January 2016 - Loughborough Community Eye

LOUGHBOROUGH

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COMMUNITY EYE

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JANUARY 2016

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL The Best Tools For The Job

SHEPSHED’S BEST KEPT SECRET Toy Library Needs Voluntary Trustees

MORGAN’S DELIGHT WITH SURVEY PRIZE

Wins A Tablet After Taking Part In A Borough Council Survey

RACE FOR LIFE LOUGHBOROUGH 2016 Resolution To Be Stronger, Braver, Pinker

LONG WHATTON & DISEWORTH SCOUT GROUP Latest News & Whats On

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MORGAN’S DELIGHT WITH SURVEY PRIZE A youngster has picked up a new tablet computer after taking part in a borough council survey.

Morgan Taylor, a 12-year-old student at Shepshed High School won a hudl2, kindly donated by Tesco in Park Road, Loughborough, after completing the Council’s Improving Lives Roadshow survey.

Everyone who took part was entered into a prize draw and Morgan’s name was drawn as the winner. The survey was part of a number of roadshows around the borough which aimed to seek

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views about anti-social behaviour and other issues. They also raised awareness of where people can report incidents and get support.

The survey findings will help target work to tackle some of the issues around anti-social behaviour.

Morgan, who lives in Shepshed, said “I’m really happy to win a hudl2. The roadshow I went to with my friends was great and I learned a lot about community safety.”

Councillor Jonathan Morgan, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion, said “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to chat to us at each roadshow and I am very pleased for Morgan and our other winners.”

PHOTO: Prize being presented to Morgan by Timothy McCabe, the Council’s community safety manager

MOBILE SUPPORT SERVICE HEADS TO LEICESTERSHIRE Vista, the local sight loss charity, has a Mobile Support Service for older people at risk of developing sight loss in Leicestershire.

The service, in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, is touring the county in a specially designed mobile unit, providing information, support and advice.

During February it will visit a variety of locations across Leicestershire.

1.8 million people are living with significant sight loss in the UK, and evidence suggests that over 50 per cent of sight loss is due to preventable or treatable causes.

Vista’s Mobile Support Service aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sight loss, the importance of early diagnosis and the links between lifestyle and sight loss.

Manned by friendly staff, the vehicle features an open plan welcome area, leaflet display and a seating area for individual

consultation and support. During their time on board, visitors can: • Learn how a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of sight loss, the importance of regular sight tests and spotting conditions early • Find out more about the support and services available through Vista • Discover equipment and technologies that can support people with sight loss.

The programme also supports older people already experiencing sight loss, enabling them to access dedicated information, advice and support in their local communities.

Paul Bott, Vista’s Chief Executive, said “This exciting project enables us to increase awareness of avoidable sight loss, in particular amongst older people. We believe that advice and support should be available in even the most rural communities, so we’ve taken our services on the road.”

Tuesday 9th February

10am - 12:30pm: Fearon Hall car park, Rectory Road, Loughborough, LE11 1PL

Friday 12th February

10am - 12:30pm: Rosebery St. Peters Community Centre car park, Storer Road, Loughborough, LE11 5EQ

Monday 15th February

1:30pm - 3:15pm: Glenmore Centre Shepshed car park, Loughborough, LE12 9LU

Tuesday 16th February

10am - 12:30pm: The Rothley Centre car park, 12 Mountsorrel La, Leicester, LE7 7PR 1:30pm - 3:15pm: Rowena Garden Centre car park, Loughborough Road, Rothley, LE7 7NL A full list of dates, locations and times is available on our website at www.vistablind.org.uk/ mobilesupport

‘THE CHATTERBOX’ – FRIENDLY DISCUSSION GROUP SEEKS NEW MEMBERS AT SHUTTLEWOOD CLARKE FOUNDATION As a registered charity the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation prides itself on offering a welcoming, supportive setting for those living in the local community and throughout Leicestershire. A new inclusive social group ‘The Chatterbox’ will meet every first Friday of the month from 2.30pm – 3.45pm at Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire LE67 9QB. The informal discussion group will be welcoming new members on Friday 5th February

from 2.30pm – Booking is essential and complimentary tea and cake will be available to all those attending! Monthly sessions will continue throughout 2016, with the Foundation welcoming a donation of £1.00 per person to include a refreshment.

Helen Baxter, Activities coordinator at the Foundation, said “We are encouraging those in the locality to join our new discussion group! Our meet ups will consist of an hour of informal

friendly discussion, and are open to all ages and abilities’.

She added ‘we are delighted to have the support of LASU, (Leicestershire Adult Schools Union) and we hope to provide a platform for individuals to share ideas and knowledge in a supportive and stimulating way!”.

For more information and to book a place, please contact Activities Coordinator Helen Baxter on 01530 244914 or email hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org

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LOCAL NEWS

CHARNWOOD BRAS Workshops popular with couples Volunteers are celebrating five years of running successful antenatal workshops for couples expecting a baby.

CLASSICAL “GREATS” FROM THE LOUGHBOROUGH ORCHESTRA For their forthcoming winter concert, the Loughborough Orchestra will be playing music which is high on the classical “Hit List”.

The Elgar Cello Concerto is a highly regarded cornerstone of the cello repertoire and its performance by Will Robertson, pictured here, promises to be a treat for the audience.

The workshops were introduced in response to comments The Charnwood BRAS (Breastfeeding Reassurance And Support) group were hearing from couples who felt they didn’t know enough about breastfeeding before having a baby.

