August 2018 Groby Spotlight Magazine by Michael Wilkinson

Call us on 01530 244069 or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Another success as Groby Sings ‘Steps through time’

World Cup fever boosts early takings at Groby Street Fair WHEN THE date and time was announced for the England vs Panama match in the World Cup it was anticipated that it would have an impact on attendance at this year’s Groby Street Fair on June 24th.

THIS YEAR’S Groby Sings summer concerts were hot, hot, hot in more ways than one as we rehearsed and performed during the current exceptional heatwave. The lovely weather seemed to bring a good feeling of relaxation and happiness amongst both performers and audience which really helped to make the concerts another great success. We had an appropriately sunny start to the programme with a six part unaccompanied round, Sumer is Icumen in, which went back in time to the 13th century. Then thoughts of summer nights were invoked by A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square, a beautiful song from the Thirties and who couldn’t help thinking of the heat whilst listening to one of the choir’s favourites, Africa? CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...>

Play badminton on Wednesday nights in Groby FRIENDLY badminton club requires players at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Ratby Road, Groby on Wednesdays between 8pm and 10pm. Telephone: 0116 267 5800 for details.

With television coverage from early afternoon there was little doubt which event would take priority for many families. This year, however, the Fair embraced the World Cup and replaced some of the attractions aimed at young children with Groby’s very own Table Football Challenge. And what a result - a huge attraction enjoyed by visitors of all ages. The afternoon TV coverage of the World Cup resulted in an early surge down on Markfield Road. In the first hour more than 600 paying visitors passed through the admission gates, that’s an incredible 10 every minute. Stallholders were delighted and by 1pm one stallholder had sold her entire cake stock. Through the rest of the afternoon visitors arrived at a slower, but steady, rate. The gate volunteers were probably relieved that the peak had passed. The line up for the 2018 Groby Street Fair included lots of familiar names and a good helping of new ones. The main stage of earlier years was dispensed with, and entertainment was be found throughout the Fair. It will be no surprise to hear that the popular Kevin Burke was back, supported by singers, dancers, barber shop singers and jazz. The weather was superb with blue skies and sunshine all day, and traders continue to rate the Fair as one of the best and friendliest they attend. The success of the Fair depends on the careful preparations made by the unpaid committee and the dedication of the volunteers who give up their time on the day. In July committee member and pub landlord Brian Rigby arranged an evening hot buffet reception which was greatly appreciated by those volunteers who were able to attend. And if you’re wondering about next year, the answer is Yes! Groby Street Fair will be back on Sunday 23 June, but for the time being just enjoy the photos of the 2018 Fair on www.grobystreetfair.tk.

Norman Griffiths

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 15th SEPTEMBER 2018 - ARTICLES & ADVERT DEADLINE: 1ST SEPTEMBER 2018

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Surgery Patients Participation Group NEWS Our new Doctor has arrived DR TANJIT GHAG is the new female Partner at Groby Surgery. She started last month after working at other surgeries for a number of years as a salaried GP/ locum. Her special interests are Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

The benefits of exercise

A REVIEW has found that muscle and bone strengthening and balance activities continue to have great health benefits for all adults, including older adults aged 65 years and over. For employers and the economy, musculoskeletal health conditions are the second most common cause of sickness absence in the UK, accounting for 30.8 million days lost in work. Falls are responsible for around 95% of all hip fractures, costing the NHS over £1 billion per year. In older adults, poor muscle strength increases the risk of a fall by 76% and those who have already had a fall are three times more likely to fall again. Strengthening and balance activities not only help to prevent this, but also help improve your mood, sleeping patterns, increase your energy levels and reduce the risk of an

early death. All adults are recommended to undertake strengthening and balance activities suitable for them at least twice per week in order to maintain and improve health. For those at risk of falls or fracture, supervised structured exercise is also recommended at a pace that suits the individual to help maintain independence and support healthy ageing. The advice is that we need to give equal weighting to activities that boost muscle and bone strength and improve balance rather than simply focusing on aerobic exercise. “Alongside aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, all adults should be aiming to do strengthening and balancing activities twice per week,” said Dr Alison Tedstone, Head of Diet, Obesity and Physical Activity at Public Health England. Activities found to have the most benefit for muscle and bone strengthening include ball games, racket sports, dance and Nordic walking. Resistance training which usually involves training with weights is helpful and also body weight exercises.

Enjoy hot weather safely

follow this simple advice: • Drink cold drinks and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol which can dehydrate you; • Use sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15, make sure that it is still in date, follow the pack instructions and apply at regular intervals – otherwise it is ineffective. One study found that most people don’t apply enough; • Use sunscreen together with shade and clothing to protect your skin from burning – never use sunscreen as a reason to stay longer in direct sunlight; • Make sure you have water with you; • The heat can be dangerous for the very young, older people or those with serious illnesses. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. So check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours and friends who may find the heat too much. “If you feel unwell after being in the sun for some time, it’s a good idea to go somewhere cool to rest and have a cool shower or bath,” said James Ogle, GP at West Leicestershire CCG. “If you are breathless, or are confused or dizzy, visit the NHS Choices website, call NHS 111 or seek advice from your local pharmacy.”

More prescribing restrictions being considered AFTER A cold winter the weather has gone into reverse gear and weather forecasters are predicting more hot weather, though the forecasts do sometimes seem to change suddenly. Sun lovers are being urged to

A REVIEW by our Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) last year revealed that the majority of people buy their own medicines to treat minor ailments and most people are willing or very willing to buy medicines for minor

ailments and seek advice from their local pharmacist. Some prescribing restrictions were introduced in order that the cash saved could be used elsewhere in the NHS. Readers may have seen on the television that this year, following a 12 week public consultation, NHS England issued guidance for CCGs on conditions for which over the counter items should not routinely be prescribed by GPs This includes ten further conditions that are not included in the current West Leicestershire guidance - these include cradle cap in infants, dry or sore tired eyes, excessive sweating, infrequent constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, mild contact dermatitis, minor burns and scalds, oral thrush, prevention of dental caries, ringworm and sleep problems. Our local CCG want to know how these changes might affect you, but you’ll have to be quick as their survey closes on Monday 20 August. More information is available on the CCG website at www.elesurvey.co.uk/f/615150/158b

Annual October Survey THE CONTENTS of the annual patient survey is currently being considered by members of the Groby Surgery Patients Participation Group. If there is a question that you feel should be included, or you want to ensure that you receive a copy of the questionnaire so that you can participate, you can contact the PPG at grobysurgeryppg@ btconnect.com. Better still join the PPG as a patient member! Meetings are held every 2 months and last no more than an hour.

Norman Griffiths for the Groby Surgery Patients Participation Group

My wife can speak 60 words a minute. With gusts up to 90.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Watercolour classes in Groby Village Hall

THERE ARE still spaces left in Watercolour Classes starting in September! Local artist and teacher Mark Wilde has been running classes in the area for many years and will be offering 12 week sessions at beginners and intermediate levels. Step by step demos and one to one tuition are features of the course, which are run in a friendly, workshop atmosphere. Daytime classes are held at Groby Village Hall beginning 25 September. For more info please contact Mark at 07757 010982 or email markwilde8@gmail.com. I think the most exciting thing about being an adult is never knowing what part of your body is going to hurt the next day.

Groby Sings: from page 1 This was originally a number 1 for American group Toto in 1982. The choir performed beautiful harmonies in Africa as well is in others such as the Skye Boat Song (traditional tune from the 1870s) and Wild Mountain Thyme (originally from the 18th century) both of which brought a tear to the eye. As if they weren’t warm enough, the choir was encouraged to shake it all over to Chattanooga Choo Choo (Glen Miller Orchestra 1941) and Rock Around the Clock (Bill Haley and His Comets 1941). So many wonderful songs that everyone enjoyed, lots of audience participation and memorable extras such as the umbrella-toting cyclist in Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head!

Fundraising raffle at The Nottingham Building Society in Groby

Well supported by the community As always, Groby Sings has had so much support from our community. From our wonderful band, augmented this time by some fantastic brass and woodwind players, to publicity and sponsorship by local businesses, the amazing help of the Groby Club and, of course, our lovely audience, many of whom have attended every one of our 11 seasons so far. It’s interesting to note that our community seems to have widened over the years as our audiences regularly include family and friends from far and wide, not only from Ibstock and Leicester Forest East this year but also Derbyshire, Devon, Yorkshire and…Brazil! Groby Sings is aiming ‘high’ again with our next project, Groby Sings From The Rooftops. This will include numbers from Fiddler on the Roof and ‘other roof-related songs’!! Intrigued? Put the dates on your calendar – Saturday 24th / Sunday 25th November – or, better still, come and join in the singing from Monday 3rd September at Groby Club. If you prepaid for a cd of Steps Through Time, you can collect it on August 20th from Groby library, 2-3pm, or from the Parish church 8-9pm.

View our website www.grobysings.org or email grobysings@gmail.com for further information about singing sessions including availability of lifts to the Groby Club, parking or afternoon childcare.

THE NOTTINGHAM Building Society are raising money in aid of The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust. We are having a raffle at the branch where some great prizes are on offer they include- a meal for 2 at the Stamford, x2 Tigers tickets for a home game, and a few more surprises. Raising money for a fantastic cause! The draw takes place on 31st August 2018.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter

Fancy Dress Night for Charity My name is Amanda Carvin and I currently work at the Groby Ex-Serviceman’s Club. L ast May myself and three others took part in a tandem skydive to raise awareness and money for pancreatic cancer, and it was featured in the Spotlight. This year I am 80’s FANCY DRESS CHARITY organizing an 80s fancy dress charity night NIGHT to raise money for pancreatic cancer. The AT GROBY EX-SERVICEMENS CLUB Groby Ex-servicemen’s IN AID OF PANCREATIC CANCER club have generously allowed me to use their DISCO, RAFFLE, AUCTION,RETRO SWEETS function room free of charge to host he event, which takes place on FRIDAY 7th SEPTEMBER 2018 @ 7.30pm Friday 7th September 2018. FANCY DRESS TICKETS £5.00 I am looking for BEST DRESSED GETS TICKET REFUND donations to the raffle NON FANCY DRESS £7.00 and auction of on the TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM BAR STAFF night to help with my fundraising target of OR BY CONTACTING AMANDA £3,000. amanda.carvin@hotmail.co.uk Would you please be able to add my poster to the August addition along with a request for donations for raffle and auction prizes from individuals or local businesses? Any donations would be gratefully appreciated.

