June 2017 - Ashby & Measham Community Eye

ASHBY & MEASHAM

COMMUNITY EYE

DELIVERED MONTHLY FREE TO 7000 HOMES & BUSINESSES

JUNE/JULY 2017

URGENT KITTEN FOOD APPEAL

ASHBY CIVIC SOCIETY

Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary

Latest News

SWITHLAND FLOWER AND VEGETABLE SHOW

EASTER EGG RAFFLE UPDATE Ashby & Coalville Lions Club

NEW EQUIPMENT WORTH £600 Helps Measham Be Prepared For Crisis

Saturday 9th September

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Castle Medical Group

FRONT COVER PHOTO BY:

Rob Walton © _________________________________________

Facts and Figures for May: • we dealt with 5204 calls; • we made 519 referrals; • we dealt with 1953 electronic prescriptions; • our average call waiting time was 1.33 minutes; and • had 283 missed appointments, which translates to 15 lost appointments a day.

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LEAFLET DELIVERY & PRINTING

New Equipment Worth £600 Helps Measham Be Prepared For Crisis The village of Measham is now well equipped for a crisis after taking advantage of a new scheme that encourages communities to prepare for unexpected emergencies.

Measham Parish Council has selected equipment worth £600, which will be stored for use in emergencies such as flooding and winter storms.

They were particularly eager to sign up for the scheme following flooding in North West Leicestershire last June.

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Repeat Prescriptions With the holiday season fast approaching please make sure you get your prescription requests in at least 48 hours before needed. If you are going on an extended holiday and need more than a month’s worth of medication (maximum of three months issued), please let the reception know at the time of ordering your repeat prescription or mark in the “comments” section if you order your repeat scripts online.

Other news Unfortunately Dr Pritesh Mistry has decided to leave us. He is going to a practice nearer to where he lives and we wish him every success in his future.

To be eligible for the funding, the parish council was required to create a Community Response Plan to outline key actions that will be undertaken in the event of an emergency incident.

Representatives of LLR Prepared, North West Leicestershire District Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police, and other local organisations gathered at the leisure centre this week as Measham Parish Council received their emergency store equipment.

Colin Maniford, of Measham Parish Council, said: “I want to say thank you to everyone for the funding and the training we have received. We hope we never have to use any of it, but we now have what we need should we be faced with an incident. As soon as we heard about the funding we grasped the opportunity, especially in light of the flooding last year. We are really proud to be the first village to obtain the funding.”

Website and Facebook You may not be aware that our website and Facebook pages are packed with useful information; such as when we are open, where to go if we are not open, what to do if your child is poorly, links to self-help referral forms, videos on how your manage your long term conditions, such as Diabetes, details about Community Support and Carer Groups. Like us on Facebook or visit our website at www.castlemedicalgroup.co.uk

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Julia Draycon, who leads LLR Prepared, said: “We launched this scheme in December and we’re really pleased to mark the delivery of the first emergency store in Measham. We hope that this equipment never has to be used, but should something happen the village is now well prepared for it.

Communities can find it daunting to start with a blank sheet for their response plans – but we can help with specialist advice, tools and templates.”

John Richardson, Head of Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “We think it is fantastic that Measham has a put Community Response Plan together, and as a council we are very supportive of what they have done. In the event of an emergency no-one responds quicker than the community itself, and the people of Measham now have the equipment that will help. We are proud to be part of LLR Prepared, and to be working with partners to support communities that want to be pro-active in preparing for serious incidents.”

Other communities that are interested in how they can benefit from a plan – and the kit that goes with it – should visit www.llrprepared.org.uk

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The Inner Wheel Club Of Ashby De La Zouch Women Who Give Service Whilst Enjoying Friendship What is Inner Wheel?

Inner Wheel is one of the largest women’s service organisations in the world. It has 17,000 Members within Great Britain and Ireland and over 100,000 Members from more than 103 countries across the globe.

Inner Wheel is women in action, working together to make a difference and improve lives.

We work together giving humanitarian aid nationally.

We have a positive impact on the lives of millions of people.

We help people by extending the hand of friendship.

We work on projects that are truly life changing.

We make firm and lasting friendships.

There is no other group like it.

The Objects of Inner Wheel are: To promote true friendship To encourage the ideas of personal service To foster international understanding.

Members of Inner Wheel achieve these goals by various ways which combine fund-raising and personal service – all with fun and friendship.

The Members of Ashby de la Zouch Club now meet at the La Zouch, Kilwardby Street Ashby on the Second Thursday of the month for a meal, followed by our meeting and often with a speaker.

Recently we have supported the Ashby Food Bank, Canine Partners, Dementia Friends, Beat, Shuttleworth Clark Foundation, Ulverscroft and many more This year Ashby celebrates 50 years as a club.

