October 2014 - Loughborough Community Eye

LOUGHBOROUGH

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

ISSUE 12 - OCTOBER 2014

COMMUNITY EYE

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

WINTER LAMB STEW

Cook The Perfect Dinner This Winter

Planting Bare-Root Hedging & Trees

PANTO TICKETS TO CINDERELLA

LOUGHBOROUGH RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Update From Latest Match

At Century Theatre Snibston

CHRISTMAS FLOWER EXTRAVAGANZA At Loughborough Flower Lovers Club

LOUGHBOROUGH COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL

THOMAS GILES REACHES FINALS

For National Tennis Tournament At The Olympic Park!

Come & Join The Fun

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WELCOME

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Welcome to your October Community Eye magazine

I FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

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EDITOR

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

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NEXT ISSUE OUT DEADLINE DATE: 14th November 2014 DELIVERY DATE: 21st November 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.

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t’s hard to believe we’re on the run up to Christmas! The children are already practicing for their Christmas performances which I look forward to watching, and whispers of what they would like on their Christmas list are starting too!

I’m also pleased to be able to tell you that we are expanding here at Open Box Promotions and I have now moved from the Sales Team over to the position of Editor for all seven of our community magazines. This has created a vacancy on our sales team and we look forward to welcoming a new member to our team shortly.

We were so spoilt by the warm autumn that many of us haven’t started thinking about the winter weather, so the feature this month is all about preparing for winter and how to keep yourself and your home safe. I’ve also included my favourite winter recipe, lamb stew, a perfect dish for warming you up after a long day.

As always we continue to look for new advertisers and contributors for our publications. If you would like to submit an article please email myself on editor@openboxpromotions.co.uk Alternatively if you wish to have a chat about joining us as an advertiser please call the team on 0800 6446 150 and they will talk you through the best advertising option for your business.

I hope you enjoy your November edition and I look forward to bringing you your festive December edition next month!

CHARNWOOD SCOUTS DISTRICT ADVENTURE WEEKEND Nearly 300 Beavers and over 70 Cubs and Scouts went to Oaks in Charnwood Scout Campsite for a weekend of exciting adventures. The Beavers where there for an action packed fun day, taking part in a fantastic range of activities, from parachute games to the Black Hole. Aleck from Rothley Beavers said “I loved the black hole, it was pitch black and I just went round and round.”

Whilst the Cubs and Scouts went out on a six mile challenge hike around Charnwood Forest. Going through various checkpoints and facing the various different challenges along the way, such as making a capital T out of blocks, passing through a hoop without touching the sides and map reading. Max from Barrow Scouts said “We had to try and go through the hoop without touching the sides, it was hard to do, but it was fun!”

Once all the activities had finished the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts had a camp fire, and 54 Beavers where invested into the movement. The Scouts also had the opportunity to cook their own dinners on open fires.

To read more about the weekend and see the photos and video visit the website: www.charnwoodscouts.org.uk

ABLE SEAMAN HARRY EMERSON Harry Bernard Emerson died on 4 September 1914; the first of Loughborough's casualties. He was an Able Seaman on board HMS Amphion when it was sunk just 36 hours into the war with the loss of 150 crew and 18 German prisoners they were carrying. Harry survived but complained that the fumes that he had inhaled during the attack made him ill and he died a few weeks later in hospital at Gosport Hospital.

To mark the 100th anniversary of his death a short service, led

by Rev Rosemary Whitley and attended by the Loughborough Sea Cadets and members of Harry’s descendants, Mrs Trish Edwardes of Loughborough and Mrs Maria Scott of Dorset.

We were represented by Mrs Madeline Gibbard and Mr Peter Minshall; who took the photograph above.

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LOCAL NEWS

GET READY FOR WINTER HEALTH AND WELLBEING There are some practical steps that you can take to help keep you warm and healthy throughout the winter months: Get your free flu jab. If you are aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain medical conditions, live in a residential or nursing home, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person. An annual nasal spray flu vaccine is also available for all children aged two and three years old.

By setting your heating to the right temperature (18-21 °C, 65-70 °F), you can keep your home warm.

Ensure windows and doors are closed to prevent heat escaping.

Look after yourself and check on older neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe, warm and well. Layer your clothing to stay warm and wear shoes with a good grip if you need to go outside.

Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure that you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day and keep active in the home if you can.

Get your home ready for winter. Get heating and cooking appliances checked, flues and chimneys swept ensuring ventilation points are not blocked. If you use heating oil, LPG or wood products as the main heating source, make sure that you have a sufficient supply to avoid running. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm which is EN50291 compliant, but fitting an alarm should not replace regular maintenance of appliances.

Good hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of norovirus Learn a few simple first aid steps; such as how to deal with strains and sprains or broken bones, as trips and falls can increase in icy weather.

There are a number of accredited first aid providers and useful education resources available.

Check the forecast and ensure you have enough food and medicines.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS Some of these energy-saving tips may seem obvious but they can make a big difference when it comes to reducing your fuel bill.

Set your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you've gone to bed. If it's very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning the thermostat up.

If you can't heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room throughout the day and your bedroom just before you go to bed. Remember to close curtains and shut doors to keep heat in the rooms you use most.

