Issuu

CHARITY CAKE SALE AT MARTINSHAW

Exciting Times at Groby Library A look back at 2015 and forward to 2016

BOTH OF US have elderly relatives who suffer with the terrible illness called Dementia. So we both thought that we would do something to raise some money towards the support of people who suffer with it and also Cancer. We decided that we would do something that everyone could enjoy, so we got permission from out Headteacher Mr Elsom to hold a cake sale in school. We made posters and advertised the sale all over the school and with a little bit of help from our Mums we baked a great pile of cakes. We managed to sell every cake and raised ÂŁ100 Because we did so well we also sent some money to LOROS. We would like to thank everyone who bought a cake and especially we would like to thank Mr Elsom and our teachers, Mrs Ringland, Mrs Flude and Mrs Robinson for letting us do it. Also our Mums for helping us.

Sophie and Daisy

(Year 5 Martinshaw Primary School)

Food Bank opens in the Village Hall THERE IS now a Food Bank offering assistance with emergency food for local residents in crisis. It operates from the Village Hall in Groby on Friday mornings between 10am and 12 noon, on a weekly basis. More information on page 23 inside.

THE GROBY Community Library Group would like to thank everyone who supported the Christmas Fair and Mystery Trail on Saturday 5th December. It proved to be a magical occasion and would not have been a success without the help of local businesses, groups and individuals. We would like to thank the Co-op Laundon Way, Stamford Arms, Cathy Stephens, Studio J, Groby Chinese, Knaggs photography, Flint and local individuals for donating the raffle prizes. Thanks to Co-op Leicester Road for donating refreshments, Hyphen Marketing for producing the banner, the United Reformed Church for providing tables, chairs, urn and mugs, Fran Wilson for crockery and the Groby Tasters team for serving the refreshments. The mystery trail would not have been a success without the help of local groups and individuals who created wonderful sights on the trail. Thank you to Toddlers Nursery who helped turn their front window into a magical scene in Frozen complete with Elsa and Anna dancing, Groby Meadow for their enchanted Christmas theme meadow, the Stamford Arms for roasted Chestnuts at the Pirate Ship, Louise Corke and the Advent Window displays at the Old Hall and the Nottingham Building Society, and the Christmas Tree Festival at St Philip and St James. We would also like to thank the Library Knitting Group and the Community Library Group Craft Workshop volunteers who made the wonderful selection of cards, Christmas decorations and knitted gifts on the Christmas Fair Craft table and the local bakers who donated cakes for the festive food stall and refreshments table. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 ...>

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 13th February - Advert/Articles needed by 30th January

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby & Field Head Spotlight PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Telephone 01530-

Letter

The hidden cost of not gritting footpaths in winter

244069

From page 1

Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk 3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings. Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby & Field Head. Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press. The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight. None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

Chatsworth House visit ON TUESDAY 15th December The Groby Community Library Group had their first coach Trip. I WAS SORRY to read the letter from Fred Leathers in the December Spotlight in which he described how he slipped on an icy pavement on Chapel Hill last January. Young or old, such a fall can have serious consequences and the money saved on gritting can be soon spent by taxpayers in other ways such as expensive NHS treatment and social services costs. This is especially true in the elderly, if the outcome is a broken leg or hip. Ice is just the kind of incident that my wife and I try to prevent. When snow falls we endeavour to get out with our shovels, and salt provided by Groby Parish Council, to create a safe pedestrian route on the footpath down to the junction with Crane Ley Road and a road surface that helps cars get a grip. Sadly on this occasion either we were there after Fred fell or didn’t clear the route he took. Some residents do clear their frontage whilst others are either too frail or elderly to do it. Some perhaps leave it because of what we are now told are inaccurate reports that we might be sued if we shovel snow. The Parish Council is well aware of the difficulties created by the Highway Authority’s lack of funds to keep the roads and pavements clear and has prudently kept a supply of manageable sized bags of salt which are available for residents to use, though not on their private drives. Chapel Hill is just one of many sites in the village that suffers in this way and although it would be ideal to have a Council tax funded operation to keep all routes clear this is unlikely to happen, especially in times of financial restraint. Even if it were to happen the cobbled part at the top of Chapel Hill would probably be excluded as I understand it is an unadopted private road, though of course this may not be where Fred fell. Hopefully the conditions in which he slipped will not be repeated this year, but if they do those residents that are fit enough will be doing a great service to both the vulnerable of the village and fellow motorists if they can find some time to spread a little salt and reduce the anxiety that some feel at such times. The salt is free, the snow shovels are inexpensive and will probably be half price when Spring arrives, so the main investment will be a little time.

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NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 13th February DEADLINE: 30th January

Exciting Times at Groby Library

The coach took an excited group of local families and friends to Chatsworth House to see the house decorated in the theme of ‘Wind in the Willows’. Everybody had an amazing time and feedback was positive for another Library coach trip.

Santa’s visit ON SATURDAY 19th December the Bradgate Rotary Club Santa visited the library to the delight of all the children visiting the Library for a morning of stories and colouring in. The excitement on their faces when Santa came in and sat down and stayed to tell stories and sing Christmas songs. It was magical!!

New Year, New Community Library THE GROBY Community Library Group wishes to thank everyone for their continued support especially with the upcoming transfer date of 8th February and Library Training in January for the Community Library Volunteers. We hope for many more exciting times ahead and wish you all a very Happy New Year!

Janet Bishop and Christine Fowler

On behalf of the Groby Community Library Group

Passion I said to my wife: ‘Do you feel the excietment has gone out of our marriage?’ She said: ‘I’ll discuss it with you during the next commercial break.’

Nothing makes you more tolerant of a neighbour’s noisy party than being there.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Allotments Society NEWS

Seasons are behaving strangely! BY THE time you read these notes the old year will be behind us and the new year in front. We allotment enthusiasts always believe that the on coming Spring will always bring better results than the last Spring, Not to say that the last year was a poor one. But we did suffer from very dry days and cold winds early on, and this held back the runner beans and other early planted crops. However it all came right in the end with excellent runner, broad and French beans. Ground crops such as potatoes did very well, the dry ground kept the slugs down, they don’t like dry conditions. Potatoes were coming out of the soil dry, ready for bagging. We did not suffer too many white butterflies but that was amply compensated for by white-fly. Spraying would have helped but, as many members like to practice the organic approach, we just had to hope they would not do too much damage. The weather never runs smoothly for gardeners’, we now have problems with the warm winter, frosts seem to have forgotten us and

Catch

plants think it is Spring. Asparagus spears are coming through and being gathered, four months too soon. What will happen when the spring does come, will we get a second crop? Garden flowers have the same impression and are blooming. Autumn sown broad beans are well advanced, probably too much. Purple sprouting broccoli is also showing signs of budding, this shouldn’t happen until the Spring. I have a farmer friend who has sprayed his rape fields twice already for flea-beetle. So it is not just we allotment holders who are finding the seasons behaving strangely.

Waiting List Now the good news. We have been able to reduce the waiting list by offering smaller plots, then a larger plot can be offered at a later date if required. We have both the sites in the village fully occupied, but after rent day - which is in February - we may have plots to offer. People move from the village, have other commitments and as we all grow older find it all too much. So if you are interested in producing your own food within a

social environment, please ring or email our secretary on the address below. Alternately look on our website, again below. We are a very cosmopolitan lot on the plots with members whose family origins extend from far corners of the planet. We have Chinese, mid European, Indian continent, Turkish, American and Asian-American. So wherever you originate from, even Markfield, you will receive a warm welcome. Its the quality of your parsnips that interests us.

Ladies Dominate Allotments have changed over the last few years, when it was a man’s interest. Now ladies dominate the scene. We have ladies running the community shed with their bacon butties and drinks on Sunday mornings, first Sundays in the month during the summer. This change of gender meant that toilet facilities had to improve. A bucket in the shed was just not good enough. Since last April we have had installed a state-of-the-art odourless composting toilet. As you can imagine this facility has been well received. The composting

toilet is now common on many allotments in the country. It was professionally installed with the aid of a Lottery Grant plus money raised by hard working subcommittee member ladies.

Toilet Service Last week it was time to service the toilet after twelve months. No problem, just a matter changing over the toilet pan and soak box. The below ground chamber is allowed to rest for 12 months. The resulting compost can then be used on shrubs, trees and flowers but not crops. Our money raising ladies again collected enough funding to buy an excellent bench for our remembrance garden, so we can take a break there in the summer and admire the wonderful flowers superbly blooming. If we raise our eyes further from this vantage point we have a view across the countryside to Billesdon Coplow. Inquiries for a plot ring 0116 287 6087 or email w.thornton3@ btinternet.com or alternatively, ring 0116 231 3148 or email keighty90@ yahoo.com

John Thornton

Every Saturday morning 9.30—12noon

Children and Youth events each week:

Fair Cuppa:

fairtrade refreshments in fairly traded mugs! Every Thursday, 10.30—12noon Pop in, meet friends and make new ones!

- for 6’s to 14’s on Mon evenings at 6.30pm or 7.45pm - for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm - for 15-18’s on Fri at 7.30pm We meet at the United Reformed Church All of these activites, along with our work in schools, are provided by the two churches in Groby under the group name EXTEND.

For further information please see websites and church magazines St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church www.grobyurc.com Revd Sue McKenzie 232 1733 Youth Worker Ruth Cross 07759 087804 Children and Families Worker John Fryer 07540 957926

Entered what I ate today into my new fitness app and it just sent an ambulance to my house.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Mobile Support Service heads to Leicestershire VISTA, the local sight loss charity, has a Mobile Support Service for older people at risk of developing sight loss in Leicestershire.

Abbey Pumping Station set to grow LEICESTER’s popular museum of technology at the Abbey Pumping Station could be set for expansion as part of a wider project that will consider how the city council can put more of its historic items on display. Located within Pioneer Park, close to the National Space Centre, the pumping station has more than 55,000 visitors each year. Its main attraction is the historic engine house with its four working beam engines built by Gimsons of Leicester. City Mayor Peter Soulsby has announced a review to look at how it can be improved as a visitor attraction, how more items can be displayed there, and what can be done with the 1930’s extension which stands alongside the original Victorian engine house and is no longer in use. The review will also look at the feasibility of replacing the existing mid-1970s transport shed and creating a better dedicated space where visitors could see the vehicles and the volunteers working on them from an indoor viewing gallery. The council also faces the challenge of finding a new home for the items set to return to Leicester following the closure of the county council’s Snibston Discovery Museum last year. These include a replica horsedrawn omnibus used in the Leicester pageant of 1932, a Merryweather fire engine, and a Goodwin and Barsby Ltd stone crusher – all of which would help tell the story of industrial and transport history in the greater Leicester area. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The return of the items from Snibston and our review of the pumping station gives us the chance to re-think the way we tell the fascinating stories of Leicester’s industrial past.”