If you would like to join us at La Zouch one evening or would like more information please contact: Patricia on 01530 415041 or Janet on 01455 290729 We look forward to meeting you.

Heritage Trail Opens To Public After Being Boosted By Small Grant Scheme Visitors to New Lount Nature Reserve will be able to learn about and

appreciate the coal mining history of the area along the heritage trail.

The project adds an additional attraction to the site which will enhance the experience for visitors to the site, and is anticipated will help to increase the number of visitors.

The Newbold Heritage Group has officially opened the trail, supported by the North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) Small Grant

Scheme, which contributed £488.11 to the project. This funding was put towards information boards located at points of interest along the trail.

The heritage trail will bring to life the history of New Lount, which was a colliery from 1924 to 1968, and retains many of the former colliery features such as the vehicle weighbridge. This new trail will aim to

connect visitors with the social and engineering heritage of the area.

John MacDonald, Vice Chairman of the Newbold Heritage Group said: “We are very excited to have the opportunity to tell the story of this colliery and help to bring it back to life.”

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder

for Community Services, said: “This is exactly the kind of project we

are looking to support through our Small Grant Scheme, and we are

delighted to see the trail now open to the public. Grants for up to £500 are available to community and voluntary groups in the district, to

support new and innovative projects that will benefit the residents of North West Leicestershire.”

More information on how to apply for a grant can be found at www.nwleics.gov.uk/grants

Ashby De La Zouch And Coalville Lions Easter Egg Raffle We have just finalised our Easter Egg Raffle that we put into 46 pubs/clubs in north West Leicestershire. The final figure raised was £3,236.00.

This event was organised by our Fund Raising Chairman Clive Burrows.

On behalf of Ashby de la Zouch and Coalville Lions Club we would like to thank the customers of all the outlets for their support, a

special mention to The Midway Inn (£284)The Greyhound at Woodville (£111) and The Ivanhoe Club in Ashby (£140) The proceeds of this event will go into our Lions Charity Account Over the last 18 months we have made donations to the following organisations: Special Needs Children entertained at The Ashby Statutes Fair

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue

Leicestershire & Rutland Blood Bikes

Royal British Legion

Tia Rose Appeal

CAP Midlands National Forest

Water Wells

Marlene Reid Centre Xmas Toy Appeal

Eye Camps

Love for Lilly foundation Cropston Rangers Football Club

Brittle bone Society Flood Appeal Hospice Hope

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Cloudy2Clear Announce Trusted Trader Partnership Consumer champions Which? have now joined the thousands of customers who recognise that Cloudy2Clear Windows really are a business that you can TRUST. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has received the coveted ‘Which Trusted Trader’ status after going through a rigorous accreditation process entirely focussed on customer service.

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.’

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Summer Fete 2017 Cars, Crafts And Fantastic Family Fundraising Fun! In association with Box Motor Club registered charity the

Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation

Stonehurst Farm 1940's WW2 EVENT

hosting its annual Summer Fete,

(Mountsorrel Village - LE12 7AA - On the old A6) Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th August 2017 10:30am – 16:30pm

is pleased to announce it will be Car Show, Craft Fair, Dog Show and Family Fun Day on:

Sunday 9th July at Ulverscroft

Manor, Priory Lane, Ulverscroft, LE67 9PH

Building on the success of the previous years, the event will

take place between 10.00am

and 4.00pm. Local Crafters and stallholders will be showcasing

Stonehurst Farm and Charnwood wartime events present a two day combined weekend 40s event. This is a real family day out with a large number of period vehicles and displays of equipment creating a wartime atmosphere. The Farm has a good collection of animals for children as well as a Vehicle Museum. Light Snacks and drinks can be found in the Restaurant (NAFFI). Entrance to the Wartime Event is £4 Adults £2 for Schoolchildren, while to the Farm is EXTRA. Both Allied and German Groups are invited to attend this 2 Day weekend event being held at Stonehurst Family Farm. The site has a suitable field and hardcore area for the event. Also of interest is a Motor Museum, housing a large collection of Vintage and Classic Cars and Motorbikes, plus a large selection of Farm Animals and a Restaurant/NAAFI.

Measham Community Library Opening Hours

Tuesday 10-7pm

Thursday 10-1pm Friday 10-5pm

Saturday 10-1pm Amenities: tea, coffee and biscuits, use of computers

It is approaching our first

birthday as a Community Library

fabulous handcrafted items in the

Please advise if you are able to attend. Contact details:

and the party will be Saturday

field will boast an interesting

Organiser – Ted Edwards 07885 206 338

Centre at the Community Fun

vintage cars. There will be the

Assistant – Mike Batten – 'Monty' 01509 230089 or montybl@talktalk.net 34 Highfields Drive, Loughborough, Leicsestershire, LE11 3JT

activity centre. The fantastic show mix of classic, customised and opportunity to browse a pop up charity shop, enter the fun dog

show, delight in some delicious refreshments and enjoy a fun

filled day out for all the family.

