Groby Spotlight Mid-April 2023

MID-APRIL 2023

Where should a new Groby surgery be built?

NORMAN GRIFFITHS REPORTS

WHAT A DILEMMA.

For sixty years developers have been busy building houses and boosting the population of Groby, but no provision has been made for a healthcare facility.

Now most of the undeveloped land has gone. Through the Parish Council the residents are the largest owner of recreational land, but should they countenance putting a surgery on it? The community has spent so long campaigning to stop unwanted development that it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. But, eventually, it may be a question residents have to face.

Hopefully, some privately owned land may be offered before any difficult decisions have to be made. Groby Parish Council has no responsibility for the provision of NHS services and would prefer not to allow any development on Council owned land. However, no sites have been suggested by their owners, and so the Parish Council has been asked by the Surgery for help. This requires the facts to be established and an open discussion of any options. Even if residents think it’s a good idea, there are reasons why the Parish Council may not be allowed to permit it.

The worst case scenario

If, in the longer term, Groby Surgery had to close without a central replacement, then there is still the possibility of a surgery on the Trading Estate on the Anstey side of the A50, if IMP comes forward with a successful proposal to build on the fields. Alternatively, subject to available capacity, patients could apply to nearby surgeries, some of which can be reached by bus. Ratby, Glenfield, Markfield and Anstey are not within walking distance, but are all easily accessible by car and taxi. No single surgery is likely to be able to add around 3,500 new patients to their list.

Replacement is overdue

Patients have been asking for new premises ever since the Patients Group was formed nearly ten years ago, but the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group couldn’t find an alternative site.

The new partners at Groby Surgery re-opened the search for anyone with a transferable interest in a suitable site to put it forward for consideration. In addition to the land held by developers there are a

Would you like to take part in the Hungarian Walk of Friendship?

I AM WALKING in Hungary this year on a walk called “Hungarian Walk of Friendship”.

It is 180km taking 7 days, with daily walking distances from 20km to 31km.

It is a self-guided walk and I am solo at the moment and would love for anyone to come and join me on the walk.

I am flying from Luton to Budapest on Tuesday 13th June and back on Thursday 22nd June.

Anyone interested please e-mail me Ash Kotecha on: cosmic784@hotmail.com Ash Kotecha

HBBC Statement Update on the Klondyke site, Newtown Linford Lane

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH Council is continuing to pursue planning enforcement action at the Klondyke site in Groby with regards to unauthorised occupation and engineering operations at the site.

Following recent legal advice, the Borough Council is updating its legal case against the planning breaches and is pursuing a court hearing date as soon as possible for breach of an enforcement notice, this is expected to take place during the summer of 2023.

Executive Member and Ward Member for Groby, Cllr Martin Cartwright said: “I welcome the update on the Klondyke site planning enforcement action by the Borough Council and support the action being taken by the Planning Enforcement Team to progress this via the legal process. I look forward to a court date being obtained in due course. I will update Groby residents on the outcome of the action when in a position to do so.”

Do You Have Voter ID?

Where should a new Groby surgery be built?

Continued from page 1

few vacant sites in private ownership, including on Markfield Road and Leicester Road, and the 4-acre meadow on Newtown Linford Lane, owned by shareholders in the CIC.

Surgery asks the Council for help

Last summer the practice wrote to the Parish Council asking for help. In a meeting open to the public, and reported in the Spotlight, the Council agreed to meet with Dr Chotai.

It restated its policy of not selling land, but said perhaps a lease might be possible, with all costs being met by the practice. It set up a working party to examine the issues, made up of a number of parish councillors, a surgery doctor, and representatives of the patients.

Many hurdles to jump

If the surgery identifies a suitable site on Parish Council land this should be subject to passing a whole string of challenging tests including

• approval by Fields in Trust,

• the viability of utility provision.

• an impact assessment ,

• public consultation,

• the approval of the full Council

• planning consent.

Discussions in open meetings

All meetings between the Council and the Practice have taken place openly at the working party. Satellite views of undeveloped sites across the village have been considered and a short list of possibilities agreed for the practice to examine.

No Councillors on site visits

Site visits by the doctor and two patients were arranged and they also visited Ratby to see progress on their new surgery. This confirmed that any Groby development would be significantly smaller. No representative from the Parish Council was present, as the visits were simply to assess suitability from the viewpoint of the practice.

The practice reported to the working party that, of the Council-owned sites, it was perhaps a discrete development in a corner of Stamford Park adjoining the car park at Sycamore Drive that might be the most appropriate.

In addition to improved facilities for patients there would be better working conditions, including a staff room and training facilities. Sharing the underused car park would significantly reduce the amount of land required and ensure that dog walkers, footballers, and other visitors would not be disadvantaged.

Reserve Deliverers Required

The Spotlight needs a few reserve deliverers to step in on the occasions when one of the regular deliverers is unavailable.

Are you able to help?

No training is required, it’s a healthy way to spend an hour or so once a month, and you get paid!

You need to be over 13, but there’s no upper age limit!

Contact Mike on 01530 244069 for more information, or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Fields in Trust protection

However Stamford Park is registered with Fields in Trust. This registration is designed to protect land from development and the Trust pursues this mission with vigour.

The conditions for the release of land are very demanding, and no further progress can be made until the Trust has indicated what would need to be on offer by way of alternative land or financial compensation in order for a release to be agreed.

Their agreement does not mean that it is a fait accompli, as there are still issues such as planning consent and the views of residents and patients to reconcile. At some point the Council may be required to consider the pros and cons of a proposed development, but much has to be done beforehand.

DO YOU HAVE A SUITABLE SITE?

HOPEFULLY patients will have a new surgery, as Groby shouldn’t be the only local village without its own convenient access to NHS healthcare.

If you have control of a potentially suitable site, be reassured that there is still time for you to join the discussion and help secure a future for Groby surgery.

Norman Griffiths (a patient at Groby surgery)

Brain Injury Expert Warns: Limit Screen Use in Children Under Six

AS REPORTED by Sci Tech News, Dr. Álvaro Bilbao, a leading neuropsychologist, emphasizes in his new book that children under six who frequently use mobile phone screens, tablets, or computers are more irritable and have worse attention, memory, and concentration.

In Understanding Your Child’s Brain, he recommends that parents strictly ration or avoid screen time for young children, as excessive use of devices like iPhones and iPads can increase the risk of psychological and behavioral issues, including attention deficit disorder, depression, and addiction problems.

Wildflower bed would be managed to avoid traffic hazard

Letter

Parish Council Precept Increase

HOW ON EARTH does the Groby Parish Council justify a 20% increase on this year’s precept.

Most councils have been instructed by the government to increase precepts by 5% maximum unless they have a referendum with the people and they vote for it.

I thought it was very revealing that most of the monies is going to be spent for engaging legal and professional services to OPPOSE ANY developments. I would like to know what they are in favour of and working with organisaions for any purposes instead of OPPOSING ANY developments. Do they support any development?

Ash Kotecha, Groby

THE HOUSING development on Highway Close is no stranger to controversy. Originally the route of the old A50 by-pass, residents were alarmed when the County Council put it up for sale for development. Despite local opposition planning permission was eventually granted by the Borough Council.

Spot the difference!

Spot the difference!

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

This didn’t end the controversial nature of the development and an argument ensued with the developers, who felt it was unjust that they should pay the financial infrastructure contributions agreed as part of the granting of planning consent. With this resolved the next controversy related to the overgrown condition of the open space at the intersection of Highway Close and Leicester Road. This created a hazard for vehicles joining Leicester Road. Although not a Parish Council responsibility, clearance work and improvements were done with the co-operation of Borough and County Councillors.

Once resolved, residents may have assumed that all was quiet on this south eastern front. Until the Parish Council initiated a consultation on a wildflower scheme for the Leicester Road verge. Some residents are concerned that this plan could adversely affect visibility for vehicles leaving Highway Close, and increase the risk of accidents.

One resident raised the issue during Public Participation at a monthly Parish Council meeting. Public participation is part of the long standing open door policy of the Council, and it enables residents to raise concerns about items scheduled for discussion. She said that the junction was very dangerous until the overgrown verges were cut back and although she was in favour of planting wildflowers she thought that this was the wrong location.

Answer On Page 26

English Country Dancing in Glenfield

DID YOU KNOW that English Country Dancing takes place most Mondays at the Glenfield Memorial Hall, Stamford Street, Glenfield from 7.30 pm until 9.30 pm?

Dancing is good for you - physically and mentally. We start again after Easter on April 17th.

You are welcome to come and see what it’s all about. Your first taster session will be FREE.

Afterwards you only pay £3 per session, which includes tea or coffee and biscuits!

We have callers who tell us what to do for each dance and you don’t need a partner. We would love to welcome you to experience this dancing along with us.

