May 2017 - Your Local Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Swithland, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse & Eaves

S SU L BU CA LO

LOCAL

T

OR ESS IN

PP

r u o y

ES

5800 delivered FREE to homes and businesses in Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston, Newtown Linford, Swithland, Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves.

May 2017

ANSTEY PLAYERS OPEN EVENING FRI 19th MAY SCOUT ANNUAL DUCK RACE SAT 20th MAY ANSTEY ANNUAL PLANT SALE SAT 20TH MAY AT ANSTEY COMMUNITY LIBRARY CHARNWOOD HERITAGE FESTIVAL SUNDAY SUN 21st MAY TEAM ANSTEY GADDESBY 7 ROAD RACE SUN 21st MAY

A NEW boiler from just * £1,620(inc.

VAT) or £7 per week Includes fitting, up to 10 years warranty, plus a price match guarantee.

0116 287 8000 | www.ukgasservices.co.uk *See website for terms & conditions.

YOUR TRUSTED HOME SERVICE PARTNER Leicestershire’s local installer of boilers & central heating for over 20 years.

5663

Create your dream garden building with

TM

Garden Buildings

3 UP TO

YEARS

INTEREST FREE

APR REPRESENTATIVE

We have a massive range of sheds, garages, summerhouses, garden studios, log cabins, playhouses, greenhouses, tool stores and more.

We have the largest selection of quality garden buildings in the county with over a 100 on display.

We are unrivalled for excellent garden buildings and offer a professional and friendly service.

We have built up a unique reputation for quality and design.

Bentley`s Garden Buildings can be found on the A6 Leicester to Loughborough road just 4 miles from the northern edge of the city.

Creating your dream garden building is now more affordable. With deposits starting from only 10%, you can spread the payments for up to 3 years.

1 2 3 YEAR

YEARS

INTEREST FREE

INTEREST FREE

*With a deposit of 10% £1000 minimum spend

*With a deposit of 20% £2000 minimum spend

YEARS INTEREST FREE

*With a deposit of 30% £3000 minimum spend

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Authorised and regulated by the Finance Conduct Authority. Bentley`s Garden Buildings Limited, Loughborough Road, Wanlip, Leics, LE7 4PN (Company Number: 4807454) acts as a credit broker and not the lender and only offers products from Barclays Partner Finance. Barclays Partner Finance is the lender.

Barclays Partner Finance is a trading name of Clydesdale Financial Services Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC. Clydesdale Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register number 311753) Registered in England. Registered No 2901725.

Registered office: 1 Churchill Place, London. E14 5HP.

Installation, Repairs and Services Kitchens Cookers Boilers

Showers Bathrooms Central Heating

_____________________________________

Please call Ian on 0116 2303053 or 07717 482090 2

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

your

LOCAL

JOIN & FOLLOW US facebook.com/yourlocal twitter.com/yourlocal

SALES TEAM SARAH TAYLOR T: 0800 6446 150 E: sarah@openboxpromotions.co.uk DAWN HARRIS T: 0800 6446 150 E: dawn@openboxpromotions.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Watermead Challenge 2017 This year’s Watermead Challenge charity run is being held at 7pm on Tuesday 11th July 2017.

There are the usual five and three mile courses. Race Director, Chris Battye commented “ the two distances appeal to a range of abilities from novice runners to the more experienced. The flat lakeside course is popular as it offers the chance to achieve a personal best time.”

ANDREW LEWIS M: 07504 634 838 E: andy@openboxpromotions.co.uk

Watermead Challenge 2017

A charity 5 mile run & 3 mile run Now with

chip timing!

11 2017, 7pm Watermead Country Par Syston Leicester LE7 1

(north entrance)

Supporting MNDA and Mosaic

PUBLISHED BY

Pressented by

OPEN BOX PROMOTIONS LTD T: 0800 6446 150 E: sales@openboxpromotions.co.uk W: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

Sponsored by

NORWOOD PRESS 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 DELIVERY DATE:

Thursday 1st June 2017

DEADLINE DATE:

Wednesday 24th May 2017

Trust Fuund Charity No. 001119549.

with special thanks to the t Rangers of Watermead Country Park.

Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ

PRINTED BY

The e Rotary Club of o the Wre eake Va Valley an nd the new Sysston ton Rotary Club.

Clu ub

Entry Details at www w.wreakevalleyrotary. y.org.uk

Entrie es accepted until 6.30pm on the night.

This year’s proceeds will be shared between the Leicester Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and Loughborough based Mosaic Disability Services.

The event, organised by the Wreake Valley and Syston Rotary Clubs, attracted about 400 runners in 2016. Full entry details can be found at www.wreakevalleyrotary.org.uk.

Deadline for cashing in your old £1 coins DIG INTO the pockets of your coats, rummage down the backs of your chairs and couch, empty your piggy bank, look in your car – do whatever it takes, but FIND all those old £1 coins that may lurk around your house – before it is too late.

Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind.

You now have until 15 October 2017 to use up any round pounds stashed away, after this date, the coin will cease to be legal tender in the UK - and you will no longer be able to spend them in shops or use them in vending machines.

The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Your Local or Open Box Promotions Ltd. Open Box Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication.

Many banks and building societies will continue to accept the old pound coin even after 15 October, although Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds/Bank of Scotland, Nationwide, RBS and Santander have said they will only offer this service for their own customers.

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

After 15 October, you'll still be able to deposit round £1 coins into your bank account, however, this is at the discretion of your local bank so it is recommended that you consult with them directly.

For this autumn, the little round £1 we have known since 1983 will become worthless. The Treasury has just brought out a new 12-sided £1 coin. The change to the new silver and gold dodecagon is the largest to affect the UK’s currency since 1998, when the old 50p coin was abandoned for a smaller, shiner version.

R.M. Page C.M.B.H.I. CLOCK REPAIRS - Collection & Delivery Service 91-93 High Street Ibstock, LE67 6LH 01530 260394 07891 298820 Variable opening hours please call to enquire www.clockrepairsleicestershire.co.uk

Independent Factory Trained Specialist 1a Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BP

Air Conditioning • ABS Fault Diagnosis • Servicing Repairs • M.O.T. Autologic Diagnostics Performance Upgrades

RICHARD E. SMITH GARAGE SERVICES Daytime: 0116 236 7955 Evening:0116 236 2609

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

3

Spring report from the Brownies and Guides of Thurcaston & Cropston It looked like a messy term ahead for the leaders with the Brownies working for their Cook’s badge, and the Guides aiming for both their Chocolate and Confectioner’s badges.

The Brownies began by learning about different utensils and safety in the kitchen then made sandwiches for their packed lunch and chocolate drizzled fruit kebabs to be eaten straight away. Washing and drying up techniques were introduced early on. The girls progressed to the more exotic use of avocadoes to make guacamole for the inside of burritos.

Pancake day was celebrated with different fillings in micro-waved pancakes and then the girls learned to toss pancakes in races with frying pans and pretend rubbery pancakes.

We tried to master the use of chopsticks and tasted food from other countries. We learned the implications of more money for the families of farmers involved in Fairtrade products such as chocolate. This exercise involved eating several different samples of chocolate too. More chocolate passed our lips when the ‘Chocolate Man’, from Hannah’s Chocolates in Quorn, came to give a talk about chocolate and to demonstrate the techniques of a chocolatier. We watched carefully as he made two halves of an Easter egg in white or milk chocolate standing on a chocolate base with a dimple effect background and chocolate hearts and flowers. Finally, a bow made from 6 curled strips of chocolate ribbons completed the egg. It was a very proud Brownie who won the egg and took it home and, rumour has it, ate some BEFORE Easter. All the girls gobbled even more chocolate as they made their own chocolate nests and added mini eggs. Brownies who were involved in Mothering Sunday activities at the Church gained Well Done stickers

Maureen and Brian Lester Diamond Wedding Anniversary Maureen and Brian Lester celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 30th March 2017. They were married at St Mary’s Church, Humberstone, Leicester, 60 years ago.

Meanwhile the Guides embarked on their Chocolate and Confectioner’s Badges by starting a ‘sweets and chocolate eaten’ diary which was very revealing. They designed the wrapper and made their own chocolate bars mixing in their favourite additions (fruit, spices, mallows etc) to melted chocolate. The Guides also learned about Fair trade.

The Confectioner’s badge involved making sweets and using different icings on biscuits and cakes. Each Guide made a fruit cake and iced it as a Mother’s Day gift. The kinds of sweets the girls made were peppermint creams, coconut ice, fudge and chocolate truffles The sweeets tasted fine even if they were still rather runny in their pretty cases. For Pancake Day the Guides were under a starry sky in the playground cooking their own pancakes using backpacking stoves called trangias. Both Guides and Brownies went swimming to Soar Valley Pool and combined together for the Chocolate Man’s talk.

While enjoying ourselves, we had not forgotten other children who are less fortunate.

The joint birthdays of our Founder Robert Baden Powell and his wife, Olave, falls on February 22nd and is known as Thinking Day and we invited Joanne Burgess from Save the Children to talk to us. Since January, the Brownies had been collecting 1p, 2p and 5p coins. The Guides had eaten the Smarties and were using the empty tubes to collect money. After the many small coins were displayed as a money tree, almost £50 was given to Joanne who had to borrow some strong bags to carry the heavy coins to her car. Perhaps she would have preferred a cheque??