The service, in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, is touring the county in a specially designed mobile unit, providing information, support and advice. During February it will visit a variety of locations across Leicestershire (a full list can be found below). 1.8 million people are living with significant sight loss in the UK, and evidence suggests that over 50 per cent of sight loss is due to preventable or treatable causes. Vista’s Mobile Support Service aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sight loss, the importance of early diagnosis and the links between lifestyle and sight loss. Manned by friendly staff, the vehicle features an open plan welcome area, leaflet display and a seating area for individual consultation and support. During their time on board, visitors can: • Learn how a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of sight loss, the importance of regular sight tests and spotting conditions early • Find out more about the support and services available through Vista • Discover equipment and technologies that can support people with sight loss. The programme also supports older people already experiencing sight loss, enabling them to access dedicated information, advice and support in their local communities. Paul Bott, Vista’s Chief Executive, said: “This exciting project enables us to increase awareness of avoidable sight loss, in particular amongst older people. We believe that advice and support should be available in even the most rural communities, so we’ve taken our services on the road.” A full list of dates, locations and times is available on our website at www.vistablind.org.uk/mobilesupport

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Mobile Support Service February 2016 Dates: Monday 1st February 10am - 12:30pm: Market Hall car park, Coalville, Whitwick Road, LE67 3FJ 1:30pm - 3:15pm: The Co-operative Food car park. Ashby Road, Ibstock, LE67 6HA Tuesday 2nd February 10am - 12:30pm: Coalville Community Resource Centre car park, Comet Way, Coalville, LE67 3FS 1:30pm - 3:15pm: Thornton Community Centre car park, Main Street, Thornton, LE67 1AH Friday 5th February 10am - 12:30pm: St Francis Community Centre car park, Tudor Road, Hinckley, LE10 0EQ 1:30pm - 3:15pm: Westfield Community Centre car park, Rosemary Way, Hinckley, LE10 0LN Monday 8th February 10am - 12:30pm: Woodlands Garden Centre car park, Ashby Road, Stapleton, LE9 8JE Tuesday 9th February 10am - 12:30pm: Fearon Hall car park, Rectory Road, Loughborough, LE11 1PL Friday 12th February 10am - 12:30pm: Rosebery St. Peters Community Centre car park, Storer Road, Loughborough, LE11 5EQ Monday 15th February

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1:30pm - 3:15pm: Glenmore Centre Shepshed car park, Loughborough, LE12 9LU Tuesday 16th February 10am - 12:30pm: The Rothley Centre car park, 12 Mountsorrel La, Leicester, LE7 7PR 1:30pm - 3:15pm: Rowena Garden Centre car park, Loughborough Road, Rothley, LE7 7NL Monday 22nd February 10am - 12:30pm: The Grange Garden Centre car park, Asfordby Hill, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, LE14 3QU 1:30pm - 3:15pm: Gloucester House car park, 3 Norman Way, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1JE Tuesday 23rd February 10am - 12:30pm: Elizabeth Park Sports and Community Centre car park, Checkland Road, Thurmaston, LE4 8FN 1:30pm - 3:15pm: South Charnwood Leisure Centre car park, Parkstone Road, Syston, Leicester, LE7 1LY

How do I stay humble? Well, it’s not easy, but I start by being generally bad at almost all things.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

National Trust Leicester Association

Visit Beatrix Potter’s marital home THIS YEAR the National Trust will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Beatrix Potter who was a great supporter of the Trust. Beatrix was born in Kensington, London, in July 1866 and all of her education was with a Governess.

Running in Bradgate Park COUNTY residents of Groby and Field Head are openly welcome to join a free running club. The Running in the Park Group runs through Bradgate Park. Sessions start on a Monday at 10am and last approximately an hour. The group meet and set off from near the entrance of the Newtown Linford Entrance adjacent the Bradgate Park Car Park on Bradgate Road. All abilities are catered for. Newcomers are welcome to bring a friend. Suitable clothing and footwear are recommended. visit www. runengland.org for more information. Or just turn up!

Mark James Leicester

She first visited the Lake District on a family holiday, aged 16, and “fell in love” with the area. She also became acquainted with Canon Hardwick Rawnsley, a Lakeland parson, who led campaigns to protect the area and who was one of the founders of the National Trust.Beatrix supported the Trust all of her life and followed their principles in managing her land and maintaining traditional buildings and farming methods. Beartrix Potter’s first book, “The Tale of Peter Rabbit”, was turned down by six publishers so in 1901, encouraged by Rawnsley, she met the costs of publication herself. The book and all of her subsequent books were a great success and produced large sums in royalties. In the early 1900’s Beatrix sold some of her drawings in the USA and donated the proceeds to the National Trust. Once her royalties began to grow she used the income to purchase farms and land throughout the Lake District and supported her tenants with their conservation. Among other properties, she purchased Hill Top at Sawrey, near Windermere, in 1905, for her own use and Castle Cottage Farm in 1909, which became her marital home in 1913 when she married William Heelis, a Lake District Solicitor who had acted for her on her property purchases. She lived in “The Lakes” for the rest of her life and became a pillar of the farming community. Beatrix Potter died in December 1943 and left fifteen farms and over 4,000 acres of land to the National Trust and in her will stipulated that Hill Top Farm was to be kept exactly as it had been when she lived in it. The NT headquarters building in Swindon is named “Heelis” in her memory. Hill Top is open daily, except Friday, from mid February to the end of October and receives thousands of visitors a year. The National Trust also run the Beatrix Potter Gallery in Hawkshead, which displays many of Beatrix’s paintings. Our local National Trust property, Stoneywell Cottage, in Ulverscroft, opens to the public on Monday 1st February and will be open seven days a week from 10.00am to 5.00pm until the end of November. Pre booking is required for all visits. The NT Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 27th January at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm when Sally Henshaw will present an talk entitled Anne Neville. There is also an evening meeting on Tuesday 9th February when Cynthia Brown will present an illustrated talk on The Founders of Vaughan College. The meeting will be held at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. Admission to both meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00 including refreshments. For details of the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer Bradgate Home Care are commissioned through the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and are contracted to the Leicestershire County Council. We have very high standards and offer a complete service for both practical and personal care. With our service, clients are in charge of their care. Our belief is that care should be about choice and control. We deliver on this with real, measurable outcomes, along with person centered care planning. We can assist people to hospital appointments, holidays, and any other appointments that may be required.    For more information or advice please either call: 0116 2877767, email: ofÞce@bradgatehomecare.co.uk, or call in: 12A Fir Tree Lane, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FH.

Think my wife is a little OCD since whenever I go out with the kids I need to come home with the exact same amount.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Surgery Patients Participation Group Newsletter

How making the right choices can help keep you healthy CHRISTMAS is out of the way and for some the Festive Season may have brought with it an unwelcome weight increase. January provides an opportunity to make a New Year’s resolution to shake off the extra weight, but how may people make such resolutions nowadays? A website that devotes itself solely to compiling statistics claims that 45% of Americans usually make New Year’s Resolutions but only 8% are successful in achieving their resolution. It seems people in their twenties are nearly three times as likely to achieve their objective as people over fifty. Only three resolutions in the American top 10 are health related, with losing weight coming in at number 1, staying fit and healthy at number 5 and giving up smoking at number 7. Surprisingly drinking less alcohol isn’t one of the top 10 resolutions. For many, losing weight and staying fit and healthy may mean the same thing – dietary changes and more exercise. There are many long term life changing conditions related to diet, lack of exercise and smoking. These include diabetes and coronary heart disease, conditions which experts now believe people stand a better chance of avoiding if they adopt a healthier lifestyle. Some people may be experiencing ‘advice fatigue’ as yesterday’s dietary villains are replaced with new threats. A reduced intake of saturated fats was the prime target at one time but now we are told to cut down on salt and sugar as well. As always the best advice seems to be to remember a adopt a balanced diet whist trying to keep within the changing guidelines for fat, sugar and salt. If you are setting yourself a target which means a dramatic change in your lifestyle you need to ensure that you have had professional advice There’s lots of help online at the www.nhs.uk. Click on ‘Live Well’ and you’ll find 10 tips to help you achieve your goal, be it to lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthily or drink less. There’s also lots of information on other health related subjects. If you want to give up smoking you can join a group or have oneto-one support if you prefer. The NHS has stop smoking services

staffed by trained stop smoking advisers all over the country. To find your nearest NHS Stop Smoking Service call the Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044 to speak to a trained adviser. The statistical evidence for being physically active seems to be growing and the NHS says it’s essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age. They say it’s medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have up to : • a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke • a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes • a 50% lower risk of colon cancer • a 20% lower risk of breast cancer • a 30% lower risk of early death • an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis • a 68% lower risk of hip fracture • a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults) • a 30% lower risk of depression • a 30% lower risk of dementia Taking more exercise doesn’t have to mean driving to the gym and paying to exercise, and joggers can often be seen on the streets of Groby. Regular running can reduce your risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. It can also keep your weight under control and boost your mood. If you feel out of shape, or you’re recovering from injury or worried about an existing condition, you should see your GP before you start running. And if you’ve not been active for a while, it is better to build your fitness levels gently by walking regularly. A classic case of learning to walk before you run. The NHS says that walking is underrated as a form of exercise, but is ideal for people of all ages and fitness levels who want to be more active. Regular walking has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, asthma, stroke and some cancers. It’s simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. You’ll find help and advice on the Live Well link on the NHS website, along with tips about other forms of exercise.

Whether you run or walk you’ll also find help online which will calculate such things as how far you’ve run and the calories you’ve burnt. One easy package is www. gb.mapometer.com. You can plan your route by clicking the map. For example, you could check the circular route from the Stamford Arms, up Ratby Road, Sacheverell Way, and Leicester Road back to the Stamford. You’d cover 2.8 miles and burn 293 calories running, 205 walking, but only 118 cycling. If you choose to swim the route it will burn 862 calories, but we’d need a lot more rain before that becomes possible.

details at reception or email GrobySurgeryPPG@btconnect. com.

