August 2021 Your Local Ratby, Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forest East

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Picnic In The Park Sunday 22nd August Free Entry!

Leicester Animal Aid Kitten Season Leicester Forest East Community Library Antiques Collectors & Vintage Fair Sunday 22nd August

The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group

A New Parish Wildlife Website

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Deadline Date: Friday 3rd September Delivery Date: Friday 10th September

Article by Joan Hawkins

The Lunch Club is making a welcome return on Sunday 22/8/There is always space for new people so if you are interested in attending or know someone who might like to attend whether they live on their own or maybe a couple who would enjoy the company of other people We do not make a charge for this meal but if you would like to leave a donation it helps us to ensure we can continue to provide a 3 course traditional Sunday lunch for everyone.

If you would like to attend please contact Joan Hawkins: Pastoral Assistant Tel no. 0116 2395826

Kirby Muxloe Free Church Holiday At Home 2021 Article by Paul Wisdish September 7th and 9th.

Arranged by Kirby Muxloe Free Church, Main Street, K.M. LE9 2AN. An opportunity for fun, fellowship, games, quizzes, entertainmentlunches, and much more.

Application forms from the church office 0116 2393173.

Leicester Animal Aid Association Article by Nicole Blair

Kitten Season What is kitten season? Kitten season is a term used to describe the period in which cats predominantly breed and give birth. Although cats can breed nearly all year long, Kitten Season tends to run from April to late autumn. During the summer months, LAA tends to see a higher number of pregnant cats and kittens coming through the doors, all needing new homes.

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There’s no doubt kittens are incredibly cute bundles of joy. Things will never be the same again once a furry little ball of energy enters your life. Watching them grow up with you and your family is an absolute delight.

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Kinder is a three year old tortoiseshell domestic shorthair (coat colouring named for its similarity to tortoiseshell material) who came into our care through her previous owner. She came in heavily pregnant and has been with us a while now after having four kittens. We know she has had multiple litters in the past and now is her time to have all the love and attention she deserves.

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Though she was a fantastic mum, Kinder has now been spayed and her life starts now. Kinder is a sweetnatured girl who enjoys fuss but it may be on her own terms at times. If you are lucky you will get a little face bump! She is still quite young-at-heart and enjoys playing with her toys so she will need a home where the adopters are willing to give her the physical and mental stimulation she needs.

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The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent OpenBox Promotions Ltd. OpenBox Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/terms Magazine printed by Norwood Press, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, Leicestershire, LE67 1EU

Kinder can live with respectful children aged 12 years and over. She prefers the company of people over other animals, so she would need to be rehomed as the only pet in the house. She will eventually need indoor and outdoor access, as she loves to explore.

We have many cats just like Kinder still looking for their forever home. If you are interested in meeting her, our current kittens or any other cat available for adoption, please visit our website to fill out the Interested Parties form - www. leicesteranimalaid.org.uk If now is not the right time for adopting a cat or kitten but you would still like to support our mission, you could always visit the Amazon Wishlist on our website to donate muchneeded kitten food. Or you could even sign up to become a LAA Member! Membership to Leicester Animal Aid is one of the very best ways you can demonstrate your commitment to helping dogs and cats in need. Please visit the Membership page on our website for more information.

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Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling

A New Parish Wildlife Website Article by Holly Mann

Leicester Forest East Parish Council now has its own feature pages on the Leicestershire and Rutland NatureSpot website. If you haven’t visited the NatureSpot website yet, you are missing out on what has rapidly become the most popular resource for identifying local wildlife. NatureSpot provides a photographic guide to over 7,000 species – all found in Leicestershire and Rutland. In addition, the website invites the public to submit sightings of all wildlife seen – helping to build a picture of what lives where in the two counties.

The website is feature-packed, including pages that highlight the wildlife of parishes. Leicester Forest East Parish Council is one of these featured parishes. Here you can see a list of all the recent wildlife sightings plus images submitted with these records.

NatureSpot was set up in 2011 and is run by volunteers. All the images have been taken in Leicestershire and Rutland by the public and it is a great example of citizen science in action. Every species has its own page, with photos, descriptions, ID tips and where and when to see it. It also describes how common or rare it is, both in Leicestershire and in the UK as a whole, with live maps showing every sighting. As you add a sighting, a new dot appears on the map. It also keeps track of all your submitted records, allowing you to sort, filter and download any aspect of your list.

