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

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How To Fix Human Health

Article by Alan Chapman

DID YOU KNOW?...

'Big Food' and 'Big Pharmaceuticals' corporations use very clever communications and distorted research to persuade governments and populations to buy, use and consume their products.

'We are what we eat and drink' and put into our bodies.

carbs' Diet Guidelines, later replicated in Europe. In the UK they became the NHS 'Eatwell Guide' also called the 'Eatwell Plate'.

See ZoeHarcombe.com/2016/03/eatwellguide

And see the video 'Tim Noakes on Trial'.

Crucially consider also that in the early 1900s, the most powerful global corporations (oil and banking especially) identified the health market as being the biggest opportunity to make more profit.

Natural holistic and herbal treatments were attacked, practitioners vilified, and the education of doctors was redirected to prescription of pharmaceutical and 'allopathic' medicine.

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Food, drink and sunshine are our 'fuels' and 'building materials' to sustain a fit healthy mind and body. It's how we've evolved and survived for many thousands of years.

But increasingly in recent generations, our unnatural diets (processed food and sugars), lifestyles, reliance on pharmaceuticals, medical treatments and modern technologies, have worsened human health very considerably, especially chronic illnesses such as diabetes and mental illness.

Pharmaceutical corporations make money because populations are ill, not healthy.

Big corporations' obligations are to generate profits for their shareholders, not to improve the health of their customers.

And so there is an ill-health crisis across the 'developed' world.

Billions of people are persuaded that they need more and more pharmaceutical products, because of the marketing power of big business, and because governments and health authorities have been influenced by big corporations and their highly selective 'research'.

Increasingly in recent generations children and young people suffer obesity, diabetes, mental illness, self-harm and even suicide.

Human health is easier to understand from a historical and ancestral standpoint, especially your own. And while each of us is different there are some fundamental facts in understanding how to be healthy and fit for whole life: free from pharmaceuticals and other unnatural interventions, as much as possible.

LiveWildLiveFree.org offers vast free information for you to educate yourself towards better health and lifestyle.

Natural medicine and holistic healing, which had been effective for millennia, then became known as 'alternative'.

Unhealthy diets, lifestyles and 'big pharma' have created a holocaust of modern times, seen especially in obesity/diabetes and mental health.

Governments do not understand. Most politicians have no experience of 'real life'. They live in relative luxury, and they become wealthy because of their connections to big business.

Regarding technology and health see ActionAgainst5G.org, headed by Michael Mansfield QC vs the British Government. More info about 5G/radiation/smartphones is on our website.

Happily, better health for most people is MUCH SIMPLER and EASIER than you might imagine. Information enables informed choices.

Also, GPs and health professionals increasingly are improving their knowledge in nutrition and 'whole' person health, notably via PublicHealthCollaboration.org, and LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk

YOU CAN TOO! The information is free!

See:

• LiveWildLiveFree.org/resources

• PublicHealthCollaboration.org - nutrition and lifestyle education is being rolled out to all UK schools very soon

• LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk (esp the free app) - is being rolled out to GP surgeries, from its origination in Essex in 2018

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Use this link: www.issuu.com/norwoodpress

The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent OpenBox Promotions Ltd. OpenBox Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made

Most doctors and health professionals, and certainly governments, are not trained in nutrition.

And yet nutrition - the nutrients we put into our bodies - foods and drinks - are fundamental for our health and longevity.

'Health' is Old English from Germanic 'haelth', meaning 'whole', the 1920s origin of 'holism' and 'holistic'. Holistic means the 'whole' situation. 'Holistic' health treats the 'whole' person INCLUDING MENTAL and SOCIAL FACTORS.

Contrary to these ancient wisdoms, 1950s USA political lobbying prepared the 1970s USA 'high

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.

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.

Open Garden

Article by Jan Croft

Bank cottage , 90 Main St, Newtown Linford will be open again by arrangement from March onwards as part of the National Garden Scheme (a nurse based charity)

Entrance fee £3 per person, refreshments £3 per person.

Cutlery, crockery , linen, table and chairs can be set up for ‘hire’ if eg you just want to bring your own refreshments and sit by the river for a picnic or eg a birthday celebration.

Contact Jan on 01530 244865 or 07429159910

Anstey Local History Society

Our next meeting will be held on: Wednesday March 15th 2023 at 7.30.p.m. at The Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road

The Y Station at Beaumanor Hall and Garats Hay

(The WWII Wireless Listening Service)

Speaker: Mark Temple

Members: Free

Non-members: £3.00

www.ansteyhistory.com

Tel:07870197958

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 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.

Protecting Your Family Inheritance

Article by Klara Dixon

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.

Anstey WI

Article by Sheila Timms

The speaker at Anstey WI’s February meeting was Sageena Thakur, a forthright Glaswegian who showed us her memory albums. She is passionately in favour of having photographs printed, rather than leaving them to languish, unloved and unviewed on our phones, discarded when the phone is replaced. Instead, she has them printed and mounts them in scrapbook, embellished to elevate them from a mere photo album.

Each photo is mounted on card to afford a coloured frame, placed on a page of patterned papers or papers, and given an embellished caption. She adds other pictures and text. The pages are then inserted into a 12in by 12in or 8in

by 8in book. Some were colourful, others more subtle, as appropriate for the subject matter. Single pages can also be framed. As well as personal projects, she accepts commissions. She was assisted in her demonstration by her daughter Jasmin, who also featured as an infant in one of the albums that were handed round.

Sabeena was an amusing speaker, encouraging banter from the audience, but unafraid to rebuke those she felt were not paying attention.

The competition, for a childhood memento, produced a fascinating range of entries (pictured.) The winner was Maureen Cook, with a scrapbook of her 1st, 2nd and 3rd birthdays, very much redolent of the era, which provoked a wave of nostalgia among the members.

