October 2014 - Shepshed Community Eye

SHEPSHED

Halloween

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COMMUNITY EYE

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

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

Encouraging Birds Into The Garden

SHEPSHED HISTORY SOCIETY Update From Last Meeting

ISSUE 43 - OCTOBER 2014

ROTTEN RATS Plus More Great Halloween Recipes

SHEPSHED RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB Update From Last Match

SHEPSHED LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS Shepshed Town Council Present ÂŁ500 Cheque

WHAT A MONSTER WALK !

Open Box Promotions Charity Walk For Rainbows Hospice

SHEPSHED DIRECTORY OF BUSINESS & LEISURE Find Out How Your Business Can Be Included

Your Local Whole of Market Mortgage Advisor

Call: 07818 115422 Email: amanda@ahfinancialsolutions.co.uk www.ahfinancialsolutions.co.uk

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Looking to move house or remortgage?

Only have a low deposit?

Would you like a better deal for your current mortgage?

Or would like to invest in a Buy to Let property?

Speak to Amanda Humphreys now for an initial free consultation

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

Charnwood Landscaping Hard Landscaping Specialist

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Contact us to arrange for a free consultation T: 01509 550422 - M: 07541304447 E: charnwood.landscaping@hotmail.co.uk W: www.charnwood-landscaping.co.uk

WELCOME

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Welcome to your October Community Eye magazine

W

ith misty mornings and autumn leaves starting to fall, it’s clear we’re at the end of summer and in the run up to shorter days and longer nights. This edition has an autumn feel and I’ve included some spooky recipes to get you in the mood for Halloween!

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

Roxanne Hojnacki © ____________________________________

JOIN & FOLLOW US

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

EDITOR

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

SALES MANAGER

MIRIAM BENTLEY M: 07454 779877 E: miriam@openboxpromotions.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

ANDREW LEWIS M: 07504634838 E: andy@openboxpromotions.co.uk

OPEN BOX PROMOTIONS LTD

M: 0800 6446150 E: sales@openboxpromotions.co.uk W: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ

PRINTED BY

NORWOOD PRESS LTD T: 01530 262020 E: info@norwoodpress.co.uk W: www.norwoodpress.co.uk Norwood Press, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, LE67 1EU ____________________________________

NEXT ISSUE OUT DEADLINE DATE: 24th October 2014 DELIVERY DATE: 31st October 2014 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind. ____________________________________ The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Community Eye or Open Box Promotions Ltd. Open Box Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/terms

Also included are our usual competitions to win some fantastic personalised items, which would also make great Christmas gifts! Even if you’re not lucky enough to win, don’t forget you can order a wide selection of personalised gifts from us, from printed clothing (no minimum order), to printed mugs, phone covers, umbrellas etc Just drop me an email or call me to see what we can do for you.

This month I also feature an article about Loughborough University’s Design School who were kind enough to manufacture me a new side for my wheelchair after I discovered the part

CHARNWOOD BRAS "Following the success of the volunteer training programme completed in May, Charnwood BRAS are pleased to announce that they have some spaces available on the next training course for potential peer supporters. The 12 week training course will begin on 31st October and will run for 2 hours per week (with crèche facilities provided if needed). The only requirement for selection is that you have breastfed a child and are passionate about

I needed was now obsolete. I had no idea we had such a gem on our doorstep and the new product ideas the final year students are coming up with are amazing. I’ve selected a few of last years to feature in the magazine and look forward to visiting the department in the summer to see this year’s projects.

Many thanks to Craig Brown and his team for their hard work and to Andrew Weeks for showing me around their fantastic new building.

Our next edition will be a Bonfire night special so don’t forget if you’ve an event you’d like listing in the magazine, send the details in to me and I’ll do my best to include it.

We will also be starting a ‘Letters to the Editor’ section, so if there is something happening in your local area you’d like to have your say on, or you’d like to publicly thank someone who’s gone over and above to help

you or even if you’ve a funny story for us, please send it over to me, I look forward to reading all your letters and will print as many as I can. See you next month!

increasing breastfeeding rates across Charnwood by helping other mums to reach their feeding goals.

If you are interested please email charnwoodbras@hotmail.co.uk for an application form. To find out more about this friendly, dynamic group then please visit our website (www. charnwoodbras.co.uk) or Facebook page. We would encourage you to attend some of our workshops or events to find out more about what we do, talk to existing volunteers and consider if you can help us.

Please only apply if you feel you can commit to being an active member of our group."

F DE X T ER Tarmacadam Block Paving Patios, Driveways, Car Park, Gravel Drives.

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Tel: 01509 504455 Mob: 07880851089

SHEPSHED DIRECTORY OF BUSINESS & LEISURE We’re in the process of compiling a Shepshed Directory of Business & Leisure. The object of the directory is to demonstrate the vigour of our town as evidenced by the wealth of activities in progress. To date we have around 350 entries and there will be more to come. The directory will be in place before Christmas and on display in the Library and Town Council Offices. It will be available free of charge by email or as a hard copy for a small charge.

We are keen to include as many businesses and groups as possible, but we have found it particularly difficult to trace everyone with a home-based enterprise. Similarly we may be unaware of newly formed clubs and associations as well as people providing entertainment. We would like to invite anyone in these categories to get in touch by phone on 821892 or email david-elaine@shepshed.fsnet.co.uk There is no charge for an entry in this community publication. Details we would like are 1. Name of enterprise 2. Description of activity if not self-evident 3. A street name (as evidence of local base) or meeting place 4. A contact telephone number.

The introduction will emphasise that many organisations mentioned have websites giving further information. Looking further ahead, other community groups may wish to carry the project forward. The Shepshed Business Forum has already expressed an interest in furthering the business element of the directory.

Submitted by Elaine & David Stevenson

Based in Shepshed Leicestershire Established 1987 We cover an entire range of hard landscaping and paving •Driveways, Slabbing and Patios •Brickwork, Fencing and Tree Work For a Free Quote contact Patrick on T: 01509 554690 - M: 07761235801 E: millsstonepaving@hotmail.com W: www.millsstonepaving.co.uk

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FEATURE PAGE

What a Monster walk !

Open Box Promotions, home of Your Local and Community Eye magazines, are helping to provide plenty of treats and no tricks this Halloween for Rainbows Hospice.

Andy our Distribution Manager is going to haunt the residents of Birstall, Rothley, Mountsorrel, Quorn and Loughborough, as he walks from Birstall Golf Club to Rainbows Hospice in Loughborough! The Monster Walk will take place on 31st October and Andy will be easy to recognise in his monsterous apparel!

Andy will need lots of support along the way so please stop him to make your donation and take a selfie, you might even receive a treat for donating! Tag your selfie #monsterwalk on twitter or email it to us and you might just find your photo in Novembers magazine!

You can also donate online at www.justgiving.com/ monsterwalk or by texting RAIN 65 followed by the amount you wish to donate e.g. RAIN 65 £5 to 70070.

Rainbows was founded by Gail and Harry Moore, whose daughter, Laura, died of Leukaemia in 1989. Laura's favourite thing in the world

was a rainbow. The hospice was officially opened in April 1995 by HRH Prince of Wales and in 2009, a £4m extension was built to create a new therapy wing and separate facilities for young people.

Through its outreach efforts into East Midland’s paediatric oncology units, Rainbows is also caring for a growing number of the region’s children with cancer.

We are unbelievably lucky to have such a fabulous facility on our doorstep and Rainbows is a place where parents can have time off being the full time carer and siblings can all play, watch TV or swim together, something that in the home environment may be impossible.

