August 2018 - Ashby & Measham Community Eye

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DELIVERED MONTHLY, FREE TO 7,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES

MOUNTAIN MARATHON CHALLENGE

AUGUST 2018

SAVE OUR BATH GROUNDS CAMPAIGN

Online Petition Is Launched

House Builder Barratt Homes Will Be Competing The Challenge

FREE 'EVERYONE IN HARMONY' AND "TIME TO SING" COURSE

Come And Join Heart Of England Chorus At Birstall Social Club

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S W I T H L A N D C H U R C H M E N ’ S C L U B 4 2 n d A NN U A L

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R E W O FL aanndd BLE A T E 018 VEG Show 2 Saturday, September 8th at The Griffin Inn & Swithland School FUN F O R A LL T H E FA M I LY. . .

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The fun starts at 12.30pm Show Opened by Jeff Harrison at 1.45pm

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The Final Edition Of Ashby & Measham Community Eye Dear readers, It is with great regret that you are reading the final edition of this magazine. Due to decline in advertising sales and rising print costs, we have taken the unlikely decision to stop publishing this magazine. This has been a very hard decision for us to take, but in order for our business to continue we need to save costs where possible. We would like to thank our readers, contributors and advertisers over the past 6 years for supporting this magazine.

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Saint Laurence Church, Measham will be offering free exhibitions and guided tours during the Heritage Open Days this September. Although the church is open for visitors every day, from Thursday 6th until Sunday 9th there will be much more to see and do. There will be displays outlining our proposed restoration project, with an application pending to the Heritage Lottery Fund, stories behind some of the stunning stained glass windows and, on Saturday 8th guided tours will be offered at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Opening times: 10am to 4pm.

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‘Supporting Another’s Success Won’t Ever Dampen Yours’ (Author Unknown) If you already are or aspire to be a writer - whether

published or not, you will almost certainly benefit from belonging to a supportive writer’s group.

Writers who meet regularly can share information, advice and ideas to benefit each other. We all need motivation and inspiration at times and the opportunity to spend time with others who know the joys and struggles of writing comes highly recommended.

If you like the sound of this and want to see if a writer’s group could work for you then come along to our first meeting.

It will be at The Birch Tree, Bardon Hill, LE67 1TD on Tuesday 4th September starting at 7pm. We have a private room booked.

If you want to chat first or ask questions please get in touch with me, Fliss Middleton or just turn up on the night. flissm52@yahoo.com or 07812160220.

Extended Hours Service From 1st October 2018 we will cease to provide the above service. Please be assured that the appointments offered as part of this service will not be lost as they will be rescheduled into the core hours of the day between 08:00 and 18:00.

We realise that for some who used this service between 07:30 and 08:00 Monday to Friday and the late surgery on a Wednesday evening between 18:00 and 20:00, it may cause some inconvenience and for this we apologise.

Currently NHS England CCG’s are looking at providing a new Extended Hours Service for patients across the regions as from 1st October 2018; we will be able to update our website www. castlemedicalgroup.co.uk on this as the program develops and we receive more information.

Recruitment and New Staff We are currently recruiting for a new Practice Business Manager and hope to have someone in position soon.

We have successfully recruited a Receptionist and a Practice Nurse. Dr Sood who is returning back to General Practice will be joining us this month. We also welcome back two of our Registrars, Dr Garg and Dr Khan who will be with us for a year along with Dr Agel and Dr Phillips will also be with us until December/April 2009.

Like us on Facebook or visit our website at www. castlemedicalgroup.co.uk

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Measham Community Library Opening Hours: Tuesday 10-7pm Thursday 10-1pm Friday 10-5pm Saturday 10-1pm

PHOTO: ACC Jason Masters and Ashby Mayor, Roger Bayliss, at the opening of the new exhibition.

Amenities: • Tea, coffee, biscuits & cold drinks.

• Use of computers • Rooms to hire at reasonable rates.

Ashby Museum News

We are always looking for volunteers, so come to the library or contact us via details below.

Our summer exhibition, Policing Ashby, was opened on Wednesday 1st August by Assistant Chief Constable Jason Masters of Leicestershire Police.

The exhibition highlights some developments in the policing of Ashby from the Parish Constable with his stocks and pillory to today’s Neighbourhood Policing Team. It aims to entertain: pictures of olden-days moustachioed policemen, inform: the famous Ferrers murder case and some lesser known incidents such as the 1865 election riot and draw out some comparisons between then and now.

The planning and preparation of this exhibition has been helped by the co-operation of Leicestershire Police and, to bring things right up to date, our local Beat Constable PC Mark Arjoo agreed to come into the museum on August 9th to answer visitors’ questions and queries.

This riveting exhibition which includes a wide range of artefacts and images, some from our own archive and some loaned by Leicestershire Police, has already attracted many visitors and met with a hugely positive response.

The exhibition runs until September 30th.

The Museum is delighted to have been commissioned by Ashby Town Council to prepare three information sheets to be converted into free-standing display panels for the Loudoun Monument in Bath Street, Ashby Cemetery and Hood Park. They will be similar to those on the Bath Grounds. This is another example of the Museum being actively involved in promoting the town's rich heritage for both its own inhabitants and for visitors.

