Brookvale Groby Learning Campus
Groby Street Fair is back Cross Country Team crowned Hinckley and on Sunday June 23rd WHEN preparations for the 2019 Street Fair started the focus was very much on finances. Most of the money comes in on the day, but most of the bills have to be paid in advance. That’s all been sorted out so the Committee is hard at work with the arrangements. It’s not just a case of selling pitches and arranging to hire some tables and chairs. Behind the scenes there’s a lot of paperwork to contend with. The road closure, first aid, licences, insurance, and now something new. Following the Manchester Arena incident there’s much more scrutiny of even minor events to ensure the safety of those who attend. It’s a bit like all those infuriating checks at the airport. Everyone hates them but everyone understands why they are necessary. The safety record at the Street Fair is excellent, and long may that continue. The good news about the Street Fair is that if you put aside just a penny a day per person between now and June 23 you’ll have enough to pay the admission charge. Since 2011 the Street Fair has had over 20,000 visitors and has become the leading community event in the village. With the Groby Sings concerts on the following weekend the second half of June is a time to stay at home and enjoy what is on our doorsteps. With all the admin work linked to such an event under control, the focus over the coming weeks will switch to the detail, including the entertainment which visitors have come to expect. By the time this Spotlight reaches you it is likely that all the available pitches will be booked. There’s a mix of old and new faces and, as always, something for everyone. Plenty of refreshment options will be available for those who want time off from the kitchen. The Committee is small for such an event, so they have to work hard to get everything in place on time. But the Street fair couldn’t happen without the volunteers who turn out to help on the day. If you can spare as little as an hour to help call 0116 2876724, email grobystreetfair@ virginmedia.com or fill in the contact form on https://grobystreetfair.wordpress.com/contact/ As in previous years Markfield Road will be closed for the day and the 29 northbound bus service diverted, but there’ll be a reminder of this nearer the event.
Norman Griffiths
Bosworth Cross Country Champions! CONGRATULATIONS to the Brookvale Groby cross country running team, who have been crowned the inaugural Hinckley and Bosworth Cross Country Champions.
This trophy is designed to encourage more pupils to engage in cross country running at the Leicestershire Schools Cross Country League races. Brookvale Groby runners have been victorious by virtue of getting more students running in each age category than the other secondary schools in our local area. Although we have had some fantastic individual performances, it’s great to be recognised for getting students taking part in physical activity. This photo shows only a small section of the runners who have participated this year. WELL DONE!
Friday Cook & Chat at Groby Community Centre GROBY COMMUNITY Kitchen Cook and Chat takes place every Friday morning between 10am x 12 noon at Groby Community Centre. Jenny O’shea has worked with Borough Council officers, and has managed to rearrange the day for Groby’s Community Kitchen sessions. She has also leaflet dropped around the area. This is an excellent facility which she hopes to expand to ‘Craft and Chat Morning’. Please come along and give it your support as we don’t want to lose it. Remember these sessions are all FREE and available to all sections of the community young and old. So come along every Friday to Groby Community Centre, Forest Rise, Groby between 10am and 12noon during term time. If you are at a loose end, come along and enjoy other people’s company. All the ingredients are provided FREE as is the tea and coffee. If you do not know what to cook please come along and have a chat and a cuppa and support this Community Project.
Letter
Thank you WE WOULD like to say a big ‘Thank You’ to Martin Cartwright, Ozzy O’Shea, and Steven Brown, for all their efforts fighting the battle for us about the planning off Leicester Road, Groby. They all went above and beyond. So THANKS Very Much.
Mr & Mrs Varnham
NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 13TH APRIL- ARTICLES & ADVERT DEADLINE: 29TH MARCH
2
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Letter
An enjoyable Valentine’s Day! HAVING recently moved to Groby, we find the Spotlight an interesting, enjoyable and informative read.
Lifesaving fundraising for Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation defibrillators
Through its pages, we were made aware of the Community Library and its adjoining cafe and on our first visit there, I was persuaded to offer my services to volunteer for a few hours a week serving drinks and delicious cakes. Today was my first, very enjoyable, session and on returning home afterwards, there was the lovely surprise of your prize voucher of a meal for two at the at the Fieldhead Hotel for winning last month’s Wordsearch competition! As it was lunchtime - and Valentine’s Day - my husband and I decided to use the gift right away. Our meals were really delicious and the staff friendly and helpful and though it was our first visit, it will definitely not be our last! So - a huge thank you for making this special day one to really remember.
Diane Tonge
The extraordinary success of Robinson Crusoe IT WAS almost 300 years ago, on 25th April 1719, that Daniel Defoe’s novel Robinson Crusoe was first published. The book is believed to be second only to the Bible in the number of translations made. The author was born Daniel Foe in London in 1860 and added the De to his name when he was 40. His father was a butcher and a Presbyterian, and he himself had thoughts at one time of becoming a Presbyterian minister. He had various business and commercial interests and was declared bankrupt more than once. He was also a journalist and pamphleteer, and in 1703 he was jailed for publishing The Shortest Way with the Dissenters – a rather unsuccessful satire seen as a ‘seditious libel’ – but was released after five months and became a government agent. He turned to fiction and published The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe at the age of 59. Presented as an autobiography by Mr Crusoe, the book was at first thought to be true but was later believed to be based on the experiences of Scottish castaway Alexander Selkirk, who lived for four years on a Pacific island 400 miles west of Chile. Now renamed Robinson Crusoe Island, it bears little resemblance to the island in Defoe’s novel.
SHUTTLEWOOD Clarke Foundation was thrilled to have been nominated as charity of the year in 2018 by Bradgate Rotary Club and Arthur J Gallagher Insurance. The charity is delighted that the monies raised have now been used to install invaluable equipment at the Grange Community Support and Wellbeing centre and Ulverscroft Manor properties. Helen Baxter, Activities Coordinator said “We are so grateful to Bradgate Rotary and Arthur J Gallagher for their generous fundraising for the Foundation. We are delighted to have purchased important lifesaving equipment for the Foundation’s Ulverscroft Grange
Lianne Boyall, Flo Dennis, Louise Moore, Stephen Webb, Martyn Freeman and Manor properties’ She added ‘To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible to give someone the best chance of survival – the new defibrillators are essential to this and we wish to convey our thanks to everyone for supporting the fundraising efforts to make the purchase of defibrillators possible’ For more information regarding the Foundation and its supportive services please contact - Helen Baxter on 01530 244914 - email hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org or visit www.shuttlewood –clarke.org
Don’t you just hate it when your wife asks you to hold her handbag, and it doesn’t match what you’re wearing?
4
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
The mystery of The Rookery culvert A READER has responded to the appeal for information in the February Spotlight about the discovery of a culvert under The Rookery, exposed by Severn Trent when they were trying to find a leaking water pipe. Although not specifically about the culvert it does give an insight to life in Groby before every home had modern facilities. Our reader says that a gentleman who lived in a cottage in Groby, can remember the water being put in. Before the water supply was connected the occupiers used to fetch water from a well. There was an earth toilet in the garden and a horse and cart came and emptied it. She added that a nearby cottage had running water in the 1940’s.
Norman Griffiths
Mobility Scooter found abandoned in Glenfield
You Were Gone By Tim Weaver
Is this your scooter? It was found abandoned in Glenfield on Sunday 17th February 2019. For more information, contact the police on 0116 222 2222 quoting reference LEP170219-0214 Is this your scooter? It was found abandoned in Glenfield on Sunday 17.2.19
How to live longer - eat fibre Call the police on 0116 22 2222 for more information
and quote IF YOUR diet is full of fibre, youLEP-170219-0214 may cut the risk of early death by up to a third.
Fibre is found in fruit, vegetables, wholemeal bread and pasta, as well as high-fibre breakfast cereals. Overall, people who eat such things tend to have lower body weight and lower cholesterol levels, which in turn reduce their chance of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes by up to 24 per cent.
A WOMAN walks into a police station. She has no phone and no ID, just a piece of paper that reads ‘David Raker’. She says she’s his wife. She looks just like her. She knows everything about him. But David buried his wife eight years ago. Is this really the woman he loved? Did he really say goodbye? Or is he losing his mind? Raker needs to find out the truth before it’s too late, because he is now the prime suspect in her disappearance . . .
STRUGGLING FOR STORAGE SPACE IN YOUR HOME? Install a loft ladder and start utilising what could potentially be the largest room in the your home...
01530 261387 - 07515526959 - 07961576020 STARTER PACKAGE DEAL
LOFT STORAGE SOLUTIONS
• 2 Section Aluminium Loft Ladder
At Loft Storage Solutions we respect our customers, that’s why our friendly, local,family run business listens to our clients needs without pushy sales techniques and gimmicks. We cut the jargon and explain clearly and precisely what can be achieved and always work with customers in a professional & respectful manner.
• Pendant Light & Switch • 50sqft Moisture Resistant Flooring
FROM ONLY
£280 all in which includes FREE fitting in less than a day!
From ladder installations to a complete loft transformation including... Stairs, Flooring, Electrics, Windows, Insulation & Plaster Finish.
• Loft Ladders • Loft Staircases • Loft Hatches • Loft Boarding • Roof Windows • Top-Up Insulation • Rafter Insulation • Lighting & Sockets • Complete Storage Rooms For information on our latest package deals visit us at...
www.LeicesterLoftStorage.com Alternatively contact us to discuss your requirements and let us tailor make a package to suit your needs & budget.
Let’s reflect for a moment on all those souls stuck in traffic on their way to the gym to ride stationary bicycles.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Letter
Shortage of dog poo bags? FURTHER to the letter in the February issue of Spotlight, as a responsible dog walker, who picks up any mess, I totally agree with the writer. The problem I find is the lack of ‘Poo-boxes’ around the Chapel Hill/ Glebe Road area - since one was removed following an accident involving a child. Whilst additional facilities wouldn’t totally solve the problem, as I realise some dog owners can’t be bothered to use the ones provided, additional ones or even litter boxes would be useful. I would like to compliment the council on the facilities provided on the Stamford Memorial/Castell Park.
Joy Hyman
New dates released for food safety course
Level 2 Award In Food Safety In Catering FOOD HANDLERS who have not received any formal training are being encouraged to sign up to a food safety course. Charnwood Borough Council runs the Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering and offers people the opportunity to learn the basics of food hygiene. The course is aimed at people who are starting out in the catering industry and require some formal training. Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, the Council’s lead member for regulatory services said “It’s important that people who handle and serve food to the public understand the basics. “Our food safety team has developed this course which is a nationally recognised award to improve people’s knowledge and understanding. I would like to encourage those who have not had any formal training before to sign up for one of the courses available this year.” The course will be held on several dates throughout the next 12 months at the Council’s Southfields Offices in Loughborough. Dates include: • April 4 • July 4 • October 24 • January 23, 2020 People who attend will learn about legislation, food safety hazards, temperature control, food handling and principles of safe food storage. The cost of the course is £50 (including VAT) per person. There are a limited number of places available on each course, so booking early to avoid disappointment is advised. For further information and to book, please contact a member of the food safety team on 01509 634656 or visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/ foodsafetycourse
After 50 years of marriage, my parents have decided to renew their vows of silence.
5
6
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Latest news from Groby Allotment Society End of an era
on the committee this year, reflecting the fact that we have an good number of female plot holders these days.
WE HAD our annual general meeting last month and it marked the end of an era for the management committee as our chairman for over 35 years, John Thornton, decided it was time to stand down as Chair, although thankfully he will still continue to serve on the committee as a valued and experienced committee member. John has been Chair of our committee since it’s inception as a self-managing group of plotholding volunteers. There have been two other long-serving members of the committee, our former Secretary and our former ViceChairman, who stood down from their officer roles a couple of years earlier. Luckily, they are all remaining on the committee to help the ‘newbies’ steer a steady course through, and I for one am very pleased to benefit from their advice! We marked the occasion of John standing down by presenting him with a framed certificate of appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the Society through all those years, as well as a book and a gift voucher. Kathy Griffiths, former Secretary of the Society during most of John’s tenure, gave a warm tribute to his leadership and steer through several difficult times over those years. I wonder if any of the new committee members will be able to chalk up such a long service record?
Spring in February?
John Thornton receives his Certificate of Appreciation from Carol Lincoln The venue for our AGM was Groby Ex-Servicemen’s club, who very kindly allowed us to use their concert room and the audio-visual facilities, and we thank them sincerely for this. As there were no new nominations for committee members before the meeting, the current committee were voted in again for another term of office, although we did receive a late nomination and so will be co-opting that member onto our new committee. Our new chair is Steve Palmer, with new Vice-Chair Richard Woods. What is also very pleasing to report is that we will have an equal number of men and women
THE RECENT SPELL of warm weather, strongly resembling a good summer’s day, saw a sudden flurry of activity on the allotments, not only from plot holders enjoying the warm sunny weather and getting to grips with tidying up plots and getting the ground ready for sowing seeds, but we also saw the emergence of some early pollinators, the odd bee and even a butterfly! This is amazing but also quite scary as there may not be enough of their feeder plants in flower yet for them to feed on. Some of us already have flowers on our young crops, such as broad bean plants and we are all worried that there may not be enough of their pollinators to ensure our beans are ‘set’ or that the return of normal weather for this time of year, with occasional frosts, may kill off our tender plants and flowers. To help to attract more pollinators to my plot this season, I’m going to add some extra flowering plants, such as borage and poached egg plants in addition to the lavender, foxgloves, comfrey, phacelia and marigolds that I currently grow. I’ll also have another go at growing some sunflowers again this year, and just maybe, I might be in with a chance to win that tallest sunflower competition this time!
