November 2019 - Shepshed & Hathern Community Eye

SHEPSHED

HATHERN

COMMUNITY EYE 7,200 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH - NOVEMBER 2019

£90,000 Grant Awarded To Steps Centre

From BBC Children In Need

Can You Find Amazing Assistance Dog Lucas?

Canine Partners Competition

Shepshed Scaresheep Festival

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Needed One Million Aluminium Cans = One Helipad Helipads For Hospitals Charity

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Deadline Date: 25th November Delivery Date: 6th December

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Legend Of The Hangman’s Stone

Legend of the Hangman’s Stone is taken from Thomas Rossell Potter’s Charnwood Forest – its History and Antiquities, 1842.

It happened but twice in the tide of time, And but once since the Conqueror came, That all Shepeshed men were in bed at ten, And all Whytwyk wights the same.

There were fat red deer in old Bardon Park – Fat hogs on the great Ives Head – Fat goats in crowds on the grey Lubclouds– Fat sheep in the Forest shed.

There were coneys in store upon Warren Hill, And hares upon Long Cliff dell; And a pheasant whirred if a foot was stirred In the Haw of the Holy Well.

There were trout in shoals in Charley brook, And pike in the Abbot’s lake, And herons in flocks under Whytwyk rocks, Their nightly rest would take.

All these were the cause why the Shepeshed men, And the Whytwyk wights the same, Never slumbered when the clock told ten, But watched for the sylvan game.

What matters that Warders and trusty Regarders Look’d well to the Forest right; The Shepeshed encroachers were aye practis’d poachers, And their day was “the noon of the night.”

If the smaller prey did not hap in their way, What matter? The sheep and deer Were a goodlier meal, and the verb to steal Was neuter or nameless here.

John of Oxley had watch’d on the round Cat Hill, He had harried all Timber Wood; Each rabbit and hare said “ha! ha!” to his snare, But the ven’son he knew was good.

A herd was resting beneath the broad oak – (The Ranger he knew was abed;) One shaft he drew on his well tried yew, And a gallant hart lay dead.

He tied its legs. and he hoisted his prize, And he toil’d over Lubcloud brow; He reach’d the tall stone standing out and alone, *Standing then as it standeth now.

With his back to the stone he rested his load, And he chuckled with glee to think That the rest of the way on the down hill lay, And his wife would have spiced the strong drink.

The rest of the way John of Oxley ne’er trod; The spiced ale was untouched by him; In the morning grey there were looks that way, But the mountain mists were dim.

Days pass’d and he came not – his children play’d And wept – then gambolled again; They saw with surprise that their mother’s wet eyes Were still on the hills – in vein!

A swineherd was passing o’er Great Ives Head, When he noticed a motionless man; He shouted in vain – no reply could he gain – So down to the grey stone he ran.

All was clear. There was Oxley on one side of the stone On the other the down-hanging deer; The burden had slipp’d and his neck it had nipp’d: He was hanged by his prize – all was clear!

The gallows still stands upon Shepeshed high lands, As a mark for the poacher to own, How the wicked will get in their own net: And ’tis still call’d The Grey Hangman’s Stone.

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Shepshed History Society Article by Marjorie Schulz

On the 8th October Mrs Karen Kreft gave an excellent and very interesting insight on the lives of servants and those in particular at Calke Abbey during the 1800 and 1900's.

It was the custom to employ staff who lived many miles away Karen began to explain, in order to stop local gossip abounding about the local gentry. And she went on and told many tales of the private lives of the overworked servants and what their duties entailed and the endless hours they had to work. Footmen however were the least overworked servant, always employed for their handsome appearance and height, the taller they were the more wages they got. They would spend endless hours just looking ornamental in between serving at table and doing menial tasks for their masters.

In depth tales followed of the servants lives were given and a sorry tale in particular was told of a 14 year old scullery maid who in 1913 when plucking a goose accidentally set herself on fire when using methylated spirits to singe the down from off the bird.Tragically she died soon afterwards and Sir Vauncey Harpur Crewe immediately banned this practice from taking place in his home from then on.

Servants of course dwindled down after the first world war finished when more well paid jobs and less hours became available in factories that were springing up all around the country.

By 1924 when Hilda Mosley the last Harpur Crewe was to inherit the estate, the staff was drastically reduced to a mere minimum and life on the grand estate was never to be the same again.

The next meeting on November 12th will be given by Bill Pemberton and his subject to be Leics & Swannington Railway.

Newcomers always welcome.

Needed One Million Aluminium Cans = One Helipad Article by Ngaire Hall

In the bid to provide helipads for both the QMC and LRI we bring you an update from the Charity “Helipads for Hospitals” Shepshed Glenmore Park Car Park now has a new Big Red Bin supported by Shepshed Rotary Club, right next to the Yellow Air Ambulance Used Clothing Bin. This is being emptied fortnightly and together with help from the Public, local Clubs, Loughborough University, Loughborough Fennell Street Social Club, Hathern Social Club, plus all manner of Clubs, Schools and the Public throughout East Midlands, we now have a grand total of quarter of a Million cans.

These are all taken to Stocken Prison near Oakham for intensive crushing and loading onto Pallets. Each Pallet contains approx. 10,000 crushed cans which are bring stored to be smelted down for a Helipad.

100 pallets = 1 million cans.

Aluminium when bolted together is very strong and does not require any maintenance and can be resited.

The Charity is working towards bringing a smelter from Dubai and setting it up at Stocken, or filling a 44 ton truck and transporting the cans to be smeltered in Lancashire.

All around the East Midlands, Big Red Bins are being placed by Rotary Clubs and Private Organisations to help achieve the goal.

Please make sure only aluminium cans are placed in the Shepshed Bin. Unfortunately when emptied, there have been, over recent weeks four duvets, a pair of Apres Ski Boots and two mens jackets in the bin as well.

Many thanks to all those who are supporting this project.

Marie Curie Counts On Collection Volunteers Article by Claire Korsakovs

With only 8 weeks to go, Marie Curie is appealing for local volunteers to help at their Christmas Collections.

Collections are an integral part of the Marie Curie fundraising calendar and without them it would not be possible to provide the necessary nursing care for our terminally ill patients and their families in Leicestershire & Rutland. The local Marie Curie fundraising team are seeking collectors to help at collection days in supermarkets, stores and towns.

Whilst everyone else will be preparing for Father Christmas to arrive this Christmas Eve, our nurses will be starting their night shift. Last year, one of our nurses was quizzed by a young son of a patient as he was concerned Father Christmas would not visit as she stays awake all night to look after his Daddy. Sue, very quickly explained that Marie Curie has a special agreement with the big man himself, that our nurses can close their eyes when he arrives at the house so that she does not see him. The nurses do such things so that our families can be at home during the festive period where they feel most comfortable and with their loved ones.

Claire Korsakovs, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Leicestershire & Rutland says “As a collector you’ll be able to raise vital money for people like Sue’s patient to spend their Christmas at home where they wish to be. Our collection slots are only two hours long and will most definitely leave you with that Christmas Cheer.”

Whether you’re a seasonal fundraiser or a newcomer looking to get involved for the first time, the local Marie Curie fundraising office would love to hear from you.

To become a Marie Curie Collector, you need to be aged 16 or over.

Children are welcome to collect alongside a parent or guardian.

For more information for how you can get involved, please contact Claire Korsakovs on 07595 087169 or claire.korsakovs@mariecurie.org.uk

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Bus Shelter Vandalised

Article by Brenda Snape This is the second panel in the bus shelter in the Bull Ring which has been vandalised. The cost to rate payers to replace both panels will be £480. The Police are currently investigating with the assistance of CCTV images.

Nicky Morgan Visits Steps Centre Article by Janet Russell

Nicky Morgan dropped into the Steps centre, a charity in Shepshed that provides a free service for children with motor disorders, to donate two bottles of House of Commons wine to be used as prizes in the forthcoming major fundraising event, ‘A Question of Brains’.

Nicky first visited the centre last year and was able to find out just what makes the charity so special.

She spoke with centre manager, Janet Russell, who explained that the service that Steps provides, called Conductive Education, has facilitated some incredible results, enabling children to live more independently.

Parents and carers are involved in the process, where they gain the support not only of the practitioners but also of each other.

Nicky said, “It’s a privilege to support Steps, which does such a fantastic job supporting children and their families from across the East Midlands. I should like to congratulate all of those who are involved with Steps on providing an amazing 25 years of service!”