We are still looking for Volunteers to help with Reception duties and archiving. The former role only needs a commitment of two hours once a fortnight. Please do come in to see us (best times Monday or Wednesday mornings) for further information. Can we formally congratulate one of our trustees, Carol Walton, on her superb display on Leicestershire Police. Much hard work went into preparing the displays and linking up with the police over the last few months.

Mondays: Tai Chi 7pm-8.30pm PHOTO: Charity cyclist Kaye Gillanders (centre) with Lynne Showell (left) and Ann Bennett (right) from Supporting Confidence Through Exercise and Mark Neate of Ashfield Healthcare. Photo Credit Alistair Langham/The Studio 17.

Kaye’s Bike Ride Drums Up Support For Charity A sponsored bike ride on one of the hottest days of the year saw an Ashby woman raise £250 for a charity which helps breast cancer survivors get back to fitness.

Kaye Gillanders took part in the Cycle Live Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride, cycling 50 miles in sweltering temperatures on Saturday, June 23.

The 54-year-old, who is secretary and treasurer of Ashby African Drummers, donated the money to Supporting Confidence Through Exercise.

The north west Leicestershire-based charity runs In the Pink, a free eightweek rehabilitation programme open to patients who have undergone treatment for breast cancer.

Kaye said: “The ride was very tough – it was hot and there were more hills than I’d realised. But knowing that I was doing it for a good cause kept me motivated and helped me keep going. I heard about In the Pink when they asked if the African drumming group would do a workshop for them – drumming is good fun and uses muscle groups that help with flexibility after breast cancer. I went along and met a former work colleague who had been through treatment. Talking to her touched my heart - and she really threw herself into the drumming - so I wanted to put something back into the charity.”

Kaye, a receptionist for Ashfield Healthcare in Ashby, was delighted when the company offered to sponsor her to take part in the event through its Ashfield Cares fundraising team.

Her efforts are even more remarkable as she was diagnosed with arthritis a few years ago, and started cycling to help her manage the pain. She also had foot surgery last year and has only been able to walk properly in the last six months.

“My friend Dave, who joined me on this ride, has already started talking about doing the Coast to Coast bike ride next year. I’m saying a definite ‘no!’ at the moment but never say never!”

Lynne Showell, chair of SCTE, said: “We are really grateful for Kaye’s efforts – especially as she has had her own health problems – and to her employer, Ashfield Healthcare. The money she has raised will help us continue to offer In the Pink free of charge, and to make sure more survivors of breast cancer regain their fitness after treatment and start to live their lives fully again.”

Tuesdays: Knit-n-Stitch 10.30am Yoga 7.30pm-9pm Wednesdays: Stroke and Disability group 1pm-3pm Thursdays: Walking group meet outside at 10.30am Fridays: Rhymetime and Tales 10.3011.30am for 0-4yrs Monthly meeting of the Book Club - contact the library for details.

Don’t forget!!

Summer Reading Challenge: “Mischief Makers” Started: 7th July – 8th Sept.

It’s not too late to join!

We are holding a Photographic competition for children!

Photos to be taken in the National Forest during the summer.

The winning entries will be included in the Ashby Camera Club exhibition.

Entry forms and competition rules available from the library.

We are happy to accept book donations.

Rooms available for hire at reasonable rates.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter www.MeashamLibrary.org.uk Contact Email: meashamcomlibrary@gmail.com Tel: 01163053709 Registered Charity no 1167493

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• Stamps We can also paint your own tired • Watches furniture. Please ask for more details.

• Silver & Silver Plate • All interesting antiques, collectables & furniture.

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Free valuations everyday - Over 40 years experience 50 High Street, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3EE Find us on facebook - Open everyday inc bank holidays 10.00am - 4.00pm home visits available

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Public car park to rear of shop Free parking from 3pm everyday and all day Sunday

Variable opening hours please call to enquire

www.clockrepairsleicestershire.co.uk

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Flyposting Warning After Business Owner Fined £150

Ashby Civic Society Programme Of Events 2018

Venture Jazz Club

Monthly Meetings - 7.30pm, 2nd Tuesdays St.Helen’s Heritage Centre, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1AA

People are being warned they could be fined up to £150 for putting posters and banners up on lampposts, railings and other street furniture in North West Leicestershire.

Call Susanne 01530 415654 or Margaret 01530 412410 for more details Just Google – ‘Ashby Civic Society’

The Venture Jazz Club presents for the first time Pete Allen internationally known sax/clarinet player and his happy style of jazz.

The warning comes after North West Leicestershire District Council’s (NWLDC) Enforcement Officers issued a fixed penalty notice for £150 to a company that ignored warnings and continued to advertise illegally on street furniture.

Officers have taken down more than 100 illegal advertising signs that were attached to road signs and lampposts in the last two months alone.

Flyposting is the act of attaching advertising posters, stickers, signs and flyers on street furniture without the permission of the property owner.

Why is flyposting illegal?

• The posters look terrible once they start to rot in poor weather • They give a business an unfair advantage over others that don’t illegally flypost • They can look messy and untidy and damage people’s perception of an area • Flyposting by the roadside can distract drivers or obscure important road signage • People often don’t take down their advertisement after it expires.

