PUBLISHED ONLINE ONLY THIS MONTH DUE TO CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Message from Edward Argar MP, Minister of State for Health WHILE I, and my team, continue to work hard on local issues in Groby and individual pieces of casework for constituents, it will not surprise you to know that, as Minister of State for Health, much of my time recently has been, and in the coming weeks, will also continue to be, focussed on our national effort to tackle the coronavirus. For that reason, the theme of my Groby Spotlight column on this occasion, is on that topic. As you will have heard my colleagues, the Prime Minister and Health Secretary, set out, the coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency in a generation, but it is one we are determined to meet and beat together. Coronavirus calls for dramatic action, here and abroad, and will require us all to play our part in tackling the virus, from washing our hands more regularly, to following measures announced that will disrupt the usual patterns of our lives, like staying at home, save in very specific circumstances. The key message of ‘Stay At Home; Protect our NHS; Save Lives’ is a very tough one, but it is a necessary one. The objective is clear and simple: to protect life and to protect the NHS through the Government’s strategy of contain, delay, research and mitigate. Our clear action plan is based on the evidence and is led by the expert scientific and medical advice. As Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, has made clear we will do the right thing, at the right time, based on that science. By acting to contain the spread of the virus early on, and having conducted some of the highest numbers of tests in Europe, we have been able to slow the spread down, avoiding adding additional pressure to the NHS during the busy winter season, and buying valuable time to prepare. Recently we have seen a major further step up in the actions we are taking, and the actions we are asking the public to take, with the stay at home instruction, again based on the scientific advice. The most up to date guidance can be found on www.gov.uk/ coronavirus and on www.nhs.uk. These are regularly updated where guidance changes or is added to, and sit alongside the extensive public information campaign being run. I would strongly encourage anyone with questions or concerns
to refer to these as their starting point as it is the best, up to date, expert advice. We also recognise that what we are telling people to do will entail real challenges for individuals and businesses, so we are clear that we must support individuals and businesses to do the right thing, and that is why on 17th March, building on what he announced in the budget, the Chancellor set out a package of financial and practical measures to assist individuals and our economy. He has been clear that he will do whatever is necessary, and since that time has continued to announce further measures, for example, to help the self-employed.
Once again, full details can be found on www.gov.uk/coronavirus. I am, however, conscious that there may be some people who don’t have access to the internet, and the Government is also ensuring that all other information routes are also used, such as TV, radio, and newspapers. As the Health Secretary wrote recently: “We must fight the disease to protect life. Everyone will be asked to make sacrifices, to protect themselves and others, especially those most vulnerable to this disease. With our clear action plan, listening to the advice of the best science, and taking the action we all must, I am sure we will rise to
Groby’s Rainbow Wall
this challenge.” Groby is a strong and vibrant village community, driven by community spirit and individuals working together, doing the right thing in good times and bad, and I am confident that Groby, and, indeed, the whole of our county, will rise to this challenge, and we will all play our part in this collective, national effort. I conclude with a big thank you to all of our NHS and social care staff, the volunteers who have come forward to help, and everyone else who is working so hard to beat this virus and keep people safe and well.”
Next Issue of Spotlight is out on 16TH/17TH MAY DEADLINE for Receipt of Articles and Adverts is SATURDAY 2ND MAY.
Myself and my two boys, Alfie and Harry decided to chalk our front wall to cheer people up on their daily walk.
Hayley Lambert - Anstey Lane
THIS IS SUBJECT TO THE CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN BEING RELAXED IN TIME FOR PRINTING AND DELIVERY TO TAKE PLACE SAFELY.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Groby & Field Head Spotlight
Coronavirus Resident Support Scheme Launched
IN RESPONSE to the Coronavirus outbreak Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has been supporting local residents who are self isolating and have no support networks through a Resident Support Scheme. So far over 700 residents and tenants have been contacted and assistance provided where needed through the council and the voluntary and community sector. The service prioritises those people who have no one else to help and who are the most vulnerable, for example those over the age of 70, those with an underlying health condition, individuals who are on their own and feeling isolated and families that are struggling to cope. Assistance can be given to:
PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT
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Link people into local support networks where these are in place.
Telephone
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Help with emergency food access and ongoing shopping assistance
01530-244069
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Advise on collection of prescriptions and other essentials
Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Social contact for those who are lonely
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Advise on financial help for those who are worried about their personal finances
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Advise on how to look after your health and wellbeing whilst self isolating.
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.
Executive member for Community Safety at the borough council Cllr Michael Mullaney said: “we know there will be many people in our communities who need help and support during these times and we have set up this support scheme for people who are self-isolating and may need some help as they have no support networks, like friends, family or neighbours. We are working with a range of local agencies, charitable organisations and local volunteers. “I would also like to remind residents that whilst we need to socially distance, we also need to look out for each other. If you’re in a fortunate position, then can I ask you to volunteer to help those in our borough. You can register your interest with Next Generation, who is already working with registered charities in the area. Visit www. nextgenhinckey.org or call 01455 632984.” If you are self-isolating or know somebody who is and as no or limited support networks such as friends, family or neighbours please call 01455 238141 or visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/coronasupport People are encouraged to use the online services in the first instance to help with the high volume of calls.
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: 16th May 2020 Lockdown Permitting! DEADLINE: 2nd May 2020
At what age is it appropriate to tell my dog that he’s adopted?
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Grants available for some businesses across the borough BUSINESSES across Hinckley and Bosworth have begun to receive grants to support them through the coronavirus pandemic with more set to be paid. Hinckley and Bosworth Council began making the awards on 1st April on the first day of the business grant award scheme, paying hundreds of thousands of pounds to local businesses. The council’s business rates team have contacted hundreds of businesses to ensure they will be paid the grants they are due and will continue to work with local businesses to ensure all who are eligible will be provide with these much needed funds More than 1600 businesses across the borough are eligible for the grants, which range from £10,000 to £25,000 depending on the size of the company. In total, the council expect to pay out £22m in grant payments once all eligible businesses make their applications and staff work through processing these. The council is intending to process more applications this week and is encouraging all eligible businesses to apply. In addition the council has already processed over £1.8m of the Expanded Retail Discount Scheme relief, ensuring all qualifying retailers secure a 12 months business rate discount. Chief Executive Bill Cullen said: “We have redeployed a number of staff from services across the organisation to contact the many businesses that we do not hold bank details for, to ensure we can make arrangements for secure payments to them and to mitigate through the systems we have in place against any potential fraud. “To be in a position to be making payments to businesses from today is remarkable given the government has been continually updating guidance to councils, the most recent of which arrived yesterday. “To help our teams to continue to work through the payments as quickly as possible we are asking companies to go online and sign up for e-billing.” Council Leader Stuart Bray added: “This is an absolute priority, we are determined to get the grants out to our businesses as soon as we possibly can to mitigate the impact of the closedown on jobs and the local economy. We appreciate it’s a very worrying time and we are determined to do all we can to help our local businesses. “My thanks to everyone at the council who is working on this in very trying circumstances.” For more information about eligibility and how to apply go to www. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/coronavirus - brief details regarding eligibility are listed below:
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HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS
Councillor Ted Hollick reports ALONG with many other Councillors ‘of a certain age’ I am one of those who have been requested to self- isolate as a way of reducing the risk of contracting or spreading Covid 19 and as such I would like to add my personal thanks to the many people who are willingly shopping and running errands for their neighbours throughout the village. The Borough Council has cancelled or postponed all physical Council and Committee meetings and public events until further notice. This has resulted in a greater use of technology ie. mobiles, computers and electronic means of communication throughout the organisation.
Want to adopt a phone box? This might be a good time to mention a recent email from British Telecom who propose to remove 5 telephone call boxes from the area due to their use having dropped by 90%. The only Groby one on this list is currently situated opposite the Co-op on Laundon Way, if you wish to comment, object - or even as a Parish adopt it - you can participate in this ‘Consultation’. You only have until May 4th by clicking on http://stakeholders.ofcom. org.ukbinaries/consultations/uso/statement/removals.pdf Borough Council Officers are working hard to facilitate the distribution of help and food parcels to vulnerable people throughout the borough, they are also administering the allocation of government grant monies to small businesses who are being badly hit by this terrible situation. Residents are still contacting me with issues via the telephone and whilst I obviously cannot go out to check I can deal with some queries myself or if I can’t I may know of someone who can. Best wishes to you all and Where you can, STAY at home STAY SAFE and SAVE LIVES
Small Business Grant Fund UNDER the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) all businesses in England in receipt of Small Business Rates Relief (SBRR) and Rural Rates Relief (RRR) in the business rates system will be eligible for a payment of £10,000 in line with the eligibility criteria as set out below. Eligibility: • Hereditaments included in this scheme are those which on the 11 March 2020 were eligible for relief under the business rate Small Business Rate Relief Scheme (including those with a Rateable Value between £12,000 and £15,000 which receive tapered relief). • Hereditaments that were not eligible for percentage SBRR relief are excluded. • Hereditaments which on 11 March 2020 were eligible for relief under the rural rate relief scheme are also eligible for this scheme. • Eligible recipients will receive one grant per hereditament. • State Aid rules apply and this has a total cumulative limit of 200,000 euro over a 3 year period • Any business caught falsifying their records to gain additional grant money will face prosecution and any funding issued will be subject to claw back.
Shoppers queuing up at 2m intervals outside the Co-op in Leicester Road, Groby
Councillor Ted Hollick Call: 0116 287 5955 Mobile: 07962 373983 E-mail: ted.hollick@outlook.com Write: 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, LE6 0FY
At what age is it appropriate to tell my dog that he’s adopted?
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
News from the Allotments vegetables that you have grown yourself. Tending an allotment is very good exercise because of all the stretching, bending, lifting and moving things you have to do, and because our plots are around 15 feet wide, it is perfectly possible to remain sociable and have a conversation safely with your neighbour, although we have to shout a bit!
Best and Worst of it TO QUOTE a famous author, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. So opens Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities. Whilst I am under no illusion about my writing ability compared to his, I think he does have a point today. It is the worst of times for me in that all the activities I usually do are cancelled and the allotment committee won’t be meeting physically for some time. We will have to find other ways of making decisions for the foreseeable future. As I’m in the ‘high risk’ group because of my age, I must be especially careful about being in physical contact with others and so placed myself in self isolation before we all had to. I am being reminded every couple of days by my sons to not go out anywhere, which of course none of us can now. I’ve never had so many phone calls from them! Also, all this social isolation means that I now have no excuse for leaving the housework as I’m not too busy anymore! It is also the best of times as
Nowhere to go!
Plant your carrots and parsnip seedlings in old toilet roll tubes, which can then be planted straight into the ground. I now have plenty of time go walking in our lovely countryside on our doorstep or to spend on the allotment and in the garden in order to get my daily exercise. I love being out in the open air and so, although the ground is still a bit cold and wet as I write this, I am sowing lots of vegetable seeds in trays to plant out at a later date and leaving them on a sunny window sill to grow. It is only things like parsnip and carrot seedlings really that don’t take kindly to
being transplanted and you can overcome this by planting the seeds in old cardboard kitchen roll or toilet roll tubes and then planting these straight in the ground. The advantage of this method is that you encourage the roots to remain straight in the tubes, instead of digging up those strangely shaped roots where they have met a little stone or pebble. I could have won the prize for the most grotesque vegetable with my weirdly shaped carrots last year!
