Groby Spotlight Mid-September 2020

PARISH COUNCIL QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER IS ON PAGE 15

GROBY POOL AT SUNSET

Belle retires after running nursery for 57 years!

GROBY NURSERY & Playschool has closed following the retirement of Mrs Bell, who has been running the nursery for 57 years.

I WONDERED if readers might like the enclosed picture, taken on August 7th this year at Groby Pool, to use in the Spotlight magazine.

The nursery was always very popular in the village and surrounding areas. In some families, three generations have started their early years education there. Amazingly Belle (as she is affectionately know to the children) can remember all the children she has taught.

I was lucky enough to spot “10 swans a-swimming” during a stunning sunset!

Diana Marinari

Letter

Social distanced carol singing at Christmas HERE IS A SUGGESTION to consider.

It looks like there will still be social distancing for a very long time and will mean that Christmas this year will be very different from what people have been used to in the past.

I am going to propose something and wonder if we have the community spirit to do it. On Christmas Eve, at (let’s say) 7pm, everyone stands outside their homes, on the pavements or in their gardens, and keeping in their little “bubbles” and maintaining social distancing, we all sing Christmas Carols – similar to the “clap for the NHS and front-line workers.”

Perhaps our local radio station could lead us all by playing the music to Christmas carols such as Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, etc.

The resultant sound of the carols being sung will be something special to remember – something positive in these strange times we find ourselves living through at the moment.

Would our community be up for this?

Joan Garlick

The parents and carers organised a drive-by celebration event on Saturday 15th August to show their appreciation of her. Belle watched through her lounge window, as she is shielding. A large number of well wishers also spoke to Belle through the lounge window after the drive-by.

Belle and her current team were overwhelmed with the many beautiful heartfelt tributes they have recieved. Cards, letters, drawings from the children, flowers, plants, cakes and more.

Belle is now fully retired and we all wish her every happiness for a long and healthy retirement. She now deserves a well earned rest.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Letters

Cycling in the park I AM WRITING in support of the letter from ‘Local Cyclist’ in August’s Spotlight and to perhaps remind Groby residents of some of the background to this issue.

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Telephone

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I attended a meeting of Groby Parish council on the 4th of March 2019 after writing to the Spotlight on this matter and presented many of the arguments raised by ‘Local Cyclist’. I supported these with some published statistics which, briefly, show that the vast majority of pedestrians killed or injured in collisions are hit by motor vehicles, not cyclists. This pattern is particularly stark when considering accidents on the footway involving a vehicle where, in 2016, 434 pedestrian were killed in collisions, none of which involved a cyclist. This contrasts with 18,477 cyclists being injured in reported road accidents.

Cyclists therefore have much to fear from being on the road whereas pedestrians very little to fear from cyclists on any surface. This does not excuse inconsiderate cyclists which exist as do inconsiderate car drivers.

The Parish Council heard my presentation politely and explained that the path through the park does not meet regulation standards for a shared surface and therefore the council had no choice but to close it to cyclists as there was no funding to upgrade it.

I suggested that it might be possible to gain funding from organisations such as ‘sustrans’ by demonstrating the use of the park path as a feeder to other cycle trails. This idea was accepted and it was agreed that the council would explore the option and get back to me.

Disappointingly, I have heard nothing since and am left with the impression that the council just hoped the issue would go away.

Peter Griggs

Bikes should have bells IT IS NOT uncommon to see cyclists flouting laws set in place to protect pedestrians and other road users Today I watched yet another cyclist riding through red traffic lights as though having a God given right of way.

The letter in Spotlight asked “Why am I not allowed to ride my bike around around the Park” mentioning Stamford Memorial Park.

Perhaps cyclists should remember that of the many pedestrians who walk around Stamford Park, many are elderly and hard of hearing. Even those with excellent hearing are often caught by surprise and shocked by cyclists coming silently from behind.

In earlier times bicycles were sold with bells on handlebars to warn of approach. It should now be made a legal requirement for bells to be fitted.

If cyclists were more concerned about the safety of pedestrians they would fit bells voluntarily and considerately.

The requirement would not only warn pedestrians around parks but also when cycling illegally along roadside pavements.

George West

Is your face mask making your skin break out?

FACE MASKS are giving us skin complaints. In fact, so many of us are now suffering that the complaint has been given its own name: ‘maskne’.

The causes are obvious.

Our breath is warm and moist, and every time we exhale into our masks this humid air gets trapped. Masks move, and so we have friction. Added to that is the unpleasant fact that our saliva is actually teeming with bacteria (with more bugs per square inch than even a loo seat!).

Acne mechanica is the medical term for ‘maskne’. With all that bacteria being trapped and rubbed against our nose and chin, no wonder ‘mask breakouts’ are rising dramatically.

Stress is another cause for skin complaints, and the pandemic has given many of us huge stress this year. We may face crippling anxiety over job security, finances, the health of loved ones, social isolation, or even being trapped in an abusive household. No wonder our faces are breaking out in a rash!

And I quote ...

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou

The Hole in the Ground quiz

There I was, a-digging this hole A hole in the ground, so big and sort of round it was THIS HUGE HOLE in the ground has been dug in the middle of Groby. Time to put on your thinking cap and see how many of these questions you can answer correctly.

1. Where in Groby has the hole been dug?

2. Why has the hole been dug?

3. Which popular entertainer, now in his 90’s, had a hit record with ‘Hole in the Ground’?

4. It reached number 9 in the Top 20, but in what year?

Turn to page 17 for the answers and another photo ...>

My wife told me to stop impersonating a flamingo. I had to put my foot down.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Around £60k from contingency fund

Community-managed libraries receive support CABINET MEMBERS are to be updated this month on how community-managed libraries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic are being supported.

They will discuss a report which confirms an additional one-off grant towards the libraries’ running costs, on top of the existing contributions which the county council is making as part of its overall financial support.

The grant of nearly £60,000 will support the 35 community-managed libraries emerging from the pandemic, with many of them being community hubs supporting the needs of local people.

Councillor Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries, said: “Since setting up, the people supporting the community libraries have worked enormously hard to generate income through coffee shops, room hire and other activities.

“We know that income has been greatly affected, but the libraries are showing tremendous resilience as they recover from closure during the pandemic, so we’ll be looking for Cabinet to endorse this additional funding to help their position.”

The report to Cabinet estimates, from an analysis of submitted accounts, that for community-managed libraries, as a whole, around £3,000 per week of income is being lost due to the pausing of services because of the Covid pandemic.

The county council has supported the community libraries with a package of measures since they were launched back in 2015, including support with some running costs, with the contributions reducing over seven years.

A contingency fund was also established to assist any community group in the event of an emergency, or where income streams are adversely affected, and the £58,000 being made available is coming from the fund.

The report also outlines that the council has encouraged community libraries to make bids for Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality government grants, with 19 libraries receiving support ranging from £10,000 to £25,000.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

News Update from THE CHILDREN have gone back to school and Groby Singers would usually be preparing to gather together at the Groby Club to start learning the songs for our next concert at the end of November. However, like so many other choirs and social groups, our Groby Sings community choir is very unlikely to be able to meet again this year.

We know how much Groby Sings means to so many people in the community and our fantastic management team and trustees have worked really hard to maintain contact with choir members through newsletters, email and social media since our last gathering in early March. We’ve also tried to spread the word about our activities through church newsletters and local magazines, the Groby Spotlight and Markfield Herald, so that our loyal audience members know that we haven’t given up. Many singers have kept up their spirits by joining in with the Song of the Week on Monday evenings and our ‘concert at home’, Carry On Groby Sings, at the end of June. We are really hoping to be up and running again by February next year ready for our summer concert which will be the postponed Groby Sings On The Road – one year later than planned but we say better late than never!

Unfortunately, when we do resume we will have one major change to our line-up. The original driving force and founder member of Groby Sings, Helen Hayes, who has been our inspirational conductor for 7 years, has been suffering with a problem with her voice for some time and has, in her words, ‘made the very difficult and painful decision to step down from conducting Groby Sings’. She has been having voice therapy during lockdown but it will be a long road to full recovery and, unfortunately for us, giving up conducting and singing with Groby Sings is one of the lifestyle changes she has had to make. We know it has been a very difficult but necessary decision for Helen but she has sent us this encouraging message: ‘My prayer is that Groby Sings will continue long into the future. That what we started 7 years ago will grow from strength to strength, continuing to touch people’s lives who need some hope and joy but, for that to happen, all you amazing people have got to hold tight until this pandemic is over and Groby Sings resumes. Then you’ve got to come back so you can finish off what was started last February and perform Groby Sings On The Road and many, many more concerts after that.’

Our community in Groby and beyond owes Helen so much THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC: for all her energy and enthusiasm and we will really miss her.

Helen Hayes in her ABBA outfit However, we are determined to keep going and to maintain her dream of building and growing a community through singing together. When we meet again, we’ll have to sing Thank You For The Music in honour of Helen, and she’ll definitely have a front row seat when we wow her with our versions of Calamity Jane and Simon & Garfunkel songs in Groby Sings On The Road in 2021. Watch this space – we WILL be back. For updates, please see our website www.grobysings.org.

Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490.

Out of the Darkness

By Matt Piper OUT OF THE DARKNESS is the gritty and hard-hitting autobiography of former Leicester and Sunderland winger Matt Piper, the ex-England U21 hopeful whose dreams were shattered when an injury ended his football career at the age of 24.

After making history as the lastever goalscorer at Filbert Street in 2002, Matt was forced into a £3.5m move to Wearside amid the Foxes’ financial misery. But that high was short-lived and soon his ambitions - and life - crumbled. After 16 operations, failed comebacks and anxiety attacks, he retired with money in his pocket but no clue where to turn next. Soon, Matt’s daily existence became dependent on alcohol and Valium, waking up in hospital with no idea why, with doctors suggesting he be sectioned.

Out of the Darkness reveals another side of football - what happens next when things don’t go right and how to overcome life’s worst demons.

Matt’s frank and often troubling revelations are complemented by hilarious tales of dysfunction amid life at two of English football’s biggest clubs.

And I quote ...

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

Mark Twain

I grew a beard thinking it would say “Distinguished Gentleman.” Instead, turns out it says, “Senior Discount, Please!”

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

5

Groby Meadow

The Sight of You

By Holly Miller JOEL IS afraid of the future.

Since he was a child he’s been haunted by dreams about the people he loves. Visions of what’s going to happen - the good and the bad. And the only way to prevent them is to never let anyone close to him again.

Callie can’t let go of the past.

Since her best friend died, Callie’s been lost. She knows she needs to be more spontaneous and live a bigger life. She just doesn’t know how to find a way back to the person who used to have those dreams.

Joel and Callie both need a reason to start living for today.

And though they’re not looking for each other, from the moment they meet it feels like the start of something life-changing.

Until Joel has a vision of how it’s going to end . . .

And I quote ...

“I believe in everything until it’s disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it’s in your mind. Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares aren’t as real as the here and now?”

John Lennon

Ten years on and the challenges remain

IT IS TEN years since the Groby Meadow on Newtown Linford lane was acquired for the benefit of the residents of Groby with the help of funding from the Parish Council and by individual contributions from local residents.

Although those who pass by in their cars may not think much has been done in those years 10 years on 10 things you should the volunteers at the Community Interest Group know about the Meadow (CIC) that now owns and manages it have been busy dealing with the challenges that land 1. It is owned by a Community Interest ownership brings on a very limited budget.

Company (CIC) The successful bid for £3454 at the Markfield, Ratby and Groby Community Forum in 2013 gave the finances a boost. The Meadow project was the third most popular of the applications and with 37% of the votes must have been supported by a large number of residents from other parishes, given the low Groby turnout. The funding bid was to cover the cost of providing an entrance gate height restrictor pedestrian gate, a kissing gate, a bridge over the stream, land clearance entrance hard standing and a fence repair on boundary The gaps that had been created in the undergrowth indicated that people were using the meadow to make short cuts, so there is now a pathway to the Pool over the bridge avoiding the road between the meadow entrance and the car park. This provides a circular off road route for those who choose to return across the field to Markfield Road or along the railway line footpath. Bench seats have been provided for visitors to sit and enjoy their visit. More recently a drainage ditch has been completed to alleviate the potential flooding problem in the centre of the village.