News from the surgery If you haven’t been into Groby Surgery recently the next time you visit you may see some new faces in reception as Alison and Margaret have joined the team. Alison is working full time and Margaret part time. There’s also a bright new front door to welcome you.

New Chairman IN RECENT months there have been some new faces at the Patient’s group meetings. Derick Harrison, one of the recent recruits, is taking over from Ernie Broadhurst who is retiring as Chairman. Ernie has played a key role in setting up the PPG and Derick is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

Young parent? Why not join us? THE MEMBERSHIP of the Group is skewed to what we’ll call the slightly more mature patient. It would be really helpful to have younger patients represented, particularly parents with young children. Of course young parents have less time, try to juggle numerous activities and the 6pm meetings are probably at a not very convenient time for a parent. On the other hand they have never lasted more than an hour and only take place six times a year. So why not be part of it? You can leave your contact

At the time of writing the downstairs toilet for patient use is currently not available as improvements are being made. Please ask at reception if you wish to use the staff toilet upstairs, and take care not to bump your head. If you are not a patient at Groby Surgery but want further medical advice on any of the issues raised please contact your own doctor.

Norman Griffiths, for Groby Surgery Patients Participation Group

The hardest part of any relationship is when it’s not your turn to talk.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Customer Comments

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I own seven pairs of khaki pants in case anyone wants to start a gang.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Klondyke Update The following information was sent into the Spotlight by both Borough Councillor Martin Cartwright and County Councillor Ozzy Oshea: ON THURSDAY 7th January 2016 Hinckley and Bosworth Planning Authority issued an enforcement notice under Section 171A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 at Land northeast of Newton Linford Lane, Groby (Klondyke). The breach of planning control is the change of use of the land from use for agriculture to a mixed use for agriculture and for the sitting of a twin mobile unit for residential use. The owner has the right of appeal and has to submit an appeal by the 7 February 2016. If no appeal is submitted the enforcement notice will become active on the 7 February 2016. Within the notice the Council have required the owner to do the following: (1) Cease the residential use of the land and remove the twin mobile unit from the land (2) Remove all structures/buildings and associated domestic paraphernalia including: Twin mobile home, metal front shed, concrete paving, TV Aerial, waste bins, gas bottles, plastic tubs, ladders, plastic sheeting, timber, bricks, pipework (3) Reinstate the land with top soil and re seed This has to be undertaken by the 7 June 2016 if no appeal has been submitted. If nothing has been done by this date then the local planning authority can pursue prosecution action for failing to comply with an enforcement notice. I am assured the Borough Council will robustly defend any appeal.

Some local newspaper headlines where you know what they meant… • • • • • • • • • • •

Something went wrong in jet crash, experts say Miners refuse to work after death Juvenile Court to try shooting defendant War dims hope for peace If strike isn’t settled quickly, it may last awhile Cold wave linked to temperatures London couple slain; police suspect murder Red tape holds up new bridge New study on obesity looks for larger test group Why children can make nutritious snacks Local school dropouts cut in half

Ann Duggan Band at the Stamford Arms IT WAS WAY back in October 2012 that Ann Duggan was featured in a Groby Spotlight article. Although her accent is a giveaway that she is originally from Birmingham, Annie lives just up the road at Markfield. She describes her music as a seamless mix adding country, folk and rock, played with a powerful combination of energy, melody and lyricism. Although an artiste most readers won’t have heard of she commands respect in the music industry. Reviewer Bob Jones wrote “I had never heard of Ann before and it was a rare treat to see a fine artist for the first time” about one of her Birmingham performances for the Blues in Britain magazine. There are few opportunities to see her band locally so the gig which has been pencilled in for the Stamford Arms on the 30 January will be worth turning out for on a winter’s night. If you missed the Spotlight article and would like to know more about Ann and her music you can still read it on GrobyOnline. Just Google groby ann duggan and it will give the link to the article and her own website.

Norman Griffiths A man is designed to walk three miles in the rain to phone for help when the car breaks down - and a woman is designed to say ‘You took your time’ when he comes back dripping wet.

FENCING

S G S

SHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES

NEW & REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKEN ALL WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED

CALL JIM SHOOTER . 95 LEICESTER ROAD, GROBY

0116 2879715 / 07814224630

The ‘get rich or die trying’ philosophy on life is going terribly one-sided for me.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Spotlight GREAT VOLUNTEERING Small OPPORTUNITY Ads

• Microsoft Wireless Keyboard £5.00 • Dyson Multi angle upholstery tool - unused £5.00 • Roper Rhodes Dark Wood effect double door bathroom cabinet - exc. condition £30.00 • Roper Rhodes Dark Wood effect bathroom mirror - exc. condition £25 • Hankook Tyre part worn 225/45R18 91V - £15 each Tel: Sarah 07753 198340 / 0116 2874260 • Huffy BMX Bike, 18” BMX bike,1020 Space Age Steel. With pegs on back. Need a bit of a clean up as it’s been in the garage for some years. Price: £30.00 • Wedgewood Kutani tri-dish, bone china tri-dish sometimes known as pickle dish, in excellent condition no chips or cracks. Price: £15.00 • Royal Winton, Grimwades Gurgling Jug. No chips or scratches in excellent condition. Price: £15. • Lowry, beautiful Lowry print in nice frame measuring approx 15”x 17”. Excellent condition. Price: £20.00 • Collection of Lilliput Lane Cottages. 30 cottages in collection, 17 in original boxes. Will sell as job lot or individually. Price: £200.00. • 11 Black Labrador Ornaments, all in good condition. Price: £40 the lot or sell individually • Party Dresses for sale size 12-14, most with labels still attached. Price: £5 - £10 each. Happy for you to try on. • Electronic Reclining Chair, cost nearly £600 from new 3 years ago and in good working order. Velour type material. Collection only. Price: £30. Tel. 0116 2311047.

WARNING ZONE is an interactive learning experience, teaching life skills to Year 6 children to help keep them safe and not engage in anti-social behaviour

Warning Zone is an invaluable resource for children in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, which relies on charitable donations and people who generously donate their own time as Volunteer Guides. Without our Volunteers, Warning Zone would not be able to provide the high quality and unique learning experience to over 8,000 local children each year. Our Volunteers guide 6 children around each of the 8 safety Zones, set up in the style of a film set, explaining each zone to them, there are lots of interactive elements to the visit which the children love.

Benefits of Volunteering at Warning Zone

Leap Year – 29th February

2016 brings us a Leap Year. We need to add this extra day every four years in order to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun. The problem is very simple: our calendar has 365 days, but it actually takes 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun. That means we are ‘out’ by nearly six hours a year. Four times six hours is 24 hours - hence an extra day every four years. Adding the extra day in February goes back to Julius Caesar in 45 BC. In his Julian Calendar, February was the last month of the year, and 24th February was Leap Year Day.

For Parents, Carers, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Students, Retired People! • School Hours – our visitors are Year 6 school children, so the guiding is only required within school hours (9.30 – 11.45) or (12.30 – 2.45) Minimum two Sessions per Month (AM or PM) • Term Time- our visitors only visit in Term Time • Brilliant Volunteer role for people who are seeking work experience with children, and would like to give something back to the local community. • Volunteering - CV Enhancer. • DBS Check, Full Training Provided, Travel Expenses Paid, Uniform Supplied • Social Events, meet new people from a variety of backgrounds. • Open to all age groups from 17yrs + If you are interested in becoming one of our valued Volunteers, would like further information or would like to visit us please contact: Louise or Pip on Tel: 0116 2629739 Louise.lemmon@warningzone.org. uk or Pip@warningzone.org.uk Visit our Website: www.warningzone.org.uk

I was always meeting men who didn’t want to get involved. I dated my last boyfriend for about two years and finally I just gave him an ultimatum. I said, ‘Listen, either you tell me your name or it’s over.’

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Spotlight, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Our postal address is Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk. Please put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line.

I wanted a government that would build sun rooms at the back of houses so I voted Conservatory.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Did some financial planning and it looks like I can retire at 64 and live comfortably for 11 minutes.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Love Groby – Tasters back for 2016 MORE THAN 700 visits were made to the Love Groby – Tasters sessions at the United Reformed Church on Chapel Hill last year. The project, which provides good company, refreshments and a bouncy castle on Saturday mornings has been such a success that it’s going to continue at least until Easter and perhaps beyond. Everyone is welcome and you won’t be forced to enjoy one of their classic bacon cobs, though they smell so good that you may find it difficult to refuse.

Norman Griffiths

Groby Juniors U14 Ladies are runners up in thrilling County Cup Final! Groby Village Society

Preservation - Conservation Communal Interests

Programme 2016 Thursday January 28 Members Evening Thursday February 25 Overview of the National Trust ~ Mr Alan Tyler ~ Thursday March 24 A.G.M. Thursday April 28 Who do you think lived in a house like this? (part 2) ~ Mr Brian Johnson ~

ON SUNDAY 10th January, Groby Juniors Ladies Under 14 team made the short journey to Leicestershire County FA headquarters at Holmes Park in Whetstone to play in the County Cup Final against Oadby & Wigston United Ladies. The game ended with Oadby & Wigston winning 4:1 O&W took the lead in the first few minutes with a run on to a long ball with a good finish in the bottom left hand corner. 10 mins later Groby’s Captain Lucy Langton scored with a long range shot that the keeper parried into her own net. O&W replied with a goal a few minutes later from a corner. The score remained 2:1 for the rest of the first half with chances at both ends. The best of which was a Groby shot from outside of the box which the O&W Keeper made a fine save to keep out. The second half saw O&W pressurising the Groby defence with Groby’s Keeper Ria Toon making save after save to keep Groby in the game. Coach Phil Bray made substitutions and all available

Groby Juniors U14 Ladies team: Ria Toon, Niamh Stretton, Jorja Purdie, Lois Watson, Charlie Gamble, Elspeth Cunningham, Lucy Langton, Rebekah Garratt, Katie Watkins, Lucy Smith, Imogen Russell, Lauren Thompson, Millie Flower. Coaches: Phil Bray, Andy Russell and Paul Flower; players were involved in the final. With 10 mins to go O&W then made it 3:1. Groby then applied pressure and Groby were awarded a free kick just outside the O&W Box. Lucy Langton stepped up and hit a right footed shot that floated over the wall, over the keeper and hit the inside of the left hand post and then back out on to the field to be cleared away by the defence. O&W broke up the field and were 1 on 1 with Ria Toon the Groby Keeper who made a

fine save to deny another goal. In the last couple of minutes a Groby defensive error gave the ball to to the O&W striker who scored to make the final score 4:1. The final whistle blew and the winners and runners up medals were given out. The coaches, parents and supporters are all very proud of the U14’s Girls team for getting to the Final. Well done Girls.

