April 2014 - Loughborough Community Eye

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LOUGHBOROUGH

COMMUNITY EYE

FREE MONTHLY LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, PUZZLES, COMPETITIONS & MORE

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

ISSUE 6 - APRIL 2014

Alex’s Wish

Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride Show Your Support & Donate

Shady Garden Solutions

Salmon & Asparagus Tagliatelle

Spring Clean

Cook the prefect spring dinner

Top tips on how to spring clean your home

CARILLON TOWER & WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM Cook the prefect spring dinner

Bake With Fee

Lemon Fairy Cakes

UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL MP Nicky Morgan

STORY TIME

Clever Daniel & The Sunflower Seeds

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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WELCOME

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! It’s such a pleasure to see green leaves on the trees and bluebells in the woodlands, it makes me realise how lucky I am to be back living in Leicestershire, such a picturesque county.

This month’s magazine has a spring feel and gives tips on cost effective spring cleaning as well as some lovely recipes! You also have a chance to win a meal for two at the Field Head Hotel and children have the opportunity to win a personalised T-Shirt from Norwood Press.

This magazine also marks the arrival of our new printing press which has enabled us to print in full colour throughout. This new press also means we can be extremely competitive for all printing work!

We are so confident, that we think we can beat most business printing quotes! So if you have business cards, flyers, menus or community newspapers printed why not see if we can print it for less?

Many thanks again to all our lovely advertisers and contributors, we try to include as many community/school articles as possible so please keep sending them in.

I am personally unable to get out and about at present but if you contact 0800 6446 150 another member of the team will be able to assist you. I am still available on email and hope to be back out meeting with you and covering events after surgery in the summer.

Enjoy your latest Community Eye magazine and I look forward to bringing you your June issue.

Front Cover Photograph By: Susan Guy

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SEASONAL FEATURE

Spring Clean

I

t’s the time of year where the sun starts shining through the windows highlighting how much grime has built up over winter! If you’re anything like me you’ll have a bucket of various cleaning products all promising great results but I’ve been doing a little research and apparently I only need 3 things to bring my house back from the winter blues!

BICARBONATE OF SODA • Bicarb on a damp sponge removes grease easily from stove, back splash etc.

• Also works great for carpet deodorising, just sprinkle onto carpet before going to bed and vacuum in the morning.

• Better than any cleaner for cleaning baths and sinks.

• Also for keeping pipes clean under the sink - pour about one quarter cup of baking soda down the drain with about 1 cup of vinegar, this makes a chemical reaction, then pour some hot water down the drain.

• To minimise odours in your fridge, remove top from box of baking soda and place it on one of the shelves. From time to time stir contents.

• To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

WHITE VINEGAR (do not use on Marble and check on a small area out of sight first) • Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwavesafe bowl.

Bring it to a rolling boil

inside the microwave.

Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

• To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

• Get rid of lime deposits in a kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

• Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar.

Rinse clean.

• To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

stain fades. Can be left overnight, then rinsed well and dried.

• Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1 cup white distilled vinegar in a gallon of water and clean using newspaper. The ink from the print will give your windows a fantastic shine.

• Clean your microwave and remove odours. Place a cup 3/4 full of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave.

Heat to boiling. Don’t open the door for another 10 minutes. Then just wipe away food particles with a clean cloth and dry.

• To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

• To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

• Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

• Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

LEMONS

• Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.

• To remove a label, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

• Get rid of limescale deposits on taps/shower heads by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight. (I find lemon juice work just as well and makes the bathroom smell great too!)

• Spray shower doors with fullstrength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

When cleaning with lemons always rinse with warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth afterward.

One of the very few things you can’t clean with lemon juice is anything that is brass plated as the juice will damage the item. Aside from that, here is a list of items that can be cleaned with lemons.

• Use a half lemon and salt to clean even the most heavily discoloured brass (real brass, not brass plated).

Be careful with antiques. Always test a small spot before scrubbing away.

• The same method can be used for copper items such has copper bottoms of pots.

• You can also shine up your chrome taps or the chrome on older model cars with lemon and salt.

• Diluted lemon juice not only cleans stains from chopping boards, but helps kill germs as well. Rub the juice full strength onto the stain and let sit until the

• Use lemon juice and an old toothbrush to scrub grout.

• Put a dilute solution of lemon juice in a spray bottle to clean laminate counter tops. Rinse with water and dry afterward.

• Scrub grills and grates with lemon juice and salt.

• Soak plastic food storage containers in dilute lemon juice to remove stains and odours. Add baking soda and scrub, rinse and dry.

• Remove odours from your refrigerator with a half lemon on a saucer. Change once a week.

• Clean food preparation smells from your hands with a dilute solution of water and lemon juice.

• Clean hard water stains on glass shower doors with half a lemon.

• A dilute lemon juice rinse for your hair cuts soap residue and leaves hair softer and shinier.

• Lastly, apparently you can make a facial scrub of sugar and lemon juice for cleaner, softer skin! I haven’t tried this one!

LOCAL NEWS

CONTRACT SIGNED TO IMPROVE COUNCIL HOMES

LOUGHBOROUGH’S SMALL BUSINESSES URGED TO SPRING CLEAN THEIR FINANCES Small businesses across Loughborough are being urged to spring clean their finances after a raft of changes were introduced from April.

2014/15 at £153 per week

Phil Marriott and Carl Whitehead who run TaxAssist Accountants in Loughborough said “Small businesses should ensure they make the most of the new benefits and don’t get caught out by the changes. The cost of employing people came out as the top issue facing small businesses in a recent survey we conducted.

While the latest budget didn’t provide a silver bullet for this issue, there are new tax breaks and changes from April which small business owners need to be aware of and in some cases could help them to make those vital recruitment decisions.”

Personal Allowance and Tax Code 2014/15 - The personal allowance for 2014/15 rises to £10,000 from £9,440 in 2013/14

Key changes from April include: Employment Allowance – from April 2014 most businesses and charities will be entitled to a £2,000 Employment Allowance per year towards their employer National Insurance (NI) contributions bill Employees and Employers NI - the point at which employees and employers start paying NI will be aligned from

PIONEERING DEMENTIA SUPPORT SERVICE TO LAUNCH AT THE LEICESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY A new service is being launched by the Alzheimer’s Society at Leicester Royal Infirmary to help people live well with dementia. The Hospital Liaison Dementia Support Service, which launched on Tuesday, April 22nd, saw three members of staff from the charity working from the hospital in a bid to improve patient experience, reduce time spent in hospital and re-admissions as well as provide valuable information, advice and guidance.

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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Recovery - from 6th April 2014 the recovery of SSP will be abolished

Workplace Pensions - from April 2014, it will be the turn of employers with under 250 employees to comply with the new rules and from April 2015, employers with under 50 employees will start their responsibilities.

RTI Reporting Concession for Small Employers – the concession for small businesses with under 50 employees comes to an end on 5th April 2014 and they will need to start reporting PAYE information in real time. Employers with nine or fewer employees can continue to report PAYE information on or before the last payday in the month until April 2016 TaxAssist Accountants Loughborough is a local business providing tax and accountancy advice and services purely to small businesses.

