January 2018 - Coalville Community Eye

COMMUNITY EYE DELIVERED MONTHLY, FREE TO 7,500 HOMES & BUSINESSES

A E VI IL S OB EW M N B| ST E TE | W LA NT I PR

COALVILLE

JANUARY 2018

BISHOP OF LEICESTER TO VISIT COALVILLE FOR 3 DAYS Friday 26th January St David's Church Broom Leys

ANOTHER PUBLIC HOUSE BITES THE DUST Concerns That This Building May Be Under Threat

GRICE FAMILY

Does Anyone Have Any Knowledge For Val?

PUBLIC VOTE REVEALS

Winners Of Coalville Best Dressed Christmas Competition

"REAL COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN COALVILLE" Letter By Dr Meena Sood

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David Maltby on 01530 222934 Margaret Mabey on 01530 412410 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.

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

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March 16th Audrey Watson of British Association for Shooting and Conservation explains how to manage

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April 20th Jools Partridge Wildlife Officer Leics County

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CARERS WANTED Start your career in care You can make a difference…

Grandad‛s carers work FLEXIBLE hours are KIND and CARING and Have EXCELLENT training

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.

Grandad’s Carers work for a reputable Company with 25 years experience of delivering care Get in touch…

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 GriffydamTonge road.

Call us on: 01455292648 Email:

managementteam@givecare.co.uk www.givecarehomecare.co.uk

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Bishop Of Leicester To Visit Coalville For 3 Days The Right Reverend Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, will be spending 3 days in Coalville at the end of January 2018.

Bishop Martyn will be hosted

by St. David’s Church, Broom Leys, Coalville from Friday 26th January to Sunday 28th January and will be visiting local schools and meeting members of the local community in a “Big Conversations” weekend of events on life and faith.

Record Number Of Trees To Be Planted Through Free Tree Scheme More than 16,000 trees have been collected by residents that took advantage of a popular scheme designed to make North West Leicestershire greener.

The Free Tree Scheme sees North West Leicestershire District Council work in partnership with The National Forest and H K Wentworth Ltd to make the free trees available to all residents and community groups in the district.

This years’ batch of Holly, Cherry Plum, Hazel and Whitebeam trees are now being planted across the district by green-fingered locals.

Ashby-de-la-Zouch firm H K Wentworth, sponsors of The National Forest, accounted for 28 trees as they gave them to staff to plant at home and at their work headquarters.

The Free Tree Scheme has been running annually since 2008 and has collectively given out 74,042 trees over that time.

Councillor Alison Smith MBE, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “This is a fantastic scheme aimed at helping to grow the National Forest and improve the environment in North West Leicestershire. Year on year we are thrilled with the response we get from individuals, community groups and businesses who are as committed as we are to keeping the district green. Next year will be the 10th year that we’ve run the scheme, and we’re already excited for it to return bigger and better than ever before.”

The 2017 Free Tree scheme is now closed but it will return next year with information appearing online at www.nwleics.gov.uk/ community_focus

Public Vote Reveals Winners Of Coalville’s Best Dressed Christmas Competition A record 640 people have voted for their two winners of this year’s Coalville best dressed window and market stall competition.

The Attic in Belvoir Road won the award for the best dressed window in the town, while Rock-A-Billy’s Records landed victory in the best dressed market stall competition.

Sixteen businesses around the town and seven stalls at Coalville Market Hall got into the spirit of things and dressed for success this year.

The North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) organised competition is designed to encourage people to shop locally in the lead up to Christmas by creating a bright and vibrant atmosphere around the town.

The 640 votes cast this year is a new record, almost trebling the number of votes from 2016. Prizes will be given to the winners in the New Year.

The results of the best dressed window competition are: 1st The Attic (24, Belvoir Road) 2nd Birds the Confectioner (37, Belvoir Shopping Centre) 3rd Treat Me Nice (20, Ashby Road) The winners of the best dressed market stall competition are: 1st Rock-A-Billy’s Records 2nd Rock-A-Billy’s Retro Vintage 3rd Market Cafe The Attic is a one-off charity shop that raises money for Coalville’s Marlene Reid Centre, which provides a range of community support services across North West Leicestershire.

Jane Ebinger, Manager of The Attic, said: “I want to thank the people of Coalville for their support, as a charity shop we are dependent on our community. It’s fantastic to win the competition and I’m really grateful to everyone that voted for us. I think the competition itself is a good idea and creates a real talking point in the town. We need people to move around the town visiting our shops, and having all the brilliantly dressed windows encourages that.”

