November 2017 - Ashby & Measham Community Eye

ASHBY & MEASHAM

COMMUNITY EYE

DELIVERED MONTHLY FREE TO 7,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES

WORK STARTS ON NEW CAR PARK IN ASHBY

As Part Of £1 Million Investment In The Town

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

REDGATE FARM CHRISTMAS OPEN DAY

Saturday 9th December Father Christmas Grotto In The Hay Barn!

NEW PRESIDENT ALAN BRIGGS

Joins Ashby Civic Society

ASHBY TAKEAWAY PAYS THE PRICE AGAIN For Staying Open Too Late

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LRWT North West Group We are a friendly local group which meets monthly for talks, visits, conservation work and social events.

All talks are at the social centre of Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby and begin at 7:30, admission £3.00 each.

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Deadline Date: 14th January Delivery Date: 28th January Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change without prior notice. _________________________________________ The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Community Eye or OpenBox Promotions Ltd. OpenBox Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

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Our work parties are on Fridays from September to April and take place at a variety of local reserves. Please ring David Maltby for further details.

December 15th My favourite wildlife destination described by local members Roy Hill, Baz Forgham and Martin Vaughan. Preceded by the A.G.M.

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January 1st New Year’s Day walk at Newbold. Blow away the Cobwebs and see how a coalmine and opencast site have been restored and developed into an excellent nature reserve which hosts a wide range of birds, amphibians and reptiles. Please note this walk is unsuitable for people with mobility problems. Meet 1.00pm at New Lount Nature Reserve car gate.

January 19th Chris Hill of Cossington Reserve describes them development of this new reserve on the Soar Valley and outlines its importance to overwintering wildfowl.

January 27th Visit to Cossington reserve to hopefully see short eared owls and overwintering duck. Meet at 2.00pm on Rothley-Cossington road B5328 grid ref. 597130. Bring wellies and warm clothes.

February 16th Andrew Heaton describes the wetlands of Leics and the River Mease. Phil and Wendy Lee explain how to encourage hedgehogs and care for them.

Feb 23rd Group meal at The Beeches, Burton Road Ashby.

Enjoy a meal with your wildlife friends and hear the latest news.

March 16th Audrey Watson of British Association for Shooting and Conservation explains how to manage threats to mammal re-introductions and ways of helping declining species.

April 20th Jools Partridge Wildlife Officer Leics County Council describes how wildlife affects his work on the bridges and structures of the built environment.

May 6th Ben Devine leads a butterfly foray at Donisthorpe Woodland Park, Church Street,Donisthorpe, DE12 7PX grid ref SK 317142. Help to survey the local population of the dingy skipper. Meet 2.00pm at main car park.

May 13th Cloud Wood in spring . See, listen and smell the delights of spring in this wonderful woodland. Meet at 9-.0 am in the layby at grid ref 417214 on the Griffydam-Tonge road.

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Ashby Civic Society

Ashby Takeaway Pays Price Again For Staying Open Too Late

This month Ashby Civic Society enjoyed a fascinating talk about the famous Robert Bakewell and Dishley Grange. There was an extremely good turnout of members to hear from Ernie Miller about this important British agriculturist and our local Dishley Grange. Civic Society members also learned of the latest planning proposals for Ashby and various changes happening in the town. Always an interesting part of our meetings.

The owner of a fast food takeaway in Ashby has been fined £260 and ordered to pay £565 in costs after repeatedly failing to close on time.

On Remembrance Sunday our Chairman Ken Ward represented members of the Society by laying a wreath at the war memorial in Ashby.

A huge thank you to all members who supported this event.

Favourite Chicken and Pizza (otherwise known as Express Chicken and Pizza) in Market Street, Ashby, already had its late night licence suspended for three months earlier this year for failing to lock up on time.

In December we hold our ever popular members Christmas Social. Hot food, mulled wine and entertainment by young, local singer Justice Beach will ensure a brilliant night. Our new venue, Heritage Centre, St. Helens Church, Ashby has been a great success for the monthly meetings and we can now hold our Christmas party at the same venue.

Last week the owner, Mr Fida Hussain, was taken to court by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) for ignoring his licence conditions. These require the premises to close to new customers at 2.15am with all lights and illuminated signage turned off, before being fully closed by 2.30am.

Leicestershire Police submitted evidence to the council showing that customers were consistently allowed into the premises after 2.15am.