For more information email Geoff at jennyandgeoffweston@gmail.com or Sue at susan.hodkinson50@gmail.com

The Council shares her concerns about the safety of the junction, but feels that using the right plants in the right place will ensure a hazard is not created. A spokesperson explained that part of the verge would continue to be grassed and suitable for regular mowing, and part would be wildflowers. They would not be the 2 to 3 foot high long grasses or weeds sometimes seen, but would be low profile ground cover plants. If it is approved the wildflowers will be restricted to that part of the verge where they would not cause a visibility risk.

The proposal is part of the Parish Council’s initiatives to improve the environment of the village. The hanging baskets have been a great success, and it’s thought that the strategic placing and careful management of wildflower beds will give similar benefits.

Anyone who wants to plan a nectar-rich, low profile wildflower meadow at home, ideal for situations where more visibility is required, should google wildflower low profile.

Norman Griffiths

WISE WORDS Be Happy

Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong.

The amount of work is the same.

Francesca Reigler

Be so happy that, when other people look at you, they become happy too.

Anonymous

Lee was fast, but he had an even faster brother. Sudden Lee

OBITUARY Frederick Lorn

Fitchett (1921-2023)

FREDERICK LORN FITCHETT (Fred) was the son of George Fitchett, a blacksmith in Ratby, and Carmen Richardson, the daughter of a Ratby hosier.

They emigrated to Alberta, Canada in 1911 where they started a farm on the prairie and where Fred was born in December 1921, the youngest of eight children. Carmen returned to Ratby with young Fred in 1923 where they lived at Woodbank Villa in Stamford Street.

Fred attended Ratby Primary School, leaving at age 14 determined to be a builder. Starting at the bottom as an enthusiastic labourer for builder William (Billy) Smith in Glenfield during the 1930s economic depression, he quickly progressed, achieving top marks in the City & Guilds exams for bricklaying at the Leicester Technical College.

World War II interrupted his progress. He joined the local Home Guard and then the Royal Air Force shortly after the Battle of Britain hoping to fly Spitfires but, by his own admission, it was fortunate for him that he was accepted only for ground duties such as airfield defence and aircraft servicing. Nevertheless he saw plenty of action with 30 Squadron in North Africa and South Asia, having several narrow escapes, before settling down to civilian, family life in Groby in 1945. There was much building to do and a business to start.

For many years his company, F.L.Fitchett (Contractors) Ltd, operated from the Groby ‘wharf’, a derelict industrial area owned by the Groby Granite Company and formerly used as a tarmacadam plant and maintenance base for the mineral railway. The office was a small, old whitewashed building, the joiners’ workshop a disused railway engine shed until redevelopment took place in the early 1970s.

Fred was generally recognised as a good employer who insisted on good workmanship. He and his men built many council houses at Sileby in the early 1950s, but Groby would soon become the focus of his attention (incidentally his elder brother Neville built at Markfield).

DO YOU RECOGNISE ANY OF THESE STALWARTS OF THE BUILDING TRADE?

Only a few are known to the author. Those I know are John Roland Fitchett (extreme left), Keith Gamble (centre left with glasses), Neville Richardson Fitchett (back row, right with glasses), Frederick Chiswell (next to Neville), Leslie Parsons (extreme right), possibly Ronald O Willett and Thomas Goddard in the front group.

He started with the Martinshaw estate in the mid 1950s on land bought from farmer Ambrose Crane of Groby. Woodbank Road was named after his childhood home in Ratby, Carmen Grove and Hilary Crescent after his mother and daughter respectively.

In the 1960s the Branting Hill Estate was built. Then work started on the Groby estate that extends from the Ratby Road to Pymm Ley Lane followed by the wharf area, the old granite quarry and Ratby Road.

In 1982, owing to ill health, he sold his company to Bloor Homes and retired to the village of Monchique in Portugal for a well-earned rest and recovery from his illness. He learned Portuguese well enough to integrate fully into the local community. After recovery, his irrepressible spirit and passion for property development drove him to start building again in a small way until he discovered writing as an alternative outlet for his creativity. Writing a fictional family saga based on his life experiences kept him happily occupied for many years thereafter.

Fred was keen on sport. As a young man he played football and boxed for 30 Squadron, though he quickly gave up boxing for the sake of his health! Later he enjoyed riding horses and flying gliders, achieving the international Gold Badge standard for gliding. His life stories are legion. In addition to his legacy of building in the Groby locality, Frederick leaves a partner, two children, two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Bernard Fitchett, son

Pigeon Peas! Who knew!

Christian Aid Week 14th - 20th May 2023

Just to let you know that Christian Aid Week is not far off!

This year we are focusing on how farmers in Malawi are transforming their livelihoods using the humble but mighty pigeon pea - a drought resistant, soil revitalising, high-protein delicious crop.

Christian Aid, together with local partner organisations, are working with farmers to form co-operatives, ensuring that they get a fair price for their crops and are not exploited by unscrupulous middle-men. Seeds, tools, safe storage units and co-operative ovens also help them to generate more income to support their families and to be able to afford to send their children to school.

Here in Groby we want to raise money to support and extend this work and will be delivering a red Christian Aid donation envelope to every home in the village between 14th - 20th May. There will be over 30 drop off points in homes and shops in the village where these envelopes can be returned.

Thanks to you, Groby generously raised over £4,200 during Christian Aid Week 2022 and over £700 in gift aid. We pray and hope to do even better this year.

Chris Davies and Mary Pringle for Churches Together in Groby

The good news is that your car now has a small carbon footprint. The bad news is that’s because it’s not going anywhere for a long time.

Fred (second from right) with his staff pictured during a works outing to Skegness in the 1950s

Fred pictured on the balcony of his home in Portugal

National Trust Leicester Association ARRIVA 26 DIVERSION DISAPPOINTS RESIDENTS

Save Our Wild Isles Campaign

IN MARCH the National Trust issued a statement urging everyone to take action to stop the destruction of nature in the UK with the launch of “Save Our Wild Isles”, a joint campaign with the RSPB and WWF.

The campaign encourages everyone to come together to address the crisis in nature and explains how they can help. “Save Our Wild Isles” is the first major campaign the three charities have done together and follows the opening episode of the BBC’s Wild Isles series narrated by Sir David Attenborough. The campaign will highlight how nature underpins everything that makes our lives possible and how profoundly threatened nature is.

In the UK, 38 million birds have disappeared in the last 50 years, one in four mammals are at risk of extinction and 97% of wild flower meadows have been lost since the 1930’s. In a joint statement the chief operating officers of the NT, RSPB and WWF said that wild life and wild spaces in the UK are being destroyed at terrifying speed. Huge numbers of animals, birds and habitat have been wiped out in our own lifetimes. They added that nature underpins everything that makes our lives possible, from the air we breathe, to the clean water we drink, to the food we eat. It is our own life support system and it’s clear that we must reverse the harm inflicted over the last two centuries.

The UK is home to some of the world’s most unique wildlife, including puffins, orcas, beavers and ancient oak trees, but we’re pushing nature to the brink and the UK is in the bottom 10% of countries globally for protecting nature. “Save Our Wild Isles” will see the three charities engage hundreds of businesses and thousands of employees on the impact that businesses play on the fate of nature in the UK. The charities will provide the tools and guidance they need to take positive action. They are also encouraging communities across the UK to show their love of nature by committing to “go wild once a week”. This could mean making space for nature by planting pollinator–friendly wildflower seeds in a window box or green space or getting involved with community projects, such as planting orchards in their local area.

• THE NT LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 26th April when Steve Allen will present an illustrated talk entitled “My Musical History Show”. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester, at 2.30pm. Admission is NTLA members £3.00, visitors £4.00, including refreshments.

• AT THE END OF APRIL the Association moves on to its summer programme of outings and local visits to places of interest. For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133 or visit our web site at www.leicesternt.com New members are always welcome.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

ARRIVA HAS announced changes to the route taken by the Leicester to Coalville 26 service from April 16 2023, one of a number of timetable changes that aim to “help keep buses running on time”.

From that date buses will no longer serve Stephenson Way, Lawnwood Road and Woodbank Road and will run directly along Ratby Road, stopping outside and opposite the allotments. The bus stop layby at the allotments is now used as a parking bay and this is unlikely to change. As the 26 service is only hourly from Monday to Saturday, this is a probably a better use in an area where on street parking is in short supply.

“We don’t have any immediate plans to change the parking arrangement at the layby,” said Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, county council cabinet member for highways and transport. “We’ll be reviewing suitable, alternative locations for a bus stop when the relevant service changes come into effect.”

The existing route is difficult for the drivers because of the size of the buses, but is very convenient for residents in the area, particularly those with mobility problems. Further afield, the 26A service diversion is being dropped as there is insufficient demand to serve the warehouses near Coalville.

Elsewhere, the 29/29A/29B/X29, which runs between Leicester and Swadlincote, will also undergo some minor changes. Route 29 will continue to run around Chitterman Way, London Road and Main Street in Markfield as usual, with route 29A now running directly along Leicester Road between the Cemetery and The Queen’s Head.

With Spring on the way anyone wanting to travel to Bradgate Park by bus on a Sunday will still have 4 buses each way at 2 hourly intervals.

There are also some minor timetable changes, which you can check at many stops or online at Arriva.co.uk.