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business at NWLDC, said: “Huge congratulations to The Attic and Rock-A-Billy’s Records on winning the competition. Praise must though go to all of the businesses and market traders that took part. The competition is about the town pulling together as a collective - with the support of the council - to improve the shopping experience in Coalville, and showcase what the town has to offer. I think the sheer number of votes this year shows that this is a worthwhile competition, and that the public want to choose Coalville and support the businesses based here. Thank you for backing them by visiting and voting.”

On Friday 26th January he will be at Castle Rock High school to meet groups of students throughout the day as well as taking assemblies at Broom Leys and Warren Hills primary schools.

He will then spend the evening at a community event at the Lady Jane pub on Hall Lane Whitwick.

Saturday 27th January will feature a church leaders’ breakfast at the JD Wetherspoon’s Monkey Walk restaurant in Coalville, followed by a meeting with a local military veterans group and an appearance on the local radio station Hermitage FM. He will be available to meet local families and children at an event at St. David’s church and conclude the day with a prayer meeting also at St. David’s.

On Sunday 28th January, following a church service celebrating the weekend visit, Bishop Martyn will be available to meet members of the community for a final question and answer session at St. David’s church.

Reverend Andy Rhoades, Vicar of St. David’s, said “We are delighted that Bishop Martyn has chosen Coalville to meet with people in our community, listen to our experiences and share his journey of faith in Jesus Christ” Further information is available at

www.stdavidschurchbroomleys.org.uk

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91-93 High Street Ibstock, LE67 6LH 01530 260394 07891 298820

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

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Castle Rock High School Visits The National Holocaust Centre Over 100 Year 8 students from Castle Rock High School visited the National Holocaust Centre on 14th December 2017.

Whitwick & District Whitwick and District U3A will hold its first General Meeting of 2018 on Friday 19th January.

Details of all the varied Interest Groups will be available making this an ideal opportunity to follow through those New Year Resolutions to enjoy all the advantages of retirement. There are hobbies and interests to be followed; new skills to be learnt; social activities to be shared and all in a friendly environment.

Group Leaders and others will be on hand to pass on information.

Our speaker for January will be Peter Barratt with a talk entitled "My suffragette greatgrandmother, Alice Hawkins". 2018 is the centenary of the first stage of women getting the vote in this country after much campaigning.

Alice Hawkins was a remarkable woman who formed the Leicester branch of the suffragette movement in 1907. During her fight for women's rights, she was imprisoned five times. The family still have much of her memorabilia and we are privileged to have her great-grandson telling her story.

To listen to Peter and learn more about the benefits of U3A membership, come along to St. David's Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville LE67 4RL at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start. The U3A is a non-political and non-religious movement: everyone is welcome.

Alternatively, search online for our comprehensive and up-to-date website, www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

Students received an introduction from one of the experienced educators at the Centre who encouraged them to focus on the role of the individual and the choices they made between 1933 and 1945 and after spending time in the exhibition had the unique opportunity to listen to a Holocaust survivor and ask them questions which further deepened their knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust.

Miss Willday, a teacher at Castle Rock High School, said: "What a fascinating and humbling experience. The students learnt about being kind to, and looking out for, each other and others not as fortunate as themselves. It will, hopefully, make them more tolerant to the many children still being affected by situations outside their control."

James Griffiths (Director of Learning) at the National Holocaust Centre, said: "The learning programmes at The National Holocaust Centre encourage students to focus on the importance of the ‘choices’ individuals make. They also teach students about the consequences of not challenging discrimination and propaganda and failing to value diversity."

Donate Your Festive Goodies To Help Those In Need...

And Lose Those Festive Pounds Weightcare have been

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Coalville area for over 35 years.

A new class has opened in

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For more information about the National Holocaust Centre and to follow them either visit: www.nationalholocaustcentre.net www.facebook.com/THCLaxton @HolocaustCentUK

go along, donate the festive

Gone With The Wind The Lost Windmills Of Leicestershire

Coalville Library Presents AwardWinning Crime Writer Elly Griffiths

Talk by Mark Temple Monday 19th February 2018 Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall at 7.30pm

At one time every family’s diet included bread which relied on a constant supply of fresh flour. So virtually every village had a mill of some sort, a watermill if there was a suitable stream, or if not, a windmill was placed on an elevated position where its sails could catch the wind. At their peak in 1835 there were believed to be 152 mills in Leicestershire, and many were locally such as Woodhouse Eaves, Markfield, Mountsorrel, Shepshed etc. Mark has tried to gather together all the photographic images that have survived and has also made a collection of milling stories. He knows of the existence of many mills but as far as he knows their images have been lost.