Thousands of local people have contributed, with numbers growing every month, and even more visit the website to view what’s been seen and to use the wildlife galleries help identify species they’ve seen. Monthly visits exceed 100,000 per month. The data collected is put to good use and is shared with local and national recording schemes, as well as managers of nature reserves and other sites of wildlife importance. The data helps to inform decision-making about how best to manage land for conservation.

Anyone can submit a wildlife record and the website makes this really easy.

Common species are just as important to record as rare species in order to monitor changes in population and distribution over time. Gardens are one of the best places to start your wildlife recording, as well as local parks and open spaces. What visits your bird feeders? Do you see butterflies in the garden? Do you have a pond with frogs? Register with the website and start to record straight away. The form even has a map that you simply click to fill in the grid reference. You can attach a photo to your record if you have one, but this isn’t a requirement. Photos are however a great way to provide evidence of your sightings and can also be emailed to NatureSpot for identification help if you are not sure.

Occasionally species turn up that have not been recorded on NatureSpot before and these are then added to the library and given a new species page.

Indeed there have been a significant number of new species seen that are completely new to Leicestershire. So how many more species are there to be found? The truth is that no-one knows and in any case the picture changes all the time with some species expanding their range and others declining.

Some of the most commonly recorded species are Little Egrets, Red Kites and Harlequin Ladybirds that would have been very rare sightings just 10 years ago.

The website also has pages highlighting many of the county’s nature reserves, country parks and other significant ‘wild places’, there is a NatureChat forum to exchange views with other visitors – and a new ‘Explore’ feature – an interactive map where you can see a map of your own records or those for a species or a locality that you choose. If you have an interest in wildlife you will enjoy NatureSpot – and why not make your own contribution to science and conservation by submitting records of your own wildlife sightings?

To visit the Leicester Forest East Parish Council page, look for the parish menu links on the home page www.naturespot.org.uk

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Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are in the vaccination program with second course completed. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually.

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A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries.

As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be particular interest to couples who have come together and have children with different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensuring that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property, they can still sell the property and the proceeds to be used to purchase a new property, the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

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Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Temporary Traffic Regulation Order Markfield Road/ Bradgate Hill/ Wallace Drive/ Lena Drive, Groby.

Leicestershire County Council Highways has agreed to a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order at the above location. Temporary road closures and speed restrictions are required on Markfield Road / Bradgate Hill (A50) between A50 Roundabout at the Junction of Bradgate Hill and Leicester Road to Landfill Reclamation Site and Newtown Linford Lane on the 16th August 2021. This will be for up to 5 weeks from 20.00 to 06.00. The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order will be implemented for public safety for Leicestershire County Council to facilitate carriageway resurfacing, traffic signals upgrade and any other associated work to the highway. Lane closures and speed restrictions will also be required during the day to undertake traffic signal works and to maintain access to Wallace Drive and Lena Drive. Week commencing 16th Aug –Mon to Fri –Overnight Southbound Closure. Week commencing 23rd Aug –Mon to Fri Overnight Northbound Closure. Week commencing 30th Aug & Week commencing 6th Sep –Overnight Southbound Closure. Week commencing 13thSep –Lane Closures will be in use. The proposed alternative diversion route will be via: A50, M1 J22 to J21, M1 J 21 to J21a, A46, A50 and vice versa. During the closures, alternative routes available to all traffic can be viewed at https://one.network/?tm=GB122266503 Leicestershire County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during these works.

Highway Close, Groby.

I contacted the Borough Councils enforcement team in April again this year as the verge outside the new development on Leicester Road Groby had been left to go to weeds and not maintained. There was a planning condition on the original planning application to landscape the site including the verge. I was told planning enforcement officers were following this up. I chased this up again on the 2nd August as nothing had been done to landscape the verge. The only thing that has been done was to strim the weeds each side of the junction of Highway Close. I have asked for positive planning enforcement by Hinckley and Bosworth Council as it is now over 4 months since I last contacted their planning department. I am now assured the officer will speak with his team leader to take positive action forward.

Permissive Footpath between The Ivanhoe Line Track Ratby and Sacheverell way.