Good exercise
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
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I MAY be very glad of having so much homegrown veg later in the year if we have problems with supplies or the price of fresh vegetables in the shops rises due to Brexit or the impact of Covid-19. I think that many of my fellow allotmenteers are of the same opinion as there have been many of us on our plots recently. It is very therapeutic to dig, plant out and then watch the seedlings grow and very nice to pop down later in the year to pick the lovely
WE HAVE had to make several adjustments on the allotments because of the lockdown. We have had to close our toilet as the strict hygiene precautions necessary in the current circumstances would make it a problem to manage and would also require us to deep clean it at least twice a day, something not feasible to ask our volunteers to do. So, we all have to be sure that we time our visit to our plot carefully now and I for one have stopped bringing down a flask of coffee with me for the time being. It is a long walk home! We have also had to postpone our monthly Open Shed Sundays, just as we had finished refurbishing our social area, but we will be back once the lockdown is over! We had big plans for our spring and summer social mornings, but they can wait. We hope to see you there later in the year! Take care and stay safe.
Carol Lincoln
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
I’ve been telling people about the benefit of eating dried grapes. it’s all about raisin awareness.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
One Moment By Linda Green Finn and Kaz are about to meet for the first time... Ten-year-old Finn, a quirky, sensitive boy who talks a lot and only eats at cafes with a 5-star hygiene rating, is having a tough time at school and home. Outspoken Kaz, 59, who has an acerbic sense of humour and a heart of gold, is working at the café when Finn and his mum come in. They don’t know it yet, but the second time they meet will be a moment which changes both of their lives forever . . .
Glass Dolls By D.E.White D.E. White’s hotly anticipated GLASS DOLLS is the utterly gripping new book starring Detective Dove Milson. Detective Dove Milson is called out to a chilling murder scene by the coast. A teenage girl is found murdered, encased in glass. The murder is a replica of the work of a serial killer known as the Glass Doll murderer, who entombed his victims in glass to watch them die. He would be the prime suspect but . . . HE’S ALREADY DEAD The kicker? Dove’s own niece was one of the original Glass Doll victims. When her other niece goes missing, it looks like the copycat killer plans to repeat history in more ways than one. WILL SHE BE THE NEXT GLASS DOLL? Time is running out. Dove must race to catch a killer before it’s too late. Then a new lead tears a hole in the case.
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Bradgate Rotary Charity Quiz raised £660 A GRAND total of £660 was raised at Bradgate Rotary’s charity quiz at the Stamford Arms on Monday 9th March, in spite of a clash on the night with Leicester City’s match against Aston Villa (which also had a good result - for City fans at least!). Proceeds from the quiz night are being donated to local charities, including Canine Partners and Prostaid. Bradgate Rotary would like to thank everybody who supported this event - not just the more than sixty quizzers who took part, but also the kind donors of auction and raffle prizes. Thanks as well go to Question master Brian Rigby, and to his team of staff at the Stamford Arms.
Building & Maintenance - Private & Commercial
GETTING READY FOR WINTER
New Roofing Garage Conversion Specialist Interior Refit - Extensions
07734405374 contact@countycontractorsleics.co.uk www.countycontractorsleics.co.uk @CountyCon County Contractors, Groby, Leicester
There’s a new a travel guide highlighting towns and cities with badly laid paving slabs. It’s called TripAdvisor!
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Council tax payment assistance
Skin By Liam Brown
FOLLOWING concerns over paying council tax during the coronavirus pandemic Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have announced that residents, who pay their council tax over 12 months can ask to switch to 10 monthly payments and those who pay over 10 months can ask to move their payment break to earlier in the financial year. Council Leader Cllr Stuart Bray said: “We know people are worrying about their financial situation during this pandemic, the situation is changing on a daily basis. We hope by changing how payments have to be made it will assist our residents with their financial planning. However I do want to reassure people that we will be as flexible as possible during this difficult time.” Full details are below:
Council Tax ‘payment break’ (10 monthly payments) •
If you pay council tax over 10 months, you normally do not make payments in February or March. This is a payment break. You can ask to take the payment break for the year 2020/21 earlier in the new financial year (after April 1 2020) instead of February and March 2021. Your total bill remains the same.
Council Tax ‘payment break’ (12 monthly payments) •
If you are currently spreading your payments over 12 months, you could switch to a 10-month plan and request to not make payments for two months of the following financial year. Please note that switching to a 10-month plan means your monthly bill will be higher than if spread out over 12 months. The total amount remains the same.
Council Tax Support Some people may also qualify for Council Tax Support. We have an existing scheme which means people who qualify can receive up to an 88 per cent discount on their council tax bills. The Government has also just announced that in light of the coronavirus pandemic, working age people receiving council tax support will also get up to another £150 off their council tax bills. If you pay less than £150 a year at the moment, then you will pay nothing. If you currently receive council tax support, this latest reduction will be applied automatically. To find out more, how to apply these changes and apply for Council Tax Support, visit www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk/coronacounciltax
A STRANGE virus is sweeping the globe. Humans have become allergic to one another. Simply standing next to somebody could be a death sentence. A kiss could be fatal. Angela is a woman trying to get by in this bewildering new world. Though she still lives with her husband and children, they lead separate lives. Confined to their rooms, they communicate via their computers and phones. In some ways, very little has changed. That is, until she spots a mysterious stranger walking through town without even a face mask for protection. A man, it seems, immune to this disease. A man unlike anyone else she knows. A man it might just be safe to touch ...
Supporting you in your home We are leaders in the community helping people to live at home indepenently. Our friendly and supportive staff have been providing assistance to our clients for over 25 years our staff have full references, an enhanced DBS and have completed extensive training. At Bosworth Homecare we build and tailor packages of support to meet our client’s individual needs. Our support plans can be any combination of the many services we offer including, medication, personal care, assistance with domestic tasks and shopping. We also support our clients to hospital appointments, social activities and offer a befriending service.
Domestic Duties • Shopping • Meal Preparation Medication Assistance • Personal Care Support with Social Activities, Hospital Appointments and a Befriending Service
Tel · 01455 292648
We have been rated GOOD by the Care Quality Commission and became the first homecare provider to achieve the local authorities Dignity and Respect Award. If you would like to discuss any support needs for yourself or your loved one please contact our dedicated team.
Friendly and Compassionate Carer’s also required to support our clients in your area
Email · managementteam@givecare.co.uk | www.bosworthhomecare.co.uk Bosworth Homecare 7a Main Street Market Bosworth CV13 0JN
Possibly the worst time to have a heart attack? During a game of Charades.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Thousands of books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers available
Big demand for libraries’ digital books offer
DIGITAL LIBRARY services in Leicestershire are seeing a demand during the coronavirus lockdown – and the county council is to purchase additional eBooks and eAudiobooks to keep up with it. For every month which libraries remain closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, around 700 new titles and additional copies will be added to the collection for adults, young adults and children to access. That means that, as well as expanding the selection, it also reduces the waiting times for the most sought-after items. Latest figures, over the past two months, show there’s been a 12 per cent increase in digital loans, a 35 per cent rise in eBook loans, and Borrowbox eBooks and eAudiobooks’ users have gone up by 20 per cent. With library sites closed across the county to protect public safety, library members can access thousands of digital books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers for free through their phones, tablets or computers. The digital titles also offer a personalised and accessible experience with options for font sizes, translation and voice-overs. Councillor Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries, said: “It’s very important that we stay safe and stay at home to protect others and the NHS. I would encourage anyone to find out more. That could be a new member or those people who had visited a library but hadn’t signed up for the digital offer.” To start using the digital library, visit: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/digital-library For help with the service or if you have any questions, please call 0116 305 2695 or email libraries@leics.gov.uk
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I think the hardest part of solving a Rubik’s Cube is not getting the little stickers stuck to your fingers.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
10 Free Box Sets to Binge During Coronavirus Lockdown WITH COVID-19 keeping us all inside this Easter weekend, if there was ever an excuse to stay at home on the sofa and binge watch box sets, this is it. So, in light of those doing the right thing and staying at home, the BBC announced a few weeks ago that it would bring back some of its classic box sets to the iPlayer. With spy-thriller favourite Killing Eve series 3 set to return on Monday (13th April) an Easter weekend of lockdown may just be the perfect opportunity to catch up on series 1 and 2 now ready for the drama’s anticipated return. With this in mind OnlineCasinos.co.uk has put together their top picks for free box sets to keep you busy during lockdown - from BBC iPlayer, All 4, ITV Hub and UKTVplay.
Killing Eve | BBC iPlayer | 2 series Killing Eve is a British spy thriller series. The programme follows Eve Polastri, a British intelligence investigator tasked with capturing psychopathic assassin Villanelle as the chase progresses, the two develop a mutual obsession. The third installment of the popular programme is set to return to our screens on Monday so if you haven’t watched it, let’s face it you’ve got time to catch up! And if you have watched it use your time to refresh your memory on all the thrilling action so far!
Spooks | BBC iPlayer | 10 series Spooks has made a comeback to the iPlayer especially for your lockdown entertainment. First airing on the BBC in 2002, the Bafta-winning series follows adventures of the security services at MI-5, as they race against time to shut down imminent threats to national security. Famous for its shocking twists this groundbreaking series will keep you occupied during lockdown.
Luther | BBC iPlayer | 5 Series John Luther, played by Idris Elba, is a near-genius police murder detective, and a very good one. He deals with murder cases, often involving serial killers, and has a knack for getting inside the mind of the killer. However, his methods, personality and troubled private life often get him into strife with his superiors, leading some to regard him as the problem rather than the solution. A true nail-biter, this gritty and captivating programme can be found on the iplayer and with 5 series to get through your lockdown just got a lot more exciting.
Life on Mars | BBC iPlayer | 2 Series Feeling like you want to escape for a while then ‘Life on Mars’ is the ultimate programme to binge watch during lockdown. After being involved in a car accident in 2006, DCI Sam Tyler wakes up to find himself in 1973, the era of ‘Sweeney’ type policing, Mark III Cortinas, and flared trousers. Let this programme take you back in time and sit back to all the 70s nostalgia. The title is also a reference to David Bowie’s 1973 single Life on Mars?, with its lyrics “Take a look at the law man, beating up the wrong guy” - and who doesn’t love a bit of Bowie?
The Inbetweeners | All 4 | 3 series Fancy a laugh this bank holiday weekend or just want something to keep your spirits up during lockdown then this sitcom about a bunch of middleclass adolescent lads is the one to binge for you. Welcome to a world of futile crushes, sibling brawls, getting drunk too quickly and casting constant aspersions about your friends’ sexuality. The show originally aired on E4 from 2008 to 2010, but you can catch up with all 3 series on All 4.
