December 2016 - Ashby & Measham Community Eye

ASHBY & MEASHAM

COMMUNITY EYE

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DECEMBER 2016

COALVILLE HEROES

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

Evergreens With Interest

MEASHAM COMMUNITY LIBRARY Latest News

Inspiring The Next Generation With Tales Of Career Success

ASHBY LIBRARY New Colouring Club

ASHBY SANTA RUN

Breaks 2015 Record

VENTURE THEATRE

Latest News

MEDAL HAUL National Forest Taekwon-do

THE FRIENDS OF CHARNWOOD FOREST

Lacemakers and Luddites

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YOUR TRUSTED HOME SERVICE PARTNER Leicestershire’s local installer of boilers & central heating for over 20 years.

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

Coalville Furniture Superstore

Come and see our exciting new displays of beds and bedroom furniture

DIVAN AND STORAGE BEDS

BED FRAMES

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Christmas

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at Hermitage and Hood Park Leisure Centres Membership includes access to: - Over 100 Fitness Classes - 3 Swimming Pools - Health Suite - 2 Fitness Suites For more information on how to join please contact Hermitage Leisure Centre on 01530 811215, Hood Park Leisure Centre on 01530 412181 or email katherine.bancroft@nwleicestershire.gov.uk *Offer starts 24 November and ends 31 December 2016

Find us on... @hermitage_lc @hoodpark_lc hermitagelc hoodparklc

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Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland Have Opened The Doors To A New Office In Loughborough A £0.5m Big Lottery award has enabled Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland to continue its health and wellbeing service in the Hinckley area and to extend it into Charnwood and North West Leicestershire.

A new team has taken up residence in offices above the charity shop at 24 Biggin Street, Andrew Lewis 07504634838 Loughborough to offer health andy@openboxpromotions.co.uk & wellbeing activities, regular Information & Advice drop-ins PUBLISHED BY and Befriending to older people Open Box Promotions Ltd across the Charnwood area.

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Anna Southam, Befriending Co-ordinator commented: “This

project will provide much needed services to the older residents of Charnwood, their families and carers. It will help to improve the health & wellbeing of our over 50’s and reduce the loneliness and social isolation that can occur later in life. We urgently need volunteer befrienders, male or female, so if you can make a cup of tea, offer a helping hand or a listening ear for an hour or two each week or fortnight we would love to hear from you. If you’d like to volunteer to do some admin work or help to lead a social group we do need support across all areas of our project as well so do please get in touch.”

The Friends Of Charnwood Forest “Lacemakers and Luddites” Talk by Mr Tony Jarram Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall Monday January 23 at 7.30 p.m.

Measham Community Library News Come and visit our newly

decorated library; you will receive a warm welcome!

Opening Times: Tuesday 10.00 - 7.00 pm Friday 10.00 - 5.00pm Saturday 10.00 - 1.00pm

An illustrated talk of the of the development of lacemaking from hand made to machine production. The story is centred on the East Midlands especially Loughborough and its environs. It is a story of invention, migration and destruction and is as full of twists and turns as lace itself.

We also have computers to use,

The research for this project started with an exhibition by the Friends of Charnwood Museum in 2007 and has continued ever since with an international following by the descendants of former lace workers. A recent exhibition in Loughborough Library further enhanced the story.

Come and join us for:

Tony will raise several controversial theories relating to the Luddite attack in Loughborough and the reasons why the industry left the town to reestablish in the South West of England and beyond.

refreshments, cards for sale and books to buy for £1.

* Regular craft activities for children * Knit and Natter club * Wriggly Readers

Further information Peter Bertram 01162 100 572

* Book club - starting in January 2017

New Stroke & Disability Club Starting At Measham Library Wednesday 11th January 1pm – 3pm

For more information please like

Measham Stroke and Disability Club will support those who have been affected by stroke or disability to rediscover previous skills, learn new skills, regain confidence, increase independence and socialise with other individuals who have had similar experiences. It would provide a friendly environment where people affected by stroke or have a disability can meet up over a cup of tea and take part in art and craft activities. A great opportunity to socialise, share experiences and take part in our recreational activities including games, conversation, day trips, talks and presentations by visiting speakers.

Venue: Measham Library, Thorpe Road, Measham, DE12 7HR Time: Starting Wednesday 11th of January 2017 and then every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm.

Contact: Nesta Rosser on Mobile :07807376457 Home number:01530 588528 Email: nesta_rosser@yahoo.co.uk

us on Facebook @meashamlibrary Follow us on Twitter @meashamlibrary

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LOCAL NEWS

Think of a museum as a human place. Despite all the glassencased objects, despite the fancy signage, it is people who make museums. These people are as eager to tell their stories as you are to hear them. Be an active museum-goer, visit with a deliberate purpose and intention.

Do you want to know more about the Edwardian lady parachutist, Dolly Shepherd, read about the First World War Victoria Cross hero, Philip Bent or learn about Ashby’s history as a Spa Town? Decide to find out. Check out our new-look website for information. We’d love to share the stories with you.

Our Museum collects, preserves, researches and exhibits but the average visitor only takes advantage of the exhibits. If you could spare a couple of hours a fortnight, do get in touch with us about how you can help to keep our museum in the forefront of Ashby’s life. Call us on 01530 560090 or come and see us in person, preferably on a Monday or Wednesday morning. We are delighted to welcome Mary Lumsden, who joined us recently, as a new volunteer.

