Spotligh potlightt Groby & Field Head MID-OCTOBER 2021
The Monthly News & Information Magazine For Groby, Field Head & The Brantings Groby’s people – David Hartridge
Mobile mast campaigner wins the LeicestershireLive Heroes Good Neighbour Award GROBY’S David Hartridge has won the Good Neighbour category in the LeicestershireLive Heroes Awards 2021.
David sought out the best advice he could find in the village as part of the opposition to a mobile phone mast on Pymm Ley Lane, and it is his energy and persistence in dealing with this challenge which led to his nomination for the 2021 award, as his other voluntary work was greatly reduced by the arrival of Covid -19. “I was nominated for this Award for leading the ‘Move the Mast’ campaign and that is what the neighbours wrote about,” explained David. But, as significant as this is, his community involvement goes much further, and although it
RECENTLY, vacancies on the Parish Council have been filled by co-option, but there is still the opportunity for someone else to join as a councillor.
As the Spotlight went to the printer, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had not finalised the election timetable, though if it is needed it will be no later than November 23. The critical dates, however, are the date that nominations open and close, as there is only a short window of around a week to complete the forms and have them validated at Hinckley. When nominations close there are three possibilities • There are no nominations, the cheapest option for the parish as the vacancy could be filled by co-option; • There is only one nomination, another cheap option as that candidate will be returned uncontested; • There is more than one nomination, and an election costing Groby several thousand pounds.
Categories targeted contributions throughout the community from volunteers and people such as the emergency services, healthcare heroes, and of course Good Neighbours. Three finalists were shortlisted within each category by the judging panel, and the winners were announced at the awards at the King Power Stadium on Thursday, September 23, 2021.
As part of the judging process he was interviewed by Kemal Yildirim, who is an award winning independent filmmaker nominated to become an Ambassador of Northampton due to his filmmaking contribution. A video of the interview was shown at the award ceremony.
NORMAN GRIFFITHS REPORTS
In fact, if there are enough candidates, the parish could be having an election in November, as ten residents have requested that a vacancy be filled by election.
The awards, which were headline sponsored by The Leicestershire Police and Crime Commissioner recognise individuals from all walks of life that inspire with their acts of bravery, determination and selflessness. The Good Neighbours category was sponsored by emh group, one of the largest providers of affordable homes and care & support services in the East Midlands and known in Groby for the Hello Homes development completed last year.
David has had connections with Groby for more than 60 years. His parents moved to the White Cottage, Whitehouse Close in Groby, in 1959, at a time when it was surrounded by fields and accessed through three gates. After marriage in 1968 he and his his wife lived in Markfield and had three children. When the family went abroad in 1976 he managed their Bahrain quantity surveying office for four years, moving back to Groby in 1980.
Still time to stand in the November Parish Council election
David Hartridge pictured with his wife Deborah after receiving his Good Neighbour Award may not have been relevant to this year’s award, there is more to be said. For example, many Leicestershire residents will have benefited from his work over the years as a volunteer driver role for Loros. Before Covid-19 this involved: • bringing in out-patients for appointments and day-therapy classes, • bringing in visitors, • delivering equipment and/or medications to out-patients, • taking patients for X-Rays at the LRI, Glenfield or the General hospitals, • transporting LOROS staff to lectures at hospitals or to out-patients, • delivering LOROS information to Health Centres throughout Leicestershire & Rutland, CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ...>
In terms of their demography the older generation are well represented on Parish Councils, as they are in most voluntary sectors. The services Parish Councils provide are, however, well used by younger residents – recreational facilities, parks and allotments – and Parish Councils would be strengthened by more councillors representing young family households. This is a group with less free time because of work and familiy commitments, but whilst councillors are encouraged to participate fully in the work of the council, it is up to individuals to draw the line limiting how much time they can contribute. Whatever your age, gender or ethnicity, now is the moment to consider whether you have something to offer and can make a difference. If you want to go for it, then think about who you will ask to nominate you. They need to be on the Register of Electors for Groby Ward. As the timetable has not yet been published you will need to check online or ring the Parish Clerk on 0116 287 6985, as time will be of the essence. It will probably be available by the time you read this, so you can check the Parish Council Home Page at www.groby.com or the Borough website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ currentelections.
Next Issue Out On 13th November • Advert & Article Deadline Is 30th October