Rainbows is not a sad place, it is most definitely a place for living! But this comes at a cost, over £4.5 million per year.

Requiring a team of dedicated fundraisers Rainbows are always looking at new ways of raising the much needed funds to continue operating, from Sponsored Santa Runs to their charity shops in Melton, Blaby and Matlock there are many ways you can help support them. For more information please visit their website www.rainbows.co.uk

LOCAL NEWS

SHEPSHED HISTORY SOCIETY 9th September saw the Shepshed History Society being entertained

by Mr. Mick Rawle, a well known genealogist who gave the society an in depth explanation of the old and new Poor Laws.

It was of course the origin of todays social services but was a lot more stringent. Should you fall on hard times for example and didn’t come from the town or village that you lived in, then you were promptly sent packing to your old place of residence so that they could stand the cost of your upkeep.

Workhouses were rife in those days and punishments for the slightest

misdemeanour were very harsh. In one family for instance, the head of the house stole a sack of soot and was transported to Australia for 14 years. A year later his wife stole some beef and she was deported for 14 years along with two other people who helped her to eat it. England certainly wasn't a pleasant place to be if you were poor in the 1900's. It was the 1st of July 1837 when the Registry Offices first came into being and records became a lot more efficient, which fortunately is a boon for todays family history enthusiasts when searching for their ancestors.

The next meeting will be on October 14th and the talk to be given by Mrs Lynne Spicer will be on the subject of Suffragettes.

ART IMITATING LIFE FOR ONE SHEPSHED FAMILY

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SHEPSHED TOWN COUNCIL PRESENT £500 CHEQUE TO SHEPSHED LIONS CLUB COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS A cheque for £500 being presented by the Chairman (Cllr Joan Tassell) and Vice Chairman (Cllr Barry Perkins) of Shepshed Town Council to Shepshed Lions Club Community First Responders (CFR). Bob Lilley Co-ordinator of the Shepshed Lions Club CFR “Sincere thanks for the very generous grant of £500, the support given by the Town Council is absolutely brilliant. At present the CFR has 17 Responders who are trained and another 11 awaiting training.

The generous grant will enable us to

purchase more equipment, including 2 more defibrillators, kit bags, uniform and protective clothing for the new volunteers. It will also mean that we can expand the team in Shepshed and start a new team in Loughborough to increase the hours of cover in a larger area of our community”

SHEPSHED WI SEPTEMBER MEETING Members enjoyed taking part in a harvest auction at their September meeting, raising money for the funds. Chris Thomas did an excellent job as auctioneer helping to make it a fun evening. A bursary was drawn for one member to attend a course at the WI’s own Denman college in Oxfordshire and this was won by Chris Thomas. The next meeting will be held on Thursday 2nd October at Christchurch Methodist Church at 7.30 pm when Tina Bax will be demonstration gift wrapping and how to make a fresh Christmas garland. Visitors welcome.

#EYECANSEECLEARLYNOW PHOTO: (from left to right), Richard Perkins Jnr, Richard Perkins Snr, Nicole Jordan and Allister Jordan.

It’s a case of art imitating life (and not the other way round) for one local family involved in Christchurch Gilbert and Sullivan’s forthcoming production of The Yeomen of the Guard. Husband and wife Allister and Nicole Jordan will be playing the parts of betrothed couple Wilfred Shadbolt and Phoebe Meryll – though unlike in real life it’s a union that is being undertaken reluctantly by Nicole’s character! The similarities don’t stop there with Nicole’s father and brother in the show being played by her real life father and brother, Richard Perkins Senior and Richard Perkins Junior; and to add further strain to the family dynamics they are all being directed by Cheryl Hammersley – the eldest of Richard’s three children! Let’s hope all the family are still speaking by the end of the rehearsal period and show week!

The Yeomen of the Guard (or The Merryman and His Maid as it is also known) was one of Arthur Sullivan and William Gilbert’s later collaborations. The story revolves around the imprisoned and much admired Colonel Fairfax who is soon to be beheaded. Sergeant Meryll, who fought in battle with the Colonel and had his life saved by him twice, is keen to see Fairfax freed. When no reprieve arrives for him he hatches a plot with his children Phoebe and Leonard – who has returned from battle and is to take up the position of Yeoman – to help Fairfax escape from the Tower. Unaware of any such plots to spare his life, Fairfax is granted a request to be wed before his death

to avoid his estate being inherited by his wicked cousin. Around this time a travelling jester Jack Point and his singer Elsie Maynard (whom he loves) arrive in London and Elsie is persuaded to marry Colonel Fairfax anonymously in return for money and under the promise that her husband will be dead within an hour of their marriage. In the meantime, Phoebe manages to get the keys to Fairfax’s cell by distracting her admirer and head jailer Wilfred Shadbolt. Fairfax is freed and, disguised as Leonard Meryll, takes up the position of Yeoman. Fairfax’s escape sends shockwaves through the Tower and Elsie and Jack Point are alarmed to learn that her unknown husband is alive and well. Jack Point joins forces with Wilfred – who is being blamed for the prisoner’s escape – to persuade everyone that Wilfred has shot Fairfax. As the plot unravels Elsie falls in love with ‘Leonard’ not realising he is actually her husband and finally a reprieve arrives for Fairfax but does this spell a happy ending for all those involved?

The Yeomen of the Guard will be performed at Hind Leys College Theatre, Shepshed from Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd November, with performances at 7.30pm (Tues to Fri) and a 2.30pm matinee only on Saturday. Tickets are £10 (Tuesday to Thursday), £11 (Friday evening and Saturday matinee); children’s tickets are £6 for all performances. To book please call Margaret on 01509 504376.

Ryatt Optometry in the Bullring, Shepshed is now offering new and existing patients a special offer of a complimentary second pair of spectacle lenses with every purchase of Crizal lenses. It’s a great opportunity to get two new pairs of glasses at a greatly reduced price.

At Ryatt Optometry, we don’t believe in giving you a ‘spare’ pair of specs, every pair we dispense has a primary purpose, they aren’t for keeping in the back of a dusty cupboard. Your second pair can be tinted prescription lenses, polarising lenses, even a nice clear pair to wear with a designer frame so you can alternate your look.

We also want to dispel the myth that all spectacle lenses are the same.

That’s simply not the case. They can vary so much in design, material, comfort, protection against glare and scratches and more importantly, overall quality. You may be able to get two cheap pairs of glasses, but they are cheap FOR a reason!

Because we are an independent optician, we treat you as an individual and give your vision the time and attention it deserves. Unlike some retail chains, we have the freedom of choice and only recommend products of the highest quality.

Crizal spectacle lenses are always our first choice as they offer protection against the six enemies of clear vision.

They protect against glare, scratches, smudges, dust, water and UV, giving you superior vision whilst eliminating all of the annoying factors that come with wearing glasses.

When wondering if you need two new pairs of glasses, ask yourself how many pairs of shoes you have. You would never compromise with only one pair so don’t compromise on your vision and eye health. Come in and see us today for some expert advice and to have access to the quality of vision you have only ever dreamed of. Call us for an appointment on 01509 503344.