The group now runs three workshops a month (in Loughborough, Shepshed and Birstall) and dads are encouraged to join their partners to find out about breastfeeding so they can provide the best support possible after the birth of their baby.

MORGAN’S DELIGHT WITH SURVEY PRIZE A youngster has picked up a new tablet computer after taking part in a borough council survey.

One of the volunteers, Tamsin Robinson from Anstey, says “The workshops cover a lot of useful information which helps families get off to the best possible start with their baby. We’re helped by a colourful puppet, plenty of dolls and some knitted boobs which are always a talking point!”

Another volunteer, Fern Desbrow who lives in Thurmaston, says “Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience for both mum and baby and there are still a lot of myths and stigmas surrounding breastfeeding – it’s great to be making the correct information and support more readily available.”

For more information about breastfeeding see www.leicspart. nhs.uk/infantfeeding and for more information about the antenatal workshops and support see www.charnwoodbras.co.uk or telephone 07583 041054 which aimed to seek views about anti-social behaviour and other issues. They also raised awareness of where people can report incidents and get support.

Morgan Taylor, a 12-year-old student at Shepshed High School won a hudl2, kindly donated by Tesco in Park Road, Loughborough, after completing the Council’s Improving Lives Roadshow survey. Everyone who took part was entered into a prize draw and Morgan’s name was drawn as the winner.

To introduce the concert will be the melodies of the Karelia Suite by Jean Sibelius. This is a piece which is condensed from “Karelia Music” that Sibelius was commissioned to write. It is based on Finnish folk music and although it was written early in his career, it has a commonality with the nationalistic nature of much of his later compositions. Sibelius became known as Finland’s national composer.

CHARNWOOD ROOTS – A PROJECT FOR THE WHOLE CHARNWOOD COMMUNITY

And last, but by no means least, is Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony.

This last of the Tchaikovsky symphonies was probably his favourite and is full of lush melodies.

There are strident tunes which grab attention and follow on from teasing, enigmatic rhythms passing between instruments. Other enchanting moments are better heard and felt than described!

This “must hear” programme is at Trinity Methodist Church Centre, Royland Rd., Loughborough on January 23rd at 7.30pm. Tickets are available via the website www. loughboroughorchestra.org.uk or from members of the orchestra.

Since 2014, the Charnwood Roots project has been working with local people to investigate the rich history of the Charnwood area. Backed by a team from the University of Leicester, we have been helping local communities to understand more about the past lives of the people and places of Charnwood.

We have a brilliant team of volunteers taking part in a diverse range of activities, from landscape surveys and archaeological digs, through to finding and analysing the vast collection of documentary sources that help piece together the fascinating history of Charnwood’s villages and towns.

What Will You Discover?

We simply never know what we might find! Recently, our volunteers have discovered references to Robin Hood in a Belton court roll, information about an eighteenth-century ferret house in Maplewell, and

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The survey findings will help target work to tackle some of the issues around anti-social behaviour. Morgan, who lives in Shepshed, said “I’m really happy to win a hudl2. The roadshow I went to with my friends was great and I learned a lot about community safety.”

Will was one of the talented pupils to attend Chetham’s music school before gaining a place to study at the Royal Academy of Music.

The cello that he will be playing is on loan from the Royal Academy and allows his beautiful playing to sing above the orchestra! Will has performed widely in this country and has also travelled as far as Singapore to tour with a Chamber Orchestra. Will is looking forward to playing this famous Concerto with the orchestra.

The survey was part of a number of roadshows around the borough

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Councillor Jonathan Morgan, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion, said “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to chat to us at each roadshow and I am very pleased for Morgan and our other winners.”

a parish collection for French refugees in a seventeenthcentury churchwarden’s account for Thurcaston.

We are still looking for volunteers to help us look through these exciting documents. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience at all in investigating history, all that’s needed is enthusiasm and a small amount of your time. Full training will be provided at no charge, and you will be able to volunteer your time as and when it suits you – some of our volunteers work at home, some meet up locally, whilst others enjoy regular visits to the Record Office in Wigston.

So, if you’ve ever wondered just how your community grew into the village or town in which you now live, come along and help us to find out. For more information, please contact Dr Susan Kilby at charnwoodroots@ le.ac.uk or visit our website www. charnwoodroots.org

NEW NHS APP OUT NOW Helping our patients to access the right service, in the right place, first time, every time has never been more important, particularly as we go into the winter months.

To help make this happen we are introducing an innovative new mobile App called ‘NHS Now’ which will give people all the essential information they need to make the right choices, and we really need your help to promote it.

You can download the App now from either the Apple App store or Google Play by searching for ‘NHS Now’.

The App helps people to access self-care advice, or choose and find their nearest, most appropriate and most convenient local health service. They get live opening times and directions to each local NHS service. For each type of service, they can ask to see either all locations or those that are open for service at the specific time they are using the App and services include, Pharmacies, GP Practices, Dentists, Urgent Care Centres, A&E

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LOCAL NEWS

CARILLON TOWER & WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM 1pm - 4.30pm Every day, except Monday - 01509 263370 - carillonmuseum@gmail.com - www.loughborough-rollofhonour.com LATEST ACQUISITION

WW1 ‘SILKS’ We have a collection of these WW1 'silks' they have now been put into albums by one of our volunteers, Eva, and will be available to be viewed by visitors next season.