Ten years later the work goes on, and just like all the other community projects in the village volunteers come and volunteers go and there continues to be a need for committee members and volunteers to help with maintenance.

“Without local support and help the future is uncertain,” explained Alistair Cooper, Chair of the CIC. “There are vacancies on the committee and as and when Covid restrictions ease working parties will resume. With our tenth anniversary it seems like a good time to list ten things that people may not know about the Meadow, or perhaps have forgotten.”

2. The company is made up of shareholders who, in 2010, put in their own money to save the land from potential inappropriate development.

3. The paths and access to the land is permissive only and the Meadow can be shut at the discretion of the Directors.

4. The Meadow is closed for a short time over the winter period to give the ground time to recover and for an annual shooting event.

5. All the maintenance work is done by volunteers and is normally carried out from Spring through to Autumn by way of working parties on a Sunday.

6. The running costs come out of existing funds which have been bolstered by additional shareholders and fundraising.

7. Over the years wild flowers and trees have been planted.

8. The diagonal path across the Meadow is very well used to get to Groby Pool.

9. A local farmer cuts the grass and maintains the hedges in return for the hay.

10. The drainage ditch across the meadow is helping to reduce the flooding problem in the village side of the A50.

Alistair Cooper (Chair)

My boss says I intimidate the other employees, so I just stared at him until he apologised.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

• LIBRARY NEWS • LIBRARY NEWS • LIBRARY NEWS • The Library is Open

A Safe Environment

WE HAVE opened again! Yes, the Library is now open on 2 days each week, Tuesday 10.00 -12.00pm and Friday 2.004.00pm.

WE ARE operating with strict Covid–19 hygiene controls.

It has been great to see some of our regulars and also welcome new users in the past few weeks. Keep on using the Library, we are looking forward to seeing you.

We have a New Mural

It is essential that all users wear a nose and mouth covering in accordance with the Government’s guidelines. You will be required to sanitise your hands on entering and leaving and also to maintain strict 2 metre distancing.

The restrictions also mean that the computers and the photocopier cannot be used. The toilet will be also closed .

The volunteer on the desk will be behind a Perspex screen and other volunteers will be wearing a full face visor.

YOU MUST come and see the amazing mural in the Children’s corner.

There are lots of story book characters for you to find. Many thanks to the talented artist, John Martin, Vice Chairman of the Trustees, for this unique and wonderful addition to the Library.

The Library Garden THIS HAS also been given a makeover thanks to Liz Emerson, Chairperson of the Estates Committee, Groby Parish Council.

Liz has grown and planted 25 Lavenders. We are sure you will see lots of Bees and Butterflies around the garden now. This is a lovely gift.

Thank you very much Liz.

Here is David Robinson, Chairman and Roz Smith, Secretary of the Trustees fully kitted out waiting to serve you.

These have been difficult times but we are delighted that we have been able to open the library. We are still waiting for the safe time to open the Time Out Cafe.

We will notify any changes to services in the future on Face Book, www.grobylibrary.co.uk, the Library windows and in Spotlight.

Keep reading, keep safe, keep well.

Dr Janet Harrison

Trustee, Groby Community Library

How do you know your old? People call at 9 p.m. and ask, “Did I wake you?”

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Alternative Santa Fun Run 2020 EVERYTHING is different this year!

The Rotary Club of Loughborough has been hosting a Santa Fun Run & Walk in the town for the last fifteen years, raising money for approximately forty charities each year.

Take part in our ‘Alternative’ Santa Fun Run in 2020, by setting yourself a challenge over the twelve days of Christmas, and raise much needed funds for your favourite charity.

Sign up on www.santa-funrun.co.uk put on your santa suit, and start making a difference!

Even your dog can participate in his/her best ‘santa paws’ outfit, and win a prize at the same time.

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Letter

Charity bag taken from outside Groby house A CHARITY BAG was put through our letterbox in early June for “Air Ambulance”.

My wife put new and reusable clothing and shoes in the bag. I put the bag on the pavement in front of my front garden gates for the charity van to pick up, and marked it “Air Ambulance”.

I was in the ground floor front room bedroom and saw a middle-aged woman walking by, at about 12.30pm. Following behind was a young woman with a small child. When the older woman reached the charity bag she stopped, bent down and picked it up and put it in a pushchair she was pushing, with no hesitation at all.

My wife was in the room and I told her that the woman had just stolen the charity bag.

I was so angry I made to go and confront her, but I had to unlock three doors and walk up my drive, by which time she had gone.

What kind of person could do that to a charity that rescues people who urgently need hospital attention?

I wonder how many times she has done this before.

Groby Resident

Don’t forget to send us your news WE LOVE to hear from groups, organisations and individuals about what’s happening locally.

Include a photo if you can.

Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Thanks!

And I quote ...

“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.”

Elie Wiesel “At every party there are two kinds of people – those who want to go home and those who don’t.

The trouble is, they are usually married to each other.”

Ann Landers

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Two Government consultations

Private car parks and parking on pavements W

OULDN’T IT BE great if supermarket trolleys had a basic timer on them which rang when you were in danger of exceeding your allocated ‘free time’ for parking your

car?

Inadvertently overstaying your welcome can be an expensive business and although, if it is just an oversight, the fee will normally be waived if you can produce a receipt to show you were a genuine customer, it can be quite a shock when the bill drops through your letterbox. You then have to spend your time appealing against the charge and hope that reason will prevail.

Charges levied for parking on private land have been in and out of the news for years, and now the Government has announced another review which closes on October 12th. Unfair private parking tickets will be eliminated through the introduction of new rules for private car parks, the Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP announced at the end of August.

“These new measures are a victory for the millions of motorists across the country,” he said. “They will put a stop once and for all to rogue parking firms using aggressive tactics and handing out unfair parking tickets with no right to appeal, while also boosting our high streets by making it easier for people to park near their local shops without being unfairly fined.

Our proposals will restore common sense to the way parking fines are issued, while cracking down on the worst offenders who put other people in danger and hinder our emergency services from carrying out their duties.”

Fresh measures proposed in the new Code and Framework include the creation of a mandatory single Appeals Service and Appeals Charter for motorists to turn to if they are unfairly fined. Under options set out in the Appeals Charter, motorists could be able to appeal their fine and see it reduced to a maximum of £20, or cancelled entirely if: • they have a mitigating reason for overstaying their parking ticket such as their vehicle breaking down • they have made a genuine innocent error, like keying in a digit in their number plate incorrectly • they have a valid ticket, permit or Blue Badge but failed to display it correctly The consultations also propose a new, tiered approach to parking fines with a cap for less serious offences between £40 and £80 depending on the parking charge system chosen (but both lower than the current £100 cap), and a new, increased fine of up to £120 for drivers who wrongly park in disabled bays or ambulance bays.

On entering a car park there would be a 5-minute cooling-off period in which a motorist can consider the terms and conditions and change their mind about parking. And on leaving a compulsory 10-minute grace period before a late fine could be issued.

“We want to get people back onto the high street to shop local and support small businesses, and these

proposals mean motorists will be able to do so without having to worry about being landed with an unjust ticket and no way to appeal,” explained High Streets Minister Simon Clarke MP. “These measures will drive up standards in the parking industry by clamping down on rogue operators and offering a safety net so that responsible motorists who make an innocent mistake are not penalised unfairly for doing so.”

Unlike existing voluntary codes set by industry, the new Code and Enforcement Framework will be mandatory and provide a single set of rules to follow. Rogue firms which break the Code could be barred from requesting Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) data, making them unable to pursue motorists for their charges through the post.

Parking on pavements consultation THERE’S A longer period to make comments on the second consultation, with a submission deadline of November 22nd.

In common with other communities pavement parking has been a controversial issue in Groby.

“I know that pavement parking can cause real problems for pedestrians, but particularly for wheelchair users, people with visual impairments and those with prams or buggies,” the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Transport said when launching the consultation. “We are also told that the current legislative framework may not be as clear or effective as it could be. These are important concerns, and I take them seriously.”

She added that it is also important to recognise that in many narrow streets pavement parking is necessary to maintain free-flowing traffic, including for emergency services. “Local authorities are best placed to assess how parking should be managed in their communities.

Pavement parking has been prohibited in London since 1974. While successive governments have recognised there is no perfect solution to this complex problem, I believe it is time to look again at this issue in detail. The consultation seeks your views on some options to help local authorities to tackle this problem.”

If you want to make your views known on either consultation just Google Grobylinx, where’ll you’ll find links to the relevant pages online.

Norman Griffiths

Noah and the Ark – 2020 version IN THE year 2020, Noah was living in England when the Lord came unto him and said, “Once again, the earth has become too wicked to continue. Build another Ark and save two of every living thing. You have six months before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights.”

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his garden, but no Ark. “Noah”, He roared, “I’m about to start the rain!

Where is the Ark?” “Forgive me Lord”, begged Noah “but things have been difficult.

I needed Building Regulations approval because the Ark was over 30 square metres. I’ve been arguing with the Fire Brigade about the need for a sprinkler system.

My neighbours claim that I should have obtained planning permission for building the Ark in my garden because it is a development of the site even though in my opinion it is a temporary structure, but the roof is too high.

“The Local Area Access Group complained that my ramp was going to be too steep and the inside of the Ark wasn’t fully accessible.

Getting the wood has been another problem. All the decent trees have Tree Preservation Orders on them and we live in a Site of Special Scientific Interest set up in order to preserve the Spotted Owl. I tried to convince them that I needed the wood to save the owls – but no go!

“When I started gathering the animals the RSPCA sued me for intending to confine wild animals without the proper paperwork. The County Council, the Environment Agency and the Rivers Authority have ruled that I can’t build the Ark until they’ve conducted an Environmental Impact Study on your proposed flood. The Trade Unions insist that I can’t use my sons to build the Ark; I can only employ members of the Shipbuilding and Allied Trades union. Finally, Customs and Excise have seized all my assets, claiming I am going to attempt to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

“So, forgive me Lord, but it will take me at least another ten years to finish this Ark.” Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky. “No need for me to destroy the world after all,” observed God. “The government has the matter already in hand.”

My kids are very optimistic. Every glass they leave sitting around the house is at least half full.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

9

National Trust Leicester Association IF YOU SAW the recent George Clarke TV series on NT properties in lockdown you will know that most NT members of staff are on furlough, with only one or two members of staff working at a property.

However one small group of staff that mainly remain at work are the farm workers at the small number of properties with working farms.

new methods and techniques at the same time supplying organic produce. The 1,000 acre organic arable farm produces wheat, rye, oats and barley and promotes wildlife at the same time.

Home Farm is also one of the UK’s largest rare breed centres with a key conservation role. There are White Park cattle and traditional Longhorns in the farmyard as well as miniature Shetland ponies, Sandy and Black pigs, small black and white Bagot goats and rare breed sheep all on view in the park or paddocks. In addition there are

Archaeological evidence shows that the Wimpole Estate west of Cambridge has been farmed for almost 2,000 years. Today the Home Farm is the Trust’s only inhand lowland arable farm, trialling

also donkeys, geese and rabbits.

Also not to be missed are the five magnificent Shire horses. For centuries the breed have worked the land but they are now on the “at risk” register with less than

1,500 breeding females left in the world.

On the Shugborough Estate near Rugely the fields on the estate and the farm yard are also full of animals. Visitors can see Longhorn cattle, Southdown sheep, Red and White Dorkings chickens, Tamworth pigs, rabbits and goats.

In the farm yard you can get close to the animals including a small number roaming free. Both farms were designed as “model farms” at a time when farming was becoming more scientific. Wimpole estate farm was designed in 1790 and Shugborough in 1806.

All NT farms work to the RSPCA’s “Assured” animal welfare standards.

Both estates are currently open to the public but all visits need to be booked in advance via the NT

website or by telephoning 0344 2491897.

The National Trust Leicester Association has currently suspended all of its activities.