This time NWLDC took Mr Hussain to Leicester Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to two counts of knowingly allowing licensable activities to be carried out not in accordance with the licence. He was fined £130 for each of the two offences and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and costs of £565 to NWLDC. Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “Taking a business owner to court is a last resort for the council but in this case it was appropriate given the repeated breaches of the licence.

Licences have conditions for good reason, including helping to keep our towns safe and preventing anti-social behaviour.

Ashby is an exciting, vibrant and safe place to enjoy a night out, which is something we are determined to maintain, as shown by this court case.”

Inspector Helena Bhakta from Leicestershire Police said: “There is a balance to be met between business, local residents and public safety requirements. If we get it right it makes for a vibrant and safe area. It is disappointing that on this occasion this business fell short of their licensing responsibilities and failed to adequately address concerns raised.”

If you would like to become a member of this successful and effective Society please contact Margaret 01530 412410 for details. Or just Google ‘Ashby Civic Society’. Look forward to meeting you soon.

Who Is Your Parish Champion?

Each year in December the parish council recognise people in the community for the hard work, dedication and time that they give to volunteering in the village.

Awards have previously been given to Alan Oakes for his volunteering work with various groups, especially for the Poppy Appeal and the fundraising to secure the new Community Bus. Also previously awarded were Stuart and Sue Boothroyd who ran the hugely successful Tower of Light project, this project has financially helped several groups and this year provided the village with a number of external defibrillators.

PHOTO: Dawn Ashmore, Community Litter Picker and Chairman Colin Manifold.

The two Community Litter Pickers Dawn and Ann have also been named as Parish Champions for their tireless dedication to picking up litter in the streets and on the verges of Measham.

The Parish Council know that there are many more unsung heroes in our community who deserve to be recognised as a champions of the parish, so please let us know who you would like to be considered for an award and why.

Send us the name and address of your champion along with a description of up to 250 words why they deserve to be recognised either by email at info@meashamparishcouncil.gov.uk or by post to Measham Parish Council, Measham Leisure Centre, Off High Street, Measham, Derbyshire, DE12 7HR. The closing date for nominations is December 7th 2017.

Measham Community Library Opening Hours: Tuesday 10-7pm

Thursday 10-1pm Friday 10-5pm

Saturday 10-1pm Amenities:

• Tea, coffee, biscuits & cold drinks.

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

We are always looking for

volunteers, so come to the library or contact us via details below.

We will be opening the library on

Thursday 7th December between 5.30pm and 8pm to join in the

Tower of Light celebrations. There will be craft stalls, arts and crafts for the children, tombola. Tea coffee and hot mulled wine Mondays:

Tai Chi 7pm-8.30pm 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.

Christmas Opening Times:

Close Saturday 23rd December at 1pm. Re-open Tuesday 2nd January 2018 at 10am.

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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*OUR PRICES INCLUDE VAT. These very special rates are only available if you are over 65 years old.

Our normal low price for a standard single Will is £125, £195 for two.

KATS ANTIQUE VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES CENTRE

1500sq ft over 2 floors of antique, vintage and collectables including quality gold and silver jewellery at trade prices, coins, clocks, hand painted furniture, stamps, pictures, militaria, china, glass, furniture, kitchenalia, giftware and much more.

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

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Castle Medical Group News Facts And Figures For October: • This month we dealt with 6056 calls - average waiting time was 2 minutes 5 seconds • This month our secretaries have dealt with 369 referrals • We dealt with 15,000 prescriptions • There were 160 DNA appointments

Do You Enjoy Singing?

PHOTO LEFT: Members of Ashby Baptist Church celebrating the

Whether you are a regular singer and belong to a choir or have not sung for a while, as long as you enjoy singing and can read music to a certain degree the following may be of interest to you!

and Robert Taylor with their cheque.

Charnwood Voices’ 2018 Come and Sing (One-day workshop) Handel’s Coronation Anthems The King Shall Rejoice Zadok the Priest Let Thy Hand Be Strengthened My Heart Is Inditing Saturday 13th January 2018 at Trinity Methodist Church Centre Royland Road, Loughborough LE11 2EH All choral singers have heard of Zadok the Priest, and most have probably sung it at some time or other. But how many people are as familiar with the other three great anthems?

Composed for the coronation of George II in 1727, the Handel Coronation Anthems are a masterpiece amongst masterpieces in the choral repertoire.

completion of the renovation.

PHOTO RIGHT: Measham Museum volunteers Jane Hickey, Stuart Perkins

Two Community Venues

Benefit From Council Grants Ashby Baptist Church and Measham Museum have both been able to upgrade their facilities thanks to grants from North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC). Both successfully applied for funding from the council’s Small Grants scheme which supports local community projects with funding of up to £500.