OUT AND ABOUT Tips on clearing snow and ice from pavements or public spaces Don't be put off clearing paths because you're afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.

Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.

And don't believe the myths - it's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries if you have cleared the path carefully.

Clear the snow and ice early during the day.

It's easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.

CHECK THAT YOUR VEHICLE IS READY FOR WINTER Use the POWDERY checklist as a good reminder PETROL (or diesel). Have you got enough? Do you know where to fill up?

OIL - check levels once a month

They’re off, the 2014-2015 rugby season at Derby Road has commenced, from the Under 7’s to the Vets XV all are now in action on the pitch and involved with exciting developments off it.

On the pitch the Men’s 1st XV are developing under new Head Coach Leon Pohe with a young squad starting to understand the requirements of the new Coaching team and whilst struggling to get the results their efforts deserve, all at Derby Road are confident mid table safety will be secured by the end of the season.

For the Men’s 2nd XV it’s a golden start to their Leicestershire League campaign with a 100% record to date and a second place league position.

The inexperienced Men’s 3rds have found the opening of the season difficult but will learn and gel as a squad. On the other hand though the Men’s Vets Squad have shown all their experience with a 100% opening record.

Competing at the highest level of Women’s rugby seen in Leicestershire the Borough Women’s XV suffered an opening day defeat to reigning Champions Firwood Waterloo but have since gained victory in each fixture since and sit in fourth place of the RFU Championship, tier two of Women’s rugby in England.

In the Junior section the Under 16’s have a won one drawn one record to date, the large Under 15’s squad, putting two teams out each Sunday have a mixed season, the main defeat sadly being at Market Harborough in the Leicestershire County Cup. The Under 14’s have a similar record to their older brothers and also lost to Market Harborough in the County Cup. After losing their opening day fixture to local rivals Syston, the Under 13’s have since won all fixtures played.

For the minis a later start to their playing season allowed the Loughborough Rugby Football Club to stage a highly successful Minis Open Day at it’s Derby Road HQ in September. Attended by Chairman Dan Hatjiosif, Head Coach Leon Pohe, his Senior Coaching Team and members of both the Senior Men’s & Women’s 1st XV the youngsters enjoyed an exciting morning non more so than 8 year old Tabitha McLoughlin who, attending her first rugby coaching session not only enjoyed the experience but at the end met Loughborough Women’s and England Under 20’s star Scarlett Cooper-Wall. Scarlett stating “she started playing rugby when she was six and hoped Tabithia enjoyed her time in the sport as much as she has”.

Elsewhere, along with the Minis open day, the Loughborough Rugby Club ‘family’ continues to grow with Senior 1st XV & Vets players involved in coaching of the minis & Juniors.

For the Women’s section, Sunday 2nd November is a very special day for both the section & club as they stage their first Open Day of the season designed to encourage more girls to take up the sport. Amongst the day’s events will be coaching sessions, competitions, ladies keep fit with Touch Rugby a chance to see the Women’s XV in action against West Bridgford Ladies in the RFU Championship and an appearance by the Women’s World Cup trophy.

FIXTURES FOR NOVEMBER:

WATER - check radiator, screenwash and anti-freeze levels regularly

1st

Ashby vs. Loughborough 1st XV

DAMAGE - check wipers, lights etc for signs of wear and tear or damage

2nd

LOUGHBOROUGH WOMEN VS. WEST BRIDGFORD

KO 2.15pm

15th

LOUGHBOROUGH 1ST XV vs. BAKEWELL MANNERIANS

KO 2.15pm

22nd

Coalville vs. Loughborough 1st XV

KO 2.15pm

23rd

Eccles vs. Loughborough Women

29th

LOUGHBOROUGH 1ST XV vs. HINCKLEY (County Cup)

KO 2.15pm

30th

LOUGHBOROUGH WOMEN vs. BIRKENHEAD PARK

KO 2.15pm

ELECTRICS - check lights, indicators and controls are working properly RUBBER TYRES - are they well inflated, legal, with good tread and free from damage?

YOURSELF - are you fit to drive?

Have you slept well? Are you taking any medication(s) that could make it unsafe for you to drive?

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

LOCAL NEWS

THOMAS GILES REACHES FINALS OF NATIONAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT AT THE OLYMPIC PARK! Loughborough LTC’s Thomas Giles has reached the finals of the National Powder Byrne Tennis Tournament which will take place on Sunday 7th December.

The event, which consists of a number of regional qualifying events leading to the national final, was his first of the winter season. After a successful summer which saw him finish ranked 5th in the Midlands for 9&U players, he travelled to Liverpool for the regional stage in which he beat a number of strong players to take the title, including an epic semi-final against the number 1 seed in which he won the deciding tie-break 13-11.

His victory means he earned a trip to the Olympic Park along with the other regional winners to compete for the overall national title.

