December 2016 - Coalville Community Eye

COALVILLE

COMMUNITY EYE

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DECEMBER 2016

COALVILLE HEROES

Inspiring The Next Generation With Tales Of Career Success

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

MARLENE REID CENTRE

Decorating Outdoors

Local Charity Appeals For Old Electrical Goods

A Town On The Up As More Businesses Get Onboard With Frontage Improvement

COALVILLE AIR CADETS

Plant Trees To Mark 75th Anniversary

ROTARY CLUB OF COALVILLE

Santa Sleigh Refurbished

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Thousands Out In Coalville For Remembrance Day

before the parade returned to the Council Offices and dispersed.

Sunday 13 November saw more than 3,000 people turn out to pay their respects to those soldiers who lost their lives in conflicts since the First World War, as Coalville remembered.

Following the services, a parade wove its way through Coalville to Memorial Square, where thousands gathered to pay homage to the fallen armed forces personnel from conflicts both past and current. Northamptonshire Cadet Force, F Squadron Corps of Drums as well as the District Bikers all took part in the parade as they paid their respects in their own way.

The event, organised by North West Leicestershire District Council alongside the Whitwick branch of the Royal British Legion, is the second largest in the county and began with services at both Christ Church and St Wilfrid’s Church.

The event ended with a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial, with dignitaries including Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire Major Bream, the Royal British Legion, North West Leicestershire District Council Chairman, the MP and others

“It is the greatest sacrifice anyone can make and it is one we shall never forget. That is why we put so much time and planning into this event; we know how important it is to remember those brave men and women and to show them we shall never forget.”

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “It was great to see so many people come out to show their support to our armed forces and remember those that gave their life in service to their country.

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LOCAL NEWS

1188 Coalville Squadron - Air Cadets News

JOIN US

1188 (Coalville) Squadron is currently recruiting cadets both male and female. So if you are aged 12 – 17 and would like to join the local air cadets please come down to the squadron on a Tuesday or Thursday evening It is at the headquarters on Forest Road in Coalville, it starts at 7.15pm until 9.30pm.

NEXT OPEN NIGHT ON Tuesday 28th March 2017

Coalville Air Cadets Plant Trees To Mark 75th Anniversary Coalville air cadets planted 30 trees to celebrate 75 years of the Air Training Corps and 75 years of their squadron.

A total of 30 trees were planted– one at The Hive at Castle Rock High School in Coalville and the other 29 at Oak Tree Gardens Housing Estate, which is just a mile away from the squadron’s base on Forest Road.

The trees, which included a selection of wild cherry, rowan and silver birch, were donated by The Woodland Trust for the occasion.

A plaque commemorating the anniversary has been erected next to the tree at Castle Rock and also the trees on what will become the public open space at Oak Tree Gardens.

Flight Lieutenant Rebekah Harrison-Page, commanding officer of the 1188 Squadron, said: “The initiative was the idea of our Commandant, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, who wanted air cadets everywhere to plant trees for our 75th anniversary.

“It is also the squadron’s 75th anniversary this year so we wanted to do something for the local community. We are very grateful to Bloor Homes for allowing us plant on their site.”

Bloor Homes site manager Rhys Bowker said: “We were honoured to be asked by the cadets to host their commemorative tree planting and it was a real pleasure to welcome them to Oak Tree Gardens for the day.”

“The trees will make a nice addition to the site and I am sure they will be enjoyed by residents at Oak Tree Gardens and the wider community for many years to come.”

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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

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LOCAL NEWS

Whitwick And District U3A

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

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

Whitwick and District U3A will hold its Christmas General Meeting on Friday 16th December. As in previous years, this promises to be a jovial event with seasonal refreshments and quality entertainment. We are delighted to be welcoming Sheila and Stuart Hague who perform as Medieval Minstrels known as Brandywine Bridge. The couple have appeared at many renowned venues and a very enjoyable afternoon is anticipated.