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LOCAL NEWS Tuesday Group 7 October 8-10 pm Open Meeting Wendy Parsons Tel. 01509 829632

CHARNWOOD ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH Sundays in October 10.45am Morning worship & Sunday Club 6.00pm Evening worship and Praise Sunday 12th October pm Songs of Praise at St Botolphs No evening service at CRBC Thursday 16th October Lunch Club Regular Events Monday FreeDA (Open to general public) Debt Advice Service Tuesday Bible Study House Groups Wednesday Ladies Fellowship Friday Girls Brigade

SERVICES AT ST BOTOLPH’S CHURCH, SHEPSHED Sunday 12 October 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Family Service 11.00 am Confirmation Service 6.00 pm Songs of Praise Sunday 19 October 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Family Service 11.00 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Taize Service Sunday 26 October 8.00 am Holy Communion 9.30 am Family Service 11.00 am Holy Communion 6.00 pm Healing Service Wednesday Morning Holy Communion 10 am St Botolph’s Church

SERVICES AT ST JAMES’ CHURCH, OAKS IN CHARNWOOD Sunday 12 October 8.30 am Holy Communion 4.00 pm BCP Evensong Sunday 19 October – Harvest Festival 8.30 am Holy Communion 11.15 am Family Service 4.00 pm Harvest Service Sunday 26 October 8.30 am Holy Communion 4.00 pm BCP Holy Communion

DIARY FOR ST. BOTOLPH’S CHURCH, SHEPSHED AND ST. JAMES’ CHURCH, OAKS IN CHARNWOOD Every Friday (Term time only) Cheeky Chops 10-11.30 am SBCH Every Friday Evening Healing Group 7.30 pm 36 Bridge Street, Shepshed Tel. 01509 506828 All Welcome

St Botolph’s Mothers Union Wednesday 8 October 11.15 am Illustrated talk by Rev Ed. RoseMarie Manning Tel. 01509 563001 SBCH St James’ Mothers Union Monday 20 October 2.30 pm Speaker: Father Joseph, Abbott of Mount St Bernard - “The Monistic Life” Janet Quenby Tel. 01509 506154 OSH Tuesday Group 18 October 8 pm Speaker: Pam Darby – Leics Wildlife Trust Wendy Parsons Tel. 01509 829632 SBCH Fold Group for people with Learning Difficulties Friday 17 October 7-9 pm Kathy Cole Tel. 01509 506119 SBCH Shepshed Men’s’ Fellowship All welcome. Further enquiries to the Parish Office – Tel. 01509 502255, email sbotandsj@btinternet.com Other groups meeting within the 2 Parishes are as follows: Oaks Seniors – Every other Tuesday in Oaks Storer Hall. For further details contact Sheila Bass 01509 502813

Love Your Feet!

Ingrown Toenails Submitted by Sally Prytherch Hinds Feet Foot Care T: 07806786616 E: hindsfeetfootcare@gmail.com W: www.hindsfeetfootcare.co.uk Ingrown toenails develop when the nail sides curl and pierce the skin. The toe becomes red, swollen and painful especially if more pressure is applied because the immune system reacts as though the ingrown nail is a foreign body.

Over-granulation tissue with a sore moist appearance can begin to grow out from the damaged skin underneath the nail and the toe can become infected. The large toenail is most commonly affected but any nail can become ingrown. People have described ‘ripping them out’ for relief. A GP should be consulted if infection is present as antibiotics may be required, especially important for people with diabetes.

Meeting Point – Every other Tuesday in Oaks Meeting Room. For further details contact Lesley Bates 01509 502853. Both these events are attached to St James’ Church.

Factors contributing to ingrown toenails include tight shoes or socks, cutting nails too short particularly down the side, nail infections, injury, excessive sweating, poor hygiene and hereditary factors.

SBCH = St. Botolph’s Church Hall OSH = Oaks Storer Hall.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

SHEPSHED RAMBLERS Shepshed Ramblers next walk is on Sunday 19th October leaving the Market Place in Shepshed at 9.30 a.m. for a 6 mile walk led by Val. For further details please telephone 01509 414538. Please feel free to join us, new members are always made very welcome.

Shepshed Ramblers AGM is being held on Friday 7th November 7.30 p.m. at the Glenmore Centre, Thorpe Road.

All past and present members are warmly invited to attend

HALLCROFT OPTICIANS

PROVIDING A CLEAR VIEW 30 HALLCROFT, SHEPSHED, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE12 9AN

Receive a complimentary second pair of lenses with any Crizal purchase.

Conditions Apply

TEL: 01509 650 666

Professional help may be required to remove a section of the nail and it is important that the entire part of the nail cutting into the tissue is removed. This can sometimes resolve the problem although often the procedure will need repeating every few weeks. In severe cases and for a permanent solution referral may be needed for surgery to remove part of the nail and nail bed.

Prevention and self management can include good hygiene - soaking and cleansing the side of the nail can help. Nails should be trimmed carefully across to the general shape of the nail with the corners visible above the skin, and not low at the sides.

And, as always, choosing footwear with enough room for toes not to be pinched by the sides of the shoe is an important consideration.

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

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

VISION MATTERS Regular sight tests are essential for maintaining healthy eyes but there are other things you can do to look after your eyes.

DIET

Studies show that what we eat can affect our vision. Antioxidants can help to prevent retinal damage.

One anti-oxidant which is hugely beneficial is lutein.

Foods recommended for eye health include: Broad leaf greens such as kale and spinach Brightly coloured fruit and veg such as corn, carrots, orange sweet peppers and oranges Oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel Broccoli Eggs

EXERCISE & EYESIGHT

Lack of exercise contributes significantly to several eye conditions, particularly amongst people aged 60 and over. Exercise may reduce the risk of sight loss from narrowing or hardening of the arteries, high blood pressure and diabetes.

ALCOHOL

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health conditions which can have a detrimental effect on your eye health.

SMOKING

After ageing, smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing macular degeneration. Smoking also increases your risk of developing cataract

THE SUN

Protecting your eyes from the sun is very important and should not be underestimated. Under no circumstances should you ever look at the sun directly. Your sunglasses should have the CE mark on them which ensures that they are giving you the right level of ultraviolet protection

LOCAL NEWS

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01509 590 039

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MUSIC TO THE OARS

someone else to change the scenery was indeed very calming.

The work carried out by the Trust, started by the Rev. Clare Le Marchant in 1976, has grown over the years and it has become a well known and respected organisation used by many local schools and stroke clubs to name just a few.

Not the sound of orchestral music, but the gentle calming tones of a narrow boat moving slowly through the water. Fortunately for the Shepshed Charnwood Rotary Club oars were nowhere to be seen. Its members recently spent an evening aboard one of the three Peter Le Marchant Trust boats aptly called 'Symphony'. All of the boats are designed and equipped to take disabled or seriously ill people on day trips.

The effort that is required to man and maintain these boats to the highest standards is enormous. The club was impressed by the professionalism of the crew who were all volunteers with exception of the skipper, Chris Morton, who is part of the full time staff along with Lynn Smith and Richard.

The Trust's CEO, Richard Teare, explained that the therapeutic effects of a boat trip are very beneficial to all groups. After a short time the members were in full agreement as the pleasure of sitting and allowing

A

fter a successful preseason we begin our league campaign on Saturday 20th September vs Market Harborough.

Please visit our Pitchero site to get all the up to date news, match reports, event details and player stats throughout the season.

We all agreed that the evening trip, and the talk that followed, opened our eyes to the valuable work that this Loughborough-based Trust does for the local community.

AUGUST

RESULTS

Keresley RFC 14 - 19 Shepshed SEPTEMBER Melton Mowbray 17 - 21 Shepshed Belgrave 7 - 66 Shepshed

UPCOMING FIXTURES SEPTEMBER

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HOW WE STARTED I'm a full time Mum of four as well as a student studying to be a counsellor. I wanted to start my own business which could fit around my busy lifestyle, and so Through the Looking Glass Boutique was born.

any ideas about new products please let us know, we value your opinion.