Paul Chick

Thursday May 26 Medical Detection Dogs ~ Mrs Denise Taylor ~ Thursday June 23 Catherine Crompton’s Diary ~ Mr Stephen Flinders ~ Thursday July 28 From Golden Gate to Glitter Gulch ~ Mr Simon Coates ~ Thursday August 25 Elizabeth Woodville ~ Mrs Sally Henshaw ~ Thursday September 22 Violet Jessop ~ Mr Bob Massey ~ Thursday October 27 You cannot be Serious ~ Mr Mick Rawle ~ Thursday November 24 Leicestershire in the 1940s and 50s ~ Mr David Bell ~

Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- groby.villagesociety@tiscali. co.uk Non Members are Welcome

I was going to do something today, but I haven’t finished doing nothing yesterday.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea I HOPE you and your families have all had a very Happy Christmas and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful New Year.

Planning Application 15/00889/OUT Land South Of Jacqueline Road Field Head, Update AGAIN I have spoken with Nic Thomas, the Borough Council’s head of planning and also the case officer Jenny Brader on the issues surrounding this application. It was due to be heard this month on the 26th January but has been deferred due to outstanding issues. It is now most likely to come before the Planning Committee at the February meeting which will be held on the 23rd February 2016.

Planning Application 15-00760/OUT Land off Leicester Road/Bluebell Drive, Groby Update I HAVE again been speaking with Nic Thomas the Borough Councils head of planning and the case officer Jenny Brader who confirmed to me that there are still outstanding issues on this application and will not go to the January meeting. I am informed that this application is still not ready to come before the committee and the earliest date it will be heard will be 23rd February if not it will be the meeting on the 22nd March. As always I will keep residents updated.

Proposed New OAP Bungalows Martinshaw Lane/Holmes Close, Groby HINCKLEY and Bosworth Borough Council are holding two open sessions at Groby Community Centre 39 Forest Rise, Groby. The first session will be held on Wednesday 20th January between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Followed by a further open afternoon on Friday 22nd January 2016 between 2pm and 4.30pm for residents

to view the plans and raise any concerns. Council officers, the architect contractors and project managers will be available to discuss the proposals. I am very pleased that this much needed project is now moving forward as the previous administration had left this project on the back burner. These bungalows will provide much needed accommodation for local people. I have worked with my fellow Cllr Chris Boothby the Executive member for housing since the Conservatives took over the administration last May to bring this project forward.

Road Closures Glenfield Turn, County Hall FULL ROAD closures will be in place at the Glenfield Turn/County Hall roundabout on the weekends of the 15 - 18 and 22 – 25 January 2016, from 8pm Friday evening to 6am Monday morning both weekends to allow for resurfacing work. Through-traffic will not be able to use the A50 in both directions between the County Hall roundabout and New Parks Way. Residents, emergency services and visitors to County Hall and businesses on Championship Way will be allowed access but will need to enter from Gynsill Lane only. When leaving this area motorists will need to exit Championship Way on its southern exit next to Glenfield Hospital towards the city centre. Diversion routes will be signed. Traffic marshals will be on duty to provide advice if needed. The full closures are needed to ensure the safety of site workers while the roundabout is resurfaced. Resurfacing is an integral part of the works and cannot be completed without closing all lanes. How will this affect access to County Hall, Premier Inn, Gynsills pub and Shell petrol station? If you have a ceremony at the Registration Office, are attending a Driver Education Workshop, or if you need access to other buildings next to the County Hall site (excluding the hospital) – you can still access these but only via Gynsill Lane. When leaving this area, you will exit onto the A50 southbound. If approaching from any other road, you will be re-directed by on-duty traffic marshals and need to follow signed diversion routes. Motorists will not be able to access the Shell petrol station during the

closure as it can only be accessed from the North side of the dual carriageway via the Glenfield Turn / County Hall Roundabout. How will this affect access to Glenfield Hospital? You will only be able to access the hospital via the New Parks / Glenfield Hospital Roundabout, and off Glenfrith Way. Will the closures affect bus and taxi services? Buses and taxis will not have through access and will follow signed diversion routes as per normal traffic. Will the diversions affect journey times? Your normal journey time will be affected so allow extra time for travel. Will the closures affect pedestrians? Pedestrian access will be possible, but only via signed routes. Will the closures affect cyclists? Cyclists will be required to dismount and follow the same signed routes as pedestrians. Further information including a map of diversions to be put in place will be available at www. choosehowyoumove.co.uk/ nwleicester.

Markfield, Ratby and Groby Food Bank THERE IS now a Food Bank offering assistance with emergency food for local residents in crisis. It operates from the village Hall in Groby on Friday mornings between 10.00 and 1200, on a weekly basis. There is a bus stop directly outside the hall which services Arriva buses 26,28,29,29a and ample parking at the hall. In exceptional circumstances deliveries can be arranged to homes in Ratby, Groby and Markfield areas. All Food Bank users will need to be referred in by an agency such as Local GP, Social Services, Police, Hinckley & Bosworth Housing, Local Faith Groups, and Parish Councils. Agencies will need to provide a letter for each recipient outlining their needs, the number of dependants in the household and their address. The letter will be presented at the Food Bank in exchange for food to last up to one week. Recipients will also need to present proof of their identity. Recipients will be able to receive up to a maximum of three food donations in any one period to overcome their immediate crisis. This has been enabled by a one off

Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825

Email: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Always Keeping Residents Updated grant fund to the District Council from Leicestershire County Council. For further details please contact Tim Adkin at Charity Link Tel 07751732434

Temporary Road Closure Station Road, Desford 23rd January 2016 Leicestershire County Council Highways have agreed the above road closure. The closure will be at the Level Crossing. The Closure will take place between 2200hrs on Saturday 23rd January until 0600hrs Sunday 24th January 2016. This will allow maintenance work to be carried out on the Level Crossing. During this closure the alternative route will be: Barns Way, Leicester Lane, Desford, Hinckley Road, Ratby Lane, Leicester Forest East, Ratby Lane, Desford Road, Desford Lane, Kirby Muxloe; Desford Road, Desford and vice versa. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Residents for your continued support. Remember I am only an Email or a phone call away. Kind Regards

Ozzy O’shea Working for you.

I’ve just deleted all the German names off my phone. Now its Hans free.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Expressions Dance & Natalie Nightingale Presents: Disney Delights and Musical Magic

Unique dual fundraiser on 5th March - for Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary and LRI JOIN US at the Century Theatre on Saturday 5th March for an unforgettable evening of music and dance, laughter, thrills and a touch of romance. You will be well and truly entertained with all your favourite Walt Disney songs and dances, plus hits from popular West End shows. Book now! Curtain up is at 6.30pm (*please be seated for 6.20pm). Up to sixty fabulously talented dancers from Expressions Dance & Theatre Arts Academy of Ashby Road, Coalville will perform routines of tap, ballet, musical theatre and street-dance, with some acrobatics thrown in! All this alongside the beautiful singing accompaniment of the gorgeous Natalie Nightingale. And for fans of the film ‘Frozen’, there will also be a sing-along led by Natalie, with the audience invited to join in with the most popular songs! This unique concert has been organised to raise funds for Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary in Coalville which, in 2016, is celebrating its 30th year of rescuing, caring for, and re-homing animals in the areas of Hinckley and North-West Leicestershire, with all profits from the show going to the charity. There will also be an exciting Disney-themed raffle at the interval, raising money for the Leicester Royal Infirmary children’s Cystic Fibrosis Ward.

Leicestershire Police Careers Event on 6th Feb

Dentures At Home Emergency Mobile

LEICESTERSHIRE Police are planning a careers afternoon on 6th February from 12pm to 3pm at the Markfield Community Centre.

• Emergency Denture Repair Service 7 Days a Week

At the event, it is hoped to have representatives of the fire service, ambulance service and the army present to discuss careers advice, along with the YOS and the endeavour team from the council. The Police will also offer a security service for the community for their bicycles where they will mark them up free of charge and hand out freebies once their bikes have been secured. Their serial numbers and their details will be logged on our system which will help locate the bike if anyone is unfortunate enough to lose their bike or have it taken.

• Duplicate dentures/spare sets available (1 week - 10 days) • Have you got a spare set of dentures? • Soft lower duplicate dentures available • Large range of all quality teeth available - acrylic to porcelain 30 years experience to the TRADE

David Smith - 1 The Burrows, Narborough

0116 275 0101 (home) 07880 973 742 (mobile) Our neighbourhood has a tiny ghost that helps out during hard times. It’s good to have a little community spirit.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Why are Bloors planting trees? Norman Griffiths asks the housebuilder the question

