly.

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

14

Win Tickets for CONKERS! AKASH

C

hristmas and New Year at Conkers, in the heart of the National Forest, is set to be a festive one, with a whole host of exciting, seasonal events taking place.

Winter Wonderland

There’s Winter Wonderland from Saturday, 27th November, through to Thursday, 23rd December, where families are taken on an Elf-led tour of the snow-covered Enchanted Forest.

Once there, visitors will be able to meet Santa and his reindeer in an authentic antique Norwegian log chalet, try some hot minced pies and roasted chestnuts, sing along with the carol singers, warm themselves with some mulled wine and marvel at the fire juggling. Children will get a present from Santa himself, along with a Conkers Christmas cookie.

There are 12 dates to choose from and pre-booking of a timed-visit is essential.

Party Nights

Carols by Candlelight

During December, Christmas party nights are being held at the Waterside Centre, allowing groups and individuals to celebrate in style, with a mouth-watering, four-course menu. Revellers can dance the night away with Conkers’ resident DJ, with all of the Christmas party favourites on the playlist. Early dates have already sold-out, however, tickets remain for the parties on Friday 17th - which includes a disco and live band - and Saturday 18th December with disco only.

To really get into the Christmas mood, Carols by Candlelight, held in the Waterside Amphitheatre, on Thursday 23rd December, will offer an exquisite concert of beautiful carols and seasonal music performed by the Ibstock Brick Brass Band in a fantastic candle-lit style setting. The event is outdoors, so guests will need to wrap up warm, although there will be hot mince pies and drinking chocolate included.

Pantomime

On New Year’s Day, a special brunch will be served at the Waterside Centre to mark the start � of the new year and give mums and dads the day off from cooking and the chance for the whole family to explore the grounds of the Waterside Centre. This event requires prebooked tickets.

This Christmas, Pantomime is in abundance at Conkers, with the old favourite, Cinderella, being performed in the Discovery Centre on the 18th December (tickets required). Later in the month, both the classic pantos, Snow White and A Christmas Carol will be performed every day in the Waterside Centre - from the 27th December through to the 2nd of January - completely free for visitors paying the normal cost of admission.

New Year’s Day Brunch

For further information please visit the website: www.visitconkers.com

Shepshed Eye has THREE Family Tickets to Conkers to give away to the winners of a write-in competition.

To go into the draw for one of these nice prizes, send the answer to the following question to: Conkers Competition, Shepshed Eye, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email your answer to: info@shepshedye.co.uk The closing date for entries is Saturday 1st January 2011.

The first three correct entries drawn out of the hat will win a Family Ticket to Conkers. Good luck!

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The Question: On what date does Carols by Candlelight take place at Conkers this year?

Blood Donors: Tuesday 7th December If you are able to give blood please come along to the Glenmore Centre between 1.45 and 3.30pm and 5-8pm or call 0300 123 2323 for more information.

Martin Page

’S D E H S P E H S local Tree Surgeon

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Pruning Reshaping Thinning Felling

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Peter’s photography success

15

Live Entertainment at Shepshed’s Pubs & Clubs Bull & Bush

Sullington Road, Shepshed 01509 506783

Quiz Night, Every Tuesday at 9pm, Free Entry.

Pied Bull Inn

Belton Street, Shepshed 01509 503707

Charity Quiz Night every Sunday at 8:30pm, Free Entry.

Sat 18th Dec - Open Mike Night, 8:00pm, Free Entry.

Mon 27th Dec - Karaoke, 8:30pm, Free.

Tues 28th Dec, Live - Steve Brown Band. 8:30pm Free.

Local photographer Peter Richardson from Hathern took all the honours at the Shepshed Camera Club’s final league competition of 2010 with wins in both classes.

The Black Swan

The judge, Ian Pinn from Nottingham, took his time looking at each of the prints in turn and passing relevant comments about each before shortlisting a small group in each class to receive the final awards.

Peter’s winning print, out of 26 entries in the Open class, was entitled “End of Shift” and this was followed by prints from C.Coxon (2nd.), P.Tapp (3rd.) and A.Blood and P.Harvey (Highly Commended). The themed class this time was entitled “Eye” and it produced an entry of 19 prints with Peter’s winning print this time entitled “F64”. Second place went to R.Price followed by B.Walbey (3rd.) and P.Tapp and P.Richardson (Highly Commended).

This is the final Club competition for the foreseeable future featuring only prints as in 2011 the format reverts to a class for prints and a class for projected images using the digital equipment that has been purchased with the recent grant from the Big Lottery Fund.

Club member Chris Coxon also entertained the members recently with a very entertaining and technical evening concerning an alternative method of taking images using the Zone System, this provoked a good deal of discussion.

Meetings continue on Tuesday evenings at the Council Offices, Charnwood Road until 30th November before the Club takes a break until January.

Shepshed Citizens’ Advice

Loughborough Road, Shepshed 01509 502659

Last Monday of every month - Sing Around / Acoustic Music Night 8:30pm start.

Quiz Night, every Wednesday at 9pm, free entry, plus free supper, plus free £10 drink voucher for quiz winner.

December 4th - Male Vocalist Paul Ravel, 9pm, free entry.

27th December - Reel MC Celtic Acoustic Duo, 7:00pm, free.

8th January Sat - Fantastic Female Vocalist Sophie Hardy, 9pm, free.

The Crown

Brook Street, Shepshed 01509 504136

Dec 3rd - Red Face Steve Karaoke Disco, 8pm, free entry.

