April 2018 - Loughborough Community Eye

COMMUNITY EYE DELIVERED MONTHLY, FREE TO 7,000 HOMES & BUSINESSES

A LIFE ON FIRE

Book Launch Tuesday 1 May st

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

LOUGHBOROUGH

APRIL 2018

LOUGHBOROUGH ENDOWED SCHOOLS Showcase Stem Achievements

NEW GUIDE FOR VISITORS

To Loughborough & Charnwood

CAN YOU HELP? Carillon Tower & War Memorial Museum

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Care nts sta Assi

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A Life On Fire Bill Ford, Former Great Central Railway Originator, tells his Life Story, Concluding with his Departure from the GCR. Book Launch, Tuesday 1st May at 5pm. All media welcome. Details at end of release.

Bill Ford, tells his life story with the hardback book being launched on Tuesday 1st May. Prepare for a journey of more than three and a half million miles. He’ll travel to every continent on earth; do business with companies with household names and with directors in Africa, Sheiks in Arabia, Mayors in Leicester, politicians in Westminster and councillors in Charnwood. We’ll be with him as he leads an automotive empire of 11,000 people. We’ll fly aeroplanes over the top of Kilimanjaro, join the Mile High Club, buy and sell trucks from Lord Stokes, acquire a railway from British Railways and become friends with Lord Lanesborough.

We’ll buy and run Steam engines on BR Main Lines. We’ll cruise on Her Majesty’s liners to Cape Town and drive legally at over a hundred and eighty miles per hour on English roads in Ferraris, Aston Martins, E Type Jaguars and Austin Healeys, and travel sedately in Rolls Royces, Bentleys, narrow boats and more. We’ll make and spend millions of pounds along the way, become a tax exile in The Isle of Man, live in halls and manors in splendid countryside and bachelor pads in London.

The book concludes with Bill’s time at Great Central Railway; and asks the questions as to where the Railway might go from here. Journey with him over 44 years as he saves the railway track from being ripped up in 1976, creates order out of bankruptcy several times, forces corporate changes to release locked up trust funds, and sets the GCR on a path to profitability and sustainability when he becomes both President and Managing Director in 2007. He proves himself to be an inspired leader of people yet again, encouraging growth and development of individuals, teams and departments who lacked selfbelief and prudent organisation. Join him as he moves mountains to make real the dream of the unification of the two halves of the severed GCR. At the end he discusses the ignominy he feels about the shabby way he was removed from the board and offers advice and warnings to those who follow him.

Through his fascinating journey in life, we’ll see how he avoids the clutches of the grim reaper in war, disease and tragic accident so that he survives to tell his tale of A Life on Fire…

Media Call: The book launch is at Rothley Court on Tuesday 1st May at 5pm. The address for Rothley Court is: Westfield Lane, Rothley, Leicestershire, LE7 7LG. Parking is plentiful and free of charge.

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New Guide For Visitors To Loughborough And Charnwood Information on things to do, places to visit, shopping, events, getting around, accommodation, and eating and drinking A new, complimentary Loughborough and Charnwood visitor guide has been launched to help visitors to plan their trip to Loughborough and Charnwood.

The new, free guides include:

• Handy maps of Charnwood and Loughborough town centre

• Top Ten tips for family fun • Top Ten insider tips • Annual events round-up • Travel information and accommodation details • Venue listings for the ‘Great Outdoors’, ‘History and Heritage’, ‘Places to East and Drink’, ‘Arts and Culture’, ‘Shopping in Loughborough and Beyond’ and ‘Sports and Leisure’

The new guide has been produced by Leicestershire Promotions in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council and will be available from local attractions, cafes, libraries, Tourist Information Centres and shopping centres. To download a copy of the guide online, visit www.goleicestershire.com/charnwood or via the social media pages at www.facebook.com/ go.leicestershire or www.twitter.com/loveleics Cllr. Eric Vardy, Lead Member for Planning and Inward Investment & Tourism Strategy at Charnwood Borough Council said: “There’s so much for visitors to do in Loughborough and Charnwood, and this new guide showcases many of the fantastic venues, attractions and events that we have to offer. We would encourage visitors from further afield and residents to pick up a copy of the guide to help them to plan their visit to the borough and make the most of their time here.”

Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough commented: “Loughborough and our surrounding villages are great places to live and to visit. We have so much history, culture and beautiful scenery that even those of us who have lived here for many years can always find something new and exciting to do. We have a great mix of shopping, not just national chains but also many unique independent retailers. Who wouldn't want to visit our fabulous town? I'm sure this new guide will be a fantastic resource for both local residents and those who want to visit us and see what Loughborough has to offer."