Amanda Carvin

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I hate it when your wife asks you to hold her handbag, and it doesn’t match what you’re wearing.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Allotment Times

Raised beds ... done! WE’VE BEEN very busy lately getting our raised bed site ready for the last lot of raised beds. We had to dig out the soil first (that was fun!) then put down and compact the hardcore base (even more fun!). The weekend of 21st July saw a lot of activity on the Ratby Road site! We had a Tarmac concrete mixer drive down our grass roadway to deliver a load of readymix to finish off the hard-standing for our raised beds plot. The Tarmac driver was really good negotiating our gate onto the plots (it was a tight fit). Our volunteer maintenance crew had built a chute to get the concrete to where it was needed, and a team of Tarmac men worked hard levelling it out to a fantastic finish. We couldn’t believe how quickly it was all finished and how little mess there was!The fencing contractor was working hard at the same time to put up a fence along the back of the plot to make it private and secure. After 24 hours, the concrete base was hard enough to put the three raised beds suitable for wheelchair or seated gardening in place, and by Monday they were full with sieved soil, ready to plant. The raised bed project has taken over 12 months in total, but we are now thankfully reaching the end. We started out with a grant from the Central Co-Operative Society community fund which helped us to put two wooden raised beds on half of the designated area, slab it and install a water supply. To achieve our aim of offering raised beds suitable for less mobile gardeners or those who use wheelchairs or can’t stand for a long time, we were very lucky to obtain a grant from the Thomas Herbert Smith Trust Fund and this has enabled us to realise our dream. The seated raised beds are made of fibreglass and filled with a water reservoir to give them stability but also to act as a self-watering device for the plants above as there are numerous wicks from the reservoir into the soil. Happily, two raised beds have already been let, one to a young newcomer to allotment gardening and one to a longstanding allotment tenant who wished to reduce their plot size to a more manageable level as well as aiding accessibility and continuing to enjoy their hobby, pass on their considerable expertise to fellow plot holders and maintain their social network. We have some finishing off to do before we can offer the rest of the raised beds to either current allotment tenants or new members, but it won’t be long now, so if you are interested, please contact grobyallotments@yahoo.com to add your name to the waiting list!

Carol Lincoln

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Reaching under the couch for something is the closest I’ll ever get to yoga.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

How pocket money can affect your children

Rounders Team pipped by half a point!

FORTNITE is one of the most successful – and most addictive – games ever.

MOST CHILDREN get their first experience of handling money through their regular allowance. So, how you give, and what you give really matters, for research has found that our ongoing attitudes to cash, saving and spending can be formed as early as the age of six. Rooster Money, the children’s money app, finds that parents are commonly giving their offspring close to £10 a week by the time they are 14. Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, a leading child psychologist, advises that there is no harm in giving children chores to do in exchange for the money. ‘Learning consequences and responsibility are the important thing. Money is the consequence of something: hard work. Once you have it, you have to be responsible. Children need to have some money in order to learn about it. They need to learn about spending and then having to replenish their resources.’ As for their future? ‘Our ideas and values about money are hard to shift. And those will have come from our families.’

Dangerously addictive Fortnite

Brookvale Groby Learning Campus Year 8 Girls rounders team came second in the Hinckley and Bosworth tournament in June, losing by just half a point to The Market Bosworth School in the finals. Well done girls - great effort!

Keep your brain healthy HERE’S AN excellent reason to get regular exercise: women who are fit at 50 are five times less likely to get dementia. A Swedish study found that middle age is the key time for people to take steps to promote their brain health. And boosting your exercise does not have to mean major exertion – just try a brief jog, or a brisk walk with friends. Doctors suggested that the best way to maintain good brain health was to ‘eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, not smoke, and keep blood pressure and cholesterol in check.’

Thousands of worried parents worry that the game is taking over their children’s life. One father found his primary school aged daughter sitting on a urine-soaked cushion – after a non-stop ten-hour gaming session. And so, in desperation, parents pull plugs, lock bedroom doors, or try other methods to get their offspring off line. Endless family rows erupt over how much time the kids are now spending on Fortnite, instead of schoolwork, their friends, or even eating and drinking. One parent says that before Fortnite came along, ‘our family life wasn’t The Waltons, but it wasn’t the war zone of today – with perpetual negotiation, confrontation and disappointment.’ Therapist Sally Bakers, who counsels gaming addicts, explains: ‘It is sensory overload. The games create unnatural highs and compelling behaviour. Children don’t have the mental capacity to deal with that situation. It’s toxic…. Remember, manufacturers in Silicon Valley won’t let their kids play, because when they’re gaming, …they are becoming robotic and hyper-charged.’ Meanwhile, one mother confesses, ‘thousands of parents are, like us, bumping along with not enough control, along with a gnawing anxiety that gaming will soon replace real life.’

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Girl Guides to learn about money

Groby man appointed Worcestershire NHS Trust Medical Director A GROBY RESIDENT, who is a national figure in learning disabilities and mental health care, has been appointed Medical Director at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

GIRL GUIDES are to learn how to look after money, after the introduction of a new ‘saver’ badge. Girlguiding UK has created the badge with the aim of improving financial literacy among teenagers. The girls, aged 10 to 14, must prove that they can manage cash efficiently, budget effectively and put aside money for the future, in order to win the badge. The badge has been created in cooperation with the insurer Legal & General, and was felt to be important as money management is a skill they will need all their adult lives.

John Devapriam is National Professional Advisor for Learning Disability for the independent regulator, the Care Quality Commission, and chairs the Quality Network for Learning Disabilities for the Royal College of Psychiatrists. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2015.and joins the Trust from Leicestershire Partnerships NHS Trust where he has been Consultant Psychiatrist in Learning Disabilities and Clinical Director for the Adult Mental Health and Learning Disability directorate. “I am delighted to join Worcestershire Health and Care Trust and look forward to working together with service users, carers, professionals and wider stakeholders to provide high quality and sustainable care for people in Worcestershire,” he said. Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is the county’s main provider of community nursing, therapy, mental health and learning disability services. It runs the local community hospitals and recovery units but also provides many of its services in the community; in peoples’ home, schools, and community centres. It was recently rated Good by the CQC. Sarah Dugan, Chief Executive at the Trust: “We are really pleased to welcome John to the Trust. He is a national leader in the field of learning disabilities and mental health care and has a wealth of experience to bring to the Trust. It is great that John is joining us in Worcestershire.” A family relocation to Worcestershire makes a commute of over 70 miles each way to Groby Surgery unrealistic for his wife Dr Thrisha John. She has left with the best wishes from patients and colleagues for the future, and her place has been taken by Dr Tanjit Ghag, the new female Partner at Groby Surgery

Norman Griffiths

Don’t forget to send us your news! Email: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk Thanks!

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea Discussion on a Unitary Authority NICK RUSHTON the leader of the County Council said: “I have decided to start a debate about how best to deliver local government services in Leicestershire. “It’s important we consider sensible options to get a better deal for our tax payers and those who rely on public services. One, 21st century council would reduce duplication of services, save at least £30m each year and improve services. Working with parishes and creating town councils in places like Loughborough and Coalville would also enable us to build stronger links with communities - giving residents a greater say in local services. Other unitary councils are already experiencing these benefits.” He said: “We now need to spend time exploring and working up more detailed options for the structure of local government in Leicestershire, drawing on research and the experiences of other councils. Seeking the views of residents, district councils, MPs, businesses, universities and others is key and I look forward to a constructive and informed debate. “However the idea, which would save the taxpayer £30 million a year in the long run and could open the door to closer collaboration with other East Midlands councils, has been met with a mixture of hostility, curiosity and indifference by county politicians.” Councillor Rushton went on to say after their July Cabinet meeting: “My cabinet has formally agreed to develop proposals for a unitary structure of local government in Leicestershire. It has not specified any particular proposal, although I have expressed my preference for a single unitary council with delegation to town and parish councils. There will be outline proposals for the district councils to consider later in the year, when I will be happy to engage with them and other interested parties. That is the purpose of the timetable. The county council will certainly look at any proposals the districts may put forward but their approach of seemingly ruling nothing out suggests that will be some time away. I believe it is best to have some actual proposals on the table so we can begin a necessary public debate soon.” I fully support the debate and want to look at all possible alternatives. I want to ensure that we deliver the best possible services for the residents that I represent. I

appreciate others may not want a debate and stay as the status quo. However that is not an option in the current financial climate and cuts to Councils budgets it may well be that nothing happens, but that should not stop Councils looking at other options.

Dog Fouling I HAVE received several complaints concerning dog fouling on the footpath leading across the field from Ratby to Sacheverell Way and also along the Ivanhoe Trail. I have walked both paths with my dog and must say there has been a lot of dog fouling where owners have not picked up. I would appeal to the small minority of irresponsible dog owners who do not currently pick up and bag their own dog’s mess, to think of others and change their attitude. It is not all right to let your dog foul in the field or on the verges of the Ivanhoe Trail. These walks are extremely popular and are well used by children and the community. You can place your bags in any Hinckley and Bosworth bin on the lamp posts or in the red dog bins. Thank you.

Damage caused to Groby Scout Hut, Quarry Park, Groby EXTENSIVE damage was caused to Groby Scout hut between 4pm on Sunday 29th July and early afternoon on 31st July. This has caused disruption to the various activities that take part there with the various groups of young people that use the facilities. If anyone has any information I would urge you to contact the

police or contact me in total confidence as you know I work closely with the police.

Former Highway Land Leicester Road, Groby I HAVE asked County officers to have the signs that say ‘Private Land - Do Not Enter’ removed, as the highways access has not been extinguished. I updated residents on the 27th June when I found the sale had fallen through. I am aware that the County Council are currently in negotiations with a builder. I will update residents as soon as I have any more information.

Fake Amazon Emails REMEMBER they are after your Amazon login details! Action Fraud informed me that they have had an increased number of reports about these fake emails purporting to be from Amazon. The subject line and content of the emails vary, but they all contain links leading to phishing websites designed to steal your Amazon login details. Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text. I would also recommend that you check the email address for the sender it will be nothing like Amazon.

Fake Argos texts offering refunds WATCH OUT also for fake text messages purporting

Ozzy O’shea to be from Argos telling you to claim as you are you’re owed a refund. The link in the messages lead to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information, as well as payment details.

Fake British Gas refund emails I HAVE been made aware of an increase in reports about fake British Gas emails claiming to offer refunds. The links provided in the emails lead to genuine-looking British Gas phishing websites that are designed to steal the usernames and passwords for British Gas accounts.

Fake LinkedIn emails ACTION FRAUD has received multiple reports about these fake LinkedIn emails. They claim that your LinkedIn profile has appeared in multiple searches and provide links you can click on to get more details. These links lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal and financial details.

Chairman’s Charity Brass Band Night I am extremely proud and honoured to have been elected Chairman of the County Council.

Groby Scout Hut has been damaged by persons unknown

I’m not racist but I absolutely hate marathons.

