February 2022 Groby Spotlight

Spotligh potlightt Groby & Field Head MID-FEBRUARY 2022

Delivered FREE to Homes & Businesses in Groby, Field Head & The Brantings GROBY PLAYERS ARE BACK

Another ‘Murder’ at Groby Village Hall GROBY PLAYERS’ production of ‘Curtain up on Murder’ by Bettine Manktelow, (in association with Samuel French) will be performed on March 24/25/26,2022 in Groby Village Hall at 7.30pm.

The production had to be postponed in March 2020 a week before ‘Lockdown’, so hopefully this year we will be able to go ahead. Cafe-style seating will be limited, and all ‘covid precautions’ taken as far as possible. Light refreshments and drinks must be brought by audience members for their own use. All tables and seating will be cleaned before and after each performance where necessary, and some windows will be open at all times, so please dress warmly.

The play concerns an am-dram theatre company rehearsing a play, in a theatre at the end of the pier. It is stormy night, and as the members of the cast appear, they have there own secrets! When one of the company falls through a trapdoor, its just the beginning of a shocking story....!!

Tickets can be obtained by emailing dottieh743@gmail. com or tel/text 07790861033. Or Facebook message .

Dot Hollins

IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS PROPOSED FOR GROBY AND ITS ENVIRONMENT IM PROPERTIES are bringing forward proposals for a new employment park and an increase in coverage of the National Forest on the outskirts of Groby.

The proposals include plans to transform the Klondyke into a community woodland alongside new woodland and recreational opportunities within the main site.

IM Properties will be consulting the local community on its emerging plans and details will be announced soon.

The developer will be distributing an information leaflet to households in Groby and Field Head in the next few weeks.

SPORTING SUCCESS FOR FORMER BROOKVALE STUDENTS

Will Alves makes his City debut in the FA Cup! FORMER Brookvale Groby Learning Campus student Will Alves made his Leicester City debut in the FA Cup on Saturday 8th January.

Will came off the substitutes’ bench late in the second half making him the eighth-youngest player to ever play for Leicester City at the age of 16. This is a tremendous achievement and is hopefully the start of a bright footballing career.

BBC Radio Leicester invited Brookvale to contribute to their regular Monday night Football Forum programme on 10th January. Mr Brownett was on the air waves around 6:20pm discussing Will’s time at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus.

WELL DONE Will!

Mikayla Wildgoose included in Birmingham City Women FC squad IN OTHER exciting news, 16 year old Brookvale Groby Learning Campus ex-student Mikayla Wildgoose was an unused substitute for Birmingham City Women in their match against Arsenal Women last month.

It’s great to see her involved in the first team squad. Another footballer with a promising future. WELL DONE Mikayla!

Samuel Jacques makes Leicester Tigers Academy Squad WELL DONE also to BGLC ex-student Samuel Jacques for making the Leicester Tigers Academy matchday squad in January!

Well done Samuel!

Next Issue Out On 12th March • Advert & Article Deadline Is 26th February Please

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Seven projects benefit County Council from £300,000 of LLEP renews call to digital poverty grants pause HBBC’s •

REUSE SCHEME will increase availability of IT equipment by recycling unwanted business kit for use by community groups

•

Other innovative projects will create local digital hubs to increase access to training, aid education and develop digital skills

G

RANTS WORTH £300,000 will help address digital poverty in Leicester and Leicestershire – with schemes including a project to recycle unwanted IT equipment for people who would otherwise be excluded.

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Telephone

01530-244069 Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk 3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings.

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/ or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 12th March 2022 DEADLINE: 26th February 2022

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The Leicestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) has awarded £300,000 in grant funding to seven local projects addressing digital poverty.

Digital poverty is the term used to describe challenges faced by people when trying to access online services, such as applying for a job, making an appointment, doing homework or keeping in touch with family and friends. This may be due to a lack of devices, connectivity, or basic skills.

The shift to online during the Pandemic has demonstrated the importance in day-to-day life of being able to use a smartphone or computer to access work and services.

The LLEP grant funding supports a range of innovative projects across the city and county, including recycling devices, laptop lending, skills support and digital buddies who can provide one-toone help.

The Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Growth Strategy 202130, launched by the LLEP in December, sets a vision for harnessing local strengths, innovation and skills.

The document’s vision is to create a resilient and adaptive workforce which continues work completed over the last decade to increase economic participation and prosperity for residents.

Reaching People brings together frontline voluntary and community organisations in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

It was awarded £87,941 to establish a Leicester-based community business that will promote better use of pre-owned IT equipment.

The Refurb, Reuse, Include project will acquire and format obsolete IT equipment from local businesses, before gifting it to local charitable groups for use by people who would otherwise be digitally excluded.

All seven projects are due to start in early 2022.

local plan

CONCERNS about ‘significant gaps’ in information have prompted fresh calls for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to delay its Local Plan.

Leicestershire County Council leader, Nick Rushton, has today (Friday) written to borough council leader, Stuart Bray, urging him to push back the timetable amid ongoing concerns the proposals would be deemed unsound by a planning inspector.

The county council has been working with the borough council to support the Plan for many months and believes that consulting people before county council officers can assess fully the draft is premature.

Nick Rushton states in the letter that the county council is keen to support the emerging blueprint - setting out how land is used and what is built where - but still has ‘insufficient’ information on the local infrastructure and services required to support it.

Leicestershire County Council leader Nick Rushton said: “The County Council is committed to supporting the delivery of sustainable growth. We put in considerable staff time at all stages of the development of Local Plans, for all seven districts, including supporting informal and formal periods of consultation. In Hinckley and Bosworth’s case, the information we have been provided with on key issues is not sufficient – so we are reiterating our request that you delay your timetable.

“My officers have worked hard with yours to make the best of the Local Plan information your officers have provided.

The reality is that the situation as presented to my Cabinet in September and October last year hasn’t changed. There remain significant gaps in the information required to make a full judgement on your proposals, and without this, we are simply unable to support the Plan.

“Let me be clear, I want to support your Plan, so I’ll make the request again: delay your timetable, complete the development of your Plan, and provide to us all the information we require to provide a full and supportive response.”

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I bought my five-year-old a torch for his birthday. You should have seen his face light up.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

National Trust Leicester Association NEWS OVER THE LAST YEAR several initiatives have been taken by the National Trust in respect of climate change. Thousands of trees have been planted which will absorb carbon from the atmosphere and energy usage has been reduced in many of the Trust’s buildings.

The latest initiative is the trialling of e-bikes as an alternative to the traditional vehicles used on Trust estates as another way to reduce the Trust’s emissions.

Over the next few months, volunteers and staff will use the bikes, keep a record of the mileage covered and thereby calculate the carbon saving.

Preliminary feedback from properties showed that e-bikes could be used when carrying out day to day work and when travelling on relatively short journeys. Raleigh cycles were keen to collaborate with the trial and donated 33 e-bikes, thus allowing properties to test, trial and study the suitability of e-bikes for the Trust’s particular needs.

Seventy seven properties applied to be part of the trial and eleven were selected. Unfortunately none of which were in the Midlands. Rob Rhodes, Head of Countryside Management and Rangers at the Trust said that as the climate crisis is one of the biggest threats facing nature and heritage the Trust is still keen to reduce its carbon footprint. He added that he hopes the e-bikes would also become a talking point between staff and visitors so that the effect of climate change on our properties and estates could be explained.

In early January this year, Hilary McGrady, the Director-General of the National Trust, visited Downhill Demesne in Northern Ireland which is one of the properties which is trialling the bikes and had a short test ride herself. This cliff top estate contains sheltered gardens and the striking ruins of a grand headland mansion built in the 18th century. The bikes are already being used by staff for travelling around this countryside estate and along its long coastline.

• THE NT LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 23rd February when David Skillen will present a talk entitled “The Fall of the Alamo & the Rise of Texas”. 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 8th March at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. Colin Deeley will present an illustrated talk entitled “The Life & Work of Grinling Gibbins” Admission to meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00, including refreshments.

For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133 or visit our web site at www.leicesternt.com

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

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CAROL PICK REPORTS THE GLENFIELD LADIES Co-operative Choir are now well and truly back.

They held their first concert since the Covid outbreak on 4th December in St Andrew’s Church on Glenfield Road East. Despite the horrible weather the choir performed to an appreciative audience who joined in with some Christmas Carols.

In the interval everyone was treated to tea and cakes. If they had not eaten enough cake in the interval there were cakes, Christmas stockings and candle arrangements on sale in the foyer. The charity, Linking Lives benefitted from the ticket sales, with the choir and St Andrew’s adding some money to their funds as well. A worthwhile night for everyone despite the weather.

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Eyeshadow - Budget Generally you can opt for wearing cheaper eyeshadow as there isn’t too much difference between budget and more costly versions provided you choose neutral shades - stronger colours can be very harsh and unnatural looking.

Highlighter - Splurge A good quality highlighter will perk up your complexion, accentuate your favourite features, and even camouflage aging skin. There are many options - some are in powder form, others liquid – but find the right one and your face will be instantly lifted with a radiant and youthful glow.

• THE CHOIR’S NEXT EVENT is an Open Evening on Monday 7th March at 7:15 pm in the Glenfield Methodist Church on Station Road, Glenfield, opposite the Nag’s Head.

Any Ladies who just enjoy singing are welcome to come along and sing with us. We welcome all ladies whatever their ability as long as they enjoy singing. No auditions!

Just turn up or if you want to know more:

Phone 07970 075039 or 07813 449873 Email: carpick@hotmail. co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Complete our Survey and Win a Prize!

THE GROBY PARISH Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is seeking your views on the key issues for the Neighbourhood Plan.

We are carrying out a community survey of every household in the parish. By completing the questionnaire as fully as possible, you will have your voice heard and will contribute to the development of a robust and actionable Neighbourhood Plan.

As a thank you for completing the survey, respondents who provide their contact details will be entered into a draw for one of three prizes: •

A £50 Marks & Spencer voucher sponsored by All Roads Asphalt Solutions Ltd

•

A voucher for two (main meals) at the Stamford Arms

•

A bottle each of Taittinger Champagne and Ted Baker Eau de toilette from the Leicester Road Co-Op

RESPONSES MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY 25TH MARCH 2022.

The questionnaire will be open by 4 March 2022. Please complete online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GrobyNP if you are able to, as it will help us collate and analyse the results more quickly and efficiently. You can use your desktop, tablet, or phone.

The QR code on the right can be read using a smartphone or other device to take you straight to the online questionnaire.

Planning Apps Demolition of existing dwelling house, erection of two dwellings with double garage (outline- all matters reserved) - at Ashleigh, Merrylees Road, Thornton, Coalville, Leics. LE67 1AP

Erection of 9 dwellings on land adjacent to 69 Station Road, Bagworth - at 69 Station Complete our Survey and win a Prize!