We can keep you up to date with new releases and what’s coming soon via our facebook and twitter pages.

We look forward to your custom and ideas. We would love you to pop in and say hello.

I love to buy beautiful items for myself, children and my home. I thought how wonderful it would be to share my ideas and make them accessible for other people to buy At Through the Looking Glass we are passionate about our boutique and online shop.

We hope you find something you like and share the love of our products. If you have

20/09 – Home v Market Harborough (League) 27/09 – Away v Vipers 3rds (League) OCTOBER 18/10 – Home v Aylestonians (League) 25/10 – Away v Leicester Lions (League)

Training is Tuesday & Thursday Evenings Shepshed High School Playing Fields 19:00 – 20:30 Players of all sizes & experience welcome @shepshedrfc

www.facebook.com/pages/Shepshed-RFC

www.pitchero.com/clubs/shepshedrfc

We sell Beautiful Gifts, Jewellery, Bags, Scarves, Bath Bombs, Local Crafts and Fair Trade products. Our brands include Gandys and Rachel Ellen Designs.

Find us at 91 Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9NP in the Noah’s Ark Play Barn Building.

Free Parking at the rear.

Call Amanda 07800529843

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

Have You Made Your Will Yet ?

For Wills - Trusts - Estate Planning & Lasting Power of Attorney

JUST WILLS & LEGAL SERVICES (formerly In Home Legal Services)

Mrs Chris Thomas & Mrs Pam Draycott 01509 507334 (Home) - 08450 568571 (Office) 90 The Meadows, Shepshed Member of The Society Of Will Writers

JOHNS CARPETS AND FLOORING Domestic and Commercial

AKASH

INDIAN TAKE AWAY

Over 20yrs Established Personal and Friendly Service Samples brought to your own home, Carpets, Vinyls & Laminates All supplied and fitted.

TEL: 01509 558219 MOB: 07770 554460

Est 1992 Quality Ingredients Fresh & Hygienically Cooked Your satisfaction is our motto!

67, Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9NL TEL: 01509 650776 / 505465

Tel: 01509 505411 Special Offer - For New Clients Only Cut & Blow Dry - £18.50 Body Perm - £35.00 Haircut - £9.50 Gents Clipper Cut - £5.00

29 HallCroft, Shepshed, Leicestershire, LE12 9AN

T&T CONSTRUCTION (COALVILLE) Ltd. Red & Black Tarmac Driveways, Landscaping Block Paving & Patios, Fencing & Vehicle Accesses All Work Guaranteed To Required Specification - Professional, Friendly & Reliable Service - Est For Over 30 Years For Free No Obligation Quotation Please Call Mr Lester Townsend T: 01530 830367 M: 07720 766970 E: lester.tandt@btinternet.com W: myweb.tiscali.co.uk/ttconstruction

AERIALS

THE EASTER INSTALLATION COMPANY (Established 1949)

New Installations On Digital Aerials Installation Repairs Shepshed 504 379 Loughborough 214000 Mobile 07767 600166 Dave Cook 102 Conway Drive, Shepshed

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

9

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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.’

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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 Shepshed & 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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Front Brake Pads*

GET YOUR SERVICE, MOT AND REPAIRS SORTED FOR LESS BY THE EXPERTS

FIXED PRICE REPAIRS ^

£295 £399

CITROËN EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

^Luffield fixed repair prices include VAT and are for European approved Motaquip parts available for all manufacturer vehicles regardless of age and Citroën cars or vans 36 months and over. Savings are against Citroen ‘Originals’ parts, which are available for all Citroën cars and vans regardless of age. *Fixed Price Service from £115 relates to an interim service on a Citroen Xsara Picasso over 36 months old and under 2.0 litre engine size. Terms and conditions apply, offer may be withdrawn without prior notice, ask for full details.

10

LOCAL NEWS

What’s On BOSWORTH WATER PARK FAMILY FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE EXTRAVAGANZA 25th October Funfair, Licensed Bar and Food Stalls open until late. Meet and Greet Peppa Pig and Ben 10 from 4:30pm. Kids Fireworks display started by Peppa Pig and Ben 10 at 6:00pm. Bonfire Lighting - 7.00pm. Main Display 8:00pm. Free parking with the event.

Advanced Tickets (up to the 18th October) Adults £4, Children over 3 £2, Family of 4 £10 On the Gate.

Adults £5, Children 3-14 years £3, No family tickets on the gate.

SNIBSTON DR WHO & HIS MONSTERS !

25th October 10am - 5pm. Doctor Who’s most iconic enemies are joining forces to invade Snibston during half-term! Get up close and personal with some of your favourite Doctor Who creature’s.

Meet Cyberman, Daleks and see the unit land Rover! Create your own monster! Prize for best dressed monsters. Usual opening hours and entrance fee. Charges apply for some activites. *No other promotional offer can be used on the day.

GHOSTLY ENGINEER AT ABBEY PUMPING STATION

THE ROCKY HORROR MURDER MYSTERY SHOW KEGWORTH

Mon 27 Oct 2014 - 19:00 to 21:30

1st November

Are you brave enough to take the spooky tour in the eerie engine house basement and hear the tragic tale of Robert Richardson, The Ghostly Engineer, while one of the museum’s massive beam engines will be in steam right above your head! Wrap up warm and wear sensible shoes as the basement can be damp and has steep steps. Museum visitors can see the mighty beam engine and tour the museum galleries free of charge, but basement tours must be pre-booked.

All was going well for lovers Brad and Janet. Brad had just promoted to the junior chamber of commerce, and, whilst celebrating at a friend’s wedding, Janet had caught the bride’s bouquet. It looked like her dream was finally going to come true -she was going to marry Brad!! Everything was looking up for them, Nothing could go wrong......Or could it?

Museum admission free; pre-booked tours £3 (tours not suitable for children under 10 years). For further details see www.abbeypumpingstation.org or call 0116 299 5111

GRACE DIEU PRIORY GHOST WALK - THRINGSTONE 30th October

Whilst driving back from the wedding disaster strikes when they have blow-out, and they find themselves asking for help at a spooky mansion.

They are shocked they meet resident ‘creatures of the night’ Raff-Riff and Majenta.... but things go from bad to even worse not long after the mysterious Dr Frankenfarter appears.

An when a murder occurs, there is no shortage of suspects!

The question is: who did it, and why?

A 2.5 mile walk led by Friends of Grace Dieu Priory. Meet 8.30pm at the Bulls Head car park, Thringstone, and take a walk around one of the most haunted locations in the county. The walk incorporates a talk on local stories.

Please bring cameras and torches.

Limited places so booking essential tel: 01530 458872 cost £3 payable to the walk leader on the night.

Join us for a 3 course meal and find out all this and more in our unique, fun-filled comedy murder mystery, featuring live songs from the famous film and stage show! £29.95 per person, with accommodation - £55.50 per person. At Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, 33 Packington Hill, Kegworth DE74 2DF. To book and for further information telephone 01509 672518 or email info@yewlodgehotel.co.uk

HAUNTED HERITAGE PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION EVENING

BONFIRE NIGHT AT GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY

31th October Join the Haunted Heritage Investigations team for a full and fascinating evening, when you will discover what happens at Donington le Heath Manor House historic site when all is seemingly quiet. The evening includes: A tour and vigil with a medium,Training on how to use detection and investigation equipment,Opportunity to carry out your own investigation, A full report of the evening’s events, A light supper The investigations run from 8pm to 1am, so you will need to bring suitable warm clothing and a torch. You are also welcome to bring your own recording equipment to capture any findings.

