December 2021 issue of Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Spotligh potlightt Groby & Field Head MID-DECEMBER 2021

The Monthly News & Information Magazine For Groby, Field Head & The Brantings

Six-hour Bellydanceathon raises over £1,500 for breast cancer recovery charity

MY 15-STUDENT TROUPE completed a six-hour Bellydanceathon on 27th November for the Sue Young cancer charity ‘IN THE PINK’ breast cancer recovery program, which supports confidence through exercise.

So far we’ve raised £1,568.

The event took place at Sport in Desford, Peckleton Lane, Desford.

Ladies were welcome to come and watch, support us - and join in - at any time over the day between 11.30am-5.30pm.

You can still donate to support this terrific charity - go to www.totalgiving.co.uk, click on the magnifying glass, then search after selecting the Fundraiser tab for ‘Tag Bellydanceathon’

Roxanne Dinsdale, Groby

Quarry engine update FOLLOWING MY request for help in the November issue of the Groby & Field Head Spotlight, I am pleased to report that Local Historian David Ramsey has come forward with some very useful information which I have passed on to the gentleman who is building a replica of the 2 foot gauge Quarry engine.

Ted Hollick

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all Spotlight readers!

Co-op’s £16,000 payout to local charities

THE CO-OP on Laundon Way, Groby and the Wanlip Lane, Birstall handed out over £16,000 to three local charities as part of a £100 million pay-out via the Local Community Fund.

Ratby Community Orchard, one of the charities received £5,234 which will be used to purchase new equipment including an apple press and tree pruners as well as information boards. The other two charities to benefit were the Baldwin Trust £5,738 and Community Markets £5,003.

Each year Co-op members select the charity they wish to support and when they shop at the stores 2p from every £1 they spend is donated to charity. The members’ choice this year for Birstall and Groby are: Groby Community Library who are looking to develop an area outside the library with a seating area and gazebo.

Murals created by three community primary schools and a local artist are also part of the plans.

Elizabeth Woodville PTA who are aiming to create an outdoor learning environment for the school children as outdoor learning is known to improve their mental, and physical wellbeing.

Birstall Playgroup for children with Special Needs who, due to Covid restrictions, missed out on socialising and development. The funds will help provide a great Christmas party and provide the children with toys and activities that suit their particular needs.

For further details or to select your charity choice visit coop. co.uk

Next Issue Out On 15th January • Advert & Article Deadline Is 1st January Please

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For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

3

News about Groby’s ‘Little Free Library’

By Norman Griffiths BACK IN AUGUST the Spotlight told the story of Louise Scorer’s Little Free Library initiative on Old Hall Close. “We have a really good stock of books and the flow that comes in and out is now maintaining what we need,” Louise said. “Readers don’t have to return books if they don’t want to. They’re welcome to keep them, pass them onto a friend or return to a different little free library.”

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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.

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NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 15th January 2022 DEADLINE: 1st January 2022

As all the stock is donated the range of fiction and non-fiction can be diverse, reflecting the interests of the local community. The top shelf of the cabinet is adult books, anything from crime, romance, war novels, cookery books and other non-fiction. The bottom shelf is children’s books ranging from baby books, board books, early readers, picture books and more. There are also two overflow top drawers, left side is currently more adult novels and right is a wide range of Disney books. These are rotated and changed often to keep the display interesting.

Sadly, Louise is leaving Groby. She has, however, arranged with a friend for the Little Free Library to be relocated to Crane ley Road. “Nothing else has changed, the little free library still offers children’s and adult books for swap, keep or donate, and still updates the Facebook page regularly,” Louise added.

Bradgate Rotary News Druck make a new sleigh for Santa!

THANKS to the generosity of the company and their engineering skills Santa will have a new sleigh for this year.

Having clocked up billions of miles over the years Santa’s sleigh was in a great need of repair, so employees at Druck set about the task of building a new sleigh, which will be under wraps until December 11th. A huge thank you goes out to the company for making sure that Christmas presents will still be delivered this year!

December 11th – 12 Days of Christmas Trail around Groby Starting from Groby Library, you pay £1 to collect a map and follow the trail to find the letters to enter the prize draw.

Refreshments also available from the library. It is rumoured, that Santa may make an appearance, with his new sleigh!

Wednesday 15th December – with the help of Bradgate Rotary. Santa will be visiting the Co-op Store on Laundon Way, Groby, from 3pm for a couple of hours. Santa, on his sleigh, will be available for photos and a quick chat, as well as handing out a small gift to youngsters.

Thursday 16th December – Santa will be visiting the Nook, Anstey from 3pm to 4.30pm and visiting customers of the Nook Corner Coffee Shop.

Monday 20th December – Santa will be visiting pupils at Mercenfield School, Markfield.

Have you got your 2022 calendar yet?

The Bradgate Park calendars, organised by Bradgate Rotary, are selling out very fast. Almost all our outlets have sold out. The remaining copies are sold in the Deer Barn at Bradgate or online via their website. At only £6 with all the funds going to the charity these really are a must have.

2,000 Purple Crocus Bulbs planted in Markfield Members of Bradgate Rotary Club planted 2,000 purple crocus bulbs round the Memorial Stone in Markfield to raise awareness of the Rotary fight for a polio free world. The local Parish Council kindly gave permission for the planting, and it is hoped the crocuses will create a colourful blanket during Spring.

Come and join in the fun with us and make a difference to your community Anyone interested in joining their local Rotary and helping the community please email your contact details to Adrian Walker – walk77a@yahoo.com

My last credit card bill was so big, before I opened it I actually heard a drum roll.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

National Trust Leicester Association

Grey Seals at Blakeney Point

IN ADDITION to looking after historic buildings and large areas of woodland and open countryside, the National Trust also looks after England’s largest Grey Seal colony at Blakeney Point in North Norfolk.

With sandy beaches backed by dunes, no natural predators and very little disturbance, Blakeney Point is the perfect place for grey seals to live and give birth. They can be seen on the Point all the year round, but between late October and mid-January, large numbers congregate and the pups are born.

The first seal pup was seen at Blakeney Point in 1988 with only a few pups born each year in the 1990’s. It was first acknowledged as an established colony in 2001 and by 2014 it had become the largest grey seal colony in England, with a record 3,999 pups born in 2019.

Seals are thought to have evolved from otter-like ancestors around the North Atlantic, 15 million years ago. Adults can reach up to two and a half metres in length and weigh up to 250kg. Female grey seals can live up to 35 years whilst males live for about 25 years. They moult their fur after the breeding season and have a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm.

The cows become fertile soon after weaning their pups.

Pregnancy in grey seals lasts for eleven and a half months with a three and a half month delayed implantation allowing the cow to feed up and moult after pupping. Pups feed from their mothers for about three weeks. At that point they shed their white coat, their fur becomes water proof and they start catching fish for themselves. They may also eat crabs.

Blakeney point is reached by ferry boat from Morston Quay and is open all the year round.

• THE NT LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 22nd December when Rosemary Gibson will present a talk entitled “Traditional Boaters Costume”. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm.

• THERE WILL also be an evening meeting on Tuesday 11th January at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. Colin Hobday will present an illustrated talk entitled “America – Montana’s Three National Parks” Admission to meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00, including refreshments.

For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

New kit and a convincing win for Groby Juniors under-11s Spartans

GROBY JUNIORS FC U11’s Spartans wore their brand new kit for the first time on Remembrance Sunday, sponsored by Trade Centre UK. The game started with a minute’s silence and ended with a very convincing win for the Groby team.

A very proud Manager, Steve Jordon

FREE courses are available

New fashion academy launches in Leicester A NEW fashion academy has launched in Leicester to help train people in the skills they need to work in the textiles industry.

Leicester City Council has invested £300,000 in the project and teamed up with leading training provider Fashion-Enter Ltd to develop a new skills centre, which will be called The Fashion Technology Academy (Leicester).

The academy will offer apprenticeships and accredited training for people who work in, or want to work in, the textiles industry.

Current courses are free to people who are unemployed and apprenticeships at various levels are available to employers.

The academy is based in Stonebridge Street, at the heart of Leicester’s garment industry, sharing a state of the art building with renowned local clothing company Ethically Sourced Products Ltd, which has made the second floor of its premises available for the project.

Trainees have already started on some of the academy’s first courses, with an event held for partners, industry professionals, fashion retailers and guests on Tuesday 30 November marking the official launch of the project.

The new academy will work closely with local textiles and fashion manufacturing businesses as well as with retailers, with representatives from companies including Asos attending the launch event.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about courses at the Fashion Technology Academy (Leicester) can visit https://fcfta.com/

I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car with a flat tyre being pushed by two old men.

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Groby The

Ex-Servicemen’s Club

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I have a telescope on the peephole of my door so I can see who’s at the door for 200 miles.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

My Superstar Brother: Krishna Gokani’s Fundraiser for Cancer Research I AM KRISHNA’S sister Lakshmi, and I am here to tell you about his charity fundraising.

He has grown his hair for nearly a year and cut it recently for cancer research.

He began growing it in December 2020 and cut it a day before his 8th birthday (26th September).

Even though he misses his hair, he has many supporters and has now raised over 1000 pounds. Our family and friends are very proud of him for doing this and I hope you are too.

Krishna with his sister before his haircut

... and after

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On parish accounts, teapots and Labrador retrievers

The music you love best – and when you love it

The Rectory

IF YOU ENJOY listening to music, ever notice how the kind of music that you like changes throughout the day?

St James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren

Y

OUR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS – all 146 pages, bound in their plastic covers and laid out in faultless detail – really are most impressive. I was rather envious to note you have a clergy ‘discretionary fund’; if I were to be given such a thing, my cellar of claret would improve immeasurably – although that is perhaps the reason why I am not given one.

The size of your office expenses makes me wonder if you have a staff rivalling that of the European Community. I suppose that at least you are doing your bit for job creation. Our dear Miss Marigold, who spends two hours a week randomly filing pieces of paper, mistyping rotas and failing to re-order stationery, is only rewarded by being the first to find out who are booking marriages and having their babies baptised – and if they do not happen in that order, that will be another piece of information remembered for future use. All this is information beyond the price of jewels in village communities.

Our accounts have more by way of charm than they do of accuracy, generally consisting of one sheet of handwritten paper. There are only ever three copies for circulation, as that is the limit of Colonel Denster’s carbon paper. It seems to be an unalterable tradition that they never balance, until we find the following year that the missing £20 was found months later under the teapot on the mantelpiece. One footnote to this was the occasion when the Colonel suspected an unaccountable £5 had been eaten by his Labrador. Our greatest expenses by far are categorised as ‘miscellaneous’, which is a catch-all for everything that our treasurer is unable to recall where it really went.

The thousands paid on church maintenance and diocesan fees are nodded through without comment – but if the money spent on Easter lilies or packets of tea for the Summer Fete increases by anything more than 50 pence, there will be much agonised debate and speculation about whether this is an indication of money laundering.

I see that your accounts were professionally audited. Fortunately, it does not matter too much about the accuracy of our own, as I have an arrangement with our auditor who lives in the village: if he refuses to sign them off, then I refuse to baptise his grandchildren.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

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According to research published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, our tastes over just one day will vary in preference to a perceived tempo, loudness, bounciness, and danceability.

In late morning, we tend to go for loudness and energy in our music.

By afternoon, the tempo begins to increase, and the beat and danceability also increase.

The highest tempo is preferred in the evening, between 8pm and 11pm. After that, we tend to prefer softer, slower music. But by 4am, the picture is muddled, as “the handful of people awake at this hour are often up to very different activities.”

According to a scientist at Aarhus University in Denmark, it all seems to point “to there being a circadian rhythm, even in our preference for music.”

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Is an e-bike or e-scooter on your Christmas wish list?

WITH CHRISTMAS just around the corner, supply chain problems may mean that Santa is struggling to find a sack big enough to hold an electric bicycle or an e-scooter. For those who can afford them both make attractive gifts, though they are not toys and there are limitations on their use.

The European market for e-bikes is forecast to triple over the next few years.

Cycling UK explains that in order to ride an e-bike on roads, bike paths and other places where bicycles are allowed, certain restrictions must be complied with in order to avoid the need to register the bike as you would a motor vehicle (including mopeds and motor bikes), or have insurance or wear a helmet.

However, they will be legally treated as a moped or motorcycle and be subject to a different regulations if they: • supply electrical assistance when travelling at more than 25kph (15.5mph), • have a motor which generates more than 250 Watts of power, or • can provide motor assistance without the bike’s pedals being in motion.

If an e-bike fails these tests, and it is to be used on a public highway, it will have to be registered with the DVLA. The rider will also need a driving licence, insurance and have to wear a helmet as on a motorbike or moped. E-bikes that do not conform to the regulations can only be ridden on private land where the public doesn’t have access, with the permission of the landowner.