Carol Lincoln
Call the team you can trust.
ELECTRICIAN A one-stop professional & reliable service ♦Fixed Wiring Testing ♦Landlord Certification ♦Expert Fault Finding ♦Fuse Board Upgrades ♦Extra Sockets & Lights ♦Electric Heating
Testimonials on Trustatrader “The whole experience was professionally & efficiently managed, courteous & friendly. I am completely satisfied with the work done.” Mr T J Norris Testimonials on Trustatrader “Incredibly tidy, friendly and professional. A pleasure to have around, extremely honest and considerate. Superb service all round.” Mr McVeigh
♦Complete Rewiring (with minimal disruption)
WITH UPTO
25%
♦Cottage Specialists ♦Electrics Showers (Inc. Plumbing) ♦Security (Alarms, CCTV, Lights) ♦Free No Obligation Quotes
DISCOUNT We are also giving away
FREE Upgrade to Triple Glazing on all Windows FREE Downpipes with all Fascia Soffits
Control Electrics (Leics.) Ltd
Call: 0116 268 2910
OFF ANY UPVC PRODUCTS FITTED WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF ORDER
and Guttering
• Windows • Doors • Conservatories • Porches • Roofline
Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BR
All Jewellery Repairs Rings sized, reclawed & stones set
Before
After
Un-usable Conservatory? Too cold in the winter? Too hot in the summer?
Chains, earrings and bracelets repaired
SYKES JEWELLERS
Convert your Conservatory into a room you can use all year round with our amazing Equinox® Tiled Roof System.
Call Now 0116 231 4976 or 0116 253 8866 Email: awslimited@aol.com Web: www.absolutewindowsolutions.co.uk
Comissions designed & handmade
Tel - 0116 236 2510 www.sykesjewellers.co.uk 8 Bradgate Road, Anstey, LE7 7AA
Absolute Window Solutions Limited 52 Woodgate, Leicester LE3 5GF
Registration No 33200
Membership No AMG.10.13
Company Reg No: 07083945 Vat Reg No 986 1185 84
I was all excited about making cool custom ringtones and then I remembered no-one calls me.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Beware of dating fraud
Letter
MIDDLE-AGED women who are open to a bit of romance should be careful: they are in the age group which is most vulnerable to dating fraudsters.
THREE YEARS ago I germinated a number of horse chestnuts, over the past three years I have presided over their ongoing growth.
Dating fraud begins online. You think you have met someone rather special on that dating website, app or social media. But as your friendship develops, they suddenly hit a crisis, and need to borrow some money…. Later you find out that the attractive photograph they sent you was not them. And you will never find out who ‘they’ really were. Last year ‘romance fraud’ cost vulnerable people more than £50million. Action Fraud, the police’s national fraud unit, warns: “Fraudsters are cruelly targeting the most vulnerable people in our society to make them part with their cash and personal details. If you think you or a friend or family member has been a victim, report it.”
Offer of Horse Chestnut Trees I believe now is the time to plant out these saplings. Unfortunately my efforts to offer these saplings to local parish and county councils have proved fruitless. As we approach the ending of the planting season for saplings, as a last resort, I am offering them to anyone who would be willing to plant them out. However please understand that these are Horse Chestnut trees which over time can grow to approximately 30 to 40 feet high with a width of similar proportions, and are therefore not appropriate for local gardens. People with extremely large acreage such as farmers or large estates would be the ideal solution. Trees of this nature when fully matured will provide shelter and shade to farm and common animals alike, and in turn provide plenty of ammunition for any budding professional conker players. These of course will be provided free of charge to anyone who wants them. Please note that these saplings are still very young and are only approximately 3 to 4 foot tall at present, however I’m a local resident with an average sized garden with limited space, therefore if these are not claimed this year then I will be forced to dispose of them which would be a shame. My telephone number for enquiries is 07505 963 910. Thank you for taking the time to read this request.
Tim Dakin
7
It’s time to get moving!
IT IS ALMOST April – time to get the family outside and enjoy more exercise! One in three children are doing less than 30 minutes exercise a day, according to a recent Sport England report. That means that 2.3million kids nationwide do less than half the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended level of daily activity of at least an hour. As one expert said: “This is a big wake up call. Parents need to get active alongside their children so that exercise feels like a normal thing to do.”
I wish conversations were like user agreements where I could skip to the end and just agree.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
8
County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea County Councils Budget Increase April 2019 A budget balancing surging demand for services and tough financial challenges has been agreed by Leicestershire County Council. On Wednesday 20th February 2019, the authority finalised its four-year plan which will see £94m spent more on services - mainly due to growing demand for social care and special educational needs and disability support - and savings of £75m. £75m savings, including: • Reducing SEND costs by investing up to £30m to create more school places locally • Recruiting more in-house foster carers to reduce expensive placements • Reducing adult social care costs by managing demand and reviewing contracts and personal budget allocations • Generating more from property investment and commercial activity • Reducing back office costs by maximising digital technology and simplifying processes • Implementing initiatives that improve the council’s efficiency and productivity. The council’s share of council tax will rise by 3.99 per cent from April. This equates to £1 a week for band D property and generates an extra £12m to invest in supporting vulnerable people. Most of this will be used to support the growth in the number of adult social care service users and children in care. Deputy council leader, Byron Rhodes said: “These are challenging times. Rising demand for services - especially special educational needs and disability support - is ramping up pressure on our budgets. Add uncertainty about local government funding into the picture, and we could see more
trouble ahead. But, taking tough decisions and saving £200m since 2010 has put us in a strong position, especially compared to other councils. And with savings, our books balance for two years before we see a shortfall. As the lowest funded county, we’re using our finite resources to invest in supporting vulnerable people, set out a significant capital programme without borrowing a penny and have been named the most productive council for the second year. Securing funding reform remains key. That’s why we’re continuing to work with Government ministers and do everything we can to bring about a long-term, sustainable, costed funding plan for councils.”
Street Lighting on Sacheverell Way, Groby Residents will be aware that I campaigned with the community to save the street lights on Sacheverell Way back in 2013 when the County Council wanted to decommission them. I was shocked when I received the following email from the Manager of the street lighting depart at Highways: As part of our ongoing programme of electrical testing, the columns along the route were inspected last week and a number of defects were noted with the columns themselves. We followed up with a detailed visual inspection which confirmed that 25+ columns exhibited severe corrosion at known weak points around the base and shaft, with some holes being visible with the naked eye. It is clear that these columns are now life-expired, having been installed in 1983, and are a safety risk to highway users
– accordingly, we will be taking down the affected columns as soon as is practicable. You will be aware that, in line with current industry thinking and the latest Code of Practice (Well Managed Highway Infrastructure), the County Council has adopted a risk-based approach to the management of its assets and an officer has been tasked with reviewing the way forward on this matter. The review will include an analysis of accident data, the road condition, traffic counts etc and, once completed, a recommendation will be made to the Asset Manager. At this time, the options under consideration will include:- De-commissioning the lights, except those at the junctions with Ratby Road, Laundon Way and Leicester Road; - Installing replacement lights designed to current standards, under a regime of part-night lighting. Further to my email of 12th February 2019 regarding the issues with the street lighting on Sacheverell Way, I can now update you as follows:The total number of columns found to be unsafe was 35 and they have all been taken down on safety grounds; We have ordered new traffic and pedestrian counts on the route; We have requested data on the night-time accident history along the route; We have arranged for an inspection of the highway to be undertaken to review the condition of the road markings and studs. Now that the extent of the column and cabling replacement work is known, we will also be working-up a price for the various options under consideration. Residents have approached me
complaining of the lack of lighting and have raised concerns for both the safety of pedestrians and motorists using Sacheverell Way at night. I fully support their concerns and I want to see them replaced. To that end I am asking residents and the Parish Council to support me in my campaign to have the street lights reinstalled. I have left Petitions in Wilsons Convenience Store, Pricegate, both Co-Ops, The Library and Post Office in Groby and well as the shops and the Library in Ratby. There is also a cut out and return form at the bottom of this page. I have already met with Blake Pain the Cabinet member for Highways on Sacheverell way pointing out my concerns.
Old Highway Land, Leicester Road, Groby. I attended the planning Committee meeting on Tuesday 19th February at The Hinckley Hub and I spoke on behalf of residents to the committee. I raised the flooding concerns and I also asked the planning committee to look at the first two properties overlooking Daisy Close and Bluebell Drive and to consider making them Dormer Bungalows to prevent the overlooking effect on those properties. I was annoyed that not one member of the planning committee moved an amendment to prevent this overlooking issue. The Plans were passed for the 30 houses.
Road Noise A50 Bradgate Hill Lena Drive Groby In 2017 I was contacted by a resident complaining of road noise from the A50 at the junction of Lena Drive. I requested that Highways engineers carry out inspection. Officers found a loose Severn Trent
I support Councillor Ozzy O'shea Campaign to reinstate the Street Lighting along Sacheverell Way, Groby.
Name Address
Signature Date Please post to Groby Parish Council, Village Hall, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DQ
Groby Post Office, 32 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ Or Ozzy O'shea 19 Heathbrook Drive, Ratby, Leicestershire LE60XB.
Told the doctor I thought I had athlete’s foot. He looked at me and said, ‘I don’t think you have athlete’s anything.’
#
#
I urge the County Council to reinstate the lights on Sacheverell Way on Health and Safety Grounds. This road is a very busy and fast road even though it is restricted to 40mph. Speeding is an issue and the police safety camera van regularly monitors traffic. Sacheverell Way is a HGV route, a Diversion route, it is also used by walkers, joggers, lone females who now feel unsafe. School children some of whom attend after school classes also heavily use this road and need lighting on Health and Safety Grounds.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
( Tel: 0116 239 4336
search through an insecure vehicle and take your items. When securing your vehicle insure that when you do lock your vehicle via the key remote control is to ‘MANUALLY’ check the handle to ensure that it is locked. If you do have a vehicle with keyless entry or with a push start button then please ensure that you get a signal blocker pouch and keep keys away from your main door.
Mobile: 07808 585825
Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk or ozzyoshea@hotmail.com manhole cover. I pursued this with Severn Trent and arranged for the repair with their complaints team. However this did not improve the road noise for the resident who contacted me again later in the year. I again asked for another inspection the Highways engineer responded by saying ‘I have inspected the condition of the carriageway surface, and did not find anything which I consider to be a defect requiring remedial works at present. ‘I appreciate your frustration with the noise which is being created, and it is noted that empty lorries in particular can create noise when travelling over the slightest of irregularities in the road surface. I can confirm that irregularities in the surface at present are only minor, and as stated do not warrant any treatment at this point in time. ‘They will, however, be monitored through our usual inspection regimes. I have been made aware again that these problems still exist and I have asked the Director of Highways to look into this issue on behalf of the residents.’
Anti-social behaviour Residents will be aware that I work closely with the police. I have received numerous complaints of ASB in Groby. Locations being on Stephenson’s Way and Quarry Park. Damage has been caused to a bench supplied by the Royal British Legion and Litter Bins owned by the Borough Council.Local residents were also targeted. I have worked with both the police and the Borough Council to take positive action. I have arranged for CCTV to be put in place by the Borough Council. If you have any information, please contact me in confidence or if incidents are occurring please ring the police on 101.
New Footpath Sacheverell Way Groby The New Footpath linking Sacheverell way with the Ivanhoe Trail finally opened on Friday 1st March. The developer has also
established a crossing point on Sacheverell Way.
Lonely Hearts Romance Fraudster Alert The NFIB have become aware of techniques used by romance fraudsters against people using dating sites. Not only will they steal your heart they will steal your money and your identification. You think you’ve met the perfect partner through an online dating website or app, but the other person is using a fake profile to form a relationship with you. They’re using the site to gain your trust and ask you for money or enough personal information to steal your identity. A dating fraudster, previously involved in deceiving people that wanted a friendship explained how they would create fake accounts with social media platforms so that their details matched and could be searched. By appearing to be a real person their fake persona could be corroborated by prospective partners searching their background and believe them to be genuine. The fraudster said: “People like to live in fairy tales to say it won’t happen to me. I make sure all my conversations are bespoke. I will show insecurity myself about trusting people and this helps allude to them that I’m genuine.” The fraudster will also utilise as many accessible online research tools to explore people’s information for their own personal gain or sell onwards. The fraudster elaborated and explained: “I use various online directories to find out about the person. Once I have enough, I use it to milk everything I can using their details or sell them on to other fraudsters via the dark web” When asked how people could check if a person is real. The romance fraudster offered advice for others searching for a relationship. They told us that after you see a picture of them: “Ask for them to send you another photo of themselves posing with their thumbs up or waving. It’s like a
9
Trading Standards Advice On Buying A Used Vehicle
form of two-factor authentication and makes it hard to do if it’s not an original picture” What you need to do • Avoid sharing too many personal details when on online dating profiles. Revealing your full name, date of birth, or full home address may lead to your identity being stolen. • Never respond to any requests to send money, or have money transferred into your account by someone you don’t know and trust. These types of requests should always raise a red flag. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. • Pick a reputable dating website or app, and use the built-in messaging service. Fraudsters want to quickly switch to social media or texting so there’s no evidence of them asking you for money.
