Mid-June 2019 Groby & Field Head Spotlight Magazine

GROBY STREET FAIR: SUNDAY 23RD JUNE - SEE PROGRAMME ON PAGE 22

Ted Hollick appointed HBBC Deputy Mayor

AT THE ANNUAL Council Pictured left to right are: meeting of the Hinckley Councillor Lynda Hodgkins, and Bosworth Borough Dave Hodgkins, Ann Hollick Council on the 21st and Councillor Ted Hollick.

May, I was honoured to be appointed Deputy Mayor of HBBC with my wife Ann as my Consort.

Councillor Lynda Hodgkins was appointed Mayor for the coming civic year with her husband Dave as her Consort.

Lynda was previously Mayor in 2013/14 when she visited Groby to open the Parish Council’s Garden of Remembrance.

Ted Hollick

Summer Fair Saturday 29th June 2019 at the Lady Jane Grey school.

The school is celebrating its 30th anniversary. There will lots of fun stalls to help the school celebrate the occasion.

11.30am to 2.00pm Family fun day with over 30 fun-filled stalls with plenty of great prizes to be won, BBQ, cake stall, photo booth, birthday bonnet parade and lots more! All welcome.

There’s no issue in July ...

JUST A QUICK reminder that there will be no issue of Spotlight in July due to holidays.

See you again on 17th August!

Groby Street Fair

Win a fish and chip supper!

CONSUMER tastes in food have become ever more sophisticated, but there is still one traditional British dish that is well loved delicious fish and chips.

Groby Fish Bar is kindly donating a fish and chip meal for two as a competition prize for the 2019 Groby Street Fair.

The competition is a clever piece of family fun which anyone can enter even if they are unable to attend the Street Fair. Competitors will need to buy a copy of the £1 entry form and then answer 40 questions, the prize going to the first correct highest scoring entry out of the hat. So someone will win the prize even if no-one gets all the answers right.

The fun part is trying to solve the cryptic clues - every answer will give an address in Groby.

Here’s a taster : Clue - Any boats here?

Answer - Marina Drive As you settle down with family or friends to uncover the other 39 answers you’ll travel the length and breadth of the village without getting out of your chair.

You can buy entry forms at the Fair on the day or at various shops in the village. Entry closes a week after the Fair, on Sunday 30th June at 12 noon. Entry boxes will be available at the Fair, the Laundon Way Co-op, Pricegate on Ratby Road, Groby Food and Wine on Lawnwood Road and at the Stamford Arms. The winner will be drawn and announced at the Stamford Arms at 8pm on Monday 1st July and the full set of answers will be available from July 1st on grobyonline.tk, www.grobystreetfair.tk, the Street Fair facebook page, and displayed in Groby Community Library.

By the time you’ve completed the quiz you’ll have realised that Groby may be unique in holding a Street Fair in a village that has no streets, just roads, drives, avenues and more. Groby Road Fair doesn’t sound quite right.

Groby Fish Bar has a 5 star rating for hygiene, and 22 of the 24 reviews on Trip Advisor give a rating of very good or excellent. One recent reviewer wrote : “This chip shop is the best in a 10 mile radius. We live 15 mins away from Groby but travel despite there being several chip shops in our area.

The staff are very friendly and efficient and the food is top notch every time.”

Norman Griffiths

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 17TH AUGUST- ARTICLES & ADVERT DEADLINE: 3RD AUGUST

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Our Place: Can We Save Britain’s Wildlife Before It Is Too Late?

By Mark Cocker ENVIRONMENTAL thought and politics have become parts of mainstream cultural life in Britain.

The wish to protect wildlife is now a central goal for our society, but where did these ‘green’ ideas come from? And who created the cherished institutions, such as the National Trust or the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, that are now so embedded in public life with millions of members?

This is a book that looks to the future as well as exploring the past. It asks searching questions like who owns the land and why? And who benefits from green policies? Above all it attempts to solve a puzzle: why do the British seem to love their countryside more than almost any other nation, yet they have come to live amid one of the most denatured landscapes on Earth? Radical, provocative and original, Our Place tackles some of the central issues of our time. Yet most important of all, it tries to map out how this overcrowded island of ours could be a place fit not just for human occupants but also for its billions of wild citizens.

ALTHOUGH the summer is fast approaching, with longer days and more hours (hopefully) of sunshine, even at this time of year effective overnight street lighting is important - for drivers, for those who work night shifts, and for joggers out early etc - and it becomes even more so as the nights start drawing in in the autumn.

This is why in recent months I have been working with Groby’s excellent County Councillor, Ozzy O’Shea, to press Leicestershire County Council on the future street lighting provision along Sacheverell Way - an ongoing issue that I know is of great concern to many of my constituents in Groby, and which many of you will have read about in Ozzy’s previous updates in the Groby Spotlight.

Following Leicestershire County Council (LCC)’s decision to cut down, cap off and remove the lamp heads from approximately 36 street lighting columns on Sacheverell Way earlier this Spring, I, along with Ozzy visited the site in March to see the impact of the LCC’s decision. The justification given by LCC was the safety risk presented by corrosion within the columns. Whilst I personally failed to notice any visible corrosion on the columns during my visit, I do appreciate that corrosion is not always easily discernible, and recognise the vital importance of keeping members of the community safe from harm.

But I also share local residents’ continued concerns regarding the absence of street lighting, particularly given the high level of pedestrian footfall and vehicle use along this busy stretch of road at all times of day, coupled with the very negative visual impact of LCC’s ‘cutting and capping’ of the columns. Alongside my support for Ozzy’s community campaign and petition urging the County Council to think again and to commit to replacing these street lights before the nights begin to draw in, I have also taken up community, and my own, concerns about the loss of these columns directly with LCC’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Councillor Blake Pain, urging him to ensure the lamps are replaced.

I was disappointed to learn in the response I received that retaining the lighting is only one of the viable plans under consideration by LCC, along with the option to decommission some, or all, of the columns. Whilst I was reassured that the review will take into account factors such as pedestrian counts and vehicle speeds, it was a shame that LCC could offer no immediate guarantee of replacing the lights. The review was expected to conclude at the end of May, and I will, of course, update readers accordingly, with any further news I receive. Both Ozzy & I will continue to work hard to ensure that the voices of Groby residents continue to be represented on this important matter.

As always, if you ever feel that I can be of assistance to you as your local MP, then please get in touch with me on edward.argar.mp@parliament.uk or by post at Edward Argar MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA, and I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Edward Argar MP

Member of Parliament for Charnwood

Don’t forget to send us your news!

Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

NGS Open Gardens:

CUSTOMER SERVICE COORDINATOR

221 Markfield Road, Groby

Permanent, Full Time, 9am to 5pm Based in Markfield

CALLING all Garden Lovers!

Following on from the great success last year we are once again opening up our garden for charity on behalf of the National Garden Scheme.

We raised an incredible £4450 last year over the period of one week in August and it is hoped we can exceed the result this year.

We really appreciated the support we received from the numerous local Groby (and surrounding area) residents that came along to look around the garden, buy an plant or two!, and enjoy a chat over refreshments and homemade cakes and we would like to think you would wish to join us once again this year and bring along a friend or two as well!

We will once again be assigning some of the money raised to a worthy Groby cause (yet to be decided) and would welcome ideas from local residents as to whom might benefit from such a donation.

We open from Saturday 3rd August through to Sunday 11th August each day from 10.00 – 4.00pm and at present still taking group evening bookings from 6th – 10th August.

Entrance fee for the event is £4.00 per person (children under 12 free admission). Refreshments are priced individually. More information can be found on the NGS website: www.ngs.org.uk If you do have any enquiries re the event then happy for you to give us a call on 01530 249363.

Gary & Jackie Manship

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No Fitbit, I didn’t walk 18,937 steps today, I had a Sign Language final.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

SCAM WARNING Watch out for these FAKE TalkTalk emails about a refund ACTION FRAUD has sent out a warning about fake TalkTalk emails which are being sent to victims about claiming a refund.

They have confirmed that over 100 reports have been recieved about the fake emails purporting to be from telecoms provider TalkTalk.

The emails state that the customer’s account is in credit and that they are due a refund.

However, the links in the emails lead to malicious websites.

Action Fraud is advising people NOT to click on the links in the emails or to click on any attachments and to never respond to emails which are asking for personal information.

If you know anyone who has a TalkTalk account, then please make them aware of this alert.

Above is an example of the emails which are being sent by fraudsters.

Fewer of us give to charity

WE ARE giving less time and money to charity than we were two years ago.

That is the finding of a recent survey by Charities Aid Foundation (CAF).

It found that the proportion of those of us giving money or sponsoring someone has dropped from 69 per cent in 2016 to 65 percent in 2018.

The trend has been described as ‘worrying’ by the CAF. It comes as figures show that our trust in charities has fallen (from 51 to 48 per cent).

Oxfam and Save the Children both attracted negative media coverage after staff were accused of sexual misconduct, while other charities have been accused of chasing vulnerable people.

CAF said that charities now have the challenge of finding ways “to inspire people to give and demonstrate that their money is making a difference.”

Waitrose recalls 6 Sweet and Succulent Pork Sausages with Caramelised Red Onion Confit THE FOOD Standards Agency issues a daily email listing new food recalls.

If you have bought this product from Waitrose recently, and haven’t yet eaten it, then you should check the Use By Date, as some packs have an incorrect date of 4 July 2019 due to incorrect labelling.

The product should have been labelled with a ‘Use By’ date of 4 June 2019, which means it may be unsafe to eat if consumed after that date.

Call Waitrose on 0800 188 881 if you need further information.

Norman Griffiths

Sometimes, not knowing where you are is exactly where you want to be.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Switched on to Fairtrade!

JANE RUNS the Hairdressing salon at Glenfield Hospital.

This is what she has to say about why she switched to Fairtrade tea and coffee for her customers.

The Child Next Door

By Shalini Boland Kirstie Rawlings is jolted awake by a child crying.

Racing upstairs to check on her new-born, she is plunged into every parents’ worst nightmare.

She hears an unknown voice in the baby monitor, saying: ‘Let’s take the child – and go.’

Is someone trying to steal her little girl?

In the bedroom, her daughter is safe asleep in her cot. Is the voice coming from a nearby house? But there aren’t any other children living on her quiet country road…

The police don’t believe her. And neither does her husband.

Kirstie knows something isn’t right. She thought she could trust her neighbours, now she isn’t sure. As she unravels the secrets of the people living on her street, Kirstie’s perfect life begins to fall apart.

Because someone is hiding a terrible lie. And they will do anything to stop Kirstie uncovering the truth. But is the danger closer to home than she thinks?

From the top ten bestselling author of The Secret Mother, this completely gripping psychological thriller will make you wonder what really goes on behind closed doors.

And will keep you guessing from the first page until the final shocking twist.

“Some time ago I sat in church on a Sunday morning and three ladies got up to speak about three Fairtrade topics. The last was about how chocolate is produced and particularly how children are exposed and exploited for its production. The speaker’s raw emotion of the research she’d uncovered of the injustice of the chocolate trade filled the room.

“I was so moved that from the following week I moved my hairdressing salon onto Fairtrade tea and coffee and I also promote Fairtrade on my advertising board just outside of the salon. We sometimes have taster sessions for Fairtrade chocolate too, which clients seem to like!

“It’s a tiny change I made but it’s a change that contributes to the 1.66 million farmers and workers that participate in Fairtrade across more than 73 countries.

Together, small changes and choosing to buy Fairtrade changes lives.”

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter

The internet and children under five-years-old: some W.H.O. guidelines

Groby Village Hall Car Park WE REFER to the letter printed on page 28 of the mid-May 2019 edition of the Groby Spotlight. It refers to a barrier being closed at the Village Hall carpark.

Whilst having sympathy with the many blue badge holders that use the Village Hall car-park we must draw their attention to the fact that the car-park is private property and belongs to the Village Hall. Signage in the car-park clearly advises of this and the fact that the car-park can be and is often closed without notice when the Hall is not being used.

