January 2023 Your Local Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves

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The Wednesday Hub - A Warm Welcome In Thurcaston

Article by Eleanor Lloyd Jones

The Thurcaston & Cropston Good Neighbours group has joined forces with All Saints Church in Thurcaston to set up a weekly warm space meeting. Every Wednesday afternoon from 2-4pm the Harrison Room (at the Church) is open for anyone to come and drop in.

The Wednesday Hub is free to attend - come along for coffee, cake, chat and a warm welcome! We also have puzzles, games, books or you can bring your own activities with you. For further details please call 07834 483850 or email us on Wednesdayhub3@gmail.com

Over £37,000 Handed To Organisations Helping With Cost Of Living

Article by Charnwood Borough Council

Organisations supporting residents with the rising cost of living have been awarded over £37,000 from Charnwood Borough Council.

As part of its Charnwood Community Action campaign, the Council has provided grant funding to help partners increase capacity, continue providing advice and information and support warm spaces in the borough.

The Council has awarded Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland, a £10,000 grant to provide advice and support to more people in Charnwood.

Citizens Advice Charnwood has also received around £10,000 to increase resource in its money advice team.

The charity which offers free, confidential and independent advice on subjects including debt, benefits and employment will be supporting residents with applications to charitable and government schemes and energy related issues.

A number of projects also looking to offer warm spaces were awarded grants including £3,000 to the Sacred Heart Church in Loughborough and around £1,750 was given to The Coffee Shop at Birstall Methodist Church.

Choral Society

Article by Peter Sayer

The Choral Society is looking forward to its next concert, entitled “From Dawn to Dusk”, in Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough, on Saturday 28 January. This lovely church is spacious and warm, with excellent car parking facilities available opposite, by courtesy of William Davis Ltd.

An interesting and melodious mix of music will be performed, some pieces by contemporary composers and others by great composers of the past. It will include the Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo, the Coronation Mass II and O Praise the Lord by Handel, The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams, Abendlied by Josef Rheinberger, and Good Night Dear Heart by Dan Forrest. Orchestral accompaniment will be provided by the 4tissimo String Ensemble featuring violin soloist Karen Silverwood.

Tickets are available online from ticketsource. co.uk, or by ringing 01530 243822, prices £12 (£6 for under 18s and students in full time education).

Newtown Linford Ladies Luncheon Club At The Lingdale Golf Club

Article by Sheila Price

This Luncheon Club originally started in Newtown Linford but now has members from all over Leicestershire. If you wish to join us, see below.

December’s meeting started with a delicious 3 course Christmas Dinner followed by coffee and mints. This was excellent value for £19. After the meal, The Loros Choir entertained the diners with a selection of beautiful carols. Some we could sing to and some were new carols to us. It certainly made us feel very festive. There was also a large Christmas Raffle in aid of The Cinnamon Trust.

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Organisations which have been awarded grants to provide cost of living support include:

Citizens Advice Charnwood - £10,057

Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland - £10,000

Equality Action - £10,000

Sacred Heart Church - £3,000

Falcon Support Services - £2,000

The Coffee Shop - Birstall Methodist Church£1,750

New Life Community Church - £1,000

The Council awards Charnwood Grants every year to a wide range of organisations across the borough, as part of its commitment to create healthy communities.

For more information about what support is available to help with cost of living issues, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cca

There is a monthly meeting on every 3rd Wednesday and you can have 3 visits initially to see if you wish to join. Members pay an additional £20 a year to cover the speakers’ fees on top of their monthly £19 for their meal. There are no meetings in July and August but often an outing is arranged instead.

Next month’s meeting is on Wednesday 18th January 2023 with a three-course lunch. The luncheon is at the following address: -

Lingdale Golf Club, Joe Moores Lane, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, LE12 8TF at 12 noon to 3pm and afterwards there will a talk by: -

Dr Tim Grey about EMICS (Immediate Care Services)

If you are interested in attending this Luncheon Club meeting, then please telephone Sheila Price 0116 2205225 before Friday 13th January to book a place. All dietary needs are catered for.

Good Grief Is Good Growth

Article by Alan Chapman

Grief is not commonly taught. It is taboo and misunderstood. Same for recovery, as part of our natural healing. Grief is whenever we feel a loss; when we face a life-change; and when we let go of a part of ourselves. Grief is much more nuanced, and part of human experiences, than simply when a loved one dies.

Many things can cause us to feel grief, for example:

• Bereavement.

• Caring for someone who's ill.

• Relationship break-up.

• Loss of a job or business.

• Moving house.

• Children leaving home.

• Post-traumatic stress and recovery.

• Emotional trauma, abuse and recovery.

• Life-stage change/transition.

• Illness or injury and recovery.

• Addictions and recovery.

Recovery is naturally part of grief, because when we recover we are in some ways being 'reborn'. We are growing emotionally, letting go of who we used to be, and embracing the new person we're becoming, and starting a new life-phase. We are evolved and designed this way over many thousands of years.

Grief is our natural positive growth process. Understanding this helps our coping and recovering more easily.

Most GPs and psychiatrists tend to prescribe drugs for grief, because grief often produces symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, poor sleep, weight-gain or loss, and even physical pain or discomfort. Much of this relates to inflammation - brain and body. GPs are not trained in nutrition; nor in lifestyle, nor in inflammation. Generally GPs are trained to diagnose 'illness', to prescribe drugs and to 'treat' our mind (brain and emotions) as if our mind is not connected with our body (physical, activity) nor our external environment.

Of course, our mind and body are very much connected, and with

everything around us too!

The expression, "mind, body and soul," is a simple timeless reminder that each of us is part of the inifinite miracle of human existence, consciousness, and what we imagine to be our universe - or universes!

We are each part of this magical cycle of life. And so, GRIEF IS NOT AN ILLNESS. Grief is a natural part of life, and thrillingly, GRIEF IS HOW WE GROW; to be increasingly emotionally mature and resilient.

And so how can we more easily transition through grief to recovery and life-change, and ultimately to finding our own peace?