The current Christmas exhibition had been very well received and will stay in place until mid-January when it will be followed by an exhibition of Ashby in the 20th century, highlighting the years 1917 and 1967 (100 and 50 years ago). We do mount temporary exhibitions roughly every two months, covering a range of topics.

The Museum is grateful for another Shire Grant from our County Council. This has enabled us to update our I.T. equipment, facilitating the smooth running of our archives department.

A successful coffee morning was held in November, to which all our volunteers were invited, in whatever capacity they work :custodians, Friends Committee members, archivists, librarian, photographers and trustees.

It provided an opportunity for us to get together to share experiences over refreshments and be kept informed of progress by both the chairman of the Trustees and the chairman of the Friends Committee.

Join The Reading Resolution At Ashby Library How long has it been since you read a good book? Read more in 2017 with Ashby Library’s reading resolution. You can borrow up to 24 books for free! For every six books you borrow, we’re offering a chance to win prizes too.

Now’s the time to join the Reading Resolution at Ashby library! Read more in 2017 and borrow up to 24 books for free today. For every 6 books you borrow your name will be entered into a FREE prize draw.

There are great prizes to be won

every month. In January there’s a £30 Amazon voucher up for grabs, in February a £30 Tesco voucher & finally, in March a £30 Odeon voucher.

You can enter our prize draws as many times as you’d like between Jan 3rd & March 31st. Winners will be chosen at random on the 1st day of the month from February until April. The Reading Resolution is open to all ages, just take at least six books out to enter!

Come along to Ashby Library & make a resolution to read more in 2017!

For more information please call Ashby Library on: 0116 305 5917 or email: ashbydelazouchlibrary@ leics.gov.uk

New Colouring Club At Ashby-de-la-Zouch Library!

National Forest Taekwon-do Medal Haul The National Forest Taekwon-do club have had a fantastic year for competitions, over the 12 months they have had students from the age of 7 years upwards competing in local events right up to the World Championships which where held in Birmingham.

The club run by Mr Mark Shields, has won a total of 17 medals this year, including 4 in the British championships, 1 world Champion, 1 Welsh Champion and 2 in the English Championships, wining medals in Patterns Tagteam sparring and solo sparring in all grades from Yellow to black "we train hard for the events and towards there next belts the club are always giving 110%".

We train at least twice a week at Measham and Netherseal in the Traditional style of Taekwon-do, covering all areas from line work to patterns, board breaking and self-defence its a great way of losing a few lbs boasting self confidence and making new friends, our doors are always open to new members of any age from 7 up wards, Taekwon-do doesn't care how old you are or what size you may be you train at your pace, everyone finds something good from it, we are offering at the moment 2 free training sessions for people to come along and give it a go, nothing to lose, we are also having a demonstration evening in December for anyone to come and have a chat if they wish.

For more information please take a look at the website www. nationalforesttaekwondo.co.uk or find us on face book , if you Google search Measham Taekwondo this should also take you to the site.

Come along to Ashby-de-la-Zouch Library’s new colouring group! The group will run every Tuesday, 2.00-3.30pm starting on 24th January and is the perfect opportunity to relax colouring in with beautiful materials in an informal setting. Ideal for grown-ups, all materials are provided and the sessions are free and drop in, everyone welcome!

For further information please contact the library on: 0116 305 8392.

Measham Museum News

Off Mannings Terrace, High Street, Measham, DE12 7HU YOUR LOCAL VILLAGE HISTORY The Museum has produced a 2017 calendar showing many items that are available to be seen in the Museum, all relative to the history of Measham.

We would welcome any new volunteers both to our local History Group Friday pm or just for voluntary opening sessions Tuesday, am and pm, Thursday/Saturday, am. Please contact us if interested.

We will be closing for the Christmas break on Saturday 10th December and reopening on Tuesday 14th February.

We wish all of our friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

LOCAL ADVERTISERS advertorial

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Group Managing Director Marcus McGee believes that Which? have endorsed Cloudy2Clear’s long standing company policy of delivering the highest standards possible at all times. ‘Our service is simple. If your double glazing has misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 25 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that

obviously helps. Whilst a number of tradespeople perhaps don’t focus on customer care as much as they should do, we make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle.

Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Ashby & Measham areas and manager Martyn Kemp agrees that this approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I

get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated as both my customers and, obviously a body as nationally important as Which? now recognise.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Martyn a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 MINS!!!

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Come and see us for that unusual Christmas gift and also our beautiful range of gold and silver jewellery

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Public car park to rear of shop - Free parking every Sunday

Telephone: 01530 810725 Old Weaving Mills, Church Lane, Whitwick, Leicestershire LE67 5DH Email: enquiries@smoothtouchservices.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

Ashby Santa Run Breaks 2015 Record Ashby de la Zouch found itself awash with Santa’s on Sunday December 4th as the 2016 Ashby Santa Fun Run & Walk completed a weekend of Christmas events in and around the town.

Following on from the success of the inaugural event in 2015 which saw 625 Santa’s enter the 3km Fun Run & Walk, the Ashby Castle Rotary Club organised event smashed through this number, achieving a staggering 1001 entries. This provided a phenomenal sight throughout Ashby as the Santa’s set off from the Bath Grounds at 11am and weaved their way around the town taking in some of Ashby’s finest sights.