Dinner Date | ITV Hub | 46 Episodes While dates might be off the cards for many while we remain in lockdown it doesn’t mean we can’t binge watch singletons trying to find love over a three course meal. Everyone’s guilty pleasure ‘Dinner Date’ puts love on the menu for single guys and girls. Each programme gives one lucky person the chance to find true love over three meals cooked by a blind date in their own home and now you can binge watch 46 episodes over on the ITV Hub.
Where the Heart Is | UKTV Play | 5 Series ‘Where the Heart Is’ is a British drama-soap set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Skelthwaite. The series first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom on 6 April 1997. The British classic follows the lives and loves of two community nurses, sisters-in-law Peggy Snow and Ruth Goddard deal with life’s trials and tribulations realistically. A classic heart-warming TV series to sit and enjoy with the family while in lockdown together.
Merlin | BBC iPlayer | 5 Series First airing in 2008 and making a welcome come back to the iPlayer is action-packed fantasy adventure based in the fables of King Arthur and his wizard, Merlin, telling the story from when they were young men struggling to understand their destinies. In this version Prince Arthur is the heir to the throne but he’s already acquainted with all those who will one day form the legend of Camelot, including Lancelot, Guinevere, and Morgana - another great binge watch for the whole family.
Call the Midwife | BBC iPlayer | 9 Series A heart-warming drama series following the lives of a group of midwives working in the poverty-stricken East End of London during the 1950s, based on the best-selling memoirs of Jennifer Worth. It follows newly qualified midwife Jenny, who joins an eccentric, lovable community of nuns who are nurses at Nonnatus House First airing in 2012 the iPlayer has all 9 series for the ultimate binge-a-thon of this moving, funny and colorful look at midwifery and family in 1950s East End London.
Doctor Who | BBC iPlayer | 12 Series The ultimate binge worthy box set for lockdown with 12 series worth of the doctors adventures through time and space. As we can’t travel at the moment, let yourself escape to different planets with The Doctor, a mysterious 2,000-year-old time-travelling figure, and his many companions as they journey across time and space in a ship known as the TARDIS.
Aren’t Zebras just horses that escaped from prison?
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Leave your dandelions alone WHEN MOWING your lawn, avoid cutting your dandelions. That is the advice of the president of the British Ecological Society, Prof Jane Memmott. It will help to save the bees. She explains: “Dandelions are a fantastic source of pollen and nectar for the early pollinators in particular. If they were rare, people would be fighting over them, but because they’re common, people pull them out and spray them with all sorts of horrible things when they should just let them flower. If you leave the lawn to three or four inches, then dandelions, clover and daisies can flower and then you end with something like a tapestry, and it’s much nicer to sit there and watch the insects buzzing about.” Prof Memmott encourages everyone to get a bee hotel for their garden. “There’s nothing nicer than being sat in a chair with a glass of wine and watching the bees going in and out of your own personal little beehive. Even just a potted plant on a doorstep will provide lunch for a bee or a fly or a butterfly.”
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Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Garden Waste Service Suspended THE COUNCIL has suspended its garden waste collection service for at least two weeks.
Garden waste (brown lidded bin) collections were suspended from Monday 23 March for at least two weeks as a result of severe staff shortages resulting from the coronavirus pandemic. Refuse (black bin) and recycling (blue lidded bin) collections will continue as normal and are unaffected by this change. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Director for Environmental Planning, Matt Bowers said: “These are unprecedented circumstances that have forced us to make this difficult decision in order to divert our resources to the more critical refuse and recycling collection service. We appreciate the inconvenience this will create for our residents and hope they understand these are exceptional circumstances which are beyond the council’s control. We will keep this under continual review with the aim of restoring the service as soon as possible. “We apologise for this inconvenience. In the meantime, we would encourage customers to manage their garden waste at home such as by home composting if they can.” Leader of the Council, Cllr Stuart Bray said “I can confirm that people will not be out of pocket. If this situation lasts more than a couple of weeks it is my intention to extend the current charging period to ensure people get at least 12 months they have paid for.” Customers are asked to bear with us at this difficult time. For the most up to date information about any changes to council services look out for information in local media, follow the council on social media or sign up for free email updates at https://www. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/emailupdates
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby nature notes from Lindy Hardcastle IN THESE difficult times, for me and my family personally and for the nation, I appreciate more than ever the joys of my garden and the lovely quiet walks around our village.
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The thick bank of ivy along our fence is a magnet for birds, bees and butterflies, providing nectar in the summer, berries through the winter and now an ideal nesting site for blackbirds. Our young cat Sammy saw the first butterfly of the spring in our garden and when it flew into the garden next door he promptly scaled the five foot fence to follow it. He was equally fascinated by the big dog fox who came to sun himself on our lawn. When the fox finally left through a gap in the fence Sammy set off to follow him apparently enticed by his waving bushy tail. Fortunately David was in time to stop him in his tracks with the traditional cry of “Sammy – chicken!” It never fails. The magpies showed an interest in the fox too. Half a dozen of them arrived in the poplar trees at the end of the garden to keep him under observation. A friend tells me magpies follow foxes in the hope of scavenging their prey – but how do they communicate? Such strange birds. Apart for ourselves the great apes and dolphins, they are the only creatures who recognise themselves in a mirror. I was once lucky enough to witness a magpie funeral (not so lucky for the magpie concerned). It was lying in the road outside our house and at least a dozen magpies arrived, sitting on the rooves of houses around our little green and taking turns to fly down and pay their respects. Down at Groby Pool, the swans are nesting and two large aggressive farmyard geese have arrived. I was sad when my the little friend Geraldine, the cartoon duck, and her friend Sam left the Pool but a birdwatching friend of mine tells me they have been spotted at Thornton Reservoir . When restrictions are finally lifted, that will be the first place I want to visit.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Message from Lord Willy Bach ALL LOCAL elections in the UK have been postponed until May 2021 due to the COVID19 outbreak. This includes the election for a new Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, which was scheduled to take place on 7 May 2020. Lord Willy Bach has confirmed that he will remain in post until May 2021, extending his term of office by a full year. Willy Bach said, “We are in an unprecedented situation that no-one could have anticipated. COVID19 has changed the economic, social and political landscape. Things are changing rapidly and the next six months may prove extremely difficult for the public and public services; not least the police. “Given the scale of the crisis, continuity and stability are important. Whilst the outbreak progresses, Leicestershire Police will play a central role in upholding law and order and keeping our diverse community safe. I want to ensure that public confidence is maintained and will work closely with the Chief Constable to make this happen. “Obviously, some things will change in the short and medium term. I have cancelled all public engagement activity between now and the end of May. My office will focus on critical business activities and services, and prepare for potential disruption as a result of illness or government restrictions. “We will adapt our plans in response the changing situation and proactively provide further communication as the situation develops. “Once the crisis has passed I will review both my own workload and that of the OPCC team to reflect the new circumstances. “In the interim, I simply ask that people take the necessary action to stay safe and follow any advice given by the government and other public authorities.”
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Website Worth a Visit www.agespace.org AGE SPACE is a one-stop online resource and guide for anyone with concerns about, or caring for an ageing parent or relative, neighbour or friend. Whether you’re facing an immediate crisis, or are just beginning to worry, at its heart Age Space is a friendly online conversation space where anyone can ask a question or find the answer to something of concern. Annabel James started Age Space as a result of her own experience. When her Mum had a stroke and spent many weeks in hospital, the family were all overwhelmed by the situation – finding it hard to know what to do for the best for her, and for her Dad. She didn’t know what questions to ask, where to find the answers or what to do next. As she finally started talking with friends and colleagues she realised that there were lots of people at this “age and stage” – juggling work, families, distance etc and trying to do the right thing. There is lots of information on the website to help guide you through what can be very difficult and stressful times. But above all there are conversations going on about the things that matter most – helping you to make the best decisions with and for an ageing person. It’s really about trying to help our parents stay independent and healthy for as long as possible.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea Support for core organisational running costs for up to 6 months, for organisations that have a primary focus on supporting vulnerable people and that have experienced a loss of income due to services closing or operating at a reduced level and where this may lead to the permanent closure of the organisation
LEICESTERSHIRE County Council are increasing the amount available in our major new fund from £1m to £1.5m to further support communities during the coronavirus pandemic. The Communities Fund was launched to ensure that voluntary organisations can continue to carry out vital work, despite the impact coronavirus is having on their finances. A homeless prevention service and a centre to support youngsters with autism are among the first community groups to be awarded a slice of the pot. The first round of the fund will see £560,000 awarded to 46 projects. The second round is set to be announced by the authority imminently. The Communities Fund will ensure the work of volunteers and groups can keep communities thriving in these challenging times. Nick Rushton, Leader of the county council said: “There has been a huge response so far which is fantastic – and that’s why we’ve decided to increase the funding pot by another half-a-million pounds. “It’s never been more important for communities to band together and support each other. These awards will help groups to continue their crucial work and step up activities to support vulnerable people and those isolating. “This fund enables people to stay safe by staying at home and ultimately, saves lives. I’d like to thank our volunteers and community groups for their fantastic work and I would encourage those who haven’t yet to visit the website to find out more.” Charities, constituted voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises can apply for a minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £25,000 for support with the following activities:
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Groby and Ratby Community Response Team receives County Council funding WE OBVIOUSLY know that all our residents are facing a tough time under the present threat of Covid-19. Chris, Ozzy and Brian along with Rev Dr Ed Bampton set up the Community Response Team based at the Church Rooms in Ratby. We then installed two Co-ordinators, Angie Cain that now looks after Ratby and Groby and then Helen Crouch who looks after Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton under Bardon. Our aim was to provide the following. • Food shopping service to those who cannot do it themselves. • Prescription collection and delivery service. • Care package delivery service to deliver emergency food nonperishable to those residents who had nothing until we could organize a shopping trip for them. We have had over 140 volunteers come forward with offers of help, 75 have now been DBS checked and are out there delivering help. Over the last five weeks, we have done over 40 food shops, delivered over 80 Care Packages and collected and delivered over 140 prescriptions just in Ratby and Groby alone. Chris Boothby said: “We have received no funding from the Borough Council. The Community Response Team are based in Ratby and will continue to support local residents. “We are grateful to have been granted vital funding to the tune of £23,500. This came from Leicestershire County Council Communities Fund our application was championed by Ozzy which is for Ratby and Groby alone. We can now spend £7,000 each month for the next 3 months on food alone. We are waiting to hear on a separate application for Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton under Bardon for £16k from the same County Council’s Communities Fund. “We will soon be putting out new posters. We are also arranging a
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Covid19 Phishing Emails Reported To Action Fraud
Tel 0116 239 4336 Mobile 07808 585825 new leaflet drop and will need volunteers to deliver them. Please call us on 01162 393768 or email cvresponsegrobyratby@gmail. com. If you know anyone that needs help please contact us we are here for our community. “We have a new tag line that we are using to promote our service: “Spread the word, not the virus. Stay Safe.”