Norman Griffiths

I decided to stop calling the bathroom “John” and renamed it the “Jim”. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.

Fairtrade Event at the United Reformed Church ... Going Bananas!

THE GROBY United Reformed Church are a Fairtrade Church and celebrated the Fairtrade Fortnight with a special event on Saturday 4th March.

In the door entry the Fairtrade bunting looked very effective as did the display of Co-op Fairtrade goods currently available in the Laundon Way store. The walls of the rooms had Fairtrade posters and signs up and even on the tables, leaflets and topic starters of Fairtrade information.

The smells of cooked breakfast –locally-sourced sausages, bacon, etc. wafted around the rooms. Tea and coffee were Fairtrade products. I very soon succumbed, ordering a bacon bap and coffee from one of the volunteer waiters.

Over 50 people attended and benefitted from a good meal, a warm space, great company with lots of activity going on.

In the children’s area; which was a hive of activity, including lots of toys, activities, colouring, sticking and puzzles. The bananas donated by the Co-op were put to very good use in making banana splits, with lashings of ice cream and decorative sweets. The walking/talking large banana was volunteer, Wendy, who was clearly relishing the role. At one point it did seem strange to see a banana eating a banana!!

A great time was had by all. Fairtrade was well and truly promoted and the Co-op produce were very well received. Young and old enjoyed a lovely morning, being fed, kept warm, fully engaged and having fun. Plus, those that wanted, took home a banana with them. The Taster sessions will continue every Saturday, and, having experienced a lovely welcome from everyone, I will try and join them on occasions.

I can always tell if someone is lying just by looking at them. I can also tell if they’re standing.

Hop on the new FREE bus service

Groby Community Library

A happy Easter to all our readers!

THAT’S JUST what we had at the library Easter Eggstravaganza on April 4th.

Fifty four children plus their significant friends and relatives piled into the library to engage in crafts, art, gardening, treasure hunts and games, all organised by Mel. The main feature was a big sand tray filled with shredded paper which hid lots of eggs, containing toys. Needless to say, the paper shreds showed a remarkable ability to self-teleport to all corners of the library.

fortnight, starting on April 14th and continuing on Friday mornings between 10.30 and 11.30. You’ll be very welcome to come along for a free cup of tea or coffee and a good chat!

A newer initiative is our Baby Group, taking place every Wednesday morning. It’s one of our quieter mornings, so we put out mats in the children’s area so that babies can come and converse. If they wish, they may invite their mums to come too!

And one for the future – this year’s Summer Reading Challenge has just been announced. Starting on July 1st, and for the Summer Holidays, the subject this year is “Ready, Set, Read” and is on a sporting theme. More details later.

ON APRIL 3RD, a new circular bus route was introduced in Leicester serving the St Margarets and Haymarket bus stations at a stop on Savoy Street, with the Shires, St Nicholas Circle, Welford Road, the Royal Infirmary, London Road railway station, Granby Street and Charles Street.

The route runs anti-clockwise, which is useful for anyone arriving by train who wants to get to the bus stations, but less convenient for those arriving by bus who need to catch a train.

That aside, it’s using small bright green 21 seater electric buses, and runs daily apart from Sundays and Bank Holidays. It’s also frequent, every 10 minutes, and free to use. The buses have audio-visual announcements about the next stop, helpful both for those with disabilities and those less familiar with the route and local landmarks. There’s also free Wi-Fi and USB charging points for phones. tablets and laptops whilst on the move, though the journeys are probably too short to get much of a battery top up. The new Hop service has a frog as its logo, and this theme is carried forward to the sound that the bell makes when pressed. No doubt the drivers will get used it.

Norman Griffiths

Personally, I manned a couple of games from a safe position behind the library counter. It crossed my mind that I could have made a tidy profit if I’d encouraged the children to place a bet on “Play Your Cards Right”, but of course that would have been against the ethos of the afternoon, which was a lot of fun to be had by all! And it was!

Whilst we’re on the subject of creative fun, the 29h April sees the return of our popular glass fusion workshop. Using materials supplied by SmArtsy, you can spend a fun hour producing one piece of glasswork, for just £10. Sessions begin at 1.30, 2.45 and 4pm, and you can purchase your ticket in advance from the library at any time we’re open.

We’re very grateful to have received a grant of £1,500 from the Leicestershire Fund, to be used to cover the costs of our Cuppa and Company mornings and combat isolation and loneliness in the village. Because of this grant we’re very happy to announce that we will be able to offer this service every

May is a time of Bank Holidays and Coronations this year and the library will be closed on these days: May 1st, 6th, 8th and 29th.

THE TOP TEN

BOOKS in The Sunday Times bestsellers lists that are now in our stock:

Harlan Coben: I Will Find You

Samantha Shannon: A Day of Fallen Night

Danielle Steel: Worthy Opponents

Bonnie Garmus: Lessons in Chemistry

Richard Coles: Murder Before Evensong

James Patterson and David Ellis: Escape

Bella Mackie: How to Kill Your Family

Colleen Hoover: It Ends With Us

Kathy Reichs: Cold, Cold Bones

David Baldacci: The 6:20 Man

Dave Robinson

LO

Friday 5th May:

Ticket Only Night:

Members:- £5, Non-Members: - £8. Tickets available from the Bar Staff

Satur day 6th May:

Bouncy Castle, Disco, Tribute Act, BBQ, Ice Cream, Fair Ride, plus more! STARTS AT 12 NOON!

Satur day 6th May (Evening):

SHAUN E.B. WITH HIS UB40 TRIBUTE

FREE ENTRY NIGHT!

Sunday 7th May 2023:

STONES BAND!

From 3:30pm. FREE ENTRY!

IT’S ELECTION TIME

Election of Parish Councillors for Groby Parish Council

Field Head Ward on Thursday 4th May 2023

Name

BATTY Peter Raymond

HYDE David Roland John

Planning Apps

Lawful Development Certificate for loft conversion - at 19 Bedford Drive, Groby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0YB

51 Stamford Drive, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0YD

19 Jacqueline Road, Field Head, LE67 9RD

JOHNSON Martin Lewis 124 Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0GH

SINGH Harvey 223b Leicester Road, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9RH

Election of Parish Councillors for Groby Parish Council

Groby Ward on Thursday 4th May 2023

Name of Candidate Nominated

BAKER Geoffrey Andrew (Address in Hinckley & Bosworth)

BATTY Jacqualyn

51 Stamford Drive, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0YD

BECK Sylvia Mary (Address in Hinckley & Bosworth)

CLARKE Nathan Kenneth (Address in Hinckley & Bosworth)

COLLINS Laura Jane (Address in Hinckley & Bosworth)

EMMERSON Liz

The Old Cottage, 30 Markfield Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0FL

EVERSON-CRANE James (Address in Hinckley & Bosworth)

GRIFFITHS Katharine Ann (Address in Hinckley & Bosworth)

HAGAN John

6 Anstey Lane, Groby,

TRIVETT Lesley Elva

WILLIS Pam

0AN

in Hinckley & Bosworth)

in Hinckley & Bosworth)

YORK Carole Judith 134 Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0BT

Election of Borough Councillors for Groby on Thursday 4th May 2023

Name of Candidate Nominated Home Address

CARTWRIGHT Martin Brett Maverick House, 10 Pine Tree Avenue, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0E Q

HAGAN John 6 Anstey Lane, Groby, Leics, LE6 0DA

HOLLICK Ted 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0FY

HYDE David Roland John

19 Jacqueline Road, Field Head, Leics, LE67 9RD

RICHARDSON Gary Kenneth 5 Stonelodge Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0AN

ROBINSON Kim Paul 2B Lime Avenue, Groby, Leicestershire, LE6 0YE

Holistics & Mystics Event on 2nd April

JANET LOWE has written to the Spotlight with some information about the Holistics & Mystics event held at the beginning of the month at Groby Community Centre. Visitors remarked about how nice the event and the venue were, and asked when the next one will be taking place.

Janet has asked the Spotlight to thank all those that visited, and to confirm the winners of the Free Prize Draw:

• P.MISTRY won a telephone Tarot Reading with Zara

• NINA MARSHALL won a 1 hour Reflexology Treatment with Wandering Sole Therapy

• CHRIS TOWNSEND won either an email Tarot Reading or home visit Reiki Healing session with Holistic Therapies.