During my term of office I will be raising money for my chosen charity: Care of Police Survivors (otherwise known as COPS) I am holding a Charity Brass Band Night at St Philips and St James Church, Church Lane, Ratby starting at 7.30pm on Saturday 18th August 2018. Ratby Co-operative Brass band will be entertaining us. Tickets Cost £10 adults and £6 Concessions including refreshments. Tickets can

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter from Uncle Eustace be purchased via Ratby Parish Council Office or by contacting Anne Koscieiska at the County Council on 0116 305 6061 or y contacting me direct on 0116 239 4336 Tickets will also be available on the night on the door. COPS is a UK registered charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have lost their lives whilst on duty. We aim to ensure that survivors have all the help they need to cope with such a tragedy, and that they remain part of the police family as they rebuild their lives. 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 Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 Mobile 07808585825 Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

To Advertise in the Spotlight, contact Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk

On the delights of a working party in the churchyard The Rectory St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren A few weeks ago, some visitors to our church congratulated me on the decision they thought we had taken to let our churchyard run wild, so it could provide a natural habitat for the local flora and fauna. While assuring them that thoughts of rabbits, moths and nettles were rarely out of our minds, I made a mental note that it was time for a working party to be drafted; our local flora and fauna needed reminding who is really in charge. The request for volunteers produced the usual crop: those young farmers who saw it as an opportunity to compete with one another to prove who was the fittest, the recently retired who were determined to prove that they were just as able as those half their age and those whose main intention was to tell the rest how much better the job used to be done in their day. I explained to them all that naturally I would have been only too delighted to help, but my poor back excluded me. I did, however, offer to sit in the sun and keep watch over their jackets. We all have our own particular ministries. We were all more than a little surprised to see that Lord Euxton had put his name down on the list; the only exercise I have ever seen him doing is lifting a large whisky and soda. But on the day we found that his interpretation of offering his services meant sending round the under-gardener. I never realised that Dr Tomkins could run so quickly until he accidentally scythed the top off a wasps’ nest. Hotly pursued by several thousand irate insects, he cleared the churchyard, vaulted the wall and headed across the green to the village pond. Having spent the last three decades complaining about young people in the village diving into it, I suspect he will now be the first to contribute towards its upkeep. The moment of high drama was when a tree stump was dragged up using a tractor. Such force was needed that if the chains had snapped, a substantial portion of the men of the parish would have been decapitated. When the stump finally gave up the struggle, it emerged with several long-forgotten headstones and a portion of the church’s water main. The new feature of a churchyard fountain looked rather charming, until the water board arrived to cut us off. During the lunch break, most had brought packs of sandwiches or flasks of soup – apart from Major Mitchell (retired) who dragged a picnic hamper from the car boot and set about a three course meal washed down with a bottle of chilled Chablis. His decision to have a little nap, empty hamper and bottle beside him, when all the others returned to work was not entirely surprising. Three hours later, with the job completed, we all left for home, with the Major still enjoying his siesta. I woke him up at 6pm when I returned to church to say Evensong. Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Being a worm must be terrific. It’s like “Wow that dirt was great, I hope there’s more.” And there always is.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby WI celebrates its 65th anniversary Cathy’s - style. She brought along some of her beautiful jewellery for us to see and it was a most interesting and informative talk. The party took place at Devonshire • UNFORTUNATELY I was unable to Place in Leicester and we had a coach attend the July meeting as I was sunning from the Village Hall to travel in style to myself in Majorca but a big thank you our venue! to Margaret Gamble for doing the We had drinks on arrival followed following report: by a delicious hot meal, coffee and a It was a boiling hot evening but luckily piece of the wonderful birthday cake. our meeting this month took place at Our President, Angela, addressed the The Groby Club, a very good watering meeting with an extremely informative hole! speech. The first WI was formed in I must mention that due to holiday 1915 to encourage country women to commitments of several Committee get involved in growing and preserving members, I found myself acting as food to the war torn nation. Once the President. Things didn’t go too badly war was over the WI concentrated for me, not too many errors, but luckily on getting back to normal as soon as members are used to me! possible and in 1953 Groby WI was We were entertained by two ladies who formed. have given talks to us before and who Angela mentioned some other key always keep us amused. events from 1953: Queen Elizabeth II ‘Fun With Antiques’ was the subject was crowned, the 1st polio vaccine of the talk, and fun we certainly had. was developed, Mount Everest was We were divided into four teams; conquered by Sir Edmund Hillary and Groby-based jeweller Cathy Stephens (right) was the ‘The Sleepers’, ‘The Old Girls’, ‘Hidden Tenzing Norgay, Watch With Mother first guest speaker at our birthday celebration Treasures’ and ‘Acorn Antiques’. By the appeared on the BBC, to name but a few. way, the definition of ‘sleepers’ in the During our 65 years we have enjoyed wanted to have more input into what she was antiques trade is ‘an antique whose true value many memorable meetings with speakers’ making, but financing a business was difficult. She goes unrecognised for some time’ - rather like me subjects as diverse as belly dancing to paper married Michael and as a wedding present, her really! bead making. Trips have included Ladies Day at new father-in-law gave her £43 worth of silver Each team was given two items to value and Ascot, a weekend to Oxford, and theatre trips too and the tools to transform it. then the items were passed to another team, numerous to mention. We have supported many Her business began in 1972 with Michael sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? charitable events - including walking round the selling the jewellery at craft fairs - and the rest village in bras - and we’ve eaten lots of cake! The total cost for all eight items was about £450. is history as the saying goes! In 1979, Cathy was There was a Dinky Dublo train, a pocket watch, Our guest speaker at the birthday celebration made a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of brass goblets, 3 10/- notes (old money), a glass was Cathy Stephens, known to many of us for Goldsmiths and given the Freedom of the City of bottle, a Music Hall programme with Dan Leno her amazing jewellery business in the centre of London. This accolade allows her to drive sheep topping the bill, an old carriage clock and a Dick our village. over London Bridge, which she did in 2016 using Barton 1st edition annual. Dead easy our team Cathy Stephens is a family business renowned a shepherd’s crook and wearing a tiara! thought! for designing and making beautiful jewellery. The Groby business has been making beautiful Needless to say our team, who consisted of ‘real Cathy was born in South Africa but moved jewellery for over 30 years, using silver, palladium experts’, were miles out but finished 3rd more to Yorkshire at the age of 11. She went to and platinum, existing stones from old jewellery by luck really. The winning team, whose name I Loughborough College of Art and achieved or sourcing perfect gems for a new piece. cannot remember, came very close to the £450 her Degree in 3 Dimensional Design. Although Her daughter Pippa is now the General Manager - well done them! It made a change and gave initially interested in blacksmithing, she made her and Tiffany has followed in Cathy’s footsteps everyone a chance to voice their opinions, albeit first piece of jewellery as part of her course. After as a Goldsmith making pieces in her own - and mostly rubbish! a graduate apprenticeship she realised that she

OUR JUNE MEETING was amazing - we were celebrating the 65th birthday of Groby WI.

Twitter has taught me, if you have nothing important to say, say it anyway.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

• FOR THE LAST few weeks, there have been loads of outings and not one received a bad report. We had a tour around Leicester Cathedral and a day trip to Liverpool to see the Terracotta Army. A lovely lazy, sunny day was spent on a canal trip, with a great pub lunch and lots of refreshments on the boat. We had theatre trips to see ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Kilworth House, preceded by a picnic in the park. ‘Phantom of the Opera’ at Hinckley Theatre was especially enjoyable as it was performed by the young amateur group who always give a great performance. Also, as if that were not enough, a group went to see ‘Mamma Mia Here We Go Again’, the expectation being that it wouldn’t be as good as the original, but it definitely was. New members are always welcome.

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I asked my mum if by any chance I was adopted. She said “Why would we choose you?”

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THREE BROOKVALE Groby Learning Campus teams were part of the final for the 3M Young Innovators Challenge. They had their presentation evening on Friday 15th June at Loughborough College with Nicky Morgan, Loughborough MP presenting the awards. The pupils, ranging from Year 7-10, had worked extremely hard to dominate the challenge’s final lineup. We are pleased to announce that the Space-Tech team, comprising Amber King (Year 10), Ewan Pantling (Year 10), Jess Penlington (Year 9) and Jack Mosley (Year 9) were the overall winners! They each won £50 worth of vouchers and £750 of vouchers for school to spend on other STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) activities! The other two teams were also highly commended for their exceptional work and bagged themselves £25 of vouchers each. Congratulations to Team Lightbringers (Poppy Maynard-Smith of Year 9 and Katie Carvin and Charlotte Penlington - both of Year 7) and Big Ben Bosses (Amelie Golesworthy and Ethan Pantling of Year 10 and Isaac Mwenya and Abbie Palmer of Year 7) for achieving such excellent results! The competition has been really exciting to be part of this year and our three teams have developed a close, but friendly, rivalry (thanks in no small part to the number of siblings across the teams!) We now look forward to the chance to defend our trophy in 2019!

My kids are very optimistic. Every glass they leave sitting around the house is at least half full.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Get your spokes spinning and help transform lives CYCLISTS will pedal across the Leicestershire countryside to raise vital funds for assistance dog charity Canine Partners.

It’s time to dive in aid of LOROS Hospice AN UNDERWATER treasure hunt has been launched at Stoney Cove, Stoney Stanton in aid of LOROS Hospice until 25th of October.

After running the successful cycling event for the past two years in the south, Pedal For Paws is now coming to the Midlands and will take place on Sunday 23 September from the charity’s Midlands Training Centre, near Osgathorpe. Dozens of participants are expected to take part in the event, which aims to raise vital funds for the charity that trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people, boosting their confidence and independence. The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and dressing a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency. The fun cycle event includes a choice of two routes, which are adapted to suit all abilities from beginners to experienced riders. Facilities include a feed stop on route, an event village, bike washing facilities and refreshments. Tickets cost £20 for adults, £10 for under 16s and £15 per rider for a group of 10 or more adults. Registration opens from 8am, with races starting at 9am for the 51 mile route and 9:30am for the 29 mile route. For more information about Pedal For Paws Midlands please email helenw@caninepartners.org.uk, call 01530 225939 or visit caninepartners.org.uk/pedalforpaws

The event, which is being sponsored by Tarratts in Leicester, is urging divers to watch out for treasure as there’s a whole treasure chest of prizes up for grabs, including an Omega Seamaster 300m watch worth £3,000 as the top prize. Divers that are diving in the open water or in the indoor training pool need to keep a lookout for ‘treasure coins’, which are 5cm numbered discs. If you discover a golden treasure disc and hand it over to Stoney Cove’s own ‘Receiver of Wreck’ and you will be entered into the prize draw for a fee of £5. Abigail Battisto, Partnership Development Co-ordinator said: “We’re so excited to be involved in such a special and unique event. “It’s something that will bring a new and existing community of divers together in a fun and engaging challenge, so why not gets your friends together and dive into this one! We would like to thank Tarratts and Stoney Cove for supporting LOROS in an event we can all truly treasure.” At the end of the event, the treasure coins will be taken to the Dive Show at the NEC over the weekend of 27-28th October, when a diving TV personality will draw the winning coins and present the prizes.