Did You Know That It Takes Under 60 Seconds To Steal Items From Your Vehicle Police have unfortunately seen an increase of Theft from motor Vehicles. It appears too many people are still leaving valuables in their vehicles and not locking up correctly. Please see attached educational video for your information. The video clearly shows how this criminal conveniently takes expensive items from the vehicle. The only thing he does is walks along the street checking car doors to then have the opportunity to
As your County Councillor I work closely with Trading Standards. Did you know as many as 1 in 16 cars could have clocked mileage, according to new research? Leicestershire Trading Standards are warning consumers to beware of buying second-hand cars and advise to check a vehicle’s history thoroughly before buying it. If buying online ensure you view the car before paying for it in full. Some scammers offer cars for sale that don’t exist. For more advice, visit Citizens Advice at http://ow.ly/ f51e30nHgbr or call 03454 040506 for advice or to report a trader. TOP TIP: Did you know you can check the MOT history which shows previous defects/advisory on the vehicle by entering the registration number. It can also give you an idea regarding the mileage history if it has been clocked? I would recommend buyers to purchase an ‘HPI check’ which you can purchase online via a simple Google search to give you the cars instant history and check if it is stolen. https://www.gov.uk/checkmot-history 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 2394336 Mobile 07808585825 Email Ozzy.O’Shea@ leics.gov.uk Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com
Julie’s Pet Care SERVICES
Pet Minding
Tel: 07934 686692 Email: Julie.petcareservice@gmail.com
Dog Walking CRB Checked I do all my own stunts, but never intentionally.
From £5
10
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Why we are turning to soap bars
Letter from Uncle Eustace
On why a vicar should avoid wedding receptions The Rectory St James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren My generous offer to take last week’s marriage service for you in your church, so that you could attend your weekend plumbing course, proved most unwise. You may now be qualified to unblock church hall kitchen sinks, but I will not be taking another marriage ceremony for you again, no matter how much you have set your heart on that electrician’s course next year, so that you can re-wire the vestry. At first, I was delighted when the bride’s mother called, inviting me to the reception. I assumed that somewhere called Charnley Hall would be a most fitting location, full of oak floors and waiters bearing sherry to guests. I did not realise until too late that it is only the rather dubious pub next door to your church. At least I had been placed with the happy couple and both sets of parents. Then it slowly dawned on me: I was there to stop the bride’s mother from attacking her newly-acquired son-in-law. My presence may have kept an uneasy peace at our table, but it had no such effect on some of the others. Well before the speeches, bride’s and groom’s supporters were exchanging snide remarks and bitter looks. Then all hell broke loose: a bridesmaid slapped an usher and burst into tears. That was the starting signal for the liveliest wedding reception I have ever attended: chairs were knocked about, plates broken, wedding cake thrown, flowers snapped in two, and memorable insults exchanged. Of course, I could cope with all that, but then someone snatched the bottle of champagne that had been placed in front of me. They were going to waste it by breaking it on someone’s head. I knew then that things had gone far enough. It took but an instant for me to leap to my feet, lean over the table, and grab my bottle back. Unfortunately, that was when the police arrived. Were our churchwarden, Lord Jelleby to have been on the bench that day, matters could have been settled quite amicably. It was not to be: you may enthusiastically pass the peace in your church; I am now bound over to keep it. Your loving uncle,
Eustace
IT’S OFFICIAL: we are buying more soap bars these days. And that is a good thing. It is all a part of the major consumer backlash against unnecessary plastic waste. More and more of us want eco-friendly versions of our everyday needs. Thus, we have ‘bags for life’, loose fruit and veg, and now – bars of soap. Liquid soaps took off in the 1990s and was marketed as more hygienic than barred soap. But since then, numerous scientific studies have found this to be myth. And in the meantime, hundreds of millions of plastic bottles full of soap have been used once – and thrown into the environment. Whereas with a bar of soap, once it is gone, it is really gone.
UNBEATABLE
BOILER
5663
OFFER Ga
s Boil er s
£1,350* Fitted * Plus V.A.T. Terms & cond
PRIC MAT E PRO CH MISE
itions apply.
• UP TO 10 YEARS WARRANTY • COMPETITIVE FINANCE FROM £7 PER • NO DEPOSIT OPTIONS • FREE SURVEY & FIXED PRICE QUOTES
WEEK Installer
GREAT VALUE & NO SURPRISES from your local heating company since 1994 Drop in to see us: 13 Leicester Road, Groby, LE6 0DQ
0116 287 8000 Every person has a story to tell, which is why I never talk to people.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
11
Parish Council election Thursday 2 May Becoming a Councillor IN MAY there will be a Parish Council election. If you think that you have something to offer the community by becoming a Parish Councillor now is the time to act, as nomination papers have to be completed and returned to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council between 22 March and 4pm on Wednesday 3 April. It’s an unpaid role but very important as the Councillors make decisions which affect the lives of Groby’s residents and determine how the Council spends some of the Council Tax that is collected. If there is an ideal Parish Council it is probably one where the members have diverse ages, genders, ethnicity, backgrounds, skills and life experience but the same objective – to serve the community. You may wish to become a Councillor but feel that standing in an election is a bold step, or think that not getting elected might be a little embarrassing. If this is the case you should consider the two options. The first is completing the nomination papers by 3 April. There are 16 seats on the Parish Council. Filling them all isn’t easy, and the Council often runs with unfilled vacancies. If there are no more than 16 nominations there will be no ballot box, the nominees will be returned unchallenged. If you would like to become a candidate for this election, you can contact the Clerk at the Parish Council (0116 287 6985) or complete the contact form on the Borough Council website. If you have the stamina follow these links from the Home Page - My Council then Find Out About My Councillor then Become a Councillor then Contact Form. The second is the wait and see option. If you don’t submit the nomination the Council will be formed without you, but there may be vacancies. These will then be advertised and will provide an opportunity to be co-opted to the Council. If you take this route you now place your application in the hands of the other councillors, not the electors, and you will probably be asked to answer a question from each councillor at a co-option meeting. You will then leave the chamber in order that they may discuss your application and decide whether you should be co-opted. There may be more co-option candidates than vacancies.
Register to vote Deadline11.59pm, 12 April
Postal Votes • Deadline to apply for, change or cancel a postal vote – 5pm, 15 April • First despatch of Postal Votes (pre-existing & borough only) – 11 April • Second despatch of Postal Votes (borough & parish) – 18 April • Replacement postal ballot papers for those lost or spoilt may be requested between 26 April and 5pm, 2 May
Proxy Votes • Deadline to apply for, change or cancel a proxy vote – 5pm, 24 April • Deadline to apply for an emergency proxy (for reasons of occupation or health occurring after 24 April) – 5pm, 2 May
Norman Griffiths
0116 234 0548 We can take care of every detail, advise and help you on each and every step of the way. • Qualified Funeral Directors • Floral Tributes arranged • Hearse, Limousines and alternatives available • Monumental Service • Car parking available
• Online tribute and donation profile • Catering suite • Chapels of rest • Funeral plans available • 24 hour service
Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred.
Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 7AT Email: talbotthouse@ansteyfunerals.com Website: www.ansteyfunerals.com
If a man says he’ll fix it, he will. There is no need to remind him every 6 months about it.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
12
Coming up at De Mont Horrible Histories WE ALL want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare yourselves for two amazing shows with Horrible Histories live on stage! Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows are guaranteed to thrill you and your children. Historical figures and events will come alive on stage and hover at your fingertips!
Awful Egyptians
Saturday 23rd March 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Coffee Morning Hot Drinks & Refreshments Raffle Admission Free Donations of quality items would be appreciated
From the fascinating Pharaohs to the power of the pyramids, discover the foul facts of death and decay with the meanest mummies in Egypt. Are you ready to rumble with Ramesses the Great? Dare you enter through the Gates of the Afterlife? It’s the history of Egypt with the nasty bits left in! Performances: Thursday 18 April 7pm, Friday 19 April 2pm, Saturday 20 April 7pm, Sunday 21 April 11am
Terrible Tudors From the horrible Henries to the end of evil Elizabeth, hear the legends (and the lies!) about the torturing Tudors. Find out the fate of Henry’s headless wives and his punch up with the Pope. Meet Bloody Mary and see Ed fall dead in his bed. Survive the Spanish Armada as it sails into the audience! Performances: Wednesday 17 April 7pm, Thursday 18 April 2pm, Friday 19 April 7pm, Saturday 20 April 2pm, Sunday 21 April 3pm To book, visit www.demontforthall.co.uk or tel: 0116 233 3111.
IDC Home Maintenance
Local Family run business with over 40 years experience Huge range of samples at competitive prices – carpets, vinyls, LVT including Karndean and safety flooring, Suppliers and installers of all contract flooring
Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL From changing a light bulb to complete house re-decoration. For all the jobs you need to do but simply don’t have time.
For a free quotation please call Ian on:
01530 245461
Home Selection Service available or take samples home to choose your new carpet,
07885 541428
Web site: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held
vinyl or LVT
Flooring supplied and fitted quickly
Free estimates and measuring service
Visit our shop at:
2 Arnolds Crescent, Newbold Verdon. LE9 9LD Tel: 01455 828300 View our website at:
www.jbcarpetsandflooring.co.uk Or find us on Facebook
or
3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire
at: JB Carpets & Flooring
Therapy has taught me that it is all your fault.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
The Establishment And How They get Away With It By Owen Jones BEHIND our democracy lurks a powerful but unaccountable network of people who wield massive power and reap huge profits in the process. In exposing this shadowy and complex system that dominates our lives, Owen Jones sets out on a journey into the heart of our Establishment, from the lobbies of Westminster to the newsrooms, boardrooms and trading rooms of Fleet Street and the City. Exposing the revolving doors that link these worlds, and the vested interests that bind them together, Jones shows how, in claiming to work on our behalf, the people at the top are doing precisely the opposite. In fact, they represent the biggest threat to our democracy today - and it is time they were challenged.
13
Don’t let the scammers fool you SCAMMERS use clever techniques to part people from their money and gain their personal details that are then used to commit fraud. Trading Standards has some tips as to how you can avoid becoming a victim of scams and protect your personal and financial information. • Don’t assume those contacting you, whether that is over the phone, by e-mail or in person, are genuine, even if they tell you information about yourself or show you some kind of identify card that looks ‘official’. Contact the organisation they claim to be from to check they are genuine using the details on their website rather than any the caller gives you • Remember, a genuine organisation will never ask you for security details such as your PIN or passwords. If you’re not 100% sure who you are talking to, DON’T give out ANY personal or financial information, even if you are told you have been a victim of fraud or a scam. • Be confident to refuse unusual requests for your personal or financial information. Don’t be afraid to end conversations you’re not comfortable with. • Sign up to the Mail Preference Service (0207 291 3310) and Telephone Preference Service (0345 070 0707) to stop unwanted e-mails and telephone calls To report a trader to Trading Standards or for consumer advice contact Citizens Advice on 03454 040506. You can also report non-emergency matters to your local Police on 101. Furthermore Severn Trent Water has recently advised us that they can setup a password if anyone has to attend your premises. This is obviously to reduce the fraudsters faking they are from the company cold calling at your door and to reduce Distraction Burglaries. Only the owner will know the password and so should the ‘real’ staff from Severn Trent Water.
rt o p up ers s e as vertis e l P ad n! a c r ou f you i
RUGS - we are CLEANING SPECIALISTS traditional Persian or Chinese, Gabbeh or Kilim, we even love Wiltons and Shaggy ones!
Hard floor cleaning On site curtain cleaning Rugs, including oriental and antique All types of upholstery, especially leather
01530 244900 07825 795558 www.sjscarpetcleaners.co.uk ■
WE ARE LOCAL AND IDEALLY LOCATED IN MARKFIELD
CHECK OUT QUALITY OF OUR SERVICE ON SJS GOOGLE REVIEWS FOR BOTH LEICESTER AND LOUGHBOROUGH
A guy just yelled at me for texting and driving. I told him to get off my bonnet and mind his own business.
14
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
News from Groby WI
Coming up at CURVE
FIRST OF ALL I would like to thank Margaret, Marilyn and anyone else who contributed to the WI page in Spotlight for the past two months in my absence, your input is greatly appreciated.
ON YOUR FEET! is the inspiring true love story of Emilio and Gloria and charts their journey from its origins in Cuba, onto the streets of Miami and finally to international superstardom and features some of the most iconic pops songs of the era, including ‘Rhythm is Gonna Get You’, ‘Conga’, ‘Get On Your Feet’, ‘Don’t Want To Lose You Now’ and ‘1-2-3’.