Anyone caught flyposting can be handed a fixed penalty of £150 or prosecuted in court.

Examples of flyposting vary but include: • Advertising jumble sales • Business adverts • Adverts for social and musical events Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said “Flyposting is an offence that might seem harmless, but if allowed to happen unchecked it results in towns and villages covered in posters which make them look untidy and unwelcoming. We don’t want to fine people but we are concerned that many people don’t even realise they are committing an offence when they flypost. Please take pride in our communities and look after them by advertising through legitimate channels and not flyposting.”

For more information on flyposting or to report an incident go to www.nwleics.gov.uk

Why not join us for just £10year?

Members free Visitors always welcome Unusual Speakers and local visits.

Hear latest local Planning news.

Receive newsletters by email with information on local Planning news and our events.

11 Sept Flying Bats: Kevin Reynolds Amazing illustrated talk with superb close up images and live video.

Pete Allen's Hot Five Band 8.00pm on Saturday 15th September at The Venture Theatre, North Street, Ashby.

Tickets £10 from Ashby TIC Tel 01530 411767 or Ken Ward 01530 589268.

12 Mar History of Melbourne: Philip Heath reveals little known fiction & facts on this beautiful village.

9 Apr Ecclesbourne Valley Railway: Eric Boultby’s enthusiastic talk guides us on an exciting illustrated journey.

14 May Short AGM & Green spaces The importance of retaining our local Green spaces and parks.

11 June Afternoon visit. Must book.

Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Full details from Susanne Car share often available.

9 July Afternoon visit. Must book.

Lord Byron’s Newstead Abbey NG15 8NA Full details from Susanne. Car share often available.

9 Oct Palitoy History: Bob Brechin Down memory lane with the history of these famous Coalville toys.

13 Nov Ashby Cemetary: Jack Fargher Fascinating research on the history of our town’s burial ground.

11 Dec Members Xmas Party: Book early Most popular event of the year.

Unusual, fun entertainer and a great selection of food & drinks.

8 Jan Medieval Mining at Lount: The life and times of this ancient occupation told by Stuart Warburton.

12 Feb River Mease: Andrew Heston One of our most important local rivers bought to life with amazing photos.

Coalville & District Disabled And Over 50's Angling Club Fixtures Date Venue Lake 27th September Thorpe Constantine Roadside 4th October

Brians (Last match) All

All welcome. Draw at 8.15am to 8.30am. Fish 9.30am to 3.00pm. Fishery rules apply. 2 or 3 keepnets at most venues

Contact any of these to book on. These will help with all questions about venues.

Measham Museum The Brass Flag Top “The Brass Flag Top that bears the words “Blood and Fire” was the emblem for the top of the local Salvation Army Corps Flag, with its central yellow star on a red background surrounded by a blue border, The three colours signify (1) The blood of Jesus Christ, (2) The fire of the Holy Ghost and (3) The purity of the Holy Spirit.

My Uncle Percy Panting was the corps Colour Sgt and proudly carried the flag to all open air meetings, This was during the late 1920’s and the early 1930’s, The corps closed around the early 1930’s.

The original flag was stored in my parent’s home but the cloth of the flag eventually fell to pieces, The Salvation Army in Measham held their meetings in the old black wooden hut near the top of Leicester road and often carried the Salvation Army message into the surrounding villages, Maybe they were just few in number but I am sure that the Faithfull witness of those sincere Salvation Army Soldiers was a source of inspiration to many.”

Phil Bancroft

07505462898

Written by Jim Panting

Rob Grewcock

07792080868

Stuart Perkins Measham Museum 01530 271724 www.meashammuseum.btck.co.uk

Derek Marlowe 07902938885 Andy Wheelhouse 07834856177

Gary Humpfreys 07933233605

New Roof Offers Opportunity For Ashby Wine And Cocktail Bars Two busy bars in Ashby will now cater for more customers than ever before thanks to a new courtyard roof funded in part by a grant from North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

The Wine Bar and The Cocktail Bar are two venues that share an outdoor courtyard in Rushtons Yard, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Both have previously had to contend with the traditional English weather which significantly reduced capacity or soaked guests already outside.

This issue is now a thing of the past thanks to a new retractable roof that covers the entire courtyard during poor weather. It has been made possible by a £6,000 Enterprising Town Centres grant from NWLDC, which added to investment made by the owners.

The grant scheme was set up to support the growth of town centre businesses, to encourage new businesses to occupy vacant properties and to enhance the unique character and identity of our town centres.

It made between £500 and £25,000 available to small independent businesses within our town centres of Ashby, Castle Donington, Coalville, Ibstock, Kegworth and Measham Kate Zamani, owner of both The Wine Bar and The Cocktail Bar, said: “This grant will allow us to increase sales of food and drink, expand as a business and employ more staff. It’s great for our customers too who have more space to enjoy and the cover of the retractable roof if the weather is bad. Without the support of the district council’s grant and the Business Focus team this would not have been possible and we’re very grateful. I think it’s really important local businesses are supported in this way for the good of our town centres.”