Someone over 14 years of age may ride an e-bike on public roads.

Sixteen years is the minimum age to ride a moped in the UK but this was reduced to 14 years for electric bikes taking into account their lower levels of power.

The sales of e-scooters are also increasing, and Halfords reported a 184 percent annual increase in e-scooter sales 2020. The UK government is currently taking part in “Future transport zone” trials for e-scooter hire with a view to making them legal to use on roads. All local authorities can apply to take part, but at the moment, the trials do not include Leicestershire.

Cycling UK’s policy director, Roger Geffen, fears that hastily made changes to the rules for trials of e-scooters may be misjudged. “At the conclusion of the consultation,” he explained,

to e-scooter riders, the injuries suffered when an accident happens can be devastating….Riders often do not wear helmets or protective gear. Common injuries include head and brain injuries and severe fractures.”

“the Department for Transport(DfT) announced that these trials would proceed, but with all of the limits(proposed in the consultation) raised. Instead of the originally proposed limits, the DfT opted for 25kmh (or 15.5mph), 500W (power output) and 50kg weight.

This is far more likely to result in them causing danger and intimidation to pedestrians, as well as undermining the health benefits of cycling. It would be much harder to ... set high limits then lower them if the problems turn out to be more serious than predicted, as this would effectively involve banning people from using e-scooters on which they had just spent good money ” Until all the issues are resolved the Leicestershire Police point out that the only place an e-scooter can be used is on private land.

“We understand that buying an e-scooter can be tempting,” said a spokesperson, “ especially as you can buy them from many popular

retailers. However, the current law is clear. You can buy one but you can’t ride it on a UK public road, cycle lane or pavement.

E-scooters are classified as personal light electric vehicles, so they are treated as motor vehicles and subject to the same legal requirements such as MOT, licensing, Tax and insurance. As e-scooters do not have number plates, signalling ability and do not always have visible rear lights, they cannot be used legally on the roads.” The police have the power to seize privately owned e-scooters from those driving without insurance or a driving licence.

Bikelawyer, the No Win, No Fee motorcycle accident specialists, says that whilst it is currently illegal, it is an everyday sight to see people riding their e-scooters on the roads and pavements of the UK. “Unfortunately, the number of accidents involving e-scooters has sky-rocketed. Due to the very limited protection afforded

Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands said their sale should be banned until a new policy, and new regulatory regime, is announced. In a letter sent to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps he said they are ‘a menace’ and says they are increasingly becoming a drain on police resources.

In November the Daily Mail said they are selling in record numbers and police are left pulling over hundreds of riders to explain the law and potentially arresting them for driving a motor vehicle without insurance or a licence.

Mr Foster said West Midlands Police force has alone recorded more than 400 incidents in recent years. Earlier this year a Mail investigation revealed how robberies, assaults and even a drive-by shooting were among hundreds of crimes involving e-scooters.

The Government has some difficult issues to consider, and the Mail reported that Ministers have delayed making a decision on whether to legalise privatelyowned e-scooters on the roads until summer 2022.

Norman Griffiths

News from the Glenfield Country Market THE GLENFIELD Country Market held its first Craft Fair in October at the Groby Village Hall.

It was a lovely event and those who came, enjoyed their visit. A few people were tentatively venturing out to join us and were able to do so safely, meeting people while purchasing a range of hand-crafted goods. It has been a tough time and we were grateful and pleased to welcome those who came along to support us. As it was a popular event and in a great venue, we have decided to do it all again! A date to put into your 2022 diaries is Saturday 30th April, 10am-4pm.

The Glenfield Country Market is part of a not-for-profit organisation which enables producers to sell handmade goods for sale, paying a commission to cover running costs for this weekly event. Producers cook, craft and grow and display their wares at our popular market held each Friday in St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield (LE3 8DP) from 9am-11am. We will be very happy to see you - so do please give us a try. There are refreshments available as well as a wide range of hand-crafted goods to buy. There is an opportunity to purchase original gifts and a selection of bakes for Christmas, all specially displayed so that you are spoiled for choice! And we are now take card payments to make your shopping experience even better!

We hope that this regular event will be of interest to Glenfield residents and beyond and you can be sure of a warm welcome. Thank you.

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

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Groby The

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DARTS EXHIBITION at the Club

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Jamie Caven is carrying out a round robin of different venues in Leicestershire.

Groby Club have secured Kevin Painter to star alongside him.

Tickets are £8 each or £30 for 4 tickets.

Visit the club to purchase your tickets.

Event starts at 7PM. This event is open to All.

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Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club Ltd, 16-18 Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DJ

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Does that screwdriver really belong to Philip?

10

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Is 5G a threat to aircraft safety?

EARLIER THIS YEAR a campaign in Groby stopped the erection of a new 5G telecom mast on Pymm Ley Lane, on a site that local residents considered inappropriate for a whole range of reasons. The debate about the new masts took another twist recently, not in Groby but on the other side of the Atlantic.

Back in October Reuters, the news agency, reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA had raised significant concerns about the effect on aviation safety a plan to use the C-Band spectrum for 5G wireless networks would have. A trade group argued that the C-band spectrum can be used “without causing harmful interference to aviation equipment,” and cited numerous active 5G networks using this spectrum band in 40 countries... Any delay in activating this spectrum risks America’s competitiveness.”

But the aviation industry has voiced alarm about the plan to begin using the C-Band spectrum in December for more than a year and said that there could even be collisions. FAA Deputy Administrator Bradley Mims said the agency shares “the deep concern about the potential impact to aviation safety resulting from interference to radar altimeter performance from 5G network operations in the C band.” A spokeswoman added that it “continues to engage with other agencies so that aviation and the newest generation of 5G cellular technology can safely co-exist.”

The aerospace and airline sector warned that “major disruptions to use of the National Airspace System can be expected from the rollout of 5G” and added the FAA will be forced to “drastically reduce aviation operational capacity.”

Last month The Wall Street Journal reported that two telecom companies had agreed to delay their midband 5G rollouts into early 2022 and had offered to reduce the power of their 5G cell towers for six months to give aviation safety researchers time to more carefully study the effects of the new spectrum on equipment such as radar altimeters.

An overall limit on midband 5G power would be applied nationwide, and the signal output would be further reduced near airports and helipads in

order to be “sensitive to the Federal Aviation Administration’s desire for additional analysis of this issue.”

The limits were described by the communications industry as “one of the most comprehensive efforts in the world to safeguard aviation technologies,” and added that it will work with the FAA to get the new 5G frequencies deployed “both safely and swiftly.”

Concerns in the UAE and France Airline passengers and crew may familiar with requests to turn off their mobile phones while onboard, or to keep them in ‘airplane mode’, at least while landing and take-off of the plane.

Last February, the United Arab Emirates’s civil aviation authority (GCAA) issued a safety notice alerting airport and aircraft operators to the “major operational risks” posed by the wireless technology. The French Civil Aviation Authority warned that the latest generation of smartphones, 5G, can interfere with aircraft altitude instruments. It recommended they should be turned off during flight. “The utilisation of 5G devices onboard aircraft could lead to risks of interference that could potentially result in errors in altitude readings,” a spokesman for the agency said.

What does the UK regulator say?

The Daily Telegraph reported last month that 5G is no threat to UK aircraft safety according to Civil Aviation Authority who “sought to soothe fears that 5G signals could interfere with aircraft safety systems following a standoff between American authorities and mobile phone operators.”

It seems that the devices used within the airline industry operate in the 4.2-4.4 GHz band, which is higher than the G5 frequency. More than 40 nations around the world have opened up the 3.7 to 3.98 GHz band for 5G wireless, and we are told that there have not yet been proven reports of harmful interference from 5G signals.

Those who have concerns may argue that “yet” is an important word in the context of aircraft safety.

Norman Griffiths

Alleviating the winter blues THE DARKER DAYS and nights caused by the shorter daylight hours of winter can have a huge effect on how we feel.

If you find yourself wanting to eat and sleep more during winter or are less eager to get out and socialise, tips to alleviate the winter blues are at hand.

If you feel a dip in mood and a lack of enthusiasm during winter, you are not alone. Our internal patterns of sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity all rely on natural light cycles. Experts recommend getting more light into our lives to help alleviate symptoms.

FEELING SAD? Over two million people in the UK are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The low levels of light during the winter months can cause a range of symptoms, from slowing down and lacking energy right through to severe depression. Other symptoms include feeling gloomy, lethargic and experiencing feelings of being unable to carry out our normal routine. Not wanting to go outdoors, loss of libido and craving sweet carbohydrates are also indicators of SAD. Light therapy has been shown to be extremely helpful for many sufferers and is very easy to use in the form of a lightbox, which mimics natural sunlight and can be used daily.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Many of us feel low in winter and research shows this can be related to decreased exposure to natural light. Getting outdoors each day is crucial to tackling winter blues, as

it increases our exposure to sunlight and can positively impact on our mood.

Not only that but being outdoors almost always means you are doing exercise – even if it’s just washing the car – and that is beneficial in itself.

TEAMING UP Both exercise and socialising stimulate and boost endorphins, those wonderful feel-good chemicals in our bodies that help to lift our mood.

While doing a home workout is better than nothing, it does mean you are missing out on contact with people. Ideally join a group – something like Nordic Walking or a dance class – but even if it’s just a weights session in the gym, if you go often enough you’ll start to see the same faces each time you are there. Often somebody saying “Hello” is all that’s needed to lift your spirit.

PEOPLE POWER Even if you actually quite enjoy your own company, you do need people contact too. If your family or friends don’t live nearby, make a point of having a face-to-face call instead of just messaging.

Think about joining a group too. Evening classes start at many colleges in January, or find out if there’s any voluntary work you can do.

Of course, if you are feeling a bit January blue, you might be thinking “I don’t have time to do any of this.”

But most of us seem to find time to watch TV or do mindless internet browsing. Recognise that it’s taking the first step that’s the most difficult part, but once you do the momentum will build and before you know it, spring will be here!

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Thanks!

My mother used to say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Lovely woman. Useless surgeon.

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11

LETTER

Leaflet Made Me So Angry MAY I, through the pages of Spotlight, register my anger and disgust at a leaflet which was posted through my door on 14th-15th November weekend.

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Its banner headline was ‘BETRAYED’ and how appropriate this turned out to be!

After living in this lovely village of Groby for the 53 years since I married, I can truly say I have never received anything quite so malicious and vindictive. As per usual, with those who choose to publish such disgusting missives, the writer does not have the backbone to identify himself or herself. Whoever you are, you should be ashamed of yourself.

The whole thing is full of unsubstantiated hints of wrongdoing, and makes our Parish Council sound like a ‘viper’s nest’. I would suggest that instead of sniping at the ‘Chairman, whose home is in Nottingham’, the writer of this diatribe should try to emulate the hard work and charity fundraising efforts that the Chairman has performed for this village.

I am so ANGRY, but unlike the writer of this leaflet, I at least have the bottle to sign my response.

Freddie Lee, Groby

You are never more than 166 metres from a stray cat BRITAIN IS NOT short of stray cats. An estimated quarter of a million of them live in our towns and cities, according to recent research by Cats Protection and researchers at the University of Bristol.

In some urban areas of Britain, there are even up to 57 stray cats per square kilometre. It is these cats who are of particular concern to Cats Protection, because “they receive limited or no direct human support.” Often these cats are unneutered, and populations can expand rapidly, spreading disease and harming wildlife.

For this reason, Cats Protection continues to urge owners to microchip and neuter their pets.

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12

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Speed activated road signs to be fitted in early 2022 BACK IN AUGUST the Spotlight reported on the Groby Parish Council project to bring speed activated signs to some village roads.

The Mobile Vehicle Speed Activated Sign (MVAS) Scheme has been funded by the County Council, and three signs have been purchased but are currently being stored. It had been hoped that they would be up and running by the Autumn, but they cannot be fitted until Leicestershire County Council (LCC) installs the posts which will support the devices. No date has been given for this work, but the Parish Council is hopeful that it will be undertaken early in the New Year.

One of the scheme conditions is that the signs are not permanently placed, but are moved from site to site. Installation can take around 15 minutes and doesn’t need a contractor to come out and do it.

Eight posts are being installed, and these will enable the three radar signs to be periodically moved. “Initially the posts will be installed in 8 locations – 6 on Sacheverell Way and 2 on Leicester Road,” explained Sue Hackett, Clerk to the Parish Council, “and the three radar signs will be rotated around these posts. There is a small residual of grant funding remaining which has been ring-fenced by LCC and this will allow Groby Parish Council to extend the scheme to more locations in the coming months.”