I have received several emails complaining that the horses had broken the fence down near to the double gates at the horse crossing point. I also received complaints one of the gates had come off its hinges and that the footpath needed strimming on both sides. I am pleased to say after contacting the company maintaining the path they have done the lot.

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Between the 5 July and 31 August, we're offering a 20% early bird discount on all fee-paying courses, which can be used in conjunction with our existing 70% fee reduction (available for learners in receipt of either a low income or certain benefits).

For more information on the courses on offer this year, or for help with enrolling, you can call us on FREE Phone 0800 988 0308 from 8am to 7pm Monday-Friday. Lines will also be open from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 21 and 28 August. Alternatively, you can email us: adultlearning@leics.gov.uk and we'll contact you directly. To view our complete rage of courses, or to enrol online, see: GoLearn! Course Search Type in the following to go to the web page or go to the County Councils website and type in Golearn. www.leicestershire.gov.uk/education-and-children/ adult-education/adult-learning-courses-golearn Information, advice and guidance Digital skills Employability courses English and Maths English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Languages British Sign Language (BSL) Learning for Independence (adults with learning difficulties/disabilities) Learning for Confidence and Better Mental Health Learning for Wellbeing Information, Advice and Guidance Not sure of the right course for you?

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To get information advice and guidance call us to book an appointment Revised service model to support children and young people to be healthy in Leicestershire.

This Consultation runs from the 22nd July to the 17th September 2021 Public Health undertook informal engagement during May and June 2021 to gather views of the current service and understand where improvements could be made. Service users and service providers were questioned about their experience of the current service model and where improvements could be made.

Following the earlier review of our existing service and the feedback we received, we would like your views on the proposed changes to the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) for 0-10 and 11+ aged children and young people.

The Healthy Child Programme provides a service for children and families in Leicestershire to improve their physical and mental health. It is available for children and young people aged 0-19 and young people up to age 25 who have SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) or who have left care at 18 years.

As the council is still in the process of defining many key aspects of the HCP this consultation is your opportunity to help shape the future of the service.

Who would be affected by the proposed changes?

• Children and Young people and their families

• Pregnant women and their partners • Professionals working with children and their families What we want your views on 0-10 Service There will be no significant changes for the 0-10 service age group because many services in this area are statutory. Instead, the council intends to look for ways to achieve more consistent practice and an improved offer to families and professionals.

We also propose an additional check for children aged between age 3-4 months (digitally) and a face to face check between 2-2 ½ years and school age as recommended in the national review. There are 6 high impact areas that the government want us to focus on. These are: 1. Supporting Maternal and Family mental health (New) 2. Supporting the transition to parenthood (current) 3. Supporting breastfeeding (Current) 4. Supporting healthy weight and Nutrition (New) 5. Improving health literacy; reducing accidents and minor illnesses (New) 6. Supporting health, wellbeing and development: Ready to learn, narrowing the ‘word gap’ (New) The consultation and data had identified two additional local priorities. These are: 7. Supporting Oral Health (New local priority) 8. Supporting reducing Obesity (New local priority) 11+ Service We propose that the 11+ age group services should be more targeted to support children and young people transition into school and ensure appropriate support is available. We suggest that the service is focussed around the six high impact areas mandated by the government as well as the four defined local priorities identified through the engagement work earlier this year. (The detailed priorities are in the questionnaire. As per the 0-10 service, the council also intends to look for ways to achieve more consistent approach to practice and an improved offer to families and professionals.

We are also proposing that Leicestershire’s children, young people and their families and carers can access both universal services (open to all) and targeted services (focused on some people) when they need them, to improve their health and wellbeing at the right time, in the right way and in the right place. For more information please refer to the documents below which were presented to Cabinet on 20 July 2021: Go to the Leicestershire County Councils website and type in current consultations.

Or paste in the following in your browser. www. leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/currentconsultations/revised-service-model-to-supportchildren-and-young-people-to-be-healthy-inleicestershire Carers strategy review spring-summer 2021.

This engagement runs from Tuesday 22 June Tuesday 31 August 2021 The information you provide will be used to develop the LLR Carers Strategy 2022 – 2025, alongside further engagement, coproduced project work with carers, and local and national data.

This survey is about life before Covid-19 but we acknowledge that the past year has significantly impacted carers, with numbers of carers providing more care, supporting those with increasing needs,

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often unable to take a break wanting to protect themselves and the person they care for.