The service is centred around the completion of a specialist document developed by the Alzheimer’s Society called This is Me, which details things that are important to the person with dementia, like food preferences, interests and hobbies. Any person then involved in their care will have easy access to the things most pertinent to their happiness and wellbeing.

Jo Rodwell, Alzheimer’s Society dementia support manager in Leicestershire and Rutland said “Hospital can be a daunting experience for someone with dementia, who may be experiencing confusion or have trouble communicating.

This service is an exciting

A five-year contract, worth £5 million per year, has been signed to give council tenants new kitchens, bathrooms, and heating systems. Wates Living Space will be delivering the improvement programme for Charnwood Borough Council starting in April 2014. Every year, over the next five years, Wates Living Space will install over 500 new kitchens, and 400 new bathrooms. In addition, over 70 heating systems will be upgraded in 2014 and insulation products will be installed.

Councillor Jane Hunt, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, said “We’re pleased to officially start the contract with Wates Living Space to make these improvements for our tenants. Wates won the contract after a tough, eleven-month long selection process and after careful consideration from our tenant

opportunity to build on the good work that is already going on at the hospital to ensure that people with the condition get the best possible care. We’ll be working closely with staff and patients and we hope that by providing support and information, people will stay in hospital for shorter periods, improving their quality of life and also saving money for the hospital.”

Anybody can refer into the service and self-referrals are also accepted.

For more information contact: Jo Rodwell (Dementia Support Manager) or Sally Grundy (Services Manager) on 0116 231 1111 or e-mail leicestershireandrutland@alzheimers.org.uk

representatives. We’re confident they will provide an excellent service. We were impressed by their level of customer service, commitment to quality and provision of job opportunities and training for local people.”

Joanne Jamieson, Regional Managing Director of Wates Living Space, said “We’re thrilled to be involved in this important project for Charnwood Borough Council and look forward to delivering the improvements to homes across the area. In addition to a high standard of workmanship, the local community can expect to benefit from the creation of job and training opportunities as a result of our presence here.”

Anyone with any questions about the improvement works should call 01509 634666.

Liberal Democrats Advice surgery - A message from the Focus Team Liberal Democrat Councillors hold an advice surgery on the 1st Saturday of every month at Shepshed Town Council, Charnwood Rd, Shepshed, from 10am to 11am.

Appointments are not necessary; for more information, Tel 01509 561458.

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LOCAL NEWS

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED TO HELP CHARNWOOD BLOOM

A £14 million contract has been signed to enhance Charnwood’s parks and beauty spots. Quadron Services will begin managing green spaces on began of Charnwood Borough Council on April 1st and will continue for the next 10 years.

As well as looking after Loughborough Cemetery, Queen’s Park and the Outwoods, Quadron’s experienced and award-winning team will manage the Ranger Service and aims to win more Green Flag awards for excellence.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said “This is an exciting move which will not only help our beauty spots and parks flourish but also provides outstanding value for money for our residents. They beat tough competition to win this contract with an exceptional bid and we are very much looking forward to working with them on making our Borough even more beautiful.”

Clive Ivil, Managing Director of Quadron Services, said “We are delighted to have been given this exciting opportunity to work with Charnwood to manage their high quality and varied open spaces.

We see it as a real challenge to assist with improving the existing high standards and are looking forward to working with local community groups to ensure that each and every green space meets the aspirations of its users.”

CCTV

GETTING TO KNOW YOU!

Quadron’s successful bid included commitments to enhancing the green spaces service by: • Improving standards of maintenance • More sustainable planting of shrubs instead of annual bedding plants • Providing better equipment and training to staff • Increasing the number of beauty spots with Green Flags • Enhancing the Council’s contribution to Loughborough In Bloom • Reviewing open spaces to provide help provide more parks • Ensuring services are more environmentally sustainable by using electric vehicles, solar panels and growing-on facilities for plants Quadron also detailed how it plans to recruit apprentices and beef up a network of volunteers to help staff keep Charnwood’s beauty spots in top condition. The Council’s former green spaces team will be transferred over to Quadron with no job losses. Outsourcing the service is expected to save the Council around £98,000 per year – without impacting on the quality of the service. Quadron officially signed the contract with the Council on March 31st.

FOLLOW OUR FOOTSTEPS TO THE RHS

Quirky art which helped Loughborough’s In Bloom efforts is set to stand proud at two national flagship flower shows.

Four striking leg sculptures, which formed the “Synch or Swim” sculpture in Loughborough’s Queen’s Park in 2012, have been selected by the Royal Horticultural Society to feature in two of its major displays this summer.

The sculptures have starred at the RHS Flower Show in Cardiff from April 11-13 and are set to take centre stage at the major RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show between July 8-13. The sculptures were commissioned

by Charnwood Borough Council in 2012 to celebrate the London Olympic Games, and were designed by three Art and Design students from Loughborough University.

Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said “This is a great achievement and something that we should be very proud of. The hard work the students put into the sculptures did not go unnoticed by judges from the Royal Horticultural Society and I think it’s a testament to the town that they will be enjoyed by people far and wide as they take centre stage in official RHS gardens.”

The “Synch or Swim” installation first made a splash in Loughborough in 2012 when it featured in Queen’s Park as part of the town’s Britain in Bloom entry which scooped a Gold Medal and won the Best Small City category. A team of three talented students, Lucy Buzzacott, Mike Jones and Abi Ross, came up with the fun and witty idea of synchronised swimmers, legs emerging as though in a pool of water to celebrate the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Andrew Selby, Head of Department for the School of the Arts at Loughborough University said “We are pleased that the sculptures were well received by the RHS during Loughborough in Bloom in 2012. Our students and graduates benefit from this public exposure, extending profiles and creating new opportunities for public art to flourish in the community.”

The four pairs of legs were produced with the help of Senior Sculpture Technician Pete Beacham over four months. The sculptures, which are over two metres tall, are made of Jesmonite, an advanced form of acrylic resin and are finished with masonry paint. For more information on the RHS flower shows visit www.rhs. org.uk/Shows-Events.

Schoolchildren across Charnwood are being offered the chance to learn how CCTV helps keep them safe.

Charnwood Borough Council’s CCTV team is for the first time gearing up to tour schools and youth groups across Charnwood to give an insight into the life of a CCTV operator. John Hatfield, CCTV Team Leader, said “I am proud to be part of the CCTV team and want to give people information on the work we do. We have designed some presentations to help children learn about what we do and who we work with and how we can help. I hope that the presentation will help people to feel safer in the community knowing that we’re always on hand, 24/7.” Charnwood Borough Council’s CCTV team monitors 184 cameras across the Borough and since 2008 has dealt with more than 131,000 incidents. The team also provides the Council’s out-of-hours service, and has responded to more than 7,695 calls, responded to 61 flood alarms and helped more than 1,020 out-of-hours car park issues. Councillor David Snartt, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, added “With 184 cameras across the Borough the CCTV team works incredibly hard to ensure residents feel safe and secure. The Council is committed to being open, honest and transparent and through this scheme we are hoping to share insights into the world of CCTV.” For more information on the work of the CCTV team visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cctv To book a CCTV presentation contact John Hatfield, john. hatfield@charnwood.gov.uk or call 01509 632562.

