Veterinary practice celebrates 21 years in Anstey
Get a free fitness and health check ... at the library! Get a FREE HEALTH CHECK at Anstey library. Due to overwhelming response, the next session in March will be doubled up with 2 practitioners doing the checks.
Next Session: Tuesday 16th March 2 – 4.30pm Health checks are FREE and cover: body fat %, weight, body water %, and visceral fat, muscle mass/bone mass, basal metabolic rate and blood pressure! The health check days are run by Active Together Charnwood! Booking is required. You can either come in person at Anstey library or book over the phone on 0116 3053536.
Annual Christmas Lunch
White Christmas was guaranteed for Anstey Christmas lunch-goers! It was snowing in Anstey on Christmas Day. Well it was at the fourth Annual Christmas Day lunch courtesy of the snow machine placed outside the entrance to St.Mary’s Church Rooms in Church Lane.
Maggie Leggett’s veterinary practice is celebrating 21 years in Latimer Street, Anstey. Maggie set up the practice in November 1988 and says the support of her loyal clients has been crucial to her practice. She also relies on her dedicated and hard working staff to provide the care required by the patients. The practice has achieved Tier 2 status in the Royal College’s Practice Standards Scheme. The practice has some gifts for the clients, so pop in to collect your pens, fridge magnets and cotton bags. The surgery is at 2-4 Latimer Street, Anstey. (Telephone 0116 234 0696.)
The event, organised by Dave Ford of Anstey, provides a meal, entertainment and good company for people who otherwise would be spending Christmas alone. After everyone was seated the vicar, councillors David Snartt, John Sutherington and the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Roy Brown, called in to say hello. After the vicar said grace, the guests enjoyed a full five course turkey dinner plus drinks. During the afternoon there was bingo, a sing-along - accompanied by a pianist and flute - then a visit from Santa, who had brought a gift for everyone. At the end of the day all the guests were presented with a goody bag to take home. Well done to Dave and family plus everyone involved - a great day was had by all.
Maureen & John Houghton (Two of the helpers)
Next Issue Out On 20th February 2010
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Article & Advert Deadline: 6th February 2010
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT
Tel: 01530-244069 Email: info@ansteyclarion.co.uk Website: www.ansteyclarion.co.uk The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Anstey Clarion Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Anstey Clarion cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. 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. Anstey Clarion reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © Anstey Clarion None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Anstey Clarion. ANSTEY CLARION is printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press This issue delivered between 22nd & 24th January 2010 by our dedicated team of deliverers.
Anstey Parish Council News from John Alexander
Clerk to the Council • Email: ansteypc@btconnect.com • Tel: 0116 236 2646 • http://anstey.leicestershireparishcouncils.org The Parish Council has been busy since the return with a range of activities. We hope that you all enjoyed the Christmas Lights. They were extended from previous years so that we provided a few more motifs. It is good to know that a few other parish councils were impressed by Anstey and also copied our lights. One major problem for all has been the snow and ice. Just to clarify it is the responsibility of the Highways Authority (Leicestershire County Council) to grit roads and pavements. Obviously we all appreciate that they can only do so much. I am also aware that some of you may have been told that the parish council will be able to provide Grit Bins to help keep roads passable. Unfortunately this was not correct as we are not allowed to provide this facility, only grit bins for use on pavements. A parish. council is very limited in what it can do to help but your council is looking into the possibility of entering into an agreement with Leicestershire County Council to grit some pavements. Understanding the difficulty in knowing who is responsible for various aspects we have produced this table.
INDIVIDUAL COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ANSTEY
Individual Council Responsibilities For Anstey
Anstey Parish Council 0116 2362646 http://www.ansteypc.org.uk/ Charnwood Borough Council 01509 263151 http://www.charnwood.gov.uk/
Leicestershire County Council 0116 2323232 http://www.leics.gov.uk/ Highways 0800 626203
Abandoned Cars Anstey Cemetery Dog Fouling & Strays Environmental Health Fly tipping Footpaths/Footways Graffiti, Pollution, Pests Housing Services Libraries Anstey Parks & Playgrounds Planning & Building work approvals and Enforcement Refuse Collection, Recycling Roads Schools Street Cleaning Street Lighting
As ever your parish council is here to help so if you need guidance on who to contact or other help please contact the parish council office.
John Alexander
Clerk to Anstey Parish Council Tel 0116 236 2646 e-mail ansteypc@btconnect.com
Please don’t interrupt me when I’m talking to myself.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Meeting in Anstey about ...
The Friends Of Chernobyl Children Would you like to learn more about the charity which brings over children from Chernobyl every year? In Markfield the children came over last September and had a lovely time, doctors say that for every month a child spends here in our clean air, it will add 2 years to their life. They also gain knowledge of a different county and language which helps them in years to come. The children will be coming again later this year and the charity would welcome any new host families, people who would like to help raise funds, or we would love you to come and just learn more about what the charity does. There will be a meeting on Tuesday 9th February 7.30 in the Anstey Methodist Church, at which John Thatcher (chairperson of the Markfield wing) will be speaking about the aims of the charity, light refreshments will also be provided. If you would like to come please let me know and transport can be arranged if required. Many thanks. Kerry Sharpe 01530 243445 kerryjane34@yahoo.com
News from Anstey WI
Turned out nice again! After some members had enjoyed county federation and Bradgate group Christmas events, Anstey WI assembled in the brightly decorated Jubilee Hall for their own December meeting. Chris Figgins was congratulated for winning the Competition Cup for 2009. Then Kevin Barfield entertained with his talk: “The Life of George Formby.” He sang two songs, accompanying himself on the ukelele and the banjolele, but mostly he used clips so that George sang and spoke for himself. Members marvelled that a man who could barely read and write words, let alone music, forged a career in variety, film and television. (Astonishing in the light of modern programme content that the BBC objected to some of George’s lyrics.) He travelled tirelessly to entertain the troops during the Second World War, and was decorated by Britain and Russia. After playing many less well-known songs, Mr Barfield ended with a medley of the most famous, to which members were able to sing along. He had also kindly donated a DVD of some of George’s films as a raffle prize. The evening ended with a delicious bring and share supper and festive tipple.
Sheila Timms Me a skeptic? I hope you have proof.
Don’t Miss the Annual Folk Music Night in Quorn! Friday 29th January 7.30pm, Quorn Village Hall (transport can be arranged) This will be the 7th annual Africa Aid folk music night, which is always a lovely evening with various artists performing music from folk music to 60’s music so there will be something for everyone. Money raised will go to support an orphanage and maternity hospital in Africa. Tickets are £6 which includes a very generous supper and can be obtained from Kerry Sharpe 01530 243445 (kerryjane34@yahoo.com) or Dave Ford 0116 2368811.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Charnwood Borough Councillor’s Report From John Sutherington Happy new year to you all. And thank you for the Christmas Cards. Hope everyone had a good Christmas, and you are all looking to the New Year with renewed optimism? I say this because 2010 will see a General Election and a new Parliament, the Football World Cup in South Africa, maybe a British Winner at Wimbledon Tennis, plus of course Leicestershire County Cricket Club have appointed former “Ashes” hero Matthew Hoggard as their new Skipper for 2010. Matthew a tough Yorkshire man will be driving “The County” forward with his no nonsense approach. It is planned by Head Coach Tim Boon to play a minimum of 8 English qualified players in the county team. I’m not going to predict any scores or results but I do hope that everyone manages to record their vote in the forthcoming election one way or another, support the England football team in South Africa, Andy Murray at Wimbledon, and Leicestershire cricket at Grace Road.
Prospective Parlimentary Candidate The Liberal Democrats PPC was chosen recently at the “Hustings” in Birstall and he will be Robin Webber-Jones from Ratby. Robin will be contesting the Charnwood seat currently held by Rt. Hon. Stephen Dorrell at the next general Election to be held sometime during the first half of 2010. Predicted dates so far are 25th. March, 6th. May and 3rd. June. We shall see.
Christmas lights Money well spent I believe, around the centre of the village I do hope you agree, and no vandalism or disappearing star this year!! All being well there will be more too look forward to next Christmas…
Goodbyes Sad to say goodbye to Rev. Jay Phelps from the United Reformed Church after several years; he has moved to Daventry. Headmaster of Latimer Street Primary School Steve Williams has gone to pastures new over Hinckley way, after pulling the school out of the doldrums, over the last 5 years. It as also been announced that Rev. Simon Foster, Vicar of St. Mary’s will also be leaving us to go to a new ministry in Croydon, this after 13 years with us here in Anstey. They have all been an asset to Anstey Village life, and will be sadly missed. Thank you gentlemen for all you have done. Hard acts to follow…
C.B.C. Housing It’s a big year for Charnwood Borough Council in terms of approximately 5,800 of its council housing stock. The council got a “Zero” Star in the last rating revue and we need to get “2 Star” to receive the governments £36,000,000 funding to improve council properties. The council should receive this money if it comes up with the “2 Star” rating after the next Audit Commission inspection which comes up soon.