With that in mind we have provided a question on the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns to provide comment on the last year too. To take part in this survey go to the County councils website and type in current consultations.

Or paste the following in your bowser www.leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/ current-consultations/carers-strategy-review-spring-summer-2021 Covid Passport Scam.

Please be aware of the following Covid Passport Scam email. Several are circulating the clue is in the senders email address. Again they are after your bank details. I have changed the name of the recipient.

Important - Official invitation for your Covid-19 Passport - UK Digital COVID-19 Certificate | DigitalPassport No. GB1096COVID007574UK0084 | 27/07/2021 From: NHS - National Health Service <digital@nhs.uk> <sandytriebe@hotmail.com> Sent: 27 July 2021 10:19 To: Bill Blogs@hotmail.com < Bill Blogs@hotmail.com> Subject: important - Official invitation for your Covid-19 Passport - UK Digital COVID-19 Certificate | DigitalPassport No. GB1096COVID007574UK0084 | 27/07/2021 Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS Dear Bill Blogs@hotmail.com, The COVID-19 travel certificate has been created in a bid to restore the freedom of travel, which has been put at a halt for over a year now, since the pandemic erupted all over the block.

Through the certificate, the Commission intends to remove travel restrictions as entry bans, quarantine obligation, and testing.

Those holding such a document will be able to travel throughout Europe without the need to quarantine or test for COVID-19 Please confirm or reject your invitation by selecting an option below: >> N H S - ACCEPT Invitation >> N H S - Decline Invitation The Passport will be issued to all those who have been fully vaccinated against the Coronavirus, with one of the four vaccines approved by the National Medicine Agency, which are: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) The certificate will prove that its holder has been vaccinated while also containing additional information on the vaccine, as when the doses were administered, who is the manufacturer, etc.

Who can use this service You can only use this service if you have received an email/SMS regarding this invitation. You can not use this service for anyone other than yourself.

You are also free to reject this invitation, your appointment will be issued to the next person in line in that case.

You are required to reply to this invitation within 12 hours of this notification.

This is an OFFICIAL invitation sent to bill blogs@hotmail.com 2021 NHS Crown Copyright HMRC Tax Scam Please note the email address this came from coupled with the spelling errors, it immediately tells you it’s a scam.

GOV.uk <lstone@gttb.com> Wed 14/07/2021 18:47 HMRC - Notice Hi, We are pleased to inform you that after the last annual calculation of your fiscal activity we have determined that you are eligible to receive a tax return of £3784.92 Description Tax Return #GB124790763461192Z Issued Date: 14/07/2021 (08:00AM) Expiration Date: 15/07/2021 (23:00PM) Refundable Amount : £3784.92 United Kingdom Note: In order to receive your refund, you need to create a Government Gateway account and provide us the information nedded to get your payment .

Currency £3784.92 Tax Return #8121247907634845 Delivery: Electronically by Card If you don't create a government gateway account, you will not receive your refund. This email was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming email. Please do not reply to this message.

Sub Total £3784.92 Delivery 0.00 Total £3784.92 Payment method: Online Crown Copyright Finally I would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents. Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

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Blaby Green Party Article by David Fawkes

Our Green Party District Councillor, Kirsteen Thomson, recently proposed a motion to declare a Climate Emergency. The council meeting was held online, and members of the public could watch via You Tube. She knew the motion was unlikely to be passed but bravely explained why global warming should be treated as a local emergency because it threatens the future of children who live in Blaby.

The motion caused a heated debate but in the end was voted down by the Conservatives who felt that the council was already doing enough to reduce carbon emmisions.

Blaby District Council aim to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. Most other councils in the UK have now declared a climate emergency and aim to be Carbon Neutral by 2050 or before. Central government has also declared a Climate Emergency and have made it law that the UK will be Carbon Neutral by 2050.

Kirsteen attended the last full council meeting which has now restarted at the council offices.

Here’s a quick update: 1: New constituency boundary lines are being drawn up at the moment which will be contentious as Glenfield would be part of Leicester West instead of Charnwood. www.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk 2: Reworking of how the council functions e.g. hybrid online meetings to cut the carbon footprint etc are also being considered across all councils.