Glazed Salmon Skewers With Sesame Noodles

This is a great way to jazz up salmon – with a Japanese teriyaki sauce glaze served with sesame flavoured noodles. Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading on the strips of salmon, to prevent them from burning under the hot grill.

Serves 4

Ready in 40 minutes, plus 30 minutes marinating

4 salmon fillets, skinned

6 tbsp teriyaki sauce

1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed

250g packet medium egg noodles

2 tsp sesame seed oil

1 tsp grated root ginger

6 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced 40g radishes, trimmed and thinly sliced

2 tbsp sesame seeds

30ml honey, warmed

Slice each salmon fillet widthways into 2 strips and place the strips in a shallow dish. Mix together the teriyaki sauce and garlic and pour over the salmon. Cover and leave to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Preheat the grill to medium. Thread the strips of salmon onto 8 wooden skewers. Grill the salmon skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side until just cooked through.

Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the packet instructions. Drain well. Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan and add the ginger, spring onions, radishes and sesame seeds. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes then add the noodles and toss well to mix.

Just before serving, brush the salmon skewers with the warmed honey and grill for a further few minutes. Divide the sesame noodles between four serving bowls and top with the salmon skewers.

Tip

To save time, buy a small jar of ready-prepared ginger puree rather than buying fresh root ginger – once opened it will keep in the fridge for a few weeks and is great for adding an Oriental flavour to rice and stir fries.

Can You Spot The Difference?

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 (such as cards and Scrabble), books or you can bring your own activities with you. WiFi now available too. For further details please call 07834 483850 or email us on Wednesdayhub3@gmail.com

Sudoku And Crossword Puzzles

Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre

Lynne Leeming, MSc RHAD MSHAA

Cath James FDSc RHAD MSHAA

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. There is a monthly meeting on every 3rd Wednesday and you can have 3 visits initially to see if you wish to join.( see contact number at the end of the article.) 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.

In January there was a talk by Dr Tim Gray of EMICS – The Volunteer Emergency Doctors’ Charity

If you become involved in an emergency situation anywhere in this region, the chances are the doctor attending the scene is a volunteer from EMICS – the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme. Founder and chair of the charity Dr Tim Gray (MBE) tells the luncheon club members about the scheme.

Back in the very early 1980s in a world without mobile phones

or paramedics, local GP (now retired), Dr Gray offered his services on an informal basis to ambulance crews working in Rutland and soon recognised that the better the care in the immediate aftermath of an accident, the better the result for the patient. Galvanising support from his colleagues, Dr Gray set up the Rutland Accident Care Scheme. Three decades on, the scheme has evolved, grown and been amalgamated into the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme covering five counties and supporting the work of the East Midlands Ambulance Service. Known as EMICS, the scheme is a network of doctors (and very soon, also Paramedic colleagues) from hospitals and general practices in the East Midlands who volunteer to attend emergency situations in their free time.

Changing outcomes

Dr Gray explains, “Immediate care has undergone a complete transformation in the last thirty

years; it used to be the job of the ambulance driver to transport a patient to the nearest hospital. Today pre-hospital emergency medicine at the scene is a specialty and EMICS medics working alongside their Emergency services colleagues can make a huge difference to outcomes.”All the medical volunteers are trained in trauma work, performing lifesaving interventions at incidents such as workplace accidents or traffic collisions. “Last year we attended over 1,400 incidents and the call out figure varies year on year –the previous twelve months saw a record number of call outs at 1,700.”

Crucial funding is required

The only volunteer medic service operating 24 hours a day, EMICS is run as a charity and funded solely by donations. No-one involved receives any payment whatsoever including the twenty doctors currently volunteering across Rutland, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and North Northamptonshire.

“Funding is a huge challenge for us”, explains Dr Gray, “We have a waiting list of medics keen to join our team but costs lie in running our dedicated vehicle, providing and updating equipment, specialist training and medical supplies. It can be very frustrating to have to refuse the service of volunteers due to funding restriction. We are enormously grateful to anyone who is willing to fundraise for us and we can do a great deal with a relatively small amount. Absolutely

100% of all donations are used to purchase, maintain and run our medical equipment without which we could not operate.”

Want to help? You can offer support to EMICS in the following ways:

By sending a donation – however small or large Inviting a volunteer doctor to speak to your organisation to raise awareness Holding a fundraising event Nominating EMICS as your workplace adopted good cause or corporate sponsorship Completing a sporting challenge such as the London Marathon on behalf of EMICS Remembering EMICS with a bequest in your will or suggesting donations in memory of a loved one

For more information visit www.emics.org.uk

Next month’s meeting is on Wednesday 15th March 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: -

Stuart Dixon on The Garden of Hebb’s Farmhouse If you are interested in attending this Luncheon Club meeting, then please telephone Sheila Price 0116 2205225 before Friday 10th March to book a place. All dietary needs are catered for.

whilst

Thurcaston

And Cropston Open Gardens

Article by Richard Elks

24th and 25th June 2023

2pm to 6 pm

It’s cold and windy with the treat of more cold weather to come. So, who on earth is thinking about gardens? Well, the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Garden team are!!

It’s never too early for some advanced planning. The dates are set, key jobs are allocated, and the hunt is on for gardeners to sign up for this year’s very popular community event. The focus of our fundraising will continue to be The East Midlands Air Ambulance Service. They receive all the garden entrance fees. Such a bargain at £5 for two afternoons of delightful garden browsing.

We’d like to beat last year’s grand total of just under £3000. Many gardeners will also use the opportunity for some additional fundraising activities, such as plant and book sales; and of course, there will be several refreshment stops along the way.

Thurcaston And Cropston Gardening Club

Article by Richard Elks

East Midlands in Bloom with Simon Lucas

Do you imagine Britain in Bloom to be a very quintessential British activity? If so, you’d be wrong!!