Dec 4th - ‘Top Secret‘ Live Band 9pm start, free entry.

Dec 10th - ‘Caffeine Bombs’ Live Band, 9pm Start, Free.

Dec11th - Red Face Steve Karaoke Disco 8pm Start, Free.

Dec 17th - Red Face Steve Karaoke Disco 8pm Start, Free.

Dec 24th - ‘Player 2’ Live acoustic duo, 9pm Start, Free.

Dec 26th - All day disco.

New Year’s Eve - ‘Beauty & the Beast’ Live band, 9pm, Free.

Need advice?

The Blue Ball

We are based in the Shepshed Community Centre at 47a Charnwood Road in the Council Offices.

Dec 3rd - Matty Blue Eye’s, Disco & Karaoke, Free entry, 9pm.

Dec 4th - Lucy Foreman, Live vocalist, Free, 9pm.

Dec 10th - Paul Ravel, Male vocalist & guitarist , free , 9pm.

Dec 11th - ‘Jive Time’ Trio, free, 9pm.

Dec 17th - ‘Timeless’ Vocal duo. Free, 9pm.

Dec 18th - Red Face Steve, Karaoke/ Comedy, Free, 9pm.

Dec 24th - Ray Vonn Male Vocalist New Year’s Eve - TSJ Karaoke with Craig and Matty Blue Eyes.

We give • • • •

advice on:Employment Benefits Debt Housing

• • •

Consumer Matters Legal Problems Immigration

We offer Independent, Confidential, Impartial and Free Advice We also have specialists in Housing, Employment, Benefits and Debt Advice. Our opening times are: Wednesday 9.30am until 1.00pm and Friday 9.30am until 12.30pm.

This is a drop in service or we do offer telephone advice on 01509 506663.

Market Place, Shepshed 01509 508037

The Red Lion

Market Place, Shepshed

Dec 3rd - Fresh Friday, Chart Music Disco, Free entry, 8:30pm.

Dec 4th - Soulfinger, Karaoke, Free, 9pm.

Dec 10th - Soulfinger, Karaoke, free , 9pm.

Dec 11th - Jane Stock - NXT FACTOR WINNER 2010, free, 9pm.

Dec 17th - Fresh Friday, Chart Music Disco, free, 8:30pm.

Dec 18th - Soulfinger Karaoke, Free, 9pm.

Dec 24th - Soulfinger Karaoke, Free, 8:30pm Dec 26th - Daytime Karaoke, from 2pm til 8pm, plus Paul Ravel, Male vocalist 9pm, free.

New Year’s Eve - ‘Jiggy’ Explosive Celtic Band, 9pm ‘til very late!

New Year’s Day - Soulfinger Karaoke, from 4pm with free hot buffet!

The Britannia

Britannia Street, Shepshed 01509 827322 Karaoke every Saturday night 8:30pm

Send us your forthcoming entertainments and we’ll include details here free!

Details of pub & club entertainments in Shepshed are included in this column FREE of CHARGE. Simply email your live entertainment information to:

info@shepshedeye.co.uk

and we’ll include it in the magazine.

Tremendous!

Shepshed Xmas Community Event Friday 3rd December at Shepshed High School 6.30pm - 8.30pm Admission FREE Everyone welcome.

There’s something for all the family.

For more information contact Brenda Snape 01509 508872

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

16

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Landscape We design and build patios, decking, driveways, planting schemes, lawned areas, water features, fencing, brick and stone walls, in fact any thing you would expect a qualified landscape designer to be able to do.

Design

Build

Enjoy

to arrange a visit or for a chat over the phone call 01530 454028 or 07815 736987 or visit www.land-scape.org

Croft Guest House

54 Hall Croft, Shepshed, Leicestershire, LE12 9AN

Close to the motorway, University & East Midlands Airport.

Corner Crafts

Parchment Classes Parchment Books / Magazines Flower Soft Florence Holmes Patterns Adele Miller Patterns Siesta Grids Encaustic Parchment Craft Australia Pergamano - Stencils Tapestry Peg Stamps - Punches

Easy access to Nottingham, Derby & Leicester

D.G. Driving School

OFFERS

Available for Beginners First 3 Lessons £15 Next 3 Lessons £16 Next 3 Lessons £18 Final Lesson @ £20

Lots of Local attractions

Open: Tues - Fri 9am - 4pm - Sat 9am - 3pm

Tel 0770 637 6965

Telephone: 01509 505657 19 - 21 Hall Croft, Shepshed, LE12 9AN

Christmas bookings now being taken

www.dgdrivingschool.co.uk Tel: 01509 827293

My Mother’s menu consisted of two choices: take it or Leave it.

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

• Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

County Councillor’s Column from Christine Radford

A

s your local county councillor, I am always on hand to try and deal with any concerns you may have about services provided by Leicestershire County Council.

Biffa’s application for an Energy from Waste facility at Newhurst Quarry or an Incinerator was refused at a meeting of LCC’s Development Control & Regulatory Board on 15th October 2010.

I am supporting the County Cabinet who will shortly be launching a consultation process with local residents about the future designation and use of green wedges and green spaces that separate Shepshed from other local communities. Through this process, the needs and wishes of the community are fully taken into account when national planning policy is decided.

Residents along Charnwood Road have benefited from improved highway markings, designated parking bays and a new 30 mph limit signs. Residents in Hathern Road have new vehicle activated speed-warning signs that help to promote safer driving.