Tickets £35 per person. Strictly over 18s only. No alcohol. PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL call 01530 278444.

5th November On Bonfire night, Quorn and Woodhouse station is the best place to be! We’ve a fantastic fire, a huge firework display, refreshments and children’s rides. It’s a magical night out for all the family. It’s one of the biggest and best shows in Leicestershire so come along and join in the fun. You can arrive at the gate – or even better, travel in heritage style by train from Loughborough, Rothley or Leicester North station. Combine the magic of a train ride and a sensational fire work display – see you there! Bonfire lit at 7.30pm & firework display at 8pm On the gate (Cash Only) Adults £8, Child £5, Family (2A + 3C) £20 Train fare (from any station) & event Adults £10, Child £8, Family (2A + 3C) £25

TICKETS: Journey thro Supported

by The F Advance £5, Saturday 1st No Gate £7, from Under 3s free a Family of 4 (2+2) £18 (Pre-booking only)

Ashby Road, Coalville, L

Tickets available at Snibsto See website for other stockists. Tel

SHEPSHED TOWN CRI

THE COMMUN AND FIREWO

SATURDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2014 At the Morley Lane Cricket Ground, Shepshed GATES OPEN – 5.30PM BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS FROM – 7PM

ADVANCED TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM Noahs Ark Indoor Play Centre, Dilips Multistore, The Crown and The Horse Adult £5, Child £3 (to 12 yrs), Under 3’s Free Family Ticket (2 Adults + 2 Children) £12

PRICE ON GATE: Adult £7 Child £4 No Family Tick Includes FREE shuttle bus

NO ON SITE PARKING

FOOD & DRINK

11

Halloween

ough the ages

Fleet Auction Group

ovember 2014

Live music from Jersey Budd and Rihanna Tribute

Rotten Rats

5pm

at

INGREDIENTS

Leicestershire LE67 3LN

on and www.snibston.com 01530 278444 • Email snibston@leics.gov.uk

ICKET CLUB PRESENTS

NITY BONFIRE ORK DISPLAY

kets

• For the rats: 1-1/2 lbs. minced beef • 1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice • 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped • 1 egg, beaten • Uncooked spaghetti, broken into quarters • Thinly sliced raw carrots • Black peppercorns, cooked black beans • For the (sauce) blood: 1 can chopped tomatoes • 1-1/2 cups water • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper This dish goes nicely with pasta or mashed potatoes.

PREPARATION METHOD

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mined beef, rice, onion, egg and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Mix well.

2. To make the rats. Scoop out a small handful of the minced beef mixture.

Form it, by hand, into a firmly packed teardrop shape - pointy on one end, rounded on the other. This is your basic rat. Place it into a shallow baking dish and gently pinch in the neck area. Poke a piece of uncooked spaghetti into the larger rounded end as a tail. Repeat with the remaining mixed beef mixture.

3. When all the rats are neatly placed in the baking dish, stir together the tomatoes, water, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pour over the rats. Bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce. Then cover the dish with foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the rats are fully cooked.

4. Gently remove rats, one at a time, from the sauce and place gently on a serving platter. (Take care not to damage the tails - they’re fairly delicate.) Into each rat, insert two carrot slices as ears, peppercorns (or whatever) for eyes, and a few more broken strands of uncooked spaghetti for whiskers. Spoon sauce around the rats and serve, smiling wickedly.

Spooky Drink

Freaky Fangs INGREDIENTS

• Handful of ice • 125ml orange juice • 45ml black vodka • 15ml triple sec • Orange wedge, for garnish

PREPARATION METHOD

KIERAN & SARAH

Semi Finalist’s from Britain’s Got Talent will also be singing!

INGREDIENTS • Apples • Slices of almond

PREPARATION METHOD

1. Just quarter and core an apple, cut a wedge from the skin side of each quarter, then press slivered almonds in place for teeth. Baste in lemon juice to stop them going brown.

1. In a cocktail shaker, add orange juice and triple sec over ice. Shake well, and strain into a glass.

2. Using the back of a spoon, pour black vodka slowly into a glass so that the vodka sits atop the orange juice and triple sec mix.

3. Carefully dip one edge of the orange wedge into the vodka for a spooky presentation, and sit the wedge on the rim of the glass.

12

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For expert advice and a no obligation quotation please call Acacia Curtains & Blinds on 01509 650832.

GARDENING

Enc ouraging Birds Into The Garden

T

he misty cool mornings are here, heralding the arrival of autumn.

Plants are setting seed and berrying up after what has been a wonderfully prolific growing season. There’s a plentiful splash of Hawthorn berries, Rowans and Crabapples giving colour to the hedgerows which have benefited from the long sunny Spring and Summer.

The weather this year seems to have benefited the birds too. My garden has been full of families of Robins and Blackbirds whilst large flocks of Goldfinches and Swifts have been wheeling around above. Birds are not only wonderful to watch, they are also free pest controllers. I often see Blue Tits picking Aphids from the Roses early in the summer and my friendly robin follows me around picking up caterpillars as I dig & weed. So it’s really worth encouraging bird life to help out in the garden.

At this time of year providing food for them in the way of berries, seeds and fruit will encourage a constant stream of feathered friends who will be looking to stock up ahead of the cold winter months.

BERRIES Pyracantha (Firethorn), Cotoneaster and Holly are all popular berrying shrubs with the added benefit of being evergreen so they provide shelter, a refuge from predators and nesting sites too. They are all fairly large shrubs so they’re suitable the back of a border, training on a wall or incorporated into a hedge. Other berrying shrubs like Viburnum opulus (Guelder Rose) or Cornus (Dogwood) which lose their leaves in winter are good for adding into a border as they won’t overcrowd other plants as much.

SEEDS I love to leave the seed heads on the perennials in my border as they look wonderful when glistening with frost during the Winter, they also provide a

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

nutritious source of seeds for birds too.

Try leaving the seedheads on perennials like Echinacea (Cone Flower), Rudbeckia, Verbena and Echinops to provide a tasty meal for Finches, Tits and Sparrows.

The key ingredients of many bird seed mixes are Sunflower and Thistle seeds.

Annual Sunflowers are oil rich and favoured by Finches and Long-tailed Tits.

Teasels and thistles like Eryngium will provide generous meals for Finches and Sparrows if the flower heads are left on and allowed to develop.

Hardy annuals which can be sown direct into the ground in Autumn or Spring like Cornflowers, Nigella and Poppies offer a colourful display for us through the summer and a plentiful supply of seeds for foraging Finches and Tits in Autumn. Seeds for these are available in garden centres now.

FRUIT We may all love foraging for Blackberries in the Autumn, but so do the birds.

Blackbirds favour these and Raspberries too so if you have them in your garden and you are willing to sacrifice some of your crop you will be rewarded with the song of a very happy Blackbird. Apples and Crab apples provide a water rich source of food for larger birds like Blackbirds , Thrushes and Field Fares who will happily peck at fallen fruit in Autumn, so don’t be too tidy – let the birds have their fill first.

WATER It is particularly important during the winter months to ensure that the visiting birds have access to water as natural sources may be frozen. A simple bird bath or saucer will suffice, allowing the birds to drink and bathe. Keep the water fresh to avoid transmission of disease.

Delaying the garden tidy up in the autumn until the birds have feasted on the berries, seeds and fruits and adding a few seed rich perennials and annuals to the border will pay dividends when the garden is visited by an abundance of wildlife in the year to come.