The idea of brightening up towns and villages with flowers and planting came from France!! It was introduced by Charles De Gaul a decade or so after the Second World War – as Simon Lucas from East Midlands in Bloom explained at the Club’s February meeting.

Simon is a judge and treasurer for East Midlands in Bloom, and he told us about the background from its small beginnings and how it developed into the huge UK wide festival it is today.

Britain in Bloom was first held in 1963 – so it is 60 years old this year. In 2001, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) took control of the competition.

It is a nationwide gardening competition aimed at building communities and tackling local issues together. The

So, gardeners of Thurcaston and Cropston WE NEED YOU! If you are a first timer, a regular, or a ‘returner’ after a break let us have your details.

We’ve always prided ourselves on a real broad range of gardens, large or small: neat or “rustic”; child focused or not; whatever your garden looks like, we can assure you of lots of interested visitors to share your interest and gardening passion.

So if you would like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information (or encouragement) please contact us. We hope you will join us for another successful year as part of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens event.

Contact Linda 0116 236 3872 email Linda@tcog.org.uk or look at our website for more information, inspiration and encouragement www.tcog.org.uk

We look forward to hearing from you. If opening your garden is not for you then please put the date in your diary to come along and support this worthwhile community event on 24th and 25th June 2023. We’d love to see you.

aim of the competition is to encourage the improvement of our surroundings through the imaginative use of trees, shrubs, flowers, and landscaping. It also aims to achieve a litter free and sustainable environment. This links directly to the three RHS core pillars of excellence which are: Horticultural Achievement, Environmental Responsibility, and Community Participation

Entry is welcome from communities of all shapes and sizes from small villages to large towns and cities in the East Midlands region. This covers Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.

Entries can be from communities or local authorities though a partnership between them works best. Entries are divided into like size categories based on the number on the electoral roll.

Judging takes place on a date set in advance in July, whatever the weather!!

In addition to the East Midlands in Bloom competition there is also a non-competitive category called ‘RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood’ In a nutshell, if a group of people who are keen to improve their local surroundings, then this is the

ideal way to get practical advice and recognition for their efforts. RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood welcomes groups taking the first steps towards community regeneration through all yearround events and activities. Entries are not judged against each other but assessed by environmental and horticultural ‘In Bloom’ experts during July – August who then provide valuable feedback and helpful advice on how to develop current activities and encourage on-going improvements.

Simon told us many humorous tales of his time as a judge and the transport provided to judges from a helicopter to a horse and chart!!

The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall

Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it is excellent value!! The membership fee is still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or £3.00 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try.

For more information about the Club, please contact Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk

The next Club events are:-

Wed 8th March - The 12 Month Garden - Colour All Year-RoundGeoff Hodge

Everyone wants a garden that looks absolutely fabulous 12 months of the year. But is that possible? Geoff Hodge looks at plants that will give you more ‘bang for your buck’ and help provide long-term interest. He also shares hints and tips on achieving a colourful oasis every day of the year.

Geoff Hodge is a freelance garden writer and editor for various national gardening magazines and websites. He has written eight gardening books, including five for the RHS, with titles ranging from pruning and propagation to allotments and bulbs and a topic close to his heart – botany for gardeners. He is one of the panel of “experts” for the gardening programmes on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. He appears on Q&A panels at flower shows across the country, gives lots of talks and demonstrations at garden centres, garden shows and for gardening clubs and answers hundreds of gardening questions every year for various organisations.

Wednesday 12th April - Waving in the Wind - Steve Lovell

Waving in the Wind - Grasses for the garden - Texture, Movement and durability these plants have it all. Steve Lovell - A professionally qualified garden designer and soft landscaper with 30 years’ experience specialising in gardens for wildlife.

Loughborough Flower Lovers' Club

Article by Heather Cake

Loughborough Flower Lovers’ Club will be welcoming the acclaimed Richard Twisleton, NAFAS Judge and retired Demonstrator, to its next meeting on Thursday, 16 March, with his demonstration entitled ‘The Art Club’. Meetings are held at the Amherst School, Gray Street, Loughborough LE11 2DZ from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month. There is parking within the school grounds, and the venue is warm and spacious.

Visitors and new members are assured of a very warm welcome, and are charged a small entry fee. Particularly welcome are those who are new to flower arranging.

If you would like to know more, please ring 01509 853740.

IK MOWERS

Family run business with 30years experience in repairing and servicing all makes and models of garden machinery. Business is carried out on site at a time and date convenient to the customer. We also carry out repairs on Sunday’s.

Please call or text 07904 103602 7 days a week 8am-9pm Email ikmowers@yahoo.co.uk and we will get back to you asap.

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Monday Club Cropston And Thurcaston

Article by Maja Tompkins

Monday 13th February 2023

Mrs Viv Galloway spoke to us about her life in forensics, which included many different areas of investigation. Her working life had begun in the fashion industry in Manchester, and she had no leanings towards science at first, although she learnt something about dyes used for clothing. Her husband saw a job advert which he thought she would like. At the interview she was shown photographs of different patterns on fingerprints, and was later offered a job as a civilian fingerprint assistant with the Police. This was a very male-dominated organisation. She was not allowed to talk about her job, and had to say that she was an administrator in the Civil Service.

She spent five years in training, and over the years new terminology came in and more complicated methods were used to retrieve, classify and identify fingerprints from crime scenes. Fingerprints can include patterns called loops, whorls and arches, and there are lots of permutations. Sometimes one finger can even be slightly different from the others. This work exposed her whilst quite young to the seedier side of life, but it was an interesting career to pursue. You had to be very careful about details. At first the techniques were all manual, and it took a long time to compare one set of fingerprints with another. Mrs Galloway became a registered expert, and was sometimes required to give evidence in court.

In time she became a Fellow of the Fingerprint Society, and later she became President. She met the author Colin Dexter who wrote the stories about Morse and Lewis. She also met a member of the Chicago Police, and learnt something of their methods.