Ashby Baptist Church used its £500 grant to redevelop of the front of the building and the downstairs coffee lounge. Much of the cash was spent on a new modern flexible partitioning system which allows them to better use the space in the coffee lounge.

Measham Museum has also received a grant of £303 for a system and software update on its computers. This will allow museum visitors to view old archived photos and artefacts without actually handling them and risking damage to them.

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “It is great to see people

Workshop Leader: Nicholas Scott-Burt

taking advantage of our grants and using the money to provide better

Rehearsal Accompanist and Performance Organist: Adrian Moore

role community groups play in our towns and villages, and we very

Registration: 10am.

Performance: 5.30- 6.15pm approx Cost is £15. Music provided.

support, head to our website and see if you qualify for a grant.”

This is open to all singers.

Advanced booking is essential and places are limited.

Visit www.charnwoodvoices.org.uk to find out more about these annual workshops and whether they are right for you and to download the application form.

facilities and activities for young and old. We recognise the invaluable deliberately look to support their efforts through these grants. If your North West Leicestershire community group is in need of some financial

We thank everyone who contacted us to cancel their appointment so another patient could use it.

Antisocial/Threatening Behaviour Our staff have been experiencing some antisocial/threatening behaviour recently, particularly from individuals on pushbikes in the car-park. We would like to point out that any such behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone found entering the Medical Centre car-park after the practice has closed or for any purpose other than visiting for medical reasons will be reported to the police and CCTV footage will be immediately passed to the police in the case of any further incidents occurring.

Please can we also point out that the whole of the health centre is a non-smoking area so this also includes the carpark and grounds.

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.

Please note that we will be closed on Monday, 25th December and Tuesday, 26th December 2017.

Please remember to order enough medication for over the Festive Season, but should you run out your usual pharmacy can also supply emergency medication.

The Small Grant Scheme helps communities get schemes and projects started. The funding can be used for new projects or towards one off pieces of equipment. Match funding of 50 per cent is required, which can be a mix of cash and volunteer time.

Further information is available online at www.nwleics.gov.uk/grants or by contacting julie.summerton@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

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Ashby Jewellers 5-7 Bath Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 2FH Tel: 01530 412063 GEMSTONE DAY - Saturday 25th November 10am – 4pm

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PHOTO TOP LEFT: Barrie Magill Vice Chair of Trustees and Britteny Barnwell, Youth Club Member receiving the awards on behalf of MYC. PHOTO BOTTOM LEFT: Delegation from Measham Youth Centre and Measham Parish Council at the community awards ceremony.

PHOTO RIGHT: Britteny Barnwell, Youth Club Senior Member, holding the trophy.

Measham Youth Centre Wins County Council Award For “Best Community Building Of The Year” At an awards ceremony held at Leicester City Football Ground on the 2610-17 Measham Youth Centre received the trophy for the Leicestershire and Rutland Best Community Building of the Year. The centre was visited by a judging panel in August but did not know that they had won until the awards evening. The centre is a converted Methodist church in Bosworth Road , Measham . It is a registered charity and is run by a committee of local people acting as trustees.

Barrie Magill who is vice chair of the trustees said “ It was an anxious wait between the visit of the judging panel and receiving the award.

We knew that we had got through to the finals and were invited to the awards ceremony but when we were announced as winners I think everybody on our table felt a tremendous sense of pride both for the centre and the whole village We moved to the Methodist Church seven years ago when our old youth centre was the subject of a compulsory purchase order to build new homes and restore part of the Ashby canal. From the outset we were determined to be more than just a youth club. We wanted to involve the whole community with the building.

We recognised that the one thing the village did not have was a performance venue. We then started to raise money from grants to convert the building and provide a first class performance space. We obtained grants from the National Lottery, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Veolia Environmental Trust, Minorca Community Trust and The Coop. In all £ 200,000 was spent on the conversion.

Today the centre is home to a thriving youth club, six different community groups and is used as a rehearsal space by a professional theatre company. I think the thing that pleases us most is that we have lived up to what we promised in our grant applications that we have provided a performance space and we have organised over twenty different shows during the past seven years. “ The trophy will go on show at a Celebration Evening to be held Saturday 25th November at the Centre. The evening will also mark the first performance by a new community initiative based at MYC. The First Rate Theatre Company will be providing entertainment in the form of songs from Disney musicals and “Oliver” First Rate are local young people who train weekly at the centre under the tuition of Ruth Hamm , their musical director and Measham resident.