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Christmas Flower Extravaganza By Jonathan Moseley Article by Heather Cake

Tickets are now on sale for Loughborough Flower Lovers' Club's Christmas Open Meeting on Thursday, 21 November, when members of the public are invited to what promises to be a wonderful evening's entertainment by the celebrated floral designer, Jonathan Moseley, whose demonstration is entitled 'Let's Get Creative for Christmas.'

Jonathan features regularly at all of the major RHS shows including Chelsea, Hampton Court, Tatton and Malvern, and delivers seasonal events at many prestigious locations. Some may remember him as the Floral Expert on BBC2's The Big Allotment Challenge. He is a passionate advocate for British flowers which he enthusiastically promotes to the public when demonstrating at any major event.

His humorous and friendly approach makes him one of the UK’s most popular demonstrators, guaranteed to thrill audiences with his amazing displays delivered with speed, efficiency and skill.

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

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

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

Tickets cost £10 and are available from 01509 853740, 01509 880099, 01509 842334, or on the door.

Award-Winning Local Author Roger Hubank Has Released His Classic First Novel, North Wall, As An Ebook Article by Jessica Mcelhattan

North Wall is a story of tragedy and triumph. It follows two very different climbers – experienced mountain guide Raymond and amateur climber Daniel, as they attempt an ascent of the fictional Piz Molino, the Alps’ most demanding mountain.

But they soon find the psychological trials of the climb are just as challenging as the physical – while Raymond is struggling after being left the sole survivor of a previous expedition, Daniel is torn between his family and life on the mountains. When tragedy strikes on the treacherous 1,200-metre North Face, however, they must overcome their demons in order to survive.

A former lecturer of English Literature at Loughborough University as well as an author and mountaineer, Hubank has been climbing since the 1960s, and has climbed extensively throughout Britain and the Alps.

Commenting on the ebook’s release, Hubank said, ‘It’s over forty years since North Wall first appeared.

Now thanks to Vertebrate it’s also taking a bow as an ebook, something I couldn’t have dreamt of back in 1978. I hope the ‘grip factor’ proves to be as high as some of its earlier readers found it, and that it still conveys something of what a major route might be like in those days, gone now, when there were rather more of the Alps to climb than remain today.’

North Wall is now available to purchase as an ebook on Kindle, Kobo, iTunes and Google Play.

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Clerk: Maureen Spencer Tel: 01509 842813 Email: clerk@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk www.hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Like us on Facebook: @hathernparish Councillor: Roy Dann rdann@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Peter Swift pswift@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: John Boyes jboyes@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Ben Murdoch bmurdoch@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Martin Clayton mclayton@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk

The Probus Club Article by Horace Lister

The minutes of the Shepshed Probus Meeting held on the 7th of October 2019 at Junction 23 Truckstop are as follows: There were only 9 members present along with the Speaker, and although 1 or 2 apologies had been received, the attendance was disappointing, made worse by Wilf Shelton being ill, and Graham Woodward our newly appointed Secretary being on holiday.

As neither of the recent secretaries were present, the normal announcements were very few, except that the Christmas Dinner, which was previously arranged, now needed to be paid.

To add further misery to the already depleted attendance, Stan White, our regular Jester was also absent due to illness, detaining him in hospital.

However, as the President said, The Show must go on.

After Grace was said, we had a very convivial meal, but even with the single number attendance, the raffle was drawn giving a double digit prize.

Our Speaker then introduced her talk entitled " Aging in Beijing ", and Penny Hodgson then went on very interestingly to talk in detail of her 2 year stint in setting up libraries in both Beijing and Hong Kong, based on Harrow where similar boat hats were worn not to be confused with boaters.

Penny explained in detail the difficulties experienced whilst travelling by car and taxi,which were wide and varied, and not being easily understood when compared with our by comparison empty roads.

The smoke and car fumes were exceptionally bad, to the extent that they introduced man made rain to quench the fumes, which appears unbelievable at first suggestion.

By the fact that Penny went out on a 2 year contract accompanied by her husband, they were given a type of sheltered accommodation, and an explanation was given on dining out in restaurants, where they were given choices of live fish, live crocodile and sea cucumber, this being a massive snail.

Whilst there, they had to understand the monetary system, and the denominations varied from the equivalent of £7000 down to £7 and 7p.

It was clearly no "all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy", because they were able to visit Australia to attend a wedding, a sight seeing tour of Viet Nam, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. At the mid point of their contract, they came back home for a holiday On their return to work, they took a trip out to a Panda wild area, and whilst there found out that they [ The Chinese ] have solved the problem of massive reduction in the species, by feeding them with Viagra successfully.

Their second Christmas was spent relaxing in Thailand, then in the new year they experienced the Terra Cotta army, and finally a trip to Japan.

Not bad being a qualified librarian.

Appreciation for the Speaker's talk was given for a brilliant and educational talk, albeit only by 8 pairs of hands.

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Shepshed And District Twinning Association Article by Martyn Wroe

Shepshed and District Twinning’s winter season is now in full swing, with events always looked over by their mascot ‘Sheppy the Sheep’ In October 10 members had an interesting French conversation session when participants were invited to bring unusual objects or suitable conversation topics.

Subjects ranged from a cobblers cast iron foot, Van Gogh’s Yellow House, to animals that sing, plus many other esoteric subjects, all in French and interspersed with fine food and drink provided by their host.

Shepshed Twinning’s press officer, Martyn Wroe, said “Unfortunately, planning formal twinning events is being disrupted by the B word. The uncertainty continues to disrupt our efforts to arrange a visit for our French friends from Domont, who are keen to come and see us again”.

Time passes - the next event is the 30th Annual General Meeting on 15th November, and will be held in Shepshed. After short formal business attendees will be hearing one of their members, Laura Grevel, perform her one-woman spoken word show called ‘Fierce Barefoot Love: A Geography of My Life’. Laura says that “her geographic tale starts in Texas and then follows her travels to Mexico, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and finally Shepshed” (where she has been for the last 10 years), all delivered in less than 30 minutes with poetry, song and performance art.

Dinner With A Difference Raises £77,200 for Shepshed Charity Article by Janet Russell

A ‘corporate dinner with a difference’ was hosted by the Leicester Tigers to help raise funds for Steps Conductive Education Centre and a staggering £77,200 was the result!

Steps, a centre in Shepshed that provides a free service for children from across the East Midlands who have conditions such as cerebral palsy and Down’s syndrome, hold this prestigious event each year. Called ‘A Question Of Brains’, the event combines fine dining with a fun, brainteasing quiz night. There is a Grand Raffle with amazing prizes and an auction with some stunning lots such as a diamond necklace courtesy of Goldsmiths and a holiday for four in Austria. A mega prize-everytime tombola is always popular and with 700 donated prizes, this raised a considerable amount also. A highlight of the evening was a cabaret performance by Belle Voci, billed as ‘a singing duo extraordinaire’ who were runners up in the TV programme, ‘The Voice’. Leicester Tigers stars, Geordan Murphy and Matt Poole were auctioneers and Anne Davies from the BBC East Midlands Today programme was the host.

Rosemary Conley, co-founder and patron of Steps, now in its 25th year, pronounced the evening a major success.

Rosemary said, “Since 2012, A Question of Brains has raised an amazing £520,000 for Steps. Everything is donated and services are provided free of charge by our sponsors who are Charles Street Building Group, Fischer Future Heat, Goldsmiths Jewellers, Heidi Kjeldsen Jewellery, Kangaroo Marketing and Design, Leicester College, Leicester Tigers, Lionel Heap Photography, Next, Nick Janes Vocals and Guitar and Rosemary Conley Enterprises. Every single penny raised goes towards the £250,000 that we need to find every year to provide a free service for our children and their families. I should like to thank everyone who has contributed to making the evening such a success.”

Bryon Dixon OBE, founder of Micro-Fresh International described the event as ‘a truly inspirational and uplifting evening of fun entertainment, great food and all for a fantastic cause!’

If anyone would like to book a table or donate a prize for next year’s Question of Brains, please go to the website at www.aquestionofbrains. org or call Peter Legg on 01530 249396.

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Laura Grevel Laura is a long time performer and writer of fiction, blogs and essays, and recently got back into spoken word in the thriving East Midlands Spoken Word Scene.

The AGM is the formal necessity, but all our social events are fun and usually involve food. We are an openminded Francophile group and welcome new friends.”