November is the start of the bare-root plant season – the perfect time to buy great value plants that have been raised in a field and then lifted with bare roots, ready for transplanting in the garden. So next month I’ll be looking at what is available and how to plant bare-root hedging and trees.

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.

Thistle Rud beckia

Pyracantha

13

14

LOCAL NEWS

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

COUNTY COUNCILLOR

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

T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com

I

A

NICKY MORGAN would like to start this column by saying how very saddened I was to hear about the death of a Year 6 Shepshed High School pupil who had formerly attended St Botolphs. This is clearly a very tragic and difficult time and my thoughts are with his family and friends.

I was sorry not to be able to join Shepshed Lions for their Annual Carnival in late August because we were still away. I hear that, in spite of the weather, the event was a great success. Shepshed Lions do an amazing job locally in raising funds and organising schemes such as the Community First Responders. I am a Lions member and I know how hard all Lions work in their local communities, right across the world.

I have been in contact with East Midlands Airport about the need for better bus links between Shepshed and the airport. The Airport is very open to this suggestion and between us we will be exploring the possibilities further. I hope this would be of benefit both to those travelling from the airport but also those working there or hoping to work there.

I would like to congratulate all Shepshed students on the A level, AS level and GCSE results they received.

I hope that the results rewarded the work invested by those taking the exams. And I would also like to thank all the teachers who worked so hard to prepare their pupils and the families who supported them.

Cllr Christine Radford and I held another successful Shepshed Business Forum meeting at the end of August at the Town Council Offices. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Those present heard about the grants available for shops in the town and also heard from the Bridge to Work team at Loughborough College. Bridge to Work is an excellent scheme and I have been pleased to be on the steering group since it began. The aim is to encourage young people to think about early about career options and to help them gain valuable skills and also help employers to find the future members of their workforce as well as helping with things such as interview skills. More details are available at www.loucoll.ac.uk/bridge2work

I wish everyone who has secured a University place or apprenticeship or who has decided to leave education and get a job the very best in their new ventures.

Our next Shepshed Business Forum event will be a breakfast on Friday November 14th. Please let Christine Radford or me know if you would like to attend.

I am looking forward to a busy Autumn in the Department for Education.

As well as continuing our reform programme I am looking forward to a renewed focus on careers education and school and business links as well as children’s mental health and further work to support teachers.

There is just space to remind local businesses that the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership continues to have funds available as part of the Regional Growth Fund.

I recently spoke at an excellent event organised by Charnwood Borough Council on this topic at the Charnwood Biomedical Campus.

Funds are available for capital projects which will create and/or safeguard jobs. Over £6m has already been allocated to 98 companies in the City and County, including Merlin Archery in Loughborough which I had the pleasure of visiting.

September sees a number of reforms coming into effect including the new national curriculum, changes to the provision for special educational needs children and a new Technical Baccalaureate as well as the roll-out of free school means for children in reception and Year 1 and 2 classes as well as further free childcare hours for disadvantaged 2 year olds.

Nicky Morgan

CHRISTINE RADFORD s your County Councillor, I am always on hand to try and deal, with any concerns you may have about services provided by Leicestershire County Council.

PLANNING – BIFFA WASTE SERVICES - The application

under section 73 to vary condition 2 of planning permission APP/ M2460/A/11/2150748 at Ashby Road East is due to be heard at County on the 9th October. The first meeting of the Liaison committee was due to be heard on the 22nd September just after going to press, I will bring you up to date next month.

WASTE TRANSFER TREATMENT AND RECYCLING FACILITY, INGLEBERRY ROAD – A.E. BURGESS & SONS LIMITED

It was agreed at the meeting of the development control Board at County on 14th August to set up the Liaison Committee as a requirement of the Section 106 agreement. The first meeting is due to be held on 27th October, if any residents wish me to take anything to this meeting please get in touch.

SHOP FRONT GRANTS - Grant application forms have now been delivered to those who are eligible and who have expressed an interest.

County have given £12,000 towards these improvements, a maximum of £1,000 per shop unit and Charnwood have given £50,000 with a maximum of £3,000 per shop unit. If you require an information pack please telephone 508872.

How does it benefit your company: • It bridges the gap between school leavers and employers, • Reduces the need for costly and lengthy recruitment • Provides a young work force that is confident and ready for work • When you become a Bridge to work employer you get direct access to school leavers to let them know about career opportunities on offer in your company or industry • If you are interested in any potential recruits they can talk to you about their students and provide references • You get the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference to young people at this crucial time in their lives.

For more information watch the video http://staffzone.loucoll.ac.uk/preview/ b2wsless.html or telephone 01509 618397 The next meeting for the Business Forum is due to be held at 8am in Livios on the 14th November, to book your place telephone Simon on 219370.

SPEEDING TRAFFIC - Please take

care when driving in Shepshed due to excessive speeding of some motorists.

Speed Watch has been out and about and some of you will be receiving warning notices. I am continually being asked to monitor traffic on Oakley Road, Lansdowne Road, Hathern Road Tickow Lane, Anson Road, Fairway Road and Trueway Drive. Speeding causes accidents.

VANDALISM - I am very BUSINESS FORUM - A meeting of the forum was held on Friday 29th August. The Bridge to Work scheme based at Loughborough College was present. The scheme is designed to get young people thinking about the world of work and equipping them with the skills they need to find a job.

Mobile Foot Health Practitioner A.A Foot Recovery

Shepshed Liberal Democrat Councillors hold an advice surgery at Shepshed Town Council, Charnwood Rd, Shepshed on the 1st Saturday of the month, 10am to 11am. Appointments are not necessary. For more details call 01509 561458.

You can find more about the scheme on www.loucoll.ac.uk/bridge2work

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disappointed to learn that the Wildlife Area on Blacksmiths Avenue is continually being vandalised, especially after a lot of thought had gone into improving the area by the Town Council. Another act of vandalism was at the BMX track where the new picnic tables have been burnt down, again after being provided by the Town Council.

PARKING ON PAVEMENTS -

Be aware if you park on pavements and do not leave enough room for prams, pushchairs and disabled buggies to pass without them having to go into the highway. You can be fined for this.

Please bear with me if I do not get back to you straight away as my husband recently passed away.

I hold a monthly surgery at the Council Offices in Shepshed between 10-11am on the last Saturday of every month (except December). Or I can be contacted at any reasonable time on 01509 502974 or 07796 544817 or e-mail christine_radford@hotmail.com

Christine Radford

LOCAL NEWS

BOROUGH COUNCILLOR

LABOUR CANDIDATE

T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com

M: 07894 229499 E: matthewocall@gmail.com

CHRISTINE RADFORD

I

n my role as a Borough Councillor I am always on hand to try and resolve any concerns you may about services provided by Charnwood Borough Council.

Ashby Road, but County Highways did not think that this was a problem.

The application was approved with reduced hours and that a screen would be provided on the highway boundary to prevent water/spray from the car wash entering the highway. I understand the applicant is going to appeal this decision.

THE HORSE, ASHBY ROAD –

PLANNING – At the planning

meeting held on 11th September, both the Chairman of the Town Council, Councillor Joan Tassell and myself spoke in support of the officers recommendation to refuse the application to erect up to 180 dwellings and create 2 accesses on land off Tickow Lane, behind Westroyd.