For further information about Measham Youth Centre, hiring and activities please contact Barrie Magill on 0777 555 8755 or barriemagill@yahoo.co.uk

Work Starts On New Car Park In Ashby As Part Of £1 Million Investment In The Town Work to create a new 52-space car park in the heart of Ashby de la Zouch has begun with the demolition of the former health centre building.

Marking the first steps towards the creation of a ‘culture and leisure quarter’ in the town, the new car park on North Street is being built by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) as part of the district council’s £1.1 million contribution to the Ashby Neighbourhood Plan.

Demolition of the health centre began on Tuesday morning, preparing the ground for the new car park, which is expected to be completed by spring. An attractive redesign of the entrance to Hood Park Leisure Centre will be the second phase of the scheme.

The plan for the town, created by Ashby Town Council on behalf of its community, aims to boost the historic market town’s culture and leisure offer and celebrate the wealth of attractions it is home to, including the popular leisure centre with its unique outdoor pool, Ashby Museum, The Venture Theatre and various green spaces.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “The £1.1 million injection from NWLDC into Ashby de la Zouch is working to support the town’s Neighbourhood Plan and address some of the issues that local people have highlighted. This vibrant town has fantastic attractions and facilities; we want to work with the town council to help it thrive.”

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services for North West Leicestershire District Council added: “This development is a prime location for parking, located very close to leisure and cultural attractions in Ashby de la Zouch like the leisure centre and the theatre, as well as the shops on Market Street. As a local business owner and someone who uses Ashby as a place to shop and relax, I know how much this new car park is needed. The additional spaces and redesign of this part of town support a wider aspiration to support Ashby, which is a vibrant and enjoyable place to be.”

Councillor John Coxon, Leader of Ashby Town Council, said: “Local people who had their say in the Ashby Neighbourhood Plan wanted to make sure our town is vibrant and successful well into the future. The former health centre site is the perfect place to provide new car parking spaces, so I’m pleased that the district council agrees and is able to work with us to make these much needed improvements to our town. I’m looking forward to seeing the car park open and available for people to use when visiting businesses in the town.”

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PHOTO LEFT: Volunteers at Donisthorpe Youth Club receiving their funding from NWLDC Chairman, Councillor Virge Richichi.

PHOTO RIGHT: Members of St. Helen’s Church receiving their funding from NWLDC Chairman, Councillor Virge Richichi.

New Hut For Scouts After Council Grant Ends 30-Year Fund-Raising Effort Scouts that have been fund-raising for 30 years have finally been able to build a new hut after being boosted by a grant from North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

St Helen’s Church in Ashby and Donisthorpe Youth Club have been handed funding from the £20,000-for-seven scheme, which allocates money to community groups looking to improve what they offer to people living in the district.

St Helen's Church received £10,000 from NWLDC to create a new community heritage room, which will be used for heritage events, displays and meetings. This forms part of a wider project the church is undertaking with Ashby Town Council, which will see the latter also receive £10,000 funding to make improvements to the churchyard.

Donisthorpe Youth Club has also been given £10,000, which has allowed them to transform the former changing rooms that they had been using for their meetings. The facility has been converted into a modern, multipurpose space which will hugely benefit current club members, and encourage more to join.

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “Congratulations to all three of these groups on being able to complete such worthwhile projects in our communities. I’m very proud of what the £20,000-for-seven scheme has helped groups across North West Leicestershire achieve. These new or upgraded facilities will benefit hundreds, if not thousands of people for years and years to come.”

Anne Heaton of St Helen's Church: "We're very pleased with the new community heritage centre, which has some wonderful displays, and will be a real asset to the community. We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far, and sharing our fascinating discoveries with them."

Kay Eley, Donisthorpe Youth Club Committee member and volunteer, said: “Both the young people and volunteers are delighted that the refurbishment works are now complete. The building will now provide a safe space that will allow our young people to grow and develop by widening the options available to them. The new facility will certainly enable us to continue to improve on the opportunities that are offered to our young people and residents. We have achieved what we set out to do which was to create a room that is fit for purpose and a place for our young people to be proud of. It has resulted in becoming a real community effort with donations of help, expertise, equipment and works completed by locals and trades from our village and surrounding area. We would like to thank all who helped and NWLDC for having faith and supporting us throughout this project. Now would be an ideal opportunity for new volunteers to join us and bring fresh innovative ideas to the club."

The NWLDC £20,000-for-seven scheme has seen £240,000 handed out to various projects after the public voted on which they felt were most deserving of help.