The weather proved much kinder at this year’s event as bright sunshine and a crisp frost greeted the Santa’s as they started arriving

on the Bath Grounds from 10am to the sounds of festive tunes from Ronnie Radar and the smell of bacon sandwiches from the catering van. The ‘real’ Rotary Club Santa was also present again to talk to young and old alike and was even able to make a very special entrance to this years event on the back of one of the National Brewery Centre’s vintage commercial vehicles, a change from his normal mode of transport!

Fitness Republic, one of the events main sponsors again provided the fun warm up to a variety of Christmas tunes to get people up and ready for the Fun Run & Walk before the 1001 Santa’s took their place at the starting line.

The Fun Run & Walk set off at 11am as planned and was deemed to be a huge success as everybody completed the course with no problems and were greeted back on the Bath Grounds with a medal and refreshments courtesy of the event partners, Ashby Hastings Cricket Club.

Aside from providing a fantastic, fun event for all of the community, the other driving force was for Ashby Castle Rotary Club to raise much needed funds for local charities. This years main beneficiary was Hospice Hope who are working towards their aim of providing the one and only day care centre in North West Leicestershire. As they continue the refurbishment of their newly acquired property in Griffydam, the funding that the Rotary Club will be able to provide will help to assist in this and also other related running costs of the new premises.

Dale Warren from the Rotary Club of Ashby Castle said “We’ve had a fantastic day and the months of hard work to arrange an event of this magnitude was completely worth it to have the sight of over 1000 Santa’s stood on the Bath Grounds ready to set off. Again we’ve received amazing support from local residents in joining in this event with ages from very young babies right through to

MilkBot - Fresh Free Range Natural Milk Come to our MilkBot to enjoy, Tasty, Fresh, Free Range, Ayrshire Milk!

Nourish your family your traditional way, straight from the farm gate!

We are a Leicestershire dairy farm the herd Sandyford Ayrshires has been established since 1930. It has been a tough time over the past 2years and a real struggle to keep our farm afloat, milk prices have been terrible we have been paid less for our milk than the cost of production.

We have lovely brown and white Ayrshire cows who are really well cared for adding to cost of production where their well being doesn't mean corners are cut just because we aren't paid what the milk is worth. With that in mind we have decided to sell free range milk direct to the local area to appreciate what wonderful fresh milk tastes like.

Many people ask is raw milk safe and I can confidently answer "yes". Our milk is stringently sampled by The Food Standards Agency also the whole process from calves to the milking parkour is checked and we passed with flying colours. The milk is tested daily and has a lower bacteria count than a national supermarket brand we compared it with.

Natural untreated milk has many health benefits more nutrious than pasteurised milk, probiotic ,bursting with vitamins (A,D,E and k2 ) minerals, antioxidants and immune boosting properties, easier to digest, rich in linoleic acid (helps fight cancer)

It is believed by research in America it can help asthma and allergies. Many people who are lactose intolerant can drink raw milk.

More importantly than anything it is fresh and local and hopefully takes us back to a time where there is a link between the local farm and local residents. It will be great to educate children where the milk comes from.

My family have had the benefit of our lovely, sweet, tasty, free range milk for years now we'd like to share it. We are open for customers please come along and see us and the girls for the taste of proper milk once more.

It's even fun to serve yourself with the milk through our milk bot near the farm gate.

Want to see the MilkBot in action?

You can see the video on Facebook: @CharnwoodsFarmNaturalMilk Find us at: Charnwood Forest Farm Charley Road Loughborough, LE12 9XJ Call us on: 07585 551558

people in their 70’s, it really was quite a spectacle! Local businesses in and around the town and some of our other partners have provided fantastic support again in helping us to provide this event and we look forward to working with them all again for 2017’s event! Who knows how many Santa’s we can attract next year!”.

Final accounts are still being completed as sponsorship money continues to roll in to the event and the organising committee are hoping to release a final figure of what has been raised in January.

People who have raised personal sponsorship are encouraged to pay this in at their earliest possibility with full details of how to do this online at www.ashbysantarun.com Interested in finding out more about Rotary? If you would like to come along to the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle please contact our secretary Chris Knight at cjcjknight@supanet.com or visit www.ribi.org.

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

Do you live in Ashby or

!

Blackfordby ?

Do you suffer from ill

health - either

physical or psychological?

Are you in financial hardship ?

If you can answer “yes” to all the above, then we may be able to help.

The “Ashby relief in sickness fund” can provide small grants of upto £250 to ill people in financial need.

If you think you may qualify and want details Contact the Clerk, Leanne Cooper on 01530 414111 leannecooper@craneandwalton.co.uk

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LOCAL NEWS

Ashby & Measham Clubs & Groups Do you run a local community club or group in Ashby & Measham? Please send us your details to: communityeye@openboxpromotions.co.uk

Ashby Big Band

David - 01530 458706 07886194993 ashbybigband@aol.com www.ashbybigband.com -------------------------------------------------

Measham Karate Club

07761131043 meashamkarateclub@gmail.com www.meashamkarateclub.co.uk -------------------------------------------------

Ashby Art Club

01530 412116 www.ashbyartclub.org We meet on Monday evenings at 7pm. Smisby Village Hall, Main Street, Smisby, Ashby, LE65 2TY -------------------------------------------------

Ashby Civic Society

Margaret Mabey 01530 412410 kenward.ashby@gmail.com We meet on the 2nd Tuesday in the Month at Legion House, 27a South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ -------------------------------------------------

Measham Bowls Club

Sue & Stuart Boothroyd 01530 274104 stuartboothroyd@btinternet.com High Street, Measham, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE12 7HR -------------------------------------------------

Ashby Bowls Club

info@ashbybowlsclub.co.uk www.ashbybowlsclub.co.uk The Green, Bath Grounds, Ashby, LE65 1BJ -------------------------------------------------

Venture Theatre

Ken Ward - 01530 589268 www.ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk North Street, Ashby, LE65 1HS For ticket sales please call Ashby Tourist Office on 01530 411767.