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicestershire Promotions added: “Loughborough and Charnwood have some real highlights for visitors, from Charnwood Forest, Bradgate Park and Stoneywell Cottage, to Loughborough Town Hall, Great Central Railway, Edible Forest Festival and the Loogabarooga Festival. This useful guide will provide visitors and residents alike with great ideas on where to visit on Loughborough and the surrounding Charnwood area.”

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Loughborough Library Hosts Johnnie Johnson Exhibition As Part Of RAF Centenary Celebrations As part of the events of RAF100, the celebration of the centenary of the foundation of the RAF, Loughborough Library is hosting an exhibition detailing the life and achievements of arguably the town’s best-known RAF pilot, Air Vice-Marshal ‘Johnnie’ Johnson.

Educated at Loughborough Grammar School he went on to fly as number two to Douglas Bader at the start of World War Two and was with him when he was shot down over France. He then went on to command several squadrons and after D-Day, when he led his wing four times over the Normandy beaches, he was commander of the first Allied fighter unit to operate in France.

His wartime tally of 38 kills made him the top RAF pilot of the war.

The exhibition illustrates both his achievements whilst at school and then his considerable career with the RAF, which culminated in him becoming Air Vice-Marshal in 1965. It contains many of the models that feature his spitfire; books by him and written about him; pictures of his spitfire; a commemorative plate and his ‘ribbons’ - his medals were sold for a world record sum of £241,500 after his death in 2001.

The RAF100 exhibition ‘The Life and Times of ‘Johnnie Johnson’ runs until 29 May. For more information about Loughborough Grammar School, visit: www.endowedschools.org

GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US? We are always on the lookout for local news.

Please send articles to: communityeye@ openboxpromotions.co.uk

Open Church At St Leonard's Swithland You are welcome to come and visit this beautiful church during the summer months. We are open from 2.00pm to 4.00pm serving tea and cakes on: Saturday 9th June Saturday 14th July Saturday 11th August Saturday 8th September

Loughborough Endowed Schools Showcase Stem Achievements Two pupils from Loughborough High School have been named winners at a national science and engineering competition, after designing a phone case and app capable of providing some protection to people in dangerous situations.

Year 11 students Meeram Ibrahim and Grace Johnston, who worked together as Team SafeCase, won The Innovation Award by Network Rail at the Big Bang Competition 2018, held at Birmingham’s NEC from 14th to 19th March.

During the event, the teenagers were recognised for their innovative thinking and collaboration in developing the device, which has an in-built pepper spray and can send SOS messages to call for help in an emergency.

This is the latest in a string of accolades for Meeram and Grace, who also received the Digital Skills Award for SafeCase at Buckingham Palace, as part of the Teentech Awards last autumn.

A total of five teams from Loughborough High School and Loughborough Grammar School, part of the Loughborough Endowed Schools family of schools, reached the final of the Big Bang Competition, with two of them attracting the attention of organisations keen to take their ideas further.

Daljit Kaur, Head of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Innovation at Loughborough Grammar School, said: “The success of the teams at this year’s Big Bang Fair is testament to the collaborative work across the Loughborough Endowed Schools Foundation as well as the efforts of the pupils, who have sacrificed hours of their own time over lunchtimes and evenings to complete their projects. They continue to amaze me with their ideas, energy and passion.”

This is the second consecutive year that pupils from Loughborough Endowed Schools have been recognised for their STEM innovations at the Big Bang Competition.

Last year, Loughborough Grammar School students David Bernstein and Sankha Kahagala-Gamage took the UK Young Engineer of the Year title for inventing a wearable vest called E1, which alerts epilepsy sufferers about a possible attack minutes before it hits. As well as being invited back to present this year’s award, they also gave a speech in front of more than 400 dignitaries at the evening dinner.

Since their win, David and Sankha have competed in STEM competitions in China and Estonia – and they are now set to begin discussions with Epilepsy UK on how to prepare their innovation for clinical trials. They will also assist the judges on future Big Bang competitions, and are hoping to become STEM ambassadors on outreach programmes for the RAF and BAE Systems.

Praising David and Sankha for their hard work, Daljit added: “It was great to see David and Sankha return to the Big Bang Fair following their victory in 2017. They are becoming true ambassadors of STEM for our school, and young people more generally.”

For more information about Loughborough Endowed Schools, including details of upcoming open days, visit www.endowedschools.org

The Idols Broadway Barbershop Heart Of England Chorus Friday 27th April, 7.30pm -

10.00pm at Birstall Social Club.

Tickets £7. “Come on along“

come on along” let us take you

to the sounds of a Broadway and Barbershop evening.