HELP WANTED On YouTube there are dozens of British Army training films from the 1950s and 60s but try as I might I cannot find out where to get hold of them. Those posting them on YouTube never respond to requests for information so we are asking you. Mostly produced by the Army Kinema Corps where can we purchase them from? Here is an example for your enjoyment by visiting https://goo.gl/tNXQaf

SHEPSHED'S BEST KEPT SECRET Shepshed Toy Library started in 1984 at the Shepshed Town council offices. In 1993 it moved to the annex on the Hind Leys Campus where it has been since.

The hidden treasures of the toy library continue to amaze every visitor with over 2000 quality toys and games for you to borrow for children 0-11 years. From Jumperoos to junior slides, sensory toys to play kitchens.

For a small membership fee the only tricky part is deciding what toys to take home! After all that choosing, little ones can enjoy the 'Stay and Play' while you have a refreshing drink and browse the craft shop.

Donated a few weeks ago to our collection. This is the Death Plaque of Ernest Arthur Leavesley of 74 Gladstone Street Loughborough. Ernest served in the 8th Battalion of the Leicestershire Regiment. He died of his wounds aged 22, probably received during the attack on the village of Guedecourt. He is buried at Heilly Station Cemetery and commemorated on the Carillon.

THE ZEPPELIN MEMORIAL

It will be unveiled at lunchtime 31 January 2016. the 100th anniversary of the raid.

We have finally come to an agreement with the landlord of our preferred site in the Rushes it is directly opposite to where the original A4 size plaque was and the granite cross which is still there.

Other services include party room hire with your choice of toys included, toy hire for your own party and photocopying.

We are currently doing a healthy living project in our stay and play area, supported by Leicestershire County Council. Call 01509 601146 for more information or find us on Facebook.

We are also looking for voluntary trustees to help manage our toy library, please get in touch.

Bullets were being fired As my heart began to pound.

Echoes of the gunfire Overtook every other sound.

My thoughts they just aren’t with me The battlefield is where they are.

My friends they keep on dying So long… au revoir.

Positioned in the trenches The earth was always rumbling.

Smoke filled the air As towns nearby were tumbling.

Religion, land, greed and power, It had to be one of those For why else were we fighting?

That’s the way it goes.

On the 11th of November As the beautiful bells rang Peace was spread across the land Slowly soldiers smiled and sang.

Mr Peter Minshall, a volunteer with our museum has mocked up what the new memorial will look like, a 40 x 48 inch bronze plaque naming the ten victims.

A warm welcome awaits you Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30-12 term time, and the last Thursday of the month 6:307:30pm. At least four toys can be borrowed at a time for 3 weeks and if they are such a hit with the kids, you can simply phone up to renew the items.

WAITING FOR PEACE

Rebecca Gregory

SANTAS GALORE! Record numbers of Santas were squeezed into Market Place for the Rotary Club of Loughborough’s annual Santa Fun Run & Walk event, which took place on Sunday 6th December.

Supported by Love Loughborough and Charnwood Borough Council, this year saw over 1400 runners and walkers take place in the event to raise money for charity.

From 10am Santas and spectators started to gather in the town centre to see the Best-dressed Christmas Dog competition and be entertained

by Loughborough Town Hall’s Panto Dame, Widow Twankey.

Crowd numbers were higher than last year’s event and some town centre businesses saw an increase in trade on the day.

Lez Cope-Newman, Vice Chair of Love Loughborough BID said “Thanks to the hard work of the Rotary Club, Charnwood Borough Council and the Love Loughborough team, the Santa Fun Run was taken to a new level.

On behalf of Widow Twankey and me, we would like to say a huge thank you to all for making this event even more spectacular and we look forward to December 4th 2016.”

Councillor Stephen Hampson, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Town Centres said “The fun run was a big success and it was great to see the town centre transformed with a sea of red Santa’s at the start of the race. I may even get some councillors together for the event next year! I’d like to say a thank you and well done to everyone who turned up and played a part in the day’s festivities.”

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Landlords beware – new rules apply to Assured Shorthold Tenancies entered into on or after 1 October 2015 Contrary to what many landlords, especially those new to the buy-to-let market, may like to believe, recovering possession of a property is not always straightforward. Most landlords of residential property will let their properties using an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). Many will be aware of, and comply with, the strict procedure required if they want the tenant to leave, including serving a Notice which states when they have to leave, and obtaining a court order if the tenant fails to do so.

Where an AST is entered into on or after 1 October 2015, this procedure has become more stringent, and a landlord must adhere to additional conditions if they want to serve a valid Section 21 Notice and be able to obtain a Possession Order.

• Previously, a landlord could serve a Notice that was in any form so long as it gave the tenant certain information. Now, a landlord must use a particular form.

• There are limitations on when a Section 21 Notice can be served: a landlord cannot serve a Section 21 Notice in the first four months of a tenancy. So, a landlord cannot serve a Notice on the first day of a tenancy to expire on the last day of the initial fixed term.

• A Section 21 Notice will only be valid if the landlord has given their tenant a current Gas Safety Certificate, Energy Performance Certificate, and a copy of the government’s guide ‘How to Rent’.

Failure to supply any of these items will render a Section 21 Notice invalid, an easy trap to fall into when they should arguably be provided before the tenancy starts.

• Assuming a Section 21 Notice is validly served, depending on the type of Section 21 Notice, a landlord may not be able to issue a claim for a Possession Order more than 6 months after the Notice was given.

• Further rules prohibit a landlord from serving a Section 21 Notice where a tenant has complained about a landlord’s failure to carry out necessary repairs, to avoid so-called ‘retaliatory evictions’, if certain circumstances are present.