When a man says he’s fine, what he really means is he’s fine.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Beaumont Leys author

A MONSTER’S TALE IS THERE anything more dangerous than a man with nothing to lose? Thirty-two-year-old Brett Kelso is an honest man who finds himself in an endless cycle of work and stress. He works hard in the care industry but is always counting down the days to the next pay-day, whilst the wannabe gangsters around town are never short of money. The bond Brett shares with his sister, Maria, brings him some solace, but he is tired of watching her abusive boyfriend make her miserable. To add to his woes his exgirlfriend, Lisa, with whom he shares a four-yearold daughter, thinks more of partying than being a mother. Brett is at breaking point when he finds himself on the receiving end of a renowned bully’s belittling tactics in front of an old girlfriend at the local pub. He is ready to blow a fuse, but the thought of his young daughter keeps him sane. Until a tragic set of circumstances finally unleash the monster within… Kelso Simon lives in Beaumont Leys, Leicester. After working in engineering for 8 years he was feeling unfulfilled and he embarked on a new career as a children’s support worker. Kelso worked in children’s mental health for 3 years and he now works as a pastoral and behavioural education worker for Leicester City Council. He also runs local community groups alongside this to bring more people together. Kelso says “With this book I really wanted to reflect the detrimental effect that the shallowness and social pressure aspects have on some people. I also tried to touch on issues that I feel contribute to the continued growing rate of male mental health statistics and the significant rise in male suicide. I also wanted to reflect the unfairness within parental custody battles and how the current system can leave a child in the hands of an unfit parent. Ultimately I wanted my readers to feel how cruel the world can be to a ‘good soul’ and how a good soul could turn ‘bad’.”

Website worth a visit www.Quora.com

QUORA is a question-and-answer site where questions are asked, answered, edited, and organized by its community of users in the form of opinions. Users can collaborate by editing questions and suggesting edits to answers that have been submitted by other users. Quora was co-founded by former Facebook employees Adam D’Angelo and Charlie Cheever in June 2009. As of April 2017, Quora has claimed to have 190 million monthly unique visitors, up from 100 million a year earlier. The Quora community includes some well-known people such as Jimmy Wales, Richard A. Muller, Justin Trudeau, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and the late Adrián Lamo, as well as many current and former professional athletic personalities. Daily Digest: In this method, Quora sends a daily email containing a set of questions with one answer that is deemed the best answer given certain ranking requirements.

Is it safe to breathe in your home? IS YOUR home polluted? A recent study has found that indoor pollutants are all around us, and that they may lead to up to 9,000 deaths a year. Dozens of personal care products have been given the thumbs-down for what they can do to the air-quality in your home: nail varnish, deodorants, gas stoves, wood burners, scented candles, home cleaning products and even soft furnishings, according to the campaign group Airtopia. As the average person spends 90 per cent of their time indoors, it can become a serious problem. Especially as evidence from the USA and Europe suggest that air pollution can be up to five times worse in your home than outdoors. So – go open a window!

My wife left me the other day, apparently because I’m ‘too formal’. So I sent her a letter of complaint.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Helping out at Sports Day

Universities can mistake ‘loneliness for depression’ MANY young people who have just left home for university will be lonely. That is a normal emotion of young adults, and it is certainly not a medical condition.

On Tuesday 19th June Brookvale Groby Learning Campus (BGLC) Year 8 & 9 students helped out at Ratby Primary School Sports Day! Well done to BGLC 11 Sports Leaders who volunteered to take part and make the day such a success!

Coalville Diabetes Support Group DIABETES UK has a new community support group in the Coalville area and would like to invite anybody affected by diabetes to attend. The mission of the group is to provide a regular meeting place for people affected by diabetes and to share information and experiences. We welcome interest from people living with diabetes, friends, family and carers. Date: Every 2nd Monday of the Month. Time: Drop in anytime between 3pm – 5pm. Venue: Coalville Library, High Street, Coalville, LE67 3EA. For further information please contact: Bill Brown (Lead Volunteer): Tel: 07876 748 113 Email: bill.brown940@gmail.com Diabetes UK Midlands: Tel: 01922 614 500 and ask for the volunteering team Roy Bustin or Harpreet Brrang Email: midlands@diabetes.org.uk

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So says a leading professor of psychiatry at Kings College London, who advises universities not to make the current mental health crisis worse by assuming that all sad students are depressed. He urged universities to stop throwing money at various ‘untested’ mental health initiatives. Instead, Sir Simon Wessely said: ‘Loneliness is a major problem for the student population…but there is quite a lot of evidence to say that the solution may not be to see a counsellor, but maybe to join a choir.’ He advised that the best way to protect against mental health problems was to draw on active social networks. Having friends who they can confide in is ‘probably better’ for students than seeking professional help.

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I called the Gambling Help Line but they wouldn’t give me any money.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Sign up with Paul for Leicester Memory GROBY RESIDENT and software engineer Paul Gill was told five years ago he would be dead before long – instead he’s very much alive - and urging people to sign up for Leicester Memory Walk! On being given the gloomy forecast with a diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia he refused to hit a wall and decided to hit the gym. He stopped drinking alcohol - almost completely – switched to a better diet and joined the Alzheimer’s Society Research Network as a volunteer. “I believe anything that helps me to be healthy is likely to help slow down the progression of my

dementia,” he said. “If being fitter keeps someone out of a care home for even just a couple of days the equivalent of year’s gym membership has been covered.” Having been told five years ago he was unlikely to live beyond six years and that by this point he’d be in a wheelchair, unable to speak, he is doing everything possible to defy the prognosis. Paul(70)of Leicester, and his wife Kathy, (72), are urging people to sign-up now atmemorywalk.org. uk for the event at Abbey Park on Sunday 30 September. “As a result of the frontotemporal dementia (FTD) I have a sore neck and less control putting one foot in front of the other,” he said. “A bit like being a jolted duck.

“I’m supporting Memory Walk because it is vital in helping raise money for research into new treatments for 12,000 people in Leicestershire and 850,000 nationally living with dementia.“ Paul, who has a 30-year background in mathematics and computing, worked on pioneering software as early as the 1970s and on radar at Racal and Marconi. His brain scan which revealed his diagnosis was conducted by a former colleague who’d moved across to the health service! As an Alzheimer’s Society research volunteer he now helps the charity on deciding on grant applications from researchers looking for better treatments and an eventual cure for dementia. “We need a leap forward in investment in research in the way there has been with cancer to make real progress,” said Paul. He and Kathy are helping in monitoring role on a £220,000 Alzheimer’s Society funded project

led by Professor Jason Warren at the Dementia Research Centre, University College London. The research includes new MRI methods, to find a way to achieve earlier and more accurate diagnosis of FTD and its major clinical variations. “The project is unlikely to be of benefit to me but I’m hoping it will result in early diagnosis which will help many more people,” said Paul. Alzheimer’s Society is pledged to invest £150 million in the next decade in the search for better treatments and work towards a cure. Professor Warren said: “FTD presents difficulties that are very

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I made a huge TO DO list for this weekend. Just can’t figure out who’s going to do it.

ANSTEY

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Walk little understood, even by GPs and is prone to misdiagnosis as a nervous breakdown or midlife crisis. “Symptoms vary but may include a breakdown in communication affecting language and understanding of speech. “Our research involves MRI scans of the brain to come up with better ways of diagnosing the problem and detect changes to help us develop new treatments. “Memory Walk and the people who support it, in Leicester and nationally, are extremely important – empowering for the many taking part and in making research possible.” Helen Whittington, Alzheimer’s Society services manager, said: “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes. “We’re calling on family, friends and teams to unite against dementia at LeicesterMemory Walk. “Dementia devastates lives, but every pound raised through Memory Walk will help us provide vital information and support, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition. “We are urging people to unite against dementia and register now at memorywalk.org.uk.”

‘What’s My Line?’ Careers Morning 240 Year 8 students from

YEAR 11 PROM! BROOKVALE Groby Learning Campus held their Year 11 prom on Friday 22nd June at the beautiful venue; The Empire, Belgrave Gate, Leicester. All students looked stunning and had a fantastic night!

Brookvale Groby Learning Campus took part in a ‘Careers Information’ activity on Wednesday 20th June. During lesson 1 and 2 students met with and interviewed a number of different careers volunteers in a “What’s my line?” style format. Students had to use their questioning skills to work out what each volunteer’s job role was and then had the chance to learn more about that particular career. The volunteers, from LEBC and STEM were impressed with our students’ behaviour and participation.

Mrs Dawson, Life Skills Faculty Leader

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I don’t mean to brag but I just completed my 21-day diet in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Fancy a game of table tennis? IF YOU are interested in playing table tennis either as a beginner or to improve your skills then why not join an established table tennis club? We are a a long established club with a friendly membership and meet weekly to enjoy playing the game. It really does not matter if you are a beginner or a more experienced player or some way in between, as we have members of all ability ranges. We meet every Wednesday evening from 7:15 to 9:15 at Elizabeth Woodville School. There is no membership fee but players pay £3 for each session they attend. Under 16’s pay a reduced rate of £1.50. If you are interested please just turn up on a play night or if you want to talk to someone beforehand please call Pat Carter on 0116 287 2730 or Laurie Goldberg on 0116 2876727 for a chat. Please note that we will be having a summer break and sessions restart on Wednesday 29th August 2018.

Laurie Goldberg

Treasurer, Groby Table Tennis Club

Groby Pool comings and goings by Lindy Hardcastle

SIMON’S gone. I met him at Christmas time when I was down at Groby Pool with my granddaughter Lucy. We noticed that he was being pecked and bullied by the other swans as we fed them and when we looked back across the pool from the top of the steps he was still standing forlornly on the rocks – a classic ugly duckling. Lucy ran back to him with the last piece of bread and from then on I visited him daily through the bad weather. He soon learned to come when I called him. I shall never forget seeing him plodding across the ice to be fed and fussed. I thought he would stay until his adult plumage came in and his beak turned orange. I haven’t felt like this since my youngest child left for university. I think they call it empty nest syndrome. As he left at the same time as several other swans, I hope he is with friends and that they will look after him and not lead him astray. He’s young for his age. Vlad and Cruella , the dominant pair of swans, had four cygnets, but at the last count they were down to two. Lucretia and Igor have also started a family but the prize for avian parent of the year must go to Mabel the Mallard who has single-wingedly raised eight ducklings who are now nearly as big as she is. The pool has been invaded by a large flock of messy, noisy greylag geese. They demand food with menaces and hiss when anyone approaches their babies. I took my Dad down to the Pool on his last visit. He is a WW2 veteran, but even he wisely retreated to safety when mobbed by greylags. As we left we met a puzzled young couple who, they told us, had been walking up and down the path from the car park for ages and still couldn’t find the Pool. We pointed them at the steps and went home, giggling. Peter, our ginger tom, has had a pleasant addition to his diet this month. Strawberry season is upon us at the allotment so his usual breakfast-in-bed chicken is now followed by home-made strawberry yoghurt. He glances at the sports pages of the Guardian but he’s no help at all with the cryptic crossword. David puts this down to down his lack of opposable thumbs- can’t hold the pen- but I really don’t think he’s very bright. Peter, I mean, not David. Oh, I don’t know though – Peter has got him very well trained.

Sometimes, just to annoy my therapist, I’ll ask him “So how does my lack of progress make you feel?”

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Village Society Coming Up August 23: Reflections in Rhyme- Delia Bennett

Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. The venue may have to be altered for some meetings. For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842. E-mail:- pcastell42@gmail.com Non Members are Welcome

What an apple might do for you HERE’S SOME good news: an apple a day could help keep diabetes at bay, according to new health guidelines. Yoghurt, cheese and regular cups of tea or coffee are among other food and drinks that could also help ward off the condition. But keep an eye on the meat and potatoes – they may actually increase your likelihood of diagnosis. The dietary advice comes from Oxford University and Diabetes UK. It also suggests eating more wholegrains and fruit and vegetables.