The information gathered on vehicle numbers and speeds can be downloaded and used to generate management reports. The display that a driver sees can be automatically adapted according to the speed detected, So a motorist who is up to 10mph over the limit may see the speed displayed in red with the text ‘SLOW DOWN’, whilst speeds in excess of 10mph over the limit may generate a flashing red display with a stronger message - ‘TOO FAST’.

Norman Griffiths

Funding for Community Projects

A NEW FUND to help prevent crime and protect vulnerable people has been unveiled as a national campaign gets underway to reduce violence against women and girls.

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has announced details of his Commissioner’s Safety Fund – a new grants scheme which will channel funding into community projects that help reduce the risk of crime and abuse and increase public safety.

The Fund, which amounts to £600k over the next two years, will be shared among local organisations which successfully apply and prove their project addresses the Commissioner’s key safety priorities.

Mr Matthews’ recently-published Police and Crime Plan sets out ambitious goals to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of service for domestic abuse investigations, including greater use of body-worn cameras and domestic violence protection orders/perpetrator programmes.

As part of the new fund, the Commissioner is keen to hear from organisations that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of women who are at risk of violence or abuse and their children and also aim to challenge the unhealthy attitudes and behaviour that fuel such violence.

Mr Matthews has ring-fenced £250,000 for the Fund in 2021-22 and a further £400,000 for 2022-23. Some grants have already been issued under the previous scheme and the balance for 2021-22 will be distributed before the end of March 2022.

The Fund is open for applications from any community-based group, parish council, school or business (if the business can match-fund and supply their service free of charge) and grants up to a maximum of £10,000 will be allocated per project.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.leics. pcc.police.uk/Commissioners-Safety-Fund

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Groby Gardening Society News ZERO response to last month’s appeal for members THERE WAS no response to the appeal in last month’s Spotlight for new members to join the Society.

Members of the current committee had a meeting with the Allotment Society to discuss if the Village Show could be undertaken as a joint venture in 2022, and a further meeting is planned for December to review the details. September 10th and 17th have been identified as potential dates pending the outcome of the meeting, and depending on availability of the Village Hall. Any further developments will be reported in the next edition of the Spotlight.

There are no plans to hold the annual Plant Sale in 2022.

The 2022 AGM will be held in February. The venue, date and time are still to be confirmed, with February 10th the likely date. Details will be announced in the Spotlight once they have been finalised.

If any members of the society have any comments, suggestions or observations, please contact Helen Box in the first instance, via email at helen_box@hotmail.com

The year draws to a close AT THE time of writing, the first storm of winter (Arwen) is approaching, Christmas is four weeks away, and gardens will be entering their dormant phase.

When you read this, Christmas will be almost upon us, the winter solstice will be about a week away, and the promise of spring will be just around the corner. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.

Enjoy your garden when you can. Stay safe.

Keith Poole

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

INTERVIEW with Druck employee Kelly Gallagher KELLY GALLAGHER is the Silicon product line leader for Druck, a Baker Hughes business, based in Groby. When she’s not problem solving in the silicon lab, she’s busy volunteering in the community, improving well-being on-site, and helping her team to grow.

mental health first aid program I couldn’t say no. And I’m so happy I said yes because, not only have I been able to help people at work, it’s also helped me to support my friends, my family, and even myself.

The course we did was amazing, I learned so much and I found it very inspiring. If we can get more people to change the way they think about mental health it can help more people to talk and open up. In the past a lot of people thought of mental ill health being a “big event” –a “breakdown” for example, but in reality, mental health, and mental ill health, is part of our daily lives. Life is up and down, it’s fluid, and so is our mental health.

What is your role?

I currently work at the Druck pressure sensor facility in Groby as the silicon product line leader. My mum recommended the company to me when I was just 18, she works in production, and I’m still here after 17 years! Druck delivers solutions for measuring pressure, and in my team we’re responsible for, what people refer to as, “the heart of the business”, because we make the tiny silicon chip that goes into every single pressure sensor that leaves this site – we’re right at the beginning of the supply chain.

Our workload at the moment is very industrial heavy, with around 60% of our sensors being sold to industrial clients, and 40% going to aerospace. When we talk about industrial customers, this includes a wide spectrum of industries, from medical to automotive to large tech companies.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It’s never the same. Working with silicon is very challenging. The room we use to develop the silicon chips is a particle, humidity, and temperature-controlled environment, using a lot of chemicals and gases. This means the room is extremely sensitive. If just one thing breaks down or has issues, it’s not very simple to resolve.

But I’m surrounded by a great team and when challenges do crop up, we inevitably find a solution.

who help people affected by homelessness – they were organizing a food drive. I took the advert and organized a drive at our facility here in Groby. It was so successful, and people were so giving!

I’ve lived in Leicester city centre from the age of 18 and there’s always homeless people, but during the pandemic it got worse, it was so sad to see, and I felt pretty helpless.

I spoke to Action Homeless to see how we could help. We organized another food drive, and again people were so giving. We were overwhelmed with bags and boxes of food filling our offices. It was so heart-warming to see, especially through COVID-19.

We also managed to secure a $25,000 grant from the Baker Hughes Foundation (Druck froms part of Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company). That was incredible! That amount of money will make such a difference to Action Homeless and to the local community.

The grant meant a lot to me, and I’m very grateful to work for a company that’s able to donate such a large amount of money.

What do you like most about your job?

No two days are the same when it comes to people – they make my job interesting and challenging at the same time. I’ve worked here for 17 years, so I’ve grown up here. We spend so much of our time together, more than you do with your own family. People can either make your day or break your day.

Tell us about the work you do in the community.

I wouldn’t say I’m particularly privileged, but I feel very lucky to say that I’ve always had a roof over my head and food on the table. Before the pandemic I saw an advert from Action Homeless - a local charity

Hopefully there are a lot of people that will never need a mental health first aider, but by having this program in place and bringing the topic to the forefront of our discussions, it’s making a huge difference.

It seems that supporting people really resonates with you?

Absolutely! People are so important.

They’re so important to the business because they make it tick and we wouldn’t be here without them. And the people at work are so important to me because we spend so much time together – more than the time we spend with our own families – we need to keep them happy.

This business has allowed me the opportunity to try and help people, actually help people, and do things like the Action Homeless volunteering that I’m passionate about – it’s given me the opportunity to care for others. I could work for a different company, be the same person, but not have the same flexibility and opportunities to care like I do here.

I also think it’s rewarding to invest in people to see them grow. I have a few people on my team that want to try different things, they want to progress, or they just want to be better at what they’re doing today. I love spending time with them to find out what works for them and what they can do to grow.

The people and delivering.

I also really like my job because I like delivering. I think it’s rewarding to get work out of the door. At the minute we’re getting close to pre-pandemic levels. I know that it will be difficult, but I know when we do reach that target, it will feel so satisfying.

You’re not there to solve everyone’s problems, you can’t do that, but you can offer a space to talk. The course has allowed me to have some really open and honest conversations with colleagues, by giving them the safe space to open up.

With volunteering it’s a bit of a selfish act because it makes you feel good. And this site is great for it as people are so giving. Whatever people are able to give, they will give, the team really rally together. I get a lot of credit for the food drives here, but it’s a huge team effort. I know I can’t help everyone, but to know we are making a difference is a great feeling.

Tell us about your work as a mental health first aider?

Over the years I’ve realized that I really like helping people. I also don’t mind making fun of myself and sharing what I’ve been through. So when I was asked about the

If you want to work with Kelly and other members of the Druck team, the company is recruiting for immediate start production operators at its headquarters in Groby. No experience is required and permanent and temporary positions are available. If you are a motivated individual, can work as part of a team and are interested in a generous benefits package, then please send your CV to DruckRecruitment@ bakerhughes.com

Feeling pretty proud of myself. The Sesame Street puzzle I bought said 3-5 years, but I finished it in 18 months.

15

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HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS - Councillor Ted Hollick reports

Mayoral engagements

• 8 hours per week • Permanent position.

• £10 per hour We are currently looking for a caring, trustworthy, reliable person to support a young adult with learning difficulties to access the local community in and around Groby.

For full job description, and how to apply, search Direct Payment jobs on the Leicestershire County Council EMSS website.

Reference: DP0412

• NOVEMBER 7TH - I unveiled a sign at the Stoke Golding Baxter Hall building together with the local artist Helen Shipton who designed the plaque. The sign acknowledges the work of a dedicated group of villagers who at comparatively short notice succeeded in gaining a 25 year lease on the old school building, to use it for the benefit of the community.

• NOVEMBER 13th - I attended the Alternativity day at the Mary Forryan centre in Hinckley. An occasion in which 22 National and international charities displayed photographs and testimonies of the incredible work that they were involved in both here and abroad.

• NOVEMBER 14th was the annual parade and remembrance service in Hinckley in Argents Mead which I attended as Mayor representing the whole borough. I was accompanied by my Chaplain the Rev Noel Colley and thanks also to Martin for standing in for me at the Groby service as the other ward Councillor.

• NOVEMBER 18th - I was pleased to be invited to the Hinckley tennis club where I met tennis coach John McGowan and chatted to him about the numerous people of varying ages and abilities that he helps. The real reason for my visit was to keep him engaged in conversation while BBC reporter Colin Hazelden and his cameraman sneaked up and surprised him with the news that he John McGowan had been selected by a panel of celebrities as the BBC Sports personality Unsung Hero of the year for the East Midlands and would now go forward with winners from other regions to the final which will be televised on December19 from Manchester.

• NOVEMBER 19th - After not having a traditional Christmas lights switch on due to the Pandemic last year. 2021 certainly made up for it as literally 1000s of people filled the centre of Hinckley to enjoy the festive music, the excellent Christmas lights and the wonderful Tin Hat fair ( no I don’t know why it is called that!) with Dodgems, Roundabouts and traditional swing

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boats. Thank you to the shops that stayed open late, as well as the many hot food stalls that did a roaring trade. I was ably assisted in switching on the lights by 9 year old Pollyanna Bland from Desford who had been selected as Radio Fosse 107 s Local hero for collecting more than 100kgs of litter from around Desford mostly after school.

• NOVEMBER 21st - Ann and I were invited to an Arts and Crafts exhibition organised by the Desford and Peckleton Art Club at Peckleton village hall. This was to present an award to the winner of the trophy as a result of gaining the most votes by members of the public who visited during the 2 day exhibition. The winning picture depicted a French village, a scraper board drawing of Shenton station was the club members choice for the second award.

• NOVEMBER 27th - A bitterly cold night in Barwell for the switching on of their Christmas lights, but that didn’t deter the hundreds of people that turned out to watch and enjoy the fair and musical entertainment.

John McGowan (extreme left) before being surprised by the BBC! Christmas from outside the buses.

The street remained open until 8 o clock to allow motorists to also drive slowly through with their elderly relatives and young children to view the lights and from the comments received was very much appreciated.

A new variant of the Covid 19 virus Omicron is very worrying, so please be sure to wear masks, wash hands, maintain social distancing and get your jabs because this is one thing you definitely don’t want for Christmas.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Surgery Patients NEWSLETTER HBBC Covid reinforces the case for new surgery premises WHEN GROBY SURGERY opened, Dr Gajebasia worked in cramped accommodation above what is now Stringfellows Outfitters on Ratby Road.

The move to the current premises was a great improvement but, as the population of the village and the patient list grew, even these premises became inadequate.

The surgery premises, part of the North West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), were considered by the CCG to be “not fit for purpose” for today’s National Health Service.

Back in 2009 Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, working with outside agencies, had identified potential shortfalls in service provision across all aspects of village life and suggested what needed to be provided. The largest item was the provision of a medical centre, estimated by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) to cost £1million.

Because of the timing the PCT had to respond before it had completed its own Implementation Plan which dealt with the future development programme for the next few years, and so the inclusion of this item was neither a promise nor a proposal. When the plan was completed, it did not include a new medical centre for Groby.

The Rookery Lane surgery dates back to the late 18th century, and as a listed building is probably best returned to use as a family home, but finding an affordable alternative site in a crowded village is difficult.

A survey by the CCG had not found anywhere suitable, and although the new partners welcome offers of potential sites for consideration, and are still hopeful that one day a new facility will improve conditions for both patients and staff, they have nothing to report at the moment.

The pandemic helped highlight more issues at the surgery, for

example the limited waiting room which challenges social distancing.

In addition the annual flu clinic, which in the past involved standing shoulder to shoulder with other patients, had to be moved to a very safe and efficient operation at Glenfield Surgery.

Some patients have wondered why the mass Covid clinics haven’t been organised in the same way.

The answer is that even Glenfield doesn’t have sufficient space to socially distance patients who have to wait for 15 minutes after receiving the jab before travelling home.