For more information on the Twenty-for-Seven grant scheme, visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/twentyforseven

01530 251312

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Ashby & Measham Clubs & Groups

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

Ashby Big Band

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

Measham Karate Club

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

Ashby Art Club

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

Ashby Civic Society

Margaret Mabey 01530 412410 kenward.ashby@gmail.com We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the Month at 7:30pm at Heritage Centre, St. Helens Church, South Street, Ashby LE65 1AA -------------------------------------------------

Measham Bowls Club

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

Ashby Bowls Club

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

Venture Theatre

Ken Ward - 01530 589268 www.ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk 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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Ashby U3A

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

Ashby African Drummers

Kaye Gillanders - 0777 2281699 ashbydrummers@googlemail.com Check us out on Facebook.

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

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Ashby Bridge Club

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

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The Ashby Probus Club

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

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Ashby & District Stroke Support Group

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

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Ashby Meditation

Irene - 01530414290 www.tarakmc.org Why not drop in and try our weekly classes on Thursdays December 7th and 14th or start the New Year at classes beginning on 11th Jan at 7.30 in Legion House, South Street, Ashby. No need to book.

Seating on chairs £6 per class.

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The Trinity Badminton Club

Secretary - 07801 700 664 The club is a small friendly club of average ability (non league) meeting Monday evenings at Holy Trinity Church Hall, off Kilwardby

Street, Ashby from 7.30pm – 9.00pm. We play from Jan to May then Sept to Dec. New members always welcome.

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Ashby Chess Club

N Roberts - 01530 455957 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 de la Zouch, LE65 2GW. ------------------------------------------------

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.

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Ashby Writers’ Club

David Bell - 01530 413371 Ashby Writers’ Club meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 7.30pm-9.30pm at Congregational Church, Kilwardby St, Ashby LE65 2FQ. Membership: £15 per annum.

Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting, £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes coffee or tea).

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Tai Chi

Robin Taylor - 0773 8939271 r.taylor@virgin.net Class every Monday morning at Measham Leisure Centre 11.30 to 12.30. Beginners welcome.

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National Forest Taekwon-do 07795 276302

www.nationalforesttaekwondo.co.uk

Clubs in Netherseal and Measham ------------------------------------------------

Ashby Allotments Association

www.ashbyallotments.org.uk Visit our website for more details.

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Measham Welfare Football Club

Paul - 0758 404 5318

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 5pm to 7pm Mixed Tuesday 6pm to 7pm (9 to 12 years). Mixed Friday 5pm to 6pm (5 to 8 years).

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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.

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Measham Townswomen’s Guild Noreen - 01530 271646

The Guild usually meet every second Monday in the month at 7.00pm at Age Concern,

High Street, Measham. On 4th

December the members will be enjoying their Christmas Party

Lunch. Guests are invited to join

the Guild at an afternoon meeting on 11th December at 2:00pm

when Maria will be demonstrating a Christmas themed flower

display(charge £1 for guests).

The Townswoman’s Guild Derby

Federation Carol Service is to be held at St Lawrence’s Church,

High Street, Measham, at 2:00pm on Wednesday December 13th.

All welcome.

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Age UK Measham

Hall in High St open 10am-12pm Monday-Friday. 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 ------------------------------------------------

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Ashby Museum News This year the Museum will close for the usual festive two week period, starting on Tuesday 19th December and will re-open in the New Year on Tuesday 2nd January.

If you are looking for some different Christmas cards to send this year then do come and have a look at the range we sell exclusively in the Museum. There is a choice of five scenes, all depicting some aspect of the town’s history, drawn by local artist Di Lorriman, in a lovely, seasonal setting, as follows:- Ivanhoe Baths, opened in 1822, with the Marquis of Hastings’ carriage in front; Market Street and market cross, with Bull’s Head on the left and Castle Inn on the right; Ashby Midland Railway Station, opened in 1849, depicted in 1910; the ruins of the Hastings’ Tower, Ashby de la Zouch castle; Bath Street with the Loudoun Memorial, designed by George Gilbert Scott and unveiled in 1879. Prices are £1.10 each or £1 each for 5 or more.

The next exhibition will be "Every Picture tells a Story- an introduction to our collection of photographic material". Come along and see what is on display, you may recognise a relative or friend in one of the photographs or, perhaps, a house where you used to live. The exhibition will run during December and January. You will be able to order a copy of any photograph which takes your interest.