FOOD & DRINK

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e ll te a li g a T s u g a r a p s A & Salmon

INGREDIENTS: serves 2

• 100g asparagus spears • Olive Oil • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • Large fresh salmon, fillet • 110g Tagliatelle • Salt, & Pepper to season • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 100 g Soft Cheese • 1 teaspoon Freshly Chopped Dill • Freshly Grated Parmesan

METHOD:

• Snap off woody ends of asparagus (hold the asparagus at each end and bend to form an arch, where the asparagus snaps is where the woody end stops, throw away the bottom section), cut each stalk diagonally into 2.5cm (1 inch) pieces.

• In a non-stick frying pan heat a splash of olive oil over a medium high heat. Add the garlic and the salmon fillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

• Add the asparagus to the salmon and cook for 2 minutes.

• Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelle according to the instructions on the packet.

• Drain well, return to the saucepan and add lemon juice and low fat soft cheese. Stir over low heat for 1 minute.

• Separate salmon fillet into bite sized chunks, removing any skin and bones. Add to the pasta with the asparagus, toss gently, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve sprinkled with parmesan and dill.

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LOCAL NEWS

CARILLON TOWER & WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM 01509 263370 - www.loughborough-rollofhonour.com - carillonmuseum@gmail.com

CHARNWOOD UPDATE ON LORD KITCHENER MUSEUM AND Marigold Cleeve tells us the whole story Following LAYDYBIRD on from the question BOOKS of Lord Kitchener’s association with Cossington, Marigold Cleeve has sent us the whole story. Left shows Lord Kitchener’s father was living at Rothley Temple, Leicestershire

Charnwood Museum have been named among the 10 regional attractions to benefit throughout this year from the council’s strategic support programme’s £1,455,114 backing. Charnwood Borough Council’s allocation, £119,600, will be used to create “Ladybird Ladybird” at the Charnwood Museum. The project celebrates Loughborough’s role as home of the world-famous Ladybird books.

Through imaginative activities and displays, some of which will be coproduced with members of the community, the project will make the most of the museum’s extensive Ladybird collection. It will help develop new audiences with better engagement with families and children. The material produced will contribute to a centenary exhibition of Ladybird books next year.

Lord Kitchener’s father, Lt. Colonel Henry Horatio Kitchener, was baptised at St. Luke’s, Finsbury, London, on 17th December 1805, the son of William and Emma Kitchener (née Cripps?). He had been born on 19th October that year in Bunhill Row, Finsbury. He was married twice: firstly to Ann Frances Chevallier (1826-1864) in 1845 in Suffolk, and secondly to Mary Emma Green (1804-1913).

The exact date and place of his second marriage is unknown.

Emma Kawara Kitchener (18681926) born 1867/1868 in New Zealand, and three servants. He died on 14th August 1894 at the Manor House, Cossington. His will is listed as follows: ‘Kitchener, Henry Horatio, of the Manor House,

In 1881 Lord Kitchener’s father was living at Rothley Temple, Leicestershire, with his elder daughter (from his first marriage) Frances Emily Parker (née Kitchener) and his son-in-law, Harry Rainy Parker, a magistrate and farmer.

Cossington, Leicestershire and of the Oriental Club, Hanover Square, Middlesex, late Lieutenant- Colonel in Her Majesty’s 9th Regiment of Foot, died 14th August 1894 at the Manor House. Probate London 30th August to Sir Horatio Herbert Kitchener Brigadier-General in Her Majesty’s Army K.C.M.G., C.B.’ He left all his property in England, France and New Zealand in trust for his children.

By 1891 Lord Kitchener’s father had become blind and was living at Cossington with the only child of his second marriage, an unmarried daughter called Henrietta Letita

It seems likely that the Kitchener connection with Cossington comes about because of Frances Emily Kitchener’s marriage to Harry Rainy Parker (1837-1912).

DISPLAY AT BEAUMANOR HERITAGE FAIR We attended the Heritage Fair at Beaumanor Hall with our stand telling the story of the Zeppelin Raid on Loughborough on the night of 31 January 1916. There was a lot of interest shown in the display and it created a lot of enquires,.It was very surprising how many people were unaware of the story. Over 50 stalls were at the fair and the theme was Leicestershire at War, from Roman times until today.

The variety of stalls and displays made it a very interesting day.

HUMOUR IN UNIFORM

It is 50 years since the Royal Leicestershire Regiment became part of the Royal Anglian Regiment, part of a grand plan to have fewer but larger regiments but just six years later the Leicestershire Battalion was axed and the men posted to other battalions and regiments. A friend of mine was posted to a battalion in Northern Ireland, during those dark days in the early seventies.

On his very first street patrol he noticed that he was the subject of a lot of attention from the locals, normally sullen or belligerent they appeared to be pointing at him and whispering amongst themselves. He could not understand why he was being singled out. Only his return to the disused factory that served as their barracks did he find out, as he removed his jacket he discovered that his new mates had pinned a sign on his back, ‘I AM A CATHOLIC’ the platoon were in stitches. He got is own back when a few days later as the bricks and bottles began to rain down, the Platoon Sergeant, a Norfolk man, dropped the visor on his helmet and written on the inside in permanent pen was, LEICESTER 2 NORWICH 1

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LOCAL NEWS

11

CARILLON TOWER & WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM 01509 263370 - www.loughborough-rollofhonour.com - carillonmuseum@gmail.com

WHAT’S NEW AT THE MUSEUM

WWI BIBLES THE CONTINUING STORY We have a number of WW1 Soldiers Bibles, each with the man’s number rank and name, they all served with the Leicestershire Regiment that we are returning to the soldier’s families.

WW2 British Army Helmet gifted to us by Mr Nick Bowley of Loughborough, it was his fathers who wore it when he was serving as an Air Raid Warden during the war. First patented in 1915

by John L. Brodie and issued in 1916 by the end on WW1 7.5 million ‘Brodie’ helmets had been produced. It underwent a few minor modifications but remained is service with the British Army until 1944.

LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT 1ST BATTALION (1888 - 1891) To the Officers and Men 1st Battalion the Leicestershire Regiment who died in Bermuda and at Halifax, N.S. of Enteric Fever and from others causes during the period September 1888 - April 1891

Marigold Cleeve, a volunteer researcher, did manage to trace the surviving members of some of them and we had the great satisfaction of being able to return the bibles to the man’s family.

But we have been busy with other things and further research was put on the back boiler, then out of the blue we have been reminded of them.

First, I was leaving the carillon after showing someone around when I bumped into a couple by the door. They asked me who had been involved in the return of the bibles and it turned out they were the relatives of Gilbert Erwood, killed in October 1914 whose bible we had returned to them.

The gentleman related how emotional it was when he unwrapped and handled his

grandfather’s bible. Hot on the heels of that came an email from a gentleman who was researching the men commemorated on the small memorial at St Andrews Church, Great Finborough, Suffolk.

He had typed in the name of one of the men on the memorial, George Buxton, and found a reference on a Great War Forum site put on there by another of our The Memorial at Great Finborough volunteers, Adam Llewellyn.

Pte George Buxton’s bible has been passed on to him to be display in the local church as part of the WW1 commemorations, from there it will be returned to George’s family who have been located in Ipswich.

WINNERS AGAIN! Following our previous success in the Leicestershire and Rutland Heritage Forum awards, this year we won the, 'Opening Your Doors to New Audiences' category; this involved students from Rawlins Community College engaging with us on a number of projects within the museum.