Ear syringing available at Glenfield

PATIENTS who have problems with excessive ear wax will be pleased to hear that the new management has reintroduced the syringing service discontinued by the previous partners in 2017.

Appointments are at Glenfield on Monday afternoons and can be booked with Groby Surgery reception.

Groby Surgery was not alone in dropping services due to budgetary pressures. At a primary care level, the West Leicestershire CCG confirmed that the contract with surgeries did not mention a requirement to provide ear syringing, but relied on a requirement on General Practitioners to make a clinical judgement on how to treat a patient. Meanwhile the CCG was discussing how “to develop a pathway to do both ear irrigation and micro suction in the community.” Some patients who were told to find a private clinic (at a cost of up to £80) thought that the change had not been well managed, as there was no discussion or guidance about alternatives. Doctors, however, couldn’t charge for the service or recommend individual private clinics.

Blood tests

BLOOD TESTS continue to be available at Groby but, if the waiting time is longer than 5 working days, they can also be done at Glenfield.

Private services PAYMENT for private services is now by card only.

Cash is no longer an option.

New doctor

THE RECRUITMENT of a replacement lady doctor has not been possible and so the vacancy has been filled by Dr Carlos.

Repeat prescriptions

IF YOUR MEDICATION runs out in the next few weeks, don’t forget to order any repeat prescription in plenty of time in order to ensure that you are not affected by the closures at Christmas and New Year.

If you need help over the holiday, and it’s a life-threatening emergency, call 999 for an ambulance. But you should use 111.nhs.uk online or phone 111 if you want to : • find general health information and advice • find where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine • learn how to get a repeat prescription.

Norman Griffiths for Groby Surgery Patient Participation Group

Time to nominate your sporting heroes WHILST THE traditional format of Hinckley & Bosworth’s Local Sport and Health Alliance (LSHA) annual sports awards has been cancelled the LSHA still want to recognise all of the hard work individuals, sports clubs, organisations and schools have undertaken to help others keep active and healthy particularly during lockdown by celebrating online.

Would you like to thank someone or a sports club/organisation/ school for their support; recognise and celebrate their hard work during the pandemic? Has your gym instructor gone online and delivered a zumba, pilates or karate class via zoom? Has someone helped an older person keep active by joining them on a social distanced walk regularly? Do you know someone who has helped get their sports club started again once restrictions were lifted? Does your school have a ‘Joe Wicks’ inspirational PE teacher or have you as an individual taken up a new sport and got the family to join in– we want to hear all those active health stories.

Nominations are needed for: • A sports club / organisation • A school (primary or secondary) • Individual Nomination forms are available online.

The closing date for all nominations is 4pm on Wednesday 15 December 2021. All those nominated will receive a certificate and with permission will feature on the council’s social media channels from early January 2022.

My parents were sooooo poor, they got married for the rice.

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17

All the latest news from Groby Women’s Institute

Stephanie and Trevor are Game Show Junkies!

IN OCTOBER, several members visited an Alpaca Farm. They reported an interesting tour of the farm and meeting the friendly alpacas followed by afternoon tea. As I write this, I am looking forward to a WI theatre trip to see ‘A Chorus Line’ at Curve, which I am sure will be very enjoyable.

This month’s meeting was our AGM and also our speakers, Stephanie and Trevor Mee, with a presentation called ‘Game Show Junkies’. The meeting was held at Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club as the Village Hall was being used as a polling station. The turnout was excellent, the best since our meetings started again and it was very pleasant to be able to enjoy a little tipple during the meeting!

Stephanie started the talk and explained that her first experience of a game show was on ‘Bob’s Full House’ with Bob Monkhouse. She applied, had a successful audition and was put up in a ‘posh’ London Hotel. A limousine collected the contestants and took them to BBC TV Centre where they had hair and make-up done and had to take three outfits for the wardrobe team to choose the most suitable. There was a buffet laid out in the green room and Bob Monkhouse came and spoke to all the contestants.

Her next two shows were ‘Winner Takes All’ with Geoffrey Wheeler and ‘Keynotes’ on cable TV where she had to sing ‘Thriller’ by Michael Jackson but sadly her team lost!

By 2008, life had become a bit difficult, she had no business, no husband and her children had flown the nest so she decided that there was money to be made from game shows.

The next show was ‘The Weakest Link’ and although she was well known for it, Stephanie reported that Ann Robinson was indeed very mean and aloof and it wasn’t an act. By now production companies were making the shows and gone were the days of fancy hotels and buffets, it was purely a money-making business.

Trevor then proposed to Stephanie and the race was on to earn some money to buy a wedding dress!

They both appeared on ‘Tipping Point’, Stephanie winning £3,350 and Trevor winning £2,400.

A further £2,500 was won on ‘1000 Heartbeats’ with Vernon Kay and the wedding dress was purchased!

Their most recent show is called ‘Lingo’ but it isn’t being aired until January 2022 so we were not privy to that result.

It became apparent that game shows are both addictive and lucrative and Stephanie’s dream would be to be on ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ - good luck to her! It was a very enjoyable and informative talk. I apologise to readers who don’t watch these shows, as most of this will be meaningless to you,but my husband is a definite quiz junkie and I found it fascinating.

At this point Anne Allison took over the meeting and asked the committee to stand down while she conducted the AGM. The existing committee had agreed to stand again and to the delight of all the members we have a new president. The outgoing president, Angela Taylor, was thanked for all her hard work and she gave a tearful but touching speech.

Our new president, Kate Gamble, was welcomed and although it had looked as if the WI would cease if no president came forward, we can now look to the future with enthusiasm and will give Kate our full support.

• THE NEXT MEETING is on Thursday 16th December at 7.30 pm and will be our annual Christmas party.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all WI members and Spotlight readers a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

Ruth Rolinson

At this point in time Stephanie had met Trevor and they decided to try and make some more money together. They were successful in being chosen to appear on ‘Pointless’ and got through to the final where one of the subjects was Boybands! How fortuitous that Trevor had read up on Robbie Williams prior to the show and got a question on Robbie’s hits. They went on to win a trophy and £1,250. For those of you who watch ‘Pointless’, the trophy on TV looks just like a lump of plastic but we were able to hold it and it is, in fact, a very heavy, engraved piece of glass and quite stylish!

Stephanie then had a successful audition for ‘The Chase’ with Bradley Walsh, and Shaun Wallace as the chaser. She was told prior to recording to try and intimidate Shaun but instead tried a different strategy of flirting outrageously with him. She did get £6,000 but chose to answer questions with Shaun to get £37,000 for her team and sadly lost!

Both Stephanie and Trevor were on ‘Eggheads’ in a team named Bard’s Brains but sadly didn’t get one question right!

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18

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Styling your hair to suit your face Visiting your hairdresser with a picture of your favourite celebrity’s latest style is fraught with danger. A good hairdresser should advise if the style will suit you or not, but even before you get to your next appointment, do a bit of homework to find out what styles to avoid.

Sit in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back off your face with a band. Then use an old lipstick to draw the outline of your face onto the mirror. Now stand back and decide if your face is predominantly square, oval, heart-shaped, round or long.

FIGHT!

By Harry Hill FROM A childhood spent making smoke bombs, killing wasps and carving soap in 70s Kent, Harry Hill then found himself in charge of hundreds of sick people as a junior doctor.

Out of his depth and terrified, he chucked it all in to pursue his dream of becoming a standup comedian. Battling his way through the 90s Comedy circuit he quickly rose to become a household name and one of the UK’s most celebrated comics.

From being chased around a car park by an angry heckler, getting fired from Capital Radio and watching every episode of Freaky Eaters, to a bizarre assassination attempt and cutting up Simon Cowell’s trousers, Harry takes an honest and hilarious look at the ups and downs of his life and career through the lens of what didn’t go right.

Square

MAGI FROM the East – it isn’t a lot to go on.

Long straight hair will draw attention to a square face, as will a straight fringe or a centre parting. A straight bob ending at the jaw line will also emphasise a square jawline.

Oval This is often referred to as the perfect face shape, so don’t detract from it with a heavy fringe or styles that bring your hair forward.

Round

Heart-shaped

Long

Avoid short, full styles or anything with height, as these styles will make you look topheavy and give the appearance of a longer and narrower chin.

Where did the Wise Men come from?

Avoid a centre parting, any fullness around the ears or a straight fringe as all of these will make your face appear wider.

If you wear your hair long then your face will look even longer.

Avoid centre partings, any style with height and don’t let your hair grow beyond your shoulders.

Something for everyone at Bradgate u3a!

THE u3a is a United Kingdom wide movement of locally-run interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities for people to meet up and to explore new skills and activities together.

We are an organisation for people, who are no longer in full time employment or looking forward to retirement, who wish to meet new people and enjoy exploring a wide variety of interests at low cost. We provide the opportunity for lifelong learning in its broadest sense, enabling members to share their interests, knowledge and skills. The range of activites is so broad that there really is something for everyone.

The local Bradgate u3a has groups for art, canasta, card making, Come & Sing choir, carpet bowls, croquet, dry crafts, garden visits, heritage group, Knit & Natter, mahjong, military history, National Trust, petanque, stitching crafts, reading, Ride & Amble, scrabble, stitching crafts, strollers, table games, ten-pin bowling and walking.

There are also monthly meetings with a speaker.

There are also national groups for more specialist interests.

To join up see our website at https://u3asites.org.uk/bradgate/ home for contact details or telephone the Membership Secretary on 07805 717416.

Ian Welch

The Bank of Mum & Dad THE SO-CALLED ‘bank of mum and dad’ hit a new high in lending last year.

Parents who helped their offspring to buy a first home gave them an average of £58,000. Nationally, that meant that parents loaned out about £9.8 billion, according to the estate agent Savills.

The level of first-time buyers who rely on family funding is now at its highest since 2013.

The Magi had originally been a religious caste among the Persians. Their devotion to astrology, divination and the interpretation of dreams led to an extension in the meaning of the word, and by the first century the Magi in Matthew’s gospel could have been astrologers from outside of Persia. Some scholars believe they might have come from what was then Arabia Felix, or as we would say today, southern Arabia.

It is true that in the first century astrology was practised there, and it was the region where the Queen of Sheba had lived. She of course had visited Solomon and would have heard the prophecies about how one day a Messiah would be born to the Israelites and become their king.

Matthew’s gospel (chapter 2) is clear that the Magi asked Herod: ‘Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews? We saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.’ So it is possible that in southern Arabia the Queen of Sheba’s story of how a Messiah would one day be sent to the Israelites had survived. Certainly, there are a number of other early legends that connect southern Arabia with Solomon’s Israel.

To many people this makes sense: that the ancient stories of a Messiah, linked to later astrological study, prompted these alert and godfearing men to the realisation that something very stupendous was happening in Israel. They realised that after all these centuries, the King of the Jews, the Messiah, was about to be born.

One more interesting thing that gives weight to the theory that the Magi came from southern Arabia is this: if you study any map of Palestine as it was during biblical times, you will find that the old Arabian caravan routes all entered Palestine ‘from the East’.

Don’t forget to send us your news.

Email: info@ grobyspotlight. co.uk Thanks!

It’s just like magic: When you live by yourself, all of your annoying habits are gone.

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19

Groby Allotments News Thoughts of Christmas AT THIS TIME of year all thoughts turn to Christmas.

From a gardening perspective, our thoughts turn to looking at the vegetables for the Christmas fare.

All the carrots have been harvested now but I am keeping a watchful eye on my parsnips. They taste better, sweeter it is said after one or two frosts and sonIve left them in the ground – well they will be having a good chance to get very sweet with the weather recently!

I haven’t been very lucky with my brussel sprouts this year but then it is only me who likes them.

We will be having our last social event of the year on 12th December. Our Open Shed Sunday will have festive fare with the likes of mulled wine and mince pies as well as our usual food offerings. Our stalls will also have a festive look as we will be having some Christmas wreaths (fully recyclable) and some present ideas.

We are hoping that Santa will drop in to spend a little time with us at our Open Shed Sunday event and so we are busy making him a little grotto to sit in to make home feel at home. We’ve got some homegrown organic carrots for him to give to his reindeer to give them that extra bit of energy for their marathon work later in the month and I’m sure he won’t say no to a mince pie and some mulled wine!

Do come along to see if you can see him! We are open from 10am to 12 noon but Santa is only likely to drop in around 10.30am to 11am because he is so busy just now.

‘Plastic Bottle’ Greenhouse and a great way of tidying up the environment and stopping plastic bottles finding their way into the sea or ending up in landfill! Let us know what other good ideas you have to reuse what would usually be thrown away!

Well all that remains to say is to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Safe New Year! May your parsnips be sweet and your brussels firm!! Good gardening in 2022!!

Save the Planet!