Snowy Owl. We meet on Wednesday evenings sometimes at the Harrison room of All Saints Church Anstey Lane, Thurcaston or at the nearby Richard Hill Primary school.

Brownies (age 7) 6.00 to 7.15pm contact Louise Keran 07711-422350 (avoid office hours) Guides (age 10) 7.15pm to 8 30pm contact Christine Miranda 07729 244028 or 0116 2364293

4

Over 50 family members and friends joined them for a celebration lunch at the Forest Hill Golf Club and Conference Centre, Botcheston.

Among the many cards they received was one from H.M. Queen Elizabeth, sending her congratulations and best wishes.

Brian has always been a keen fishermen. For over 40 years he was a member, treasurer and President of the Anstey Angling Club.

For over 25 years Maureen was the school secretary at The Latimer C.P. School, Anstey and a member of St John Ambulance, Anstey Division.

They have lived in Anstey for 52 years, have two sons, Stephen & Andrew, three grandchildren, Ben, Matthew and Bradley.

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

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

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

ADVERTORIAL

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy HIÀFLHQW :K\ QRW VSHQG D IHZ PLQXWHV checking your home to see if you have

any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems.

Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution… Just replace the glass!!

If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118.

Award winning garden work at an affordable price Whether you’re looking to completely change your garden, focus on a particular area for improvement or just need some help maintaining your current garden, we can provide affordable expert help with: Gravelling Water features Plant choice and positioning

25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors.

Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Michael Parr and he services the Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Swithland, Newtown Linford & Woodhouse areas.

So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Michael a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear Windows...

Service With A Smile!

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 Mins!!!

Paving Walling Decking

We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote.

A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes.

Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem DQG WHOO \RX KRZ ZH FDQ À[ LW :LWK years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading

Lawn care Tree care Pruning

To discuss how we could help with your garden and get a quote Call Pete on 07837 269 504 or email pete@pmblandscaping.co.uk

LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT IN YOUR LOCAL AREA? ASK Accountancy offer a range of exceptional services to start-ups and established businesses. www.askaccountancy.co.uk or call our Mountsorrel office on 0116 235 2244

Mountsorrel: 0116 235 2244 Hinckley: 01455 266 106

Email: ask@askaccountancy.co.uk www.askaccountancy.co.uk Temperance Villas, 154 Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire, LE12 7JX.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

5

)$67 )5(( /2&$/ '(/,9(5< %26&+

%26&+

)ULGJH )UHH]HU )URVW )UHH /WUV &OHDU 'UDZHUV $ 5DWHG

:DVKLQJ 0DFKLQH USP 6SLQ 6SHHG NJ /RDG &DSDFLW\ $ $% 5DWHG ([SUHVV :DVK

.*1 9: *

+ [ : [ '

:$% *%

3URJUDPPHV

%ORPEHUJ

%(.2

:DVKLQJ 0DFKLQH USP 6SLQ 6SHHG .J /RDG &DSDFLW\ 4XLFN )XOO /RDG 3URJUDPPHV $ $% 5DWHG

:DVKLQJ 0DFKLQH USP 6SLQ 6SHHG .J /RDG &DSDFLW\ 4XLFN :DVK 3URJUDPPHV $ $% 5DWHG

/:)

%26&+

606 7 *% 'LVKZDVKHU 3ODFH 6HWWLQJV 3URJUDPPHV +DOI /RDG 1RLVH /HYHO GE $ $$ 5DWHG

)LWWHG .LWFKHQV :H DUH SOHDVHG WR DQQRXQFH WKDW ZH DUH QRZ DJHQWV IRU $ : ( .LWFKHQV DQG %HGURRPV :KR VSHFLDOLVH LQ %HVSRNH PDGH WR PHDVXUH NLWFKHQ EHGURRP IXUQLWXUH 3OHDVH FDOO LQ IRU IXUWKHU GHWDLOV

:0& :

% 6 1 *%

6LQJOH (OHFWULF 2YHQ 0XOWLIXQFWLRQ &RRNLQJ $ 5DWHG OLWUH 0DLQ 2YHQ &LUFR7KHUP )DQ + [ : [ '

,QWHUQHW 3ULFLQJ

$167(<

ZLWK 3HUVRQDO 6HUYLFH

³$VN $ERXW RXU 6DPH 'D\ 1H[W 'D\ ,QVWDOODWLRQ DQG 5HPRYDO 6HUYLFH´

G E GAMBLE & SONS INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ESTABLISHED 1830 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;-

Your Local Gas & Plumbing Specialist

SummerSizzler!

Fixed price Servicing on all appliances in June, July & August*

only

£35 +VAT

(Discount on multi-appliances in a single property)

57 HIGH STREET SYSTON, LEICESTER, LE7 1GQ W also he e can lp your p you with lum enquir bing ies

*Fixed price for domestic appliance servicing for the months of June, July & August 2017 only.

Amount equivalent to 2001 prices.

TEL: 0116 2607500 A FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFERING A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 24 HOURS A DAY FUNERALS ARRANGED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OR AT OUR UNIQUE 17TH CENTURY THATCHED COTTAGE PROPRIETOR MR RICK ASTILL

Call today to book a FREE no obligation quote *

or for more information

MEMBERS OF SAIF AND NAFD

info@mgas.co.uk â&#x20AC;¢ www.mgas.co.uk

LET OUR FAMILY LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY FOR FREE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

0116 2303 234 6

www.gamblefunerals.co.uk

145958

t: 0800 6446 150 â&#x20AC;¢ e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk â&#x20AC;¢ w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

Newtown Linford Gardening Club Welcomes Six Celebrity Speakers to our village The first of these celebrities is a local one, Ady Damon, who is a regular panelist on Leicester Radio. He is a charismatic speaker who displays to his audience a huge range of plants and imparts his knowledge of these plants and how to grow them. We also get a chance to take the plants home for our own gardens. He is with us in June this year.

In October this year we welcome a speaker who will be very well known to all readers of the Daily Telegraph. Helen Yemm has been gardening correspondent for this prestigious newspaper for many years and is highly regarded for her skill and knowledge in the horticultural world. She has commented on much of what has been going on at the highest level and mixed with all the main players in the horticultural world, so her insight into modern gardening will be most informative.

Bob Flowerdew will be visiting us in April next year. Many people will remember him on television instantly recognisable by his long pigtail. He has been a successful garden designer for many years and has earned his

national reputation with his skill and knowledge and the charming way he presents this to his audience.

Our Autumn celebrity next year is Bunny Guiness. She is a garden designer of great repute with Chelsea successes and often appears on television and radio, being a regular on Gardener’s Question Time and a presence on numerous television gardening shows. She has written for many major gardening publications and also regularly for the Sunday telegraph.

Early in 2019 we will have a visit from Matthew Biggs who is one of the leading members of the new team of gardeners at Kew. He has connections with our village and is rapidly making a name for himself as one of the young gardeners who are emerging on the scene.

Finally in October that year we are delighted to announce the return of Chris Beardshaw the many times gold medal winner for show gardens at Chelsea. He came to speak to us around two years ago and made a big hit with our audience and to secure a return visit so rapidly is a great feather in our cap.

We may be only a small village gardening club but we do pride ourselves in offering our members a programme of very high quality.

We will be inviting non-members and members of other gardening clubs to join us on some of these occasions and further information can be obtained by ringing the secretary on 01530 242452 or sending an e-mail to 01530242452@talktalk.net.

The Anstey Players Open Evening Friday 19th May 8.00-9.00pm Ever wanted to tread the boards?

Fancy acting in plays and panto's?

Want to showcase your sound, lighting or backstage skills

We need YOU! Come along to our open evening at United Reform Church, Bradgate Road Anstey and chat with the Anstey Players about how you can join in. All adult ages welcome, no experience necessary. we're a very friendly group and we can't wait to meet you.

NEXT ISSUE OUT THURSDAY 1st JUNE

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

7

Deborah Taylor,

Borough Councillor for Anstey

6 Geary Close, Anstey LE7 7LW - Email: Cllr.Deborah.Taylor@charnwood.gov.uk Tel: 0116 2350126 - Twitter: @CllrDTaylor

Latest Borough News… conditions, including an agreed timetable for the highway work in The Nook and in dealing with how the construction traffic will access the site. Jelson’s starting on site is not illegal but is unlawful. Planning enforcement action (governed by legislation) is a discretionary power and government policy requires Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) to act proportionately and expediently in the wider public interest when deciding when to act and in what way and to consider public harm.

Events A very busy month again, committee meetings to attend along with a technical briefing session on the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone and now a General Election called for 8th June 2017! On Wednesday 5th April, I popped into Anstey Community Library as they held another joint community event with ‘Century of Stories’. The library was busy and many people were working with the experts on their relatives connections to World War I. On the 15th April, the library also held their Spring Fayre. The library was again very busy and well done to all involved in promoting the library and growing this much needed asset for our local villages.