For more information and contact details visit our website, www.shepshedtwinning.co.uk or see us, or message us on Facebook - Shepshed and District Twinning Association

Shepshed Ramblers Article by Margaret Pate

For its September walk Shepshed Ramblers had an away day walking the Malvern Hills. The above photo shows the ramblers at the summit giving a rendition of ‘Climb Every Mountain’. Their next walk will take place on Sunday 17th November. It is approximately a six mile circular Mystery Walk. The Group will leave Shepshed Market Place at 09.30 am and return between 2.00 and 3.00 pm. Walkers should take a coffee break and lunch.

Shepshed Ramblers will also be holding it’s AGM on Friday 8 November in St Botolphs Church Hall followed by a light supper and social evening.

If you would like further information regarding either the AGM or walking with the group please call Margaret on 01509 600510 or Bernie on 01509 828328. A warm welcome to newcomers is guaranteed.

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Shepshed & Hathern Community Clubs & Groups 4th Shepshed Scout Group Georgie Budding 01509 389983

Hathern History Society Terry Cox 01509 843107 www.hathernhistory.co.uk

Rotary Club Of Shepshed Charnwood rotarysc@hotmail.co.uk

Shepshed Ramblers Margaret 01509 600510 Bernie 01509 828328

ACT One Adrian Dobson 07904 303488 adrian@act-one.co.uk www.act-one.co.uk

Hathern Horticultural Society Jacqueline Sutton 01509 842713

Serenade Shepshed Women’s Community Choir Keleigh Atkin 07775558219

Shepshed Rugby Club Tom Pitt 07522429786 shepshedrugby@gmail.com

hello@4thshepshedscoutgroup.co.uk

Art Group Dave 01509 842562 daveandfay.want@gmail.com

Hathern Old Cricket Club Neil Swift 07963 139942 Hathern Open Gardens John Worsfold 01509 842585

Belton Gardening Club Peter Crichton 01530 224869

Hathern Sunday Football Club Dave Pears 07904 950781

Belton & Hathern Scouts Kenny Henry 01509 507997 kennyjhenry@msn.com

Hathern Village Association www.hathernonline.co.uk

Bingo Jan 07944 609415 Charnwood Meditation Group Chris North 01509 506585 Christchurch Gilbert & Sullivan Society Richard Perkins 01509 821962 christchurchgands.shepshed@ hotmail.com www.whatnever.co.uk Fox Badminton Julian Kuczala - 07941323944 julian.kuczala@sky.com Future Generation Sports Luke Dixon 07738090212 uturegsports@gmail.com Glenmore Art Group Pauline Lawley pauline_lawley@hotmail.com Hathern Band Lesley Bentley 01509 672029 www.hathernband.co.uk Hathern Bellringers Tony Croft 01509 842634 Hathern Bridge Club Yvonne Frost 01509 261445 Hathern Brownies Helen Pritchard 07425 168468 helen.gt@hotmail.com Hathern Dance Club Judith Wardell 01509 842357 Hathern Football Club Martin Snaith 07824 356629 snaithy@me.com Hathern Garden Club Phil Clark 01509 842345

Hathern Wildlife Club Sean Hale 01509 843089 Hathern Women’s Institute Gail Wooliscroft 01509 842874 Hathern Youth Club Ian Fuller 07837 066190

serenadeshepshed@rocketmail.com

Shepshed & District Camera Club Alan Harris 07733314605 chairman@shepshedcameraclub.co.uk

www.shepshedcameraclub.co.uk Shepshed & District Twinning Association www.shepshedtwinning.co.uk Shepshed Badminton Club Alan 01509 733391 a.zenthon@sky.com Shepshed Cricket Club Katie Oliver 07890941420 katie.oliver@live.com

Line Dancing Ann Seymour 07914358050

Shepshed Cycling Club georgesmith@ shepshedcyclingclub.co.uk www.shepshedcyclingclub.co.uk

Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club Chris 01509 504319 www.radioclub.org.uk

Shepshed Dolphin Swimming Group Nicola Crowe 07739760725 admin@shepsheddolphins.org.uk

Loughborough & District Philatelic Society Rowland Tatton 01509 268073 rowlandftatton@googlemail.com https://sites.google.com/site/ loughboroughphilatelic/ Rosebery Medical Centre, Roseberry Street, Loughborough, LE11 5DX

Shepshed Dynamo Youth & Junior FC Mick Wattam 07801 691712

Over 50s Exercise Music Class 01509 650662 glenmorecentre@btconnect.com Over 50’s Badminton Club Roly Price 01530 600010 or 07403613711 r.price67@ntlworld.com Pasture Lane Players Liz Sutton 01509 828766 Pastures New Playgroup 07975 767723 pastplaygroup@live.com www.pasturesnewplaygroup.co.uk Rotary Club Of Shepshed Robert Hall 01509 842643 robert.hall72@btinternet.com

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Shepshed Dynamo FC Mick Wattam 07801691712 Shepshed History Society Marjorie Schulz marjorieschulz@talktalk.net Shepshed Lions Club Dave & Lynn Jackson lynnjac19@gmail.com www.shepshedlions.org Shepshed Model Railway Club Chris 01509 504319 Shepshed Mucky Duck Ukulele Club 07767678866 Shepshed Netball Amateur Players Lindsey Aldridge 07899887918 www.snapnetball.com Shepshed Punchin’ Pandas Children’s Martial Arts School Julie Hutton 07984 424811 www.emkmartialarts.co.uk

Shepshed Running Club info@shepshedrc.org.uk Shepshed Special Community Bus Alison Sharp 01509 650531 sscb9a@gmail.com Shepshed Stompers Line Dancers Linda 07907711282 Shepshed Swimming Club Ian head-coach@ shepshedswimmingclub.com www.shepshedswimmingclub.com Shepshed Taekwondo Pat Shawcroft 07986890559 www.shepshedtaekwondo.com Shepshed Town Bowls Club John Carrington 01509 505048 enquiries.stbc@outlook.com Shepshed Toy Library Catherine 01509 601146 Tea Dance David Spendlove 01509 821760 The Luncheon Club Victoria Jacques 01509 650662 glenmorecentre@btconnect.com The Oaks in Charnwood Garden Club Margaret Metcalfe 01530 838741 The Probus Club Of Shepshed Will Shelton 01509 769802 Walking For Health Shepshed 07709892731 wfhshepshed@gmail.com Wildfire Cheer Hannah Bottomley 07935135536 hannah@wildfirecheer.com www.wildfirecheer.com Yoga Group For All Abilities Jen Vaughan 07467946368 namasteyoga.uk@gmail.com

Part Exchange at Bluebells in Shepshed Every one of our 4-bedroom homes is built and finished to the highest quality with careful attention to detail.

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Shepshed Special Community Bus Outings Autumn & Winter Article by Alison Sharp

November 22nd- Burton On Trent There are three shopping centres. The Octagon Shopping Centre boasts fantastic retailers ranging from restaurants and food stores to fashion and entertainment. Coopers Square Shopping Centre for high-street fashion stores, independent shops and food outlets. Burton Place Shopping Centre Small indoor mall for homeware, farm produce and discount stores, plus gifts and frozen food. The town lies on the River Trent, boasts lots of local history, a great place to get your Christmas Shopping.

Pick up starts at 9am, cost per person £8.00 Return December 13th – Dobbies, Woodlands, Hinckley From home fragrance to houseplants, Dobbie the reindeer to doggie treats, you’ll find the perfect gift this Christmas. Find exclusive ranges, interactive activities, delicious restaurant food plus loads to see and do.

Pick up starts at 9am, cost £8.00 Return We have limited spaces so. Call Alison on 01509 650561 to reserve your seat, payment to be made on booking and is non-refundable. We offer a door to door service with assistance to and from your home if required our driver and escort will stay at the venues and assist you if needed at all times

Neighbourhood Link Article by Inspector Mark Botte

The team have been working hard around Charnwood, hopefully you have seen the results of our week of intensification around County lines activity on the police website or on my Twitter? We have just had a male charged and remanded for burglary offences in Shepshed and Syston and we are focusing on ensuring we keep burglary rates down.

My team are out across Charnwood on a pro active operation, we will be targeting areas based on intelligence and current crime threats.

Finally I managed to secure funding from the community safety partnership and together with Charnwood Borough Council we will shortly be launching Charnwood Watch, really exciting project and looking forward to linking in more with local residents and offering better crime prevention advice.