In January, my husband, John, and I went on holiday to Singapore and Australia and it was an amazing experience overall. We watched the Australian Tennis Open in Melbourne, had a 24 hour luxury train journey across the outback to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock where it was a sizzling 45 degrees, had torrential rain for four days in Cairns, the worst they have had for 100 years and climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, not bad for someone who is terrified of heights! The rain was so bad in Cairns that a planned trip to a crocodile park had to be cancelled because the lake had flooded so badly that the crocodiles had escaped! Anyway back to earth enjoying the beautiful spring weather we have been having at home bringing with it the beautiful blossom on the trees, the delightful snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils. In February, a group of us went to the Concordia Theatre in Hinckey to see Funny Girl, a very enjoyable trip with some good American accents and memorable singers. When I was sorting through some of my mum’s things recently, I came across a full page article that had appeared in The Leicester Mercury in 1962 about Groby WI and it made extremely interesting reading. I brought it to the February meeting for members to read. It showed a picture of my much younger mum, Evelyn Ward, who was the treasurer at that time and also Beryl Richardson, Irene Atkins and Marion Irons. I remember all of these ladies really well, in fact Mrs Richardson taught me french at junior school many years ago! I’m sure some of the older Groby residents will remember these names. The speaker at our February meeting was Pat Hall and the subject was ‘Life Can Be Funny’. We were not quite sure what to expect when quite a petite, gentle looking lady, probably in her mid to late seventies appeared, and she lived in a small village on the Staffordshire / Derbyshire border. What followed was over an hour of utter hilarity reducing every member almost to tears at times, so refreshing at this time of Brexit and general doom and gloom in the news. She recited poems that she had written, talked about a bra buying trip to Derby, sex education in school in the 1960s, paper patterns for ‘undies that enchant’ and read several articles from old copies of Good Housekeeping. She also told us the ten top inventions over the past 100 years. Her talk ended in rapturous applause and I personally think it was one of the best speakers we have had. Mrs Hall had watched me scribbling notes for The Spotlight and approached me at the end of the talk asking me not to write any details of the subjects she had talked about, which is a great shame but I do understand that it is her unique material and she did not want it appearing at a later date on social media so I’m sorry folks that I can’t share some of the brilliant tales that she told! After our talk we had our usual tea and coffee but also some delicious cakes and biscuits provided by members. Donations were made for these and will be given to a charity supporting local domestic abuse victims. • WE HAVE SEVERAL theatre trips coming up thanks to Diane’s continuing hard work, and also our annual dinner on 7th March which is to be held this year at Kirby Golf Club, so lots of things to look forward to so if you fancy joining us, our next meeting is on Thursday 21st March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. Our speaker will be Liz Robertson from Rothley Vineyard talking about wine making and hopefully bringing a few samples with her! If you would like more information about Groby WI go to our website at: http://www.grobywi.org
Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is the most successful Latin crossover performer in the history of pop music. In addition to her 38 number 1 hits across the Billboard charts, Gloria recorded the Oscar-nominated song ‘Music of My Heart’ and has received numerous honours and awards over the course of her illustrious career. Emilio Estefan is a founding member of the pioneering Miami Sound Machine, who created a brand new Latin crossover sound – fusing infectious Cuban rhythms with American pop and disco. Combined, they have won a staggering 26 Grammy awards. The Tony Award® nominated show ran on Broadway for two years, playing for over 750 performances. It is currently on a two year US tour, whilst the production in Holland continues until August. On Your Feet! is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), with choreography by Olivier Award-winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and book by Academy Award® winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman). MON 3 JUN — SAT 8 JUN 2019 To book, visit www.curveonline.co.uk or tel: 0116 242 3595
Ruth Rolinson My dentist makes the best false teeth. They’re so lifelike, they even ache.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
15
Help for the needy
Do you know of anyone living in Groby who might benefit from financial assistance? THEN CONSIDER the Thomas Herbert Smith’s Trust Fund. The Fund provides and supports with the object of improving the conditions of life for inhabitants of Groby. It has interests in social welfare by providing facilities for the aged and poor or those who are sick or in distress. It also considers applications involving recreation and other leisuretime activities.
FAST FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SAMSUNG
BOSCH
Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7kg Load Capacity A+++ Rated 5yr Guarantee
Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7kg Load Capacity A+++ Rated Express Wash
WW70J556MW
14 Programmes
So who was Thomas Herbert Smith? Well, he was a Groby businessman, who died in 1961 after which a charitable trust was set up from his Estate with aims interpreted to assist individuals or groups who are experiencing hardship in one or more of the ways listed above. So if you know of a Groby resident or group that might benefit from the Trust please let the Clerk to the Trustees, who administers the fund on a day-to-day basis, know by telephoning 01162 835345 or by e mailing andrew_york@sky.com or by post at 6 Magnolia Close, Leicester, LE2 8PS and he will help with making the application.
Netball Now sessions in Syston NEW NETBALL sessions are giving women a flexible way to play the sport. Charnwood Borough Council’s Active Charnwood team is hosting the Netball Now sessions at Wreake Valley Academy in Syston. They’re aimed at women over 16 who simply want to turn up and play without any coaching or commitments. Sessions cost £3 and all you need to do is turn up and bring appropriate footwear. The sessions get underway on Thursday April 18, 6.30pm-7.30pm. If you want more information, contact Sam Chamberlain at samantha.chamberlain@charnwood.gov.uk or tel: 01509 632534.
WAN28001GB
15 Programmes
Blomberg
SAMSUNG
Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7Kg Load Capacity 28 Min Fast Full Load 16 Programmes A+++AB Rated
Washing Machine 1400rpm Spin Speed 7kg Load Capacity A+++ Rated 5yr Guarantee
LWF27441
WW70J5555EX
14 Programmes
BOSCH
BEKO
Built-In Dishwasher 12 Place Settings 4 Programmes Time Delay Noise Level 50db A+ Rated
Built-in Single Oven Electric A Rated 66 Ltrs Stainless Steel Fan Assisted
SMV40C40GB
Fitted Kitchens We are pleased to announce that we are now agents for A.W.E Kitchens and Bedrooms Who specialise in Bespoke made to measure kitchen & bedroom furniture Please call in for further details
FREE DELIVERY with Personal Service
“Ask About our Same Day/Next Day Installation and Removal Service”
I lost my dog, so I put an advert in the paper saying ‘Here, boy!’
CIF81X
ANSTEY
16
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Anti- Social Behaviour
SADLY I have to report that there has been increasing vandalism and anti -social behaviour (ASB) in the village. In the evenings groups of young people have been gathering around the memorial seat which was situated at the corner of Stephenson Way, Martinshaw Lane and Forest Rise. The seat has recently become a focal point for large groups of young people and has resulted in local residents suffering litter, graffiti and damage to property. The lid of the adjacent waste bin being forced off and placed in the middle of the road endangering motorists. Recently on a Friday evening the seat was completely ripped out of the ground and what was particularly disgraceful was that the top rail of the bench carrying the commemorative inscription was actually sawn through. Police patrols in the area have now been stepped up and the seat has been removed. The seat which was donated to the village by the Royal British Legion has been a benefit to Senior Citizens for a number of years and was placed there at their request. Other incidents of vandalism in the village which were also reported include setting fire to bins, scrawling objectionable graffiti on pavements and on the BMX track. The advice from the Police to residents who may witness vandalism or anti- social behaviour is to ring 101 immediately and that way we may get an increased Police presence back in the village.
Ted Hollick Groby Parish & Ward Borough Councillor
Strictly Star salsas with patients at LOROS
STRICTLY Come Dancing star Ian Waite sashayed into LOROS Hospice on Thursday where he wowed patients and nurses with his dancing – and even led a class of sit-down salsa. The It Takes Two presenter met patients in the LOROS Day Therapy service who grilled him on his days as a Strictly Pro as well as joining the Latin American champion in his salsa lesson alongside nurses and carers. Ian said: “I’ve had a wonderful day here at LOROS. I had such a warm welcome from the patients and staff. It was lovely to bring a smile to people’s faces. “I was a bit apprehensive that it would be very sad here but actually it’s not like that at all. I’ve really enjoyed it. “My grandmother-in-law, Pauline, is a long-standing volunteer at LOROS and she explained what a positive atmosphere there is here, and it’s true. We all had a great time.” One lucky patient Margaret, 87, took a turn round the dance floor with Ian to the Vera Lynn song the Anniversary Waltz. Her daughter, Sally Mitton, said: “She absolutely loved it. Ian made her day. She used to go to balls with my Dad but probably hasn’t danced for 40 years. It all just came back to her. “I’d like to thank Ian for taking the time – it made all the difference to my mum.” After visiting LOROS, Ian was off to a pub quiz to raise more funds for the Hospice.
I’m so old, I can remember going through an entire day without taking a picture of anything.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Scouting in Groby! IT HAS been a busy month for Groby Scout Group. The committee have been repairing the HQ following another spate of vandalism and have been working on future improvements for the building. They have just been awarded a grant to help with the costs. The Beavers (6-8 Yrs) have learnt about different disabilities and took part in a obstacle course blindfolded while their partner helped them round by giving a hand or directions. The Cubs (8-10 Yrs) played large scale hungry hippos and re purposed 2ltr drinks bottle into flying pigs during their environmental badge night. They enjoyed learning how to use chopsticks as part of the Chinese new year celebrations. The Scouts (10-14 Yrs) along with the Explorers made up a number of different groups and hiked at night across to Anstey and Newtown Linford before returning to Groby for a sleepover at the HQ. On the way they completed challenge bases en route including making a human clove hitch, sending a message in Morse code, cooking pancakes and an anagram challenge. Some of our explorers even rescued a motor cyclist from a ditch! The Explorers (14-18 Yrs) made and used Marble Runs, competed in a Crystal Maze competition, completed a Scavenger Hunt, and had a night of Mocktails, Skittles and Darts. The young members planning to go to the up coming Jamborees in Poland, USA and the UK are all hard at work fundraising to raise the funds themselves. Including re-cycling crisp packets, selling tuck shop sweets at section meetings, Curry nights, Fashion shows, Music concerts and running raffles at any event they can. You will see them at the Groby Street fair in the summer. Thanks to all the fantastic volunteers that give up their free time to give the youngsters these opportunities. If you want to join in the fun of volunteering then please get in touch, you will find us on social media.
Groby Scout Group
Website Worth a Visit 5-Minute Crafts on YouTube THIS HAS to be one of the most addictive websites on the world wide web. If you enjoy watching short videos of fun diy-projects and crafts, this is the website for you. It is packed with tricks to make your life MUCH easier. Apparently, over 51 million people subscribe to the site ...
The toughest part of a job interview is finding the exact right moment to go in for the kiss.
17
18
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
THIS HAS NOTHING to do with Buckingham Palace, but it is a strange coincidence that the Ivy that has crept up the fence posts at the Ratby Road allotments has a somewhat surreal resemblance to the bearskin hats worn by the Queen’s Guard. The Queen’s Guard changes frequently, but it took over 35 years for the Allotment Guard to change and for the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and the Secretary to pass on their responsibilities and become simply Committee members. They probably never thought when the Society was formed in 1983 that their were dedicating themselves to decades of voluntary service. Their focus at that time was protecting the allotments from development, as the Parish and Borough Councils were discussing a land swap deal that would allow housing development on part of Ratby Road Allotments. Statutory allotments do have limited protection from development but it was thought that if it wasn’t stopped and the Secretary of State gave permission for this proposal there would be more to come, and depending on housing densities this could mean up to 100 new homes. As a developer might find it difficult to gain permission to provide an additional access onto an already congested Ratby Road this might have meant more than 200 cars rat running through Glebe Road, Crane Ley Road and Pymm Ley Lane. Any doubters had to explain why the 1960’s housing development ended with potential vehicular access points to the site from Highfield Road, Mallard Avenue and, until an additional home was built, Ferrers Rise. The opposition from tenants and residents led to the proposal being dropped, but it wasn’t the last request that was made for allotment land to be released. The 1983 confrontation was the catalyst for a shift in the relationship between allotment tenants and the Parish Council. The task of managing the allotments, though technically the role of the Parish Clerk, relied heavily on the ‘hands on’ participation of Parish Councillors. Rent collection and the allocation of plots was undertaken by the Council. Maintenance all those years ago was minimal and decision making slow, but now the tenants had someone to speak on their behalf. Few relationships are without their problems and this was no exception, but gradually under ‘the Old Guard’ a vision was
Groby’s allotments
Changing the guard
Not bearskin hats - just Ivy growing on the allotment fence posts at Ratby Road Allotments in Groby. emerging of the way things could develop to everyone’s advantage. It began with the Society helping the Council with the admin burden of rent collection and tenancy applications, into self management including maintenance and ultimately a 25 year lease of the two allotment sites by the Society. The financial constraints on the Society meant that progress was slow, and major works expenditure
on the sites is still difficult. But changes to the rental system, fund raising and grant applications have resulted in improvements. The largest site now has a toilet facility, a specially created disabled plot with raised beds, and even CCTV to discourage vandalism and thefts. And by responding to the changing needs of gardeners for smaller plots the Society has been able to make allotment gardening available to
many more families. The number of families gardening at Ratby Road has tripled over the last 94 years, from around 40 in 1925 to 121 currently. Some tenants who want more growing space rent more than one of the 153 plots. When account is taken of the turnover of tenants it’s clear that hundreds of families have gardened at the Ratby Road and Markfield Road allotment sites since the Society was formed. The face of allotment gardening has changed and women are just as likely to be tenants as men. The outcomes are no longer seen as just wholesome food on your plate, but are recognised as the physical and mental benefits of healthy exercise and social interaction. The Old Guard can look back on this process of incremental achievement with some pride. Some may feel they didn’t get everything right all the time, but the enduring legacy of two allotment sites, and a productive village centre open space, tips the scales. Recent years have brought a new Treasurer and Secretary, in addition to the Chair and Vice Chair. On behalf of both tenants and the wider community, who don’t want the concrete mixers moving in, this New Guard will continue to keep a watchful eye out for any potential development threat. In Birmingham the Council is considering selling allotments as part of its financing of the Commonwealth Games. Statutory Allotments do have some legal protection but the final word is with the Secretary of State. Groby Parish Council has protected village parks by placing them within the Fields in Trust scheme. Although they cannot protect allotments in this way they have looked at the possibility of alternative Trust arrangements. A commitment to not selling any Parish Council land is valued, though a new council could change this. The Borough Council has classified the sites as allotments but if this should change presumably Compulsory Purchase powers could be used if it was considered essential. There is no threat at the moment but there is still no room for complacency and the Society is managing the sites for the benefit of not only the tenants but also the residents who want to hang on to these open spaces for the generations to come.