Her husband had been working for the Water Board, and decided to relocate and work for the Severn Trent Water Authority, so they moved. In 1981 she came to the Leicestershire Fingerprint Bureau; she was the first civilian fingerprint expert in Leicestershire. She and a Sergeant used to do all the charts. In 1987 she became the Head of the Leicestershire Constabulary Unit, and was responsible for all the police who go out on the beat, at a time when the public wanted a more visible police presence on the streets. She became Head of the Fingerprint Bureau, the first such female Head in the country.

Some people talked about bringing in computerisation, but at the time the main tools available were magnifying glasses! However, by

1989 a French company actually developed a system which could capture fingerprints, and put them onto a database. Patterns could be scanned and compared on the computer. If it was a serious case like murder, this could still take a very long time. At first you could only look at your own Police collection, and Leicestershire had around 60,000 sets, whilst New Scotland Yard had approximately two million sets of fingerprints ... Because the computer system was really expensive, only 23 out of the 43 different Police forces took it up. It cost around one million pounds! Mrs Galloway had to go over to Seattle, USA, and spent two weeks there having the Leicestershire information digitally programmed onto the system. It was a successful system and everyone wanted it, but because of the cost a Consortium had to be formed to buy it to share between the different forces. Mrs Galloway was part of the team at the Home Office who were looking at implementing the system nationally.

She was invited to visit the Chicago Police, who were more advanced with their fingerprint systems. They already had live-scan in their custody suites (holding cells). It was a much better system than using ink and rollers, which give a variable quality. In the UK the new system was trialled in Leicester first, at Charles Street and Beaumont Leys. It meant that repeat offenders were identified more easily, and a person's identify could be checked more quickly. A separate system could be used during immigration checks. The computer system opened up lots of possibilities for the Police. They could also do facial recognition, on a small scale. Did you know that you can be identified by your irises (in your eyes)?

In the case of a major disaster, bodies might have to be identified be any means possible. In Mrs Galloway's case she was part of the investigation into the Kegworth air crash in 1989, where she helped to identify the victims. Fingerprint experts were also brought in after the devastation of the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, in which thousands in several different countries died. Sadly, many people were never accounted for. Sometimes it is possible to identify bodies through items like jewellery. Most people have heard of checking the dental records, but it is also possible to check pacemakers, hip replacements, birthmarks, tattoos, or hair and skin. After the fire at Kings Cross station in 1987, there was only one person who remained unidentified.

In 1984, DNA testing was developed at Leicester University by Professor Alec Jeffreys. This enables the Police to identify things like blood groups. One rapist and murderer was arrested in 1987, long after the crimes, having convinced a colleague to give a

sample to the Police instead of himself, but he was later identified through his semen. She had to speak to him after his arrest, and his only concern was whether there were lots of newspaper reporters outside who wanted to pay for his story? She was also called to give evidence in the case of dangerous prisoners who had escaped from Gartree in December 1987, and the press gave her so much publicity that she felt very vulnerable.

Although Mrs Galloway was happy in her job, she wanted to continue to improve her prospects, and her boss persuaded her to apply for his job when he left. In 2001 she was made Head of the Scientific Support Unit. Information can be gained about various things like firearms, drugs and alcohol, and these used to be analysed by the Home Office, but nowadays this analysis work is carried out by private companies.

In addition to co-operating with the Chicago Police, she and colleagues also tested the system used by the Arizona Police for two weeks. One of the UK team actually managed to identify a murderer, but only a national policeman would be legally permitted to take part in the prosecution. In further co-operation with the forces abroad, a "DIY" test kit introduced for the UK public was also adopted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; in the case of a burglary, for example, it could help by eliminating the householder's

prints from the investigation.

She closed her talk by saying that, supported by her husband, she had enjoyed her work, having spent 37 years with the Manchester and then the Leicestershire Police, and mentioned that she had received commendations. She was even invited to meet our late Queen at an evening reception.

Interesting facts: A Sherlock Holmes story published in 1890 mentions fingerprints, and evidence from such prints has been accepted in UK courts since 1901. Even identical twins have slightly different prints. Another creature who has fingerprints is the koala. They are almost indistinguishable from those of humans!

Our next meeting will be on Monday 13th March, when we shall hear Mrs Sandra Moore telling us about "Strong Men and Women of Belgrave". Mrs Moore has been to us before, and given us several interesting talks, dressed in period costume. Annual membership is just 13.00 pounds, and the entrance fee is 2.00 pounds for members, or 4.00 pounds for visitors, who are most welcome. This will include tea / coffee and biscuits. We start at 2.15 p.m. and finish around 4.15 p.m.

Mrs Maja Tompkins

Mobile 07709-201881

You’ll get value for money because our pricing is competitive

Returning Customers account for 74% of our work - that says it all about the quality of our work and the friendliness in our service

We give you five years guarantee on our labour

We’re NICEIC registered - so we’re assessed on a regular basis to ensure the highest standard of care are always met

Always leave things clean and tidy

All our team are smartly uniformed and we train them to always be prompt, polite and professional (and they smile a lot)

We’ll turn up when we say we will

see what

want here we’ll probably do it – just ask”

David Snartt

Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate

T: 01530 244804

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

Local Plan Examination.

I attended the Charnwood Local Plan Examination Hearing Sessions at the Town Hall, Loughborough on the 14th and 15th February 2023.

Although I had already sent my written representations to the Inspectors about my concerns in two areas that affected my Council Ward of Forest Bradgate and the amount of proposed greenfield sites within the plan, I was keen to understand how the examination was moving forward, especially in the areas of the plan I had raised with the Inspectors.

The proposed site on land south of Loughborough that encroaches into Woodhouse Parish was discussed, the impact on settlement separation and identity and mitigation, there was also reference to the Woodhouse Neighbourhood Plan.