20mph speed restrictions - Link Road, Anstey Good to see the 20mph safety restrictions which I willingly supported, now in force outside the Martin High School on Link Road. The scheme as been sensibly extended to take in Woolden Hill School, as well. Please take care especially at school times.
Capital Plan At its meeting on 11th January 2010, full council recommended to approve the current Capital Plan for 2009/10 to 2011/12 in the sum of £32,894,700. This will enable the Capital Plan to be the basis for capital spending by the council so that schemes may proceed.
Plans Committee to remain the same? It was also proposed in changes to the Council’s constitution to change the name of the council’s long standing “Plans Committee” to the “Development Management Committee”. However, an amendment was put forward for the name to remain the same to avoid confusion to the public. The amendment was won 25-23 on a named vote.
Payback time! It has been announced that some of the £1million that Charnwood Borough Council invested in an Icelandic bank has now been paid back, The Council has received a total of £298,782. Council officers advised us that they expect to receive up to 80% of the claim in due course. And the loss as had no impact on the draft budget for 2010/11, nor should it affect the level of Council tax for that year.
Holocaust remembrance day This will be held on Wednesday 27th January 2010 at Queens Park, Loughborough, at 12.30pm. All are welcome to attend this very moving ceremony.
Latimer Street site. Notice has been served on the land owners to clear and secure this eyesore. I hope it will be done by my next report.
And finally A big thank you to Dave Ford and his gang of helpers, the Mayor of Charnwood Cllr. Roy Brown and local Shops, businesses, Anstey Parish Council and Individuals for making the Christmas day extravaganza, a day to remember for those who attended. Unfortunately Dave was taken ill shortly after the event and was in Glenfield Hospital for a while after Christmas. May I wish him a speedy and complete recovery. Same good wishes also go to Lydia Knott, Clerk of Newtown Linford Parish Council and of course anyone else who is ill at present. As always if you think I can help in any way. Please call, write, or email. In strictest confidence. Always a pleasure never a chore.
Cllr. John J. Sutherington
43 George Street, Anstey, Leicester. LE7 7DT. 0116 2204643. M.07939 070 603. Email: cllr.john.sutherington@charnwood.gov.uk
Always include your children when baking cookies.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Half-Term Puzzle Mania at Library Anstey Library will be challenging youngsters with free code breaking and puzzle solving activities during the February half-term. Free activity sheets aimed at children between 6 and 12 years of age will be available for children to pick up and puzzle over in the library or at home between Saturday 13th February and Saturday 20th February. The challenges include logic puzzles, hidden picture colouring, a maze and a doubly difficult word search. Anyone wishing to take part in Puzzle Mania is invited to drop in and pick up a free activity sheet. For more information about your local library visit www.leics.gov.uk/ libraries or phone Anstey Library on 0116 3053536.
Wriggly readers at Anstey get Christmas gifts from Santa Thursday 3rd of December was a fun packed afternoon and everyone was delighted to be joined by The Chairman of the Leicestershire County Council - Mr Roger Wilson for our Christmas special Wriggly Readers at Anstey Library. Parents, children and staff all came together to celebrate the festive season. There were Christmas songs and stories for everyone to participate and a special visit by Santa. “This was the first time we have done something special for the little ones at Anstey Library,” said the Library development worker from Anstey. It is also a good opportunity for parents to bring their children to the library, share books and meet others. The next Wriggly Readers session will be on Thursday 4th Feb from 2pm. See you soon.
Anstey Clarion is now available Online! Avoid the risk of paper cuts by reading the Anstey Clarion on your computer! The magazine is now viewable in page-flipping splendour on the website - www.ansteyclarion.co.uk It’s very useful if - in a moment of insanity - you accidentally throw away your copy and you need to refer to it at a later date. Simply log on to the website and the magazine will be waiting there for you. It also comes in handy if you are abroad - or in some far flung place in the UK - when the magazine is being delivered. You can save yourself the trauma of having to wait until you get home by reading the latest issue on your laptop, or a friend’s computer, or by visiting a handy library or cyber cafe. Have a look and tell us what you think.
I started out with nothing and still have most of it left.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
COUNCIL INFORMATION & CONTACT DETAILS Your 14 Parish Councillors are: Parish Council Chairman
Vice Chairman
Martin Broomhead 170 Bradgate Road Anstey Tel 0116 236 4228
Michael Parker 124 Cropston Road Anstey Tel 0116 236 3525
Nigel Aston 10 Fulmar Road Anstey Tel 0116 221 0979
Vicky Ball 91 Cropston Road Anstey Tel 0116 212 5315
Steve Farmer 36 Charnwood Road Anstey Tel 0116 210 3391
Ian Grogan 52 Edward Street Anstey Tel 0116 235 1762
Dave Parker 21 Cherrytree Close Anstey Tel 0116 236 7914
Roger Peat 262 Link Road Anstey Tel 016 236 4863
Rachael Phelps 58A Bradgate Road Anstey Tel 0116 233 2151
Mike Roe 37 Stadon Road Anstey Tel 0116 235 9815
Brian Rowlinson 187 Bradgate Road Anstey Tel 0116 236 7548
John Sutherington 43 George Street Anstey Tel 0116 220 4643
Sarah Taylor 39 Hazelhead Road Anstey Tel 0116 220 4770
Chris Tunaley 41 The Green Anstey Tel 0116 292 1604
Your Clerk to the Parish Council is: John Alexander Anstey Parish Council, Parish Office, Stadon Road, Anstey Tel 0116 236 2646 e-mail ansteypc@btconnect.com
Cricket Club News
Preparations begin for the new season Winter Nets at Mountsorrel Anstey & Glenfield Cricket Club’s Winter Nets started on Sunday January 3rd. 2010, at Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel, and they will continue until Easter. Juniors 6pm-7pm. Seniors 7pm-8pm. New members are always welcome. Give me or Colin Bennett 0116 2363939 a ring to find out more. It’s only £1 per session. The club has four Level 1 coaches and one Level 2 coach.
Junior XIs - Under 11’s to Under 17’s. More keen lads are required to compete in the forthcoming season for these teams to keep the clubs youth set up going. We shall be fielding for the first time 2 Thursday Evening league sides in the Loughborough Cricket Association 12 Twelve Thursday night league.
Annual General Meeting At the AGM the following members were elected to serve for the next 12 months. President: David Young Chairman/Club Captain: John Sutherington Vice Chairman/Grants Co coordinator: Simon Abbott Secretary/Treasurer/Grounds man: Richard French Social Secretary: Adam Dryden 1st.XI Captain: Iain Marjoram - 2nd. XI: Charlie Wilkes Sunday XI: Mark Stafford. ~ Thursday 1st.XI: Mark Nelson. ~ 2nd. XI. Steve Allen. Paul Edwards stood down as 1st. XI Captain after 2 years having just become a Dad for the first time. Lee Myring also stood down as Thursday night Captain with Mark Nelson taking over. Derek Jordan after a number of years has handed the job of looking for grants to Simon Abbott. Chairman John Sutherington thanked all for their hard work especially Derek who as found over £4,000 in grant funding for the club over the last few years. without which the club would have been in dire straits. Happy and Peaceful 2010 from all at Anstey and Glenfield C.C. • • • • • • •
John J. Sutherington 0116 2204643. Email: john.sutherington@ntlworld.com
Your Two Borough Councillors are: Paul Day, 251 Bradgate Road, Anstey Tel 0116 236 4376
John Sutherington, 43 George Street, Anstey Tel 0116 220 4643
Your County Councillor is: David Snartt, 10 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford Tel 01530 244804
Your Member of Parliament is: Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA Contact Tel: 020 7219 4472 Contact Fax: 020 7219 5838 or email info@stephendorrell.org.uk
Surprising recycling Handy recycling guide launched Spectacles, car batteries and compact discs are some of the more surprising items featured in a new recycling leaflet. The easy-to-use guide lists the wide variety of household materials people can recycle at the County Council’s 14 sites and includes electrical items, cardboard, textiles, used cooking oil and much more. Available to pick up from selected libraries across Leicestershire, it also contains addresses for the recycling and household waste sites, opening times and explains the restrictions in place. Tony Kershaw, County Council Cabinet Member for Waste Management, said: “This colourful leaflet is a handy reference guide for anyone planning to visit one of our 14 recycling and household sites.” The 14 recycling and household waste sites are currently open from 8am to 6pm, seven-days-a-week. For more information or a copy of the new leaflet, please call the County Council on 0116 305 0001. More waste information is available at www.leics.gov.uk/waste
Keep the seat next to you on the train vacant by smiling and nodding at people as they walk up the aisle.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Sketch of our church by a Dutch visitor
LETTER Charity night at Newfoundpool Club raises £600 We would like to thank everyone in Anstey who supported the Charity Night on the 27th November at Newfoundpool W.M.C. We raised £300 for LOROS and £300 for Glenfield Hospital Breast Care Centre. Also we would like to thank the artistes Index, Laura Elson, Abbey Street and a big thank you to Carl Stevens (who stepped in at the last moment as 2CT were ill) for giving their time to help raise the money. Last but not least, we’d like to thank Bleddyn Jones for drawing the raffle.