WINTER Lamb Stew INGREDIENTS Serves: 6

One of his coaching team at Inside Out Tennis said “Thomas has really surpassed our expectations over the past 12 months, putting in a lot of hard work and aiming to play a style of tennis that will not only bring him some success right now, but should stand him in good stead for the future as well”

• 1 tablespoon olive oil • 900g (2lbs) diced lamb • 1/2 teaspoon salt • freshly ground black pepper to taste • 1 large onion, sliced • 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks • 1 parsnip, peeled and cut into large chunks (optional) • 1 litre (1¾ pints) water, or as needed • 3 large potatoes, peeled and quartered • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional) • 1 leek, green part only, rinsed and sliced • chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

NEW SEASON FOR SHEPSHED SINGERS The long-established and popular Shepshed Singers are well underway with their autumn season of rehearsals under their new Musical Director, Richard West. Richard, Director of Music at the Loughborough Endowed Schools, said “I am really looking forward to starting an exciting new chapter with the Shepshed Singers. We are planning an exciting programme of events for the coming year, and it looks like it will be a lot of fun!” For their next concert they will be serving up ‘A Musical Feast’ at Emmanuel Church in Loughborough on Saturday 15th November. This will be an evening of classical, contemporary and African choral music and will also feature

local musician, Trevor Bartlett playing the marimba. Tickets £10 includes a glass of wine or juice (under 16s free) and are available from tickets@ shepshedsingers.org.uk, members of the choir and at the door. The choir will be hosting their annual 'Come and Sing' Event, on January 17th 2015, before turning their attentions to preparing for a tour of Cornwall at Easter. All details will be on their website www.shepshedsingers.org.uk.

LOUGHBOROUGH COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL This year will be the 4th festival and we expect to welcome 2000 people to see 100 wonderful, sparkling trees. Brownies and Guides, Cubs and Scouts, schools and the University, as well as community and church groups are all decorating trees.

On Wednesday 19th November at 7pm the Mayor of Charnwood by turning on the lights will open the Festival at All Saints' Parish Church, at the top of Churchgate. This will be followed by a concert with choirs from Our Lady's Convent School and Ratcliffe Chorale. Tickets are £6 for adults with accompanied children free.

On Friday 21st November at 7.30pm the Festival Concert will feature Loughborough Male Voice Choir and the Singing for Fun Choir. Tickets are £7 available at the door.

Everyone is welcome to the Festival, general opening times are Thursday, Friday & Saturday 20th-22nd November at 10am to 5.30pm, also on Sunday 23rd November 11.45am - 5.00pm. There will be refreshments and a Christmas fair as well as a quiz for children and a children's stall.

Loughborough Children's choir will sing on Saturday morning and children from local schools during Thursday and Friday.

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METHOD 1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or casserole pot. Add lamb pieces and cook, stirring gently, until evenly browned. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Add the onion, carrots and parsnips and cook gently alongside the meat for a few minutes. Stir in the water. Cover and bring to a boil before turning the heat down to low. Simmer for 1 hour or longer, depending on the cut of meat you used and if it is tender yet.

3. Stir in potatoes and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes before adding leeks and rosemary. Continue to simmer uncovered until potatoes are tender but still whole. Serve piping hot in bowls garnished with fresh parsley.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER EXTRAVAGANZA Loughborough Flower Lovers' Club is looking forward to its annual Christmas Open Meeting on Thursday, 20th November, when members of the public are invited to join club members for what promises to be a wonderful evening's entertainment, no doubt full of magic and sparkle. The demonstration of flower arranging entitled 'Images of Christmas' will be by Sandra Snell from Hereford, an experienced professional NAFAS demonstrator.

The event will be held at Our Lady's Convent School, Gray Street, Loughborough, LE11 2DZ, where there is plenty of free parking within the school grounds.

Although the performance starts at 7.30 pm, the doors will open at 6.30 pm to give all those attending time for free light refreshments. There will also be a tombola and a raffle. The raffle prizes will, of course, be the spectacular flower arrangements produced during the evening.

Anyone who loves flowers or would just like a magical evening out in good company is welcome to come along to our friendly club. There's no audience participation, just sit back, relax, and be entertained.

Tickets cost £8 and are available from 01509 853740, 01509 880099, 01509 842334, or on the door.

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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

HELPING PEOPLE FOR THE LONG HAUL

I

JONATHAN MORGAN

M

uch has been written about food banks, and this article isn’t going to be about them, but from all the discussions I’ve had with the Judith Spence, one of the inspirational people behind the Carpenters Arms in Loughborough (which provides the town’s food bank), I’ve become convinced that the reasons why people use them are highly complex, and can’t be reduced to one, stock answer.

That is why I was so intrigued by the concept of the Community Shop when it was recently presented to Charnwood’s Cabinet members. It doesn’t set out to offer quick fixes, but instead it works on the basis that offering help, support, advice over a number of months, to help to educate users into thinking differently and becoming more self sufficient offers them a greater chance of success in the future.

There are a number of such shops already operating, each slightly different to the others, but if an appropriate site can be found in Loughborough, one will be up and running within months, selling food donated by the high street supermarkets, but at vastly reduced prices. Users will be nominated by agency and partner organisations, and will be offered access to the shop for a fixed period of time. In addition to the food shop, there will be training kitchens to show users how to prepare and cook fresh food, whilst explaining the health and wealth benefits behind it, whilst help will also be on hand to support users with managing money, and supporting their families.

The race is on to try to find a suitable site in Loughborough for the new Community Shop, and Charnwood have agreed to support its establishment, believing that the proverb, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to catch fish, and you feed him for a lifetime”, has a ring of truth about it.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING We have enjoyed one of the longest warm spells in decades, with last winter being snowless, and the start of the autumn feeling like a decent Indian summer, however, the nights have drawn in, and the Loughborough Fair is almost upon us!