Here is some information from our own (LiveWildLiveFree.org) lived experience, training and work:

1. NUTRITION - what and when we eat and drink - are all hugely significant.

2. Good NUTRITION helps us to SLEEP, and SLEEP helps us to HEAL.

3. LIFESTYLE - especially daylight, sunshine, fresh air, exercise, walking in nature, companionship, laughter, creative arts, moving/using our bodies, breathing properly, and reducing technology/ screen/computer time - are all hugely significant too.

4. Good LIFESTYLE helps heal our emotional wounds, because our minds and bodies are one whole connected system, connected with nature, including other people, with animals, plants and trees, rivers, lakes, the seaside, moon and stars.... everything!

5. And while each of us is different, we all share deep connectedness in our own ways with our natural world and cosmos/universe(s).

6. Know that grief is a natural human experience, and we are designed and evolved to transition through grief (loss and letting go) towards becoming a stronger person.

Protecting Your Family Inheritance

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are fully vaccinated. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually.

But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT).

A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries.

As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be particular interest to couples who have come together and have children with different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensuring that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property, they can still sell the property and the proceeds to be used to purchase a new property, the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

NATURALLY. We grow as we experience the ups and downs of life. It's natural.

7. Time heals, especially when you help it with good nutrition, lifestyle and sleep, rather than prescribed drugs, which really are only designed to make money for the big pharmaceutical companies, the bankers and their political friends.

8. Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones. Positive mantras, vibrations and energies of our consciousness are magically powerful.

9. Live in the now: the present. It's all we ever really have. Love the ups and downs and the joyful perspectives - the light from the dark.

10. Perhaps above all - always be kind and gentle and loving towards yourself!

See LiveWildLiveFree.org, PublicHealthCollaboration.org, and LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk (esp the free app).

We are PHC (Public Health Collaboration) Ambassadors,

HealthResults.com Practitioners, Nutrition-Network.org Advisors, and Practitioners for The-PHA.org (The People's Health Alliance). We guide individuals and employers in nutrition, natural healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and healing.

It's MUCH easier than you imagine! And the online nutrition/ lifestyle/wellbeing training information is all FREE!

This content is information not clinical diagnosis. Reference sources:

PublicHealthCollaboration. org, LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk, HealthResults.com, NutritionNetwork.org, and other highly qualified NHS practising GPs and dietary professionals, especially in successfully treating obesity, diabetes and other chronic illnesses including depression. If you are under treatment/on medication, show your doctor the resources here, especially LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk and PHCuk.org.

Alan Chapman has particular experience in suicide grief and recovery and suicide prevention. See AlanChapman.com

Article by Klara Dixon

Children from Woolden Hill and Martin High School came along and planted 15 fruit trees next to the tress already planted by Anstey PC. The children were from the Eco clubs at the school and enjoyed learning about the different trees and wildlife that will benefit from the orchard.

John Sutherington Sporting Award

The John Sutherington Award recognises the achievements of sports men and women and group activities. The award was set up in memory of John who was a Parish and Borough Councillor for many years and an avid supporter of local sports. There is a cash prize of £250.00 with this award along with recognition on a plaque installed at Jubilee Hall.

If you or anyone you know has achieved a sporting success or carried out an outstanding sporting activity in 2022, please get in touch with the Parish Office by 31st January 2023 with the following details:

Name of Nominee

Resident of Anstey

Sporting Activity

Specific Sports Achievement

Reason for Nomination

Christmas

Lights

This year the Parish Council installed a new decoration on the roundabout in The Nook, which we hope you have enjoyed along with the other decorations in and around the village.

Christmas Tea Party

A Christmas Tea Party was held at Jubilee Hall for the residents in Anstey who are over 90.

Children from Woolden Hill Choir came to sing Christmas Carols along with the U3A Choir and Ukulele band. The Deputy Mayor of Charnwood Borough Council, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz attended along with the Chairman Glyn McAllister and other

poppy for remembrance, as the roads on the estate are taken from names of fallen Anstey soldiers from the 1st World War, and a leaf representing new beginnings.

If you have any concerns about the land do get in touch.

Parish Council Meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Jubilee Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Details of meeting are shown on the website, the agendas for meetings are published on the website at; www.ansteypc.org.uk/council-meetings.html all members of the public are welcome to these meetings.

Your Councillors

Your Councillors can be contacted through the Parish Council Office:

Tel: 0116 2362646 Mobile: 07458 305025 Email: clerk@ansteypc.org

Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AY

Anstey WI

Article by Sheila Timms

At their Christmas party, Anstey WI were royally entertained by Alan, Margaret and Eileen, members of Lutterworth speakers’ club. Each told several stories, and members had to decide whether they were true or false. One that particularly sticks in the mind was of land crabs in Fiji, who crawled under groundsheets at night, and stole ladies’ underwear and dive computers, which were discovered when a trench was dug. I will not reveal the answer, in case any readers have the chance to play the game at a later date.

There followed an excellent buffet, prepared by our food elves, Gill Bryce, Heddy Prior, and Liz Heggs, and mulled wine prepared and served by president Annie Spanswick, and Jan Darby. All the aforementioned worked very hard, and we thank them very much. Secret Santa gifts were delivered by Santa himself, aided by Mrs Christmas and one of his elves, and finally prizes were awarded to the winners of the monthly competitions, with Elizabeth Robinson taking the trophy. Runners up were Marian Driver and Pauline Annis.

The next day the WhatsApp group was very busy with messages of thanks and festive greetings. It had been a wonderful ending to our WI year.

Friday Night Films In Thurcaston

Article by Richard & Diana

In December, we were interested to view a prologue to “Death on the Nile”. It was set in 1914 wartime trenches, showing Hercule Poirot’s anguished romantic past. We them watched his terrifying, yet inspiring search for a murderer on the Nile.

“Fisherman’s Friends - One and All ” will be shown on January 13th and lasts 111mins.

Inspired by the real life Fisherman’s Friends from Port Isaac in Cornwall, this U.K. comedy melodrama has romance and expectation. Can these singing fishermen overcome fame and grief to find harmony again? The cinematography is spectacular in this uplifting and heart-warming story.

“The Railway Children Return ” will be shown on February 10th and lasts 98 minutes.