It’s the first time for a mixture of two different types of musical presentation, Songs from the

shows by the IDOLS followed by

four part unaccompanied harmony by the Heart of England Chorus.

There’s a bar and plenty of

parking at the Co-op car park

opposite the Social Club. You can buy online or on the door.

I’m looking forward to it, so “come on along“ and enjoy.

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CARILLON TOWER & WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM

We Are Now Closed This Year 01509 263370 - carillonmuseum@gmail.com - www.loughborough-rollofhonour.com

More Help Needed We are trying to identify a photograph in our collection. We believe it to have been taken in Loughborough towards the end of WW1. The civilian, we think is the Mayor but we need confirmation, anyone out there who can positively identify the man? This will also help date the photograph.

Work Is In Progress Unfortunately we will not be open this year but the work is necessary to make the tower fit for the next 100 years. Another great photograph from Lee Barrett of LKB Photography. Thank you!

What's New? Would You Like To Ring The Bells For The Centenary Of The Armistice In November 2018?

If so you need to start to learn now as it takes a while to learn how to control your bell. We welcome learners of any age but Whitwick church is also looking to train up a young band of ringers to ring on November 11th 2018 for the centenary of the end of the First World War. Are you interested to learn? We suggest you need to be over 12 years of age.

Have you some friends who would come and learn with you?

You don’t have to be young we always welcome learners of any age.

Practice night at Whitwick Church is Monday at 7.45-9pm. However we can arrange for other times for you to learn in the early stages.

Just get in touch with Janet Stevenson whitwickbells @gmail.com or 01530 458257.

A Medallion is to commemorate the crew of the Zeppelin L19 On the morning following the Zeppelin raid on Loughborough (31st January 1916) as people gathered in the town to survey the bomb damage they were unaware of a tragedy being played out in the North Sea. The Zeppelin L19 (L20 bombed Loughborough) having taken part in the raid on the 31st suffered engine problems on the return journey. With no power it was caught in the winds and drifted over the Netherlands. The Netherlands was neutral in WW1 but their gunners opened fire on the stricken airship before the wind changed and the L19 drifted back across the North Sea. Two day later a British trawler came across her in the sea, the crew, have ditched the fuel tanks and cut the gondoliers free to

lighten the load were now sat on top of the leaking gas bag.

They hailed the trawler but the captain refused to rescue them and steamed away leaving the German crew to drown. Drown they did but not before the Zeppelin Captain had written an account of what happened and the crew members wrote notes to their loved ones. These were put into a bottle and thrown in the sea to be picked up by Swedish fishermen sometime later.

The letters found their way back to Germany and there was a public outcry that the men had been abandoned by the British.

Even in this country the trawler crew were vilified for refusing to save sailors in distress, the captain of the trawler never went to sea again and drank himself to death.

PS. Our medallion is a reproduction, anyone got the real thing?

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Free

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Latest News From...

Spring Into Action Spring is in the air and we are surrounded by the images of cute and cuddly pictures of baby animals at this time. Aaaarh!

Well, traditionally baby animals are born in spring after the parent animals have paired up. Although some parents share the responsibility of rearing their young, often in nature, this is not the case. It’s also not the case that baby animals are only born in springtime.

Cats seem to have extended their season to breed throughout the year as the rescue centres across the country know. Pregnant females are often brought into rescue centres like Woodside and we are often full to bursting in the cattery! If mums have their kittens away from human company, these kittens grow up semi-wild and then become a local problem. Very quickly afterwards, the mums become pregnant again and the cycle continues. Sadly, stray, lost and unneutered cats live on the edge and are often injured in fights and are weakened by poor diet.

The answer? Do please get your male and female cats neutered and microchipped. It is amazing how many cats we deal with at Woodside as strays without a microchip. With a microchip we would be able to reunite them with their owners.

We put our pregnant mums into foster-care so that they, and their kittens, don’t become institutionalised in the cattery. It gives the mums security and this reduces their stress and the kittens grow up in a home environment. All of our mums are neutered and microchipped once their kittens are independent and all of the kittens are neutered and microchipped as part of our adoption process. This prevents the inevitable decline of the health of cats, as neutered cats generally settle into domestic life very gratefully!

Spring Tips For Cats:

• Make sure your cats are neutered • Microchip your cat • Ensure your details are up-to-date on the microchip • Keep an eye out for fleas • Use flea treatment regularly • Treat your home if your pets have fleas (Oh yes! Statistics suggest that for every flea you see on your cat, there are 9 more in your home!!!!!)