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Ashby U3A

Anne Donegan - 01283 760348 secretary@ashbyu3a.co.uk Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, LE65 2FQ -------------------------------------------------

Ashby African Drummers

Kaye Gillanders - 0777 2281699 ashbydrummers@googlemail.com Check us out on Facebook or visit our website: www. ashbydrummers.webeden.co.uk We are a community based group and meet once a fortnight on a Wednesday (next session Wednesday, 28th September) from 7.30pm - 9.30pm, at Moira

Furnace, Furnace Lane, Moira, Derbyshire. DE12 6AT. The first taster session is free and then usually £3.00 per session thereafter. We sometimes have guest teachers visit, so best to contact us prior to coming to secure a drum and check suitability. We welcome people of all ages and abilities although children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Ashby Bridge Club

Ann 01530 458110 www.bridgewebs/ashby Different bridge sessions offered for all levels of bridge player, Monday and Thursday evenings, Wednesday afternoons and Friday mornings, at Hood Park Leisure Centre.

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The Ashby Probus Club

Frank Bedford - 01530 467183 For retired professional and businessmen meets monthly in Ashby. We enjoy a pub lunch, speakers, a programme of outings and functions and each others company. The club welcomes new members.

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ASHBY & DISTRICT STROKE SUPPORT GROUP

Pat - 01530 413723 A friendly group for stroke survivors and their carers. We meet alternate Tuesdays at Brown Court Ashby from 2pm-4pm. Meetings involve speakers, meal sout,and general chat.

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Ashby Meditation

Irene 01530414290 Weekly classes on Thursdays 1st, 8th & 15th Dec (restart 12th Jan) at 7.30 in Legion House, South Street, Ashby. www.tarakmc.org -------------------------------------------------

The Trinity Badminton Club

Secretary - 07801 700 664 The club is a small friendly club of average ability (non league) meeting Monday evenings at Holy Trinity Church Hall, off Kilwardby Street, Ashby from 7.30pm – 9.00pm. We play from Jan to May then Sept to Dec. New members always welcome.

Shire Grant Success For Coalville The Hero Project CIC, the team that delivers Coalville Heroes, has been successful in securing a £9,000 Shire grant from Leicestershire County Council to launch #growlocal ad #eatsocial.

This exciting new project will see a wide range of growing and eating events and activities start in January 2017. They will be coordinated and promoted

by Julia Burkin and Deana Wildgoose, the creative team behind The Hero Project CIC, who will be working with local businesses, organisations and voluntary groups to ensure there is something happening over the whole year.

One of the aims of the project is to use food destined for landfill and develop regular community meals, cooked by local people and served up in different locations in and around Coalville, all at an affordable price. The benefit of #eatsocial dining is huge; it can promote wellbeing, improve health and reduce loneliness, as well as being tremendous fun. There will be plenty of volunteering opportunities too, perhaps sharing existing or learning new skills.

Councillor Pam Posnett, cabinet member for communities at Leicestershire County Council, said: “We are extremely happy to have the opportunity to support this inspiring community initiative. Encouraging the local community to get together and join in this important cause is of benefit to local people as well as to the environment. Backing projects such as The Hero Project CIC helps us with our strategy of encouraging communities to help themselves and to promote health and wellbeing.”

Earlier this year The Hero Project CIC was awarded £15,000 by North West Leicestershire District Council as part of its Green Footprints Agenda. They have already engaged hundreds of local children, showing them how fruit and vegetables can be made into nutritious smoothies and soups as part of the Coalville Heroes project.

Julia Burkin, Director of The Hero Project CIC, said: ‘’When we see children playing our human fruit machine game, getting to taste new things, and asking lots of questions whilst having fun, we know what we are doing is important. Without the fantastic support of funders, such as district and county councils these activities wouldn’t be happening.’’

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “It is projects and initiatives like this #growlocal and #eatsocial that will help bring the already strong community of Coalville together and make it even stronger while promoting healthy eating and the importance of a good meal with friends and family. I am pleased that this council was the first to support The Hero Project CIC, and they are providing some great opportunities for everyone. It will help build confidence in Coalville and get people feeling positive not just about their town but also themselves.”

The Shire community grants, issued by Leicestershire County Council, are for projects that will make a difference to a local community in the county and provide a maximum of £10,000.

So far, over the past 12 months, £180,000 has been given to organisations which run projects to support vulnerable people.