Regardless of the start date of a tenancy, from 1 October 2015 all landlords must ensure their properties are equipped with smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors: smoke alarms must be installed on each storey of a property being used for living accommodation, and a carbon monoxide detector must be installed in each room used as living accommodation in which solid fuel is used. Fines of up to £5,000 can be issued for non-compliance.

The law relating to Landlords and Tenants is not straightforward. If you would like advice, please contact Nick Gay (n.gay@ moss-solicitors.co.uk) or Laura Anderson (l.anderson@moss-solicitors.co.uk).

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LOCAL LOCAL NEWS NEWS

LONG WHATTON AND DISEWORTH SCOUT GROUP

SWITCH ON SUCCESS Thousands of people braved the weather to see the annual Christmas Light Switch On event on Sunday 29th November.

Charnwood Borough Council closely monitored the weather forecast and conditions on the ground throughout the day and they were pleased that it was not as bad as that forecast. The Switch On was a great success and many people turned out to enjoy the shopping and entertainment.

Come 4pm thousands of people had gathered in Market Place, to come together and join in with the traditionally loud countdown led

by Sam and Amy stars of GEM 106.

From 12 noon onwards the public turned up in force to support the local talent on stage ranging from St Botolph’s School Choir to Loughborough Students Union, all of which transformed the Market Place through the use of a huge 40 foot screen.

GEM 106 took over the stage at 3pm with an exhilarating programme. At one point the crowd enjoyed the spectacle of the cast of Aladdin from the Town Hall pantomime delivering a number of songs from the show,

as well a new and talented band Race the Horizon.

The crowd numbers were comparable to last year’s event and some businesses saw an increase in trade, as many people took temporary shelter from the weather in the shops, cafes and restaurants. Footfall during the week lead up to the event was down by 4.9% compared to last year but Loughborough fared better than the national average which was down 6.8%.

David Pagett-Wright, Love Loughborough BID Chair said “The entertainment and activities were non-stop all afternoon and I would like to give particular thanks to the great professional support given by GEM 106.The town centre now looks the part for the festive season and I would encourage everyone to come along and sample all that it has to offer over the coming weeks.”

The Mayor of Charnwood said "It was great to see so many people brave the elements for the switching on of the Christmas lights in Loughborough. There was a great festive atmosphere and the Council likes to see the town centre used for events like that. I would like to thank everyone who attended and I think the lights look really good this year."

Summer Camp next year will be at Whatton House for Charnwood 2015 - our local Jamboree. Places are still available.

Beaver Scouts (Oakley Colony)

The Duke of Edinburgh team are looking for new recruits to start this February 2016. At 13½ you can start your Bronze Level, at 15 Silver, and Gold you can start at 16.

It looks as if we may be running a Gold Group next year, after the success of this year’s Silver Expeditions, with Gold Expeditions taking place in 2016. Please contact us for more information.

Cubs Scouts (Oakley Pack)

We have sort of opened a new Cub Pack on Mondays after School running alongside our existing Beaver Colony. This is to accommodate young people who can’t make the Friday sessions, however some new volunteers to look after this up and coming Pack would be fantastic, so tell your friends and get the message out there for us.

By the time you read this we will have ran three Scout Taster Sessions at Diseworth School and have recruited new Adult Volunteers to run Beavers and Cubs in Diseworth - We Hope!

The dates are 12th, 19th & 26th January, so please do pop along if those dates haven’t passed. The sessions are £2 each.

We look forward to seeing any of you at any of our meetings in the future.

for Young People aged 5¾ to 8 Mondays 3.20 to 4.30 pm Long Whatton School

for Young People aged 8 to 10½ Mondays 3.20 to 4.30 pm Long Whatton School

Beaver Scouts (Piper Colony) for Young People aged 5¾ to 8 Fridays 5 to 6 pm Long Whatton Methodist Church

Cubs Scouts (Piper Pack)

for Young People aged 8 to 10½ Fridays 6 to 7.30 pm Long Whatton Methodist Church

Scouts

for Young People aged 10 to 14½ Fridays 6.30 to 8.30 pm Long Whatton Methodist Church

Explorer Scouts (Village People ESU)

for Young People aged 13¾ to 18 Fridays 6.30 to 8.30 pm Long Whatton Methodist Church The Duke of Edinburgh Award for 13½ to 25 year olds Fridays 8.30 to 9.30 pm Long Whatton Methodist Church To join in the Everyday Adventure of Long Whatton & Diseworth Scouts Contact Colin on 0845 519 8037 or info@longwhattonscouts.org www.longwhattonscouts.org

LOCAL LOCAL ADVERTISERS NEWS

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Looking for a particular fabric for curtains, blinds and soft furnishings can be quite daunting, especially when there is such a vast choice in an array of colours and textures.

When considering your colour scheme remember that light shades and neutral tones make a space appear bigger, while warm deep tones can create a cosy and intimate atmosphere.

You can bring in contrasting fabrics to add a pop of colour to your room, or softer tones to create a calmer ambience.

look. We offer a full at home service or you can visit us at Robert Newbold Flooring in Shepshed where we can show you our range of fabrics and have an informal chat about your requirements.

Apart from soft furnishings, poles, tracks and accessories we can now offer a bespoke upholstery service so that your beloved furniture can have a new lease of life.