Please check the Association web site at – www.leicesternt.btck. co.uk for updates, including details regarding Stoneywell Cottage. The Association also runs an extensive second hand book stall with good quality paper backs at 50p and hardbacks at £1.00. All books are now available for sale, in safe conditions, in Groby. Please call 0116 2229133 to arrange to view the books.

Alan Tyler

Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association

0116 234 0548 We can take care of every detail, advise and help you on each and every step of the way.

• Qualified Funeral Directors • Floral Tributes arranged • Hearse, Limousines and alternatives available • Monumental Service • Car parking available

• Online tribute and donation profile • Catering suite • Chapels of rest • Funeral plans available • 24 hour service

Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred.

Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 7AT Email: talbotthouse@ansteyfunerals.com Website: www.ansteyfunerals.com

Police have arrested the World tongue-twister Champion. I imagine he’ll be given a tough sentence.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter

Thieves are stealing catalytic converters in Groby THE CATALYTIC converter was stolen from my car parked on the drive, on the evening of 8th September.

Having contacted my insurer, police and the AA it appears that hybrid cars in particular are being targeted. In addition because the car is a Toyota there are no genuine Toyota converters available in the country for the foreseeable future.

The theft took no longer than 3-4 minutes and I saw them drive away without realising the implications. We live on Crane Ley Road.

Please keep a lookout for anyone acting suspiciously around your - or your neighbour’s - car.

Groby Resident

Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Advice TO REDUCE the risk of having your catalytic converter stolen, you should: • • •

•

• • • • •

•

Park your car in a locked garage where possible, but if this isn’t an option, then park it in a well-lit and well-populated area Park close to fences, walls or a kerb with the exhaust being closest to the fence, wall or kerb to make the theft more difficult Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing you bonnet towards the wall if possible. With the catalytic converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it If there is a fleet of vehicles, park the low clearance vehicles to block the high clearance vehicles. This will obstruct access underneath If your catalytic converter is bolted on, you can ask for your local garage to weld the bolts to make it more difficult to remove.

Alternatively, you can also etch a serial number on the converter You can even purchase a ‘cage clamp’ which is a cage device that locks in around the converter to make it more difficult to remove Speak to your dealership about the possibility of adding a tilt sensor that will activate the alarm should any thief try to jack the vehicle up to steal the converter If you see someone acting suspiciously under a vehicle, report it to the Police. Obtain as much information as possible, including any vehicle registrations.

Of those entitled, only 61% receive it

Don’t miss out on Pension Credit THE FAILURE to deliver Pension Credit to 1.06 million older people who are entitled to it is costing the health and social care systems in Great Britain an estimated £4 billion per year, says older people’s charity Independent Age. PENSION CREDIT, a benefit designed to The cost of pensioner keep the least well-off pensioners out of povpoverty and non-take-up erty, is currently being received by just six in of Pension Credit 10 (61%) of those who should be receiving it – leaving many on a threadbare income and having to choose between heating and eating.

Donald Hirsch and Juliet Stone New research from the Centre for Research September 2020 in Social Policy at Loughborough University, commissioned and published by Independent Age, has found that the low take-up is creating significant knock-on effects for the NHS and social care, costing taxpayers an estimated £4 billion per year.

This bill to the taxpayer is significantly higher than the annual cost of giving pensioners the £2.2 billion to which they are entitled but are not receiving.

Report authors Professor Donald Hirsch and Dr Juliet Stone found that the NHS bears the brunt of the additional demand, with pensioners on a low income likely to need more health care and services, such as prescriptions or the use of a hospital bed. The resulting costs to health care systems are estimated to be between £3.02 billion and £4.81 billion per year.

Those missing out on Pension Credit are also more likely to need social care – whether residential or home-based – which incurs additional costs to the state of between £66 million and £189 million per year.

The report concluded that if Pension Credit take-up was lifted from 61% to 100%, then almost 450,000 pensioners could be lifted out of poverty, reducing pensioner poverty to its lowest ever level, and resulting in substantial savings to the NHS and social care systems over the long term.

Independent Age is calling for the Government to put in place an ambitious, publicly available action plan detailing how it will work to increase the uptake of Pension Credit over the next five years.

Pension Credit recipient Bert Pearson, 94, said without the benefit, he would struggle to pay for basic essentials like heating and food.

“They rarely tell you what you’re eligible for – it’s up to you to go and find out for yourself,” Mr Pearson said. “For me, it’s opened up the door to other things, like the winter fuel payment. If I had any less than I did now, I’d be struggling to get by. It would make an awful difference.

“Many people don’t realise that when you’re on an income like mine, you have set out pound for pound where it’s going to go. Quite frankly, when you’ve done that, there’s nothing left.”

My wife says she is no longer buying junk food for the family because, “Everyone just eats it.”

1

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GROBY GARDENING SOCIETY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1ST marked the transition from meteorological summer into autumn (not the same as astronomical autumn, which begins with the equinox on September 22), and the effect will be noticed in many people’s gardens over the next few weeks.

The days are becoming shorter, the nights a little cooler, and summer flowers and fruits are starting to get ready for the seasonal closedown. While it’s not yet the season of mellow fruitfulness, the time for harvest is upon us – especially for farmers – and summer wildlife visitors are preparing to leave. Some of the ospreys at Rutland Water are already on their way back to Africa, the swifts may already have gone, and swallows will be leaving in the next month or so. In the garden, please keep a look out for hedgehogs; perhaps put out some cat biscuits for them if you have any spare. It won’t be long before some of the eight-legged creatures in the garden start to visit the house more frequently, either.

August’s weather was certainly variable this year. The UK’s highest ever temperature was recorded this year, and we also had two severe (named) storms which made it feel much more like November than August, along with several days of heavy rain and a washout August Bank Holiday with local temperatures around 13C, maybe an indication of seasons to come. Changes to the climate provide challenges for gardeners and farmers alike. Ideally plants

should be drought tolerant but able to survive periods of local flooding, and should thrive in high temperatures and freezing temperatures – over to you, plantboffins!

Browsing the internet recently (probably on one of the rainy days!), I stumbled across some interesting statistics, taken from a variety of sources. Apparently, 87% of households have a garden of some sort, with smaller houses having smaller gardens than larger ones, the average size ranging from 45 square metres to 175 square metres. The flip-side is that 13% of households - roughly one in eight – have no garden at all, these are most likely apartments or blocks of flats . Rear gardens tend to be larger than front ones, particularly in older houses. A survey in 2017 suggested that the average length of a rear garden is 50 feet (approx.

15 metres), contains ten types of flower, a barbecue area, and one garden gnome! Water features and decking also became popular following TV programs such as Ground Force in the 1990s. The water features might still be going, but the decking probably proved to be less maintenance-free than initially thought!

The trend in modern housing is to have a small or non-existent front garden, since land for housing returns a greater profit with a higher density of dwellings, as can be seen in recent developments in Groby. 81% of gardens contain a lawn, the same percentage that contain roses. 40% of gardens contain a vegetable plot, and 35% contain fruit plants (either bushes or trees). It has been calculated that the total area of all gardens in

the UK is equivalent to the area of Somerset, and one-quarter of the area of a typical city is taken up by private gardens. Little wonder that gardens are considered so important for wildlife.

A recent trend is the increasing conversion of gardens to hard surfaces such as tarmac, stone or gravel, particularly front gardens.

Whether this is a general move towards low maintenance gardens to match people’s busy lifestyles or just somewhere to park a car or caravan is unclear, but can have an impact on wildlife as well as the local environment. Water run-off is greater from a hard surface, putting more pressure on drainage systems, where a natural garden soaks up the water for slower release. Fewer plants means less photosynthesis is taking place, less carbon dioxide is being removed from the atmosphere and less oxygen given out. Dark coloured surfaces get warmer quickly in sunlight, and can affect the micro-climate surrounding a house.

As the pandemic continues, many people have found the garden an invaluable place to relax, unwind and enjoy the lawn, some homeproduced vegetables or fruit, the ten types of flower and the garden gnome. It’s also been estimated that one hour spent on garden work per week equates to 20,000 calories per year, or 87 Mars bars (other chocolate confectionery is available). Food for thought!

In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine in your garden. 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

GARDENER AND ODD JOB PERSON REQUIRED For 2-3 hours a week all year.

Apply 07813 623873 to Lesley

Average debt fell by £2,000 during lockdown COVID-19 has brought one good thing to some of us: the average amount of personal debt has reduced by nearly £2,000, according to a recent study by Experian.

It recently stood at £9,681 (without mortgage), as opposed to £11,615 (without mortgage) in March.

As a spokesman for the credit-checking agency explained: “For some people, a reduction in spending on living costs and commuting have enabled the repayment of existing borrowing.” And he urged that as the UK returns to something like normal, people should try and continue with the good financial habits picked up during lockdown.

But Dame Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizen’s Advice, said that while some people have been able to pay off some of their debts in the pandemic, many others have not. Instead, they “are behind on essential bills, building up arrears they may struggle to ever pay back.”

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11

Pet Minding

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Dog Walking CRB Checked Retirement is wonderful. It’s doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk or ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Speeding Issues Sacheverell Way RESIDENTS will know that I work closely with both the police and the Community Camera Safety Partnership Team. I have managed to secure Sacheverell Way as a community concern site over the past few years.

I am also working with the County Council’s Community Speed Watch.

Community Speed Watch is an educational scheme to help people reduce speeding traffic though their community. The scheme usually enables volunteers to work within their community to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding and to help control the problem locally.

Like a lot of things at the moment the scheme isn’t able to run in the same way this year because of the Coronavirus. Due to social distancing restrictions the county council are offering a ‘volunteer free’ approach. The idea is that where possible we will take covert speed data in the first instance, then put up temporary ‘Check Your Speed’ signs for a few weeks and then a few weeks later take another covert speed check.

The County Council as I mentioned last month have set up The Highways Parish and Communities Fund to support communities with social distancing and active travel in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Groby Parish Council has been awarded £10,000.

I have spoken with the Chairman and the clerk of the Parish Council to bring this to the next Parish Council meeting with a view to applying to the fund for funding to provide speed activation signs along Sacheverell Way.

Applications for secondary school places now open PARENTS and carers with children due to start secondary school in Leicestershire in September 2021 can now apply for school places.

The application process is now open, with parents required to apply for their preferred schools by Saturday, 31 October 2020.

Choosing which schools to apply for is one of the most important decisions a family can make, the County Council is committed to working with parents and carers to support them as they make this choice.

Last year over 95 per cent of

Leicestershire’s children secured a place at a preferred school, so we’d like to remind parents to maximise their opportunities by applying for three schools, including their catchment school.

There is no automatic entry for any school, so it is very important for applications to be submitted before the closing date of 31st October.

More information about schools in Leicestershire and the application process can be found on the County Council’s website. You can type this link you’re your website to take you to the correct page: https://www.leicestershire. gov.uk/education-andchildren/schools-colleges-andacademies/school-admissions For further advice on your preferred schools and information around virtual open days, please contact the individual schools directly.

Parents unable to apply online can download a form from the website, fill it in and post it by the closing date. Alternatively, they may call the Customer Service Centre on 0116 305 6684 and request a form to be sent out.

Re-opening of Leicestershire County Council-Operated Museum and Heritage Sites THE COUNTY Council Museum and Heritage sites of Bosworth Battlefield, 1620s House and Gardens at Donington le Heath, Melton Museum and Harborough Museum closed to the public in March 2020 in line with government advice.

From 1st July 2020 government advice changed to permit museum and heritage sites to reopen with various restrictions in place. Significant work has been underway to prepare sites to reopen to the public safely and in line with relevant guidance. This has required the installation of screens in welcome, ticket and retail spaces, clear signage, the provision of one-way systems, removal and/ or adaptations to some interactive exhibits, installation of hand sanitising stations and enhanced cleaning regimes and restricting the numbers of visitors at anyone time.

In line with government advice all visitors will be required to wear a face covering in our venues, unless they have a valid exemption. We will also require people to book their visit in advance through the

relevant venue website. For anyone unable to book online, bookings can be taken by phone.