Before it arrives, the never-ending roadworks associated with the Inner Relief Road will be over, with the project completed, and a fully pedestrian town centre finally declared open. The feeling of freedom to walk around our town centre has only usually been possible when the Fair was in town – now, once the Fair has packed up and left, we won’t have to surrender the town centre to traffic again.

The winter programme has now been released, and includes the Christmas Lights switch on, Sleeping Beauty panto at the Town Hall, and the Santa Fun Run on 7th December, which combined with the Fair, are the big four events in town that, for my family at least, shout out that Christmas is finally coming.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2014 has marked the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, and I suspect that this year’s remembrance service at the Carillon will be more poignant that ever.

Whether it’s clear blue skies, or soft drizzle, the service, laying of the wreaths, and the dropping of poppies from the tower itself, marking the 11th hour, is always deeply moving. The number of people joining the service has risen over past years, along with the number of people in uniform – a reminder that the service is as relevant to service personnel and their friends and family today, as it is to those descended from the soldiers of a hundred year ago.

If you have never come to Queens Park for the service before, please do join us this year.

Jonathan Morgan

NICKY MORGAN spent a very enjoyable evening a little while ago at the Charnwood College Excellence Evening. It was a real pleasure to hear about the achievements of the students receiving awards. They are all very talented and I have no doubt they will go on to greater success. Of course their success was helped along by their hard working and committed teachers and supportive parents and families.

It was also a great privilege, as always, to attend the Rainbows Hospice Open Day. This year sees the 20th Anniversary of the founding of Rainbows Hospice. I am sure that we cannot now imagine Loughborough without this amazing organisation.

Seeing the facilities and listening to the dedicated staff is always humbling. Rainbows has changed even in the last 10 years since I came to Loughborough. In fact it is down to Rainbows that I decided I liked running – because my first race was a 5k to raise money for them.

On a recent Monday evening I spoke to the Loughborough Chamber of Trade about my experiences in politics over the past four years (and 21 years before that as a volunteer in the Conservative Party!) and took questions on a whole variety of local and national issues. It was really good to see the Chamber of Trade members in such good spirits and to see both long-established businesses represented as well as new businesses such as Capable-Caroline which is there to respond to all those domestic tasks we would rather put off!

The long-awaited planning application for a huge development to the west of Loughborough has now been submitted. I do realise just how strong

feelings about planning applications, this one included, are. This area of Loughborough has been put forward as a development site by both Labour and Conservative administrations at Charnwood Council. It is generally acknowledged by all the main political parties that we do need more houses both as a country and in our part of Leicestershire. Owning your own home is an important step for many of us and at present the lack of supply means house prices are rising putting home ownership out of the reach of the next generation. There are of course a variety of reasons why there are more prospective buyers – mainly because people are living independently in their own home for longer and more households are being formed.

However, this is a really significant development which will change this part of Charnwood for ever. I will continue to ensure the views of all local residents are put forward to the councillors who will decide on this application. Questions about community amenities, local infrastructure and the future access to and maintenance of the Garendon Park must be properly addressed.

Finally there is just space to mention that Saturday 6th December is Small Business Saturday. This is our chance, especially in the run up to Christmas, to support our small businesses and independent shops. If you are planning a trip into Loughborough now the road works are finished then do have a think about buying at least one Christmas present in a shop which is not part of a national chain. We have plenty of great shops to choose from in our towns and villages.

Nicky Morgan

LOUGHBOROUGH LIBERAL DEMOCRATS

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LOCAL NEWS

LABOUR CANDIDATE

DR MATTHEW O’CALLAGHAN M: 07894 229499 E: matthewocall@gmail.com Three years ago I was selected as Labour’s Candidate to fight the next General Election in Loughborough.

People liked the idea I had strong local connections with the area and was not a London politician in pursuit of a ministerial career. I went to school in Ashby and worked for Fisons in Loughborough. I’ve been a professor, a business consultant, a county and borough councillor, a governor in primary, secondary and special schools and have worked in Universities, the NHS and in business. I’ve lived and worked in Belgium, Latin America, Japan and of course Loughborough.

These last three years I’ve met getting towards 10,000 people either through knocking on doors or in the various meetings and events I attend. People have told me that: They feel worse off - Wages and pensions have risen far less than prices And that Public Services are worse - Longer NHS waiting times, cuts to public services etc And yet despite all these sacrifices: The national debt has got worse. It has increased by 46% since the 2010 election. Something has gone wrong.

The Conservatives promised to eliminate the deficit by the end of this Parliament - they haven’t. They have borrowed more in the last 4 years than Labour did in its 13 years of office. Just one of a string of broken promises including that of cutting immigration, no VAT rise, no reorganisation of the NHS etc.

We have had the most right wing Government since the war. Even Margaret Thatcher resisted selling off the Royal Mail. The Liberal Democrats have supported all these policies, including tax breaks for the rich while imposing the bedroom tax on the poor. In a University town, the Liberal Democrats broken promise on tuition fees has meant massive debt for thousands of students in Loughborough alone.

HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS The failure of Charnwood Borough Council to develop an acceptable Core Strategy has left us wide open to inappropriate applications for housing in areas such as Laburnum Drive and Bramcote Road. Shepshed and many of our villages are getting swamped by estates of executive-style homes built on greenfield sites. We now have a planning application for 3,500 homes on the Garendon Estate Area which the Borough Council will find it difficult to resist. Legislation passed by this Government says planners must grant permission if the development is ‘sustainable’. This is wrong. We need new homes but the right homes in the right places.

A request for information I made to the Council shows that so far only around half the money promised by builders for infrastructure has been received by the Council over the last 14 years. That’s around £13million that could have been spent on roads, schools, play areas or health facilities. Some £16m will be out of date within the next 7-12 months.

THE NHS A broken promise not to reorganise the NHS by the Conservatives has led to wasted money, to over 3 million people on the NHS waiting list and an agenda for the increasing privatisation of the NHS. Locally, people have complained to me about increased waiting times for consultations and operations, the A&E service in Leicester, ambulance response times, the closure of a surgery in Hathern, reception staff in another surgery being sent redundancy notices, poor access to see a GP and the closure of beds at Loughborough Hospital.

Labour will invest an additional £2.5 billion in the NHS which will pay for 3,000 more midwives, 5,000 more homecare workers, 8,000 more GPs and 20,000 more nurses and a guarantee to see a GP within 48 hours.

Matthew O’callaghan

CARILLON TOWER & WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

01509 263370 - carillonmuseum@gmail.com www.loughborough-rollofhonour.com

HELP NEEDED? Something you can help me with! There is a piece of stone (I believe), recovered from the wrecked church at Nijmegen, that was brought back by members of the 505th and placed in Quorn, I thought it was up Wood Lane but cannot find it. Can someone send me a photograph and location?

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8

HEALTH & WELLBEING

SUCCESSFUL SLIMMER?

Love Your Feet!

Did you know that

Submitted by Sally Prytherch Hinds Feet Foot Care T: 07806786616 E: hindsfeetfootcare@gmail.com W: www.hindsfeetfootcare.co.uk • At six months of age, a baby’s foot is still mostly cartilage and some bones only start forming between 9-18 months.

• The average adult takes between 4000 to 10000 steps a day depending on which website you look at.

• The majority of foot problems are related the wear and tear and ill fitting footwear.

• Sweat glands in the feet produce approximately half a pint of perspiration daily!

• The afternoon is the best time to shop for shoes when feet are at their most swollen.

• Nine out of ten women buy shoes that are too small for them? Could be why there are so many shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe??

• Apparently, the average woman walks three miles more per day than the average male! Don’t shoot the messenger chaps! We are probably out buying shoes!

• There are 52 bones in a pair of feet

• Each time your heel lifts off the ground it forces the toes to carry half of your body weight.

• Smoking is the biggest cause of Peripheral Vascular Disease (disease of the arteries of the feet and legs) often leading to pain on walking, ulceration and infection or in severe cases amputation.

• Seventy five percent of UK adults suffer from foot problems.

• The British shoe sizing system that is still used today to manufacture footwear in the UK was created Edward II in 1324.

• Women have approximately four times as many foot problems as men; a contributing factor is the wearing of high heel shoes.

• Twenty percent of people think their feet are the most unattractive part of their body.

TIME TO LOVE YOUR FEET! The Picture of the little girl wearing giant shoes in the September issue was taken in Queens Park, Loughborough and the Competition winner is Jane from Loughborough.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

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

SEE & BE SEEN… By qualified registered Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians.

What’s the difference?

An Optometrist (Ophthalmic Optician) is a primary health care specialist and is trained to examine the eyes to detect defects in vision, signs of injury, ocular diseases or abnormality and problems with general health. They give advice on visual problems and if necessary prescribe spectacles or contact lenses. An Optometrist studies at University for at least three years and then works in an optical practice/hospital under supervision for a year before taking their final professional exams.

A Dispensing Optician is trained to dispense and fit spectacles and other optical aids, working from a prescription that the Optometrist has issued. They advise on various

types of lenses and spectacle frames, including advice on style, weight and colour. They also advise patients on how to wear and care for their spectacles and with further training, their contact lenses.

A Dispensing Optician studies for three years, either two years full time at college and a year in practice under supervision or for three years day/block release whilst working full time in a practice.

Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians work closely together and take into account each patient’s visual, lifestyle and vocational needs.

Both Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians practising in the UK must be registered with the General Optical Council, the profession’s regulatory body.

When choosing an Optometrist, look out for the letters FCOptom or MCOptom after their name.

Look for the letters FBDO when choosing a Dispensing Optician.

This means they are registered and adhere to high standards of clinical practice and undertake continuous educational training.

YOUR LOSS COULD BE LOUGHBOROUGH AND MELTON MOWBRAYS’S GAIN Slimming experts in Loughborough and Melton Mowbray are celebrating a successful year after helping hundreds of people lose a total of 3874 stone.

Now they have launched a campaign to recruit more people with a passion for helping others for the “best job in the world” with a special Slimming World careers opportunity, please call me.

Sam Ashton, who manages a team of 8 Consultants who run 12 Slimming World groups in Loughborough and Melton Mowbray, says: “We’re going through a period of steady growth.