11

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Making Your Own Christmas Wreath

Gathering Foliage

Base & Materials

Christmas is on the way so for me it’s time to gather foliage, cones & berries from my garden to decorate the house during the festive season. I have made thousands of Christmas decorations in my time, I really enjoy using foliage foraged from gardens or sourced from florists to create basic holly rings, traditional door wreaths, decorative mantle piece swags and bespoke church alter pieces.

They are lovely things to create and they’re cheap too if you use foliage from the garden or those of friends and family along with a few pounds worth of materials from the florist or craft shop.

Alternatively you can pick up basic holly or spruce wreaths from a florist and add to it to create your own bespoke creation. Christmas has official arrived in my home when my homemade wreath is hung at the front door. I urge you to have a go at making your own.

Materials And Tools For A Traditional Door Wreath The wreath base – Wreath rings made of metal wire are available in various sizes from florists and craft shops. I also create my own wire shapes & sizes for bespoke commissions.

Foliage- Evergreens are used as the primary foliage to cover the base and to give a traditional look. My favourites are Pine,

Finished Wreath

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

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Leylandii and Holly. A deep green foliage base can be enhanced with accents of variegated foliage like Holly, Euonymous and Pittosporum. Stems of Rosemary, Viburnum and Sarcococca will add fragrance from their flowers or foliage. The foliage pieces need to be about 20cm long to give sufficient length attach and to give a lush look.

Embellishments – traditionally clusters of cones are used to give a natural look which I love. Holly berries are a must if the birds have left any. I also use Rosehips, Rowan berries and Crabapples too. For a more country styles I use bundles of Dogwood or Willow stems to add a splash of colour and a naturalistic touch.

Tools and materials – Moss or hay can be used to add shape to the wreath base before the foliage. Florists wire on a reel will help to bind the foliage to the base and stub wire is used to attach the embellishments. These are available from craft stores.

Pliers, scissors and a pair of good gardening gloves are needed to protect your hands. There’s been many a Christmas where I’ve spent the holidays with hands red raw from holly prickles!

How To Construct A Door Wreath

Time for the foliage. Attach the wire reel securely. Using 2-3 pieces of primary foliage at a time place the first bundle on to the base and wrap the wire tightly around to tie the bundle to the base. Working around the base, add bundles laying each on top of the other and wrapping securely. Tie off the end of the wire again and create a loop to hang the wreath.

To add embellishments like cones or accent foliage, wrap a piece of stub wire securely around the base and twist to create a stalk.

Push the stalk through the base and secure at the back. Clusters look better than singles.

With the embellishments added, complete with a ribbon bow and Voila! you have a Christmas wreath to decorate your front door.

Next Month I’ll be sorting through my seed packets and deciding which veggies to grow in my patch for 2018.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

Attach the loose end of the wire reel to the base ensuring it is secure and won’t unravel. Place belgriersondesign info@belgrierson.co.uk

a handful of hay or moss on the top of the base and wrap the wire around once or twice to secure.

Work around the base trying to keep the edges smooth and limit stray tufts. Once complete, tie off the wire end and give it a little trim with scissors if it is a bit shaggy.

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13

CAFÉ 1804 - New Café Bar Opens At Market Bosworth Marina The team at Market Bosworth Marina are proud to announce the opening of Café 1804, a fully licensed café open from 9am to 6pm, Wednesday to Sunday. Manager Heidi welcomes the general public and the marina’s boaters in to the first floor Café, located in a stunning new building with panoramic views over the marina basin and of the Ashby Canal. In the heart of the Midlands countryside the Marina is just outside the picturesque and historic town of Market Bosworth, on the Warwickshire and Leicestershire borders.

Café 1804 aims to provide classic home cooked food finished with a twist. Head chef Will serves a carefully curated menu a simple sandwich to hearty breakfasts, home-made classics, and sharing platters. Sharon, the in-house pastry chef creates, among other sweets, the café’s speciality afternoon teas, including a three tiered triumph of cakes, scones and sandwiches, bookable in advance and perfect for a celebration. The space combines a modern /rustic fit out with handcrafted features. These include a hand painted mural of the canal highlighting local historic sites of interest by talented artist Claire Greenwood.

The café takes its name from the Ashby Canal, opened in 1804. The 30 mile long canal was originally used to haul coal and limestone from Moira and

continued to be used in this way until 1981. The 17 acres of landscaping around the soft edged marina basin include a lake of 4700 m² and a SITE OF SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC INTEREST habitat of 3500 m² adjacent to the canal which replicates the waterway’s habitat and attracts much wildlife. Bosworth Marina is committed to protecting this SSSI which is located on the waterway going towards Carlton.