THE MARKFIELD AND THORNTON THEATRE GROUP cordially invites you to join them at a

MURDER MYSTERY EVENING

“FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS” by WAYNE ROBERTS

at THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE from WEDNESDAY, 5TH to SATURDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER at 7.30 P.M. NIGHTLY. Unleash your amateur sleuth and pit your wits against ours! Although it was solemnised in the village church, the union of Henry Davenport with Suzy Gower is hardly what one could describe as a marriage made in heaven. For one thing, he is old enough to be her grandfather; for another thing......well you’ll have to wait and see! Although this should be a happy occasion, there is a sense of impending doom. Not everyone wishes the couple well, nor does everyone have good intentions. We invite you to join the newly-weds and the wedding party of friends and family at the wedding breakfast. Before your eyes, a series of event unfolds and tragedy awaits the unsuspecting. Unbelievable as it may seem, someone is about to die! Who did the dastardly deed? You will have the opportunity to interrogate the suspects and to draw your own conclusions. You will then be asked indentify the murderer. Beware! If you are wrong, a guilty person will walk free!

TICKETS (£5) are available at Thornton’s Corner Store, on 01455 822148, or from any Group Member. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN INTERVAL REFRESHMENTS AND DRINKS.

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Attended a surprise party at work this afternoon. Fred was really surprised he was retiring.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Community Library News Update Your Time Out Café needs You!

Summer Reading Challenge – Mischief Makers THE BEANO-based summer reading challenge is well underway. Children have been signing up daily to take part in this year’s scheme. At this stage half way thro’ the summer holidays some enthusiastic young readers have read six books and already met the challenge.

Ten of the Best Reads TEN BESTSELLERS and recent releases are now available at Groby Community Library:

WE ARE delighted to announce that the Time Out Café in the Library is now open. For the last few weeks we have been serving coffee and cakes and lots of other goodies. The word is that the coffee is really good and the cakes are yummy. One Thursday morning stands out as being our busiest yet and I’m happy to say we coped! The Wriggly Readers, Groby Sings members and the Village Walking Group were all in the Library and café together. There was a great feeling of community spirit and this is exactly what we had envisaged at the beginning of the journey to open a café in the Library. This is Groby at its best, enjoying life and activities in the village.

Chrissie Fowler (left) and Janet Harrison Come and see what’s on offer in Time Out we would love to see you. The café is open at the same time as the Library closing half an hour before the Library closes. Time Out Café Opening hours: Mon, Tues,Wed 2 - 4.30 pm Thurs and Sat 10am-12.30 pm. In order to run the café we rely on volunteers. At the moment we only have a few. Dedicated and talented as they all are …. we need more. If you wish to volunteer please leave your name and details in the Library or email volunteers@ grobylibrary.com. We’re a friendly and happy team. The” Perk “of the job is a free coffee each time you volunteer!

1. Jo Nesbo 2. Lee Child 3. Tess Gerritsen 4. Bernard Cornwell 5. Jeffrey Archer 6. Anne Murray 7. Linda LaPlante 8. Sheila O’Flanagan

Macbeth The Midnight Line I know a secret Fools and Mortals Tell Tale Sisters of Gold Good Friday What happened that night

and two for younger readers ... 9. David Walliams The Midnight Gang 10. Michael Morgpurgo Flamingo Boy

Chatsworth House RHS Flower Show AN EXCITED coach load of us set off early on June 8th to Chatsworth House for the 2nd RHS Flower show to be held there. The sun was shining, (but not too much) perfect weather to walk round and view the show gardens. The spectacle this year was a wonderful marquet full of Orchids. Of course many plants and shrubs were bought and lovingly transported back to Groby. I am sure they are all now planted and growing well. I’m off for a coffee now! More next month.

Dr.Janet Harrison,

Vice Chair Groby Community Library Trustees

National Trust Leicester Association NEWS MOST PEOPLE think of National Trust volunteers as Room Stewards but there are many different volunteering roles with the Trust. Indeed at our local property, Stoneywell Cottage, there are fourteen different volunteering roles. One of the lesser known volunteering roles within the Trust is as an Archaeology Volunteer as most of their work is carried out in the parks, fields and open land owned by the Trust. The Trust owns very large areas of land in the Eastern Moors in the Peak District, all of which is extremely rich in archaeological remains. The sites vary from early prehistory remains and millstone quarrying sites right up to Second World War aircraft crash sites. A number of teams of Archaeology volunteers operate in these areas, mainly between August and March which is outside the bird nesting season. The basic work is monitoring scheduled ancient monuments, such as Bronze Age settlements and field systems and reporting on any damage. The volunteers also study the excavating the foundations of the volunteers busy. Many other NT landscape for new sites and have demolished country house to try to properties in the East Midlands such recently identified a well preserved find the existing cellars and there are as Canons Ashby, Hardwick Hall, Belton House and Sudbury Hall also 19th century factory site for making opportunities for the general public have ongoing archaeological activity. refractory bricks. Another role is to to participate in the dig. survey existing features that have The Gunby Hall estate, near The NT Leicester Association never been mapped and finally they Skegness, also contains many commences its winter programme also lead walks for the general public interesting features such as an Iron with an evening meeting on to visit the sites of interest. Age village, an abandoned medieval Tuesday 11th September at The Volunteer Archaeologists at village and an Elizabethan garden, Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone, at Clumber Park, near Worksop, are all of which keep their Archaeology

7.30pm. Derek Holloway will present an illustrated talk on The Beauty of Morecroft Pottery. Admission is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00 including refreshments. For details of the Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

When you said we should go for drinks, I didn’t realise you meant together.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Book now for Charnwood Voices concert CHARNWOOD Voices will be performing in the parish church of All Saints with Holy Trinity in Loughborough on Saturday 6th October at 7.30pm. The programme includes the popular Faure’s Requiem with it’s wonderful melodies along with the stirring spirituals of Rutter’s Feel the Spirit. The choir and Orchestra da Camera will be conducted by Musical Director Nicholas Scott-Burt. Charnwood Voices are delighted to welcome Maureen Brathwaite, Catherine Griffiths & Simon Lumby as soloists. The programme will also include Elgar’s Serenade for strings and compositions by Nicholas Scott-Burt - solos from the Magnificat and Passion Dances. The tickets cost £15 (includes a glass of wine or soft drink in the interval) (U16s free) and are available from choir members, by email tickets@charnwoodvoices.org.uk or on the door. Visit our website www. charnwoodvoices.org.uk for more information about the choir

Newbold Verdon Jazz Club

AUGUST saw the Dart Valley Stompers from Devon appearing at the jazz club and giving us a great evening’s entertainment. They started by playing a rousing version of Washington & Lee Swing that got everyone’s feet tapping and continued to play a varied selection of trad jazz tunes from the 50’s and 60’s. The front line of Jeremy Huggett reeds, Graham Trevarton, trumpet and Kevin Grenfell on trombone played consistently well together whether playing fast tempo numbers or smooth blues. They were well supported by the rhythm section of Chris Stockings on drums, Howard Williams on banjo/guitar and Bruce Rollo on double bass. Overall, with lots of well loved tunes and vocals the audience really enjoyed the evening. Next month, September 7th Washington Whirligig will be appearing. Do come along to Newbold Verdon Social Club and join us. Admission £9, music from 8.00 to 10.30pm. For more details contact Kelvin on 01455 822824 or Pauline on 01162 865496 or look at our website newboldverdonjazz@wixsite.com/home

GROBY Wine Circle is a very sociable group which usually meets on the third Monday of the month at Groby Community College. Speakers are invited to give talks on a variety of interesting topics after which there is a chance to catch up socially over a drink with cheese and French bread. Throughout the year we organise fun nights out such as skittles, quiz nights, group walks (weather permitting), meals out and visits, etc. Our summer outing in June was to the Langton Brewery at Thorpe Langton. We were treated, not only to sample some of the local brews, but to an informative talk about how the brewery came in to being, its expansion to meet demand and the methods by which the brewing process takes place. Generally, not unlike wine making but a bit quicker. It was an excellent evening. The tasting was very much enjoyed by everyone who attended and we finished off with a ploughman’s supper at the brewery. Thinking past the heat wave and looking forward to our new season, which starts in September, we already have some excellent talks arranged as below: • Monday 17th September – “The Inverted Spinning Jenny” by Derek Holloway • Monday 22nd October – “Bits and Bobs”. Bob Neil returns with every day objects from the past to look at. • Monday 19th November – “Turkey (the feathered kind)” by Ian Rogerson. • Wednesday 12th December – Dare we mention it at this time – our Christmas Dinner We have a book sales table at each meeting where books can be purchased for a donation. All proceeds go to a local Leicester charity. If you feel you would be interested in coming along or would like more information about our Wine Circle please contact either: Dave Cooper (0116 2392844) or Robbie Grundy (0116 2393853).

I’m really good at stuff until people watch me do that stuff.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Unitary Councils and the conjuror’s balloon Norman Griffiths reports on reorganisation talks MIKE HALL, Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council believes the proposals by Leicestershire County Council, to scrap all District and Borough councils and replace them with a unitary body, are ill conceived and not right for the residents of Hinckley and Bosworth. Leicestershire’s councils have a number of reservations as to the model proposed by the County Council and have agreed to work together to review the current model of local government. In June County Council Leader Nick Rushton said he wanted to start a conversation about creating a unitary authority to replace the county council and the seven district councils. Initial proposals will now be drawn up over the summer and early thoughts sought from residents, district councils, businesses, MPs, universities and others this autumn. A full public consultation on more detailed proposals is planned for early next year. The news follows discussions with the council leaders in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire about how they could join up as part of a strategic alliance, to counterbalance the growing power and influence of the West Midlands Combined Authority. “It’s important that the East Midlands is not overshadowed by the West Midlands. We are simply losing out,” Mr Rushton said. “I believe the time has come to consider having a modern, progressive council for Leicestershire, to replace the county council and the seven district councils. It’s important we consider sensible options to get a better deal for our tax payers and those who rely on public services. For now, we must accept that the two-tier local government system is broken. It’s bureaucratic, old fashioned, confusing, inefficient and takes money away from frontline services. One, 21st century council would reduce duplication of services, save at least £30m each year and improve services. Working with parishes and creating town councils in places like Loughborough and Coalville would also enable us to build stronger links with communities - giving residents a greater say in local services. Other unitary councils are already experiencing these benefits.” He said he had been talking to other councils about how to make full use of powers over planning, transport and investment to maximise their ‘collective clout’. “This is vital for Leicestershire’s economy – building the right skills, creating quality jobs

and housing. As leaders, we need to get our act together and these discussions have sharpened the focus on local government structures and how complex they currently are.” He added that whilst he has his own preference for a single council with direct links to local communities through towns and parishes, there may be other options to consider. “It’s estimated running one council would save £30m a year ongoing by having fewer chief officers, senior staff, councillors and offices. The money would be reinvested in services.” The Hinckley Times reports that the number of councillors could be cut from 381 to 110, paid £15,000 a year.

residents of Hinckley and Bosworth. The East Midlands could benefit from reorganisation and a strong regional voice, but I believe strong Borough Councils should be at the heart of any re-organisation not a casualty of it. “With other Leaders across Leicestershire and the East Midlands we want a proper debate and evaluation of all options. In my opinion that should include evaluating a London Style Model, with an East Midlands Authority and perhaps fewer District and Borough Councils.” Cllr Hall added that he hoped the county council will take note of this commitment to collaborative work, in the best interests of residents.