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LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND HERITAGE FORUM Leicestershire & Rutland Heritage Forum is a membership umbrella organisation that supports independent museums and heritage groups in Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland. It aims to support its members through networking opportunities, information exchanges, advocacy, joint marketing and promoting working with partners to the benefit of its members.

It holds 4 general meetings a year open to all members and is run by an executive committee made up of representatives from member organisations and the Museum Development Officer for Leicestershire. Executive Committee The Full Executive Committee of the Forum meets 4 times a year at a variety of times of day and locations to suit current members of the committee. Other meetings of sub-committees or full meetings arranged as required but most business between formal meetings is carried out by email/ phone calls etc EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary plus up to 11 other members plus the Museum Development Officer for Leicestershire EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS: All in conjunction with Leicestershire Museum Development Officer as a very active partner. Forum Newsletter Open Forum Meetings – venue, speakers etc Training & Skills Development Exhibitions & Events - Heritage Awards, Annual Snibston Exhibition. Marketing – advertising, website, Facebook, Twitter etc. Fundraising, Member Liaison. People with particular expertise in any of the above or those wishing to contribute to the general running and improvement of the Forum and its ability to support its members would be most welcome to join the committee. Email: contact@lrhf. org.uk or Tel: 0116 305 4140.

12

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GARDENING

T

he days are getting longer and the sunshine warmer so the plants in my garden are shooting up. Like most gardeners I know I have shady areas in the garden to contend with. These patches receive little direct sunlight due to the trees and conifers which overhang the area and their roots dry the soil out too. Despite these less than ideal conditions, there are plants that will happily thrive given the right initial care and attention.

If you have a shady area to tackle its worth considering just how shady it is and what the soil is like before visiting a garden centre or nursery for plants, that way you’ll be able to choose the right plant for the right place.

Part Shade: - If you have a border that has restricted direct sunlight for part of the day due to a garden fence or low building, then you’ll find that most plants will survive if the area is open to the sky & not gloomy.

Dappled Shade: - If you have trees that lose their leaves in winter (deciduous) which overhang the area reducing the sunlight to dappled rays in springsummer, then you will find that the best plants will be those that flourish in the spring before the trees leaf up.

Deep Shade: - If you are afflicted by mature conifers, hedges or overshadowing buildings you’ll find that the palette you have to choose from won’t be a gloriously colourful one but there will be plants available that will brighten the area and add interest throughout the year.

Establishing the soil condition is important too. Most shady areas suffer with dry soil as the rain can’t penetrate the canopy above or the existing mature plants suck out all moisture from the ground. Conversely some shady areas will have constantly moist soil. The plants that will be happy in moist conditions will be very different from those happy in dry soil.

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

Whatever the level of shade or the soil condition, it’s vital that the soil is weed-free; this may mean a dose of a systemic weed killer is in order prior to planting. It is then worth adding plenty of compost or manure and a balanced fertiliser like Growmore.

13

If you have a troublesome shady area you need help with or you are looking for design ideas, a Consultation or Planting Plan may be just what you need. Take a look at my website for details of the services I offer www.belgrierson.co.uk or call me on 07506 750250.

With the soil ready it’s time to choose the plants. Many of our local garden centres and nurseries now stock plants specially selected for shady conditions, so go along and look for the plants which will best suit the level of shade and soil conditions in your patch.

Particular favourites of mine are as follows: Dappled Shade: Hardy Geraniums, Anemone, Pulmonaria, Heuchera, Bluebells, Foxgloves, Aquilegia.

Deep Shade: Euphorbia robbiae, Cotoneaster, Box, Aucuba, Mahonia, Sarcococca, Hellebore, Bergenia.

Dry Shade: Euphorbia robbiae, Bergenia, Hellebores, Dryopteris fern, Symphytum (Comfrey), Vinca (Periwinckle) Moist Shade: Mecanopsis, Astilbe, Aruncus, Astrantia, Primula, Ligularia.

It’s vital that new plants in shady areas are watered well until they have established new roots and can fend for themselves– this could be for several months. In dry areas a good soak once a week with a hose will allow the water to penetrate down to the roots.

It’s also good to add a layer of mulch to reduce the moisture loss from the surface of the soil. With the right initial care and the best plant for the site and soil conditions, a dull lifeless shady area can be transformed in to a verdant oasis.

Summer is fast approaching and for a bright splash of colour in a sunny spot you can’t beat hanging baskets, window boxes and containers, so next month I’ll be looking at which plants to choose and I’ll be suggesting some plant combinations too.

Hardy Geranium

Anemone

P ul monar ia

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14

UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR

COUNCILLOR

JONATHAN MORGAN T: 01509 236971 E: cllr.jonathan.morgan@charnwood.gov.uk

ACTION ON HOUSES OF MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

L

oughborough has an excellent University, which apart from being the town’s single biggest employer, is also internationally recognised for the quality of its courses and sport – however, the limited number of students living on campus means that large areas of the town are dominated by students living together in Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).

In 2010 Charnwood Council introduced restrictions on the conversion of family homes to HMOs, known as Article 4, which prevented landlords converting homes to HMOs without seeking planning approval. Since then, the Council’s Planning Committee has been responsible for determining whether an HMO conversion would have a harmful affect on a neighbourhood.

Residents and Councillors have become increasingly aware that the new powers needed tweaking to make them more effective, and reflective of the existing HMOs that often went unreported through the Planning process, so a year ago Councillors set up a specific panel to take evidence from residents, the University, students, landlords and experts in the field of ‘studentification’, to recommend revisions to the current process, to further protect residential neighbourhoods.

One of the proposals that received support from the residents, the University and the students themselves, was to licence all HMOs, so that landlords would be required to register their properties, and, along with their tenants, abide by any standards set by the Council – failure to operate within the standards would result in the license for the property being revoked, and no longer able to be let as an HMO. The licensing process requires an evidence gathering period before it can be introduced, to prevent legal challenges, but the Council felt that there were no downsides to its introduction.

The Councillors panel, led by Cllr Ron Jukes, finally submitted their recommendations to Charnwood’s Cabinet on 10th April, and

following intense debate and cross examination of the Council’s Officers, the Cabinet accepted the panel’s recommendations, and added an additional item – that the Council proceed with the principle of licensing HMOs, and use the next 12 months to gather evidence from residents to establish grounds for its introduction in a defined area within the town.

This is a highly significant step towards resolving the problems affecting residents in central Loughborough, and has been welcomed by residents and the University.

If you live near an HMO, and believe that the property or tenants are a problem, please do use the ‘report’ section of Charnwood’s website (Charnwood.gov.uk) to submit your complaint, so that it can be dealt with by the Council’s Officers, and also used as part of the evidence gathering process over the next 12 months.

OUTDOORS AT EASTER

C

harnwood’s great outdoors start to come alive at this time of year, with the Bluebells in full bloom at the Outwoods, and the cherry blossom in Queen’s Park signalling the end of winter.

It can be tempting to take for granted just how lucky we are to have such beautiful facilities around us, but its worth noting that both Outwoods and Queen’s Park have been awarded Green Flags in recognition of their national standing.