AS WE LOOK to the New Year, we are looking to have a new emphasis on sustainable gardening.

We are trialling peat-free compost to grow plants for our plant stall this time round, with a hope to using only peat-free compost for all our plants in future. If Monty Don can do it, so can we! Everyone will have to move to peat-free soon because peat extraction will be banned in the near future as digging it out of the ground releases damaging carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to our more unpredictable and extreme weather patterns.

One of our allotmenteers has been making bug hotels and bird houses where he works at Glebe House in Loughborough and he will be bringing in some samples and taking orders for them at our Open Shed day. All profits from the sale will go straight to Glebe House.

Carol Lincoln Bug Hotel - with all mod cons We all need to do our bit to help birds find somewhere safe to nest and somewhere for insects to flourish so encouraging them to stay close to our flowers, fruit and vegetables ensures that our crops will be pollinated and we will have better harvests.

Another way of helping save the planet is to reuse what would normally be thrown away. We have an excellent example of this on the allotments as another allotmenteer has made a greenhouse out of lots of plastic bottles. She collected them from various sources for some time and they would normally have been thrown away but now are a useful accessory to the allotment! She has been using it for years and it is a very good greenhouse as it is very well insulated! What a fantastic idea

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20

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea Email: ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk or ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Leicestershire County Council’s Strategic Plan 2022-2026 IT IS BASED on five strategic outcomes which are aspirational. They outline the end results that we want to see for Leicestershire.

The proposed outcomes are: • Clean, green future – The environment is protected and enhanced and we tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and unsustainable resource usage • Great communities – Leicestershire has thriving, inclusive communities in which people support each other and take responsibility for their local area • Improving opportunities – All children get the best start for life and have access to a good quality education, and everyone has the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential.

feedback on the outcomes, aims and actions within this Plan.

Feedback from the consultation will be incorporated into the final version.

Have your say on the draft Plan by filling in the online survey. Please use the below link in your web browser. https://www.leicestershire. gov.uk/have-your-say/currentengagement/leicestershire-countycouncil%E2%80%99s-strategicplan-2022-2026 If you’re able to, please complete this survey online using the link above.

Prefer a paper copy?

For paper copies of the survey or any other questions, please email policy@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 3050527.

The closing date to complete the consultation survey is 21 January 2022.

• Strong economy, transport and infrastructure – Leicestershire has a productive, inclusive and sustainable economy and infrastructure meets the demands of a growing population and economy.

We would also welcome the opportunity during this consultation to present and discuss the draft Plan with community groups and partner organisations. If your group or organisation would be interested, please email policy@leics.gov.uk, or call 0116 3050527, to arrange a meeting date.

• Keeping people safe and well – The people of Leicestershire are safe and protected from harm, and have the opportunities and support they need to take control of their health and wellbeing.

Once the consultation has closed, we will review all of the feedback received during the consultation and consider any necessary alterations to the Plan.

For each outcome, we have identified specific aims which we will focus on achieving over the next four years, with corresponding actions. These set out how we will address key priorities such as creating jobs, improving transport links and digital connectivity, encouraging and promoting healthy lifestyles, celebrating diverse communities, supporting the building of new homes and more.

Let us know your views A 12-week public consultation is taking place from 1 November 2021 to 21 January 2022, seeking

What happens next?

A consultation report will be produced which will summarise the responses received. This will be available on the County Councils You said, we did web page in February 2022.

Road Closure Ratby Lane, Kirby Muxloe RATBY LANE, Kirby Muxloe will be closed from 10/01/22 to 04/02/22.

To access the A47 you need to follow the diversion from Main Street, into Desford Lane Ratby and through Kirby Muxloe via Main

Street to access Blood Hill. This will be second time this road has undergone a 4 week Closure due to utility connections for the new houses being built on the corner of Desford Lane Kirkby Muxloe. I have been working with Highways to ensure that better diversion signing is put in place and that HGV’s do not use Main Street and Desford Lane Ratby, or Main Street or Station Road Kirby Muxloe. Pound Stretcher have been made fully aware of this Closure and have been told to relay the diversion route to their drivers which does not include coming through Ratby or Kirby. I have requested extra police monitoring of the area during the closure. The County Councils Highways Inspector for the area will also carry out regular Monitoring.

Hundreds Fall Victim To Lottery Scams In Just Seven Months What is lottery fraud?

Criminals will contact unsuspecting victims informing them they have won a lottery or prize draw. The victim is then informed that they will need to pay an advance fee in order to receive their winnings. In reality, the winnings are non-existent and it is an attempt to steal the victim’s money, personal or financial information.

Between April and October 2021, Action Fraud received 629 reports of lottery fraud, with 89 per cent of reports mentioning wellknown prize draws. Impersonation of People’s Postcode Lottery accounted for almost half (49 per cent) of all reports. Almost three quarters of victims (70 per cent) were aged over 50, with those aged over 65 accounting for 40 per cent of reports.

Fraudsters use gift cards as a form of payment as they can be easily redeemed and sold on. The criminals don’t need the physical card to redeem the value as they ask the victims to share the serial code on the back of the card with them. In other instances, victims

reported being asked for personal and financial information in order to obtain their alleged winnings. Some victims reported providing their bank details thinking they would be sent a small payment to verify the account. In reality, criminals will use these details to steal the victim’s money.

How to protect yourself STOP: Unsolicited offers of large sums of money in return for a small upfront payment should always raise a red flag. Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE: Could it be fake?

Remember, you can’t win a prize in a competition you didn’t enter. It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

PROTECT: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud. police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

You can find further protection advice around lotteries and competition on the Gambling Commission’s website.

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/ cyberaware

15M Lost to Online Shopping Scams Last Christmas New data from Action Fraud, the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, reveals that 28,049 shoppers were conned out of their money when shopping online over the Christmas period last year – an increase of almost two thirds (61 per cent) when compared to the same period in the previous year.

Action Fraud is warning the public

Sometimes a majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

21

Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825 to take extra care when shopping online as reports of online shopping fraud have continued to surge.

Here are some simple tips to help you and your family enjoy a secure online shopping experience this festive season.

Where to shop Buying from an online store you haven’t used before? Carry out some research first, or ask a friend or family member if they’ve used the site and about their experiences before completing the purchase.

Your information Only create an account if necessary or to save you effort if you’re going to use that site a lot in the future. Be cautious if the website asks you for details that are not required for your purchase, such as your mother’s maiden name or the name of your primary school.

Payment method When it’s time to pay for your items, check there’s a ‘closed padlock’ icon in the browser’s address bar. Use a credit card when shopping online, if you have one. Most major credit card providers protect online purchases.

‘Phishing’ Some of the messages you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. If you’re unsure about a link, don’t use it – go separately to the website. Report suspicious emails you receive by forwarding them to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to: 7726.

Email accounts Make sure that your really important accounts (such as your email account or online shopping accounts) are protected by strong passwords that you don’t use anywhere else.

Need help changing your email account password? You can use these links to find step by step instructions: Gmail, Yahoo! Mail, Outlook, BT, AOL Mail.

If things go wrong

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If you’ve lost money to an online shopping scam, tell your bank and report it as a crime to Action Fraud (for England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Police Scotland (for Scotland). By doing this, you’ll be helping to prevent others becoming victims of cyber crime.

For more of the government’s latest advice on how to stay secure online, visit the Cyber Aware website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/ cyberaware

Thank you

For a free quote, call Dan Hardy on 07598 200 185 or visit www.leicesterlawnmowing.com www.facebook.com/leicesterlawnmowing

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all Residents and Councillors for your continued support and wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a very Happy Healthy and prosperous New Year.

I always pride myself on making myself available to residents.

Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Ozzy O’shea Always Working for you Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 Mobile 07808585825 Email Ozzy.O’shea@leics.gov.uk Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

IDC Home Maintenance Painter and Decorator NO JOB TOO SMALL From papering one wall to a complete house re-decoration

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22

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Community Library News A Merry Christmas to All our Readers! The Charts!

AFTER AN interesting year of closures and reduced hours, we’re hoping to enter the Christmas period offering a normal library service to Groby.

Books from The Sunday Times bestsellers list, now in Groby Library’s stock.

We hope you’ll pop in to stock up on your reading for the holidays and perhaps grab a mince pie and coffee from the café.

You can order them online, or visit us:

Whilst you’re here, why not take part in our Christmas competitions? Track down the Twelve Days of Christmas on December 11th, or take home a Christmas Quiz to get your little grey cells buzzing.

News Lee & Andrew Child - Better off Deadfrom

Groby Commu

are James delighted the ‘Time Out’ café is - Leftthat You Dead As usual we’ll be closed for a few days over Christmas and New Year – WePeter from Christmas Eve to December 28th and New Year’s Eve to January 3rd, 9th August the library and café will be open but we’re open on December 29th and 30th if you’re getting desperate for David Baldacci A Gambling Man Thurs 10-12 Fri-2-4 and Sat 10-12. more books!

OPEN again. The c 6 days a week. Hou

Matt Haig - Thea Midnight Can you spare couple of Library hours a week? We’re looking for volu or perhaps you’d like to be a trustee? If you’re interested email A BIG THANKS for all those who donated children’s books Danielle Steel - All That Glitters application form in the library. to the Leicestershire County Libraries Christmas initiative

Donations

for families in need across the county.

We have sent a binfull off to HQ! We still accept donations of books in “as new” condition to add to our stock or to sell to raise funds for the library, or come in and buy some from the trolley!

Kathy Reichs - The Bone Code

We are asking all our volunteers to continue to wear face cover so James too toPatterson keep everyone safe- 2and the Covid rates down. We co & Candice Fox Sisters Detective Agency still register with the Covid QR code.

And you can still choose Groby Community Library as your designated Santa Montefiore - Flappy Entertains good cause when shopping at Laundon Way Co-op, Give as You Live, or We were sorry to say goodbye to Janet Harrison, one of our tru Amazon Smile. Whilst we get all our stock from Leicestershire Libraries, we Coxcafé - A Daughter’s Return theJosephine ‘Time Out’ off the ground.

We wish her well in her futur have to find the funds for every other aspect of running the library.

On the receiving end, we’re grateful to the Leicester Road Co-op for £50 of vouchers to support coffee mornings for isolated people in the village, which we’re going to start in the new year. We have also replaced our lighting with much brighter units, paid for by Section 106 payments from builders in the village.

Jeffery Thenew Final Twist Have youDeaver seen -our picnic tables? These have been purcha andDave Bosworth Borough Council.

We’re hoping that, while the we Robinson coffee and cake outside. We hope to use them for activities and disappointed, however, to find that within days of being installed scratched on to them. We do have CCTV covering the patio so the tables but please treat them with respect. We’d also apprec bins for their rubbish.

Charity Spectacular Over the last few weeks we have received a stock of great new them are on the best seller lists. featuring MINT

Spot the Spot TheDifferences Difference

THERE WILL be a

Groby Library Charts! fundraising Charity Books from the Sunday Times Bestsellers, at Groby Co Spectacular in at stock The Church Hall, Thurncourt Road,

on Sunday 12th Bill Clinton and James PattersonLeicester The President's Daughter December 2021 between Matt Haig The Midnight Library 4.00pm and 7.30pm.

Peter James I Follow You Local band MINT will be performing, and the entrance fee Maggie O'Farrell Hamnet will be £10 which includes a Buffet.

Philippa Gregory Dark Tides The event is in support of The Douglas Stuart Shuggie Bain Church Hall.

To book, contact Julie on 0116 Stephen King If It Bleeds 274 3537 or mobile: 07976 662 Ian Rankin A Song for the Dark Times 925.

Lee Child and Andrew Child Sentinel.

The condition of the patient who complained We are so pleased that we are once again about the offering hospital children age food, the bed, wardto save t This year it’s the ‘Wild World Heroes’. Help the the heroes and the nurses was receive your folder, stickers and gifts. You need to visit the libra need to hurry as it finishes on 5th described September. While you’re there last night as ‘highly cartoons above? critical’.

Can YOU spot the 10 differences in the Answers are on page 25. Good luck!

I like to drink my Brandy neat, but sometimes I take my tie off and leave my shirt out.

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23

The Grey Lady is for sale at £2m+

The Grey Estate Lady Agents are offering for sale The Grey BENTONS Sharpley Hill | Newtown Linford | Leicestershire | LE6 0AH Lady, Sharpley Hill, Newtown Linford, Leics.

Situated amongst Charnwood Forests most expensive residential properties and therefore offering considerable potential to convert to a substantial family home adjacent to Bradgate Park in two acres of grounds and offering over 6,500 sqft (planning consent previously granted).

Currently an award winning and high profitable established restaurant business with a fine reputation and an established wedding business. With 125 covers and luxuriously fitted throughout, the property also offers a unique ‘lifestyle’ business opportunity as it also includes a superb first floor living quarters with three reception rooms, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and shower room.