Road, Bagworth, Coalville, The Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is seeking your views on the key issues for the Leicestershire LE67 1BJ Neighbourhood Plan.

We are carrying out a community survey of every household in the parish. By completing the questionnaire as fully as possible, you will have your voice heard and will contribute to the development of a robust and actionable Neighbourhood Plan.

Demolition of existing conservatory and replaced with single story As a thank you for completing the survey, respondents who provideextension their contact details will Kings be entered Way, Groby, -1 into a draw for one of three prizes: Leicester • a £50 Marks & Spencer voucher sponsored by All Roads Asphalt Solutions Ltd LE6 0YJ • •

a voucher for two (main meals) at the Stamford Arms a bottle each of Taittinger Champagne and Ted Baker Eau de toilette from the Leicester Road Co-Op

Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of 2-storey rear extension - at 21 Jacqueline The questionnaire will be open by 4 March 2022. Please complete online at The Cover of the https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GrobyNP if you are able to, as it Road, will help us collate and analyse the Markfield, Field Head, results more quickly and efficiently. You can use your desktop, tablet, or phone.

Questionnaire Leicestershire LE67 9RD Responses must be received by Friday 25 March 2022.

The following QR code can be read using a smartphone or other device to take you straight to the online questionnaire.

Proposed single storey garage extension - at 52 Fern Crescent, Groby, Leicester LE6 0BE

Help your children sleep better

We will also be distributing paper copies of the questionnaire in the last week ofWe will also be distributing paper copies of the questionnaire in the last wee February. Hopefully, most people will not submit these copies, so we ask that youmost people will not submit these copies, so we ask that you recycle them re recycle them responsibly.

GET THEM to turn off their

It is important that everyone in your household, including younger members, It is important that everyone in your household, phones byincluding 7pm. younger members completes the questionnaire. We are including young people in the process, as it When children use their as it is their fut questionnaire.

We are including young people in the process, is their future we are planning for, and we believe they should have an equal say. phones later in thetelephone evening, the and we believe they should have an equal say.

Please 0116 287 69 Please telephone 0116 287 6985 or email parishclerk@groby.com if you exposure tofurther the radio frequency The QR Code parishclerk@groby.com if you need any help or paper copies. need any help or further paper copies. electromagnetic fields can disturb their ability to go to sleep.

Your answers will be kept confidential. They will be put together with answers from other people and analysed as Your answers will be keptother confidential. They will be put together with answer a group to help us prepare the Neighbourhood Plan. They will not be linked to your name, address, or any The study was carried out by analysed as a group to help us prepare the Neighbourhood Plan. They will no contact details. We will provide feedback at http://www.groby.org.uk/neighbourhood-plan the Barcelona Institute for Global or anyfor other contact We willIt provide feedback at was based on the phone We hope that someone from every household completes the survey and thank address, you in advance taking part. details.Health. http://www.groby.org.uk/neighbourhood-plan and sleeping habits of nine to Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group 12-year-olds.

We hope that someone from every household completes the survey and tha taking part.

Glenfield Country Market News

THE GLENFIELD COUNTRY MARKET is part of a countrywide not-forGroby Parish profit organisation which enables producers to sell handmade goods for Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group sale, paying a commission to cover running costs for this weekly event.

Producers cook, craft and grow then display their wares at our popular weekly market held Notes to editor: each Friday in St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield (LE3 8DP) from 9am-11am. would After the Christmas break, we have returned with gusto and we have been veryWe happy to like to include an image of the QR code to give readers an easy wa see our regulars and some new visitors too. There are refreshments available asthe wellquestionnaire. as a wide range of hand-crafted crafts, bakes, preserves, chocolates and plants to tempt you! Our regulars tell us that they enjoy the opportunity to buy a treat for themselves but they also like the wide choice of items that make ideal gifts at any time of the year. We have a “Feature Table” at key times in the year so such as saints’ days, St We would likewe toprepare includeourselves an imagefor ofevents the questionnaire cover (regardless of t Valentine, Mothers’ Day etc. In January we hosted a tombola for a charity and in will February we will also have sales where stock can be reduced to make make the mental link with the hardcopy when it comes through their lett way for our next creations! As we are now able to take card payments it makes your shopping experience even better!

Please don’t forget to put this date into your diary – Craft Fair, Groby Village Hall, Saturday 30th April, 10am-4pm. We hope to see you very soon!

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

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COMPLETE THIS CONSULTATION Human Rights Act Reform: a Modern Bill of Rights THE GOVERNMENT is committed to updating the Human Rights Act 1998.

This consultation seeks views on the government’s proposals to revise the Human Rights Act and replace it with a Bill of Rights, in order to restore a proper balance between the rights of individuals, personal responsibility and the wider public interest.

Chapters 1 and 2 provide a background of the domestic and international human rights context. Chapter 3 explores issues that have emerged with how the Human Rights Act 1998 operates in practice and outlines the case for reform. Chapter 4 sets out the government’s proposed reforms and their rationale in detail.

Each proposal is accompanied by specific consultation questions. The Government welcomes responses on those questions. Submissions which do not focus on the questions but deal with the subject of the Human Rights Act more generally are also welcome.

To help take full account of all potential impacts, including equality impacts, a full Impact Assessment will be completed as necessary, once the responses to the consultation have beenconsidered. Responses from consultees on these proposals with regard to the potential impacts are welcomed.

You will find the consultation document at: https://consult.justice.gov.uk/ human-rights/human-rights-act-reform/consultation/

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

In memory of Dolly the Sheep JUST 25 YEARS ago, on 22nd February 1997, scientists at the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh announced that they had successfully cloned a mammal from an adult cell for the first time: a sheep named Dolly.

Dolly – named after country singer Dolly Parton – was not the first cloned mammal, however. Another sheep had been cloned from an embryo cell as early as 1984. Dolly was made from an adult mammary cell, which had been thought impossible.

The idea was to open up possibilities in breeding and in medicine, but Christians and others were alarmed at the possibilities that seemed to be opening up for human cloning, which some said raised difficulties because humans were made in the image of God. The Vatican called for a total ban on the cloning of human beings, which it said was a “dangerous experiment” that could undermine human dignity. But a number of Jewish thinkers argued that in certain circumstances it could be an acceptable and compassionate option.

Over the years Dolly gave birth to six lambs but in 2000 was found – with other sheep at Roslin – to be infected with a virus causing lung cancer; she was then diagnosed with arthritis, which was treated successfully, but in 2003 she was discovered to have tumours growing in her lungs and was euthanised to prevent her suffering, at the age of six. A healthy sheep would normally live to the age of 10 or 12.

Dolly’s body was donated to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, where she has become one of the most popular exhibits.

Save on renovating your home Building work can be expensive, but if you’re canny you can keep costs down.

Borrow expensive tools that you’re unlikely to use very often. Ask friends – making sure their tools have been well maintained – or try a local hire shop. Do make sure you know exactly how to use the tool safely.

Do the simple stuff yourself and improve your DIY skills by taking an evening class, attending a specialist course or watching YouTube videos.

Only tackle jobs you can manage safely, however – complex or tricky jobs should be left to the professionals, as should anything that involves electricity, gas or working at a height.

Try to design fitted furniture such as shelves or cupboards with the dimensions of standard materials in mind.

Grab the best bargains in sales and clearances, and at factory outlets, seconds shops and discount warehouses. This may mean planning your decorating around a one-off sale or waiting until you have acquired just the right discounted item, but your patience will pay off in the end.

How about second-hand? You never know what you might find if you scour online sites, auctions, junk shops and salvage yards. The golden rule is to be prepared – keep a list of relevant dimensions and a mini tape measure on your person at all times.

Something for nothing? Some people swear by the fine art of ‘skip dipping’ – and it’s true that many a desirable item, from floorboards to kitchen cupboards, has been rehomed in this way. If you’re going to try this, never trespass, and ask the owner’s permission first. Much easier, though, is to look at Freecycle or some of the online community groups.

Buy wallpaper and fabric from end-of-line and discount suppliers. And avoid paying extra for special colours from expensive paint companies – have your chosen colour mixed for you, in whatever finish you require. Johnstone’s and Dulux both offer this service.

Ready-made all the way. Ready-made blinds and curtains are going to be so much less expensive than made-to-measure. And if you scour enough shopping sites on the internet you are bound to find furniture that is just the right measurement even for the smallest space.

Think laterally. In a bathroom, for example, you can completely transform the look and feel of the room by changing the taps, loo seat, bath panel, window treatment and shower curtain.

In a kitchen, consider replacing either the cupboard doors and drawer fronts, or carefully repainting them. A new worktop can also be relatively inexpensive and will give the room a whole new look.

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

HURRY! The deadline is 21st Feb

ARG Omicron Support Grant now open

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APPLICATIONS for a new business grant which will aim to help a range of affected businesses and charities which do not meet the criteria for other grants are now open.

The ARG Omicron Support Grant is being administered by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and will support a wide range of businesses which have been impacted by the Omicron variant.

Eligible businesses include hospitality, accommodation, leisure, personal care, the travel and tourism sector (including group travel), travel agents and tour operators, coach operators, wedding industries, nightclubs, theatres, events industries, wholesalers, English language schools, breweries, freelance and mobile businesses (including caterers, events, hair, beauty and wedding related businesses) and gyms.

Businesses that do not have a rateable value are eligible to apply for this discretionary scheme which aims to help affected businesses which do not meet the criteria for other grants.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council is distributing the grant according to an eligibility criteria and priority will be given to businesses in the greatest need.

Grants are expected to range from £500 up to £2,500. The council retains discretion to award lower or higher grants as it sees fit. The funding is limited for these grants; therefore, grants will be paid on a first come first served basis as long as all necessary information is supplied.

Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray said: “The Omicron variant could not have hit businesses at a worse time. I would urge the borough’s businesses to check if they are eligible for this latest government grant by visiting our website and applying before the deadline of 21 February.

“All grant payments remain a priority and we are keen to distribute these grants to support our businesses as soon as possible.”

Eligible businesses must submit a new application by the deadline of 21 February 2022 regardless of previous grants they have applied for.

Full details on the eligibility criteria for this and other grants as well as the application form is available on the council’s website.

Visit: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/argomicron

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Surgery Patients Newsletter Are you eligible for a personal health budget?

Anyone who is currently eligible, or becomes eligible, for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding now has the right to have their own personal health budget(PHB). The option of a personal health budget provides an opportunity to have more choice and control over how your health and wellbeing needs can best be met. With the help of your NHS team, it’s a way to get personalised treatment and care that can benefit you most.

A personal health budget is a set amount of money to spend on the support and services that will meet your health and wellbeing needs, as agreed with your local NHS team. It can be provided in a number of ways – including direct payments – to suit each person and their support plan.