3: Blaby District Council have refurbished their first group of flats which was over budget but should still return a profit. They have learned lessons in how they can avoid some pitfalls in the future. The building that was refurbished is an old building of character and improves the overall look of the area.

4: At a previous meeting it was decided to remove static recycling bins in public places due to the cost. They were also prone to contamination through misuse a large proportion of the time.

5. The new 7kw car charging points located in: Leicester Road, Narborough; Weavers Court, Narborough; and Enderby Road, Blaby are now live!

6. Councillors gave feedback on the proposed planning changes which are being discussed in the media at the moment. Kirsteen’s stance as a councillor is that it is vitally important “ how we build and where we build!” She was the only councillor to object at the planning meeting to the development of houses just next to Ratby Lane and Desford Road.

7. Air quality levels overall, and in particular in LFE, have improved but we suspect that this may be due to fewer cars on the road during the pandemic.

8. Kirsteen spoke up for an integrated cycling/ walking route that is well signposted and made to feel safe and separately laned. She is working with the Conservatives and it seems to have cross party support. Blaby District Council promote walking and cycling as a healthy way to commute, travel to school or college, or the shops. Cycling can be done more safely if good cycle paths are provided.

Leicester City Council want to be carbon zero by 2030. They have launched a Draft Transport Plan proposing more cycle paths, electric bike hire, electric buses, and better car parking management with the aim of avoiding rush hour congestion. Search Leicester transport plan 2021 – 2036 to find out more and add your comments.

Christiane Startin-Lorent, a Blaby Green Party member and Braunstone Town Councillor,has also been working hard around climate issues in Braunstone Town. Have a look at the council website to comment on the Climate Change and Environmental Strategy and attend the online public meeting.

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Ratby Community Library And Crow Pie Cafe Article by Joan Burton

We're back in full swing in the library and it has been good to greet so many visitors, many of whom have been joining the library for the first time, whilst others are regulars from many years past. Ours is a friendly, open space yet with plenty of areas to sit and read to younger members, have a chat over a great cup of coffee or tea, use our laptops, free internet as well as our printing facilities, not to mention browse the up to date and substantial library stock.

We are also re-introducing some of our most popular events such as the monthly quiz night and fortnightly session for pre-school children, the very popular, Wriggly Readers.

Quiz Night with Steve Roche as question master!

Friday 17th September at 7.30 pm kicks off the new season so do come along either in teams or as individuals, all are welcome.

Wriggly Readers starts on Thursday 2nd September, 10.30 – 11am For songs and story time, followed by play and time to chat over refreshments. This is a closed session for the group only, giving more space to the children and their carers although the afternoon opening session will be for everyone as usual. There is no need to book a place – just come along.

Summer Reading Challenge 2021 This has been very popular, seeing many youngsters signing up, reading with enthusiasm and some already claiming their certificates and medals. If your child is eager to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge do come in and find out what we have to resource their reading.

The challenge runs until Saturday 5th September. It’s designed for children from 4 - 12 years of age (including children who will be 4 by the 31st August).

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“We love the new tables and the chairs are so comfortable.”

“You ladies are always such a friendly lot.”

“This latte is better than you get in Leicester!”

All direct quotes from visitors to the cafe. So, just to make sure the village of Ratby all gets a chance to try it out, we are having a grand Crow Pie Café Coffee Morning 4th September 10.30am – 12 midday!

On September 4th we will be hosting a coffee morning at the library. As a special treat, all hot drinks will be accompanied by a free toasted tea cake.

Run by our volunteer staff, there will be a cake sale, raffle and some special treats for children, not to mention the sale of donated books and cds. Why not come to our grand cafe re-launch and see for yourself the new layout and re-furbishment that has taken place as well as test out the new menu of food and drinks?

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If you have two hours a week to spare, why not come and join our community of library volunteers? We're a cheerful bunch of all ages and gender and interests. Some prefer the cafe work, others like the book and computer tasks but we all muck in together and do our best to provide a pleasant, friendly environment for our community. Full training is offered so do call in and talk to us about joining our staff; you really won't regret it.

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Leicester Forest East Community Library New and restarting activities from September **NEW** Coffee after dropping the kids at Stafford Leys – September the 1st Fancy a coffee and chat after dropping your kids off at Stafford Leys on a Wednesday morning. We are opening the library from the 1st September so that parents and pre-school children can get together for a coffee and chat/ play/read. All welcome. If successful we may extend to other days of the week so your support is required.