READERS who have seen what has taken place in the field that was the subject of a series of unsuccessful planning appeals by Bloors Homes may have been relieved to see that it was trees that were being planted, not foundations for houses. As our photograph shows, however, the planting of many hundreds of saplings has been limited to a belt of land estimated to be 15 foot wide along a large part of the perimeter of their land. The planting strip, which runs behind the cemetery and the Sacheverell Way facing boundary, has been fenced off. The planting of trees, particularly in the areas in and around the National Forest is encouraged. And although the company are unable to build houses there this doesn’t stop other legitimate uses such a tree planting. The comments of the planning enforcement officers at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council are reported elsewhere in this edition and they confirm that the company has acted lawfully. This has led to some residents to ask why they have carried out such dense planting on their boundary. Some of the varieties are very quick growing and in due course will require regular maintenance at the company’s expense. They will also turn the public footpath that runs between the planting and the cemetery hedge into a not very attractive corridor. The planting is so close to the footpath that eventually there may be an overhang of branches, perhaps creating a tunnel effect. When the company’s latest appeal against the refusal of planning permission to build housing on

the field was heard the Planning Inspector considered the impact that it might have on the Green Wedge and the perception of separation between the local villages. The Inspector wrote that “At the time when the site visit took place, the upper parts of buildings in Ratby were clearly visible to the west of the site. For at least a portion of the year, it would be apparent on the ground that the countryside between the settlements was significantly decreased, diminishing the perception of their identity as separate villages. Similarly, travellers using the road between Ratby and Groby would become aware of the closer proximity of these settlements, which would take on the character of being divided by a narrow neck of open land, rather than the current impression of being set within countryside. The area retains a largely rural character, despite the open, nonagricultural uses on adjoining land,

and the appeal site contributes to this impression.” He added that “There is no indication of a right of public access to the appeal site, and the Green Wedge Review does not suggest a recreational function of the land. Notwithstanding this, the existing field gives an open, rural aspect to its surroundings, including the footpaths bordering the site. The character of those paths would change with development of the land, and, to the extent that they are used by walkers, and by those enjoying the wider countryside, there would be a reduction in the overall recreational value.” When the trees have matured some argue that the open, rural aspect which the Inspector saw would no longer be evident, and the decreased countryside between Ratby and Groby would diminish the perception of their identity as separate villages. In addition the villages would take on the character of being divided by a narrow neck of open land, rather

than the current impression of being set within countryside. This would be the loss of the very qualities that the Inspector commented on. Whether or not this change in the landscape is an intentional or unintentional consequence of the tree planting is something that readers can only speculate about, but the matter did arise during the Clerk’s Report at the December Parish Council meeting. Members were told by the Chairman that a source close to Bloors alleged that the company is planting trees around their site so the argument about breaking up the views will no longer be applicable in about 10 years time when they put another planning application in to build housing on the site. The current Borough 10 year plan period ends in 2026. Although this is hearsay the same explanation was given to another resident from a completely unconnected source. Clearly these reports indicate that the company is carrying out work quite legally on their own land. But hearsay is no basis for reporting such matters to readers, and an explanation from Bloors about what is being done and why would clarify the matter. The company was told that there is a feeling that the company has a 10 year horizon in sight, by which time the planting will have matured and potentially undermined one of the reasons for refusal of the planning application. An official statement or clarification of the report for the Groby Spotlight was requested in order to ensure a balanced perspective. Bloors preferred not to comment at the present time.

Book Spot

Out of Time By David Sykes A UNITED STATES Marine Corps Lieutenant and a Sergeant from the British Parachute Regiment are thrown together soon after the second Gulf war is over. They are tasked to identify and buy a certain historic racing vehicle hidden in Iraq. During their mission they encounter Captain Hassan - a hardline Republican Guard from Saddam’s experimental weapons division - their clash quite literally changes their world. Author David Sykes is a Yorkshireman who currently lives in a quiet market town in Leicestershire. When not writing, he wrestles with the Guardian cryptic crossword in the company of his ill-tempered cat ‘Badass Bill’ and tries to watch as many Rugby League games as possible. He is happiest when racing his ~87 vintage Triumph and Harley Davidson sidecar outfits on the short circuits of Britain.

I recently added squats to my workouts by moving the beer into the bottom shelf of the fridge.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Satellite Dishes to Boost Broadband Speeds in Most Remote Areas of Leicestershire • Homes and businesses in Leicestershire with the slowest connection speeds to benefit • Government commitment to broadband revolution will not leave any community behind HOMES AND BUSINESSES in some of the most remote areas of Leicestershire can now get a subsidised satellite broadband connection if they are currently unable to obtain an affordable broadband service of at least 2mbps. The scheme which has now been rolled out nationally forms part of the Government’s commitment to make sure every home and business in the UK can access speeds of at least 2 mbps. An estimated 300,000 properties across the UK will be able to make use of the new offer. The current rollout of superfast broadband is on track to deliver coverage to 95 per cent of the UK by 2017 but Government was determined to help those with the slowest connections by providing an immediate boost to their available speeds ahead of any future improvements planned. Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “Our rollout of superfast broadband has already reached an additional 3.5 million homes and businesses who would otherwise have missed out. We are making tremendous progress, but it’s a massive engineering project and won’t happen overnight. This scheme offers immediate assistance to those homes and businesses in Leicestershire with the slowest speeds and is all part of our transformation of the UK’s digital landscape.” Users will be responsible for paying any remaining cost of installation and commissioning (if any), choosing the features of the satellite broadband service they require, and for paying the monthly subscription for the service they selected (for a minimum period of 12 months). Tom Purnell, Assistant Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Council, said: “The Superfast Leicestershire partnership with BT continues to provide access to superfast broadband to residents and businesses across the county. We expect to ensure 95% of Leicestershire premises can access superfast speeds by the end of 2017. “This satellite scheme is an option for people who struggle with the slowest speeds or are not due to be connected soon as part of our Superfast Leicestershire deployment for some time. It could significantly help ensure a minimum, reliable connection for those living and working in our most rural communities.” More information on the operation of the scheme in Leicestershire can be found on the Broadband Programme website at www. superfastleicestershire.org.uk/basic-broadband

Don’t forget to send us your news! Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

I tried to start up a chicken dating agency but failed. It was a struggle to make hens meet.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Gardening Society News Creating Table decorations

Using nematodes to combat garden pests

OUR CHRISTMAS meal on 10th December was preceded by a most entertaining and instructive demonstration of the

Johnnie Amos, our November speaker, touched on the organic gardening topic of the use of nematodes to effectively combat garden pests such as slugs, leatherjackets, caterpillars, vine weevils, ants and many more. But what are nematodes? Firstly they are small; microscopically small. Typically, they are about 500 microns long and 20 microns wide, but the micron, which is one millionth of a metre, does not mean much to most people. This table gives an impression of the relative size of some particles:

art of making table decorations from foliage and flowers. Janet Walne, one of our members, had volunteered to kick start our celebrations and what a fine job she did! (Aided by husband Derek). Although limited in time, Janet managed to give the low-down on the make-up of numerous displays and she almost certainly inspired some members to have a go themselves. Under the management of Molly, these lovely displays were used to raise even more money for our annual charities All the tables used for our meal were also adorned with more of Janet’s decorations and these were sold off and the money added to the above mentioned charities. In keeping with previous years, the food presented by members was truly impressive. Once again tables groaned under the weight of all those calories. As if this wasn’t enough, the committee had devised a couple of quizzes to keep minds active. The first involved naming flowers from some cryptic clues, and the second was a series of photographs depicting scenes shot in our village. The test was to name where the scenes were shot. This seemed to prove that most of us go about the village with our eyes shut! Both quizzes were ideally pitched as the latter produced considerable amazement, whereas the formed allowed most members to get most answers correct, thereby inducing a feel-good factor. A few teasers sorted out eventual prize winners. Everyone appreciated the effort taken in producing such entertainment.

Letter Thank You!

WE RECENTLY delivered a lorry load of supplies to assist the victims of flooding in the north of England, and we would like to thank everyone who was kind enough to donate to our appeal. People came out in the dark and wet to deliver their donations in Bagworth, and from surrounding villages too. The response was amazing, and we managed to fill an articulated lorry full. I, on behalf of our team, would personally like to thank our locals. For more information about our trip, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Leicestershires-northern-flood-supportpage-186982928320299

Helen Crouch Bagworth

These nematodes are worm-like animals which occur naturally in soil all over the world. (A 100ml of soil will typically contain thousands). Thousands of strains of these creatures exist with different lifestyles. Beneficial nematodes attack only soil-dwelling insects and leave plants alone. These beneficial nematodes, and the bacteria they spread, are not known to be harmful to humans. When they sense the carbon dioxide emissions of soil borne insects, they move towards their prey and enter the pest through its body openings. They possess a special “tooth” to aid this entry. They carry an associated bacterium that kills the insect within 48 hours. Several generations of nematodes may live and breed within the dead pest before they emerge and seek more pests in the soil. There are suppliers of these nematodes to be found on-line and are a natural and effective alternative to chemical pesticides. They have no detrimental effect on non-target species such as ladybugs, earthworms and other helpful garden insects. There is no evidence that these parasitic nematodes or their bacteria can develop in vertebrates and so makes them useful for safe and environmentally friendly insect pest control. Future Meetings February 11th Flowers in the period of Richard 111 - (Sally Cunningham) March 10th - Social and creative evening If you like the sound of what we get up to, why not come along to a meeting and try us out. You will be most welcome. Our monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Eric Atherton. (Tel. No. 01162876637) or E mail e.atherton637@btinternet.com

Alvar Johnson

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Some Geordie told me he was really good at flirting, so I threw him in the swimming pool. But he sank.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

New Year, New Writer?

Make writing easier and more fun by joining a writing group IT’S BEEN said that everyone has a book in them, and what better time than the start of a new year to start writing it? A few weeks in, many determined new writers will have lost their focus. Are you one of them? The thing is, writing is hard work. It looks easy - all you do is sit at a keyboard and type stuff, right? but it can be the hardest thing in the world. You aren’t just putting words on a page. You’re creating characters and events and even entire worlds, then trying to explain them to your readers. And does anyone actually care? How do you know you’re on the right track when you only have the cat for an audience? You need support. You need a social commitment to keep you focused and accountable. Family and friends aren’t enough - unless they also write, they don’t know what you’re going through. They’ll praise anything you write, and won’t comment if you don’t write at all. This is why you need to join a writing group. “New writers need encouragement and support, but they don’t always have the confidence to submit their own work for comment in a formal group setting,” says Tony Gutteridge, chair of the Grace Dieu writing group. “We have a number of regular writers who are always willing to read at our meetings, but we are happy for newcomers not to read. If they wish to share their work, we are happy to provide positive feedback and the group can critique their work in more detail if asked.” The most important aspect of any writing group, however, is to encourage writers to experiment and have fun. Not every work needs to be a flawless poem or sensational short story. “Every other meeting, we have a theme - a title, a subject, even a

photograph, to inspire our writers,” Tony explains. “But if a topic doesn’t interest them, they can always write something else. The other meetings are ‘manuscript nights’, where people can bring along anything they are working on. This can include poetry, plays, short stories or even excerpts from novels.” Several former and current members of the Grace Dieu Writers Circle have become published authors. Even if you aren’t quite ready for that yet, most authors will be happy to share their experiences with you. Writing can be a lonely, difficult occupation. But it doesn’t have to be. Dust off that keyboard,

Why not join a writing group and find out? set down a few words, and join a writing group. Inspiration and conversation await! The Grace Dieu Writers Circle meets in Coalville on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. Contact Tony Gutteridge on 01455 273591 for further details, or visit their website at www. gracedieuwriterscircle.co.uk. New members are always welcome and no experience is required.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

All the latest news from Groby WI DECEMBER began with a few of us going to see Oliver at the Curve. Nearly all of us enjoyed it and set us up to start the festive season. My only disappointment was Bullseye. Bill Sykes brought him on, led him up to the front, deposited him behind a counter at the back and that was all that was seen of Bullseye. Can’t say I would be frightened of him, more likely he would be scared of me. At the monthly meeting members were introduced to our new Secretary Ailsa. Fran has stepped down after several years as Secretary. She has worked very hard and wanted a break but I am delighted to say that she remains on the Committee, a very big thank you Fran. Ailsa, is just the person to take over. She, I am sure, will do an excellent job including keeping us organised. From personal experience I know how arduous a job it can be but I am sure she will do the job perfectly, a very welcome asset.