You will be able to spend it on a range of activities, services and some types of equipment, tailored to you in order to meet your needs in way that suits you best. Personal Health Budgets are not ‘new money’ but represent the opportunity to utilise money already in the NHS in a different way, to maximise impact and benefit of that money by personalising the way that people receive healthcare.

different way, you can change that through a personal health budget. A personal health budget is just another option available to those that are eligible, as an alternative way to meet the needs where current support or care isn’t working so well.

A PHB can be spent on any care or services that are set out in the care and support plan that has been put together with the NHS team or voluntary organisation working with the person – and this needs to be agreed by the CCG (clinical commissioning group). There are of course, some things that a personal health budget definitely can’t be spent on.

How to apply for a personal health budget If you would like more information about what a personal health budget involves, or think you may be eligible and would like to apply for a personal health budget, you should contact the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Personal Health Budget Team in the following ways: For adults email : llr.phb@nhs.net for personal health budgets For children email : Childrensipc. referrals@nhs.net for personal health budgets

People with long term conditions and disability who are eligible for NHS Continuing Healthcare have a right to have a personal health budget if they wish. Children and young people with continuing care needs, earning disabilities or complex needs also have the right to have a personal health budget.

Surgery snipetts

You don’t have to change the healthcare and support you already receive if it is working well for you. But if there’s something that isn’t working, or maybe it could be improved if it was delivered in a

• A locum female GP will be in post soon.

Telephone 0121 611 0291 and ask for the Personal Health Budgets Team • Richard Wood has left, and a replacement is being sought.

Richard is a musculoskeletal specialist, and the patients he saw were very appreciative of his expertise.

• A change to the dates of the group’s meetings has been

agreed to align them with the publication of the Spotlight. This will enablepatients to read news from the surgery within a week or two of the meetings. The surgery staff also felt a change from an evening meeting would be good for them, and it was agreed to try a lunchtime meeting midweek.

Local hospitals still under pressure The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust is still struggling with workloads compared to the national picture -

Ambulance queues 50% of patients waiting more than 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E staff in the week 17 Jan to 23 January. (England average 20%)

A&E waits 43% of patients waiting longer than four hours in December.

(England average 27%)

Hospital bed waits 57% of patients without a bed on a ward within four hours of being admitted in December. (England average 32%)

Norman Griffiths for Groby Surgery patients Group

Don’t forget to send us your news!

My grandad woke up with a puzzled look on his face - he’d fallen asleep on his jigsaw.

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

‘VIXENS’, GROBY JUNIORS U13 GIRLS FOOTBALL TEAM WON THE LEAGUE!

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Women invited to sign up for free building skills sessions GIRLS and women who are interested in a career in carpentry, plumbing, tiling or painting & decorating can take part in free taster sessions this half-term.

Starting on Monday 14 February and running daily until Friday 18 February, the Women in Construction half-day sessions run from 9am-12 noon, or from 1pm4pm.

Places on the workshops are filling up fast, so girls and women aged 16 and over are urged to sign up as soon as they can to make sure they get a place on a session that suits them.

On Sunday 23rd January the ‘Vixens’, Girls U13 Groby Juniors Football Team, WON their league! WELL DONE to the whole team!

To Advertise in the Spotlight, call Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email your requirements to info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Full details of how to advertise, visit www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

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The free Women in Construction taster sessions are run by the city council in partnership with Leicester College, with the council’s own qualified female trades operatives running the classes.

Those who enjoy the sessions and would like to embark on a career in construction will be able to apply for the city council’s craft trade apprenticeship scheme, when it’s advertised at the end of the month.

THE FREE TASTER SESSIONS WILL BE HELD FROM 14-18 FEBRUARY AT LEICESTER COLLEGE, FREEMANS PARK CAMPUS, LE2 7LW. More information and an online registration form is available at www.leicester.gov.uk/womeninconstruction

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Do you remember the Cuban missile crisis?

ANYONE OVER 65 years of age may well remember a year when they were very young, when mum and dad listened to the news and watched the television with some concern.

Anyone over 70 may remember the same year as a time when there was a lot of talk about foreign affairs. Anyone over 75 will probably remember it as something to do with Russia. The over 80’s will remember it all too clearly as 1962, the year of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

By the time this Spotlight is published the tensions on the Ukrainian border may have eased, or they may have worsened. In 60 years the political landscape has changed in Europe, but those who remember the crisis may well wonder how little the fundamentals have changed. Where were you in 1962? How do you remember it? Did you share the fear that we were on the brink of a war that would change everything forever? Write to the Spotlight and share your thoughts and memories with other readers, many of whom have no recollection of the events that led to the standoff between Russia and the USA. Later this year the press and television may be full of more anniversary reflections and analysis of the confrontation than you really want, so this brief description will be followed by a sideways look at the events as reported on history.com.

In May 1960 the Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev promised to defend Cuba with Soviet arms, and in July 1962 the Soviet Union began missile shipments to Cuba.

New military construction and the presence of Soviet technicians was subsequently reported and by October the presence of a ballistic missile on a launching site was reported.

The President, John F. Kennedy, considered the options and decided to place a naval “quarantine,” or blockade, on Cuba to prevent further Soviet shipments of missiles.

Kennedy announced the quarantine on October 22 and warned that U.S. forces would seize “offensive weapons and associated material” that Soviet vessels might attempt to deliver to Cuba.

There was extreme tension as the two countries contemplated the enormity of what could happen next.

In October Khrushchev informed Kennedy that work on the missile sites would be halted and that the missiles already in Cuba would be returned to the Soviet Union.

In return, Kennedy committed the United States to never invading Cuba. The Cuban missile marked the closest point that the world had ever come to global nuclear war.

A short explanation understates the concern felt across the population at the time. Hopefully the Ukranian situation will be also be resolved by diplomacy. On History.com you can read their list of 10 things you may not know about the Cuban missile

Nikita Khrushchev and John F. Kennedy

crisis, and here are a few tasters.

• The U-2 aerial photographs were analysed inside a secret office above a used car dealership.

The critical photographs taken by reconnaissance planes were analysed in a top-secret CIA facility in a rundown section of Washington, D.C. While CIA analysts in the stateof-the-art National Photographic Interpretation Center were working around the clock upstairs, used car salesmen were wheeling and dealing downstairs.

• To keep news of the crisis from leaking, a diplomatic cold was blamed for President Kennedy’s cancellation of public events.

Kennedy attempted to maintain his official schedule, including campaigning in seven states in advance of midterm elections, to avoid arousing public concerns in the first days of the crisis, On October 20, 1962, however, he abruptly flew back from Chicago to Washington. The press were told that Kennedy would spend the rest of the day in bed, but he was actually engaged in five hours of meetings with advisers before deciding on instituting a naval blockade of Cuba.

• Aides drafted a speech announcing a military invasion of Cuba.

In a dramatic primetime address on October 22, 1962, Kennedy informed the nation of the naval blockade around Cuba. An alternative speech with a much different message had been drafted days before, however, in the event that the president opted for a military strike.

• A Soviet spy was a valuable mole.

Vital espionage about Soviet missile systems was passed to the CIA and British intelligence officials

by Colonel Oleg Penkovsky, a Soviet military intelligence officer.

CIA agents analysing the aerial photographs taken over Cuba

found the knowledge extremely valuable for the. It didn’t end well for Penkovsky. KGB officials arrested him in Moscow on October 22, 1962, and it is believed he was convicted of espionage and executed in 1963.

• Both sides compromised.

Although Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev ordered the removal of the Soviet nuclear missiles on October 28, 1962, it wasn’t a unilateral move. The Americans also secretly pledged to withdraw intermediate nuclear missiles from Turkey, and not to invade Cuba.

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• Back-door diplomacy, rather than brinkmanship, defused the crisis.

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The October 28 agreement was hammered out the night before in a secret meeting between Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin. The Attorney General’s outreach and offer to remove missiles from Turkey was so clandestine that only a handful of presidential advisers were aware of it.

In addition to the healthful items on the carefully prepared shopping list, they returned with a box of sugar-laden biscuits. The minister noticed the glare of his wife and quickly said, “It’s okay, this box of biscuits has one-third fewer calories than usual.”

• The Cuban Missile Crisis lasted more than just 13 days.

The tense situation did not suddenly abate after the news on the 13th day. The U.S. military continued to monitor the removal of the missiles and remained on its highest state of alert for three more weeks.

• The Kennedy administration mistakenly thought all the Soviet missiles were gone.

President Kennedy, satisfied with Soviet assurances, lifted the Cuban blockade on November 20, 1962, but Khrushchev secretly left approximately 100 tactical nuclear weapons in place. The Soviets were unsure whether Castro could be trusted with the weapons and the last of the warheads were finally removed from Cuba on December 1, 1962.

Norman Griffiths

A MINISTER took his young daughter to the grocery store with him.

“And why is that?” she asked.

“Because we ate a third of them on the way home,” he replied.

BORED with retirement?

PEOPLE who retired early (before the age of 66) are going back to work.

A study has found that the reason is because they miss having a sense of daily purpose in their lives, or they miss the companionship of work colleagues.

A recent study by Aviva found that people who want to retire early do so primarily because they want to have more freedom while still being fit enough to enjoy it.

But sometimes, it seems, retirement is not as much fun as they had expected it to be.

How scary must it be for a scuba diver to see Adele rolling in the deep?

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

Hinckley Parkinson’s Group News ONCE A MONTH (on the second Sunday afternoon at 2.30) those suffering from Parkinson’s and their families or carers meet together at the Mary Forryan Centre, on Leicester Road in Hinckley LE10 1LW.

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Is your child struggling with ANXIETY? Is this starting to have a negative impact on their daily life? If so it’s time to try STILL method!

For more information please get in touch. A 20 minute free consultation awaits.

Tel: 07875 300623 Email: linzijepson@icloud.com Start a happier and healthier future today!

This is essentially a social gathering, often with a speaker for information or entertainment and is a chance for people with this disease to get together to discuss problems, ways of easing difficulties, to plan group visits out or just chat!

Lynsey Jepson - Qualified STILL method child anxiety coach.

Meeting together is so important to share information and experiences, but increasingly there A section of the choir group performing at the is an awareness that all Parkinson’s Christmas Social event in December. forms of exercise are useful in delaying the onset of Parkinson’s. Exercise actually includes singing and dancing and both of these feature strongly in the Hinckley Group programme each week.

Leicestershire dance artists Helen Stirland and Philly Rule provide dance sessions for people with Parkinson’s at Elmesthorpe Village Hall on Fridays from 1.00 until 3.00. No experience is needed and the sessions can be seated or standing. There is no pressure to get anything ‘right’, the key word is enjoyment. It’s not like ‘Strictly’!