For more information of the Hero Project CIC visit theheroproject. org.uk/coalville-heroes

Chris Lewis Counsellor / Psychotherapist

Chris’s Therapeutic Counselling chriscounselling@mail.com - 07828 463368 www.chrispersoncentred.co.uk 30 Moira Road, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 2GA Also in Nottingam & Loughborough

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8 LOCAL MAGAZINES | Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston, Newtown Linford, Swithland, Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves - 5,500 | | Ratby, Kirby Muxloe and Leicester Forest East - 6,500 | Rothley and Mountsorrel - 5,500 | Birstall and Wanlip - 5,500 | | Shepshed - 5,800 | Coalville - 7,500 | Loughborough - 7,000 | Ashby and Measham - 7,500 |

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LOCAL NEWS

Venture Theatre Well it’s that time of year again - New Year Resolutions – what’s yours? Thinking of trying something new? Perhaps you would enjoy being a member of our theatre.

We welcome new members to help in all areas of the theatre. We are already planning our next three productions and this is the ideal time to think about coming down and maybe reading for a part.

During January, Director Dave Steward will be casting his April production, Be My Baby. Amanda Whittington's much-loved 1960s comic drama follows the fortunes of four young women who have been sent to a church run mother and baby home, where they will give birth and then be forced to give their babies up for adoption.

The women are aged between 17 and 20 so we are looking for actresses aged 17 to late 20s.

All four roles are substantial and offer great acting opportunities across a wide range of emotional situations - plus a bit of lighthearted singing and dancing!

Rehearsals are two to three nights

Grand Total For Children In Need Ibstock Community College has raised more than £1,000 for Children in Need.

Most of the cash was collected during a single lunch time during which students ran their own charity fair in the college sports hall, complete with cake stalls, pop-up photo booth and chocolate fountain.

There was also the chance for staff and students to browse around a collection of side stalls, offering face painting, nail art and fairground-style games, including a Nerf gun shooting range.

Other students took part in sponsored events. Taylor Irons, who is in Year 7, completed 30 laps of the school field in an hour, while others did a sponsored silence.

All staff and students were given the option of donating £1 for the privilege of coming to school in non-uniform. The final fundraising total was £1,109.26.

Louise Reeve, college coordinator, said: “At Ibstock, we place great emphasis on being part of a wider community and thinking of others so Children in Need is a great opportunity for students to embrace that ethos and to do their bit for people less fortunate than themselves. They had a lot of fun in the process and we are delighted to have raised so much!"

a week (Tuesdays to Thursdays) beginning early March.

Our auditions are very informal and those for Be My Baby will take place in January (dates to be confirmed). So if you (or anyone you know) would like to read for a part in this exciting production, please email ashbyventuretheatre@gmail.com or call at the theatre on a Monday evening after 8pm.

Our next production is A Sting in the Tale by Brian Clemens and Dennis Spooner. This duo have written many adventure dramas for TV and this stage play has been described as “A glorious send up of almost every mystery thriller written for the stage.” It opens on February 16th and runs until February 25th. More details about that next month and on our website.

Local Charity Appeals For Old Electrical Goods If you are looking to treat yourself or a loved one to a new appliance or some new furniture this Christmas please give The Marlene Reid Centre a thought if your old domestic electrical appliances such as cookers, washing machines and fridge freezers are still in good working order or if you have had a clear out and have some furniture which may be of use to someone else.

The REACT project based behind The Marlene Reid Centre in Coalville, is based around furniture re-use and is currently in very short supply of domestic appliances. All goods are tested and repaired by a qualified engineer and then passed onto local people on low income for a nominal charge. We can collect the items for free if you live in North West Leicestershire.

Lorrraine Harrison, Re-Use Service Manager explained “We are in desperate need of electrical appliances at the moment, people’s unwanted items are needed to help those who aren’t able to afford to buy new items and it saves people having to arrange having the items collected and taken to the tip” Lorraine continued “Unlike national charities, we are a Coalville based charity which means funds raised from selling these items goes straight back into the community

so anyone donating anything to us are genuinely helping local people”.

10 million items of furniture are thrown away in the UK every year and four million children in the UK live in households that cannot afford to replace worn out or broken furniture. Last year the REACT project reused 4336 items of furniture saving more than 100 tons from land fill.

For those wishing to come along and browse the current stock of brand new and reused furniture the REACT furniture warehouse is open Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 2.30pm. The warehouse is well stocked with brand new mattresses and beds at competitive price as well as good quality used sofas, dining and living room furniture and electrical appliances.

So, if you are having a clear out and have any electrical appliances, furniture, bedding or anything you think may be of use to us please call the REACT Furniture Project directly on 01530 512454 or call The Marlene Reid Centre on 01530 510515 or email us at info@mrc.uk.net. To find out more about the REACT project and MRC Community Action visit www.mrc.uk.net

Coalville Heroes Inspiring The Next Generation With Tales Of Career Success Coalville Heroes have been out and about inspiring hundreds of young people with tales of career success from a host of guest speakers as well as encouraging them to get creative.

Julia Burkin and Deana Wildgoose, the people behind the Heroes Project CIC working alongside North West Leicestershire District Council, visited King Edward VII Sixth Form recently with a few guests from local businesses and organisations, who spoke to the young people about careers and being passionate about what they want to do for a career. They gave advice on interview techniques, how to write your CV and how to go about finding that perfect job.

At the same time Newbridge School was holding its Environment Day, so Heroes and guests dropped by and got creative. They taught the young people about up-cycling clothes and how to make nutritious soup and fruit and veg smoothies, as well as unearthing some facts about archaeology.