Future Events Monday 19th March 2018 brief AGM followed by a 1970 film “Leicestershire a Heritage at Risk”, at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall at 7.30pm. You will not be surprised that most of the issues raised are still the same today. It is a delightful film as it brings back memories of familiar sights 48 years ago of rural Leicestershire and Charnwood Forest. The meeting will conclude with a brief discussion of the issues raised led by the CPRE. For further information contact Dick Howard or look at our website www.focf.org.uk

goodies you have left over and take the first step to a new, healthier, slimmer future.

Coalville Library are pleased to announce that Elly Griffiths will

be giving a talk on Thursday 15th February, 1-2pm in the Library

about her award-winning crime

fiction novels. Elly will be talking

about her latest Dr Ruth Galloway

novel, followed by a book signing.

Booking is essential for this free,

ticketed event. Book now to avoid disappointment!

Elly Griffiths Author Talk at Coalville Library

Thursday 15th February, 1-2pm You can book your ticket in person at the Library or reserve a ticket over the phone or via email.

For more information call the

Visitors welcome £3 on the door.

library on: 0116 305 3565.

Dick Howard 01530 245373

coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk

or email:

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

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, LE67 5PF ---------------------------------------------------

Coalville Town Hockey Club

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

Coalville Town Football Club www.coalvilletownfc.co.uk

Owen Street Sports Ground Owen Street, Coalville, LE67 3DA ---------------------------------------------------

Coalville Heritage Society 01530 833521

coalville.heritage@gmail.com www.coalville-heritage.info

c/o The Secretary, Grace Villas, 48 James Street, Coalville, LE67 3BW ---------------------------------------------------

‘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) mem_sec@whitwicku3a.org.uk

For postal address details or email, please visit our website.

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1188 (Coalville) Squadron http://1188sqnatc.co.uk

We meet at the headquarters on Forest Road in Coalville on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.15pm until 9.30pm.

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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

Robert - 07510 512446

publicity@coalvilleramblers.org.uk www.ramblers.org.uk/coalville

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

www.sites.google.com/site/ coalvilleanddistrictcameraclub

We meet every other Monday at 7.30pm at the Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville. All levels are welcome, please visit our website for more details and for the programme of meetings.

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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.

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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.

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Musical Theatre School (MTS) 07969688215

musicaltheatreschl@gmail.com www.musicaltheatreschl.co.uk

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

Steve on 01530 224128 We are a small friendly club we would welcome new players or anyone wishing to have a try at playing bowls. Our new season will begin at the end of April at Scotlands playing fields Forest Road. Our club nights are Tuesdays and Fridays 5-7pm.

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Coalville OAP & Friends Fishing Club

Mr Bancroft - 01530 832740 We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the season.

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Bardon Hill Juniors Football Club 07983134033

www.facebook.com/Bardon-HillJuniors-FC-301998146531045

Bardon Road, Coalville. Opposite The Shell Garage. Kids train every Saturday, either at Bardon Road or at Newbridge on the Astro turf.

Give us a call or visit our Facebook page to get in touch.

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Broom Leys Chinese Wand & Tai Chi Club

Les & Sue - 01530 836941 We meet on Wednesdays 7pm to 9pm at Broom Leys School.

All ages and abilities over 16 welcome. We meet through school holidays where possible. Give Les or Sue a call. Exercises and movements are adaptable for individual limitations.

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The Coalville Adult School Drama Group casdg.info@gmail.com

07772 224 552 We meet at Bridge Road, Coalville, LE67 3PW -----------------------------------------------

Coalville Miners Football Club

Text - 07989320725

martyn.sharpe@yahoo.co.uk

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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We meet at Newbridge High School, Coalville, LE67 3SJ. A family friendly club and would welcome new players and sponsors. Training 7-8 every Wednesday at Newbridge and play on a Sunday morning in Hinckley & District football league.