Lynn and Geoff Snee I am a Dutch artist living in Leiden, Holland, but since the love of my life lives in Anstey, I spend a lot of time in your lovely village. Recently I made a drawing of St Mary’s Church. Going through the Anstey Clarion recently I suddenly thought “Wouldn’t it be a nice surprise if in the next issue of the local magazine there would be a drawing made by me!” So I made a scan of it (See image above). As you will understand I will be delighted if you would be willing to use it.
Egbert Kemner (We’re pleased to oblige - Susan & Mike - Editors)
Go Learn Now in Groby and surrounding villages!
January sees the start of a new programme of courses across Leicestershire and the County Council is encouraging you to make that New Year resolution to return to learn in the new decade. With an extensive choice of subjects in community colleges, libraries and local centres, the new term makes an ideal time to find a course to suit you. In computing, you can start with the basics in a beginner’s class, work towards a national qualification or even join a short class to help you get the best from your new digital or video camera. Arts classes will give you the chance to take up a new hobby or skill and there’s still time to gain new language skills for that foreign holiday or business trip. In general subjects, how about gaining skills in first aid, touch typing or tracing your family history? We also support adults keen to brush up their skills in English and Maths with local friendly groups where you can work towards the national test qualifications. Along with the Skills for Jobs programme which includes Health and Safety, First Aid and Food Hygiene training, these free classes are an ideal way to improve your CV and job prospects. Look out for the new GO LEARN magazine which will be delivered soon throughout the area, it gives details of how to enrol plus the fee discounts available to those in receipt of benefit – this means that some courses are completely free. To register for a class, or for more course information on subjects call the local office on 0116 2874725 or the Central Enrolment team FREE on 0800 988 0308
NEW YEAR BARGAINS Quality Used Children’s Clothes & Toys A sale will be held in the Groby Village Hall on Sunday 24th January, 10am until 1pm. Admission is 50p, light refreshments will be available courtesy of the Ladies of the Groby WI. If you need to create some space after the Christmas holidays please call Dawn on 0116 2311032 as there are still some tables available at a cost of £5, all sale profits to go to the table holder. (Table fee is in support of the Groby Toddlers Group)
It is a mistake to allow any mechanical object to realise you are in a hurry.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
BOOKCASE
Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years Adrian Mole is 39 and a quarter. Unable to afford the mortgage on his riverside apartment, he has been forced to move into a semi-detached converted pigsty next door to his parents, George and Pauline. His ravishing wife Daisy loathes the countryside, longs for Dean Street and has yet to buy a pair of Wellingtons; they are both aware the passion has gone out of their marriage, but neither knows how to reignite the flame. To cap it all off, Adrian is leaving his bed numerous times a night to go to the lavatory and has other alarming symptoms, leading him to suspect prostate trouble. Meanwhile, his mother thinks that an appearance on the Jeremy Kyle show might solve the mystery of her daughter’s paternity once and for all. And when George is asked to provide a DNA sample, will the shock kill him? He is already disabled, though still chain smoking and has had an ashtray welded onto the arm of his wheelchair. As Adrian’s worries multiply, a phone call to his old flame Dr Pandora Braithwaite, BA, MA, PhD, MP and Junior Minister in the Foreign Office, ignites memories of a shared passion and makes him wonder – is she the only one who can save him now? AMAZON.CO.UK price: £9.49
Community groups may have to turn off music According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, village halls, churches and community groups may have to turn off their music under a new regulation being imposed. From April, charities and community groups are set to lose their exemption from the requirement to hold a PPL performance rights licence in order to play recorded music on their premises. The official ‘’impact assessment’’ found that a quarter of a million organisations could be affected by the £81-a-year fee, including 140,000 charities, 6,750 charity shops, 66,440 sports clubs, 4,000 community buildings, 5,000 rural halls and 45,000 religious buildings. The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has launched a ‘’Don’t Stop the Music’’ campaign against the changes, which they say could hit Scouts or Guides having a Friday evening disco or older people having a Sunday afternoon tea dance.
When it comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.
10
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Gardening Notes with Ted
Brown
A Worthy Evergreen Shrub Together With Some Seasonal Notes BUPLEURUM
are Runner Beans and Tomatoes - former in the ground, Tomatoes in pots. For Beans choose a stringless variety (‘White-Lady’ remains supreme), ‘Gardeners’ Delight’ provides masses of small tasty Tomatoes but ‘Sungold’ is even better.
POTATOES Not a name well known to most – and plants of this Genus rarely appear for sale in Garden Centres. Well worth introducing to readers, however, to recommend one member, the evergreen shrub, Bupleurum Fruticosum. It is quite hardy, low growing to about 3 feet, with good bluish/green small-leaved foliage. It’s flowers, long-lasting from July to September, yellowish/ green, are reminiscent of Euphorbia and quite distinct from any other shrub. In passing I should mention that most Bupleurums are small growing annuals or perennials. Most well-known of the latter are B. Falcatum and B. Longifolium, both usually seed raised and highly-prized, particularly by flowerarrangers, for their spectacular umbrella-shaped flower-heads. Bupleurums are Umbellifers – think of Cow-Parsley!
VEGETABLES Growing one’s own is not about cost – but lack of pesticides, freshness and best of all that taste, when picked and cooked within a couple of hours or so. Statistics suggest that there is a continuing influx of new converts. They must be overwhelmed by the huge variety of different seeds available. ‘Award of Merit’ plants
is a guide, as are, too, lists of ‘Customers Favourites’. Also lists of ‘Patio’ vegetables are helpful as suggestions for container-grown vegetables. Two favourite crops
Earlies are the ones to grow whether in the ground or containers. Seed potatoes are now available in very small packs – ideal for a few in containers. Buy early, get chitting (encouraging green sprouts, but away from frosts) and then plant early. When willing to give a little frost protection planting may be as early as end of February. Such protection is easy with containers. In the open ground just risk a small row, with a few sheets of newspapers handy to cover on frosty evenings. Sensibly, planting about a month later is normal.
ONIONS
Nomads News
Bad weather puts season on hold for Nomads Unfortunately Anstey Nomads Football Club have not had a game since 5th December 2009 because of the recent inclement weather. The Manager Ben Cooper has however been busy and as been able to sign on some new players in this time, and hopefully this will bring a change in fortunes for the club as they have only won one game all season. A new reserve team Manager has also been appointed. The Manager and is team are doing their best to improve the playing side, so please get behind the team when the Cropston Road ground is fit to play and lets hope for a better second half to the season. Tea, Coffee and Fresh Cobs will also be available when a game is on. The Anstey Nomads Clubhouse is available to hire (for a small charge) for parties and any other get-togethers. It has a fully licensed bar and the capacity for around 80+ people. Please phone the clubhouse 0116 2364868. For enquiries phone Mr. Norman Taylor on 07984250011.
Helen Preston-Hayes, Anstey Nomads FC
TellyTalk With Tarquin Vandyke
Theo Paphitis To Present The Buying Game On BBC Two
Sets – small onions held-back in growth the previous season – are now the usual means of planting and growing, but almost always in the open ground. Worth trying is planting these in containers, an inch or two apart. Large onions these will never be, but will give a supply of strongly flavoured ‘Spring’ Onions. Ordinary Spring Onions, of the ‘Lisbon’ type are also well suited to container growing.
TARRAGON A herb, particularly suited to most fish and meat dishes, is less often grown than most others. Also not usually available in Supermarkets.
The French, rather than the Russian type, is the one to try. Buy growing plants in small pots from Garden Centres. Propagate then from cuttings. Tarragon is a member of the Artemisia family.
Behind the scenes at Britain’s retail giants, buying teams have the power to create trends, make or break careers and decide exactly what the public buys. Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis (pictured above) presents a new 7 x 60minute series produced by Maverick Television for BBC Two. The Buying Game goes behind closed doors at some of the biggest names in UK retail to expose the secret world of buying for the first time. In a twist, these buyers won’t be turning to their trusted suppliers for the next big thing. Instead, they’ll be gambling on the talents of the British public in their quest to find the best and most innovative new products. For the fledgling designer, this is a chance in a lifetime. Theo Paphitis – Dragon, retailer and business star – knows and loves the business of buying. He’ll be at the helm of this ambitious project: demystifying shop talk and revealing the competitive inner workings of retail, from prototype to product development to the finished article on the shop floor. Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two, says: “It’s going to be fascinating to see Theo’s extraordinary understanding of the market and astute business acumen at work outside of the Den, combined with a great insight into a rarely glimpsed side of the retail industry.” More content about The Buying Game will be published, as transmission approaches, at: www.bbc.co.uk/tv/comingup/the-buying-game/ • Theo is also presenting Theo’s Adventure Capitalists on BBC Two later this month.