County Council Waste and Recycling Sites THE COUNTY Council has closed all its recycling and household waste sites. Consideration as to how and when sites can be re-opened is ongoing in light of Government guidance for non-essential travel, social distancing and safe working. District Waste disposal is continuing as normal except for the collection of green waste,
Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Transport Priorities WE’RE SEEKING your views on 30-year transport blueprint for Leicester and Leicestershire. A draft document on Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Transport Priorities (LLSTP) has been prepared by the county and city councils to outline priorities for the two Local Transport Authorities It highlights where the two authorities will work together to deliver common transport aims and objectives, including those in support of the Leicester and Leicestershire Strategic Growth Plan (LLSGP). The objectives of the draft LLTSP are: • Set out the priorities of Local Transport Authorities to meet the challenge of economic and housing growth in the city and county; • Underline the need for continued investment in Leicester and Leicestershire’s
A NUMBER of COVID19 related phishing emails have been reported to Action Fraud.
transport systems and supporting infrastructure; • Provide a framework for the work that has been, and is being, done to identify transport investment to support growth and; • Summarise how the two Local Transport Authorities’ will continue to work together to identify further transport investment requirements towards 2050. The principal aims are to: • Improve connectivity; • Support and drive the economy to unlock growth; • Create high quality environments for communities to thrive; • Ensure development is sustainable and maximises social and environmental benefits; • Support the transition to a low carbon and circular economy; • Support national and international efforts in combatting the impacts of and adapting to climate change; • Maximise opportunities from technological innovations; • Improve public health, by tackling sedentary behaviour and poor air quality, and • Focus transport investment and funding to achieve the biggest impact for the city and county. Following county council Cabinet approval on Friday 7 February, a 13-week consultation is now taking place until Monday 25 May 2020. To take part in this consultation please go to the Leicestershire County Council’s web page, go to ‘Have your Say’ then click on ‘Current Consultations’.
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These emails attempt to trick you into opening malicious attachments which could lead to fraudsters stealing your personal information, logins, passwords, or banking details. Visit the website at www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/coronavirus-relatedfraud-reports Protect yourself from scams 1) Watch out for scam messages Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details. 2) Shopping online If you’re making a purchase from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase. If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one, as most major credit card providers insure online purchases. For more information on how to shop online safely, please visit: https:// www.actionfraud.police.uk/shoponlinesafely 3) Protect your devices from the latest threats Always install the latest software and app updates to protect your devices from the latest threats.For information on how to update your devices, please visit: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/securing-your-devices For the latest health information and advice about COVID-19 please visit the NHS website. 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.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Martinshaw School News Stone Age OFF TO CONKERS and back in time a few thousand years to enjoy a day living in the Stone Age. Years 3 and 4 made their way to Conkers where by means of various workshops they learned about the lives of our Stone Age and Iron Age ancestors. They were taught how to grind grain using a stone, how to trade and barter, the technicalities of early farming development, how weapons were developed and how burials were carried out. They even met a ‘real’ stone age man, complete with hair and wearing an animal skin. All in all a valuable aid supporting learning about the hard life lived by our ancestors in the Stone and Iron Age.
Fairtrade Fortnight THE WHOLE school enthusiastically celebrated the Fairtrade Fortnight completing a variety of activities from reading and writing challenges to cooking.
Take exercise for even half an hour a day – and lower depression! HERE IS SOME good news for us all: if you are feeling low, get moving. A recent study at Harvard has found that even just half an hour of exercise a day can lower the risk of depression by 17 per cent. So – even though we are told to stay home at present, do a workout in your living room, run around the garden a dozen times, or run up and down your staircase 20 times -anything to get your heart pounding and your body moving!
Top Ten Silliest Questions asked on a Cruise Ship 1. Do these steps go up or down? 2. What do you do with the beautiful ice carvings after they melt? 3. Which elevator do I take to get to the front of the ship? 4. Does the crew sleep on the ship? 5. Is this island completely surrounded by water? 6. Does the ship make its own electricity? 7. Is it salt-water in the toilets? 8. What elevation are we at? 9. There’s a photographer on board who takes photos and displays them the next day... the question was asked: ‘If the pictures aren’t marked, how will I know which ones are mine?’ 10. What time is the Midnight Buffet being served?
Year 4 visited our own village Co-operative store where the knowledgeable store staff provided them with first hand information about what Fairtrade actually means both as a retailer and most importantly a producer, the people, farmers and workers in the less developed countries who the fairer prices benefit. The students looked around the shop to identify the Fairtrade products and then were given ingredients to make their own banana bread. The whole school took part in a competition to ‘design a Fairtrade chocolate bar’ and the prize, a Fairtrade Easter Egg, donated by our local co-op store.
Home Learning WITH THE present worries over the Corona Virus, schools have closed for everyone except the children of essential workers. However, this does not mean that teaching and learning has ended. All class teachers are using the ‘See Saw’ system which allows them to set work daily in Maths and English and in some cases one other subject, the students complete the work, send it back, it is marked and then returned. Year 5 teacher Mrs Tipton set a very simple and convoluted spelling test and waited, because at the end of the test it said, ‘It’s 1st April, April Fool’, to much online muttering. I advise you Miss, to check your chair for drawing pins when school starts again. Other innovative ways of encouraging the children at home by Miss Baitson in year 1: ‘Find the most unusual place to read’. Cue pictures of children on the tops of slides, sitting in wigwams and on trampolines all avidly reading. The children are expected to complete a minimum of two hours’ work per day and I am reliably informed that the effort has been, in the main, successful.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby Gardening Society NEWS Groby Gardening Society meeting, 12 March 2020. AROUND 35 members attended the third meeting of the year, when herbalist Tracy Beaty presented a talk “Save our weeds”. Tracy is a registered medical herbalist based in Loughborough (where she studied) and where she runs a berbal practice, the Oakleaf Herbal Clinic, as well as working part-time in student support at the University. After completing her degree at Loughborough she became interested in aromatherapy and from there to herbal medicine. Herbal medicine makes use of any plant which has medicinal properties, and many modern medicines have origins in herbal remedies. One of the most well-known is aspirin, whose active ingredient of salicylic acid is taken from the willow tree salix. Herbal medicines were the only remedy before modern pharmaceutical companies developed drugs and medicines. A common description, amongst gardeners, of a weed is “a wild plant growing where it is not wanted”. One man’s lawn full of weeds is another man’s wildflower meadow, depending on your point of view. Many of the plants used in traditional herbal medicine evolved alongside the local wildlife, and are invaluable for pollenating insects who are often unable to access modern hybrids of plants. A good example is the daffodil, whose single trumpetshaped flower admits insects, whereas hybridised double varieties do not. The use of artificial fertilisers, weedkillers and introduced species have led to the marginalisation of some of our native plants, along with increased urbanisation and climate change. A German report of 2017 showed that over a 27-year period, there had been a 75% drop in insect numbers. Tracy told us of a number of plants that are used by herbalists including daisy (bellis perennis), once known as bruisewort, with properties similar to arnica. Marigold (calendula officinalis) can be used to make healing ointments for the skin, with antiseptic qualities. Common plantain (plantago major) has antibacterial properties, and as an infusion can be used to treat the chest and lungs. Eucalyptus and lavender also have these qualities. Tracy described how herbal infusions can be prepared. Although made in a similar manner, they cannot legally be called tea, although the term “nettle tea” (made from the leaves of the common nettle urtica dioica) is probably familiar to many, reputedly good in treating arthritis, and nettles can be eaten. Deadnettles, although similar in appearance, are of the lamium family, and have square stems rather than round. Preparations from deadnettles are useful as an astringent. Making
infusions from dried ingredients is largely a matter of taste, Tracy recommends leaving the infusion to steep for 5-10 minutes in a covered container. Other plants mentioned are dandelion (taraxacum officinale) is good for muscle ache, the leaves are edible (and diuretic); the plant is considered to be beneficial for the liver, and the dried roots were used to make a coffee substitute, noted as long ago as the 1830s in the USA. The leaves and roots of marshmallow (althaea officinalis) – not to be confused with mallow – is a demulcent, which helps to relieve swelling and irritation of mucus membranes such as the mouth, throat and lungs. Wood avens (geum urbanum) can be used to make an infusion for the treatment of fever, rheumatism and gout, it’s also known as the toothache plant, having antiseptic qualities. Yarrow (achillea millefolium) can be made into an ointment for treating wounds (it was once known as herbal militaris, used for staunching blood from battle wounds). Self heal (prunella vulgaris) appears
commonly on lawns, and as well as being edible has a history of being used to treat sore throats. Hedge bindweed (calystegia sepium) can be a persistent nuisance in the garden, but is excellent for insects and is used medicinally as a purgative. If you’re intending to use these plants for herbal medicine, Tracey recommends doing this on a dry day (it shortens the time taken to hang them dry), avoid roadsides where the plants are likely to have been subject to air pollution, to take only as much as you
need, and to be certain of what you’re picking: wild garlic looks very much like lily of the valley, but the latter can make you ill. A fascinating talk giving an alternative view on many of the plants that are considered as weeds. See also Tracey’s website on https:// oakleafherbalclinic.co.uk • ON MARCH 11, a group of us travelled on the Society’s first trip of the year to Barnsdale Gardens in Rutland, calling in at Gates Garden Centre on the way home. Although it was a cold day, it remained dry, and we had the chance to wander around the thirty or so gardens at leisure. Cold enough for one of our group to lose her wedding ring, which slipped off a chilly finger. A hurried search was carried out, and fortunately the ring was located. The five acre site was devised and created by Geoff Hamilton for BBC Gardener’s World in 1983, and pioneered organic, and peatfree, gardening, aimed at the everyday gardener. Each of the gardens is suitable for a compact garden, or could be expanded or combined for larger gardens, and each has ideas you can consider for your own plot. The gardens are still run by Geoff ’s son Nick, who can be seen regularly on site tending to the plants. There’s a substantial and wellstocked nursery too. Have a look online at www.barnsdalegardens.co.uk. • GATES GARDEN CENTRE in Cold Overton is a substantial family run business originally set up as a market garden in 1948, and covers two and a half acres containing a wide selection of plants, tools, pots and a well-stocked farm shop too. Plenty of browsing! Their website is www.gatesgardencentre. co.uk. • CANCELLATIONS: These are uncertain times, and the society’s planned meetings may be amended as the Covid-19 situation progresses. There will be no meeting in April as previously advised, and the meeting scheduled for May 14th has been cancelled. The Society’s Plant Sale is scheduled to be held at the Village Hall on Saturday May 16th, but the current restrictions make it highly unlikely that this can take place. The Society’s Annual Show has been moved from its traditional slot in August to Saturday, September 12. Hopefully by moving the show outside the summer holidays it will encourage more children to become involved – keep a look out for details of the classes in the show which will be published later. Tending to, or looking at a garden can be helpful for those unable to get out and about as normal, and the spring growth is a reminder that things will eventually improve. Stay safe. (If you have any queries about the society, please email Helen Box on helen_box@hotmail.com in the first instance.)