District and Borough councils to work together

How does this affect Parish Councils?

On July 26 The District and Borough Council Leaders of Leicestershire announced that they have agreed to work together to review the current model of local government for Leicestershire. In a statement they said that they wished to adopt a collaborative approach to examine what may be the best way of delivering local services for residents in the County, and in the wider context of the East Midlands region. “This new collaborative approach will examine what is both cost effective in how services may be delivered and how best to retain their link with local residents. Such models may mean stronger District Councils working within a combined authority or having multiple unitary authorities or whether the current structure is still the best way of delivering local services. We have a number of reservations as to the model proposed by the County Council not least the rushed timetable and it being too remote for local residents. However, we recognise that it may be premature to rule it out at this early stage.” Accordingly the Council Leaders have pledged “to work together to find the right solution for the residents of Leicestershire and look forward to engaging with our elected partners, stakeholders and residents to deliver the best in local government for Leicestershire and the East Midlands region.” They called for the County Council and others to join them in this approach, as they believe that collectively they have the expertise to determine the best solution for Leicestershire’s residents.

Proposals ‘ill conceived’ Speaking as Leader of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Councillor Mike Hall said “I believe the proposals by Leicestershire County Council, to scrap all District and Borough councils and replace them with a unitary body, are ill conceived and not right for the

Council finances are like a conjuror’s balloon. When you squeeze one part the balloon either bursts or the air moves to another part that stretches to accommodate it. The financial pressures on local authorities have resulted in spending and service cuts year on year and the squeeze has meant the costs of some services have sometimes been pushed elsewhere. For example, Groby parishioners pay more to the Parish Council to prop up the grass cutting levels that used to be part of their County Council bills. And they also pay £24 a year if they need to have their green waste collected by the Borough Council. If they want to borrow a book from the library they have to rely on unpaid staff to look after them and to contribute to the running costs by supporting fund raising initiatives. In order to help keep the library open Groby residents gave £16,500 from their Council Tax to the volunteer Trustees. This has been wisely spent on improving the premises taken over from the County Council, providing accessible toilet facilities and alterations to form a cafe which it is hoped will be the main source of income for the future. A unitary authority may reduce overall expenditure but is unlikely to result in a halt to the devolution of services and costs to Parish level, though this is something that Secretary of State, Sajid Javid, commented on in his speech to the National Association of Local Councils annual conference in 2017. “I know that not enough cash from the principal support grant is finding its way down to your level,” he told delegates. “And that’s just not right.” He went on to say that Principal authorities should be devolving responsibilities to local councils not so that they can save a few pounds and get important work done on the cheap, but because they are best placed to deliver more tailored services.

“They certainly shouldn’t be using parish precepts as a means of avoiding their own cap on council tax increases. Doing more with less is one thing. Doing something for nothing is quite another.” He said the government has previously issued guidance to billing authorities on this, making clear that they should work with parish and town councils to pass down appropriate levels of funding. “So let me promise you all today that I’ll be exploring ways in which I can strengthen the requirement for principal authorities to pass a share of local council tax support to their towns and parishes. But from my conversations with you, it’s clear that too many top-tier councils aren’t following that guidance closely enough. It’s the least you deserve.” He added that now is the time for the little guys to think big, to innovate and to show ambition. Freelance journalist Neil Merrick, writing on www.localgov.co.uk, said Mountsorrel Council will this year raise more than £540,000 from residents following the transfer of services from Leicestershire County Council and from Charnwood Borough Council. He noted that not only is Mountsorrel running a community centre and a youth cafe but is also taking responsibility for the library threatened with closure. The librarian’s salary will be paid by the Parish Council. “We didn’t want to rely on volunteers,” says parish chair Steve Haywood. During the past five years, Mountsorrel has taken nearly £320,000 from reserves to avoid increasing council tax, leaving it with just £48,000. Merrick wondered whether in the long term Mountsorrel and other parishes that rely on volunteer councillors have the capacity to run services associated with larger councils. ‘We are the lowest of the low,’ says Heywood. ‘We are the third tier of local government and don’t get paid.’ Mountsorrel residents in a Band D property have seen their contribution to the Parish Council rise by £123 to £199 this year as the council starts to rebuild its reserves. This rise was accompanied, Merrick says, by a 5.99% council tax increase levied by Leicestershire and 3.6% from Charnwood. If there’s a parish which hopes to benefit financially from any agreement reached on unitary authority status, and hopes that Sajid Javid’s promises about funding trickle down are delivered, it must surely be Mountsorrel.

My mother talks into the phone like a combat soldier calling in air support.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Chrissie Hynde meets the world’s happiest cows!

News from Elizabeth Woodville Primary School IT HAS been a wonderful end to the school year with a wide range of curriculum experiences celebrating the arts and PE. Pupils have enjoyed recreating masterpieces from extraordinary artists from around the world using a wide range of techniques. They have also participated in new sports, thanks to Leicestershire’s Choose How You Move’ Team and LFE Tennis Club. Pupils have even been involved in composing their own authentic Samba music! Well done also to all our Y6 pupils, who now leave us for high school. We are incredibly proud of you all and everything you have achieved across seven unforgettable years at Elizabeth Woodville. We know you are ready for the exciting challenges that await you at high school and in the future, good luck! Thank you to everyone for reading our news this academic year. On behalf of all of us at Elizabeth Woodville, we wish all Groby Spotlight readers an enjoyable and relaxing summer.

CHRISSIE HYNDE of The Pretenders took a break from her heavy touring schedule to visit the cows at Ahimsa Slaughter-Free Farm in Rutland this July. She made friends with Violet and Cowslip and then fed a few carrots to the non milkers. Eager recipients included who else but Rockstar Would you like to visit the cows? The Ahimsa Farm’s next open day is on Saturday 25th August. A beekeeping presentation will also be made. The farm is located at Yard 10a, Old Manton Station, Wing Road, Manton, Rutland, LE15 8SZ. For full details, visit the website at: www.ahimsamilk.org

Cycling Tour de Leicester!

Sunshine, ice creams and a 14 mile bike trip, what more could we want from a Friday at school! Elizabeth Woodville joined schools across Leicester in participating in a mass ride into the city for the annual schools’ ride. This was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our love of cycling and for pupils to use their Bikeability skills. The event was hosted by Leicester Cathedral, with entertainment for our successful cyclists including a thrilling mountain bike stunt show by Danny Butler! Pupils even had the chance to meet Filbert Fox. Thank you to all the members of Leicestershire’s ‘Choose How You Move Team’ for their support. A brilliant (yet tiring) day!

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JULY

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The BibleGE holds the Key Life The great Bible holds the Key to Eternal Life I CONGRATULATE for their workto onEternalOur Year 5 and 6 footballers showed resilience by bouncing back after defeat the flower bed at the bottom of Fir Tree Scout Hall, Stamford Glenfield in last year’s Marconi cupBible Bible final. The boys Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield Lane in the village. But when are St. they the whole Eacha Sunday 6pm Willing) performed brilliantly throughout Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing) going to provide car parkatfor all(God of their Talks Talks tournament. Our team have done us proud employees? and it has been a great way for some of our For the wages WeJul on1Chapel Hill have anJesus' extension to their on site Lessons from Prayers For the wages Aug 5 journey Life out Year 6’s to finish their sporting byof Death - The Glory of God parking at no expense to the company. of sin is some death;silverware. of sin is death; securing Jul 8 Commitment - To What? but the gift of From 8am until 5pm residents cannot park outside of but the gift of Aug 12 A Disciple's Life in the World Zen theirJul own GodDen is eternal God is eternal 15 properties. The Miracle of Bible Prophecy This at Zen Den the As I write we have eight cars occupying every lifeterm through life through Augchildren 19 Thehave Bible's Great Courtroom Drama been discussing Jul 22space. available God’s Purpose with the Earth Jesus Christ their emotions and sharing Jesus Christ ideasour about do when big, Visitors, unless very early, have to park where they Lord.what they can our Lord. Aug 26 The Life-Changing Effect of the Bible 29 village. Jerusalem - thedrive City up of the GreatforKing difficult feelings become overwhelming. can Jul in the Shoppers looking a Romans 6:23 Romans 6:23 The children and Mrs Smith have been mastering their skills through expressing gratitude, temporary space give up and move on at the loss of www.lifes-big-questions.org www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield www.lifes-big-questions.org kindness, mindfulness and learning how to be resilient with www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield ‘bouncebackability.’ They have even local shops. So when is GE going to respect the village residents?

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

The Bible holds the Key to Eternal Life Bible Talks Sep 2 Sep 8

Bible Talks

Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing) Is the Bible at the Centre of Your Life? Why We Should Believe that Jesus is Coming Back

Sep 16 A New Start Sep 23 Genesis - a Book Jesus Believed In. Sep 30 The Bible - The only Authority www.lifes-big-questions.org

The Bible holds the Key to Eternal Life

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23

www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield

Glenfield Christadelphians

Scout Hall, Stamford St. Glenfield Each Sunday at 6pm (God Willing) The Birth of Israel and Their Part in God’s Purpose

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of Oct 14 Jew and Arab – Friend or Foe? God is eternal life through Oct 21 Who or What is the Devil? Jesus Christ our Lord. Oct 28 Choices in Life Romans 6:23 www.lifes-big-questions.org www.thisisyourbible.com/glenfield Oct 7

Glenfield Christadelphians

DECEMBER I’m not fishing forNOVEMBER compliments, but what are your top 100 favourite things about me in prioritized order?

The Bible holds the Key to Eternal Life

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby & Field Head Spotlight 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. Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby & Field Head. 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.

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Groby

Sacheverell Way

Kirby

Road

A46

Ratby Sta

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e id ks oo ow Br ead M

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Glenfield

Optimus Point

DEADLINE: 1st September 2018

“This is an infrastructure scheme to improve and link footpath network improvements to the Ivanhoe trail and to the Optimus industrial development in Glenfield, an outstanding planning condition for that development,” explained Councillor Peter Batty. The new cross country cycle and pedestrian path between Glenfield and Sacheverell Way will not be officially available for public use until Autumn 2018, as an informal crossing point across Sacheverell Way has to be properly formed and completed and the work signedoff by the County Council. The route runs more or less parallel to the motorway. Anyone who has recently walked in the area may have come across the work in progress accidentally. As part of their Transport Plan for Optimus Point the developer, Wilson Bowden Developments (WPD) proposed the new pedestrian footpath/ cycleway link to Groby on a route that the company owns or controls. It is a permissive route and has been funded by WBD. The stated aim of their Travel Plan (TP) is to minimise the impact of travel on the environment, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, improve local air quality, minimise health risks and reduce congestion. Encouraging residents and employees to carry out their everyday activities in a more sustainable manner can also contribute to improvements in the local environment. The Travel Plan is a package of measures designed to reduce the number and length of car trips, whilst also supporting more sustainable modes of travel and reducing the overall need to travel. The Plan argues that the Glenfield development is well located to maximise cycling opportunities. It is extremely close to an access point for the Sustrans National Cycle Network (NCN) and Kirby Road, running past the site, is part of a signed on-road cycle route that links with the NCN on Groby Road via Glenfield. “The length of cycling trips will be governed by routes that are available and trip length, although a number of other factors often mitigate for or against making these trips.” The Department for Transport states that the average length of a cycle journey is

tby

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 15th September 2018

READERS who noticed plant and machinery working on land off Sacheverell Way, opposite the Ratby Road end of Laundon Way, may have wondered what was going on.