Festive Season Menu 3 Course Evening Meal

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Bosworth Marina was awarded a grant from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to assist in this project.

£ pp Booking Essential

www.cafe1804.co.uk Café 1804, Carlton Road, Market Bosworth, Nuneaton, CV13 6PG Bookings and Enquiries; 01455 292900 or Heidi@cafe1804.co.uk Open Wednesday – Sunday, 9 am – 6 pm

Serving good traditional homemade food from 9am to 6pm Wednesday to Sunday Visit our website www.cafe1804.co.uk or call 01455 292900

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County Councillor

Member Of Parliament

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

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

Sean Sheahan

Local Government Pay Claim Staff in local government who deliver council services have seen their wages rise by only 5.3% since 2009, whilst the consumer prices index went up 18% over the same period. This is a direct result of the Government’s austerity policies, which more and more people now believe that after nearly a decade, should be relaxed. The main trade unions in local government are calling on the Government to recognize the sacrifice that council and school workers have made and reward them properly for their hard work and commitment in delivering vital public services.

In support of this, I have tabled a motion to North West Leicestershire District Council this month, calling on the Council to lobby the Local Government Association to press for an end to Government imposed pay restraint and refer the 2018 National Joint Council pay claim to an appropriate review body. The motion goes on to ask the Council to engage in talks with local union representatives and also to write to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, calling upon central Government to fund a decent pay rise and pay spine review.

HS2 Update The Government’s final decision on HS2 is still a hot topic in Measham. Over the next month I shall be attending a presentation on the impact of HS2 on the Ashby Canal at North West Leicestershire District Council, whilst Leicestershire County Council is hosting a further briefing meeting for Councillors from HS2 Ltd. on 5th December.

There is also a meeting for local stakeholders and representatives in Measham on 18th December.

Last month I went over to Long Eaton to see what the Erewash Stop HS2 campaign was doing and this month I’ll be out meeting people in Measham to see if there’s any appetite for forming a similar group here. If you think Measham should be more involved in the national campaign against HS2, please get in touch – I want to hear from you.

Virgin Media As a utility company, Virgin Media have the right to install their equipment in the public

Andrew Bridgen highway. However, they have to work to agreed standards and if they fall short, the County Council can get involved. I have received a number of complaints from Measham residents this last couple of months, and have now established some good lines of communication both with Virgin Media and County Highways. If you have Virgin Media in your street, or near where you travel and you think they could be doing a better job, please let me know.

Redbank The Redbank Liaison Committee met last month for the first time in two years. The liaison committee exists to promote discussion between the site operators, councillors, council officers and local residents. Generally, the Redbank site doesn’t give rise to complaints all that often and the tone of the meetings is quite positive. It’s perhaps worth passing on a few of the points raised. We were told that the quarry has in excess of 30 years of clay reserves, based on the factory’s current output; planning permission expires in 2042. This gives some indication of the operator’s long-term commitment to being a good neighbour.

A tree risk assessment has identified the poplar trees on the northern boundary (near the new estate off Atherstone Road) are reaching the end of their life. Due to increased health and safety risks affecting nearby residential properties, there are plans to fell the trees. Additional landscaping planting will take place once the poplars are removed.

The operators said they are committed to taking immediate action against drivers taking lorries through the village rather than the approved route, which is back along Atherstone Road and onto Gallows Lane. If you spot a lorry from Redbank being driven through the village, e-mail the vehicle registration, time, date and location to tim.darling@forterra.co.uk

Parliament returned this week following the conference recess with the Prime Minister outlining the current position of the Brexit negotiations. As the Prime Minister rightly stated, the ball is in the EU’s court ball following the speech she made in Florence which offered a transitional period to allow a smooth implementation of many of the detailed arrangements that will underpin the new relationship we seek with the EU. It is essential however that this is time limited and not as some might wish, indefinite.

The worst possible approach we could take is the several stances being put forward by the Labour Party. Their confused position appears at present to be leaving the EU but remaining part of the customs union and single market which would mean we continue to pay into the EU budget and accept freedom of movement. To remain governed by the rules but have no say in making them would be the worst of all worlds and not allow us to make trade arrangements with the rest of the world where the growth potential really is.

We are leaving the EU, not leaving Europe and we proposing an UK-EU Treaty to co-operate on diplomacy, defence and security, and development. This is as much in the EU’s interest as it is ours considering we have the largest defence budget in Europe by some margin.