Norman Griffiths Editors note: Norman’s wife was Secretary of Groby Allotment Society from 1983 until recently.
I just sent a text that says ‘We really need to talk’ to everyone I know so nobody will bother me today.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Cat and waterfowl update from Lindy IT’S TAKEN me along time to be able to write about the sad death of our lovely young cat, Peter. We lost him in October to a sudden incurable illness. Even a blood donation from our other cat, Olaf couldn’t save him. He was not quite two years old. Olaf had previously driven his sister Eva into exile in Skipton and David’s theory was that an un-neutered tom kitten would stand up to Olaf ’s bullying. Peter, it soon became clear, was as soft as butter, affectionate, placid and prone to getting lost, but the two cats did at least tolerate each other. Since Peter died, Olaf has undergone a complete personality change. He is very loving and vocal, revelling in being an only cat. Cats are essentially solitary creatures, unlike dogs which are pack animals. Olaf and I agree on this. David wants another kitten. Watch this space. Last month I posted a picture of a lovely little grey and white duck known to me as Geraldine. Two duck keeping sisters from Glenfield (tomorrow the world) read this article and said that Geraldine must be a male because of his/her curled tail feathers. They also said male ducks screech and females quack. Geraldine quacks. Another regular feature of my visits to Groby Pool is being mugged by the two adult swans and their baby George. He is now bigger than both his parents with only vestiges of his juvenile plumage remaining. He is very assertive, pecking at my coat, tugging my sleeve, demanding bread with menaces. The photograph shows him the first time I saw him with his wings raised over his back, playing grown-up. In theory, his parents, Lucretia and Igor should drive him away from the Pool before they breed again this spring, but my money’s on George.
Lindy Hardcastle
19
Open Day at Gynsill Lawn Tennis Club
ARE YOU a young adult looking to try something new, meet new people and get active? If so, come along to the Open Day where there will be an opportunity to have FREE tennis sessions and Wimbledon-themed refreshments. The Open Day takes place on Saturday 13th April 2019 between 2.30pm and 4.30pm at Gorse Hill, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AN. For more information, email: charltontennis@yahoo.co.uk
Wise Words
What’s money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.
Bob Dylan American singer & songwriter.
I was very overprotected as a child. My tricycle had seven wheels. And a driver.
20
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Friends of Charnwood Forest Monday 18th March. 7:30. Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall AGM followed by a talk be Peter Tyldesley, “Colourful Characters of Bradgate Park” Come along and hear a little more about the association and listen to a fabulous talk by Peter, the Director of the Bradgate Park Trust. Who are these Colourful Characters who inhabit or have inhabited our beloved Bradgate? Come along and find out more about our wonderful Charnwood Forest. Monday 15th April. 7:30 Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Talk by Roy Mitchell, “The History of the Stoneywell Gardens.” Everyone is very welcome to join us. A nominal charge of £3, payable on the door for non-members.
Our Mission Statement To work towards the preservation of the countryside and local environment of Charnwood Forest Regional Park for the benefit of those who live within it, and for those who visit, and for future generations. We aim to be an effective,informative,and influential voluntary organisation. For more information, and on line application, see www.focf.org.uk
Groby Village Society Thursday March 28 Annual General Meeting To be held at the Library
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
Groby CIC
Groby Meadow News and AGM Tuesday 19th March MUCH WORK has been done over the past year and we must start by thanking the volunteers who have helped to maintain and develop the Meadow. Special thanks to those who persevered with the wild flowers through the long, hot summer which seems a distant memory at this time of year. Thanks also go to the Thomas Herbert Trust for help with funding for the drainage scheme, Hinckley and Bosworth Council for the Parish Initiative Fund and of course ‘Dan the Digger’ from Manor Hill Farmers who has done a wonderful job on the new drainage ditch. Thanks go again to Paul from County Contractors for sponsoring the Meadow. • NEXT an apology ... We hoped to get the Meadow open at the end of January but work to make the area safe has taken longer than expected. By the time this article goes to press we hope work will be complete and the Meadow reopened. When you do start using the area again please remember there is an open ditch running across the field ready to catch out the unobservant, energetic children and inquisitive dogs! Please take care and use the safe crossing point. Although the drainage ditch across the Meadow is complete, we are still waiting for Severn Trent to clean the village outfall pipe. This needs to be done to alleviate the potential flooding problem in the centre of the village. • FINALLY, a date for your diary. The AGM of the CIC will be held on Tuesday 19th March at 7pm in the Parish Council Office at the Village Hall. All share holders are welcome and encouraged to attend.
John Hitchings, Groby CIC
BOOK SPOT Zucked: Waking Up to the Facebook Catastrophe By Roger McNamee
THIS IS the dramatic story of how a noted tech venture capitalist, an early mentor to Mark Zuckerberg and investor in his company, woke up to the serious damage Facebook was doing to our society and set out to try to stop it. Zucked is McNamee’s intimate reckoning with the catastrophic failure of the head of one of the world’s most powerful companies to face up to the damage he is doing. It’s a story that begins with a series of rude awakenings. First there is the author’s dawning realization that the platform is being manipulated by some very bad actors. Then there is the even more unsettling realization that Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg are unable or unwilling to share his concerns, polite as they may be to his face.
Every cigarette you smoke takes five minutes off your life. According to my calculations, I should have died in 1876.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
21
Lady Jane Grey School News PGL Trip Caythorpe, Lincoln On Wednesday the 6th of February, year 4 embarked on their annual residential trip to PGL for three days. The children climbed both the climbing wall and the trapeze pole, and once at the top they were able to leap across to try and grab hold of the trapeze bar. They also had great fun on the zip wire, the giant swing, the tunnel trails, and in the archery huts. In the evenings, we played a fantastic outdoor game called Ambush (which was a type of hide and seek challenge in the dark) and we also attended a campfire and enjoyed singing traditional songs around it. The class were impeccably behaved and were a real credit to the school and I was very proud to be their teacher. Miss Burrows
Chinese New Year 2019 On the 5th of February we celebrated Chinese New Year as a school. Our day started with a whole school assembly in which we learnt about the 15 different days of celebration and how each of them are celebrated in China. We also practised saying Happy new year to each other in Chinese with the help of Erin from year 3. In the afternoon, some classes focussed on the zodiac animals and in particular the pig as this was the start of the year of the pig. Most classes also made something for the children to take home at the end of the day, and these crafts ranged from paper fortune tellers to lucky fortune cats.
Dogs Trust visit the school Lady Jane Grey welcomed The Dogs Trust into school recently. Sarah Saunders, who works for the Dogs Trust, delivered a whole school assembly which promoted the important ways to stay safe around dogs. Statistics show that children from infancy to nine years old are the most likely to be admitted to hospital due to dog bites and ‘strikes’ and how the majority of these dog bites are caused by dogs that the children actually know. The Dogs Trust recognise the importance of children knowing how to interact safely around dogs, the ones that they know and the ones that they don’t know in order to stay safe and enjoy all the benefits a canine
companion can bring. As well as the assembly, on the same day Sarah ran individual workshops for Y3-Y6. These were all aimed at helping the pupils learn more about caring for dogs and responsible dog ownership. The children thoroughly enjoyed our visit from the Dogs Trust and we would like to thank Sarah for coming to visit us and provide us with such a great learning experience.
Meet the Creature Year 3, as part of the topic work for this term looking at creatures and their habitats, had an encounter with some reptiles. Stuart the Snake and Eric the Tortoise were very popular with the children along with the tarantula. Thank you to ‘Meet the Creature’ in helping bring our curriculum to life and given our children the chance to experience these animals, even though Stuart escaped across the carpet!
Leicestershire Fire Service Sophie from the Leicestershire Fire Service visited Lady Jane Grey’s Year 1 and Year 5 classe to show them how to stay safe at home. They learnt how to ‘drop and roll’ and stay under the smoke when leaving a building. Parents have reported that their children went home and told them all about staying safe and have made changes at home. Thank you to Sophie for this invaluable lesson.
Co-op Community Fund We are delighted to be one of the causes within the Co-op’s Local Community Fund. Sally Boaden, School Business Leader, met with Joleen from the Birstall Co-op to show her the area that is going to be developed through a ‘Grow it, pick it, eat it’ community project. Please support our cause by going online and registering for you 1% spend on co-op projects to go to LJG. Thank you for your support and if there are any keen gardeners out there that would like to work with our children, please get in touch with Sally at the school.
LANDLORDS, ARE YOU UNHAPPY WITH YOUR CURRENT AGENT ? Your property is likely to be your biggest asset and you need an agent you can trust. Oaktree Lettings is a local independent agent and we pride ourself on our professional but friendly service, dealing with landlord clients who have one or numerous properties predominantly in the West Leicestershire area. If you are unhappy with your current agent and wish to instruct us to take over the management of your property or properties, we will deal with the transfer from your current agent for you and give you the first two month’s management free! Most of our clients have found us through recommendation and continue to recommend us We are happy to offer a letting only service or full management at very competitive fully inclusive rates with no hidden charges we also offer rent guarantee and legal cover to protect your investment further For more information please contact Marianne or Louise T: 0116 2870334
Oaktree Lettings And Management
E: lettings@oaktreelettings.co.uk
86 Faire Road, Glenfield,
W: www.oaktreelettings.co.uk
Leicester, LE3 8ED
Are your double glazed windows STEAMED UP or
MISTY?
There’s no need to replace the whole window we will replace the glass unit for you.
Repairs to ALL PVCu and Aluminium Windows & Doors
Just call our small, friendly firm - whether it’s one window or a full house - with approximate sizes, and we’ll give you a price OVER THE PHONE or a free call out if you prefer.
Window Services Repair & Replacement Specialists: Est. 1982 167a Dominion Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8JB
Telephone/Fax:
0116 287 5395
Sometimes I miss being in a relationship but then I look at my wallet and I feel alright again.
22
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Newbold Verdon
JAZZ CLUB THE LATEST band to play at Newbold Jazz Club was Baby Jools and the Jazzaholics who always give us a great night of jazz. They started by playing ‘You Always Hurt the One You Love’ and included many favourites in their sets finishing with a rousing ‘High Society’. The band line up of Mike Owen on trombone and also vocals, together with Karl Hird on reeds and Danny Illet on trumpet were backed up by the rhythm section provided by Jim Swinnerton, who has a style of his own on double bass, Brian Mellor on banjo and of course Baby Jools on drums. This is a band that never fails to please the audience. We look forward to seeing them again later in the year. • NEXT MONTH we look forward to the return of The Wabash Jazzmen another very good band. Do come along on April 5th to Newbold Verdon Social Club and join us. Doors open at 7.00pm and music from 8.00 – 10.30pm. Admission £9.00, with drinks and snacks at club prices. For more details contact Kelvin on 01455 822824 or Pauline on 01162 865496.
Letter
Are our parks just for dog walkers? FURTHER to Z. White’s letter about dog mess in the village. Another worrying development is the increase of abuse from some dog owners towards parents/grandparents trying to protect children from being chased, knocked over, licked all over or bitten by ‘over-excited or exuberant’ dogs that are not on a lead or under control. On Saturday 9th February, my daughter and I were on Marina Park with four of my grandchildren, aged 2-5 years old. We were confronted by a couple out with their dogs. We had reassured the children when we had seen the dogs chasing around a few minutes previously and then suddenly one quite large dog appeared bounding straight for my nervous 5 year old grandson, who had been hurt previously by a dog. He was standing on the top of the cycle track and fell backwards down the track, hurting himself and panicking at an uncontrolled dog in front of him. My daughter picked him up as he was distraught. At this point the owner came up and I told him his dog was not under control. He accused me of being aggressive and told my daughter she was not helping the child to become accustomed to dogs by picking him up. He then told me it was my responsibility to warn dog owners in advance that we don’t want dogs jumping up at us or slobbering on us! My wife has also been verbally abused and accused of being ‘overprotective and dramatic’ for stopping two large dogs from bounding up to our vulnerable 2 year old granddaughter in a buggy. We are not all dog lovers and many children have had bad experiences from lively dogs. Walking in the park has now become an intimidating experience. What do your other readers feel?
I’ll Be There For You By Kelsey Miller
OVER TWENTY years since its low-profile debut and Friends is the most streamed show on UK Netflix.