An appeal has been lodged with the Secretary of State against non-determination of this planning application and therefore the Plans Committee had to seek a decision as to whether the appeal is to be defended and if so, the grounds for refusal. The application was not determined within the 13 week time period because the formal response from the Highway Authority had not been received. The Highway Authority has concerns over the Traffic Assessments that have been carried out by the applicant, particularly in light of: • The cumulative impact the development would have taking account of recent planning permissions in the vicinity; • Other proposed developments that have been submitted in recent time; • The proposal for the West of Loughborough Sustainable Urban extension and the Science Park, as proposed in the Council’s Core Strategy.

Both Councillor Joan Tassell and myself spoke about the loss good agricultural land, damage to the wild life along the Black Brook, the proposed development is in open countryside and outside of the development boundary of Shepshed and many of the houses will be on a flood plain. This area floods at least two or three times a year not as states in the report that it only happens every 100 years. I asked that a full survey of the trees on site be undertaken and were it was felt TPO’s (Tree Preservation Orders) were put on them.

Unfortunately the only reason for refusal was on Highway grounds and if these can be overcome, then I can foresee permission would be granted.

At the same planning meeting I spoke at the application for the use of a hand car wash and valeting service at Jays Vehicle Rentals, Ashby Road West. Following concerns raised to me by residents who live next to this site I asked that the proposed hours of business be reduced allowing the residents peace and quiet on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon and on Bank Holidays. I also had concerns about queuing traffic on the busy

(P/14/1651/2) an application to erect a two-storey building to the rear of the site to provide 6 hotel bedrooms, I fully support the application to increase the amount of accommodation which is badly needed in Shepshed, but I do have concerns about the entrance to site and the amount of car parking spaces being provided for this extra facility. I have asked the County Highways Officer to meet me on site to discuss these concerns.

ARNOLD SMITH HOUSE –

Since being elected to the Borough Council, nearly 8 years ago. I have supported the residents in Arnold Smith House, off Bridge Street, to get the car park re-instated to a condition that makes it accessible for people who have difficulty in walking. Overtime the car park, and especially the entrance to the car park, has deteriorated to such a state that the holes were over 2 ½ inches deep. When my fellow Ward Councillor Jane Lennie got elected she supported me in my fight to get the work carried out. Following the threat to go to the press, things got done, but it should not have taken me going to press before the works were carried out. My concerns were the elderly residents of Arnold Smith House.

15

DR MATTHEW O’CALLAGHAN

ARE WE BEING RIPPED OFF? We all know that prices are rising faster than wages or pensions. This is especially true for the basics such as electricity, gas and petrol. The energy suppliers say it’s because of rising wholesale prices. But wholesale gas prices have halved in the last six months and yet the price to us hasn’t fallen. It’s a similar story for electricity and petrol. There is a sense amongst people I talk to in Shepshed that we’re all being ripped off.

There is only one cable that brings the electricity into your house; only one pipe that delivers the gas; in other words it’s the same gas and electricity that we’re all using in Shepshed. So what exactly are we paying all these companies for? Gas and Electricity bills have risen by an average of £300 a year since the last election. Labour has said it will freeze energy bills until 2017 while it works on a fairer pricing structure for energy.

Rail fares are set to rise yet again which will hit those who commute regularly from Loughborough. Since 2010 rail fares have increased by 20%, well above inflation. The Government is ploughing billions of tax payer’s money into the railways and yet the railway companies are still making handsome profits. That can’t be right. Labour will cap fare increases and reform the price of rail tickets.

Because of the price of housing more people in Shepshed are renting property in the private sector. This is leading to a shortage of rented accommodation. As a result many

tenants are complaining to me of being exploited through short term tenancies, high rent rises and letting agent’s fees.

Labour will extend tenancies, cap rises and abolish the fees.

There are many people in Shepshed who work on exploitative zero hour contracts – Labour will abolish these.

Others work for large companies who make substantial profits by paying their workers only the minimum wage.

These companies are ripping off the tax payer knowing that by paying low wages their workers can claim benefits from the state; in effect we are subsidising their profits. No one in full time work should need to claim benefits just to be able to live and take care of their families. Labour will encourage firms towards paying the Living Wage so leaving only those workers who are really in need to claim benefits. Labour will also tackle migrant workers undercutting wages by banning recruitment agencies that only hire foreign workers and press for stronger controls in Europe.

And talking of large companies we also need to act on those firms who, while earning vast profits in the UK, manipulate their finances so as to avoid paying their fair share of tax in the UK. They are ripping us all off.

Shepshed is suffering, along with many other small towns, because of this current rip-off culture. There’s a lot to be done to reform ‘Rip-Off’ Britain and it’s only Labour that will do it and introduce an economy that’s fair for all.

Matthew O’callaghan

R J Brearley Construction CARPENTRY & JOINERY SPECIALIST GENERAL BUILDING, PLASTERING & TILING All property Maintenance, Alterations & Refurbishment work undertaken • Internal • Kitchens and Bathroom • Doors & Windows • Real Wood & Laminate Floors • Bespoke Joinery Service • Stairs & Balustrading

External • Soft/Hardwood Decking Extension Work • Traditional & truss Roofs • 1st & 2nd Fixes • Garage Conversions

All Commercial & Domestic Work Welcome - Free & Convenient Estimates Given Reliable, Tidy & Professional Service Assured

Richard Brearley - Tel: 01509 606453 Mob: 07867 554 981 Email: rjbconstruction@live.co.uk - Based in Shepshed PARK COURT – The hedge fronting this Court on Park Rise was over grown, this made it impossible for the residents to negotiate the steps and ramps down to their homes. I organised a meeting with my fellow ward Councillor Jane Lennie and officers, from the ground maintenance department at Charnwood to get to the bottom of why it was allowed to get in such a state. I am pleased that a number of residents attended this meeting and were able to discuss with the officers their concerns, the hedges both inside and out have now been cut

back and so has the grass. The flower areas were so over grown and these are down to be addressed. Other problems came to light, such as broken slabs, drain covers missing, leaking down pipes and these have been forwarded to the housing department.

I have asked that a site meeting with the housing officers takes place so that residents can air their concerns and highlight these areas.

S106 PANEL – (S106 is were

money is allocated from a planning development towards education, health, recreation facilities) following concerns

raised by a number of Councillors regarding how S106 was decided a panel has been set up at Charnwood to look into this. Unfortunately none of the Shepshed Borough Councillors from any political persuasion have been selected to sit on this panel. Over the years we have had concerns that more consultation with the elected Councillors, the Town Council and local groups should have taken place. But I shall be keeping a close watch on how the panel is progressing.

Christine Radford

16

KIDS ZONE

DANIELS

TERRIFYING TREE With Autumn here, Daniel Dog had been very busy in his garden picking all the delicious ripe apples from his big apple tree and sweeping up all the leaves that had fallen. Every day when he went out there seemed to be just as many leaves on the ground as the day before! This carried on until one day all the leaves had fallen and the apples had been picked and all that was left was a very sad looking tree.

A few days later, on an evening when the moon was bright, Bethany was getting ready to go to bed. She’d had a nice mug of warm milk, put her night dress on and was busy cleaning her beak.

Bethany has never liked winter nights because she’s really not very brave in the dark. So she quickly hurried in to bed and pulled the covers up tightly hoping she’d fall asleep and have a lovely dream. But as the time passed Bethany tossed and turned, she couldn’t get to sleep no matter how hard she tried.

The next morning Daniel Dog came round to invite Bethany to his Halloween party.

‘Good Morning Bethany’ said Daniel.

‘Morning’ said Bethany yawning.

‘Are you ok Bethany?’ asked Daniel, ‘You look like you didn’t sleep very well last night.’

So Bethany explained all about her scary visitor to Daniel who listed carefully.