The world gets better every day, then worse again in the evening.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Anstey Neighbourhood Watch
Three suggestions for the New Year I would like to start by wishing you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year. I hope you all had an enjoyable time over the festive season with friends and family. Thank you to everyone who visited our table at the Christmas Gala. We were in the United Reform Church on Bradgate Road. I hope those of you, who were luckily enough to get a free Neighbourhood Watch calendar, liked the old views of Leicestershire. I also hope you all enjoyed the freebies we were giving away, and our Christmas tree which was entered into the competition. Those of you who have shown an interest in setting up an NHW in your area please get in touch, I would love to hear from you. If you haven’t already made a New Year Resolution, I have three suggestions you might like. 1. To set up a Neighbourhood Watch in your Area, to make it safer for your friends and Neighbours. (You also get a discount on your house Insurance). At the moment we have only the following areas, with an active NHW Coordinator. Balladine Road, Bradgate Road, Broughton Close, Dalby Road, Long Close, Longhade Furlong, Princes Close, Ruskin Field and Wooldale Close. 2. When you have successfully set up your NHW, then make it into a NO COLD CALLING ZONE. This really does work to cut out all those nuisance callers at your door, especially at meal times. 3. Get all your presents and valuables security coded with a DNA personal to your address with SMART WATER. Don’t turn your Christmas presents into presents for the burglars. Your Neighbourhood Policing team, together with Anstey NHW team, will be telling you more about this soon. We are hoping to arrange with the Parish Council a day when you can bring your valuables to be marked with Smart Water. This costs £18 a bottle, but compared, with the cost of your laptop, bike, mobile phone etc, is a small price to pay to security code your valuables. In the event that you do have a burglary at your premises then your property can be traced back to you. Drive safely in the cold weather and please remember DON’T leave your engine running whilst you de-ice the car and go back inside to wait for it to warm up.
Diane Tillotson Anstey NHW Co-ordinators Beat Manager
Thought for the Month
Make the decision Go ahead and accept the fact that the decisions you make will not always be perfect. Then, go ahead and decide. Indecisiveness can create enormous spans of wasted time. Indecisiveness encourages procrastination and sows the seeds of despair. Gather the best information you can, and give it some honest, objective thought. Then, go ahead and decide which way to go. That way, you can spend your time actually getting it done. You can focus your energy, and begin creating real results. Sometimes you’ll have to change course because you failed to make the best decision. But occasionally having to change your approach is much better than being continually paralyzed by indecision. Is there something you’ve been putting off because you can’t decide what to do? Now is a great time to show confidence in your own reasoning power, and to go ahead and decide.
Ralph Marston
Copyright 2010 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. Used by permission. Originally published in “The Daily Motivator” at www.dailymotivator.com
Why do parents always take their children to supermarkets to smack them?
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ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Bradgate Lions Club News We enjoyed a very successful period in the lead up to Christmas, raising approximately £3,500 for local charities. Over £1500 of this was made from the Christmas Basket prize draws help in many of the local Hotels, Public Houses and retail outlets in Markfield, Groby, Newtown Linford, Ratby etc. The rest of the monies came from our Santa Float street collections around various villages in our area, and our all day collection at Sainsbury’s Superstore at Fosse Park in December.
St Valentine’s Eve Dance in Thornton Our next fund raising event is a St. Valentine’s Eve Dance at Thornton Community Centre, on Saturday 13th February, with dancing to live music, played by local band Quartz. Tickets are priced at £10 and include a buffet, they can be pre-booked by ringing Roger (01530) 242912 or Iris (01530) 230453. There will not be a bar, but you are invited to bring along your own drinks. Amongst all our other activities we are still collecting your old mobile phones, spectacles, stamps and greeting cards, if you have any of these items to donate please ring Roger, and he will arrange collection.
New members Our Club has recruited three new members in the last few weeks, but we are still anxious to increase our numbers even further, to help us raise more money to assist the many local charities that need the public’s support. If you would like to find out more about the Lions and what they do, please give Roger a call, he will be please to talk to you. The members of Bradgate Lions Club should like to wish all readers a Very Happy and Healthy New Year.
Lion Roger Gamble
President, Bradgate Lions Club
A wander through Charnwood Forest A MAGIC LANTERN SHOW BY MICHAEL WORTLEY 7.30 p.m.TUESDAY 26th JANUARY 2010 at WOODHOUSE EAVES VILLAGE HALL On Tuesday 26th January, Friends of Charnwood Forest will be presenting a magic lantern show by Michael Wortley.
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A magic lantern was first described in China and thereafter described in the West in 1671. With an oil lamp and a lens, images painted on glass plates could be projected on to a suitable screen. By the 19th century there was a thriving trade of itinerant projectionists with magic lanterns putting on shows in towns and villages throughout the UK. The magic lantern used tonight dates back to 1895 and was originally powered by gas. The lantern, which has a long “family tradition”, was first used by Uncle Joe who gave public shows throughout the County on set pieces such as Queen Victoria’s Coronation. In the 1930’s , Michael’s father started helping with the shows including converting the lantern to electricity in 1932. After the War, Michael ‘s father took over running the shows, but this time with Michael helping him through to 1970. There was then a 20 year break. However, in 1990, Michael continued the “family tradition” and started giving the shows himself, this time helped by his son, concentrating as before on places in the County. The magic lantern show will take us wandering from the South of Shepshed on the A512 (the old Ashby Turnpike) at the White House Public House through to Grace Dieu, the Monastery, Copt Oak, Oaks in Charnwood and Iveshead Road. With many interesting stops in between, we also take a look at the past glories of Garendon Park Estate. Guests are welcome, £3 at the door. The evening will conclude with refreshments.
Clifford Jones
Events Co-ordinator Tel: 01530 244046
MILLIHELEN: the amount of beauty required to launch one ship.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Local Hostelries
A Quick Guide to Anstey’s Village Pubs Compiled by John Sutherington (over a swift half)
The Crown Supposedly the village’s oldest public house? Situated at the top of Bradgate Road, The Crown reopened its doors on 23rd December 2009 after a major refurbishment taking 6 weeks. The new manager is Heather. A big improvement. New kitchens and comfortable furniture. Well worth a visit.
Anstey & District Funeral Service
The Coach & Horses The “Coach” has had a bit of a makeover too, which was long overdue, even landlord Chris as had his head shined! Plans to have more entertainment in 2010. Acoustic Sunday nights still live, kicking and FREE with Dave, Merv, Kev, John Adams on the squeeze box, plus guests from 9pm.
Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors
We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way.
The Plough Still open and it seems to be adhering to the new rules and regulations put in place by Charnwood Borough Council Licensing committee in September 2009. Let’s hope that 2010 will see this old village pub plough a straight and narrow furrow and enjoy better times.
The Old Hare And Hounds Landlord Dave and Sandra Young serving a good range of beers and food. Communal juke box and spontaneous Karaoke evenings, Charity events, WII games, the ever popular Thursday night quiz from 9pm. Sunday Carvery Noon till 4pm. Food during the week plus Specials!
The Stadon Sports & Social Club Must be politically correct so the Stadon gets a mention although a members’ club not a pub. Always a warm welcome from Polly. Live entertainment some Saturday Evenings. Club priced Drinks. Home of Anstey Fishing Club. You could have a “Reel” good time!
The Nomads Bar The bar is open on match days at the Football Club on Cropston Road, not that there have been many matches just lately. The Clubhouse can be hired for private functions. At very reasonable rates, for approximately 80 people. Telephone 0116 236 4868.
• •
• • • •
Traditional hearse & fleet Horse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives available Memorial showroom Extensive car parking Private catering suite Private chapels of rest Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred
0116 234 0548 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT
www.ansteyfunerals.com
Buy Someone a LOROS Lottery Gift Subscription LOROS Lottery Gift Subscriptions available now for any occasion including Christmas, Birthdays and Anniversaries Choose LOROS Lottery scratch cards for wedding favours, table gifts, employee incentives, events and much more or individually at any LOROS shop. Join the LOROS Lottery today for a weekly 1 in 60 chance of winning up to £2,000! For more details contact the lottery team on 0116 2318430 or visit www.loros.co.uk Always buy good shoes and a good bed, because if you’re not in one you’re in the other.
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ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Uncle Eustace writes ...