• Use worm treatment regularly • Groom your cat and put their fur out for the birds • If you would like to become a cat fosterer for Woodside, please our Reception team on 0116 2336677

• If you need help to microchip your pet, this can be arranged if you 0116 2336677. You would need proof of ownership (eg vaccination card) plus a utility bill. It’s a quick and efficient procedure and is a fantastic way to reunite lost cats with their owners.

Baby Birds: Birds will use the fur that you have groomed from your pets to line their nests. It is not too late to put up nest boxes in your garden but do please make sure they don’t face the prevailing wind and are also not exposed to the midday sun.

When baby birds are in their nest or nest box, they are relatively contained and safe. Once they fledge (leave their nests) they are very vulnerable.

Parents still feed them for a few weeks but the babies are out in the open and are easy targets for a variety of dangers. If you find a baby bird, don’t touch it unless you believe it to be in danger. If you feel it needs to be moved, place the fledgling into a bush with plenty of cover, even thorns, to deter predators. Stand back, keep an eye on the baby and soon the parents should return to feed it. You might hear “peeps” which is the communication calls between babies and their parents.

Dawn and dusk are particularly vulnerable times for fledglings and it is best if domestic cats are kept indoors during this time. Bird lovers are always quick to blame cats and their owners for the deaths of birds so I urge cat owners to think about their cats’ routines. We now live closer to others in our neighbourhoods with greater chances of cats being killed or injured on the roads so this is another good reason to consider for keeping cats in overnight.

Make sure that you continue to feed your birds and put out fresh water too. Parent birds will often feed their offspring seeds, caterpillars and insects and then use our feeding stations to top up their own diets. Avoid salty food scraps and “kibble” or break up peanuts in case these are fed to baby birds where they could easily get stuck.

Spring Tips For Birds:

• Put that nest box up before it’s too late! Birds like to explore these and often choose ones that have had chance to “weather”.

• Put out the fur you have groomed from pets for the birds to use for their nest-building. There is nothing better than to see a blue tit flying off with a hairy moustache that it will weave into its nest.

• Ensure good hygiene on bird feeding stations • Put out regular supplies of food and fresh water to help the parent birds to stay in good health.

• Please remember, if you can, keep your cats in from dusk to dawn to enable the fledglings to be safe.

How To Get Help:

• Speak to your vet/vet nurse about flea and worm treatment • Alternatively, pop into Woodside where our shop staff will advise you

Sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring as it emerges and feel proud of the fact that you are helping our native wildlife to flourish

about the products we sell

alongside us.

Protection Neutering Helpline on 03000 12 12 12 open Monday –

Ruth Lane

Friday 9.30am – 1pm.

Chairman of RSPCA Leicestershire based at Woodside Animal Centre

• If you need help with neutering your cat, please contact the Cats

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Loughborough Community Clubs & Groups 360MMA Mixed Martial Arts Club Loughborough - Richard Moon 07387405291richardmoon360@icloud.com - www.360mixedmartialarts.co.uk - We are a full time professional mixed martial arts centre for men, women and children. Classes available in kickboxing, MMA, boxing, wrestling and submission grappling. To claim your FREE taster session please use the contact details provided.

Age UK Charnwood Social Drop-in - Jeanette Silver 01509 260327 - Jeanette.silver@ ageukleics.org.uk - We are a friendly Social Drop-In for anyone over 50, whether you are just lonely, recently bereaved, divorced, a couple or just wanting to meet other locals. Information and advice on a range of agerelated issues offered. We meet at the Tesco Community Room, Tesco Park Road, Loughborough on 2nd & 4th Thursday of the Month between 10am – 12noon. Free refreshments and a warm welcome awaits you.

Age UK Charnwood Technology Drop-In - Jeanette Silver 01509 260327 - Jeanette. silver@ageukleics.org.uk - We offer 1:1 support with any problems about Smart Phones, iPads, Tablets or Laptops. If you are over 50, come along on either the 1st or 3rd Monday of the Month (excluding Bank Holidays) between 12.30pm and 2.30pm to The Tesco Community Room, Tesco Park Road, Loughborough.

Refreshments and a warm welcome awaits you.

All Join In - enquiries@ hatherncommunitylibrary.org www.hatherncommunitylibrary.org - Songs, rhymes and stories, 0-4 year olds at Hathern Community Library. 10.30am-11.00am, 1st and 2nd Thursdays of the month.

Alpha Club Of Loughborough - Val 01509 829861 - We are a friendship group for ladies who are semi retired or retired. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday mornings of each month at Loughborough Tennis Club, Ingle Pingle Lane, off Forest Road, (near Emmanuel Church). Our meetings consist of coffee and chat, followed by a visiting speaker. A warm welcome is guaranteed.