Shot in picturesque West Yorkshire in 1944, February’s film is a “Must see!”. Three young siblings have been transplanted from London after their father was arrested on suspicion of being a spy. Sheridan Smith’s character is local headmistress who takes in these evacuees. She is helped by her mother, played by Jenny Agouter but why is an injured American soldier hiding? Is he a spy? This warm U.K. film is uplifting.

“The Phantom of the Open “ will be shown on March 10th 2023. Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for tickets at the door, if there are any left or pay in advance from: Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

Anstey Wellbeing Walks Begin In January 2023

Weekly walks will begin in Anstey on Tuesday January 10, 2023.

The walks will be up to around an hour. Meeting outside the Library, on Paper Mill Close. They will follow a variety of routes around the village. All abilities are welcome. Turn up at 10.15am, register, and join in. Walks set off at 10.30am. Free to attend. The walks are led by a wonderful team of volunteers. If you’d like to get involved to help out please get in touch.

Information on these and all our other walks in the new year will be updated soon our guided walks webpages at www.active-charnwood.org/ guided-walks

For more information on the walks, or to find out how to get involved in helping out email us at active.charnwood@charnwood.gov.uk or call us on

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

February events the walk & talk group will meet on the 7th.On the 12th members will be going on a rearranged visit to the Birmingham Military Tattoo. The 14th members meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm.New members will be made welcome to this event.

Article by Graham Burton

Keeping Up With The News From Thurcaston Brownies

Article by Snowy Owl

Over the summer we entered Brownie craft items in the Thurcaston and Glenfield garden shows. We were able to hand out their prizes at our first meeting when we played games and also introduced the First Aid badge that would take several weeks to complete.

Thankfully we did not have to put our lesson on how to treat burns in action when the Brownies cooked sausages and melted marshmallows on instant bbqs in the church grounds.

A few Brownies found the Resusci Annie apparatus spooky but in the end they all had a go at mouth to mouth and sang Nellie the Elephant for the rhythm of heart compressions.

We tried putting our casualties into the recovery position, using an arm sling and bandaging wrist knees and ankles. We finished the First Aid badge by learning about the treatment for bites, cuts and stings.

Linking in with our First Aid theme, Graham came to give a talk and answer all the girls’ questions about the Air Ambulance and Children’s Air Ambulance Services. Finally the girls bought pencils, notebooks and teddy bears that were dressed as paramedics.

Halloween approached and the staff in Tesco did wonder why I needed 17 pumpkins. ‘Its for the Brownies to carve.’ I explained as I struggled to push the heavy trolley.

We held our own Bonfire celebrations on the rainiest of nights and the gazebo-shelter was tied to the hedge, shed and a tree to stop it blowing away. Brave Brownies in their waterproofs enjoyed sparklers, ate hot dogs and toasted marshmallows. Thank you to the Crisswells for the fireworks and to Ollie for lighting them.

November also means the Remembrance Service so, while the Brownie volunteers were practising their parts, the rest of the Brownies were learning about homelessness then designing a poster for the front cover of The Big Issue, the magazine for the homeless charity Shelter.

We no longer have Scouts/ Guides/ Cubs in the village so on Remembrance Sunday our 7 to 10 year old Brownies took on the roles of reading ‘big words’ from the Bible to the congregation. Next, came parading the flags, and laying the poppy wreath at the ceremony by the war memorial. Well done we were so proud of you.

Marley, the dog, became an expert on sniffing out small pine cones needed for our Christmas wreath. We only needed one hundred and seventy of them. Our craft experts, Pat and Barn Owl, showed us how to turn the cones into reindeer heads with goggly eyes, pom pom nose and tiny twig antlers and to arrange ten ‘reindeer’ on a wreath.

‘Its behind you’ we all shouted as we visited Loughborough Town Hall to see the pantomime Sleeping Beauty. Excellent performances, scenery and special effects as always. Two loud bangs made us all jump.

Finally it was Christmas party time and the games involved making

Leicester Animal Aid New Year Update

Article by Lucy Connor

You might remember that we were hoping to find Ralph the Husky a home by Christmas, and even roped in Santa to help with some Christmas Magic – well it worked! Ralph went home in time for Christmas and is settling in well to his new home. Any animals that didn’t find their homes yet will have received a gift thanks to the generosity of everyone who helped with our Christmas Appeal, and we are hopeful of finding them all responsible and loving homes this new year.

We are busy planning the year ahead here at LAA, and we thought we would let you know about our on-site charity shops. Perhaps you are thinking of having a clear-out at home and are looking for somewhere to donate items? Please consider us if you have items that you no longer need but that could be sold to help raise much-needed-funds for our animals. We accept good quality clothing, homewares and children’s toys. You can find the full list of items on our website. You may even like to pop in and have a look round. Our shops are open from 10am-2pm Tuesday through to Saturday. We also have a pop-up coffee shop and sale, where there are some great bargains to be had, this takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

people into snowmen with toilet rolls and to battle with tissue snow flakes. Amidst the debris, Brown Owl received a badge for 30 years as a leader from our Division Commissioner. (She still had to help tidy up though).

Thanks go to Brownie Grandma Bev and to Katelynn, our Duke of Edinburgh volunteer, for their help this term.

We meet on Wednesday evenings 6 until 7.15pm in school term time at the Harrison Room of All Saints Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Brownies are age 7 to 10 years Contact Brown Owl 07711 422350 for more details.

If you are thinking of adopting an animal you can find all the relevant information, including the profiles of our current cats and dogs on our website, and we are open for people to look round the Centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm for the Kennels, and 11am to 2pm for the Cattery.

Leicester Animal Aid is a rehoming centre for dogs and cats. Every year, we care for more than 300 dogs and cats who are lost, abandoned, neglected, unwanted or relinquished because their owners can no longer look after them.

We rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our doors open to the hundreds of animals who need our help.

You can find more information on the Leicester Animal Aid website, including the shop details and items that we accept for donations: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/charity-shop/charity-shop

Lumiere Photography

David Snartt

Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate

T: 01530 244804

E: cllr.david.snartt@charnwood.gov.uk

Happy New Year.

Ward Walk.