To install a Breedon gravel pathway which would link the bottom of the mineral line with the Roman Way footpath leading from Sacheverell Way, Groby to Glenfield - at Land Adjacent to Roman Way Footpath, Groby, Leicestershire

Variation of condition 5 and 6 of planning permission 19/01015/ FUL. Amendment to the reword condition 5 and propose sliding gate - at 177 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0DT

Single storey rear extension and erection of garden room and store at the rear of the gardenat 121 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0DQ

Proposed change of use of existing stable to residential property, installation of solar panel, boundary treatment, trees planting and water harvesting tank - at Whittington Edge Stables, Markfield Road, Ratby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0LU

Erection of a single storey rear extension and van port - at Ratby Co Op Band Room, Taverner Drive, Ratby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0JG

Outline Planning Permission for two new dwellinghouses (all matters reserved) - at 130 Stamford Street, Ratby, Leicester, Leicestershire LE6 0JU

Non material amendment to planning permission 20/00786/ FUL. Amendment to include addition of solar panels, door, rooflight, ramps, and substation, enclose external plant and bin store, relocate external plant, window, advert on elevation 4 and 6 and change to cladding on elevation 2 - at Land West Of 1 Desford Lane, Ratby, Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0LE

Retention of Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Hub, rearrangement of car parking and associated works - at Branting Hill Service Station, Groby Road, Glenfield, Leicestershire LE3 8GJ

My wife keeps complaining about having a headache that won’t go away. I keep telling her that I have a name.

Groby couple frustrated by Land Registry delay

AGROBY COUPLE were interested to hear that they are not alone in experiencing delays with the Government Agency responsible for the registration and transfer of land.

At the end of 2019 they realised that their home was built before compulsory registration for new and transferring properties was introduced, and so early in 2020 they decided to get it done. Then came the pandemic, lockdown, and working from home for many organisations. Front offices open to the public were closed across the economy and telephone callers received the now familiar message about “an extremely high volume of calls”.

At Land Registry backlogs grew, fuelled partly by staff sickness. They put their application on hold and waited for two years for some form of normality to be resumed. In August 2022 they submitted their application and paid the appropriate fee which, of course, had increased.

The cheque was cashed, the application acknowledged, but more than six months later their application has not yet reached the top of the heap. They appreciate that Land Registry has to prioritise certain types of application and theirs cannot be considered urgent unlike, for example, the transfer of a home because of a sale. The Registry doesn’t hide the fact that applicants may have a long wait and say that first time registrations are likely to take at least 11 months, with “almost all” being completed in 14 to 15 months.

There is a fast track where a delay would cause problems not related to a land transaction, or put a property

sale or any kind of property transaction at risk. But the Registry asks for evidence such as:

• a copy of the sale or purchase contract or a mortgage offer letter confirming the expiry date, or confirmation that a transaction is being planned which is dependent on registration being expedited or

• an explanation of problems or hardship, whether financial or personal, linked to the need for the registration to be completed.

“We continue to make every effort to achieve this, including building our capacity through recruitment, developing digital application processes to make land registration quicker and easier. Legal ownership rights are secured from the moment the application is received, not at point at which it is processed and completed.

So, if there is no urgency, please wait for us to contact you .”

Griffiths

The couple are hopeful, however, that if the current economic circumstances lead to a slowing of the housing market, this might result in a reduction in urgent time sensitive transactions. An easing of the log jam may allow staff to process less urgent routine registrations.

“We recognise that some of our processing times are not what we want them to be and improving the speed of our services is our top priority,” says the Land Registry.

“We recognise that some of our processing times are not what we want them to be and improving the speed of our services is our top priority.”

The Land Registry.

Martin Cartwright & Ted Hollick

Lib Dem Councillors Martin Cartwright and Ted Hollick have opposed plans by IM Properties to build on green wedge / agricultural land to the north of the A50.

Our priorities for our area…

Fight to preserve Groby’s identity and maintain the green wedge between Groby and Anstey and Groby and Glenfield.

candidates standing in this election with a proven record of action in Groby.

Martin and Ted opposed plans to develop land north of the A50.

bankrolled by developers. Only Martin and Ted can be trusted to fight for Groby on the Council.

Conservatives ‘receive donations worth £17,500 a day from developers

The Independent

Support new and improved NHS facilities in Groby.

Press for more action to tackle speeding and traffic congestion.

Campaign for a more visible police presence.

We can’t carry on like this…

The Conservative Government has lost its way. Our NHS is in crisis. People are facing

record waits for hospital and GP appointments. Liz Truss’ disastrous budget crashed our economy overnight and people have seen huge mortgage

hikes as a result. On top of that we have seen a return to Tory sleaze last seen back in the 1990s.

On 4th May you can send the Conservatives a message they cannot ignore.

Millions in Britain are choosing between heating and eating

NHS is at breaking point and putting patients at high risk, bosses warn

“Brits face highest tax burden since WW2”

“Mortgage warning as bills could jump by £7300 a year”

…On May 4th send them a message they cannot ignore

Cllrs Ted Hollick and Martin Cartwright secured money from the Hello Homes development to provide play improvements to Castell Park.

Tackling climate change is a key priority for the Lib Dems. Hinckley and Bosworth was one of the first councils to declare a climate emergency. Cllr Martin Cartwright signed the Borough Council up to become carbon Net Zero by 2023.

Bradgate Stables is a Grade II listed building. The Lib Dem led Council is seeking to enforce the owner to undertake works to prevent further deterioration.

Lib Dem councillors helped residents fight off three applications for phone masts right near to residential properties. We all use mobile phones these days but they could easily put the masts in less obtrusive locations. We are appalled that the Toryrun County Council said it was acceptable to put them on the verges near peoples’ homes!

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea

Email: ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk or ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Tel 0116 239 4336 Mobile 07808 585825

The Budget

THEREWAS SOME good news in the Chancellor’s Spring budget for Leicestershire with an additional £3,156,400 awarded for potholes and road maintenance. Although other authorities were awarded more, I very much welcome this. Roads are the number one issue that residents write to councillors about. It is a step in the right direction, as we are currently the lowest funded County Council.

Contacting the County Council’s Customer Service Centre

FROM MONDAY 3RD APRIL a number of email addresses used by the CSC to receive queries/enquiries from members of the public mainly, customerservices@leics.gov.uk and highwayscustomerservices@ leics.gov.uk, ceased.

Members of the public are now being asked to use the online form on the County Council’s website https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/contactinformation to report any issues.

Flooding Leicester Road, Groby

IHAVE RECEIVED an update from Severn Trent’s project manager. They have now removed the trees from the grass verge ready for work to begin. Severn Trent have updated their Biodiversity Enhancement plan using their project and ecology team.

I am pleased to say we have negotiated with Severn Trent that they will be putting far more trees back into Groby than the ones they have had to remove. I will keep residents updated with the plan of works there will be some disruption to traffic but working with Highways and Severn Trent we will keep it to a minimum.

Changes to 26 Arriva Bus Service Through Groby ARRIVA

HAVE APPLIED to the traffic commissioner to revise the timetable for the 26 routes. They have also applied to revise the route through Groby to run directly along Ratby Road rather than Stephenson Way, Lawnwood Road, Woodbank Road. I have argued that this will affect a lot of elderly residents on the route but they are going ahead with these amendments from the 16th April 2023.

This is a commercial route run by Arriva. I will continue to petition Arriva to have a rethink on this change. Arriva will be working with highways to move the bus stop as the lay-by is now used for parking after the parking restrictions were put in along Ratby Road.

‘Amazon Prime’ Scam Calls

IFYOU RECEIVE a phone call purporting to be from Amazon, be on your guard. We’ve received reports that fraudsters are impersonating the retailer to gain access to victims’ devices and steal personal information. This scam call will come from an unrecognised number. When you answer, the fraudster will tell you that your Amazon Prime subscription is increasing in price or is about to expire. If you say that you want to cancel your subscription, you’ll be put through to another fraudster. They will tell you that you need to download remote access software (typically the app ‘AnyDesk’). This is a genuine program that fraudsters sometimes look to exploit as a vehicle for their scams. Once you’ve downloaded the program, you’ll grant the scammer access to your device - allowing them to steal your personal information or install malware.

Amazon confirmed to Which? that it will never ask customers to provide remote access to their devices or make any payments outside of its website.

Protecting yourself from remote access scams

If a fraudster has gained access to your device, you should be able to end the remote session by pressing a button that states ‘disconnect session’, or similar. Another option is to turn off your device and wi-fi to stop the fraudster in their tracks. When you turn the device back on, you can remove the software - look in your recent downloads folder to locate it. You should also contact your bank immediately as your account may have been accessed by the scammer.

How to report scam calls

You can report scam calls received on your mobile phone. If you have an iPhone, text the word ‘call’ followed by the dubious phone number to 7726. If you have an Android, text the word ‘call’ to 7726. You’ll then receive a message asking you for the scam number. You can also report the scam to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040 in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In Scotland, you can report the scam to the police on 101.

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents. Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Ozzy O’shea

Always Working for you Locally

Cllr Ozzy O’shea

Tel 0116 2394336 Mobile 07808 585825

Email Ozzy.O’shea@leics.gov.uk

Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Announcing the 2023 LWA Coalville 5K Fun Run

OUR FANTASTIC Family Friendly event returns to Coalville on the 21st May 2023! Whether you’re a long term runner, you’re taking part in Couch to 5km or you’re just looking for some fun, this is the event for you! It is a fundraising event for Living Without Abuse.

Taking place in Snibston Colliery Park the route is beautiful - and there will be some fun surprises along the way too... Fancy dress is encouraged (but not compulsory) for this event, whether that’s a full inflatable T-Rex costume or just a tutu! So, get your family, friends, work mates together and join us for our Coalville event. The route is walking, children and dog friendly.