In addition, there will be opportunities to discover more about the U3A and what it has to offer to those who are no longer in full time employment. As usual, there will be plenty of members on hand to answer questions and pass on information.

To listen to Brandywine Bridge, relax in a friendly atmosphere and learn more about Whitwick and District U3A, come along to

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

Local Charity Appeals For Old Electrical Goods

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

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

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

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

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

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

St. David's Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville, LE67 4RL at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. Members and visitors are welcome to attend.

Alternatively, visit our website www.whitwicku3a.org.uk where there are full details of Whitwick and District U3A.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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LOCAL NEWS

Rotary Club Of Coalville Santa Sleigh Refurbished By Swift Fix

William Davis Rewards Apprentices At Annual Awards Evening

attitude to work has been first class from day one and both have had excellent reports and results from their colleges. We were happy to select them as the winner and runner-up for 2016 and are confident they will go on to have successful careers.”

Five star housebuilder, William Davis has held its annual Apprentice of the Year awards, with top prizes going to final year apprentices, Sam Beaver and Jack Harrison.

Held annually since 1971, the awards were presented in front of fellow apprentices, site colleagues, college tutors and parents. Sam and Jack each gave acceptance speeches committing their futures to the business.

In a presentation evening held at the company’s Loughborough head office, 20 year old plumber Sam Beaver was announced as Apprentice of the Year, with 19 year old electrician Jack Harrison given the Endeavour Award.

Both apprentices, from Syston and Coalville respectively, were commended for their motivation, professional conduct, quality of craftsmanship, attendance, punctuality and safety awareness.

Gary Long, apprentice supervisor, commented: “Sam and Jack are exemplary apprentices. Their

Sam said: “I’ve worked really hard for three years, always trying to excel in what I do and keep high standards. I’m really happy and proud to have won; my apprenticeship has been a great privilege and I’m now looking forward to completing it and continuing my work with William Davis.”

Sam is currently working on William Davis’ Daisy Bank development in Hathern, while Jack is at Heathe Meadow in Rothley.

PHOTO: (right to left) are Coalville Rotary Club Secretary John Knight, Swift Fix Managing Director Dean Preston, and Swift Fix Contracts Manager Roy Morning.

Santa's Upcoming Routes Forrest Lea - Thursday 15th December - 6pm-8pm

Coalville Spar - Sunday 18th December - 10am-4pm Ibstock - Tuesday 20th December - 6pm-8pm Morrisons - 23 Friday December 10am-4pm

The Rotary Club of Coalville’s Santa Sleigh has done sterling work over the past few years. Making children happy whilst meeting Santa, and raising money for many local good causes. It had begun to look a little tired and in need of refurbishment, if Santa was to continue to be proud of his sleigh.

Swift Fix, a local property maintenance company, keen to keep Santa delivering his magic at Christmas, offered to give the sleigh a makeover and update.

Coalville Rotary, delighted with the kind offer, have worked with the team at Swift Fix to get

Santa’s transport looking amazing again. It has had new body parts to keep Santa warm and dry, fresh paintwork, a full re-wire, and a new music system, so you can join in with your favourite Christmas carols!

You can meet Santa and his new sleigh, as he takes a tour of the local area throughout December.

Come along, you’ll be able to tell him if you’ve been naughty or nice, and what you would like for Christmas.

All the money raised will go to local good causes.

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LOCAL NEWS

COUNTY COUNCILLOR

MICHAEL WYATT

M: 07773 341531 E: mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

Wyatt Concerned Over Changes To Mental Health Support Services The Liberal Democrats have voiced concerns about proposed changes to Mental Health Support Services that are currently being consulted on.

The proposed changes would see mental health services run out of key hubs. However, rather than having a hub in each district, many districts will have to share a hub.

Residents from Hinckley would be expected to travel to Coalville, while someone from Lutterworth, in the South West of the County, would be expected to travel to Melton in the North West.