Please encourage neighbours in Charnwood to sign up to neighbourhood link, a crucial part of Charnwood Watch. Thank you for your support.

Hathern Village Hall What's On Weekly Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Sunday

11.30am - 1.00pm 2.00pm - 3.00pm 6.00pm - 7.00pm 1.30pm - 4.15pm 7.30pm - 10.30pm 10.00am - 11.00am 1.15pm - 2.45pm 6.15pm - 8.15pm 9.15am - 11.30am 5.00pm - 9.00pm 8.45am - 10.00am 4.00pm - 5.00pm

Baby Massage Pilates Yoga Village Voices Bridge Club Pilates Line Dancing Fitness Class (EndorFIT) Pilates Youth Club (Term time only) Yoga Martial Arts

Monthly 1st & 2nd Monday 7.00pm - 10.00pm Garden Club ( Oct - Mar) 3rd Monday 7.00pm - 10.00pm W.I. Six Weekly (approx.)

Monday 7.00pm - 10.00pm

Hathern Parish Council

Quarterly 1st Monday in March, June, September & December 7.30pm - 8.30pm Hathern Recreation Association (Village Hall) Management Committee

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PHOTO: Dimple Patel, 2nd adult from the left and Trish Mabbott, 2nd adult from the right.

£90,000 Grant Awarded To Steps Centre From BBC Children In Need!

Article by Janet Russell

Steps is a charity in Shepshed for children who are born with motor disorders such as Down’s syndrome or cerebral palsy.

It provides a free service for families from across the East Midlands and it has annual running costs of £250,000.

The majority of this money comes from donations, fundraising and grants.

Everyone at Steps was delighted to hear that a grant of £90,000 has been awarded this year from BBC Children In Need!

The amount will be split with £30,000 being paid each year for three years.

The fundraiser for Steps, Trish Mabbott, was thrilled when she heard that Steps had been granted the award for the third time.

She explained, “Without the support of grants such as this, it would be impossible to provide our service that is as essential both for parents who have children with additional needs as it is for the children themselves.

What we offer is only available in a few centres throughout the UK and we have been described by our parents as providing them with a lifeline at a time when the world might feel like a very dark and lonely place.”

After visiting Steps to see how the funding would make a difference, Dimple Patel, BBC Children in Need Grants Officer, said; “We are delighted to be funding projects like Steps which will be working hard to help make an impact on the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the East Midlands. Grants like this are made available thanks to our supporters who donate their time, money and energy to help raise money for BBC Children in Need and make this all possible.”

During the visit, Trish explained that children can come to us from a very early age and that this early intervention is essential for helping them to gain increased benefits and skills. Most children are later able to take up places in mainstream schools and when they are due to do so, their designated learning assistants are invited into the centre to enable them to get to know the child who they will be working with and to become familiar with what they can achieve, which is essential to enable individuals to extend their potential.

Trish Mabbott concluded by explaining that, “Everything that we do here at Steps helps each child to become their own person and to accept who they are. We are so grateful to BBC Children in Need for awarding us this grant to help us continue to support the families that have children with additional needs.”

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Shepshed Scaresheep Festival Article by Angie Whitmore

Shepshed Scaresheep Festival ran for its 5th year on 5th and 6th October 2019, with 22 entries entered into the festival. The weather was kind and lots of local people came out to view the entries and vote for their favourite. The standard of the entries was excellent, as it is every year and the winners have now been announced!

Favourite Household: • Winner: No.1 The Whitmores (Get Wool Soon) (13 votes) • Joint Second No.12 The Lomax Family (Cloud of Ewenicorns) & No.13 James and Helen (Crime Sheep Investigations) (7 votes each) Favourite Business/Org • Winner: No.21 Shepshed Wellbeing Garden (11 votes) • Second: No.22 The Willows Care Home (10 votes) • Third: No. 6 Through the looking Glass (7 votes) Favourite School/Nursery • Winner: No.7 St Botolphs Primary School (12 votes) • Second: No.17 Oxley Primary School (9 votes) • Joint Third: No.14 Newcroft & No.20 St Winefrides Playgroup (7 votes Each) Winner of the phrase is Marshall Preston. The phrase was A Wolf in sheep's clothing.

Well done everyone who took part, and we look forward to seeing next year’s entries! We raised an amazing £488 for the centre, thank you everyone! If you would like to take part next year, please email me on angie@jscharnwood.org.uk to ensure you are sent out a registration form for next year.

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Shepshed Remembrance Day Parade Sunday 10th November 2019 Article by Brenda Snape

Shepshed Town Council wishes to advise local residents of the arrangements for this year’s Remembrance Day Parade/Service.

The Parade, led by Leicestershire & Rutland County Pipe Band will depart from Lambert Avenue at 3:00 pm prompt, turning left into Charnwood Road, through the Bullring and into Field Street and into Glenmore Park for a 3:15 pm Service.

Please note that the following roads will be closed, from approximately 2:30 - 2:45 pm and during the parade, however, will be re-opened immediately afterwards: Charnwood Road, Wightman Close, Lacey Court, Kirkhill, Queens Street, Field Street, Britannia Street, ASDA Car Park Everyone is welcome to attend the service in Glenmore Park. For further information please contact Shepshed Town Council 01509 508872 or email contact@shepshedtowncouncil.org

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Article by Graham Burton

December events on the 3rd the walk & talk group will meet at the Harrington car park at 10:00am. They will also take lunch there. The 12th members will have Christmas dinner & illuminated walk at the National Arboretum. On behave of the committee we would like to wish all members a Merry Christmas.

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Shepshed & District Camera Club Article by Brian Walbey

After returning to their weekly Tuesday meetings during September the members of Shepshed and District Camera Club were able to welcome several new members and the return of existing members to another full season up until the summer next year.

One of the early highlights was a lecture on British Wildlife by Tesni Ward, a local professional wildlife photographer, held at Shepshed Bowls Club and attended not only by club members but a large number of the general public as well. Showing a varied selection of her photographs Tesni talked about the animals themselves and the techniques and equipment she used to take her photographs The first major competition of the season, the Peter Harvey Trophy, which required each entrant to present a group of four new images, took place at a later date and was judged by Steve Myall, a well known local judge. Awarding each entry a mark out of 20 the member, and therefore the winner, with the highest aggregate score out of 80 was Club Chairman Alan Harris with 71 points followed by Garry Rennocks with 70 and Phil Tapp AFIAP, with 66.

Most recently the Club made entries in the exhibition promoted by the Sileby Photographic Society and were fortunate enough to achieve third place overall in the Open class for visiting clubs Print category and second place in the class for Projected Images.

Meetings continue at the Council Office in Charnwood Road, commencing at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start, full details of the programme and contact details are available on the Club’s website at www. shepshedcameraclub.co.uk

Shepshed Town Team Partnership Article by Brenda Snape

The Shepshed Town Team Partnership will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 13th November 2019 at 6.30pm at the Town Council offices, 47a Charnwood Road.

The Town Team has representatives of Businesses, Charities, Community groups, Faith groups, Residents and Shepshed, Charnwood and Leics councils. We are a positive force for improvement in Shepshed.

We have introduced CCTV, have obtained grant funding and are promoting projects to help to improve the town centre.

All residents and businesses with an LE12 9 postcode are welcome to attend.

Christmas Lunch At The Glenmore Centre Article by Victoria Jacques

The Glenmore Centre will once again be hosting a Christmas Day Lunch for anyone from Shepshed who would otherwise be spending Christmas alone. A delicious three course Christmas Lunch is provided as well as music, drinks and a raffle. Transport can be provided if necessary. Anyone wishing to attend or wanting to find out more information should contact Victoria Jacques on 01509 650662 or Bernie Blood on 01509 508872.

We are also looking for volunteers to help on the day. Anyone able to help should contact Victoria or Bernie as above.

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Shepshed Lions Club Annual Luncheon Article by Ann Bodycote

On Saturday 19th October Shepshed Lions Club hosted their annual luncheon for senior citizens at the Glenmore Centre, Shepshed. Over 60 ladies and gentlemen attended and enjoyed an excellent 3 course meal as well as participating in games of Bingo and a raffle where many prizes were won including a star prize of a Christmas hamper which was won by Mrs Joan Hartshorn. We would also like to thank our non-Lion volunteers who ably assisted us. Lions raise money throughout the year to fund this event as well as distributing to other worthy causes in Shepshed. Our next fund raising event will be nearer Christmas when Santa gets his sleigh out of mothballs and Lions club members will be visiting an area near you, so please watch this space for details of our routes.