The Grey Lady is a historic property which has been run as a family restaurant for over three decades by two generations of the same family. Only being offered due to retirement, the property offers a discerning purchaser the opportunity to acquire one of Charnwood Forest’s prime properties situated opposite Bradgate Park and Old John in the heart of the Forest.

The location is unsurpassed as a wedding venue with the romance of the location and stunning views. The property currently offers three large restaurant areas and 125 covers together with a separate function room. With over 6,500 sqft of accommodation and a superb five bedroom first floor living quarters, the property also lends itself to possible alternative uses.

Offers over £2,000,000 are invited.

Contact Bentons on 01664 563892 for more information, or view the full particulars on the website at www.bentons.co.uk Remodelled Open-plan Living/Dining Kitchen 23'7" x 21'5" (7.2m x 6.53m) The kitchen section has been refitted with a brand new range of attractive contrasting grey fronted units with extensive ranges of Quartz work surfacing and comprising a one and a half bowl sink with Quooker mixer tap inset within ranges of work surfacing and matching central island, full range of base cupboards, eye level units and integrated appliance including a Neff fan assisted electric oven, Neff integrated microwave with heater drawer underneath, all in stainless steel, central island incorporates a five ring hob with extractor hood over, integrated wine fridge, LG American style fridge/freezer. Attractive tiled splashbacks, LED spotlights, multipaned door and windows to rear, attractive ceramic tiled flooring, the kitchen area opening through to a large living/dining area with contemporary style double radiators, two sets of sealed double glazed French doors opening onto the roof garden with matching windows overlooking open countryside, further LED spotlighting, matching ceramic tiled flooring, brushed stainless steel sockets and light switches and a dresser unit with glass fronted display cupboards and matching work surfacing.

Sitting Room One 17'1" x 11'2" (5.2m x 3.4m) Fireplace recess with electric fire and built-in airing cupboard.

Bedroom Two 14'9" x 12'2" (4.5m x 3.7m) Built-in range of bedroom furniture comprising three double hanging wardrobes, two single wardrobes and three chests of drawers. Alcove for double bed.

Study/Bedroom Five 9'6" x 5'11" (2.9m x 1.8m) Leaded stained glass full height window depicting Old John to front.

Bathroom With a white piece suite with chrome period style fittings comprising bath with shower over bath, low level WC and wash hand basin. Colour washed pine panelling, combined towel rail and radiator, ceramic tiled flooring, domed ceiling and spotlights.

Lobby

The lobby is off the living dining kitchen and leads through to provide access to bedrooms three and four and the bathroom.

Bedroom Three 11'10" x 12'6" (3.6m x 3.8m)

With wood strip flooring, multi-paned windows to side and window to rear overlooking Charnwood Forest, access to roof space.

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24

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Is your diet healthy and sustainable?

YOU MAY THINK that you have a healthy and sustainable diet, or you may feel that you should make improvements.

Whichever group you are in you are not alone. In a survey commissioned by the Food Standards Agency this summer, nearly two thirds of participants agreed that they would like to make their diet healthier, whilst more than half agreed that they would like to make it more sustainable/ environmentally friendly. But around three quarters identified at least one barrier that stopped them.

The majority of participants said they know what a healthy diet consists of and understand the impact that their diet has on their health. But only half said they know what a sustainable/environmentally friendly diet consists of, and that they understand the impact their diet has on the environment.

Most reported it was important to them to eat a healthy diet.

But not as many said it was important to them to buy food that is more sustainable/has a low environmental impact . One in eight reported that the food they usually eat is ‘unhealthy’. Fewer than half said that their diet was environmentally sustainable, and 10% said it was unsustainable The rest either said their diet was neutral or they didn’t know.

Many had made, or attempted to make, a change to improve the healthiness of their diet since March 2020. The most common changes were to eat more fruit and/ or vegetables, to reduce processed food consumption, or to eat fewer takeaways.

Under half said that they had made, or attempted to make, a change to their diet to improve the sustainability or reduce its environmental impact. For those who had tried, the most common changes were to reduce food waste, eat more fruit and/or vegetables, and less meat.

For a third, the cost of healthier foods was the most significant barrier to change but, unsurprisingly, some said unhealthy foods helps them to relax, cope with stress, or feel good. Cost also stops participants from eating a sustainable and environmentally friendly diet but many admitted they do not know what is sustainable, and what is less sustainable.

Most thought that individuals should be responsible for improving

operations by 50%, 3 years ahead of their target. They have also introduced compostable shopping bags.

Groby shoppers have a great choice of supermarkets available to them within a few miles, offering a variety of healthy and sustainable products. There is also one unique retail outlet which visits the village fortnightly.

EKOJOE visits Groby Club car park every other Friday the healthiness of diets. But when it came to sustainability and environmental impact the Government and those involved in food production were the first choices.

Supermarkets are responding to the increased demand for both sustainable and healthier products by offering an increased range of environmentally non-food products in addition to many new meat free alternatives in their food ranges.

Last year Tesco said it wanted to increase sales of meat alternatives by 300% by 2025.

As fruits and vegetables are a staple in a healthy diet, the production and trade of this produce is expected to continue growing, though recent experience has been that growth is not evenly spread. Fruit production in the UK has nearly doubled in value since 2010. This increase is in stark comparison to the production value of vegetables, which has only minimally increased over the last 10 years.

Shopping locally Groby has two Co-op supermarkets. The Co-op is one of the largest consumer cooperatives in the world with over 4.6 million members, and like other retailers has set itself targets for ethical standards and sustainability. It was a pioneer when it comes to committing to fair trading, selling the UK’s first Fairtrade bananas.

Not only does its entire own-brand selection of sugar, tea, chocolate, and cotton wool carry the Fairtrade mark, but it monitors and reports on its corporate social responsibility and audits its whole supply chain.

But even the Co-op hasn’t been able to avoid some scandals revealed by the Guardian that have affected the UK food retail sector.

The Co-op has also been working hard when it comes to the environment, and reduced direct greenhouse gas emissions from

The Ekojoe mobile shop, created by three sisters, sells ethically friendly and sustainably sourced products. It’s a community interest company, based in the heart of Leicestershire, with a focus on making zero-waste shopping more affordable and accessible. It’s true that there is a price to pay for buying into the philosophy behind the business, but the surprising result of online price checks at the end of November revealed that on some products supermarket prices have not only been matched but are cheaper.

“We sell a huge range of vegan and organic foods, refill washing and laundry liquids, soaps, shower gels and a myriad of reusable products, “ explained a spokesperson. “We also sell beautiful handmade gifts created by local artisans to assist our community in adopting a plasticfree and sustainable lifestyle. Our last fortnightly visit to Groby before Christmas was on Friday the 10th of December, but we’ll be back on 7 January and then alternate Fridays from 9am until 1pm.”

Norman Griffiths

He’s illustrating the true meaning of Christmas by decorating the tree with cut up credit cards.

Planning Apps Single storey extension at side and rear of house to form residential annexe, dormer extension at rear - at 36 Highfields, Thornton, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1AD Conversion of agricultural building to dwelling, including single storey extension - at Hill Farm, Markfield Lane, Botcheston, Leicestershire LE9 9FH One outbuilding - at 3 Old Hall Barns, Markfield Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0FL Timber frame outbuilding to be used as annexe in rear garden at 57 Forest Road, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UN Conversion of roof of existing building to raised platform, greenhouses (retrospective) - at Former Copt Oak Youth Hostel, Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QB

What is happening to our public loos?

IT WAS George Jennings, an English sanitary engineer and plumber, who in 1851 invented the first public flush toilets.

He said: “The civilisation of a people can be measured by their domestic and sanitary appliances.”

Yet now, across the UK, public lavatories are in dismal and steep decline. The number of lavatories maintained by local authorities has declined from 3154 to 2556 since 2015.

The effect can be doubly difficult. The Royal Society for Public Health pointed out in a 2019 report that closing public loos imposes a ‘urinary leash’; on people who then feel wary of venturing far from home. Also on the rise is the revolting phenomenon known as ‘wild toileting’, which increased greatly during the pandemic, when public loos were closed.

The Victorians took a philanthropic pride in their public lavatories.

How would George Jennings rate our level of civilisation today?

I’ve got a new job with 500 people under me. I cut the grass at the cemetery.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

25

More of Mike’s online Christmas Cards to enjoy!

MIKE PRATT has made a few more festive video cards which he has added to his collection from last year.

Mike started making these fun videos when we went into lockdown last year and he has found it very difficult to stop creating them since then. One idea soon leads to another and anyway, why stop when he claims he loves making them?

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS MAG ...

It’s not too late to share these videos with your friends and family as part of your Christmas Greetings. Head over to his facebook page (facebook. com/mikefromgroby), or his YouTube page (youtube.com/c/mikefromgroby).

CALL MIKE WILKINSON ON 01530 244069 or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Did you spot all 10 differences?

Advertising rates are available on the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

1. Trouser Colour, 2. Smiley Badge, 3. Eyebrow, 4. Shoe Laces, 5. Mug, 6. Mountain, 7. Eyes, 8. Jumper pattern, 9. Moustache, 10. Stones

Leicestershire County Council aim to plant 700,000 trees THE COUNCIL is aiming to plant 700,000 trees - one for every person in Leicestershire.

Landowners and farmers are being invited to register for their free tree pack, in a bid to help the county council plant 700,000 trees – a tree for every person in Leicestershire.

Each pack includes 45 native trees - 15 each of oak, crab apple and hazel.

Leicestershire is one of the least wooded areas of the country, currently around 6 per cent woodland – well below the national average of 10 per cent.

The authority aims to get to the root of the problem as the initiative has been designed to help renew and restore existing tree cover, as well as regenerate countryside which is under threat from diseases such as Ash Dieback.

This forms part of the council’s aim to help plant a tree for every person in the county and enhance Leicestershire’s landscape.

Recipients of the tree packs today collected them from Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, near Loughborough.

To register for your free trees pack, please visit: www.woodlandtrust. org.uk/LeicsTrees or call on 0330 333 5303, and make sure you quote Leicestershire County Council trees. If you are a member of a community group, parish council or school you can also apply for your trees at www. woodlandtrust.org.uk/freetrees

DON’T BE ALONE CHRISTMAS DAY Come and Join us at ST MARY’S CHURCH ROOMS ANSTEY

For DINNER AND FESTIVITIES For people on their own over 70 in Anstey and surrounding villages TRANSPORT CAN BE ARRANGED

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE RING Kerry Sharpe – 07979 607099

There is no charge for the day, we just want everyone to have the opportunity of being with others on what can be a lonely day If anyone would like to donate a chocolate orange/chocolates/biscuits/any non-perishable treats, there are 2 drop off points – Roy Greens in Anstey, or Markfield Community centre.

Or please call me on 07979 607099. Thankyou

My girlfriend dumped me because she says it’s annoying how I relate everything to Batman. What a Joker.

26

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Spotlight Small Ads • Mothercare Tiger HIGH CHAIR, v.g.c. Price: £10.

• Lindam STAIR GATE, hardly used.

Price: £10.

Tel: 07811 636187 (Groby) • Dwell Marseille 3 seater LEATHER SOFA, purchased October 2016 at a cost of £1,099. Colour is specified as stone (putty colour). Very good condition as always had throws over it. Very similar sofa can be seen on Dwell’s web site under the new name of Albi at a cost of £1,599 (dim’s differ slightly). Original paperwork can be viewed. Framework under guarantee until October 2026. Dimensions are : h:73cm, w:198cm’ d:87cm. Price: £250 o.n.o.

Tel: 01530 244893 (Groby) • Two portable WORK BENCHES. Good condition. Price: £10 each.

Tel: 07547 901657 (Glenfield) • Quingo Sport MOBILITY SCOOTER for sale. Drives very well but needs new batteries for peace of mind. Price: £195.

Tel: 01530 243158 (Markfield) • REVITIVE MEDIC V2 & ACCESSORIES as seen on TV. Hardly used, remote controlled, power adaptor, instruction booklet.

Dual mode electrode body pads and travel bag, both unused. Comes with original box. Offers over £175.

Tel: 07831 763257 (Groby) • CD PLAYER with two speakers.

Good working order. Hardly used.

Price: £10.

Tel: 01530 245482 (Markfield) • Wicker PICNIC BASKET (as new) 2 plates, 2 knives, 2 forks, 2 tea spoons. (Ideal to make christmas hamper) Price: £10.

• Brass DOOR HANDLES (5 pairs) Price: £10 the lot.

• Sainsburys Fitted SINGLE COTTON SHEET. (New in packet) Light blue.

Price: £3.