This has led to concerns that such unreasonable travel distances could prevent people from getting the services they need.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said: “The decision to condenseservices into hubs risks isolating people who live far away from them. Residents who depend on these services don’t always have the means to travel great distances, especially if there aren’t strong transport links.”

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in local mental health issues to go to the consultation website, look at the plans and submit their views. It’s essential that our concerns are heard and addressed.”

More details about the proposed changes and how you can submit your views can be found on the consultation website here: https://consultations.leicester. gov.uk/communications/mentalhealth-support-services

Key streets in Coalville continue to receive a face lift as the results of significant shop front improvement grants take hold.

Geoff’s Toys, La Torre restaurant, the Turning Point advice centre and the Constitutional Club – all on High Street – are all completing improvements to their frontages after receiving grants from North West Leicestershire District Council.

Scaffolding has also been erected on the Emporium nightclub on Marlborough Square in readiness for its overhaul, which will see historic elements of the building restored.

Bitter And Twisted Proud To Sponsor Local Sportsman

This latest work comes just four months after the decision to extend the scheme down Belvoir Road and into Marlborough Square and takes the total allocated to local business owners

by NWLDC to £223,000.

Jacob Paget a local Coalville lad has recently won two semi professional boxing matches which he's hoping will lead him to further progression into becoming a professional boxer.

Completed premises include the Bitter and Twisted micro-pub on High Street, where beautiful historic features have been renovated and are now on display.

Formerly a butcher’s shop, the premises now boasts a new canopy in the traditional style and the work has highlighted stunning tiling and stained glass features that were previously hidden.

Michael Wyatt owner of the new micro pub in Coalville decided to sponsor Jacob Paget to help him on his way to becoming a professional boxer.

Michael Wyatt said, "I'm delighted to back young talented individuals that want to succeed. It's great to see that Jacob has a passion and drive to be successful in his ambition to be the best at this sport. I hope more local businesses will take a leaf out of my book and start backing local youngsters who want to improve their lives or be the best in their chosen field.

Sponsoring talented young people is a great way of supporting our

A Town On The Up As More And More Businesses Get On Board With Frontage Improvements

town and proving that Coalville is a great place and full of potential that's needs our support" If anyone would more information about sponsoring local young people then please contact Michael Wyatt on 07773341531.

In addition, 16 to 28 Hotel Street, which incorporates four businesses including Sugar and Ice cake shop and RJ Motorcycles, has received a complete repaint using a heritage colour palette, highlighting elements that were previously hidden behind a dark red paint.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “We are committed to building confidence

in Coalville and we believe that part of that confidence comes from seeing positive physical change. What better way to improve the look and feel of our important shopping streets and also give local independent business owners a boost, than to help them improve the fronts of their buildings?"

“I’m looking forward to seeing the completed properties and welcome the positive contribution they will make to the street scene.

I would encourage local people to visit these new look premises and help to support Coalville’s independent retailers.”

Piet de Rijk, owner of 16 to 28 Hotel Street, which was a successful grant applicant and received a repaint, added: “Our site on Hotel Street looks so much better for the work that has been done; a long overdue facelift for a prominent building. I can definitely say that without the generous contribution from the council, this refurbishment would not have happened. The whole process has run smoothly and I hope others will be interested in taking up the grant scheme.”

So far, frontage improvement grants have been allocated to: Martin & Co Estate Agents, High Street – COMPLETE Bitter & Twisted Micro Pub, High Street – COMPLETE (Various Premises) 16 – 28 Hotel Street – COMPLETE Geoff’s Toys, High Street – ONGOING La Torre Restaurant, High Street – ONGOING Turning Point Advice Centre, High Street – ONGOING Constitutional Club, High Street – ONGOING The Emporium Nightclub, Marlborough Square – ONGOING Holmes Butchers, High Street – AWAITING START OF WORK Music Maker, Hotel Street – AWAITING START OF WORK P J Collier, Hotel Street – AWAITING START OF WORK For more information on the North West Leicestershire District Council frontage improvement grants, visit: www.nwleics.gov.uk/shopfronts