All the County Council-operated museum and heritage sites reopened to the public during the week commencing 7th September.

Charnwood Museum, which is run in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council, but operated by CBC re-opened on the 26th August.

All arrangements will be kept under regular review.

Details of individual site opening arrangements are as follows: Bosworth Battlefield: Reopened Monday 7th September • Opening days: Sun to Weds, 10.30am to 4pm • Pre-book via www.bosworthbattlefield.org.uk 1620s House and Garden: Reopened Thursday 10th September • Opening days: Thurs – Sun, 10.30am – 4pm • Pre-book via www.doningtonleheath.org.uk Melton Museum: Re-opens Thursday 10th September • Opening Days: Thurs – Sat, 10am – 4pm • Pre-book via www. meltonmuseum.org.uk Harborough Museum: Reopens Wednesday 9th September • Opening Days: Tues – Fri, 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4.30pm Sat, 10am – 3.30pm • Pre-book via www. harboroughmuseum.org.uk

Call to ‘remember the basics on Coronavirus RESIDENTS are urged to play their part in a new push to drive down stubbornly high coronavirus numbers across Leicestershire.

Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, Mike Sandys, is calling on people – whether they’re in the pub, the park or their home – to remember the basics and put social distancing top of their list.

Latest figures show that rates in three districts remain above the national average of 10.9 per 100,000 people – Melton (11.7), Blaby (16.9) and Oadby and Wigston (17.5) – although Leicestershire remains lower than the rate for England.

Mike Sandys said: “We’ve made big strides in Leicestershire – and that’s down to the hard work of residents. Although we’ve seen rates fall in some hot spots, we’re not seeing the countywide drop we’d hoped for meaning that numbers are nearly half of our districts are higher than we’d like.

“We need to bring rates down further. That’s the route to avoiding further restrictions – and so it’s

What do you call a laughing motorcycle? A Yamahahaha.

important we all play our part. If you’re meeting up with friends in the park, make sure you keep two metres apart and if you’re visiting the pub, follow the guidance on socialising. If people are coming round to your house, stick to the rules and if you’re travelling to work, adopt the same habits you would whilst you’re in work.

“This may sound simple – but the key to getting this under controls really is in all of our hands. And it still lies in maintaining social distancing, good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings where you need to.”

People are urged to follow the guidance below: • If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of smell/taste, book a test • Wash your hands regularly • Wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces, including public transport – unless you have a good reason not to • If you’re meeting up with friends, keep two metres apart • If you’re contacted by test and trace, you must isolate for 14 days • Avoid car sharing, if possible

Walk or cycle to school to help safe return to classrooms MORE than 90,000 Leicestershire students are returning to school – and the county council says getting them there safely is a top priority.

So, the council is encouraging everyone to think about their travel options as part of practical guidance being made available about the return to the classroom.

Additional public transport services will be running for students, but, they are also being encouraged to leave more time for the journey.

Please check websites of bus companies.

A similar message has gone out to parents and carers who take their children to school by their own transport.

People are being asked to consider cycling, walking or, even, scooting as well as thinking differently about the school drop-off, parking with extra care near school sites or a few streets away.

Also, if people are planning non-essential journeys around the ‘school run’, they are being asked to consider, if possible, travelling at a different time of day. Working together to keep our children safe.

Finally I want to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help

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13

Bradgate Rotary News or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents.

Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Ozzy O’shea ALWAYS WORKING FOR YOU Tel 0116 2394336 Mobile 07808 585825 Email Ozzy.O’shea@leics.gov.uk Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Palmers Garden Centre Wins Prestigious, National Family Business Awards ​ENDERBY-BASED Palmers Garden Centre were recently named as winners at the annual celebration of the Family Business Awards hosted by Family Business United.

The Family Business Awards were created by Family Business United to celebrate the UK family business sector, to recognise the diversity of family firms across the country and to celebrate the contribution they make.

Palmers Garden Centres were announced as winners of the Midlands & Central Family Business of the Year in their People’s Choice Awards, which are voted on by the public, as well as winners of the National People’s Choice Champions 2020 award.

Caroline Palmer, Managing Director of Palmers Garden Centres said of the two wins, “We’re absolutely delighted to have won these awards.

We take the meaning of the word ‘family’ very broadly at Palmers Garden Centres and include not only members of the founding family but also all our staff, suppliers and customers. We’re immensely proud to be a fourthgeneration family business and are looking forward to working together to ensure that our business is here for a very long time.

“To win any award is very special but to win two People’s Choice awards which are voted for by the public is incredibly special and I’d like to thank everyone who took the time and trouble to vote for us.”

A spokesperson from Family Business United said, “2020 has been a tricky year but the show must go on! Huge congratulations to Palmers Garden Centres. To have won not one but two awards at their first attempt is just amazing and demonstrates the high esteem in which they’re held!”

BRADGATE ROTARY members have been busy lining up a series of forthcoming activities and events: • Sunday 27th September 11am at the Deer Barn in Bradgate Park.

Launch of the Bradgate Park 2021 calendar. From this time, the calendars, produced by the club, will be available to purchase for £5.

• Well-being afternoons in Groby, with music, quiz and refreshments, for those in Groby and surrounding villages who have felt isolated by Covid-19 restrictions. For more information, tel. 07813 623873.

• The Great British Pooch-off: Online dog show. Get your dog ready for photos/videos. Bradgate Rotary welcomes sponsorship and donations of prizes for this event from local businesses. Watch this space for more information.

• Saturday 12th December Groby. Christmas Walking Trail – Twelve Days of Christmas. Starts at the Village Hall. Special appearance (Covid-19 permitting) of Santa and his sleigh.

Bradgate Rotary are applying for a Shire Environment Grant from the County Council, to fund a project designed to help improve the local environment.

The Club is also starting to put into place next year’s programme. Planned events in 2021 include a Valentine’s Scarecrow Weekend 13th/14th February, a walking market in May, and, in September, the return of their successful Family Fun Day at Ulverscroft Grange.

Finally, Bradgate Rotary would like to say a big thank you all those who have had a meal at the Stamford Arms and generously donated £1 to Rotary charities.

Are your double glazed windows STEAMED UP or

MISTY?

There’s no need to replace the whole window we will replace the glass unit for you.

Repairs to ALL PVCu and Aluminium Windows & Doors

Just call our small, friendly firm - whether it’s one window or a full house - with approximate sizes, and we’ll give you a price OVER THE PHONE or a free call out if you prefer.

Caroline and Robert (centre) with Team Members from Palmers Garden Centre

Family owned since 1911, Palmers Garden Centres now comprises of G Palmer and Son (Nurserymen) Limited, Palmers at Ullesthorpe Limited and Hawgrip Plants Limited and have been inspiring gardeners in Leicestershire for over 100 years. Today Caroline and her brother Robert – great grandchildren of our founder – run the business which sells everything their customers need for their garden.

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

Telephone/Fax:

0116 287 5395

I find a duck’s opinion of me is very much influenced by whether or not I have bread.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Discovering the vital route Beauty ranges left on the from Atlantic to Pacific shelves

Honey, honey!

IF YOUR grandma gave you honey when you had a cold, she was right.

Research published in The British Medical Journal has found that honey is especially good for treating upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) such as the common cold.

Honey has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. These do better at soothing your cough and sniffles than any of the overthe-counter remedies. In fact, URTI sufferers who were given honey suffered their symptoms for up to two days LESS than those who did not use honey.

All good news, especially as honey is cheap, readily available, and has virtually no side effects.

And I quote ...

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”

Helen Keller

IT WAS 500 years ago, on 21st October 1520, that Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan’s Spanish expedition to the East Indies discovered the Strait of Magellan at the southern tip of Chile.

His ships, backed by King Charles I of Spain (soon to become Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire) were seeking shelter in a bay after a foiled mutiny when they unexpectedly found that they could continue sailing west – though the route among many islands and channels was tortuous, with mainland South America to the north and Tierra del Fuego to the south.

Until the creation of the Panama Canal in 1914, this was a vital passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, though it has a cold, foggy climate and is prone to fierce storms. Wrecks of ships can be seen along its banks.

Magellan and his men took over a month to get through the strait (or straits). During that time the master of one of the remaining ships mutinied and sailed home.

The surviving ships continued on what became the first circumnavigation of the globe, though Magellan himself was killed in a fight with natives in the Philippines, and Spaniard Juan Sabastian Elcano took command.

COVID-19 has even affected women’s makeup routines. In many cases, they simply haven’t bothered.

The lack of demand for foundation, lipstick, eye makeup and hair-dye has been so great in recent months that 350 products have been pulled from supermarket shelves. Research from Edge

by Ascential, the ecommerce consultancy, found that overall, there was a 60 per cent drop in sales.

Claire James, an analyst for IRI Insights, the retail experts, said that social distancing measures have meant that cautious shoppers no longer browse health and beauty aisles. “It will be interesting to see if routines will remain simpler as lockdown eases and people return to the office.”

Shops dreaming of an early Christmas this year CHRISTMAS should start with October’s half-term this year, rather than in November. Christmas lights could be switched on, and shoppers (hopefully) enticed back to the shops.

So say many retailers, as they struggle to recover from the pandemic. An executive with the New West End Company in London explains: “If we can bring the start of Christmas early, it will make it easier for people to spread their spending.”

Making ‘Christmas come early’ may have another advantage. Traders argue that having more weeks of Christmas shopping will ensure a more steady flow of visitors, which will make social distancing easier.

Meanwhile, shopping remains in the doldrums. In some parts of the country, numbers of shoppers are still 63 per cent down on last year.

Shopping in the West End has been at only 37 per cent of the normal level.

I sleep better naked…why can’t the flight attendant understand this?

GROBY PARISH COUNCIL

Tel: 0116 287 6985 • Email: parishclerk@groby.com • Website: www.groby.com

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER: SEPT 2020

PARISH CLERK’S REPORT Hello!

Brian RIGBY (Chairman) brianrigbygpc@icloud.com Rick GUNN (Vice Chairman) rick.gunn@icloud.com 0116 232 2680 Geoff BAKER ggbaker1@hotmail.com Sylvia BECK 0116 287 6716

I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the whole Groby Community, so here goes...

I’m Sue Hackett and I’m the Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer to Groby Parish Council. Prior to becoming the Clerk here in Groby, I was Assistant Clerk to Kirby Muxloe Parish Council where I worked for the past three years.

During my time working for Parish Councils you find that the community aren’t always aware of the duties and responsibilities of their Parish Council (myself included prior to working for them!) and I’ve often been asked .... ‘So, what is it you actually do?’

Basically, Parish Councils are the tier of local government closest to the people and therefore play a vital part in representing the interests of the community, improving the quality of life and the local environment.

The Parish Council consults, listens and identifies what is missing and then agrees priorities for action and decides how the money will be spent on behalf of the community.

We would like to thank the many residents who personally comment on how nice the village is looking. In particular, the presentation of the Cemetery receives many positive comments and we thank our estates team for their hard work in achieving this. The hanging baskets are also wonderful to see and have been greatly admired.

If you have any comments you’d like to make, we would love to hear from you.

Sue Hackett

PARISH COUNCILLORS

Clerk to Groby Parish Council

Jim COLEY jim.coley@btinternet.com 07860 523567 Elizabeth EMMERSON e.emmerson1@sky.com 0116 231 2111 James EVERSON-CRANE crane.james20@gmail.com Ted HOLLICK ted.hollick@outlook.com 0116 287 5955 Natasha JONES natjones222@outlook.com 07910 980810 Sandra JONES Carol LINCOLN carol@cornerway.co.uk 07910 980810 Helen LINDSAY henrysal6@virginmedia.com 0116 231 4487 Eileen MARVIN 0116 287 6799 Colin MULLINS colinmullins@outlook.com 0116 287 0407 Gary RICHARDSON 07856 302721 PLUS ONE VACANT BOROUGH COUNCILLORS Martin Cartwright boroughcouncil@appliancehome.co.uk 0116 287 4500/ 07850 707050 Ted Hollick ted.hollick@outlook.com 0116 287 5955 COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Groby Parish Council is comprised of up to 16 unpaid members.