At our Christmas meeting it was all stations go. We had a team who whirled around setting up the tables and making them look festive etc. Another team set up our Christmas tree, the one entered into the Church’s Christmas Tree Festival. It looked great as usual, all the decorations were handmade by the ladies, we did not win this year but we can’t win every year. Diane did a lovely cheese and biscuit supper with, wine (well it was Christmas) or fruit juice. This was consumed whilst we played our game, Call My Bluff. We had a panel of three who read three different versions of a word. To make it fair, the panel had no idea who had the correct answer, the answer being covered over at the bottom. It began very quietly (a lot of chat of course but no interaction with the game) and I was a bit bothered that it was going to be a damp squib but believe me by the end of the second word everyone got into the swing. There were eight words and I am pleased to say that, from memory, the highest score was four. I have picked out three of the words, vomitorium. lunkie and futtock if you want to have a go. It’s amazing that if you pick the right words how a convincing and

hopefully, funny, meaning can be used. If you want the real answer see the end of this report. After this game the Committee lined up and gave the Twelve Days of Christmas. Now this is not the usual one, it is prose written by John Julius Norwich, just google it and read it for yourself, most amusing. Everyone appeared to have enjoyed themselves, many thanks to all the ladies who helped the Committee it is much appreciated, that’s what I like about the WI, all muck in. Ros, our programme organiser, has arranged what sounds to be a great year of very entertaining meetings. The full list will be in next month’s report. January’s meeting is not for those who have eaten too much. Ian Heircock of Walker’s Pork Pies will be giving us the low-down on, well I think so, pies. By then I should have lost at least 3 stone so will be able to partake as, hopefully, he will bring a few samples. The meeting is on Thursday 21st January at Groby Village Hall at 7.30p.m. All are very welcome and in case you are new to Groby, the Village Hall is opposite the Post Office and next to the Library, you can’t miss us, usually there will be quite a din coming from the Hall.

Margaret (Evelyn’s a bit under the weather, hence you have just rubbishy me)

Call My Bluff A VOMITORIUM is not a room in which Romans would throw up halfway through a banquet in order to make room for the next course. It is simply a passage by which you can exit a building, usually a theatre. LUNKIE could possibly be where Little Bo Peep lost her sheep. It is a hole left in a stone wall for animals to pass through as can be seen, for example, around Derbyshire where there are plenty of holes in the walls to be seen. FUTTOCKS. The bilge is the lowest part of the interior of a ship. It marks the spot at the insidebottom of the hull, below any floorboards, and it sits below the water-line. Futtocks are the curved timbers used to form the interior ribs on the hulls of wooden ships.

Groby Advent Windows 2015

YOU MUST have surely seen some of the fantastic advent windows in the village which were lit during December? Especially those near your house, or on your journey to work. You might not have got to view them all, but I’m sure you would agree that all of the windows uniquely encouraged us to look closer, notice the detail, consider the thoughtfulness and wow the beautiful. Thank you to all the participants who put in hours of creative preparation for us to enjoy. There is a full gallery of the windows at the link: http://www. bradgateteam.org.uk/grobyadventwindows.htm and a montage right .....> Where were those seven angels? They were at windows 2 (62 Leicester Rd), 4 (the Nottingham Building Society), 6 (14 Woodlands Drive), 8 (8 Slatebrook Close), 14 (Elizabeth Woodville school), 16 (Mes Enfants) and 22 (58 Pymm Ley Lane). No one texted in with all seven correct; the closest were Catherine Ward and Jane Cox, each with 6 correct.

Rev. Louise Corke

on behalf of Churches Together in Groby

£26 million saving planned next year

County Council faces toughest year of savings LEICESTERSHIRE County Council must save £26 million next year – the highest annual saving it has ever had to make. The council warned that the public will see the impact on services, as it has to save £110 million over the course of this Parliament – following £103 million of cuts during the last one. Key headlines for the next four years include: • Total savings of £78 million will be required, including £26 million from April. The council has only identified £59 million, leaving £19 million still to be found. Identified savings include proposed cuts to bus subsidies, waste sites and public health work • Efficiency savings of £27 million, including reductions in management and administration (£3 million) and better commissioning and procurement (£9 million) • Growth of £41.3 million to meet rising demand, including adult social care (£23 million), children’s social care (£8 million) and waste (£2.4 million) • Council Tax rises of 3.99 per cent per year, including a two per cent precept to support adult social care, which was introduced by the Government. The two per cent will not cover the council’s full costs for adult social care • An estimated 500 full-time equivalent posts will go – 900 have gone over the last five years Deputy council leader, Councillor Byron Rhodes said: “This is the most challenging budget that the council has faced for a generation. We were already the lowest funded county council – but now the funding formula is shifting even more money away from counties to cities and London boroughs, which hits us even harder. We’ll have to take tough decisions such as cuts to early help and public health services and rural bus subsidies, if we are to deliver the savings that we need – and next year will be very tough indeed.” The financial situation means that the council cannot afford to develop a mining museum at Snibston. It will explore ways of providing some public access to the scheduled ancient monument and museum collections stored on site and linking them with the country park. People can have their say on the proposals at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ budget from January 12 till midnight on January 25. The council’s cabinet will consider the consultation results when it finalises the budget proposals on February 5, before the full council takes a final decision on February 17.

I’ve been thinking of getting rid of my old hoover. It’s only gathering dust.

Montage created by Mike Pratt

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On the art of drinking well The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren You closed your last letter with the remark that it was time to retire to bed with a cup of cocoa. That may be all very well for the pious intensity of a theological college - although a stiff whisky was always acceptable in my day - but it is not a style to continue once in the parish. I do feel obliged to give you a few hints about what should and should not be drunk in public as a parish priest. Morning visits are to be discouraged, but if one is unavoidable, and you are invited to have a drink, then it has to be coffee. It is the only time of day when a mug is acceptable - provided, of course, that it is china. In the afternoons one changes to tea, but only from cups. Blended varieties may be all very well for Curates in their first year, but it should be Darjeeling for an incumbent. Fruit teas are for Quakers only. If an inappropriate vessel is offered, then the drink should be accepted, but left untouched. Since the visit will be discussed in the finest detail throughout the parish the moment you have left, your host will soon learn why and not make the same error a second time. It is for the same reason that if you ever want to circulate a piece of news round the parish as quickly as possible, never put it in the parish magazine, just mention it casually during one of your visits. Everyone will know by tea time. Alcoholic drinks must be carefully judged. A sherry - dry, naturally - is probably best if you are invited to lunch. In the early evening a gin and tonic would be the drink of choice. To ask for whisky would indicate that you are about to go over to Rome, and a mineral water that you have your roots in non-conformity. Beer is never drunk in someone’s house unless you suffer from some personal tragedy, such as being the diocesan youth chaplain. However an occasional beer in the pub with the bell-ringers (who will be real ale fanatics to a man) or after choir practice - which seems to be the real purpose of holding practices anyway - or as a treat for the sacristan, will show you are a man of the people. It is some years since I visited the pub. Understanding wine should be taught at every theological college as an essential part of the ministry. Develop a taste for claret, dear boy, and you will be starting your journey towards high office. And perhaps you should give that tin of cocoa to the verger.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

I’ve eaten too much salmon over Christmas. I just ran up an escalator that was going down.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

A SIGN OF THE TIMES?

The food bank comes to Groby Norman Griffiths learns how readers can help or get help

AS THE CHRISTMAS lights are switched off the range of food on offer at supermarket chains is returning to normal as they clear at discounted prices all the seasonal items that were stacked high just a few weeks ago. Many readers who have been fortunate enough to enjoy all the treats that Christmas can bring may be surprised to hear the news that a new weekly food bank has opened its doors at Groby Village Hall. “The food bank opened on Friday 8th January, 10.00am - 12.00 noon, and will be available each Friday at this time during January,” Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Councillor Martin Cartwright told www. grobyonline.tk. “Following this initial trial period we will be informed of subsequent opening times. A one-off grant from the County Council has enabled the Borough Council to work with Charity Link to establish this additional food bank. The assistance given by the Village Hall Committee and the volunteers for giving their time will be greatly appreciated.” The food bank will primarily serve the Groby, Ratby and Markfield areas. Everyone will have seen similar operations on the news, but few would have forecast that in 2016 a food bank would be set up so close to home. It has been organised by Charity Link, which was established in 1876 by local business people and caring individuals to assist those in Leicester experiencing poverty, hardship and crisis. Nearly a century later the charity expanded its work to include Leicestershire and Rutland. Last year the charity distributed over £1 million in goods – such as beds, cookers and clothing - for those in desperate need within our community. It helps over 8,000 vulnerable people in in the city and counties annually.

Stark choices – heating or eating TIM ADKINS, Food Bank Co-ordinator at Charity Link says: “Leicestershire has one of the highest poverty rates in the country. “A third of all children and young people in Leicester City alone (over 26,000 – enough to more than fill the Leicester Tigers rugby stadium) are currently living within the

food for local residents in crisis and operates from the Village Hall on Leicester Road on Friday mornings between 1000 and 1200. In exceptional circumstances deliveries can be arranged to homes in the Ratby, Groby and Markfield areas. All food bank users will need to provide proof of their identity and a letter from an ‘agency’ outlining their needs, the number of dependants in the household and their address. An agency could be local faith groups, Social Services, Hinckley and Bosworth Housing, a local GP. the Parish Council, or the Police. Food to last up to one week will be supplied. Recipients will be able to receive up to a maximum of three food donations in any one period to overcome their immediate crisis.