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We are looking for dedicated caring people to join us at our highly respected care cooperative in the Shepshed and Hathern areas.

To help look after elderly, frail and disabled adults so that they can keep their independence and remain in their own homes.

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St. Winefrides Traditional Christmas Fayre Article by Brenda Fox

The Christmas season will soon be here and I can think of no better way of starting the celebrations then you coming to visit our annual Christmas Fayre at Iveshead College on the 30th November between the hours of 10am - 2pm.

As always there will be lots of stalls selling bric a brac, toys, presents for Christmas, dvd's, jigsaws and of course wonderful cakes pickles and jams. There will be games to play, Santa for the children to visit, and refreshments for a hungry body. The day will start with St. Winefrides School Choir singing carols. So why not come along and get into the festive spirit.

St. Botolph’s Church, Shepshed And St. James’ Church, Oaks In Charnwood Article by Jill

Article by Ian Hilder

St Botolph’s Christmas Market Sat 23rd Nov 10 am—2 pm St. Botolph’s Church Hall Christmas Party at The Oaks Sat 23rd Nov 7pm Oaks Storer Hall Traditional Christmas Dinner with entertainment by Shepshed’s own “Singing Postman”. Tickets £15 from Mary Hayward on 07545 817664.

Christmas Tree Festival 29th/30th November & 1st December St. Botolph's Church Festival Opening Times Fri 29th 3.15 - 7pm / Sat 30th 10am-5pm & Sun 1st Dec 2-5pm.

Oaks Christmas Fair Sat 30th Nov 10.00am -2.00pm Oaks Storer Hall Free entry and complimentary mulled wine for adults. Lots of stalls, big raffle, home-made cakes, food and drink, tombola and bottle tombola, guess teddy’s name and Christmas gifts.

A Warm Welcome In Shepshed

Messy Church St. Botolph’s runs Messy Church every 4th Sunday of the month from 3.30 pm. The next session on 24th Nov will be focusing on

A warm atmosphere, a warm welcome and warm food are all promised for those who go to St Botolph’s Christmas Market on Saturday 23rd November.

This annual event gives plenty of scope for Christmas shopping for quality goods, including hand-crafted items. Browsing the book stall, having a go on the tombola and the raffle are always popular. Socialising over lunch is a very important aspect of the day --- hot dogs, bacon butties, sandwiches, cakes and drinks will be on sale. You may even come just for lunch! One of Santa’s elves will have a lucky dip for the children.

The Church Hall doors open at 10 o’clock and close at 2pm.

Entrance and car-parking are free. Everyone is welcome.

Teaching God’s ArmourMessy Church is open to all ages. There is a story or game to introduce the bible passage before moving into activities.

Following activities there is a short interactive talk, followed by worship, prayer and supper.

Article by Anne Wightman

St Botolph’s Church, Shepshed Article by Jill

10th November 10.00 am 10.00am

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St James Church, Oaks In Charnwood Article by Jill

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Shepshed Word Of Life Church

Sundays 10.30am Morning Worship at Belton Street Chapel including Discoverers and Explorers for children.

6.00pm Evening Worship at Kirkhill Thursdays 7.30pm Bible Study and Prayer Meeting at Kirkhill Tuesdays (term time only) 10.30am Ladies’ Bible Study 2.00pm Ladies’ Fellowship at Belton Street Chapel Wednesdays 10.30am-2.00pm Day Centre for Senior Folk at Kirkhill Thursdays 9.30am-11.00am Kirkhill Kangaroos (parent & toddler group) at Kirkhill Fridays 4.45pm-8.45pm Childrens’ and Young People’s activities for a wide range of ages, at Kirkhill.

Charity Coffee Morning & Sale Saturday, November 23rd at Kirkhill, from 10.00 to 12.30.

Coffee, bacon butties & refreshments. Lots of cakes and Christmas things to buy.

All proceeds to Caring for Life. Caring for Life is a Christian charity that works with deeply damaged and hurting people. They provide homes and unconditional long-term support, love and friendship. By building loving, trustworthy relationships they help people move on from past heartaches and hardships, working towards a brighter, more joyful future.

For more information on any of these activities please visit www.shepshedwordoflife. org and click on ‘regular meetings and activities’, or ring 07473 952161, or email us at contact@ shepshedwordoflife.org

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Stuart Brady Labour Candidate To Be The MP For The Loughborough Constituency Article by Stuart Brady

By far the best news recently was that Hathern Together won a Rural Award for community engagement work. No-one could deserve this accolade more than the fabulous group of organisations which come together to run so many great events in the village. This was recognition of the amazing growth of this umbrella group which only blossomed into its present form this year after the great success of extending Big Week in 2018. The trophy is displayed in the library alongside the one won by the library itself last year. Well done, everybody.

By the time you read this, the Hathern Village Association will have held their annual Fireworks event. I hope they will have attracted another huge number and will have wiped out their deficit and built up a surplus. It looks like the Wicked Music Fest will lie fallow next year, which is a great shame and a huge loss to the community. You can still contribute to the crowdfunding on this link - https://www.gofundme. com/wickedhathern The HVA is also holding a funding event on Saturday November 16th starting at 19.00 in the Community Centre at the school. There will be a Big Quiz open to everyone. If you want to form a team, get 4 people together and register your team. On the same evening there will be an auction when you will be able to bid for items donated to raise funds. The top prize will be a week in a studio apartment in Rhodes. Please support this event by attending, taking part in the quiz and boosting the bids as high as possible.

The Community Centre is also hosting a Beauty & Craft Fete earlier on the same day (Nov 16th) from 13.00 to 15.00 to raise money for the Pastures New Playgroup. This is a mini fete with crafts, gifts, tombola, cake stall, kids’ games and a raffle. Local businesses will be offering beauty sessions to try out. You can get a stall yourself for £10 at finance@ pasturesnewplaygroup.co.uk .

The Hathern Youth Club is staging a Big Weekend on Friday and Saturday 29th and 30th November. Friday is karaoke night, where kids (and parents!) can try out their singing voices. Saturday will see the Youth Club’s first ever Xmas Fete, at which the Junior and Senior sections will be running stalls with arts, crafts and treats. It’s a good chance to find out what the Club does. The brand new pool table will be inaugurated at this event.

The following Saturday (30th) there will be a Village Voices Concert at the parish church starting at 19.00, which will be in two halves, punctuated by a refreshments interval. There will be solo pieces performed by Tom the organist/pianist and singing by the Village Voices Choir with participants from Woodhouse Eaves as well as the Hatherners.

In case you don’t get the Eye in time in December, I’m giving a heads up for the Christmas Tree Festival at the parish church, although this is hard to miss!! The church will be open from 10 am to 8pm on both Friday 6th and Saturday 7th and from 12 to 5.30 on the Sunday. Stroll through the decorated trees and listen to music as well as buying a tombola ticket or one for the raffle to get a shot at winning a super-sized hamper.

Hathern Community Library has a brand-new website at www. hatherncommunitylibrary.org with a sections containing details on all the regular activities taking place in the library, such as the Craft and Chat group, All Join in, the Art Group and Reading Group. There is also a section on the various one-off events. There is a link to the county libraries page, where you can renew your books, search the catalogue and then put a hold on a book and have it delivered to Hathern for a quid if it’s not there already. If you would like to contribute any time or skills you have, you can join the merry band of volunteers who keep the place open for the village. I thoroughly enjoy my slot staffing the library every third Saturday morning. Even if you can’t commit regularly, you could help out for occasional covers with a bit of training. You wouldn’t be left holding the baby alone as there are always two staff on duty.

Don’t forget that you have two councillors, Emma Ward and myself.

If you have any issues, please get in touch. Our contact details are on a poster in the library.

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Shepshed and Hathern are both wonderful communities. With a general election looking likely, I will be the Labour Candidate to replace the Conservative MP and represent you in Parliament.

Whilst this may be called the “Loughborough Constituency” I know from experience that a lot of what is great about the area comes from places like Shepshed and Hathern.

Much of this is down to the hours of effort put in by local volunteers.