They are supported by a Parish Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Estates Manager, a Grounds Maintenance Operative and two Gate Keepers.

Parish Council Office, Village Hall, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0DG Tel: 0116 287 6985 • Email: parishclerk@groby.com • Website: www.groby.com

Ozzy O’shea ozzy.oshea@leics.gov.uk 0116 239 4336 / 07808 585825 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Mr Edward Argar 0116 260 8609

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Plans to save money and protect front line services to be put forward

Government letter to kickstart unitary bid THE GOVERNMENT will be asked to invite Leicestershire to put forward unitary plans, under new proposals published on 9th September 2020.

The move would see Leicestershire County Council leader, Nick Rushton, write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, helping to pave the way for an East Midlands devolution deal, boosting jobs, Covid-19 recovery and investment in the region.

Proposed next steps include refreshing the strategic business case which sets out the benefits of re-shaping local government in Leicestershire. Drawn up last year, the blueprint concluded that one, single unitary council – bringing together the eight county and district councils - offered the best opportunity to save money, reduce duplication and protect front line services.

Nick Rushton, county council leader, said: “Now is the time for change.

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to simplify services, save over £30m a year and improve lives.

“Simply put, it’s the right thing to do. The long-term financial situation facing councils is bleak. Unitary is the new normal – with the Government encouraging councils to bring forward proposals. And let’s seize the chance to ramp up our approach to Covid-19 recovery.

“It also means we can put the East Midlands on the map. We’re expecting the Government to make reorganisation a condition for devolution. And with leaders in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire also working towards reform, we can unlock the possibility of a regional devolution deal – the 6Cs model – establishing a mayoral combined authority for the East Midlands, bolstering our ability to attract much-needed Government investment and level up the region.

By Richard Osman “Doing nothing isn’t an option.

IN A PEACEFUL Residents want easy access to effective, joined-up services – and retirement village, be able to shape decisions that four unlikely friends affect their communities. The meet up once a week current set up is bureaucratic, to investigate unsolved expensive and confusing – and we must put residents first and shake murders. up the system. Exploring unitary But when puts us in control of our future a brutal and is our opportunity to move killing takes Leicestershire forward. place on The proposals will be discussed their very by our cabinet next Friday (18 doorstep, September) – watch the meeting the online: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ Thursday webcast Murder If approved: Club find themselves • the business case will be in the updated to reflect the White middle of Paper - and discussed by the their first cabinet, scrutiny commission live case. and full council by the end of this year Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but • an independent research they still have a few tricks up their company will be brought on sleeves. Can our unorthodox but board to seek the views of brilliant gang catch the killer before stakeholders on the revised it’s too late? business case

Letter

Street Lighting Sacheverell Way, Groby I WRITE in response to the letter from Alan Axon in the August Spotlight.

I wish to thank Ozzy O’Shea for supporting the campaign by Groby residents to have the street lighting reinstated on Sacheverell Way. The job of Elected Members is to represent and work for the benefit of the community and to label a job well done as “Vote Grabbing” is unnecessary.

If Alan Axon has any doubt as to the safety benefits of street lighting then he should take some time to read the research paper surrounding the effectiveness of street lighting titled, Street Lighting and Road Safety, March 2020, published by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA). It can be found on www.rospa.com . As he rightly points out there are new footpaths and 2 pedestrian crossing points on Sacheverall Way which adds further justification for reinstating the street lighting.

I also suggest that Alan Axon should direct his justified concerns about excessive vehicle speed to the Police, who are the enforcing agency.

Steve Brown

Watch out for Hedgehogs MOST OF us see more squashed hedgehogs than live ones.

Their natural defence mechanism - rolling into a ball - is no protection against ROAD TRAFFIC. All nature-loving people want to do something about this carnage. So, do drive carefully, especially at night, do all you can to avoid hedgehogs that may be crossing the road and if it is safe to do so stop and assist hedgehogs to get across quickly.

Ask your friends to be kind to hedgehogs on our roads too.

MAKE YOUR MOTTO - SLOW DOWN FOR WILDLIFE

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The Ven. John Barton compares a film of a pandemic to the real thing

Moral questions from the pandemic YOU MAY have missed it at the time.

The movie ‘Contagion’ didn’t make much of an impact when it was released for public viewing in 2011.

Perhaps it was thought to be unrealistic. It was about a highly contagious, unknown virus, transmitted by an infected bat to a pig in a Chinese marketplace. From there it spread like wildfire round the world.

It was fiction then of course, but not so farfetched as to be distant from reality, as we now know. Deadly viruses, and the plagues they cause, have been part of world history since time began. In the early days, when travel between continents was infrequent, their spread was slower and usually confined to local regions.

The way the film’s imaginary plot develops bears an uncanny resemblance to what we have experienced this year. Panic buying empties supermarkets, whole populations adopt social distancing, scientists work flat out to identify the virus and then search for a means to combat it. Meanwhile, millions are infected, and quarantines are imposed.

The story progresses far beyond the reality which is familiar to us. The irresponsible use of social media and false rumours of a cure lead to the looting of pharmacies. Emergency food supplies are ransacked, law and order break down. Troops police the streets. Then there’s a breakthrough: a vaccine is discovered. But that raises a new moral problem: who will get it first and what would be a fair distribution system?

The movie is still available via Netflix, or you can buy a DVD online. Despite the inevitable carnage of the pandemic and the suffering it portrays, it contrives to have a relatively happy ending.

In real life, we haven’t got that far yet. But, please God, we will. After all, most deadly diseases are now under control and both vaccination and immunisation are part and parcel of everyday life; old ‘uns take it for granted that their GP will summon them for an anti-flu jab each winter.

But we may face an ethical dilemma when it comes to a vaccine for Covid-19. If there’s an initial shortage, who should get it first? Should money come into it? Are Christian principles applicable?

The Hole in the Ground quiz answers From page 2 1.

2.

3.

4.

The hole is just off Leicester Road near the entrance to the new Hello Homes development on the former A50 land.

It’s to create a balancing pond.

During heavy rain it’s used to store surface water before slowly releasing into the drainage system, which in this case will be the watercourse behind the properties in Daisy Close. The banks will probably be seeded.

No doubt when completed it will be safe and less intrusive on the street scene.

Bernard Cribbins had the hit with Hole in the Ground. He was still making film and television appearances until a few years ago and enchanted a new generation with his “Old Jack’s Boat” series on the Cbeebies channel from 2013 to 2015.

The song was a hit in 1962, the year of the Cuban missile crisis.

Norman Griffiths “I ran a half marathon” sounds so much better than “I quit halfway through a marathon”.

17

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby ALLOTMENTS NEWS Getting the Harvest In ON THE allotments there is a flurry of activity at the moment as we are busy harvesting our potatoes, beetroot and the last of the beans, summer broccoli and courgettes and fruit.

The fence around my sweetcorn has protected my sweetcorn from attack by foxes this year! However, I think I am being a little premature in boasting about my fencing efforts as the foxes don’t seem to be bothered about devouring all the sweetcorn on the allotments this year – everyone’s sweetcorn remains untouched, fenced off or not, for the moment anyway. I am waiting to see what they have taken a fancy to this year! I’ve had some courgettes nibbled and one of my plot neighbours has had the entire skin of one of his pumpkins nibbled away (must be an acquired taste!) but nothing to pin on the foxes as yet.

It is lovely harvesting all the crops that you have carefully tended throughout the year and even nicer to eat them! They do taste special, a more intense flavour than most shop-bought vegetables. But this time of year is also a more sombre time, when plants that you have looked after all year have given up their produce, and so are dug out or pulled up to be put on the compost heap to recycle all remaining goodness into next year’s crop. Our plots start to look rather empty again and so we look to plant out the winter vegetables to see us through the rest of the year whilst the soil is still warm. Despite the early frosts, most people seem to have had a good potato harvest with the late rains producing huge specimens – we are almost getting into the ‘who has the biggest potato competition! I am also planting some green manure seeds again this year to keep the ground covered throughout the winter and

provide some shelter for the ‘good insects and beetles’ which eat up all the pests. By digging in or letting the green manure die down in the Spring I also replenish my soil with all the nutrients to have a good crop next year with little or no effort on my part.

Getting back to normal WE ARE also planning to get our Open Shed Sundays going again!

The last one we held was on 1st March when we had our official opening of our new Social Area, just by the Ratby Road allotment car park. It was, we hoped, to be the start of many Open Shed Sundays, on our new all-weather ground allowing those of us with reduced mobility or mobility scooters to also take part in the monthly get-together, enjoying hot drinks, bacon cobs and a chat.

Sadly, this was not to be, due to the lockdown, but we are ready to start again, with hand sanitising stations, a one-way system in place, and a larger space to eat and drink, keeping that necessary 2m distance. We are holding our revamped Open Shed Sunday on 20th September from 10am to 12 noon and everyone is welcome to pop and say hello! We will have to restrict numbers in the catering area to 30 at a time but the seats are outside of that area and we will also be operating a ‘no-change’ policy, so please bring all that cash you have been hoarding over these last few months with you!

A Spruced-Up Car Park WE ARE planning to get our Ratby Road car park resurfaced this month, all being well on 14th September.

This will mean that we have a good level area at last, no weeds and with plenty of room to hold all our members cars as they come to

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finish off harvesting all their bags of produce and carry them home.

We were very fortunate to access matched funding from HBBC to help us afford to do this, with a further top-up grant from the LCC Communities Fund, and without this help, it would have been difficult to complete this refurbishment because our main

method of fund-raising, the Open Shed Sundays, have not been able to take place this spring and summer. Our grand reopening on 20th September will therefore be a celebration of having our ‘new’ car park, as well as a step on the return back to normality. Fingers crossed!

Carol Lincoln

All The Lonely People

By Mike Gayle HUBERT BIRD is not alone in being alone.

He just needs to realise it.

In weekly phone calls to his daughter in Australia, widower Hubert Bird paints a picture of the perfect retirement, packed with fun, friendship and fulfilment.

But Hubert Bird is lying.

The truth is day after day drags by without him seeing a single soul.

Until, that is, he receives some good news - good news that in one way turns out to be the worst news ever, news that will force him out again, into a world he has long since turned his back on.

Now Hubert faces a seemingly impossible task: to make his real life resemble his fake life before the truth comes out.

Along the way Hubert stumbles across a second chance at love, renews a cherished friendship and finds himself roped into an audacious community scheme that seeks to end loneliness once and for all . . .

Life is certainly beginning to happen to Hubert Bird. But with the origin of his earlier isolation always lurking in the shadows will he ever get to live the life he’s pretended to have for so long?

From bestselling author Mike Gayle, All the Lonely People is by turns a funny and moving meditation on love, race, old age and friendship that will not only charm and uplift, but also remind you of the power of ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference.

I’m in a long distance relationship. My girlfriend is in the future.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

LETTER

David Pickup, a solicitor, considers a common nuisance

Local girls launch online magazine

This summer they finished their respective degrees (gaining a first!) and like so many graduates were plunged into the current COVID-19 economic situation.

With little work prospects in the areas they were looking to work, the girls decided to take matters into their own hands and have set up an online magazine.

The magazine reflects the girls’ ethos and ethics and focuses on the environment, climate, current affairs, ethical fashion ... things that matter to them and hopefully others. They include a book or film review and there is open and honest discussion, not without humour, and interviews with YouTube personalities, who I have to admit I am unfamiliar with. They are hoping to develop many more features, based on some brilliant feedback they have already received from friends and family.

George-Rose (from Markfield) and Lizzie (from LFE & Markfield) launched their magazine - FLY - on 1st September - the first issue is on the link below - and they will be producing an edition on the 1st of every month going forward. The magazine is FREE - you only have to subscribe - and all email addresses are kept privately and not shared. It would be great if the people of Groby, Markfield and surrounding areas took a few minutes to look at FLY and - if they like it - subscribe, to support the girls in their venture. www.flymagazineuk.com

Fly-tipping

ONE GOOD THING about coronavirus has been the reduction of litter on the roads.