Keith Poole
The whole birthing process came as such a shock to me, I couldn’t speak for two years.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
National Trust Leicester Association NEWS LIKE ALL OTHER visitor attractions the National Trust has closed all of its properties to the public due to the coronavirus. Initially they only closed their buildings but immediately social distancing was introduced they also closed all gardens and parkland. They also closed all of their holiday cottages. The Trust has had difficulty closing off its public access land in areas like the Peak District as this is usually accessed by public footpaths or rights of way which are not under the control of the Trust. However the Trust strongly advises the public not to use these areas. National Trust staff who can work from home have been instructed to do so and staff at properties are working on a rota basis where possible. They are still required to carry out all of the conservation tasks which take place at properties on a daily basis such as monitoring the effect of temperature and light pollution on the property and its contents. Most of the 65,000 NT volunteers have been “stood down” except for the few who undertake very specialised roles at properties. Also all volunteer speakers with the Trust have been instructed not to present any talks until the emergency is over. All events to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Trust have also been cancelled or postponed including the Buckingham Palace Garden Party to be hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales in his role of President of the National Trust. • ON AN ACTIVE FRONT the Trust wants people who can see trees in bloom in their garden or from a window to pause, enjoy the sight and share images on social media for those who cannot see them. Hopefully this will lift people’s spirits. Look out for the whites and pinks of blackthorn, hawthorn and cherry. The National Trust will only reopen when it is entirely safe to do so and sincerely hopes that all of its members and supporters and also members of the general public stay safe in the meantime. The National Trust Leicester Association has also cancelled or postponed all of its meetings and events until further notice. To find full details of the Association and to check the current situation regarding its programme please check the Association web site at – www.leicesternt.btck.co.uk
Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s response to Coronavirus
Latest update from the Leader, Cllr Stuart Bray and Chief Executive Bill Cullen WE KNOW many of us will be understandably worried about the coronavirus pandemic that is affecting our lives and communities, but rest assured Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council staff are working round the clock to keep residents as safe as possible, and to ensure that essential council services continue during this challenging time. Your support and co-operation is much appreciated. refunds to garden waste subscribers Below you will find some of the & Rutland has launched but it will extend customers’ garden actions the council is taking, as a dedicated Coronavirus waste subscriptions automatically well as ways we can all help keep Helpline 0116 299 2239, to cover the time the service is not ourselves and family’s safe. open Monday to Friday running to ensure customers are 9am to 5pm to support Supporting not left out of pocket. Customers the most at risk in our are advised there is no need to vulnerable communities, to help contact the council to arrange this; residents deliver practical and it will be done for you emotional support to local AS PART of a borough heart from the amazing kindness Parks and open older people. wide effort to support that people are showing, from The Silver Line also offers a free, spaces the heartfelt #clapourcarers each the most vulnerable we 24 hour confidential helpline for Thursday evening, to the pictures have launched a Resident WHILE we’re doing our older people 0800 4 70 80 90. drawn and placed on our waste Support Scheme to support utmost to keep the parks bins by our youngest residents borough residents most in and gardens open for daily Volunteering thanking the waste teams for the need of extra help during exercise, please encourage job there are doing to all the many ANYONE interested in the coronavirus outbreak, your friends and family bright and beautiful rainbows being volunteering can register including those selfdisplayed in windows across the to continue to follow the with our partner Next isolating. borough. national guidance on social Generation, who is already We have also been touch with We all have a part to play in distancing and we would be working with registered over one thousand residents and limiting the spread of this infection most grateful if you would charities and organisations tenants and provided assistance and we urge you to follow NHS take all rubbish home with in the area. where needed. advice and stay at home, stay safe you. The service prioritises those people who have no one else to help and who are the most vulnerable, for example those over the age of 70, those with an underlying health condition, individuals who are on their own and feeling isolated and families that are struggling to cope. Working with the Voluntary and Community sector, assistance can be given to: · Linking people into local support networks where these are in place · Help with emergency food access and ongoing shopping assistance · Advise on collection of prescriptions and other essentials · Social contact for those who are lonely · Advise on financial help for those who are worried about their personal finances · Advise on how to look after your health and wellbeing whilst self-isolating. If you are self-isolating or know somebody who is and has no or limited support networks such as friends, family or neighbours please call 01455 238141 or visit: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ coronasupport
What support is there for older people? AGE UK Leicester Shire
Visit www.nextgenhinckley.org or call 01455 632984.
Businesses Support FROM 1 APRIL a figure of around £22 million to support eligible businesses has begun being distributed by the Council’s finance team. Further help and assistance is available on our website with links to external agencies. www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ info/200379/help_and_advice_for_ businesses/1630/coronavirus_-_ business_rates_support_and_advice
Waste Service The council is diverting its staff to ensure the refuse (black bin) and recycling (blue lidded bin) collections services continue as normal and are unaffected by this change. Unfortunately we have had to suspend the garden waste collection service for a short period. We are currently looking at all options to resume the service as soon as we possibly can. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and will restore the service as soon as possible. We encourage residents to keep an eye on media, social media channels and the Council’s website for updates on a weekly basis: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ coronavirus The council is unable to arrange
Please stick to your one form of exercise per day.
Support & Goodwill THANKS to your goodwill, all this has been achieved through nearly three weeks of significant disruption while over three-quarters of our staff have been set-up to work from home. We are using new technology to overcome the lack of face to face meetings, but continue to ensure services continue and decisions are made in a timely manner. Can we take this opportunity to thank those key workers in the NHS, emergency services and other industries critical to ensuring people are kept safe and well. We are aware of many residents who have co-ordinated their own response to help those in need. Some are being supported by the borough and parish councils and other organisations. It is truly heartwarming display of human kindness and we are most grateful for each community’s support to their neighbours. Thanks to all our officers and partners who, while not exempt from this pandemic, are continuing to turn up to work day in, day out to make sure you continue to receive council services. These are extremely difficult times for everyone but we can take
and stay well. The coming days and weeks are critical. The way in which we are working together, supporting our businesses, communities and families will ensure that we will get through these troubled times and reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
Health advice for us all WE ARE in this together and we can all help limit the spread of COVID-19 by following the NHS and Public Health England guidelines on social distancing. To find out more about social distancing visit: Government guidance on social distancing. To get the best advice about symptoms of COVID-19, how to prevent the spread, and who should stay at home, visit: nhs.uk/coronavirus . For the most up-to-date information about Covid-19 in the borough, please visit our dedicated webpages: www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk/coronavirus So this Easter remember - Stay at Home, Protect the NHS and Save Lives. Our good wishes to you and your family.
Cllr Stuart Bray Chief Executive Bill Cullen
I got chatting to a lumberjack in a pub. He seemed like a decent feller.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch results
Letter from Uncle Eustace
THE HOUSE SPARROW defended its crown to top the Leicestershire Big Garden Birdwatch 2020 rankings.
The Rectory
Milder winter helps small On the perils of a Scout camp garden birds Almost half a million people across the UK, including nearly 7,000 in Leicestershire, spent an hour watching the birds that visit their garden or outdoor space as part of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, counting nearly 8 million birds in total. For many people, garden birds remain an important link to nature and the RSPB will be helping people to share their wildlife encounters and provide ideas for things you can do for wildlife close to home. The latest results from the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch have revealed smaller birds such as long-tailed tits, wrens and coal tits were seen in greater numbers than in 2019, thanks to the milder winter. Now in its 41st year, the Big Garden Birdwatch is a chance for people of all ages to count the number of birds that visit their garden helping the RSPB build up a picture of how they are doing. This year, almost half a million people across the country including 6,806 in Leicestershire took part counting nearly 8 million birds. The event held over the last weekend in January revealed the house sparrow was in the number one spot in Leicestershire, whilst there was an increase in garden sightings of long-tailed tits, wrens, and coal tits, three of the smallest species to visit our gardens. The milder weather we experienced at the start of the year appears to have helped populations of these species as small birds are more susceptible to spells of cold weather. Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. It was first to alert the RSPB to the decline in song thrush numbers. This species was a firm fixture in the top 10 in 1979. By 2009, its numbers were less than half those recorded in 1979, it came in at 20th in the rankings this year, seen in just 9% of gardens. Daniel Hayhow, RSPB Conservation Scientist, said: “Small birds suffer during long, cold winters but the warmer January weather this year appears to have given species such as the wren and long-tailed tit a boost. Over the survey’s lifetime, we’ve seen the increasing good fortunes of birds such as the coal tit and goldfinch and the alarming declines of the house sparrow and starling. But there appears to be good news for one of these birds. While the overall decline in house sparrow numbers, reported by participants, since the Big Garden Birdwatch began is 53% (1979 – 2020), in the most recent decade (2010-2020) numbers appear to have increased by 10%. Giving us hope that at least a partial recovery may be happening.” The house sparrow topped the Leicestershire Big Garden Birdwatch rankings as the most commonly seen garden bird in the county. The blue tit came in second, with the woodpigeon completing the top three. Throughout the first half of the spring term the nation’s school children took part in the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch. The UK-wide survey of birds in school grounds saw close to 70,000 school children and their teachers, including 856 in Leicestershire, spend an hour in nature counting the birds. The blackbird was the most numerous species seen in UK school grounds, with an average of 5 per school; and was seen in 85% of the schools that took part. www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
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St James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren IT SEEMS that the basics of parish ministry are no longer taught in theological colleges. Don’t you know anything about consulting your diary in public? When you are asked if you are free on a certain date, accepted practice is to open it so that the enquirer cannot quite see. You then shake your head sadly, saying you are committed to blessing a new tea urn, or on some other vital ecclesiastical activity that day. Then you regretfully give your apologies. You do not open the thing in full view of your enquirer, so he can see the blank pages! Really, it serves you right that you are now committed to going on Scout camp. The last time I agreed to pay the Scouts a visit was when I found that there was a splendid restaurant only a mile away from their camp. I arrived and parked my car by the side of the river where they were all canoeing, wound down the car window and made encouraging noises for some minutes before explaining I had to find a garage for petrol. Several hours later, after an excellent lunch, I drove to where they were now rock climbing, wound down the car window and made encouraging noises for some minutes before explaining that I had a standing committee to return to that evening. It was a splendid day. You, however, will experience the charms of two days under canvas. Whatever site for your tent you choose, it will be the one that floods first. The early hours will undoubtedly find you wading about in water in the pitch dark, retrieving your sleeping bag and clothes – which you will then have to wear for the rest of the day. Watch out for the food, as well: all camp food contains grass and usually sheep droppings. This will make you ill, though for some reason Scouts thrive on it. Whatever the weather and whatever activities you do each day, you will end up wet, chilled and bruised. At least your evenings will be warm, for you are bound to spend them at Casualty, with youngsters suffering from sprained ankles or dislocated shoulders. My only advice is to use those hours in Casualty to practise the art of opening your diary in a way that only YOU can see it. Your loving uncle,
Eustace
Two Centuries Ago ...