But has it stood the test of time? Are some parts of it more problematic than we remember? And who was the cast’s least favourite guest star? Join Kelsey Miller as she answers all of these questions and more. David and Julie Richards And as she relives the show’s most iconic moments, examines some JANUARY of its controversies, and shines a light on the many trends it inspired Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the coffee Word cups of God – from oversized to JILL DANDO, a popular TV presenter, newsreader, journalist and the much-copied 90s haircut, ‘The Crimewatch reporter, was shot dead on the doorstep of her house Bible Rachel’. Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield in Fulham 20 years ago next month, on 26th April 1999. It is still Weaving incisive commentary, Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing) Talks a mystery who killed her. revelatory interviews and behindthe-scenes anecdotes involving Jill had been brought up as a Baptist, and her funeral took place at Clarence Park The Holy Feb 03 The Truth about the Devil high-profile guest stars, I’ll Be There Baptist Church in Weston-super-Mare. Her co-presenter Nick Ross suggested the Scriptures... are for You is the most comprehensive formation of an academic institute in her name and, with her fiancé Alan Farthing able to make it takeDoes on Friends yet, thee and wise the unto – like Jill, a Baptist – he raised almost £1.5 million. The Jill Dando Institute of Crime Feb 10 “Crucified with Christ” – What Mean? ultimate book for fans salvation everywhere. Science was founded at University College, London, in April 2001. through faith Jill had undergone heart surgery when she was three, because she had been born Feb 17 God created the world for a purpose which is in Christ with a hole in her heart and a blocked pulmonary artery. She began her career in Jesus.. local print journalism. Feb 24 The Inspiration of the Bible 2 Timothy 3:15 Barry George, a local man, was convicted and imprisoned for the murder but was later acquitted after an appeal and retrial. The case remains open: another www.lifes-big-questions.org www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield theory suggests an assassination in retaliation for the NATO bombing of the Radio Television of Serbia headquarters a few days earlier. This was given credence by the fact that the murder was Glenfield Christadelphians professional in style.
Adverts for Glenfield C For Groby and Field January to Jun
The mysterious, tragic death of Jill Dando
Don’t forget to send us your news! Thanks.
F
T
ww
MARCH Window And Door Replacement Summer Houses/Sheds Skirtings & Architraves Indoor Furniture Loft Conversions Kitchens
Garden Furniture
Oak Doors & Fire doors
Made to Measure Furnishing Cupboards & Wardrobes
Hardwood And Laminate Flooring
GROBY-BASED CARPENTER & JOINER All carpentry and joinery works undertaken. Reliable and professional service. No-obligation quotes.
Christopher Harris
Tel: 0116 224 6454 (Home) or 07809 879321 (Mobile) Email: chrisharris0142@gmail.com
Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God
Bible Talks
B T
Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing)
Apr 07
I’m a Good Person - Why do I Need God?
Apr 14
God’s Invitation to You
Apr 21
Why Christians meet to Share Bread and Wine
Apr 28
The Man who Died with Jesus
www.lifes-big-questions.org
Fa
The Holy Scriptures... are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.. 2 Timothy 3:15
www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield
Glenfield Christadelphians
I have no problem with genetically-modified food. I had a lovely leg of salmon the other day. MAY
M
M
M
M
ww
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Churches Together for Justice:
Make it a Fair Trade Easter
AS EASTER approaches, we’re heading towards another holiday filled with chocolate! We have just had Fair Trade Fortnight which focused on cocoa and the lives of the farmers who produce it. Did you know in 2016 the world market price for cocoa crashed? I haven’t noticed any changes in the price, quality or availability of chocolate – it is the cocoa farmers who suffer and are unable to cover the basics of dayto-day life. This is where Fair Trade comes in. As well as paying cocoa farmers a minimum price for their cocoa, a premium is paid to the farming cooperatives which can be used to improve their community, for example building schools. Simply by looking out for and choosing
Easter Eggs at the Just Shop in Leicester fair-trade chocolate, you can have a huge, positive impact on the lives of cocoa farmers. Locally, the Coop sells its own brand Fair Trade chocolate eggs. We also have ‘The Just Shop’ in the city centre, stocking a wide range of Fair Trade Easter eggs. Sometimes you might pay a bit more for Fair Trade Easter eggs, but when you’re faced with that choice remember the impact you’ll have on the lives of others, and maybe choose less chocolate rather than chocolate that exploits? And fairtrade chocolate tastes delicious too!
Ruth Mwenya
Mind the potholes! OUR ROADS are full of holes. Potholes. There is now a two and a half times greater chance that your car will be damaged in a pothole than there was 13 years ago. One in five local roads in England and Wales is in a poor condition, and road resurfacing has declined, according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance. The RAC reports that it was called out 1,714 times within a three month period, to repair damaged shock absorbers, broken suspension springs and distorted wheels. The AA has said that learner drivers should have to prove that they can spot potholes to pass the driving test. Meanwhile the Local Government Association’s transport spokesman says: “Councils are fixing a pothole every 21 seconds.”
23
Elizabeth Woodville School News An amazing author visit – John Dougherty WE RECENTLY welcomed the highly acclaimed author, poet and songwriter, John Dougherty to Elizabeth Woodville. This, our third author visit in as many years, was an absolute rip-roaring success! John arrived armed with his books, a guitar and a bucketful of laughs! We had an inspirational day of singing, reading, and audience participation. John’s background of teaching was clear to see as pupils of all ages were gripped by his story-telling and participated in the singing of book ‘Theme tunes’ with actions, clapping and cheering. Pupils were particularly interested when John explained that one of their favourite books, ‘There’s a Pig up my Nose’ was actually inspired by a class he was teaching and that the infamous characters ‘Stinkbomb and Ketchup Face’ were created by his children! Parents attended the assembly ‘finale’ and were also hooked by John’s story-telling and song writing. In amongst the fun and excitement, it was clear to see that our pupils, staff and parents were inspired by John. Meeting an author, taking home signed copies of his books and participating in activities were all experiences our pupils will remember for a long time and indeed benefit from. Our primary aim to inspire readers, to inspire future authors, illustrators and songwriters and to have fun whilst doing this, was definitely achieved.
Stargazing YEARS 1 AND 2 had a fantastic half term learning all about space! They’ve learnt all about the planets and the Moon. We looked at the artist Pete Thorpe and created some fantastic artwork. It was really interesting for the children to see how the Earth orbits the Sun and the Moon orbits the Earth. The highlight of our learning journey was our amazing Super Learning Day, we were all very lucky to come back to school at NIGHT TIME! All children in Year 1 and 2 wrapped up warmly to take part in their very own ‘stargazing’ activities. They were able to use their new-found knowledge of star constellations to spot specific stars in the night sky above our school! We were able to celebrate our new discoveries by roasting marshmallows over a roaring fire. We also enjoyed hot dogs and hot chocolate as a special treat. Thank you to everyone involved in this special evening event.
Magna Science Trip ON THE 7th February, years 3 and 4 finished off their Mighty Metals topic with an exciting trip to the Magna Science Museum in Rotherham. We experimented with the power of magnets, using them to race toy cars along a track. Afterwards, we had the chance to explore the science museum’s different zones. We particularly enjoyed the fire zone, where we could watch a reallife fire tornado form right before our eyes! In the water zone, we enjoyed finding out about how waves are created. However, the wind zone was the most fun of all! We stood in the middle of two giant wind machines and felt the full force of the wind. It was an incredible experience and a really interesting way to share our scientific knowledge at the end of this exhilarating learning theme.
Into the woods! TO CELEBRATE the end of our topic, ‘Will you read me a story? ’The Foundation children enjoyed a trip to Battram Woods. Whilst at the woods, we enjoyed learning about the different animals that live there as well as the features of this special habitat. The children created and labelled their own beautiful tree collages using natural materials and worked as a team playing foxes and rabbits. The whole class then ventured on an exploration of the woods, led by our expert guide from the Royal Forestry Society. Everyone had a wonderful time!
I’ve been sacked from my job. Or as I prefer to think of it, I’m on eternity leave.
24
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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: 13th April 2019
DEADLINE: 29th March 2019
Non-members welcome to dine at Groby Club THERE MAY be days when you just can’t face cooking a dinner for some reason. You may have had an exhausting day. Or perhaps you just can’t think of something to prepare, or simply want someone else to do the work and the washing up. Maybe you want to eat out with friends. If you don’t want to travel out of Groby your choices are limited. You could opt for something tasty from the fish and chip shop, a supermarket ready meal, one of the delivery services or a takeaway at home. For a more traditional dining experience the popular Stamford Arms can be relied on for good food. There is another venue, but it’s not one that many locals think of - Groby Club on Leicester Road. There’s no big banner outside, just a modest whiteboard. If you are looking for somewhere to eat, don’t be put off by the fact it’s a club – everyone is welcome, even if you don’t book in advance. In recent years Groby Club has had a transformative makeover and upgrade, including a kitchen refurbishment that has cost £26,000. This investment means that food continues to be prepared in the hygienic conditions that customers expect, and the club retained its 5 star rating when inspected by a Food Safety Officer in October 2018. The catering side of the Club is now under the direction of 26 year old Reece Thompson-Brown, born in Leicester but now living in Groby. His mother is a chef, so it’s a family affair. “My mum has been a chef all her life, said Reece, “so that’s where I got the idea from. When I was younger, I was a pot washer at weekends, and one day the head chef where I was working asked me to help out, since then I haven’t looked back. I have been taught by some top chefs, one of them is my mother. I have a vast experience for someone of 26, and I’ve held all the chef positions you can think of. And I’ve worked at places such as the Bradgate in Newtown Linford, and the Belmont Hotel on New Walk.” Reece is determined to continue the success of his predecessor at the club with the focus at the moment on building up the Thursday to Saturday trade. He’s offering keenly priced cooked breakfasts from 11am on Friday and 9am on Saturday. Friday night is fish night, when you can tuck in to cod for just £6, and if the kids prefer fish fingers that’s less than £20 for a family of four. The Sunday carvery from 12pm-5pm in the Carling Suite continues to be very popular and pre-booking is advisable, though not always essential. It costs £9.95, or £6.95 for those who prefer a smaller plate. Meals are served in the bar from 5pm on Thursday, 4pm on Friday and 1pm on Saturday. You can also eat in the Function Room on Friday and Saturday evenings if you want some entertainment with your meal. All the regulars are on the main menu, including salmon, cod, lasagne, Hunter’s Chicken, gammon, steak, chilli, pies, faggots and burgers. Children aren’t forgotten with their favourite meals priced at £3.95, the same price as the desserts. If you like to see the food before you book then take a look at the photos on facebook at ‘reece’s groby’. To improve on already good value one Sunday carvery diner goes free with groups of 8 or more and Reece is offering free meals for mums on Mother’s Day (terms and conditions apply). And if you are thinking of a group booking with a buffet instead of a dinner there are three menus on offer from as little as £5.49 per person. There are rooms that can be booked in the club for exclusive use for parties, large and small. If you want to book a meal, check the times before setting out, or have any questions contact Reece on 07460 834929 or email reecesgroby@outlook.com The neighbouring Stamford Arms has firmly established itself in the the dining out market and experienced landlord Brian Rigby’s philosophy is that having a choice of venue is actually mutually beneficial, as it increases the attraction of eating out in the village. Perhaps that’s why the big players in the restaurant business are happy to trade next to one another in the Leicester Restaurant Quarter at the Shires Shopping Centre.
Norman Griffiths
The postal service has become so slow that last month my flower seeds arrived as a bouquet.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby Surgery Patients Group
Thirty eight pages of detailed analysis indicates Groby Surgery is Good. FOLLOWING the disappointing report of the Care Quality Commission in 2017 the practice staff worked hard to ensure that all the requirements of the report were met and a rating of ‘Good’ was achieved over the 5 key areas in 2018. A further comprehensive inspection at Groby Surgery was carried out on 23 January 2019 as part of the CQC inspection programme. “This comprehensive inspection took place to ensure that the practice had continued to provide high quality care and had fully embedded the governance arrangements seen at the last inspection,” explained Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice in his report. “We based our judgement of the quality of care at this service on a combination of: • what we found when we inspected • information from our ongoing monitoring of data about services and • information from the provider, patients, the public and other organisations.” He added that the CQC have rated this practice as good overall and good for all population groups.
The Inspection Evidence Table Only by reading the report online can one appreciate how significant it is. The conclusions of the report are based on what is described as The Inspection Evidence Table, and with 38 pages of detailed analysis it is this table that gives an indication of the breadth and depth of the
investigation. Here are some of the main conclusions of the report • The practice had clear systems, practices and processes to keep people safe and safeguarded from abuse. • Appropriate standards of cleanliness and hygiene were met. • There were adequate systems to assess, monitor and manage risks to patient safety. • Staff had the information they needed to deliver safe care and treatment. • The practice had systems for the appropriate and safe use of medicines, including medicines optimisation • The practice learned and made improvements when things went wrong. • Patients’ needs were assessed, and care and treatment was delivered in line with current legislation, standards and evidence-based guidance supported by clear pathways and tools. • The practice had a comprehensive programme of quality improvement activity and routinely reviewed the effectiveness and appropriateness of the care provided. • The practice was able to demonstrate that staff had the skills, knowledge and experience to carry out their roles. • Staff worked together and with other organisations to deliver effective care and treatment. • Staff were consistent and proactive in helping patients to live healthier lives. • Staff treated patients with kindness, respect and compassion.
• The practice respected patients’ privacy and dignity. • The practice organised and delivered services to meet patients’ needs. • Complaints were listened and responded to and used to improve the quality of care. • There was compassionate, inclusive and effective leadership at all levels. Leaders could demonstrate that they had the capacity and skills to deliver high quality sustainable care. • The practice had a clear vision and credible strategy to provide high quality sustainable care. • The practice had a culture which drove high quality sustainable care. There were clear responsibilities, roles and systems of accountability to support good governance and management. There were clear and effective processes for managing risks, issues and performance. There was a demonstrated commitment to using data and information proactively to drive and support decision making. The practice involved the public, staff and external partners to sustain high quality and sustainable care. There were evidence of systems and processes for learning, continuous improvement and innovation. In summary the surgery is considered to provide services that are safe,effective, caring, responsive and well-led. That’s just what patients want to hear.