For more information please contact Caroline Thompson on 0795 1619046

A finishing touch can come from an array of trimmings, such as pom-pom braid added to cushions or some beading on the edge of a pelmet. With the start of the new year comes the urge to re decorate or change your soft furnishings for a new

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Volunteering opportunities with SDSG Would you like to assist us in our providing weekly swimming pool session for our members? People recovering from illness or injury, or with a long-term health condition or disability.

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For further details visit our website: www.shepsheddolphins.org.uk E-mail: admin@shepsheddolphins.org.uk Telephone: Ian - 01509 880375

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LOCAL NEWS

GURU SINGH I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Editor of Shepshed and Loughborough Eye for supporting my epic cycling challenge last year when I cycled 360 miles from Geneva to Milan climbing 17000ft (5 mountain passes) to raise funds for Leicestershire's own cancer research facility Hope Against Cancer that carries out research in our hospitals in Leicester.

Before I embarked on the challenge I had grave misgivings about my ability at my age (66) to carry this through but with the right amount of training and vast encouragement from hundreds of people and many local businesses I managed not only to conquer brutal climbs like Grimsel Pass and Furka Pass but raised an enormous amount of money. Income from all sources, including gift aid, has topped well over 10,000 pounds.

The phenomenal success of the sale of Christmas Cards produced by my wife Val, an illustrator, added over £2000 to this total.

Thanks to PrimoIT of Shepshed for being our first corporate buyer.

Just to remind your readers, I took on this challenge after Val had successfully fought first uterine and then breast cancer, followed by chemotherapy and numerous operations, including reconstruction. She is well on the road to full health.

Having lost two stones the health benefits for me have been wonderful. Through my weekly blog 'Singh of the Mountains' on www.gsingh1015.wordpress.com I have taken the opportunity to spread the message of Hope and to educate people about health promotion and cancer prevention through diet and exercise.

A lot of people have asked what next? For the time being I hope to continue to promote the newly formed Shepshed Cycling Club to help spread the message of health and the joys of exercise and cycling. We meet every Sunday at 9.30 am outside the Town Council offices on Charnwood Road and we have three rides led by group leaders. The fast elite ride, the shorter and slower social ride and an intermediate one. For further information please contact the secretary of the club George Smith by email george.smith51@ btinternet.com I have also entered some sportives including the old favourite Ride London but later this year hope to climb Mont Ventoux - more about this later suffice it to say that my ex-colleague and dear friend Dr Trevor Hall is involved!

NEW WEBSITE AIMS TO BRING LOVE TO OFFICE LUNCHES A Shepshed based catering company is on a mission to revolutionise workplace lunches with the launch of a brand new website. At the start of a new year, many people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health. With obesity at an epidemic level, Love Lunch aims to help people to lead a healthier life style.

Love Lunch was founded by best friends Zoe Furber and Jo Finch based at home in Shepshed, with the principle of bringing delicious, healthier choices to dull and unsatisfying office lunches.

“We experienced a lack of healthier convenient food in our everyday lives. People don’t have the time to queue at high-street chains for the same old selection of sandwiches and salads”, said co-founder Jo Finch. “We want to offer homemade food delivered to your office which is tempting, satisfying and wholesome, but does not compromise on taste or

quality.” Love Lunch is easy and convenient as people can order their lunch online via the website at any time.

“Working as a Slimming World consultant in Loughborough, I have seen first-hand the issues the community has trying to eat healthier, especially at lunch time”, said co-founder Zoe Furber. “This is where the idea for Love Lunch stemmed from. Our lunches are not ‘diet’ food and we cater for anyone who wants to eat well, but does not have time to prepare their own”.

The wholesome menu at Love Lunch is created from scratch at home in their kitchen, with fresh ingredients which are locally sourced as much as possible. The diverse menu includes choices for vegetarians, gluten free alternatives and for those who just love great home cooked food.

“We are not looking to fulfil any unrealistic New Year resolutions, we want to provide a healthier choice which is long term and achievable” said Zoe and Jo. Delivering to businesses in Shepshed and Loughborough area, please visit www.lovelunchcatering.co.uk to order your heavenly homemade lunch.

CHARNWOOD’S LARGEST LOSER IS BACK IN 2016

Charnwood Borough Council’s 10week Largest Loser programme is back and offering regular weigh-ins and exercise classes for anyone looking for a healthy way to kick start 2016.

Councillor Jonathan Morgan, Cabinet member for Community Cohesion, said “We are committed to helping residents have access to affordable health and fitness advice. We’re in the fifth year of the programme and have already

Manheim will open its Shepshed auction centre as its new CV centre of excellence in January 2016, with the first van auction taking place on Monday 11th January. In October, the company announced plans to reopen the centre, and has invested a seven-figure sum to recommission the site.

The UK’s number one commercial vehicle auction company will also be introducing a new arrival process at the Shepshed auction centre, minimising the number of vehicle movements on site.

The vehicles will move from wash and valeting, through inspection and on to imaging before being parked ready for auction in one seamless flow.

While Manheim expects significant physical buyer footfall at Shepshed, which is just one mile from Junction 23 of the M1, it is expected that many of the commercial vehicles sold through the auction centre will be bought by online buyers.

In 2015 so far, 30% of all vans and 65% of all trucks sold by Manheim in the UK have been bought by buyers from the comfort of their own offices or homes.

Tim Hudson, managing director for Manheim Remarketing, said “Manheim Shepshed will be unrivalled as a commercial vehicle auction centre in the UK. As well as the site once again playing a productive role in the local community, it reopening is evidence of our sustained growth and success in the commercial vehicle market, with monthly sales volumes consistently above the previous year, in some cases by more than 50%.”