Julia Burkin, from Coalville Heroes, said: “It is important we do things like this with young people as often as we can to encourage them to make the right choices, invite them to be environmentally savvy and to have the courage and knowledge to pick a career they’re passionate about and are going to enjoy. We believe young people in Coalville have a positive future and we’re helping to support that.”

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “The work Deana and Julia are doing with the Coalville Heroes project is absolutely amazing. They’re out there interacting with and inspiring young people, building their confidence in their town.”

Find out more on the Coalville Heroes at: theheroproject.org.uk/ coalville-heroes/

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11

Evergreens With interest With the strings of glittery lights of Christmas being tidied away our gardens can start to look at tad drab at this time of year.

The onslaught of frost, wind and rain turns anything tender or herbaceous into withered brown skeletons and consequently we see more of the bare bones of the garden and anything hidden out of sight during the summer months suddenly becomes an eyesore!

Mahonia 'Soft Caress'

Nandina

The beauty of using evergreens in the garden is obvious in that they provide the basic structure of the garden. Many a garden has a handful of evergreen shrubs dotted around to fill in gaps or screen off walls and fences. Often they tend to look pretty boring – dark green foliage with little in the way of interest. But if you choose wisely, you can select evergreens to add colour, texture, flower and a fresh look during the grey winter months. Here are some of my favourites: Choisya – a popular shrub due to it’s ease of growth and glossy foliage.

Choisya grow surprisingly well on our heavy clay soils in the Midlands as long as they don’t sit in constantly wet soil. There are several varieties to choose from including C. Ternata, C. White Dazzler & C. Aztec Pearl – all of which have deep green foliage.

C. Sundance and Gold fingers have bright refreshing yellow foliage perfect for brightening up a border all year round. All have scented white star-shaped flowers in May/ June.

Bel Grierson

Viburnum

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

Fatsia – An exotic looking shrub which again grows well on our local soils. Suited to sun and shade it is a versatile plant with large glossy palm shaped leaves and architectural globes of creamy flowers. It can be grow in a large pot as well as borders and lends it’s self well to contemporary planting styles.

Viburnum – There are so many Viburnums available to the gardener, many of which make really good garden plants. For evergreen structure V tinus ‘Eve Price’ is a winner as it is relatively compact and is covered with clusters of white flowers with traces of pink during the winter months. It can be used on it’s own or as an informal hedge.

Sarcoccoca – The winter scented must have. AKA Winter Box, this is a highly fragrant plant with a mass of white flowers along the stems in winter followed by black berries.

The foliage is deep green and very glossy. I like to grow this in containers so i can move the plants nearer to the house in winter to benefit from the heady fragrance.

Nandina – A lot of plant breeding has gone in to Nandina in recent years resulting in some striking new cultivars including N. ‘Lemon & Lime’ & N. ‘Obsessed’ which have vibrant colourful foliage throughout the year. They prefer a sunny to part shady spot and will be happy in the border or in a container. Often the foliage changes colour throughout the year so the plant gives a real wow factor to the garden.

Ilex crenata & Yew – A great alternative to Box (Buxus), these two evergreens will not succumb to the dreaded ‘Box Blight’ and can be used to create beautiful topiary forms. At this time of year topiary adds greatly to the garden, giving elegant structure and form to the space. I particularly love to use Yew as I love the deep green foliage and it keeps a very neat shape once trimmed.

With the evergreen shrubs selected, next month I’ll be looking at how to add scent to the garden in winter.

Mahonia – Some gardeners will know Mahonia as a brut of a plant which when not controlled can become a thorny monster!

However if you need a tall plant which will cope with clay soil and shade then M. ‘Winter Sun’ belgriersondesign info@belgrierson.co.uk

is the plant for you. It flowers prolifically during the winter with bright yellow flowers over deep green foliage. This one will get to 6ft plus but can be pruned back every 3 years or so to keep it under control. The new cultivar M. ‘Soft Caress’ is a much smaller dainty cousin of the above, with yellow blooms and soft thorn free feathery foliage – good for pots.

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12

LOCAL NEWS

Ashby Civic Society Monthly Events 2016/2017 10th January 8pm The Leicestershire Horse Lois Edwards explains Leicestershire’s use and breeding of the horse including Packington's Shire horse.

9th May 7.30pm Short AGM and Cheese and Wine *Always a favourite Deb Spencer from local Long Clawson Diary will enthuse about the home of Stilton cheese.

Legion House, South Street, Ashby Call Susanne for details 01530 415654 or just come as a visitor Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

Legion House, South Street, Ashby Call Susanne for details 01530 415654 or just come as a visitor Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

Legion House, South Street, Ashby Call Susanne for details 01530 415654 or just come as a visitor Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

Call Margaret to book 01530 412410 Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

------------------------------------------------14th February 8pm Story of Mapmaking Fascinating history from Mappa Mundi to County maps told by local historian Richard Stone.

------------------------------------------------14th March 8pm Houses of the Grey family Hear of Time Team digs at Groby Old Hall and latest digs at Lady Jane Grey in Bradgate with Archeologist, Peter Liddle.

Amazing Event Ushers In Christmas Period In Style Christmas has officially arrived in Coalville as the weekend’s Christmas in Coalville event went off with a bang, with fireworks marking the end of an amazing community event for the thousands who filled the town centre.