In 40 years millions of people have changed their lives with Slimming World’s brilliant combination of a hunger-busting eating plan, increased activity and weekly group support.

“Now, with obesity at an all-time high – 30 million adults (62%) in the UK are overweight or obese – and government predictions that 80% of men and 70% of women will be overweight or obese in the next decade – the demand for our unique warm and friendly approach has never been greater.

“At Slimming World we have the best eating plan in the world where members can, and do, lose weight without ever having to go hungry,” says Sam. “We have the best understanding of the psychology of slimmers and we choose Consultants for their empathy, warmth and understanding. We have the best training in the business too.

Every Consultant who comes on board goes through an in depth training programme and is awarded diplomas in aspects of nutrition and successfully running their own slimming business.”

Slimming World is looking for people who have lost weight themselves with the organisation, people who can share their own weight-loss success to build a fabulous career. There are also vacancies for experienced managers to help co-ordinate the work in the area and ensure that our unique support is available in every community.

Sam adds: “Every Slimming World group helps members achieve longterm success through healthy lifestyle changes. Food Optimising is a unique and healthy eating plan which satisfies

the biggest of appetites. It encourages people to fill up on unlimited amounts of satisfying foods such as meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit, eggs, pasta and much more, and to enjoy meals with the whole family. Meals like curry and rice, lasagne, Sunday roasts and even fish and chips. Members love the fact that they aren’t restricted.

“Just as importantly, we provide support 52 weeks of the year and our members know from the minute they first walk through the door, often when their self-esteem is at its lowest, that they will never be judged, that their details are completely confidential and that they are with people who understand them – because they’ve been Slimming World members themselves,” says Sam. Slimming World Consultants are all former members. The role is part-time, with the potential to earn £100-£400 a week for working 10-20 flexible hours as a self-employed franchisee.

In-depth training is offered with a well-respected and recognised brand that has been established for more than 40 years, and all Consultants get the benefit of excellent support from more than 200 head office staff based in Alfreton, Derbyshire.

Slimming World provides administrative support, centralised marketing and PR, stock services, a host of up-to-the-minute website support plus nutrition and research expertise. Slimming World magazine, which is produced at Head Office, is the highest selling title in the diet and health sector.

Anyone looking for a career that offers opportunities for growth and development and flexibility around family life could find that opening a Slimming World group offers the perfect solution. There are opportunities across the whole of the UK and Ireland.

For more information contact Sam Ashton on 07706 131987 or go to www.slimmingworld.com/careers

“A little give and take” You give a little time to help care for people living near you and take home excellent pay as a thank you. Simple.

Bosworth Homecare Services Are seeking COMMUNITY CARE WORKERS IN LOUGHBOROUGH and surrounding area Give CERI a call on: 01509 271557 or 07824465774 NVQ PREFERRED BUT NOT ESSENTIAL - FULL TRAINING GIVEN

We are an equal opportunities employer & encourage young and mature applicants

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

9

Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile!

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It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services.

Managing Director Michael Parr feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double glazing is misted up we can replace

the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee.

But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps.

Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done.

We make sure we turn up when we say we will, do the job the customer

get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Michael a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’

Cloudy2Clear service Loughborough & the surrounding area and Michael is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction that I

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10

WINDOW DRESSING

Take A Look At ‘VISION’ A striking new blind for the modern home!

Contemporary, stylish and practical best describes Vision blinds. Two layers of translucent and opaque horizontal striped fabric create an open and closed affect, giving limitless light control!

Operated by a chain like a classic roller blind, the fabric rotates into a closed position for full privacy, and allows varying amounts of light into the room in the open positions. When the blind is not in use it can be drawn up fully into its smart headrail cassette allowing uninterrupted views to the outside.

Vision comes in a selection of contemporary greys, blacks and cool neutral shades.

To find out more, please give us a call for a home visit and a no obligation quotation.

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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

GARDENING

11

PLANTING BARE-ROOT HEDGING & TREES

T

he weather has finally turned autumnal after a long sunny summer. The leaves on the trees have been taking on burnished copper, gold and ruby tints and are now being shed from the branches ready for the onset of winter. Once the dormant season is upon us it’s a good time to transplant bare-root plants – those which have been raised in a field and then lifted & the soil removed. The added bonus of bare-root plants is that they are much cheaper than container grown plants.

Autumn is a good time to plant them as there’s time for them to settle and establish before the warmth of the spring comes. Trees & shrubs are available bare-root and from November onwards they’ll be offered in garden centres, nurseries and online. As the plants are dormant there’s not much to look at but when selecting plants look for undamaged branches & bark to ensure the plants are fit and healthy.

My garden has tall boundary hedges of Privet and the garden it’s self is sub-divided by Beech hedges and trained fruit trees, all of which were sourced as bare-root plants. Fruit trees are the typical bare-root trees on offer in garden centres. Apples, Plums and Pears are easy to find. Choose a variety based on the crop, size, shape and pollination requirements (info will be on the label).

Ornamental trees like Rowans, Hawthorns and Acers are popular too, choose a variety that will grow to a suitable size and give interest in flowers, foliage or berries.