How can you support the charity? READERS can help the charity by donating.

Food bank organiser Tim Adkin (right) with Markfield volunteer Peter Thorpe outside Groby Village Hall (Photo. Village Hall Vice Chairman Ted Hollick.) official definition of poverty and it is a shocking reality that since April 2013 Charity Link has seen a 40% increase in the number of people coming to us for help.” Two years ago the charity helped set up a food bank in light of increased food poverty, which, in its first year, gave out over 6,000 food parcels. Food is obtained via donations from local businesses and the general public and via Fareshare, which supplies foods direct from supermarket retailers. Tim adds: “It can be hard to believe that people close by are living in food poverty but we see so many people in desperate need. It could be elderly people, people

who can’t work due to chronic illness and we are seeing more and more working families or people on zero hours contracts who simply cannot make ends meet. Parents go without food so that their children can eat or people have to make decisions between eating and heating at this time of year. The food bank helps people over a crisis period and it simply couldn’t exist without the generosity of local people giving donations of foods and toiletries. We are so grateful to everyone lending their support.”

All food donations, however small, would be very much appreciated. The items desperately needed include pasta, rice, soups, tinned fruit, veg, fish and meat, longlife milk, tea, coffee, sugar, cooking oils, and breakfast cereals. Along with longlife foods other items always needed include disposable nappies, toiletries, household cleaning products, toilet roll etc. (But not baby formula or baby foods). Local collection points in Groby include the Co-op on Leicester Road. Of course cash donations are always welcomed as well, For every £10 donated Charity Link can raise £50 from charitable trusts that are available to help those in desperate need. Go to www. charity-link.org if you want more information about how to donate and read more about the work of the charity and other ways to help. If you want to find out more about the food bank or are interested in volunteering, please email Tim.Adkin@charity-link. org or call him on 0116 2222214. You can also see videos about the charity on http://www.charity-link. org/our-films.

How do you get help? THE LOCAL food bank assists with emergency

My mate tries hard to get to work early to beat the crowds. He’s loving his new job with the riot police.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Borough Councillors’ Monthly Report Happy New Year TED AND I hope you had a great Christmas and wish you a very Happy New Year. As always please call or e-mail if there is anything we can help you with.

Referendum to be held on 16.67% Council Tax Rise A REFERENDUM on increased council tax will be held after residents had their say in a recent survey. However only a fraction of households responded (2150) from more than 48,000 households - a return rate of just 4.4%. Of the majority of the responses 73% said they preferred to pay more for the council tax than to have to pay for the garden waste service and a much smaller (2%) increase in council tax. The survey was a disaster from start to finish with many Groby residents only getting their survey after the deadline had closed due to the ill health of the delivery agent. I did get this extended but not everyone returned it. Cllr Mike Hall, Leader of the Council said he was pleased with the result. Ted and I find this amazing given such a poor response. 4.4% is hardly convincing. Still you will now get your chance in a referendum to vote for or against a 16.7% increase in council tax. The council got a 73% yes vote on a loaded question of whether they would accept the Council Tax rise or the brown bin charge plus a smaller council tax rise. Naturally most people went for the lower figure which was the Higher Council Tax rise. When it comes to a referendum people can actually vote yes or no to the Council Tax rise. With the rise not being ‘in theory’, but hitting residents in their pockets, they are likely to get a greater return of forms and very different result. (I can find no instances of anywhere in the country that has ever voted yes to a Council Tax referendum rise of 3 or 4 % let alone their proposed 16.7% increase). Please bear in mind also that a referendum is costly to hold and if the public returned answer is No then these costs of holding the referendum will naturally be passed onto residents.

Remainder of the Budgens site SO YOU’RE aware, the planning application for the

remainder of the Budgens site has been withdrawn, this is following concerns raised relating to lack of detail of the submitted scheme. A resubmission is to be expected sometime in the near future. Ted and I will of course keep you informed when this happens. Thank you to those residents who have contacted us both in support and against the proposals.

High Winds – Wheelie Bins I HAVE been contacted by a local resident (anonymous) regarding wheelie bins in Ratby Road. Apparently they get blown over causing a good deal of litter and an eyesore. I have been asked to feature this in the “we can help section of the Spotlight” and is good advice for all residents to try to ensure the wheelie bin is placed so as not to cause a further nuisance as we seem to be having more and more very windy days.

A50 A46 Traffic Island Issues WHEN the traffic lights are switched on for the A50 Station Road, Glenfield roundabout expected February 2016, improvements will be made by CCTV being installed and monitored at the Groby A50 roundabout to further improve its traffic flow. Please see below some communications I have received from Highways regarding the issue. Dear Cllr Cartwright,”It was good to meet you to discuss first-hand the problems you have witnessed at the A50/A46 roundabout. Although the problem did not occur on the Friday we met, the nature and cause of the problem was clear from your descriptions. I have now spoken to our Traffic Signals team and we have discussed the issues you raised: Queuing back from the roundabout onto the A46: “As you noted, the problem here is that at a certain time of day, when employees leave, the volume of traffic exiting Leicester Road onto the roundabout is sufficient to block the exit from the A46, causing the queues you observed. Although this is very much a short term transient problem, it is one that concerns us”. In the longer term, we are looking to have CCTV

Martin Cartwright Call: 0116 287 4500 Mobile: 078 50 70 70 50 E-mail: hbbc@appliancehome. co.uk Write: Maverick House, 10 Pine Tree Avenue Groby, LE6 0EQ coverage of the roundabout next year, and we are looking to bring the traffic signals under control from the Area Traffic Control centre. This will enable us to see the problem and adjust timings to suit the traffic at those times and therefore improve the flow. In the shorter term, we will look at the current timings of the signals to see if there are any adjustments we can make to help prevent the situation occurring in the evening peak”. Cllr Cartwright, “Mr Crossland has asked me to update you on the situation at the A50/A46 roundabout following our meeting in June last year. The equipment and services for the upgrades mentioned (cctv, controller modifications and connection to the Urban Traffic control system) have now all been ordered. Whilst I cannot give you a definitive date, we are hoping to get the equipment installed and commissioned just subsequent to the switching on of the new traffic signals at County Hall roundabout, which is currently scheduled for February 2016”.

Wallace Drive Planning Application IT WOULD be best for the defence, and the best possible outcome being that of a dismissal of this appeal, for several residents (those mostly affected) to meet with HBBC council officers. This will help residents with the points they wish to make at the hearing and for you to understand the case being presented by HBBC council officers. To be honest, anything less than everyone working together as we all share the same views on this can only be detrimental to the eventual outcome. I am looking to set up a meeting

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

between the above at the earliest possible opportunity, please e-mail or telephone us, our contact details are above.

Bloors Site: Land east of Groby Cemetery RECENTLY a great deal of works, mainly planting of trees has begun at the Bloors site adjacent to Groby Cemetery. These works were reported to HBBC enforcement officers to investigate following my investigation. Enclosed is their response. “Further to our conversation yesterday, I visited the site this morning to investigate vehicle movements on the site. From my site visit it was evident that a large amount of trees have been planted along the boundary adjacent to the Cemetery and to the boundary near to Sacheverell Way. This is not a breach of planning control. “If in the future, you are given any further information of any more movements on the site please do not hesitate to contact me and I will investigate as soon as possible.” With this in mind would you please contact Ted or me if you notice any further works on the above site?

We Are Here To Help You Should you have any comments or problems you would like us to mention in our articles please get in touch. Please remember if we can ever be of service to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact us, our details are listed above. Kind regards

Martin Cartwright & Ted Hollick

My new book is called ‘Wooooahooooo’. I’m really regretting using a Ghost Writer.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Roll up, Roll up! At the Century Theatre, Coalville

Disney Delights & Musical Magic ! th

Saturday 5 March 2016 Starring the Dancers of Expressions Dance with fabulous singer Natalie Nightingale Programme includes a ‘Frozen’ sing-along!

Curtain up: 6.30pm Adults £8, Children (under 15) £5 Tickets: Century Theatre, Snibston Website or Box Office, or call: 01530 278 444 The timeless magic of toe-tapping music gorgeous songs, and fabulous dancing

Newbold Verdon Jazz Club THE NEW YEAR saw a great start to the jazz scene at Newbold Verdon Jazz Club with a number of new faces in the audience. We hope you all enjoyed the evening and look forward to seeing you again in the months to come. The Savannah Jazz Band made a welcome return to the club and gave us a great evening of trad jazz. The band, led by John Meehan on drums never fails to give us a good evening of music and vocals and extra fun from Roger Myerscough, who in between playing the clarinet, always raises Roger Myerscough a laugh with his tales from Yorkshire. The band also had an extra instrument this year, a piano, ably played by trombonist, Brian Ellis. Bill Smith on cornet, Tony Pollitt on bass and Chris Marney on banjo made up the rest of the band who altogether created a great sound. We look forward to seeing them all again at the start of 2017. The next concert is on Friday 5th February, 8.00pm at Newbold Verdon Social Club, when New Orleans Heat will be playing. Do come along and join us. More details from Kelvin on 01455 822824 or Pauline on 0116 2865496.

‘The Chatterbox’ Friendly Discussion group seeks new members at Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation AS A REGISTERED charity the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation prides itself on offering a welcoming, supportive setting for those living in the local community and throughout Leicestershire. A new inclusive social group ‘The Chatterbox’ will meet every first Friday of the month from 2.30pm – 3.45pm at Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire LE67 9QB. The informal discussion group will be welcoming new members on Friday 5th February from 2.30pm – Booking is essential and complimentary tea and cake will be available to all those attending! Monthly sessions will continue throughout 2016, with the Foundation welcoming a donation of £1.00 per person to include a refreshment. Helen Baxter, Activities coordinator at the Foundation, said ‘We are encouraging those in the locality to join our new discussion group! Our meet ups will consist of an hour of informal friendly discussion, and are open to all ages and abilities’. She added ‘we are delighted to have the support of LASU, (Leicestershire Adult Schools Union) and we hope to provide a platform for individuals to share ideas and knowledge in a supportive and stimulating way!” For more information and to book a place, please contact Activities Coordinator Helen Baxter on 01530 244914 or email hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org

UK daters vote Christian Connection their favourite dating site

BEATING OFF strong competition from secular agencies like eHarmony, Plenty of Fish and Guardian Soulmates, Christian Connection recently won the highly-coveted Daters’ Favourite Dating Site at the recent 2015 UK Dating Awards. According to award organiser Charly Lester, Christian Connection’s ‘army of followers’ flooded social media with support for the website, in one of the few categories voted for by the public. Christian Connection also won Best Niche Dating Site 2015 in a crowded category, with entrants including Uniform Dating, The Inner Circle, Faith Dating, Muddy Matches and Toyboy Warehouse. Best Niche Dating Site was awarded by a panel of judges, who looked at a variety of criteria, including site design, ease of use, security, safety and support. Christian Connection were also finalists for Online Dating Brand of the Year and Best Customer Service. The website’s members swamped the award’s Facebook account with comments and stories; many declaring that they had met their partner on the site. ‘We owe our success to a very committed, hard working and effective team and a fantastic membership base,’ said Christian Connection founder Jackie Elton. When she set up the site in 2000, Jackie’s vision was to create something that could compete with and even better the best in the industry.