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LOCAL NEWS

Coalville Clubs & Groups

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

Coalville Rugby Club

01530 812090 Memorial Ground, Hall Lane, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 5PF ---------------------------------------------------

Coalville Town Hockey Club

Matt Howells - 07980449524 King Edward VII Science & Sports College, Warren Hills Road, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 4UW ---------------------------------------------------

Coalville Town Football Club

Visit www.coalvilletownfc.co.uk Owen Street Sports Ground Owen Street, Coalville, LE67 3DA ---------------------------------------------------

Coalville Heritage Society

c/o The Secretary 125 Highfield Street, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 3BR ---------------------------------------------------

‘OLD 'n' BOLD CLUB’

01530 814718 Classic - Vintage Car and motorcycle meeting every Friday morning 10am till 2pm aimed at retired people and shift workers. The Victoria Bikers Pub, Whitwick Road, Coalville, LE67 3FA ---------------------------------------------------

Whitwick & District U3A

Richard Collier - 01530 249377 (Membership Secretary) for postal address details or email mem_sec@whitwicku3a.org.uk ---------------------------------------------------

1188 (Coalville) Squadron

We meet at the headquarters on Forest Road in Coalville on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.15pm until 9.30pm. Find out more http://1188sqnatc.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------

Coalville Army Cadets

ACF Hut, Waterworks Road, Coalville, LE67 4HZ Meet Wednesdays at 19:00 - 21:30 ---------------------------------------------------

Hermitage Harriers RC

01530 811215 We meet at the Leisure Centre at 6.45pm for a 7pm run on both Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Hermitage Leisure Centre, Silver Street, Whitwick, Coalville, LE67 5EU ---------------------------------------------------

The Rotary Club Of Coalville

David Beaumont (Membership) davidbeaumont57@hotmail.com We meet at 7pm on Mondays.

Please check to make sure a meeting is taking place, as sometimes we are visiting elsewhere. The Hermitage Park Hotel, Whitwick Road, Coalville, LE67 3FA. ---------------------------------------------------

The Inner Wheel Club Of Coalville

We meet on the third Tuesday of the month (except July and August) at 7:00pm at La Torre Restuarant.

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Coalville Gymnastics Club

01530 811001 coalville.gymnastics@ talktalkbusiness.net Unit 8 Snibston Drive, Off Ravenstone Road, Coalville, LE67 3NQ

Coalville Ramblers

Anne Donegan - 01283 760348 publicity@coalvilleramblers.org.uk www.coalvilleramblers.org.uk where our programme of walks is available to view. You can also join online by following the link.

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Whitwick Methodist Church Drop In Cafe

Deacon Barbara Crockett 07881 408488 We meet every 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for refreshments and a chat, from 10.00 until 12.00 at the Whitwick Methodist Church, The Market Place, Whitwick (bottom end of Hall Lane). Everyone will be made especially welcome for coffee or tea, with home made cakes and good company.

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Alternative Book Club Coalville

Helena Lomax helenalomax@btconnect.com We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at The Hermitage Hotel Coalville.

Membership is free! Books are chosen by members plus we have a couple of months where we all read and review a book of our choice. We also have a very popular book swap/share at the end of each meeting. We also have a Facebook page.

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Coalville Male Voice Choir

www.coalvillemvc.co.uk Coalville Male Voice Choir will be pleased to welcome singers any Thursday evenings 7.00pm at Hall Lane, Methodist Church our practice venue.

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Coalville & District Photographic Society

We meet every other Monday (next meetings 3rd, 17th, 31st Oct, 14th, 28th Nov) at 7.30pm at the Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville.

All levels are welcome, please visit www.sites.google.com/site/ coalvilleanddistrictcameraclub for more details.