On the 30th November 2022, I completed a Wald Walk with a Housing Officer from Charnwood Borough Council. The area covered was Beacon Road and Bird Hill Road, Woodhouse Eaves. The purpose of the walk was to check on Council owned properties and to meet some of the tenants, to discuss any outstanding issues they have.

The Housing Officer noted several of the issues raised during the walk and will be responding to the tenants.

There was also an issue raise about contacting the Council by telephone. I understand that the service has now improved. I would be grateful if residents in my Council Forest Bradgate Ward are finding it difficult when contacting the Council please let me know, the telephone number contacted, date and time, so that I may feed this information back to the Council.

Update, Markfield Lane Planning Application.

The consultation period ended on the 15th December 2022 for the proposal to develop up to 150 dwellings on land south of Markfield Lane, Newtown Linford. I was pleased to see the submissions made by residents who have taken the time to respond with relevant planning reasons to object to the proposals.

I also note that a substantive response has now been received from the Local Highway Authority (LHA). This response stating: ‘The LHA does not consider that the application as submitted fully assesses the highway impact of the proposed development and further information is required as set out in this response. Without this information the LHA is unable to provide final highway advice on this application.

I also note there is a submission received from the Nation Forest Company. For the full details about the consultation submissions, please visit, Charnwood Planning Portal, planning application number P/22/1031/2.

Draft Budget For 2023/24

Charnwood Borough Council has produced a draft budget for 2023/24 which was considered by the Council’s Cabinet on the 15th December. The Cabinet resolved to endorse the draft budget for consultation.

This budget looks to spend around £20 million on services for the Borough. This does include a proposal to increase the Charnwood element of council tax by £5 across the year, or about 9p a week. The Council do not want to raise even the small element of council tax, but the Council feel this is necessary to help protect frontline services as they continue to look for ways to operate more efficiently. Historically, Charnwood Borough Council has one of the lowest rates of council tax in the country.

The Council is responsible for a wide range of services including; collecting recycling and refuse from more than 70,000 homes in the Borough; supporting homeless people; managing open spaces including the Outwoods; emptying dog bins, litter bins; street cleaning; food safety inspections; licensing of pubs, clubs and taxis; operating Loughborough markets; operating three leisure centres; handling planning applications and strategic planning and operating 24/7 CCTV system.

More information about the draft budget can be found on the Council’s website www.charnwood.gov.uk/budgetsummary

Charnwood Local Plan 2021 to 2037

Hearing sessions will resume at 9.30am on Tuesday 7th February 2023, Victoria Room, Town Hall, Loughborough. Matters, issues and questions have been produced by the Inspectors, these include any questions which have not been addressed during the hearing sessions which have taken place thus far and any supplementary questions stemming from the Inspector’s consideration of the Leicester and Leicestershire housing and employment unmet needs. The updated programme and guidance note have also been produced for the resumed hearings.

The Inspectors have been appointed by the Secretary of State to examine the soundness of the Local Plan. The National Planning Policy Framework

(NPPF) makes it clear that, to be sound, a local plan should be positively prepared, justified, effective and consistent with the NPPF.

There are three possible outcomes to the examination: The submitted plan is sound: The submitted plan is not sound but could be made sound by changes (known as main modifications), if necessary following additional work: The submitted plan is not sound and could not be made sound by changes.

As previously stated, I have sent my written submissions to the Inspectors, especially my concerns about the proposed developments within Anstey and the proposal to develop land close to Woodthorpe, which encroaches into the Woodhouse Parish.

All the details with key dates about the future hearings starting in February can be found on the Charnwood Borough Council’s website, Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37 Examination.

Creating Iconic Covid-19 Memorial. A project to better connect Loughborough’s Queen’s Park with the Town Centre and create an iconic Covid-19 memorial in Queen’s Park has been given the green light.

The Hope Bell, a lasting memorial to those who lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic. The Hope Bell will also be a tribute to the NHS and key workers and a reminder of how communities came together to support each other in challenging times. The Hope Bell builds on Loughborough’s unique place in the heritage world as it is the home to the last major bell foundry in the country, John Taylor and Co.

The Hope Bell will see the creation of a clock chime installation, comprising four quarter chime bells and the Hope Bell to sound the hours. The main Hope Bell will weigh over a ton and measure 4ft 11ins in diameter. The structure supporting the bells will be made of metal with a stone base, but the final decision on materials has yet to be decided , planning permission will also be required.

If you need to contact me on any issues, please write to 10 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford, Leicester. LE6 0HH e-mail cllr.david.snartt@charnwood. gov.uk or telephone 01530 244804.

CHRISTMAS DAY ALONE 2022

Little Markfield Farm - Markfield

Everyone who attended Christmas day for those alone in Markfield and the surrounding villages had a great day.

We had a wonderful meal, a present each and a goody bag with lots of yummy treats. But most importantly weren’t alone on what can be for some an even more lonely day than usual.

A very grateful thanks to the companies etc. who support us – Bowns hardware, Bradgate Rotary club, Charnwood Brewery, Co-Op, GTS security, MB signs, Next, Oooh-fudge. com, Pladis, Roy Greens, Tesco

Many thanks to all the individuals who have donated whatever they can and taken them to the donation hubs, everything helps small or large and all donations have helped make the day very special.

Thanks to all the volunteers on the day, who worked really well as a fantastic team.

Last but not least – thankyou to all at Little Markfield Farm, without whom this could not have taken place. The barn looked so wonderful, and the meal was absolutely delicious.

Thanks for reading and a happy New Year. Kerry Sharpe

Monday Club Cropston And Thurcaston

Article by Jennifer Kennington

The Club’s final event for 2022 was the annual Christmas lunch, held on Monday 5th December, and our venue was a return to Birstall Golf Club. It had been 3 years since members and their guests had been able to gather to partake in a pre-Christmas meal, and it was so good to be able to do so again. The catering staff at the Golf Club made us feel very welcome, the food was delicious and plentiful, and the service was prompt and attentive. We held our customary raffle with proceeds going towards Club funds.