The voyage of HMS Beagle TWO HUNDRED years ago, on 11th May 1820, the British Royal Navy sloop HMS Beagle was launched. It was the ship that took Charles Darwin on the voyage around the world between 1831 and 1836 that led to his putting forward the theory of Evolution. HMS Beagle was one of 100 ships of its class, known as coffin brigs because they handled badly and were prone to sinking. But its captain on Darwin’s voyage, Robert FitzRoy, made some critical changes to its superstructure and weaponry. This was the second voyage of the Beagle; the first had resulted in the suicide of its depressed captain. FitzRoy was able to recruit Darwin, who was intending to be a clergyman, though he had recently graduated as a naturalist, as someone of a like mind who could be relied upon to research geology and natural history ashore. The voyage lasted five years instead of the intended two, and Darwin became famous after publishing his journal, usually known as The Voyage of the Beagle, which was an intriguing travelogue as well as hinting at Darwin’s theories on species. The ship itself was believed lost, but in 2004 its remains were thought to have been located beneath an Essex marsh.
My uncle choked to death on a piece of cheese. Now I can’t have my picture taken without bursting into tears.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
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Groups apply for share of £1m funding to support communities MORE THAN 160 community and voluntary groups have applied for a share of a £1million fund to support the most vulnerable across the county. We launched the Communities Fund last week to ensure that voluntary organisations can continue to carry out vital work, despite the impact coronavirus is having on their finances. The first awards are set to be announced later this week and groups are still being urged to apply for the Leicestershire Communities Fund. To find out more and apply, visit: www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/ leicestershire-communities-fund Nick Rushton, Leader of the county council said: “I’m delighted by the huge response to the Communities Fund so far and it shows that volunteers and groups want to continue making a difference. “It’s never been more important for communities to band together and support each other. And it’s crucial that their work not only continues but groups are able to step up activities to support vulnerable people and those isolating. “This fund enables people to stay safe by staying at home and ultimately, saves lives. I’d like to thank our volunteers and community groups for their fantastic work and I would encourage those who haven’t yet to visit the website to find out more.” Charities, constituted voluntary and community organisations and social enterprises can apply for a maximum of £25,000 for support with the following activities: • Support for core running costs for up to six months - for organisations that primarily focus on supporting vulnerable people and that have experienced a loss of income due to services closing or operating at a reduced level and where this may lead to the permanent closure of the organisation • Extra staffing for up to six months - capacity required to meet existing, current or increased demand for services, to support vulnerable people during the crisis • Adapting services - the need to rapidly adapt current service delivery models to maintain contact with service users • Equipment - funding for essential ICT, safety (such as PPE) or other essential equipment • Transport - funding for use of vehicles, transport, fuel etc. to enable visits to service users • Expenses - funding for increased expenses costs such as reimbursing travel costs for staff/volunteers who need to visit service users, if it safe to do so, in their home or in other locations. • Other - anything else deemed acceptable in relation to the criteria for the fund Find out more and apply online at: www.leicestershirecommunities. org.uk/leicestershire-communities-fund or send an email to: LeicestershireCommunities@leics.gov.uk
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I think my smartphone is broken. I pressed the home button but I’m still at work.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS
Councillor Martin Cartwright reports
Coronavirus COVID-19 MY ARTICLE focuses this month totally upon the help and advice available to you in these un-precedented times. As your Borough Councillor I appreciate that these are very worrying times for most people. Thinking back only a few weeks ago the concerns and worries that most of you had then probably pale into insignificance now! Currently the situation at the Borough Council is that most events and meetings are being cancelled with the exception of the planning committee which has been deferred (from 31st March). Government have recently released advice that planning applications must continue to be processed and determined. This to me seems ludicrous given that members of the public in a democracy have to have the ability to witness the planning committee meetings and or speak as an objector or applicant. As I write it is unclear how this process can continue without people going against the government’s advice to “stay home”. The focus of the Borough Council remains on providing the essential front line services such as refuse collection etc. As your Borough Councillor I am here and available to help you If you live in Groby and are experiencing any difficulties please contact me and I will do all I can to help you Home Phone: 0116 2874500 Mobile Phone: 07850 707050 Email: hbbchelp@appliancehome. co.uk Thank you and take care, Cllr Martin Cartwright Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Groby Ward To keep residents updated I am posting as much relevant information as I can on my social media channels. Face book, Twitter & Instagram. Face Book: Cllr Martin Cartwright Twitter: Cllr Martin Cartwright @CllrCartwright Instagram: cllr.martincartwright
HELP INDIVIDUAL streets are best placed to know their neighbours and their needs. With so many self isolating, especially vulnerable individuals,
there needs to be a way to ensure these people are ok with minimal personal contact. The Borough Council is compiling a database of all the groups that are set up in a location and a database of an individual contact for each street in the Borough which includes Groby. Whilst this will not be possible for every road, the database is growing on a daily basis significantly, I hope, since I wrote this article and the Spotlight publication date.
Would you like to volunteer for your road in Groby? IF PEOPLE want to register to volunteer they can do so through a central gateway via Next Generation at www.nextgenhinckley.org or Telephone 01455 632984
Groby Scouts I AM working with Groby Scouts to jointly get the assistance to Groby residents that they need. The benefit of this is that the Scouts will turn up in uniform and be instantly recognisable to our vulnerable residents. We are very grateful for Groby Scouts help and support. I am co-ordinating that help from here so please contact me in the first instance and I will see that the required assistance gets to you through one of the many volunteers. These arrangements will enable us to make referrals, where we are aware of specific support needs, into the local volunteering capacity where this exists and also means that once information on our role in the Community Hub is communicated, we will be in a better position to respond.
Additional Help YOU MAY also find the numbers below useful too. • Age UK Coronavirus helpline
for over 70s - The contact helpline number is 0116 299 2239. • Silverline 24hr helpline 0800 4 70 80 90 https://www.thesilverline. org.uk/ (helpline for older people)
If You Still Need Help IT WOULD help if people could print the green “OK” picture to confirm they are ok and place it in their front window. This has a further effect in that scammers who are out to scam you could be put off calling as you are signaling that you are ok. If help is needed replace it with the help picture That way we can have a good idea if people are ok or need help Certainly use the help picture to call upon assistance from your neighbours Who knows, we may be going into a period of further lockdown. Your immediate neighbours are best placed to see if you need help. Hopefully both these OK and HELP window stickers will advise your neighbours to your status and
to help you in your time of need. Hope this helps, take care.
Scammers THERE IS a significant amount of help on offer but the scammers are out there too. If assistance is offered to you please be sure you know where the help is coming from in order to prevent you becoming the victim of a scam. We are in un-precedented times, no system is totally perfect. The Groby Scouts have trusted volunteers and as well as myself are doing all we can to get the help you need to you from people who can be trusted. The help and support is available all you need to do is ask. Thank you to the NHS Doctors and Nurses and all the volunteers, shop owners and staff in Groby as well as their employees who are doing their level best to see that you have what you need and that we can all come out of this Virus healthy and ready to resume some kind of normality again.
I am here to help you Cllr Martin Cartwright Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – Groby Ward. Executive member for: Licensing, Environmental, Climate Change, Rural Issues & Klondyke Community Hub
Call: 0116 287 4500 Mobile: 07850 707050 E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk Write : Maverick House,10 Pine Tree Avenue, Groby, LE6 0EQ
Should you have any comments or problems you would like me to mention in my article please get in touch. Please remember if I can ever be of help to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact me. My contact details are listed in the panel on the left.
Martin
My doctor said I need to quit my helium addiction before I get carried away.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Queen’s University leading cell therapy clinical trial to help improve outcomes in COVID-19 patients RESEARCHERS at Queen’s University Belfast are leading a UK-wide clinical trial, offering an innovative cell therapy treatment for COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure. This clinical trial, led by Professor Danny McAuley and Professor Cecilia O’Kane, both researchers from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at Queen’s, is investigating the use of allogenic Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in patients with a complication known as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19. In the most critically unwell patients with COVID-19, many develop a complication known as ARDS. In ARDS the lungs become inflamed and leaky so they fill with fluid. This causes respiratory failure and patients may require admission to intensive care and a ventilator machine to support their breathing. A recent statement from the four UK Chief Medical Officers outlined the importance of clinical trials amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Professor Cecilia O’Kane said: “It is only through clinical trials we will be able to determine if new treatments are effective and safe in critically ill patients.” The trial involves the use of MSCs, a type of cell derived from human tissue such as bone marrow or umbilical cord (which is otherwise discarded after the baby is born), to treat the injury to the lung caused by COVID 19. MSCs are a novel treatment that have been shown in experimental models to reduce inflammation, fight infection and improve the repair of injured tissue. Patients in this trial, which is known as REALIST COVID 19, will be treated with a purified
population of MSCs derived from umbilical cord tissue called ORBCEL-C. The ORBCEL-C therapy has been developed by scientists at Orbsen Therapeutics in Galway, Ireland. The ORBCEL-C therapeutic is manufactured under licence by the UK NHS Blood and Transplant Service for the REALIST COVID-19 trial. The trial is being introduced as part of an existing programme of research investigating the use of MSCs in patients with ARDS. The first patient has now been recruited with plans to recruit at least 60 patients throughout the COVID-19 pandemic at multiple sites across the UK including Belfast, Birmingham and London. Professor Ian Young, Clinical Professor at the Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast, Director of HSC R&D and Chief Scientific Advisor at the Department of Health, said: “The Health and Social Care Research & Development Division has been working with researchers across HSC to address the global problem of Coronavirus. We have contributed £230K for this vital research which will provide important evidence regarding a potential new treatment for respiratory failure, a leading cause of mortality in COVID-19. We will continue to support health research and encourage people to participate in research trials and other studies so patients can get the best possible treatment to help tackle the spread of COVID-19.” The trial has been identified by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as a national urgent public health study. It is one of a number of COVID-19 studies that have been given urgent public health research status by the Chief Medical Officer/
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England. The study is funded by the Health and Social Care Research & Development Division and the Wellcome Trust, sponsored by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and supported by the NI Clinical Trials Unit, the NIHR Clinical Research Network and the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network. Orbsen CSO Steve Elliman noted: “While there are over 100 vaccines and therapies in development targeting the SARS-CoV-2 infection - at present there are no disease modifying therapies approved for ARDS. We’re delighted the REALIST trial was approved and listed by NIHR as an Urgent Public Health Research Study so we can continue assess the safety of the ORBCEL-C therapy in patients with ARDS.” Sir Professor Alimuddin Zumla of University College London, a global coronavirus and infectious diseases expert said: “This is an exciting and important trial which targets rectifying the underlying causes of lung damage and has great potential of saving many lives from COVID-19. The team should be congratulated for their leadership of host-directed therapies, a concept which has not yet been explored to its full potential.” Professor Danny McAuley is also part of an international network of researchers who are taking forward trials of umbilical cord-derived Mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of COVID-19: UK: (UCLSir Professor Azumla); Portugal (Champualimud Foundation - Professor Markus Maurer; Italy (INMI-Professor Giuseppe Ippolito) and China (Fifth Medical CenterProfessor Fu-Sheng Wang.)
