The News & Information Magazine for Groby, Field Head & The Brantings
Martinshaw’s new library opened by VIP June Crebbin
Bloors new plan for 90 homes in Groby
Norman Griffiths looks at their new proposals for their site When planning permission was refused for the development of land next to Groby cemetery following the dismissal at appeal of a 133 dwelling scheme in February 2011 residents believed because of the “2 year rule” there could be no further application submitted until January 2013 at the earliest. But Bloors Homes has confirmed that the company is preparing a revised planning application for a residential development. They say it has been designed to address the constraints associated with the site identified through the appeal process and to meet the Borough Council’s policy requirements for affordable housing. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 - WITH PROPOSED PLAN
On Wednesday 29th February, Martinshaw Primary School’s purpose built New Library was officially opened by Children’s Author June Crebbin. After months of planning, preparation and fund-raising the day finally arrived when the children would be able to use their wonderful new facilities. The funds for the project were raised by the Martinshaw School Assoc. towards providing shelving and furniture and they continue in their efforts to raise sufficient money to buy more furniture, e.g a sofa. A generous donation was kindly made by The Thomas Herbert Trust which helped to pay for the bespoke, brightly coloured shelving unit. The School Council, who represent the student body, were consulted throughout the 12 month process for ideas on how the pupils best like to read and they provided suggestions, such as covering all the windows and doors to increase the surprise on the opening day. They also came up with the format for the opening day. The School set up a working party led by Mrs Catherine Ward which brought everything together. An Amazon book list was started from lists made by each class of books they would most like to see in their library and parents and staff were invited to donate the various titles. Currently 200 new books have been donated. Each class continues to fund-raise to provide further non fiction titles. The grand opening was timed to be part of a week long set of activities to promote reading and World Book Week in school. June Crebbin, as well as opening the library, spent the whole day with each class helping to inspire the children’s writing which she achieved with some very imaginative results, which were shared by the young authors in front of the whole school assembly. VIP children ( children who had been selected as part of a school wide writing competition, to reward high quality writing) then held a long red ribbon which June cut and the library was officially opened and the VIPs and guests were shown around the new library. The following day was designated World Book Day. The students dressed as their favourite book characters for the day and arrived in school dressed as Mr Men, Cat in the Hat, Oliver Twist, The Ice Witch, Dennis the Menace. You think of a famous book character and probably one of the children would be depicting it. The staff arrived all dressed as characters from Harry Potter books as the pupils were given their first opportunity to read and relax in their new facility.
Owen Lawrence
Next issue out on 14th April • Article/Advert Deadline: 31st March