Our programme of meetings/events for 2023 has been completed, as follows:

January 9th

A musical introduction to the New Year by Tony Scarratt, with Singing and guitar accompaniment

February 13th

A.G.M. & Speaker: Viv Galloway – Her Working Life in Forensics

March 13th

Speaker: Sandra Moore – Strong Men & Women of Belgrave

April 17th Speaker: Derek Holloway – Suffragettes

May 8th

Lunch outing – to be arranged

June 12th

Speaker on the Work of the Charity Intercare – aid for Africa

July 10th

Strawberry Tea – to be arranged

August 14th

Demonstration of Indian Head Massage by one of our Club members

September 11th

Harvest Meeting & Speaker from Hannah’s Sugarcraft of Quorn

October 9th

Speaker: Felicity Austin – Life in Jane Austen’s Time

November 13th

Speaker: Peter Savage – Do You Remember? (Part 2)

December 4th Christmas lunch – to be arranged

Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month, unless otherwise notified.

Please note: April 17th is the 3rd Monday, to avoid Easter Monday Bank Holiday, and December 4th is the 1st Monday.

Meetings take place from 2.15pm to 4.15pm and the venue is the Schoolroom at the rear of Cropston Evangelical Free Church, Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HD

Annual subscriptions are due in January, and this year there is a small increase to £13 per person, to cover an equally small increase in the room hire charge. The members’ monthly entrance fee remains at £2 per person, and the charge for visitors at £4 per meeting. Copies of the 2023 programme will be available.

New members and visitors will be assured of a warm welcome.

From Mrs Jennifer Kennington (Club Leader/Secretary)

For further information, please contact Mrs Maja Tompkins on 07709 201881

Charnwood Group

Spring 2023

An interesting programme of events is being planned for Spring 2023. Please come along and support your local Wildlife Trust.

Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month from September to May starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free.

Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 7.30pm

Discovery of the Rutland Sea Dragon Joe Davis, Reserve Manager, Rutland Water Nature Reserve, will talk about finding one of Britain’s most significant Palaeontological finds.

Wednesday 8th March 2023 at 7.30pm

AGM followed by A presentation by Mat Carter, CEO, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. Details to follow

Wednesday 12th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Cone Shells - Killers or Curers Brian Hammond has collected shells all his life and the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow now houses around 10000 specimens from his unique collection. This talk is about these fascinating molluscs in the family "Conidae". These venomous & carnivorous snails hunt their prey, including fish, and some species have been known to kill humans. Their venom is very complex and is used extensively in drug research.

Deborah Taylor

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 0116 2350126

E: cllr.deborah.taylor@charnwood.gov.uk

Happy New Year to you all from Paul and Deborah.

Cost of Living

We understand residents are concerned about the rising cost of living.

Charnwood Borough Council have put together a webpage to provide information and useful links to a range of different agencies which may be able to help those needing further support.

Whether you’re worried about loan repayments and want to know where to get financial support or legal advice, want to know more about the support available for food provision or need information about housing, there is information there.

The UK Government has launched ‘Help for Households’ to provide a range of additional support and the link to that webpage is here: https://helpforhouseholds. campaign.gov.uk

Local Plan

Following the pause of the Local Plan Public Examination, Planning Inspectors will re-open the ‘Hearing Sessions’ at 9.30am on Tuesday 7th February 2023 within the Victoria Room of Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB.

The Inspectors have produced an updated Guidance Note which explains the background to the resumed hearings and associated arrangements. An updated programme has also been produced for the resumed hearings.

Updated Matters, Issues and Questions detail the Issues and Questions to be explored during the resumed hearings has also been published. These include questions which were not considered during previous hearing sessions, together with any supplementary questions the Inspectors have posed following their consideration of Leicester and Leicestershire’s Unmet Housing and Employment Need (hearings October 2022).

The key dates are as follows:• 9th January 2023Representors to inform the Programme Officer of any Matter(s) they wish to participate in.

• (Please note, representors will need to (re-)apply for participation. Due to both

the passage of time and the consideration of Unmet Need it will not be assumed that participants originally listed for hearing discussions in the Summer of 2022 will still wish to appear at the resumed hearings. Representors will not be listed as participants unless new expressions of interest are submitted irrespective of whether you were due to appear previously)

• 16th January 2023 - Deadline for any supplementary written statements - please refer to the Guidance Note for information on the scope of any new submissions and the requested format

• 7th February 2023 - Hearing Sessions resume.

All the details can be found here: - www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/ examination_latest_news

Planning Application

We have been informed by Charnwood Borough Council of another planning application submitted in Anstey.

A new planning application has been submitted to Charnwood Borough Council for up to 80 houses on land off Gorse Hill, Anstey. Both Paul and Deborah are against this proposed development and will be submitting their comments in the New Year.

Your councillors seek your support by submitting any comments and concerns to Charnwood Borough Council, focussing your comments on valid material planning considerations.

Examples are:

• Highway and Pedestrian Safety

• Traffic Capacity

• Extra Vehicles using Gorse Hill, The Nook, Anstey Lane, and Leicester Road travelling to and from the Proposed Development

• Impact on the Local Communities

• Impact on our already stretched Local Services

• Effect on Woodland, Trees, and Wildlife

• Impact on the Unique Character and Appearance of the Area

• Site Unsustainable, the car would be the main form of Transport

• Site outside Limits to Development

• Lack of parking space in the service centre

Paul Baines

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 07977 178869

E: cllr.paul.baines@charnwood.gov.uk

• Concerns over the number of new homes proposed and Anstey becoming overdeveloped and losing its village character

• Noise pollution from the A46.

There are currently now 1,088 new houses planned for Anstey sitting within eight planning applications. This is a huge number of houses for Anstey to cope with, with no identified infrastructure to support these new houses.

We continue to fight against this overdevelopment of Anstey.

Further details are available on our website, including information on how to submit your comments for this planning application. The link for our website is below or scan the QR code.

www.bradgateconservatives.org.uk/ news/further-planning-application80-houses-gorse-hill-anstey

Budget Proposals

Charnwood Borough Council has produced a draft budget for 2023/24 which was considered by the Cabinet on Thursday 15th December 2022.

The Charnwood element makes up about 7% of the bill and for that the council provide a range of services for the borough –everything from recycling and refuse collections to operating leisure centres and Loughborough Town Hall.

For this budget the council will be using it’s reserves to make up the difference between the funding they receive and the cost of running services.