Ward Member for Ashby Castle, Councillor John Coxon, said: “I welcome the investment made by the Zamanis, supported by a significant grant contribution from district council through the Enterprising Town Centres scheme. The outdoor canopy is a fantastic addition to an independent business at the heart of Ashby town centre. It’s very pleasing to see the evolution of a local business and the way in which this has received financial backing from the district council."

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business at NWLDC, said: “The Enterprising Town Centres scheme has now seen 15 businesses receive a combined total of over £80,000 from the district council. It is so important we encourage our town centres to grow and thrive, and I’m pleased the grants are helping to make this happen.”

The district council is interested in hearing from businesses that are seeking financial support. For more information contact Business Focus on 01530 454609.

Say Hello Heritage This September As Venues Open Their Doors For Free A fortnight of free open days, tours, walks and events will take place at historic heritage locations in the heart of the National Forest next month.

Between Saturday 1st September and Sunday 16th September, Hello Heritage will return for its second year in North West Leicestershire, this time having expanded into South Derbyshire too, increasing the number of participating venues.

More than 35 sites brimming with history, heritage and culture will be open for the public to enjoy with a wide range of offerings including guided tours, music, exhibitions, walks and talks.

Organised by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) with the support of South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) and all of the participating locations, venues and groups, the fortnight of heritage fun has something for everyone.

A full brochure detailing all the available free activities and events can be found at www.nwleics.gov.uk/helloheritage A small snapshot of just a few of Hello Heritage’s offerings include:

• Follow in the footsteps of Robert Stephenson at the Swannington Incline • Explore two engine house complexes, miners’ cottages and an 18th century haystack boiler at the Califat coal mine

• Take an all access tour of Coalville’s Century Theatre • Join Coleorton Heritage Group and learn about the village during a two-hour stroll

• Explore Swannington’s 200-year-old Hough Mill • Visit the Fifty Fantastic Females exhibition in Coalville • Learn about the civil war and Bonnie Prince Charlie, at a Swarkestone history walk

• Discover St Wilfrid’s Church in Barrow upon Trent, a hidden gem with Anglo Saxon origins

• Join Dot Morson on a talk through time to learn how Swadlincote has evolved from pits and pots to parks and woods.

In signing up to take part in Hello Heritage, the Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds said: “Ashby Bath Grounds is the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the historic market town of Ashby de la Zouch. Steeped in history, the Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds will be welcoming visitors for a guided tour along the heritage footpath and the newly established wildlife walk.”

Richard Knox, Heritage Development Manager at the 1620s House and Garden in Donington le Heath, said: “The 1620s site is a very special place to visit and we’re looking forward to taking part in Hello Heritage. The house is over 700 years old and is steeped in the history of England from the Wars of the Rose to the Gunpowder Plot to the English Civil War.” For more information on the event please visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/ helloheritage or www.south-derbys.gov.uk/helloheritage

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‘Save Our Bath Grounds’ Campaign 2018 - Online Petition The Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds have launched their campaign to ‘Save our Bath Grounds’ once again from proposed development.

The Royal Hotel was closed in March this year with the owner claiming that the business was not viable.

Jeremy Birch, Chairman of the community group ‘Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds’, outlined the group’s objections to the proposed scheme. He pointed out that for almost 200 years Ashby’s Bath Grounds has been a beautiful landscaped green space providing recreational facilities for townsfolk and visitors alike. It has been the home of Ashby Hastings Cricket Club and Ashby Bowls Club for many years and is widely used for numerous events throughout the year including the Fake Festival, the Gusto Fair, Jims Tractor Run and this year the wonderful Sealed Knot Society, who did battle on the proposed area to be developed. The Bath Grounds is extremely popular with the public’.

‘Its importance to the town has been recognised by its inclusion as a protected “Local Green Space” within the town’s Neighbourhood Plan, which has recently undergone review by the Government Inspector. We understand that all the Town’s Councillors supported the plan’.

‘boutique hotel’, there is unlikely to be any legally enforceable obligation on the developer to complete the works. Even if there was, our Councillors have recent experience of this developer walking away from their legal obligations.

Many questions were raised by the public about the viability of the proposal to renovate the Royal Hotel as part of the project, and the reasons for destroying part of the towns heritage on the back of a ‘flimsy’ non-enforceable promise by the developer.

It was even suggested that if this so called ‘partnership of developers’ cannot produce a viable hotel/residential business on the Royal Hotel grounds and car park without sacrificing part of the Bath Grounds, they should be prepared to sell it to someone who could.

Of course, our local councillors may be tempted by the developers offer to gift the freehold of the remaining part of the Bath Grounds to the Town Council, should planning consent be granted. Well, the Friends and their supporters would like to remind our representatives that many Ashby residents are totally opposed to the proposal and would not forgive them if they were to succumb to such blatant opportunism.

‘The Bath Grounds forms part of Ashby’s ‘Green Corridor’ which provides important vistas to and from the Grade 2* listed Royal Hotel through to the historic Ashby Castle’.

The Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds are broadly supportive of sympathetic development on the car park and within the grounds of the Royal Hotel and are keen to see the hotel refurbished and reopened.