Then after an hour’s social time from 3.00–4.00 there is an hour of singing with the informal ‘A-Choir’s Taste’ from 4.00 until 5.00. You don’t have to attend both groups of course but many are finding that they enjoy both.

In addition, don’t forget that every Tuesday there is a weekly exercise class, a monthly afternoon tea at Dobbies at Stapleton, and Nordic walking on Burbage Common. You will be most welcome to attend any or all of these. For details contact the Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group. Give Janet Kavanagh a ring on 07932 615233.

So don’t let Parkinson’s dictate how you live your life, come along and join the Hinckley Group and see the benefits for yourself.

Don’t forget to send us your news!

Robert A. Leake

County Badminton success for Brookvale’s LEXIE EDWARDS CONGRATULATIONS to BGLC Year 9 student, LEXIE EDWARDS, who played in the mixed doubles U16 County Badminton Championships the weekend before Christmas and won with her partner Mitchell!

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I’m leaving my girlfriend because of her obsession with the Temptations. Or is it just my imagination?

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Mind Body Eating Coaching

A NEW APPROACH to weight concerns What is Mind Body Eating Coaching?

MIND Body Eating Coaching is an exciting and cutting-edge approach developed by the Institute for the Psychology of Eating.

It effectively addresses weight concerns, binge eating, overeating, body image challenges, and various nutrition related health concerns.

As a Mind Body Eating Coach, my approach is positive and empowering. I don’t see your eating challenges merely as a sign that “something is wrong with you” – but as a place where we can more fully explore some of the personal dimensions in life that impact food, weight, and health.

As a Mind Body Eating Coach, I look to support you with coaching strategies and nutrition principles that are nourishing, doable, sustainable, and that yield results.

How is my approach different?

FOR FAR too long, we’ve been inundated by negative messages about food, weight, and diet.

We’ve been told that we’re willpower weaklings or that we need more control. The majority of nutrition experts promote conflicting advice.

The result is people are confused about what to eat, and how to have a happy relationship with food and a healthy metabolism. In my professional practice, I combine many of the best strategies from nutrition science and eating psychology.

By eliminating all the “shoulds and shouldn’ts”, I focus on what’s right for your body and your personal style.

As we work together in this way, eating and health issues become a place of exploration. Instead of seeing such challenges as the enemy, they become opportunities for

Advice Issued to Owners of Keyless Cars

growth and self-improvement.

In my training, I’ve learned to help clients reach their highest goals not by strategies that punish, but through strategies that nourish.

A SPATE OF thefts that use advanced electronic keys has prompted police to recommend some crime prevention techniques to the owners of these cars.

My Approach About My Training:

Hinckley police have advised people to block their keyless car in with another vehicle that is not keyless or to install bollards to prevent thefts.

MY WORK combines the powerful new fields of Dynamic Eating Psychology and Mind Body Nutrition.

The skills I use from this training are a combination of practical coaching techniques, results-oriented psychology, clinical nutrition, bodycentred practices, mind body science, and a positive and compassionate approach to challenges with food and health

What is Dynamic Eating Psychology?

DYNAMIC Eating Psychology is an important new field originated by Marc David, Founder of the Institute for the Psychology of Eating.

It’s a positive, empowering, and transformational approach that’s designed for anyone who eats. Each of us has a unique, fascinating, and ever-changing relationship with food. Dynamic Eating Psychology affirms the primary importance of this relationship. It sees our challenges with eating, weight, and health not as an indication that we’re broken, but as a beautiful opportunity to grow and evolve.

Previously, eating psychology has been limited to those with clinical eating disorders.

Dynamic Eating Psychology, though, is for everyone.

Dynamic Eating Psychology is a powerful breakthrough approach.

What is Mind-Body Nutrition?

MIND-BODY Nutrition is an exciting and timely new field that advances the practice of clinical nutrition by exploring the psychophysiology of how thoughts, feelings and beliefs impact nutritional metabolism and health.

It goes far beyond classical nutrition by focusing on the fascinating connections between brain, body, and behaviour. Simply put, what we eat is only half of the story of good nutrition. The other half is who we are as eaters.

Mind Body Nutrition offers practical and resultsoriented strategies for the most commonly seen eating challenges and health issues of our times.

If you are interested, I’m excited to offer Two New Opportunities: One To One Coaching in person or What’s App /Zoom Call Small Group (8- 10 people): 8 Weeks x 1 Hour Course Wednesday afternoon/evening (start time can be flexible) to explore Mind Body Nutritional Dimensions Starting in February at Groby Community Centre 40 Forest Rise, Groby, LE6 0BD For more information or to book your place, contact Hazel on 07817 303018 or email: happyhome07@hotmail.co.uk

One further tip is to use an old fashioned, but effective, lock on the steering wheel, while another suggestion is that people use RFID wallets which are made of metal and can block the electronic signals from your keys.

The Police have asked owners of these vehicles to take a minute to consider the security of your vehicle and to pass this message on to friends, family and neighbours who have keyless cars.

There are various methods of stealing keyless cars, ranging from hacking the onboard computer or intercepting the key signal to breaking into a house to steal the original key.

Officers have advised the theft of keyless cars is on the rise, whilst advising owners to be vigilant, lots can be done as highlighted above to reduce the risk of you becoming a victim of this crime.

If you spot this crime taking place do not approach the offenders but call 999.

They will not be operating alone and will arrive to steal the vehicle in another vehicle, if possible note the registration numbers down and pass this information on to the police.

Martin Cartwright Do you run a local community group or club?

Publicise your activities in the Spotlight!

Send your email to: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

I was listening to the radio the other day and I thought: ‘ Why do all these old bands keep copying Glee songs?’

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

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Groby Allotments News The new growing year begins!

WE HAD OUR Open Shed Sunday social event early in January this year with the main reason being to allow those members who had placed seed orders with us, to pick up their packs of vegetable and flower seeds to grow in the coming year. Luckily for us it was a sunny, clear day and so we had plenty of people come along for a social chat and browse amongst the various stalls as well. In fact, we sold out of the bacon cobs and veggie sausage cobs that were on offer! It was fairly cold though, so I’m sure that the weather helped!

As our usual band of volunteers was somewhat depleted with various illnesses and strains and sprains, we didn’t find the time to stop and take photos this time I’m afraid, so I don’t have a photo to show you what a lovely time we had.

We will all be busy now planting up our seeds or planning when and where to plant them. We are also encouraging the use of peat-free compost this year to help the environment. Peat extraction is being phased out and peat-containing composts will be banned by 2024, to reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere by dried out peat bogs, so we are helping to set the trend.

Productive Allotments!

A FRIEND PASSED me a newspaper article the other day about a citizen science project run by the University of Sussex last year about allotments*. It was very interesting and prompted me to look up the research from Sussex University.

Apparently, growers on allotments in an urban environment in the project were able to harvest 1kg of insect-pollinated fruit and vegetables per metre square of ground. This figure is comparable with results found in commercial farming! The yields from the plots averaged over 70kg over the growing season, which would have cost about £380 from shops. When more expensive food like raspberries and gooseberries were grown, this saved even more!

This valuable harvest was achieved by minimal insecticide use, so increasing insect habitat creation and biodiversity. Over 2,000 pollinating insects were recorded visiting the crops, which helped increase the yields. Overall pesticide use was also minimal, so benefitting the wildlife that feeds on them, and creating a win-win for the environment in urban areas.

The research paper suggested that ‘urban farming’ such as growing food on allotments, gardens and balconies could help with food security, and could provide up to 20% of the world’s food if implemented in other countries, with the added benefit of being sustainable and less damaging to the environment than traditional agriculture. As here in the UK, we import approximately £8 billion of fruit and vegetables each year, this could also have a beneficial effect on our economy.

However, I think that we would all have to get used to eating seasonally in future, as we did years ago before we imported so much food and before the widescale use of frozen fruit and vegetables. If we could all start to do more of that, eating seasonally and buying or growing locally, then we would not only save ourselves a fortune but also reduce those food miles and hence help reduce the impact on climate change. Now that is food for thought!

On the allotments, we have started to encourage the placing of ‘insect hotels’ as well as encouraging the growing of wildflowers to help pollinators, so that will all help to increase yields.

I am so impressed with this research that I am going to see if I can record how much fruit and vegetables I harvest over this coming year and calculate my yield. I fear that it may not be very accurate though, as I enjoy eating peas straight from the pod so much that not many of them make it home to the pan! The same goes for the strawberries, blueberries and raspberries.

I shall have to resolve to be more disciplined!

Carol Lincoln

*https://www.sussex.ac.uk/research/full-news-list?id=56961

Shy about reading out loud?

PRACTISE by reading to your dog, who won’t be critical of your mistakes, or interrupt you.

Dogs who listen to people reading are being used in schools and prisons across the country. It is all a part of The Kennel Club’s Bark and Read Foundation, which was first set up to give children the confidence to read out loud to specially trained support dogs.

More details at: https://www. thekennelclub.org.uk/about-us/ charity-work/bark-and-read/

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Surely after all these years they can just call it Zealand now?

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • 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 Invited To Negotiate Devolution Deal LEICESTERSHIRE has taken the next step towards securing a ground-breaking, multimillion-pound deal to bring devolved powers to the county.

The Government has confirmed that Leicestershire County Council will be one of the first nine areas it will invite to agree a new ‘county deal’.

The announcement is part of the Levelling Up White Paper and follows a bid submitted by the council in the autumn.

Nick Rushton, county council leader, said: “We welcome the Government’s decision to invite Leicestershire to be in the vanguard of county deals and look forward to working with Government to get the very best deal for Leicestershire’s businesses and residents.

“The opportunity to have a greater say over local services and their funding, matters which affect everyone in Leicestershire, is particularly welcome. I am grateful to the County’s MPs, and to Neil O’Brien in particular, for their help and support. I’m also grateful to the District Council Leaders for their support of our case and all our partners, including the local NHS. “The wellbeing of children and young people has been an important part of our bid, which I believe has made it particularly attractive to Government.

Leicestershire has lost out for far too long – so we’re fully committed to levelling up. I look forward to working with Michael Gove and his ministerial team to get the best possible deal for Leicestershire’s residents.”

The council will now wait to hear from the Government about next steps. This is great news for the residents of Leicestershire.

Adult learning courses 20% discount now extended to end of February LEICESTERSHIRE residents looking to learn new skills or take up a new hobby can save 20% on fees for hundreds of part-time day, evening and weekend courses, as the discount deadline has been extended to February 28.

The courses are open for enrolment from GoLearn, Leicestershire County Council’s Adult Learning Service and include a wide range of digital skills classes as well as Italian, Spanish, British Sign Language and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). There are also courses on online safety, first aid, pottery, Indian cookery, astronomy, yoga, drawing & painting, stained glass, textiles and much more.