After looking at the evidence, CBC’s decision at the moment is not to issue a temporary stop notice to Jelson’s. CBC have asked them to stop work on the site but they have refused.

Enforcement action is more commonly used in conservation areas and on listed buildings. I will continue to monitor the site going forward and if there is any further breach of conditions I will be requesting that CBC reconsider their decision.

On Saturday 8th April, along with Ed Argar MP, I visited All Saints Church in Thurcaston as they held an event to show villagers the workings of the eight church bells in the belfry. After a training session on the practice bell we were then allowed to climb up into the belfry and watch the experts ring the bells. We were then able to ring the bells ourselves but it was a lot harder than it looked! There was also a The defibrillator is in a locked cabinet on the chance to ring the hand bells and enjoy some wall of Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road. In an tea and cakes. It was a lovely morning and emergency, you would dial 999 and if the the church is always on the lookout for new operator thinks that a defibrillator is needed bell ringers if you are interested. to be used you will be given the key code number by the operator to enable you to On Wednesday 12th April, I attended a get access to the cabinet to collect the fashion show arranged by the ladies of Anstey defibrillator to use on the patient.

WI. There was a packed Jubilee Hall, not only with guests but with rails of beautiful clothes.

The ladies from the WI were excellent models and the whole evening was a very successful event. It goes without saying the cakes were delicious as always!

Defibrillator Thank you to everyone who came along to Jubilee Hall on Saturday 22nd April to take part in the CPR and defibrillator training. I learnt so much in an hour and a half and will have these life saving skills for the rest of my life. Ben Ryrie, from East Midlands Ambulance Service made the training enjoyable and interactive with a lot of audience participation and questions. I hope everyone else got as much out this training as I did and if you are ever required to use the defibrillator attached to the wall of Jubilee Hall all you need to remember to do is switch it on, it speaks to you and tells you what to do!

8

Planning Jelson Site As many of you will be aware, development has commenced on one of the sites on Cropston Road. Jelson’s have full planning permission for this site but they did have a number of conditions attached to the granted planning application. These conditions are mainly placed on developers to ensure public safety and highway safety during the building phase. Developers should apply to the planning authority to discharge these conditions before they begin development.

Some conditions are in place to stop any development happening until the conditions are satisfied and some stop any occupation of the new dwellings until the conditions are satisfied.

Jelsons are in breach of a number of

This development will go ahead and Jelson’s have submitted planning applications to CBC to discharge all the conditions needed to begin development and occupation of the new dwellings including a timetable for the highway works in The Nook to be carried out during the summer. These applications to discharge the conditions should be decided fairly quickly by CBC.

Fairhaven Farm There has been an updated version of the housing mix for this site submitted to Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) from the developers, Bloor Homes, Application number: P/17/0314/2. The new housing mix is much more in line with Charnwood’s Core Strategy and I will be supporting this new housing mix as it includes the housing types that we need in Anstey. There are bungalows on this site as well as many more two and three bedroomed houses than originally planned. Cllr Snartt and I have also successfully had all the two and half storey dwellings removed from the plan and the design is much more in keeping with other areas within Anstey. As I write this report, the new housing mix proposal is due to go in front of CBC’s Plans Committee on Wednesday 3rd May for a decision. I will as previously, be speaking at the Plans Committee meeting on this application to ensure Anstey’s housing needs are met.

Also as I write this report, the refusal of the original unsuitable housing mix application and the refusal for the request to occupy 30 houses before the highways work to The Nook

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

were completed are due to be heard at Appeal on Thursday 25th May 2017 at 10am at The Ramada Hotel, High Street, Loughborough, LW11 2QL (please note the change of venue). I will be attending to support CBC with this appeal and will ask the Inspector if I can speak. I do hope as many residents as possible are able to attend this appeal hearing to show as a village we are against this housing mix and the delay in the highways works to The Nook. If you require any further information please do get in touch with me.

I am still working hard on other aspects of this planning application in particular the relocation of the bus stop on Leicester Road and the timing of the highway works in The Nook. As soon as I receive some answers to my questions I will update you through my report.

Dog Micro Chipping Charnwood Borough Council has recently prosecuted a dog owner for failing to update their pet’s microchip. The dog was picked up as a stray and taken to Garth College Kennels in Hathern in June last year. Leicester Magistrates’ Court were told the owner collected the animal the day after and was later advised that its microchip needed to be updated and registered with a recognised UK database as required by the law since April 2016. A reminder letter was issued to the owner but they failed to respond and the Council also tried to contact the owner but again did not receive any response. The owner was then charged with failing to comply with the notice requiring them to

register and update the microchip and they were fined £220, ordered to pay costs of £285.30 and a victim surcharge of £30, totalling £535.30.

It is the first time the Council has prosecuted someone for failing to have their dog microchipped. Please ensure if you own a dog that the microchip is up to date otherwise you could risk prosecution.

Report Crime Online You can report non–emergency crime online if you prefer not to contact via telephone on 101. The website is https://leics.police.uk/ report-online and from this page there are various options to select according to what crime you wish to report. If you are a victim of crime, no matter how small you believe it is, by reporting the crime to the Police they are able to build up a picture of the area and it could be you that adds in the last piece of the jigsaw. Many people I speak to say it is not worth bothering the Police with petty crime but it is always helpful for the Police to build their evidence if they have the full picture. It also ensures all crime that is committed is fully reported and we have a true picture of crime levels in our villages to enable us to access all the resources we need.

Covenant Fund Charnwood Borough Council, along with Rushcliffe and Melton Borough Councils have successfully secured a bid for £97,000 from the Covenant Fund to help all serving and former Armed Forces personnel in their communities.

Each council have signed the Armed Forces Covenant to show its commitment to supporting former and serving personnel in the area. The grant will mean the councils can appoint a development worker to help improve understanding of issues facing military personnel in the area to improve the support available and work with other organisations and businesses to encourage them to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. A key part of the role will also be to liaise with staff and personnel at the under-construction Stanford Hall Defence National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) which is on the border of all three council areas. The DNRC is due to open in 2018 and will treat injured military personnel replacing Headley Court in Surrey.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Groups, organisations, charities, local authorities and businesses are encouraged to sign up to it.

The Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Fund offers £10 million a year to community projects which support existing and former service personnel in their communities.

If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.

Cllr Deborah Taylor

Anstey WI It was a brilliant evening at Anstey WI in April with our SOS fashion show and would fully recommend this to other WI groups. It was an excellent fundraiser as well as being such fun. Many thanks to Chris Figgins who organised our fashion show and helped to sell the raffle tickets.

Our models looked like they were straight from the catwalk at the London fashion show and they really enjoyed the evening. It was thirsty work watching the show and then browsing through the garments to find a bargain so many thanks to everyone who baked such tasty cakes and served up our teas. It was great to see so many ladies from Anstey visiting our WI meeting.

Anstey WI are the winners of the Skittle Cup this year and it was presented to Wendy Layton at a Social Evening at Groby ex Serviceman's Club. This was organised by the runners up Groby WI. An excellent evening with entertainment from Musician Andy Smith, a buffet, raffle and quiz.

There was a WI event Stepping into Springtime at Glenfield on Saturday 8th April which several Anstey WI ladies attended and won many of the flower arrangements demonstrated that day. There was a cookery demonstration, a talk about wine a hot 2 course lunch and several flower arrangement demonstrations.

The next WI meeting is on Wednesday 10th May at 7.30pm At the Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey WI Resolutions: to consider and vote on 2 shortlisted resolutions 1) Alleviating Loneliness 2) Plastic Soup: keep microplastic fibres out of our oceans Talk from an Age UK representative and 3 competitions for WI members.

If you interested in joining the WI then do come as a Visitors first (fee £3.50 which includes refreshments)

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

9

MDW FIREPLACES Learn to

Sew & Crochet Fun and informal classes

Crafty parties for children and adults!

6 Family run company 6 In-house installation team

Workshops and parties book via website or call 01509 219002 for more information

6 Multi fuel stove prices starting from ÂŁ449

Free Home 6XUYH\

6 British brands and showroom only exclusives

www.joytomake.co.uk Email: amy@joytomake.co.uk

30 Bridge Street ~ Loughborough ~ LE111NH

6 *DV DQG HOHFWULF Ć&#x201C;UHV PXOWL IXHO DQG ZRRG EXUQLQJ VWRYHV 0116 2676601

D :DQOLS $YHQXH

PGZĆ&#x201C;UHSODFHV#JPDLO FRP

%LUVWDOO

PGZĆ&#x201C;UHSODFHV FR XN

/HLFHVWHU

D PGZĆ&#x201C;UHSODFHV

LE4 4JP

Free Customer Parking

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nee â&#x20AC;&#x153; ed d An Electr l rician i i ?â&#x20AC;?

Call ll us NOW W on 0116 2873226

You You uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get value for money because ourr pricing is com mpetitive, yet we never cut corners.

â&#x20AC;˘ Rewires

â&#x20AC;˘ Internet Cabling

â&#x20AC;˘ Emergency Call Outs

â&#x20AC;˘ USB Sockets

â&#x20AC;˘ Fuse Boards

â&#x20AC;˘ Outside Sockets

Returningg Customers account for 74% Returning % of our woork - that says it all about the quality of our woork and the friendliness in our service.