The car-park is often used by the general public for visits to the local amenities. However it is now becoming increasingly used for the over-night parking of vehicles belonging to the Post Office as well as for day-time parking of the vehicles of Post Office employees, local people living in properties nearby and visitors to shops and leisure facilities in and around the village centre.

Unbelievably, inconsiderate people also take advantage of the free parking availability as a convenient park and ride basis for visits to Glenfield hospital and bus rides into the City.

One of the few ways the use of the car-park could be controlled and made available for patrons of the Village Hall was to erect a barrier to seal off part of the car-park. Bona-fide user groups and hirers of the Hall have a key for the barrier and can therefore, to a limited extent,be sure of being able to park outside the venue when they attend for their class/group/club/private activities. This also gives access to the disabled parking spaces. This barrier is closed when no-one is using the Village Hall.

The matter of disabled parking spaces for blue badge holders in Groby’s public areas is a matter that should be referred to Groby Parish Council who can then direct concerns to the responsible persons in local Government for action.

Groby Village Hall is a registered charity. The Hall is totally self funded and has no regular financial support from any local Government sources. As the management committee we have full responsibility for the up keep, day to day running and maintenance of the Hall and car-park.

All costs associated with this are covered in the hire charges levied and financial support we occasionally receive from local charities and for which we are extremely grateful.

We trust these comments help to clarify why there is a barrier, what purpose it serves and gives advice on how to secure better disabled parking facilities in the Village.

Fran Wilson

Secretary of Groby Village Hall management committee

SCREEN TIME for young children should be limited to an hour a day, and infants should not be exposed to it at all. That is the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The guidance comes from the first ever WHO guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for young children. They have been drawn up in response to the global obesity crisis, which has identified lack of physical activity as a leading risk factor.

One in five children in England are overweight or obese by the time they start school, rising to one in three by the time they leave.

By school age, one in three British children are doing less than 30 minutes exercise per day.

WHO says: “What we really need to do is to bring back play for children.”

Have dog, will walk!

IF YOU own a dog, you won’t be surprised to learn you are far more likely to go out walking than your neighbour who doesn’t have a dog. (Especially on rainy winter days!)

Now the University of Liverpool has found that 87.3 per cent of us who own dogs exercise for 150 minutes a week, compared with 62.7 of us without dogs.

Overall, dog owners are four times more likely to achieve the NHS weekly recommendations for exercise.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby Pool nature news ... from Lindy Hardcastle I DON’T think I have ever seen so many ducklings and goslings at Groby Pool.

The swan population has also increased dramatically – a regular (human) visitor told me he had counted twenty-eight. My daughter and her girls visited at half-term and I was concerned about taking Holly and Lucy to the Pool. I really wanted them to meet my favourite little duck Geraldine and her best friend Sam but I didn’t want the girls to be frightened by gangs of hissing geese protecting their young and massed swans demanding bread with menaces at their regular feeding place.

I need not have worried – Geraldine and Sam were waiting at the top of the steps and came waddling up quacking loudly for their favourite bird seed. I have tried and failed to identify Geraldine’s breed. I put her details - habitat, plumage, shape of beak and feet et cetera – into the RSBP website and it came up with “no known matches”. She looks and acts like the unlikely love child of Walt Disney and Beatrix Potter.

We have birds nesting in the garden too – pigeons and blackbirds. I was a little concerned about our cat Olaf raiding nests but he is more of a mouse fan. We often spend fun evenings chasing mice around the house and recycling them into garden for Olaf to bring back later.

The only birds he really likes are chickens – roasted and served in bed along with the humans’ breakfast and the Guardian; and again for supper – he has his own chair at the table.

The month’s favourite photos show Lucrecia with her cygnets, some of the invading swans and a rare sighting of a barnacle goose.

Lindy

I feel like getting something done today, so I’m just going to sit here until that feeling passes...

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea Homelessness prevention - have your say

Agency to speed up adoption for children in care

RESIDENTS, professionals and partner organisations are being encouraged to have their say as a new way of providing support for those at risk of homelessness have been proposed.

We currently commission services to support people at risk of becoming homeless in Leicestershire. This includes a 30bed hostel in Loughborough and an outreach service which delivers a combination of telephone support, group work, surgeries for issues such as benefits advice as well as signposting and one-to-one contact.

A 12-week consultation, launched in May, is seeking views on proposed changes that include retaining the hostel funding, but replacing the current outreach provision with a redesigned inhouse community-based service.

The proposals are designed to complement the housing-related support that borough and district councils legally have to provide.

Looking after people who are homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless, is paramount.

Councillor Lee Breckon, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Being homeless has significant negative impacts on both physical and mental health. It is important we do what we can to tackle the health and social issues that increase the risk of becoming homeless.

“While these proposals do have a budget saving attached, we believe that providing support for people who are at risk of becoming homeless, through our in-house community-based service, will enable us to provide a range of specialist, holistic support to individuals and families most in need.”

Council budgets are under increasing pressure. If agreed, the proposals could save around £200,000 per year with a new service being in place by April 2020.

You can access the online questionnaire at: www. leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/ current-consultations/homelessnessprevention-support The survey is also available as a paper copy on request by emailing PHconsultations@leics.gov.uk or calling 0116 305 4267.

PARTNERSHIP will give youngsters the best chance of finding loving and stable family.

A new partnership will offer children in care across the East Midlands the stability and security they need to achieve their potential.

The launch of Adoption East Midlands, a regional adoption agency and partnership between local authorities and voluntary adoption agencies, will transform the lives of children and their adoptive families.

Every year, Adoption East Midlands will be looking for families for hundreds of children. Across Leicester and Leicestershire, there are currently 44 children looking for an adoptive family.

The Government wants the regionalisation of adoption services to accelerate the pace of change to ensure those children, for whom adoption is the right path, are given the best chance of finding a loving and stable family as quickly as possible.

Incorporating Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council, the Regional Adoption Agency will work collaboratively across the East Midlands to encourage more people to become adopters, which in turn leads to markedly improving the life chances of children in care.

Ivan Ould, county council cabinet member for children and families, said: “We want every child to be in the loving, stable home that’s right for them, and adoption can transform the lives of these vulnerable children - and their adoptive families - in a remarkable way. By coming together and joining forces councils can use the network to match children with the right families much more quickly.”

Metal Container left on the Grass Verge on Leicester Road Groby RESIDENTS discovered the above container left on the grass verge opposite their houses just down from Mrs Bell’s nursery on the afternoon of the 22nd May. It was originally believed that the builders clearing the land for houses on the old Highway land opposite had left it there. I was

Tel: 0116 239 4336 Mobile: 07808 585825 Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk or ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

contacted and immediately made enquiries and quickly established it was not placed there by the builders. I contacted Highways at County Hall who allocated a Highways Inspector to investigate.

It was soon established that Severn Trent contractors were responsible and did not have a permit to place it there. A penalty ticket was issued to the contractors and Severn Trent apologised. The container was placed in this location by agents on behalf of Severn Trent prematurely and in the wrong location. Severn Trent will be renewing the main water pipes around Marston Drive, Castell Drive, Marina Drive, Groby.

When they have an actual date for the work I have requested that Severn Trent leaflet all affected residents in plenty of time. Working with Highways the container was removed on Thursday 24th May. It has now been moved to a safe location a local resident and myself recommended on Leicester Road Groby.

Nuisance Calls from Scammers PLEASE BE aware I have had 4 residents contact me about annoying Nuisance calls from Scammers telling them they were going to cut off their telephone lines.

One elderly resident had numerous calls with the caller just changing one digit on their cloned telephone number each time they called.

Scammers are able to clone local numbers so that it looks like the call is being made locally. I have arranged for trading standards to visit one of the vulnerable victims.

I would advise anyone who is having nuisance calls to consider purchasing a BT telephone with a call barring facility. These phones will block unwanted calls. If the phone number isn’t in the phone it doesn’t allow the call through. The person ringing is asked to announce themselves if they don’t the call doesn’t come through. Genuine callers will say who they are and you get the option of answering it or not.

Ozzy O’shea

DHL Scam Email A SCAM email, purporting to be from parcel delivery company DHL is doing the rounds.

It says:

“Due to several cases of parcel misplacement we have experienced recently, it is now mondatory that we confirm delivery address from beneficiary before final delivery.

“CLICK HERE TO CONFIRM YOUR DELIVERY DETAIL “This email has been sent to xxxxxxxx@hotmail.com “©2019 DHL. The content of this message is protected by copyright and trademark laws under U.S. and international law. Review our privacy policy. All rights reserved.

“1003079-3-6-USEN-30234291” As always I urge residents to NEVER CLICK any link - just delete the email.

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

Ozzy O’shea Always Working For You Cllr Ozzy O’shea

Tel 0116 239 4336 Mobile 07808 585825 Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

I hear there is scientific proof that birthdays are good for you: the more you have, the longer you live.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

National Trust Leicester Association NEWS WHEN Calke Abbey, near Ashby de la Zouch, was first acquired by the National Trust in 1985, initial research indicated that the Harpur Crew family had lived private eccentric lives on a “hidden” estate never open to the public.

In contrast more recent detailed examination of family records of all kinds have revealed a kind and caring family whose loving connections helped them through difficult times. Working with a relevant research centre at Leicester University a series of displays and installations entitled “Human Kind” located within the family apartments, now tell the powerful stories of six members of the Calke household.

Earlier research found reference to Henry Harpur (1763 – 1819) as the “Isolated Baronet” and this image stood for the last 30 years. The new research shows that he was attuned to the fashions of the day, loved classical music, travelled to London regularly, married for love and had a happy family life.

George Crew (1795 – 1844) was thought originally to worry about day to day life and living a Christian life.

Whilst this was to some degree true he cared about his tenants even visiting them in hospital and built schools and churches on the estate. He was also a caring and loving husband.

In the late 1800’s Winifred Harpur Crew (1879 – 1953) was obviously outgoing and wrote many informative letters to family and friends. She also travelled widely and met her first husband, Albert Morton, in Mandalay and obviously married for love. Unfortunuately he died in action in 1916 and Winifred returned to Calke Abbey where after a period of grieving she chatted to friends and lunched out regularly, which ended her loneliness.

Part of the ‘HumanKind’ installation at Calke Abbey

Airmyne Jenney (1919 – 1999) was initially understood to be very quiet but detailed research has shown that as a young girl she was full of life. However following a riding injury she was unable to speak leading to the “quietness”.

The new research shows that after speech therapy she could speak again and went on to lead a happy healthy life.

The other two stories that are told are those of Georgiana Crew (1824 – 1910) and Harriet Phillips, the Housekeeper in the 1860’s and 70’s. All of the installations encourage visitors to lead happy healthy lives in the modern world.

The house at Calke Abbey is open seven days a week from 12.30 to 5.00pm until 3rd November. The gardens, restaurant and shop are open 10.00am to 5.00pm and the parkland from 7.30am to 7.00pm.

The National Trust Leicester Association continues with its summer programme of activities and for details of the Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

How to save money on your holiday reading HAVE YOU ever arrived home from your holiday and searched for a library book you haven’t quite finished?

You methodically go through the house but can’t find it. So you start to think about where you read it last....in the Barcelona airport departures lounge. When your flight was called you put it down momentarily so you could organise your hand baggage and there it stayed, awaiting some lucky traveller who finds a surprise gift on the vacant seat. Losing a book on holiday is annoying, firstly because you want to know how it ends and secondly because you are going to have to pay to replace it when you arrive home.

The moral of the tale is not to take library books abroad and to buy your holiday reading before you go. And with a great selection of donated books on sale in Groby Community Library for as little as 50 pence each you shouldn’t have any difficulty in finding something that catches your interest.

To make life easier for you here’s a selection of books you can buy for 50p each. They have been taken off the shelf to ensure they are all available when this issue of the Spotlight is published. If they are not sold within a week they will go back on the sale book shelf on 24 June.

If there’s one you want you can ‘Call then Collect’ it. Just ring 0792 358 8264 to reserve it and pay when you collect it from the library.

So what’s available this month?

Non-fiction

As it’s the holiday season what could be more appropriate than travel books? They are not the latest versions but that really doesn’t matter, as the internet is there for all the latest information on hotels, restaurants and public transport.