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.

Autumn opening for new cycleway to Glenfield

Desford Road

Kirby Muxloe

3.84km, though it seems people are prepared to cycle up to 8km. It concludes that approximately 4km has a potential to substitute for short car trips and that 8km is a maximum realistic range for the average cyclist (as opposed to enthusiasts). As Groby falls within this catchment area the outcome is this new pedestrian footpath/ cycleway link between Groby and Glenfield. But how many Groby residents will find employment in Glenfield, and what proportion of those would wish to cycle in all weathers and all seasons, is a matter of speculation. However a new, mainly flat, cycleway will no doubt be welcomed by leisure cyclists if the use of the existing Glenfield to Ratby railway route is any guide, even if there are a few gates along the way. The path is seen as creating a new recreational opportunity for the residents of Groby, Glenfield and all of the nearby local settlements to obtain access to the wider footpath network, as well as to other open

My boss told me to have a good day. So I went home.

spaces in the locality. This includes access to the newly created Brookside Meadows area, an informal open space to the north of the Optimus Point site within Glenfield Parish. Commenting on the announcement, David Ward, Planning Director at Wilson Bowden said: “We are pleased that there has been a lot of interest shown in this new footpath link. It is being installed to assist in providing good quality pedestrian links from Groby to the recently constructed employment site at Optimus Point. However, it will also bring recreational and community benefits for all leisure–users whether they are walking the dog, taking a jog, or just wanting access to the countryside. We trust that this footpath provision will be wellreceived by local residents, and that, in due course, it will be very well-used for years to come.” You can see photos of the cycleway on www.grobyonline.tk.

Norman Griffiths

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Spotlight Small Ads Pick Up A Bargain! • Suitable for most pets, craftsmanmade WOODEN ARK 28 inches square and 3 ft. run, with galvanised wire. Stainless steel strips to base, to avoid weather damage. Brand new. Price: £75. Tel: 01530 230389. (Bagworth) • Deluxe DECORATORS TABLE Moulded in Polypropylene. Good Condition Price: £10.00 Tel: 01530 245944 (Markfield) • Rio - MOBILITY SCOOTER - Useful for spares or short distance. Silver & Black. Collection Only (Groby) Price: FREE Tel: 0116 287 7624 • Humax Freesat 1010S DVR Twin tuner FREESAT TUNER AND RECORDER. 1Tb hard drive, very versatile machine. Remote and HDMI cable included. Two aerial cables. Price: £80 • Dyson DC27 ball type upright VACUUM CLEANER. Price:£100 • External DVDR/RW DRIVE. USB cable included. Price:£15 • Universal REMOTE CONTROL. Price: £6 • Wireless KEYBOARD AND MOUSE Price:£12 • Praktica Zoom BINOCULARS. 8 – 30 x 21. BAK – 4 Prisms. Small binoculars in case. Price: £30. • Canon Pixma MG350 PRINTER. Good working order with several cartridges. Prints, scans and copies. With disc holder to enable printing on CD/DVD. Price: £25. Tel: 07764 968948 (Ratby) • Kyham DOME TENT - 3 person. This this quick erect tent has a breathable inner with a PU coated outer, sewn in ground sheet and is totally waterproof, even in storm conditions. It is for serious camping - do not confuse with cheap garden tents. Price £40. • Set of 8 Royal Worcester Porcelain decorative WALL PLATES depicting various Canal Boat scenes. Each plate is separately boxed with its own authentication certificate. Price £20 for the set. • Adult size BICYCLE, 26in Alloy wheels, 15 speed and fitted with Karrimor pannier bags. Very little used so in unmarked condition but needs 2 new tyres as originals have now perished. Price £50. • Trailer LIGHTING BOARD. All lights working, 13ft of cable and 7 pin plug. Price: £8. Tel: 01530 244686 (Markfield) • Self assembly pine BOOKSHELVES, 5 fixed shelves, size H 167, W 87.5, D 31.5 cms. In good clean condition. Price: £15. • Wooden Double Extension LADDER, 18 steps,length 13 feet £40 Buyer to collect. • TROLLEY JACK 2 tonne £25 • 2 AXLE STANDS 2 tonne £10 Tel: 0116 287 4920 (Groby) • Russell Hobbs RACLETTE, boxed great for al fresco eating hardly used Price: £25 • WENDY HOUSE, will need to dismantle/reassemble Price: £60 • Greenwoods SUIT, charcoal 32” waist, R length. Worn once, less than

half price Price: £40 • Olympus EXERCISE STEPPER with arm exercisers, measures calories, steps, distance etc Price: £25 Tel 01530 243386 (Markfield) • Dismantled aluminium GREENHOUSE 8 ft x 6 ft with most of the glass and clips available. Price: £50 o.n.o. • SAS WHEEL CLAMP Price: £20 Tel: 07505 361546. • Aluminium extending LADDER. Best quality. 3½metres closed, opening to 6 metres. Very strong, with non-slip feet. Price: £45 Tel: 0116 260 1865 (Groby) • BREAD MAKER - hardly used. Price: £15. • Rapid boil KETTLE. Price: £10. • Four-bar TOASTER. Price: £15. All in good working order. • Corner TV TABLE with 3 glass shelves. Price: £5. Tel: 0116 223 5720 (Groby) • New long, black EVENING DRESS. Round neck, no sleeves, hand-sewn beads on bodice. Size 16. Price: £20. • As new, ladies TROUSER SUIT, 60% wool, dark fawn tweed. Coat: size 14 (zip-fronted. Trousers: size 12. Will separate. Price: £12. • Men’s new James Pringle thick dark bluezip-fronted JUMPER. Fleece lining, size: large. Price: £10. Tel: 01530 242054 (Markfield) • Mains EXTENSION REEL, new, 10 metre, 10 amp. Price: £5. • SPOKE SHAVE, new. Price: £2.50. • BLOCK PLANE, No.2. New. Price: £5. • ‘Handy’ AXE. New. 14”. Price : £5 • Hand-held MAINS LIGHT. Price: £3. • Reel of heavy duty TAPE. New. Price: £2. • Mains EXTENSION LEAD, 6-way, new. Price: £3. • B&D MULTI-VICE. Price: £5. Tel: 0116 287 5973 (Groby). • Readers Digest boxed COUNTRY MUSIC GOLDEN HITS Parade’. 7 LPs all as new. Price: £20. • Readers Digest boxed ‘Family Favourites’. 8 LPs. Price: £15. • Mixed LPs, 60s & 70s. Price: £3 each. Tel: 0116 287 7734 (Groby) • For sale TOURING KIT for Kawasaki versys 650 (2010-2013) - 1 PLXR450 Quick Release PANNIER RACK £75 ono - 1 Pair of MONORACK ARMS for Rear Rack £30 ono All in good condition Tel: 07715 056674 (Groby)

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Spotlight, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum EIGHT items please. 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 postal address (not for publication).

Art SPOT HENRY ASENCIO

to visit Whitewall Galleries in Leicester: 18th August Henry Asencio will be revisiting Whitewall Galleries in Leicester on Saturday 18 August, 2018 between 01:00PM - 03:00PM. Avant-garde in execution, Asencio’s work blends the classical ideals of figurative painting with a unique, modernist style. He has been named as ‘Today’s Top Artist’ by the USA association of Art Business News Major Shows for an astonishing four years in a row and his New York exhibitions have sold out every year. His many celebrity collectors include George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, Ice T and Coco, Anne Heche, Barry Bonds and Billy Crystal.

BLOSSOM by Henri Asencio

DOUG HYDE

to visit Whitewall Galleries in Derby: 19th Aug. The nation’s favourite artist, Doug Hyde, will be visiting Whitewall Galleries just up the road in Derby this n Sunday 19 August, between 11:00AM - 12:30PM. Join Doug in the gallery as he unveils his new artwork collection. Doug’s sought after figurative images have taken the art world by storm. Using a smile as his starting point, he has created a fabulous, Space Cadets by Doug Hyde uplifting range of award-winning imagery to inspire a nation. Don’t miss this exclusive event, which represents an exciting opportunity to acquire artwork from the most popular artist at work in Britain today.

Beware taking your pills abroad ARE YOU going abroad on holiday? Be careful which medicines you pack – what is legal in this country may NOT be legal in the country to which you are going. And, as figures from the Health Survey for England show that 48 per cent of us are taking prescription medication, this will affect very many of us. Officials at the Foreign Office strongly advise you to check the rules online before you travel. For example, even Vicks and Sudafed are illegal in some countries. In others, such as Greece, Diazepam, Tramadol, and codeine are controlled drugs. Sleeping pills, anti-anxiety pills and strong painkillers require a license in Singapore. So – do read the travel advice for each country before you go.

Just called to make an appointment with a psychic but she told me that I don’t show up.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Borough Councillors’ Monthly Report

Leicester Road Former Highway Land for Sale

Leicester Road Newtown Linford Lane Heritage Road Sign AS WRITTEN in one of my previous articles in the Spotlight there is no road sign at the junction of Newtown Linford Lane and the Leicester Road junction. Vehicles coming into Groby from junction 22 of the M1 or at any point along the A50 up to the slip road into Groby would enter Newtown Linford Lane approaching the junction at Leicester road alongside Groby Library to the left and the Chip Shop to the right. Just as pedestrians reaching this point from Newtown Linford, Groby Pool etc would have no idea of what road they were about to enter as there was no road sign positioned at this junction showing where you are i.e.: Leicester Road. I am pleased to say having campaigned on this issue for some time this has now been resolved with the placement of a Heritage Road Sign (pictured below) informing anyone who would wish to know that they are entering Leicester Road. Being in the conservation area the Heritage Road sign stating Leicester Rad was installed at the end of July 2018. My thanks go to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Groby Parish Council and Leicestershire County Council all who have supported this important addition to the Heritage road signage in the village.