However, we do not believe that this should be at the expense of losing part of the Bath Grounds to development. It is our opinion that this is a blatant attempt to hold our Councillors to ransom.

The pre-application planning proposal, the ‘Royal Ashby Project’, was exhibited earlier this month by Calvert Communications, a company hired by the owner of the Royal Hotel to present yet another proposal to build on the land surrounding the Royal Hotel, which includes the building of five large, three storey family homes on the Bath Grounds.

We hope that the residents of Ashby, surrounding villages and our local representatives see through this attempt and encourage the developer to explore alternative means to complete the sympathetic developments on the hotel carpark and within the hotel grounds and to refurbish and reopen the hotel without sacrificing our historic Bath Grounds.

The exhibition proposal was met with fierce opposition from many Ashby residents, the Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds and the Ashby Civic Society. Many residents believe the owner of the Royal Hotel has blatantly run the grade 2* listed Royal Hotel to the ground over the last 8 years and has failed to make it viable in the town. This developer is now trying to use this as justification for building on the Bath Grounds and in effect holding the Town Council to ransom.

If you would like to support the Friends campaign to ‘Save our Bath Ground’s’ there is now an online petition on our website www. friendsbathgrounds.com. Please note there are also paper petitions circulating the local areas – please either sign the paper petition or the online petition, not both.

This proposal is essentially a re-run of the 2014 application for a similar scheme which was withdrawn following intense opposition from amongst others – Sports England, English Heritage, Environment Agency, Ashby Town Council and the residents of Ashby who delivered a 3000 signature petition against the scheme to the District Council at the time and the application was withdrawn.

Alarmingly, this new proposed application will not actually include the refurbishing and reopening of the Royal Hotel and, despite what will be a high-profile PR campaign selling the dream of a wonderfully refurbished

You can also support the campaign by signing up as a member via our webpage. Membership monies (£5 annual membership) will go a long way to fund printing costs and keep the campaigns momentum through this year.

Also visit, like and share our Facebook page and to get up to date information on the campaign. You can also link with us on Twitter to get live news.

If you would like to be more actively involved, then please contact us on bathgroundsfriends@gmail.com or telephone Clare Birch (Treasurer) on 07958 232291.

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104th Ashby Show

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Sunday 15th July saw the 104th Ashby Show take place at Cattows Farm in Heather and what a fabulous day it was! The long summer sun continued and brought in thousands of visitors through the entrance gate.

The grounds were full of gleaming farming equipment both old and new and cattle and sheep were preened to perfection in the livestock field.

The Imps Motorcycle Display Team wowed the crowd as they watched the young children show their discipline and skill with cross-overs, fire

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jumps and stunning pyramids. There many varied trade stands selling everything from lawnmowers to jewellery covering the show ground Lord Ralph Kerr, from Melbourne Hall, Show President for 2018 said, “Ashby Show provides a great opportunity for the farming community to communicate with the general public. Whilst it is essential to keep the emphasis on agriculture, this is a diverse show nowadays with entertainment and shopping to suit everybody’s tastes.”

Butchery demonstrations took place again outside the British Farm Produce marquee, with Mat Gothard and Brady Bowman showing how to butcher a side of local beef and lamb carcasses into various cuts and a sausage making demonstration which gave volunteers the chance to have a go.

The Giant Tortoises on the Village Green were very popular again giving visitors the chance to get up close to these amazing creatures. A modern machinery display and the Accumulator Show Jumping class provided extra main ring entertainment and away from the main ring, the Sheep Show proved hugely popular again as the Kiwi presenter provided tongue in cheek humour and had sizeable crowds in absolute awe and fits of giggles. Eight Horse of the Year Show qualifiers, further cemented the ever growing reputation of this prestigious local event.

As the Ashby Show evolves, it is growing into one of the best one day agricultural shows in the UK at present, and long may it continue.

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Ashby & Measham Community Clubs & Groups Age UK Measham - Hall in High St open 10.00am-12.00pm MondayFriday. Drop in for tea, coffee,toast or just come for a chat. Come with a friend or on your own and meet others. Very friendly. Monthly lunch also available. We would love to see you.

Ashby & Coalville Lions Club - Lynda 07735407637 - We are group of men and women who meet at The White Hart, Market Street, Ashby on the 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm. There is also a social meeting towards the end of every month, when we meet together as friends. We raise funds through various events, and support a variety of charitable causes. Our biggest annual event takes place on a Monday morning in September, when we invite about 600 children from Special Schools to the Ashby Statutes Fair. If you are interested in helping your community, why not get in touch or come along to find out what we get up to?

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 2.00pm-4.00pm. Meetings involve speakers, meal sout,and general chat.

Ashby African Drummers - Kaye Gillanders 07772281699 ashbydrummers@googlemail.com - Check us out on Facebook. We are a community based group and meet once a fortnight on a Wednesday from 7.30pm-9.30pm, at Moira Furnace, Furnace Lane, Moira, 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.

Ashby Allotments Association - www.ashbyallotments.org.uk - Visit our website for more details.