Brush Bowls Club - Chris Jackson 07969794631 chrisjackson.1946@gmail.com Visit us at Nanpantan Sports Area, Watermead Lane, Loughborough.

Charnwood Antiques & Collectables' Club - Rowland Tatton - 01509 268073 - We meet on the first Tuesday every month (except January, July and August) at the Rosebery Street Medical Centre in the Old School buildings. Commencing at 7.30pm-9.30pm. It is open to anyone whatever they collect, or are interested in collecting.

Charnwood Indoor Bowls Club - 01509 210018 - admin@ charnwoodindoorbowlsclub. co.uk - www. charnwoodindoorbowlsclub.co.uk - We operate all year round and look forward to meeting you.

Charnwood Meditation Group - Chris North 01509 506585 An independent not-for-profit community group. Newcomers welcome. 7:30pm every Thursday at Charnwood Road Community Centre, Shepshed. People not experienced in meditation please speak to Chris prior to first visit.

Charnwood Painting

& Drawing Club - David Chaplin 01509 230366 - dac. cdpc@gmail.com - www. charnwooddrawingpainting. com - We meet at Woodbrook Vale School, Loughborough and Barrow Beveridge Club.

Craft and Chat - enquiries@ hatherncommunitylibrary.org www.hatherncommunitylibrary. org - Bring your craft project and join us for a social crafting afternoon. Wednesdays 2-4pm (term time only). £2 per session, refreshments available.

East Midlands Martial Arts - 07984424811 - www. emkmartialarts.co.uk - Join our World Champion team & Grow Confidence, learn vital modern day Self Defence during our Freestyle Taekwondo & Kickboxing classes for Teens & Adults plus Special classes for Kids- "Junior Dragons" up to 4 classes per week at the towns only full time, fully equipped Combat sports academy: Loughborough Martial Arts Education Centre, at 1a Granby Street, LE11 3DU. Loughborough & District Philatelic Society - Rowland Tatton - 01509 268073 - We meet in the Old School Buildings adjacent to the Rosebery Street Medical Centre every 2nd and 4th Thursdays in a month. (except July & August), commencing at 7.15pm - 9.30pm. It is open to everyone, young or old, male or female.

Loughborough Air Cadets - 01509 235535 - 2229@ aircadets.org - www.2229.org. uk - TA Centre, 139 Leicester Road, Loughborough, LE11 2AF. We meet on Mondays & Thursdays at 19:00 - 21:30 Loughborough Army Cadets - www.armycadets.com - TA Centre, 139 Leicester Road, Loughborough, LE11 2AF. We meet on Thursdays at 7.00pm9.00pm Loughborough Beacon Rotary - Michael Charlesworth - 07712872936 - michael. charlesworth199@gmail.com - www.beaconrotary.org - We meet at Longcliffe Golf Club, Snells Nook Lane, Nanpantan, Loughborough at 7.00pm for 7.30pm on Tuesdays.

Loughborough Chess Club - Peter Hickman 07970172394 - www.loughboroughchess. co.uk - We meet on Wednesday evenings at the Fennel Street Club from 7:30 onwards. Anybody is welcome to drop in for a casual game.

Loughborough Dynamo FC 01509 237148 - www.pitchero. com/clubs/loughboroughdynamo - Watermead Lane, Loughborough, LE11 3TN. Loughborough Football Club - loughboroughfc@yahoo.co.uk Three adult teams(16 years plus) playing on Saturdays and Training each Wednesday at 7.00pm, players of all standards catered for. Coaches welcome to gain experience.

Ground and Floodlit Training Ground, The Drome, James Logan Way, Derby Road Playing Fields, Loughborough, LE11 5FJ. Loughborough Girlguiding - Liz 07979608603 (Volunteering) 0800 1695901 (General Enquires) - firstnanpantan@yahoo.com www.girlguiding.org.uk - The UK’s leading charity for girls and young women.

Loughborough Inner Wheel - www.innerwheeldistrict7.org -

loughboroughinnerwheel@gmail. com - We meet on the second Tuesday of the month (except August) At 7.00pm for 7.30pm at The Link Hotel, New Ashby Road, Loughborough LE11 4EX. Loughborough Jubilee Rotary - loughjubilee@gmail.com - www. loughboroughjubilee.org - We meet on a Thursday at 7.30pm for our weekly evening meeting.

We have a meal but there is no obligation to do so. Our meetings are a mixture of Rotary business, social events, activity organisation and fellowship with our parent club. Our venue is the Centro Lounge, Old Hospital Court, Baxtergate, Loughborough, LE11 1FS, however we do meet at other venues.