• DK Eyewitness guide to Austria • DK Eyewitness guide to Switzerland • DK Eyewitness guide to Holland The Eyewitness range is renowned for its “ravishing photography plus maps and plans of supreme quality”.(The Observer) • Insight Pocket Guide to Dubai and Abu Dhabi • Insight Pocket Guide to the Cayman Islands • Berlitz Pocket Guide to Jamaica • Berlitz Pocket Guide to Cancun & Cozumel Compact, lightweight and packed with information they are ideal for the long haul traveller.

• Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus - John Gray This is a book most will have heard of, even if they haven’t read it. It’s described as a practical guide for improving communication and getting what you want in your relationships. Holidays can sometimes give rise to unexpected tensions, so this may be one to read before you go away. “A superb guide for understanding male-female relationships.”

Thrillers

James Patterson has been described as the world’s most popular thriller writer. There’s loads of his novels to borrow in the library, but also some to buy. For example • Truth or Die – Claire was a journalist who unearthed a secret so shocking that she was murdered. Her attorney boy friend risks everything to discover the truth.

• The Store – a powerful retailer, The Store, can deliver anything to your door, anticipating the needs and desires you didn’t even know you had. But two New York writers go undercover and make unsettling discoveries.

John Grisham is best known for his popular legal thrillers. His books have been translated into 42 languages and published worldwide.

• The Racketeer – Malcom Bannister is a lawyer in prison for a crime he didn’t know he was committing. He knows something about the death of a judge and hopes it could be his ticket to freedom. “Electrifying.” (The Guardian)

Books that became films

• The Girl in the Spider’s Web – David Lagercrantz The central characters are targets of a gang of ruthless cyber criminals. “Compelling.” (New York Times) • Me Before You - Jojo Moyes “Magical and heartbreaking. Waterproof mascara essential” (Marie Claire)

Historical

• The Sealed Letter - Emma Donoghue Based on a real-life scandal that gripped Britain in 1864, this is described as a delicious tale of secrets, betrayal and forbidden love. “Blissfully readable.” (The Times)

If you’ve spotted something you like, ring 0792 358 8264 to reserve it, and pay when you collect it from the library.

All these books will go back on the sale shelf if they are not sold by 24 June.

If none of the above appeal to you there are many more available to buy and most are just 50 pence.

Norman Griffiths

I decided to cancel my Twitter account. I don’t want to sound paranoid, but I was pretty sure people were following me.

ADVERTISEMENT

Groby

FOCUS

Martin & Ted say:

The results locally: Lib Dem 21 Con 11 * Number of councillors in Hinckley & Bosworth

Lab 2

Thank you Your local Liberal Democrat Focus Team says thank you to everyone who supported us in the recent elections.

Lib Dems take control of Hinckley & Bosworth Council The Lib Dems have taken control of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council after gaining nine seats across the Borough.

The Lib Dems won 21 seats on the Council, the Conservatives dropped to 11 seats and Labour won just two seats in Markfield.

In Groby, the Lib Dems comfortably held both seats.

Lib Dem Councillors Martin Cartwright and Ted Hollick said, “We would like to thank everyone

who supported us in what was a hard-fought local election. We will be accessible to local residents all year round and we will keep in touch through our column in the Groby Spotlight magazine.”

Since the election, Martin has been appointed as the Executive Member responsible for climate change, environmental health and rural affairs and Ted has become Deputy Mayor, becoming Mayor in May 2020.

Cllrs Ted Hollick and Martin Cartwright want to thank everyone who supported them in the recent elections.

The result here: M. Cartwright (Lib Dem) 863 E. Hollick (Lib Dem) 815 J. O’Shea (Con) 652 A. Joban (Con) 505 K. Griffiths (Lab) 209 J. Taylor (Lab) 163 Turnout 31.72%

TWO LIB DEM HOLDS

Get in Touch

Cllr Martin Cartwright Tel 07850 707050 Martin@appliancehome.co.uk Cllr Ted Hollick Tel 0116 287 59 55 Ted.hollick@outlook.com

Martin Cartwright & Ted Hollick - working for Groby all Year Round!

Published & promoted by Bosworth Lib Dems, 26 Netherley Court, Hinckley LE10 0RN

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Wilde about music and art!

SOME PEOPLE are good at helping people to improve their technique when playing a musical instrument.

Others are good at helping people discover that they have an artistic talent and they can paint better than they ever thought possible.

Mark Wilde goes one step further – he can do both. Mark, who started his weekly guitar group and a class on watercolour painting back in 2001, will be showing both sides of his artistic talent at the 2019 Groby Street Fair on Sunday 23 June.

The Tuesdays Guitar Group “The Groby Tuesdays Guitar Group has carried on ever since and has had many changes over the years, with new members, material, etc,” he said. “The group is aimed at people who have some basic understanding of guitar playing but need to improve by playing with others. I try to make the class feel as if we are in a real band and so we strive to do performances in front of audiences regularly.”

Some of the group have played longer than others and it now has 14 members all at different levels. “I arrange the material in a way that everyone can fit in. Some people do strumming, some do the harder lead bits, some play bass, some sing.” The group, which does a variety of material from suggestions from the members themselves, and meets at Groby Village Hall in term time on Tuesday evenings at 7pm, will be appearing at the Street Fair at 1.30pm.

The Painting Classes Mark’s painting classes also meet at Groby Village Hall throughout the week. “I have beginners and intermediate classes,” he explained. “In the classes I describe and demonstrate the various techniques used in the traditional approach to watercolour painting. Step by step demos and one to one tuition are features of the courses which are run in a friendly workshop atmosphere. We have a exhibition coming up on 13-14 July at the Markfield Retirement Village.”

One of Marke’s students, who was persuaded by a friend to join his art class, described it as “ a thoroughly enjoyable class in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.” She added that “The only things I had painted in my life were fences, sheds, walls and doors. I always believed I had no artistic talent whatsoever, but by week two I produced a painting worthy of a frame. Some of the paintings I’ve created I can’t believe, neither can my son and daughter.

When I show the pictures to them, they think someone else painted them and I’m pretending they’re mine!”

If you want to know more about his classes or want to see Mark in action he will be demonstrating his painting talent at the Street Fair at 12.30 pm. He can also be contacted on 07757 010982 or through his Facebook pages.

Norman Griffiths

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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News from Lady Jane Grey School THE RICE BOWL FINAL - In the previous edition of the Spotlight we reported on the historic event of our Football Team taking part in the Rice Bowl Final 2019. The final took place on Thursday 16th May. Firstly we would like to thank all of the parents, carers, friends and families for supporting such a wonderful event. We sold over 300 tickets and the support was immense in cheering the team on. The result may have not gone our way, but we all won an amazing experience and memories that the children will remember forever. It was a fantastic night, the atmosphere was brilliant and it will go down in Lady Jane Grey’s history books!! Throughout the event our whole team were part of Leicester City Football Club’s VIP experience. The football team were allowed to get changed in the home team’s changing room as well as use the showers afterwards.

They also had a tour of the stadium as well as a buffet and drinks after the match. Thank you to LCFC for making memories that our children, their parents and the LJG staff will treasure for a lifetime. However, our biggest thanks and congratulations from everyone at Lady Jane Grey go to the Y5/6 football team for their amazing achievement and for playing with such pride and resilience. We would also like to thank the cheerleaders for their continual support throughout the game and helping keep spirits high! A thank you must also go to the coaches for supporting the team on their journey to the final. Lastly, a big well done to our ball boys - one of which had to endure a good showering from the sprinklers!!!!! Lets see if we can do it all again next year.

FURTHER SPORTING SUCCESS. - It is the time of year when all our training for various different sporting events comes to fruition. This term has seen our Key Stage 1 team competing at the Bosworth Academy Netball Competition.

For most of the children it was their first ever sports competition, and they played exceptionally well.

Our Year 4 Rugby team played exceptionally well in the area final and were incredibly unlucky not to progress to the county final.

Our Year 5/6 Netball team, who competed in the area final, got better and better as the day went on and ended up causing a massive upset by beating Desford, the top ranked

team. Well done to all teams and our coaches, Mr Owen and Mr Josephs for their hard work, resilience and determination.

On Wednesday 15th May our Year 5 children went hunting for the plague in Eyam, Derbyshire.

As part of their topic this term the children have been learning all about the plague and after visiting Riley’s Grave and looking around the village all of the children were able to bring their learning to life. It was an amazing day and the children were a credit to LJG. At LJG we are passionate about supporting all children and their families. Mrs Webster held a bake sale in support of NDCS (National Deaf Children’s Society) on Wednesday 10th May for all the staff. It was very popular and she raised over £70! Well done everyone.

Lady Jane Grey is celebrating its 30th year this year and we will be commemorating the occasion with a huge birthday party. This will take place on Saturday 29th June from 11am as part of our Summer Fair organised by our Home School Association.

There will be plenty of cake, a birthday hat parade, BBQ and a variety of stalls and prizes to be won. The best part is, everyone is invited to come and celebrate with us. We hope to see you there!

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Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford car park, LE6 0HB Visit the University of Leicester excavations at Bradgate H tours of the excavations and Bradgate House will go on th along with many other activities for all the family, includin archaeological material to handle, re-enactors, exhibitors a FREE. Car parking £4.00 (all day). www2.le.ac.uk/depa archaeology/research/projects/bradgate-park

invite you to take part in•the 2019 Leicestershire and Rutland Groby & Field Head Spotlight We • MID-JUNE 2019 Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Festival of Archaeology. For the first time a month long chance to discover more about the rich and diverse heritage of the two counties.

The Festival has a fascinating range of events, talks and guided tours from some of the county’s archaeological and historical experts. Local groups will show you their own discoveries and invite you to become involved in making the next great discovery!

The Festival in Leicestershire is financially supported by: Leicestershire Fieldworkers; Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society; Leicestershire and Rutland Heritage Forum; CBA East Midlands; Leicestershire Industrial History Society; The Friends of Jewry Wall Museum; Hinckley Archaeological Society; University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

How to get involved

Festival of Archaeology

Leicestershire and Rutland have a vibrant archaeological scen always welcome at all the local groups. Come along to the ma Festival and talk to members of the various groups, or contact

For an online version of the leaflet and to keep up to date with the latest events go to: http:/leicsfieldworkers.co.uk/festival-of-archaeology. The Council for British Archaeology festival website also has details of all these and national events https:// festival.archaeology.org/ This leaflet went to print in early May so there may be some additional events notified that are not listed. These and last minute changes will be posted on the Fieldworkers website where a printer-friendly version of this leaflet is also available to download. For all the latest news and to follow the festival visit:

Leicestershire & Rutland Festival of Archaeology 2019 @Leicsarchfest

@LeicsArchFest #leicsarchfest

29 June – 28th July YOU ARE invited to join in the 2019 Leicestershire and Rutland Festival of Archaeology.

For the first time a month-long chance to discover more about the rich and diverse heritage of Leicestershire and Rutland.

The Festival has a fascinating range of activities, events, talks and guided tours from some of the county’s archaeological and historical experts. Local groups will show you their own discoveries and invite you to become involved in making the next great discovery!

The Festival in Leicestershire and Rutland is financially supported by Leicestershire Fieldworkers; Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society; Leicestershire and Rutland Heritage Forum; CBA East Midlands; Leicestershire Industrial History Society; The Friends of Jewry Wall Museum; Hinckley Archaeological Society; University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

Download the full programme of events at: https://leicsfieldworkers.co.uk/festival-of-archaeology/

King Edward VII Grammar School Reunion

Pupils and staff of the Coalville Grammar school are invited to a reunion, taking place on SATURDAY OCTOBER 13th 2019.

Venue. Newbridge High School. Forest Road, Coalville: Time: 1pm to 5pm Cost to attend £5.

Book in advance or pay at the door.

The School can provide refreshments.

Ploughman’s £7.50 (served from 3pm) Tea and cakes are available at nominal cost.

The meal MUST be pre-ordered by 21st September All details can be obtained from Geoff Haynes: Tel No: 0116 2546591, or email cgsreunion@zohomail.eu Do come, meet friends and browse all the old photographs.

It is the 110th Anniversary of the opening of the school in 1909.