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Pretending By Holly Bourne
APRIL is kind, pretty, and relatively normal - yet she can’t seem to get past date five. Every time she thinks she’s found someone to trust, they reveal themselves to be awful, leaving her heartbroken. And angry. If only April could be more like Gretel. Gretel is exactly what men want - she’s a Regular Everyday Manic Pixie Dream Girl Next Door With No Problems. The problem is, Gretel isn’t real. And April is now claiming to be her. As soon as April starts ‘being’ Gretel, dating becomes much more fun - especially once she reels in the unsuspecting Joshua. Finally, April is the one in control, but can she control her own feelings? And as she and Joshua grow closer, how long will she be able to keep pretending?
My wife just said she left me four weeks ago because of how unobservant I am.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Letter
A Message from Your Parish Priest, Rev’d Ed Bampton
Why Cycle on the Path?
I WRITE this brief note as the coronavirus pandemic hits our community, our nation, our world.
The roads have never been emptier. The roads have never been safer. The roads have never been better for cycling on. The roads have never been safer to teach your children on, and yet there are those who still militantly cycle on the path in the smug arrogant opinion that they are allowed to and everyone else should get out of their way, even though they are doing the wrong thing in the wrong place. Cycling on the path is a criminal offence, except where the path is marked as a cycle lane. Allowances are made for small children, but not their parents who should be on the road. The reason why it is a criminal offence is the damage a cyclist can do to a pedestrian when the cyclist hits the pedestrian. There is now no need to cycle on the path at all, let alone with such a factually incorrect and morally dubious attitude that one has a right to do so and that that right is absolute and must be given. It will come as a surprise to some, but the Highway Code is for everybody, and has advice as well as legal obligations for pedestrians, cyclists horse-riders, etc as well as for car and lorry drivers. I suspect the problem is two-fold: 1) the silly attitude that the Highway Code is just for learner car drivers, and b) that anyone who cares about the Highway Code is a rules-obsessed busybody with nothing better to do. Neither could be further form the truth. When cyclists are on the road, and pedestrians are on the path, then both groups can get to where they are going without coming into conflict, and secondly maintaining social distancing will be easier. I know we are all living in strange times, but it’s not so strange that it’s so topsy-turvy that wheeled road traffic goes on the path and pedestrian traffic goes on the road !
R.Lincoln
It will be brief as I, along with many others have been making many preparations to support our churches and our communities in Groby and Ratby. You may already be aware of some of the things I, with others such as our local councillors, have been trying to do and elsewhere in this edition of the Spotlight I hope you’ll find further useful information. Some of you may have already seen my first ever attempts at livestreaming services and prayer and I intend to continue this regularly. For we must remember that Church is not the building, but is the people of God coming together to support one another, however we have to do that. I am acutely aware that for many live streaming isn’t something you can access so do look out for what is available on television and radio and the internet if you have access to that. And for those you know who might find such things useful, but won’t get sight of the digital edition of Spotlight, let them know by giving them a ring a telling them about it. Indeed ringing around your friends and relatives is crucial at this time – social isolation and distancing will be so hard for many of us and that human contact, even at the end of a phone, will be crucial to our health and mental well-being. I can attest to the feelings and frustrations that come, having myself to self-isolate for two weeks with a new dry cough in the household – and I hope that this is also setting an example of the importance of doing this, as we as a household try to minimise the risk to everyone around us. But above all, remember what we are told in the letter to the Hebrews, which I shared in my first ever recorded video message to the villages for those that saw it: ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’ So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. Taken from Hebrews 13:5-6 So do not be afraid and know we are part of communities of love and support – and where there is love, there is God also. For the church is not confined to the building, but is the people who are doing all they can to show love to one another in our communities, now and always. And we can be proud of our communities who are full of volunteers offering to do whatever they can to help. I am proud of our communities and feel truly blessed to be a part of them. I hope you all are too. Take care, stay safe and God bless you all.
Rev’d Ed
TV, Radio and Internet Resources for Worship THIS IS not an exhaustive list and more things may become available over time, but hopefully this will provide a starting point.
Television programmes • Songs of Praise Sundays at 1.15pm on BBC 1
Radio programmes • Prayer for the Day daily at 5.43am on Radio 4 • Sunday Worship Sundays at 8.10am on Radio 4 • Daily Service Monday to Friday at 9.45am on Radio 4 Longwave and DAB (The Daily Service is available on a Radio 4 DAB side channel which is automatically made available about a minute before the programme begins.) • Lent Talks Wednesdays at 8.45pm on Radio 4 • Choral evensong - Wednesdays at 3.30pm and the same service is repeated Sundays at 3pm on BBC Radio 3
A few internet resources • Church of England daily prayer https://www.churchofengland.org/ prayer-and-worship/join-us-dailyprayer • Audio daily prayer https://pray-asyou-go.org • https://www.24-7prayer.com • Download the daily prayer app onto your smartphone/tablet (search in play store for ‘daily prayer from the Church of England’) or alternatively look at resources on https://www. chpublishing.co.uk/apps/time-to-pray • Roots on the Web are offering free resources for all ages which can be found at via https://www. rootsontheweb.com/
Caring for one another in the Coronovirus Pandemic and help if you need it
• Please do call one another on the telephone, your family and friends – and encourage those you phone to do the same and in doing that we can create a virtual network of support. This is vital to combat isolation and to help everyone’s mental health. • You can call the Samaritans free on 116 123. • You can call Silverline (aged 55+) on 0800 4 70 80 90 to arrange for a weekly 30 min phone call from a friendly volunteer who will be there to listen. • Via our Coronavirus Community Response network we have many local volunteers who will help with telephone conversations and other things – please do call the coordinating hub on 07368 213599 or 0116 2393768 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm to request help and support. Alternative contacts and for out of hours are your local councillors Ozzy on 07808 585825, Chris on 07880 711222 or Brian on 07940 513760 or use the email address cvresponsegrobyratby@gmail.com. • You can, of course, call your local parish priests for any support we can offer to you - Rev’d Ed on 0116 2396520 or Rev’d Noel on 07757 302271. Do leave an answerphone message if we are unavailable to take your call and we will get back to you asap. We are here to serve our communities – the church building might be shut, but the work of the church in our community is never shut!
Sometimes I make a mental note and then forget where I put it.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Spotlight Small Ads • FRIDGE FREEZER (LEC) 1200mm high by 500mm wide. Nearly new. Price: £50.00 • Indesit WASHER DRYER nearly new. Price: £200.00 • Black MICROWAVE. Price: £30.00 • Cast iron OUTSIDE TABLE & 4 CHAIRS - bronze colour. Price: £20.00 • Electric Flymo HOVER MOWER. Price: £10.00 • Black glass oval COFFEE TABLE. Price: £20.00 Tel: 0116 287 6078 (Groby) • Genius 4-step SAFETY STEP LADDER. As new. Price: £25.00 • Oil-filled RADIATOR. Price:£20.00 • Skirting board RADIATORS. Price: £10 the pair. • Assorted JIGSAWS - all 1,000 pieces. Price: £1.50 each. Tel: 01530 249886 (Markfield) • Table top FREEZER - 20” by 20”. FREE. • Memory foam MATTRESS TOPPER - 6” deep, for double bed. As new. Cost £170. Accept £60.00 • ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE - suspension & disc brakes. Price: £50.00 • Toddlers ROCKING CATERPILLAR. Price: £5.00 Tel: 0116 231 2227 (Groby) • Man’s MOUNTAIN BIKE good condition. Price: £45.00 • LADIES BIKE - good condition. Price: £25.00 Tel: 07957 915183 (Groby)
• Man’s MOUNTAIN BIKE - 26 inch wheels, aluminium frame, 8 gears. Brand new condition - used only a few times. Price: £100.00 o.n.o. • FREE - GAS BBQ - 4 burners and 1 side burner. Good clean condition. Tel: 01530 245323 (Field Head) • Portable ELECTRIC SEWING MACHINE. JANOME model 1017. New - never used - still in original packing. Price: £50.00 • Crook handle bamboo WALKING STICK with silver coloured cap and brass ferrule. Lovely condition. Price: £30.00 • Collection of BIRD FEEDERS. Price: £10.00 • Brand new Mercedes 12 volt COOL BOX. 16.5 litres. Great for camping and pic- nics. Still in original package with full instructions and at less than half price. Price: £45.00 Tel. 01530 244388 (Markfield). 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, just to know where you are).
PLEASE STAY AT HOME AND STAY SAFE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
25
Elevator Pitch By Linwood Barclay IT BEGINS on a Monday, when four people board an elevator in Manhattan. Each presses the button for their floor, but the elevator climbs, non-stop, to the top where it pauses for a few seconds, before dropping. Right to the bottom of the shaft. It appears to be a horrific, random tragedy. But then, on Tuesday, it happens again. And when Wednesday brings yet another catastrophe, New York, one of the most vertical cities in the world is plunged into chaos. Clearly, this is anything but random. This is a cold, calculated bid to terrorize the city. And it’s working. But what do these deadly acts of sabotage have to do with the fingerless body found on the High Line? It will be a race against time for detectives Jerry Borque and Lois Delgado to find the answers before a deadly Friday night showdown. Number one bestseller Linwood Barclay returns with a heart-stopping thriller which will do for elevators what Psycho did for showers and Jaws did for the beach…
Parental excuses THESE are actual ‘excuse notes’ from parents excusing their children from missing school (includes original spelling): • My son is under a doctor’s care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him. • Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot. • Dear School: Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33. • Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip. • John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face. • Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part. • Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins. • Chris will not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.
• Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels. • Please excuse Tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots leak. • Irving was absent yesterday because he missed his bust. • Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was his father’s fault. • I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I don’t know what size she wears. • Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday. • Sally won’t be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her funeral. • Please excuse Jason for being absent yesterday. He had a cold and could not breed well.
It bothers me when I see taxpayer’s money wasted on signs telling deer where to cross the road.
05/04/2020 Word Search Puz Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 26
Chocolate Wordsearch
FIND THE 12 most popular chocolate bars in the UK in this issue’s Wordsearch puzzle, you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.
S J B O U N T Y J V M Y L S W V W
S R E K C I N S B I L S P H X O Q
G X B K K Y M C W Q V V A O Q X F
Z A F Y W Q R E D G J M Z Q P D O
Z F L A K U M C K X J Z P D K Y L
B L V A N K A R A L N R W Y K S O
E N V C X W R Z E V I Z N C U H O
Q O H R P Y S K R G Z M Y V J O P
To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 POPULAR CHOCOLATE BARS. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). IMPORTANT: You MUST address your entry to: A TASTE OF PARADISE, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 2nd May 2020. Remember to E E G N A V B E J include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of I K E G I R K X M the hat will win the prize. Good luck!
T I N Y Q V O I C E Y J U D S
A L F F H H M J T T U R O Y D
B Y N A C U I T A R O A I O E
A L P T P D N K U R Y U T A C
L R W Z P S T P W E N D O N D
O I U K X I I A P K V I G H I
X W X O K J M W D X B Q J K A
X T U W K Z M A I M R Z Z M N
V Y X W W G L S J H V A E X C
Here are the 12 CHOCOLATE BARS you have to find:
SNICKERS • DAIRY MILK • GALAXY • BOUNTY KITKAT • TWIX • TWIRL • WISPA MARS • FLAKE • CRUNCHIE • AEROMINT
Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................