â&#x20AC;˘ Sockets

â&#x20AC;˘ Fault Finding

Wee give you five years guarantee on our labour.

W

â&#x20AC;˘ Lights

â&#x20AC;˘ Security Lighting

â&#x20AC;˘ Showers

â&#x20AC;˘T Testing esting Certificates

Weeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re NICEIC registered - so were assessed on W a regular e basis to ensure the highest standard of carre are always met.

â&#x20AC;˘ Extractor Fans

â&#x20AC;˘ Smoke Alarms

â&#x20AC;˘ Led Spot Lights

â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see what you want here weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably do it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just ask kâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;?

Wee nevver W er leave mess behind.

Alll our team are smartly uniformed an nd we traain them to always be prompt, politee and professional o (and they smile a lot) Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll turn up when we say we will.

We

For your FREE Quotation Call Us Today Today o

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A simple Glenfield â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Glenfield ld E Electrical lectrical guarrantee antee t from o myself lf P Philip hilip Houlder H oulder that over-rides everything. erything. IIff youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re re unhapppyy about any aspect of our worrk, k, just let us know and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;lllll put it right.â&#x20AC;?

Call us NO OW on

10

0116 28732 8 3226

t: 0800 6446 150 â&#x20AC;˘ e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

POLICEMATTERS Welcome to ‘Police Matters’ from the Anstey Dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team. The crime breakdown shows offences committed between 25th March and 25th April 2017 inclusive.

Fresh Appeal We’re trying to trace a Good Samaritan who helped a victim of indecent assault in Anstey – can you help?

The victim was walking past The Green, on Bradgate Road, when she was approached by a man who was jogging. He pushed her to the floor and touched her inappropriately. A passing motorist stopped and the suspect ran off towards The Nook.

The victim was left extremely distressed by the incident and urged the public to help find the suspect.

She said: “I’m grateful for that motorist for stopping and helping me, I can’t imagine what would have happened if he hadn’t come along when he did. I would ask him to come forward as he may be able to help the police in identifying my attacker.”

The incident took place around 5.40am on Tuesday 11 October, 2016. Despite issuing an appeal at the time we’ve not been able to identify the motorist.

Extensive enquiries have been conducted locally with businesses and members of the public and it’s believed that the motorist may have been travelling through the area to or from work, if you believe this may be you or you know someone who witnessed a similar incident in October last year then please contact us.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 756 Simon Hart on 101, and quote Crime Reference: 16000317310

Good News – For the Parrot!

Crime Figures 25th March 2017 to 25th April 2017 Burglary Dwelling – 1 Graves Way Burglary - 2 (non Dwelling) (Business Premises, Shed, Garage, Etc) - Balladine Road, Hollow Road Theft of Motor Vehicle – 1 Latimer Street Theft from Motor Vehicle - 4 (inc Attempts) – Link Road, Forest Gate, Balladine Road, Charles Drive Damage to Motor Vehicle – 1 Papermill Close Criminal Damage Dwelling – 0 Criminal Damage - 1 (non Dwelling) (Business Premises, Shed, Garage Etc) Old Hare & Hounds PH Theft Store – 0 Theft Cycle – 0 Theft Property - 0

Every day whilst walking the Anstey beat is always different, but none more so when my regular patrols led me to dealing with ‘the bus driver and the parrot’! Let me explain further – whilst walking along Bradgate Rd on a recent Saturday afternoon I saw a single decker bus stationary in the road with hazard lights on. Thinking the bus had broken down I headed towards the driver who was on the pavement and was astonished to find he had an African Grey Parrot on his finger. The driver had seen the parrot fly across the front of his bus and land on the pavement. Being the caring bird lover that he was, he clearly felt the parrot had escaped from somewhere local and would not survive in the big wide world. A short bus trip for the parrot to a local vets ensued but unfortunately the vets was now closed, however a phone call put us onto another vets who took in exotic birds. The African Grey was therefore escorted in a Police car to his temporary home to hopefully be reunited with his owner. Thanks to the wonders of social media, the escapee was finally picked up after an exciting and eventful journey by a very grateful owner from Anstey Great work from a caring bus driver (his manager has been informed to express our thanks) and two local vets in conjunction with the Neighbourhood Policing team brought about a very happy outcome – Thanks to all!

If anybody has any information on any of the above crimes then please speak with your local officers, or If you have any information at all about crime please call CRIMESTOPPERS. Your call will always be free, we won’t ask your name and you may even receive a cash reward. Just call – 0800 555 111

PS 2992 Rod SMART/PCSO 6662 Phil WRIGHT/PCSO 6556 Alistair Cochrane Beat NL58 - Anstey, Charnwood Dedicated Neighbourhood Team, Leicestershire Police

GREAT DAY OUT AT PET FEST 10th - 11th June (SEE PAGE 18)

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

11

Borough Councillor Report Cllr John J. Sutherington.

Ward Councillor. Anstey. 43 George Street, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7DT. 0116 2204643. M 07939070603. - Email:- cllr.john.sutherington@charnwood.gov.uk Well its “Game on!” There is to be snap general election on June 8th. called by prime minister Mrs Theresa May. I am not altogether surprised but why didn’t she call it earlier?

May 4th. would have been a good idea when we already have the local elections?

It would have saved millions of pounds in administration etc. One election two voting slips, two X’s. I am sure we could have coped with that. Instead we will have one election in May (local) and now one in June (General Election) Sigh!

Whatever the outcome I do hope it is not a landslide victory and there is not an effective opposition. Liberal democrats in power?

Hmm. There’s more chance of plaiting fog!

Or Leicester City Football Club winning the premiership AGAIN. Well done to “The Foxes.” No European Cup trophy but the no hopers were the last British club left in the competition, before falling to Athletico Madrid of Spain. Just one more victory in the premier league and we’ll be battling it out again in the top league in the world. Leicester Tigers look likely to finish in the top 4 of rugby’s of the Aviva premiership. Our Basketball team Leicester Riders have completed a remarkable double, winning both the BBL cup and league. The ladies team are also doing well. Good luck to the Jester from Leicester Mark Selby in the world Snooker.

Leicestershire county cricket club have not begun their season well with two losses in the four day competition (Read 2 and bit days in both games) against Notts CCC and Gloucestershire very poor showing in both matches. The club also incurred a fine (£5,000) and the suspension of 2 players (one was the captain!) for abusive comments made in the so called “friendly” warm up game against Loughborough Students! A fine example lads. Things can only get better at the Fischer County ground, let’s hope they do, and soon. I feel I am not getting best value for my “Gower” membership at the moment.

CALLUM COCKERILL-MOLLETT. Call-up From Swifts to Saddlers?

Congratulations to this former Anstey Swifts junior player. He has been called up to the Republic of Ireland Under 18’s squad for an international

12

tournament in Slovakia in the near future. Jim Crawford's side have been grouped with the Czech Republic, Russia and Turkey in the 8 team competition.

jobs. “WOWIE.”

Born in Anstey on 15th. January 1999. Callum is an English professional footballer who plays as a left full-back for League One side Walsall.

Squad number 28. He started at the Swifts before being signed up by Walsall in 2014. He came through the Walsall youth team and signed his first (two-year) professional contract in August 2016. He made his first team debut in a 5–2 win over Grimsby Town in an EFL Trophy group stage match at the Bescot Stadium on 30th. August 2016.

If this appeals to you and your company then please seek further information. Our man at Charnwood Borough Council is Mr. David Hankin.

All the best Callum. ☺☺☺ His elder brother Bradley is also a good sportsman, playing football for Anstey Nomads and cricket for Anstey & Glenfield CC. Pressures on Brad?

ENTERPRISE ZONE. Update I recently attended an update on the Loughborough and Leicester Science and innovation Enterprise Zone. This government backed venture will incorporate 3 sites.

Loughborough at the university science and enterprise park (LUSEP) and Charnwood campus, formerly Astra Zeneca, and 2 areas in Leicester City, Woodgate, Frog Island, River Soar and at Pioneer Park. An area around Abbey Lane, along the River Soar and close to the National Space Centre. This will be called LEICESTER WATERSIDE. The whole scheme in both Loughborough and Leicester will total 179ha.

At the Charnwood Campus we will see the FIRST “Science Opportunity Zone” in the UK. The Enterprise Zones’ have now come into effect (April 2017.) As a government incentive to new occupiers, there will be a 100% business rate discount for the first 5 years. To a maximum of “£275,000.”

It is envisaged that the 3 schemes could see the creation of over 7,800 NEW JOBS, and the arrival of 300 new companies within the next 5 years. The overall focus being on science, technology and innovation. However each site as a distinctive offer? Superfast Broadband! Plus Café and support facilities.

Over the next 25 years (Way past my time me thinks?) we could see over £410.5million retained business rates for reinvestments in the EZ’s. Over 64.5million in business rate discount to new businesses (Reimbursed by the government.) The creation of 24,500 new

It’s all a bit mind boggling. Great perseverance to all concerned, as our first bid in November 2015, was rejected.