Ashby Art Club - 01530 412116 - www.ashbyartclub.org - We meet on Monday evenings at 7.00pm. Smisby Village Hall, Main Street, Smisby, LE65 2TY. Ashby Big Band - David 01530 458706 - 07886194993 ashbybigband@aol.com - www.ashbybigband.com Ashby Bowls Club - info@ashbybowlsclub.co.uk - www. ashbybowlsclub.co.uk - The Green, Bath Grounds, Ashby, LE65 1BJ. Ashby Bridge Club - Ann 01530 458110 - www.bridgewebs.com/ ashby - Held at Hood Park Leisure centre every week Monday and Thursday evenings, Wednesday afternoons (all duplicate), Friday mornings social bridge. Aimed at all levels of bridge player. Friendly and welcoming.

Ashby Chess Club - Neil Roberts 01530 455957 - 07804743471 - njhammer@ntlworld.com - Chess club open to adults and juniors.

Juniors start at 6.15pm and Adults start at 7.15pm. Meets every Thursday at Ivanhoe Social Club, Wilfrid Place, off Bath Street, Ashby, LE65 2GW. Ashby Civic Society - Margaret Mabey 01530 412410 - kenward. ashby@gmail.com - We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm at Heritage Centre, St. Helens Church, South Street, Ashby, LE65 1AA. Ashby Croquet Club - Rupert 01530 272833 - www. ashbycroquetclub.org.uk - The New Season starts on Sunday 26th March on our 3 lawns situated at Moira Miners Welfare DE12 6BP (opposite Conkers Waterside). We play on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Please phone or visit the website if you want more details. New players always welcome.

Ashby De La Zouch Hastings Rotary Club - We are a Rotary Club whose members meet every Thursday evening to enjoy friendship and banter, whilst also helping those less fortunate than ourselves in our local, national and international communities.

Ashby Meditation - Irene 01530414290 - www.tarakmc.org - Come and join us at our weekly Buddhist meditations and talks offering practical advice to help with our daily lives, after the summer break classes restart on Thursday 6th September 7.30pm in Legion House,

South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ. No need to book. Seating on chairs.

Ashby Tennis Club - Chris Hawkins - 07801312389 - www.acltc.co.uk Ashby Tennis Club in South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ. Our members play all year round. Turn up and play, groups and coaching for all ages and abilities. New members always welcome.

Ashby U3A - Anne Donegan 01283 760348 - secretary@ashbyu3a. co.uk - Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby, LE65 2FQ. Ashby Writers’ Club - David Bell 01530 413371 - Ashby Writers’ Club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby St, Ashby, LE65 2FQ. Membership: £10 per annum. Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes coffee or tea).

First Rate Music Theatre Company - Ruth Hamm - 07981548634 firstratemusictheatre@gmail.com - We are an established, independent Music Theatre Company, meeting every Wednesday evening at an award winning venue in Measham. £7.50 per week. Anyone aged between 7 and 30 years old is welcome to join us. Enthusiasm and love of music theatre is required.

Measham Bowls Club - Denise Davidson 07742777461 - denise_ davidson1@sky.com - High Street, Measham, Swadlincote, DE12 7HR Measham Karate Club - 07761131043 - meashamkarateclub@gmail. com - www.meashamkarateclub.co.uk Measham Museum & History Group - Stuart Perkins - 01530 271724 - Admission £1. Opening hours, Tuesdays 10am-12pm, 2pm-4pm, Thursday 2pm-4pm, Saturdays 10am-12pm. Children admitted FREE when accompanied by adult and by special request in advance for parties. Off Mannings Terrace, High Street, Measham, DE12 7HU. Measham Townswomen’s Guild - The Guild usually meet every second Monday in the month at 7.00pm at Age Concern, High Street, Measham. In September the members will be enjoying their annual Harvest Supper. The next open meeting will be on Monday 8th October when guests are invited to come along and join in the friendship and fun of the Guild.

Measham Welfare Football Club - Paul - 07584045318 - enquires@ meashamwelfarefc.com - www.meashamwelfarefc.com - Or follow us on Facebook. We are a FA Charter Club located at Measham Leisure Centre. Our aim is to offer boys and Girls of all ages and abilities, Long-term Football player development, in a safe and secure learning environment, with fun being at the forefront to everything we do. The club also runs to adult teams that play in the Leicestershire league. Our open training sessions are: Girls Only Tuesday 5.00pm-7.00pm. Mixed Tuesday 6.00pm-7.00pm (9 to 12 years). Mixed Friday 5pm to 6pm (5 to 8 years).

National Forest Taekwon-do - 07795 276302 - www. nationalforesttaekwondo.co.uk - Clubs in Netherseal and Measham Table Tennis - Sue 01530 587919 - Local club invites new members, 50 years plus, for Monday session 2.00pm-4.00pm at Swannington Village Hall commencing May. Cost £2.00 per session.

The Ashby Probus Club - Clive Caulfield 01530 416197. 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.

The Trinity Badminton Club - 07801700664 - 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 7.30pm9.00pm. We play from January to May then September to December.

New members always welcome.

Venture Theatre - Ken Ward 01530 589268 - www. ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk - The Theatre is open on Monday evenings from 8.00pm for anyone interested in joining or having a look round, everyone welcome. North Street, Ashby, LE65 1HS. For ticket sales please call Ashby Tourist Office on 01530 411767.