Loughborough Kofukan Karate Club - Gary 07742587326 - gary.hoyle01@gmail.com https://sites.google.com/site/ kofukankarateloughborough Traditional Shitoryu and modern sport karate for all ages 6-70+.

Come and learn this exciting new Olympic sport at Greenfields Sports and Social club under 6th dan qualified sports coaches & British, European & World referees, Holt Lane, Loughborough. Tuesday 7-10pm All welcome or pop along for a chat in the bar afterwards.

Loughborough Lions Club - Sue Dention 01509 812229 - suedention@hotmail.com Ann Parsons 01509 232422 - caroleannparsons@hotmail. com - Providing time and funds to those in need. Men and Women are welcome and we meet on the evenings of the 2 & 4th Monday of each month.

Loughborough Model Flying Club - Colin Monk 01509 828498 - www.lmfc.net - Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly meeting held at 8pm on the first Tuesday of every month, at The Peacock Inn, Factory Street, Loughborough, LE11 1AL. Visit our website for more information.

Loughborough Ramblers www.loughboroughramblers.org. uk - We are a friendly group of the Ramblers Association who enjoy walking, the interest and beauty offered by our countryside, and the friendship of like-minded people. Visit our website to find out more.

Loughborough Rugby Football Club - www.pitchero.com/clubs/ Loughborough - Senior Rugby, Womens and Girls Rugby, Mini and Junior Rugby - All abilities and ages are very welcome to join us. For contact details, dates & times visit website. Derby Road Playing Fields off Cotton Way, Loughborough, LE11 5FJ. Loughborough Scouts - 0845 6430159 - www. loughboroughscouts.org.uk - We change lives by offering 6-25 year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure and the chance to help others so that we make a positive impact in communities. Visit our website to find out more.

Loughborough Sea Cadets 07970772386 or 07971457848 - www.sea-cadets.org/ loughborough - facebook.com/ LoughboroughSeaCadets - We take boys and girls from 10 to 18 years old. We are also looking for Adult volunteers to become Instructors or Committee members. We meet on Tuesday and Thursday Nights at 6.30pm9.15pm. Come down, look around and have a chat. Beeches Road

Marina (next to the Peter Le Marchant Trust) Beeches Road, Loughborough, LE11 2NS. Loughborough Seniors Badminton Club - Jean 01509-558174 - Who play at the Loughborough Leisure Centre every Wednesday morning 9.00am -11.00am. It is a friendly club open to all, male or female, who enjoy the game of Badminton at whatever level.

Loughborough Speakers Club - www.loughboroughspeakers. org.uk - Meet at John Storer House on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7.15pm.

Part of a National Association of Speakers Clubs there are over 200 clubs in the UK. Its a friendly environment to practice speaking in front of an audience.

The aim is to gain confidence in presenting information. For work presentations, for after dinner or wedding speeches, or just for fun.

New members always welcome.

More information can be found on our website or the National website or just come along one Tuesday evening to see what happens.

Loughborough Twinning Association - Sue Hunt soohunt@hotmail.com - www. myweb.tiscali.co.uk/loughborough/ twinning - Loughborough is twinned with five cities - Zamosc in Poland, Epinal in France, Gembloux in Belgium, Schwabisch Hall in Germany and Bhavnagar in India.

We are always looking for new members or groups wishing to twin with their counterparts in one country or another. All five groups are thriving.

Loughborough Wednesday Cyclists - https://sites.google. com/site/wcyclists - We are a informal group that enjoy cycling but like to keep the mileage and speed low and the infusion of tea high. Provided the weather is good we gather at the Outwoods Drive roundabout at 9.30am on Wednesdays for a morning ride.

More information on our website.

Namaste Wellbeing namastewellbeing@gmail.com - For Parent Carers of Children & Young people (0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities, at Loughborough Shelthorpe Children’s centre, fortnightly, Fridays 9.30-12. Please email for precise date and activity list. This is part of the Leicestershire Parent Carer Forum.

New Age Kurling - 01509 260327 - Age UK are working in Partnership with Fearon Hall, Loughborough and holding regular New Age Kurling Sessions. The “Land” version of the wonderful Ice Curling in the Winter Olympics!

This version is open to everyone of any mobility (including wheelchair users) and can be played standing, sitting or standing using a pusher so you don’t even have to bend!

Great fun and very addictive. On between 1.30pm-3.00pm each Thursday at Fearon Hall, Rectory Road, Loughborough. 5 minutes walk from The Rushes or some onstreet parking in nearby roads. Cost £2 to include a cuppa and cake!