The 37th Charnwood Arts Picnic in Park INVITATION. Saturday 10th June, 2017.

Picnic in the Park is a fun day out for all the family and has often been called Loughborough’s own Village Fete.

We would like to invite you to join us at Loughborough’s Queen’s Park on Saturday 10th June from 12 noon to 5.00pm to be part of this year’s celebrations.

The event is organised by Charnwood Arts, a local community arts charity.

P.I.P. is free to stall holders and the public and regularly attracts thousands of visitors throughout the day As a local organisation, we would love you to join in the fun by applying for a stall space to show off your work, run an activity, inform people about your work or raise funds – and it’s all completely free of charge!

Local performers are also welcome to apply to be part of the entertainment. We need buskers, jugglers, walk about entertainers, brass bands, Morris dancers, steel bands, acoustic groups, choirs & storytellers.

“Sounds like a good day out,Gromit!”

Information about stalls is as follows: • Standard space allocated for each stall is 8ft frontage but this can be expanded!

Just to let you know.

• You will need to bring your own stall / table / small tent / matting / chairs • Set-up can begin from 9am and must be finished by 11am • Stalls are offered free of charge but any donations on the day would be appreciated • We are sorry to say that there will be no electricity supplied on the day • You are allowed on to the park to offload (weather permitting) but then all vehicles will have to be removed.

• Parking is available locally in the Bee Hive Car Park.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

If you are interesting in participating in this event, please get in touch with:Terry Allen. Administrator. Charnwood Arts.

27 Granby Street, Loughborough, LE11 3DU. ~ 01509 822558. email info@charnwoodarts.com for an application form.

CANCELLATION? Due to the Buskateers successful tour of Conservative clubs in North Korea being extended, our May 7th charity do at Anstey Nomads FC as had to be postponed. We hope to be back sometime in early June. ☹

Councils secure £97,000 to support nation’s heroes Funding has been secured by Charnwood Borough Council along with Rushcliffe and Melton Mowbray to help serving and former Armed Forces personnel in their communities.

The three councils have successfully bid for £97,000 from the Covenant Fund. Each council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant to show its commitment to supporting former and serving personnel in the area.

The grant will mean the councils can appoint a development worker to help improve understanding of issues facing military personnel in the area to improve the support available and work with other organisations and businesses to encourage them to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

A key part of the role will also be to liaise with staff and personnel at the under-construction Stanford Hall Defence National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) which is on the border of all three council areas.

The DNRC is due to open in 2018 and will treat injured military personnel, replacing Headley Court in Surrey.

Chris Traill, Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Community Wellbeing at Charnwood Borough Council which led the bid, said: “We are delighted to have secured

this funding as it will greatly improve our knowledge and understanding of the issues facing serving and former military personnel.

And help us decide how best to help them in our communities.”

I too am sure we are ALL proud to support our Armed Forces and want to do our best to help those people who have been willing to defend our country, when they need help to re-adjust.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. Groups, organisations, charities, local authorities and businesses are encouraged to sign up to it.

The Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Fund offers £10 million a year to community projects which support existing and former service personnel in their communities.

KIDS CRICKET . Latest.

Anstey & Glenfield have decided to go for this initiative by the English Cricket Board. It will start on Saturday May 20th. 10.30am to 11.30am, and will run for 8 weeks. This latest idea is to get 5 to 8 year olds and their parents into cricket. The initial cost to participants is £40. In return you get a coloured Personalised All-stars kit, cap, bat and rucksack. Great value, and who knows we may unearth a young cricketing gem for the future. To register go to allstarscricket.co.uk or email amandaandcharlie@btinternet.com

CROPSTON ROAD Anstey You will have seen that development as begun at the Jelson site on Cropston Road, Anstey despite conditions within the planning agreement saying that NO development can take place, until improvements to the Nook and surrounding areas are made. Jelsons however, and not for the first time in the village thought differently and moved onto the site a couple of weeks ago.

I did inform our enforcement team at Charnwood Borough Council, of the situation, but despite being threatened with a stop order, Jelsons carried on and as I understand informed the council that they would take legal action if they forced them to stop the preparatory work.

Your local borough, county councillors and Anstey parish council deplored the actions of Charnwood officers.

In my opinion It really does send out a “let’s go for it” message to other developers who have sites along the Cropston Road, because the council won’t stand up against us if we do. In my opinion they have set a dangerous precedent at CBC planning and enforcement?

And Finally…

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK? At the forthcoming County council elections, that’s the one on May 4th. we have a Liberal Democrat candidate in the Bradgate Ward, (Robert Simpson) who I believe will be the youngest person to stand in Leicestershire. Robert is just 22 years of age. From Woodhouse Eaves.

He enjoys sport such as fencing and rugby.

He is currently studying Media and communications at Leicester De Montfort University.

The Bradgate Ward will see 5 candidates.

One will succeed to the seat left by David Snartt. They are Deborah Taylor (Con) - Glyn McAlister (Lab) - Robert Simpson (Lib.Dem) Katie Walker (Green Party) - Alan Jarvis (UKIP) I look forward to seeing you at the polling station on May 4th. and June 8th. Always a pleasure never a chore. ☺ Yours.

Cllr. John J. Sutherington.

SCOUT ANNUAL DUCK RACE SAT 20th MAY

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

13

The Martin High School...

“Inspiring to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.” We are Martin High School T Message from the Head Teacher GCSE Drama

As we are now back from Easter break, our year 11 are well into their exams countdown. As a year group we are really proud of how they have matured this year; and are working hard to ensure they realise the success they deserve. They have all received a revision timetable and over 99% have accessed the additional intervention available.

Students send out a pertinent message to peers

The year 11 GCSE Drama students at the Martin High School have just completed their final GCSE performances and all successfully achieved A*C grades. The students created devised pieces from a stimulus based on ‘loss of innocence’ and took influence from Antonin Artaud’s ‘Theatre of Cruelty’ to re-enforce the themes and messages they want to get across to their audience. The students applied a range of acting skills and performed sensitively about modern day issues including terrorism, drink driving, mental health and one group took influence from Kayleigh's story and created a moving piece based on grooming.

Many of you enjoyed both our jazz concert and woodwind events. Both new ventures as part of our commitment despite our current funding restraints, to provide enriching opportunities for pupils in all of“the creative arts areas. We are very lucky to have state of the art music facilities and want to encourage all our learners to immerse themselves in our musical opportunities.

T

The Music department has signed up for a national initiative called the Jazz Club Project C which sees the school showcasing music talent across the county. Year 8 pupils made up the audience for this experience. The performers will then be playing at the De Montfort University that same night.

Year 9 Girls Football Tournament The Year 9 Girls Football team have been in action recently.

They took part in a tournament and competed against various other Leicestershire schools. The girls started quickly and kept the tempo high throughout all of their matches.

The team played some excellent football with fantastic passing and lots of creativity. This paid off and they scored some great goals that were a real team effort. One stand-out example was where the goalkeeper Courtney Holt (9A) rolled the ball out and the ball was passed to every single player on the team before Libby Cheadle (9N) left nothing to chance and struck the ball intelligently straight in to the bottom corner. An amazing example of Team Martin at its best.

The link-up play between defence and attack was another example of excellence with Georgia Paterson-Sylt (9I) and Erin Tattersall (9I) commanding the midfield area well; they were communicating with each other effectively and went from defence to attack almost effortlessly. This caught out their opponents unaware a few times allowing goals to fly in from all angles. The girls also showed incredible work rate and resilience. Their defensive play was just as good as their attacking play with lots of great tackles and blocks. The team were difficult to break down and didn’t give their opponents many opportunities to threaten.

Their opponents did manage some long-range shots from midfield but goalkeeper Courtney Holt (9A) was rarely troubled and had everything in hand. Courtney kept the defenders alert and used opportunities to demand the ball and regain control of the game. Caitlin Peet (9T) gave a stand-out performance at centre-back. Caitlin was a rock in central defence and challenged for the ball at all times, showing that nobody was getting through Team Martin’s defence without working hard for it. She showed courage and determination throughout and challenged for the ball in the air without hesitation.

The team came second overall; they only conceded one goal all tournament and didn’t lose any of their games. They lost out to first place only on goal difference. Overall an incredible display of talent, skill and determination.

“Inspiring all to dream more, learn more, do more and become more.”

Team Sheet: Courtney Holt (9A), Georgia Paterson-Sylt (9I), Erin Tattersall (9I), Caitlin Peet (9T), Lexi Carlos (9T), Libby Cheadle (9N), Freya Murray (9M), Emilie Parry-Joy (9M), Libby Robinson (9N), Abbie Marshall (9A), Lucy Powell (9N)

All the news stories included are just a small snippet of what we do as a school, if you would like to find out more please go to our website

www.martinhigh.org 14

!

The performance on grooming (Starring Ella Evans-Puttick, Molly Boughey, Ella Dunn and Robbie Harlow) moved their year 9 audience to tears on their exam day as Kayleigh’s story had been shown to them recently by the Leicestershire Police. The performers had been impacted by Kayleigh’s ‘love’ story also, and thought they could use their drama to continue to spread messages about grooming to audiences at the Martin High School. They did extensive research by using media reports, statistics and made contact with the police to make sure their piece would be as impacting as possible.