Norman Griffiths for Groby Surgery Patients Participation Group
25
Lunching Ladies
THE NEWTOWN Linford Ladies’ Lunch Club meets once a month on a Wednesday at Forest Hill Golf Club, Botcheston. We enjoy a chatty three course meal and then sit back to listen to our speaker. Over the past months we have been entertained by a wide variety of excellent speakers with, amongst others, talks entitled ‘To Bead or not to Bead’ by the actress Eliza McClelland; ‘Haunted Leicester’ by Caroline Roberts; ‘Masters of Mirth’ by Mike Storr and Bits and Bobs from a Bygone Era by Bob Neill. On this occasion we had fun trying, more or less successfully, to identify the bits and bobs. We have also enjoyed the music of Edith Piaff and pop songs we could sing along to. We are now looking forward to talks on A Day in the Life of a thoroughly Modern Milliner; Doodle Do (doodles and their meaning); the Great British Sewing Bee; Those Radio Days (theme tunes); Alice in her shoes (our local suffragette); Confessions of a Country Vicar and more. In August we have an outing. Last year we went to Brodsworth Hall, a fascinating house with a beautiful garden. This year we will visit the National Arboretum with its beautiful and moving memorials to our nation’s heroes. We are a friendly group and welcome visitors .We meet on the third Wednesday of the month. The three course meal with coffee or tea is £16 and if you decide to join our club the annual subscription, which pays for the speakers is, £20. If you would like to come along and try us out please contact our membership secretary on 0116 4291458.
I once met a girl who had trouble written all over her. It wasn’t the most artistic of tattoos.
26
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Borough Councillors’ Report from Martin & Ted Council Elections & ‘Purdah’
Martin Cartwright Call: 0116 2874500 Mobile: 07850 707050
• Borough Council Election Day: Thursday 2nd May 2019 • Groby Parish Council Election Day: Thursday 2nd May 2019 • Polls open 7am to 10pm • Groby Polling Station: Leicester Road, Groby LE6 0DJ There are strict rules governing civil servants and local government staff in pre-election period, usually known as ‘purdah’ (a term from the Persian for curtain or veil). It is important to note that preelection rules restrict activity wider than just publicity. Use of council facilities and resources; the member’s code of conduct, developing new policies and holding of events - including some meetings - featuring elected officials should all be carefully considered during a period of heightened sensitivity. The term ‘purdah’ has come into popular use across central and local government to describe the period of time immediately before elections or referendums when specific restrictions on communications activity are in place. The terms ‘pre-election period’ and ‘heightened sensitivity’ are also used. The start of purdah signifies the start of the election process for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council elections as well as Groby Parish Council. Effectively 22nd March 2019 signifies when election leaflets will start dropping through your letter boxes as the candidates seek election for the next four year period of office until May 2023. • Groby Parish Council: Has 16 seats: Election outcome – Likely not to be contested as 17 or more candidates need to put themselves forward for election. If sixteen or fewer people apply then this is what as know as an uncontested election as you simply are not able to lose if there are insufficient
E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk Write to: Maverick House 10 Pine Tree Avenue, Groby, LE6 0EQ
candidates to fill the available seats. This was the Groby Parish Council result for the last election held in May 2015. • Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council: Has 34 seats: Two of which are in Groby. Election Outcome: Anyone’s guess - will be contested by most political parties. Result back in May 2015. Cllr Martin Cartwright – Elected Cllr Ted Hollick – Elected Personally as your Borough Council member since 2007 now 12 years served helping Groby residents I would like to thank you for putting your confidence in me to do my best to represent you on the Borough Council. Many large issues have taken place during that time such as the Klondyke and Martinshaw Lane development for example. On a day to day basis it is the hundreds of individual residents that I have had the opportunity to help with many and varied issues that makes being in this position so rewarding. I hope my articles in the Spotlight have kept you informed of what is happening in Groby from a Borough Council elected member basis. I thank the Spotlight for affording me this opportunity. Thank you for your support, Cllr Martin Cartwright
Thefts from cars early hours of Saturday 23rd March
A CRIME SPREE involving thefts from cars - some of which have been reported to me - on the roads off Pymm Ley Lane in Groby. At least two criminals were working together to break into cars parked on residents’ drives.
Ted Hollick Call: 0116 287 5955 Mobile: 07962 373983 E-mail: ted.hollick@outlook.com Write: 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, LE6 0FY
Was your car broken into? I am aware of a number of thefts and attempted thefts. If your car was broken into please let me know on 07850 707050 or email: hbbc@ appliancehome.co.uk. A number of the thefts and attempted thefts were captured on CCTV and the Police are working on capturing the culprits. If you were targeted I can assure you, that you were not an isolated case, or targeted for any other reason than the culprits were determined to steal stuff from any number of vehicles that night. It appears a number of the cars were actually unlocked. Please take extra care to ensure you lock your car.
Klondyke Update
• Klondyke Public Meeting at Groby Club Since my last update two events were due to happen. Firstly a public meeting to be held at Groby Club on 5th March 2019. As this was taking place after this Spotlight article was written I will update you on that in my next article. • Borough Council Response to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Proposals from the Groby Parish Poll Steering Group The Borough Council at the Groby Parish Poll Klondyke Steering Group meeting held on 18th January 2019 promised to provide an initial update to the CPO proposals by 29th March 2019. To date, I have not received this update as I write this article so will update you on progress with this in my next article.
Changes to materials that can go in the recycling
RECYCLING for residents across the borough is set to become even easier from this month.
As from 4 March, Hinckley and Bosworth residents can recycle a host of common items including carrier bags, cling film, plastic film, bubble wrap, books, crisp tubes and egg boxes alongside other plastics, paper, cardboard glass and cans in their blue lidded recycling bin. The changes are possible now that recycling material is being sent to a plant in Leicester that is capable of handling the materials. To reduce the risk of contamination, residents are reminded that all materials should still be clean and free from food residue. Additionally black plastic – including black plastic bags and film - is unsuitable for recycling due to the carbon black pigments it contains which means it cannot be sorted by the optical sorting systems used in plastics recycling. HBBC residents will now be able to recycle more materials. • Plastic / carrier bags (not black) • Cling film • Plastic film • Bubble wrap • Books (hard and soft back) – library/charity shop still preferable for re-use • Crisp tubes e.g. Pringles • Egg boxes All items should still be washed and squashed to make more space in the bin.
New machines mean no more loose change
THE BOROUGH COUNCIL is phasing in new ticket machines at its pay-and-display car parks across Hinckley town centre. New machines are being installed in the Leisure Centre, St Mary’s Road and Church Walk car parks this month with others introduced gradually over the new few months. The new pay-and-display machines will provide a variety of quick and simple ways for people to pay for their parking. For the first time car park users can look forward to not having to find loose change as the new machines will accept contactless payment and credit and debit cards as well as cash. Parking charges remain the same at 60p for up to an hour, and £2.00 for three hours, in short stay car parks and £2.50 for over five hours in long stay car parks. For more information about parking charges across the town go to www. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ parking
My wife said she wanted something black and lacy for her birthday, so I bought her a pair of football boots.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Plans Approved for new Hinckley Crematorium
BUILDING WORK on a crematorium on the A47 outside Hinckley is due to begin later this year after planning consent was granted by the council’s planning committee in January. Construction work should begin on the council-owned site off the A47 Leicester Road between Hinckley and Earl Shilton by the end of the year with the crematorium up and running within two years. Last year the council consulted the public on the design and facilities for the council-run facility before the final plans were submitted for approval. As well as consulting with those living around the site, members of the local community and representatives of parish councils, the council spoke to funeral directors to ensure the building works effectively and provides a quality service for residents. Malcolm Evans, Estates and Assets Manager who is managing the project for the Borough Council, said: “I am pleased to be a part of this exciting project and look forward to seeing it develop in the coming months. The project will deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose crematorium facility that meets the growing need for the population of Hinckley and Bosworth and surrounding areas”. The facility will complement the council’s cemetery services, create jobs and enhance the appearance of the site, and will fit well with the burial services provided as a Borough Council. The cost of the project – around £4.6million – is being paid for out of the council’s capital budget, money which can only be spent on large projects, not for providing day to day services.
Here To Help You Should you have any comments or problems you would like us to mention in our articles please get in touch, contact details above: Kind regards,
Cllr Martin Cartwright WISE WORDS: I don’t believe in ‘thinking’ old. Although I’ve transitioned through many bodies - a baby, toddler, child, teen, young adult, mid-life and older adult - my spirit is unchanged. I support my body with exercise, my mind with reading and writing, and my spirit with the knowing that I am part of the Divine source of all life. Wayne Dyer
27
Groby Gardening Society News THE FEBRUARY meeting welcomed Alan Tyler from the National Trust, who gave us an informative talk about Stoneywell Cottage, near Ulverscroft, just a few miles from Groby. Stoneywell is rightly renowned for being a leading example of the Arts and Crafts movement, which developed in the 1860s as a counterpoint to the Victorian mass production techniques that were developing, and was, for those who could afford it, a return to well-made handcrafted goods in a simple style, often based on simple natural forms. Stoneywell is one of a number of cottages built in the area, and makes use of the natural rock formations in its design, using granite from the grounds and recycled from the stone walls, timber from the Cotwolds, and doors and window frames built by Everard’s, a Glenfield firm. Some of the lintels, weighing up to one and a half tons, are local Swithland slate. It was built in the 1890s for Sydney Gimson, an industrialist from Leicester, who wanted somewhere as an escape from the rigours and the pollution of city life. He bought a plot initially of three acres – an 11 acre woodland was purchased later - and once the building was complete in 1899 would bring his family to the cottage for the summer months. Sidney entrusted the design of the building to his younger brother Ernest. The cottage was built and improved over a lengthy period, and initially had no running water, being dependent on a well that now straddles the boundary with a neighbouring cottage. All supplies were brought daily to the property by wagon from Leicester, a stable block was built in 1902, where Sydney kept his newly-acquired (in 1907) motor car. Mains electricity was connected in 1938, and following a fire in 1939 the thatched roof was replaced with slate, as part of the expansion of the property. Much of the original furniture survived the fire, and was still in daily use when NT acquired the property. Mains water was not connected till 1968. The building was used from 1899 until Ernest’s death in 1939, and was then rented out. Although the property is built on a granite outcrop, the Gimson family were keen to create a garden, and a walled vegetable garden was built. A particular feature of the garden is the carpet of daffodils each spring, which have naturalised and spread since they were planted a century ago. The gardens were designed mostly by Anne Gimson,
Snowdrops at Easton Walled Garden wife of Sydney’s grandson Donald, with the help of plants donated from the University of Leicester, and include plants such as azalea, rhododendrons and heathers which can tolerate the acidic soil. There are 150 varieties of rhododendron on the site. Stoneywell is Leicestershire’s third National Trust property, the others being Staunton Harold church and the Ulverscroft Nature Reserve), It was purchased by NT in 2012 and opened to the public in 2015, and is considered the best-preserved Arts and Crafts cottage in the country. It has now re-opened after its winter maintenance schedule, and can be visited by pre-booking a tour; search Stoneywell NT for details. The property is open daily between February and November, and is limited to a maximum of 163 visitors per day. The Society’s first day trip of 2019 was to Easton Walled Garden near Grantham, to see the snowdrops in full bloom. The following was kindly provided by John Alton: “Saturday 23rd February was a day out for the Groby Gardening Society to see the snowdrops at Easton Walled Garden near Grantham. “Phil, our driver for the day, picked us up from the village at 9am in his very comfortable Roberts coach. We left Groby in quite cold and misty conditions which continued all the way to Easton and meant that we missed the lovely scenery of the Leicestershire Wolds and views of Rutland Water. Fortunately the mist burnt off while we at Easton and conditions were perfect for walking round the grounds. “The Easton estate has been in the hands of the Cholmeley family since 1561. Easton Hall was requisitioned by the army during the second world war and fell into disrepair until it was demolished in 1951 and the site abandoned.
The latest generation of the family resurrected the site in 2001 and have worked very hard to make it the attraction it is today. “Our first task of the day was to find the tea rooms where we enjoyed a hot drink and cake. Suitably refreshed we ventured out and took the Snowdrop Trail on the outskirts of the, by now, sunlit estate. The route took us through the ‘pickery’, cottage and vegetable gardens past a lovely view of snowdrops cascading down a bank to the valley through which the River Witham runs. A detour over an ornamental bridge and through a yew tunnel took us to the old walled garden. Returning to the bridge we were given a great view of the remaining buildings of the old hall. Continuing around the route we were treated to another bank of snowdrops and, quite bizarrely a couple of ornamental giraffes! We returned to the coach via a couple of drifts of snowdrops also featuring aconites, daffodils and crocuses. “We then took to the road and headed for Gates Nursery. After having a very nice lunch we spent a couple of hours walking round the enormous site with its wide variety of everything you could possibly need in your garden. All shopped out we arrived back in Groby at 5 pm. A great thank you to the organisers for a lovely day out.” 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 next meeting will be on March 14th, when Andrew Ward will be talking to us about “Woodland Gems”.
Keith Poole
A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.