LWA is looking forward to welcoming you on 21st May – register here: https://register.enthuse. com/ps/event/Coalville5kmFunRun2023

All’s well when the lawn’s well

OVER RECENT YEARS many of us have found a new appreciation for our garden spaces.

They truly do provide a space for relaxation and recuperation and the best garden is enjoyed alongside a luscious green lawn. Whether your garden is large or small, we’re here to help you achieve a lawn you can all enjoy.

Here are our Spring tips to get your lawn in good shape:

Clean up

Whether it’s leaves, twigs, or other types of debris that have fallen onto your lawn, your lawn will be shouting out for a mighty clean-up.

Mowing

One of the most important lawn care jobs for a good-looking lawn is correct and regular mowing. As the weather warms up it’s likely your lawn will need mowing weekly. You should keep the cut between 25mm (1’’) and 40mm (1.6’’) in length. A healthy lawn can survive an occasional close cut but repeatedly scalping the lawn will damage it. If the weather is dry, increase the height of the cut up to 50mm (2’’). This allows the grass to retain moisture to stop it from drying out too quickly.

Aeration and Scarification

Aeration and Scarification should be carried out as standard annual practice to achieve a great-looking lawn. Aeration is the process of making holes in the lawn, allowing water, air, and other nutrients to access the root zone. Scarification is the process of removing thatch from the lawn – a mossy and spongy lawn is a good indicator that Scarification is needed.

Bare patches

After the harsh winter, your lawn may be looking a bit patchy. It’s best to boost the lawn with extra seeds to make your lawn look thicker and greener. Just carefully rake the patch to create a bed, sow the seeds with a little topsoil and be sure to water regularly. The ground temperature needs to be above 5°C for the seed to germinate slowly.

GreenThumb Lawn Treatment

Service expertly treats lawns –turning them from tired, weedinfested grass areas to lawns you can truly enjoy. Our family-owned Leicestershire West branch is supported by an excellent fully trained team with a wealth of lawn care knowledge and experience.

Get in touch today for a FREE lawn analysis & no-obligation quote – 0116 269 4019 or leicestershirewest@greenthumb. co.uk

Groby Supermarket site being offered for sale as a part income producing investment

MUSSON LIGGINS

Property Consultants are offering for sale (as an investment property) a supermarket site at Laundon Way, Groby, Leicester LE6 0YG.

The subject property comprises of a purpose built supermarket constructed within a modern housing estate within Groby.

The subject property is predominantly single storey in design with a small first floor area to the rear elevation, which is within part of the roof void with natural light being provided through Velux roof lights.

908.20 M2 (9,775 Ft2)

Access is available to the rear elevation which provides further car parking, accessed off Pymm Ley Lane. Car parking on site extends to 58 spaces, including 3 disabled on a tarmacadam surface to the front and side elevations.

The premises are subject to an existing tenancy to the Cooperative Group Food Limited for a 15 year term from 2015 at a current rent of £62,365 per annum.

The asking price is £1,200,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Jack Farrell at Musson Liggins Property Consultants on 0115 941 5241 or email: jack@ mussonliggins.co.uk

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.

There’s no need to replace the window - we will replace the glass unit for you

All the latest news from Groby WI

ON BEHALF OF THE WI, I would like to send our condolences to one of our long time members, Margaret Gamble, on the death of her beloved husband, Dick.

Dick was a lovely, gentle man who loved nature, his garden and walking his dogs in Martinshaw Woods. Many people have enjoyed the shape of the train that Dick produced by cutting his hedge, a real masterpiece! He will be sadly missed.

Our speaker at March’s meeting was Lynne from Hannah’s Sugar Craft. She demonstrated how to make the wonderful creation that you see in the pictures but the best bit of all is that the finished product was raffled off and I won the raffle!

On Mother’s Day, I gave each of my four grandchildren a bag and the chocolate display was broken up by them and secreted away in their bags although the grown ups did get a bit of a look in!

Healthcare Jottings

Surgery website gets makeover

THE GROBY and Glenfield surgeries have a fresh new look for computers and mobile phones that takes you quickly to the links you want.

The Home Page now greets you with four main options – opening times, appointments, prescriptions and contacts. If you are registered for online services and want to make an appointment or get a repeat prescription you can scroll to links that follow the main options.

Repeat prescriptions

DON’T FORGET that there’s an additional Bank Holiday in May this year, so surgeries will be closed for three Mondays – 1st, 8th and 29th.

Depending on the pharmacy you use, this make also affect the collection of prescriptions.

The base of this creation was simply chocolate poured over bubble wrap and left to set - very effective. Whilst giving us her talk, Lynne was tempering the chocolate, this means slowly heating and cooling the chocolate so that the fat molecules crystallise evenly resulting in a smooth, shiny finish when it sets. When tempered properly, the chocolate should produce a snap when broken. In 1876 Daniel Peter, a Swiss chocolatier, worked with his neighbour Henri Nestle, to produce the first milk chocolate by adding milk powder to the mixture. Lynne explained that the best area to grow cocoa is in the equatorial forests and that 70% of beans come from Africa. There are two seasons to grow cocoa: October to February and April to June. On average there will be forty flowers per tree producing

cocoa pods and inside each pod will be thirty to forty cocoa beans. The pods are ripened in the sun for seven days before being put into sacks and sent out to factories where they are cleaned, dried and the shells removed. What you are left with are the nibs which are roasted and ground to produce a paste known as chocolate liquor. This is pure chocolate but very bitter at this stage. The liquor is further processed to make cocoa butter and cocoa powder. For dark chocolate a minimum of 54% liquor has to be used and for milk chocolate a minimum of 34%. To call a product chocolate a minimum of 28% liquor has to be used and we were all surprised to learn that Cadburys use only 20% liquor and cannot call their bars ‘chocolate’, hence the name Dairy Milk - you learn something new every day!

Several of our members, myself included, attended the WI Annual Council Meeting on Saturday 18th March at the Leicester Grammar School. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was such an interesting day. The speakers were Eric Knowles (from Antiques Roadshow and Bargain Hunt amongst others) and Ruth Goodman who specialises in Domestic and Social Renaissance and early modern history, talking about the history of ‘washing up’! Both speakers were excellent and very informative with a sense of

humour! Awards were handed out and there were also various craft stalls.

To celebrate Groby WI’s 70th birthday our June meeting will be held at Groby Club and there will be a hot meal, a speaker and cake of course.

Apart from our regular theatre visits, a trip is being arranged in November to ‘Thursford Christmas Spectacular Show’ in Fakenham, Norfolk. With a cast of 130 this is the biggest show of its kind in Europe.

THE NEXT MEETING is on Thursday 20th April and the speaker is Julia Wallis talking about ‘Honey and Bee Keeping’.

Ruth Rolinson

NHS cancer drug deal

CANCER CONTINUES to cast a shadow over the lives of many patients, and news about progress in adding treatments is always welcome.

This month NHS England has negotiated a commercial deal with AstraZeneca, for a drug to treat certain breast cancers and advanced prostate cancers.

“This is an important development for hundreds with early breast cancer or advanced prostate cancer that has progressed after other types of treatment, offering both sets of patients a vital new option to treat their cancer,” said Professor Peter Johnson, National Clinical Director for Cancer.

Norman Griffiths

My wife just nudged me and said, “You weren’t even listening, were you?”I thought, that’s a strange way to start a conversation.

Pictured above - Our speaker at March’s meeting, Lynne from Hannah’s Sugar Craft

WHAT CAN CONSERVATIVES OFFER GROBY THAT THE LIB DEMS CAN'T

David and Gary already work hard together for our community, tackling challenges they face on Groby Parish Council and work closely as a team with Groby’s highly regarded County Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, unlike Groby’s current Lib Dem councillors who only speak to each other if they absolutely must and even have competing articles, trying to outdo each other, in the Groby Spotlight.

When faced with increasing challenges, as a consequence of the Lib Dem council’s lack of a 5-year housing supply and an up-to-date Local Plan, Groby needs an effective strong team working closely together to combat the increasing challenges

of developers targeting our parish due to the planning chaos that exists at the Lib Dem controlled borough council.

When the Lib Dem controlled council is doing everything it can to dump its

Prior to 2015 Groby was successfully protected by Conservative councillors against unwanted housing applications, illegal traveller caravan sites and 3 inappropriately located mobile phone mast applications but for the last 8 years Groby has been dependant on 2 Lib Dem councillors who just don’t want to work together and when you look more closely, what have they ACTUALLY achieved as a team for Groby, other than doing what Lib Dems always do, claiming the credit for the efforts of others?

Did you see us working for you in the snow?

Thank you to everyone who came and spoke to us it was great to meet you.

David Hyde

I am a family focused and community led person, proudly residing in the parish of Groby. Having a young family consisting of two under 6s and spending a lot of our time enjoying the parks and walks found within the area, I appreciate the natural beauty found within Groby and its rural lifestyle. I am a committed individual who enjoys getting involved with community challenges and wants to help improve the community of Groby for all its residents. Being a voice of the community on a local community radio station has always allowed me to make sure I have my finger on the pulse of local issues.