The school are now looking at ways this performance and other performances in the future like this can be embedded into the PHSE curriculum as a way of spreading important messages about the moral and social world we live in. The message seems all the more impacting when delivered by their own peers.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

Pupil Premium

A range of initiatives to support pupil progress and enrichment experiences have happened this term.

Staff and Year 11s are working hard in preparation for the GCSE exams in the Summer Term. They are attending lunch time and after school intervention sessions with their subject teachers to supplement their normal lessons.

The Maths department put on a highly successful ‘Immersion Day’ just before half term for Years 10 and 11 which enabled pupils to come off their normal time table and concentrate on perfecting their mathematical skills.

A targeted homework club for all Years has been operating successfully at lunchtime providing opportunities for some pupils to receive support completing their homework.

Poetry Workshop

On Monday 3rd April, some lucky year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students were invited to attend a poetry workshop in the library with Andy Craven-Griffiths. Students really enjoyed the workshops and produced some excellent poems. Andy wrote the following about his visit: “I had a really enjoyable day running workshops at the Martin High School.

During free-writing exercises, the students wrote some very mature and sophisticated responses to the prompts and we ended with some brilliant poems. We had unusual voice poems about the world’s being fed up of being stuck in a loop, about how its skin is different all over and it has warts that sometimes burst angrily. Humans were a virus and the plants and animals were good bacteria.

We had similes and metaphors-based poems about how roses seem all sweetness and beauty but have thorns like cats’ claws and can start wars. It is especially nice to visit a school where the library is so clearly a social hub that students want to visit.

Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club Success with Vegetables – David Thornton The April meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club was about growing better vegetables with David Thornton. David is a keen amateur vegetable grower and has won many prizes at national level, particularly for his root vegetables and shallots, in which he specialises. He shared many useful tips covering ground preparation, the importance of using the right fertilisers, liming the soil, and picking the right varieties.

For David, growing ‘better’ vegetables means tastier and more flavoursome veg, higher yields, and cleaner veg (no marks or blemishes). David suggests covering the veg plot with clear plastic in the spring to raise the temperature of the soil (not black plastic). The timing of fertiliser is also important. If using inorganic fertiliser, apply ten days before sowing seed or planting seedlings – organic fertiliser can be used the same day as planting.

Hardening off seedlings is also very important.

!

"

#$%&'"$("$")$*+,$-"./+0"0&(/"12&34"0&,,&,5"6$22+(7

Using fertiliser is essential, says David, to improve yield, for better quality, and to increase disease resistance. David talked about the three main fertilisers – nitrogen (for leafy growth), phosphorus (for good roots), and potassium (for flowering). He spent some time talking about quantities for different types of veg. He also talked about home-made compost and feed.

David shared tips for growing all the major veg varieties which was very informative.

He also stressed the need for sanitation when growing any veg, not least to deter pests and diseases. For example, when watering from water butts put half a cap of bleach in the water from time to time to avoid water born pests.

This illustrated talk by David was very interesting and informative, and not just for veg growers, and it prompted many questions from members and visitors.

The gardening club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it’s excellent value!! The membership fee is still only £12 for the year or £3.00 per meeting.

And, if you would like to come as a visitor and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded!! So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try.

The next club events are: Wed 10th May, 7.45 pm – Great British Gardens – Jeff Bates Six diverse gardens in the British Isles with a range of styles and influences.

Fri 9th June – Club trip to the RHS Chatsworth Flower Show (trip full) Wed 12th July – Evening visit to Goadby Marwood Hall For more information, please call Dave Haddon on (0116) 235 9758

Thanks for a lovely day.”

Andy

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINEESES Garden Care

Mowing • Pruning • Planting Gardens tidied and trimmed

Competitive Prices Fully Insured Relaxed, Friendly Service

Call 07813 896935 32 Burgin Road, Anstey

No job too small • Free quotes 4XDOLƓHG ZLWK \HDUV H[SHULHQFH

Call Peter : 07952 932213 / 0116 2323267

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

15

David Snartt Reports...

County Councillor for Bradgate Division. - Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate.

County Council Elections 4th May This will be my final report as the County Councillor for Bradgate Division. It was a hard decision not to stand for re-election to represent the residents of Bradgate Division, especially with your help in electing me on three occasions to be your Councillor at County Hall. It has been a most rewarding experience over the past 12 years, culminating in the honour of being Chairman of the County Council during 2015-16.

I hope that in some small way I have made a difference to the wellbeing of the Bradgate Division, sometimes under challenging circumstances. I have always tried to support residents and make their views known. Thank you for all your kind words and support over the past 12 years. I have at least another two years as the Charnwood Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate, therefore I will still be involved in that capacity for the villages of Newtown Linford, Ulverscroft, Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves. I will from time to time continue to report relevant information through this excellent local magazine.

Proposed Permit Scheme for Road works An eight week consultation has started, asking for views on proposals to introduce a Permit Scheme for carrying out road works and street works in the County.

The consultation is specifically targeted at statuary key stakeholders , although anyone who wishes to do so will be able to submit a response.

The County Council’s road network is fundamental to the County’s economy, enabling businesses to deliver goods and services and keeps communities connected.

Roadworks, including works by utilities companies, developers and maintenance work by the Authority can cause significant disruption. Currently there is a system in place whereby work promoters give notice to the Authority to carry out works on the highway.

Under the proposed Permit Scheme, Works promoters will have to book time on the

highway by applying for a permit prior to carrying out any works. Similar schemes have already been implemented by other local authorities. A Permit Scheme will allow the County Council to effectively manage and co-ordinate essential roadworks. The aims include: increasing the efficient running of the highway network by minimising the disruption and inconvenience caused by road works and other highway events and activities, through proactive management of activities on the highway.

More information on the proposals and a questionnaire about the scheme can be found at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/proposedpermit-scheme-for-roadworks the consultation ends midnight Sunday 4th June 2017.

Planning Update Once again it has been a busy time trying to get the best outcomes for local residents whilst development is taking place within the Bradgate Division.

I attended a meeting along with Councillor Deborah Taylor at County Hall to discuss the timing of the proposed improvements to The Nook in the centre of the village of Anstey.

These works were part of the conditions placed when planning permission was granted for the two sites on Cropston Road.

After discussions with the local retail business there was a consensus that these works should be carried out during the school summer holidays when traffic levels are reduced, especially at peak times. We also stated that construction traffic should not be allowed through The Nook during the morning and afternoon peak times. We are now hopeful these requests will form part of the conditions when these works proceed.

The applicants for the Fairhaven Farm development have re-submitted a new application for the mix of housing on the site.

You may recall the previous application was refused by Charnwood Borough Council’s Planning Committee and is now subject to an appeal on the 25th May. This hearing is due to take place at Charnwood Borough Council starting at 10.00am. If residents are planning to

FLYER

attend please check with Charnwood Borough Council for details of the venue nearer the time of the hearing.

I was disappointed to hear that the application to develop 3 dwellings on land adjacent to Grey Crescent, Newtown Linford has gone to appeal, especially after the planning application was unanimously refused by a planning committee. I have just received details from the Planning Inspectorate that the appeal will be through written representations.

All previous submissions will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate, any further comments need to be with the Inspectorate by the 24th May. The appeal reference number is APP/X2410/W/17/3170245.

I have received information that the application to erect 5 dwellings on land adjacent to Briscoe Lane, Woodhouse has now been withdrawn.

Update on Planning Guide Charnwood Borough Council has published an update Planning Guide which gives useful and helpful introduction to the planning and building control processes. The Guide takes account of the most up to date planning regulations and is a useful reference document for any general planning related queries.

The guide includes advertisements for various construction related services and therefore provides a useful starting point both for submitting proposals and getting work underway once proposals have received the necessary approvals.

A copy of the Guide can be viewed on the Council’s website and hard copies are available on request.

If you need to contact me on any issues please write to 10 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford, Leicester. LE6 0HH, or e-mail my Borough Council address cllr.david.snartt@charnwood.gov.uk or telephone 01530 244804.

BUSINESS CARD

FREE DELIVERY WITHIN LEICESTERSHIRE

2500 A5 - £60 - 5000 A5 - £85 Printed Full Colour, Double Sided, 150gsm Gloss Paper

500 CARDS £40 - 1000 CARDS £60 Printed Full Colour, Double Sided, 400gsm Matt Laminated Board

t: 01530 262020 | e: info@norwoodpress.co.uk | w: www.norwoodpress.co.uk Unit 1 | South Leicester Industrial Estate | Ellistown | Leicestershire | LE67 1EU

16

@norwoodpress

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

MOT £35 TEST CENTRE

 ’S Y E   ST N   A    

CAR MOT O NLY

MOTORCYCLE

 

MOT ONLY

£23

FREE RE-TES

FREE RE-TEST

T

BEHIND S POTTER S CARPET

Problems With Your Feet?