28
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
National Trust Leicester Association NEWS
Bradgate Rotary Quiz Night raises over £1600
A COUPLE of months ago I wrote about one of the National Trust’s smaller properties which led to a number of comments from readers. So here are some comments about the Trust’s smallest building in the East Midlands, the Priest’s House at Easton on the Hill. The house was built by John Stokes, Rector of Easton, in 1456 and he lived there until he died in 1495. When he died he left money for a chantry priest to pray for his soul. Chantry priests continued to live there until at least 1545 when chantries became illegal following the dissolution of the monasteries and the funds were appropriated by the Crown. There is strong evidence that priests continued to live in the house until 1698 when the adjacent Rectory was built. In 1765 the then Rector, John Skynner, was running a school in the Priest’s House with pupils boarding in the Rectory. After Skynner died in 1805 the building was used to house livestock. However in 1868 the Victorian architect, Sir Thomas Jackson, made alterations to the building as well as designing the adjacent coach house and the building became a residence again. In 1963 the building was saved from demolition by the Perterborough Society who purchased it from the Diocese of Peterborough. It was transferred to the National Trust in 1966. The building contains many interesting architectural features, information about its history and an exhibition on the mining and preparation of Collyweston slates, a unique local industry. The building is unmanned and has unusual visiting arrangements for the Trust. It is open seven days a week, 10.00am to 5.00pm with visitors collecting the key from neighbouring keyholders whose details are on the outside noticeboard. The NT Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 27th March when Brian Johnson will present a talk entitled “The Country Railway Station”. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester, at 2.30pm. There will also be an evening meeting on Tuesday 9th April at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone, at 7.30pm. Colin Hobday will present an illustrated talk entitled “Historic Houses and Gardens” Admission to meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00, including refreshments. For details of the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.
Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer
A GRAND TOTAL of £1644.30 was raised at Bradgate Rotary’s successful Charity Quiz on Monday 25th February at the Stamford Arms. All of the proceeds are being donated to local charities, including LOROS and community libraries in the area. Bradgate Rotary would like to give a huge thank you to everybody who supported this fun event, including the donors of auction prizes, one of which was a narrow boat cruise on the River Soar. A special thanks goes to the Stamford Arms staff who efficiently cooked and served the quiz participants with pizza and chips. During the evening a £200 cheque for Rainbows was presented by Bradgate Rotary President Roy Cafferty to ‘Santa Bob’; this was just some of the amount raised for local charities by the Rotarians (with invaluable assistance from Santa!) in the run-up to Christmas.
Glenfield Millennium Green
GARDENING SESSIONS Saturday Mornings 10am – 12noon If you enjoy gardening why not come along and lend a hand. We need help weeding the flower beds, and trimming back branches. Normally about 8 people turn out to help but we really could do with a bit more help. Children can come with an adult. Refreshments provided at 11am Bring a spade, trowel and gloves; although we do have spare one’s. See you on the Green. Dates for 2019 March 9 Litter picking April 13 May 11 June 1 July 6 August 3 September 7 October 5 October 26 For more details, call David 0116 2255712 or Christine 0116 299 1868, or look at our website. www.glenfieldmillenniumgreen.org charity number 1075162
My divorce came as a complete surprise. That’s what happens when you haven’t been home in 18 years.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
29
In vino veritas
Wine-making equipment ... free-of-charge NOW THAT I now no longer make my own wine (age has caught up with me), I have a lot of equipment that is now just standing idle. This includes demi johns, fermenting bins, etc. If anybody would like any items, then please call me on 0116 287 0739 and we could arrange a convenient time and date to collect any of the items. I live in Groby.
Roy Clarke
LFE Next Film Evening: KING OF THIEVES
LFE Film Evenings will be showing on Thursday 4 April “King of Thieves”. King of Thieves is the incredible true story of the spectacular Hatton Garden diamond heist, the biggest and most daring in British history, humorously told through career best performances from a stellar cast, which includes Sir Michael Caine, Jim Broadbent, Ray Winstone, Michael Gambon, Tom Courtenay, Paul Whitehouse and Charlie Cox. Running time: 1 hour 48 minutes. Venue: the Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE, LE3 3JE. On arrival complimentary hot drink and biscuits are provided. As we have no licence, please feel free to bring your own drinks. You also get a free raffle ticket for a double ticket prize to be used for a future showing. Doors open at 7.00pm; showing starts at 7.30pm. Cost: £5.
Leicester Rowing Club
Interested in trying a new sport? LEICESTER Rowing Club is looking to recruit new members for their men’s and women’s squads, training 4 to 6 times per week. Ideally you will be aged between 18 and 32 and already be physically fit and active. The club aims to compete at various rowing events around the country all year round. No prior experience is required as all training will be provided. If you are interested please contact us via email: captain@leicesterrowing.co.uk or visit us at our boathouse located in the centre of the city of Leicester on the Grand Union Canal “Mile Straight”. Leicester Rowing Club Upperton Road, Leicester LE2 7AU www.leicester-rowing.co.uk
(LE67 1BJ)
The Latimer Players Have Love On Their Mind! THE LATIMER Players are pleased to announce, their next production will be ‘Love on the Beach’ by Raymond Hopkins. This is the fourth production we have performed by Ray, and like his other plays this is an action-packed farcical comedy. The action takes place in a remote Cornish coastal village to where Tom Millard has moved, following the death of his wife. Tom’s two married daughters are desperate for their father to live close by them and enlist the help of Brenda, a wealthy divorcee. The idea being that she will become romantically involved with Tom and they will eventually move into her house, which is near to his daughters. The only problem with this arrangement is that Tom detests Brenda. Meanwhile, continuing to work his way through his bucket list, Tom has hired the services of an escort lady for an evening’s entertainment. By a twist of fate, the local vicar, the cleaning lady and Tom’s best friend all become involved in various romantic entanglements and misunderstandings. The various twists and turns all go to making a hilarious evening’s entertainment. The performances will take place in The Memorial Hall, Thurcaston on 2nd, 3rd, 4th May. Curtain up at 7.30pm. All tickets are priced at £7.00 each and are available from the Secretary, Christine Deavin, Email; christinedeavin@gmail.com Telephone 0116 237 6855. We will have café style seating and you are welcome to bring along drinks, glasses and nibbles.
I like how celery has dental floss built right in.
30
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
US Telly Wordsearch Forgot username or password?
Passcode/Create New
IF YOU can find 12 CLASSIC AMERICAN TV SHOWS 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 MainSolutions Course for plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel. forTwo, Districts Free Eddie, Lily and Herman Munster
S N B C H B G L K F D T F I F M I
D R W E P S A E G G N X L S E K W
I L E C W Z A O J W U O U R N N S
E U U T N I U M B R V H G E O V D
G G J A S A T I K E J A I E Z I N
J R N O X N K C L M N P B H T G N
J O M K K X U U H V R P H C H B F
B I T W A E C M U E X Y C Q G E J
I X A T M Y F B E J D D A T I A A
B H L Q J E S W H H Y A L N L Z M
To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line throughResources - the names of 12 CLASSIC What We Offer Who We Are Teachers Parents US TV SHOWS. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). IMPORTANT: You must address your entry to: PONDEROSA, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Friday 29th March 2019. Remember to include your name and address. The first allS Y W N J U O correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the prize. Good luck! E M K W F H R
R C A N E E R G T Y Y O I F X
V K D N G W Y V L S T D W O S
R P I N C I N C I N N A T I Q
D Q Y F R J C G I V L B E V W
X I S R O S E A N N E L H B M
U F P B Y G W B B O B E T N G
I H P L D O R E J X U B O C U
Here are the 12 US TV SHOWS you have to find:
I LOVE LUCY • THE TWILIGHT ZONE • HAPPY DAYS BEWITCHED • CHEERS • MASH BONANZA • THE MUNSTERS • GREEN ACRES WKRP IN CINCINNATI • TAXI • ROSEANNE Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................
Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was:
Mrs L. M. Gee of Forest View, Groby
Congratulations! Your prize voucher will be sent to you soon.
BEWITCHED BONANZA CHEERS GREENACRES ByHAPPYDAYS Mo Gawdat ILOVELUCY THIS MASHIS a startlingly original book about creating and maintaining ROSEANNE happiness, written by a top Google TAXI THEMUNSTERS executive with an engineer’s THETWILIGHTZONE training and fondness for WKRPINCINCINNATI thoroughly analyzing a problem.
Solve for Happy
In 2001, Mo Gawdat, a remarkable thinker whose gifts had landed him top positions in half a dozen companies and who - in his Created by Puzzlemaker spare time - had created significant wealth, realized that he was desperately unhappy. A lifelong learner, he attacked the problem as an engineer would, examining all the provable facts and scrupulously following logic. When he was finished, he had discovered the equation for enduring happiness. Ten years later, that research saved him from despair when his collegeaged son, Ali - also intellectually gifted - died during routine surgery. In dealing with the loss, Mo found his mission: he would pull off the type of ‘moonshot’ that he and his Google [X] colleagues were always aiming for: he would help ten million people become happier by pouring his happiness principles into a book and spreading its message around the world. One of Solve for Happy’s key premises is that happiness is a default state. If we shape expectations to acknowledge the full range of possible events, unhappiness is on its way to being defeated. To steer clear of unhappiness traps, we must dispel the six illusions that cloud our thinking (e.g., the illusion of time, of control, and of fear); overcome the brain’s seven deadly defects (e.g., the tendency to exaggerate, label, and filter), and embrace five ultimate truths (e.g., change is real, now is real, unconditional love is real). By means of several highly original thought experiments, Mo helps readers find enduring contentment by questioning some of the most fundamental aspects of their existence.
at DiscoveryEducation.com
Tomorrow is a big day for me at work. They are refilling the snack vending machine.
Stu St
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Small Ads
• EMU sheepskin EAR MUFFS. New. Ladies adult. Price £25.00 • COBRIDGE CHINA,was part of Moorcroft. Blue vase,and Hosta vase. Price £35.00 • Bernina artista 200 SEWING MACHINE AND EMBROIDERY UNIT. Good working order. Price £300.00 Telephone 0116 233 6974 (Groby)
Assistance dog charity to hold special Pre-Mother’s Day afternoon tea
• Mercia portable beauty THERAPY/ MASSAGE BED. Adjustable height, white upholstery and navy carry case. Price: £10.00 Tel: 01530 243328 (Markfield) • Morphy Richards mains-operated HEATED FOOD CABINET. Keeps food really hot prior to serving. Teak finish. Width 16”; depth 17”; height 36”. Price: £50.00 o.n.o. (was £199.00) Tel: 01530 249735 (Markfield). • MOBILITY SCOOTER - Pride Elite Traveller LX (takes apart for car boot).Immaculate condition, no marks, scratches or damage. Two sets of panels, red or blue, new batteries fitted in July, charger. Price: £350. Tel: 01530 244189 or 07855 973056 (Markfield). • Viva COMPUTER DESK (from John Lewis) Aluminium frame with 3 tempered frosted glass shelves (2 moveable) and casters. H 75 cm, W 68 cm, D 49 cm. Excellent condition, WhatsApp photo available Price: £40.00 Tel: 07960 056049 (Markfield) • ATTRACTIVE CREAM LEATHER SOFAS - 1x2 seater (68”L X 42”Dx39”H), 1x3 seater (89”L X 42”Dx 39”H). Both with button back & detailed stitching. 2 seater hardly used, 3 seater worn in couple of places. Price: Will sell separately £120/£90 or £180 for both (smoke free home). Tel: 0116 231 1802 (Groby)
31
Friends of Charnwood Forest
THE TALK following a very brief AGM on March 18th at 7.30 pm will be given by Peter Tyldesley on ‘Colourful characters of Bradgate Park’. MOTHERS will be treated to a special afternoon tea to raise vital funds for assistance dog charity Canine Partners. The event will take place on Saturday 30 March 2019 at the charity’s Midlands Training Centre near Osgathorpe, Leicestershire, and aims to raise money to train amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people living with disabilities across the UK, boosting their confidence and independence. The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and retrieving items, opening doors and undressing a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency. Relax and enjoy a fantastic selection of homemade sandwiches, cakes and pastries, all whilst raising much-needed funds for our charity that transforms lives every day – you can even upgrade your tea for £2.50 to include a glass of fizz! The event starts at 2:30pm and tickets cost £10 per person. Please note advanced booking by 22 March 2019 is essential. For more information and to book your place please visit caninepartners. org.uk/mothersdaytea, call Cat Howourth on 01530 225937 or email cathowourth@caninepartners.org.uk
Peter was born in Leicester in 1967. After university he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor in 1993 whilst working for the Ministry of Defence. Following a varied career including roles as an independent school bursar and Director of Countryside & Land Management at the Brecon Beacons National Park, Peter took over the reins at the Bradgate Park Trust in 2012. Do come along to hear this very entertaining talk. Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, 7.30 pm. Members free, visitors £3.
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!
• TRAILER FOR SALE - 4ft x 6ft x2ft, with many extras - call for full details. Tel: 01530 243469 (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).
Every Saturday morning 10.00am—12.30pm 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
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
I’ll never forget the first time we met, but that won’t stop me from trying.
SELL YOUR HOME
HIGH STREET SERVICE AT INTERNET PRICES Charnwood Living Ltd - Terms & Conditions Apply
0116 243 0880
www.charnwoodliving.co.uk
17 The Nook | Anstey | Leicester | LE7 7AZ