On why pews are better than chairs The Rectory St. James the Least
My dear Nephew Darren While it was good to see you when you visited us last Sunday, your casual suggestion to our churchwardens that chairs would be far more comfortable than our pews was not well received. You must remember that significant numbers in any congregation firmly believe that the more uncomfortable they are, the holier they must be. Pews, generally designed several centuries ago when legs were shorter and bottoms smaller, are conducive neither to comfort nor sleep - although Colonel Marchington achieves the latter unerringly every Sunday within minutes of arrival. At least with pews, parishioners can make some pretence at kneeling, adopting that peculiar crouch only ever seen in church life. Attempt that with chairs and you are assured of sending the one in front sliding across the floor with a shriek any banshee would be proud of. Chairs may be all very well in your own church, so you can create space for the delights of liturgical dance and baby clinics, but we prefer something more immovable. Little Miss Thripp has, over the years, created something of a nest where she sits, quietly bringing in cushions, travelling rugs and her own supply of books and peppermints – although we did have to draw the line at the primus stove, since it encouraged Major Hoare to install a drinks cabinet in his pew. Pews, unlike rows of chairs, also create territorial behaviour. If a visitor should sit in a pew where regulars have sat for the last 50 years, it is regarded as if it were the invasion of Poland. One innocent family once chose the pew where generations of the Smith family have sat since dinosaurs roamed the land. The Smiths had no intention of ceding territory peacefully and so for the whole of Mattins, one pew which should have held 6 people sat 9. When they stood to sing, the line exploded into the aisles on both sides, returning to their compressed state, necessitating staggered shallow breathing, when re-seated. I will concede, however, that we made one mistake some years ago when the pews were revarnished without having been fully cleaned first. The result is that every time the congregation stands, the organ is drowned out by the sound of tearing, while coats and jackets reluctantly part company with wood. No, your congregation may relax in the luxury of padded chairs, but we will stoutly maintain our holy discomfort. Your loving uncle,
Eustace
Preserved Medieval bridges
Story behind ancient timbers revealed at Snibston Discovery Museum The history behind three medieval bridges discovered in Leicestershire will be revealed in a special book launch at the region’s largest science and technology museum on Tuesday 26th January, 2010. Rescue excavations at Hemington Quarry, Leicestershire, between 1993 and 1998 revealed three successive medieval bridges preserved beneath gravel bar deposits and alluvium. This crossing over the River Trent was part of a major national route, the King’s Highway, linking London and the south to Derby and the north. First discovered by retired local GP, Chris Salisbury, in 1993, Leicestershire County Council funded Leicester University’s archaeology team to study and excavate the site. Sections of the 11th century bridge were so large that they had to be lifted by eight people. Following their excavation, these nationally important timbers have been undergoing an innovative conservation process. Over the past 16 years, the bridge timbers have been immersed in a sugar solution generously supplied by British Sugar. Since 1993 the company has delivered around 70 tonnes of liquid sugar to Leicestershire County Council, free of charge, to undertake this process. Earlier this year, the timbers were moved to a drying chamber for the final stages of the conservation process at Snibston Discovery Museum in Coalville.
Ralph arrives safely
Anstey Gran delivers her own grandson It might be 30 years since she last delivered a baby but retired midwife Gillian Jones was as sharp as ever when she had to bring her own grandson into the world. The 72-year-old was called back into action when her daughter Cerys Purser’s own midwife was delayed in a blizzard with baby Ralph’s arrival minutes away. Gillian, from Anstey, had travelled down to Canterbury to be present for the home birth but had not banked on such a hands-on role. Gillian, who was also a qualified nurse and health visitor in New Parks for much of her career, told the Leicester Mercury: “It was just a lovely feeling to be able to bring him into the world.”
Bodies wanted Glenfield country market is expanding into Anstey Glenfield Country Market, formerly WI Market, is hoping to expand to St Mary’s Church rooms, Anstey. We are looking for bodies, male or female, who would like to sell their produce such as home made cakes, savouries, jams & chutneys; or home grown plants, fruit & vegetables; or hand made cards, knitting, sewing, jewellery etc. We are also seeking volunteers to serve, set up & put away. Currently we are on our Christmas break but will resume on Friday 5th Feb 2010 at St Peter’s Church rooms, Church Rd, Glenfield, selling from 9;00am -11.00am. There are also refreshments and a LOROS bookstall. For more information contact Irene Marriott tel. 0116 2364295 or irene.marriott@ntlworld.com
I am a very good arguer - Ask any of my remaining friends.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Life is fruity at Johnson’s!
Get Your 5-a-day from Sutherington and May!
Johnson’s fruit and vegetable shop in The Nook is under the new management of Sue Sutherington and Janet May. There is always a great selection of quality fruit and vegetables available, so why not call in and pick up your five-a-day, every day. It’s good for your health - and so convenient! See advert on page 8.
Thurcaston and Cropston Garden Society
The Making of Nosegays We had a more unusual speaker for our November meeting at the Thurcaston and Cropston Garden Society. Rosemary Hughes talked to us about the history and story behind the giving of the Maundy Money by the Queen and the making of the flower nosegays, which Rosemary makes. Rosemary, who many of you will remember was the proprietor of the “World of Flowers” on Cropston Road, Anstey. She now spends her time teaching floristry and giving demonstrations and talks and is also by Appointment to the Queen for making the nosegays for the Maundy Ceremony. You have to supply goods or work for the Queen for five years before you are awarded this appointment. A nosegay is a posy but so called because in years gone by the posies were made of herbs, which would have disguised any unsavoury smells. When Rosemary followed in the footsteps of a lady who had been making the nosegays for forty-four years she wanted to change the design slightly and had to present her idea to the Queen for her approval. The Maundy Service is held at a different Cathedral every year and Rosemary travels to the chosen destination to make up the nosegays so that they are fresh. They include daffodils and primroses, which of course are not in season at this time of year so she had to substitute these for other flowers when she was demonstrating how to make the nosegay. She bought along a very interesting display of photo’s and memorabilia including some of the coins used for the Maundy money. Everyone had a wonderful and enjoyable evening. Thank you Rosemary. An exciting new programme has been put together for 2010. We look forward to seeing you then. Happy New Year to all your readers.
Paul Day, Chairman When I was 10 my father told me never to talk to strangers. We haven’t spoken since.
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ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Starting Over A Short Story By local writer Lindy Hardcastle
R
achel was determined that no-one should see how upset she was. She had learned to hold her head high over the last few difficult years and there was no way she was going to make a spectacle of herself by crying in public. Grimly she left the building, walked briskly down the street to the snack bar on the corner and dashed for the Ladies. Safely locked in a cubicle, she allowed herself the luxury of ten minutes unrestrained howling. Then she washed her face, combed her long dark hair, and went to order a coffee. The waitress was the one who usually served her and Jamie, a plump motherly woman who always seemed pleased to see them. She looked concerned, seeing Rachel so obviously distressed, and without her constant companion. “You don’t look right on your own; is he ill, dear?” she asked, sympathetically, but Rachel couldn’t answer without starting to cry again. She shook her head wordlessly, fighting back the tears, and headed for their usual table by the window. It felt so strange to be here without Jamie. It had always been one of their favourite places. It was ridiculous to be so upset; she told herself fiercely. She shouldn’t have allowed herself to become so dependant on another person again. It was a sure way to end up getting hurt. She couldn’t remember feeling so lonely and miserable since that dreadful time, over three years ago now, when Paul had run out on her, just when she needed him most. She had been quite sure then that she would never be happy again. It seemed like the end of the world. Then Jamie had come into her life. Bright, funny, adorable Jamie, who loved her devotedly, unquestioningly. Strange to remember now, but she had hardly noticed him at first, she was so wrapped up in her own misery. Gradually, as the shock of Paul’s desertion and its seemingly disastrous consequences wore off, Jamie had won her round with his charming, affectionate ways. They had become inseparable. Slowly, life started to seem worth living again. Of course she had always told herself it couldn’t go on like this for ever, but this morning had hurt her more than she would have thought possible. To see him walk away from her like that, so casually, and straight into the arms of another woman! After all they had meant to each other. For him, it was obviously the start of a new and exciting chapter of his life, for her, just now, it felt like the end of everything. She felt the tears well up in her eyes again. Oh, Jamie! She had to let him go, she mustn’t stifle him. Possessiveness and jealousy would only drive him further away, but it was going to be very hard to share him and let him live his own life. “Are you all right?” The voice broke into her thoughts, startling her back into the lonely present. Rachel looked up from her cold coffee. The
young man who had spoken was standing by her table, regarding her anxiously. Miserable as she was, Rachel couldn’t help noticing he was very good looking. She tried to speak, but her voice came out wobbly. “I’m fine , thanks, but it was sweet of you to ask.” She managed a watery smile. He looked kind, too, as well as handsome. “Look, I can see you’re upset,” he said, smiling back. “ Why don’t I just keep you company for a while? You don’t have to talk if you don’t want. I’ll get you another coffee. That one looks revolting.” While he was gone, Rachel checked her face in her hand-bag mirror. Not too blotchy. Good. She applied some mascara and a touch of lipstick. What a good thing she had put on her new skirt that morning, and washed her hair. If a gorgeous bloke like this thought she was worth chatting up, perhaps things weren’t so bad after all. Perhaps there could be life after Jamie. She had allowed herself to be completely absorbed by him, but she was still young, only twenty-two. Plenty of time for a fresh start. The young man returned and sat down opposite her. “I’m Chris,” he said, putting two cups down on the table “ I haven’t seen you in here before, have I?” She had seen him. Usually with a group of friends; they looked like students. She had admired his dark curly hair, his lovely smile, his relaxed, easy style. But of course he wouldn’t have looked twice at her when she was with Jamie, no-one ever did. It was only because she was on her own that he’d noticed her this morning. Noticed her as an attractive young woman worth chatting up. Jamie had put her in a different category, rendered her invisible. “My name’s Rachel,” she smiled. “Thanks for the coffee, and the company. I really don’t want to be on my own this morning. I need distracting - tell me about yourself, you’re a student, aren’t you?” He told her. He told her about the teacher training course he was doing, about his friends, his family, his hobbies, hopes and ambitions. She told him about her family and friends, how she was, as she put it, “between jobs” at the moment, but hoped to be working again soon. They talked about books they’d read, and films they’d seen. They compared their taste in music, and argued the merits of their favourite football teams. Two hours and several cups of coffee later, Rachel felt she’d known Chris all her life, and that he knew everything there was to know about her. Except about Jamie. Somehow she didn’t feel quite ready yet to tell him about Jamie. She was so enjoying the feeling of being young, carefree and attractive again, and a person in her own right. When Jamie was there he always monopolised her attention. With a shock, Rachel realised that she had enjoyed this morning more because Jamie wasn’t with her. Suddenly, she noticed the time. “I’ve got to go,” she said. abruptly, jumping to her feet.