As always, I value any feedback you may have. Please feel free to write, telephone or e-mail with any concerns you may have.

I have been County Councillor for Shepshed since June 2009 and I hold a monthly surgery at the Council Offices in Shepshed between 10-11 am on the last Saturday of every month (except December) You can contact me by email on Christine_radford@hotmail.com or by telephone on (01509) 502974 or 07796 544817

GENERAL REQUESTS Parking on Pavements

A request from members of the public to be mindful when parking on pavements - which in fact is against the law - that disabled, mobile scooters and people with push chairs have to go into the road to pass your vehicle. This is dangerous.

Dog Fouling

A reminder to clear up after your dog. This is a health hazard and can result in a £1,000 fine. There are dog bins around Shepshed to dispose of it, but if the dog mess is tied up in a bag it can be put into an ordinary litter bin. A young girl has lost the sight of an eye after falling over and putting her hand into dog dirt and then rubbing her eye. This could have been your child, or grandchild, please clean up after your dog.

Rotarians Polio appeal

Hot spots around Shepshed should become a sea of purple next year after 4,000 crocus bulbs were planted as part of the Rotary Club of Shepshed’s End Polio Now campaign.

Rotarians Michael Fowkes, John Fox-Russell and Robert Hall joined volunteers to plant over 500 bulbs on various sites around Shepshed, such as St Botolph’s Primary School, Shepshed Cemetery, Town Council Offices and The Glenmore Centre (see photo above). The bulbs, which are all purple, represent the colour dye painted on children’s fingers once they have had a Polio injection, should flower next February just in time for Polio Day on February 23rd.

17

The Rotary Club of Shepshed - what is it?

The Rotary Club of Shepshed, part of Rotary International, was formed in 1946 and since then has supported many projects and charities, locally, nationally and internationally.

It is a club of men and women – one of the first in the district to welcome women, several years ago - and meets weekly both to enjoy the social aspects of a meal together and to plan fund-raising events and to respond to requests for assistance. Rotary is not a religious group and is not affiliated to any political group.

Over the years the Rotary Club of Shepshed has raised many thousands of pounds for good causes. One example being a sponsored walk undertaken by members of the club which raised over £1,800 for the British Heart Foundation in September 2009. In March 2010 we donated £500 to the Haiti earthquake appeal and many thousands of pounds have been distributed to local groups.

Polio Plus Campaign The Rotary Club of Shepshed was one of the first in the district to reach the target set in 1987 of £100 per member toward the Polio Plus campaign. Rotary International pledged to eradicate the disease across the world and has nearly reached that target.

There are now just four countries in the world, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria where the disease is persisting. We are proud to have in our club a retired doctor who was involved , on a voluntary basis , in administering the vaccine to children in India, some years ago. We are still working toward achieving total eradication and hope that the next couple of years will see the end of Polio throughout the world. Support from the people of Shepshed has been magnificent throughout the campaign. For example, in February this year, 2010, we received over £370 by displaying details of the campaign and by a quiet “tin” collection outside the Shepshed Co-op.

This term, as part of our continuing work with the schools in Shepshed, we have been involved in supplying and planting purple crocus bulbs in most Shepshed Schools. The crocus flowers will appear in February to co-incide with POLIO Day Feb 23rd. when Rotary around the world brings to our attention the fight against POLIO. Purple is the colour with which the fingers of vaccinated children are marked to identify those who have been vaccinated.

So look out for us please on the Saturday nearest the 23rd February when, again, we have permission from the CO-OP to collect outside their Shepshed Store. Thanks to the CO-OP for their great help.

The children at St.Botolph’s school recently collected the impressive total of £237.11 towards the END POLIO NOW campaign. Thank you so much, St.Botolph’s School.

Shepshed Rotary Club have been working closely with most of the Shepshed Schools for a number of years, particularly promoting a Young Writers effort. We award vouchers and certificates to the children concerned. We have also been trying to assist the development of Music in the schools and three schools in Shepshed have been particularly able and eager to take part in concerts from which the proceeds are shared - most of it going back to the schools in some way.

Local events Recently we have held some very successful Table Top sales at Shepshed High School and have been asked to repeat the exercise. Further details will be advertised soon.

We shall be attending the Shepshed Town Council Xmas event at Shepshed High School on December 3rd and look forward to seeing you there.

Before that, on Friday, Saturday & Sunday - November 26th, 27th & 28th we are running a CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL at St.Botolph’s Church. Hours vary, of course, and will be advertised locally. This is the first CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL in Shepshed. We expect over 40 trees. For more information, contact Rotarian Nancy Page at nancpage@googlemail.com The Rotary Club of Shepshed has recently sponsored the formation of the Interact Club of Hind Leys – which is Rotary for 14 to 18 year olds – and they are planning various activities for the benefit of the local community and the International community, whist developing management skills themselves.

Why not come along?

Shepshed Rotary Club meets every Monday evening at The Link Hotel, Ashby Rd. Loughborough and visitors are welcome, but please let us know in advance if you can.

Contact Richard Minifie (Secretary), 2 Priory Road, LOUGHBOROUGH, LE11 3PP Tel: 01509 233826 Mobile: 07765 231477 Email: yandrminifie@sky. com

I’ve had all the electric leads in my house shortened to save on electricity.

18

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Cash Boost for community schemes FOUR community schemes have received nearly £12,000 in Charnwood Borough Council grants.

The cash was handed out as part of the council’s Community Development Grants which aim to support significant projects in the Borough.