GoLearn also offers some free courses including help with CV writing, interview skills and online job application support. Other free courses include some aimed at supporting and maintaining good mental health, and courses supported by Leicestershire County Council’s Love Food, Hate Waste team including Healthy Cooking – Zero Waste and Healthy Vegan Cookery.

For people who are looking to gain essential qualifications in English and maths, GoLearn offers free GCSE and Functional Skills qualifications to anyone who has never previously achieved a grade 4 or above (grade C in the old system). GCSE courses begin in September and Functional Skills courses can be joined throughout the year. Fast-track courses are available for people looking to achieve their qualifications quickly, with Pre-GCSE and Skills Builder courses available for anyone wanting to boost their confidence with English and maths ahead of joining an accredited course GoLearn is also offering an Essential Digital Skills Qualification – a free course aimed at complete IT beginners and which offers a route to more advanced IT courses and qualifications.

The discount is applied to all feepaying courses for anyone who enrols by 28 February, on top of the 70% reduced fee, which is available to learners on certain benefits (e.g.

Universal Credit, JSA, etc.) and for those on a low household income.

The courses are being run in venues across the county, both online and in the classroom to allow learners to fit study around life and work. All learners will receive expert help and support, with tutors on hand to provide help and guidance.

All courses can be searched online at www.leicestershire.gov. uk/golearn. Learners can also call GoLearn on freephone 0800 988 0308 (lines open Monday – Friday 8.30am-7pm) and speak to a member of the team to find out more about the courses, fees or paying by instalments

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - events TO CLOSE A street or road to traffic, you must complete sections 3 and 4 of the event registration form.

All fees associated with the legal application have been waived for Queen’s Jubilee events and the application time reduced to 6 weeks.

We won’t be asking for the usual required documentation for a road closure such as an in-depth risk assessment, however consideration still needs to be given to ensure the safety of all attendees and an enjoyable event.

Your event information will be shared with the emergency services so they can put their own plans and resources in place. You should register your event as soon as you can. Submitting draft plans is better than doing nothing at all.

Signs and cones - You can make an application to borrow signs and cones by completing the request form.

You must collect and return the signs and cones to the Mountsorrel Highways Depot, or you can request a quote for delivery.

DEADLINE: The deadline to submit your signs and cones application is Friday 15 April 2022.

Fees for the loan of signs will be waived for all Platinum Jubilee events but equipment must be returned, or you’ll be invoiced for it.

The May Bank Holiday Weekend will be moved to Thursday 2 June and an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June will see a four-day weekend to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee - the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone.

For more information go to the Leicestershire County Council’s website or type the below into your space bar. https://www.gov.uk/government/ news/extra-bank-holiday-to-markthe-queens-platinum-jubileein-2022

Hinckley and Bosworth Local Plan THE COUNTY Council have raised serious concerns with planning officers at Hinckley & Bosworth regarding their new local plan.

Ozzy O’shea The concerns feature around the need for infrastructure such as School and Roads. These are important to communities when taking on more significant developments, and something that was not taken into consideration when the administration passed 267 houses on Markfield Road in Ratby over the past 18 months.

The majority of the children will now have to go to Martinshaw Primary school in Groby. We are all well aware that parents tend to drive their children to school, this will add to more congestion around the narrow approach to the school.

Unfortunately the administration at Hinckley & Bosworth passed their local plan moving it from regulation 18 to 19 and this will now go out to consultation. The County Council are most certainly likely to object to the local plan as it shows a lack of infrastructure. I am pleased officers at Hinckley did partly listen to County Council officers, who raised concerns and took 5 sites out of the plan before going out to consultation, which included removing the Burroughs Fields Ratby’s Jewel in the crown.

Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Markfield Road/ Bradgate Hill/ Wallace Drive/ Lena Drive, Groby TEMPORARY speed restrictions and road closures are required on Markfield Road / Bradgate Hill (A50) between A50 Roundabout at the Junction of Bradgate Hill and Leicester Road to Landfill Reclamation Site and the A50 / A46 roundabout.

The order will start on the 14th February 2022 for up to 3 weeks.

Lane closures will be required

Alcohol was my father’s answer to everything. He didn’t drink; he was just lousy at quizzes.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk between the hours of 9am and 3pm to undertake traffic signal works and to maintain access to Wallace Drive and Lena Drive.

During the scheme the temporary implementation of no right turn will also be required on Lena Drive and Markfield Road whilst equipment is installed in the central reservation.

The duration of these restrictions will be kept to a minimum and the diversion signposted. Overnight road closures will be required for 4 nights starting on 21st February 2022, 21st and 22nd February 2022-overnight between 9pm and 6am–Full Southbound road closure. 23rd and 24th February 2022-overnight between 9pm and 6am –Full Northbound road closure.

During the closures the proposed alternative diversion route will be via: A50, M1 J22 to J21, M1 J 21 to J21a, A46, and A50 and vice versa The proposed diversion for non-motorway traffic will be via: Launde Road, Ratby Lane, Markfield; Markfield Road, Groby Road, Sacheverell Way Ratby; Sacheverell Way, Leicester Road, Markfield Road, Bradgate Hill, Groby and vice versa

Scam Santander Text Messages FAKE TEXTS claiming to be from Santander are circulating, suggesting that suspicious ‘new payees’ have been set up on your account. Here’s what they look like.

17

More fake text messages are trying to trick people into following potentially malicious links. This time they’re targeting Santander customers with ‘new payee’ notifications in different ways.

The first message tells the recipient that a ‘new direct debit’ has been established to a ‘Ruby Davies’ based in Glasgow. This name has presumably been made up entirely – the recipient had never heard of them, and the link is nothing to do with Santander.

The text appears convincing, but it’s attempting to panic you into following its own URL. If you receive a message like this and aren’t sure if it’s real, make contact with your bank via its genuine channels instead.

Finally I would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents. Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Ozzy O’shea Always Working for you Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel: 0116 239 4336 Mobile: 07808 585825 Email: ozzy.o’shea@ leics.gov.uk Email: ozzyoshea@hotmail. com

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I hate being the only drunk person at a party. It totally ruined my son’s fifth birthday.

18

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Community Library News WITH A NEW year and progress to ”Plan A” of Covid regulations, we’re looking at how we can develop our services to provide a better library service to more people in Groby.

Audio Books

With this in mind, we’re looking to revise our hours, looking to open at times that are accessible to a greater number of people, whilst maintaining the twenty hours per week for which we are open already.

They can be reserved!

OPTION 1: The proposed new hours would be: Monday:

2-5pm

Tuesday:

10am-1pm

Wednesday: 10am-12 noon; 2-5pm Thursday:

10am-1pm

Friday:

2-5pm

Saturday:

10am-1pm

OPTION 2: The existing hours Monday:

2-5pm

Tuesday:

9.30am-1pm

DID YOU KNOW that the library has a collection of audio books on CD that can be borrowed for three weeks for a small charge or free if you qualify for a concessionary rate?

Top Ten books in stock at YOUR library HERE ARE ten books in stock at Groby Library, which feature in The Sunday Times bestsellers list.

Lee Child and Andrew Child Better Off Dead Adele Parks.

Both of You

Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club

Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Matt Haig

The Midnight Library

Lisa Jewell

The Night She Disappeared

Abigail Dean

Girl A

Danielle Steel

Neighbours

Peter James

Left You Dead

Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing

So come along, find a new book and devour it with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake!

Dave Robinson

Wednesday: 2-5pm Thursday:

9.30am-1pm

Friday:

2-6pm

Saturday:

10am-1pm

OPTION 3: Suggest an alternative to the above hours.

If you would like to contribute to the opening hours consultation, please send your preference to enquiries@grobylibrary.co.uk or complete a slip at the library.

The consultation will be in place throughout February.

Spot the Differences

Wriggly Readers LIBRARY MEMBERS aged from 0-5 years will be glad to know that Wriggly Readers, our fortnightly session of stories, songs and fun, is now back from10.3011am on Thursdays.

Ask in the library for the next date!

There will be no need to book in advance but we do recommend that adults wear facemasks.

Construction Club OUR POPULAR Wednesday afternoons spent building magnificent edifices using a well-known construction toy resume at half term in February and then will continue fortnightly from 3-4.30pm.

Come and build a working model of the Taj Mahal!

Can YOU spot the 10 differences in the cartoons above?

Answers are on page 20. Good luck!

Some sad news from Australia ... the inventor of the boomerang grenade died today.

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

19

Bleak outlook for affordable homes in Groby

READERS MAY find the debate about future housing growth confusing. Which should they believe - the worst case scenario put forward last year by the Neighbourhood Plan Group, that hundreds of houses might be built in Groby? Or the best case scenario in the new Local Plan for the Hinckley and Bosworth area, of just 45 homes?

The fact is that neither may be right. The Neighbourhood Plan has not yet been written, and it is unlikely that residents will be asked in a referendum to support or reject a Plan until 2024. Articles highlighting the potential development risk were written before the Borough Local Plan allocation for Groby had been published.

The Local Plan, however, has been written, and the proposed housing allocation of 45 new houses from 2026 to 2039 will be welcomed by many. But a Local Plan can change before it becomes the accepted Plan for the Borough. Public consultation has begun and a vitriolic debate continues between the County and Borough Councils. The County Council has concerns over infrastructure and wants the consultation delayed to allow for more discussion. They could object to it and influence the outcome of the ‘examination’.

On the one hand we have a Neighbourhood Plan that has yet to be written, and a Local Plan that has yet to be examined and approved by the Government. The current, or an amended, Local Plan will be approved first. This means that, whatever the final outcome, residents must hope that planning regulations don’t change again, and the Borough manages to maintain a 5 year supply of sites to stop any speculative developments, and to resist any overflow allocation from Leicester City.

Not everyone will rejoice at this figure of 45 new homes in 13 years. For those with a Groby connection, and in need of affordable housing, the future looks bleak. The Borough Council requires developers to allocate 40% of any large new housing site to affordable homes, equating to just 18 of the 45 homes between 2026 and 2039. The 2019 Housing Needs Survey had 120 respondents classing themselves as being in housing need. Of these 28 respondents were assessed as having a need for affordable housing. This suggests that the 18 which the plan might deliver will not be adequate.

Groby hasn’t fared very well with affordable housing in recent years. The 11 affordable homes planned for the Brant Inn site never materialised after a deal was done with the

opportunities, albeit in neighbouring villages Commercial housing developments are not the only source of sites for affordable housing. They may also be built on ‘exception sites,’ a site at the edge of a rural settlement which would not normally be available to build housing on. But this option has also been a disappointment for Groby, as no exception sites have been identified following any Housing Needs Survey.

developer to accept a cash payment in lieu.

The payment was used to help finance the Martinshaw Lane development, despite the fact that it was already in the pipeline. Most of the Hello site homes went to residents from other parts of the borough, not people with a local Groby connection.