The Shuttlewood Clarke

Foundation provides support

care and friendship to the elderly

8th July in Measham Leisure

Please note those who wish to set-up early, are welcome to do so on Friday 18th August 2017 from noon onwards, however PLEASE contact Ted Edwards before hand.

STONEHURST FARM 1940's WWII BOOKING FORM 19th & 20th AUGUST 2017 Name: ....................................................................................................................

and adults with disabilities

Address: ................................................................................................................

services. Helen Baxter Activities

.................................................................................................................................

through a variety of different

Coordinator at the Shuttlewood

Clarke Foundation said “we would love for you to join us for a day

of fundraising fun at Ulverscroft Manor.” She added “This year

.................................................................................................................................

Email: .....................................................................................................................

Military Active Re-enactor

British

we are hosting a much larger

Promenader

dancers, the addition of a fun

Member of a WW2 group Yes

event with the return of the belly dog show and much more! Our

Fundraising events offer an ideal opportunity to have fun, meet

with friends old and new and raise funds for our unique local charity.”

Entry to this event is £5.00 per

person, with under 16’s free! For

more information please contact Helen Baxter on 01530 244914.

A limited number of discounted

tickets are available to purchase in advance.

Other

Sea

Allied

Axis

Land

Air No

Group: ....................................

Public Liability Insurance Number: ...................................................................

Firearms de-activation certificate numbers: ....................................................

Military Vehicles: Type and Registration: ..........................................................

Civilian Vehicles: Type and Registration: ..........................................................

Hotel or B&B information

Camping

Trade Stall Pitch

Military display pitch Overnight Camping via prior arrangement – contact Ted on 07885 206 338 Send completed form to Mike Batten (address above ) Passes are Not required for the event

Day – Come along!

There will be a Cupcake Day in aid

of Alzheimer’s Society in the library.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter www.MeashamLibrary.org.uk Contact email:

meashamcomlibrary@gmail.com Registered Charity no. 1167493

Ashby Civic Society News Ashby Civic Society enjoyed a day out this month. With glorious weather promised we ventured out to Woodhouse community farm and garden at Fisherwick.

The garden was originally part of a demolished hall and now grows an abundance of fruit and vegetables for the local community. We were lucky enough to see days old piglets and buy free range hen and goose eggs. Then as usual our visit ended with delicious tea and home made cake. Come and join us in July when we go to see long horn cattle at Blackbrook farm.

Car share usually available and of course refreshments.

Call Margaret on 01530 412 410 to book and please visit our website for future events. Just Google ‘Ashby Civic Society’.

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Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, Coalville – Urgent Kitten Food Appeal Ashby Museum News On June 27th we were delighted to welcome Glenfield U3A to the Museum. They were given a town history walk, lunch and a talk on Ashby as a Spa Town. We will be equally pleased to host any Ashby, or surrounding history group, for walks and talks tailored to their interest.

More than 30 of our volunteers attended a coffee morning in May, when they were given a short presentation by the chairmen of the Trustees and Friends committee. Some lively discussion ensued and everyone had a great time. Why not come and join this wonderful group – you will be given a very warm welcome. Just come to the museum (Monday or Wednesday morning) or call 01530 560090.

Over the Whitsun Bank Holiday we were pleased to be included in the Ashby Arts Festival – Lesley Hextall’s photographs were highly commended.

The 2017 edition of Ashby Past and Present is now available.

Contributions this year include Louch’s Commercial School: Rev. W.H. Coleman, botanist, geologist and schoolmaster: Rev. Thomas Bate and the Ashby Parish Library: The Briggs Brothers and two book reviews.

The new temporary exhibition ‘The Past and Material Culture’ will run for the whole of June and July.

HANDS ON ARCHAEOLOGY AT ASHBY MUDEUM is on Saturday 22nd July from 11 a.m. 4pm have a go at excavating your own finds and making your own timelines.

Create your own artwork inspired by the past and its peoples.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friends of Ashby Museum Martin Vaughan’s illustrated talk in May on local wildlife photography was very well received and the Museum would like to thank all who attended.

Coalville Colour Run Will Return For Second Year – Registration Now Open • Second Coalville Colour Run to take place on Sunday 17 September, 2017 • Registration for popular fun run now open at www.givingback.co.uk/coalville-colour-run.asp • 500 extra spaces up for grabs (total spaces: 1,000) It’s official – after enjoying huge success in 2016, the Coalville Colour Run is returning bigger and better than ever before.

More than 500 people took part in the inaugural Colour Run last year raising £10,000 for charity in the process. The fun, colourful, fund-raising race will return on Sunday 17 September, 2017.