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hugglescotedoningtonheritage@gmail.com www.facebook.com/HADLHHS

Elspeth Myles - 07788235573

Hugglescote & Donington-leHeath Heritage Society

We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 7:30pm-9:00pm at Hugglescote Community Centre, Grange Road, Hugglescote, LE67 2BR We are actively seeking new members to help run our programme of events, and record the history of the villages.

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Scotlands Bowling Club Sue - 01530 810026

Marlborough Square Methodist Church elspethmyles@aol.com

Every Thursday morning 11am12noon we run a seated aerobics class led by Danny from Hermitage Leisure Centre. The class is open to anyone who is looking for exercise to increase their strength, stability and flexibility for everyday living.

It is fun and friendly. Cost is £3.50.

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WHY MAKE A WILL?

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1. Peace of mind that your estate will pass according to your wishes.

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Sorting Out The Seed Packets

Seeds At The Ready

Bountiful Harvest

The weather is cold & wet outside, so it’s a perfect time to sort through the seed packets I have stored away in a battered old shoe box.

It love to sit with a cup of coffee in hand and the new seed catalogues by my side & plan what I’ll be growing in the coming year.

reliably large delicious cobs which are definitely worth the effort of growing and tending them. I couldn’t get the seed for that variety last year and sowed another which really wasn’t as good. Fingers crossed I can find some ‘Ovation’ this year!

Some of my favourite vegetables to grow are brassicas. As I’m so busy day to day designing and managing other peoples gardens I need to select produce which will keep well on the plant and in the fridge! Brassicas fit the bill. I like to grow Purple sprouting Broccoli – both Spring and Summer flowering forms. They grow strongly on my rich clay soil and don’t need much in the way of care. Once I’ve planted them, they’ll get a water when needed and I cover them with Enviromesh to keep the bugs, beasties and dreaded Pigeons off my precious produce.

I love beans too. Particularly French beans, climbing or dwarf.

I do struggle with the dwarf varieties as I find they can get splashed with mud in heavy rain and are never quite as fresh again. The climbing varieties are better for me but they don’t crop as well or hold on the plant either. Happily I discovered the runner bean ‘Moonlight’ which has been crossed with a French bean to give tender green pods without the ‘strings’ some runner beans develop. A real winner of a variety, I’ll need to buy more seed this year.

I love to grow Kaibroc too which crops really quickly. I sowing in the spring will produce delicious green tender stem Broccoli shoots 10 weeks later! I tend to forget to resow these but they can be sown successionally to crop throughout the summer. I’ve tried growing various cabbages but I find that they all crop at once and don’t hold long enough for me.

Some seed I save like the Runner beans which come from my Dad. He’s been saving his own seed for years and now I have some of his prize seeds for my plot. I save pea seed too which reliably comes true to seed. Some packets of seed will last several years without diminishing the germination rate.

I find that Tomatoes last well and I have successfully sown 3 year old Tommies with no problems.

I love to grow Sweetcorn too although I’m picky about which variety. ‘Ovation’ produces

Bel Grierson

Squashes

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

My favourite Tomatoes to grow at home are ‘Sungold’- an orange

belgriersondesign info@belgrierson.co.uk

cherry type and ‘Cuor de Bue’ a rich pink-red beefsteak form perfect for salads & sandwiches. I have saved seed of these before but as I grow so many tomato varieties together in my green house they tend to cross pollinate and I can end up with weird and wonderful offspring!

I buy fresh courgette and squash seed each year as a find I can struggle to germinate them if they’ve been tucked up in the shoe box for too long!

Lettuce and salad crop seeds last a couple of years for me but I do like to buy fresh seed of the reliable salad bowl and butterhead types which a enjoy most. There’s nothing more disappointing than realising several weeks after sowing that the darn things aren’t going to germinate!

I sort of the seed box is therapeutic for me and it’s a pleasure to thumb through the shiny seed catalogues to find my trusted favourites and a few new things to try each year.