FIVE MINUTE
FICTION If a gorgeous bloke like this thought she was worth chatting up, perhaps things weren’t so bad after all. Perhaps there could be life after Jamie.
“I’m meeting someone. It’s been lovely talking to you, you’ve really cheered me up.” Chris caught hold of her hand. “Wait a minute, you can’t rush off like that. When am I going to see you?” “Well, it’s a bit difficult,” stammered Rachel awkwardly. “ I’m a bit tied up, I don’t get much free time.....” Oh, this was terrible! It must sound to Chris as if she didn’t want to see him again, and she did, very much. But what about Jamie? Chris seemed to sense her difficulty, without quite understanding it. “This person you’re meeting,” he asked, “Is he the one you were upset about when you came in here? Perhaps you’d be better off not meeting him if he makes you feel like that.” “No, you don’t understand, I’ve got to meet him.” Rachel made up her mind. She couldn’t leave Chris thinking she didn’t care about him. It was better to tell him the truth, even if it meant he wouldn’t want to see her again. “Come with me,” she said impulsively. They walked together down the street, hand-in-hand in the spring sunshine. Rachel’s heart was pounding. She was about to bring her old life and her new life face to face, and she wasn’t at all sure what they would make of each other. “This is the place” she said, stopping outside the Community Centre. The notice on the door said “Playgroup in Progress.” “He’ll be out in a minute. It was his first morning you see, the first time we’d ever been apart - that was why I was upset. But he was fine, just went straight off with Marie, one of the helpers. Oh, I hope he’s been all right ... Jamie! Jamie, over here, darling. What a lovely painting!” She knelt down beside the little boy and buried her face in his hair, partly to drink in the lovely warm fresh scent of his skin, partly to hide her own flaming cheeks. She looked up shyly. “Chris, this is Jamie. My son.”
A friend of mine is a scarecrow. He’s won 5 awards for being outstanding in his field.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
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ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement. The group meets on the 1st Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.
Next dates: Sat 6th February 2010 and Sat 6th March 2010 ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548
Memories are made of this
Some more Anstey ‘Do you remembers?’ From John Sutherington We’ve received a couple of corrections from readers of my article in the last issue of Anstey Clarion: •
It was Lily Hanger’s shop on Rosebery Road/Albion Street Corner not Molly. (Sorry Molly, how’s the golf these days?)
•
And we also had the short-lived Indian Pink Elephant at the Savoy on Cropston Road. I wonder what happened to all the old pictures that were on the walls?
•
Thanks for the feedback. Here are a few more of my reminiscences:
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Running down to the chip shop (Alex Parkers?) on Bradgate Road for a bag of Chips and some scratchings 3d. Fish & Chips 9d. Late 1950’s?
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Bill’s Chippy on Forest Gate in the 80’s fish and chips £1.30p. Closed for a fortnight in 198? - and never opened again.
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The Barn Café on the Corner of Church Lane and Bradgate Road with American sized bottles of ice cold “Coke”. Made you burp for an hour. Buddy Holly on the jukebox. Was it 2 records for a “Tanner” and 5 for a shilling?
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Charlie “Waggy” Rushin’s hairdressers next door “And the next please” with “Twipp’s (Horace Simpson) across the road where Glenbrook Financial Services is now.
Molly Temple (nee HOOKE) wrote to me, she remembers the “YANKS” on Gorse Hill and as a kid with others going down to the NOOK and saying to them “Any gum chum?” They were always very generous. She has been left Anstey for over 50 years now but still regards it as her home. Lets hear from you.
John
Silly joke for this time of year Distraught farmer finds all his cows frozen in the snow. He prays to God for help. A woman appears, puts her arms over his icy stock. They immediately defrost. The farmer thanks her and asks her if she is an angel sent by God. “No,” says the woman, “I’m Thora Hird.”
My mind not only wanders; sometimes it leaves completely.
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plumbing & heating
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ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Charnwood to Build LIVE Entertainment What’s On At Local Pubs & Clubs Its First Council Homes in 19 Years Charnwood Borough Council is to build its first council houses in 19 years following a successful funding bid. The council was one of 73 successful councils to benefit from a slice of £122.6m made available from the Government’s second round of funding for new council housing. The council submitted proposals to build nine homes on five sites across the borough – and each of these successfully received funding despite the programme being oversubscribed by £200m. The council, which received a total of £405,776 in grants for the housing, now has until March 2011 to complete the homes in Shepshed, Barrow upon Soar and Thurmaston. Once available they will provide high quality affordable housing for people on the council’s housing register. Cllr John Bush, lead member for Housing and Health at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that our bid to build new council housing in the borough has been successful, and that we have been able to invest some of our own capital in this scheme to make it competitive. “As a result we will be able to provide more family homes for those in need.” All the bids submitted to the Government had to meet tough criteria. Charnwood’s proposals were deemed to be good value for money and met specific housing needs. Only bids for building new council homes for rent were eligible. For more information about the scheme visit: http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/ housing/1429357
REVIEW
The Last Snow Rider Jubilee Hall, Anstey - 14 January
“The Last Snow Rider” was excellently performed by the Northumberland Theatre Company in the Jubilee Hall, Anstey. There was plenty for both young, old and in between to enjoy and the audience included the Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood. The story line told of the last remaining snow rider - riding snow clouds - and her search for energy from the wonderment people have with snow. The performers’ main characters were the snow rider, a witch, a cloud, a dog and a boy but they changed in and out of many other characters including penguins, cast members from East Enders, ice hockey players to name but a few. The space in the Jubilee Hall was excellently used, bringing the audience into the play and as well as great lights and sound we also had a small snow shower. The performers made use of their strong clear Northumbrian accents to convey despair, hope and finally joy as the last snow rider is eventually recharged by people’s enjoyment of a huge snow fall. The Parish Council has promoted various Centre Stage shows from touring groups over the last year, including the previous highly successful “Home on the Range”. Look out for further shows coming soon.
The Coach & Horses The Nook, ANSTEY Tel: 0116 236 5816 Sat 23 Jan: Live BAND Sat 6 Feb: SOUL & MOTOWN (Every 1st Sat) EVERY Tues: KARAOKE EVERY Thurs: QUIZ (Music & General)
Stadon Sports & Social Club 62a Bradgate Road, ANSTEY Tel: 0116 236 4542 NOTICE TO MEMBERS Sat 20 Feb: CARL STEVENS (Male Vocalist) Alternate Thurs: QUIZ 9pm (With Free Supper) The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 TRIBUTE Nights All £2 Entry after 7pm. Fri 29 Jan: Phil COLLINS Fri 12 Feb: Freddie MERCURY Fri 26 Feb: Amy WINEHOUSE Every 2nd Tues: QUIZ Nite POKER SCHOOL/Tues 8pm Open to All/Cash Prizes The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, FIELD HEAD Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sat 23 Jan & 6 Feb (’King of the Road’) Sundays: QUIZ Night Skittle Alley/Room for Hire The Brant Inn Leicester Road, GROBY LE6 0DU T: 0116 287 2703 Fri 29 Jan: KARAOKE Fri 5 Feb: ALAN JONES Fri 26 Feb: KARAOKE
Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club Leicester Road, GROBY Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk NOTICE TO MEMBERS New Members Welcome Sat 23 Jan: PANTOMIME ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ (Afternoon performance) Sat 23 Jan: Chris ANDREW Sun 24 Jan: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 29 Jan: JAMIE LEE Sat 30 Jan: MICHAEL JONES Sun 31 Jan: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 5 Feb: DAWN FURY Sat 6 Feb: ALAN TURNER Sun 7 Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 12 Feb: VINNY DEANE Sat 13 Feb: A1 Sun 14 Feb Super Sunday ‘50’ The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, GROBY Tel: 0116 287 5616 KARAOKE ~ Every Wed OPEN MIC ~Every Thurs JAZZ ~ Every Sun 3-6pm QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker~EVERY Sun QUIZ – Music~EVERY Tues The Plough, Burroughs Road, RATBY T: 0116 2392103 www.ploughinnratby.co.uk EVERY Tues: QUIZ ~ 8pm. (General Knowledge, Music & History) £1 p.p. Max 6 in Team Cash prize + ‘Open the Box’
Nigel Aston
David Snartt reports...