Learn top tips for a healthier lifestyle with the help of a £10 fitness programme.

The programme starts on Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 at Rawlins Academy, Quorn, and will be held weekly. Weigh-ins will be from 6.30-7.30pm and exercise classes will run from 7.30-8.30pm.

MANHEIM AUCTION CENTRE SET TO OPEN IN JANUARY

helped more than 120 residents to get healthier and happier.”

The participant who loses the most at the end of the programme will win a one-to-one Powerplate session and a spa day at Burleigh Springs, Loughborough.

For further information visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/ charnwoods_largest_loser

The first fortnightly truck sale at Shepshed will take place on 21st January in the morning, along with the first monthly plant sale in the afternoon. Vendors selling commercial vehicles at Shepshed will include BT Fleet, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Hitachi Capital, Pentagon, Perrys, Royal Mail, Severn Trent Water, The Car Group and Van Monster, along with other vendors which are in the process of confirming their sales with Manheim.

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THE BEST TOOLS FOR THE JOB February is a good time for me to wrap up warm and venture out into shelter of the potting shed to get prepared for the season ahead. As a professional garden designer and plantswoman I rely heavily on my tools when I am preparing ground in client’s gardens or for when I’m tending & taming plants prior to planting.

Secateurs

Spades and Forks

Mattock & Bulb Planter

CHARITY BRIDGE DRIVE Organised by Loughborough Lions Club will be held at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley on Wednesday 6th April 2016 at 1.30pm with afternoon tea provided at a cost of £6 per person.

To book a table please contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 or email: brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com

Over the years I’ve tried and tested many spades, forks, secateurs & cultivators and I’m guilty of buying some which look lovely but just can’t withstand more than an occasional bit of light work! So I thought I’d share with you my favourite tools and tips for spending wisely.

Essential tools for the garden Spades and forks are the key tool for my job. They need to be hard wearing, light enough for use all day and easy to clean up and keep in good shape. I learnt several years ago that the beautiful looking wooden handled types you see in all of the garden centres are just not strong enough for regular soil preparation on our local heavy soils. I’ve broken more than I care to mention! So I now choose those with stronger handles, metal handles tend to be too heavy so I opt for plastic.

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

Stainless steel blades & tines are a must, the very cheapest spades and forks you’ll find in the garden centres have carbon steel blades which are strong but their surface isn’t as smooth as stainless steel so it is more difficult to slice into the ground and to clean the blade afterwards.

bulb planter I can neatly remove a core of soil at the right depth, drop the bulb into the hole and replace the soil on top. I have tried the small versions and I find they can break very easily so I have invested in strong stainless steel long handled types with haven’t failed on my so far!

I have the standard large spades for border preparation and I find border spades are really useful for planting as the blade size is smaller allowing me to dig small holes without disturbing neighbouring plants.

My Mattock is my favourite tool by far. It is similar to a pick axe but one of the points has a flattened end like a narrow spade.

It is essential for turning heavy ground, grubbing out shrub and tree roots and breaking up a compacted soil. As it is heavy like the pick axe, it easily slices through clay and roots more efficiently and with less effort digging than with a spade. I do feel like I’ve had a good workout when I’ve been using it though!

Secateurs are a must. I invested in a pair of Felco no.2 secateurs about 12 years ago, they are my favourite pair and still going strong. I keep them sharp with a small secateurs sharpening block and ensure that when I have finished using them they are dry before I store them so that they don’t rust. I have several other cheaper pairs which do a fine job as long as they are kept sharp, although they are a tad heavy or uncomfortable for regular use.

Bulb planters are a life saver in the autumn months when I am planting up client’s gardens with thousands of tulips, daffodils and crocus! With my long handled

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March is on it’s way and it’s a great time to visit the local garden centre and nursery to choose plants for an early splash of colour. So next month I’ll be looking at how to select the healthiest happiest plants which will survive and thrive in your garden.

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LOCAL NEWS

2016 RESOLUTION TO BE STRONGER, BRAVER, PINKER WITH RACE FOR LIFE LOUGHBOROUGH

LOUGHBOROUGH women are being urged to get the New Year off to a great start by signing up now to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life 2016.

Leicestershire. The new womenonly, non-competitive 5k obstacle course – with mud – received a whole-hearted welcome from the thousands of women who took part.

The charity is calling on women of all shapes and sizes to show cancer who’s boss by choosing their event - Race for Life 5k, or 10k – and committing to take part at Loughborough Town Centre or their event- Leicestershire Pretty Muddy at Prestwold Hall, Loughborough.

Thanks to their enthusiasm, this exciting event will be returning and organisers are urging women to secure their place as soon as possible.

Although many see January as the perfect opportunity to start a new chapter in terms of health and fitness, motivation can slip as the cold weather drags on.

That’s where Race for Life comes in. The 5k and 10k events take place on Sunday, July 10. So women who sign up now will be creating their own compelling goal to aim for later in the year, when the warmer weather makes staying on the sofa less tempting.

Amy Hall, Cancer Research UK’s Leicestershire Event Manager, said “Signing up to take part in Race for Life is a great way for women of all ages to commit to get a little more active. Race for Life events are non-competitive.

Taking part is not about being fit or fast and participants can choose to walk, jog, or run around the course. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive. Pledging to take part, alongside thousands of like minded women, can be a great incentive to get fitter.

Planning to raise money for life-saving research could prove more of a goal to get up and get moving than the usual New Year’s resolution to shift the postChristmas pounds.”