Gary and I are a strong team who only want the best for the community of Groby and all its residents.

IMP IS COMING OUR WAY – NO MORE SECRETS!

unwanted development on the rural area (look at the hundreds of new houses dumped on Ratby – our turn next?), Groby needs a strong team fighting for us, not two Lib Dems who can’t stand each other and just can’t work together.

Why did Groby’s Lib Dem councillors not only hide behind confidentiality to keep this from Groby residents, but actually cooperated with IMP making suggestions of how to make the proposal acceptable to Groby residents by IMP purchasing the Klondyke and putting IMP in touch with the Groby Doctor Surgery to offer them premises on their new development.

The reality is our local Lib Dem Councillors were prepared to work with IMP, despite knowing that if IMP were to succeed, it would almost certainly open up most of the land North of the A50 to development and turn an Anstey Lane into a much-needed Anstey by-pass to the A50, A46 and M1. Air pollution is bad in Groby now but just imagine if IMP goes ahead. Conservatives will genuinely strongly oppose this and engage fully with appropriate professionals to fight this.

The brown bin tax has risen year on year - quick to criticise - quick to adopt –even quicker to cash in at our expense.

A cynical election gimmick to limit this years Council Tax increase to £5?

What the Lib Dems don’t tell you is the extent of the council’s debt and how much was borrowed to limit the rise and that WE will have to pay the loans back in the future.

We would also like to say hello and thank you to all our new voters in Groby for this upcoming election. Your vote can change your community for the better.

Gary Richardson

In 2016 my wife and I decided to move to Groby to raise our children who now attend school in Groby. As a family, we have benefited much from what Groby has to offer over the years and the rural area surrounding Groby.

My wife works locally for the N.H.S and I am a businessman working mostly out of my home in Groby. Our community is important to me and my family, I want to make sure our community prospers over the next 4 years unlike the last 4 years, I hope I can help to preserve village life for generations to come.

Working with David we want to build our community and make the services on offer stronger tomorrow than today.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

To mark the King’s coronation, we round up some revealing royal reads.

Spare – Prince Harry

It will go down in history as the bombshell book that rocked the British royal family – as well as becoming the fastest-selling non-fiction book ever, selling more than 400,000 copies across hardback, ebook and audio formats on its first day of publication. It’s a no-holds barred memoir in which the Duke of Sussex makes a number of revelations about his own life, as well as his relationship with his father, his brother and other senior members of ‘the firm’. Royalist or not, read it and decide for yourself.

King Charles – The Man, the Monarch and the Future of Britain

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Telephone

01530-244069

Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk

Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings.

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight 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.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/ or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON:

13TH MAY 2023

DEADLINE:29TH APRIL

An exhaustive biography of our new monarch by Robert Jobson, dubbed “the godfather of royal reporting”, who has been at the forefront of royal reporting for well over 25 years. He received unprecedented cooperation from Clarence House, what was the Prince’s office, in writing this illuminating biography. Revelations include the truth about his deeply loving but occasionally volatile relationship with Camilla, now Queen Consort. The result is an intriguing new portrait of a man who has at last become king.

Behind the Crown – Arthur Edwards

A collection of photographs capturing the modern British monarchy as never seen before, taken by the royal photographer for The Sun, who has covered them for nearly half a century and is the man behind the most iconic photographs of the most famous family in the world. With commensurate skill and unprecedented access, he has captured the candid moments when protocol is put aside, revealing the true personalities behind the Crown.

The Duchess of Cambridge – Bethan Holt

Thrust into the global spotlight on her engagement to Prince William, Kate Middleton chose to wear a sapphire-blue wrap dress by London-based label Issa, which promptly sold out. It was the first step in Kate becoming the modern royal style icon she is today. This is a highly illustrated journey through a decade of her style evolution.

Queen Elizabeth – Gyles Brandreth

A personal account of the life and character of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch by someone who met her, talked with her and kept a record of those conversations. Gyles Brandreth knew the Queen and her husband well, and knows the new King and Queen Consort. Told with authority, a refreshing dose of humour and moving honesty from a totally unique viewpoint, he writes movingly about the Queen’s deteriorating health. “The truth is that Her Majesty always knew that her remaining time was limited. She accepted this with all the good grace you’d expect.”

The Crown Jewels, The Official Illustrated History – Anna Keay

The Tower of London has over two million visitors a year, with the Crown Jewels as its centrepiece. This sumptuous and highly readable publication tells the story of the most famous jewellery collection in the world, along with spectacular photographs with stunning details. A gem of a read for anyone interested in British history and monarchy.

Free weight loss course for men returns this May

A FREE WEIGHT management course to help men get back into shape and make healthier decisions is returning in May.

Weight Management

Leicestershire provide a free 12week course specifically for men to help them regain control of their health, get fitter and lose weight.

The course is run by Leicestershire County Council in partnership with Active Together

and delivered locally in group sessions with the focus and goal on healthy eating, meal preparation and planning, and physical activity. There are three courses taking place across Leicestershire from May:

• Gorse Covert Centre, Loughborough

• St Francis Community Centre, Hinckley

• Freer Centre, Wigston

Leicestershire resident Richard Grundy is one of many participants

making great strides on his weight loss journey. 50-year-old Richard is on track to reach his target weight to qualify for a knee operation.

Richard has already lost three stone, or 19 bags of sugar.

Anyone interested in taking advantage of the free course can get an initial assessment from the weight management team by filling in the online form on the First Contact Plus website, or by calling 0116 305 0730.

For more information you can also visit www.leicestershirewms.co.uk

GROBY ALLOTMENTS NEWS

Open Shed Sundays

WE HELD our first Open Shed social of the year in early March at our Ratby Road site and our second one on 2nd April.

It is good to see so many of our members attend but also very encouraging that we are also attracting a lot of Groby residents as well. It must be the smell of bacon cobs that does it but we usually have quite a queue for our monthly Sunday morning refreshments!

People also come for our plant sales and I think Amanda definitely has green fingers as she grows lots of seeds every year, both flower and vegetable seeds, to sell as plants at our monthly gathering. They help our members who haven’t got around to planting theirs yet or need to replace ones which haven’t prospered, but are also snapped up by our Groby visitors for them to grow on at home. Of course I’m sure lots of people are also tempted by the tombola as well to see what they can win! It is good for everyone because all the donations we receive from our Open Shed Sundays go towards improving the allotments.

Wildlife

THE ALLOTMENTS are a green oasis in the middle of lots of houses and because they are right next to the mineral line footpath and green area on Ratby Road, which creates a green wildlife corridor through the village right through to Sacheverell Way and the fields beyond Groby. The Orchard Close allotments also help with the green corridor linking that end of the village to the fields through to Groby Pool and along the Mineral Line North footpath. We have resident hedgehogs and foxes who live close by and are often seen on the plots, or rather what they leave is often seen on the plots. They took a liking to my sweetcorn plants the other year and had a real feast, leaving me the stalks to compost, how kind!

I love to hear the chatter of the birds in the hedges surrounding the allotments too. Some of us also put up bird boxes on our sheds or regularly leave food out for the birds. I have robins and blackbirds which regularly come to see me when I’m weeding to nip in a grab an unearthed worm. We also have a lot of pollinating insects. I have a couple of bee hotels on the side of my allotment shed and they are always full of different sorts of bees. I’ve even had leafcutter bees living there, lovely to see, as they seal the opening to their ‘hotel room’ with a leaf, so they have a green door. I even had a colony of bees in my compost heap last year and had to put my compost

Deadline for refunds for cancelling

2023/24 garden waste collection

GARDENERS will be pleased that the increase in the collection charge for green waste for 2023 is just a few pounds. The collection year now runs from 1 June to 31 May and the stickers, which will be sent out during May, can be used straight away.

elsewhere until they had moved on! However the number of butterflies that we see on the plots has sadly severely dwindled in recent years, as they have all over Britain. I’m planting more and more companion plants next to my vegetables to encourage more pollinators so I hope to see some more butterflies this year.

It is important to preserve our native wildlife as it is so essential for our environment and also for our food production. I have, I suspect like many of you, been watching in wonder the new David Attenborough series on our Wild Isles on TV but it also has a serious story to tell of the decrease in our wild spaces. We allotmenteers like to think that we are contributing to protecting our wildlife as well as growing food or flowers on our plots and ensure that our allotment spaces remain as a vital part of Groby’s green spaces.

Plant Talk

I WAS ASTONISHED to hear on the radio the other day recordings that had been taken of plants making sounds when they were being stressed through lack of water, or even when being pruned!

We have known that plants communicate with each other through their roots for a while, sending various chemical messengers between them and of course now it is known that the mycorrhizal network of fungal threads in the soil link many plants together, even of different species and that these fungi also have a relationship with the plants where they exchange minerals and water to each other’s benefit.