Well Being Event – 4th September 2021 For those who may (and don’t think that they) need assistance in reestablishing their mental health and balance after the unprecedented year with a healthy buffet provided to chat, supporting information and wellbeing to each other. Full details on the Web site

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*Restarting* The following activities are restarting in September Story & Rhyme for preschool children - Friday 2.30pm to 3pm Construction Club – 10th September then fortnightly 5pm to 6.30pm Mother & Baby Drop In – Monday 10am to Noon (All Mothers with babies up to the age of 12 months are welcome) Other activities and facilities As well as loaning books your membership of the library allows you access to e-books and audio books as well. We also have had a lot of new books courtesy of Leicestershire County Council as well as rotating the books to give a variety over the year. Covid Lateral flow tests are available.

We have 4 internet enabled PC’s with an extra 2 secured for Children (age restricted) so that you can use the internet and print off to the printer located in the library (we do charge for the printing to cover the costs of the paper and ink).

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Please drop round for a coffee morning on the first Saturday in the month.

Other groups that take place are: • Knit and Natter - Monday 7pm to 9pm • Coffee and Chat - Wednesday 10am to Noon • The Craft Group - Wednesday 6pm to 8pm • The LE3 ladies group - 3rd Thursday of the Month 7pm to 9pm For full information please see our website www.lfelibrary.org or the Facebook page. Alternatively, please call into the library and speak to one of the volunteers.

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Active Future Comes To Leicester Article by Andrew Hill

Active Future Leicester delivers sports and activity sessions to children and adults of all ages, needs and abilities throughout Leicester and Leicestershire. After success in the North, Active Future has launched across Leicestershire. Their first weekly Futsal session, scheduled for 6pm on the 20th August 2021 offers children aged 6-9 years old two free taster sessions with sessions for other age groups and other activities being developed.

Held at Leicester Sports Centre, 16 Commercial Square, LE2 7SR which has been newly fitted out in time for sports and leisure activities returning to normal after nearly two years of disruption due to Covid-19, Active Future Leicester aim to instil a love of movement and encourage life-long participation in sport and activity. Leicester Sports Centre features two bar areas, a viewing platform, vending machine, arcade games and free parking during Active Future Leicester’s sessions!

With specialist, qualified coaches at their helm, Active Future Leicester are inclusive of all regardless of skill, ability or needs with a focus on enjoyment rather than competition.

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Places are limited so parents hoping to enrol their children and claim their two free taster sessions are invited to register their interest by sending a message to Active Future Leicester’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook. com/activefutureleicester) or emailing andrew.hill@activefuture.info Fostering an environment of inclusivity that allows players to grow into the game and have fun, Active Future Leicester are in talks with a range of organisations and specialist coaches to develop new activity and sport sessions so there is something for everyone! Active Future Leicester believes in offering sports and activity provision at an affordable cost with session fees from £6 per session.

As a franchisee of Active Future covering Leicester and Leicestershire, Active Future Leicester shares the vision of changing the lives of one million people per week.

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Why not come and enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment and Why companionship not come and enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment and companionship

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each month, Through the year we show a selection of films specifically each month, suited Through for the the year we show a selection of films specifically suited for the senior citizens. Some films are fairly recent releases but we also show seniorsome citizens. of the Some films are fairly recent releases but we also show some of the great old classics

The dates are as follows Friday 15th October Friday -afternoon 12th November Friday 20th August (HOLIDAY AT HOME week Friday 10th Decembertea included) (booking only) Friday 10th December Friday 14th January Friday 10th September Friday 14th January Friday 11th February Friday 11th February Friday 15th October Friday 10th March Friday 10th March Friday 12th November Friday 10th December Tea/coffee and cakes are available after the show Tea/coffee and cakes are available after the show Friday 14th January For more information please contact Joan Hawkins tel:0116 2395826 For more information please contact Joan Hawkins tel:0116 2395826 Friday 11th February Friday 10th March Friday 15th October

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The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group Article by Judith Upton

The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group generally meets 6 times a year, and membership is open to all.