Quorn Bookbinding Group - www.bookbindingclass.uk - If you think you might like to learn bookbinding, why not come and join us. We meet on Monday evenings at Rawlins Academy in Quorn. You can find out more at www.bookbindingclass.uk. Or you could enrol on our 1 day taster Workshop on Saturday, April 21st - £15 for 6 hours tuition. You can find out more from the website.

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WANTING TO SEND IN AN ARTICLE ? SEE PAGE 3 FOR DETAILS

Member Of Parliament

County Councillor

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

E: max.hunt@leics.gov.uk

Nicky Morgan

It was great to welcome pupils

and expertise procured.

Westminster recently. They

in costs in other parts of the

from Limehust Academy to were enjoying the benefits

of Parliament’s relatively new

Education Centre and debating vigorously when I went to meet them! It is always a pleasure to

welcome constituents of all ages to Parliament. It doesn’t matter hold

old or young visitors are, everyone learns something from the

excellent tour guides. If you’d like

to visit (you don’t have to still be at school!) then do let me know.

I was very pleased to mark the

Unfortunately due to increases country the current Secretary

of State for Transport decided to axe our full electrification

in 2017. The line will only be

electrified up to Kettering and Corby. This is short sighted

for all sorts of reasons – both

environmental and financial. It also relies on the next trains

to be used on the line being both diesel and electric and

being able to accelerate quickly between stations.

recent English Tourism Week

Electrification isn’t just about

Chocolate Alchemy in the heart

trains. It is about future-proofing

with a visit to the fabulous

of Loughborough. As well as

being shown how to make Easter eggs by hand I was part of the

launch of a new Loughborough/ Charnwood tourist guide. The guide highlights many of the amazing tourist and leisure

opportunities in our area; as well

as highlighting an important part

slightly faster journeys and newer our line for the next generation.

We will remain the last intercity line to London not to be

electrified and this has knock-on effects for HS2 as well. I don’t

see why the Midlands should be

short changed so I will continue to challenge this decision.

of our economy which many local

Finally I was pleased to see the

at www.goleicestershire.com/

recently for wage rises of at least

jobs depend on. It can be found loughborough

Regular readers will know that I’ve been campaigning for full electrification of the Midland Mainline (the train line which

serves us here in Loughborough) for many years now. We thought this had been secured in 2012 and preparations started to

be made and local companies

Health Secretary set out plans 6.5% for over 1.1million NHS

workers in England. The lowest earning NHS staff will see their

wages rise by 15% over the next

three years. Meanwhile for many

other tax payers don’t forget that April will see another rise in the

income tax threshold so taxpayers get to keep more of their own

money to spend on themselves and their families.

GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US? We are always on the lookout for local news.

Please send articles to: communityeye@openboxpromotions.co.uk

Max Hunt

Are You A Motorist, A Pedestrian, A Cyclist Or A Passenger?

Of course, we’ve probably all been all of them at some point.

For the County traffic engineer, however, each mode of travel has its place and is separately addressed, prioritised and protected accordingly. The motorist is commonly regarded as the ‘king of the traffic jungle’, being faster and more flexible.

But the lion has to be tamed when it comes to parking and safety.

Walking and cycling occupy a special place because they are cleaner and healthier and free – but they don’t get you as far, as fast. Trains and buses are quite expensive even if you have a travel card but great for getting to know people!

Protecting Our Pedestrian Area In 1996, I was Chair of the Committee organising the pedestrianisation of the Market Place, which was then a car park. It is a space shared by many interests, but I will fiercely defend the safety of pedestrians in the town centre. Last month there was huge dismay when a proposal emerged to allow cyclists to mix with pedestrians all day on Cattle Market, the Market Place and Market Street. Whilst some cyclists might have been delighted, pedestrians were very worried, and as a councillor I was horrified. To understand how it might feel for pedestrians, cyclists need only think about those careless motorists who whistle past them so dangerously close. Our peaceful walking and carefree shopping centre which we created twenty years ago must be defended.

Why Charnwood Council initiated the idea of mixing cycles and shoppers in this area I fail to understand. The Borough Council has now abandoned the plan and the County Council are asking for compensation for their wasted time. Perhaps it’s time County took over Charnwood, and we had a Town Council to speak for us!

Who’s Going To Take The Bus? There are lots of good reasons why bus services should be supported. Buses are healthier than cars. Cars clog up our roads and produce nearly 60% of road transport carbon emissions,

compared with just 5% from buses. Four out of ten people over sixty use the bus at least once a week. Two thirds of people looking for a job either have no access to a vehicle or cannot drive. Older people often give up driving due to health conditions. Many children have no option but to use buses, and with the high cost of insurance and low wages it is hardly surprising that young people are amongst the biggest users.

Some people are still under the impression that Councils run the buses, or at least control them.