The awards were: • Sorrel Youth Café - £5,000.

The café provides a safe place for young people to meet after school and reduce anti-social behaviour in Mountsorrel. It is supported by a full-time youth worker. The money will help support the scheme’s internet café, deliver sexual health education and provide a drop-in centre.

• CLASH (Community Leicester Arthritis Self Help) - £2,850. CLASH provides a range of services for more than 60 people with arthritis or their carers. The cash will help part-fund a drop-in advice service in Anstey.

• Human Rights and Equalities Charnwood (HR&EC) - £2,000.

HR&EC is one of the council’s strategic partners and the money will be used for educational campaigns focusing on forced marriages, domestic violence and homosexuality among others.

• Shepshed Toy Library - £2,000.

The toy library, based at Hind Leys Community College, has more than 500 members. The money will be used to help fund the scheme which loans toys and play equipment as well as providing structured play sessions.

The joy of DAB Have you treated yourself to a DAB radio yet?

You can buy one now for around the £25 mark, so there’s no excuse for not joining the digital radio revolution.

Plug in your wonderful new toy and marvel at the number of radio stations you can now listen to.

My current favourite is LBC London’s Biggest Conversation. If you like discussion-based phonein radio programmes, you’ll love this. The list of presenters includes James Whale, Clive Bull, Nick Abbot, James Max, Nick Ferrari and Petrie Hosken so there’s always a nice variety of topics being discussed. But, being based in our capital city, LBC’s news bulletins do tend to have a London bias. If that doesn’t bother you, give it a try.

Prize Wordsearch £20 WordWin Search a Puzzle

Dining Voucher to spend at The Red Lion Inn, Rothley.

C S S T O C K I N G X S H F E

W H H P S T N P B W R B T P W

S F R Q L A W A C E T E A F K

V U O I M Q B E G E J T E R G

R A A W S Y P N Q C B H R B X

Y E O L J T I B Q J V L W X R

N N I E C S M Q G K X E Y W E

S J S N L A W A R X J H L D G

E U O O D A T M S A X E L T N

S T R S H E B N A T D M O X A

T A T Y B V E P A R R N H Z M

C O G H Q Y B R N S Q E Q U L

T H R E E W I S E M E N E C P

E O T E L T S I M O K N D E C

B R I M F M F W D O L Y P O L

Name: .................................................................................................

 BABYJESUS Address: ................................................................................................

BETHLEHEM CAROLSINGERS .................................................................Postcode: .............................

CHRISTMASTREE HOLLYWREATH Spot 12 THINGS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRISTMAS in the MANGER grid above, and you could win yourself a £20 Wordsearch MISTLETOE Dining Voucher to spend at The Red Lion Inn in Rothley.

REINDEER (See their advert on page 23) SANTACLAUS All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - SNOWMAN the names of 12 things associated with Christmas. These can run vertically, STOCKING horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

THREEWISEMEN Send your marked entry forms to: FESTIVE FUN, Shepshed Eye, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Friday 31st December 2010. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the  first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the £20 Dining Voucher.  luck!

Good Here are the twelve CHRISTMAS ITEMS you have to find:

Like model railways?

Shepshed Model Railway Club - formerly the Hind Leys Model Railway Club welcomes new members.

No experience required, so why not come along on a Wednesday evening from 7.30pm.

We now meet at the Glenmore Community Centre, Thorpe Road, SHEPSHED, LE12 9LU. For more information, tel: Chris (Secretary) on 01509 504319.

Fancy a game of chess?

Shepshed Rooks Chess Club play competitive Chess in the Leicestershire League (Division 1 and Division 2).

The club meets at Hind Leys Community College, Forest Street, Shepshed LE12 9DB on Thursdays at 8.00pm.

There is a good social atmosphere in the club and all the current members are interesting characters. New members will be made most welcome.

For more information, contact Dave Farrall, Secretary, Shepshed Rooks, on 01509-844437.

Roadline Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEdu

BABY JESUS • BETHLEHEM • CAROL SINGERS • CHRISTMAS TREE HOLLY WREATH • MANGER • MISTLETOE • REINDEER SANTA CLAUS • SNOWMAN • STOCKING • THREE WISE MEN

Why teenagers worry One teenager was talking to another, “I’m really concerned. My father slaves away at his job so I’ll never want for anything, and down the years has set aside thousands of pounds so that I can go to college. And my mother spends every day washing and ironing and cleaning up after me. She even takes care of me when I’m sick.”

The other teenager said: “Sounds perfect – so what are you worried about?”

The first teenager replied: “I’m afraid that one day they might try to escape.”

Freephone Number

The Roadline Freephone number 0800 62 62 03 is a useful contact number for local residents.

The phone number is: This number can be used to report such items as faulty street lighting, potholes, overhanging trees/bushes, etc free of charge to Leicestershire County Council.

Make a note of it for future reference!

When my grandfather became ill, my grandmother greased his back. After that, he went downhill very quickly.