The Borough Council has recently let a new contract for the care and upkeep of our green spaces, and we are conscious of the quality of outdoor spaces expected by our residents and the pride they take in them – winning Britain in Bloom, along with the Green Flags recognised those standards, rather than setting them and our aim is to achieve further awards elsewhere in the Borough across more of our green spaces. We continue to progress the range of facilities we offer to residents, and look forward to announcing further improvements in the near future.

Jonathan Morgan

OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT LOUGHBOROUGH’S ECO HOMES Loughborough residents are invited to visit homes across Charnwood whose owners have made them cheaper to heat, energy efficient and good for the environment. Around six homes in the area are opening their doors on 17th and 18th May as part of Loughborough Energy Efficient Homes to inspire others to improve their own homes.

Visitors will be able talk to householders who have slashed their energy bills and now have a warmer home to find out how they did it. Technologies on display will include both the low-tech and inexpensive such as LED lightbulbs and thermally lined curtains; and the high-tech such as solar panels, thermal stores and solid wall insulation.

Caroline Harmon, resident at one of the homes opening, said “A few years ago our energy bills were rising and rising like most people’s. We installed some

cheap, simple measures, like LED lightbulbs, and changed the way we use energy and our bills went down by a quarter. Since then we have installed solar panels to generate electricity which has made an even bigger difference.”

Philip Leicester, of Transition Loughborough, said “We’re lucky to have several homes in Loughborough and the surrounding area which demonstrate a number of ways of keeping your bills down and your house warm. This is a great opportunity to see inside some of them and chat to the people who live in them about the difference it has made. You’re bound to come away with ideas to make your own home warmer, cheaper to heat and better for the environment, whatever your budget.”

Details of houses which are open, and when, can be found on the event’s website: http:// loughborough.greenopenhomes.net

HAVE YOUR SAY ON FUTURE LIBRARIES IN LEICESTERSHIRE During 2013, Leicestershire County Council announced that it was facing its biggest ever financial challenge. Last year, we consulted widely about how we should respond to this challenge. Based on the feedback to this consultation, we are aiming to prioritise, as far as possible, services for vulnerable people. Clearly, many people value their local library service, but we believe that the public is also open to ideas about how this service could be delivered differently by the community.

From 7 April to 7 July the county council is consulting on the following proposal: •Continue to operate the 16 most-used libraries but reduce their opening hours •Support communities to run the other 36 local libraries - if community groups do not come forward, some libraries may close These changes are being proposed because: •From 2015, the council plans to save £800,000 per year from its current £5.6 million libraries budget •People are increasingly using E-books and the internet instead of borrowing books from libraries •Libraries are increasingly being used as community hubs, hosting a series of activities •Your views are important so that we can better understand how the proposals could affect you and how we can make these changes work best for you.

The consultation is taking place from today 7 April till 7 July and full details are on www.leics.gov.uk/haveyoursay/futurelibraries, including dates and venues of public meetings in May and June and other consultation events.

For general enquires or comments about this consultation phone 0116 305 7034 or email futurelibraries@leics.gov.uk

UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

NICKY MORGAN T: 01509 262723 E: nicky.morgan.mp@parliament.uk

I

would like to start this month’s column by paying tribute to the enormously productive local and cross-party campaign which successfully lobbied the County Council Cabinet to back a trial of full pedestrianisation through Loughborough Town Centre.

It was a really positive step that the Cabinet members listened to the points put forward by local residents, businesses and organisations such as the RNIB College. I know that the BID company wants to work closely with our local bus companies to minimise disruption to services both while the town centre works are taking place and during the subsequent trial. Pedestrianisation provides Loughborough with the chance to unite our two main shopping areas and to use the new public space created to hold bigger and better events to attract more people to Loughborough, such as the Father’s Day vintage car display held in 2013. It literally is a case of “watch this space!”

Last month I went back to school for a day. It was a real privilege to spend the day at Limehurst Academy in Loughborough. I sat in on History and Maths lessons and also had a go at delivering my own lessons on Parliament and democracy. The students came up with some excellent ideas on things they would like to see happen in our local area and nationally.

Just a fortnight after my visit I was delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, to

Loughborough and suggested he should visit Limehurst Academy too. We sat in on Science and English lessons and Michael was able to hear first-hand the views of the Head and pupils on issues such as OFSTED inspections and the curriculum. He was extremely impressed with the school and everyone he met there. We are very fortunate to have such good schools, both primary and secondary, in our area. I hope all staff and students had a good Easter break.

Many of my meetings are held indoors so it was a real pleasure to join Loughborough Ramblers for a short walk around the Garendon estate recently. Setting off from the Gorse Covert Centre the group went for a brisk walk in glorious Spring sunshine. We then had a chance for a question and answer session and for me to hear how Government policy needs to take account of walkers.

Finally, I am in the process of following up the results of the mental health questionnaire I circulated in Autumn 2013. I am very grateful to everyone who completed a questionnaire. One of the overwhelming messages was the need for more community drop-in facilities and I would like to see something, such as a Recovery Cafe, open in Loughborough. I am setting up a small steering group and if you would be interested in hearing more please do get in touch.

Nicky Morgan

MAY 9 LOUGHBOROUGH SURGERY

Nicky will be holding an advice surgery from 5pm - 7pm at the Hut on Old Ashby Road in Loughborough. Please ring on 01509 262723 to book your appointment

MAY 30 SILEBY SURGERY

Nicky will be holding an advice surgery from 5pm - 7pm at the Sileby Community Centre. Please ring on 01509 262723 to book your appointment.

15

NICKY MORGAN MP WELCOMES SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRANSPORT TO LOUGHBOROUGH Local MP Nicky Morgan welcomed Secretary of State for Transport, Rt Hon Patrick McLoughlin MP to Loughborough last week to speak at the Loughborough Conservative Party’s Annual Dinner.

His visit came just after the opening of the new Loughborough Inner Relief Road and the announcement last month of a multi-billion fiveyear rail investment programme which will include £800m for the electrification of the Midland Main Line.

When he visited last week, he told Party Members that he welcomed these improvements and reaffirmed the Government’s

commitment to investing in transport infrastructure in the East Midlands. Mr McLoughlin also highlighted the Government’s recent announcement of a further £1.4m for Leicestershire County Council to repair potholes in the county. After the visit, Nicky commented the following below.

“It was wonderful to welcome Patrick to Loughborough, and I was really encouraged to hear of the Government’s commitment to improved transport infrastructure to the local area. The Government has already invested £14m towards the Inner Relief Road and with the electrification of the Midland Mainline rail passengers in Loughborough can look forward to cleaner, greener trains and a faster service which should lead to greater investment in our area.”

LOUGHBOROUGH MP URGES SCHOOLS TO VISIT COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough, is urging local schools and constituents to visit their local Commonwealth war graves to gain a greater understanding of the scale and magnitude of the Great War and the impact that it has had on today’s society.

The call follows a national initiative spearheaded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the AllParty Parliamentary War Heritage Group and the ‘In From The Cold Project’ that maps over 300,000 Commonwealth war dead by each Parliamentary constituency.

The initiative is supported by Nicky who will be visiting Commonwealth war graves at Loughborough Cemetery on Leicester Road.