My boys love taking toys out of Shepshed Toy Library, and we really enjoy watching Shepshed Dynamo, soup nights at youth project Passion in Shepshed, the Shepshed Carnival, the Wicked Hathern Fest, and seasonal events like the Open Gardens and Christmas Tree Festivals.

I know at this time that many of these organisations are seeking help: the Toy Library is looking for volunteers, and the Wicked Hathern Fest needs your financial support after they were cruelly treated by our very wet summer.

For all that is great about Shepshed and Hathern, I know that local needs are too often overlooked. People understand that housing is needed. But the Borough Council has built too many homes too quickly, and not enough are affordable. We have lost valuable countryside and local services cannot cope. I hear so many complaints that roads, schools, and health services have been put under strain without any real investment. On top of all that, the giant incinerator that is coming to Shepshed will further impact the community.

For me, the whole point of being an MP for Hathern and Shepshed will be to stick up for local people, fight back against uncontrolled development, and to fight for investment in local services. I will push for housing to be affordable, and for an approach to development that benefits local communities.

I look forward to seeing you out and about – perhaps at the fireworks!

PHOTO: Left to right, Alex and Sarah from Barratt, parents and children who attend Steps and Trish Mabbott, Steps fundraiser.

Barrett Homes Helps Shepshed Children’s Charity Article by Janet Russell

Every month the employees of BD Living, at Barrett Homes, are asked to nominate a charity to benefit from a donation of £1000. The staff are then asked to vote for the charity that they would like to win.

Recently the Shepshed charity, Steps, was the lucky winner!

Trish Mabbott, the fundraiser for Steps was delighted and invited Barratt’s representatives, Alex and Sarah to visit the centre, to meet some of the children and parents who will benefit from their donation.

Steps Conductive Education Centre, now in its 25th year, offers a free service for children with conditions such as Down’s syndrome and cerebral palsy. The centre also supports the families of the children who attend, with many parents regarding the service as ‘a lifeline’. Trish said, “Every penny that is raised or donated is spent on the children. The annual running costs of the centre amount to £250,000 so today’s kind donation will make a big difference.”

If you would like to find out more about Steps, go to the website www.stepscentre.org.uk To donate £5 just text STEPS to 70660

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Don’t Be SAD The Clocks Have Gone Back Article by Gary Trickett

Now that the clocks have gone back the days are shorter and the nights longer, and for some, this can herald a reduction in sleep and energy, and a general feeling of being ‘down in the dumps’.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD for short is usually diagnosed if symptoms occur for at least two winters in a row, with remission in the spring months. It is referred to as seasonal because it is mostly triggered by a lack of sunlight during the darker months.

Insufficient sunlight can affect our levels of serotonin, the so-called happy hormone responsible for our sense of wellbeing, and melatonin, which is responsible for normal sleeping patterns. Low mood, lack of concentration and energy and difficulty sleeping are some of the most common symptoms.

Get out and about as much as possible. Early morning exercise can help to improve your mood for the rest of the day thanks to the ‘feel good’ endorphins it helps to release.

Diet is also important. Mood-friendly foods include avocados, bananas, protein and wheatgerm as they help the body to produce more serotonin. Whole foods such as grains, root vegetables and fresh fruit will give you a welcome boost of energy and foods rich in omega 3s, such as fish and seeds, can help to support general brain health.

Herbal remedies can also help. For feelings of sluggishness, low mood or mild anxiety there’s St. John’s Wort or Hypericum. Scientists believe it works by prolonging the action of serotonin and by increasing levels of melatonin. Hyperiforce tablets can help but bear in mind that Hypericum can take up to six weeks for best results, and it can interact with other medications and affect the way they work, so isn’t suitable for everyone.

Check with your GP first if on prescribed medicines.

If Hypericum is not for you, Passiflora has been used for centuries as a mild sedative to help prolong sleep time and help alleviate mild anxiety.

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

Shepshed Town Council T: 01509 508872 E: contact@shepshedtowncouncil.org

Police Report At a recent meeting of the Town Council the police came along and gave their report. They had carried out speeding checks on Fairway Road, Charnwood Road and Hathern Road following concerns raised to us by residents.

On Fairway Road they found 5 cars just over the speed limit, Charnwood Road 2 just over and in Hathern Road they found 18 just over with 2 being given fines.

The police will be carrying out further speed checks on various roads around Shepshed.

Vandalism The Wild Life area just off Blacksmiths Avenue was yet again vandalised including the picnic bench provided by Cllr Radford, more of the black lining for the pond was taken up and removed, the log pile which was built for insects and the hedging to the footpaths broken.

How often do we keep having to repair this area, it has cost the rate payers of Shepshed over £45,000 so far. We ask that the local residents keep an eye on it for us. The black lining was removed and taken away, somebody must have seen what was going on.

The public toilets have also been vandalised and this time it has meant the ladies toilets having to be closed down. As the controlling group we were going to spend money on improving them, we might have to re-think.

New Councillor Following the resignation of Claire Poole, Paul Price was elected to replace her following co-option. 5 residents applied to be co-opted.

Council meetings are held on a Wednesday evening at 7.30 pm and are open to the public.

Your Conservative Cllrs are:- Bill Bebbington, Eric Chapman, Denis Forster, Peter Grainger, David Northage, Robin Popley, Christine Radford, John Savage, Paul Spencer, Joan Tassell and Ian Williams.

Raise The

Woof Competition Can you find amazing assistance dog Lucas?

Find Lucas in this edition and be in the chance to win some goodies from national assistance dog charity Canine Partners, including a Canine Partners 2020 Calendar, a travel mug and a cute puppy toy.

To enter, send the page you find Lucas on along with your name and phone number below:

Name: Phone No: Send entry to:

Raise the Woof!

Canine Partners Midlands Training Centre Ashby Road, Osgathorpe, Leicestershire, LE12 9SR Terms and Conditions 1. The competition closes at midnight on 30th November 2019 2. One entry per person.

3. No cash alternative for the prize will be given.

4. One winner will be chosen at random. They will be notified by a phone call to the number they gave when entering the competition and delivery of the prize will be arranged.

5. Failure to respond to the phone call within 5 working days will mean regrettably another winner will be chosen.

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Lucas is one of the many amazing dogs trained by Osgathorpebased national assistance dog charity, Canine Partners.

The charity, which trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with physical disabilities across the UK, is currently building a new kennel block at its Midlands Training Centre which will house up to 40 dogs in training. This will enable even more lifetransforming partnerships to be formed.

Find Me

The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and helping to undress a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency. They also provide emotional and social benefits to their partners, including boosting their confidence and independence.

Donate to Canine Partners’ kennel build today by visiting caninepartners.org.uk/donate/ and choosing the Raise the Woof option in the drop down menu.

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

As 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. Such as street lighting, highways, footpaths, overhanging trees and hedges onto the highways/footpaths, social services etc.

Cabinet Report 22nd October At the Cabinet meeting the below was discussed, I have expanded on a couple of the items: • Special Educational Needs and disabilities funding • Request for an addition to the 2019/20 capital programme for the social care accommodation development plan • Exceptions to the contract procedure rules for supported living provision • A vision for local Government in Leicestershire • Country Parks and Open Spaces strategy 2019-2029 • East of Lutterworth Strategic Development Area • Draft Equality Strategy 2020-2024 and progress report for 2016-2020.

• Development of a new model for homelessness prevention and housing-related support • Leicestershire Suicide Prevention Programme – “start a conversation” and the suicide bereavement support service • Leicester and Leicestershire Tourism Growth Plan • Proposals from Leicester City Council regarding the transforming cities fund and air quality directive • Response to Blaby District Council’s new local plan issues and options consultation • Waste Transfer Station at interlink business park, Bardon.

New provision for SEND - Ambitious plans to develop local provisions for children with special educational needs (SEND) across the county are well on track.

Planning, building and refurbishment work at 15 new ‘resource bases’ has continued across the summer months as part of the county council’s commitment to invest over £30m in SEND and create almost 700 extra places, some of which had already opened for the start of the academic year.

The ‘resource bases’ will cater for pupils with communication and interaction needs (C & I ) which includes ASC (autism Spectrum Condition) or social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).

Plans for dementia care facility – Plans are being drawn up for a £5.5m scheme which would see a council-owned site in Highfield Street, Coalville, transformed. If approved, the ambitious scheme would see accommodation for up to 36 people built, with the aim of supporting those with complex dementia to live as independently as possible. This is a great opportunity for County to reduce the gap in provision for people with dementia.