An issue I have been campaigning on for many years is the sentencing of causing death by dangerous driving. A vehicle is a lethal weapon and I have seen the devastating effects of irresponsible and reckless driving and the young lives lost because of it.

Although UK and EU negotiators have made progress on reciprocal healthcare, pensions and social security arrangements as well as the Northern Irish border, it is disappointing that the European Parliament have refused to move on to talk about a trade agreement which could easily go hand in hand.

It is the UK that have made concessions so far and the EU need to demonstrate that they are prepared to actually negotiate.

It is for this reason that the Government needs to prepare for a no deal scenario.

The fact is no negotiation that begins with one party telling the other ‘name your price, I’ll buy regardless’, ends well for the buyer. To that end, it is right that the Government plan to manage trade on World Trade Organisation terms and have a plan for the UK Border. Should we not have this in place, the EU will just demand further concessions and more money for its budget from the UK. By having a ‘no deal’ plan, it will flush out whether the EU are serious about a deal or whether they do seriously want to punish the UK for daring to defy the institution. The UK is the EU’s largest trading partner and is a compliant and profitable market for them. It would be an act of supreme self-harm should they not wish to enter into a free trade agreement but it cannot be ruled out.

The Government has announced the results of a consultation into the sentencing in this area and its proposals are to increase the maximum penalty for causing death by dangerous driving from 14 years to life, increase the maximum penalty for causing death by careless driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs from 14 years to life, and create a new offence of causing serious injury by careless driving.

The consultation was focused on the most serious driving offences and addressed concerns expressed about these offences in Parliament and by the public. The consultation also discussed the distinction between careless and dangerous driving.

The responses to the consultation showed considerable support for the government’s proposals to create a new offence and increase the maximum penalties for the two causing death offences.

Changes to the law will require primary legislation and the Government intends to bring forward proposals for change when parliamentary time allows. I will be speaking strongly in favour of the move.

Finally I’d just like to highlight the latest unemployment figures show another fall in North West Leicestershire standing at just 1% and record low youth unemployment. This is a 70% fall since 2010 and shows the benefit of a Conservative Government for North West Leicestershire.

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Redgate Christmas Open Day Saturday 9th December Father Christmas Grotto In The Hay Barn!

Come along one and all to the next Open Day at Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, LE67 9PW. This special festive fundraising day will take place on Saturday 9th December from 11am – 3pm. Father Christmas and Mrs Claus will also be ‘holding court’ in the hay barn, from 12 noon until 2pm; it will cost just £2 to chat to them and to receive a lovely gift.

There will be all the usual fun things to do, as well as baked potatoes (and lots of home-made cake) to eat. And don’t forget to look at the animals too! We will be re-launching the Redgate page and website soon, so feel free to take lots of photographs and send them to us.

It will be free to enter our Open Day, but we hope you will support our activities, games and displays (and raffle of course!) to help us towards paying our vet’s bills – this is our biggest expense, but vital for our rescued animals. Email: redgate@mail.org telephone 01530 243 925, or visit any day between 11am and 3.30pm.

15

CHRISTMAS

at REDGATE FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY! LE67 9PW

Saturday 9th December 11am – 3pm

Special guests Santa and his Elves will be in the Redgate Grotto 12 noon – 2pm Just £2 to visit

Santa and Mrs Claus and receive a gift!

Nativity Stable, Tombola, ‘Hook-A-Bauble’ home-made Cakes and Jams, and hot Baked Potatoes!

Side By Side Could You Help Someone With Dementia Do Things They Love?

What is Side By Side?

Side by Side is an Alzheimer's Society service which helps people with dementia keep doing the things they love and get out and about with the support of a volunteer. This service can make it easier for people with dementia, who might sometimes feel isolated or find it difficult to leave their homes, to continue to feel part of their local community.

How can you help?

We are looking for volunteers in Leicestershire who would like to support people with dementia to continue with their hobbies and interests enabling them to remain socially active within the local community. Suna Tilley, Side by Side Coordinator in Leicester, said: “Volunteers are crucial to the success of this service”.

Training will be provided so that volunteers are confident about carrying out the role. A criminal records check will be required for this role.

If you would like to find out more please get in touch Suna Tilley Side By Side Coordinator Alzheimer's Society – Central and South Locality, 4 Oak Spinney Park, Ratby Lane, Leicester, LE3 3AW Direct Dial: 0116 2311113 Mobile: 07889 604227 General Office: 0116 2311111

2nd - 17th December 2017

Coalville Furniture Superstore

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