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

• Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Local Councillors’ Contact Details Shepshed Town Councillors

Cllr Sarah Fall 17 Temple Close SHEPSHED LE12 9EA Telephone 01509 502108 Cllr Ian Hamilton-Smith 19 Coachmans Court SHEPSHED LE12 9SE Telephone 01509 821397 Cllr Mrs Diane Horn (Chairman of Council) 17 Grange Road SHEPSHED LE12 9LJ Telephone 01509 827361 Cllr Bill Hutchinson 59 Garendon Road SHEPSHED LE12 9NU Telephone 01509 505260 Cllr Roy Kershaw 25 Penrith Avenue SHEPSHED LE12 9NB Telephone 01509 554889 Cllr Jane Lennie 8 Coachmans Court SHEPSHED LE12 9SE Telephone 01509 827015 Cllr Stephen Londesborough 15 Shepherds Close SHEPSHED LE12 9SQ Telephone 01509 827436 Cllr Grantley Lycett Queen’s Head House 34 Queens Street SHEPSHED LE12 9RZ Telephone 01509 556861 Cllr Barry Perkins 11 Longcliffe Road SHEPSHED LE12 9LW Telephone 01509 829772

Cllr Mrs Claire Poole 234 Fairway Road South SHEPSHED LE12 9PN Telephone 01509 277012 or 07727121426 Cllr Mrs Cynthia Popley (Vice-Chairman of Council) 119 Conway Drive SHEPSHED LE12 9PN Telephone 01509 561458 Cllr John Popley 119 Conway Drive SHEPSHED LE12 9PN Telephone 01509 561458 Cllr Mrs Christine Radford 3 Moscow Lane SHEPSHED LE12 9EX Telephone 01509 502974 Cllr Richard Tabberer 262 Fairway Road South SHEPSHED LE12 9BQ Telephone 01509 507395 Cllr Mrs Joan Tassell 11a Moscow Lane SHEPSHED LE12 9EX Telephone 01509 506661

Clerk To The Town Council Mrs. Brenda Snape Shepshed Town Council Office 47a Charnwood Road, Shepshed LE12 9GE Telephone/fax 01509 508872 Office Hours: 9am-3pm Monday - Thursday & 9am-1pm Friday

Charnwood Borough Councillors Cllr D Bebbington 35 Hathern Road Shepshed LE12 9RP Tel: 07881 597805 Cllr B Burr 30 Ringwood Road Shepshed LE12 9SB Tel: 01509 502914 Cllr Mrs.C.Popley 119 Conway Drive Shepshed LE12 9PN Tel: 01509 561458 Cllr Mrs.C.Radford 3 Moscow Lane Shepshed LE12 9EX Tel: 01509 502974

Leicestershire County Councillor For Shepshed Cllr Mrs C Radford 3 Moscow Lane Shepshed LE12 9EX Tel. (01509) 502974

Cut This List Out & Keep It Safe!

You never know when you might need to contact one of these people!

Cycle of Meetings: late 2010-early 2011 Finance & General Purposes Pre-Precept FULL COUNCIL & PRECEPT Estates & Recreation Finance & General Purposes FULL COUNCIL

1st December 8th December 12th January 2011 26th January 9th February 23rd February

Estates & Recreation Finance & General Purposes (Grants) FULL COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING OF COUNCIL ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

9th March 23rd March 6th April 11th May 18th May

The housing market in Shepshed…so what’s really happening?

By Richard Morris MNAEA, Branch Manager at Hartleys Estate Agents I hear so many conflicting reports in the media…“a one percent increase means a boom and a one percent fall in prices means a crash!!” obviously this is press sensationalism, so what is really happening in our local market here in Shepshed?

Historically the market would be directly linked to whatever Loughborough was doing at the time, but with Shepshed now the size it is, it has very much created its own ‘micro market’ and reacts to changes and demand within the village.

At the beginning of this year we saw a high demand and very few houses for sale which, for a few months, forced prices upwards. This was then corrected with a rush of properties becoming available in the Spring which satisfied demand and brought prices back into line.

So we are now where we are, and a number of local property owners - having received good advice - have reacted to the changes this year and have successfully sold their properties.

Sales are happening, most notably amongst those ‘new’ to the market or those who have embraced change and reacted quickly and decisively to remain or get into line with current values.

The message is clear, buyers are out there, and there are deals to be done, but fundamentally good initial advice is at the heart of a successful move so if you are an intending and serious seller, here’s the key, don’t be suckered by price and promises, do your research, identify service, experience, and integrity and above all be realistic.

Write an article for the EYE Shepshed Community EYE is YOUR magazine - so don’t be shy about contributing a news item or short article.

Remember - we’re not looking for earth-shattering news or world class journalism. If it needs editing or tweaking to make it suitable, we can do that for you.

Our contact details are on page 2. We look forward to hearing from you!

19

o ryatt optometry clinical optometrist & contact lens practitioner

Tel: 01509 503344 www.ryattoptometry.co.uk

It’s amazing how long it takes to complete something you’re not working on.

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~

KEITH SMITH (ANSTEY) LTD 6 STADON ROAD ANSTEY LE7 7AY - SALES RENTAL & SERVICE

TEL: 0116 2362395 - sales@keithsmithltd.co.uk

Winter sale in-store now WHIRLPOOL AWOR5206 Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 6Kg Load Capacity 14 Progs 30min Quick Wash AAB Rated WAS £279.99 Save £40

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HOTPOINT WML520P Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 6Kg Load Capacity Mini Load Quick Wash AAB Rated WAS £329.99 Save £40

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HOTPOINT AQ7F29I Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 7kg Load Capacity AAB Rated 30min Quick Wash

AAB Rated FREE 3 Year Warranty

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HOOVER OPHS612 Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 6Kg Load Capacity 29min Quick Wash 14 Progs A+AB Rated WAS £279.99 Save £10