Christmas in Coalville, organised

by North West Leicestershire District Council and the Coalville Town Team, took over the town on Saturday 3 December as thousands of people flocked to the town to enjoy the festive cheer.

The food and drink festival in the Belvoir Shopping Centre went down a treat with mulled wine, beer, hot food and much more filling the air with not only the beautiful smell of quality food and drink but also the sound of laughter and merriment as the people of Coalville got into the Christmas spirit.

Over at Coalville Market both inside and out were crammed with people of all ages enjoying the guest stalls, visiting the reindeer and going on the fairground rides, not to mention taking advantage of the fantastic Beer Bus parked there.

After the tribute band Little Chix got the crowd singing and dancing, the day reached its climax with everyone counting down to the light switch-on and fantastic fireworks display which drew plenty of ‘ooooos’ and ‘aaaahhs’ from the huge crowd gathered.

All of this was aided by Arriva buses who put on a selection of free bus services to help around 200 revellers get to and from the event.

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “It was such a wonderful event, seeing so many people out in the town centre having fun was something special. Thank you to the team at the council and the Coalville Town Team for organising this and bringing such an amazing event to Coalville.”

Don Bailey, from the Coalville Town Team, said: “It was a great day all around, the food and drink festival was fantastic and really brought people into the centre of Coalville and combining it with the council’s event was a great idea and an experience I enjoyed and ultimately it meant a better event for the people of Coalville and surrounding areas and that’s what we do it for.”

Legion House, South Street, Ashby Call Susanne for details 01530 415654 or just come as a visitor Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

------------------------------------------------11th April 8pm History of Rolls Royce Roy Hirst takes us through the history of Rolls Royce from its founders to the vibrant Company it is today.

Legion House, South Street, Ashby Call Susanne for details 01530 415654 or just come as a visitor Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

------------------------------------------------13th June 2pm Visit to Woodhouse Community Garden £ 5 * Essential to book Guided walk and talk around the beautifully restored walled garden followed by tea and homemade cake. What's not to like?

------------------------------------------------11th July 2pm Visit to Blackbrook Long Horn Cattle £5 *Essential to book See world famous prize winning cattle and hear how the breed was developed by Robert Bakewell.

Inspect owners fine art gallery plus tea and biscuits.

Call Margaret to book 01530 412410 Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

------------------------------------------------8th August No meeting this month - Enjoy the summer and see you on 12th September Visit www.ashbydelazouchcivicsociety. webs.com

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Vote Age UK! We have some very exciting news – Age UK is one of only two national charities to be shortlisted to be supermarket chain Morrisons’ chosen charity for 2017 to 2020.

If Age UK wins this partnership, funds raised by Morrisons will enable local Age UKs, including Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland to help at least 250,000 lonely older people through social activities and support.

Throughout January Morrisons staff will be asked to vote for the charity they want to support – and the charity with the most votes wins.

Age UK has never had a

fundraising partnership as big as this before, since older people are so frequently overlooked. That’s why we need your help to win.

It’s really easy.

1. Reach out to anyone you know who works for Morrisons and ask them to VOTE AGE UK. 2. Go into your local Morrisons store and ask staff to VOTE AGE UK. Ask them to put up a VOTE AGE UK flyer on their noticeboard too. Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland can send these to you (0116 2992233) Thank you for your support!

To find out more and pledge your support please visit our website: www.ageuk.org.uk/Morrisons

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What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2017?

Why not be part of a ‘ Learn to Sing in Harmony ‘ A free ‘Learn to Sing in Harmony’ course is being held by Heart of England Chorus in February for four weeks at the Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS

Aimed at both newcomers and those who have not sung for a while, the course will run from Monday February 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th to encourage more men to take up singing, which is increasingly acknowledged as being an aid to a healthy lifestyle.

There are many men who would love to sing but most never get around to trying, don’t have the opportunity or maybe are too selfconscious to give it a go but the simple fact is that just about everyone can sing. Attendees learn within a group which makes it less daunting, there are no embarrassing public auditions and it’s free!

Participants will be helped to discover their voice, learn the techniques of making the most of it and how to use it in four-part harmony with others. There’s no need to worry about reading music as the teaching methods employed are designed to help quickly learn the specially-commissioned song.

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14

LOCAL NEWS

COUNTY COUNCILLOR

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

M: 07429055402 E: Sean.Sheahan@leics.gov.uk

M: 01530 417736 E: andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk

SEAN SHEAHAN

Hs2 Public Meeting It was my privilege to chair a packed public meeting on 13th December at St. Laurence Church in Measham to look at the Government’s latest proposal to re-route HS2 to the east of the village. Invitations went out to 2,000 addresses and around 350 people turned up to listen to and question a panel of speakers including campaigners both local and national, along with parish council representatives. Television and radio covered the event, supplemented by interviews recorded during the day.

Many thanks to Steve, Sonia, Fred and Emma for arranging and publicising the event at short notice, to all the people who helped with organizing it, and to everyone who turned up. The following morning I attended a meeting for councillors with HS2 Ltd, where I was able to take up many of the points raised at the public meeting.

One of the big questions was why HS2 had switched their preferred route from the west of Measham to the east. I was told that the decision had been taken in the summer by the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling, on recommendations from HS2 Ltd. They were heavily influenced by lobbying from Plastic Omnium and the Wharfside housing and canal development.