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Whitwick Retired People Fellowship

Secretary - Mrs B King 01530 835981 We meet at Whitwick Methodist Church, Hall Lane, Whitwick, every Tuesday 1:30 to 4pm. It is an independent group which meets for social interaction, tea and biscuits, cost £1, first visit free. Outings, which are often subsidised, are arranged at intervals throughout the year and a Christmas lunch is held for the members in December. A mini bus can be organised for attendance with the Marlene Reid Centre, if required, this needs to be booked direct with Marlene Reid the previous day.

Magnetic Wall Attracts The Attention Of Coalville School Children An innovative plaster with magnetic properties donated

by East-Leake based dry line solutions provider, British Gypsum, has helped create a fun and interactive new learning environment at a Leicestershire primary school.

Hugglescote Community Primary School near Coalville has been fitted with Thistle Magnetic Plaster, a specialist plaster which turns walls into surfaces with magnetic properties. The magnetic wall acts as a unique display area for the children’s school work and is a valuable teaching resource for group working.

The donation was part of a British Gypsum-run competition which gave employees the chance to win a Thistle Magnetic Plaster wall for the local school, club or group of their choice. Winner Richard Sainsbury, Engineering Manager from Barrow, donated the wall to Hugglescote Community Primary School, which is attended by his children. The wall was installed

by British Gypsum Plasterer Demonstrator, Paul Mulinganie.

Headteacher Paul Driver commented: “We are extremely pleased to have been selected to receive the magnetic wall – the plaster is ingenious.

North West Leicestershire Model Engineers

07922692076 We are a model engineering club and run steam trains on our track at hermitage recreation ground.

You do not have to own a loco to join as the club have there own engines which members can use.

We steam on 3rd Sunday and also on other days why not come and join us.

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Whitwick Netball Club

We are a friendly bunch of ladies of varying ages and fitness who meet for training on Wednesday evenings 6.30pm-8.00pm at Castle Rock High School Sports Hall. For further details please contact Abby Chambers via our Facebook page, search for Whitwick Netball Club or pop along.

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Broom Leys Choral Society

Meet on Tuesday evenings from 7pm to 9pm in Whitwick Methodist Church, Hall Lane.

We are a mixed choir and would welcome new members especially tenors and basses.

“With our usual wall-mounted displays, board needs to be backed with lining paper and the work stapled or pinned on, but Thistle Magnetic Plaster enables us to effortlessly display pupil's work and change it on a regular basis. Currently, we’re using the wall to display excellent examples of children's handwriting as part of a project they are working on.

“In the future we plan to use the wall as a space to promote community organisations. There are also magnetic games available and I would like to have a part of the wall as an interactive display – we’ll even get the children to design items to go on to it.

“It is very exciting and we are very grateful to have been selected to receive this amazing resource.”

To find out more about how Thistle Magnetic Plaster can benefit your building, visit: www.roomsmadeforyou.britishgypsum.com/solutions/magneticwall.aspx

Musical Theatre School (MTS)

www.musicaltheatreschl.co.uk musicaltheatreschl@gmail.com 07969688215 Singing, Dancing and Drama every Tuesday at Marlborough Square Church for ages 4 years up to adults. Timetable can be found on the website and contact Steph for further information.

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Christ Church

London Road, Coalville.

Every Thursday morning the church will be open from 9:30 to 12. Tea/coffee, a snack and chat will be available in the meeting room. Please join us, bring a friend. We look forward to seeing you.

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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year From Community Eye Team

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MONDAY 9:30am IBSTOCK Ibstock Central Club 28 Central Avenue Tel Natalie 07525 617287 NEW VENUE *morning group*

WEDNESDAY 9.30am ELLISTOWN Ellistown Working Mens Club Whitehill Road Parking at rear via Parker Drive Tel Natalie 07525 617287 *morning group*

MONDAY 5.30pm and 7.30pm WHITWICK Hall Lane Methodist Church Near Tressall Road Tel Sharon 07855 250017 *open Bank Holiday Mondays*

WEDNESDAY 5.30pm and 7.30pm ELLISTOWN Ellistown Working Mens Club Whitehill Road Parking at rear via Parker Drive Tel Natalie 07525 617287