The scheme forms part of a wider plan to provide more adult social care accommodation across the county. As part of this, county are looking to spend £4.5m on developing supported living accommodation across the county before the end of the financial year.

County are developing housing for older people, adults with learning and physical disabilities and adults with mental health needs as a priority.

Living in suitable accommodation is a vital part of a person’s wellbeing.

County want people to have the opportunity to live as independently as possible within the community, while still ensuring their specific support needs are met.

Thomas Harley’s Charities If you have a child who will be leaving full time education summer 2020 and will either be going onto University/college or doing an apprenticeship the Thomas Harley’s Charities gives out grants.

The Charity is already helping young adults from Shepshed. Grants are available for books, accommodation etc. They also offer grants for equipment, tools, hairdressing, car mechanic and building trade if they are doing an apprenticeship or further education training.

Income of the family must be below £36,000. Applicants need a letter from a tutor confirming they support them going onto further education and grants are looked at in March and September.

The Charity’s contact details have altered and you can now contact them at Charity link via sue.stevenson@charity-link.org or go to the web site www.theharleytrust.org

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Men And Women In Sheds I recently attended an event held in the Town Council offices where there was an exhibition of the work being carried out by Men in Sheds and Women in Sheds.

What Is A Shed?

These sheds are a larger version of the typical man’s shed in the garden – a place where you can feel at home, somewhere to pursue practical interests with a high degree of autonomy.

Building on the success of Men in Sheds and response to local demand Women in Sheds project started up. The members share the tools and resources they need to work on project of their own choosing, at their own pace and in a safe, friendly and inclusive venue. The Shed is a place for skill-sharing and informal learning, of individual pursuits and community project, of purpose, achievement and social interaction.

It is a place of leisure where men come together to work and a venue for women to get stuck into hobbies old and new, get creative and make new friendships.

Projects are very varied such as, woodworking (picture frames furniture renovation), electronics, bike repairs, arts/crafts (painting, calligraphy, pottery), IT/communication (computers etc.) and much more.

Reclamation, reuse and restoration features strongly. For more information contact Age UK on 01509 211 603.

Missing Yellow Lines Kirkhill A number of residents have contacted me regarding missing yellow lines on Kirkhill following its resurfacing. County are aware and said this was due to a parked car. County’s highway contractors will return to the area to complete the works as soon as possible. Unfortunately, at present they have not been able to provide me with an exact date when this work will be carried out.

Advance Notice of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) A TTRO is to be made for the following location: A512 Ashby Road and Rempstone Road Coleorton. The purpose of the TTRO is to allow LCC to safely facilitate carriageway patching.

The TTRO will incorporate a temporary road closure.

The duration of the restriction is not anticipated to exceed a period of one overnight closure commencing on the 29th November 2019. Works are scheduled to take place between 20.00 and 06.00 am.

A TTRO is to be made for the following locations: The works are planned as follows: • B591 Copt Oak Road (Charley) will be closed on Saturday 9th November and Sunday 10th November also Saturday 23rd November and Sunday 24th November. The road will be closed between Whitwick Road (Copt Oak Cross Roads) and Ingleberry Road.

• B591 Copt Oak Road (Copt Oak) will be closed on Saturday 7th December and Sunday 8th December 2019 also Saturday 11th January and Sunday 12th January 2020. The road will be closed between A511 (Flying Horse Roundabout) and Whitwick Road (Copt Oak Cross Roads) The purpose of the TTRO is to allow LCC to safely facilitate carriageway patching.

A TTRO is to be made for the following location: Forest Lane, Belton/ Shepshed.

The duration of the restriction is not anticipated to exceed a period of 2days commencing on the 16th December.

The purpose of the TTRO is to allow LCC to safely facilitate carriageway patching.

Cancelled TTRO The proposed TTRO which was due to commence on 21st October for the temporary closure of Church Street to enable Cadent Gas to carry out works has been cancelled until further notice.

I will keep you informed as and when I have further information and have asked that residents living in this area are kept informed.

Launch Of Consultation On Admissions Policy And Arrangements For Entry Autumn 2021 Onwards: Leicestershire County Council is consulting on proposed changes to its School Admissions Policy and arrangements to take effect from Autumn 2021. Residents are invited to make comment on the proposed changes to policy, briefly they comprise of: • Do you agree with the removal of the current criterion 7 in Leicestershire’s Oversubscription Criteria, which will no longer prioritise applications of grounds of ‘belief ’

• Do you agree with the revised Leicestershire School Admissions Policy and associated co-ordinated schemes for entry Autumn 2021?

• Do you agree with the amended catchment boundary changes for Primary Schools in Leicestershire for entry Autumn 2021?

• Schools, parents of children between the ages of 2 and 18, residents and other members of the public will have the opportunity to have their say on these propsed changed until 29th November 2019.

Please see the ling below to read the full consultation document which includes details on how to respond: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/current-consultations/ leicestershire-schools-admissions-consultation-for-2021-entry Once the consultation is closed recommendations will be provided to the County Council’s Cabinet for a decision.

For more information please contact Head of School Admissions and Pupil Services Gurjit Singh Bahr ate: 0116 3056324 Gurjit.Bahra@ leics.gov.uk Health And Wellbeing Board As County Councillor and part of my portfolio I sit on the above Board and at the recent meeting we discussed the Suicide Prevention Campaign. Suicides are often the end point of a complex history of risk factors and distressing events but they are not inevitable.

In September, 2019 the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Suicide Audit and Prevention Group (LLR SAPG) launched its website @Start a Conversation, Suicide is Preventable’. https://www.startaconcersation. co.uk/about-us. The website brings together into one place local resources, support and advice that help keep our residents safe and supports them to reach out for help in times of crisis and distress. Since its launch there have been over 27,000 hits on the website, with the most popular page after the home page being the ‘Advice and Support’ page.

The website has also attracted 126 pledges of support from individuals and organisations. It is clear that the campaign has made a real difference. In the coming year, the campaign and website will continue to evolve and develop.

A suicide prevention conference was held in September and a further major focus supporting people who have been bereaved by suicide through the launch of a local suicide bereavement support service.

We also looked at the Annual Reports from Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Adults Board and Leicestershire and Rutland Local Safeguarding Children Board.

Charley Road Cross Roads Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) have now been erected and more works is due to take place around this area over the next few weeks.

Your Help Again I would like to thank the residents who keep me informed regarding issues around Shepshed, such as overgrown hedges, litter, dog mess, inconsiderate parking (on pavements, yellow lines, outside of schools) etc., without your eyes and ears I could not get them reported and sorted.

If for some reason you do not receive your copy of the Eye. I now have my information posted on my web page at County. This will also help you to keep track on road closures etc.

For help and advice on County matters, I can be contacted on 01509 502974 or e mail christine_radford@hotmail.com or christine.radford@ leics.gov.uk or come along to my monthly Surgery on the FIRST Saturday of the month in the Town Council Offices, 47a Charnwood Road, 10am11am. No appointment is necessary.

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

We can be contacted on matters concerning Charnwood Borough Council. We deal with housing problems, (such as trying to move house, unsatisfactory improvement work being carried out on your Council property) problems with neighbours, Anti-Social Behaviour, whether or not you live in a Council property or a privately owned property. We also deal with planning and Environmental Health issues.

Planning P/19/1931/2 – 54 Grange Road – erection of 2 storey extension to side of existing dwelling.

P/19/1919/2 – 86 Ashby Road central – erection of single storey extension to front for porch, addition of two dormer windows to front elevation and erection of two storey rear extension to create first floor accommodation (revised scheme – P/19/1276/2) P/19/1997/2 – Shepshed Service Station, Leicester Road – Variation of Condition 5 of application P/92/1709/2 to amend operational hours for the car wash facility.

P/19/1981/2 – 28 Britannia Street – confirmation that all the conditions have been discharged on P/16/2818/2 P/19/1922/2 – Glenfields House, Charley Road – Informal Advice – demolition of existing barn and stable outbuilding, and erection of a part single, part double-storey extension to existing dwelling house.

P/19/1955/2 – 4 Sandringham Rise – proposed single storey extension to side of dwelling.

Application Withdrawn P/19/1322/2 - 31 Garendon Road - The erection of 10 dwellings including the demolition of the existing bungalow, associated access and landscaping works has been withdrawn. Cllr Radford has spoken to an officer and can confirm that the reason for the application being withdrawn was that the site was being over developed and too close to properties on Garendon Road. Cllr Radford also had confirmation that the applicants were asked to undertake an ecological assessment of the site prior to any works being carried out. But as we know this was not done.