“The Centenary of the outbreak of the First World War is a time, not just for reflection and commemoration but also an opportunity to educate a new generation of young people about the extraordinary events of a hundred years ago and to bring to life some of the personal stories from this remarkable time,” said Nicky. “There are ten cemeteries in the Loughborough constituency

where there are Commonwealth war graves. Visiting these graves is a simple but profoundly important way to commemorate the outbreak of the war.”

At the Education Show in mid March, CWGC launched an online Virtual Cemetery education portal that provides schools and teachers with a comprehensive range of resources and support materials linked to the graves and memorials in their home town. The virtual cemetery website (www. cwgc-virtual-cemetery.org) is an interactive tool which enables pupils and teachers to view images and videos, learn more about CWGC’s work across the globe, and most importantly the people that are commemorated in its cemeteries and memorials.

The virtual cemetery resource has been designed to encourage debate and spark pupils’ interest in thinking about the centenary of the First World War and the different ways in which everyone can remember the servicemen and women who gave their lives in the conflict. The website also supports teachers with curriculum notes, lesson plans and suggestions for classroom activities.

16

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HEALTH & WELL BEING

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE Osteoarthritis of the knee is the result of wear and tear and general aging. Some people are more prone to early osteoarthritis. The joints are covered with articular cartilage which allows the joint to glide smoothly; this becomes worn with osteoarthritis, causing the bone underneath to become exposed, and involved in the actual joint function.

Leading to pain and swelling. In response, the joint produces extra bone around the edge of the joint called osteophytes increasing the size of the joint.

How does exercise help Osteoarthritis?

It is a common misconception that exercise will make arthritis worse, and aggravate the joint, causing more injury. However, appropriate exercise actually has many benefits for people with arthritis: • Provides strength and support to a joint, making it more stable • Eases stiffness and pain • Prevents muscles from losing length • Maintains the range of movement within joints • Improves general fitness and bone density • Helps you lose weight, reducing strain on the hips and knees • General exercise releases endorphins - making you feel good!

Exercises for arthritis of the knee include; gentle stretches for the calves, hamstrings and hips and specific power exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles.

GLAUCOMA SO WHAT IS GLAUCOMA AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR EYES? The Glaucoma’s are a group of eye conditions which can affect your vision, and if left untreated, can lead to permanent loss of vision. The most common type of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Primary open angle glaucoma usually develops slowly (over a period of years rather than weeks or months). It is asymptomatic (no noticeable symptoms) and because the peripheral vision is affected first, can go unnoticed by the sufferer until the disease is quite advanced. Having regular eye

17

Love Your Feet!

ATHLETES FOOT

Submitted by Sally Pry Hinds Feet Foot Care T: 07806786616 E: hindsfeetfootcare@gmail.com W: www.hindsfeetfootcare.co.uk

General exercise improves your cardio-vascular fitness and joint mobility; non-weightbearing activities such as swimming and cycling are highly beneficial as they impose minimal impact to the knee joint.

Exercise should be achievable and regular, aim to do 20 minutes each day - this can be split up into separate sessions throughout the day.

To improve your general fitness you should be slightly out of breath during exercise.

Try to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Joining a group, or getting fit with friends, can make exercise more fun! You should wear comfortable, wide fitting shoes with cushioned soles to provide shock absorbency.

Build up your pace gradually, whilst increasing how much you do - you may need to step the pace down again if you have break from your daily routine. Most injuries occur after a break or increasing the pace too quickly.

Submitted by Angie Robinson Physiotherapy Clinics 01509 816 673 physiotherapists-in-leicester.co.uk

examinations increases the chances that this condition is detected in its early stages so that appropriate treatment can be given before and loss of vision is minimised. It is a slow developing form of the condition, which occurs when fluid doesn’t drain properly from the eye causing a build up of pressure, which damages the optic nerve.

The good news is that by having regular eye examinations this condition can be detected in its early stages, before the build up of pressure begins to effect sight.

Over 480,000 people in England have been diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma, although the International Glaucoma Association estimates that the number of people with this condition is significantly higher.

Athletes Foot or ‘Tinea Pedis’ afflicts many people particularly as spring and summer bring the warmer weather, and you don’t have to be athletic for it to choose your feet as a home! It is a fungal infection characterised by itchy, sore, red, flaky skin.

If untreated it can develop into painful, deep cracks which are often first symptom to be noticed. It usually starts in-between the fourth and fifth (little) toes and there may be a slight ‘cheesy’ odour.

Athletes foot can be more of a problem during spring and summer as, like bacteria, fungus thrives in warm, moist, dark conditions, so where better to make its home than a nice sweaty shoe, trainer, sandal or work boot. Apparently, sweat glands in the feet can produce up to half a pint of sweat a daily!

HOW DO YOU PREVENT GLAUCOMA? Unfortunately you cannot take actions to prevent glaucoma.

The problem with POAG is that because it can be asymptomatic in the early stages, many sufferers do not realise that they have it and by the time it is detected, the vision has already been damaged. Early diagnosis and management is vital and the best way to ensure that the condition is diagnosed early is to have regular eye examinations.

If you are diagnosed with the condition it can be managed, the aim being to preserve vision treated to prevent it from worsening. The most common treatment is eye drops, although other treatments including betablockers and surgery can be used.

The NHS Choices website explains “Attending regular optician appointments will help to ensure that any signs of glaucoma can be detected early and allow treatment to begin.” You should also inform your Optometrist if you have a family history of glaucoma or related illnesses.

Washing and thoroughly drying feet during the warmer weather is really important.

Socks and footwear should be changed regularly and sharing towels should be avoided as it can spread from person to person. A good athlete’s foot cream available from any local pharmacy will usually treat the condition and it can be kept away using a small amount of athlete’s foot powder after showering.

If the problem persists consult your the GP. Children and pregnant women should always consult the pharmacy or GP before using products.

USEFUL WEBSITES: www.nhs.uk www.patient.co.uk www.foot.com/site/professional/ foot-facts WHAT NEXT? If you haven’t been for an eye examination within the past 2 years the next step should be to book one as soon as you conveniently can. Hallcroft Opticians offer free NHS eye examinations to anyone with glaucoma, also to people over 40 with a family member (mother, father, child, brother or sister) with glaucoma.

If you are concerned that you may have glaucoma, or that someone in your family has, you can always book an early appointment rather than waiting until your next visit.

For any other queries there are a lot of great support websites out there.

Try www.glaucoma-association. com or www.nhs.uk for more information about the condition, diagnosis and treatment.