Leicestershire-based charity Living Without Abuse is once more teaming up with North West Leicestershire District Council to organise the popular event and will again be the beneficiaries, with all funds raised going towards their work to support children and adults who have suffered from domestic violence in the Leicestershire area.

The event is organised by Living Without Abuse and sponsored by North West Leicestershire District Council along with support from a number of local businesses.

Registration is now open at www.giving-back.co.uk/coalville-colour-run.asp Anyone who would like to see what last year’s event was like can see the promotional video at www.nwleics.gov.uk/coalvillecolourrun Gina King, Head of Fund-raising at Living Without Abuse, said: “The Coalville Colour Run received a fantastic reception in 2016 and everyone who took part had a thoroughly enjoyable day. We want to go one better this year and hope to see even more entrants, and an increased fundraising total for our incredibly important charity. If you’re not running, but fancy getting involved, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities on the day – just get in touch. It really is a hugely fun family event that we encourage anyone to get involved in whether as a runner or a spectator.”

Kay Greenbank, Head of Economic Development at North West Leciestershire District Council, added: “Our support for the Coalville Colour Run is part of our scheme to build confidence in the town. We want to bring more people into Coalville and showcase its accessible green spaces and great community spirit. We know some people were disappointed that they missed out this year, so have created more spaces and I hope people take the opportunity to get involved and join in with this brilliant family event.”

The Colour Run is an approximately 5km course that will take place in and around the centre of Coalville, starting at the Market Hall car park, running alongside the precinct, over to Coalville Town Football Club, taking in Snibston Country Park and the Urban Forest, passing Memorial Square and finishing in Coalville Park.

Four colour stations dotted around the route will blast runners with colour. Everyone (including those who haven’t done the run) is then invited to a finish line paint party in Coalville Park, including live music, various local business stalls, and food.

Businesses that would like to sponsor the Coalville Colour Run are asked to contact Gina King on gina@lwa.org.uk

Well, kitten season is now well underway. We have been very busy recently with our fundraising but as we all know, money doesn’t last long when the utility bills and vet’s bills start coming in.

At the moment our major ongoing item of expense is kitten food (sachets) and kitten biscuits.

(Our kittens will be ‘on view’ from mid-July).

As at 23rd May we have twelve kittens under 5 weeks old – girls and boys, all different colours and patterns! They will grow up fast, and will soon be making demands on our feed-room stores.

If you are able to donate some sachets of cat and kitten food, or donate money for us to purchase food – we, and the cats, would be hugely grateful. We are also always very pleased to receive your gifts of towels and cotton sheets. We recycle at Redgate, and when towels and sheets can no longer be used for bedding they are cut up and used as cleaning cloths.

Visiting The Redgate Cats The kittens will not be ready for public viewing until July, but do come to see us – and the older cats – very soon. We have 4 beautiful pairs of bonded cats, and five lovely ‘lone’ cats still for re-homing and waiting for their forever home. And when the kittens are independent, their Mums will be looking for good homes too.

Redgate Farm is based on the side of the A511, near the ‘Stardust roundabout’ – half way between Coalville and Markfield.

Visiting hours are 11am – 3.30pm, every day.

Telephone 01530 243 925 01530 230 455; or email: redgate@mail.org If you would like to meet the Redgate team and help us with our essential (and very varied) fundraising, please leave a message at the sanctuary for the fundraising Trustees – Jo and Jane. www.redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk

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9

CHATSWORTH FLOWER SHOW REVIEW

Meadow Planting

The Cruse Garden

Well we really are experiencing a typical English summer with sudden down pours interspersed with hot sunshine to burn the skin to a crisp! At least It’s good growing weather. It has been a busy few months for me, completing design and planting projects and planning for the autumn season. I’ve also been involved in growing and supplying plants to one of the Royal Horticultural Societies prestigious events.

The first week of June saw the inaugural RHS Chatsworth Flower Show in the grounds of the well known Derbyshire estate. The show gardens have been in the planning for at least a year in order to design, organise and install, ready for the opening day and judging. I’ve had the pleasure of growing plants for The Cruse Bereavement Care garden designed by Creative Roots, working with Miles Nurseries Ltd in Hoby this spring.

I was lucky enough to be able to visit the show to view the fruits of our labour and enjoy the rest of the show. For those of you who also attended or saw the local news broadcast you will be aware of the awful weather experienced over the first few days of the show.

Torrential rain and high winds set in early on Press Day. By the time I attended on the Saturday, the traffic issues caused by the bad weather had been dealt with and everything was running smoothly although wellies were essential.

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Garden Designer & Plantswoman

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Show Gardens The show gardens were really worth seeing, The Cruse garden was awarded and silver gilt medal and there were several gold medal winning gardens to view, of which most had a noticeable wild meadow-like planting element. It was great to see so many visitors being inspired and taking away ideas for their own gardens.