Update P/17/1935/2 -Demolition of 62 Iveshead Road has had a large number of amendments, they are still intending on providing 2 ½ and 3 storey dwellings in this area. No bungalows or affordable houses are going to be provided in their latest submission. Cllr Radford has had a meeting with officers and Cllr Tassell will be representing the residents and speaking at the plans committee. Cllr Popley as ward Cllr has called this amended application in.

Consultation Planned On Updated Vision For Charnwood’s Future We would like to re-assure residents that your Borough Councillors do all we can to stop further developments in Shepshed both now and in the future. We have in the past spoken at plans committees against developments even speaking at public enquiries/planning appeals. Cllr Radford has in the past booked and paid for the use of the Glenmore Centre to hold public meetings to discuss developments such as Buttercup Fields and Tickow Lane. But, unfortunately these were not always well attended. Your Cllrs do need your support to write in with your concerns regarding these applications.

With the current Local Plan we have had no time to study fully or discuss with officers about the implications to Shepshed at the time of going to press.

Below is further information following the report last month on the draft Local Plan.

The draft Charnwood Local Plan 2019-36 includes: • Retaining 382 acres of employment land in the current plan to help provide for 8,900 jobs needed in the borough until 2036 • Sustainable locations for an additional 7,300 homes to help meet demand up until 2036. These homes would bring around £43 million for local infrastructure including schools, health, roads and open spaces.

More funding would be secured from partners • Nearly 4,000 acres of open countryside identified for protection • Sites identified for renewable energy to provide clean power for thousands of homes and reduce carbon emissions • Proposals on more restrictions on houses in multiple occupation

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• Restrictions proposed on hot food takeaways • Retaining and strengthening policies on managing flood risk The plan goes on in more detail: • Land for around 7,300 additional new homes up until 2036 including:• Around 1,600 homes around the Leicester urban edge including Syston, Thurmaston, Birstall, Hamilton edge/south of A6 Anstey.

• Around 2,000 homes in Loughborough • Around 2,000 in Shepshed • Around 900 homes at service centres – Anstey, Barrow upon Soar, Mountsorrel, Quorn, Rothley, Sileby and Syston.

• 800 homes at other locations in the borough • These homes would secure around £43 million for local infrastructure improvements including roads, schools, health provision, transport and more. When added to the homes already planned for in the current local plan, the total is more than £100 million between 2019-36 • Providing 192 acres of general employment land along with a further 190 acres at the Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park to support Loughborough’s continues role in the knowledge-based sector and provide for around 8.900 new jobs to 2036 • Commitments for securing affordable housing for all new developments of 10 homes or more • A new policy on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) proposing tighter restrictions on new HMOs and applications to create larger HMOs • One additional retail site in Loughborough town centre • Support for Loughborough town centre by encouraging a more diverse mix of uses including retail, residential, leisure, office and professional services • Greater consideration in the planning process of the number of takeaways in an area when considering proposals for new ones to consider local amenity and support healthy communities • Retention of natural open spaces between settlements and green wedges around the urban edge of Leicester • Opportunity areas for wind and solar energy installations which could power thousands of homes are identified to help carbon reduction • Encouraging sustainable construction methods We ask that you please take a look at these proposals and make comments we are clearly aware that not all elements of the draft local plan will be welcomed and while development is not guaranteed, it is likely to happen and that is why we need to plan for it. Doing otherwise leaves us exposed to unwanted, unplanned and more detrimental development.

We also ask that you make your comments regarding the proposals around Shepshed and state what you would like to happen in the centre of Shepshed, such as a one-way system etc.,More information is contained on the Council website www.charnwood.gov.uk/draftlocalplan Charnwood Have Allocated The Following Sites For New Housing • Land off Fairway Road 378 dwellings • Land at Tickow Lane (Phase 2) 394 dwellings • 32 Charnwood Road 15 dwellings • Land west of Tickow Lane 330 dwellings • Land at Oakley Road 133 dwellings • Land west of B591 Ingleberry Road and north of Iveshead Lane 174 dwellings • Land north of Hallamford Road and west of Shepshed 250 dwellings • 20 Moscow Lane 49 dwellings • Land rear of 62 Iveshead Road 6 dwellings • Land rear of 54 Iveshead Road 5 dwellings • Land at Tickow Lane 243 dwellings • Land off Ashby Road West 7 dwellings Sub-total 2,074 dwellings Some of the above allocated areas already have approval for development.

Hathern residents might be interested in: • Land rear of 89 Loughborough Road • Land off Zouch Road • J R Walton, The Leys

35 dwellings 50 dwellings 6 dwellings

For information there will be a public exhibition regarding the local plan on Thursday November 14th in the town council offices from 2.30 – 6.00 pm. We do hope you will be able to go along.

Roll Up Roll Up! The Fair Returns To Loughborough The fair will be officially opened at 6 pm on Wednesday November

13th by the Mayor of Charnwood. Residents will experience all the fun of the fair as the four day event rolls into town. The historic fair, which is in its 798th year, is organised by Charnwood and attracts thousands of people every year.

Loughborough To Get Festive With Christmas Light Switch-On Loughborough is getting ready for the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights on Sunday November 24.

A charity market will kick things off at 10 am, and there will also be a food court, craft and retail market, fairground rides and a Santa’s grotto.

The stage will come alive at 1 pm with performances by Loughborough Students’ Union Sing, St Botolphs School Choir, Bright Lights Theatre School and Loughborough Schools Foundation Big Band.

Entertainment will carry on until 7 pm.

Outwoods To Be Returned To Its Former Glory A long term plan to restore the Outwoods in Loughborough back to its true and natural historic state has been revealed.

Charnwood Borough Council, which maintains the Outwoods, working alongside the Outwoods Management Committee, will be gradually removing non-native coniferous trees over the next 10 years.

Native oak trees will be planted or allowed to grow back naturally over that time, returning the Outwoods to natural acid oak woodland.

The woodland is to be returned to its natural state after parts of the ancient oak woodland was removed in the 1940’s and conifer trees were planted as a crop. The non-native conifers add little benefit to the plants and wildlife in the local area and over the years have stopped native plants from growing and wildlife from flourishing. Returning the ancient woodland to its natural state will be beneficial for the local area.

Native trees such as birch and rowan will quickly start to grow in the area and planting of new oak trees will start in January 2020. Work is due to start in November when around two hectares of conifer trees will removed at two different locations within the woodland.

The work will take two weeks to complete and the Outwoods car park will be closed while the conifer trees are removed. There will be no access to the woodland from the main road. Visitors will be able to use alternative parking at Nanpantan Sports Ground and Moat Road and follow the footpath diversions to walk up to the woodland.

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. The Outwoods is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England, which means it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology. It is also part of the ancient Charnwood Forest and is the most easterly part of the National Forest.

For more information and the latest updates about the project visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/Outwoodsrestoration.

Tenants Awarded For Gardening Talents In Annual Competition A number of borough council tenants have been rewarded for their gardening talents in an annual competition.

The competition, which is run by Charnwood Borough Council, saw a record number of beautiful gardens entered and highlighted the hard work and dedication that tenants put in. Overall there were 37 entrants in this year’s competition and the gardens were judged over two days.

The judges agreed that the standard has improved consistently year after year, and 2019 was the most competitive yet, aided by the mix of hot weather and rainfall experienced this summer.

The competition was split into six main categories, including two new categories for best newcomer and best fruit or vegetable garden.

Including the traditional four categories – best hanging basket or balcony, best sheltered court garden, best communal garden and best individual house or flat garden.

Shepshed winners were:- In the Communal Garden section - in second place Longcliffe Road. Sheltered court garden – first place went to Arnold Smith House. We are not allowed to mention the individual winners, but congratulations to them all.

Monthly Surgeries We shall continue to hold our regular monthly surgery on the FIRST Saturday of the month in the Town Council offices, Charnwood Road, from 10-11am. No appointments are necessary.

Robin Popley and John Savage East Ward and Christine Radford and Joan Tassell West Ward telephone 502974, 506661,or email cllr.joan. tassell@charnwood.gov.uk, cllr.christine.radford@charnwood.gov.uk; cllr. robin.popley@charnwood.gov.uk and cllr.john.savage@charnwood.gov.uk

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