Tel: 07547 901657 (Glenfield) • Duracraft DEHUMIDIFIER. Price: £30.

Tel 01530 243022 (Markfield).

• Ladies Jaques Vert full length CAMEL COAT. Hardly worn. Size 18.

Price: £50 Tel: 07941 049939 (Markfield) • DRUM SET (full size) red. Gear 4 Music, Bass drum, floor tom, 2 small tom’s,snare drum ,High hat, cymbel on stand & seat, hardly used, comes with practice pads. Model no BDK-1 Price: £95.

• Squier Stratocaster sunburst ELECTRIC GUITAR, comes with 10 watt practice amp & carry bag, good condition again, hardly used. Price: £100.

Tel: 07561 816369 (Groby)

• Einhem ROTOVATOR - 2 years old, in good working order, deep cutting tynes, single wheel at front.

Tynes - 2 no.Price: £250.

• Men’s MOUNTAIN BIKE - 3 years old, 40” wheels, steel frame, full suspension chassis, shenaldo 6 gears, complete with helmet, sports camera for handle bars or helmet.

Price: £75 o.n.o.

• Wurzburgh GASOLINE GENERATOR W-8500, complete with plug leads. Purchased 9 months ago. Cost £220, used 4 times. Five connection points. Suitable for all 240 volt tools and machinery. Price: £130.

• Switzer ROTOVATOR, 4 stroke, 6hp, 14 months old. Cost £450. Used 2/3 times on allotment. Real heavy duty machine. Price: £375.

• Tanaka STRIMMER - 2 stroke, bush cutter compete with spools and bush cutting blades, 2 no. Serviced regularly. For use on allotment. In good working order. Price: £95.

• 2 Stroke CHAINSAW - complete with guard and helmet. Regularly serviced. Price: £60.

All the above have been used on allotment. Reason for sale: I am giving up allotment. I will deliver anywhere within Markfield area.

Tel: 01530 589369 or 07908 505037.(Stanton-under-Bardon) • Multi COMPUTER CABINET - Light solid oak from Next (Heavy).

Perfect to hide your computer and printer.Very good condition.

Price: £45.00 Tel: 0116 231 4288 (Groby) • Electric GOLF TROLLEY Powakaddy classic legend - with battery charger. Good condition.

Price £65.

Tel: 07771 971773 (Groby)

SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum EIGHT items please. 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 ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).

Two lions are walking down the aisle of a supermarket.

One turns to the other and says. ‘Quiet in here today, isn’t it’

Ted and Pollyanna turn on Hinckley’s lights

HINCKLEY TOWN centre welcomed the return of the town’s spectacular Christmas lights switch-on on Friday 19t November after the popular annual event had to be cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

The switch-on was performed by the Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Ted Hollick and nine-year-old Pollyanna Bland from Desford who was chosen by Fosse 107 listeners as their local hero for her sterling litter picking efforts; Pollyanna has collected over 100kg of litter so far this year, an amazing achievement!

The switch-on was followed by a fantastic firework display over St Mary’s Church, sponsored by the Borough Council and the Showman’s Guild.

There was also a full programme of entertainment taking place on stage in the Market Place, including musical performances from local favourites such as Dean Thomas and Steven Faulkner.

Town centre shops stayed open, and a special Christmas market was held.

Children had the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto and a free Christmas crafts workshop for children also took place at the United Reformed Church as part of the event.

Run Pee ... the must-have app for cinema-goers!

WE’VE ALL BEEN there, enjoying a movie, when nature calls. It starts with a whisper, then becomes a shout.

Before you know it, you’re not watching the movie so much as watching for a chance to make a mad dash to the loo.

Many consider the RunPee app “the” essential movie app, because it does so much more than just give you the best moments to Run and Pee during a movie: • Built in Timer so you can enjoy using the RunPee app during a movie without disturbing those around you.

• Anything Extra in the end credits? We’ll let you know the details: exactly when the extra scene(s) are shown, how long they last, are they worth waiting for, and how long the credits last, etc.

• Peeple’s Poll: the definitive movie rating system that will tell you how people like a movie compared to their expectations, plus break down the ratings by gender and age, so you’ll know what people in your specific demographic think about a movie.

• Movie News and reviews: content related to the movie you’re seeing, and more.

• IMDb and RottenTomatoes: quick access directly to the movie you’ve selected at IMDb.com and RottenTomatoes.com.

• 3D movie quality: wondering if a movie is worth viewing in 3D?

Our local band that are so bad that, by popular demand they have to smash up their instruments before the gig.

27

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

POPULAR

GAMES

WORDSEARCH This is your Word Search!

IF YOU can find 15 POPULAR GAMES in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of BACKGAMMON house wine at The Stamford Arms in Groby.

AllCHESS you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 15 POPULAR GAMES. These can overlap and run HUNGRYHUNGRYHIPPOS vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your marked entry forms to: ADVANCE TO GO, Groby MONOPOLY Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by PICTIONARY SATURDAY 1ST JANUARY 2022. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

THEGAMEOFLIFE The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win theUNO voucher for a Meal for Two and a Bottle of House Wine at The Stamford Arms, Groby - thanks to the generous sponsorship of Brian Rigby - owner of The Stamford Arms.

Find word in theyou puzzle.

Herethe are the 20 GAMES have to find:

Words can go in any direction.

THE GAME OF LIFE • MONOPOLY • SCRABBLE • BATTLESHIP Words can share letters as they cross over each JENGA • RISK • CHESS • BACKGAMMON • CONNECT FOUR other.

TRAIL 10am-1pm 11th December Pick up your map from the library for only £1 Santa and his sleigh will be there too!

UNO • OPERATION • HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS • BOGGLE MOUSETRAP • MASTERMIND • DOMINOES • YAHTZEE PICTIONARY • TRIVIAL PURSUIT • TWISTER 20 of 20 words placed.

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

Address: ............................................................................................................. .............................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Issue’s Winner was:

Copyright © 202

ANDREW CHAPPLE of Markfield Road, Groby.

My mate was a victim of his own success, his trophy cabinet collapsed on him.

28

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS

Councillor Martin Cartwright reports

Tel: 0116 287 4500 Mob: 07850 707050 E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk Thank You As 2021 draws to a close I am left wondering where the year went despite the many challenges that it posed, some of which were featured in my Spotlight articles.

Thank you to everyone that has taken the time to read my updates and to the editor of the Spotlight for the opportunity to keep you all updated.

Groby has many volunteers in varied roles a heartfelt thank you to you all as Groby residents would be so much the poorer without you and your volunteering.

Remembrance 2021

Borough Council Christmas and New Year Opening Hours Borough Council services at the Hinckley Hub will close at 4.30pm on Friday 24 December and reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.

In an emergency call 01455 251137

Black Bin collection Christmas Arrangements Black Bin Friday 24th December instead of Monday 27th

Recycling Blue Lid Bin Arrangements Recycling Bin Tuesday 4th January instead of Monday 3rd January

How Borough Residents can support COP26 As the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) begins and ends in Glasgow, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) is urging everyone to consider the changes we can all make to bring about a cleaner, greener Borough now and for future generations.

The COP26 summit will bring parties together to accelerate Thank you to everyone that placed a Poppy on the Groby Tommy at the entrance to Groby on Leicester Road. The purple Poppy is in remembrance of the tens of thousands of animals who also gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Locally, in July 2019, HBBC declared a climate emergency and is working to develop and implement an action plan to work towards being carbon neutral by 2030.

Cllr Martin Cartwright, Executive Member for Climate Change said: “COP26 is a key conference which will see governments and countries work towards ensuring an environmentally friendly future.

The Borough Council has already taken many steps to ensure it is a cleaner, greener Council and this work is both comprehensive and ongoing. Importantly we will be actively seeking to build on this base and improve our contribution by establishing a range of climate change policies in our upcoming Local Plan that for instance will aim to ensure all new build properties where appropriate will have features such as electric car charging points and better connectivity via fibre cabling. We are constantly searching for ways to reduce our carbon emissions both in our Council facilities and Council owned housing stock, even by taking small steps such as eliminating plastic cups across council buildings, everything will have an impact.

However we are fully aware that there is lots more to do and we need to do this in partnership with residents if we want to achieve our carbon neutral ambitions.

The Borough Council has already made significant steps, for example:

We will remember them

Borough Council’s Parish Community Initiative Fund

• Developed a climate strategy (2020 – 2021) soon to be replaced with 2021 and beyond – to view visit: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov. uk/climatechange

A reminder the Parishes and communities initiative grants application process is still open.

Please refer to last month’s Spotlight for further details. Closing date for applications is 7th January 2022.

• Implemented a cross party working group with keen and knowledgeable members from all parties working with officers to reduce the Council’s carbon emissions

Cllr Martin Cartwright

• Installed 24 electric vehicle charging points in Hinckley town centre with additional planned for Market Bosworth, Barwell and Earl Shilton

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – Groby Ward. Executive member for: Licensing, Environmental, Climate Change, Rural Issues & Klondyke Community Hub

Call: 0116 287 4500 Mobile: 07850 707050

E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk Write : Maverick House,10 Pine Tree Avenue, Groby, LE6 0EQ

Cllr Martin Cartwright

action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

@CllrCartwright

cllr.martincartwright

• Part funded the very first rural electric car charging point at Sport In Desford • Planted over 640 new trees on council owned land during 2021 • Scrapped the use of single use plastics

• Improved management of parks and open spaces to encourage biodiversity, reuse of all plant pots, peat free, reduced use of chemicals etc. Examples include wildflower planting, the natural burial ground at Ashby Road cemetery, and the creation of Brodick Road community woodland • Used more virtual technology to minimise unnecessary journeys for staff and members • Is working with primary and secondary schools across the borough to assist them to become more eco-friendly. Resources are available on our website to download. If your school would like to get involved please email: Amy. casey@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk • Utilising our Youth Voice Forum to engage with our young people whose future will be increasingly dominated by climate change.

• Working with Parish Councils and Climate Change groups across the Borough, in some instances funding via our Community Initiative Funds a range of eco-friendly projects • Setting up and implementing a Community Champion scheme to assist in sharing good practice • A baseline report for 2019 - 2020 is about to be published so the Council can monitor and evidencebase its improvements • Other plans for the future include researching changing our fleet to all electric and reduction of emissions from all council buildings.

• How can residents and businesses help towards addressing the climate emergency and climate impact?

Energy Saving Tips Transport: • Did you know that transport is said to account for 26% of all greenhouse gases emitted in the UK? If you can leave your car keys at home in 2021 try and rely on walking, or cycling, if taking shorter journeys.

• Turn your car engine off when stationary • If you are looking to purchase a new car, consider getting an electric or hybrid to help protect the environment • Reduce flying Waste: • Use the litter bins when out and about in the Borough instead of littering • Fully recycle at home, don’t put all waste in the black bin!

Don’t blame the photographers, the Loch Ness monster actually really is blurry.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

LFE Film Evenings: THE LAST BUS

29

The Life She Wants

By Mel Sherratt WHEN I met Richard, I fell for him instantly.

Home and Garden: • An easy way to help protect the environment is to plan and prepare in advance a weekly menu which will minimise food waste • A typical bath holds around 164 litres of water, meanwhile a tenminute shower uses as much water as a 113 litre bath • Save carbon emissions and plant your own fruit and vegetables even a small window box can be productive and very rewarding • Working from home, if feasible, one day a week would reduce your travel and if we all do it, CO2 emissions will decrease • Fruit or veg is best eaten fresh and when in season. Learn what grows best, and when, here in the UK • More than half the carbon emissions that food creates, come from meat so switching away from beef and lamb can make a big difference • Prevent waste by eating your food within dates

LFE Film Evenings on Thursday 6 January will feature “The Last Bus”.

An old man whose wife has just passed away uses his free local bus pass to travel to the other end of the UK, to where they originally moved from, using only local buses, on a nostalgic trip but also carrying his wife’s ashes in a small suitcase, `taking her back’ and in doing so he meets local people.

By the end of his trip he’s a celebrity. Starring Timothy Spall and Phyllis Logan, this film runs for 1 hour 35 minutes.

Venue: the Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE, LE3 3JE. On arrival complimentary hot drink and biscuits are provided. As we have no licence, please feel free to bring your own drinks.

You also get a free raffle ticket for a double ticket prize to be used for a future showing. Doors open at 7.00pm; showing starts at 7.30pm. Cost: £5.

• Ensure all your light bulbs are energy efficient and switch them off when not needed

How to hug somebody

• Switch your central heating thermostat down a couple of degrees

THE PERFECT HUG should last between five to ten seconds, and it should be done with your arms criss-crossed behind the other person’s back.