I love this idea of a network of fungal threads linking all my plants together underneath the soil surface as it means I have a really good reason (excuse?) for not digging the plot over and just raking my compost over the surface to plant my seedlings in this year in the belief that I am maintaining the fungal network! I will also be doing my bit to mitigate climatechange as I won’t have to have so many hot baths to soothe my aching back!

Carol Lincoln

Anyone who pays by Direct Debit will have their subscription renewed automatically. Other customers will be able to pay from 1 April and should pay the £37.50 per bin no later than 17th May, in order to ensure they get their sticker in time. From 1 June there are no refunds if a customer cancels the service. In the unlikely event that your circumstances change after payment has been made in April or May, but before I June, the Borough Council should be contacted without delay if the service is to be cancelled and you want a refund.

Norman Griffiths

Pictograms

4 words

BEING A SHORT DISTAN_E TO SOMETH_N_ IN SP_CE O_ TIME

5 words

3 words

101101001 HOPE MARLEY

ANSWER ON PAGE 26

Spotlight Small Ads

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• Ikea glass top Billy CABINET. Good condition. Size: 200cm high by 79cm wide by 30cm deep. Price: £25.00. Tel: 01530 243166. (Markfield)

• 4FT CHRISTMAS TREEnumbered rows set up to view. Very good condition. Price: £10.00

Tel: 01530 245944 (Markfield)

• SMEG built-in CERAMIC HOB with touch control. Price: £50.00must collect.

Tel: 01530 242519 (Markfield)

• Bloomberg 3 draw FREEZER. Price £50.00.

• WHEELCHAIR. Price: £30.00

• Hoover Breeze VACUUM CLEANER. Price: £20.00

• George Foreman GRILLING MACHINE. Price: £5.00.

Tel: 07533 164804 (Markfield)

• Dark brown leather TWO PIECE SOFA SUITE with LEATHER

COFFEE TABLE. Two seater sofa, armchair and matching leather covered coffee table. Good condition. Collection only. Price: £125.00.

• COMPUTER DESK & OFFICE CHAIR. Wood effect desk and black swivel chair. Good condition. Collection only. Price: £50.00.

• Single DIVAN BED with MATTRESS. Good condition. Collection only. Price: £25.00.

Tel: 07513 044 735 (Markfield)

• TRAVEL COT - Graco Comfi

Play n Go, complete with case and instructions, including extra wipeclean mattress. Excellent condition. Price: £30.00.

• SMARTRIKE Original, as new with attached purse and bag. Price: £30.00.

• Old Charm Wood Brothers Oval GATE LEG TABLE, excellent condition, including 4 matching WHEELBACK CHAIRS with slip-on velvet seat pads. Table measures 113cm deep by 152cm long by 74cm high.Price: £150.00 Tel: 07817 844120 (Markfield)

• MATERIAL FREE - Suitable for crafters, large and smaller pieces. Stripes, Checks, Ditsy, Flowered, Plain.

Tel: 01530 244049 (Stanton -under-Bardon)

• VANGO ICARUS 6 PERSON

TENT - excellent condition. Includes carpet and footprint.

Price: £80.00.

Tel: 07592 459218 (Thornton)

• ROOF RACK - Thule - very good condition. Price: £40

• GOLF CLUBS - left handed, 9 irons, 3 sw, Wilson X31 Oversize Irons, new grips. Price: £25.00

Tel: 0116 231 2227 (Groby)

• Panasonic FLAT SCREEN 45’’ TV with matching stand. Ten years old with only light use, full working condition, unmarked and complete with cables and remote. Price: £50.00. Can deliver locally.

Tel: 0116 2876 715 (Groby)

• Starlight CARAVAN AWNING

Price: £250.00

• Extending WING MIRROR

Price: £10.00.

• AQUA ROLL - 45 litre. Price: £25.00

• One FLOOR COVER. Price: £25.00.

• Two GAS BOTTLES (one full).

Price: £50.00.

• Universal FRONT COVER. Price: £20.00.

• Grey WASTE. Price: £20.00.

• ELECTRIC CABLE. Price £20.00. Tel: 07970 124095 (Markfield)

SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum EIGHT items please. No business ads. Our postal address is: Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to let people know where you are).

Calling all bargain hunters!

GLENFIELD MILLENIUM GREEN are hosting a Table Top and Plant Sale on the 20th May between 10am12pm.

If you would like to sell some of your own things and would like to book a table, please contact us via facebook or our website.

www.glenfieldmilleniumgreen.weebly.com

The tables cost £5 and all money raised will go directly to supporting the upkeep of this green space.

We look forward to seeing you on the Green!

Monthly Glenfield Millennium Green gardening sessions

THE GLENFIELD Millennium Green run monthly gardening sessions on Saturday mornings.

If you enjoy gardening, why not come along and lend a hand. We need help from volunteers to keep the Green looking good. Anyone is welcome to join, whether you are an experienced gardener, or a complete novice wanting to come and meet some friendly new people.

Each Saturday session starts at 10am.

Dates for 2023

• May 13th

• June 3rd

• July 1st

• August 5th

• September 2nd

• October 7th

For more information why not follow us on Facebook or get in touch through our website: glenfieldmillenniumgreen. weebly.com

Look forward to seeing you on the Green.

I was struggling to get my wife’s attention. So I simply sat down and looked comfortable, that did the trick.

When Oswald and Celia Weston were told that their daughter Rosemary was unlikely to reach her tenth birthday due to acute asthma, few could have imagined that she would go on to be one of the nation’s leading health and fi tness gurus.

Having launched her first slimming class just over 50 years ago, Rosemary is also celebrating the recent publication of her autobiography, Through Thick and Thin, in which she candidly talks about building her business empire, broken relationships, battling her own health issues and her belief in God.

In 1972, after leaving school at fifteen for a secretarial college, then working in an office before becoming a Tupperware lady, Rosemary began running diet classes, known as Slimming and Good Grooming Clubs (SAGG), with an investment of £8.

The classes grew into a successful UK-wide business, which Rosemary sold to IPC in 1981, overseeing the operation as managing director until the company disbanded in 1985.

The highs and the thighs!

The following year, in 1986, Rosemary recalls: “I had to eat a low-fat diet to avoid surgery for gallstones. I lost a lot of inches off my body, and what I learned through that resulted in my book Hip and Thigh Diet.” The book sold more than four million copies, with more books following, along with chart-topping diet and fitness videos, plus regular presenting slots on TV. That same year she married her second husband Mike and became a Christian. She says, “I will always remember 1986 as the year my life took off, spiritually, emotionally and financially. It was a golden year, a trailblazer for many exciting times to come.”

In 1993 Rosemary and Mike launched Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs, a national network of clubs run as a franchise operation. Indomitable spirit

As one of the nation’s leading diet and fitness experts, Rosemary, who was awarded a CBE in 2004, has helped thousands of people to live a healthier life. But her own has not been without health battles – she has arthritis in both feet. At her lowest point, she was wheelchair-bound.

“When I was diagnosed the doctor said to me, ‘these feet have done a few miles,’ and he was absolutely right! After wearing high heels for 50 years and teaching over 10,000 aerobics classes they really do look grim!”

In 2001, two years after she was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Rosemary became the first woman ever to be granted the Freedom of the City of Leicester. So, with accolades and achievements aplenty, when is this formidable businesswoman at her happiest?

“I have a lovely life. Fortunately, I love everything I do – working, relaxing, writing. I feel so utterly blessed!”

At the Movies

GROBY SINGS has had a great start to our first season of 2023.

Singers have been so keen to start again that even the recent spell of cold, wet and snowy weather hasn’t put people off. Numbers are increasing weekly and heading towards pre-Covid levels with many returners and new singers joining us on Wednesdays for singing and socialising. We’re delighted that our Youth & Children’s Choir has doubled in number since restarting and we’d love more young singers to join us as their fresh and lively voices add so much to our overall sound. Our theme for Spring/Summer, Groby Sings at the Movies, is proving very popular with the choir as we’ve included songs to suit all ages and tastes from films such as Top Gun, Jailhouse Rock and Disney’s Aladdin. Groby Sings is a fully inclusive choir and everyone is welcome. This season we are actively encouraging people who have been diagnosed with memory loss or dementia, as well as their friends and carers, to come along and experience the enjoyment of singing together. There is plenty of room, comfortable seating with tea, coffee and a bar available plus an interval for us to socialise and eat cake.

So, come and join us on Wednesdays, term time only, at The Groby Club, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ, which has ramps and disabled facilities. Adult singers: 1.30-3.00pm or 7.30-9.00pm, Youth & Children’s Choir (7 years and over): 3.40-4.40pm. Pre-school children are welcome in the afternoon in the care of their adult with a crèche area available.

Enquiries via our website www.grobysings.org

Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490

Rosemary Conley’s autobiography, Through Thick and Thin, is published by SPCK Publishing, and is priced at £19.99. Signed copies of the book are available at the discounted price of £17.99 (plus p & p) from the website, www.rosemaryconley.com, where you can also find hundreds of free health and wellbeing videos, including recipes, exercises, interviews with health professionals, and hints and tips to help you live longer, live healthier and live happier.