These householders from outside Groby were not to blame – there were not enough applicants from the local area because only 22 of the 120 who said they had a housing need in the survey had registered with any agencies for rehousing.

Only one had provided contact details. Anyone with a housing need should contact Hinckley and Bosworth Housing Department (Telephone: 01455 238141) to discuss the options available, and avoid missing any suitable opportunities.

“The point about local people missing out is a very pertinent one and we have often found that people don’t register on our waiting list as they don’t feel they have a chance at getting an affordable home.” said a Borough Council spokesperson. “So often unfortunately they end up in private rented accommodation in the urban areas. Where we can, we do encourage people to register, and everyone who responds to a housing needs survey is advised to register as soon as possible.”

This is sound advice. Developments ‘in the pipeline’ at Ratby and Markfield are larger and should deliver higher levels of affordable housing. They may not be an applicant’s first choice, but registering may provide additional

Nevertheless, the Borough Council keeps looking. “Our Rural Housing Enabler has concentrated this financial year on finding suitable sites,” the spokesperson continued. “Due to the known scarcity of land, Groby was a village that we asked specifically to be looked at. However despite a call for sites and contact with a landowner, we haven’t been able to identify any suitable sites for a rural exception site to be delivered in Groby.

We are still committed and keen to deliver rural exception sites and community led schemes and they will continue to be actively sought within the Borough.”

The population of the village has grown sevenfold over the last 100 years and what’s left of the open land in and around Groby is largely either designated as open space or Green Wedge that is protected against development.

Last month Cllr Cartwright reminded readers that residents don’t want more development, a clear outcome of the Parish Plan, which he chaired.

“We asked if Groby and Field Head needs more housing,” the Parish Plan reported. But although a resounding 96% who responded said no, “69% then said they would like more affordable housing.” The report added that a “majority of Groby’s children said they would like to live in Groby when they leave home, however, only 27 thought that they would be able to afford to do so when the time came.”

Despite the acceptance of the need for more affordable housing, this appears to be a problem without a solution, and suggests a bleak outlook for affordable homes in Groby.

Norman Griffiths

I eat cake because it’s someone’s birthday somewhere.

20

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby WI News ... Mad as Hatters!

THE TALK this month was ‘Mad As A Hatter’ by John Whitehead. We had no idea what to expect but had been asked to wear a hat if possible. You will see from the pictures that there was indeed an eclectic collection of hats but personally I think the winner should be our secretary, Ailsa, with her impressive viking style hat made from her husband’s skiing hat!

At the beginning of the meeting we had a rendition of ‘Where did you get that hat, where did you get that tile ...?’ which I’m sure those of a certain age will remember!

The first known hat appeared in 3000 BC in Egypt and was a round, conical hat worn only by men. The Romans also wore hats with the exception of their slaves, who could only wear them when they had been freed. In the Middle Ages, it was normal for men to wear hats but for women, this didn’t happen until the 17th century. In 1570 Elizabeth 1 made a law that anyone in the working classes, and over the age of 7 was required to wear a hat on a Sunday. Production of hats then started in Luton, Southwark, Stockport, Glasgow and Atherstone, all places with a water supply and a readily available work force.

Ribbons, nets and gloves were imported from Milan, hence the term Milaners which then became Milliners, a term still used today for hat makers.

In 1849 the bowler hat was introduced by the Earl of Leicester at Holkam Hall in Norfolk to be used by gamekeepers on the estate, rather than the traditional top hat. They became known as the ‘hat of the foreman’ and were exported all over the world, including the Wild West. In Nigeria, specifically the Niger Delta region, the bowler hat is still part of the region’s signature national dress.

By 1914 hats had become much smaller, and in the 1920s and 30s New York was setting the fashion trends and exporting hats all over the world. By 1939, supplies of materials were scare and as the war progressed women were wearing turban style hats. After the 2nd World War people wanted freedom and embraced new and exciting hairstyles rather than wearing a hat. By the 1970s and 80s, hats were mainly worn only for weddings and Royal Ascot and by the Royal family!

The rest of John’s talk was about Atherstone and the beginning of the hatting industry. In 43 AD the Romans built their famous straight roads to Kent, London through to Holyhead and also the famous Watling Street. Their camp was set up in Mansetter which is now in the Parish of Atherstone.

The River Anker runs through the parish and these transport links were extremely important for the transportation of goods.

By 1570 Atherstone had started to manufacture hats. There were

Where did you get that hat? Pictured, left to right, are Mary, Diane, Pat, Jill, Janet, Judy and Lyn shop fronts in the street selling all manner of goods, behind which were the workers’ hovels, just one up and one down with no water or sanitation, and at the back of these would be the factories. Originally, hats would be made of beaver, rabbit, hare or wool.

The making of the hats involved using nitrate of mercury, cleaning with sulphuric acid, steaming and finally the dust from sanding. It was a relatively well paid job in horrendous conditions but resulting in many early deaths. Every factory had its own pub for its workers, apparently up to 30 pubs at one point but I think it must have been a small benefit for the dreadful conditions that these men lived and worked in. Moving on in history, every pit helmet used in the Boer War was made in Atherstone and also military hats for wars in the 19th century. The last yard to be knocked down in Atherstone was in 1960s.

In the 20th century hatting changed and companies dwindled.

The last big contract was after the second world war for de-mob hats.

There apparently was a campaign

by Esther Rantzen for jockeys’ hats to be re-designed so that they had a hard interior to protect from falls and the same for motor racing helmets which obviously was taken on board.

All in all, it was an incredibly interesting and informative talk.

• DURING THE BUSINESS PART of the meeting, we voted on the suggested 2022 Resolutions for the WI nationally. There was some discussion about planting a tree in Groby this year to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Kate (left) and Ruth

In Diane’s Corner, theatre trips include Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia and The Wizard of Oz, all at Curve. The weekly walks take place on Fridays at 9.30am from Stamford Memorial Park to Glenfield Market. Birthday cards were handed out.

We do have an interesting and varied programme, so if you feel that you would like to come along, please do so. New Members are always welcome and I have included our programme of talks and speakers for 2022 below.

17/2/2022: Lord Lieutenant of Leicester - Sir Mike Kapur 17/3/2022: Leicester Comedy Festival - Geoff Rowe 21/4/2022: Marilyn Monroe - Julie Ede 19/5/2022: Resolutions and Social Evening 16/6/2022: Queen’s Jubilee - posh frocks and tiaras party 21/7/2022: Bits and Bobs that Granny had in her kitchen - Bob Neill 18/8/2022: Goose Grease and Brown Paper - Kath Reynolds 15/9/2022 - Real CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) - Paul Taberner 20/10/2022: When You Wish Upon A Star - Alexa Wigfield 17/11/2022: AGM and Christmas Ornament - Carolyn Boulter 15/12/2022: Christmas Party

‘Viking’ Ailsa The next WI meeting is on Thursday 17th February at 7.30pm and the speaker will be The Lord Lieutenant of Leicester, Sir Mike Kapur, and he is the Queen’s representative in the County so this should be most interesting.

Ruth Rolinson

Did you spot all 10 differences?

1. The Hulk’s mouth, 2.

Superman’s flick, 3. Superman sign missing, 4. Batman’s horn missing, 5. Hulk missing one toe, 6. Superman’s curl is gone, 7. Batman missing a finger, 8. Bat badge has changed, 9. Superman’s teeth, 10. Hulk has one eyebrow.

I read somewhere that 26 is too old to still live with your parents. It was on a note, in my room.

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

21

Nominate a volunteer who ‘makes a difference’ THE HUNT IS ON to find Hinckley and Bosworth residents who make a difference to the lives of others through volunteering. The Council is urging residents to nominate a person or group that deserves recognition for the help they give to others.

The Making a Difference community awards are sponsored by the Borough Council and include individual and group categories as follows: •

Inspirational volunteer(s): An individual or group that you admire or feel are inspirational in respect of their voluntary work.

•

Young volunteer(s): A young person or a group (under 18) who volunteer and contribute their time and skills to benefit others within our community.

•

Creating a sense of community: Volunteers who help individuals or groups of people to feel included, supported, involved and enabled to enjoy life within their community.

•

Protecting, improving or supporting our environment. Contributing to reducing the impact of climate change: an individual or group who contribute to, and benefit our environment, making it a better place for us all.

•

Contributing to our local heritage, culture or tourism offer: An individual or group who enable others to appreciate and benefit from our local heritage and cultural offer, making this a borough for us all to enjoy and attract visitors.

•

Keeping people safe and well: An individual or group who volunteer for the benefit of others safety and wellbeing.

To find out more about the different categories, nominate online or download an application form visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ makingadifference or Tel. 01455 255950 for a paper form.

NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 13 MAY 2022.

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Did you hear about the woman who got fired from a hot dog stand for putting her hair in a bun?

22

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Spotlight Small Ads Oak finish FIRE SURROUND - 54”w x 46”h. Good condition. Also optional coal-effect electric fire insert. Free for collection.

Tel: 01530 230355 (Bagworth).

• Ladies grey fleck WINTER COAT, with detachable black fur collar. size 20. M & S Brand new, still with labels attached. Price: £50.

Tel: 07928 431629 (Groby) • Switzer heavy duty PETROL ROTOVATOR. Used about 3/4 times on allotment. Selling due to health reasons. Was purchased 12 months ago. Accept £400. Free delivery if in Coalville area.

• Einhamm PETROL ROTOVATOR in good condition. Price: £300. Free delivery if in Coalville area.

• Ring Automotive heavy duty booster BATTERY CHARGER. Was used just to charge caravan battery but no longer needed. Price: £50.

• SPORTS CAMERA suitable for helmet /handle bars on bike or skiing. No card. 12 months old, still in box, used once. Price: £25.

• GARDEN TROLLEY - steel mesh, 2 new solid and spare new tyres.

Size 3ft x 2ft, drop-down sides and pull along bar. Ideal for the allotment.

Proce: £30.

• Steel WHEELBARROW - 12 months old and in good clean condition. Price: £15 • Can deliver these last two garden items for a small charge if need be in the local area.

Tel: 01530 589369 or 07908 505037 (Stanton under Bardon) • Clarke CONCRETE MIXER – unused. Price: £150.00 or very nearest offer.

• Hand Operated PALLET TRUCK – used but in good condition. Price: £150.00 or very nearest offer.

Viewing can be arranged.

Contact: Groby Parish Council Tel: 0116 287 6985 • 15 JIGSAWS. Mainly 1,000 piece apart from 2 that are 500 piece. Used once.Price: £3.00 each.

Tel: 07711 044160 (Groby) • Trento Adjustable BAR STOOL/ CHAIR. Black PU leather seat and metal base. 360-degree swivel and gas lift mechanism. Excellent condition. Price: £23.