Bundles of hedging plants known as ‘Whips’, are available from November to March. Hedges are great for defining a boundary, screening a building or dividing a garden into sections. There are lots of varieties to choose from. For formal edging there are evergreens like Box and Yew and for taller boundary hedges, semievergreens like Privet or Beech are suitable. Trimmed twice a year these can be kept neat & tidy.

Native hedging typically consists of a mix of deciduous varieties which when planted together provides an ideal habitat for wildlife. A traditional mix includes Haw & Black Thorn, Hazel, Dogwood and Wild Rose & Crab Apple. Deciduous mixes are less formal and can be trimmed once a year or less frequently for an informal look.

Bare-root plants are pretty easy to plant. Choose a day which is frost free and when the soil is not waterlogged.

Keep the roots of the new plants cool &moist (not wet) until you are ready to plant.

HOW TO PLANT A BARE-ROOT TREE: 1. Turn the ground adding plenty of compost & fertiliser .

2. Dig a whole large enough to accommodate the spread of the roots 3. Place the tree in the whole ensuring the roots will be covered and the base of the tree is at the right level. Fan out the roots.

4. Place a tree stake alongside the stem & between the roots. Tap in to give the tree support & add a tree tie.

5. Back fill the hole, firming the soil and water the area thoroughly.

HOW TO PLANT A BARE-ROOT HEDGE: 1. Turn the ground adding plenty of compost & fertiliser 2. Rake & level the soil 3. Mark out a straight line & lay the hedging ‘whips’ along it, at the appropriate spacing 4. Create a slit trench (push the spade in & rock forward to create a slit shaped opening along the length) 5. Fan out the roots & place in the trench, firming in well.

6. For a double row repeat the process at the required spacing.

7. Water in thoroughly The trees/hedging may need watering in the spring-summer after planting, then after a year or two the trees or hedging will be established and growing strongly.

As November comes to an end, thoughts turn towards the festive season. Next month I’ll be looking at bringing elements of the garden indoors to create seasonal wreaths and decorations for Christmas using foliage, seed heads, cones and berries.

If your borders need rejuvenating, your garden needs a fresh new look or you are looking for design ideas, a Consultation or Planting Plan may be just what you need. Take a look at my website for details of the services I offer www.belgrierson.co.uk or call me on 07506 750250.

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

Susan George BSc - BA - MA - PGCE - TEFL Private Tuition Service Infants & Primary GCSE / A Level English Sociology, Business Studies, English as a Second Language Dyslexia Specialist

01509 733112 jd2691george@sky.com

THE WORKOUT EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT…IN LOUGHBOROUGH!!

FIRST SESSION

FREE CHARNWOOD COLLEGE LOUGHBOROUGH (in the Sixth Form Centre) !

EVERY TUESDAY • 7pm !

NO NEED TO BOOK • FOR MORE INFO CALL JAMIE ON:

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16+ MALE! & FEMALES! all fitness levels welcome

12

KIDS ZONE

JACK FROST Bethany, Daniel and Christie were having a warming cup of cocoa at Bethany’s house and talking about the very cold weather they were getting.

‘I don’t really like this weather’ shivered Christie, cuddling her mug of cocoa. ‘It’s too cold to go outside and I miss being able to have my windows open.’

‘I love this weather’ chirped in Bethany it’s so beautiful! Every morning when I wake up it’s like someone has iced the garden, white on all the tips of the grass and on every leaf’.

‘That’s Jack Frost, Bethany’ said Daniel, ‘He visits in the night and puts a white coating all over everything, he even draws the pretty patterns on the windows.’

‘Jack Frost?’ exclaimed Bethany, ‘you mean someone actually turns it all cold and white? All on their own?’

So she sat and waited and watched a bit longer, her eyes growing heavy and tired, but still he didn’t come. Slowly and without realising it Bethany fell asleep in her chair.

The next morning when she woke up, Jack Frost had indeed been and everything was crisp and white again.

‘Oh no’ said Bethany, ‘I fell asleep and missed him.’

Very sadly Bethany got up and went to pick up the tray with the sandwiches and the flask on, which she hadn’t touched the night before.

But to her surprise they were gone! The flask was untouched but all that was left on the plate were crumbs!

Who could have eaten them, thought Bethany, just then she noticed a frosty pattern on the window, but unlike any she had seen before. It was on the inside of the glass and looked like it said thankyou but it couldn’t………….. could it?

‘Yes, he’s magical’ said Daniel, ‘No-one’s ever seen him, he comes in the middle of the night when everyone’s asleep’.

Later that day as Bethany was getting ready for bed, she decided she was going to be the first person to see Jack Frost. So she made up a flask of hot drink and put it on a tray, together with some sandwiches, just in case she got hungry and made herself comfortable in her big armchair, wrapped in a blanket, right by the window.

Bethany sat and watched the sun disappear and the moon come up.

It was a beautiful clear sky and she could see the stars twinkling. She sat and watched and waited but Jack Frost didn’t appear.

PANTO TICKETS TO CINDERELLA What does the fairy godmother turn into a coach for Cinderella?

NAME: ADDRESS: TEL:

EMAIL: SEND ENTRY TO: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ - Closing date 12th November 2014 The Panto Company & the Century Theatre present the 2014 pantomime production of Cinderella filled with lively characters, up to date chart songs and slapstick humour, with something to please everyone, romance and of course – a daring adventure.