I hope I’ve tempted you to have a rummage through your seed packets in readiness for the growing season ahead. Next month I’ll be looking at selecting the best topiary for the garden.

www.belgrierson.co.uk 07506750250

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MONDAY 5.30pm and 7.30pm WHITWICK Hall Lane Methodist Church Near Tressall Road Tel Sharon 07855 250017 *open Bank Holiday Mondays* TUESDAY 7:30pm WHITWICK Hall Lane Methodist Church Near Tressall Road Tel Jacqueline 07731 613788 TUESDAY 5pm and 7pm ASHBY Hood Park Leisure Centre North Street Tel Rich 07724 360536

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WEDNESDAY 9.30am and 11.30am ELLISTOWN Ellistown Working Mens Club Whitehill Road Parking at rear via Parker Drive Tel Natalie 07525 617287 *morning group* 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 THURSDAYS 7pm HEATHER David Taylor Memorial Hall Swepstone Road Tel Natalie 07525 617287 SATURDAY 8am and 10am ASHBY Hood Park Leisure Centre North Street Tel Rich 07724 360536

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Ashby Santa Fun Run Sets New Record Ashby de la Zouch found

variety of Christmas tunes to get

Sunday December 3rd as the

Run & Walk before the sea of red

itself awash with Santa’s on

2017 Ashby Santa Fun Run &

Walk completed a weekend of

Christmas events in and around

the town setting a new record for this event in it’s 3rd year.

Following on from the success of the 2016 event when 1013

Santa’s entered the 3km Fun Run & Walk, the Ashby Castle Rotary Club organised event managed to eclipse this achieving a

staggering 1409 entries. This

provided a phenomenal sight

people up and ready for the Fun

Santa suits took their place at the starting line.

The Fun Run & Walk set off at 11am as planned in the early December sunshine and was

deemed to be a huge success

as young and old completed the

course and were greeted back on the Bath Grounds with a medal and refreshments with resident compere Chris Knight chatting

over the PA system with finishers.

throughout Ashby as the Santa’s

Aside from providing a fantastic,

at 11am and weaved their way

on the weekend that Christmas

set off from the Bath Grounds

around the town taking in some of Ashby’s finest sights.

On what was a beautiful

December morning with the

sun peeking through, the event

kicked off in it’s usual fashion with a mixture of festive music from

Ronnie Radar and the delightful smell of bacon sandwiches courtesy of Brains & Brawn

Catering. Santa’s started arriving on the Bath Grounds from 10am with people getting in to the

festive spirit which this event

manages to produce each year.

The ‘real’ Rotary Club Santa was

also present again to talk to young and old alike and was as generous

fun event for all of the community really kicks off in Ashby, the

other driving force was for Ashby Castle Rotary Club to raise much needed funds for local charities.

This year the Rotary Club have decided to spread the funds

over more charities again with a

focus on them being based in the local area. Receiving proceeds

from the event this year will be Hospice Hope, Wishes 4 Kids,

Staunton Harold Sailability and Rainbows Childrens Hospice.

The organising committee are still busy collecting remaining

sponsorship money in and hope

to make an announcement of the final proceeds by mid January.

as ever handing out Cadbury’s

Dale Warren from the Rotary Club

talk to him. Fitness Republic, one

another fantastic event and the

Heroes to anyone who went to

of the events main sponsors again provided the fun warm up to a

of Ashby Castle said “It’s been

culmination of a brilliant weekend in the town that shows Ashby at

it’s best. We’ve again had brilliant support from the community and great fun whilst raising what we hope will be thousands of pounds for charity. Events like this take a lot of organising but when you see the outcome with nearly 1400 Santa’s jumping around in front of you doing the fun warm up then it’s absolutely worth the hard work! We think that based on the number of medals we gave out we had around 1370 Santa’s actually complete the Fun Run on the day which is way beyond our wildest dreams when we set out with this idea 3 years ago. Again we’ve received amazing support from local residents of all ages in joining in this event from babies to pensioners and we’ve had even better support than last year from local businesses in and around the town. All of this is hugely appreciated and helps us to make this event what it is. We would just ask now that people who have raised personal sponsorship

complete their sponsor forms and pay their money in as soon as possible so that we can get the total finalised and give some cheques out to our very deserving charities. We look forward to working with our partners both new and old again next year and see if we can push the Santa numbers even higher!”.

People who have raised personal sponsorship are encouraged to pay this in at their earliest possibility with full details of how to do this online at www. ashbysantarun.com/sign-up or any queries can be emailed to admin@ ashbysantarun.com Interested in finding out more about Rotary?

If you would like to come along to the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle please contact our secretary Chris Knight at cjcjknight@supanet.com or visit www.ribi.org

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Coalville Furniture Superstore

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

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County Councillor

Michael Wyatt

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

Does Anyone Have Any Knowledge Of The Grice Family?