I was grateful to Councillor Deborah Taylor who spoke about the proposed development within the plan for Anstey. In my view, this reinforced my written representations to the Inspectors, especially the impact this would have on the unacceptable levels of traffic, not only through The Nook in the centre of Anstey but through the village of Newtown Linford.

Climate Change Strategy. Views are being sought on a Climate Change Strategy 2023-30 for Charnwood which is being delivered by Charnwood Borough Council.

The Strategy sets out how the Council will help lead locally and work in partnership with communities, residents, organisations and businesses to reduce emissions and help look after the environment. It also references the Council’s existing efforts to reduce its own carbon footprint.

The Council has been playing its part in reducing carbon emissions for many years, reducing its own carbon footprint by over a third and has encouraged others to reduce their energy use. The Council has also been at the forefront of an initiative to see more trees planted across the Borough.

The Strategy’s seven main themes include: Transport: Planning, land use and biodiversity: Buildings and heating (energy): Resources,

including food and waste: Business and economy: Governance and finance: Partnership and communication.

A consultation has been launched on the Strategy and people are being encouraged to have their say by visiting www.charnwood. gov.uk/ClimateStrategy. The closing date for the consultation is Monday March 6th 2023.

New Election Rules for May 2023. In last months edition of Your Local I outlined details about the new requirements for photographic identification (photo ID). From May 2023 all voters will be required to show an acceptable form of photo ID at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper. This will affect all voters across Charnwood who vote in person or by proxy at the next elections on Thursday 4th May 2023. You are not required to provide photo ID for postal voting.

I have now received further information for people who do not have the required photo ID when voting at the polling station.

If you are applying for a free voter ID ahead of the May elections, make sure your photo meets the requirements to avoid any delays with your application. You only need to apply for a free voter ID if you want to vote in person or by proxy at a polling station and do not have one of the accepted forms of Photo ID. You must supply a recent photo of your head and shoulders with you face uncovered as part of the application. It is also recommended to write your name, house number and postcode on the back of your photo if you are sending a physical photo to accompany a paper copy application form.

I am hopeful with the amount of different acceptable forms of photo ID, most voters will be able to vote without applying for a free voter ID. All information about voting in the May elections including details of acceptable forms of photo ID and postal voting can be found by visiting www.charnwood.gov. uk/pages/electoralservices or for further help and advice telephone 01509 634546

Spotlight on Elections.

The Charnwood Borough Council Electoral Services Team organises and facilitates all elections in Charnwood, whether that’s local elections for borough, parish

and county, referendums as well as general elections. The team also keep the Borough’s electoral register up to date, there is currently around 131,000 people on the register. The local elections take place every four years or a general election which must be held at least every five years.

Recently the team have undertaken a polling district review. The Council have a large number of polling districts, places and stations which were reviewed following changes to the Borough’s Ward boundaries which will come into effect for the local elections on the 4th May 2023.

The majority of my Forest Bradgate Ward stays the same, with the polling stations remaining the same as previous elections.

Newtown Linford and Ulverscroft at The Linford, 66 Main Street, Newtown Linford. Woodhouse at the Community Hall, 207 Forest Road, Woodhouse. Woodhouse Eaves at the Village Hall, 66 Main Street, Woodhouse Eaves.

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.

Friday Night Films In Thurcaston

Article by Richard & Diana

Our February film had been inspired by the beloved 1970 “Railway Children”. The injured American soldier, who was hiding among old carriages, had many secrets to divulge. We were captivated.

“The Phantom of the Open “ will be shown on March 10th and lasts 102 minutes.

Sir Mark Rylance stars in this U.K. optimistic and uproariously funny story. A shipyard crane operator, and lovable family man, decides to take up golf and remarkably secures a spot in the qualifying round of the 1976 British Open Championships. Based on a true story, this is a glorious real-life film.

“Mr Malcolm’s List” will be shown on April 14th and lasts 115 minutes.

Set in the nineteenth century, April’s film is a feel-good romantic comedy drama. Mysterious but handsome bachelor, Mr Malcom, has many lady followers. Exasperatingly, Julia discovers that he has an actual written list of qualities which he requires in a future wife. However, She resents being rejected and creates a plan ..... but will her plan work?

“Mrs Harris goes to Paris” will be shown on May 12th. 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

Deborah Taylor

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 0116 2350126

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

UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Charnwood Borough Council has worked with communities to draw up the ‘Future Charnwood Investment Plan’ to secure funding from the ‘UK Shared Prosperity Fund’.

The plan comprises of ten projects which will see improvements to parks and sports facilities, support for town centres, a village hall expanded, and the backing of a project to improve the well-being, life chances, and employability skills of young people.

We are really pleased to confirm that one of the ten projects, includes an application put forward by Anstey Parish Council.

This funding will go towards improvements to Anstey community facilities. Anstey Parish Council wants to extend the Jubilee Hall in the village to increase its usage by community groups.

Well done, Anstey Parish Council.

Bus Stop

Many of you will have seen the work ongoing in Anstey to relocate the Leicester Road bus stop to Stadon Road, to ease the traffic congestion in The Nook.

A public consultation was conducted between 28th October 2019 and 6th December 2019, but the work has been delayed until now, due to the pandemic.

This has been funded by Bloors Homes Ltd. I worked with them for six months to get some funding from them to relocate the bus stop. They eventually agreed and the amount of £62,425 was passed to Anstey Parish Council in 2019 for them to progress with the relocation work.

The plans and roadworks have all been conducted by highways engineers from Leicestershire County Council, who were instructed by Anstey Parish Council.

Moving the bus stop on Leicester Road means that no traffic will be stopping once cars have exited the traffic lights and therefore prevent the backing up of vehicles on the other arms of The Nook roundabout.

Electoral Commission

Residents are being asked to check that they have an accepted form

of photo ID ahead of this year’s local elections on Thursday, May 4th 2023. Elections are being held in Charnwood for the borough council as well as some town and parish councils.