Help us to celebrate this together.

You will be most welcome.

Elizabeth Riding, Reunion Committee

THE ROSIE RESULT

By Graeme Simsion Big-hearted, hilarious and exuberantly life-affirming, The Rosie Result is a story of overcoming life’s obstacles with a little love and a lot of overthinking.

Meet Don Tillman, the genetics professor with a scientific approach to everything. But he’s facing a set of human dilemmas tougher than the trickiest of equations.

Right now he is in professional hot water after a lecture goes viral for all the wrong reasons; his wife of 4,380 days, Rosie, is about to lose the research job she loves; and - the most serious problem of all - their eleven-year-old son, Hudson, is struggling at school. He’s a smart kid, but socially awkward and not fitting in.

Fortunately, Don’s had a lifetime’s experience of not fitting in.

And he’s going to share the solutions with Hudson.

He’ll need the help of old friends and new, lock horns with the education system, and face some big questions about himself. As well as opening the world’s best cocktail bar.

Art, Sculpture & Photography Exhibition in Thornton Leicestershire Fieldworkers A group with over 40 years of supporting archaeological fieldwork around the 2 counties with affiliated groups, training, lectures and trips. www.leicsfieldworkers.co.uk or email info@leicsfieldworkers.co.uk

Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society Promotes the study of Leicestershire’s history, archaeology, antiquities and architecture, Publishes the journal Transactions and Leicestershire Historian. Stages a programme of talks throughout the year. www.lahs.org.uk

School of Archaeo University of Leice Undergraduate, po learning degrees in History. https://le.a

Portable Antiquitie Recording of archa information availab Liaison Officer, We 8325 or email arch

Leicestershire & R An umbrella organ heritage groups an interest in their loc counties and the C support, guidance, and professional ad or email lrhfchairm lrhfmembership@g

THE TRUSTEES of Leicestershire Young Archaeologists Club (Part of the CouncilCommunity for British Archaeology) Thornton The club for 8- to 16-year olds interested in Centre archaeology. are presenting their https://leicestershireyac.wordpress.com/ first Art, Sculpture and Council for British Archaeology: Friends of Jew Photography Exhibition The East Midlands Although the Muse An umbrella group for local archaeology moment The Friend over the weekend of Sat 6th societies and individuals. continue their supp reopening of the m &www.archaeologyuk.org/cbaem Sun 7th July 2019.

Contact: Jennifer M

University Leicester There ofwill be two halls packed jennifer.macgregor1 Archaeological Services with artwork andunit Award original winning commercial archaeology Leicestershire Ind based in Leicester. www.le.ac.uk/ulas An active society s photographs, many for sale; and archaeology w together with workshops by the publications. www artists themselves. https://festival.archae The doors open at 10am and close at 4pm on both days.

T0025 - May 2019 -is Designed Admission £1. and printed by Leicestershire County Cou The cafe will be open throughout the exhibition providing light refreshments.

Why not sit outside (weather permitting) with a cuppa and a cake and admire the stunning views across Thornton reservoir. Or even take a stroll around the reservoir first and walk up to the hall for refreshments before viewing the exhibition.

Help us to make this a wonderful success as a showcase for our local talented artists, sculptors and photographers and provide a quality annual event in the heart of the National Forest for all to enjoy.

Check out our new village website www.thorntonvillage.org for other events taking place in the village.”

Gill Tapping

Thornton Community Centre Trustee

rt o p up ers s e as vertis e l P ad n! a c r ou f you i

I was once stood up by a policeman. But I was so drunk I fell straight back down again.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Community Library News Summertime and the Reading is Easy…

There’s something for everybody happening in the Library this summer.

The Summer Reading Challenge 2019: Are you ready for the Space Chase?

The Summer Reading Challenge 2019 will be at Groby Library again soon!

Children aged 4-12 years can take part in Space Chase, an exciting free reading challenge taking place from the 6th July until the 7th September.

Space Chase is an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. Children can join in the fun by reading or listening to any six library books throughout the summer. They’ll have fun with the Rocket family and some mischievous aliens. They will be able to collect six special stickers - including some smelly ones - for their colourful collector’s folder. Children will also be rewarded with a special incentive as they read their books and a certificate and medal when they complete the challenge.

All children taking part are entitled to free admission to Bosworth Battlefield and the 1620s House at Donington-le-Heath by showing their Space Chase folder at reception (one child per full–paying adult).

For more information about Space Chase call in at Groby Library from 6th July.

You can also follow us on: Twitter(@GrobyCLibrary) and Facebook (Groby Community Library) It’s free to join the library and you can buy a drink and a cake at the Time Out Cafe when you’ve chosen your books!

Groby Street Fair - Books for Sale We have lots to entertain you this summer. Come and see us at the Groby Street Fair on Sunday June 23rd where we shall have lots of books for sale, at very cheap prices. You’re bound to find a summer read! Look out for our stall near St. Philp and St. James Church.

Teddy Fest: Wednesday 7th August 2.00pm - 4.00pm Come and join us on our lawn for the First Ever Groby Community Library Teddy Fest! Bring everyone, but especially TEDDY. It’s only £2.00 per child for a Teddy Token that includes a small cake, a drink of squash and lots of activities, including singing, craft making and storytelling. All Teddies big or small are free to come and join in. Small pop up tents, wigwams or castles for Teddies and their owners are also welcome. Our very own Paddington Bear will also be available for photos and selfies.

Cream Teas We shall be offering Clotted cream teas for one afternoon in June,July and August in the Time Out Café.

Dates are to be announced. Booking will be essential to secure your place and a small deposit will be taken. You’ll be able to book this treat for yourself and maybe more at the café.

Dr. Janet Harrison, Trustee Groby Community Library

More of us are ‘going out’ on popular music

HYMNS are on the decline at funerals.

A recent survey by the Co-Op found that not a single one has made this year’s top 10 most popular pieces of music for funerals.

It is the first time ever that no hymns have appeared on the list, which was last compiled in 2016.

Then the list included ‘The Lord is My Shepherd,’ ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’, and ‘Abide with Me’.

This year the top three funeral songs are ‘My Way’ by Frank Sinatra, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’

by Andrea Bocelli, and ‘Over the Rainbow’ by Sarah Brightman and Eva Cassidy. Other popular requests include ‘Supermarket Flowers’ by Ed Sheeran and ‘We’ll Meet Again’ by Vera Lynn. It is thought that the results mirror the decline in religious funeral services.

Don’t hug me in the office!

HUGGING and kissing in the office should not be allowed.

That is the opinion of three out of four workers, who say that such gestures lead to confusion, embarrassment and stress when greeting their colleagues.

A study has found that quarter of us have found ourselves trapped in an unwanted hug, while 19 per cent of us have been on the receiving end of an unwanted kiss.

In receiving these unwanted kisses, 13 per cent of us reported being accidentally kissed on the mouth, and a further 12 per cent of us suffered an accidental head butt!

Most workers simply want clear guidance on what is an appropriate greeting. Totaljobs, a recruitment website, did the study.

Ratby Methodist Church Saturday 15th June 10.00 am to 12.00 noon

Coffee Morning &

“This love triangle is WAY too complicated.”—Pythagoras’ other woman

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

News from Groby WI

MANY THANKS to Margaret Gamble and Judy Leacy for their input to the Spotlight article whilst I was away sunning myself in Crete!

language barrier. The idea of this test is to prevent cancer. Again, the motion was passed.

Resolutions

Walk to Knowle Hill

IT’S BEEN a very varied and busy month.

June is our annual Resolutions meeting. Just to recap, this is our chance to vote on matters which we think the relevant Government department should know our views on. Each Institute votes and the chosen Resolution(s) proceeds to the National WI who will put it to the Annual Council Meeting.

Such is the influence of the WI the appropriate authority will think hard and fast, there are a lot of ladies for the Government to contend with! We have had many a resolution brought into legislation.

This year’s resolutions are concerning the massive decline in the number of bus services particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. As many Groby residents know, lack of a bus service affects everyday things e.g. visiting the doctors, shopping and even loneliness. This resolution was passed.

The other resolution was “Don’t fear the smear”. Cervical screening saves around 5,000 lives a year yet attendance is the lowest for a decade. The WI urges members to attend routine screening and to encourage women of all ages to have it done.

Younger women believe themselves to be immune to this particular cancer but it affects all ages. Reluctance is for various reasons e.g. because women believe it to be embarrassing, painful and often there is a

A FEW of us met up with our friends from Calke Abbey who led us on a glorious walk to Knowle Hill in Ticknall.

Knowle Hill is a remote cottage accessed either across fields or down a long gated farm track. It is owned by the Landmark Trust as a holiday let. It is rather peculiar as on one side it is level but go around the back and it appears to be on a cliff. There is a stream in the ravine and from there lovely walks are to be had.

In the late 1600s Walter Burnett built a curious house. Here he entertained his many friends.

Local knowledge said that there were lots of shady goings on. In the 1760s the house was pulled down by Walter’s great-nephew but the atmosphere of a woodland retreat was preserved and so was a tunnel leading from the cellars to a mysterious rock-cut chamber.

A Gothic summerhouse was built on an upper terrace with a cottage for a custodian behind. Until the garden was abandoned in the 20th century, parties came here often to enjoy the picturesque delights of the trees and water. It was a lovely sunny day and we were glad on our return of a cold drink and lovely meal at the Staff of Life in Ticknall.

‘Rocketman’ ANOTHER outing for a few members was to the Showcase Cinema to see

“Rocketman”, the Elton John film.

We all enjoyed it and comments were made about how an unhappy childhood can affect life later on.

This goes someway to explain Elton’s later headlining life. The film was followed by lunch at The Peace Restaurant near the Cathedral.

Margaret Gamble

Tulips From Amsterdam ARRIVING at Amsterdam airport in torrential rain, nine soggy friends from WI narrowly avoided kidnap by a rival taxi company!

We were driven to an excellent hotel with all our rooms overlooking a canal so we could watch the boats go by. Hunger drove us to a nearby Turkish restaurant where our birthday girl was serenaded by a mandolin played by the restaurant owner. We soon familiarised ourselves with the metro and trams and learned through bitter experience that bikes and cycle lanes rule supreme! Our holiday included a boat trip during which we could eat filled pancakes until we couldn’t move, Anne Frank’s museum, Keukenhof Gardens, displaying thousands of tulips and a bulb farm, where they told us it takes 25 years to produce a new tulip. Of course we had to visit the ‘red light district’ but needed to ask an elderly gentleman and a policewoman for directions, they laughed at nine sheepish looking ladies but we did see tiny rooms with glass doors and two ‘ladies of the night’!

Our final day was very warm and we had a canal trip with a commentary on the beautiful bridges and buildings. We stayed together throughout the trip and shared five wonderful days. Where shall we go next year?

‘Romeo & Juliet’ THIRTY WI members went to Curve to see Matthew Bourne’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’.

There were mixed reviews: although the theme was the same as we remember, it was set in a mental institution with bars and uniformed officers in charge. The cast all wore white and the dancing was superb.

Skittles match WE PLAYED our first skittles match against Thurcaston and Cropston.

Let’s say no more other than at least we won’t have to play the next round!

Federation lunch SIX MEMBERS went to the Federation lunch at Devonshire House.

However, due to repairs on the train lines our speaker, Nick Bailey, was unable to attend but two musicians who were setting up for the evening kindly entertained us, allowing us to have a little dance!

Judy Leacy Next month’s meeting at the Village Hall is on Thursday 20th June at 7.30p.m. when Gaynor Cawood will give a talk on Burleighs Gin – it should be a fun night. Do come along and find out for yourself about “mother’s ruin”.

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s tripods with one leg missing.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

The Sure Thing: The Greatest Coup in Horse Racing History

By Nick Townsend The bookies always win.

But one man has been proving them wrong for four decades.

In the summer of 1975 Barney Curley, a fearless and renowned gambler, masterminded one of the most spectacular gambles of all time with a racehorse called Yellow Sam. It cost the bookmakers millions of pounds.

They said that it could never happen again.

But in May 2010, thirty-five years after his first coup, Curley staged the ultimate multimillion poundwinning sequel.