One in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer at some stage in their lives, but the good news is more people are surviving the disease now than ever before.

Survival rates have doubled since the early 1970s.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring women-only series of 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer sooner.

Last year, Race for Life Pretty Muddy took place for the first time in

Amy continued “We’re delighted to be able to bring Pretty Muddy back to Prestwold Hall, as it’s a fantastic addition to our Race for Life family of events. It has all the fun and camaraderie of our much loved 5k and 10k events but with added obstacles and, of course, mud.

Women can complete the Pretty Muddy course at their own pace, climbing, jumping, walking and laughing their way around. It’s about women of all ages, shapes and sizes tackling obstacles together.”

Last year, 8667 women took part in Race for Life in Leicestershire and raised a fantastic £542,764.

This year, organisers hope to see to see the same level of support from local ladies.

Money raised through Race for Life allows Cancer Research UK’s doctors, nurses and scientists to advance research which is helping to save the lives of men, women and children across Leicestershire.

Amy continued “We’re calling on the brave ladies of Loughborough to harness their fighting spirit once more and really show cancer whose boss. Race for Life is an amazing way to celebrate everyone we love who has survived cancer. It’s also an emotional and moving way to pay tribute to those dear to us whose lives have been cut short by the disease. Our participants make Race for Life a truly uplifting, inspiring experience. That’s why we’re calling on women of all ages to sign up now to their events in Loughborough and pledge to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, on the front line against cancer. Together, we can unleash a powerful fighting spirit to stop cancer in its tracks.”

Women who sign up for 5k events in January can benefit from a specially reduced fee of £10.00.

To enter Race for Life today visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 1230770

The Festival Players have recently announced their 2016 season of plays, and what a season it looks set to be! They start in February with the brilliant Michael Frayn’s back-to-front farce – ‘Noises Off’ about a dysfunctional touring company clearly destined never to make it to Leamington Spa. Enjoyed by millions of people worldwide since it premiered in 1982 and hailed as one of the greatest British comedies ever written, Noises Off is a fabulously funny farce - think Eric Morecambe meets Norman Wisdom with a healthy helping of Basil Fawlty - it reveals the backstage shenanigans of a theatre company in the throes of ‘putting on a show’.

It’s less than twenty-four hours before opening night, Dotty’s lost her sardines, Selsdon’s drunk, Frederick’s about to have yet another nosebleed, and Tim’s on the brink of collapse. In the words of harassed Director Lloyd: ‘That’s farce. That’s the theatre. That’s life’.

Noises Off follows the cast and crew as they tour their cheeky farce ‘Nothing On’. Battling against all the odds they’re desperately trying to make sure that, whatever happens, the show must go on!

There’s a depth to the casting with Liz Berrisford playing ‘Dotty’, Nick Grainger as ‘Lloyd’ (the Director), Chris Nixon as the drunk ‘Selsdon’, Jarrod Makin and Rachel Ingham as the disorganised stage crew ‘Tim’ and ‘Poppy’. Kirt Hammonds, fresh from his success in ‘Abigail’s Party’, is playing the Inland Revenue stressed ‘Frederick’ alongside newcomers to the society Emma Bamford and Victoria Price playing ‘Belinda’ and ‘Brooke’. Tom Grainger plays the heart throb ‘Garry’ trying to woo ‘Brooke’. The play is directed by Norman Hockley who states, “I’ve been able to assemble a brilliant cast, and many of whom I’ve worked with before.

The combination of talented actors and classic comedy makes for the perfect start to the 2016 Festival Players’ season.”

The play is staged at Loughborough Town Hall from Wednesday 24thto Saturday 27th February 2016 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets priced between £5 and £13.50 can be booked by any of the following methods: - Call or text the FPs ticket line on 07855 248832 (best seats and special offers) - Call the LTH Box Office on 01509 231914 or visit the website at: www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk

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BOROUGH COUNCILLOR

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

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

I’d like to start by mentioning all the wonderful festive events which have been happening locally and to wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy and successful 2016. Just before Christmas I was also very pleased to be able to visit our Royal Mail sorting office in Loughborough. I try to visit every year to say thank you to the postmen and postwomen who deliver all our cards and parcels. They are a vital part of our Christmas and I am pleased they didn’t have to deal with any ice and snow this year.

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May all businesses flourish within our town - we welcome more.

Catch those cars

Having almost been knocked over by a car driving through the pedestrianised area at lunchtime last week, I decided to report it to the police, having noted the precise time of the incident.

Even if you haven’t got time to note the car registration, if you note the time it happened, and have a rough description of the vehicle, then if the incident has happened during the 10am4pm ‘no vehicles’ period, the police will be able to access the Council’s CCTV system, and prosecute the offender.

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Which ends with Waitrose, certainly not a local retailer, but the conclusion of a long-running ‘will they, won’t they’ saga. They have been looking at our area for a long time, having recognised that a significant investment would help to fill a gap they perceived was there. It is a shame that they couldn’t find a suitable site in the town centre, but knowing their space requirements, and the available sites, I can understand why they had to look elsewhere, and that they preferred a quick option over a longer one. The significance of Waitrose is not that of the store itself, but of what it means to other retailers and investors. Rightly or wrongly, having a Waitrose store in a catchment area makes a difference to the scoring systems that investors use to calculate return on investment. The store’s opening should benefit our town and its surrounding area, and hopefully reinforce the investment decisions made by the many small and large businesses that have come to us over the past few years.