Floral Marque My favourite element of any flower show is the floral marquee of which there were two at Chatsworth. Packed with specialist nurseries showing there immaculate cut flowers or intricate miniature gardens, the nurseries also sell their lovely plants. I always come home with a few plants and this time it was shrubby Salvias to grow in pots.

The ‘Great Conservatory’ New inflatable technology allowed the RHS to recreate the feel of the Great Conservatory which was built within the gardens in the 1800’s.

The original glass house covered an acre of ground and was the largest glass structure in the world. The 2017 version was an impressive size and held tropical specimen palms and trees alongside raised beds and a hanging installation.

belgriersondesign info@belgrierson.co.uk

Flower Bridge Installed by Jonathan Mosely of floral & TV fame, this covered bridge spanned the river and allowed those crossing to be enveloped in a floral masterpiece.

The walls and ceiling were covered with a lattice of willow and hanging viles containing blooms in a rainbow of colours. I true spectical!

Well Dressings I particularly enjoyed seeing the well-dressing displays as I have Derbyshire blood in my vains and remember fondly the well-dressings at Wakes week when me and my family visited Tideswell in the Peaks as a child. Well-dressings are boards decorated with flower petals and foliage to create an elaborate picture. I was please to see that the Tideswell groups had produced a fantastic display depicting Chatsworth house & the glass house. The dressings had stood up well to the awful weather thrown at them.

There was so much more to see at the show including the plant village, lifestyle trade stands and talks on all things gardening and culinary in the theatres. I hope that lots of you made it along too and that the RHS will hold the event again.

With August on the horizon, next month I’ll be looking at how to keep your garden looking at it’s best through the summer months.

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Why not cut me out and pin up on your fridge or notice board.

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

Tourist Office on 01530 411767.

of outings and functions and

------------------------------------------------

David - 01530 458706

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each others company. The club

Ashby Croquet Club

07886194993

Ashby U3A

welcomes new members.

Rupert - 01530 272833

ashbybigband@aol.com

Anne Donegan - 01283 760348

-------------------------------------------------

www.ashbycroquetclub.org.uk

www.ashbybigband.com

secretary@ashbyu3a.co.uk

Ashby & District Stroke

The New Season starts on Sunday

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Congregational Church, Kilwardby

Support Group

26th March on our 3 lawns

Measham Karate Club

Street, Ashby, LE65 2FQ

Pat - 01530 413723

situated at Moira Miners Welfare

07761131043

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A friendly group for stroke

DE12 6BP (opposite Conkers

meashamkarateclub@gmail.com

Ashby African Drummers

survivors and their carers. We meet

Waterside). We play on Tuesdays,

www.meashamkarateclub.co.uk

Kaye Gillanders - 0777 2281699

alternate Tuesdays at Brown Court

Wednesdays, Thursdays and

-------------------------------------------------

ashbydrummers@googlemail.com

Ashby from 2pm-4pm. Meetings

Sundays. Please phone or visit the

Ashby Art Club

Check us out on Facebook.

involve speakers, meal sout,and

website if you want more details.

01530 412116

We are a community based

general chat.

New players always welcome.

www.ashbyartclub.org

group and meet once a fortnight

-------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------

We meet on Monday evenings at

on a Wednesday from 7.30pm -

Ashby Meditation

Ashby Writers’ Club

7pm. Smisby Village Hall, Main

9.30pm, at Moira Furnace, Furnace

Irene - 01530414290

David Bell - 01530 413371

Street, Smisby, Ashby, LE65 2TY

Lane, Moira, Derbyshire. DE12 6AT.

www.tarakmc.org

Ashby Writers’ Club meets on

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The first taster session is free and

Why not drop in and try our weekly

the second and fourth Tuesday

Ashby Civic Society

then usually £3.00 per session

classes on Thursdays July 6,13 &

of each month, 7.30pm-9.30pm

Margaret Mabey 01530 412410

thereafter. We sometimes have

20 then restart in Sept, at 7.30 in

at Congregational Church,

kenward.ashby@gmail.com

guest teachers visit, so best

Legion House, South Street, Ashby.

Kilwardby St, Ashby LE65 2FQ.

We meet on the 2nd Tuesday in

to contact us prior to coming

No need to book. Seating on chairs

Membership: £15 per annum.

the Month at Legion House, 27a

to secure a drum and check

£6 per class.

Visitors are welcome at a nominal

South Street, Ashby, LE65 1BQ

suitability. We welcome people

-------------------------------------------------

fee of £4 per speaker meeting,

-------------------------------------------------

of all ages and abilities although

The Trinity Badminton Club

£3 per comp/manuscript meeting

Measham Bowls Club

children under 14 must be

Secretary - 07801 700 664

Sue & Stuart Boothroyd

accompanied by an adult.