Charity Event

This is a reminder that Paul and Deborah will be hosting a charity evening to celebrate Burns Night on Friday 27th January 2023. All the profits from the evening will be going to ‘Living Without Abuse’, a charity that provides help and support for anyone suffering from domestic abuse or sexual violence in Leicester, Leicestershire, or Rutland.

Please come and support us, it promises to be a great evening and will be raising money for a very good cause. Sharon at Nook Corner Coffee Shop is providing the catering for the event.

All the details are on the flyer below and if you would like to book tickets to join us, please go to the website: - https:// register.enthuse.com/ps/event/ BurnsNightSupper2023 or scan the QR code:

This budget does include a proposal to increase the Charnwood element of council tax by £5 across the year, or about 9p a week per household. This is necessary to help protect frontline services, however the council will continue to look for ways to operate more efficiently.

Historically, Charnwood also has one of the lowest rates of council tax in the country.

The Council’s draft budget for 2023/24 looks to spend around £20 million on services for the borough.

For more information about the budget, please visit the website: - www.charnwood.gov.uk/ budgetsummary

If you have any issues or concerns, we are here to help. Deborah and Paul

Scan here for updated news:

Deborah Taylor

County Councillor for Bradgate Division T: 0116 2350126

E: deborah.taylor@leics.gov.uk

Happy New Year to you all.

I hope you all managed to have some time together with family and friends. I had a busy Christmas with my family but a relaxing New Year. I have recharged my batteries and I am ready for 2023.

Prior to the Christmas period, I enjoyed some festivities. On Sunday 4th December, I joined colleagues at Jane Hunt MP’s home for festive food and drinks.

On Monday, I joined the staff at Bradgate Park Trust (where I am a Trustee) for coffee and mince pies to thank them for all their hard work during the year.

On Monday 12th December, I went to the Attenborough Arts Centre in Leicester to listen to the Beacon Voice Christmas Concert. The choir, all children in our care, provided us with some lovely festive songs.

On Monday 19th December,l I attended the Mayor of Charnwood’s Carol Service in Loughborough and on Tuesday 20th December, I joined our children in care Christmas party. We enjoyed a few games of bingo and the Christmas film, Polar Express, together.

Budget

Leicestershire County Council has set out an in-depth financial plan, designed to protect public services and support our vulnerable people during these tough economic times.

An extra £57m investment in support, a 5% Council Tax rise, major capital investment, service cuts, and efficiency savings are all included in the proposals to ensure that the books will balance next year.

Although councils fared better than expected in the Government’s Autumn Statement, the financial outlook remains extremely tough with the authority’s budget gap set to rise to over £90m by 2026.

The report reveals that service demand is adding £70m and rising inflation is set to cost another £80m by 2026/27. The National Living Wage increase drives up social care costs significantly and adds another £18m.

Proposals also include a £508m four-year capital pot - for the cost of building roads, schools, and other one-off projects – which is also subject to significant inflation pressures.

Local residents, organisations, businesses, and staff will be able to give their views during the budget consultation which runs from 19th December 2022 to 15th January 2023. Cabinet will then agree on final proposals before the budget is agreed upon at a meeting of the county council on 22nd February 2023.

highlight the help available with these costs.

There are broadband social tariffs available. Social tariffs are specially discounted deals available for certain low-income customers. They are generally cheaper than typical broadband tariffs, starting at just £12 per month. They are usually not subject to price rises or exit fees.

Social tariffs are designed to act as a safety net for households that may otherwise struggle to afford broadband services. Research by the telecom’s regulator, Ofcom, has shown that an estimated 4.2 million households in the UK are eligible.

You are likely to be eligible for a social tariff if you receive a means-tested state benefit, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or legacy equivalents. Available from BT, Virgin Media, Sky, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, and others, social tariffs can help protect against digital exclusion.

more schools / include your catchment school. You can do this via the FTA amendments form: - www.leicestershire.gov. uk/education-and-children/ schools-colleges-andacademies/school-admissions

• If you are not sure if a school is your catchment school, check this with them directly. Most schools have this information on their websites.

Choosing a catchment school is important because if the council cannot offer a place at one of the schools listed, parents and carers can then be offered a place at the child’s nearest school which still has available places.

This may not be local if you have not listed your catchment school as one of your choices, as places there may have already been filled by other children who listed it in their applications.

Bradgate Park Award

Bradgate Park Trust has won a couple of awards this year. In November, our volunteers won ‘Team of the Year’ at the Green Flag Awards. A week late, I joined a few of the team at Athena in Leicester for the Leicestershire Tourism and Hospitality Awards. We were delighted to win the ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ award. This is fantastic recognition for the park, staff, and our hardworking volunteers.

To have your say, please head to the website: - www. leicestershire.gov.uk/have-yoursay/current-engagement/budgetproposals-2023-2027

I have included the income and expenditure charts for your information.

Social Internet

The New Year is always a good time to stop and re-access your finances, even more so with the cost-of-living increases. There is a lot of support out there, especially on the County Council website: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisureand-community/find-help-withcost-of-living

Internet costs is one of the bills that doesn’t get mentioned very much. We all rely heavily on the internet now and I wanted to

It is worth having a conversation with your current provider to see if they offer a social tariff and to check if you are eligible. There are more details on the ‘Which’ website here: www.which.co.uk

Primary School Places

Applications for the autumn (September) 2023 intake need to be made by Sunday 15th January 2023.

A range of information is available at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ admissions to help families start applying.

Families are encouraged to:

• Put down three schools, including your catchment school, to help ensure you have the best chance possible of securing a school of your choice

• Contact the admissions team if you have already submitted your child’s application but want to go back in and add

There is no automatic entry for school in Leicestershire, so it is vital that applications are submitted before the closing date of Sunday 15th January 2023.

Bus stop

The bus stop relocation from Leicester Road to Stadon Road, Anstey, has now been progressed. The operations team now has the work programmed to begin in February 2023 (5th Feb 2023 –12th Feb 2023)

Young person of the year

The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur, is celebrating the achievements of young people in Leicester and Leicestershire. The LordLieutenant’s award for young people recognises the very best examples of achievement by young people in Leicester and Leicestershire.