‘Did you close the curtains after you shut the window’? Asked Daniel.

‘No, I think I forgot’ replied Bethany. ‘So the shadow was coming through the window, it wasn’t in your room’ said Daniel, ‘The moon was very bright last night which would have made shadows look much bigger and darker than normal’.

‘That’s not very reassuring Daniel, it just means the monster looked scarier than normal! I think monsters are pretty scary all the time!’ said a not very impressed Bethany.

‘Hmmm’ thought Daniel, ‘I don’t believe in monsters, I’m sure it must have been something else. Can I have a look out of your window to see what it might have been?’ Asked Daniel.

So Bethany took Daniel up to her room and they looked out of the window. Suddenly Daniel started to laugh!

Suddenly she was woken by a tapping noise.

Tap, tap, tap, tap… it was coming from over by the window. Bethany hid her head under the covers even more, trying to block the noise out… tap, tap, tap, tap…. She could still hear it. So very bravely Bethany got up to see where the noise was coming from.

‘What is it Daniel?’ asked Bethany.

‘I can see your monster’ replied Daniel ‘look over there in to my garden.’

So Bethany looked and started to laugh too!

‘Phew’ said Bethany, ‘it’s just the window banging, I forgot to close it properly!’

So Bethany went over to the window opened the curtains and closed the window tightly, but as she turned round to go back to bed she saw a big, scary shadow on her bedroom wall! It looked like a giant monster with lots of arms all waving at her. A big black shadow against a bright white wall, it was as tall as the room and as wide as the wall and it had so many arms that all looked ready to grab small birds like Bethany. She didn’t dare look round to see the monster at the window, instead she flew into bed and hid under the covers until morning.

LAST MONTHS COMPETITION WINNERS Well done to Harrison Shepherd winning the kids competition and Lorna Smart winning the adults competition. Your prizes are on their way!

JOKE TIME Q: What did the tree say to autumn?

A: Leaf me alone.

Q: What did one autumn leaf say to another?

A: I’m falling for you.

Q: How do you fix a broken pumpkin?

A: With a pumpkin patch Q: What is a tree’s least favourite month?

A: Sep-timber!

Q: How does an Elephant get out of a tree?

A: Sits on a leaf and waits till autumn!

Can you guess what the monster was?

It was Daniels apple tree! Now that all the leaves and apples had fallen off it was just a thin tree with lots of branches that looked like waving arms in the wind!

‘Anyway Bethany, now we’ve solved that mystery, I came over to ask if you’d like to come over to my Halloween party tonight?’ Said Daniel.

‘No thank you!’ replied Bethany. ‘I’ve already had my fair share of scares!’

AUTUMN WORDSEARCH A KIDS PERSONALISED PRINTED T-SHIRT*

*Printed with name on the back of the t-shirt.

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Witch • Harvest • Trees • Halloween • Broom • Leaves • Orange • Pumpkin • Spooky • Frost • Cat • Brown • Autumn • November • Haunt • October

NAME: ADDRESS: TEL:

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

TAKE 5

QUICK CRAFT AUTUMN LEAVES

17

October Magic It’s October now and summer it is over.

This month will now a golden autumn bring.

No longer bees to visit flowers of clover.

The warmer days have had their final fling.

October starts the twilight of the year.

The cycle of renewal will begin again.

The clocks go back one hour but never fear.

There are fields to plough and then to sow the grain.

YOU WILL NEED:

• Autumn leaves from your garden (please be careful if you’re collecting leaves on public footpaths.)

• Paper • Glue • Pencils, pens, or crayons

HOW YOU DO IT:

1. Go outside and see what kinds of animals are hiding in your leaf piles.

2. When you’ve found leaves in your garden, glue them to pieces of paper and use pencil, pen or crayon to make your creatures complete.

October takes us up to Halloween.

When witches, ghouls and goblins will arise.

When mischief makers always very keen.

To scare us half to death with their disguise.

But never mind. It’s just a bit of harmless fun.

Just a chance to play practical joke.

But then it’s clear to us, when all is said and done.

The month will disappear just like a puff of smoke

By Chris Rose

3. To preserve your creations, press them between two books.

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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Rubber

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HOW TO PLAY Fill in each 3x3 block using the letters FLOWERING 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 October 2014

Bake With Fee HALLOWEEN PARTY PLATTER

PUMPKINS

• Clementines • A celery stalk chopped up into 1 inch lengths Peel the clementines and insert a chunk of celery into the top

GHOSTS

• Bananas • Chocolate chips Peel the banana’s and cut in half. In each half press some chocolate chips into the soft flesh to form a face.

FRANKENSTEIN

• Marshmallows • Green and black food colouring • Melted milk chocolate • Lolly sticks Paint the marshmallows green and set aside to dry. Insert a lolly stick into the smaller end of the marshmallow. Holding it upright now paint on the facial features with the black food colouring. Turning it upside down, dip the marshmallow in the melted chocolate to form the hair. Pop in the fridge to set.

Make as many as you need for your party and arrange them on a platter. This is such a fun and simple thing to do, the kids love making them and everyone thinks they look fab!

LOCAL NEWS

“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.

NE W

yo We ur ca pl n h um e bi lp y ng o en u w qu ith ire s

18

Your Local Gas & Plumbing Specialist

AUTUMN SPECIAL

10% OFF all Boiler Installations plus FREE TRV’s* for your home if you book by 31st October 2014.

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

* Up to 10 thermostatic radiator valves (TRV’s) to be installed.

• PC, Laptop and Tablet Repairs.

• Networking, Wireless and Security.

• XP/Vista upgrade to Windows 7 or 8.

• Troubleshooting and Maintenance.

• Tuition for beginners a speciality.

Call Darren today on

Call today to book a FREE no obligation quote or for more information

0116 2303 234 info@mgas.co.uk • www.mgas.co.uk

PACKAGE 1

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

ONLY £585 PACKAGE 2

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

ONLY £765

PACKAGE 3

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

ONLY £1295

ECONOMY PACKAGE

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

EXTRA BOARDING

Additional boarding to any package £30 per 16 square foot

ONLY £435

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

www.facebook.com/loftstoragesolutions

01530 243808 or 07813 973 659 for an appointment

• Printers, Routers and Whole Systems set up correctly.

• Bespoke systems built to your spec and budget.

• No call out charge, no fix no fee!

LOFT STORAGE

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

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

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

LUXURY STORAGE ROOMS

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

PRICES FROM £2995

 01530 587327

07515 526959 / 079615 76020 www.LeicesterLoftStorage.com

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

19

The Easy Way to the perfect Home Office or Fitted Bedroom 10 YEAR NO-QUIBBLE

GUARANTEE

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

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

Call Paul

Tel: 0116 246 0686 to find out more today

20

The Citroën

Class of at Luffield

Citroën C1 From

64

£99

£119

From

£149

with Elect 4 Personal Lease*

Citroën C3 From

Citroën DS3

Per Month

www.luffield.com

Per Month with Elect 4 Personal Lease*

Per Month with Elect 4 Personal Lease*

• Road Tax from £0 Per Year • C02 Emissions from 99g/km

• Road Tax from £0 Per Year • C02 Emissions from 87g/km • Road Tax from £0 Per Year • C02 Emissions from 91g/km

4 Years

0%APR

†

Representative finance available on selected Citroën C range models

Exclusive Savings

Available on selected Citroën C range and DS Line models

3 Years

FREE Servicing

#

Available on selected DS Line models with Elect 4 personal lease

CITROËN EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

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.