MY DAUGHTER and her friend left Groby Community College a few years ago and headed off to Bath Spa university.

Cindy Chattaway

19

When the burger shops were shut, people did not buy a snack, eat it on the way home and then throw the plastic container and the milkshake mug and straw out the car window.

What possesses people to do this? For another type of anti-social behaviour has increased: fly-tipping. Council tips have been closed, so irresponsible people have decided to turn a field entrance or a pathway into another tip. Flytipping costs money to deal with and it is also dangerous to people and wildlife.

The government is tackling this problem and there are heavy fines and even imprisonment for the offenders. Quite right, but it is not only the tipper who is responsible. You have an old settee and some bags of rubbish and need someone to dump it. A man with a van offers to do it for £20 in cash. A week later you get an email from the council to say that you are going to be investigated for fly-tipping as the man simply dumped your stuff on a roadside, and someone recognised the sofa and there were letters to your home address in the bags.

Or here is another scenario: you are going on holiday and decide to leave some rubbish at the back of your house. You phone a mate to come and collect it, but they forget. Both of these scenarios could result in a heavy fine.

In the 2018/19 year, local authorities in England dealt with over one million fly-tipping incidents, nearly two thirds of which involved household waste. But fly-tipping is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000, or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates’ Court. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court.

What can we do as responsible people? We can report fly-tipping to the local authority and if there is a serious problem, we can ask our local and parish councillors what is being done about it.

When you go for a walk, you might sometimes take a rubbish bag with you, to collect stray litter. Just make sure you protect yourself with rubber gloves, and take care on the roads.

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20

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby slimmers come back together after months of virtual slimming with new consultants

S

LIMMERS from Groby are making a ‘comeback’ as their Slimming World groups reopen, with Louise Valk and Pat McGivern local Slimming World Consultants saying they’re excited to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person.

Slimming World has been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since March, when lockdown closed all of the organisation’s community support groups. Now, following the current easing of restrictions in many areas, reallife groups are beginning to reopen step-by-step.

Louise and Pat, Slimming World Consultants in Groby are putting measures in place to ensure groups comply fully with government and local guidance and that their members can return safely to their much-loved Slimming World groups from 3 September.

Louise and Pat are both new consultants in Groby though coincidentally both started out as Groby group members. Pat says: “I’m delighted to finally be together with my new group, I already know quite a few of them from my days as a member there myself, and that was only a year ago. It’s like going back to my roots! Louise was a Groby group member in 2016 and has been taking care of all Groby members in virtual groups over lockdown as well as her Anstey and Birstall groups and says, our virtual groups have been a vital lifeline of support and I’m so proud of how my members have been there for each other through these difficult months and continued to lose weight and get more active. There’s nothing quite like the magic of our real-life groups, though, and research of our members during lockdown has shown that while our members have loved attending their virtual groups they’ve missed the motivational power and accountability of meeting in person each week.”

Both consultants agree that the health and safety of members has been the team’s top priority in planning the return of Slimming World groups:

Slimming World Consultant Pat McGivern “Members will find a few things have changed in our groups to ensure that everyone feels as safe, confident and comfortable as they possibly can. This includes appropriate social distancing, hygiene measures and shorter sessions, which we’ll be asking members to book in to before attending. What hasn’t changed is the gorgeous warm welcome, feeling of togetherness and the joy of being ‘in it together’ week on week.

“As well as looking forward to ‘that feeling’ of being back together with our existing Slimming World members, we can’t wait to welcome new members in Groby to our groups too. Obesity is a huge issue in the news at the moment with evidence showing that carrying extra weight makes it harder for the body to fight COVID-19, and the Government announcing brand-new plans to tackle obesity across the UK – which Slimming World are very proud be part of. Plus, we know many people’s routines were turned upside down by lockdown and lots of us have

Not good news from the Millennium Green ON TUESDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER the water supply to Glenfield Millennium green was vandalised for the 3rd time. The box protecting the tap was completely demolished and will need replacing by something stronger.

At the same time a lot of litter – mainly pizza boxes, food debris etc was scattered around one of the picnic tables in full view of the road.

We have now informed Leicestershire Police and have a crime number. If you have any information that could help them find out who did this, you can contact them by e-mail: crime.incident@leicestershire.pnn. police.uk The crime reference number is 20000457054 It is a pity that a facility maintained and funded completely by volunteers is treated with such disdain by some antisocial users. Most people who visit the Green look after it well and appreciate that it is there.

Christine Tordoff

been feeling more worried or anxious than usual, all of which can have an impact on making healthy choices.”

Pat, who has lost two and a half stone herself and Louise who has the same, says: “We want anyone who’s worrying about their weight or health – especially if they’ve put on extra pounds during lockdown – to know that there will be absolutely no judgement at a Slimming World group – just lots of understanding and a very warm welcome. At Slimming World losing weight isn’t about going hungry – our eating plan is extra easy, very delicious and super generous. And moving more doesn’t mean running marathons – unless you want to, of course.

“Our groups are hubs of recipe-swapping, ideasharing and problem-solving activity. Through our weekly sessions, you’ll discover how to identify the stoppers and potential pitfalls that could send you off track – or that have maybe prevented you from reaching your weight-loss goals in the past – and learn to develop strategies to overcome them. The new healthy habits you’ll discover will soon become habits of a lifetime, and there really is no better time to start afresh when it comes to developing new lifelong healthy habits around food and activity because, as many of the members of our groups have seen, when you lose Louise Valk weight you’re already doing one of the very best things you can to future-proof your health.”

Pat’s Thursday morning and Louise’s Thursday afternoon & evening Slimming World groups in Groby have already reopened – live!

For more information, contact Pat on 07397 775101 Louise on 07525 447752 We look forward to welcoming you to Groby Slimming World groups.

THANK YOU TO THE SPOTLIGHT ADVERTISERS! Your support has made publication of this issue possible.

If YOU’D like to advertise your business in the magazine, call Mike on 01530 244069 or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

The sun is going to go out in 4 billion years, and you sit there and act like everything is fine.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Say it with flowers

Morrisons doubles number of florists in-store MORRISONS has announced plans to double the number of fully-qualified, expert florists in its stores to 300 this autumn.

The supermarket is expanding its in-store florist shops, which will see a further 60 florist stations installed across the UK – to take the total to over 100.

Morrisons said the new florist shops will provide 180 new jobs for qualified professional florists, who may be out of work following the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the high street.

Morrisons said it was currently selling over 4 million flower stems every week.

The Big 4 giant added that all of its florists offer a handmade-to-order bouquet service, with customers able to choose from 75 different stem varieties.

Bouquets can also be crafted for any occasion and to any budget and they are prepared while customers do their weekly shop.

Morrisons said it works closely with growers rather than wholesalers and has one of the quickest “field to store” transit times.

Stems are delivered fresh to stores each day, and are sourced from FlowerWorld – a 17.5 acre flower site that is wholly owned by Morrisons.

21

More rat news from Lindy LAST MONTH I wrote about our visit from Gerald the rat.

I finished by saying he would be welcome to pop in any time. One says these things “Do call anytime you’re passing – we’re always pleased to see you!” without expecting to be taken up on them.

Gerald has been back twice in the last week, brought in through the cat flap by Sammy and let loose in the living room.

Sammy is then happy to leave it to me and David to encourage Gerald to leave.

On his first visit he disappeared under the sofa. It’s a hulking great piece of furniture and it took both of us to move it, by which time Gerald had moved on, leaving me feeling faintly embarrassed by the amount of clutter lurking underneath it. I couldn’t help feeling that Gerald was judging me. After several hectic laps of the room and one sharp nip on my finger we cornered him and I stood guard while David fetched a bowl to put over him and a table mat to slide underneath. I released him in the garden.

Three days later he was back and this time he found his way under the gas fire. We flushed him out and finally ran him to ground by the book shelves.

My bowl and table mat technique is now professional standard and he was soon back in the garden. I don’t suppose for a moment we have seen the last of him.

• I HADN’T BEEN DOWN TO GROBY POOL for a few weeks and it took me a while to realise what had changed – of course, apart from the four fine farmyard specimens, all the noisy geese have left. The swans are as numerous as ever and the mother swan was there with her one remaining baby – now as big as she is. There are two pairs of mallards who have had late broods of ducklings – now half grown. I tried to give them priority feeding but as usual the voracious gulls swooped down – one actually snatched a piece of bread from a duckling’s beak.

At the end of August on a mild misty day it already feels autumnal. I’ve been planting bulbs. If winter comes, can spring be far behind?

Lindy Hardcastle

If you enjoy reading the Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it.

It’s good to share!

Don’t forget to send us your news!

Thanks.

Every so often, I like to go to the window, look up, and smile for a satellite picture.

22

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS Councillor Martin Cartwright reports

Nottingham Building Society says Goodbye to Groby THE NOTTINGHAM Building Society located at 11/11a Ratby Road Groby is closing permanently on Monday 30th November 2020.

This will be a sad loss to Groby as many residents switched to the Nottingham Building Society having previously been customers of Santander, previously Alliance Leicester Building Society. This is the end of an era for this property as a financial institution and one less infrastructure business support for Groby. Customers of the Groby branch are being directed to the nearest branch remaining open being 7/9 Halford Street, Leicester, LE1 1JA Personally, I would like to thank the staff of the Nottingham for all they have done for Groby residents in the time they have been located in the village

Mrs Bell retires ON SATURDAY 15th August, a convoy of cars met at the Laundon Way Co-op car park decorated with many messages for Mrs Bell.

As the cars arrived outside Mrs Bell’s home many people had gathered to see Mrs Bell’s reaction.

Indeed as the convoy made its way down Pymm Ley Lane and along Leicester Road in both directions many residents were standing waving outside their homes as the cars passed.

As a tribute to Mrs Bell we couldn’t let this iconic era pass without a celebration - with social distancing, of course - of The Groby Nursery School on Leicester Road that Mrs Bell owned. There are many photographs and some video of the convoy on my Facebook page @ Cllr Martin Cartwright Before Mrs Bell woke I decorated the street outside her house with Union Jack flags, and then on behalf of all Groby’s residents, presented Mrs Bell with a bouquet of flowers, see photo.

Grant for Groby Allotments Society AS RURAL Parishes Executive Member for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council I was delighted to be able to present the Groby Allotment Society a cheque

for £2473.00.

The grant - from the HBBC Parish & Community Initiative Fund (PCIF) - went towards the purchase and installation of their new storage facility for the use of the allotment plot holders on Ratby Road allotments.

The work has been completed to a very high standard and will be a significant benefit to the Groby Allotment Society and its members.

Parish & Community Initiative Fund (PCIF) 2020 - 2021 A TOTAL of £150,000 has been made available to support community projects in the parished areas of the Borough and grants are available for up to 50% of the total project costs.

For example 42 individual projects funded last year which included: • Community building improvements, new lawn mower, footpaths and footpath improvements • Play area improvements, woodland improvements, outdoor gym and new seats and benches • New notice boards, lighting improvements, speed indicator signs and traffic calming measures • Community kitchen and

catering improvements, emergency door and bathroom facility improvements Grants for 2020/21 will be provided on the following basis: 1. Projects must be within a parished area of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council 2. Applications can be submitted by any Parish / Town Council or formally constituted community group with a bank account 3. Maximum of £12,000 per project 4. Maximum of 50% of total project costs funded by the grant 5. All projects should be completed and the funding claimed before the 28th February 2021 6. Projects must demonstrate that they meet the Borough Council’s corporate aims and that they are of a community benefit.

7. Completed projects must offer a photo and press release opportunity with the Borough Council’s Executive Member for Parishes at the time of completion of the grant funded project.

As Executive Member for Rural Communities and Environment

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

Cllr Martin Cartwright

@CllrCartwright

cllr.martincartwright

at the Borough Council I have stated that I would like to see the grant money spread as widely as possible across the 24 parishes in Hinckley & Bosworth and a variety of different schemes, with special emphasis on the smaller organisations, charity groups as well as Parish Councils.

Each applicant must seek support from their Parish Council and Borough Councillor. As ward member I supported all of the applications listed below.