Tel: 07999 768521 or 0116 287 8987 (Groby) • CANON EOS 400D. CANON 60MM MACRO LENS. CANON 80200 LENS. Plus CARRYING CASE AND EXTRAS. Cost over £800.

Price: £150 to good owner.

Tel: 01530 242793 (Markfield) • GENTS BIKE FOR SALE. Raleigh Manta Ray. Price: £40 o.n.o.

Tel: 0116 287 6183 or 07458 385029. (Groby) • Two brand new Timloc EAVES VENT ROLL OUT RAFTER TRAYS - 600mm x 6m. These are ventilation systems suitable for new build or refurbishment projects - selling for £6 each or £10 for both.

Tel: 07977 758281 (Groby)

• Bag of 20 balls quality KNITTING WOOL, brand new 100g balls, all with ball bands. Originally cost around £2.00 per ball, assorted colours.

Selling for £15.00 for the bag full.

Tel. 01530 230389. (Bagworth) • ADJUSTABLE LADDER. Full length to 3.5 metres. Adjusts to large stepladder. Adjusts to painting platform.

Price: £25.

• CAR BIKE ROOF RACK. Carries two bikes on the car roof, once attached to roof bars. Very secure with handlebar and saddle locked in place. Price: £20.

• BRICKY BRICKLAYING TOOL. Adjusts to various wall widths.

Complete with DVD of instructions.

Unused. Price: £15.

Tel: 0116 287 6919 (Groby) • LENOVO LEGION GAMING PC Intel core IS7400. 8GB RAM. Nvadia Geoforce GTX 1060 3GB. 1TB HDD. Price £300 • Acer Monitor (21.5 inch screen), 1080p, 75Hz. Price £50.

Tel: 07592 459218 (Markfield) • CLEANER REQUIRED for light housework.

Tel: 0116 270 1825 (Glenfield) • Lightweight fold-up WHEELCHAIR. Only used 3 times.

Excellent condition.

Tel: 07594 356797 (Markfield) • Books £4 each: Second Sleep (Robert Harris), The Evening and the Morning (Ken Follett), Tomland (C J Swanson) • Books £3 each: V2 (Robert Harris), The Kingdom (Joe Nesbo), The Twins of Auschwitz, The Sisters of Auschwitz Tel:07779 552320 (Groby) • Table top ARTIST EASEL • Table top ARTIST ADJUSTABLE PAINTING SLOPE • Daler Rowney ARTIST CARRYING CASE, with ring binders, handle & zip Tel: 0116 260 1865 (Groby) • CAMPING GAS STOVE. Price: £10.

Also a calor gas cylinder and a gas cage. Offers please.

Tel: 07708 589162.

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).

News from New Scientist

Vitamin D supplements really do reduce risk of autoimmune disease AS RECENTLY REPORTED in New Scientist, Vitamin D supplements really do prevent people developing an autoimmune disease, at least for those over 50, in a study providing the first evidence of a causal link between the two.

Previous studies on the effect of vitamin D on autoimmune conditions have looked at vitamin D levels in those with an autoimmune disease or in those who go on to develop one. Other studies have hinted at the supplement’s beneficial effects on the immune system.

“We know vitamin D does all kinds of wonderful things for the immune system in animal studies,” says Karen Costenbader at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “But we have never proven before that giving vitamin D can prevent autoimmune disease.”

Costenbader and her colleagues randomly split nearly 26,000 people in the US who were 50 or over into two groups, giving them either vitamin D supplements or a placebo.

“The great thing about randomised trials is they really answer the question of causation,” says Costenbader.

The team tracked the participants for around five years to measure the development of autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroid disease and psoriasis.

This revealed that a dose of 2000 international units (IU) of vitamin D per day reduced the development of autoimmune disease by 22 per cent, compared with the placebo. This is a larger dose than the standard 400 IU recommended by health organisations such as the UK’s Department of Health and Social Care.

It is unclear how vitamin D prevents autoimmune disease, but we know it is processed in the body to produce an active form that can alter the behaviour of immune cells.

Costenbader now advises her patients to take 2000 IU of vitamin D a day, if they are the right age and it is safe for them to do so. However, she doesn’t recommend this for everyone. “You should tell your doctor if you start a supplement,” she says. “There could be reasons you shouldn’t take them.”

The researchers are now extending the trial to see how long the benefits last and hope to start a new trial in younger people. “I’m very excited and really quite bowled over by these results,” says Costenbader.

Journal reference: British Medical Journal, DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2021066452

If you enjoy reading the Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it.

This reader did.

It’s good to share! Thanks.

My kids are five and seven. We couldn’t think of better names.

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

23

POPULAR TELEVISION

QUIZ SHOWS

P

WORDSEARCH This is your Word Search!

Brookvale’s ‘Hate Crime Poster Competition’ Winners!

WELL DONE to Brookvale Groby Learning Campus’s three winners in a Leicestershire Police Hate Crime competition.

IF YOU can find the 16 POPULAR TV QUIZ SHOWS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for ASKTHEFAMILY two and a bottle of house wine at The Stamford Arms in Groby.

COUNTDOWN AllMASTERMIND you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 16 MUCH LOVED TELLY QUIZ SHOWS. These TELLYADDICTS can overlap and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

THEWEAKESTLINK Send your marked entry forms to: SPIN THE WHEEL!, Groby UNIVERSITYCHALLENGE Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 2022. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the voucher for a Meal for Two and a Bottle of House Wine at The Stamford Arms, Groby. Good luck!

an ow

B

E

O

T

T

Find the word in the puzzle.

Words can go in any direction.

Find these 16as TVthey QUIZ SHOWS: Words can share letters cross over each other.

There were 5 overall winners across all the schools in Leicestershire and Brookvale were lucky to have 3 out of 5 winners from their school. The Police came into school to present the winners with their vouchers and certificates.

Congratulations to the 3 Year 7 WINNERS:

· Emily Beardsmore · Daisy Steiner · Anaise Tatham Walsh The posters will be produced professionally and launched across Leicestershire. All the entrants received a certificate from the police for taking part. WELL DONE - FANTASTIC WORK!

ASK THE FAMILY • BLOCKBUSTERS • CATCHPHRASE • COUNTDOWN EGGHEADS • FIFTEEN TO ONE • MASTERMIND • ONLY CONNECT 16 of 16 words placed.

POINTLESS • TELLY ADDICTS • TENABLE • THE CHASE • THE WHEEL THE WEAKEST LINK • TIPPING POINT • UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE

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

Address: .............................................................................................................

Copyright © 2022 D

.............................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Issue’s Winner was:

CATHY JENKINS of Highway Close, Groby.

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24

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS Councillor Martin Cartwright reports

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Local Plan 2020 - 2039 Questions & Answers as a result of my Borough Council Report in January 2022 Q: Where is Laurel Farm, Groby?

A: As you exit the Sacheverell Way roundabout in Groby heading for the centre of the village the land to the left on the Corner of Sacheverell Way and Leicester Road is Laurel Farm.

It sits directly behind the ‘There but Not There Tommy’ at the entrance to Groby.

around two weeks but the follow-on dates are not expected to be impacted as a result of this.

Pre Submission Draft of Hinckley & Bosworth Local Plan Consultation Public consultation on the draft HBBC local plan will take place during February & March 2022.

Government Deadlines In March 2020 the government set a deadline of December 2023 for all Councils to have up-to-date local plans. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council administration and officers are doing all they can to meet this objective.

New to this Local Plan – Climate Change This section of the local plan sets out how the Borough will respond to Climate Change mitigation and adaptation through policies supporting renewable and low carbon energy and sustainable drainage, alongside policies tackling flood risk.

There are also Climate Change relevant policies under the Transport Theme (Electric Vehicle Charging) and Green Environmental (Biodiversity).

In addition, adapting and mitigating Climate change is a key theme that runs throughout the other policies where appropriate. The whole plan will be subjected to a Climate Change Assessment to ensure all possible opportunities to respond to the Climate Change challenges have been taken and identify any gaps still to be addressed.

Regulations The regulations governing local plans state that consultation on a submission draft plan, the stage that Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council are currently at must be for a period of six consecutive weeks, with no flexibility to amend this time period.

Q: Following the draft Consultation period about to begin, what happens next?

A: Once the draft consultation period is completed the plan is submitted to the Secretary of State (regulation 22) the timetable of the subsequent stages is heavily dependent upon the Planning Inspectorate and outside of Hinckley & Bosworth Council’s control.

I mentioned in my last Spotlight article that the draft Local plan was going to HBBC Council on 25th January 2022 for approval.

The draft local plan was moved by Cllr Bill, seconded by Cllr Bray A recorded Vote was taken on this with the result being:

Access to and from the site for access to the homes would be via Leicester Road, Groby and not Sacheverell Way, Groby.

Q: Can the Borough Council allocating this site be overturned by the Groby Neighbourhood Plan group?

A: No Q: What is the Borough Council’s allocation number for Groby?

A: 45 new homes between now and 2039. Delivery can be anytime in that time period.

Hinckley & Bosworth Local Plan Forward Timescale I promised to update you with the planned Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Local Plan, planned timescale.

•

19 Votes for - Liberal Democrat members

•

9 Against - Conservative members

•

2 Abstentions - Labour members

Whilst voting against the draft plan the opposition at HBBC would propose that the plan is delayed, slowed down. The plan is been in the making for years so it was surprising to hear that the opposition wished to slow the process down.

Q: What are the Pro’s and Con’s of delaying the Local Plan?

A: Pro’s – None A: Con’s – Planning applications will continue to come forward without the safeguards in the new policy being in force.

Speculative developments will continue to come forward too. None of the Climate Change measures in the new plan can be delivered.

I was at the last planning committee whereby residents (not Groby) were aware that the Highway access was not suitable but Leicestershire County

The timetable is as set out in the table below: Stage

Target date

Public consultation on submission Draft Plan (Regulation 19)

Feb - March 2022

Submission to Secretary of State (Regulation 22)

March 2022

Estimated programmed date for examination

August 2022

Programmed date for adoption

February 2023

The dates are subject to change but right now it is anticipated that the HBBC Local Plan will be adopted in February 2023. The plan would then be set until 2039.

Cllr Martin Cartwright 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

@CllrCartwright

cllr.martincartwright

As I write this the start of the consultation period may well be delayed by

It doesn’t take much to make a woman happy. However, it takes even less to make her mad.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk Tel: 0116 287 4500 Mob: 07850 707050 E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk Council Highways Department could not see the issue neither could Highways England too leaving us powerless to refuse the application on Highway grounds.

To conclude, Members of HBBC and officers are working hard to deliver and adopt a new Local Plan. By the majority vote tabled above, the draft Local plan proceeds to the Consultation process - a positive move in my view.