The Sure Thing tells the complete story of how he managed to organise the biggest gamble in racing history – and how he then followed up with yet another audacious scheme in January 2014.

Thank you Groby!

A BIG THANK you to every Groby resident and business who supported this year’s Christian Aid Week which took place over the period 12 - 18 May 2019.

This year volunteers from Churches Together in Groby* with the help of local businesses collected a total of £3447.48.

Many people also completed GIft Aid statements increasing the value of their donation by 25% As a result of this the total value of the donations will be closer to £4,000. This is an increase on last year.

On behalf of Christian Aid and mum’s to be in Sierra Leone (who were the focus of this year’s campaign) we would like to thank you, Chaplin’s Butchers, Classic Cuts, Laundon Way’s Co-op and Groby Library for your generosity and help.

We would also like to thank our many helpers who voluntarily give up their time each year to deliver and collect campaign envelopes - it is always rewarding when we can work together to help others.

Acts 20:35 35 “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” New International Version (NIV) At the time of writing we are still receiving late donations! If any reader wishes to contribute they can still do so online at https:// www.christianaid.org.uk/christian-aid-week

Mary Pringle & Christine Davies

(*Churches Together in Groby - Groby United Reformed Church and St Philip & St James Church of England.)

Julie’s Pet Care SERVICES

19

Recycle your tin foil WHAT DO you do with your used tin foil?

Councils are asking us to give it a good rinse from any food or grease, so that it can be recycled. Foil trays could be added to your dishwasher, so that you don’t waste time or water washing them separately.

As the Aluminium Recycling Packaging Organisation says, “It doesn’t have to be squeaky clean…. But if it is really greasy, wash it with soap.” Most councils can now recycle aluminium foil.

Britain is sobering up WE ARE drinking less alcohol.

In fact, one in four adults in the UK does not drink at all.

That is the finding of a recent study by the Lancet.

The trend is noticeable among millennials, with baby-boomers far more likely to drink alcohol - and consume it at higher levels.

From £5

Pet Minding

Tel: 07934 686692 Email: Julie.petcareservice@gmail.com

Dog Walking CRB Checked

The human body has 7 trillion nerves and some people manage to get on every single one of them.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

20

Become a member and help dogs like Taylor re ea

Jasmine’s Story – and a big first birthday party!

ily!

fam

W

WOULD YOU help to support dogs like Jasmine and Taylor?

Join our family! leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

In April last year a young stray Lurcher – we named her Jasmine - was brought into Leicester Animal Aid (LAA), in Huncote, and just six days later she gave birth to seven beautiful puppies. Thanks to the love and care of the staff at the Centre, Jasmine was given all the support she needed as a new mum and her seven babies thrived and were soon ready to find their forever homes. Fast forward a year and our training barn is now full of barks and happy laughter as the litter of beautiful siblings, and their new forever families, are brought back together for a fun-filled first birthday celebration. You can see from the photo how successful it has been.

At Leicestershire Animal Aid, Huncote, we care for more than 400 dogs and cats every year who have been lost, abandoned, neglected or whose owners find they can no longer care for them. We don’t receive any Government funding and rely solely on the generosity of the community to help us to continue to help dogs in need like Jasmine. And please don’t forget ‘poster-boy’ Taylor, featured in last month’s magazine. The Centre is open to visit every day except Wednesday from 11am – 2.30pm and our next big event is the Summer Mini-Market and Afternoon Tea on Saturday 15th June, 11am – 2pm.

Membership Scheme: Four levels from just £3 per month Many of our supporters have joined our Membership Scheme, regular Membership donations provide a strong and sustainable source of income to help us plan for the future. By becoming a member of our animal-loving community, you can help to make sure we can continue to help dogs and cats in need of help and a second chance.

We have four different membership levels from Bronze starting at just £3 per month, Silver from £10 per month, Gold from £20 per month and Platinum from £40 per month. All Members will receive a welcome letter, membership card and certificate, membership enamel badge, membership car sticker, twice-yearly newsletter and twice-yearly e-News updates.

To find out more about becoming a member of the LAA family, please visit our website www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

• £20 could pay for a warm and cosy bed to rest and recover • £10 could pay for flea and worming treatments, or food for a week.

• £3 could pay to microchip to help reunite a pet with their future owner Thank you !

Jane Walters Fundraising Assistant (Mon, Tue, Thurs and Fri - 11.15am to 4pm) Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association (‘LAA’) Forest Road, Huncote, Leics. LE9 3LE Registered Charity 242560 • Tel No. 01455 888 257 www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Just a thought ...

The energy necessary to create a wormhole or to wrap time into nuts is incredible. It’s not for us. It’s maybe for our descendants who have mastered the energy of this technology. So if one day, somebody knocks on your door and claims to be your great great great great granddaughter, don’t slam the door.

Michio Kaku I’ll burn off all this excess fat when I get cremated.

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FEBRUARY Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God

21

Bible Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield Some local volunteering opportunities Talks Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing)

The 2019 Street Fair, Groby Library, and more

The Holy Mar 03 What the Bible says about Grace VOLUNTEERING is acknowledged as a route toScriptures... new friendships, and there are still lots of opportunities available to help are others, directly able to make Mar either 10 Jesus - a Manor or aindirectly.

Myth? thee wise unto

help with the future development Groby Street Fair salvation Mar 17 Parables of the Kingdom of of the Godproject. If you have IT skills

through faith This is the most urgent this month you might be able to advise them 24Fair How the which is in Christ as theMar 2019 is to beMeek held will on Inherit the Earth as they consider what facilities and Jesus..

Sunday June 23rd between 11am services to develop Mar 31 Where do the dinosaurs fit in? they would 2like Timothy 3:15 and 4pm. You know what it’s in order to keep up with the latest like when you’ve completed your technology. www.lifes-big-questions.org www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield weekly shop and arrive at the For example they may wish to checkout behind a long queue of Glenfield Christadelphians offer workshops, encourage the customers with overflowing trolleys. use of wi-fi as part of the services Getting into the Street Fair is not as offered, or even buy and set up bad as this but it is just as important APRIL new equipment. If you can spare to have enough people manning some time share your of skills and cometh hearing, bytothe Word God the Faith admission gates by to collect the and hearing experience the Trustees would be £1 per person (free for under 5’s). very pleased to hear from you.

Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield Bible If you are planning to enjoy the Get in touch by email at addressEach Sunday fruitsTalks of all the hard work that’s at 6pm (God Willing) christinemfowler@hotmail.com. been put in by the volunteer organisers perhaps you could time Little Theatre The Holy May 05 What is it to be Jesus’ Disciple? are your visit so that you could spend volunteers Scriptures... able to make as little as 30 minutes helping on If you are a theatrethee lover and May 12 The Good Shepherd wise unto the admission gate?

If you can, want to combine volunteering salvation with just give Christine a call on 0116 watching a show youthrough might faith like this May 19 The Joy of Baptism 2876724. opportunity with the Little Theatre which is in Christ in Leicester.

Can you the Jesus..

May 26 help The Good News about the Kingdom of God Front of House (FoH) volunteers 2 Timothy 3:15 library with your should have an interest in the arts ITwww.lifes-big-questions.org skills? www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield and have a warm and friendly Groby Community Library manner in dealing with the public.

Glenfield Trustees are looking to the future Christadelphians They work as part of a small team and assessing what skills would starting one hour before curtain

up at 7.30pm. The team greets the audience as they arrive, sell programmes and confectionery and usher people to their seats just before curtain up.

Two FoH volunteers sit in the auditorium and provide a first response to any problems during the performance. They may watch the show. Other FoH volunteers relax and have a coffee until the interval. Once empty, the theatre is checked and staff depart, usually about 10pm but on occasion, it could be a little later.

The commitment would be to one evening session a week for 12 weeks a year. Find out more on http://www.volunteerleicestershire. org.uk

Leicester Crown Court Witness Service Sometimes volunteering opportunities crop up where one least expects them. The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence

in court. The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.

To be a Witness Service volunteer you must • be aged 18 or over have at least basic IT skills • be able to commit to a four day training programme which will be followed by an accreditation process.

In return, you will receive ongoing support and refresher training, paid expenses, the opportunity to join a dynamic team, develop skills and have a positive impact on the lives of witnesses and their supporters.

This could be an interesting opportunity for someone looking to strengthen their CV in a fairly specialised area. Find out more on http://www.volunteerleicestershire. org.uk

Norman Griffiths

JUNE

Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God

Bible Talks

Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing)

Jul 07

Jesus' Teaching About Money

Jul 14

The Resurrection Of Christ - What it means To You

Jul 21

Bible Teaching about the Earth's Future

Jul 28

What the Bible says about Resurrection

The Holy Scriptures... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus..

2 Timothy 3:15

Building & Maintenance - Private & Commercial

Adverts for Glenfield Christadelphians For Groby and Field Head Spotlight www.lifes-big-questions.org www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield July to NovemberGETTING 2019 READY FOR SUMMER Glenfield Christadelphians JULY Invoice to Peter Forbes Faith cometh by hearing,Drive, and hearing by the Word of God 16 Mountfields Loughborough, Leics. LE11 3JE Stamford St. Glenfield Bible Scout Hall, Tel. 07808 066957 Sunday at 6pm (God Willing) Talks Each peterlforbes@tiscali.co.uk

The Holy Scriptures... are able to make Aug 11 Politics and Voting - the Christian View thee wise unto salvation Aug 18 The Magnitude of God through faith which is in Christ Jesus..

Aug 25 The Times of Daniel and His Three Friends 2 Timothy 3:15

Aug 04 Jesus and His Kingdom

www.lifes-big-questions.org

www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield

Glenfield Christadelphians

AUGUST

GARDEN LANDSCAPING

Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God

GARAGE CONVERSION SPECIALIST

Bible Talks

Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield INTERIOR REFIT Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing)

The Holy Scriptures... are able to make Sep 08 The Bible and Archaeology thee wise unto salvation Sep 15 What is the Christian Gospel? through faith Sep 22 Hope for a World in Crisis which is in Christ Jesus..

Sep Jesus, Fig Trees and Vineyards M: 29 07734405374 E: contact@countycontractorsleics.co.uk 2 Timothy 3:15

Sep 01 The Promises of God are Conditional

www.lifes-big-questions.org www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield W: www.countycontractorsleics.co.uk @CountyCon County Contractors, Groby, Leicester Glenfield Christadelphians

SEPTEMBER I tried to be normal once. Worst two minutes of my OCTOBER life.

Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God

Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God

Programme for the 2019 Groby Street Fair TIMINGS ARE APPROXIMATE SO BE THERE IN PLENTY OF TIME TO SEE YOUR FAVOURITES!

11.00am: Official Opening

1.30pm: Mark Wilde’s Guitar Troupe

11.15am Brimstone & Fire

(Reggae Band) The band is a Midlands-based Reggae band featuring multi-instrumentalist Sy Pryor, pianist Jay Chandler and bassist Phil Durant. Their music includes covers and a few originals, all with a classic reggae flavour.

12 noon: A short Sunday Service with Rev Ed Bampton

A Churches Together service of prayer and praise.

12.30pm: Mark Wilde’s “Quick Draw” Painting Mark, who runs painting classes locally, will be demonstrating his skills.

12.30pm: Ratby ‘Mid’ Band on the Church Lawn

The Ratby ‘Mid’ band are the middle band of the Ratby Organisation sitting between the junior band and senior (championship) band.

“The Mid band have had a very successful year in 2019 having been crowned the Midlands Fourth Section champions, “ said Kirk Turner. “Brass bands are graded into leagues a bit like football teams. The Mid Band have won the Fourth Section and are being promoted to the Third Section from 2020. The ‘Mid’ Band are conducted by Gary Perrin.”

1.00pm: Dance Sensation

Established in April 2000 in Groby, Leicester dance classes are held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday Evenings at Groby Village Hall.

“We provide many dance disciplines, performances and activities in a professional and safe environment under the instruction of dedicated and talented teachers,” explained Sarah Hawksley.

“Classes are available from two years upwards for both boys and girls of all abilities.

“At Dance Sensation we nurture all our pupils and offer them many opportunities but ultimately we want everyone to develop their passion for dance and have fun!”