The club is a small friendly club

------------------------------------------------

01530 274104

-------------------------------------------------

of average ability (non league)

Tai Chi

stuartboothroyd@btinternet.com

Ashby Bridge Club

meeting Monday evenings at Holy

Robin Taylor - 0773 8939271

High Street, Measham, Swadlincote,

Ann 01530 458110

Trinity Church Hall, off Kilwardby

r.taylor@virgin.net

Derbyshire, DE12 7HR

www.bridgewebs.com/ashby

Street, Ashby from 7.30pm –

Class every Monday morning at

-------------------------------------------------

Different bridge sessions offered for

9.00pm. We play from Jan to May

Measham Leisure Centre 11.30 to

Ashby Bowls Club

all levels of bridge player, Monday

then Sept to Dec. New members

12.30. Beginners welcome.

info@ashbybowlsclub.co.uk

and Thursday evenings, Wednesday

always welcome.

------------------------------------------------

www.ashbybowlsclub.co.uk

afternoons and Friday mornings, at

-------------------------------------------------

National Forest Taekwon-do

The Green, Bath Grounds,

Hood Park Leisure Centre.

Ashby Chess Club

07795 276302

Ashby, LE65 1BJ

-------------------------------------------------

N Roberts - 01530 455957

www.nationalforesttaekwondo.co.uk

-------------------------------------------------

The Ashby Probus Club

Chess club open to adults and

Clubs in Netherseal and Measham

Venture Theatre

Frank Bedford - 01530 467183

juniors. Juniors start at 6.15pm

------------------------------------------------

Ken Ward - 01530 589268

For retired professional and

and Adults start at 7.15pm. Meets

Ashby Allotments

www.ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk

businessmen meets monthly

every Thursday at Ivanhoe Social

Association

North Street, Ashby, LE65 1HS

in Ashby. We enjoy a pub

Club, Wilfrid Place, off Bath Street,

www.ashbyallotments.org.uk

For ticket sales please call Ashby

lunch, speakers, a programme

Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 2GW.

Visit our website for more details.

(includes coffee or tea).

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Shepshed Open Gardens Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd July 2017 1-6pm Tickets ÂŁ3.00 per adult, children under 16 free with accompanying adult. Includes map and programme.

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Several residents of Shepshed will be opening their gardens to raise funds for Shepshed Volunteer Centre & Shepshed Special Community Bus. Many of the gardens will be selling refreshments and plants. Some are wheelchair accessible.

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Latest News From Kitten Season Kitten Season is upon us and, just like those hot cakes in the bakery window, there is a stampede for kittens whenever they’re up for rehoming!

But spare a thought for those cats who have been through kittenhood and have maturity and character on their side to offer potential owners!

In 1989 I adopted 2 youngsters aged 6 and 9 months respectively. Over the years I had seen many visitors to our cattery looking for new feline friends and as they went along the corridor looking for potentials they’d often casually glance in the pods and walk on, deeming older cats as not for them. This has led to me to find out more. “Too old” mainly seems to refer to a cat over 6 months - which tends to mean customers are often looking for a kitten. Since then I’ve made a deliberate choice to take on those cats who have been overlooked on account of their age, and are therefore more difficult to rehome.

There are many reasons why cats come into Woodside for rehoming but most are for reasons which genuinely are not the cat’s “fault”.

If an older person dies and none of the family are able to take the cat in, Woodside is there to help.

But we know the difficulties “older” cats pose. They tend to be nervous, even traumatised by their sudden change in circumstances so take longer to show off their talents and characters. These cats have often come from quiet homes with set routines so find the bright, clean and busy environment in the cattery bewildering despite our efforts to make their lives more comfortable.

To date at home we’ve adopted 21 cats who have found their lives suddenly altered by owners needing to rehome them. We’ve also had dogs throughout this time and the cats have accepted this in their own ways. As I look around at our current household of 5 cats (and there’s Lottie our lurcher too!) we have a settled household. All of the cats have been introduced as adults and their ages range from 8 - 16 years. Our laps and sofas are usually taken as soon as we get to sit down and they all have their characters and foibles. What we are trying to say is do consider an “oldie”, which can range from just above kittenhood in some minds. Older cats usually have better road sense, are happier to be gathered in at teatime for the “nightly nosecount” and then be kept in overnight.

As all our cats came from Woodside they have been health checked, neutered, fully vaxed, de-flead and wormed and our team of staff have assessed their characters and needs.

At home we have joined the scheme at our vets which helps us to spread the finance involved in vaccination

boosters and regular de-fleaing and worming regimes; and gives us access to discounts on some tests for conditions which may affect adult cats - keeping them healthy is vital. We’ve invested in the plug-ins to help new felines settle and as they get used to our busy life they each acquire their favourite sleeping spots, activities and are able to demonstrate their characters. Adopting an adult cat is very rewarding and I urge all visitors looking for a feline recruit to take the time to look closely and consider all of the cats we have at Woodside. The benefits are huge and you definitely get your share of thanks and affection from an adult cat! And once settled they show you the kitten within!