Back to my last article in the Spotlight whereby I state very clearly that Groby’s allocation in the plan period being resolved is 45 homes at Laurel Farm. This position could be secured as early as February 2023.

Climate Change - COP26 Motion to HBBC Council 25th January 2022 A motion was moved by Cllr Ladkin and seconded by Cllr Cartwright in response to COP26 Motion: Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council appreciate that COP26 took place in Glasgow keeping alive our ambition to restrict global rise in temperature to 1.50 C. ‘Recognising the Climate Emergency and the impact that Climate Change has upon all the species of the planet.

The successes of COP26 will only become evident or not by the passage of time. We call upon world leaders, organisations and individuals who made pledges during COP26 to meet and where possible exceed those pledges.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have made a Climate Emergency Declaration, July 2019, adopted a Climate Strategy including setting up a cross party working group. The cross party working group will now look to see if anything in the Councils strategy needs amending or tweaking as a result of COP26.

The motion received cross party support with everyone at the meeting voting for it.

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

Development opportunity at 5 & 7 Groby Road, Glenfield ANDREW GRANGER & CO are offering for sale a 2.05 acre development opportunity with outline planning consent granted

by Blaby District council Application No. 21/0052/OUT for the retention of numbers 5 (Glenholme) and 7 (One Acre), Groby Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8GN plus the erection of a maximum of 8 new dwellings.

For sale as a whole - price on application.

All viewings requests should be made to Andrew Granger & Co on 0116 242 9922.

Campaign to tackle high levels of male suicide in city and county MEN are being encouraged to talk to their friends about their feelings, as part of a campaign that aims to tackle the high levels of male suicide across Leicester and Leicestershire.

A total of 455 deaths by suicide in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland were recorded between January 2015 and June 2021. More than 75% of those deaths – 353 – were men.

Martin Cartwright

Shoes A TIMID CURATE went into a shoe shop to try on some shoes.

“Try those – they are just right for you,” decreed the very superior sales assistant. The curate struggled to get the shoes fastened, but he failed.

The assistant frowned and looked down. “Well, no wonder. Try pulling the tongue out.”

“Well, theyth sthill feelth a bith tighth.”

The ‘Get the Ball Rolling’ campaign has been devised by the city, county and Rutland councils’ Start a Conversation partnership, and follows a report on male suicide published this year by Healthwatch Leicester and Leicestershire.

It uses sporting references on beer mats, posters and on social media to show men how they can start a conversation with others, and where they can get help if they are struggling with their mental health.

Local brewery Everards is backing the campaign by placing the beer mats and posters in its pubs across the city, county and Rutland.

‘Anxiety’ comes top in survey

Churches Together in Groby

THE WORD ‘anxiety’ has been chosen by children as how they would describe their experience of 2021.

Oxford University Press (OUP) asked more than 8,000 pupils, aged between seven and 14, to select a word from a shortlist of 10 words. The words were: anxiety, challenging, isolate, wellbeing, resilience, bubble, kindness, remote, cancelled, empathy.

The children were asked to choose which word they felt was most applicable to them. ‘Anxiety’ was closely followed by ‘challenging’, and then ‘isolate’.

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Elders ­ 07807 036944 (If you have any spiritual support or prayer requests please text your name and we will call back) Telephone church (Tel. 0333 0164 757 Room no. 10336316# Pin no.

1920# ­ calls charged at local rate) ­ 11.15am Sunday Compline (Facebook) ­ 9pm Mon, Weds and Fri Communion ­ 9.30am Weds Prayers (zoom) ­ 9am Thursday ­ contact Rev'd Ed for joining details.

13th Feb 9.30am Communion, 6pm Evensong 20th Feb 8am Communion, 9.30am Morning Worship, 4pm Super Sunday Service for families 27th Feb 9.30am Communion, 6pm Evensong 6th March 8am Communion, 9.30am All Age Worship, 6pm Communion 13th March 9.30am Communion, 6pm Evensong 20th March 8am Communion, 9.30am Morning Worship, 4pm Super Sunday Service for families

grobyURC.com facebook.com/grobyURC Sunday 10am ­ Worship See Facebook for more information and daily posts to support & encourage you.

Did you know it takes 40 pigs to make 4,000 sausages. Isn’t it amazing waht you can teach them?

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-FEBRUARY 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

The Year the World Went Mad: A Scientific Memoir from the Pandemic

By Mark Woolhouse

IN JANUARY 2020, leading epidemiologist Professor Mark Woolhouse learned of a new virus taking hold in China.

He immediately foresaw a hard road ahead for the entire world, and emailed the Chief Medical Officer of Scotland warning that the UK should urgently begin preparations.

A few days later he received a polite reply stating only that everything was under control.

In this astonishing account, Mark Woolhouse shares his story as an insider, having served on advisory groups to both the Scottish and UK governments.

He reveals the disregarded advice, frustration of dealing with politicians, and the missteps that led to the deaths of vulnerable people, damage to livelihoods and the disruption of education. He explains the follies of lockdown and sets out the alternatives.

Finally, he warns that when the next pandemic comes, we must not dither and we must not panic; never again should we make a global crisis even worse.

Groby Village Society Meetings February 24: Members Evening March: No meeting

Clear Out Sale

April 28: A.G.M.

th

Saturday 26 February 11 am until 2 pm Thornton Community Centre

The usual 7.30 start in the Village Hall 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

LE67 1AH

Come and find new treasures and gifts.

Two rooms full of a huge variety of items, books, games, bacon and sausage baps, a chance to meet up with friends.

What’s not to like!!

Visit the ‘Time Out’ café at

Entrance 50p.

A Friends of St Peter’s fundraising event www.j22churches.org.uk

Brookvale Ex-Students Open New Estate Agents In Groby TWO FORMER Brookvale students - Conor Anderson and Jed Briggs - are proud to announce the opening of their brand new modern, local estate agent, on Ratby Road, Groby (next door to Pricegate).

They will be providing free property valuations, in-house mortgage advice and conveyancing services.

We serve a variety of

We serve varietyand of delicious teas, coffees teas,acoffees home-made cakes. cakes. and delicious homemade Opening hours Mon 2pm-4.30 pm Tues 9.30am-12.30 pm Wed 2pm-4.30 pm Thurs 9.30am-12.30pm Fri 2pm-4.30pm Sat 10am-12.30pm

Conor Anderson and Jed Briggs

Promote your business here every month ...

Be in front of thousands of local readers as they find out more about their community

Call Mike today on 01530 244069 or email your details to info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

I’ve just plucked my eyebrows. I think they’re out of tune.

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

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HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS Councillor Ted Hollick reports Optical people looking to the future ON SATURDAY 29 January I was pleased to cut the ribbon and formally open a new Opticians and Hearing Aid Centre to Hinckley.

disgusting on Facebook?

3. She needed to check out his bank account, to make sure he could buy her clothes.

This will add to a growing number of independent businesses in Castle street and It will be the flagship shop which follows on from their only other facility in Nuneaton. I was shown around the

Why did your mum marry your dad?

1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mum eats a lot.

Premises by the owner Ravi Saigal who explained how they could create and grind lenses to suit a customer’s prescription in the computer assisted Lab situated in the shop.

THESE WERE the answers given by some seven- yearolds...

Why did God make mothers?

1. She’s the only one who knows all the passwords we use online.

Photo shows Ravi Saigal and the Mayor at the opening ceremony.

2. Mostly to clean the house, I think.

Pancake Day Shrove Tuesday March 1st HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH Council events team along with the Hinckley BID (Business Improvement District) will once again stage a fun filled pancake race from the Market Place and anyone who fancies taking part can contact the events team at the Borough Council.

I am told that pancakes will be provided but bring your own Frying pan.

The word on the street is DON’T eat the pancakes as they could have been on the floor!

Councillor Ted Hollick Call: 0116 287 5955 Mobile: 07962 373983 E-mail: ted.hollick@outlook.com Write: 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, LE6 0FY

Might Bite: The Secret Life of a Gambling Addict

By Patrick Foster

For more than 12 years, Patrick Foster lived a double life.

Turning 31, a popular and sociable young teacher and former professional cricketer, he had a lovely girlfriend and a supportive family. But he was hiding a secret and debilitating gambling addiction from even those closest to him.

Huge bets had led to huge debts, thousands of lies, and consequences for his mental health that pushed him to the edge of the platform at Slough station, where he was moments from taking his own life in March 2018.

That month Patrick had turned a £30 bet into £28,000, then lost £58,000 on a single horse, Might Bite, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, watching the race in a silent classroom as his students undertook a mock exam in front of him. In his desperation, he had taken out every possible loan, and borrowed money from family, friends and even the parents of children he taught. Although his life was unravelling around him, he could not stop.

3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?

1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2. I’ve heard it was some amazing experiment on men that got out of hand.

3. God made my mum just the same like He made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and one part of mean.

2. They had to get their start from men’s bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

3. They have a lot more hair than dads, are softer to hug, and wear woolly jumpers.

Why did God give you to your mother, and not to some other mum?

1. We’re related.

2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other kids’ mums like me.

3. Other mums wouldn’t understand about me being afraid in the dark.

What kind of little girl was your mum?

1. My mum has always been my mum and none of that other stuff.

2. I don’t know because I wasn’t there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3. They say she used to be nice.

You might think that this is just one man’s story. But problem gambling affects one in 200 people in the UK alone. Hundreds lose their lives annually as a result. The industry is worth more than £14 billion.

What did your mum need to know about your dad before she married him?

Might Bite is a shocking, cautionary tale of just how easy it is to fall victim to the insidious lure of ‘winning big’. And of how recovery is possible from the depths of addiction, no matter how inescapable it seems.

2. She had to know his background, like has he put anything too

1. His last name.

2. She got too old to do anything else with him.

3. My grandma says that no one will ever know.

Who’s the boss at your house?

1. Dad is, because mum says so.

She just helps by reminding him what to do each day.

2. Mum. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.

3. Dad was, until Mum found what he had written on Facebook about Granny.

What’s the difference between mums & dads?

1. Mums work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.

2. Mums know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3. Dads are taller and stronger, but they panic when the dishwasher overflows.

What does your mum do in her spare time?

1. She takes my brother to football and my sister to violin lessons.

2. To hear her tell it, it’s like she pays bills all day long.

3. I think that must happen during the night, because then she just lies there and sleeps.

What would it take to make your mum perfect?

1. On the inside she’s already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2. Diet. You know, her hair. I’d diet, maybe blue.

3. She would understand why the dog needs to sleep with me at night.

If you could change one thing about your mum, what would it be?

1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I’d get rid of that.

2. I’d make my mum smarter.

Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.

3. She’d be more relaxed about me not doing my homework.

Drawing on my fine command of language, I said nothing.

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17 The Nook | Anstey | Leicester | LE7 7AZ