NOW £269.99

ZANUSSI

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ZWG1120M

ZDC37200W

Washing Machine 1200rpm Spin Speed 6kg Load Capacity AAB Rated Time Delay

Condenser Dryer 7kg Load LED Indicators Delicates Option Large Porthole

Quick Wash

C Energy Rated

WAS £299.99 Save £40

NOW £259.99

“Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our customers new and old” From all the Staff at Keith Smith (Anstey) Ltd

WAS £269.99 Save £50

NOW £219.99

Free Installation

ANSTEY

(worth £29.99)*

Free Removal of Old Machine (worth £14.00)**

Free Removal of Packaging

*To Existing Fittings. **Excludes Refrigeration

HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX

HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ CREDA ~ WHIRLPOOL ~ ZANUSSI ~ INDESIT ~ BELLING ~ HOTPOINT ~ SIEMENS ~ CANNON ~ BOSCH ~ ELECTROLUX ~

20

WASHING MACHINES ~ FRIDGE FREEZERS ~ FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ~ TUMBLE DRYERS ~ COOKERS ~ OVENS ~

Working Together

EASTGATE

FINANCIAL SERVICES Mike Duncan and Terry Arch Independent Financial Advisers for

Pensions - Life Assurance Savings - Critical Illness Income Protection - Mortgages

Telephone 01509 600340 SHEPSHED BOOKS

A BOOK

Longer-lasting than a fruitcake, cheaper than a flat screen, more fun than a partridge in a pear tree.

Telephone: 01509 508 929 Email: gailgarnsworthy@btconnect.com Unit 4, 14 - 20 Field Street, Shepshed

I don’t mind you talking so much, as long as you don’t mind me not listening.

N U O IS

IC H D H T RT

% WIT DVE

10

T

A

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

• Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

21

Shepshed Twinning Association News Shepshed Twinning Association is about to reflect on a very busy and successful year.

It’s a community library ... for toys

In summer, the Association hosted a major visit from its twin town of Domont of which a highlight was a conference on the wellbeing of children and young people that attracted EU funding.

In September, Shepshed took part in a five-nation videoconference. It revealed a lot of concern about spending cuts in all of the countries involved.

It was a first for Shepshed and may launch many more face-to-face contacts between families, clubs and schools in the future.

In contrast, the final event of the year was a low-tech cycle ride to Melbourne, Derbyshire.

The Association’s Annual General Meeting on 16th November put in place a full programme for 2011 that includes walks, quizzes, a pancake evening and French film nights. Focal point of the year will be a weekend visit to Lille where citizens from Shepshed and Domont will meet to explore the historic French city, swap ideas and enjoy each other’s company.

The development of links between primary schools and sports clubs are still high on Twinning Association’s list of priorities. Anyone who is interested in making links with France, electronic or otherwise in invited to contact sheptwin@btinternet.com

Domont The town of Domont is about 10 miles north of Paris, with a population of about 15 000 (similar to Shepshed).

Shepshed and Domont have been twinned since about 1989. We have regular visits to and from Domont, and many people have become good friends over the years. A party from Domont came over here in June this year, and next year we are planning a trip to the historic town of Lille in northern France, where we shall meet some of our French friends.

In addition, we have a regular programme of social activities, including food, walks, cycle rides and films.

If you would like to get involved with the Twinning Association, or would like to know more about it, please contact sheptwin@btinternet.com.

BOOKSHELF

It’s a Magical Life!

Shadow

by Philosophical Phyllis

By Michael Morpurgo AMAZON PRICE: £6.49 (Hardcover) This is the story of Aman, as told in his own words – a boy from Afghanistan fleeing the horror of the Afghan war. When a western dog shows up outside the caves where Aman lives with his mother, Aman is initially repulsed – it is not customary for people to keep dogs as pets in his part of the world. But when Aman and his mother finally decide to make a bid for freedom, the dog Aman has called Shadow will not leave their side. Soon it becomes clear: the destinies of boy and dog are linked, and always will be…

If only we had all learnt from our earliest years that ‘Life is our Ultimate Partner’.

That this amazing birthright enables us to be so much more than our individual personalities. A powerful, creative union that shapes the world we live in, responsible for the whole range of human interaction – right thinking and wrong thinking. Our thoughts made manifest.

In future issues shall we investigate the ideas within this ancient piece of wisdom? Write in and give your views or ask questions of myself or the readers.

Shepshed Community Toy Library provides play and toy lending services for families and child care organisations throughout Charnwood.

The toy Library is situated on the Hind Leys campus and is open Mon, Weds and Fri 9:30-12:00 and the last Thurs of each month 6:307:30pm.

For more information, tel 01509 601146 or visit the website at www. shepshedtoylibrary.blogspot.com

The Shepshed Singers SHEPSHED SINGERS are a mixed four part choir of some 42 voices based in Shepshed. Founded in 1977, the choir has gained a reputation for performing neglected and unfamiliar music as well as better known and popular pieces, both sacred and secular.

They rehearse weekly throughout the year and aim to achieve a high standard in both performance and presentation. Most of their music is a capella although they usually perform a larger work with orchestra each year. They have toured five times to Europe, most recently to Amsterdam.

As a choir they participate in music festivals. In addition to their own concerts they are available for weddings, Christmas events and other social functions.

The Musical Director is Andrew Goff, who has conducted the Singers since 1985.

Shepshed Singers currently have vacancies for basses, tenors and altos. Please email the Chairman at chairman@shepshedsingers.org.uk

Three Great Truths •

The soul of man is immortal, and its future is the future of a thing whose growth and splendour have no limit.