Mary Jane Grice, born 1874 died 1960, married Joseph Storer, born 1877 died 1960. They lived at 57 Normanton Lane, Packington until their deaths. They died within weeks of one another and are buried in Holy Rood Churchyard, Packington.

Sadly, their thatched cottage on Normanton Lane no longer stands today as Leicestershire Council demolished it and built Council houses on the land. I would dearly love to know if anyone has a photograph of the cottage. Joseph Storer was the son of my Gt.Gt.Grandfather Benjamin Storer.

Please email Val Roberts at: valroberts47@yahoo.co.uk Or write to: 38 Chestnut Avenue, Mickleover, Derby, DE3 9FS

Another Public House Bites The Dust Councillor Michael Wyatt has written to the Chief Executive of the Dustrict Council expressing his concern over one of the last remaining original buildings in coalville after the Red House on the High Street closed its doors only weeks after re-opening.

Cllr Wyatt said, “I’m concerned that this building may be under threat.

The Red House has always been a public house so any possible change must be sensitive to the fact that the building is one of the last remaining original buildings in Coalville. I hope the Council resist any attempts to turn this building into yet more flats.”

Beatles Tribute At Venture Theatre We have a Beatles Tribute band coming, who are both local and brilliant!

We have 'Hey Beatles' coming on Saturday 20th January at 8.00pm.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from Ashby Tourist Office - 01530-411767.

Its a great show - it sold out last year so don’t miss out.

The Venture Theatre, North Street , Ashby, LE65 1HU

Wyatt Blasts Tory Bosses For Poor Gritting Services Of Local Roads Cllr Michael Wyatt has attacked the Tory Bosses for failing to make sure our local roads and pavements are properly gritted.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Its pretty disgusting that in this day and age the Council are unable to make sure our roads and pavements are properly gritted. If anyone’s been hurt or had damage done to their property due to the Councils failure to grit our roads and pavements then they need to make a claim. The Tories use the excuse of inadequate funding but in my opinion it’s just down to poor planning and inadequate leadership.”

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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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Locally Cloudy2Clear service the Coalville & Hugglescote 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

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Member Of Parliament

Andrew Bridgen

M: 01530 417736 E: andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk It has been another extremely busy month in Parliament with various parts of the EU Withdrawal Bill being voted through the House of Commons following the agreement between the UK and EU to move onto Phase 2 of the negotiations which is for Trade. Phase 1 covered Citizens Rights, The Irish Border and the settlement figure.

I have expressed my reservations in the past about the so called “divorce bill” and I am still far from convinced that we legally owe the EU anything, however what I do regard as essential is that we come out and stay out, and by getting a deal that satisfies the vast majority, it weakens the case any future Labour Government might try and make to re-join.

As I predicted some months ago Labour has shifted it position with regard to Brexit a clear betrayal of the many of its supporters who voted to leave the EU. I asked the following question of the Prime Minister in the House following the agreement: ‘I thank my right hon. Friend for confirming very clearly that the so-called EU divorce bill will be paid only if we are successful at negotiating an acceptable trade deal with the European Union. Does she agree that this will certainly focus the minds of EU negotiators and is our best chance of obtaining an acceptable outcome for the UK?’ The Prime Minister responded ‘I am optimistic about getting that good trade deal for the United Kingdom with the EU, because actually it is in the EU27’s interests for their businesses to be able to continue to trade on good terms with the UK.’ I remain optimistic that we can secure a good trade deal. We buy more from the EU than we sell to them so it is in their economic interest just as much as ours. The customer is king.

What was not helpful however was the vote on Amendment 7 for Parliament to have a so called meaningful vote on the deal.

The rebels on the Conservative side have only served to weaken the Prime Minister’s hand in the negotiations with the EU with the signal they have sent to them, and I fear there could be consequences to their actions in our continued negotiation. We had a meaningful vote at the referendum and another when Parliament overwhelmingly vote to trigger article 50.

Looking forward however, Parliament has voted for us to

leave the EU, the single market and the customs union so when the meaningful vote takes place, it will be between the deal negotiated by the Prime Minister or coming out with no deal, so I remain confident that Brexit remains on track for March 2019.

Christmas is a time to think of those less fortunate than ourselves and I believe that in a civilized society, it is unacceptable that people should be faced with the fear of homelessness at any time of the year. It is vitally important to help the most vulnerable in society get their lives back on track.