• Encourage your family/friends/ neighbours to have their cats neutered • Ensure that your cats are microchipped in case they wander • Why not make contact to become a cat fosterer? (Call 0116 233 6677 and select Opt 5) • Support Woodside, RSPCA Leicestershire’s Branch home, and help us to raise funds to continue to assist needy animals across Leicestershire and Rutland. This neatly brings me to plug our Open Garden, see details to the right.

Ruth Lane Chairman for RSPCA Leicestershire based at Woodside Animal Centre

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Venture Theatre News Although the summer months appear from the outside to be a quiet period at the Venture Theatre, it’s all still happening on the inside, so let us tell you about some of the treats in store in the coming months.

Our new season will open at the end of September with a production of An Inspector Calls.

J. B. Priestley’s classic thriller begins with a family celebration, which is interrupted by a police inspector investigating the murder of a young woman. As the plot develops, it is slowly revealed that each member of the family has secrets linking them to the tragedy. Readings for this production will be announced very soon, so if you feel you might like to try for a part, keep an eye on our Facebook page.

Our Christmas play will be Danny, Champion of the World. Roald Dahl’s famous children’s story comes to the stage featuring a

Ashby Spa Ordered To Pay £32,000 After Two Injured In Falls A health and spa resort in Ashby de la Zouch has been fined £20,000 after two customers were injured while using the facilities.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) prosecuted Champneys Springs Ltd after health and safety failings left two people injured at the resort in Gallows Lane, Ashby.

One incident saw a woman slip on the wet poolside badly breaking her wrist, resulting in months of treatment, including two operations. In an impact statement the victim said as a result she had ‘lost confidence both emotionally and psychologically’ and had been ‘unable to work for a number of months’.

NWLDC Environmental Health Officers investigated and found that, prior to the accident, there was no formal system in place for routinely and regularly checking the poolside to remove pooling water. There was also no evidence that staff had been trained to carry out routine hazard spotting checks of the poolside area.

father and son (Danny) who live in a gypsy caravan. Danny finds himself the mastermind behind an incredible plan to thwart the nasty greedy Victor Hazell.

In February, we will be presenting One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean. Described as “wildly, gloriously, deliriously, funny”, it is a modern version of The Servant of Two Masters and was first produced at The National Theatre in 2011.

Finally, in April, Jimmy Chinn’s Something to Remember You By will be the final play of our main season.

We feel sure that such a varied programme will provide something for everyone and look forward to welcoming you to the theatre in the autumn. Meanwhile, it is still Club Night every Monday from 8pm where new and prospective members are always welcome to drop in.

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The second incident saw a female victim taken to hospital with leg and toe injuries after falling while trying to enter a hot tub that had insecure steps leading up to it.

Champneys Springs Ltd pleaded guilty to two charges of failing in its duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of non-employees at a hearing at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

Magistrates imposed fines totalling £20,000 and ordered Champneys to pay the council’s costs in prosecuting the case, which were £12,400.

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “This sends a strong message that it is unacceptable for businesses in North West Leicestershire to breach health and safety regulations. As a council we are very supportive of businesses and our Business Focus Team offers a variety of help and advice to those that require it, but we must put public protection first in cases like this. The ultimate responsibility falls to business owners and in this case Champneys were not doing enough to keep customers safe.

We are pleased with the result of the case, and that Champneys have put in new procedures to ensure these kinds of incidents do not re-occur.”

13

01530 251312

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County Councillor

The Rt Hon

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

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

Sean Sheahan

The General Election The 2017 General Election is over and although the Tories won in North West Leicestershire, Labour ran a positive and energetic campaign which was well received on the doorstep. I’m immensely proud of our local team for their efforts to secure a Labour victory.

The task we faced was huge – the Tories started with an 11,000 majority, which received a significant boost when UKIP decided not to field a candidate and gifted their support to Andrew Bridgen. Despite this, Labour earned a 6% increase in its share of the vote in North West Leicestershire compared to 2015. With a longer campaign, we would have done even better, and we might get the chance to prove that if there is another General Election this year.

The election result nationally was remarkable. Theresa May’s snap election gamble failed spectacularly, whilst Jeremy Corbyn confounded his critics, running a terrific campaign on a popular manifesto and although Labour’s 40% vote share was not enough to win, we did manage to deprive the Tories of a majority.

Theresa May now enters Brexit negotiations in a weakened position, and will find it difficult to get a good deal for Britain.

If Parliament then takes the view that it is not in the national interest to accept the deal, then the whole question of whether we come out of Europe might have to be revisited.

Air quality One type of air pollution is causing more premature deaths amongst the population of North West Leicestershire than any other council area in the East Midlands.