• The principle which gives life dwells in us, and without us, is undying and eternally beneficent, is not heard, or seen, or smelt, but is perceived by the man who desires perception.

• Each man is his own absolute law-giver, the dispenser of glory or gloom to himself; the decreer of his life, his reward, his punishment.

These Truths, which are as great as is life itself, are as simple as the simplest mind of man.

Feed the hungry with them.

Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But I can usually shut her up with cake.

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 1 - December 2010 / January 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

22

Church Service Information Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club meets at 7.30pm on a Tuesday evening at the Glenmore Community Centre, Thorpe Road, SHEPSHED, LE12 9LU.

23 Talk ‘Steam and things’ - Peter Haywood.

30 Practical evening.

DECEMBER • • •

7 Paper Plane contest.

14 Photograph Competition.

21 Christmas drink ~ The Pied Bull.

28 No meeting.

• ** Note: Programme may be subject to change ** New websites: - www.radioclubs. net/ladarc or www.radioclub.org. uk

Further information: Chris on (01509) 504319.

WISE WORDS A good listener is not only popular everywhere, but after a while he gets to know something.

Wilson Mizner (1876-1933)

Saturday 27th November 10am to 2pm Christmas Fayre at Hind Leys School

Sunday 19th December 8am Holy Communion 10am Parish Eucharist 6pm Carol Service

Christmas Eve 6pm Christmas Family Mass 9pm Christmas Mass with Choir

NOVEMBER •

Sunday 12th December 8am Holy Communion 10am Parish Eucharist 6pm BCP Evensong

Sunday 19th December 6pm Carol Service,

New members are most welcome - we look forward to meeting you soon....

Here is the programme for the next few weeks: •

St Winefride’s Roman Catholic Church, Shepshed

Christmas Day 10 am Christmas Mass with Carols & Christmas Music

Christchurch Methodist Church, Shepshed Sunday 5th December 10.45am All Age Worship, Toy & Bible Service Sunday 19th December 10.45am Nativity Service 6 pm Service of Readings and Carols Christmas Eve 11.15pm United Holy Communion at East Leake Methodist Church Christmas Day 10.30am Christmas United Family Service & Christmas Music Sunday 26th December 10.45am Morning Worship with Holy Communion

St Botolph’s Church, Shepshed Sunday 28th November 8am Holy Communion 10am Parish Eucharist 6pm Advent Carols Sunday 5th December 8am Holy Communion 10am Family Service 6pm Parish Eucharist

Shepshed Lions

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL is the world’s largest service organisation with clubs in over 188 countries world wide.

We are ordinary people like you who make a real difference to people less fortunate than you and have fun at the same time.

Shepshed Lions Club has been in existence for around 23 years and is going strong. It is made up of men and women from the local area. They meet on the first Monday of each month at 8pm at the Black Swan public house for a business meeting and on the third Monday of each month for a social event. We work hard to help others but it is important to have fun as well.

We organise fund raising events of various types to raise money for worthwhile causes. We hold our annual Giant Easter Egg Raffle, collect foodstuffs and cash donations at the local Co-op and now the new Tesco’s at Christmas to provide food parcels for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We have a stall at many village carnivals and Christmas events, quizzes and any number of other fund raising activities with one sole aim: to help others.

The vast majority of the funds that we raise are spent locally, with local playgroups, funding youth activities, the Christmas meal at Glenmore and much more, generally helping anyone who needs our help. The list of donations is extensive (and is available for anyone to see). We have supported Rainbows, The Air Ambulance and many smaller charities. We also support international

Charnwood Road Baptist Church Sunday 19th December 10.45 am Morning Worship 6.00 pm Carol Service Friday 24th December 6.00 pm Christmas Eve Worship

Friday 24th November 4pm Christingle Service

Saturday 25th December 10.00 am Christmas Day Celebration

Christmas Eve 6pm Christingle Service 11.30pm Midnight Communion

Sunday 26th December 10.45am Family Worship Party Time

Saturday 25th December 10am Parish Eucharist

Diary

Sunday 26th December 10 am Parish Eucharist

St James, Oaks in Charnwood Sunday 28th November 8.30am Holy Communion 4.00pm Advent Carols Sunday 5th December 8.30am Holy Communion 11.00am Holy Communion 4.00pm BCP Evensong Sunday 12th December 8.30am Holy Communion 4.00pm Christingle Service Sunday 19th December 8.30am Holy Communion 4.00pm Carol Service Friday 24th December Christmas Eve 8.00pm Holy Communion Sunday 26th December 8.30am Holy Communion

Holy Communion every Wednesday 10 am St Botolph’s Church except Wednesday 19th December 2010.

Tuesday 7th December St Botolph’s Tuesday Group Christmas Outing. Tel. 01509 504444.

Wednesday 15th December St Botolph’s Mothers Union – Carol Service 2.30 pm St Botolph’s Church followed by tea in the Church Hall.

Tel. Judith Roper 01509 508863.

Wednesday 22nd December Christmas Concert with Shepshed Singers. 7.30 pm St Botolph’s Church.

Tel. Dave Coble 01509 502007 or the Parish Office 01509 502255.

CHEEKY CHOPS (previously Childsplay) meet every Friday from 10-11.30 am term time only. Contact RoseMarie Manning 01509 504133.

OAKS SENIORS meet once a fortnight on a Tuesday in Oaks Storer Hall.

Contact Sheila Bass: 01509 502813.