• Never leave computers, TVs or other devices on standby. The Energy Savings Trust advise you can save up to £80 a year if you turn things off • When using the washing machine, reducing the temperature from 40⁰C to 30⁰C could cut energy consumption by 46%, and give clothes an extra spin before putting them in the dryer”.

That is the finding of psychologists who experimented using more than 100 pairs of friends. They found that when it comes to hugging someone, “more is definitely more.”

It seems that a ten second hug gives great pleasure, a five second hug is adequate, but a brief hug of just one second leaves nobody comforted.

Even worse, since Covid, elbow bumping has become popular. But a bump on the elbow doesn’t do much for anyone.

The research was done at the University of London and the University of Bristol.

He was able to give me everything I had always wanted, the dream house, security and above all, love like I’d never known. We lived a quiet life in the middle of nowhere; we didn’t need anyone else.

So, when the empty house next door is sold, I am wary. Will our neighbours invade the perfect life Richard has built for us? As soon as I meet Juliette and Danny, I am reassured. Overwhelmed by grief after the death of their young daughter, they have moved in search of a quiet life and a chance to start again. Over dinner one evening, we hit it off instantly and I know they are just the neighbours we need.

All is well until Juliette spots a young girl in our garden. Richard convinces her that she is seeing things, that it’s the grief taking over.

But Juliette won’t let it go. She is sure she saw a child. She believes that Richard is threatening her. She starts to think that I’m not safe.

I need to convince Juliette that she’s imagining it. I need to keep Richard happy. If I am to protect everything I have built for myself, she must never find out the truth.

That my perfect life is built on the deadliest lie.

For more greener ideas and quick wins visit: www.energysavingtrust. org.uk Why not catch up on some easy viewing and watch BBC One Shop Well for the Planet? For some great ideas for the home and family.

To find out more about the Council’s Climate Change strategy or how to get involved in making the Borough greener visit: www. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ climatechange Should you have any comments or problems you would like me to mention in my article please get in touch.

Please remember if I can ever be of help to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Martin

Happy Christmas from Churches Together in Groby!

Please see our on-line links below for up to date information.

!"#$%& ! !"' () *+,-$%. /001234152/ !"# $%"& '%&&"( )**+* ,)--*. !!!"#$%&'(()"%(*+,-.$/0,-1 !!!"$%234%2/&$45(3"%(*+%234%2+6678 Every Wednesday 9.30am Communion Online Compline at 9pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday

!" #$% &''( )&# *+,-,.%)/ *%++$-. $- +-)#'-* +/')*' .'0.12'**)3' #$%- &)2' )&( 4$2' .'/'+4$&' &%25'- .$ !"# !$ !!& #'"#&) !" *+,*+*-./00 ! 1!! 23'' 4#5 6 76'' back.

Services in church every Sunday at 10am see below. ===@")>'5$$?@>$213-$5#%->1

12th Dec 9.30am Communion, 6pm Evensong 19th Dec 8am Communion 9.30am Nativity Service 4pm Chattabox does Christingle 6.30pm Carol Service 24th 4pm Christmas Eve . crib service 11pm midnight communiuon 25th 8am Christmas communion 10am Christmas familky service 26th 10am online service via Facebook only.

2nd Jan 8am communion 9.30am all age worship 6pm communion 16th 8am communiuon 9.30am morning worship 4pm Chattabox for families

!"#$"% &'(%)*%+ &%(,$-%& ./"+)0& during or after live service ! 12##23 /& 2" 4)%5226 12( *2(% $"12(*)'$2" )"+ +)$#0 72&'& '2 &/772(' 8 %"-2/()9% 02/: 12th Dec 10am The birth of Jesus 19th Dec 10am Shepherds abiding in the fields 25th Dec 10am The Joy of Christmas 26th Dec No Service 2nd Jan 10am Prayer, Praise and Fellowship 9th Jan 10am Honouring God

Darth Vader had a corrupt brother, Taxi Vader.

30

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-DECEMBER 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Junior Under-14’s Commemorate Remembrance Sunday

Groby Village Society Meetings Meetings held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. unless stated otherwise For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- pcastell42@gmail. com Non Members are Welcome

THE GROBY JUNIOR Under 14 Gladiators, marked their Remembrance Sunday fixture, on the 14th November, with special commemorative poppies.

Just like the professionals, the players displayed a poppy badge on their new away kit, to pay their respects to fallen soldiers. The poppies were purchased from the Royal British Legion, with all of the money going to the poppy appeal charity. Before the kick-off, away to FC Burbage Pumas, both teams observed a minutes silence before playing an evenly fought game.

Phil Chick, Groby Juniors U14’s

Cinema Club For senior citizens • Venue: Ratby Parish Church at 2pm (doors open at 1-30pm)

W

HY NOT COME and enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment and companionship each month, we show a selection of films specifically suited for the senior citizens. Some films are fairly recent releases but we also show some of the great old classics The dates are as follows Friday 10th December: Miracle on 34th Street starring Maureen O’Hara.

Friday 14th January: Fisherman’s Friend starring Daniel Mays and Tuppence Middleton Friday 11th February: Chariots of Fire starring Ben Croft and Ian Charleston Friday 11th March: Some Like It Hot starring Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon Tea/coffee and cakes are available after the show. For more information please phone Joan Hawkins on 0116 482 6721 or 07545 909868.

Positive Thoughts “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.”

George Addair

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

Martin Luther King Jr.

Lord Lieutenant’s award seeks Leicestershire’s bravest and most creative young people

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire has launched his 2022 awards to celebrate the achievements of young people across the city and county.

Following a break in 2021, people in Leicester and Leicestershire are being urged to nominate inspiring young people in their communities for this year’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Award.

The award scheme is open to all 13 to 19 year olds.​Nominations can be made by other young people, their school, parent or carer, as well as any other agency or individual.

As always, the categories for this year celebrate the very best examples of effort and achievement. People can nominate for Young Braveheart, Young Volunteer, Young Leader, Young Artist, and a Special Achievement Award.

The finalists and their parents will be invited to a special ‘red carpet’ awards evening and dinner to be held in May next year hosted by the LordLieutenant.

The closing date for this year’s nominations is 11 February 2022.

To find out more about the awards or to nominate a young person visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/llawards

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I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once.

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Press Release

Leicester-made brand new show for families for this Christmas!

Leicester-made brand new show for families for this Christmas!

Press Release

LEICESTER’S home grown actor Chandni Mistry, has joined up with Fishhouse Theatre and Upstairs at the Western Leicester’s home grown actor Chandni Mistry, has joined up with Fishhouse Theatre and Upstairs at the Western little - Leicester’s quirkiest little - to bring a a newnew show forshow families to for Leicester’s quirkiest venue - venue to bring life.

families to life. brand Roti new show for families for this Moon is the story of Diya, a little girl who is curious about the moon. Her grandad tells her mother’s, mother’s, mother ßipped her roti too high and it landed in the sky.

Roti Moonthat ishis the of Diya, a iflittle girlreally who about thenew moon.

Diya sets outstory on a journey to Þnd out the moon is a is roticurious and meets some charming animal friends on the way.

Her grandad tells her that his Alison Dunne from Fishhouse said ‘We are thrilled to be working with Chandni again she’s such a mother’s, mother’s, mother flipped great actress and clown. She’s hilarious. And the story will be a touching and funny show for up to and their grownups.

And tickets are selling well already!’

her roti too8’shigh and it landed in the sky.

Chandni has previously been seen in lots of shows for children including George’s Marvellous Medicine at Leicester’s Curve, where she played, among other things - a chicken! She will be

withaLeicester director Diya setsworking out on journey to Jake findLeonard and other local creatives.

out if the moon is aover roti andacross the Christmas period, Roti Moon will be welcoming With 16 really performances 8 days family audiences for the Þrst time to Leicester’s intimate little venue - Upstairs at the Western, meets some charming new animal above the newly refurbished The Western & Cafe West, in Leicester’s vibrant West End.

friends on the way.

Christmas!

Visit the ‘Time Out’ café at

Chandni said ‘It’s a non Christmassy Christmas show and families can expect to enjoy a fun,

music Þlled adventure and there’ll be a short interactive workshop at the beginning for the children Alison Dunne from Fishhouse said to get to know me and the characters before the show begins!’

‘We are thrilled to be working with The show runs from 18th December to Jan 2nd with two performances on each show day.

Chandni again suchchild/under a great 1’s free Ticketsshe’s are £8 adult/£4 actress and clown.

She’s hilarious.

Further info & tickets www.upstairsatthewestern.com or by emailing hello@upstairsatthewestern.com And the story will be a touching and funny showPRESS for up to 8’s and their CONTACT: Alison Dunne 07545523155 or Þshhousetheatre@gmail.com grownups. Producer And tickets are selling well already!’

We serve a variety of teas, coffees and delicious homemade cakes.

Chandni has previously been seen in lots of shows for children me grown actor Chandni joined up where withshe Fishhouse Theatre and including George’s MarvellousMistry, Medicine athas Leicester’s Curve, played, among other things a chicken!

She will be working with Leicester Western - Leicester’s quirkiest little venue - to bring a new show for families director Jake new Leonard other local creatives. ster-made brand showand for families for this Christmas!

Press Release

to Opening hours

With 16 performances over 8 days across the Christmas period, Roti Moon will be welcoming Mon 2pm-4.30 pm the first time to Leicester’s he story of Diya, a littlefamily girl audiences who is for curious about the moon. Her grandad tells her Tues 9.30am-12.30 pm intimate little Upstairs at the Western, ’s, mother’s, mother ßipped hervenue roti -too high and it landed in the sky.

Wed 2pm-4.30 pm above the newly refurbished The Western & Cafe n a journey to Þnd out West, if the moon really a End. roti and meets some charming new in Leicester’s vibrant is West Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm

on the way.

Fri 2pm-4.30pm Chandni said ‘It’s a non-Christmassy Christmas show and families can expect to enjoy a fun, Sat 10am-12.30pm music filled adventure and there’ll be a short om Fishhouse said ‘We are thrilled to be working with Chandni again she’s such a interactive workshop at the beginning for the icester’s home grown actor Chandni Mistry, has joined upto with Fishhouse Theatre and nd clown.

She’s hilarious.

And the story becharacters a touching and funny show for up to children to get know me will and the pstairs at the Western - Leicester’s quirkiest little venue - to bring a new show for families to before the show begins!’ ownups.

And tickets are selling well already!’

e.

The show runs from 18th December to Jan 2nd with two performances on

oti Moon is the story of Diya, a little girl who is curious about the moon. Her grandad tells her each show day.

Tickets areher£8 child/under at his mother’s, mother’s, mother ßipped rotiadult/£4 too high and it landed in1’s thefree sky.

ya sets outFurther on a journey out if www.upstairsatthewestern.com the moon really is a roti and meets some new info to&Þnd tickets orcharming by emailing: imal friends on the way.

eviously been seen in lots of shows for children including George’s Marvellous cester’s Curve, where she played, among other things - a chicken! She will be hello@upstairsatthewestern.com son Dunne from Fishhouse said ‘We areLeonard thrilled to be working Chandnilocal again she’s such a eicester director Jake andwith other creatives.

eat actress and clown. She’s hilarious. And the story will be a touching and funny show for up to

s and their grownups. And tickets are selling well already!’

handni has previously seen in lots of shows for children including George’s Marvellous Roti Moon will be welcoming mances overbeen 8 days across the Christmas period, edicine at Leicester’s Curve, where she played, among other things - a chicken! She will be orking withthe Leicester director Jake to Leonard and other local creatives.

s for Þrst time Leicester’s intimate little venue - Upstairs at the Western, 16 performances over The 8 days across the Christmas Moon will in be welcoming yth refurbished Western & period, CafeRotiWest, Leicester’s vibrant West End.

mily audiences for the Þrst time to Leicester’s intimate little venue - Upstairs at the Western, ove the newly refurbished The Western & Cafe West, in Leicester’s vibrant West End.

’s a non Christmassy Christmas show and families can expect to enjoy a fun, enture and there’ll be a short interactive workshop at the beginning for the children me and the characters before the show begins!’

e show runs from 18th December to Jan 2nd with two performances on each show day.

handni said ‘It’s a non Christmassy Christmas show and families can expect to enjoy a fun, usic Þlled adventure and there’ll be a short interactive workshop at the beginning for the children get to know me and the characters before the show begins!’

ckets are £8 adult/£4 child/under 1’s free

from 18th December to Jan 2nd with two performances on each show day. adult/£4 child/under 1’s free

rther info & tickets www.upstairsatthewestern.com or by emailing llo@upstairsatthewestern.com

RESS CONTACT: oducer Alison Dunne 07545523155 or Þshhousetheatre@gmail.com

ckets www.upstairsatthewestern.com or by emailing atthewestern.com

ACT:

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