Only capital items are funded, the lowest submitted quote has been used to calculate the maximum eligible grant, unless a good reason has been provided for using a higher quote.

There is a total budget available of £150,000. For the grant year 2020 – 2021 a total of 36 applications were initially received.

There was a great variety of projects seeking funding in the 2020 – 2021 grant year. Specifically in Groby, grants were applied for from Groby Parish Council, Groby Allotment Society, Groby Community Library and Brookvale Groby Learning Trust 1. Bus Shelters – Groby Parish Council. Outline: The installation of 2 x bus shelters in Groby and Fieldhead. £3,075 2. Refurbishment of allotment car park– Groby Allotment Society (Groby). Outline: The levelling and resurfacing of the car park at Ratby Road allotments. £3,435 3. New Picnic Tables – Groby Community Library Group.

Outline: The installation of 3 x picnic tables in the outside area of the library for use by library users and the general public. £860.

4. Play Trail replacement – Brookvale Groby Learning Trust. Outline: The replacement of a wooden play trail at Brookvale Campus for use by children and the general public. £1,591 I am delighted to able to confirm that all these projects were successful in gaining the grants that they applied for.

In edition to the Groby applications listed above, grants were also applied for by: Bagworth & Thornton: Card dealing machine for the Bridge Club, Repair of Church walls.

Barlestone: Elohim Church Access ramp, Community Centre CCTV Barwell: Barwell Park Safety surfacing, Barwell Cemetery CCTV, Disabled toilet at Hinckley Tennis Club.

Burbage: Creation of wildflower area Sketchley Hill farm & Britannia

How do you know if someone is hitchhiking or just complimenting your driving?

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Tel: 0116 287 4500 Mob: 07850 707050 Road Recreation grounds.

Cadeby: Central heating upgrade at Church Hall.

Desford: New chairs for the Church, New mower for Desford in bloom volunteers, Electric car charging points at Sport in Desford, New flooring and Tea Coffee bar at Desford free Church.

Market Bosworth: Ascarifer for Bowls Club, Goalposts for Sports Club, Markfield: Window repairs at Copt Oak Church, Improvement to Launde Road Public Open Space improving access for all to the site.

Newbold Verdon: Church central heating system, Refurbishment Sports & Social Club Main Hall.

Osbaston: New Village Signs.

Peckleton: Heritage Lighting converted to LED, Ratby: Church improvements to stonework, guttering, roof and windows.

Shackerstone: Landscaping works in order to complete Cemetery extension Sheepy: Village Hall & Lighting renovation, Laser Projector for Video and data services at Church Stanton under Bardon: Installation of insulation at Without Walls Christian fellowship.

Sutton Cheney: Two Community Public Access Defribulators.

Fenny Drayton: Fenny Drayton Village Sign.

A very wide scope of funding that will be appreciated by each and every community that benefits from the improvements.

I am here to help you 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 To keep residents updated I am posting as much relevant information as I can on my social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Cllr Martin Cartwright Cllr Martin Cartwright @CllrCartwright cllr.martincartwright

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.

Cllr Martin Cartwright

We love milk, but from where?

23

The Mathematics of Litter I KNOW I’m not the only one in the village distressed about the amount of litter dropped around the village since the lockdown eased.

DAIRY COWS have serious competition these days: a third of young people are now opting for vegan milk instead.

Recent data from the global market research firm, Mintel, has found that 23 per cent of Britons now use plant-based milk. It has become most popular among the 16 to 24-year-olds.

Many millennials have switched to soya milk because of environmental concerns, but the Sustainable Food Trust has recently warned that vegan milk could actually be far more harmful to the environment.

They say that grass-fed dairy milk poses less of a threat to the Amazon and other rainforests than many soya products do.

And I quote ...

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is difficult to understand why people drop litter – even when bins are full surely taking litter home with you is always an option? So, what do those of us who are concerned do about it?

One of the simplest things we can do is pick it up!

Again I know I am not alone in picking up pieces of litter as I walk around.

And that got me to thinking about the mathematics of litter. I guess we fall into three categories: those who drop litter; those who don’t drop litter; and those who pick up litter. So we have those who add; those who have no effect – neither adding or taking away; and those who take-away (quite literally!). I think most people reading this article would want Groby to be a place where there is not litter on the ground. How do we achieve this? Using the mathematics of litter we know that for each addition, we need some subtraction – we need more people picking it up.

In a time of Covid people may be more cautious about picking up litter, but with simple precautions – wearing gloves or making sure to wash your hands with soap and water/ use hand sanitiser after you have picked up litter – it is very safe. I would also understand objections along the lines of: ‘I didn’t drop it so why should I pick it up?’, but if Covid has taught us anything surely it is that we are part of a community and that we all gain from participating positively in this community. Picking up litter is a simple way to play our part.

Of course the best way would be if there were no additions in the first place, and I think we have a responsibility here too. It may be difficult to challenge people when they drop litter but sometimes that is worth doing. It doesn’t have to be confrontational but with a genuine concern for our environment and our planet. Many of us grew up with the ‘Keep Britain Tidy’ message.

This is something that seems missing more recently, so educating the younger generations is important too.

And of course so much of the litter is packaging with a high proportion of it being plastic. There are so many ways we can cut down the single-use plastic we throw away. If we all take on that challenge, and talk to each other about what we are doing, maybe we can reduce the plastic we are using and throwing away as a community.

We are still to finalise when and how HootS will be meeting in the Autumn.

Those of you who are members, we will be in touch. If you would like to join us as we respond to the climate emergency and try to find a better way forward please contact us on: hoots-groby@hotmail.com

Ruth Mwenya

Tragedy & Hope 101

By Joseph Plummer The information contained in this book contradicts nearly everything you’ve been led to believe about democracy and “representative government.”

Based on the groundbreaking research of respected historian Carroll Quigley, Tragedy and Hope 101 reveals an unimaginably devious political system, skillfully manipulated by a handful of elite, which is undermining freedom and democracy as we know it. The goal of those who control the system, in Quigley’s own words, is to dominate “all habitable portions of the world.” Using deception, theft, and violence, they have achieved more toward this goal than any rulers in human history.

However, the Information Age is quickly derailing their plans. The immorality of their system, and those who serve it, has become nearly impossible to hide. Awareness and resistance are growing…Tragedy is yielding to hope.

My taste in men is so bad, the walk of shame for me is when I’m on my way to a date.

24

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Knitting - The Most Pick up a BARGAIN! Relaxing Hobby You Spotlight Small Ads Should Take Up This Year •

• Childrens book and jigsaws/ puzzles bundles, great condition 20 books or puzzles for £10, or can negiotiate for bulk purchase.

• Lego Quattro (bigger than DUPLO) in original large box £10.

• Stickle bricks in original retro box £5 • 2 new multi sensor smoke alarms not used in boxes £5 • Large box of zoo animals £8 • 3 easels for painting/drawing £5 each or £12 for all.

• Meccano set £10 • Big box of wooden train set £30 • Other nursery furniture and toys/items available to view by appointment.

Tel: Janet on 07709 968826 • Petrol hedge trimmer - 24inch (60cm) blade, has had very little use. 23cc engine, rotatable handle for easy cutting. Complete with tool kit and manual. Price: £40.

Tel: 07821 094472 (Markfield) • Yamaha Keyboard – PSR175 with stand and carry bag £60.

• DD40 Electronic drum pads by Gear4music – hardly used – cost £70; accept £30.

• Rummikub game (Tomy) – unused - £10 • Genuine Nike football boots, Grey & yellow, with cuff, hardly worn, still boxed, size 3 – cost £60, accept £25 • Bedroom Curtains – Deep cerise with blackout lining, tab tops. Each curtain 130cm wide x 120cm deep £25 the pair.

• Pretty Bedroom net curtains, cream with small silver stars, each 103cm deep x 128cm wide. All 3 for £7.50.

• Addidas yeezy trainers (not genuine) worn once size 3 ½, Grey and Orange (tab at back) £8.

Photos can be sent.

Tel: 07843 290665 • Large bowls bag with small one inside. Navy. £5 the two.

• Box of pictures: Shirley Temple, pencil drawings of Queniborough, Brownie Downing, and others: £30 the lot.

• Bag of books - mixed subjects - £8.

• Large round vase with small neck, ideal for tall Pampas grass - £5.

• Black shoulder type stand for displaying necklaces - £5.

• Black wrought iron & Mother of Pearl circular ornament on stand (12” high x 12” wide) - £10.

Tel: 01530 243660 (Markfield)

• Space saver spare wheel, 15”, complete with jack and wheelbrace. Unused and in great condition. Suitable for Ford Fiesta or similar. Price: £30.

• Adjustable aluminium ladder.

Maximum 4m in length, or can be stepladder, or painting step stool.

Good condition. Price: £25.

• THULE Rapid Fit 751 Roof Bars and 761 Foot Pack. Unused. Price: £25.

Tel: 0116 287 6919 (Groby) • Autobiographies: Terry Wogan, Fred Dibnah and Dawn French hardbacks £2 each.

• Non-fiction books: Cold War, History of War, Trace Your Family Tree - hardbacks £2.50 all good condition.

Tel: 07565 219995 (Markfield) • Amazon Kindle with case and charger. Hardly used. Price: £30.

• Corner glass TV stand. Price: £5.

• Toshiba 26” TV. price: £10.

Tel: 01530 243802

• • •

The most relaxing hobby with the lowest heartbeat measured is knitting - with 65 beats per minute and voted by 93% of Brits as the most relaxing.

Knitting can decrease your resting heart rate to 18.75% whereas, the ‘pedal to the metal’ hobby biking can increase it up to 118.75%!

In last place is riding a bike with 175 beats per minute and 29% of people saying it is the most relaxing hobby.

Top five most relaxing hobbies to take up this year are: Knitting, Fishing, Blogging, Calligraphy, and Painting.

LOCKDOWN had proven that we’re more than capable to take up new and exciting hobbies, causing a spike. A study

by Psychological Sciences Professor, Matthew J. Zawadski at the University of California found that engaging in a mentally stimulating hobby reduces stress levels.

With COVID-19 still lurking in the shadows of the stressful lives of the British people, diys.com examined the hobbies that most reduce our stress levels.

A survey was completed by 2,379 people, including the 163 people we had completing the Fitbit test to find out if the most relaxing hobby and the most loved hobby complemented on another.

The Fitbit data was collected by 357 British people between the ages of 20 – 30 years wearing a Fitbit while completing 20 various hobbies given. The data was collected over a few weeks and revealed which soothing task most relaxes our heartbeats.

• Unused Merino Lambswool Throw. Size: 140/190cm (Double).

Reversible, plain/cat & dog print.

Price: £30 o.n.o.

• Children’s books: set of Wombles Stories (paperback) and Set of Mini Colour Pictures (hardback). Excellent condition.

Price: £3 each.

Tel: 07511 552857 (Markfield) • Conservatory Furniture: Two seater sofa, 2 armchairs, 1 footstool and nest of 3 tables.

V.G.C. (a small slit on 2 back cushions) Beige embossed upholstery. Price: £120.

Tel: 0116 2311447 (Groby)

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Spotlight, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone.

Maximum EIGHT items please.

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

A Page in Your Diary

By Keith A Pearson IN MAY 1987 Jackie Benton received a heartbreaking phone call from her boyfriend, Sean Hardy, bringing an end to their five-year relationship. He’d fallen for a fellow student at Exeter University.

Sean and Jackie would never see each other again.

Thirty-three years later, Sean returns to his home town. There, he inadvertently discovers what became of Jackie Benton. That discovery instigates a series of events, culminating in a miraculous journey back in time – only days before a catastrophic event in 1988 destroyed Jackie’s life. Unbelievably, Sean has been gifted a chance to befriend his first love and steer her away from certain tragedy.

However, Sean faces one major obstacle – Jackie is an angsty youth, and he’s old enough to be her father. Then, there’s the challenge of keeping his true identity a secret while navigating life in ’80s Britain. With time against him, can Sean connect with his one-time love and make amends for the pain his younger self caused, or will the same tragic history repeat itself?