Home Visits & Cropston Surgery

Ingrowing Toenails Fungal Corns Callous Verrucae

COOKS FARM SHOP & COUNTRY SUPPLIES

Tel: 01530 242214 - www.cooksfarmshop.co.uk Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm | Saturday 9am-5pm | Sunday 10am-1pm

Markfield Lane - Newtown Linford, Leics, LE6 0AB

Full range of Animal Feeds for Farm, Equine & Domestic Animals Country Supplies - Wormers for Equine & Domestic Animals.

Also Layers Pellets with Flubendazole Wormer (Available in Large or Small Quantities).

Cage & Aviary Bird Seeds

Countrywide - Bucktons - Johnston & Jeff - Versele-Laga Feeds & Supplies - Wild Birds - Racing Pigeons

Keep Your Home Fires Burning!

House Coal, Smokeless Coal, Seasoned Logs,, Heat Logs, Kindling, Fire Lighters

Quality Meats Fruit & Veg Bread, Eggs, Cakes

Pota t & Se oes Pota ed toes

Fertilizer - Grass Seed - Premium Compost - Tree Stakes - Fencing Timber - Stakes - Rails - Posts - Panel Fencing - Gates and Gate Posts Stock Wire - Wire Netting - Welded Mesh - Rolls of Barbed Wire Electric Fencing - Vermin Control Products - Barrows, Buckets and Brushes Bins and General Smallholding Supplies............

All Major Credit And Debit Cards Accepted

Johanna Partridge MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Practitioner CALL 0116 235 1971 or 0788 781 7370 Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

live happy! with

Slimming World

ANSTEY - EVERY WEDNESDAY 5.30pm and 7.30pm Anstey Methodist Church, Cropston Road in The Nook, LE7 7BPB

BEAUMONT LEYS EVERY SATURDAY 9.00am and 11.00am Beaumont Leys School, Anstey Lane, LE4 0FL

Tel: ESTELLE on 07919 284924.

Email: Estelle.sw.markfield@gmail.com slimmingworld.co.uk

0344 897 8000

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

17

Latest News From Spring has sprung and at Woodside we knew the signs even before we started to notice the new leaves on the trees or the birds singing and getting ready to build their nests! You see we have a problem which seems to get earlier and more dramatic at this time of the year. Kittens! Okay so yes they are sweet... and cute... and lovely.....

But the thing is there are too many being born and not enough people wanting to adopt them.

7KH Ć&#x201C;JXUHV DUH TXLWH DVWRXQGLQJ Did you know that an average cat can have 1-8 kittens per litter and 2-3 litters per year? During her productive life, one un-neutered female cat could have more than 100 kittens. Without neutering, a single pair of cats and their kittens could produce as many as 420,000 kittens in just 7 years!

7KH Ć&#x201C;JXUHV KRZHYHU PDVN WKH health risks to the sexually active cat population, whether homed or feral. This can include feline DLGV OHXNDHPLD FDW Ĺ´X LQIHFWLRQV IURP Ć&#x201C;JKW ZRXQGV ZKLFK FDQ cause serious issues for an untreated cat, not to mention the high mortality on the roads as WKH\ URDP WR Ć&#x201C;QG D PDWH 6R ZK\ DUH ZH Ć&#x201C;QGLQJ WKLV VXFK a challenge at Woodside? We arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only animal centre to KDYH WKLV GLIĆ&#x201C;FXOW\ EXW , FDQ RQO\ describe the challenges it brings from our prospective. Early each spring numerous pregnant stray cats are handed to us and they have not been microchipped we have no way of knowing where they come from. We have space for approximately 70 cats in the cattery and have had to build up a network of fosterers who help at this point by taking these pregnant cats into their homes.

The mum is health checked and monitored during her pregnancy and our fosterers are able to assess the mum and encourage her to be more friendly towards humans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; she may have been abandoned and therefore not trust us at this point. Pregnant and nursing cats need to be calm and certainly prefer being in a home as opposed to our more clinical, busy and noisy environment in WKH FDWWHU\ 2I HTXDO LPSRUWDQFH is that mum is able to have her kittens in safety and they grow up being used to household routines and noises and to being handled from a young age. After the vet has said they are ready to go to their forever homes, the feline family are returned to Woodside.

18

All of them are neutered to prevent further unwanted litters, they have been health checked and are fully â&#x20AC;&#x201C; vaxed and have EHHQ WUHDWHG IRU Ĺ´HDV DQG ZRUPV They are also microchipped. Mum will often be adopted with one of her kittens but generally people WHQG WR FKRRVH WKH NLWWHQV Ć&#x201C;UVW Woodside is hugely successful with rehoming kittens and that is fantastic. However, to put it into perspective, this leaves us battling to encourage visitors to take on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;olderâ&#x20AC;? cats. Unspayed females can produce their Ć&#x201C;UVW OLWWHU DIWHU UHDFKLQJ VH[XDO PDWXULW\ DW PRQWKV RI DJH ,WĹ?V D myth that cats (and dogs for that PDWWHU QHHG WR KDYH D Ć&#x201C;UVW OLWWHU $QG LWĹ?V RIWHQ GLIĆ&#x201C;FXOW IRU RZQHUV WR Ć&#x201C;QG KRPHV IRU NLWWHQV WKHLU female has. Cats make delightful SHWV , NQRZ DV ZH KDYH UHVFXH adults) but as with all pets they need to be planned for. The fact that Woodside has so many adults looking for homes means that we have to ensure that our cats are all neutered prior to adoption.

So, what can you do to help? Ĺ&#x2DC; ,I \RX ZDQW WR DGRSW D FDW V

THE PAWFECT FAMILY DAY OUT!

come to see them in the cattery at Woodside â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there are adults as well as kittens looking for

their forever homes (See also rspcaleicester.org.uk)

â&#x20AC;˘ Encourage your family/friends/ neighbours to have their cats neutered

10th & 11th June 2017

â&#x20AC;˘ Ensure that your cats are

Woodside Animal Centre, 190 Scudamore Rd, Leicester, LE3 1UQ

microchipped in case they wander

GATES OPEN 11AM - 4PM DAILY

â&#x20AC;˘ Why not make contact to

become a cat fosterer? (Call 0116 DQG VHOHFW 2SW

â&#x20AC;˘ Support Woodside, RSPCA

Leicestershireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Branch home, and help us to raise funds to continue to assist needy animals across

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE: â&#x20AC;˘ K9 aqua zone â&#x20AC;˘ Open dog show & demonstrations â&#x20AC;˘ Dog agility cup â&#x20AC;˘ Cat, dog & small animal zones

â&#x20AC;˘ Food court â&#x20AC;˘ Fairground attractions â&#x20AC;˘ Meet the animal experts â&#x20AC;˘ Pet Fest market

Leicestershire and Rutland. This

neatly brings me to plug our Open Garden, see details to the right.

Ruth Lane Chairman for RSPCA Leicestershire based at Woodside Animal Centre

ÂŁ2.50 Adults

ÂŁ1.50 Kids

ÂŁ6.50 Family

FREE

Under 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

www.pet-fest.co.uk | 0116 232 49 32 /woodsideanimalcentre

@ Woodside_leics

t: 0800 6446 150 â&#x20AC;˘ e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

IDC Home Maintenance Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL From changing a light bulb to complete house re-decoration.

For all the jobs you need to do but simply don’t have time.

For a free quotation please call Ian on:

01530 245461

or

07885 541428

3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire

Web site: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held

Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre

Building & Maintenance - Private & Commercial

Lynne Leeming, MSc RHAD, MSHAA

EXTENSIONS

Your local hearing specialist 5 Stadon Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AY Existing hearing aid users welcome

NEW BUILD

Hearing protection for both children and adults Free parking in the Nook car park

CONVERSIONS

For friendly and professional advice please call for an appointment

Telephone: 0116 236 6633 Email: charnwoodhearing@btconnect.com www.charnwoodhearing.co.uk Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 9.30am - 4.30pm Wed & Sat 9.30am - 12.30pm

INTERIOR REFIT County Contractors, Groby, Leicester,

Tel: 0116 2872886 - Paul: 07734405374

Email: contact@countycontractorsleics.co.uk Website: www.countycontractorsleics.co.uk

Steve Goodger

Electrical Services

Re-wires - Extra Sockets - Lighting Burglar Alarms - Security Lighting or any other electrical problems Part P Registered Over 30 years experience in the electrical trade 29 Dalby Road, Anstey, Leicester

Call Steve on 07724 057567

Domestic Appliance Spares & Repairs

All Leading Makes Serviced - 20 Years Experience

Washers Dryers Dishwashers Fridges Cookers ●

●

●

GAS AND ELECTRIC NOW TAKING CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PAYMENT

David Preston - Mob: 0775 262 3885

www.1-4-all.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

19

Reliable, Local Plumbing & Heating Engineer All types of Plumbing, Heating & Leadwork undertaken

25 years experience

Contact Richard on Tel: 0116 267 1826 Mobile: 07515 486072

Foot Problems ?