Submitted by Bonita Irish FBDO Hallcroft Opticians 01509 650666 www.hallcroftopticians.co.uk

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WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH

MAY CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL: OVERVIEW SCRUTINY GROUP Thu 1st May, at 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Council Offices, Southfields JUST PLAY FOOTBALL Fri 2nd May, at 7:30pm until 8:30pm, Charnwood College THE ELVIS YEARS 1954-1977 Fri 2nd May, Loughborough Town Hall HAPPY BIRTHDAY SIDINGS PARK! Mon 5th May, at 12:30pm until 3:29pm, Sidings Park SWEENEY TODD Mon 5th May, until Sat 10th May, Loughborough Town Hall QUORN SLOT CAR CLUB (WEEKLY) Tue 6th May, at 8:00pm Loughborough CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL: PERFORMANCE SCRUTINY PANEL Tue 6th May, at 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Council Offices, Southfields CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL: OVERVIEW SCRUTINY GROUP Tue 6th May, at 6:00pm until 8:00pm. Council Offices, Southfields WEEKLY GUIDED WALK GORSE COVERT Wed 7th May, at 10:30am until 11:30am, Gorse Covert Community Centre CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL: CABINET Thu 8th May, at 6:30pm until 9:00pm, The Old Magistrate’s Court, Woodgate RSPB TALK - COSSINGTON MEADOWS BY TIM MATTHEWS Fri 9th May, at 7:45pm Loughborough University JUST PLAY FOOTBALL Fri 9th May, at 7:30pm until 8:30pm, Charnwood College

RSPB TALK - COSSINGTON MEADOWS BY TIM MATTHEWS Friday 9th May, at 7:45pm Loughborough RSPB BIRDWATCHING COACH TRIP TO BEMPTON CLIFFS Sun 11th May, at 7:30am, Loughborough RSPB WEEKDAY WILDLIFE WALK AT BRANDON MARSH Tue 13th May, at 10:00am, Loughborough THE FUREYS AND DAVEY ARTHUR Tue 13th May, Loughborough Town Hall WEEKLY GUIDED WALK GORSE COVERT Wed 14th May, at 10:30am until 11:30am, Gorse Covert Community Centre LOUGHBOROUGH FARMERS MARKET Wed 14th May, at 9:00am, Loughborough JUST PLAY FOOTBALL Fri 16th May, at 7:30pm until 8:30pm, Charnwood College THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW Fri 16th May, Loughborough Town Hall JUST THE TONIC Fri 16th May, Loughborough Town Hall

WAGGING ‘N’ WALKING SUMMER FAIR Sun 25th May, at 11:00am Loughborough

WEEKLY GUIDED WALK GORSE COVERT Wed 28th May, at 10:30am until 11:30am, Gorse Covert Community Centre

SIDINGS FAYRE Mon 26th May at 10:00am until 2:59pm, Sidings Park

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL: PLANS COMMITTEE Thu 29th May, at 5:00pm until 10:00pm, The Old Magistrate’s Court, Woodgate

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL: LICENSING COMMITTEE Tue 27th May, at 5:00pm until 8:00pm. The Old Magistrate’s Court, Woodgate LITERATURE AT LUNCHTIME: MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL

BY TS ELIOT Tue 27th May, Loughborough Town Hall LIZZIE COOPER & HER TRIO: JAZZ NIGHT Tue 27th May, Loughborough Town Hall ‘BEHIND THE SCENES AT CHELSEA’ Wed 28th May, at 7:30pm, Loughborough MONDAY’S CHILD Wed 28th May, Loughborough Town Hall

OMID DJALILI LIVE Thu 29th May, Loughborough Town Hall JUST PLAY FOOTBALL Fri 30th May, at 7:30pm until 8:30pm, Charnwood College MOTOWN AND CLUB SOUL EVENING Fri 30th May, until Thu 29th May, Loughborough Town Hall NORTHERN SOUL Sat 31st May, until Fri 30th May, Loughborough Town Hall

GET IN TOUCH

01509 263151 communications@charnwood.gov.uk www.happeningincharnwood.co.uk

We are a friendly local group which meets monthly for talks, visits, conservation work and social events. To find out more about our group contact:

David Maltby 01530 222934 Jim Footitt 01530 262389

A SENSE OF PLACE Sat 17th May, at 9:00am until Sun 29th June, at 4:59pm, Loughborough Town Hall

MAY 16TH - VISIT TO GRACE DIEU WOODS Take a walk round these woods to enjoy the rare flowers and insects of this hidden gem. Meet at 7:00pm in Bulls Head car park Thringstone.

AVENUE Q Tue 20th May, at 12:00am until Sat 24th May, at 11:58pm, Loughborough Town Hall

JUNE - BADGER WATCHING AT HOLWELL RESERVE See badgers close to at this LRWT reserve. Booking is essential, please call Jim Footitt on 01530 262389 or 07833 725505 for details.

CHARNWOOD BOROUGH COUNCIL: PERSONNEL COMMITTEE Tue 20th May, at 6:00pm until 8:00pm, Council Offices, Southfields WEEKLY GUIDED WALK GORSE COVERT Wed 21st May, at 10:30am until 11:30am, Gorse Covert Community Centre

JUST PLAY FOOTBALL Fri 23rd May, at 7:30 pm until 8:30pm, Charnwood College

JUNE - JIM’S MYSTERY VISIT Following a most successful visit to Wicken Fen, Jim will organise a visit to an interesting reserve somewhere in the UK, please call Jim Footitt on 01530 262389 to book.

JULY 5TH - CALKE ABBEY GARDENS Come and see how the results of the repair and re-development programme have worked out in practice. Meet in main car park at 1:30pm. Charge for entry to park and gardens for non National Trust members.

Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust - www.lrwt.org.uk The Trust is a registered charity (no. 210531)

WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH

T

he successful Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride returns for its 4th year! Due to popular demand, the Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride is back again for its 4th year running. With up to 100 cyclists taking part each year, the organisers at Alex’s Wish and sponsors Nisa (Bradley’s) and The Woodies Pub both from Rothley is pleased to announce it will be taking place on Sunday, 22nd June.

Please come and join in… you’ll get your healthy dose of fresh air, enjoy spectacular views around the stunning Charnwood Forest whilst cycling for an incredibly worthwhile cause. It’s a fabulous opportunity to get back into cycling again after the winter months, so whether or not you are a keen cyclist, there’s never been a better time to dust of your bike in time for the summer months.

The route is all on open roads and is well signposted with marshal points at every junction. The circular route starts and finishes in Rothley village and has been carefully chosen to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.

At the end, you’ll be treated to complimentary yummy home cake cakes and refreshments – a perfect thought to get you through the ride.

This is a sponsored ride in aid of Alex’s Wish, a registered charity set-up to raise vital funds for an incurable childhood muscle wasting disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Alex is an 8 years old boy from Rothley who was diagnosed with this devastating condition in 2010.

Alex’s Wish are investing in innovative medical breakthroughs to help all children lead a longer and more fulfilled life with the

The Baobab is a lovely café situated on Market Street in Loughborough.

Owners Simona and Peter are two of the most welcoming people I’ve come across and the whole café has a very friendly and family feel to it.

Named after the Baobab tree that is mainly found in the savannas of African and India, which is capable of providing shelter, food and water for the animal and human inhabitants in savannah regions.

This café certainly provides that for the residents of Loughborough.

The food they produce is all freshly made to order from an array of ingredients so you can design your own wrap, baguette, ciabatta, flat bread, bagel, Panini, Nigella Panini,

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aim to finding a cure.

All money that is raised through registration fees and sponsorship goes direct to this fantastic cause.

The event organisers would also welcome volunteers to marshal and help out with refreshments on the day. If you are unable to ride but would like to help, please get in touch.

To register for this fantastic and worthwhile cause, a discounted early-bird entry fee is £20 (this fee includes our participating in this organised event, an event pack with your sponsorship form and top tips, a complementary t-shirt to wear on the day, refreshments on the day and home cakes at the end of the ride) or a late-entry fee of £25 will apply if you register on

the day, we will then send out an event pack with your rider number and sponsorship form.