David Snartt contacted Anstey Clarion to let us know that he would not be able to write an article for us this month. The column will be back in next month’s issue.
Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened.
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ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
It’s Competition Time!
Win a £20 Meal Voucher to spend at The Red Lion in Rothley! Word Search Puzzle
O H C D Q M I Y W S J B G N J
K W C M H F C F S E D F E A P
J W V Q E S I R F N O H C I B
Q W D N A L D N U O F W E N G
D P A P I L L O N V G I A A B
B A Q E F L H G G V J A U R Q
X R L G U N E S R N H H M E M
W E I M A R A N E R A C F M W
E Z L H A L O S Y U C V D O B
H Z G Y U T A Z H H L V O P O
V F Y K E B I I O Z R O B S E
A Q I G Y N H A U Y A J V B T
S I Q P J C Q X N S I O V U R
U I F Q V G U V D Z K L U W C
W B D F O X L A A N R I Q Q M
Name: ................................................................................................................
AFGHANHOUND BASENJI BICHONFRISE ............................................................................Postcode: ............................. BORZOI If you can find 12 breeds of dog in the Wordsearch grid CHIHUAHUA above, you could win a £20 Meal Voucher to spend at The RedDALMATIAN Lion in Rothley. AllGREYHOUND you have to do to go into the prize draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 breeds of dog. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). NEWFOUNDLAND Send your marked entry forms to: WOOF WOOF, Anstey Clarion, PO PAPILLON Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 10th February 2010. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The POMERANIAN sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Meal SALUKI Voucher. Good luck! Here are the 12 Breeds of Dog you have to find: WEIMARANER
Address: .............................................................................................................
POLICE MATTERS Happy New Year to all residents from the Anstey Policing Team.
Nov
Dec
Burglary Dwelling
Description of Crime
4
4
Burglary (Non-Dwelling)
6
7
The crime breakdown Shed, garage, etc. figures show the final Burglary by Distraction 0 0 2 months for 2009, with the village being Theft of Motor Vehicle 1 0 hit again for dwelling Theft From Motor Vehicle 3 1 breaks and in particular garage/shed breaks. I Damage to Motor Vehicle 2 3 am pleased to report as I write this however, Criminal Damage 5 0 that the start of 2010 has Dwelling been relatively ‘crime Criminal Damage (Non2 1 free’ so now is the time Dwelling) Shed, garage, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious etc. incidents to Police on Domestic Incident 0 0 0116 2222222 or on 999 if you believe a crime is Theft Person 0 0 in progress. Theft Cycle 0 2 A number of reports were received in Theft Store 0 1 December of suspicious vehicles (often Transit Theft Property 3 1 type vehicles) driving slowly along various roads in the village with occupants appearing to be paying attention to property outside houses. A number of crimes followed where property (cycles, tools etc) were taken from driveways and front gardens. Please do not make this type of crime easy for the perpetrator – lock away any Cycles out of sight and ensure that any tools are also moved from the front of your property and out of view. Once again, any resident seeing suspicious vehicles please attempt to obtain registration numbers of vehicles involved (without compromising your own safety) and report the same to Police on 2222222. As always we would ask you to call CRIMESTOPPERS if you have any information at all about any crime. 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 Many thanks
PC 1841 Stu Parker / PCSO 6662 Phil Wright Anstey Neighbourhood Beat Team Charnwood Local Policing Unit
Chris Rea CD Winner The winner of the Chris Rea CD Competition in the last issue of Anstey Clarion was MR.K.SCHOFIELD of Falcon Road, Anstey. Congratulations! Your prize will be with you soon.
AFGHAN HOUND • BASENJI • BICHON FRISE BORZOI • CHIHUAHUA • DALMATIAN GREYHOUND • NEWFOUNDLAND • PAPILLON Created by•Puzzlemaker POMERANIAN • SALUKI WEIMARANERat DiscoveryEducation.com, sponsorship by Scotch.
Last issue’s two winners The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch competition was: MRS.JOAN PLUMMER of Bradgate Road in Anstey. Congratulations! Your prize - a £20 Meal Voucher to spend at Little Acorns Tea Rooms (in Sevenoaks Nursery, Newtown Linford) - will be with you within 21 days. http://www.scotchsciencefair.com/ The winner of the Glenfield MovieZone £10 DVD Rental Voucher was: MRS. SUSAN McGOVERN of Birkdale Road, Anstey. Congratulations! Your £10 Voucher will be with you within 21 days.
My Grandfather’s a little forgetful, but he likes to give me advice. One day, he took me aside and left me there.
ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Bradgate U3A (University Of The Third Age)
Life at Wigan Pier W
hat a hardy group the Bradgate U3A is, as over 50 members attended our first meeting of the year at the Jubilee Hall, Anstey.
Whilst the snow and ice may look very pretty, the chaos caused on the roads and pavements would keep most people at home. But it takes a lot to dampen the spirits of our members. Unfortunately one of the victims of the weather was our speaker for the afternoon, who could not get to a main road due to the ice on untreated side roads. Our afternoon was again saved by the in-depth talent of members such as Barbara Hayton, who, with very little preparation did an excellent talk consisting of anecdotes of her life in the northern town of Wigan. First we had a few humorous poems (after Barbara had given us a translation of a few northern words) based on life as it was among the working population of the industrial Northern Towns. A lot of people could relate to the situations described such as the old tin bath hanging on the scullery wall in the yard and the outside WC in which squares of newspaper were hung on the back of the door, you read one piece but then had to leaf through all the other bits to find the continuation of the story. All this whilst the cold wind whistled through the ventilation gaps at the top and bottom of the WC door. All the poems quoted gave everyone quite a laugh. The second part of the talk was based on Barbara’s time as a guide in the museum at Wigan Pier. Now I only thought that Wigan Pier was one of those places that that been made up and used to entertain people but to find that it was a real place was quite an eye opener. We were told that it was where coal trains came to the dock side and each wagon of coal, or bogeys as they were called, was locked on to a rotating cradle, or tippler, by the wheels so that the coal could be tipped from the wagon into a waiting barge. The museum had been built around the homes of the inhabitants of the area, together with their shops and streets to show how the people had lived in the 1930s and 40s. One story was of a party of Americans visiting the museum, they were being shown around the public house when one of the party climbed over the barrier ropes to stand at the side of the fireplace, now this set off all the security alarms causing a little confusion to those concerned but after sorting it all out it transpired that the man who climbed the barrier was an airman during the war and had been stationed near Wigan. On his nights off he would make his way into town and frequented the pub that had been demolished and rebuilt at the museum. He had wanted to show his wife how he had stood at the side of the very same fireplace in the days of his youth. Many other such stories kept the audience enthralled and they were sorry when the talk had to come to an end. Barbara drew much deserved applause from an appreciative audience. Our next meeting will be on the 3rd February at the Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey starting at 2.30pm when Barbara Parish will be talking to us about the work of the Air Ambulance.
Brian Rowlinson
21
Anstey Rugby Club finish 2009 with FOUR wins on the bounce! Back on 21st November Anstey RFC played host to Oakham in the County Cup. Here was a visit from what is a relatively big club on a day with a gale howling down our Link Road pitch with sporadic bursts of rain thrown in. Despite starting as underdogs, it was Anstey who had the first score, with Bill Stroud getting the first three points from a penalty after our pack yet again dominated the forward play. Soon after, a fast Oakham winger put the visitors ahead 5 points to 3, but it was not long before Simon Bott took us back in the lead, so 8-5 at half time. The second half saw an early penalty for Oakham, more than balanced by an excellent pushover forwards try from Phil Pepper. Final score 13-8. So into the next round we go, with a trip to Leicester Forest on 6th February. A week later and we were away at Castle Donington. This was a week when all the players not regularly getting a full game, or returning from injury, or making a comeback – like Matt Belcher and even The Bullet, made up the bulk of the team. Despite playing against an experienced side, the first half saw Anstey score three tries, courtesy of Pete Degnam, Matt Belcher and John Gough with captain for the day, Jack Barnes converting one of them. Halftime 17-8 to us. The second half brought tries from Dave Bucknor and Jack Barnes with The Bullet even making an appearance on the Wing. Final winning score 27-8. December, another month, another cup. Over to the Aylestone St. James ground for President’s Cup action against Sileby. A resounding win again for Anstey 32-7. Back to League action for the last game of 2009 which saw Anstey continue their vein of good results with a workmanlike win over local neighbours Shepshed at Link Road. Shepshed’s pack was continually driven back and Anstey comfortably defended their line. With so many backs missing Anstey found it difficult to get backs moves going and so the only score of the first half came from Shane Frear following several drives from the pack. This was converted by Stroud to make the score 7-0. Shepshed replied with a lot of pressure and a resulting converted try themselves, 7-7 at half time. The second period saw a penalty from Stroud, and a converted try from John Gough. 17-7 the final score. The ice and snow meant cancelled games on 19th December and 9th January. Anstey RFC are pleased acknowledge the financial help from our sponsors Ulverscroft Books and Words & Graphics.