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increased trade online. Our town needs to face the changing nature of retail, and recognise that towns that flourish will be those that can’t be replicated online - their offer needs to be unique and reflect what customers will need, rather than what they were used to. So far, the signs are good, with some great new businesses opening alongside some of our own local star retailers.

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ISSUE 5 - AUG/SEP 2015

Garden Design Review

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The final decision on the pedestrianised area will be welcome in that it will allow all parties to focus on the future.

The town currently has one of the highest shop occupancy rates in the East Midlands (take a trip to any of the surrounding market towns of a similar size to appreciate the difference), with many of the new businesses recognising the changing nature of retail in the UK. Most high street chainstores announced dips in shop traffic over Christmas, but

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The Baxter Gate cinema and restaurant complex represents a significant investment in Loughborough. Regardless of the arguments about whether another cinema is needed, the fact that a private company took a hardnosed decision to invest such a large amount of their own money in building the new development is fascinating - not only is it a thirdparty endorsement of the town, but it also suggests that they see something is missing, and hope to provide a service and facilities that will fill the gap - the family style restaurants they are bringing to the town are lacking at the moment we have some excellent places to eat, with more opening - but the town does go quiet after 5pm, and only comes alive again once the pubs and nightclubs get into full swing. There are many examples to show that opening a clutch of restaurants in one area drives up business for all, because people start to travel to that area to eat because of the choice, rather than despite it - hopefully this will be the case with Loughborough.

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Already 2016 is upon us and there are signs that this will be significant year for our town. The Baxter Gate cinema complex is nearing completion (opening in April), the pedestrianised area of the town will hopefully be confirmed as a permanent feature, and in the past week, Waitrose have announced that they are taking over the Budgen store off the A6 at Mountsorrel. The three events may not be clearly linked, but it’s worth looking at why they show how our town and the area is changing.

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Tel No. 01509 502736 Email alan.wig@tiscali.co.uk

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If you are interested in having a stall don’t hesitate to get in touch with Anne Wightman who will then forward details, and booking forms if requested:

Planning is underway for a Craft Market on 9th April.

Details will be available

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later, but it is not too soon to express interest in having a stall at this market. The organisers will undertake to advertise in a wide area with press releases, through local radio and social media, thus attracting a lot of visitors.

Saturday April 9th St Botolph’s Church in Shepshed will be the venue for a new event. The Church has been reordered, and has now become a very pleasant, versatile building having plenty of space for different events.

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Closer to home I’ve also been meeting residents in Woodthorpe with BT and the County Council to discuss the rollout of broadband locally. You can find out more about broadband availability in your area at www. superfastleicestershire.org.uk Finally I’d like to pay tribute to long-standing SARG campaigner and Loughborough resident Professor Russ Bowman who died recently. In recent years Russ had worked tirelessly to monitor planning applications in the Ashby ward and played a key role in the town for many years. He will be missed by family and friends.

The end of our Parliamentary season in 2015 was dominated by international affairs – particularly the vote on extending military airstrikes in Syria. I predict that the focus on security both at

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home and abroad will continue.

And I am very grateful to everyone who contacted me with their thoughts ahead of the Syria debate. There will also be growing interest in the Prime Minister’s re-negotiation of our relationship with the EU. I fully support the decision to give people a say on our relationship and also to get the EU to realise that it has become too big and too bossy. I do, however, also believe that Britain’s interests are best served by staying in a reformed EU which focuses on competitiveness and respects the fact that not every member state wants to sign up to “an ever closer union.”

As 2016 dawns attention now turns to New Year resolutions and the year ahead. If your resolution is to do more to help your local area then I hope you might consider becoming a school governor. This is an important role supporting Head teachers and working with other committed volunteers to invest time and expertise in the next generation.

Governing bodies are often particularly in need of people with financial, legal or property skills.

If you would like to find out more visit www.sgoss.org.uk

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The Easy Way to the perfect Home Office or Fitted Bedroom NEW YEAR DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

One call to Swift Fitted Furniture and we’ll arrange a no obligation estimate to make the most of your bedroom or home office space.

Friendly service and professional fitting - for less than you’d think.

Call Paul

Tel: 0116 246 0686 to find out more today

 LOFT LADDERS

WE COVER EVERYTHING FROM A

 LOFT STAIRCASES

SIMPLE LADDER INSTALLATION

 LOFT HATCHES

TO A COMPLETE LOFT

 LOFT BOARDING

TRANSFORMATION INCLUDING

 ROOF WINDOWS

STAIRS, FLOORING, ELECTRICS,

 TOP-UP INSULATION

WINDOWS & PLASTER FINISH.

 RAFTER INSULATION  LIGHTING AND SOCKETS  COMPLETE STORAGE ROOMS

PRICE LIST LOFT LADDERS FROM

£180

U.P.V.C LOFT HATCHES

£150

ROOF WIDOWS FROM

£499

LOFT LIGHTING FROM

£69

BASIC PACKAGE DEAL  100 sq FEET BOARDING  HINGE DOWN LOFT HATCH  2 SECTION ALUMINIUM LADDER  PENDANT FITTING & SWITCH

ALL SUPPLIED & FULLY FITTED FOR INFORMATION ON OUR LATEST PACKAGE DEALS AND TO SEE OUR RANGE OF LADDERS VISIT US AT WWW.LEICESTERLOFTSTORAGE.COM ALTERNATIVELY CONTACT US TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS AND LET US TAILOR MAKE A PACKAGE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS AND BUDGET.

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