Whilst these were quite legitimate concerns, I think it is a wholly inadequate response by the Government to simply pull a previously rejected plan off the shelf to run the line to the east of Measham. More people will be affected -- there will be a huge noise impact which will be difficult, if not impossible to mitigate. The peace and tranquility of the village cemetery will be shattered and there will be a significant impact on Sir John Moore school in Appleby.

Also, both Appleby and Measham will be ‘islanded’ between the A42 and HS2. Furthermore, it is estimated that hundreds of jobs in local businesses will be put at risk.

ANDREW BRIDGEN The public meeting unanimously voted to form an action group to fight HS2, and in doing so, united four villages, Measham, Packington, Appleby Magna and Austrey in common cause. There was a very strong sense of unity in the meeting and a determination not to let HS2 divide communities – a stance which I fully support.

The first meeting of the action group will take place at Measham Leisure Centre at 7pm on Wednesday, 4th January 2017.

HS2 Ltd. are organizing their own public information event, at Best Western Appleby Park Hotel, Ashby Suite, Atherstone Road, Appleby Magna DE12 7AP on 18th January 2017 between 12 noon and 8pm. I asked them why this isn’t being held in Measham - apparently there isn’t a venue big enough in Measham for all the people they expect to turn up.

The other date to note is 9th March 2017, the deadline for the consultations on the route, which can be found here www.gov. uk/government/consultations/ hs2-crewe-to-manchesterwest-midlands-to-leeds-routerefinement-consultation-2016 Householders on the new Nursery Fields estate off Atherstone Road have so far not received any official notification from HS2.

Given that they live in some of the closest properties to the proposed route, this is just not acceptable and I have asked if the consultation can be extended for these people.

Five Lanes End Junction Leicestershire County Council Highways have informed me that the police support a reduction in the speed limit to 50mph at Five Lanes End junction and the connecting main roads. Highways are also in favour of rumble strips on the Ashby Road approaches to the junction, as per a petition I submitted earlier this year.

Barring any serious objections, I will be pressing for these safety improvements to be carried out as soon as possible

This week saw the publication of the final preferred route for phase 2 of the HS2 project which affects this district. As many of you will know, I have been against the HS2 project since the outset believing it to be a white elephant and a bad use of public money. The original route that was proposed 3 years ago would have seen HS2 go through the Plastic Omnium factory in Measham, through the proposed Measham Wharf development then onto the M42 meaning it would have to be realigned and rebuilt and further north under East Midlands Airport through a tunnel whilst seeing the demolition of hotels in Appleby Magna and near Castle Donington This would have resulted in the loss of around 1000 jobs at factories and hotels which would have had to have been demolished, the loss of a significant regeneration project in Measham and any chance of restoring the Ashby canal, months if not years of disruption on the M42 as it was rebuilt and a possible half billion bill by tunnelling under the airport.

Although I was opposed to the project, I felt it my duty to bring the HS2 Minister to the constituency to look of the implications of the route and try to arrive at a better solution for my constituency and the taxpayer.

The route published this week now includes all of my suggested alterations and moves east of Measham meaning the Plastic Omnium factory will not have to relocate saving hundreds of jobs, the Measham Wharf development can now go ahead, the M42 will remain as it is and the line will not have to tunnel under the airport.

Cost and compensation savings I believe will save the Country around £800 million compared to the original proposals.

I do however recognise that the route will now impact on other constituents and my pledge to them is to continue to vote against the project going ahead at all, and if it does to fight for swift and generous compensation for those affected. I myself was forced to sell my property which was on the route of HS2 for more than 10% less than I paid for it so I am anxious that my constituents get a much better deal. Contrary to some rumours, the factory where my family business is based was unaffected by the original route.

In conclusion, I remain opposed to the scheme as it offers little benefit to Leicestershire, especially with a station at Toton rather than East Midlands Parkway. East Midlands Parkway could link into the Airport, the M1, A50, M42 and A453 and is a far more logical location than Toton.

I believe if it does go ahead, the new route will be better overall for the district but I do recognise that it does now affect a new set of properties and it is my pledge to fight for your swift and fair compensation.

This month marked the anniversary of the tragic death of Kayleigh Haywood. Her killer rightly got life imprisonment with a minimum 35 year term. Her story has subsequently been turned into a five minute film entitled ‘Kayleigh's Love Story’ which tells the story of the last 2 weeks of her life. The film produced by Leicestershire Police highlights how quick and easy it is to be groomed online has been shown to thousands of school children since its release in July and has won national awards. This has been a really positive initiative

by Leicestershire Police and will hopefully go some way in ensuring a tragedy like this does not occur again.

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Clare is a founding director of Moving Made Cheaper and gained her level 3 qualifications in residential sales and lettings, allowing her and the company to become members of both NAEA and ARLA. Clare was born, and continues to live, in Loughborough and so has a wonderful knowledge of the town and surrounding areas.

Following a customer focused career with an airline, Stef joined our team in 2013 to start a new career in estate agency. Stef has always lived in Shepshed and so has a great working knowledge of it and the surrounding area. She has completed her NVQ Level 3 in Sale of Residential Property and enjoys reviewing our properties, maintaining the contact and support with vendors, and undertaking viewings and property inspections.

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Olivia joined Moving Made Cheaper in 2015 to pursue her interest in property and lettings.

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