Corns, Calluses, Verrucae, Hard Skin, Nail Problems, Athlete’s Foot, Sore and Cracked Heels

Have them treated professionally in the comfort of your own home

Ring Alistair Watt

MCFHP. MAFHP

Foot Health Specialist

01530 243009 or 07802 777221

Evenings and weekends available - Service with a smile Guaranteed

Watch batteries and straps fitted while you wait All brands Waterproof testing available

SYKES JEWELLERS There’s no need to replace the window - we will replace the glass unit for you Just cal our small, friendly firm - whether it’s one window or a full house - with approximate sizes, and we’ll give you a price OVER THE PHONE or a free call out if you prefer.

Tel - 0116 236 2510 8 Bradgate Road, Anstey, LE7 7AA www.sykesjewellers.co.uk

Central Heating & Combi Repairs 189101

Tel: 07973 784 457

• No Call Out Charge • Same Day Service • Boiler Service & Maintenance • Gas Fires Service & Repair • Central Heating Power Flushing • Landlord Safety Certificates • Out Of Hours Service Call Alan 0116 224 4975 Alan Douglas Heating 216 5131 Anstey Lane Leicester. alan@combirepair.com

20

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

FILM PRESENTATIONS Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council April's film, "Girl on the Train", was at first sinister and rather depressing. There were many twists to the story about Rachel who travelled daily by train, watching familiar people. Rachel was in the depths of despair and yet Emily Blunt's portrayal of her was mesmerising. We were happy to watch a happy final reckoning for Rachel's ex-husband and her therapist.

"A Street Cat named Bob" will be shown on May 12th and lasts 103 minutes.

A deep connection between a broken man and his mischievous, independent cat inspired James to write his best-selling novel on which May's film is based. This tabby cat becomes a guardian angel to a homeless street performer and recovering drug addict. James has a support worker who finds him a flat which he shares with Bob but will this cat slink away like most chances in James' life?

"A United Kingdom" will be shown on June 9th and lasts 111 minutes.

Based on extraordinary true events, this political romantic drama is a profound story of love in the face of adversity. In 1947, the heir apparent to the throne of Bechuanaland, Seretse Khama, played by David Oyelowo, is studying law in London.He meets Ruth, an English office worker, played by Rosamund Pike. To the disgust of their parents, they find true love. Will this "diplomatic earthquake" be resolved by the strength of their love for each other?

Our next film will be on September 8th. We hope you enjoy the summer.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost £5 which will include refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advanced tickets may be purchased via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

NEXT ISSUE OUT JUNE 2017 DELIVERY DATE: Thursday 1st June 2017

DEADLINE DATE: Wednesday 24th May 2017

Beaumanor World War 2 “Y” Listeners Over the two-month period February to March the display, Beaumanor World War 2 “Y” Listeners, has received a considerable amount of footfall in addition to some very kind comments made in the Comments Book. The Display was opened by Francis Ellingworth son of Commander Ellingworth OIC Beaumanor during 1941/45.

In addition, a number of family members of the “Y” Listeners attended the Display and has stated by the Chairman of the Local Studies Library Volunteers, “The families appear to have had a wonderful time exchanging experiences as passed down by their parents, who served at Beaumanor and they all seemed to enjoy the opportunity to meet other families. There was, as they say, a great “vibe”.

We have been asked what happens to the Display now? Following discussions with Beaumanor staff it has been agreed that the Display will be moved to Beaumanor with a view to being displayed at a later date.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

21

THE MONDAY CLUB

ANSTEY. CROPSTON, THURCASTON AND ROTHLEY Ocean Cruising We enjoyed a virtual tour around many different parts of the world, as we followed Michaela Kelly’s descriptions of some cruise holidays she has been fortunate enough to take, including visiting Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean, and crossing the Atlantic. The size and type of ship can vary greatly, and there are usually lots of activities from which to choose, plus shore excursions.

One great advantage of travelling by ship is that you can take more luggage with you, and once you are settled in your “stateroom” or cabin you have everything to hand. The accommodation nowadays can be quite luxurious, with sea views for many. The scenery changes constantly, and the facilities can equal those of a superb hotel.

A daily programme is provided for guests’ information, and the main items of news from back home may also be given to keep them up to date. There are lots of enticing shops offering jewellery, clothing, perfume and so on.

If you wish you can even watch the crew at work on the bridge, but this should be a scene of total calm, since routine operations are now largely controlled by computer!

Ms Kelly’s first experience of a voyage was a 10-week trip to Australia in her youth, where there was no entertainment provided. Today passengers on luxury liners can go on board and obtain a personal swipe card which gives them access to such delights as a swimming pool, spa, casino, theatre, cinema, skating rink, an art gallery and extensive library, and even an English pub! (Alcoholic drinks are not

free, unless you have bought a package deal to include this.) Food is available around the clock in several different restaurants. The dress code varies from night to night, but often passengers are expected to be “casual but elegant” for the evening meal. Formal nights give the ladies a chance to enjoy wearing their beautiful evening gowns and jewels. The decor of the ships can also be very elegant, many having an Edwardian or similar theme with lots of polished wood and beautiful fittings.

Most passengers tend to be of mature years, but some liners cater specially for families with children, so do some research to get exactly what you want. Excursions ashore will require separate payment. The most popular ones fill up quickly, so do not wait too long to decide which ones to book! A word of warning: if you go ashore and fail to return to the ship by the specified time, it will leave without you, and you will have to pay for an extra flight to rejoin your possessions at the next port of call.

To visit the Norwegian fjords, the ships are smaller on account of the narrow access. You can even book a cabin with a balcony to soak in the scenery. Going into the “Forward Lounge” or “Rear Lounge” will give you magnificent views over the ocean, and the wake reveals the true speed of travel. Modern ships have bow thrusters to enable them to leave port sideways if necessary, as well as their propellers, and do not rely on tugs, although they still need anchors, and still have ropes fixed around capstans while in port. You are very unlikely to suffer from sea

sickness because they have stabilisers.

There are ships with sails which go to the Caribbean, and you can enjoy music as the sails unfurl. At evening they are lit up against the splendid colours of the sunset. Passengers may even climb the rigging, if they really wish!

Some shipping lines which cross the Atlantic and therefore have no excursions ashore offer a themed voyage, such as helping you research your ancestors, which is popular, or you can listen to famous experts giving lectures.

In addition to ocean cruising, there are many river cruises to choose from, with no danger of rough weather. Entertainment is laid on and there are fewer passengers.

Bookings can be made through an agent, or directly with the company. Publications like “Travel Which” give lots of useful information, and you may find some discounts being offered. A final word of caution: make sure you take out adequate medical insurance, and declare any health problems honestly.

Medical treatment in a foreign country may be exorbitant and you will not automatically be repatriated.

Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month starting at 2.15pm, visitors and new members most welcome (please see local posters for details). However, on 8th May there is a coach outing around Leicestershire - places still available. The talk on 12th June is about the Air Ambulance for Children. On 10th July we have a Strawberry Cream Tea, and 14th August brings a talk on “Scam Awareness”.

Mrs Maja Tompkins Contact mobile 07709 20188

Foster homes needed for babies, teens and siblings BABIES, teenagers and sibling groups are just some of the children who need loving foster homes in Leicestershire.

A new recruitment drive has been launched in a bid to find people willing to share their lives – and homes - with in-need youngsters. Leicestershire County Council is inviting people interested in becoming carers to get in touch and find out more.

Support is available from the council from the very beginning and encouragesbongoing training throughout the fostering journey.

There are lots of different types of fostering for children of all ages, but at the moment there is a particular need for carers to look after babies, teenagers and sibling groups of two or more.

Regular ‘find out about fostering’ events are hosted at County Hall in Glenfield (LE3 8RA) where you can hear from some our carers, chat to staff and find out about the real difference you could make by fostering.

For more on the online campaign check out the fostering team’s ‘Fostering in Leicestershire’ Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/fosteringleicestershire/ and follow the council’s twitter feed @LeicsCountyHall To find out more about fostering call the recruitment team on 0116 305 0505 or come along to the next fostering event. www.fosteringleicestershire.com

22

How many words does it take?

Pythagorean Theorem: 24 words.

Lord’s Prayer: 66 words.

Ten Commandments: 179 words.

US Declaration of Independence 1,300 words.

US Constitution with all 27 Amendments: 7,818 words.

EU regulations on the sale of cabbage: 26,911 words.

Puts things into proper perspective, doesn’t it?

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

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

Richard Hill’s

Church of England School Charity

The Trustees of the Charity invite those under age 25 years who are attending or have attended the Richard Hill School to apply for a Grant to assist with educational activities (including social and physical training) not otherwise provided by the Local Authority Successful applicants have received assistance with funding for various activities including...

Training Course expenses: fees, accommodation travel, equipment etc.

School Trip to Gambia • Diploma in Legal Practice • University Expenses • Further Education Drama Course Masters Degree in Civil Engineering • Music Lessons • Computer and software We look forward to hearing from you

Applications should be made to the Clerk,Mrs. Ann Stringer Tel: 0116 234 0625 or email: rhillcharitytrustees@hotmail.com

Final date for applications is 30th June 2017 for consideration in July.

Grants ranging from £100 to £1,000 will be awarded to applicants who meet the necessary criteria t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

23