There are House Groups taking place in the Parish for further details contact Rev’d Cynthia Hebden 01509 506791 or The Parish Office 01509 502255.

disaster appeals such as the Tsunami and Earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti. This is part of our international commitment.

We donate EVERY SINGLE PENNY that we raise to charity.

We do not take any money from the charities fund to cover any administration.

If you wish to become a Lion, we ask that you attend 3 business meetings so that you can get an understanding of what we are about.

If you like what you see and hear and you are able to commit some of your spare time; you may be invited to join the club. All we ask is that you commit some time to assist in the fund raising activities of the club and some time to the social side of the club.

By joining us you should expect to find friendship and fellowship with likeminded people. You should expect to achieve your ambition to make a difference to your local community. You should expect to meet new friends and new challenges. You should also expect to have a sense of satisfaction that you took time to help others.

Contact: Sue and Bob Lilley on 01509 508265 or Lynn and David Jackson on 01509 822452.

Or you can contact any member of Shepshed Lions Club.

• We shall be holding our Annual Collection to make up the Christmas parcels for those less fortunate at the Co-op, Hallcroft on 27th November and at Tesco, Charnwood Road on 11th December.

You will also find our Christmas Hamper Raffle in many of the Pubs and venues in Shepshed. Thank you for your support!

Worrying works! 90% of the things I worry about never happen.

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk

• Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Out of work?

Unsure what to do next?

Shepshed Taekwon-Do Club Shepshed Taekwon-Do was established in 2001 and practices ITF style Taekwon-Do. We train at Shepshed High School Sports Hall (on Shepshed Campus, Forest Road) on Tuesdays 6.15pm to 8pm and Fridays 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

The fee per training session is £2.

The instructor, Pat Shawcroft (Mr) is fully qualified, insured and CRB checked.

For more information visit: www.shepshedtaekwondo.com My contact number is 01509 673988 and email is shawcroftclan@hotmail.com

Pat Shawcroft

Children’s Christmas Craft Class Glenmore Community Centre Saturday Dec 4th • 12 noon—4pm

Do you need a few spare hours to organize things for Christmas without the children?

Children aged between 5 and 10 years old are invited to join in making a range of great crafty things for Christmas.

All craft items will be supplied.

Children will need a packed lunch and we will supply drinks and biscuits for later on. There will also be a visit from Santa himself.

Cost £5 per child.

Contact Bill Sloane on 01509 650662 for more information or to book your place.

Glenmore Community Centre, Thorpe Road, Shepshed, LE12 9LU Registered Charity number 1039294

The Multi Access Centre (MAC) is a new initiative run through Leicestershire Libraries and the Adult Learning Service which can help people who are out of work support with improving their English, maths and IT skills, assistance with writing CVs and application forms, job searching, preparing for interviews, boosting confidence and accessing voluntary work.

You can access your local Multi Access Centre at Shepshed library where the library staff will arrange an appointment for you with an advisor who will meet with you at the library. The project has been a great success so far and we look forward to meeting with you soon and helping you back into work.

Alternatively, you can call Shepshed Library on 0116 3053678 or email mac@leics.gov.uk or visit us at www.leics.gov.uk/multiaccesscentres.

On the perils of brides in churches The Rectory, St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren Our final wedding of the year was perhaps a little more memorable than any of us had anticipated. It was a charming scene, with everywhere covered in snow – although a good job the bride had a bouquet of red roses, otherwise no one would have been able to find her.

As the photographer, bridesmaids and I stood at the lych gate, the bridal car arrived, braked – and carried on, sliding down the lane sideways and into the neighbouring farmyard. Fortunately, Mr Jones was there to use his tractor to pull it out of the mud.

Our verger, having attended the diocesan verger’s guild Christmas party the night before, arrived late and did not have time to clear the church path. The path, being on an incline and bridal pumps not being equal to the task, the bride made a dramatic entrance into church backwards and on her bottom, demolishing the flower pedestal by the door in the process. Fortunately the petals stuck to the large patch of mud on her behind, making the congregation speculate throughout the service why she had a large floral cushion attached to her dress.

Our organist did not please the bride’s mother by changing the wedding march to the skater’s waltz as her daughter reeled up the aisle. He is still under a cloud from last week’s funeral for our local butcher, when he played at the end of the service Bach’s: “Sheep may safely graze”.

At St James the Least, the best man stands over a large heating grid. The poor soul, unaccustomed to our ecclesiastical arctic climate, was shivering so violently, he dropped the rings down the grid. There had to be a half-hour pause while the grating was removed and the groom, holding the best man’s legs, lowered him into the hole to fish for them, lost among choirmen’s peppermints and the organ tuner’s cigarette ends.

In future, I have decided that wedding rehearsals should be full dress rehearsals. The bride, in a hooped dress, was 4 feet wide; the vestry door is 3 feet wide. Getting in to sign the registers was fairly easy, as the bride, a game girl, took a run up along the chancel and so built up enough momentum. Her exit was more difficult, but with the combined pushing of groom and bridesmaids, she re-emerged into church like a cork out of a bottle – and demolishing the second pedestal of flowers in the chancel.

Married life, they say, is not always a bed of roses, but hers has certainly begun that way.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

23

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Telephone: 01509 504700

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As a kid, I was made to walk the plank. We couldn’t afford a dog.

Shepshed Town Council invites you to join in a

Christmas Community Event on Friday 3rd December 2010 at Shepshed High School Forest Street, Shepshed From 6.30pm to 8.30pm

FREE ADMISSION