The Government has announced plans for new homelessness prevention schemes, including targeted support for those at risk of sleeping rough.

The Government is spending over £550 million to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in England by 2020 following the 2015 Spending Review.

I am very proud that the Government supported the Homelessness Reduction Act, which will provide vital support for many more people, setting a target to halve rough sleeping over the course of the Parliament and eliminate it altogether by 2027.

Good quality housing for our District is something that is important to me which was why one of my first acts as an MP was to win us £20 million in Government funding to bring our Council properties up to the Decent Housing Standard.

Everyone has the right to a decent place to live and this is one of my political priorities.

Reflecting on the events of the last 12 months, I once again thank you for your support and the faith you placed in me again at the election in June. I am immensely proud to represent this constituency and the hard working people within it. I also wish to give my thanks to those in the armed and emergency services who keep us safe and well not only at Christmas but throughout the year. I wish you all and your families a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Theatre Audience Could Prevent Murder Jenny Contact Number: 0797 3832084 or Natasha Contact Number: 07812 114020 In a bid to celebrate reaching their first anniversary on the 2nd of December 2017, Action Adventure Theatre Productions have decided to start their second year in style by bringing a unique twist to the interactive murder mystery and pantomime genres, by amping up their shows once more. Following a successful run of, original murder mystery performances, in their first year, partners Natasha and Jenny wanted to give the audience even more power; promising immersion and interactivity like never before.

The audience of their new murder mystery event, The Poisonous Pantomime, will have the opportunity to save the life of one of the victims in the show. That is, only if they can figure out who it is and mix the correct antidote in time. The show will take place at The Black Swan Inn, Shepshed on 19th Feb 2018 (a proportion of the profits will go to charity for our opening night), The Maypole Café Theatre Bar in Derby, on 23rd February 2018, The Old Bell Hotel in Derby 24th February and Colwick Hall in Nottingham on 27th and 28th February 2018. On their opening night, they have announced that a proportion of all profits will go to charity.

“We wanted our audience to be able to change the outcome, so we thought, why not allow them to save one of the victims?” – Natasha Towards the end of the performance, the audience will be asked to identify the final victim before mixing an antidote. If they are correct, the victim lives. But if they are wrong.... To top it off, Jenny and Natasha - who also specialise in live special effects - are setting themselves a new challenge: a live transformation and a non-pyrotechnic smoke bomb. As the show is performed right in amongst the audience, these effects can happen mere inches away from them, and so the challenges the two face are doubled: “The audience can see everything, and on top of that we have their safety to think about. Last year we had to [fake] blow the back of someone’s head off and hit only the actor behind him. It was certainly a challenge, but we managed it” - Jenny Jenny and Natasha are setting a competition to any amateur Special Effects Artists out there: Help us create a puff of smoke large enough to engulf a person without pyrotechnics and you will get your name in the programme, a mention on our social media sites and our website, a free show only ticket to one of our participating venues and a signed programme.

Like our facebook page @AATPMysterygames, and post your idea to enter.

Go to the bottom of our home page for details and our terms and conditions.

Website: http://aatp-mysterygames.weebly.com/about-our-shows.html Home Page: http://aatp-mysterygames.weebly.com

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County Councillor & Labour Group Leader

Dr Terri Eynon

T: 01530 832622 E: terri.eynon@leics.gov.uk More Cuts To Come At County Hall Leicestershire County Council is consulting on its proposed Budget for the next few years. It is probably a good idea to re-read George Orwell before looking at what they have to say.

home after a period of illness.

It is true that the Council’s financial position remains extremely challenging. It is true that officers have been working hard to meet this challenge. It is true that the Council has been planning ahead.

But when the Council says, “we’ve saved £178m since 2010” I want to reach for my Newspeak dictionary.

Please register your concern by

What the current administration mean is that they have cut £178 million worth of services. As a result, the Council is able to do that much less to assist the most vulnerable in our society. It is true that these cuts will have reduced the Council’s budget shortfall. But there is increasing pressure on social services. There is continued uncertainty about national funding.

All this means there is no way to sweeten a harsh reality. Demand continues to outstrip income.

response submissions is Sunday,

If parents cannot get help at an

earlier stage, vulnerable families will fail and fragment. More

children being taken into care.

This will pile pressure onto highcost statutory services.

responding to the consultation online at:

www.leicestershire.gov.uk/have-

Back in April 2016 we were informed that our landlord had defaulted on his mortgage payments and that his property which we had been renting and had happily lived in for 7 years, was to be imminently repossessed.