You can nominate a young person in one of four categories. Finalists will be invited to attend a special awards ceremony where the overall winner will receive a £500 prize.

The criteria for nominations are: -

• The young person is aged 13-19 living or attending fulltime education in Leicester or Leicestershire

• The young person can be nominated by other young people, their school, parent/ carer, or any other agency

• Joint or group nominations cannot be accepted

• Previous finalists should not be nominated again unless there is a fresh story to tell.

There will be a separate award for each category. From the winners of these categories, one person will be announced as Lord-Lieutenant's Young Person of the Year 2023.

The Award categories are:

• Young Person of Courage of the Year

• Young Volunteer of the Year

• Young Artist of the Year (The Joe

Humphries Memorial Award)

• Young Leader of the Year.

The deadline for nominations is Friday 17 February 2023.

Further details can be found on the County Council website: www. leicestershire.gov.uk/

If you would like a paper copy of the nomination form, please call 0116 305 6002 or email lieutenancyoffice@leics.gov.uk

If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.

Deborah

For updated news scan here

Local Charity Helping Older People To Save Money On Their Energy Bills This Winter

Article by Age UK Leicestershire

As the winter days get darker and colder, many people are seeing the stark reality of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy bill. Many people are having to make drastic cutbacks, even making the tough decision between ‘heating or eating’ which, particularly for older and vulnerable people, can have a detrimental affect on their physical and mental health.

New Age UK analysis has found that 2.8m older households are living in fuel poverty this winter – despite the Government freezing the energy price cap*.

In a bid to help older people in the local community be warmer and wiser about their energy usage, as well help them save money on their energy bills, local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is providing free home energy checks. They will assess energy usage in your home advising on how you can stay warm for less money, any grants you may be entitled to, supply and fit free energy saving products such as draught excluders, timers, and light bulbs. These measures can help reduce energy bills and keep warm for less money, and are available to people aged over 50 years.

Age UK Leicester, Shire & Rutland is committed to supporting older people during this cost-of-living crisis by providing a range of support services to help older people to keep energy bills down and stay warm and well this winter. This includes free benefit checks and applying for benefits you may be entitled to and support to keep warm via a free home energy check.

To book your free Home Energy Check, please call 0116 2992266 or e-mail homecare@ageukleics.org.uk

*Source: Age UK - www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2022/2.8m-older-householdswill-still-be-living-in-fuel-poverty-this-winter---despite-the-government-freezing-theenergy-price-cap

Anstey Town Charity Through Over 600 Years Ago To Present Day

Article by Vicky Ball

Many people ask what does Anstey Town Charity do? Well, briefly, it is a charity that started hundreds of years ago in the village to manage land that was donated to the parish. The money from the rental of this land was used to help people in need in the village. To protect the integrity of these land assets trustees were appointed to manage the investment and the allocation of grants to the needy.

The charity’s land holdings have changed many times since the Anstey Enclosure Award of 1762 and in the late 1800s the land began to be sold off. This process continued until 1965 when the remaining final land, off Groby Road, was sold to Barrow R.D.C to form part of the Ashfield Drive development.

It is now the interest earned from the investment of the proceeds from the sale of the Anstey Lands that is managed by Anstey Town Charity Trustees, rather than the rental from actual land. It is this money from interest earned that is given out as grants to people and groups in Anstey every year.

The trustees are empowered to spend the income through giving grants that support community endeavours to clubs, organisations, and individuals. Individuals can also be supported through specific hardships or endeavours. The trustees’ remit is wide, and it is always worth discussing any application with the charity’s secretary beforehand.

Over recent years the charity has regularly supported village sports activities including football, tennis, rugby, and cricket. The charity has also given grants to the Anstey Gala, and various extra-curricular activities at the villages’ three schools. We have helped the volunteers at Anstey Library, the Local History Society, and the Chess Club. These are just a few examples. More recently the charity supported the setting up of a food bank in the village.

To give a specific example, one group that was set up during lockdown has benefited from Anstey Town Charity grants to make a difference to the lives of people in our village. Aimed specifically at women experiencing loneliness and financial pressure, Natasha Gilbert set up Train with Tasha and, with the charity’s support, has been able to extend her group and buy new equipment to enhance the training and further her cause.

Any group that aims to benefit and support the people of Anstey may qualify for financial support from Anstey Town Charity. As a village charity we are calling out for people and groups to apply for financial grants. Drop us a line stating what you need the grant for. The deadline for this year’s applications is 31 January 2023. Please contact the Secretary Vicky Ball on telephone 0116 212 5315 stating your request.

The charity operates on the interest from investments however, if you are an Individual or business wishing to donate to Anstey Town Charity and increase our investment and therefore our interest, please contact the Secretary Vicky Ball on telephone 0116 212 5315.

Anstey Town Charity Can We Help?

Is a lack of funds stopping your group from doing things?

Do you need financial help to get projects started?

Anstey Town Charity is able to offer grants to local groups.

Our deadline for applications is 31st January 2023

Anstey Town Charity, Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey LE7 7AY.

For further details ring Vicky Ball 2125315

Thurcaston And Cropston Gardening Club Review of 2022

Article by Richard Elks

As 2022 draws to a close the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club can look back on a hugely successful 12 months.

It has been our first full year back after the pandemic and although there were serious doubts about the Club being able to pick up from the very strong position we had reached in March 2020, we need not have worried.

We had an encouraging end to 2021 and things bode well for this year but the ‘bounce back’ has taken us by surprise. We have seen a return of most of the membership through the year, with the addition of 15 new members.

We can boast a large list of fully paid-up members which has given us a marvellous Club night average attendance of 60.

Undoubtedly, our strong Programme of Events is the main ingredient for our increase in members, but we have also successfully created a warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere where everyone can feel an integral part of the Club.

Throughout the year we welcomed our usual array of top-class speakers with their full range of fascinating topics but the ‘icing on the cake’ was our August meeting when Jonathan Moseley, celebrated florist, gardener, broadcaster, and writer came to see us. With Jonathan’s easy relaxed friendly style and a full house, it was a very special evening. We also ran a successful outing, in July, to the wonderful Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire.

We now look forward to the Programme of Events for 2023.