PERFORMANCE DATES: Saturday 6th December 2014 @ 2pm + 6.30pm Sunday 7th December 2014 @ 2pm TICKETS: £8.50 Standard, £7.50 Groups (10+).

More information can be found at www.CenturyTheatre.co.uk

TAKE 5

QUICK CRAFT Pine Cone Bird Feeder YOU WILL NEED:

• Lard • String • Pine cone • Birdseed

HOW TO DO IT:

Tie a piece of string around the widest part of the cone.

Mix the lard and seed together using the back of a wooden spoon (or your hands if you like getting messy), then press the mixture into the cone until it’s all full of seed.

Use the string to tie the cone up in your garden for the birds to enjoy and watch to see who visits your feeder.

LAST MONTHS COMPETITION WINNERS Well done to Ellie Rudd winning the kids competition and Terry Bexley winning the adults competition.

Your prizes are on their way!

WORD SUDOKU

A PERSONALISED PHONE COVER*

*Available in colours Black & White in either Plastic or Rubber cases for iPhone 4/4s - iPhone 5/5s - whilst stocks last.

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

Please tick the boxes below. iPhone 5/5s

NAME: ADDRESS: TEL:

EMAIL: SEND ENTRY TO: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ - Closing date 12th November 2014

13

TREES The yew tree which stands in the village church yard Has been there since aeons of time Alongside the oak, copper beech, horse chestnut And delicate feathery lime.

Each school morning we children would make our way through At a gallop if church clock struck nine In springtime we waited to see which leafed first And remembered the old weather rhyme Of ashes and oaks and splashes and soaks And of sap which turned water to wine.

In summer we gathered spinning fruits of the lime Which cascaded to earth on a breeze The pink flowering chestnut brought grandeur and beauty And musical drone of the bees As autumn approached we would search out the ground And kick our way through frosted leaves We’d string-thread our conkers, the little brown beauties And keep them well oiled up our sleeves When winter arrived we would skate on the path With no thought as to what might ensue If the black-clad church verger should fall on his head Or land buttocks-down in the yew Whatever the season the trees seemed to offer A gift both to young and to old And as each year goes by we watch with a sigh As brown, green and silver turn gold.

By Elaine Stevenson

Bake With Fee HALLOWEEN PARTY PLATTER

BONFIRES

• 100g softened butter • 100g caster sugar • 2 eggs • 175g self raising flour • 25g cocoa powder

FOR THE ICING:

• 75g softened butter • 200g sifted icing sugar • 2 tbsp orange juice • Few drops yellow/ orange food colouring • 2 x 150g packs of chocolate fingers

METHOD:

Pre-heat oven Gas Mark 4 Use the all in one method for the cake mixture, ensuring everything is combined well. If needs be loosen the mixture with a little milk.

Split the mixture between 8 muffin cases.

Bake in the oven for 15 mins or until firm to touch. When cooked remove and leave to cool.

Combine the icing ingredients in a bowl.

When the cakes are cool, remove them from their cases and turn upside down, slice the top off to make a flat surface if needs be.

Coat the sides with icing and a big dollop on top. My children love to place the chocolate fingers around the cake.

14

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

PACKAGE 1

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

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LOFT STORAGE

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16

The Citroën

Class of at Luffield

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From

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Citroën C3 From

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3 Years

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Call Luffield Citroën to arrange your test drive:

01509 216100 BELTON ROAD, LOUGHBOROUGH, LEICESTERSHIRE LE11 1LR www.luffield.com

*Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying Citroën models ordered & delivered 01/10-31/12/14 & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months’ graduated vehicle excise duty. Black/metallic/pearlescent paint optional at extra cost. †4 years’ 0% APR Representative Conditional Sale with minimum 20% deposit available on C3, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso, Grand C4 Picasso and C5 models. Finance subject to status. A guarantee may be required. Over 18s only. Written quotations available on request from Citroën Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Finance offers apply to UK only. *One bulk advance rental will be required, followed by 46 monthly rentals at the rates shown & an optional final rental. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one month’s rental. Elect 4 Personal Lease From prices shown: New C1 Touch VTi 68 3-door, DS3 DSign VTi 82 manual and C3 VTi 68 manual VT. #3 years free servicing applies to all retail & small business DS3, DS3 Cabrio, DS4 & DS5 models on Elect 4 Personal Lease. Includes: Scheduled servicing, annual service (for vehicles on 2 year cycle, where needed) & brake fluid. Expires at 36 months or 35,000 miles (whichever occurs sooner). Offers, prices & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

Official Government Fuel Consumption Figures (Range) Urban Cycle, Extra Urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: Dispatch Combi HDi 160 6-speed automatic L1H1: Urban 9.0/31.4, Extra Urban 6.8/41.5, Combined 7.6/37.2, CO2 199g. Lowest: Citroën C3 e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS: Urban 3.6/78.5, Extra Urban 3.2/88.3, Combined 3.4/83.1, CO2: 87g. £0 Road Tax applies to the first year only. Fuel consumption figures quoted on this site are achieved under official EU test conditions. Intended as a guide for comparative purposes only. Figures may not be reflected in actual on-the-road driving conditions.