Vocalists, electric and acoustic guitars, perform a variety of material, mostly contemporary.

2.30pm: Matthew Redmond’s Cabaret Spot

The venues Matt Redmond has performed at are too numerous to mention. Amongst his many and varied performances during his career, he has performed for HRH Prince Charles at a garden party at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the Prince’s Trust.

Matt won the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society ‘Stage Magician of the Year’ in 2014. He will also be performing along the street throughout the day.

3.15pm: Radio Street Fair

Jim will be playing stallholders’ music choices

More than 60 pitches booked for Sunday 23rd June AT 6AM on Sunday 23rd June a small team of volunteers will meet and start the transformation of Markfield Road, Groby.

The road will be closed and within a few hours traders, caterers and local community groups will be preparing for the arrival of an estimated 2,000 visitors.

Groby Scouts and the Glenfield Air Cadets will be there along with Churches Together, the Community Library, the Meadow CIC, Groby Parish Council and the Groby Allotment Society. As mentioned in the May Spotlight, the Leicester Children's Holiday Charity will be there to tell visitors about the valuable work they do.

If you are tempted by the catering stalls you'll find something for every taste, from vegan to spicy barbecue and cakes and pastries to noodles. If you're not peckish just enjoy the entertainment, enjoy a cup of tea, and browse the huge range of trader's stalls. Crafts, gifts, jewellery, books, cards, toys and smellies, they're all going to be there.

The official opening at 11am will be at the stage area inside the Fair, so the gates will open about 15 minutes early to give you time to get to the stage.

Norman Griffiths

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Spotlight Small Ads • Kyham 3 person DOME TENT. Quick erect flbre glass pole system, polyester outer (flysheet) tent, cotton interior tent and sewn-in ground sheet. Totally weatherproof against wind and rain. This is a tent for serious camping; do not confuse with cheap garden tents! Current rrp is £250. Price: £40.

• Trailer LIGHTING BOARD with 12ft cable and plug. All lights work.

Price:£10.

Tel 01530 244686 • Two Habitat large matching multicoloured STRIPED RUGS. 100% cotton, hand-woven, brand new. Cost £70 each.

Price: £30 each o.n.o.. Will split.

Tel: 07768 813051 (Markfield).

• LADY’S BIKE, Appollo Cafe Comfort Series, from Halfords, 6 gears, good condition, hardly used. Price £40.

• BOY’S BIKE, Good condition, hardly used, suitable for 8-11 year old.

Price £30.

Tel 07891 246871 • Carp fishing equipment.

• Coarse fishing equipment • Black metal COAT STAND - Price: £7 • Various JIGSAWS - 1,000 peices Price: £2 each.

• Wrought iron drive gates each 3 feet high x 4 feet long.

Price: £30 Tel: 07742 596064 (Markfield) • Two LADDERS, one metal and one wood. Price: £10 each.

• Three PASTE TABLES. Price: £10 each.

• Betro BOWLS BAG, triple compartments. Price: £10.

• Various GARDEN TOOLS. Price: £3 - £5 each.

Tel: 01530 243660 (Markfield).

FREE, Large rabbit hutch.

Collection only, please telephone 01530 243547 (Groby) • AEG INDUCTION STOVE - two ovens, excellent condition. Price: £350 o.v.n.o.

Tel: 0116 225 0229 (Groby).

• NEEDED! A lightweight DOUBLE BUGGY for our 4 month old twin granddaughters.

If you can help, please telephone: 0116 231 2866 (Groby).

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. Maximum EIGHT items please.

Our postal address is: Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication).

Jay Brothers TICKETS for the Jay Brothers We Will Rock You concert at Markfield Community Centre on Saturday 13th July commencing at 7.30pm are now available.

Tickets are £6 per person and to avoid disappointment please get them now.

The main feature is “We Will Rock You” but that’s not all, there will also be Motown, Rock & Roll, Dance and much more.

If you want to dig out the old gear (if it still fits) and come dressed for the occasion, please feel free to do so.

Tickets are available from the following: • Doreen Murby 01530 243977 • Angela Berry 07971 254165 or 01530 242578 • Markfield Community Centre

Angela Berry

23

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Window Services Repair & Replacement Specialists: Est. 1982 167a Dominion Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8JB

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Hardwood And Laminate Flooring

GROBY-BASED CARPENTER & JOINER All carpentry and joinery works undertaken.

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Christopher Harris

Tel: 0116 224 6454 (Home) or 07809 879321 (Mobile) Email: chrisharris0142@gmail.com

Paper Cut: A tree’s final moment of revenge.

24

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

News from the Allotments

Letter from Uncle Eustace

Look out for giant sunflowers!

On the delights of the parish jumble sale

AT OUR last Open Shed Sunday, we sold quite a few of our sunflower competition packs so we hope to have some good contenders for the biggest sunflower competition again this year, weather permitting.

The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren

We will be publishing the results later in the summer but as the winning entry last year managed over 9ft in height, we’re hoping for big things this year! We also had a lot of young vegetable and companion plants for sale which were great value and appreciated by many members.

Watering more efficiently IT MAY seem rather silly to be writing about a dry summer as, writing this there have been several rain showers over the last few days.

But I know that we had a very dry summer last year and a dry winter too as the five water butts on my plot to catch the rain water from my shed roof were still only half-full in March and are fast running dry with me watering my seedlings for the first few days of their life. It may be that we all have to get used to coping with drier growing conditions in the future on the allotment or in our gardens and so I have been looking into how to reduce water use and conserve what moisture there is in the soil.

The best way of keeping water in the soil seems to be to make sure there is plenty of compost or manure in it. The more organic matter it contains, the better it will retain moisture, as it acts like a sponge. Watering too much though, after this soil reservoir has filled, will result in the valuable nutrients being washed to the lower depths of the soil where plant roots can’t reach.

So, it makes sense be like Goldilocks, to water just enough, not too much.

I have put lots of compost on top of the soil as well this year to act as a mulch around established plants and stop it evaporating from the soil surface. If you don’t make much kitchen or garden waste then this can be expensive, but there are many other materials you can use as a mulch, such as cardboard, newspaper, hay, straw, grass cuttings and leaf mould.

There are also lots of views on when to water and how much. Seeds planted directly into the soil require moisture initially or they won’t germinate, and transplanted seedlings have only poorly developed roots and so will need frequent watering until they get established. It makes sense after these critical times, to encourage the plant roots to seek out the moisture deeper in the soil, so the plants can become well-anchored and so withstand strong winds and storms.

When to Water As to the time of day, there are several different schools of thought. Firstly there are those who think that first thing in the morning is the best time to water, before the sun dries the soil out; and then there is the other school of thought which says that the best time is the early evening so the moisture stays in the soil longer. There are problems with both ideas, morning watering means the soil dries out fairly quickly so has less time to get down to the roots whereas evening watering can make the moist environment perfect for slugs and fungal diseases. I’ll let you decide which is best!

How much to Water Whichever time you choose, it has been proven by recent experiments that a good wetting every few days, say twice or three times a week, is much better than watering every day.

Watering too often means that the plants don’t have to grow long roots down to the moisture, have more surface roots, meaning they will easily fall over in windy conditions and of course need more frequent watering as the moisture is lost from the surface of the soil first and so they will be the first to wilt.

THE ESTIMATE for re-hanging the bells in our church tower came as a great shock.

The church council discussed fund-raising at length.

Someone suggested selling part of the Rectory garden for building, another for getting 200 parishioners to loan £1,000 each, interest-free. Then Mrs Ffrench suggested holding a jumble sale. The jumble sale won – mainly because it was achievable without a great fight, and also gave everyone an opportunity to see what their neighbours think of as junk.

Expensive articles were brought with an ostentatious show of modesty when everyone was sorting donations.

Genuine jumble, such as odd plates, old blankets and mysterious kitchen gadgets, were left at the church door in the dead of night.

On the day of the jumble sale, our helpers were ready behind wobbly tables stacked high with stuff. Had the tables collapsed, half the congregation would have been smothered. Little Miss Faversham was having a wonderful time flitting from table to table like a woolly bumble bee, kitting herself out for another year.

When the doors opened and the customers poured in, I realised how the Italians must have felt when they saw Hannibal with his elephants pouring down the sides of the Alps. That is when the mettle of our ladies really showed. They were tremendous - haggling at great length over whether something worth £10 should go for 10p or 11p. I noticed that those who are used to riding with hounds seem best able to control the crowds – even if they occasionally tended to regard the customers as the fox.

As it happened, the youth club were going pot-holing that day, so most of the teenagers bought complete sets of clothing for 10p which could then be discarded afterwards. But I wondered what their caving instructor would think of teenagers arriving dressed in dinner jackets and tweed skirts.

Two days of preparation yielded a battle that was over in less than an hour. We emerged bloodied but unbowed, with only scraps of jumble left. Then it was home for a bath and a strong restorative, in the knowledge that the first step to saving the bells has been taken. Only another 2,500 jumble sales and we shall have reached our target. Indeed, the only jarring note of the day was to discover someone with a peculiar sense of humour had put a note on my car: “Sold – to be collected later”.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Keeping Moisture in the Soil Apart from mulching around the plants, those that require a lot of moisture, such as strawberries, can be planted through a membrane, which lets water through but also helps retain the moisture in the soil. The added bonus is that it stops weeds growing too! Any weeds are competing with your precious vegetables for the moisture that is there. I will be covering up any bare soil on the plot this autumn and winter with compost or a membrane or some weighted-down cardboard to help keep the moisture in the soil.

I will definitely be taking up the advice of not watering too often, if only to stop my arms getting too long dragging the watering cans around the plot!

Carol Lincoln People write ‘Congrats’ because they can’t spell congrajlashins.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

25

For peat’s sake, stop!

ARE YOU a gardener? Then please consider this: the gardeners of Britain are continuing to use up the country’s endangered peat supplies, despite repeated warnings from environmentalists.

Now Plantlife, the campaign group, warns that commercial extraction of peat from our peat bogs can remove more than 500 years’ worth of peat growth in a single year. But despite alternatives being available for use as compost, British gardeners continue to buy peat. Sales are at three billion litres a year – and rising.

As one environmentalist said: “In the fight against climate change, the peatlands of the British Isles are one of our greatest assets – we cannot underestimate their importance for carbon capture. In the UK they hold more carbon than forests. Governments across the UK need to act immediately to end the use of peat for horticulture and other commercial purposes.”

Peat extraction in the UK is estimated to release a million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year. The National Trust has been peatfree for several years and the Royal Horticultural Society’s gardens are 97 per cent peat-free.

Date for your diary ...

The Family Obstacular a Big Day Out!

Changes to repeat prescription ordering What is changing?

The way repeat prescriptions are ordered is changing. From 30th June 2019 you will have to order your repeat prescriptions directly through your GP practice, and not your high street or internet pharmacy or appliance contractor.

Being in charge of ordering your own repeat prescriptions ensures you get the medicine you need at the time you need it. This can help prevent the build-up of unused or old medicines at home which improves safety, reduces medicines waste and saves valuable NHS resources.

How do I get more help with this change?

If you feel you might need help ordering your repeat prescription, or you are a carer for someone who might need help, please speak to your GP practice.

For information about these changes please visit the West Leicestershire CCG website, where you can use the menu at the bottom of the screen to select your language: bit.ly/Repeat_Meds

BRADGATE ROTARY’S Family Challenge Day takes place on Sunday 15th September.

The Family Obstacular or Family Funtacular will be taking place in a new location in the Charnwood Forest. Fun and Family are the key words, this is NOT a mud, blood guts and glory event, but something to bring out the competitiveness without the pain while raising funds for some of our local charities.

Alongside the challenges, there will be opportunities to enjoy a day out with stalls, bouncy castle and food options. Not everyone will need to take part in the challenges to appreciate the day, but we suspect you might want to anyway.

So pencil on the family calendar the date and watch this space for more details of the Family Obstacular on Sunday 15th September.

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Well, another day has passed and I didn’t use algebra.

26

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Borough Councillors’ Report from Martin & Ted me up on the offer.