All of a sudden we had nowhere to live and had just 6 weeks to find a suitable home to live in. We not only had to consider ourselves.

My Mother had recently become a widow and had suffered an acute stroke which took away her ability to speak.

your-say/current-consultations/

Our new Home would have to adequately accommodate all our needs as a small family.

The deadline for consultation

It was vital for my Mother to be as independent as was possible and have a structured social life to give her the self confidence and courage to mix socially and not become isolated.

budget-proposals

21st January 2018.

A Merry Christmas And A Poorer New Year?

A third of Britons were prepared to borrow money to pay for

presents this Christmas, with one

in five of us are taking on credit to put food on the Christmas table, according to research by the Money Advice Trust.

£18 Million Short Of Funds Leicestershire is under pressure from politically driven austerity, an ageing population and a Government committed to making cuts. All this will leave the County Council facing an £18 million shortfall in its funding.

One in 20 of us will be at risk of

As Labour Group Leader, I sit on the County Council’s Transformation Board. I am briefed by officers and have an opportunity to influence the way the Council manages these cuts. Whilst I support elements of the Council’s transformation, especially those that focus on improved outcomes for customers, the long-term future is unsustainable. As thresholds for care rise, more people will be excluded. False economies to early help and prevention will lead to greater costs further down the line.

Don’t let your New Year debt fall

False Economies Make Things Worse Raising the thresholds for care provision for frail and older people will make it harder for NHS staff to discharge patients safely

Real Community Spirit In Coalville This Is A True Story

falling behind with household

bills as a direct result of Christmas costs. Worryingly, this includes people falling behind with

‘priority debts’ including rent, council tax and energy bills.

into the hands of commercial debt management companies. Their

high fees and charges can make a bad problem worse.

National Debtline offers free,

independent and confidential

advice 24 hours a day online at www.nationaldebtline.org and on 0808 808 4000, Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9.30am to 1pm.

If you are living in the County of Leicestershire and require any

advice regarding debts or any

other money issues, you can call the Citizens Advice Bureau on a

dedicated helpline: 0116 340 0116

It was vitally important she should find her new life joyful and fulfilling.

To this end we were searching for a suitable property preferably set in the heart of a vibrant Community.

As luck would have it our internet searched found only three properties that matched our search criteria. Unfortunately by the time we were ready to view the properties two of them were already taken.

The last remaining property was in Coalville. I knew very little about Coalville. Many years ago before I was married I lived at a tiny cottage at Lount near Ashby.

We were not at all prepared for what we found in Coalville.

We liked both the property and its location. It was exactly what we needed.

A good bus service was available as well as reliable efficient taxi hire which were particularly needed as my Mother was unable to drive following her stroke.

As the stroke affected my Mother’s speech and ability to communicate easily with people it was essential that we have access to good local social groups to keep her brain stimulated and ease her rehabilitation and ability to be independent.

Our experiences made us aware just how acutely social isolation is connected to physical and mental well being and how important regular contact is to building up a sense of community.

We settled in gradually and at first joined the local Library as my Mother and I love to read.

Everyone there was so helpful and welcoming and ready to answer our questions about the local area,activities as well as details of the local bus service.

It was more of a Community Hub than just a Library and we were very impressed with the kindness and helpfulness of all the hard working staff there. There was a huge file available in the reception area filled with details of local groups and events.

We came across a thoughtfully worded flyer for a local coffee morning which met every Thursday at Christ Church. Free refreshments were available and everyone was welcome to attend.

The following Thursday we plucked up the courage to go as we know no one locally in Coalville and everybody was a stranger to us both.

It is certainly true that a stranger is just a friend you have not met yet!

Without exception everyone was very friendly and welcoming and went out of their was to make us a home. The group has been very kind and supportive of us through some difficult times.

Each person we have been lucky to meet has proven to be very thoughtful and kind.

Uplifted by our experience we have both joined other classes in Coalville. In particular my Mother has enjoyed a beginners computer course and is already booked on to the intermediate course next year.

Since my Mother’s improvement in speech and confidence I feel I can now take some time for me and will be joining two local classes in Yoga and T’ai Chi. Coalville has an incredibly strong and vibrant Community Spirit and certainly feels like home now.

Dr. Meena Sood

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