The new requirement of showing photo ID at polling stations is being introduced by the UK Government and comes into effect for the first time this May. Voters across England will be required to show an accepted form of photo ID when voting at polling stations for local elections.

Residents without one of the suitable forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ which can only be used for elections. Applications can be made online through the GOV.UK website or by completing a paper form. A paper form is available to download and print from the Charnwood Borough Council website. Alternatively, residents can request the form be sent to them via post by contacting the elections team on electoral.services@charnwood. gov.uk or by calling 01509 634546.

Those who require a Voter Authority Certificate are being encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday April 25th 2023. Residents should first make sure they are registered to vote before applying.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA, or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Residents are recommended to check the list of accepted ID carefully as some forms of photo ID, such as security passes issued by employers, will not be accepted.

A list of accepted ID is available on the Council’s website, along with more information about the new requirement, frequently

Paul

Baines

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 07977 178869

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

asked questions, and details of how to apply for the free ID. For more information, visit www. charnwood.gov.uk/VoterID

There is a wealth of information on our website under the ‘Elections 2023’ tab: www. bradgateconservatives.org.uk/ election-2023

Polling Stations

For the local elections being held on 4th May 2023, Anstey has now been split into two polling districts and therefore Anstey will now have two polling stations.

The map below, shows the boundaries of the two areas, CA1 and CA2 with the blue line on the map, separating Anstey in two.

who have been appointed by the Government to examine the plan.

The Inspectors put the hearings on hold last summer to allow more time for the consideration of information relating to Leicester City’s unmet housing and employment need. Leicester City does not have enough land for the new homes and employment it needs in future years. Councils in Leicestershire have agreed to work together to share this unmet need.

The hearings reconvened in October 2022 when the Inspectors heard representations relating to how Charnwood can accommodate some of Leicester City’s unmet need.

The hearings recommenced on Tuesday 7th February at Loughborough Town Hall and were held on various days until 23rd February.

The locations of the different polling stations are listed below: CA1 will be at Anstey Parish Council Offices, Stadon Road CA2 will be at Woolden Hill Primary School, Netherfield Road You will only be able to vote at your allocated Polling Station, so please make sure that you check your polling card as to what polling station you are listed under.

Check where your polling station is by scanning the QR code:

We have had representatives attending for our area and we have also personally attended and spoken at the hearings to fight against the huge amount of housing earmarked for Anstey. We expect the decision of the Inspectors will be published sometime in the summer.

If the Planning Inspectors find the Charnwood Local Plan ‘sound’ then the Local Plan will be voted on at a full council meeting by all Councillors to decide whether to adopt the Local Plan or not.

If the Planning Inspectors find the Charnwood Local Plan ‘unsound’ they can reject the plan and Charnwood would then have work to do to make the plan ‘sound’ according to the Planning Inspector’s concerns and issues. This will delay the decision to adopt the Local Plan or not.

You can read our submissions to the Planning Inspectors here: www.bradgateconservatives.org. uk/news/local-plan-submissionaugust-update

YOU WILL NEED YOUR VOTER ID SO THAT YOU CAN VOTE

Charnwood Local Plan Examination

The series of public hearings resumed in early February as part of the scrutiny process for Charnwood Borough Council’s Local Plan which sets out a vision for growth in the area. The sessions were paused last year by the Independent Planning Inspectors

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

I attended the ‘opening’ of the new allotment site on Groby Road, Anstey on Saturday 21st January. This land has finally been transferred to Anstey Parish Council from the developers, after a very long delay, due to legal issues. I was grateful to the Parish for the bacon cobs and warm coffee on a chilly morning. I am now watching all the allotment plots being worked on by their owners as I take my dogs for a walk, and it is great to see all the enthusiastic digging going on!

I joined the online event on Holocaust Memorial day on Friday 27th January. We watched a film that showed us the horrors that happened to millions of Jewish people during that time, and it was intensely moving to hear some of the personal stories.

On Thursday 2nd February

I hosted our annual Suicide Prevention Conference at the King Power Stadium. This brought together many partners from across Leicester and Leicestershire. This is a difficult subject to discuss and we were honoured to listen to some very personal stories, but we all finished the day filled with hope. We all promised to take back what we had learnt on the day to our own organisations, to ensure we raise the profile of suicide prevention and work hard to reduce deaths from suicide across the city and county.

As we head closer to the local elections on 4th May, Leicestershire County Council will be operating under ‘Purdah’. Purdah is the period in the run-up to an election when there is a restriction in place on publicising the views of political parties, issuing press releases, or promoting initiatives with quotes or photos from particular councillors as this could be seen to unfairly promote one particular political party.

Therefore, there will be limited information being placed into the public domain. I will of course be continuing with all my work as a local councillor dealing with individual resident issues, including my role as Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Children and Families in the County.

Tree Preservation Order (TPO)

A new searchable website-based map which allows residents in Leicestershire to play their part in

protecting some of the county’s most valuable trees has been launched.

The map details every Tree Preservation Order (TPO) managed by Leicestershire County Council and shows if an individual tree, group of trees or even entire woodlands has a TPO.

Residents can check whether trees are covered by a TPO before carrying out any work to trees or starting any building works which may affect trees covered by a TPO. Breaching a TPO by carrying out unauthorised works can lead to a fine of up to £20,000. The map can also be used to check if trees being worked on by third parties are subject to a TPO, so any breaches can be reported.

The interactive map only lists the TPOs issued by Leicestershire County Council but it provides links to each of the county’s seven district and borough councils so members of the public can also check on TPOs issued by those authorities.

The searchable map, as well as detailed information on TPOs, how to apply for permission to carry out works to a tree covered by a TPO and details of how to contact the TPO team for further advice, can be found ton he council’s website: www.leicestershire.gov.uk or by scanning the QR code:

The PTPS review of all supported bus services was recommenced in September 2022. There are currently twenty-six bus routes subsidised by the council, this is less than 10% of all the bus routes across the county, meaning most of the bus routes across the county are commercially run services.