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THURSDAY 5.30pm and 7.15pm COALVILLE Marlene Reid Centre Belvoir Road on corner of Melbourne Street Tel Sharon 07855 250017

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LOCAL NEWS

COUNTY COUNCILLOR

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

T: 01530 832622 E: terri.eynon@leics.gov.uk

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

ANDREW BRIDGEN

DR TERRI EYNON

Review of the Year December is a good time to look back over the Old Year and plan for the New. Back in January, I wrote about Leicestershire County Council’s Strategy for Industrial Development in Coalville. Plans for houses on the old Workspace 17, Highfield Street, are underway. The Vulcan Way site, currently occupied by a haulage company, has been approved for industrial development. This is disappointing for the current tenant and their employees.

I am working with District Council colleagues to support them in finding alternative accommodation.

February saw the final decision to close the Snibston Main Gallery.

In March NWLDC Planners attempted to challenge a Government decision and save a greenfield site off Greenhill Road from 180 houses. Sadly, the battle was lost and the taxpayer left liable for the defendant’s costs.

In April we were told that ‘Better Care’ would help Health and Social Care to close a £398M gap in their finances. By May, Snibston Museum was demolished, leaving a derelict and contaminated site.

The consultation 'Providing Less, Supporting More’ told residents funding for Leicestershire’s libraries, heritage and learning services is to reduce by 30%.

June saw the Brexit referendum recommend the Government make plans to leave the European Union.

In July we heard that the East Midlands has the lowest railway investment per head receiving less than a tenth of the money that goes to London. North West Leicestershire is in the top ten councils for car dependency with 80% of working adults having to travel to work by car or van. HS2 will plough through our District without stopping, adding over an hour to the journey to London by public transport. Meanwhile electrification of the Midland Mainline is being delayed.

In August County Highways reported projected budget cuts of 78% by 2020 and a consultation in September considered doubling the Council Tax payments of the poorest in our community.

Celebrating the exam success of King Edward VII High School in October, I discovered that rules governing the distribution of developer contributions mean that this school is missing out, receiving no funds to make up for the increased number of houses and children. November’s welcome news about ‘Recovery Hubs’ for mental health was marred by the estimated 50% cut to the future budget for mental health support.

A Leisurely New Year?

After so much financial doom and gloom, residents of Coalville might be pleased to hear that NWLDC are investing in the town centre. Whitwick Parish Council were first to be consulted on the proposal is to build a new Leisure Centre on Bridge Road carpark.

The cost to build would be £18 million which NWLDC would borrow. The new facility would be run by ‘Leisure Trust’ contracted to NWLDC at ‘zero cost to the council’. The projected saving would be used to pay off the loans. Whitwick residents were told the playing fields and lake would remain, but the site of the existing Hermitage Leisure Centre buildings and car parks would be sold to developers for housing.

The ‘do-nothing’ option is to retain the staff and refurbish the Hermitage Leisure Centre at an estimated cost of £3million. The ruling cabinet at NWLDC will probably make this decision in February 2017.

I have doubts about the robustness of the business case which is currently being scrutinised by a cross-party working group. If you wish to comment on the proposals contact your District Councillor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Olivia has successfully completed a Level 2 apprenticeship and is currently undertaking Level 3 Diploma in Residential Property Letting and Management.

Olivia’s main role within the company is to look after the lettings side of the business and to be on the front line responding to incoming enquiries.

�eeiattrr Eleanor joined Moving Made Cheaper in 2011, soon after the company opened.

Eleanor has over 20 years experience in estate agency, gained through roles in well respected local agencies as negotiator, valuer and branch manager.

Hannah joined Moving Made Cheaper in 2014 as an apprentice and quickly completed her NVQ Level 3 in Sale of Residential Property. Hannah’s main role within the company is to progress the sales and liaise between vendors, buyers, conveyancers, mortgage advisers etc. and be on the front line responding to incoming enquiries.

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