They don’t. Since the Conservative Government’s 1985 Transport Act, councils have had no statutory duty to provide buses and very little money to subsidise them.

Bus companies are private businesses and will only run services that make a profit. Many villages in the county would be completely cut off without a subsidised service. An example is the 129 Service which links small villages between Loughborough and Ashby.

We are fortunate here in Loughborough to have a community transport service which is run by John Storer Charnwood. People who find it difficult to travel due to health conditions can book a volunteer driver to take them to their appointment, but it can’t help everyone.

The County Council is now reviewing its Passenger Transport Policy and Strategy (PTPS). We want to make sure that we are spending what little money we have as sensibly as possible.

This will mean replacing some local routes with less frequent ‘Demand Responsive Services’ like minibuses or ring-a-ride. Some of these subsidised bus-routes could become profitable in this new form, in which case the bus companies might choose to keep them going without a subsidy.

The public consultation on the proposed changes to how Leicestershire County Council support passenger transport services ends on Wednesday, 13 June 2018. But don’t wait till then to have your say. Look out for the community events. Go online and give your views at www. leicestershire.gov.uk/have-yoursay/current-consultations

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WANTING TO SEND IN AN ARTICLE ? SEE PAGE 3 FOR DETAILS

Borough Councillor

Jonathan Morgan

E: cllr.jonathan.morgan@charnwood.gov.uk Supporting More Groups

As one of the largest boroughs

In Our Communities

in the country (the r is important

I have always been proud

of the support given by the

borough council to community groups. Each year the Council invests around £400,000 in

the borough’s voluntary and

community sector in the borough.

And I use the word invest

specifically as it is an investment.

We cannot do everything and that’s why the Council needs to work

with strategic partners like Citizens Advice, Clockwise, The Bridge and others to support residents.

We also then need to harness the power of the community and we

there), Charnwood’s growth is quite significant.

The point I made to Mr Javid was that Charnwood has planning permissions in place to meet our housing need for 15 years or so. What we cannot do is force developers to build homes at the rate we would perhaps all like. He was sympathetic to our concerns and assured me more would be done to help unlock sites.

However, this is only one element.

Meet Milo

Your Locoal Area Co-ordinator supporting Hastings Ward

Here to help you think about how you can make your life better, connect with people, find the right support and make positive changes Find out about local events and groups and opportunities for work and volunteering

Thursday April 26 12 noon - 2pm Fearon Hall Missed Milo in the Hall?

Tel: 07985 535945 Email: hastingsward@lacsleicestershire.org.uk

We are also talking to

do this by funding a wide range

neighbouring authorities about

each year. For example, Cabinet

increase affordable housing.

grants to support community

homes ourselves is an option.

and an upcycling project that also

Balancing The Books

of individual projects and groups

how we can work together to

recently approved £21,000 in

Forming a company and building

Local Area Co-ordination Local Area Co-ordination is supported by Leicestershire County Council, Charnwood Borough Council, critical commisioning groups, Leicestershire Police and Voluntary Action Leicester through the Better Care Fund.

rban The u hall village

in the heart gh

of Loughborou

allotments, wellbeing activities

allows vulnerable people learn new skills.

The Council is now looking to strengthen this work.

A proposal will soon be discussed

to create a Member Grant Scheme which would see each member allocated £1,000 to award to

projects in their wards. The aim is

to spread the funding we do have available to every corner of the

borough, utilising members’ own community knowledge.

National Planning Policy Needs To Work Better I recently met the Right Hon

Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to discuss the

And The Bins Finally, the charge for our garden waste service is going up to £40 in May (and now frozen for two years) following a larger reduction in funding from the county council. We don’t want to put up charges but we do want to protect frontline services and make the most of every single pound in our very tight budget.

We are already prepared to use

New Age Kurling @ Fearon Hall, Rectory Road, Loughborough (5 minutes walk from The Rushes as very limited parking on site)

When?: Thursdays What time?: 1.30pm -3.00pm How much?: £2 per session (incl refreshments!)

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Also suitable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.

up to £1.5 million of our reserves in the next financial year so we need to make tough decisions and we continue to find efficiencies within the council, to make sure that any increases we make to charges are as small as possible.

planning system.

What I would say is that for

The meeting came as the

value for money, cheaper than

to overhaul planning rules to

12 months of the year (unlike

I used the opportunity to clarify

and takes a lot of hassle out of

£40, the service is still excellent

government announced plans

some other authorities, operates

encourage house building and

most others around the county),

Charnwood’s position.

gardening for 77p a week.

For more info please contact Age UK Charnwood Office on: 01509 260327 or call Fearon Hall on - 01509 230629

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