I just hired a private investigator to find out what I do all day.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Methodists launch Year of Prayer THE METHODIST CHURCH has launched a Year of Prayer online to help bring more people to faith.

One in five of us suffer depression THE PANDEMIC has doubled our rates of depression.

Now one in five adults are struggling with the symptoms.

And yet the peak of the Covid-19 mental health crisis is ‘yet to come’, according to NHS bosses.

In June the Office for National Statistics released data showing that 19.2 percent of adults were experiencing some form of depression. This figure had almost doubled, from around one in 10 (9.7 per cent), before the pandemic. But NHS bosses warn that up to half a million more patients are expected to enter the system in coming months.

Those most vulnerable to depression are women aged 16 to 29 who are unable to afford an unexpected expense, or who are disabled.

A spokeswoman for Mind, the mental health charity, says, “It’s crucial that mental health is put at the centre of the government’s ongoing recovery plans.”

A report from the NHS Confederation echoes this, saying that mental health bodies will need “intensive support and investment.”

The short weekly online service takes place each Tuesday lunchtime, at 12.45pm via Zoom, and is also live- streamed via Facebook. It will be led by people from across the Church.

Trey Hall, Director of Evangelism and Growth for the Methodist Church, explains: “This Year of Prayer is a special time, a called-out time, for the whole Church. The world can feel like it’s falling apart – not only due to COVID, but also due to systemic injustice, racism, to climate change, to political instability. And if we as the Church are going to respond in any meaningful way, we need more than ever to pray, we need to call upon God for healing and renewal and wisdom.”

The Year of Prayer is considered an important step in the new strategy adopted by the Methodist Conference to be an inclusive, evangelistic, growing, justice-seeking Church. It wants to focus resources on helping people explore faith, in starting hundreds of new churches, and in serving communities experiencing marginalization.

Letter Radio Garden

FOLLOWING on from the excellent article about Radio Garden internet radio in the July Spotlight by Norman Griffiths, I would like to advise there is a fantastic free app for both Apple ios and Android devices.

Just search for RADIO GARDEN in the app store. The free version contains adverts but for a one off small fee of £2.99 on Apple ios these can be removed, I assume there is a similar fee for Android devices in order to remove the adverts.

The best internet Radio app by miles, because it works!

Martin Cartwright

Want to reach THOUSANDS of potential customers in Groby, Field Head & The Brantings?

Advertise in the Spotlight!

Visit www.grobyspotlight.co.uk for details.

25

Planning Apps LISTED below are some recent planning applications local to our area: Single storey front and side extension, single storey rear extension and raising of existing roof - at 5 Pymm Ley Gardens, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FU. Rear extension - at 3 Louise Avenue, Groby, Leicester LE6 0YH. Alterations to roofline, including increase in height, and dormer window to rear at 115 Main Street, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9UW. Side extension with living accommodation to roof space, dormer window to rear, plus single-storey rear and front extensions - at 8 Croftway, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9UG. Demolition of existing conference centre and a residential building and erection of a new conference centre, including indoor sports facility, and new residential building with associated landscaping - at The Islamic Foundation, Markfield Conference Centre, Ratby Lane, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9SY. Single storey side extension at 23 Neville Drive, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9WJ. Certificate of existing lawful development for single storey rear extension to dwelling at 9 Daisy Close, Bagworth, Leics. LE67 1HP. Construction of toilet block to side of school - at South Charnwood High School, Broad Lane, Stanton-underBardon, Leics. LE67 9TB.

A parent’s job is basically a daily struggle to help a crazy person stay alive.

26

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-SEPTEMBER 2020 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Local glass fusion business Over £100,000 already awarded diversifies during lockdown Cash helps small

businesses bounce back SMALL BUSINESSES are getting a helping hand to bounce back, thanks to a new fund – with over £100,000 already awarded.

DID YOU KNOW that there is a thriving glass fusion business in the heart of Ratby?

Run by ex-teacher Ali Groschl, family business ‘smARTsy’ began five years ago, when Ali identified a lack of arts and crafts provision in the area.

Initially working with local primary schools in Kirby Muxloe, Groby, and Ratby, Ali ran after school art clubs, as well as setting up a Saturday Art School at her Ratby home. In addition, classes for adults were offered in the evenings. Most new businesses evolve over time, and now smARTsy is best known for offering affordable and friendly glass fusion workshops to a wide range of people including schools, families, scouting and guiding groups, WI groups and corporate organisations.

Recognition of Ali’s entrepreneurial skills came recently when she was chosen to be one of 365 U.K. women to feature in a book SHECAN#365, which ironically arrived during lockdown.

The instant closure of workshops in March and the loss of 50 customers making their own glass every week meant that Ali had to diversify. Since lockdown, Ali has given her time for free to make over 700 rainbow arches for NHS and key workers but an income needed to be made too, so glass fusion kits to make at home are available to hire, plus glass art is available to buy and commissions welcomed.

Ali has also welcomed the chance to focus on developing a new side to the business which focuses on affordable and very personal fused glass memorials. Along with her daughter, May, Ali has perfected the art of incorporating ashes into glass, and so far between them have made some beautifully bespoke pieces that include the ashes of people and of pets.

All small businesses rely on the support of their local community so please take a look at both smARTsy on Facebook, and the sister page Forget Me Not Fused Glass Memorials.

If you are interested in making your own glass items, have a look at the website www.smartsy.co.uk, or email Ali at smartsy@hotmail.co.uk.

Why singing in church is the same as shouting at the pub

HOW DANGEROUS is it to sing in church, when it comes to spreading coronavirus? About the same as it is to speak loudly in a pub.

So say researchers at the University of Bristol. They have found that speaking loudly and singing generate about the same amounts of aerosol droplet – tiny particles of liquid – which are thought to carry Covid-19.

Of course, the louder you sing or speak, the more the aerosol droplets.

Leicestershire County Council’s launched the £750,000 pot this summer and so far has given grants of up to £10,000 to 16 companies to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Businesses from North West Leicestershire, Hinckley and Bosworth, Charnwood, Blaby, and Oadby and Wigston in sectors covering agriculture, tourism, hospitality, creative and retail have benefitted from the match funding grant, so far.

Small businesses are still being urged to apply for their share of the £750,000 Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund - to find out more and apply, visit: www.oakleaves.org.uk/leicestershire-business-recoveryfundOpens another website in new window Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “The initial reaction to our fund has been great. I am proud to see many small businesses in Leicestershire thinking about their future beyond the coronavirus pandemic and that their entrepreneurial spirit is still strong.

“It has been a difficult few months for our businesses and we’re committed to helping them get back on their feet in any way we can, so that the economy of Leicestershire can continue to grow and prosper.”

Applications can be made for grants between £2,000 and £10,000, to ensure business recovery, through projects to help the business diversify, improve skills, or new technology or equipment.

All small businesses from every sector are encouraged to apply including those from the tourism, retail, agriculture, and creative sector. Businesses who apply will initially talk through their business plans with an advisor who will be able to assist with their application.

There is currently no deadline for applications, but businesses should apply as soon as possible as funding will be allocated at a first come first served basis.

Creative writing evening class returns to Loughborough campus LU Arts’ popular creative writing evening classes for staff, students and the general public are returning to the Loughborough campus this term.

Taking place every Wednesday in Room MHL1.17a/b7, Martin Hall, 7pm9pm, the course will run for 10 weeks, starting on 14 October.

This broad and engaging creative writing class covers character and story development, utilising the senses, writing from life experience and much more. It’s a mixed ability course, suitable for those wanting to learn new skills and writers looking to polish existing talents. The focus is primarily on fiction, but topics covered are applicable to poetry and writing for screen and stage.

The sessions will be run by Alison Mott, a writer and story collector with an interest in historical writing, books for children and memoir. She has many years’ experience leading creative activities in the community, including for Charnwood Arts, Writing East Midlands and Loughborough University.

She has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and is accredited as a writing coach through the Arvon Foundation and the National Association of Writers in Education.

The course costs £50 for Loughborough students or £100 for the general public and staff. Payment is required at the time of booking via the online store. The class has been moved to a larger room to allow for social distancing and appropriate measures will be in place. Further details will be sent to those who book and any queries regarding this should be emailed to luarts@lboro.ac.uk.

My wife told me that I twist everything she says to my advantage. I take that as a compliment.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Listening to radio online

27

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH

A reader reminisces and another interesting way to find stations

L

AST MONTH’S Spotlight article about the ‘radiogarden’ website that gives easy access to radio stations all over the world, and reflecting on how broadcasting has changed over the years, brought back memories of two of the stations mentioned for one reader.

“Thank you for reviving very old memories,” he wrote. “I have revisited Voice of America (VOA), heard the voice of Willis Conover and vowed to make just a little time for their jazz hour programmes if they are still easily found. I was posted as an army signalman to Munich, southern Germany in the late 1950’s to find the small British camp there already well tuned in to the VOA. “ ‘Bouncing in Bavaria’, another must-hear programme was broadcast on Saturday afternoons by the American Forces Network(AFN), and any record which caught the ear could usually be supplied by the American PX in the following weeks. A service that was completely unknown to me just in from the then very impoverished GB with its austerity rations on everything including American jazz.”

The PX is a type of retail store operating on United States military installations worldwide. Established in 1895 and originally akin to trading posts, they now resemble department stores or strip malls.

Willis Conover, mentioned by our reader, was a jazz producer and broadcaster on the Voice of America for over forty years. He became a legend among jazz lovers, primarily due to the hour-long program called Voice of America Jazz Hour. Conover is credited with keeping interest in jazz alive in the countries of Eastern Europe through his nightly broadcasts during the Cold War. There’s an archive devoted to Willis Conover at the University of North Texas (UNT) Library. The music program at the University has graduated hundreds of jazz artists who went on to successful careers as professionals, and the archive makes another kind of contribution to the preservation of jazz. There are over 2000 reels of audio recorded by Conover and grant funding is enabling the University to begin the process of digitising them and making them available online for the public to download and listen to.

The UNT Music Library Conover Collection website currently has 277 of his tapes of jazz and interviews with jazz musicians. Google grobylinx for a link to the recordings currently available.

Another useful radio website READERS who don’t like the Radiogarden format featured last month might prefer another interesting radio website www.tunein.com.

It has a search facility and so you can find, for example, music stations by genre. The site claims to give access to 100,000 radio stations free of charge but also offers a premium service for those who are happy to pay a monthly fee. The results can be refined by location or language and in addition to music stations it’s possible to search for news and talk, sports, and local radio.

There’s also access to millions of podcasts. If you are not familiar with the term, one definition is that it’s “a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new instalments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.” The sheer volume and variety of the podcasts available is such that it defies any concise description. If you want to know more visit the website and take a look at what’s available.

What have you been listening to during the lockdown? Have you any memories of radio you would like to share with other readers?

BENTONS Estate Agents are offering for sale a substantial detached property currently offering five/six bedrooms over three floors.

Offered with a large separate leisure complex, extensive hardstanding and double garage, the property is situated within approximately 0.82 acres of landscaped garden grounds and offers considerable potential for redevelopment of the leisure complex.

The asking price is £650,000. For more information, contact Bentons on 01664 563892 or visit the website at www.bentons.co.uk

• New Guttering • Wood Staining • Repointing • Ridge Tiles • Chimney Stacks • Roof Valley • Dry Verge • Flat Roofing • Dry Ridge • Lead Flashing • Moss Removal • Slate/Tile Roofing • UPVC Fascia, Soffits & Gutters FREE QUOTATION AND FREE EMERGENCY CALL OUT Proprietor: Elias Bell

1 Maynard Close, Bagworth, LE67 1BU

Mobile: 07494820600 - Telephone: 01530 231 631 Email: eandlmaintenanceltd@outlook.com

Norman Griffiths

Gave my co-worker the Heimlich manoeuvre. Proving once again I’m no good at birthday gifts.

LET CHARNWOOD LIVING FIND THE PERFECT MATCH FOR YOUR HOUSE SELL YOUR PROPERTY WITH

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17 The Nook | Anstey | Leicester | LE7 7AZ