LAST MONTH’S WORDSEARCH WINNER
CLOSING DATE: SATURDAY 2ND MAY 2020 AEROMINT BOUNTY CRUNCHIE DAIRYMILK FLAKE GALAXY THIS IS THE time of year when I usually report about how KITKAT MARSthe daffodils look on the Millennium Green and lovely saySNICKERS how we are looking forward to the blossom which is TWIRL just beginning to TWIX appear. WISPA Well the daffodils are still making a good show and do help to brighten up the days Created by Puzzlemaker when the news we hear is so difficult to listen to, and when we are not able to meet with friends and family as usual. It is also, at this time, when we advertise our Plant Sale. The date for the Sale was set at the AGM as May 26th. Obviously in the present situation this cannot take place. However we already have many plants that are growing and will need to be made available when they are big enough and conditions are right for planting. At the moment we are still trying to work out a number of ways of passing on information to you. These will include using the Groby Spotlight and Glenfield Gazette as well as notice boards on the Green and around the villages. Details will also be posted on our website from the beginning of May www.glenfieldmillenniumgreen.org. This event has always been important to us both from a community point of view and as a major source of funds. We rely on your support and hope it continues in spite of the difficulties.
The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch Competition was:
MARTIN SMITH of Highfield Road, Groby.
Congratulations! Your prize voucher will be sent to you soon.
News from Glenfield Millennium Green
at DiscoveryEducation.com
Christine Tordoff (Secretary GMGT) I’ve been scratching my head all day trying to figure out how I managed to get head lice. Connect with us on Facebook
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-APRIL 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Latimer Players
‘Love and Money’ cancelled FOLLOWING Government guidelines it is with regret that the Latimer Players have cancelled their production of ‘Love and Money’ due to be staged on 23rd, 24th and 25th April. Rehearsals were in full swing and the cast were enjoying taking part but we thought, in the interest of our members and audience, cancelling at an early stage was the sensible thing to do. At the moment, this is only a postponement and we hope to bring it back either this November, instead of our annual pantomime, or April 2021. It is too soon for us to have made any decisions, but as soon as we do you will be the first to know. In the meantime from all the Latimer Players, we send our apologies and hope in these unprecedented times you keep safe and healthy, ready for us to entertain you when the situation changes. If you would like more information about our Society and our productions, email christinedeavin@gmail.com
Try a little kindness WHEN TV PRESENTER and celebrity Caroline Flack took her life in February 2020 the world was shocked and saddened. How could someone so young, beautiful and successful do such a thing? It seems that the pressure of an impending court case, the vitriol she received online, and her own inner pain had become too much for her.
Shortly before she died, she posted, ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind.’ These simple words are a call to our society to become more caring and careful in the way we treat each other. There is too much unkindness about, especially on social media where unkind words are so common and can be so destructive. Kindness can be defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. It is shown through our words and by our actions, an everyday sort of quality that is not spectacular but which when we encounter it can lift our spirits. It is above all a Christian virtue that ought to be demonstrated in great measure within Christian communities. It is a fruit of the Spirit, an attitude that is formed within us when the Holy Spirit is at work in our lives (Galatians 5:22). It is an aspect of love for love is patient, love is kind (1Corinthians 13:4). Yet sadly, the Church is often no different from the world. Congregations can sometimes be anything but friendly, generous and considerate. Why not try a little kindness this week? Do something spontaneously to help another person. Reach out in friendship to someone who seems lonely, if only by phone! Speak some kind words to those around you. You will feel better yourself, and you will be making the world a better place.
By the Revd Tony Horsfall of Charis Training
27
Advance Notice Family Fun Day at Ulverscroft STALL HOLDERS and entertainers are invited to take part in Bradgate Rotary’s Family Fun Day on Sunday 13th September 2020 (Covid-19 outbreak permitting). This follows on from last year’s successful event, which raised over £1700 for local charities. The venue will once again be Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Markfield. For more details, please contact: emmajones@loros.co.uk A Rotary spokesperson said: “We’ve already booked several stalls and other attractions but we have space for more. We’re particularly keen to give entertainers the opportunity to take part. We’re planning to make the event bigger and even better than last year.” As before, attractions on offer will include a family-friendly obstacle course (‘Obstacular’) which proved very popular last year.
Visit: www.Charistraining.co.uk
Both of the churches in Groby are closed for the foreseeable, with our usual services & activities suspended. But, we are still there for your spiritual needs during this time of great challenge. The brick/stone church has been replaced by a church of people communicating and supporting via telephone, e-mail and social media. Please check out what we are doing – we are actually reaching more people via our Facebook pages than we could fit in our churches, but we would love to reach even more. If you need any spiritual support or prayers please Rector – Rev Ed Bampton 01162396520 text/message your name and home telephone number to Rev Noel Colley 07757 302271 one of our elders on 07807036944 or 07368405207– you www.facebook.com/StPandStJ will get a call back. www.achurchnearyou.com/church/5501 www.facebook.com/grobyurc/ Online live streamed regular services as follows: Every Tuesday at 9pm Compline Every Thursday at 10am Morning Prayer Every Sunday at 10am Morning Worship Holy Week – online services each day at 7pm & Friday 10th April at 12 noon A Meditation on the Cross Easter Sunday 12th April at 10am Easter Service
Online live streamed services 10am Sundays – follow us on Facebook for more information and daily posts to support & encourage you. Christian Booklets/Gospels/Magazines and DVDs - have been put outside the church on Chapel Hill for anyone who is interested and would find them helpful.
If the world is really a stage then someone in casting needs to be fired.
DOMESTIC ABUSE FEATURE Information from the Women’s Aid website: www.womensaid.org.uk
COVID-19: Safety Advice for Domestic Abuse Survivors WE KNOW that COVID-19 will have serious impacts on the lives of women and children. Survivors are telling us that they are feeling unsafe with the prospect of being isolated in the house with their perpetrator. We want to reassure survivors and local specialist services that we are here for you and we will be doing everything we can to support you during this challenging time. Try and keep a mobile phone with you at all times if possible. The police are a key service when in immediate danger. Do not be afraid to call 999 in an emergency.
Silent Solutions FAMILIARISE yourself with The Silent Solution system. This is a system for victims of domestic abuse who might be afraid of further danger and escalation of harm if they are overheard when calling 999 in an emergency.
When somebody calls 999, an operator will ask which emergency service is required. If you are is not able to ask for help, your call will be forwarded to a police system and you will hear an automated message. If 55 is pressed by the caller, the system will detect this. The operator will then transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. National helplines, email, text and live chat support services, and local specialist services, are currently open for business as usual, although their delivery is likely to have to adapt over the coming weeks.
Recognising domestic abuse
ALTHOUGH every situation is unique, there are common factors that link the experience of an abusive relationship. Acknowledging these factors is an important step in preventing and stopping the abuse. This list can help you to recognise if you, or someone you know, are in an abusive relationship. They include : • Destructive criticism and verbal abuse: shouting; mocking; accusing; name calling; verbally threatening. • Pressure tactics: sulking; threatening to withhold money, disconnecting the phone and internet, taking away or destroying your mobile, tablet or laptop, taking the car away, taking the children away; threatening to report you to the police, social services or the mental health team unless you comply with his demands; threatening or attempting self-harm and suicide; withholding or pressuring you to use drugs or other substances; lying to your friends and family about you; telling you that you have no choice in any decisions. • Disrespect: persistently putting you down in front of other people; not listening or responding when you talk; interrupting your telephone calls; taking money from your purse without asking; refusing to help with childcare or housework. • Breaking trust: lying to you; withholding information from you; being jealous; having other relationships; breaking promises and shared agreements. • Isolation: monitoring or blocking your phone calls, e-mails and social media accounts, telling you where you can and cannot go; preventing you from seeing friends and relatives; shutting you in the house. • Harassment: following you; checking up on you; not allowing you any privacy (for example, opening your mail, going through your laptop, tablet or mobile), repeatedly checking to see who has phoned you; embarrassing you in public; accompanying you everywhere you go. • Threats: making angry gestures; using physical size to intimidate; shouting you down; destroying your possessions; breaking things; punching walls; wielding a knife or a gun; threatening to kill or harm you and the children; threatening to kill or harm family pets; threats of suicide. • Sexual violence: using force, threats or intimidation to make you perform sexual acts; having sex with you when you don’t want it; forcing you to look at pornographic material; constant pressure and harassment into having sex when you don’t want to, forcing you to have sex with other people; any degrading treatment related to your sexuality or to whether you are lesbian, bisexual or heterosexual. • Physical violence: punching; slapping; hitting; biting; pinching; kicking; pulling hair out; pushing; shoving; burning; strangling, pinning you down, holding you by the neck, restraining you. • Denial: saying the abuse doesn’t happen; saying you caused the abuse; saying you wind him up; saying he can’t control his anger; being publicly gentle and patient; crying and begging for forgiveness; saying it will never happen again.
What to do if you need urgent police help through the 999 service, but can’t speak If you’re in an emergency situation and need police help, but can’t speak, Make Yourself Heard and let the 999 operator know your call is genuine. WHEN YOU CALL 999 All 999 calls are directed to call centres and will be answered by BT operators. They will ask which service you need. If no service is requested but anything suspicious is heard throughout the process, BT operators will connect you to a police call handler. IF YOU CALL 999 FROM A MOBILE It is always best to speak to the operator if you can, even by whispering. You may also be asked to cough or tap the keys on your phone in response to questions. If making a sound would put you or someone else in danger and the BT operator cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, your call will be transferred to the Silent Solution system. The Silent Solution is a police system used to filter out large numbers of accidental or hoax 999 calls. It also exists to help people who are unable to speak, but who genuinely need police assistance. You will hear an automated police message, which lasts for 20
seconds and begins with ‘you are through to the police’. It will ask you to press 55 to be put through to police call management. The BT operator will remain on the line and listen. If you press 55, they will be notified and transfer the call to the police. If you don’t press 55, the call will be terminated. Pressing 55 does not allow police to track your location. WHAT THEN? When transferred to your local police force, the police call handler will attempt to communicate with you by asking simple yes or no questions. If you are not able to speak, listen carefully to the questions and instructions from the call handler so they can assess your call and arrange help if needed. IF YOU CALL 999 FROM A LANDLINE Because it’s less likely that 999 calls are made by accident from landlines, the Silent Solution system is not used.
If, when an emergency call on a landline is received: - there is no request for an emergency - the caller does not answer questions - only background noise can be heard and BT operators cannot decide whether an emergency service is needed, then you will be connected to a police call handler as doubt exists. If you replace the handset, the landline may remain connected for 45 seconds in case you pick it up again. If you pick up again during this 45 seconds and the BT operator is concerned for your safety, the call will be connected to police. When 999 calls are made from landlines, information about where you’re calling from should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response.
#MakeYourselfHeard #SilentSolution www.policeconduct.gov.uk
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