The review once completed will be launched at an event with all Parishes invited to attend as well as the Borough Council’s partner agencies.

Liberal Democrats take control of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council With the help of myself and Cllr Ted Hollick retaining our seats in Groby the Liberal Democrat Party have taken control of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council by gaining nine seats across the Borough.

Following the recent election the number of Councillors representing each party at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council are as follows: Liberal Democrat: 21 Conservative: 11 Labour: 2

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council AGM Mayor Making: On Tuesday 21st May the AGM of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council took place.

Congratulations to Cllr Linda Hodgkins who will be the Mayor of the Borough for the Civic Year 2019 – 2020 and to Cllr Ted Hollick who is the Deputy Mayor for 2019 - 2020.

The new leader of the Borough Council is Cllr Stuart Bray the deputy leader is Cllr David Bill MBE. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have a cabinet based system with executive members covering the different aspects of the functions of the Borough Council.

Executive Members: Councillor S L Bray Leader of the Council Executive member for Corporate & Member Services and Equalities.

Councillor D C Bill MBE Deputy Leader of the Council Executive member for planning.

Councillor K W P Lynch Executive member for finance, ICT, asset management and the voluntary sector.

Councillor M T Mullaney Executive member for housing and community safety.

Councillor M B Cartwright Executive member for Climate Change, Licensing, Environmental Health, Rural affairs and Lead member for the Klondyke Community Hub project.

Councillor K Nichols Executive member for culture, leisure, tourism and town centres.

Councillor W J Crooks Executive member for street scene services, parks & open spaces.

Martin & Ted’s HBBC committee positions are as follows:

Retail and Leisure Complex to be retained

Martin Cartwright Call: 0116 2874500 Mobile: 07850 707050

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

Executive: Cllr Martin Cartwright Executive member for Climate Change, Licensing, Environmental Health, Rural affairs and Lead member for the Klondyke Community Hub project Appeals Panel: Cllr Martin Cartwright Audit Committee: Cllr Ted Hollick Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright (Vice Chairman), Cllr Ted Hollick Licensing Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright Licensing (Regulatory) Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright Planning Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright, Cllr Ted Hollick Member Development Group: Cllr Martin Cartwright, Cllr Ted Hollick Appointment of representatives to Outside Bodies: Bradgate Landfill Liaison Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright Charnwood Forest Steering Group: Cllr Martin Cartwright Cliffe Hill Quarry Liaison Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright Groby Quarry Liaison Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright Hinckley & Bosworth Community Transport: Cllr Martin Cartwright Voluntary and Community Sector Commissioning Board (VCS): Cllr Martin Cartwright One or both of us will be at each of these meetings to ensure Groby’s representation is made.

Rural Strategy Review Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council - Rural Strategy Review I have written to all the Parish

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

Councils represented by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council as the new Lead Member for Rural Affairs for Hinckley & Bosworth to outline the proposed approach for reviewing the current Rural Strategy.

Whilst I appreciate that some work has already taken place in seeking to refresh the Rural Strategy under the last Administration, I wish to undertake the review in a completely different way by going on tour to all the Parish Councils in the Borough to seek their views.

A new way to consult, a new approach to the review.

The Rural Strategy review when completed will have an appendix attached to it that lists up to the top ten issues that each Parish faces in one document.

The overall aim is to have in place the most comprehensive and coherent Rural Strategy the authority has produced to date.

Whilst many of the issues will not be the responsibility of the Borough Council the review will be shared with our partners and will hopefully serve as a guide to which issues available funds should be channelled into in future.

Furthermore it will highlight how widespread any one individual issue is across the Borough.

Therefore I am seeking a meeting of approximately 30 - 45 minutes, either as an item at a forthcoming Parish Council meeting, or alternatively with a group of Parish Council representatives at a time (day or evening) which is most convenient to them.

If Parish Councils can spare 30 - 45 minutes of their members’ time I am sure they will conclude that their Parish issues will have been fully incorporated into the review on a more personal basis.

For Groby’s benefit and participation I have sent an invitation to Groby Parish Council and sincerely hope that they take

Part of a multi-million pound town centre mixed retail and leisure redevelopment scheme that was to be sold is now to be retained by the Borough council.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council had decided to sell their stake of the Hinckley development known as The Crescent late last year.

However, at a meeting of the full Council (21st May), members voted in favour of reversing that decision and retaining the complex in public ownership.

The Council receives a net rental income of around £300,000 a year from the site which has helped to keep council tax for residents amongst the lowest in the country.

Commenting on the decision, new Council Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray said “This was a key manifesto promise that we were determined to deliver on. Increasingly, councils up and down the country are taking steps to invest in town centre facilities to safeguard them against the challenges they face. This decision signals the Council’s commitment to Hinckley town centre as a key retail and leisure destination for local residents and visitors.”

I am 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,

Cllr Martin Cartwright

Groby Village Society Thursday June 27 “Radicals and Rebels” David Bell Thursday July 25 “Amber Autumn, Golden Glens” Peter Amour

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

It’s a shame nothing is built in the UK anymore. I just bought a TV and it said ‘Built in antenna’.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Fraudsters send victims their own passwords in sextortion scam A SEXTORTION phishing scam, first identified by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) in July 2018, continues to be reported to Action Fraud in high numbers.

Fraudsters are sending victims their own passwords in an attempt to trick them into believing they have been filmed on their computer watching porn and demanding payment.

In May alone, Action Fraud has received over 149 crime reports and 1,443 reports to our phishing reporting tool. Many victims report receiving multiple emails over a short period of time.

The emails contain the victim’s own password in the subject line and demands payment in Bitcoin after claiming that the victim has been filmed on their computer watching porn.

Action Fraud suspects that the fraudsters may have gained victim’s passwords from an old data breach.

How to protect yourself Don’t reply to the email, or be pressured into paying: it only highlights that you’re vulnerable and you could be targeted again.

The police advise that you do not pay criminals. Try flagging the email as spam/junk if you receive it multiple times.

Perform password resets as soon as possible on any accounts where you’ve used the password mentioned in the email. Always use a strong, separate password for important accounts, such as your email. Where available, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA).

Always install the latest software & app updates. Install, or enable, antivirus software on your laptops & computers and keep it updated.

If you have received one of these emails and paid the fine, report it to your local police force. If you have not paid, report the email as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.

Just a thought ...

Imagination makes us aware of limitless possibilities. How many of us haven’t pondered the concept of infinity or imagined the possibility of time travel? In one of her poems, Emily Bronte likens imagination to a constant companion, but I prefer to think of it as a built-in entertainment system.

Alexandra Adornetto

27

Groby Gardening Society News A talk about Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown NEARLY 60 MEMBERS attended a talk by Michael Brown “The Historic Gardener” - entitled “Capability Brown – Hero or Hooligan”, dressed in period costume complete with (he said) a very itchy wig!

Michael has been a head gardener in his time, and studied for an MA in Garden History at Birkbeck College, London, and is the author of “Death In The Garden”, which covers the many poisonous plants in the garden, and their sometimes nefarious uses!

Lancelot Brown (his real name) was born in 1715 in Kirkharle, Northumberland. The precise date isn’t recorded, but records show he was baptised on 30 August, 1716, the son of the land agent for Sir William Loraine, the owner of Kirkharle Hall. After leaving school, Lancelot worked at the hall as apprentice to the head gardener until he was 23, working on various of the owner’s estates. often take years to complete, and Aged 23 he moved to Boston, would include the moving of earth, Lincolnshire where, at the time, trees and even rivers so that the major drainage works were result would be pleasing to the underway, which no doubt eye. Brown himself was rarely on influenced his later works. Moving site, and would never see many to Oxfordshire, his first landscape of the final result as the trees grew commission was for a new lake at to maturity. The formal gardens Kiddington. Kirkharle now has a would be dug up to be replaced by lake that was designed by Brown. areas of smooth undulating grass In 1741, aged 26, he moved to to draw the eye towards a clump Stowe, where he progressed to of trees, or a lake. His clients were become head gardener in 1743, wealthy (they had to be to afford and began to design the grounds him!) and wanted to be able to rather than maintain them. In 1764 show their wealth by the perfection he became King George III’s of their gardens and estates, often Master Gardener at Hampton Court incorporating imported trees, Palace. spectacular fountains and water

English gardens had long been influenced by the French and Italian styles of ornate, often geometric patterned designs.

Brown gradually introduced a softer style, more akin to parklands which were to be observed from the grand houses, often built in a geometric Palladian style.

By the 1750s he was becoming widely known, and taking on major – and well paid – commissions. He earned his nickname of ‘Capability’ as a result of telling his clients once he had completed a survey, that their grounds had “capability for improvement”. His surveys were often taken on horseback, and could be completed in little more than a day, using often only basic surveying tools, after which he would present a plan to his clients.

Nearly all of his work was carried out by subcontractors, with a local site manager being appointed to oversee the work. Works would

features, stone follies and bridges.

The creation of his gardens was very labour intensive, although a number of new inventions arose which enabled him, for example, to transplant mature trees up to 20 years old.

There were many critics of Brown’s style of landscape, particularly from designers who favoured the formal style, but other have suggested that Brown was engaged in the process of

Auto-correct made me say things I didn’t Nintendo.

“perfecting Nature”. His genius was in being able to visualise how the grounds would look once the work had been completed.

Despite the criticisms, it is estimated that up to 250 of Brown’s designs have endured including locally Belvoir Castle and Warwick Castle, and early work at Chatsworth. In 1768 he purchased the manor at Fenstanton, Camdridgeshire , including two manor houses and 2600 acres of land. After his sudden death in 1783 his designs fell out of favour, but during the twentieth century regained their popularity. He was buried in the parish church at Fenstanton; although the location of the grave itself is unknown, a memorial headstone has been erected.

Hero or Hooligan? You’ll have to make your own mind up about that, but Capability Brown certainly made his mark on the English landscape.

• OUR MONTHLY MEETINGS are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill, Groby. Entry is £2 for non-members (an annual subscription is just £15), and you’ll be sure of a warm welcome, along with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit! The June meeting takes the form of our annual evening visit, this year to Crossfell House in Great Dalby, with numbers strictly limited to 40. The meeting for July 11 will be Celia Sanger giving a talk entitled “Echoes from the past”.

Keith Poole

28

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Martinshaw Primary School News Resilience Family Event OVER TIME, the school has been endeavouring to build resilience in our children or, in other words, the ability to bounce back in any situation.

The aim is to give them transferable skills applicable across all areas of life, better physical and mental health, skills that can be continuously improved and the ability to tackle new areas more easily.

Sounds all very dry and scientific, but various games and tasks are devised so that it is all fun and exciting and the pupils are learning all these skills in the usual sneaky way that helps them without them realising that all these exercises are a learning experience.

One of those exercises involved wearing a pair of tights on your head with a tennis ball in the end to try and knock down skittles. This was demonstrated by Mrs McKain during school assembly with an enthusiastic commentary by Mrs Brown. Mrs McKain proved to be so skilful that she left the impression that she often wore tights on her head, or maybe not.

Parents and carers were invited into school to join their children in such activities as the marshmallow catapult challenge, spaghetti challenge, blindfold woodland trail and many others. The mind boggles as everyone got stuck in, young and old.

Sponsored Walk A SPONSORED walk was arranged for the whole school and any parents who fancied pitting themselves against their children.

A route was devised around the school grounds of about 500m per circuit with sponsorship for each circuit completed, up to a maximum of twenty, ie. 10k about 6 miles. Adults were posted around the route representing each class, with individuals clasping and presenting their sponsorship passport to be stamped as they completed each circuit. A number of the bigger children in years five and six set off running, completing easily in the 90 mins allotted time. However, not to be outdone by their older and stronger peers, early years and year one students, little legs pumping joined enthusiastically in the event with many of the five and six year olds completing up to seventeen laps, about 5 miles. Amazing.

Everyone in the school completed at least twelve laps. It is only a pity that some of the politicians and newspaper reporters forever bemoaning the lack of fitness in the modern primary school children couldn’t have been there to witness it.

Marconi Cup IN 2012 Martinshaw beat a Primary School from Cardiff at Wembley Stadium to become the English Schools Football Champions.