These reviews are being undertaken in four batches, the first of which is nearing completion and is likely to result in changes to these services, including the likely withdrawal of some of them.

Batch One includes the Centrebus 154 between Leicester and Loughborough and the Midland Classic 125 bus services between Leicester and Castle Donington, both these services run through my division.

A programme of focused local community engagement events and where necessary consultation on the PTPS review outcomes will be held during Spring/Summer 2023 with the implementation of the outcomes for the first batch of services being in place in Autumn 2023.

I must stress that no decisions have been made yet and residents will have an opportunity to attend local community engagement events during the Spring and Summer.

Census Data

There has been an early release of some of the 2021 Census data. This was the first ‘digital’ census. The Leicestershire population has gone up by 9.5% to 712,366 since 2011, this equates to 351,753 males and 360,613 females. I have picked out some interesting data from the census:

• 68,869 of Leicestershire residents were born outside of the UK

• 22,913 Leicestershire residents have previously served in the UK armed forces

Buses

The Passenger Transport Policy and Strategy (PTPS) was adopted by the County Council in October 2018 to ensure the delivery of valuefor-money passenger transport services and to provide a robust and transparent framework for determining decisions on the provision of passenger transport services. A programme of service reviews in December 2018 was started, however, it was then paused in March 2020 due to the pandemic.

There is a budget deficit of approximately £1m going into the 2023/24 financial year, due to inflationary costs and the bus recovery funding from the Government coming to an end in March 2023.

• 342,298 Leicestershire residents have a main language other than English

• 59.1% of Leicestershire is economically active in the labour market

• 30.5% of the workforce work mainly from home

• 54.5% of residents travel to

work via car or van

• 48.5% of residents record themselves as being in very good health.

You can get a wealth of data from the ‘Leicester.Shire.Rutland’ Statistics and Research (LSR) online website: www.lsr-online. org/population-and-census.html

The county council will use this census data to predict future changes in demand for services such as school places; adult social care; public health provision; transport infrastructure and housing.

So how has Leicestershire changed since 2011?

A growing population, with particular increases in the older population

More ethnically diverse

Less religious

More highly qualified

More people living in rented accommodation.

Family Hubs

Leicestershire County Council is to receive a boost to support parents, carers, and families. An announcement in February selected Leicestershire as one of twelve local authorities to be awarded nearly £1m of Government funded money to create a network of ‘family hubs’ for parents, carers, and families.

The family hubs, whether in a building or accessed ‘digitally’, will be places where information, advice and support can be easily found in one place. The idea is to provide seamless support and the best start right from the start, and to help parents and carers navigate parenting from conception, through the early years into the start of adulthood.

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

Deborah

For updated news scan here

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

Article by Graham Burton

March events on the 7th members of the walk & talk group will meet. The 14th members will meet at Roll-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm New members will be made welcome to this event. On the 22nd members are going on a day trip to York.

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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

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Anstey Nomads

Article by James West

Home fixtures in Anstey in March:

Saturday 4th March - v Newark & Sherwood United 3pm

Tuesday 7th March v Leicester

Nirvana 7:45pm

Tuesday 14th March v Kimberley

Miners Welfare 7:45pm

Tuesday 21st March v Sleaford

Town 7:45pm

Tuesday 28th March v AFC

Mansfield 7:45pm

Saturday 1st April v Belper United 3pm

All junior members gain free match day entry.

Includes 2 adults for all first team, reserves & womens league fixtures. Junior can must be shown on entry.

Mini Dribblers

Mini dribblers is a fun introduction into football for boys & girls aged 4-6 years old. Join the mini dribblers for fun football sessions every week to introduce youngster to football and Anstey Nomads Football Club.

A pathway is open to the join

Under 7 football teams with there being a minimum of 4 U7 teams for the 2023/24 season.

Wednesday nights 5pm-6pm @ DMU Beaumont Park

Saturday 9:30am-10:30am

Anstey Recreation Ground.

For more information call 07958 530 697

They also have the wild cards for girls aged 5-11 years old to get involved with football. Weetabix wildcats is a national initiative for young girls to enjoy playing football in a safe environment. Join Anstey Nomads Wildcats

Wednesdays 5pm-6pm @ DMU Beaumont Park. Bennion Road. LE4 1DS.

Find out more by emailing coach@ ansteynomads.com

Anstey nomads are always open to new members for girls and boys aged 4 upwards. With many teams at each age group. Join your fun local football club which is the fastest growing in the county with 50+ teams for the 2023/24 season. Boys and girls welcome as well as adult football for men and women. Football for all. Get in touch today with coach@ansteynomads.com to find out more

With planning continuing for a new club house, now is the most exciting time to get involved with your local football club.

Royal Voluntary Service Groups

Article by Helen Wright

Monday 10am -12pm

Gorse Covert Community Centre

Maxwell Drive

Loughborough

Leicestershire LE11 4RZ

Tuesday 10.30am-12.30pm

Smisby Village Hall

1-4 Main Street

Smisby

Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2TY

Thursday 2pm-4pm

Jubilee Village Hall

Stadon Rd, Anstey, LE7 7AY

From Tuesday 28th February 1.30pm-3.30pm

Jubilee Village Hall, Stadon Rd, Anstey, LE7 7AY

Referrals

Email:leicestershiredementiasupport@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

needed urgently

Royal Voluntary Service is looking for volunteers for our dementia support services

Royal Voluntary Service needs volunteers to help staff host our activity and support groups for people living with dementia and their carers.

We offer a range of fun and social activities including cognitive stimulation therapy, crafts, games, information sessions, alongside providing refreshments.