Chris Apperley
Chairman Anstey RFC, Visit www.ansteyrfc.co.uk for more information
When you’ve seen one shopping centre, you’ve seen a mall.
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ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Advertiser Index Need help to find an advertiser in this month’s issue of Anstey Clarion? Fear not! We have listed them all below in alphabetical order of the trade or service they offer. How helpful can we be!
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Aerials (Digivision) P. 17 Accountants (Henstocks) P. 17 Beauty Mobile (Joanna) P. 11 Bereavement Support (Anstey Funerals) P. 17 Care Services (Bosworth Home Care) P. 9 Chiropody (Gordon Watson) P. 7 Cleaning (Molly Maid) P. 18 Computer Repairs (Anstey Computers) P. 9 Computer Repairs (Groby Computers) P. 11 Computer Repairs (I.C.N. Computer Services) P. 19 Decorating (Alan Cox) P. 5 Decorating (Stanley Dunne) P. 11 Decorating (David Greenhow) P. 7 Decorating (Paul W. Yeomans) P. 15 Dentures (Dentures at Home) P. 5 Double Glazing (A1 Leicester Windows) P. 3 Double Glazing Repairs (Window Services) P. 15 Driving Lessons (Alliance Academy) P. 5 Drum Lessons P. 12 Electricians (P.L.E.S.) P. 23 Framing ( Just Frames) P. 12 Funerals (Anstey & District Funeral Service) P. 13 Garage Services (Richard E. Smith) P. 7 Garden Centre (Brookside) P. 18 Greengrocery (Johnson’s) P. 8 Hairdressing (Snips) P. 7 Handyman (Vernon Spencer) P. 20 Health & Fitness Club (Abbey) P. 24 Homes ~ New ~ (Williams) P. 18 Jewellers & Repairs (Sykes) P. 15 Joinery (Stanley Dunne) P. 11 Meat (Little Markfield Farm) P. 2 M.O.T. Testing ( Cropston Garage) P. 13 Oven Cleaning (Dirty Ovens R Us) P. 12 Plastering (Andy Merrall) P. 23 Plastering (R & B Day) P. 11 Plumbing (AP Plumbing) P. 5 Plumbing ( Lowes) P. 18 Plumbing (MRM) P. 17 Plumbing (Neil Clapham) P. 7 Pub Food (Old Thatched Inn) P .9 Pub Food (Red Lion Inn) P. 21 Solicitors (Dodds) P. 18 Therapy (Cognitive Behaviour) P. 11 Tree Surgeon (Martin Page) P. 7 Upholstery (Simon Shuttlewood) P. 13 Veterinary Services (M.Leggett) P. 9 Vinyl Records (Jonny) P. 11 Yoga (Betty Dawkins) P. 14
National Trust Leicester Assn.
NT properties to reopen in February Most National Trust properties reopen to the public during February and the opening dates of our relatively local properties are as follows: •
13th February, Canons Ashby House and Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood • 17th February, Hardwick Hall • 20th February, Kedleston Hall • 27th February, Calke Abbey • 6th March, Belton House. All the properties, except the Museum of Childhood, are closed for two days mid week, so check the opening days before you travel. Also remember that the parkland, restaurant and shop at Calke Abbey are open throughout the year. In spring 2010 a new National Trust property will open to the public. Following several months of effort, £6.3 million has been raised to purchase Seaton Delaval Hall, near Whitley Bay, from Lord Hastings. The Hall was built in the 1720’s and designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, who also designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, and is regarded as the finest example of English Baroque architecture in Britain. The National Trust Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 9th February at the Premier Inn, Braunstone Lane East at 7.30pm when Stuart Bramwell will present an illustrated talk on South West America – A Land of Wonders. There will also be an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 24th February when Pamela Lenthal will talk about Crystal Healing – A Complementary Therapy. It will be held at the St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester at 2.30pm. Admission to both meetings is members £2 and visitors £4. New members are always welcome. During February the Association will also host its second Lecture Lunch when Jon Castleman, Group MD of Norman & Underwood Ltd will be the speaker. For more information on the NT Leicester Association please call, 0116 2229133.
Alan Tyler,
Chairman, NT Leicester Association
Old Anstey WMC - £175,000 The Old Anstey WMC has been offered for sale by estate agents Andrew & Ashwell at an asking price of £175,000. The property comprises a single and two storey Members’ Club with part basement which has traded from the site since 1880. The gross floor area amounts to 5,990 sq.feet, and the property has an established Members’ Club use. The club closed in late September 2009 following a decline in the number of members.
Every ten seconds, somewhere on Earth, there is a woman giving birth to a child. She must be found and stopped.
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ANSTEY CLARION • Issue 15 • Late-JANUARY 2010 • Tel: 01530 244069
Local Football
Impressive start for Anstey Crown Anstey Crown have begun their first Season in Division One of the North Leicestershire League in impressive style following on from their promotion last season. The First team are currently in second place in Division One, one point behind the current leaders with two games in hand. ANSTEY Crown FC have a new reserve team currently playing in Division Four of the North Leicestershire League and are beginning to find their feet. They have started to pick up points in what was always going to be a difficult first season. Anstey Crown FC would like to pass on its thanks to the local council for its most generous grant towards the setting up and running of the reserve team, with the club currently having nearly fifty players signed and involved in either playing or training. The club has made huge strides this season both on and off the field, with support from sponsors based locally within the Village. The first team has been sponsored by the well known local Vojon restaurant situated on the Nook and the reserve side by Co Op Travel (Anstey Branch). Both sponsors have been most generous in their support both in sponsorship and in the football clubs ongoing charity fund raising, and the Chairman and Committee would like to thank Manager, Sarah from Co Op Travel (Anstey Branch), and all the staff at the Vojon restaurant for their continued and much valued support. The Chairman and Committee would like to encourage players both past and present to support our sponsors whenever possible in order show our appriciation. The club are always looking for players of good standard and non-playing individuals looking to become involved in the day to day running of the club and would invite interested people to contact either, First team manager Rob Breward on 07704 053943 or Jock Coleman on 07813 969509 in the first instance for an informal chat.
Rob Breward
Chairman and 1st Team Manager.
Groom: “Would you be very annoyed with me if I confess that all my upper teeth are false?” Bride: “Not at all, darling. At least I can now relax and take off my wig, inflatable bra, glass eye and artificial leg.”
Too much telly
Innovation and scientific developments are generally regarded as Good Things. But not when it comes to TELEVISION.
A few years ago, some bright spark decided that the five terrestrial TV channels that most of us could receive ‘free’ weren’t enough. ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we were more like the USA and could watch 50 or 60 channels?’ they chirped. And now, courtesy of a satellite dish, cable service or Freeview box, we have access to umpteen channels ... mainly serving up dross. But the main problem is not the lack of quality of the programmes - that’s easily solved by reaching for the ‘Off’ button. The real problem is the adverse social effect this has had in the workplaces around the UK. When there were only three, four or five channels on TV, there was a good chance that you watched the same programme that your workmates watched. And when you went to work the next day, you had something interesting to discuss at lunchtime over your haslet sandwiches. No so nowadays! While you were watching David Attenborough’s documentary about climate change, your colleagues were probably watching American Idol, Quatermass or live Spanish football. Result: nothing to have a chinwag about at work the next day. But that’s not all. The massive amount of air time that the broadcasters now have to fill means that, inevitably, they’ve run out of programmes to show. So, what do they do? They repeat classic TV series from donkeys’ years ago. ‘What’s wrong with that?’ I hear you cry. I’ll tell you what’s wrong. For years, we’ve been telling our kids about how good the television programmes were in our day. We convinced ourselves that series like The Avengers and The Champions were tremendous, and far better than today’s offerings. But now, watching them again on Freeview, we realise that they were total tripe. Another illusion shattered. Why can’t people leave things alone?
FRED
IS FRED RIGHT? Is multi-channel television turning us all into insecure dullards with nothing to discuss in the workplace? Or is he just a stickin-the-mud who can’t appreciate the benefits of consumer choice? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK by writing/emailing to TOO MUCH TELLY, Anstey Clarion, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT (Email: info@ansteyclarion.co.uk)
The best thing about a hobby is that it gives you something to do while you’re worrying.
I like being single. I’m always there when I need me.