Details of the dates of meetings, together with the topics that will be covered, are shown on the notice board in Kirby Muxloe Library and on our website, which is www.kirbymuxloelocalhistorygroup.org Unfortunately, due to the Corona virus (Covid-19), all our meetings are cancelled until further notice. This includes our new “Memories” meetings, held at the Library meeting room each month. We will continue to support “Your Local” magazine with our monthly articles. We hope to restart our meetings on September 28th. We will post details on our website and in future articles as we are able to confirm them.

We have now extended our monthly newsletter to non-members of the History Group. A FREE copy can be picked up at Kirby Muxloe Library, Station Road, or Clann Gifts on Main Street, or email copies on request from info@kirbymuxloelocalhistorygroup.org Leicester Market and its surrounds Our article in June focused on Leicester Market and the memories of Jan Timson. This month, we take a look around the shops which surrounded the Market Square. However, before we begin, we must mention a phone call that came in not long after the publication of Your Local magazine in June.

It came from Gwen Berryman, an elderly lady who lives in Kirby Muxloe.

I visited Gwen the next week and spent a very happy hour, listening to her memories and talking of her love of swimming and dancing in earlier years.

Gwen was quite anxious to talk about her memories of the market and in particular working for Mrs Cohen, who sold furs. As a young girl, about to start her first employment, Gwen was very anxious about money – that is, taking money from a customer and giving the correct change. She said that as a youngster, she had read comics and they always featured a child, who could not master his/her arithmetic, standing in the corner of the classroom wearing a Dunce’s hat. This had a very long-lasting impression on Gwen and so she was frightened of dealing with money. She said that Mrs Cohen was a very kind lady who took Gwen under her wing, invited her to her house and drove her to the market in Loughborough three times a week so that Gwen could help on the market stall. Slowly, Gwen’s confidence grew and she has very fond enduring memories of Mrs Cohen.

Now, on to some of the shops surrounding the market and back to Jan’s stories. Jan remembers Blackman’s the tobacconist, which was on Cheapside, not far from Walker’s pork pie shop. The shop had a wonderful curved brass engraved windowsill outside. The engraving was very ornate, with the words “Blackman’s the Tobacconist” and always looked as if it had just been polished. Besides tobacco, cigarettes, snuff and cigars, they also sold pipes of all sorts. There were three main materials used for making pipes: clay (the original material), briar (a type of wood) and, for Meerschaum pipes, Sepiolite, a mineral from the Black Sea. Some pipes had straight stems and some were curved. They also sold pipe cleaners and spills, and also lighters, including beautiful Dunhill table lighters, some of which are now collector’s pieces. Walking sticks were displayed in a round stand, with their ferrules (metal or rubber caps to cover the tip) kept in a drawer at the back of the counter. When the shop changed hands, the brass sill was retained and a report in the Leicester Mercury said that it was protected. Unfortunately, it has now gone.

Adderley’s, which became Marshall and Snelgrove, was a very high class store selling ladies clothes. We rarely went into the shop, so I don’t have many memories. Broughton and Jones, Ironmongers, was a large double fronted shop with very high windows. I loved going there with my dad.

They sold nails and screws loose. Behind the counter were big wooden drawers, each with a different size of nail or screw. Using a metal scoup, the required weight was transferred to the brass pan of a large set of scales on the counter and then wrapped in strong paper. Incidentally, after my dad died, my husband Eric and I were cleaning out dad’s workshop, when we

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Queuing for Walker's Pork Pie shop, Cheapside, at Christmas in the 1950' opened a drawer in his workbench. Suddenly, a large quantity of folded brown paper popped up! it took a considerable effort to fold it up again and shut the drawer. What dad had saved the paper for, I haven’t the foggiest idea! We knew all the staff at Broughton and Jones and when out shopping in the market with my mum, if the bags became too heavy, we would just pop into B and J and leave them behind the counter, until dad returned and carried them back to the car. Thank you Jan for another excellent story.

Future articles will cover W.H. Smith, Walker’s Pork Pie shop, Tom Brown, gentleman’s outfitter, Greyfriars – a sort of health food shop and Bentley’s household requisites.

If you have any memories of the shops surrounding Leicester Market in the 1940’s, ‘50’s or even 60’s, please email us at info@ kirbymuxloelocalhistorygroup.org. We would love to hear your memories and even if we are unable to include all of them in Your Local magazine articles, they will be included on our website.