An eye-catching poster will soon be available. Look out for it on local notice boards and in local garden centres in the New Year or your copy contact: Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk

Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club 2023 Programme of Events - Visiting Speakers and Trips

Wednesday 11th January The Essentials of Gardening

Wednesday 8th February East Midlands in Bloom

Wednesday 8th March The 12 Month Garden – Colour All Year Round

Wednesday 12th April Waving in the Wind - Grasses

Wednesday 10th May Plants for the Connoisseur

Wednesday 14th June Top 20 Tips from a former Head Gardener

Wednesday 12 July Club Outing – RHS Garden Bridgewater

Wednesday 9th August Herbs Through the Seasons

September Annual Show Club Outing – Anglesey Abbey

Wednesday 11th October Trees for the Small Garden

Wednesday 8th November Winter in Bloom

Wednesday 13th December Festive Evening

• New members and visitors are always welcome

• Great value

• Still only £12 annual membership

• £3 for visitors

• Meetings are held at the Thurcaston Memorial Hall, 7.45 pm

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Specialising in beautiful bespoke bathrooms and en-suites, specifically tailored to meet their customers’ requirements, they strive to create a bathing experience second to none. Just walking around their exquisite showroom, you have the opportunity to see a variety of over 35 room settings, each perfectly showcasing many industry top brands, as well as a taste of the Mediterranean with Italian and Spanish wall and floor tiles.

From speaking to the team at Designer Bathrooms it’s clear that they want everyone to be able to have a relaxing and inspiring bathing experience. As such they are proud of their quality of service, products and their single level showroom plus they also specialise in accessible

bathing. Their displays include walk in level floor showers, fold down shower seats, grab rails, digital push button showers, lever taps and comfort height toilets.

At Designer Bathrooms it is perfectly clear that they understand just how important it is to make the right choices, for what should be, one of the most relaxing rooms in your home. As such they listen to your requirements and will guide you through the entire process, from first thought to final tile.

So when you’re next considering a new bathroom or en-suite make over, why not pay Designer Bathrooms a visit? You’ll receive a warm welcome as well as expert advice.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm Private car park available

They look forward to welcoming you soon….

Designer Bathrooms are a family business with two generations of experience based in the heart of Leicestershire.

Anstey Rugby Now With A Winning Formula

Article by Chris Apperley

After beating Leicester Lions 26-21 back on 8th October at Link Road in Anstey the return Away fixture was eagerly awaited.

Come 26th November our squad made the journey over to Leicester Lions in Blaby where the home team was ready for revenge.

Again facing a large well drilled Lions squad the task looked ominous.

But a 21-15 win was recorded for Anstey on the day.

Back Home again on 3rd December to welcome Oadby Wyggs where it was Anstey’s turn for revenge after our 42-22 loss at their place on 1st October.

This time round Anstey came out 31-7 winners.

Then the big freeze came to Anstey (as well as the rest of the UK) which resulted in unplayable frozen pitches for mid December.

On 10th December we were due over at Shepshed looking to improve on our 34-29 loss back on 10th September which was our first game in the Leicesterhire B league having been promoted from the C league we were in the previous season.

But, in common with the rest

of the County the match was postponed.

Come 17th December Anstey were all keyed up ready to take on Aylestone Athletic with the freezing weather abating slightly.

But at the last minute we had to call off when our exposed Home pitch at Link Road has deemed unsafe due to hard frost cover.

No games planned for 24th and 31st December, so the next outing is at Home to League Leaders Hinckley on 7th January followed by Aylstone Athletic and Stoneygate during January.

As well as league and friendly fixtures Anstey RFC now have Cup games booked in for March.

The 2022/23 season fixture list is on our website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/anstey/ teams/41334/fixtures-results

If you would like to get involved and start playing rugby, contact either our Chairman Shane Frear on 07725 642525 or Captain Graham Waring on 07764 461961 Ages 17-77 all welcome.

Thurcaston & Cropston Local History Society

Article by Peter Smith

We do not hold an event in December so this is a good time to tell you a little more about the Society and to look ahead to what we have planned in 2023.

The aims of the Society are “to encourage an interest in the history of the parish by providing research material, to stimulate recollections from villagers, to visit sites of historical note and to invite speakers to meetings for members’ and guests’ edification and enjoyment.” To that end we hold seven indoor meetings per year, on the third Tuesday of the month. They usually feature talks on historical subjects, which we make as relevant to the local area as we can. In June, July and August, we head out for walks or visits.

A particular highlight of last year was our September meeting, where local people shared their memories of life in the two villages. We hope to arrange another event along similar lines in future but meanwhile please do share any information that you think our current or future members might be interested in! We would also love to have more photographs showing how the villages have changed so please get in touch if you have any old pictures that we could take copies of.

Our indoor meetings take place in Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. You will be very welcome to come along to any of them as a visitor (£4) or to join the Society as a member (£16 for the year). We serve free tea and coffee at the end of each meeting so you will have a chance to discuss what you have heard or just get to know a few of your neighbours.

Here is our planned programme for 2023. We look forward to seeing you!

17th Jan Peter Liddle How to Build a Castle

21st Feb Peter Smith Excavating the Rutland Roman Villa

21st Mar Jess Jenkins Conscientious Objectors and the Peace Campaign in Leicestershire

16th May Mick Rawle The History of Melton Mowbray

20th Jun Visit to Wigston Framework Knitters’ Museum

18th Jul Steve Bruce Tour of Abbey Park

16th Aug (Wed) Visit to Century Theatre, Coalville

19th Sep Felicity Austin The History of Syston

17th Oct Robin Jenkins The WWI PoW Camp at Donington Park

21st Nov Tony Marshall Memories of a Pub Landlord

Art Group In Anstey

Article by John Morfey

We are a small, friendly group who have different interests: drawing, lino-cutting, 3D paper pictures, painting…

We each do our own thing, and support and encourage each other. We meet every Tuesday from 1-3pm, and we use the upstairs room at the Methodist Church in Anstey. It’s a large airy room with lots of space for social distancing.

If you want to make a bit of time for something (anything!) creative, you’d be welcome to come and have a cup of tea and meet us. Or contact John on 07808143772 or jandbmorfey@hotmail.com