According to the most recent official figures from Public Health England, 5.8% of adult mortality is attributable to fine particulate matter, which is present in diesel exhaust fumes. Even cities like Leicester and Nottingham register lower mortality rates due to this type of pollution.

Air quality hit the headlines recently

Andrew Bridgen with the Government being dragged through the courts due to illegal levels of air pollution which is reckoned to cause 40,000 early deaths per year across the country, something that Jeremy Corbyn has rightly described as a scandal.

In a recent report, North West Leicestershire District Council has this to say. “air pollution is a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions. There is also often a strong correlation with equalities issues, because areas with poor air quality are also often the less affluent areas.”

My colleague, Councillor Dr Terri Eynon who practised as a GP in Coalville told me, “I have seen a lot of chronic lung disease in my work and as far as air pollution is concerned, I blame a lack of public transport and an overreliance on car use.”

It certainly needs investigating and I shall be calling on the County Council and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to do just that and take appropriate action to improve local air quality.

Ashby Canal Restoration I was pleased this month that North West Leicestershire District Council’s Cabinet decided to commit £20,000 to the reconstruction of the aqueduct over Gilwiskaw Brook as part of the Ashby Canal restoration. This latest success can be chalked up to a more enterprising stance on fundraising from the Ashby Canal Trust and Ashby Canal Association, who in partnership with Leicestershire County Council are keen to make the case for the economic benefits of restoring the canal. The £20,000 from the District Council represents a further vote of confidence in the project and will potentially unlock the much larger sums of money that are needed to complete the full restoration scheme.

May I begin by thanking all of you who supported me in the recent General Election. I feel extremely honoured and privileged to represent you in Parliament, and the fact that over 31,000 of you put your faith in me by giving me the largest majority any MP has ever received in North West Leicestershire is a source of huge pride. Whilst I was delighted with this result locally, I cannot pretend that the result at a national level was what the Prime Minister was looking for and there is much to reflect upon about the campaign, however we are where we are and the Conservative Party is determined to provide the stable Government we need as we enter into Brexit negotiations with the EU. The election result has initiated much discussion about what this means for Brexit with a number of the usual suspects turning up to comment about the sort of Brexit we should go for. The fact is however that there is no such thing as a hard or a soft Brexit. It’s either a clean Brexit or no Brexit.

Both the Conservative and Labour Manifesto stated we would be leaving the single market and customs union as part of the Brexit process. This was voted for by 84% of the electorate so it’s quite clear that we voted to control our borders and we must leave the single market.

To get the full benefits of Brexit, we have to leave the protectionist customs union and European Court of Justice so we can arrange our own trade deals with the other 150 Countries in the world who are not in the European Union. To do anything other than this, would be akin to moving from being a passenger in a taxi to being tied up in the boot with no say over the direction of travel, and still being asked to pay the fare!

Brexit will dominate this Parliament and it is essential that we get it right for the future of our Country. There is also much to do locally. Our local economy is continuing to perform well and we have achieved record levels of employment. We do need our infrastructure improvements to keep pace and to press on with the regeneration of Coalville. I am continuing to work on bringing major investment into the town and I am confident that we should see some positive progress on this in the near future.

As I stated earlier, there is much to

reflect on following the election campaign. The party has an economic record which we can be very proud of. Unemployment has fallen by over 70% in North West Leicestershire since 2010 and the record deficit which was bequeathed to us by the last Labour Government has been cut substantially. The proposals within the Labour Manifesto would have undone all of this work with hugely unaffordable schemes. It would have seen companies fleeing the UK, a significant loss of tax receipts and higher interest rates to fund the inevitable increase in borrowing.

I find it galling that the amount of interest we are currently paying on the UK’s Government debt mountain is about the same as the Government’s budget deficit.

Much of this debt is as a direct result of Labour overspending and profligacy and this election proved beyond doubt that they have not learnt the principle lesson of socialism, which is that you always run out of someone else’s money.

Finally I just wanted to touch on one very disappointing aspect of the election campaign in North West Leicestershire. The day before polling day, a smear leaflet was produced urging residents not to vote for me citing the sale of my house to HS2 and lack of support for Snibston Discovery Park. On the 2 issues, I have openly stated that the Court ordered the sale of my property to HS2 as part of my divorce and the sale amount was a significant loss on the amount I paid for my house several years earlier. Secondly on the matter of Snibston, I did all I could to save the Discovery Museum, even bringing up the then Secretary of State as part of my efforts. I regret we were not successful but any accusation that this was a ‘charade’ as stated is completely unfair and one I wholeheartedly refute.

I believe there are issues with the legality of this leaflet under section 10 of Representation of the People Act 1983 and I have reported the matter to the Police.

I find campaigns such as this and the repeated defacing of election posters extremely saddening. I am happy to debate my and my party’s record, but anonymous defamatory smears do nothing for democracy or the political process.

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