More recently, Elizabeth Woodville have been competing at the National level and now Lady Jane Grey are finalists in the Leicestershire Schools FA ‘Rice Bowl’ Tournament, which must mean that any tournament with Groby schools involved will be of a very high standard.

This year’s Marconi Cup is no exception as every year success bestows on the winners bragging rights until the next competition.

We now have schools outside Groby, Mercenfield, Kirby Muxloe and Ratby competing so it is with a small sigh of relief that once more the cup was retained by a Groby School.

This time Martinshaw were the winners. Having already beaten Lady Jane Grey in a preliminary round, they were up against them again in the final winning 1-0 after a penalty in the dying seconds of the game.

The school ‘B’ team, made up mainly of year 5 students, a number of whom are Rugby Players by choice, managed to come third in their competition.

They missed a place in the final by just one point.

However, all bodes well for next year’s competition when they are a little bigger and wiser.

Owen Lawrence Save the Earth - it’s the only planet with beer.

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

LE67 9ZT

Telephone

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

Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby & Field Head. Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

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

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

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

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

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

All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

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

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 17th August 2019

DEADLINE: 3rd August 2019

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter

Protect Groby’s wildlife and nature I AM writing to discuss the sheer disdain a few of the readers evidently have regarding wildlife and nature in general found within Groby.

This issue I have really began a few years ago, beginning with the proposed planning on the old highway land off of Leicester Road, from which my eyes were truly opened. It was obvious that the land was going to be built on, irrespective of the villagers who rightly complained and now have to spend their golden days subjected to daily noise pollution and overall invasion of privacy. There are countless species that have been disturbed, driven elsewhere and probably crossing dangerous roads (often unsuccessfully) to do so, but money talks, eh? I will save my argument regarding ‘but what about the housing crisis’ for another article, but I am sure you will get the gist of where I stand from this overall piece.

My next eyeopener was the great numbers of wildlife being killed by human ignorance. Take Sacheverell Way for instance. Having to walk down that road and see dead hedgehogs because of wannabe race-drivers, further, having to walk down there late at night to rescue hedgehogs from these deaths, is shocking. Another example of this are the amount of cat owners who allow their cats to murder birds not only in their own gardens but in the gardens of those people who care for wildlife. Over the last two years I have helped to sustain Starling populations in my area, but this is jeopardised somewhat when people allow their cats to kill them. The solution is simple: get a bell or do not let them out. The two arguments I have received from this is firstly, ‘it is natural for cats to kill birds’, and this is wrong. Domesticated cats are the product of humans, they are not part of wildlife, otherwise we would see these cats out in the wild. This is why they are deemed property under the law and wildlife is not. The second argument is ‘it is just one bird’. To this I will simply ask you to look at the mass amounts of evidence showing the rapid depletion of birds.

Furthermore, it is just one bird in my garden, and it is just one bird in your garden, and so on and so forth, the deaths are beginning to add up. Again, what is to blame for this? That’s right, human activity.

The straw that broke the camel’s back, however, was found in May’s edition of the Spotlight in which numerous suggestions were put forward about the use of Marina Drive Park. My favourite quote was that it was simply a ‘green desert - a big wide area with nothing to see or do there’.

If we are discussing personal opinions here, which we obviously are, this green space allows me to clear my head, I appreciate the tranquillity of the park and particularly the separation of the children’s area and BMX track with the open green space. Sitting on one of the benches is peaceful and calming, this would be destroyed if we built another play area and gym area. I must remind readers that not all villagers living in Groby have children for whatever reason and some areas (apart from the pub) ought to be left alone for these people who just want to sit down and watch the world go by in silence. Additionally, in the summer this area is often used for football and general socialising.

Moving aside from my purely anthropocentric opinion, I also have to ask in response to this letter, why does every bit of green land that, from a human perspective, is ‘doing nothing’ have to be built on? I visit this park daily and I see the various birds using this land for food, I see bees working hard, at night there are bats flying around and it is probably used by many more inconspicuous creatures. It would appear then, that Marina Drive Park is a ‘nature reserve or wildlife area’ already, or does it need to be a human-controlled nature reserve to make it worthy of attention and care?

I would hate for nature to roam free and have the space it needs to thrive.

Evidently, because this land is not serving an overtly human purpose and has not been specifically claimed by humans with ‘a cycle path, play area and gym equipment’ it is worthless and ought to be built on. Was this not the same reason the old highway land is now being destroyed?

Having studied failing international environmental policies for the last year, watched land being torn up and trees felled to serve purely human ends, vast numbers of species being pushed to near extinction and the overall condition of the environment plummeting I would have hoped that humans would have started to reconsider their current place on this Earth (hint: we are not superior beings), but reading letters like this it is clear we are still blissfully ignorant. Here’s a suggestion then, following in the footsteps of May’s letter: why don’t we just build houses on it and call it a day? In fact, any bit of ‘unused’ greenbelt land, small or large, build on that too, it is only the habitat of thousands of fauna and flora after all and who cares about that.

A Groby Environmentalist (Name & details supplied)

29

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Just a thought ...

Cyberspace can’t compensate for real space. We benefit from chatting to people face to face.

Jonathan Sacks

Potatoes make French fries, crisps and vodka. It’s like the other vegetables aren’t even trying.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 07/06/2019 Word Search Pu 30

On The Beach Wordsearch LOCATE 12 THINGS YOU MIGHT FIND ON THE BEACH 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.

P E B B L E S M G C M N D S P I S

S O W R V M N J M F T R E S V U T

Q B A V E W H F S B I N S D T J A

I B A Y P T V K N F O T E X X N R

Z I E R U C A B T M X E I S K J F

X F P M C V M W E Z W G W L H E I

A W N S T J O N K A B F Q F W B S

S I J E Q O A G E A Q D U V F G H

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 things you might find on the beach. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). IMPORTANT: You must address your entry to: BUCKET & SPADE, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics.

LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 3rd August 2019. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of J M O S A S F T B the hat will win the prize. Good luck!

G G F A F T B Q E

M L D A Y S C E E K V Y Y Z L

Q T E S F Z L Z O R E W R B J

S S H I E Y R E I P B U E G R

B A S I O A H S I F Y L L E J

S C L P A F G Z B D E U K D I

K D L X M N L U L K V O L A T

J N E D L A X P L H Y A F D O

P A H X N M S H F L M O N V G

B S S F N V K C Z Y S U L H P

Here are the 12 BEACH ITEMS you have to find:

BREAKWATER • CRABS • DRIFTWOOD JELLYFISH • PEBBLES • PIER SANDCASTLES • SEA ANEMONES • SEAGULLS SEAWEED • SHELLS • STARFISH Name: .................................................................................................

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

CLOSING DATE: SATURDAY 3rd August 2019

Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was:

Mrs Ann Sansome of Field Court Road, Groby

Congratulations! Your prize voucher will be sent to you soon.

BREAKWATER

(

CRABS Half a century ago ... can you believe it?

DRIFTWOOD JELLYFISH PEBBLES PIER SANDCASTLES SEAANEMONES SEAGULLS SEAWEED SHELLS STARFISH

Walking on the moon in July 1969 AMERICAN astronauts Neil Armstrong and Created by Puzzlemaker Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin became the first people SPACEMEN: L-R: Neil Armstrong, to walk on the surface of Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin the Moon 50 years ago, on 21st July 1969.

at DiscoveryEducation.com

There had been some dispute over who would step first on to the Moon’s surface, but Apollo 11 commander Armstrong was given the privilege partly for technical reasons. Lunar module pilot Aldrin followed him almost 20 minutes later.

Both men were Christians. Aldrin, who was an elder at Webster Presbyterian Church, Texas, had got special permission to take bread and wine with him to space and take Communion privately. He did this with Armstrong watching in silence.

Armstrong wrote later: “We had come to space in the name of all mankind – be they Christians, Jews, Muslims, animists, agnostics or atheists. But at the time I could think of no better way to acknowledge the Apollo 11 experience than by giving thanks to God.” The two men spent 21.5 hours on the lunar surface before rejoining the command module Columbia in lunar orbit.

Armstrong’s first step onto the lunar surface was broadcast on live TV to a worldwide audience. He described it as “one small step for a man – one giant leap for mankind”.

You never realise how boring your life is until someone asks you what you do for fun.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-JUNE 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Elizabeth Woodville School News THIS HALF TERM our classes have embarked on tours around the world, learning about the localities and cultures of a range of different countries. So, without further ado, don’t forget your passport for…

designed and made their own colourful dreamcatchers. We have thought carefully about how many feathers and beads to put on. Also, we considered why the webbed pattern in the middle of the dreamcatcher is so important as it only allows good dreams to filter through.

RIO DE JANEIRO

EXPLORING THE OCEANS

YEAR ONE have travelled across Earth to visit South America, in particular, Brazil.

We have been focussing on Pleasant DeSpain’s The Dancing Turtle story in our English lessons.

We have learnt ambitious new vocabulary from the story and have spent lessons being grammar detectives before writing the story and editing to improve our work.

Our afternoons have been spent locating Brazil and learning indepth facts about Rio de Janeiro and its physical and human features. We loved spending a week examining the amazing Amazon Rainforest, the setting of our focus book.

To show our learning we created a display to show the different layers that comprise the rainforest as well as including information regarding the inhabitants that live there.

ROAD TRIP USA YEAR 3 AND 4 have enjoyed learning about America during their topic of ‘Road Trip USA’.

Class 2 have been carrying out Secret Missions across the globe, where they have had to show off their mathematical thinking and their reading and inference skills.

To help us get into the spirit of secret missions, we created agent names and badges. Here are some photos of us dressing up as SECRET AGENTS!

UNDER THE SEA WHILE MOST of the school have been studying countries, Class 2 have travelled ‘under the sea’ to explore the ocean depths.

They have been learning about how they can reduce harmful plastic pollution, which is

endangering all sea life. To raise awareness of this important issue the class have been extremely busy sewing and creating their very own sea creature!

We started our fabulous project by learning how to safely use the internet, searching all the different sea creatures you might find at the bottom of the ocean! The school library’s collection of sea life books also helped inform our findings. After we collected ideas, we discussed what we liked best and why. We looked at teddies that had been inspired by sea beasts and studied how we might achieve our goal of a cuddly, sea toy! Everyone created their final design and our sewing journey began! We’ve learnt how to safely cut out felt, how to thread a needle, knot a needle and even perform a simple blanket stitch! We are so proud of our final product and can’t wait to show them on display!

It’s good to share!

If you enjoyed reading this issue, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it.

Thanks!

Every Saturday morning 10.00am—12.30pm

They have so far studied Native American music as well as Rock and Roll! This has given them an insight into Native American life alongside their research into the Iroquois Tribe.

Many of the Native American tribes have dreamcatchers, so in art and design, Year 3 researched,

CATCH meets for play, craft, story & chat for pre-school children with a parent or carer 9.30-11.30am every Friday at Groby URC Chapel Hill

Fair Cuppa for FairTrade refreshments in fairly traded mugs.

Every Thursday 10.3012am at the Village Hall

31

What a cup of coffee can do for the elderly

HERE IS a curious thing: even just one cup of coffee a day can reduce the risk of an elderly person falling – by up to a third.

A recent study of thousands of older patients from the UK and Spain has found that even small amounts of coffee are enough to make them steadier on their feet.

That is good news for many elderly folk, as about one in three people over 65 will have at least one fall a year, and half will fall frequently. This is because older people can suffer balance problems, weaker muscles, dementia or low blood pressure.

The study was done at a university in Madrid. All in all, it costs the NHS £2.3billion a year to treat and care for elderly patients who suffer a fall.

Weekly in term time for children for 6’s to 14’s on Mon evenings, at 6.00pm or 7.45pm. We meet at the United Reformed Church on Chapel Hill.

Along with our work in schools, these are run 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 Rector – Rev Ed Bampton 01162396520 www.grobychurch.org.uk United Reformed Church Phil Holmes (Church Secretary) 0116 225 3335 www.grobyurc.com Youth, Children's & Families Colin Udall 07776 157511 colin.udall@ntlworld.com

When life knocks me down I usually lie there and take a nap.

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