The easier and quickest way to register or to download the registration form is to visit the event website at www. charnwoodforestcycleride.co.uk you can also pick up a registration form at your local post office or email kim@alexswish.co.uk requesting one be posted out to you.

Alex’s Wish is a registered charity no: 1148845.

toastie and crepe! Food is available to eat in or to take away and kids get free babyccinos which seem to be a huge hit!

Whilst I was there many customers came and went, all were greeted with the same smiles and familiarity, whether poping in for a quick coffee or enjoying a lunch.

The service I received was fantastic, my coffee was served with a little chocolate and the food was prepared in view from fresh ingredients.

The shop also has South African art and groceries on sale so why not pop in a try something new?

Peter and Simona offer, eat in, take away, delivery and external catering.

Mon - Sat: 08:15 - 17:00 Sun: 11:00 - 15:00 T: 01509 235319 E: baobabcafe@live.com 41 Market Street Loughborough LE11 3ER Baobab Cafe Loughborough

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KIDS ZONE

B

Clever Daniel and the sunflower seeds

ethany was a bird, and her favourite things in the world to eat were sun flower seeds! She had a big pile of them that she used to nibble on as a treat. Occasionally she would share them with her friends Christie Cat and Daniel Dog.

Bethany loves them so much that for her birthday last year Christie Cat baked her a sun flower seed birthday cake and it was the most wonderful thing she had ever tasted!

‘I’ve tried eating sun flowers and they taste very, very, nasty!’ said Bethany grumpily.

‘No’ laughed Daniel Dog, ‘you can’t eat the flowers! After the flowers die they turn in to seed heads and each head has hundreds of seeds on’ ‘Oh I like the sound of that’ replied Bethany So Bethany Bird gave Daniel Dog 5 of her seeds, keeping a few for her to eat whilst she waited for the seeds to grow. All through the summer Bethany waited sometimes, not very patiently but Daniel reassured her it would be worth the wait.

One day, just like every day before, Bethany went to get some sunflower seeds to nibble on, but when she looked she saw she only had a few left.

So she went to Daniel Dog to see if he had any in his garden.

‘Hello Bethany’ said Daniel Dog,

She watered them and looked after them and soon enough they each had a huge yellow flower on them. Whilst everyone else was enjoying looking at the flowers she was waiting for them to die so she could have the seeds.

‘Hello Daniel, I’m wondering if you have any sunflower seeds in your garden as I’ve almost run out?’

‘I’m afraid I haven’t Bethany but I may know how to turn the few you have got in to lots more?’ Said Daniel.

At the end of the summer she went out with Daniel and just as he’d said, each head had hundreds of seeds on it. Bethany and Daniel harvested the seeds. Bethany took most of them home to eat over the next year but Daniel kept some in his pocket so he could plant more in the spring as a surprise for Bethany.

‘Turn a few in to more? How can you possibly do that?’ asked a confused Bethany.

‘We will plant them in my garden.’ Said Daniel, ‘When they grow each seed will grow in to a beautiful yellow flower’.

Q. When do monkeys fall from the sky?

A. During Ape-ril showers!

Q: Why is everyone so tired on April 1?

A: Because they’ve just finished a long, 31 day March!

What a clever Dog Daniel was!

Q: What flowers grow on faces?

A: Tulips (Two-lips)!

Q: Why is the letter A like a flower?

A: A bee (B) comes after it!

Q: What do you call a girl with a frog on her head?

A: Lily!

Q: What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

A: Spring-time!

Well done to Keeley Bennett winning the kids competition and Terry Bexley winning the adults competition

THESE MUMMY’S HAVE LOST THEIR BABIES, CAN YOU MATCH THEM UP? Win A Kids Personalised T-Shirt!

NAME:

ADDRESS:

Kids’ Competition

These mummy’s have lost their babies, can you match them up?

Foal Lamb

Foal

Lamb

Tadpole

Tadpole

TEL: EMAIL:

Send To: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ Closing date noon 23rd May

Kitten

Kitten

Gosling

Gosling

pup

Pup

TAKE 5

QUICK CRAFT,

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An English Garden

MAKE AN EGG SHELL GARDEN YOU WILL NEED:

• An egg box with a dozen egg shells (rinsed) • Some potting compost • A Plastic spoon • Seed (cress for quick growing or sunflowers, herbs, beans etc for potting on into the garden)

HOW YOU DO IT:

• Place the rinsed out egg shells in to the egg box (if you want to draw faces on your shells the growing seeds can look like hair!)

• Using the plastic spoon ¾ fill the shells with potting compost.

• If you are using cress seeds, lightly sprinkle a pinch of seeds on to the top of the compost in each shell. For larger seeds, push the seed gently in to the compost and cover it over with a light dusting of more compost.

• Water well and place on a sunny windowsill.

• Remember to keep the compost damp.

• Watch and wait!

• When the cress is about 2cm high it’s ready for cutting and eating!

• For other seeds, keep them inside until the risk of frost has past and then plant them in the shell in your garden (Egg shells are biodegradable so no need to remove the plant from them).

Send us some pictures of you with your egg shell garden and we’ll print our favourites in the next edition!

The magic of that dull, brown earth is very clear.

Spring will work yearly miracle, never fear.

Fresh green shoots give way to summer blooms.

Gather your rose buds, brighten up your rooms.

As one with the earth, I think that’s what they say.

My favourite month? I suppose that must be May Apple blossom, pink confetti decks the trees.

Swirling through the air on every gentle breeze.

Fuchsia’s ruby droplets fill our hearts with gladness.

Pinks with their gentle fragrance will dispel all sadness.

Delphiniums, tall and stately, every shade of blue.

Queen of the herbaceous border, yes that’s very true.

Bumble bees, all pollen dusted, droning past.

They tell us that high summer must be here at last.

Butterflies like flying jewels they set the scene.

Sweet pea, clematis yes and even runner bean.

Their garden, like an orchestra that’s well in harmony.

So gardener, take your baton maestro, let there beauty be.

By Chris Rose

Word Sudoku Bake With Fee Win A Personalised Printed Mug *

*Printed with either a name or photo on.

A U L Y T G I L

NAME: ADDRESS:

TEL: EMAIL:

T

F

T

G

I Y L R F T

A

L

U

Y

R

T I

U F L A Y

Fill in each 3x3 block using the letters Frugality so there are no repeats in any block, horizontal or vertical line.

Send To: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ Closing date noon 23rd May 2014

Lemon Fairy Cakes

The cake: 110g caster sugar 110g softened butter 2 eggs 1 juice and zest of lemon 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 tbsp milk 1/2 tsp baking powder 170g self raising flour The icing: 220g icing sugar 2 tbsp softened butter 1 juice and zest of lemon • Preheat oven to 170C fan.

• Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time to prevent curdling.

• Add remaining wet ingredients and beat.

• Fold in sifted flour and baking powder until you have a smooth mixture.

• Fill 12 fairy cake cases with a generous dessert spoonful of mixture.

• Bake in middle of oven for approx.

15 minutes.

• Leave cakes to cool and mix butter and icing sugar - it takes some time, keep at it! When you have a thick paste add lemon juice and beat. Add water to loosen if necessary. Slather icing over each cake and enjoy!!

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WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH