January 2015 - Loughborough Community Eye

LOUGHBOROUGH

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

ISSUE 15 - JANUARY 2015

COMMUNITY EYE

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

EASY BURGERS Plus Learn To Cook Sweet Potato Chips

Growing Your Own Cut Flowers

HAVE YOU SEEN ONE OF THESE BEFORE?

LOUGHBOROUGH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

Anstey War Service League Christmas 1944 Souvenir

Latest Update

SIR JOHN MOORE FOUNDATION Heart To Heart; Leicestershire’s Hidden Treasure

A SIGNED COPY OF THE TIGERS BOOK Exhibition Rugby In Loughborough

NATIONAL LIBRARY DAY

Loughborough Library 7th February

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WELCOME

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Welcome to your January Community Eye magazine

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

Rob Walton © ____________________________________

JOIN & FOLLOW US

b facebook.com/community_eye a twitter.com/community_eye ____________________________________

I’d like to say, isn’t it lovely that the weather is warming up but I’m writing this with a bitter wind howling round the office! Luckily Bel has written us a lovely article to make us feel more spring like!

and surrounding villages and this takes our total distribution up to over 55,000 magazines all hand delivered by our own distribution team. That’s an average of one magazine pushed through someone’s door every 50 seconds!

This month we are taking a closer look at one of our local historical sights The Sir John Moore Foundation in Appleby Magna which is a fabulous facility. We also have our regular competitions for you and some nice recipes for you to try.

If you’d like to be part of this amazing statistic we’d love to hear from you and we even offer free advert design. Why not make 2015 the year you push your business and start advertising with us. Still not convinced? Have a look at the testimonials on our website!

We are also launching our 9th community magazine in Measham

serving with H.M Forces at home and overseas. It also has some beautiful illustrations, a story and a poem to keep the soldiers busy and remind them of home. For me one of the most wonderful additions to this book are the letters from the people of Anstey to the serving soldiers. Messages from the Parish Council, Police Force, Fire Service, WI and Schools all serve to make this a very personal piece. Alice Smart writes as an Anstey mother and G. Greatorex as an Anstey Wife.

Two beautiful letters are written from Betty Thurman and Michael Martin of Latimer Street School and it would be interesting to see if they or their relatives still live in Anstey.

EDITOR

MIRIAM BENTLEY T: 0800 6446150 E: editor@openboxpromotions.co.uk

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NEXT ISSUE OUT DEADLINE DATE: 14th February 2014 DELIVERY DATE: 20th February 2014 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind. ____________________________________ The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Community Eye or Open Box Promotions Ltd. Open Box Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/terms

We’ve all had, or will have the unenviable task of going through a deceased relative’s paperwork. It can be upsetting and disheartening, especially if they never liked to throw anything away! But one lucky Leicestershire resident recently discovered a gem whilst looking through her Uncles paperwork.

Janet Elverstone and her husband Lewis, called me up to see if I’d like to come and look at a war artefact

MEGA BOOK SALE BAG A BARGAIN@ LOUGHBOROUGH LIBRARY Children’s books start at 40 pence Adult books start at 50 pence DVD’s @ £1.50

Talking Books @ £1.00 Booksale – a date for your diary starting on Friday 16th Jan till Saturday 26th Jan 2015. Be an early bird to catch a bargain and take a look at what else the library service has on offer. For further information contact Loughborough Library on 0116 3052420

they’d discovered. Belonging to her uncle Arch. Barker who served in the Chindits, this artefact has got me quite excited!

It’s a beautifully preserved, postcard sized book sent to Arch when he was out in India from the Anstey War Service League. Apparently every serving officer from Anstey was sent one of these little books for Christmas in 1944. The book contains lists of all the Anstey men and women

Please get in touch if you have a link to this publication or if you know if anything like this was sent out by other Leicestershire villages? We’d be really interested to hear from relatives of those who contributed to the book and also if you have a copy of it too.

If you’d like further information about the book or a list of all those who contributed please do get in touch and I’ll send you some more images of the pages.

I can be contacted via editor@openboxpromotions.co.uk or 0800 6446 150 or by post to 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe LE9 2HQ. I’ll bring you an update if I hear from anyone, if not I assume this is a very rare find indeed! Well done Uncle Arch for keeping it in such good condition and bringing it all the way back from India for us to enjoy!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOT Dot Wilks, one of the longest serving Scouts in both Leicestershire and Charnwood District, recently celebrated her 90th birthday!

Dot has been part of Scouting in Leicestershire since she was 15 years old, and has helped hundreds of young people and adults on their adventure through Scouting.

She has been a member of Syston Scout Group for a number of years, so to celebrate her birthday they held a special party at Systons Scout HQ, with all of her Scouting friends and family.

The group even had a spectacular

birthday cake in the shape of a uniform made especially for the occasion - and very tasty it was too!

We wish Dot all the best, and a very happy birthday!

4 LOCAL NEWS YOUR LOCAL RATBY JAN 2014.qxp_Layout 1 09/01/2015 11:20 Page 10

It’s not often I get a phone call regarding a potential story that hooks me instantly, but this is a rare one that did! Deana Wildgoose, the manager for the Sir John Moore Foundation called me up before Christmas to see if I’d be interested in featuring an article showcasing the fantastic foundation and everything they have to offer, I’m sure you’ll agree it would have been a shame to let this article slip past!

Heart to heart; Leicestershire's Hidden Treasure Sir Christopher Wren in the 17th century designed a building in Leicestershire that is still in use today – where is it?

Where can you go to school; attend film club; take part in an archaeological dig; perform at a band night and hold your wedding?

The answer? Appleby Magna!

In the heart of the Leicestershire countryside lies a magnificent building commissioned by Sir John Moore in 1697. Sir John was born in Appleby. He was a passionate supporter of emancipation through education and good health and he was the second son of the squire of Appleby. Sir John made his own way in the world, amassing a fortune by trading lead. He was Lord Mayor of London in 1681, and a Master of the Grocers Company. He was a dedicated philanthropist and his own financial success was shared for the benefit of his fellow citizens. He made substantial investments in his home village to better the heart mind and soul of “the gentlemen of all England”, by building the Sir John Moore School in Appleby and in Christ's Hospital in London; both commissions for his good friend Sir Christopher Wren. Sir John and Lady Moore did not have children and the building in Appleby was put into the care of a family led charitable foundation. Descendants of Sir John and Lady Moore have always served as

Trustees. The beating heart of Sir Johns legacy is as alive today, as it was in 1697.

The Trustees now as in 1697 are accountable for ensuring the success of the building as an environment that inspires learning and is maintained in excellent order. In 2004 the Trustees secured £2million in grants and donations to restore the building for the next generation of children. The refurbishment of this Grade 1 listed building ensured all three floors were brought back into use. Stepping through the ironwork gates is a step into the 17th Century. You will find a 21st century Village School. 140 pupils are taking their first steps into an education that parents, the village and Ofsted love. The ground floor is dedicated to the village primary school, as well as the larger rooms on the second floor and the majority of the grounds, providing outdoor space to play and compete.

In order to enable every child to realise their potential and take up citizenship the Trustees must to continue to look after the building. A museum showcasing Victorian education is on the top floor and two elegant flats for rent, one with a rooftop garden. The original stables are converted to create a vibrant space that houses the foundation office; the hub of the charity’s operations. Adjacent to the stables is a bijou Coffee Shop with stately outside

seating. In the cellars is a licenced bar and recording studio for hire. One three-story wing is let as office space for local businesses with their own separate access. Both the regular upkeep and planned maintenance works require investment. The small team of Foundation staff generate the income that helps to sustain this inspirational and aspirational place. A big part of this is sharing the space with families to hold significant events, parties, weddings and celebrations.

Holding a wedding or a party at Sir John Moore is affordable and grand. This unique venue delivers bespoke packages at completive rates. The enjoyment of guests who fall in love with this place makes a huge contribution to maintaining the building and site.

2014 marked ten years of success from our 2004 restoration. One thing is for sure, if Sir John Moore were here today he would be pretty proud that his legacy continues today, as innovative as it was over 300 years ago, to support and inspire all of us. We need at least £20,000 a year simply to maintain the fabric of this historic building. If you are inspired by our story, you can help by sharing your celebration with us in this unique venue: simply contact the office on 01530 273629 or email deana.sirjohnmoore@gmail.com

After reading the article I have done some research of my own and discovered that there is much more the Foundation offers Leicestershire. This is merely a taster and it’s certainly wet my appetite!

If you want to find out more about this amazing place go to www.sirjohnmoore.org.uk. We hope to bring you more on 21st century education at Sir John Moore and 21st century inspiration from internationally celebrated educationalists who are as inspired as I am by what's happening here

On Wednesday 5th December, 2014 to have

the whole of Year 5 were

very fortunate

a company

come into school, known Ancient

as ‘Portals to the Past,’ to learn even more about the amazing

Greeks – which has been our topic for this part of the Autumn term. It was a superb day, full of

exciting and interesting facts and this is what some of the pupils from Venus class had to say about

it!

It was a freezing cold morning and we were curious with what the day would bring. Lots of us made

Awesome Ancient Greek Activity SY EADay!

5 LOCAL NEWS

burgers in a hot pan Fry the

BURGERS INGREDIENTS

minced beef leanPrimary • 500g our way to school, buzzing with excitement because it was the Greek activity day atpack Ratby 1 tsp mild chilli powder on their way because

we had to dress up as an• Ancient School. Many were chuckling Greek and • 4 slices mild cheddar, if you rgers sebu come to school dressed like one (the outfits were amazing from everyone! They were all so unique chee make to want toppings buns andfellow • For thestrange and well thought through!) First, both Year 5 classes met in the hall to see a rather 4 burger buns dressed in what looked like a tunic? This was Alex; our visitor and eager Greek expert for the day • choice of lettuce, cucumber, to and red onion toma kin,so and he started off with giving us lots of background information on Greece thatgher was fascinating. or mayonnaise, or both up ketch This included the many adventures of Alexander the Great, who despite being a great leader and Could have done better? conquering many countries, was killed by one tiny mosquito! Many of us were inMET wonder at all of the HOD g bowl, Asthings the new year begins a ‘half to us…what a brilliant start to the day! Next, we had aPut he was explaining mind-boggling quiz the meat in a mixin term’ report is appropriate for the kle over the chilli sprin then to complete where we had to search for the answers in groups, which was completed just in time!

Loughborough Rugby Club. powder and a little salt and We now know even more facts, like a Greek person who lived in a barrel! pepper. Mix well with your

Whilst the main focus is on the Men’s hands or use a fork. The mild break, we well re-told the myth of the Minotaur, where we managed to practice 1stAfter XV the term could be used, the meat der givesskills. powacting chilli our under Headof Coach Leon Pohe andus giggle a lot! We were then split back into our two ur witho d flavoto adde This new version our own made classes haveutamaking it a young squad it was always going to too spicy. gotime at some take for the Ancient coaches &Greek players activities. One of these was to put together a range of different sized cut toout formpieces an understanding of woodand to mid make a jigsaw and the other was to try a game of Petteia, lotsreofinto us 4 equal e the mixtu Dividwhich table safety in Midlands Division 2 was pieces, then shape with your became very competitive at…even Miss Stretton and Mrs. Oliver! t always the target this season. hands into round burgers abou buns, making of the the width For the last part of our day in the afternoon, we were in training to be super, heroic Greek warriors.

For the Ladies XV though, sure you compact the meat First was is a more lesson in the protective armour they wore, followed by several marching orders and outstanding nearer the mark. down well.

Two successive we promotions have formations got into, pretending we were they very best Greek army of all! Once we had got the put the team into the second tier of hang of that, rugby we played Women’s national and at aa game called ‘knocking down the wall of Troy,’ before the final part of time the women’s hasend’ between Achilles Jake (Venus) and Nathan (Mercury). Can you all thewhen day…a ‘battlegame to the never been so strong with England as remember who won?

World Champions.

An awesome day and thank you to all of you for enthusiastically taking part!

Loughborough RFC Academy is well Commencing the season with a defeat underway with talks being held with at the home of unbeaten champions Written by Eleanor-Rose, Kiah andvarious Elliot (Year Venus class). parties5,aimed at developing Firwood Waterloo Ladies the Borough partnerships that will provide the girls have since achieved a 100% record support both individually and as a in both League & Cup, including a team that will give the youngsters remarkable 126 points to 5 victory over of the club the very best facilities to Altrincham Kersal Ladies in the First develop their rugby skills.

Round of the RFU Intermediate Cup. This outstanding run of form has seen the girls rise to second place in the RFU Championship behind Firwood Waterloo Ladies securing a place in the League Play-Offs, and a place in the Second Round of the RFU Intermediate Cup. For the Junior & Mini sections numbers continue to rise with two squads at both Under 14 & Under 15’s and at the youngest age numbers continue to rise.

Alongside the Juniors & Minis the recent success of the Borough Under 23’s in the Nottingham Cup the future of the Loughborough Rugby Club looks to be in safe hands.

Talking of the future, on the playing side the development of the new

At the other end of the age spectrum the Loughborough Vets XV again are proving a success with a 100% record to date and continued progress in the Leicestershire RFU County Cup. Off the pitch, the club are well advanced with a clubhouse refurbishment programme aimed at transforming the present facilities into a family friendly venue that allows the club scope for self-financing events.

Couple all this with the success of the Minis Open Day at the start of the season and the recent Ladies Open Day featuring the Women’s World Cup, the continuing promoting of club playing members towards coaching awards for the benefit of all age groups the ‘could do better’ can become ‘progressing well’.

FIXTURES FOR FEBRUARY: 7th

Ashbourne vs. Loughborough 1st XV

21st

LOUGHBOROUGH 1st XV vs. ASHBY

28th

Bakewell Mannerians vs. Loughborough 1st XV

KO 2.15pm

KO 2.15pm KO 2.15pm

All Welcome, Free Admission, Hot & Cold food & Bar - For other teams fixtures visit the LRFC website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/loughborough

turning them carefully. Take care hot fat from the meat may spit as

a little.

If you want to make cheeseburgers, put a slice of cheese on top of the burgers when you turn them over and let s. it melt while the other side cook Meanwhile, prepare the toppings of your choice.

Separate the lettuce into leaves.

Then, using a sharp knife, thinly slice the tomato, cucumber and gherkin on a separate board to the one you prepared the burgers on. Peel and finely chop the red onion.

Spread a little mayonnaise or ketchup - or both if you like onto the buns, then top with your burgers and salads of your choice, followed by the remaining half bun.

each quarter lengthwise into four wedges. Arrange potatoes in a single layer in pan. Coat lightly with cooking spray.

• Combine salt, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl; sprinkle over potatoes.

wall and floor tiling specialists METHOD

• Preheat oven to 220C. Lightly coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside. Scrub potatoes and cut lengthwise into quarters. Cut

• Bake for 20 minutes or until brown and tender, turning once .

Kitchens

One of my personal favourites!

Extra tasty and good for the diet!

Bathrooms En-suites

Conservatories NATIONAL LIBRARY DAY SATURDAY 7TH FEBRUARY Porches etc.

A day for libraries across the Nation to celebrate all that it offers to it’s public.

Please come and offer your support and check out on Saturday 7th February at your local County library during opening hours what wonderful service they offer.

Some libraries such as Loughborough will be able to offer FREE iPad taster session and people can explore what other resources we have on offer that are free to down load on iPads, smart phone and some on tablets too.

For more information please contact your local library. Loughborough Library Tel. No. 0116 305 2420

L.B.P.

INGREDIENTS

SWEET POTATO CHIPS

• 2 medium sweet potatoes • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder • 1/2 teaspoon paprika • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

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LOCAL NEWS

COUNCILLOR

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

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

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

JONATHAN MORGAN HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION

Charnwood’s last full council meeting held a cross-chamber discussion on the important issue of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs for short), which, in Loughborough, are mainly houses occupied by more than three students, albeit the term can also refer to any house in multiple occupation by more than three adults.

Earlier in 2014 Cllr Ron Jukes chaired a scrutiny panel on the subject, and his cross-party group produced a very detailed paper outlining the current situation, with a raft of proposals to try to improve the lot of the occupiers, and local residents alike. The report went to Charnwood’s Cabinet, where it was debated in detail, and strengthened to include additional measures to make licensing of HMOs a reality for certain areas of Loughborough.

All responses from residents about Anti-Social Behaviour(ASB) connected with HMOs is now being collated towards a firm proposal that will come back to Cabinet this year. However, it is important that any resident who suffers ASB from an HMO, makes the Council aware of it via the Charnwood website reporting section (a link from the website’s front page).

The discussion held at the Council last month came to a universal conclusion - which was that HMOs should be fit for purpose for the students who live in our town, and in return residents have a right to enjoy their community without fear or annoyance from residents of HMOs. If you have any concerns about HMOs near you, or need to report ASB incidents, please make sure that you report them to the Council, even if you have already contacted the University.

STRONG FINANCES PREVENT LOSS OF SERVICES It has become common to hear of Council cuts, and indeed Leicestershire County Council is currently trying to balance its books, along with many others in the area, but there has been a rather different message from Charnwood Council.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION WHY NOT HELP TO CARE FOR A YOUNG CARER? Did you know that there are estimated to be 700,000 carers under the age of 18 in the UK? Some of these young people live in your area and the Barnardo’s CareFree Young Carers’ Services is asking if you can help support these young people to have some time away from their care roles.

The Council has just unveiled its Financial Strategy for the next three years, which will soon be followed by its detailed budget for the next year. The report shows that since the beginning of the financial crisis in the UK, the Council is spending 12% less money than previously, despite inflation running at over 21% over the same period - which means that in real terms, it’s reduced its running costs by 28%, whilst not cutting frontline services.

Budgets are still very tight for everyone, and the Council continues to look for ways to run even more efficiently and creatively, but in difficult times, the staff, officers and administration deserve credit for making sure that cutting costs has enabled services important to residents, to be kept.

PARKING SUCCESS

I have written before about parking problems in the town, especially around schools, the University and College.

A recent parking study carried out by a cross-party group of councillors looked at some of the Council owned parking in the town, but I have asked officers to expand the report to consider all parking provision in the town (the Council runs about a third of it, with private operators the other twothirds). Unless we have a coordinated approach, we risk making the problem worse not better.

More locally, there have been ongoing problems with parking around schools, especially around drop-off and pickup times. In my own ward, we have recently managed to persuade the County Council Highways team to make changes to road restrictions in the roads affected around one school, and at last, we have action - which demonstrates that with close working between the local residents, the school and councillors, real changes can be made that improves, and potentially saves, lives.

Jonathan Morgan

In partnership with Leicestershire County Council and Health commissioners, Barnardo’s provides a range of support services for children and young people in Leicestershire who provide care for a family member at home.

The family member is often a parent but can also be a sibling or grandparent. They need care due to having a disability, a chronic health condition or a mental health problem. Young carers often feel they miss out on their childhood because of their very adult responsibilities.

NICKY MORGAN

I

n recent weeks I have been catching up with a number of local businesses and organisations. Every year I sit down with some of the board members of Loughborough Building Society to hear how their year has been and how they think the local economy is looking.

I also visited the Youth Sport Trust National Talent Camp at Loughborough University. This was a truly inspirational event. I also met Midlands-based members of the Electrical Contractors Association to discuss apprenticeship funding as well as the new Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland Community Rehabilitation Company and I had a great annual visit to the Loughborough Royal Mail sorting office to see just how hard our postmen and women were working in the Christmas postal rush.

The start of 2015 meant there was just 126 days until the General Election – an opportunity when everyone over 18 and registered to vote can take part in our democracy and shape the next Government. As the Prime Minister made clear in his New Year message we want Britain to be a country where effort is rewarded: where those who put in, get out; where if you put the hours in, you keep more of your own money; where if you’re willing to save, you can buy a home of your own; where those retiring can have dignity and security in old age. Put simply, we want Britain to be a country that everyone is truly proud to call home – and after almost five years, we are getting there.

As Education Secretary I want 2015 to be the year when even more children are taught in excellent schools – there are a million more in good or outstanding schools than there were in 2010. Our plan for education is that our young people should receive an education which prepares them for life in modern Britain and inspires them about their future. I will continue to focus on supporting our excellent teachers, promoting rigorous academic standards, the importance of our education system creating wellrounded young people and looking after our most vulnerable children.

We have many fantastic schools in Loughborough and nearby and I want all children to be able to attend equivalent schools elsewhere.

The CareFree service offers a range of support for the whole family as well as running and supporting groups for young carers. The groups help young carers have regular time out from their care responsibilities and give them the opportunity to socialise with other children who understand their situation.

In order to get to these groups, most young carers need help with transport which is why Barnardo’s is asking if you would be willing and able to offer your time to help.

I was recently invited to Rawlins Academy in Quorn to be interviewed by their student-run TV channel, Raw TV on why first time voters should take part in this year’s General Election.

The Raw TV students asked me some excellent questions such as how they should weigh up what the different political parties will say in their manifesto’s, what issues they should consider and even if they should think about what is in their interests or the country’s interests when they are voting.

It is clear they are taking this very seriously and it was really good to see.

We discussed the issues which might be of particular interest to younger voters in May including access to university, the availability of apprenticeships and being able to afford, eventually, to buy your first home.

I am pleased to say that recent figures show that in Loughborough the Government’s Help to Buy Scheme has helped 163 people purchase their first home.

On another recent Friday I visited local company EPS UK with the Secretary of State for Transport, Patrick McLoughlin.

EPS UK has won a Network Rail contract worth up to £50m as part of a joint venture called SSA (Switchgear Substation Alliance Ltd). The company will supply substations for the electrification of the UK rail network.

The visit took place at the factory in Loughborough where the substations will be manufactured, assembled and tested. Having led the cross-party campaign in 2012 to get the Midland Mainline electrified I am delighted that a local Loughborough-based company is benefiting from the investment.

From a large contract to a smaller new enterprise but I was also very pleased to meet Loughborough graduate, Sophie Jones, who has set up business in Loughborough and taken advantage of the Government backed Start-Up Loans scheme with a £7000 loan to set up SJ Jewellery. Her beautiful pieces can be found at www.sjjewellery.co.uk

Nicky Morgan To become a Barnardo’s volunteer you will need to be able to offer about 3 to 4 hours of your time on a weekday evening either once a week or once a fortnight during term time. You will also need to be able to transport children or young people in your own vehicle as well as support young carers once they get to their group activities. In return you will be offered full training and reimbursement for your expenses.

The next volunteer training session runs in Enderby on Saturday 31 Jan and 7 Feb. For more information and an application form, please call 0116 2867182 and ask to speak to Helena Mitchell, team Leader or email helena.mitchell@barnardos.org.uk

LOCAL NEWS

LABOUR CANDIDATE

DR MATTHEW O’CALLAGHAN

Love Your Feet!

I

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

M: 07894 229499 E: matthewocall@gmail.com

n the penultimate week of December, Leicester’s A&E unit, where most people in Loughborough go in an emergency, was ranked third from bottom of all A&E units in the country for the number of patients seen within the critical 4 hour waiting time. At 67.3% the department was way below the 95% target. Although there’s been some improvement it’s now slipped back to just 73.1%.

The reasons for the local and national crisis in A&E are many but though the A&E crisis is not of our making it can be helped locally if we all play our part.

This includes not going there except in a real emergency, using the pharmacist more, booking to see the nurse or GP, using the Urgent Care Centre on Epinal Way or dialling 111 for Out of Hours help. This should ease the short term pressure on our local A&E leaving the politicians to find longer term solutions. I have been arguing for the reversal of some of the cuts and ward closures at Loughborough Hospital as I believe the hospital has a key role to play in alleviating our local A&E crisis.

I’ve spent much of the last fortnight and before Christmas at the public examination into the Council’s Core Strategy which details where all future development, housing and employment, will take place in the Borough. The Council’s failure to progress this has led unwelcome inappropriate planning applications for housing in a number of areas such as Outwoods (Bramcote Road) and Haddon Way (Laburnum Way) as well as villages, a number of which I’ve opposed. Charnwood Council has almost achieved its target for finding sites for its long term housing and now only needs space for only around 800 houses so I have been arguing at the Inquiry that the Council no longer needs the massive development at Garendon as it can accommodate its remaining housing needs elsewhere across the whole Borough.

First time admissions for school places have just closed on 15th January.

If you missed the deadline contact Leicestershire County Council as soon as possible. Unfortunately many parents in Leicestershire will not get their first choice of school as in the County we need 1,909 additional primary and 1,713 additional secondary school places by September 2017. The failure to build these places will, besides reducing parental choice, mean larger class sizes. If you’re unhappy with the choice of school allocated to your child the appeals procedure is on the County Council website or contact me for help.

I have been visiting a number of schools and will visit more over the coming weeks, let me know if you’d like me to visit your school. It is clear from my discussions with teachers and parents that many are unhappy with the reduction in the support for schools by the local authority through the new arrangements. I believe that the local authority has a key role in supporting schools and would be happy to work with schools and parents to see how this might be improved in the Loughborough Area.

Leicestershire is set to lose 300 police officers and staff over the next three years. This is on top of the 260 police officers and 230 staff we’ve lost recently. More people signing up to the local Loughborough Neighbourhood Watch Scheme won’t replace these staff but it will make our homes less vulnerable to burglaries and other crimes.

I recently attended a meeting of SARG and am concerned about the increasing level of ASB from a minority of students in residential areas. Let me know if this is a problem for you.

Matthew O’callaghan Hold advice surgeries.

For further details, please contact 01509 215658.

EXHIBITION RUGBY IN LOUGHBOROUGH

Chilblains

Most people will experience chilblains during their lifetime and they are most common in children and elderly people mainly affecting fingers and toes, but the ears and nose can also be affected.

Chilblains are characterised by red (sometimes blue) patches with itchy, painful swellings often accompanied by a burning sensation. Poor circulation can increase susceptibility to chilblains which can keep reoccurring during colder weather.

Chilblains are caused by the skin reacting to cold temperatures. Tiny surface blood vessels in the skin become narrow and if warmed up too quickly these widen causing leakage of fluid into the other tissues accompanied by an itchy, inflammatory response. They can then blister becoming sore and sometimes infected. Usually chilblains will heal spontaneously after a week or two if further cold exposure is avoided.

Prevention and management of chilblains includes:

Tigers 1880 - 2014 The Tigers Official History of Leicester Football Club

6th February to 27th March 2015

Free entrance during Library opening hours

• Smoking tends to make chilblains worse, so stopping smoking will help • Keeping active to improve circulation • Warming cold feet and hands up gradually • Avoiding the temptation to sit close to a fire or use a hot water-bottle or other heat devices to warm up • Some medications can cause susceptibility to chilblains, and a discussion with the GP may be appropriate If chilblains are recurring with little improvement, or become infected GP advice should be sought.

Medication which dilates the blood vessels and improves blood circulation may be appropriate for severe cases.

Love your feet! Keep them warm, keep them dry, and keep them happy!

www.nhs.uk - www.patient.co.uk - www.foot.com/site/professional/foot-facts

Submitted by Bonita Irish FBDO Hallcroft Opticians T: 01509 650666 E: info@hallcroftopticians.co.uk W: www.hallcroftopticians.co.uk

7 LITTLE CHANGES THAT WILL MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR OPTICIAN!

Here is a list of seven little changes that’ll make a big difference to your optician.

The exhibition will be available to view. Loughborough Library, Granby Street, Loughborough

• Avoiding tight footwear

USEFUL WEBSITES:

A visit to the optician is crucial to your eye health. Did you know that there are lots of things that you can do to ensure that you make the most of your visit to the optician, and get the maximum benefit?

An exhibition by the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteers on the sport of rugby and its history in Loughborough. Marking 2015, the Year of the Rugby World Cup, the exhibition includes the Loughborough Rugby Club, Endowed Schools Rugby Team, and the Brush Team from inception to date.

• Keeping warm and dry in cold weather, paying particular attention to hands and feet

1. Make regular appointments. Even if you are happy with your glasses or feel that you can see just fine, having regular optician appointments is vital to ensure that any abnormalities are spotted early.

2. Make a note of any changes you notice with your eyes if you experience them, along with related information such as the date.

Changes might include eye redness or tiredness developing in the evening. Showing these notes to your optician will help them to understand how your eyes are doing.

3.Tell your optician about any concerns or questions you may have.

Our opticians are experts and are always pleased to help; no problem is too big or too small for us.

4. Use products according to the instructions. That means discarding monthly contacts lenses after a month, for example. This is important for keeping your eyes healthy.

5. Ask your optician when you visit if there are any new products that could benefit you. The field of optometry is always playing host to exciting new developments.

6. If after a couple of weeks you feel your new glasses or contact lenses haven’t settled down and your vision is not exactly as you would like, tell your opticians. Our opticians are always ready to make any corrections needed to give you perfect vision, so don’t feel you have to live with anything less than the best.

7. Spend enough time choosing glasses frames so you get some that you will always enjoy wearing.

Visit us to book your regular appointment, ask a question, or buy a new product today!

7

8

LOCAL NEWS

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

ORGANISED TOURS OF THE CARILLON

CPL JOHN HULL I mounted the medals of a gentleman recently, Mr Sidney Hull, he told me that he had asked the Royal British Legion to place a cross in memory of his brother, John Hull, killed in Italy on 6 February 1944 whilst serving with the 2/5th Leicester’s’, on the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey.

I knew someone that was attending the service at the abbey and asked if they could take a photograph of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment’s plot, pictured right, John’s cross is the one in the bottom right hand corner.

I passed a copy of the photograph to Sid and he was absolutely delighted.

Working in the carillon the other Wednesday I opened the door to find a large group of foreign students having the carillon explained to them. The young lady in charge explained to me they were visitors to the university and were being given a guided tour of the town.

I, of course, invited them in and gave them a guided tour of the museum and tower, they were absolutely thrilled with the place but it struck me that I often see groups being escorted around the town and I wonder why they have not contacted us to include the carillon in any tour of the town.

We are always willing to open up at any time to allow groups to visit so if you are hosting people from out of town then please contact us to arrange a visit to our unique War Memorial and museum. We do not charge but as a charity run by volunteers we always appreciate donations.

Email: carillonmuseum@gmail.com

CHRISTMAS CARDS We had not intended to sell Christmas cards this year but following a number of requests for cards we had a change of heart and the cards were sold by Charnwood Museum and by John Storer House.

Perhaps next year we could produce different cards but the preparation needs to be done now. We are looking for some local landmarks with a Christmas theme, which normally means snow, or at least heavy frost, so when it comes grab you camera, start snapping and send your efforts in. If we turn it into a Christmas card you will be credited on the rear. Anyone get a decent photograph of the town’s Christmas lights and the big (sic) wheel? They looked really good from the Bedford Square end.

He in turn gave me a copy of the newspaper item reporting the death of his brother.

John lived at 24 Ashleigh Drive, he attended Rendall Street and Limehurst Street Schools and worked at the Brush. Just before his death he wrote home to tell his parents that he had received a Christmas Card from the Mayor with 10 shilling postal order from the Loughborough War Fund.

However there was not one postal order for 10s but two stuck together.

He had returned the second postal order to the Borough Treasurer who was then able to balance the account in which there had been a mysterious 10s deficiency. Visit to find out more http:// goo.gl/uV2Cag

LOUGHBOROUGH HISTORY AND HERITAGE NETWORK

ANOTHER MEDALLION We have, in the last few editions of this newsletter featured a number of small medallions, this item is complete coincidence, it was not my intention to feature another but whilst sorting through some old photographs this was in the bottom of the box.

A new collaborative venture, the Loughborough History and Heritage Network, a joint initiative between Loughborough University, Charnwood Museum and members of the local community has been launched.

The Network has been established to bring together individuals and groups with a shared interest in the heritage of Loughborough and Charnwood. Its website – www.lboro-historyheritage. org.uk – provides a platform through which people can share information and memories about local history.

The Network has been spearheaded by Alison Mott and Dr Robert Knight, from Loughborough University’s Department of History, Politics and International Relations, and Fiona Ure, Local Heritage Officer at Charnwood Museum.

The Network brings together details of events happening around the region, contacts for local heritage organisations, and news and stories about Loughborough and Charnwood in the past. Among the historical projects included on the site are Loughborough’s Great War, which provides a local perspective on World War One, and the current Ladybird Books exhibition at Charnwood Museum.

I do not need any information about it, I already know that it is a ‘Labour Day’ medallion issued in 1935. The Nazi party, on coming to power in 1933, had decreed that the First of May be a national holiday in Germany I celebration of ‘workers’ and the medallion features three men united by work.

It is not on our catalogue and there are no clues as to how it came into our possession and it does not fall within our collections policy, in other words we do not particularly want it. So the appeal is not for information but for a new home.

Do you know of somewhere that would want it in their collection?

It needs to remain in the public domain (no private collectors) and disposal would need the committee’s approval but a first step would be to identify a relevant museum or organisation that would take it. Not everyone wants Nazi memorabilia but it is a little bit of social history.

WHAT PASSES FOR HUMOUR IN THE MUSEUM WORLD We have in the past featured jokes under the heading ‘Humour in Uniform’ but for a change here are some museum jokes.

By coincidence I had no sooner collected these jokes together when another museum newsletter published a number of museum jokes although I think these are funnier.

Vincent van Gough walks into a bar; the barman offers him a drink… “No thanks” said Vincent “I’ve got one ‘ere..”

I visited an Amish museum, where I learned how they shun any type of modern technology.

I bought a nice fridge magnet in the gift shop.

“Amazing!” I said. “How do you know their age so precisely?”

"Roll up, roll up..." said the tour guide at the cigarette museum I went to the Natural History museum today and I found out something interesting.

The Curator said “Well, they were three million years old when I started working here, and that was four and a half years ago”.

Massive skeletons used to roam the earth.

I was in the Natural History Museum in London looking at the dinosaur bones and I asked the Curator how old the bones were.

“They are 3 million, four years, and six months old.” he replied:

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EVERYONE NEEDS A LITTLE HELP SOMETIMES...

Have you ever needed advice on debt, housing issues or benefits? Do you have experience of, or know someone who’s been through domestic abuse?

Perhaps you worry about the difficulties faced by young people locally or have felt uneasy when walking past a homeless person? Maybe you’ve contributed to – or needed to use – a food bank at some point?

Have You Heard Of Charnwood Connect?

We are a Loughborough based partnership of advice agencies that help people to sort out their problems and get on with their lives.

And, despite the continuing funding cuts, as advice agencies we are still here and still free! Partner agencies include Living Without Abuse, Youth Shelter, The Bridge, Charnwood CAB, PACE (Pro-Active Community Endeavour), Human Rights & Equalities Charnwood, John Storer Charnwood and Charnwood Borough Council.

How To Use Our Services We have always provided information and support face to face but can now offer a little extra through our new Charnwood Connect Hub, a website that gives you information on the services we offer and how to access them, and provides links to information on your legal rights, money advice, welfare benefits and local community organisations. As it’s on-line it’s available to you wherever you are and whenever you want to use it. Check out the website here: www.charnwoodconnect.org.uk

Join Us! Remarkably, our services continue not just through the commitment of our experienced and knowledgeable staff, but also through the invaluable efforts of our amazing volunteers. Without their support we couldn’t provide the breadth and depth of services that we do. They come from all walks of life and all age ranges, from students to retired and everything in between. Our volunteers give their time as mentors, advisers, receptionists, food parcel packers, researchers and befrienders.

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If you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer do get in touch. We have a variety of opportunities in different agencies and whether you’re available for a few hours each week or just on an occasional basis we’d like to hear from you. You can phone us or drop us an email and find out more.

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GARDENING

GROWING YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS

A

t this time of year the shiny gardening catalogues start to drop through the letterbox to my delight and the local stores have colourful stands of seeds to tempt us, reminding us that spring is not far away.

Having a beautifully garden is a joy, but being able to bring some of the colour inside is a real treat too.

Whether it’s a few Sunflowers, a bunch of fragrant sweet peas or a cottage garden style posy, a little living colour on the kitchen table or mantle piece can keep you in touch with nature when you don’t have the time or inclination to be outside.

Dahlias & Grasses

Rudbeckia & Snap Dragons

Zinnias, Dahlias & Nigella

11

We all have a few bare patches in a border or veg plot, space for a grow bag or two and a few pots knocking about which we could utilise for growing cut flowers, it’s a very satisfying and it’s easy to do too.

For a quick result seeds, bulbs & tubers are the answer. They are also cheap and easy to find. Flowers are key for any arrangement but I also like to add a bit of foliage and structure if I can.

Sowing the seeds is really simple, follow the instructions on the packet ensuring that you’ve a window sill or greenhouse available to start them off and protect them from frost at first.

Don’t start too soon and watch that they are watered just enough for their needs. I use seed trays and cell trays to get mine going and then plant them out later but they can be sown directly into pots or growbags.

Hardy Annuals

You can’t go wrong with Sunflowers, Sweet peas, Larkspur and Corn flowers; these are all hardy and can be started off quite early as they can cope with cold temperatures. Sown in March they’ll flower well in the summer and will give plenty of blooms as long as they are deadheaded to stop them going to seed.

For foliage try a patch of annual ornamental grasses, herbs like Dill or Euphorbia for a limey zing. I also snip foliage from the herbs and perennial grasses in my garden to add to bunches.

Half-hardy annuals

To add a bit more glamour to a posy, try some Half-hardy annuals. As the name suggests these aren’t fully hardy so they must be protected from frost. Sowing them later in the spring helps with this.

I like Zinnias, Cosmos and Rudbeckia for their bright & bold blooms.

Biennials

Biennials take an extra 12 months to get to flowering stage. Sown in the summer of one year they will flower in the spring-summer of the next, examples are Sweet Williams, Stocks, Wall flowers, Honesty and Foxgloves.

These are best in the ground in a spare patch or mixed in to the border.

Helpfully bunches of young wall flower plants can be bought from local markets in the autumn and popped in any gaps in the garden to save the hassle of growing your own.

Bulbs & tubers

Dahlias are a must for late summerautumn colour. Take your pick from a mass of colours and forms and keep them frost free for a reliable abundance of flowers to grace your home. Lilies, Alliums and Gladioli are worth a try too although they generally only give one flower spike per bulb.

Be sure to buy good quality firm bulbs to get good results.

Most cut flowers will need staking or some support to keep them upright and they will need to be deadheaded regularly to keep them flowering well throughout the summer. It’s really rewarding to see a lovely bunch of flowers all from you own efforts so I urge you to have a go this year.

My herb bed is due an overhaul so next month I’ll be looking at how to split, trim and propagate herbs and I’ll be adding new plants to the bed to give a year-round supply for the kitchen.

Whether you need help creating your own cut flower garden, your planting needs a revamp, or you’re faced with a blank canvas, I offer a tailor made service from consultations to full garden rejuvenation projects. Give me a call to discuss your requirements or check out my website for more details. Tel. 07506 750250 www.belgrierson.co.uk

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12

KIDS ZONE

I’M BORED!!!

Ode To Winter

‘So much for spring!’ said Bethany as she sat looking out of Christie’s window at the pouring rain!

It had been raining for the whole week and everyone was feeling a bit fed up!

Spring, o spring. Wherefore art thou spring?

‘I want to get out and dig my garden but it’s underwater!’ moaned Daniel.

Wilt thou please some warmer weather bring?

‘I’ve got lots of washing that needs to go out on the line’ complained Christie.

To snow or not to snow, that is the question.

‘I’M BORED’ sighed Bethany,

Or does that whiten mantle give you indigestion?

‘I’M BORED’ agreed Daniel, ‘I’M BORED’ joined in Christie!

‘We need to find something to do to cheer ourselves up’ Said Christie.

‘How about we play a game? That always cheers me up’ Said Bethany feeling a bit brighter.

‘Oh yes’ said Christie, ‘But which game?’

Warmth, warmth. My kingdom for some warmth I hear you cry.

That warmer days will soon be here we can’t deny.

Now be gone thou winter of discontent.

Come April we’ll be wondering where he went.

‘I know’, piped up Daniel, ‘let’s make new animals!’

‘What?!’ asked Bethany confused, ‘How do we do that?’

When shall we see the darling buds of May?

So Daniel handed his friends a piece of paper and a pencil.

Fear not, they will be opening one fine, sunny day.

‘Ok, You each need to draw an animal’s head at the top of the paper but don’t let anyone see, then fold the paper over making sure the bottom of the neck is still showing.’ Explained Daniel.

In just a few short weeks, as time will tell.

We’ll say “Alas poor winter. Yes, I knew him well”

So the friends each drew an animal and folded the paper over.

‘Now pass the paper to the person on your left and draw an animal’s body making sure it joins the neck that’s showing on the paper.’ Said Daniel.

By Chris Rose

So the friends each drew a body and passed it on making sure the bottom of the body was still showing.

‘Now for the legs!’ Said Daniel excitedly! So the friends drew animal legs on the bottom of the paper.

‘Ok now fold it up and pass it on again and write the name of the animal on the bottom, then pass it on again and open it up!.’

The friends did this with much giggling and then opened up their animals.

Hysterical laughter broke out as strange animals were revealed, but by far the funniest was the ‘Bored Beast’, who do you think that looked like?

Why not try this game out at home with your family next time you’re feeling bored?!

QUICK CRAFT Make A Birds Nest

YOU WILL NEED: Large paper plate Brown paint Thin brown paper (tissue, greaseproof or packing will all work) Brightly coloured card Wiggle eyes Scraps of yellow card or foam Glue HOW TO DO IT: • Paint the back of the plate brown and leave to dry. Cut in half.

• Cut the brown paper into strips and glue them to the plate. Don’t worry about gluing all the edges as you are looking for texture.

• Cut 3 ovals from coloured card and glue them along the edge of the plate.

• Add a yellow beak and two wiggle eyes to each.

TAKE 5

13

ASHBY & PACKI

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EMAIL: SEND ENTRY TO: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ - Closing date 14th February 2015

EMAIL: SEND ENTRY TO: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ - Closing date 14th February 2015

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

Quality Youngman timber ladder & hatch combined, 100 square feet of loft flooring One 4ft fluorescent light & switch fully fitted

PACKAGE 1

ONLY £585 Quality Youngman timber ladder & hatch combined, 200 square feet of loft flooring One 4ft fluorescent light & switch fully fitted

PACKAGE 2

ONLY £765 Quality Youngman timber ladder & hatch combined, 300 square feet of loft flooring One Fakro Roof Window 550mm x 780mm One 4ft fluorescent light & switch fully fitted

PACKAGE 3

ONLY £1295

ECONOMY PACKAGE

UPVC hinge down loft hatch Two section aluminium loft ladder 100 square feet of loft flooring pendant light fitting and switch

EXTRA BOARDING

Additional boarding to any package £30 per 16 square foot

ONLY £435

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/loftstoragesolutions

Award winning garden work at an affordable price Whether you’re looking to completely change your garden, focus on a particular area for improvement or just need some help maintaining your current garden, we can provide affordable expert help with:  Paving  Walling  Decking

 Gravelling  Water features  Plant choice and positioning

 Lawn care  Tree care  Pruning

To discuss how we could help with your garden and get a quote Call Pete on 07837 269 504 or email pete@pmblandscaping.co.uk

LOFT STORAGE

SOLUTIONS Balancing on a stepladder, clambering over loft joists with a torch in one hand and a box in another is not only awkward but potentially dangerous.

Boarding, lighting and a ladder not only gives you the opportunity to unclutter your living space, but also creates a cleaner and more useful environment.

Solve your storage needs and start utilising the largest space in your home from only £435

LUXURY STORAGE ROOMS

Our luxury storage rooms are surprisingly affordable at just a fraction of the cost of a standard loft conversion. Our luxury storage rooms can include the strengthening of loft joists, flooring, lighting, roof insulation, stud walls, roof windows and either plasterboard or skim finish.

PRICES FROM £2995

 01530 587327

07515 526959 / 079615 76020 www.LeicesterLoftStorage.com

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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The Easy Way to the perfect Home Office or Fitted Bedroom WINTER 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

01509 590 039

ALL GAS REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN LANDLORD GAS SAFETY INSPECTION (CP12) ANNUAL GAS APPLIANCE SERVICE L.P.G. QUALIFIED FREE QUOTATIONS ON BOILER AND CENTRAL HEATING REPLACEMENTS

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE EX-BRITISH GAS FULLY QUALIFIED COVERING THE EAST MIDLANDS

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jobs workshops* careers advice

Free

admission

training job clubs local employers volunteering

Find your future direction

*Booking is advisable for workshop s but not essential.

Thursday 12 February 2015 10am - 2pm Loughborough Town Hall Market Place, Loughborough LE11 3EB

For further information contact: ray.hurst@leics.gov.uk • 0116 305 5505 heather.bell@leics.gov.uk • 0116 305 5541