I just realized my countertop is made of marble. I have been taking it for granite all these years.

Bradgate Rotary News

“Sweet Caroline” was being sung as the closing song at the 5th Wellbeing Event organised by Bradgate Rotary Club.

As the line “good times never seemed so good” hands were waving to sum-up such a lovely Easter Celebration Event, held at the Adventure Centre, Ulverscroft Manor, curtesy of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation.

The afternoon was free to anyone from the Bradgate area (Groby, Glenfield, Ratby, Markfield, Newtown Linford and Anstey areas). The purpose of these afternoons is to help the many vulnerable adults and people sheltering to enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment and activity to help combat loneliness. This was quite clearly achieved!

Local singers and acoustic guitar players, John Montague and Steve Convey completed two sets with songs from artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. In between the sessions the ever-popular Co-op prize bingo and Fun Quiz kept everyone entertained. During the interval tea, coffee and massive slices of gateaux were served. A free entry to the Easter Raffle resulted in lots of Easter Eggs being handed over to very willing recipients.

A further Wellbeing Event is also planned for Thursday 8th June in Glenfield with local very talented singer, Sarah Clarke, and will again be open to anyone throughout the Bradgate villages. Again, thanks to local council funding, and support from Bradgate Rotary, this will be a free event, but booking is essential as places are very limited.

To book a place for the afternoon please call or text Bradgate Rotary on 07851 796798. Visit a Bradgate Rotary breakfast meeting to see what can achieve with some help. Email your contact details to Adrian Walker – walk77a@yahoo.com and we’ll be in touch.

Warm Spaces Initiative The Parish Councillors who worked full time for two days a week for three months

AS THE BLOSSOMS start to fill the trees, and the clocks go forward an hour, there’s a feeling of optimism that winter has done its worst. That’s optimism, not confidence, as Mother Nature has ways of taking us by surprise, and there may be another cold snap to come.

No-one will have escaped the massive hike in energy prices. Some will have been hit very hard financially, despite the assistance given by the Government. And even those better placed to pay the higher bills have found that simple steps can be taken to reduce marginal energy use. These include such things as more rigorous adjustment of the heating thermostat, not overfilling the kettle, batch cooking and the use of microwaves, slow cookers or air fryers to reduce expensive oven time, and even shorter showers.

Last Autumn we faced the unknown, unsure of the hardships that might have to be faced, particularly by the most vulnerable in our community. With a potential crisis ahead Groby Parish Council took decisive action to reduce the amount spent on Christmas lights to provide funding for some kind of community support scheme. With the Borough Council’s generous help this took the form of somewhere warm where residents could find comfort, companionship and refreshments through the coldest months of the year. As there were no wages, rental, rates, or heating charges to pay, the good news is that this limited the cost to the Parish.

Although the Borough provided the heated Forest Rise Community Centre for two days a week for 3 months to the 31st March, the service still need to be organised and run. An appeal for volunteers produced a great response, but the initiative had to be led by Parish Councillors who would ensure all the legal and statutory provisions would be met.

Three Parish Councillors stepped forward and each one committed to working at the Community Centre full time for two days every week for three months. If there were personal circumstances which required them to be elsewhere a pool of alternative Parish Councillors made themselves available, always with the invaluable support of the non-council volunteers.

The regular users became familiar faces who were pleased not only to reduce their fuel bills, but also to enjoy the benefits of social interaction, and meet new and old friends for a chat over a hot drink and a biscuit. They will be sorry that it has to come to an end, and perhaps so will the Parish Councillors and volunteers. Though those Parish Councillors who have given up 24 full days of their free time since January, in addition to their normal Parish Council responsibilities, may be looking forward to catching up with any chores at home that have been put on hold.

Norman Griffiths

One Church meets in many sites around Leicester

You are always welcome.

Weddings have changed drastically over the last few decades, with each year bringing with it a brand new set of trends. In the past, almost every aspect of a wedding would be rooted in age-old traditions; nowadays, however, more and more couples are tying the knot in a way that reflects their individual taste and personality. With the wedding season now upon us, let’s take a look at how wedding traditions have changed over the last few decades.

The wedding dress

In the 70s and 80s, the trendiest wedding dresses featured high necklines, puffy sleeves and a long train to match. In the twenty-first century, it’s a completely different story. Strapless, backless, lace, mermaid-style, mid-length and everything in between – the options are endless. Who says you have to wear one dress, anyway? Many brides now don a more traditional gown for the ceremony before changing into a ‘party’ dress for the reception.

The ceremony

Have a Go at Archery in Markfield this May!

The proposal

Traditionally, the etiquette for a marriage proposal was to ask for the bride’s father’s permission before tying the knot. Today, many couples forgo this prenuptial step due to its outdated notion that the bride is a possession to be ‘handed over’ from one guardian to the next.

The cost

Weddings have always been lavish affairs, but since the industry’s exponential boom over the last decade, prices have only been rising. Today, the average cost of a wedding in the UK is £18,400, but it’s not uncommon for couples to spend over £30,000 on their special day. It used to be customary for the bride’s parents to pay, but nowadays it’s not unusual for the couple themselves to cover the costs

The honeymoon

Traditionally, it was standard practice for the father to accompany the bride down the aisle before ‘giving her away’. Today, however, more and more brides choose to make the journey on their own. Wedding vows have changed too; most couples ditch the promise to ‘obey’ their new spouse, and even write their own personalised vows.

The wedding cake

Tiered wedding cakes have always been a staple at wedding breakfasts. Nowadays, anything from cupcakes and doughnuts to ice cream are used as alternatives to the main event.

The grand exit

Showering newlyweds in rice after their big day was a tradition for centuries, signalling fertility and good fortune. Instead of the grain, couples now encourage guests to use everything from confetti and rose petals to glitter and sparklers to mark their transition into married life.

Honeymoons date back to the early nineteenth century, but they’ve changed quite a bit over the last few decades. As international travel became easier, many couples began splashing out on exotic locations in the late 60s and early 70s, but the all-inclusive honeymoon package didn’t take off until the 90s.

Now, thanks to the boom of social media, honeymoons are bigger and bolder than ever. Lots of couples plan a ‘mini-moon’ straight after the wedding, and a longer trip later in the year, giving them time to save for their ‘honeymoon of a lifetime’.

KIRBY MUXLOE ARCHERY

CLUB will be offering the Markfield community the opportunity to try archery at Jubilee Playing Fields this Spring.

Have A Go and Taster Sessions will be available as part of the club’s Start Archery Week between Saturday 6th May to Sunday 14th May.

Look on social media with further details shortly. https://k-m-a-c.org/

Spot the Difference Answers

1. Part of crown missing

2. Inner ear on child missing

3. Cat different colour

4. Hair different colour

5. Face in reflection different

6. Sceptre missing

7. Wooden knob on mirror missing

8. Slippers different colour

9. Diamond on robe trim missing

10. Belly button in reflection missing

Pictogram Answers

1. Close, but no cigar

2. A bad spell of weather

3. Bits and bobs

I tried runway modeling once. It was a huge disaster. Now, I’m not allowed back at the airport.

Did you know that Glenfield has a weekly Country Market?

A wide range of homemade cakes and preserves, quality crafts, plants and home-grown produce are on sale.

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO! 18 FILMS BY HITCHCOCK

WORDSEARCH

This is your Word Sear

Refreshments are served

Free admission

Card payments now available

Come along to see us and to support this local event

Where? St Peter’s Church Centre, LE3 8DP with parking!

When? Each Friday morning 9am-11am

For more details contact: glenfieldmarket@gmail.com

DIALMFORMURDER

IF YOU can find the titles of 18 ALFRED HITCHCOCK FILMS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of house wine at The Stamford Arms in Groby.

FRENZY

MARNIE NORTHBYNOR

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 18 HITCHCOCK FILMS. These can overlap and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

REARWINDOW REBECCA

STAGEFRIGHT SUSPICION

THELADYVANISHES

Send your marked entry forms to: BATES MOTEL, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 29TH APRIL 2023. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

THEWRONGM

TOPAZ TORNCURT

The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the voucher for a Meal for Two and a Bottle of House Wine at The Stamford Arms, Groby. Good luck!

Find the word in the puzzle.

FIND THESE 18 FILM TITLES!

Words can go in any direction.

Words can share letters as they cross over each other 18 of 18 words placed.

DIAL M FOR MURDER • FRENZY • I CONFESS • MARNIE NORTH BY NORTH WEST • PSYCHO • REAR WINDOW • REBECCA ROPE • STAGE FRIGHT • SUSPICION • THE BIRDS

THE LADY VANISHES • THE WRONG MAN • TO CATCH A THIEF TOPAZ • TORN CURTAIN • VERTIGO

Name: ..............................................................................................................

Address: .............................................................................................................

.............................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Issue’s Winner was: David Jones of Forest Rise, Groby.

Copyright © 2023

Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you in the next few weeks.

Did Bruno Mars end up catching that grenade because I haven’t heard from in awhile?