My mate was told by his doctor to do something that gets him out of the pub, so he took up smoking.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

It’s Pantomime Time

THIS WEEK! MTTG’s Annual Pantomime, “Sleeping Beauty” at Thornton Community Centre. Monday 18th to Saturday 23rd January at 7.30 nightly, with a Saturday Matinee at 3.00 p.m. Larger-than life characters, merriment and music abound as we retell the age-old story of the Princess who falls under a wicked enchantment. The pantomime, entirely suitable for a family audience, offers a fun-filled evening of first-class entertainment for all. If you haven’t been to see an MTTG production before, then why not come to this one? We’re sure that you won’t be disappointed and we, members of your local Amateur Dramatics Group, would be very appreciative of your support. There are tickets, (Adults £5, Concessions £4), left for the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday performances which may be booked on 01455 822148.

Coalville Library’s Shared Reading Group Celebrate COALVILLE Library’s ‘Make Friends with a Book’ group have celebrated their first anniversary with us this week. The group has gone from strength to strength with a regular gathering meeting weekly to chat and share their ideas about stories and poems. To mark the occasion on Tuesday 5th January, the obligatory tea and biscuits were served in addition to a birthday cake. ‘Make Friends with a Book’ is a reading group with a difference. Stories and poems are read aloud to the group by a trained volunteer. The members share their thoughts and experiences about what they have heard forming friendships and finding things in common. People are welcome to join in or just sit back and listen if they prefer. There are already many successful groups running, including several in other parts of Leicestershire, including in Loughborough and Hinckley Libraries. Everyone is welcome to join Coalville Library’s group, which meets every Tuesday, 1pm – 2.30pm. The group is free, there’s always a cup of tea and good chat waiting for you and you can come as often as you like or just drop in. For more information contact the library on: 0116 3053565 or email: coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk

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I’ve trained my dog to bring me a glass of red wine. It’s a Bordeaux collie.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Martinshaw School

Sing-a-long with ‘The Grey’s of Groby IN WHAT has become an annual event, the Choir of Martinshaw Primary School attended the Forest Rise Community Centre, to entertain the Grey’s of Groby. Welcoming them the Chair, Jane Marsden, commented that the visit was one of the highlights of their Christmas, which was evidenced by the welcoming reception that the children received. The choir sang a number of well known Christmas songs which culminated with an ‘all join in’ version of ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’, where the choir members stood among the audience, singing with actions. I think the children were pleasantly surprised at how energetically and enthusiastically the audience performed. A great time was had by all.

Year 1 at the Newarke House Museum YEAR 1 enjoyed a day at Leicester’s Newarke House museum, where toys were displayed from the Victorian period up to the present day; however no iPads or computer type toys were shown. They were given the opportunity to handle and play with replicas of these old favourites, which they did with enthusiasm. Parents take note: ‘Whip and Top’ for junior’s birthday next year !!! Coincidentally, our very knowledgeable guide for the day, Pam, is the wife of Mike Bursnall, a well loved and respected ex Martinshaw teacher, who will be well known to many of the village ‘Mums and Dads’, now in their 30’s and 40’s. While exploring the rest of the museum, the cobble streets and old fashioned shops, of particular interest was the exhibition commemorating the life of the well known Leicester character, Daniel Lambert. His over sized chair pricked curiosity, especially the ‘Do not Touch’ sign. Who could possibly resist the temptation, what it didn’t say was that it was also alarmed. Whoops!!

Tinsel and Tea-towels YEAR 1 and 2’s Christmas Show this year was unusual in that it portrayed the rehearsals for the Nativity Play in the middle of a surprise ‘Ofsted Inspection. I think the Head, Mr Elson, had been kept out of the loop for this one judging by his face when he discovered that he was being played by Year 2’s Beau. Even more so when two very scary Ofsted inspectors, Harley and Shay, complete with clip boards, arrived unannounced. He nearly dropped his camera ! Mrs Tipton, year 2, was played by Alyssa and Mrs Euden, year 1, by Harleen. Far more stern than the real thing. Everyone enjoyed it, most importantly the two miniature Inspectors, as the show culminated in an actual Nativity play. They even pinched Mr Elson’s end of show speech. The school was somewhat spoilt this year with the high standard of the Christmas Shows, years 3 and 4 performed a very professional version of ‘Scrooge’. I hope that parents managed to remove the makeup, especially some very realistic beards, before Christmas. Early Years Foundation Stage made their school debut with, ‘What’s in the Stable Door’.

Owen Lawrence Sick

Relationships

Dogs are the bosses

During a church service my young niece had to go outside, as she did not feel well. She returned a few minutes later and admitted: ‘I have been a little sick. But it doesn’t matter, there’s a box at the door marked ‘for the sick’.

Relationships are hard. It’s like a full-time job, and we should treat it like one. If your boyfriend or girlfriend wants to leave you, they should give you two weeks’ notice. There should be severance pay, and before they leave you, they should have to find you a temp.

Dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of them is doing a poo, and the other is carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge?

As a painter, I’m proud to say some of my work is on show in the National gallery. I did the skirting boards.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Hazel and Michelle are hits with singer Jason Donovan TWO SLIMMING World Consultants from Groby are feeling ready to make any (weight-loss) dreams come true after meeting legendary soap actor and popstar Jason Donovan. Hazel Hickson and Michelle Johnson were delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to the Australian heartthrob when he swapped Ramsay Street for the annual Slimming World Awards. He co-hosted the event with the organisation’s chair and founder Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE. Hazel, who runs a Slimming World group at Brookvale High School and Groby Community Centre, Groby every Thursday, said meeting Jason was a wonderful way to round off a fabulous year for Slimming World, as well as a great way to get ready for another successful 12 months: “I couldn’t be prouder of our members. They’ve lost fantastic amounts of weight throughout 2015, with many of them making their weight loss dreams come true by hitting their target weight, improving their health and more. “It’s so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they

didn’t think possible before losing weight, whether that’s wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or being able to do more with their family and friends. Every week I feel so lucky to play even a small part in people’s achievements and I felt very honoured to represent our Slimming World groups when I met Jason. Now I feel incredibly motivated and I can’t wait to support more people in Groby to lead healthier, happier lives in 2016.” Jason, who found fame on Aussie soap opera Neighbours before launching a pop music and stage career, said he was thrilled to meet Hazel and Michelle at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre. He added: “I’ve been in the business for some time now and I like to think that I have improved with age and experience. It certainly sounds like Slimming World’s only going from strength to strength too, and as they enter their 47th year of helping people to lose weight they’re better placed than ever before to help people to lead healthier lives. “At the awards I met lots of people who’ve lost incredible amounts

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of weight and it has completely changed their lives – in fact, it’s saved their lives in some cases. And every single one of them told me that they couldn’t have made the changes they have to eat more healthily and become more active without the help and support of their Slimming World group and their Consultant, so people like Hazel and Michelle are clearly very important.” Michelle, who runs a Slimming World group at Glenfield Sports Ground, Leicester every Monday, says 2015 has been a big year for Slimming World, with the organisation welcoming hundreds of thousands of members Slimming World Consultants Hazel Hickson (left) and launching its firstand Michelle Johnson meet former soap star and ever food range, and singer Jason Donovan hopes 2016 will be just as successful. local Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight “Lots of people will be making and learn new habits. We’ve had resolutions to lose weight and a lot of fun together in 2015 and I improve their health this New Year. can’t wait to see what 2016 holds I truly believe that joining their for us.”

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Play Music Wordsearch If you can find 12 MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS in this issue’s Wordsearch puzzle,

you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 musical instruments. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: TREBLE CLEF, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by TUESDAY 2ND FEBRUARY 2016. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s fedora will win the prize. Good luck! Here are the twelve MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS you have to find:

DIDGERIDOO • ACCORDION • BALALAIKA DULCIMA • MANDOLIN • MARIMBA CARRILON • ZITHER • VUVUZELA HURDY GURDY • TUBULAR BELLS • WASHBOARD

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

Last Issue’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch competition was: MRS J E POOLE of Crane-Ley Road, Groby Congratulations! Your prize will be with you soon.

Glenfield Millennium Green News A GROUP of about 50 people of all ages met on the Green to sing carols on the last Saturday before Christmas Day. The weather was kind, not too cold and it didn’t rain! The Chairman of the Trust welcomed everyone and led the singing. In some of the carols we were accompanied by Joy and Norman Duncan on the hand-bells. Thanks to them for giving up their time and everyone else who came. The warm fruit punch and mince pies were consumed gratefully afterwards. Several people said afterwards that they felt this was the start of Christmas. The mild weather has resulted in a show of daffodils on the Green before the New Year started. One or two have bloomed early in past years but there has not been so many in bloom in January before. Quite a lot of families were seen to be ‘taking the air’ over the festive season, between the showers. At the beginning of every New Year we all plan what we are going to do in the year ahead. The Millennium Green Trust will be meeting in January to plan for the future of the Green. It is hoped to make access onto the Green easier for those with disabilities and to add to the play equipment for younger children. These plans will be discussed with local residents and you can make suggestions at our AGM in February. This takes place on Tuesday February 16th in Park House, Stamford Street, Glenfield beginning at 7.30pm. Pleas come along and let us know what YOU want. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available.

Christine Tordoff

(Secretary Glenfield Millennium Green Trust

If you enjoy reading the Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks! If I’ve learned anything in life, it’s that not enough people are at a loss for words.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JANUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Being a hypochondriac is going to save my life one of these days.