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Visit By Author Inspires Pupils Gary Toward, author of the historical crime novel set in WW1, The Magpie, visited Ivanhoe College on Monday 25th June. His presentation took pupils on a journey through time, incorporating the history of the period his book is set in and then inspired pupils to stretch themselves with their own writing. Gary said, “Writing and reading are key skills in life and I want to inspire youngsters to become the best writers they can be.

While I wrote this book for adults, I deliberately made it fit the key stage three curriculum for English and History as I both wanted youngsters to not forget the struggles of the period, but also to enjoy reading a fiction.”

Ivanhoe Student Council Tesco Bag Pack At the beginning of the year the Student Council decided that they would like to increase the seating outside, to create a relaxed area to share time with friends in a pro-social way. The area will also allow space for outdoor learning. After doing lots of research they realised they needed to raise upwards of £6,000, and so they came up with a range of events, including non-uniform days, raffles, bake sales and more to raise the money. In addition, the work of the Student Council attracted the attention of the Thomas Harley’s Charities Educational Grant, who offered to match fund their efforts up to a total of £3,360.

On Saturday June 23rd Ivanhoe Student Council undertook the final event of their fundraising year, a fundraising bag pack at Tesco Ashby.

We were welcomed by the wonderful Nicola, who is Community Champion for Tescos. She arranged the students a spot at the front of the store for their table top display, so they could chat to customers about their fundraising. We then had a rota of students and staff working on the checkouts packing bags from 9am -3pm.

Staff were overwhelmed at the positive comments they received from members of the public who went out of their way out of their way to compliment the students on their; manners, their engagement with customers and their efficiency. It was also lovely to speak with so many people who had been involved in Ivanhoe through its’ many years at the heart of the community.

The Ashby community were so generous in their donations that the students bought back £841 to add to their pot.

This bought their fundraising efforts to an amazing £3,714.53!!! So complete with the match funding they have £7,074 to spend on the outdoor area, and work will begin as soon as possible.

Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated to the appeal so far. A particular mention to Tesco Ashby for their support, and thank you to Ashfield Healthcare and Babes to Tots for their donations and Mrs Kilby for your generous gift, this will make a huge difference to our students for many years to come.

The Magpie is set accurately in the period of WW1 and Gary explained to the pupils how he developed his main character based on his own experiences as a child in a mining family, and how they can use their own knowledge and experiences to make their writing be more realistic. The Magpie begins in the north east and ends in the hell of the trenches, so Gary was able to illustrate with pictures and artefacts how research helps to increase your knowledge and allow your writing help the reader to see, hear, feel, taste and understand the story. Katy Clemons, English subject leader said, “It was great that our students got to meet an author and to take inspiration from him that writing and reading are super important tools for life and that History is an exciting subject. We were so privileged to have an author give up his time to help promote and enthuse a love of reading and provide helpful tips on writing fiction. The students particularly loved hearing about the author's background and how he got into writing and, learning about WW1. We are delighted to hear that Gary is happy to return each year to provide further presentations and workshops to meet the needs of the school and students. Not everyone will become a writer or historian, but these are skills that everyone needs, no matter what jobs they do in the future.”

Gary, a retired secondary head teacher, is offering these visits free to schools and visited schools across the UK. He said, “Sometimes it really helps to have a visitor say the same things as the teachers. My presentation is a little different and as I can show the kids that I came from a poor background and through hard work was able to achieve some dreams. That can only help.”

Some of the Year 8 pupils taking part in the presentation were clearly inspired and said, “I learnt so much from Gary’s talk, it was so interesting hear more about WWI. I’ve already read the first page of the book and can’t wait to carry on reading.’’ - Angel “I bought a copy of the book from Gary, at break time in the library, we learnt so much about the author that it made it more special to get it signed” – Natalie “I loved the artefacts and that we got to hold them and examine them.

My favourite was the grenade, I’ve always wanted to see one in real life.”

- Kaitlyn Gary’s book is published by Austin Macauley and is available as a paperback or e-book online and from good book shops.

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Barratt Homes Will Be Competing In The Mountain Marathon Challenge On September 21st 2018, teams from the UK’s biggest housebuilders will be competing in the Mountain Marathon challenge, climbing the epic Mount Snowdon in Wales, raising money for the Youth Adventure trust, a terrific cause.

Teams will be facing the elements, challenged with a 26-mile hike over 2 days, with day 1 being 14 miles and day 2, 12 miles. Both days will be a 5am start!

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Free 'Everyone In Harmony' And “Time To Sing“ Course Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s Learn to sing course in February and October we are holding another course from Monday 3rd September through to November. This one will be open to both men and women, boys and girls as part of our 44 year celebration

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Member Of Parliament

County Councillor

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

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

Andrew Bridgen

Since my last column, you may have seen my comments in the media regarding the so called “Chequers proposal” and our negotiating position with the EU. In short, I felt it to be a capitulation and nothing short of a betrayal of the 17.4 million people who voted to leave the EU. So strong are my feelings that I have handed in a letter of no confidence in the Prime Minster.

The proposed deal is a huge mistake. What Theresa May unveiled after Chequers appears little short of a punishment Brexit, designed by the EU to dissuade any other country from leaving the bloc.