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Well, hello again! Fingers and everything else crossed, things are looking up, are they not? If only the weather would look up too………. It feels so good to be getting things in the Library back to normal – not quite there yet, but steps are being taken. By the beginning of September, we are hopeful that everything will be in place.

So let’s have a look at the upcoming changes.

As of now, there is no restriction on numbers coming into the Library. The one-way system has been removed and – most importantly – the toilet has been re-opened for use by the public! As this is the only public toilet in Kirby Muxloe, we hope to see you again! We have partially re-opened the café and the good old coffee machine is back in action, together with snacks. We have put a table and some chairs in the garden so you can enjoy a drink in the open air, weather permitting of course.

We are requesting that you continue to wear face masks and to sanitise hands upon entry, and the Test and Trace system is still in operation, for everyone’s safety.

Perfect Pins In Time For Summer Article by Gary Trickett

We have a number of events for families and children in August. Once the Theatre Production is finished, we will bring back all the furniture (tables, chairs and children’s stuff) so that the Library will look as it did before Covid struck. We will also be taking down the one-way system at entry and exit, and the whole place should have a much more attractive look and feel to it. By September, we plan to be back to our full opening hours, to have all the public computers up and running, and to have a grand re-opening of the Blue Potts Café. Hooray!

Many people think of varicose veins as being a ‘female affliction’ and while pregnancy can be a contributing factor, many men are affected too, especially those with jobs that require them to spend hours at a time on their feet, or sat behind a desk. In addition to the veins themselves, legs can often feel tired and heavy and may be prone to swelling and cramping.

As we are gradually getting our opening hours back to normal, we are a little bit worried that some of our great band of volunteers are perhaps a little reluctant to return? Your Library needs you!! We can assure you that we have made the environment as safe as it can possibly be. It has been really good to meet up with our old friends again. If you are worried that you have forgotten what to do, fear not – we have all been in the same boat and everything has fallen into place very quickly, with of course invaluable help from Wigston Hub. Just make sure that you are on with an experienced person and all will be well.

Support stockings can help. They work by exerting more pressure near the ankles and feet, providing an extra squeeze that promotes blood flow.

And of course we extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to become a volunteer. Just pop in and have a word, fill in a form and we will do everything else. If nothing else, Covid has brought home the value of living in a community – giving service back is a great way to start our postCovid lives, don’t you think?

Don’t forget the events for families that we have coming up in August. The Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing for children aged 4-11, with prizes, certificates and so on available to all who take part. On Saturday August 14th we have two separate Theatre Production performances, at 11.00 and 2.00. There will be 6 tents in the Library for families, with lots of opportunities to do fun things under the direction of an experienced Theatre Manager. This event is a Spark Arts initiative and will be run by them – and is absolutely FREE!

In severe cases surgery is the sensible option, but if you take care of your legs before they get to such a serious stage, then less drastic treatments can go a long way.

Avoid standing for prolonged periods of time and if you do have to stand for a while, change your position and wiggle your toes.

Give heels a miss – flats work your calf muscles harder which is better for your veins.

Obesity is a major contributor to the condition so maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of exercise should go a long way towards keeping you fit and healthy.

Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet. Make sure you are getting plenty of fibre as constipation can make you more vulnerable to varicose veins.

Eat plenty of fruit and veg and drink plenty of water to keep things moving. Certain herbs and spices are brilliant for tackling inflammation, with cinnamon, garlic, turmeric and cayenne pepper being excellent for supporting a healthy circulation.

As far as herbal remedies are concerned, horse chestnut is often used to help with varicose veins. It is the seeds of the horse chestnut tree which are used medicinally and these are the same seeds gathered each autumn for the game of conkers. Try A.Vogel’s Venaforce Horse Chestnut tablets.

Finally, we have a Family Story Trail from August 10th to the 17th. There will be a trail for families to follow around Kirby, starting and ending at the Library. The clues all relate to children’s books and prizes will be available.

To help reduce heavy legs and swelling, elevate your legs above the level of your heart for about 10 minutes each day. A simple way of achieving this is by lying down and resting your legs on a stack of pillows. You could also try rubbing Venagel Horse Chestnut Gel into tired legs. Smooth upwards and massage into legs.

We will be starting up our various other activities as soon as we can and it is safe to do so. So watch this space!

For further information visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester.

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