If you can help, please email signup@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or search www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk or contact

07815515227

07815462007

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE

Bringing

friendly

Registered charity 1015988 (England and Wales) & SC038924 (Scotland). CS3203_0222 21

A Cup Win On A Sad Day For Anstey Rugby

Article by Chris Apperley

On 17th February the shocking news came in that long term Anstey RFC club member and player Simon Wayne Bott was involved in a Fatal Road Traffic Accident.

The following day we welcomed Quorn to our Link Road Home Ground for the first round of this season’s President’s Cup.

A minute’s silence was held before the start of the game in memory of Simon and we were joined by several members of Simon’s family. Our sincere condolences go out to them all. Simon’s younger brother, Dominic was invited to come and play for us on the day having ‘retired’ a few years earlier.

Dom took up the challenge starting as Hooker and indeed had a great game even scoring two conversion kicks late in the second half.

After January’s narrow loss to Hinckley followed by an under strength Anstey team loosing to Aylestone Athletic our club was looking forward to a positive February with Stoneygate and Pinley both due to visit Anstey.

But it was not to be, as one after the other they called off as they were not able to raise a team on the day.

Next in line was an away league game at Market Bosworth where we have been known to come unstuck on many an occasion.

Travelling over with a bare fifteen was not ideal and Bosworth battled hard in the first half chalking up a healthy lead.

However the Anstey determination for a win came through in the second half giving us a good result as 42-33 winners on the day.

On to the Quorn Cup game.

A large squad arrived, both in numbers and stature plus a good number of supporters.

The opening minutes were hectic with Quorn threatening our line from the off, until Anstey winger Asher Smith broke away running most of the length of the pitch (uphill) and literally 10cm from the Quorn line got tacked into touch.

Pressure continued during the first half from Quorn after Anstey scored an unconverted try and our almost 7ft tall second rower Tom Westley got sin binned for a high tackle.

During that period Quorn finally got over the line making the half time score 7-5 to Quorn.

A reinvigorated Anstey came out with purpose in the second half ,scoring several tries by amongst others, Jack Smith, Matt Belcher and Andrew Pollock.

Adding the two points for conversions was not something until the job was handed over to Dominic Bott who converted the last two tries.

Thank you Dom!

More Cup games and a couple of re-arranged league games together with friendlies due in March. Easter is mid April this year and our President’s Day is on Sunday 30th April

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.

Give Your Lawn The Best Possible Start To The Year

Article by Ian Walker

Awaken your lawn from its winter slumber with our innovative NutraGreen ‘Spring Ready’ Treatment. Our unique fertiliser only releases when the combination of moisture and soil temperatures are just right (how clever!). This intelligent design has been specially created exclusively for GreenThumb customers; your lovely lawns are the only ones to benefit from it.

Our ‘Spring Ready’ Treatment can endure snow, frost, and even heavy rain on your lawn as it lies dormant waiting for the most effective time to release its nutrients. Subsequent cold weather snaps will halt the fertiliser release, so no need to worry about flushes of growth at the wrong time of the year. We’ve designed our fertiliser to work effectively in cooler climates to encourage healthy growth and colour at the most optimal time for your lawn.

We have also included a

micronutrient feed with our Spring Ready Treatment to help strengthen the grass and to manage any moss in your lawn. At this time of year, your lawn may be struggling to rid itself of persistent moss. Moss thrives in damp and shaded areas; it’s commonly caused by thatch and soil compaction in addition to mowing your lawn too short. With this in mind, it’s important to remember that now is a good time of year for your lawn to benefit from Aeration and Scarification. This machine work is the most effective way to remove the main causes of moss, thatch, and compaction, leaving you with a much healthier lawn.

The blossoming of new plants and increased growth of turfgrasses often correlates with an increase of weeds. Not only are unwanted weeds unsightly, but grass will also have to compete with weeds for light, air, water, and nutrients. To combat this, we will apply herbicide from March which is targeted at active weeks which are present in your lawn.

Admire your lawn as it awakens, breathing new life back into its thick, green blades, fully prepared for you both to enjoy the year ahead, together.

Contact your local GreenThumb branch as shown on the right.

Newtown Linford Gardening Club

Article by Anne and David Couling

www.newtownlinford,org,uk/gardening-club.html

We began our year with a speaker who has attracted a lot of attention in her short career as a garden designer. Four years ago, Nicola Oakey was the only female finalist in the RHS Young Gardener of the Year competition. She completed her diploma in garden design nine years ago and yet, two years later, won her first gold medal at Gardeners’ World Live. In 2018 she won the Pro Landscapers ’30 under 30’ award recognising her as one of the UK’s up and coming garden designers. After working with Adam Frost for three years she has now set up her own garden design studio in Rutland. She described how she designed, developed, and constructed her awardwinning garden at Tatton Park.

She showed us her initial designs for her ten metres square plot and how she chose the materials for her hard landscaping. Of particular interest was her innovative design for the pathway using oak blocks interspersed with concrete blocks each of which was marked with a design of leaves, seed-heads and similar garden features. She put in over 1200 plants as she needed to show intensity of planting with around 30 plants per square metre in the borders which surrounded a pond, decking and some larger trees. It took two weeks to construct the garden from an empty hole and her labours earned her a silver-gilt medal. Three days after the show it had been dismantled and all that remained was the empty hole.

She is clearly a young lady with a very bright future, and we were fortunate to be able to welcome her before she becomes really famous.

Robert Barlow is our speaker on 28th February and he will talk about hostas. They are, at the moment, nowhere to be seen but will begin to appear in a few weeks’ time. They have such a wide variety of leaf colour and our members will be keen to discover and purchase some new ones

More details of our club can be found on the internet or by contacting us on 01530 242452.

Lawns are so much more than carpets of grass. They complete our garden visions, they’re sanctuaries for our wellbeing. That’s why we provide year-round treatments to keep your lawn at its best.

It’s also why we’re running our Share The Lawn Love campaign, to bring lovely lawns to people who deserve them.

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