With no incentive to offer non-EU countries free trade deals when we leave, through mutual recognition of standards, the UK will forever remain a captive market for overpriced EU goods. It means going through the pretence of leaving but, becoming a non-voting associate member, effectively a vassal state.

We would still be locked into the EU’s suffocating embrace via this ‘common rule book’ while the dead hand of the European Court of Justice will remain lurking in the background.

The EU have been making much of the Irish border in their attempts to delay progress in the negotiation. I believe it is ridiculous of the European Union to suggest a solution where they have effectively annexed a part of the United Kingdom away from the mainland.

Can you imagine if we said our solution to the Irish border, a “problem” which actually doesn’t exist, would be for the Republic of Ireland to leave the European Union and be with us – whether they wanted to or not? I mean, this is how ridiculous the EU’s solution is for Northern Ireland.

It isn’t actually a problem and the senior customs officers in the Republic and in Northern Ireland had already said before this became a political football that the solution could be solved easily with existing technology with is already in place.

In contrast, we should call Brussels’ bluff and, if necessary, leave without a formal deal. A so-called ‘no deal’ scenario may sound scary but ‘no deal’ does not actually mean no deal. It simply means the UK would trade on WTO terms which we use already to trade with most of the world. There is no cliff edge. Planes will fly despite the ludicrous statements made by the Irish Prime Minister acting as a puppet for Brussels .Lorries will move through ports the day after we leave just as they did the day before. We will carry on trading and travelling, investing and being tourists in each other’s countries, as we do today in numerous non EU countries.

We would not be obliged to pay the £39 billion divorce Bill and the EU will find that people, companies and global rules will work just fine. The EU sells far more to us than we buy from them and exporters to the UK will make sure they can still sell to us as they sell to other countries not in the EU. There is nothing disorderly about the way EU states trade with non EU states.

All of this should not be necessary if the EU take a proactive and positive approach to negotiations instead of acting like some sort of mafia organisations determined to punish those who seek to disobey or dissent. We are a great nation with huge global advantages and a strong economy. The very idea that we cannot survive outside a bureaucratic unelected corrupt organisation is extraordinary and I will be doing all I can to see that Brexit does mean the Brexit the British people voted for.

Sean Sheahan

Junction 11 Planning Application A planning application for a large industrial site near junction 11 of the M42 at Appleby has been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council. This promises to create numerous job opportunities and other potential benefits for Measham residents, but as with all large-scale developments, there are significant environmental and planning issues to weigh in the balance.

The industrial units, mostly warehouses, will generate lots of extra traffic, both lorries and cars. Junction improvements and new bus services should bring some relief to local roads, but it’s most likely that already busy routes like the M42/A42 and the A444 will become even more congested.

The planning issues are interesting. At the other end of the District, the Roxhill site, which is under construction near Kegworth, should provide all the large industrial units that are needed in North West Leicestershire for many years to come. The Local Plan recognizes this but also, rather obligingly, leaves the door open for other such proposals.

For further reading on this, check out the Local Plan on the District Council website, paragraph 5.5 and policy Ec2. Whilst you’re there, note the developer’s Planning Support Statement paragraph 5.22 which quotes paragraph 5.5 of the Local Plan but cheekily omits the reference to Roxhill.

As a Measham Councillor, I’m inclined to support the proposal because of the potential new jobs. Still, I recognise there are issues to be resolved on environmental impact and I predict the debate around planning policy will be quite extensive.

HS2, Latest News HS2 organised the latest in a series of public meetings in Measham last month. It was well attended and there were numerous documents and maps to read or take away. A leaflet had been delivered in advance of the meeting by the supporters of route 4. Designed as an alternative to the official route, route 4 has less of an impact on Measham and will enable regeneration projects like the canal restoration to progress.

HS2 Ltd. have said route 4 is technically feasible but have passed it on to the Government to decide what to do with it. At the time of the public meeting, HS2 were not in a position to talk about route 4, but they were no doubt listening to what people attending the event were saying about it.

Route 4 was very much in the forefront of discussion at a meeting organized by the District Council this month, one of a series that have taken place to look at how to mitigate the impact of HS2 on local communities. Because route 4 would move the line towards Oakthorpe, I have been working with Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe and Acresford Parish Council to ensure Oakthorpe residents have a chance to view and comment on the proposals.

The District Council have agreed to work with the Parish Council to facilitate a public meeting, which I trust will be arranged as soon as possible. In the meantime, a response is awaited from Government.

Hopefully they will realise the great extent to which the official HS2 route is detrimental to the regeneration of Measham and accept that they could and should do better.

Polling Station Review The District Council has been conducting a review of polling stations.

In Measham we have two polling stations, the Leisure Centre and the Village Hall. The Leisure Centre is a modern building with good access for disabled persons and is entirely suitable as a polling station.

The Village Hall is not as accessible, despite best efforts to make it so, and I have suggested the Church Hall as a more appropriate alternative. The Council’s election officers have made the necessary enquiries and are happy to recommend the Church Hall instead of the Village Hall as a polling station to Council next month. If Council agrees, the change will take effect from next May and will be notified on polling cards.

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