Klondyke Update HINCKLEY & Bosworth Borough Council have set a date for the Task & Finish Group to meet to hear stakeholder representations including a number of residents. However this has been set for August 13th without consultation with the key partners and residents who they wish to attend. Setting the meeting in the centre of the peak holiday period without consultation with anyone other than the panel members can hardly be described in any way shape or form as fair! Furthermore the political balance for the panel was set and recorded in a motion as on a political balance of 3 Conservatives, 2 Liberal Democrats & 1 Labour member. Cllr Lay the only Labour member and Chairman of the Borough Council’s scrutiny group declined his position on this panel.

from Martin & Ted

Martin Cartwright Call: 0116 287 4500 Mobile: 078 50 70 70 50 E-mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk Write: Maverick House, 10 Pine Tree Avenue Groby, LE6 0EQ

It therefore surprised me, Cllr Cartwright when I learned the political balance had changed to 4 Conservative and 3 Liberal Democrats. I strongly object to both the date being set in the middle of the holiday season compromising many key attendants and without any consultation with the key people of their availability. Furthermore the political balance has been changed completely unconstitutionally adding further members to that agreed and changing the balance. I can only think that HBBC thought we would not notice shame on you HBBC!

Martinshaw Development Update BY THE time I wrote this article I thought that both the development would be completed irrespective of the merits of the issues that have surrounded it. Furthermore that the report following the task and finish meeting would have been produced. Truth is neither has happened. The development has had further delays with delay to both the completion of the bungalows themselves and issues with planning changes to the road just inside the entrance resulting in delays to the road construction. Surrounding residents are in dispute with the Borough Council regarding legal action and my 150+ questions submitted to the task & finish panel although being worked on remain unanswered by a final report. I will update you once I have further information on both the construction and ongoing issues. That said as I have always said the addition of disabled bungalows in this location will be a

Ted Hollick Call: 0116 287 5955 Mobile: 07962 373983 E-mail: ted.hollick@tesco.net Write: 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, LE6 0FY

welcome addition to the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s housing stock once completed and occupied by residents with a connection to Groby.

War Memorial Restored in time for Centenary HINCKLEY’S WAR MEMORIAL has been given a facelift in time for this year’s commemoration of the centenary of the end of the First World War. The Borough Council arranged for the work to be completed after some of the original wording on the memorial, which dates from 1922, had become weathered and unreadable in places. The memorial commemorates the names of the 622 people from Hinckley who died in service during the first and second World Wars and in subsequent conflicts. Now specialist Stonemason Capitol Stone from Nottingham has restored the lettering at a cost of £5,000, which was funded by the Borough Council. The memorial was first dedicated in 1922 and it is certainly fitting that it has been brought back to its former glory in time for Armistice Day.”

Children & Young People Exams MANY CHILDREN and young people will have just completed their exams. Thousands of hours of studying go into those exams and now the anxious wait for the results. Parents, grandparents, relatives and loved ones are very proud of their efforts. Ted and I wish everyone involved in exams recently the results they hoped for and the ability to choose their preferred career choices.

IT IS MY understanding that the former highway land (old A50) behind the homes on Leicester road that was marketed by Carter Jonas on behalf of Leicestershire County Council for sale has had some recent developments. Westleigh Homes had been given permission to complete some test digs on the site and were in potentially advanced talks to purchase the land. Recently signs have been erected saying that the land is private and not to enter. This is interesting as it suggests that the land has been sold. However, as it is former Highway land and has a grant of access over it until this is rescinded it is still Highways land albeit not used for cars due to the new A50 bypass. This means that it still has right of access over it. The original sales listing can be viewed online at: http://www.rightmove.co.uk/ commercial-property-for-sale/ property-49418163.html This states that the site has either been removed or sold by the applicant. Cllr. Cartwright comments: “Prior to Westleigh showing an interest I had always believed that this land was more likely to be sold to a small local property developer without the national house builders experience as the abnormal clearance costs and construction challenges the site presents would ultimately be borne out by a less experienced small local builder. “It is also interesting that it is being advertised when all of the major builders will have long since been aware of the opportunity to purchase it. “Serious questions need to be asked regarding the 1 in 1000 year flood risk, which local residents affected by this will find a joke.”

We Are Here To Help You SHOULD you have any comments or problems you would like us to mention in our articles or we can help in any other way please get in touch. Kind regards

Martin Cartwright & Ted Hollick

I’m taking part in a 0.000005K run to raise awareness for laziness.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Bunnies galore!

Bradgate Rotary Sun and Socials WHAT A GREAT and active time Bradgate Rotary have had during the summer months. We have been able to enjoy the lovely sunshine and raise money for our local charities.

Darts

ON THE morning of Sunday 30th September you can attempt a serious 10K or a fun 3K in the beautiful Beacon Country Park at Woodhouse Eaves. Whether you run for the enjoyment of it or make it sponsored for charity, both runs are suitable for all abilities and are entirely off-road along woodland pathways and bridleways while only the 10K includes a seriously uphill section. There is also the possibility of 4 friends running together as a relay team where no-one runs more than 3K but the team covers the whole 10K. Everyone finishing gets a medal and there will be a host of prizes as well as the opportunity for a warmdown massage. If you simply want to watch or to take the family, there will be hot food and drinks, and a playground for the children. The event is organised every year by The Rotary Club of Loughborough Beacon and full details are available at www.beaconbunnyrun.org

Book Spot

Can’t Buy That Feeling

By Simon Kimber & Gary Silke Can’t Buy That Feeling takes you inside Leicester City from the perspective of those who were there - behind the scenes at the long-running soap opera packed with comedy and tragedy, triumph and disaster, financial ruin and amazing title wins. Features over 100 FOX fanzine interviews with club legends, stars, well-remembered players and managers. Price: £15.00

Our summer started early in May with our first ever Charity Team Darts competition. Four teams signed up to play a fast darts throwing competition (aiming to get the largest score of the evening). The teams were amazing and gave their all. After two hours of frantic darts and camaraderie “Stamford City” emerged as the victors and winners of the trophy! The results table read as follows: • Stamford City ,The Stamford Arms, Groby 41.460 points • The Coach and Horses team in Markfield 37,143 points • The Blacksmiths Arms, Barwell 31,271 points • Stamford Deacon, The Stamford Arms, Groby 24,418 points A total of £367 was raised for our charities. We would like to say a big thank you to all the participants and their families and to all of the staff in our local pubs for their support and enthusiasm. Well done and thank you to all the teams. We hope to run a future challenge competition later in the year so if you are interested in getting a team together please let us know. You don’t need to be regular darts players, you just need to enjoy a challenge and having fun!

Summer Fetes and Parties

June was the season of fetes and celebrations starting with our stall at the Groby Street Fair and followed up by our Social evening at Ulverscroft Grangeon a beautiful summer’s evening. We listened to short presentations on the work of two of the charities we have supported this year: Stuart Gill from The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation (offering support to disabled and disadvantaged adults in Leicestershire) and Steve Humphries from The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (A charity set up to provide education and support about SADS (Sudden arrhythmic deathsyndrome). We also had a very interesting and informative presentation from Ffion Davies, Senior Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Leicester NHS Hospitals Trust. This included basic emergency training on what to do when someone has a heart attack. At the end of the evening we were able to present a cheque to each charity for £1,500 from our fund raising over the last year. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and supported us. We are now preparing for our next events including a stall at Anstey Gala (8th September), a social to Bradgate Park Proms (August 18th) and planning for our autumn and winter events. If you are interested in joining us please come along to any of our breakfast meetings on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of the month ( 7.30am at The Stamford Arms, Groby) to find out more about who we are and what we do or contact our new president Roy Cafferty – roycafferty@hotmail.co.ukTel 07817523518. New members would be made to feel very welcome.

Sue Pontefract

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The police want to interview me. Strange, I didn’t even apply for a job there.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

What is breeding

All the latest Martinshaw School News on your tea towel? 500 Words 500 words is a nation wide short story competition conceived seven years ago by Chris Evans and run annually by the BBC in two categories, 5-9 and 10-13 age groups and is supported by a number of celebrities, including David Walliams and Jim Broadbent for instance. The finals of the competition were held at Hampton Court Palace with the Duchess of Cornwall as an honoury Judge. A number of students from the school took part in the competition and, although they didn’t win, the stories from Robbie and Bella from year 6 were considered good enough for them to be invited to the finals. I asked Robbie if he saw Camilla and he replied,’If you mean The Duchess of Cornwall, then yes’. That was me told then.

Goodbye Mrs Thurlow Mrs Hazel Thurlow, the much loved and respected Deputy Headmistress, has moved on to pastures new having accepted the role of Head at Mid Calder Primary School, just to the west of Edinburgh. As well as her management duties Mrs Thurlow, for a number of years, taught in year 6, guiding students through the stress and rigour of SATs exams and preparing them for the almost grown up world of High School and College. At an emotional leaving assembly she presented a Mulberry Tree to the school to replace the one damaged in a recent storm, so that future generations can sit in its shade and enjoy the fruit that it produces.

Legal Graffiti A couple of months ago, year 5, as part of their studies into town planning and the local environment, enjoyed a visit by a local ‘Graffiti Artist’ Adrian Gardener. As it was too good an opportunity to miss he was commissioned to produce an example of his work to brighten up KS 2 playground. The result was a wonderful piece which not only showcased his work but gave a colourful message about British values and Democracy.

Judo The whole school, class at a time, enjoyed a judo lesson under the eye of a highly skilled Judoka. However, I think year 2 enjoyed it the most as Phoebe got to practise her moves on her teacher, Miss Baitson.

Year 6/5 end of Year perfomance They thought they would stretch themselves this year and tackle Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. A feisty daughter who won’t marry the man her father chooses, a jealous best friend; bickering King and Queen of the fairies; an hilarious group of workmen trying to put on a play; a love potion and of course Puck who interferes with everything. This musical certainly followed the original story, sort of, but anyway it was certainly enjoyed by both the cast and the audiences, and if the Bard was turning in his grave I am sure it would only be to laugh and salute the very enthusiastic and talented players.

Owen Lawrence

YOU WILL never look at your kitchen tea towels in quite the same way again: they could be harbouring bugs which will give you food poisoning. Here are the gruesome details: recent tests on tea towels found that E.coli is more likely to be found on towels which have been used for both dishes and drying hands. Damp tea towels are the worst – with up to a third growing E.coli on them. The bugs found were of coliform bacteria, (a group which includes E.coli); enterococcus spp, and staphylococcus aureus. Food poisoning bugs can be fatal for the elderly, the very young, or infirm. Government guidelines recommend changing and washing tea towels, dish-clothes, sponges and oven gloves on a frequent basis, and letting them dry well before re-use. Homes that are vegetarian have fewer bugs on their tea towels. The study was carried out at the University of Mauritius.

GLENFIELD LADIES CO-OPERATIVE CHOIR

OPEN EVENING

WE ARE a group of ladies who love to sing a wide variety of music, and meet regularly on Monday evenings. If you enjoy singing, come along and sing with us - we would love to see you! The details of the Open Evening are as follows: Monday 3rd September, 7:159:15pm Glenfield Methodist Church Station Road, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8BT For more information, please contact Becky Wales on 07857 644704 or glenfieldchoir@outlook. com

It’s good to share!

If you enjoy reading Groby Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

Former shop unit To Let at 7 RATBY LANE, FIELD HEAD THE PROPERTY is located on Ratby Lane close to its junction with Leicester Road which forms part of the A50 and is a main link from Junction 22 of the M1 motorway to Leicester City Centre. The property will be part of a semi-detached property of brick construction under a pitched slate roof. The shop front is of wooden construction, as are the windows to the rear of the property and the first floor. The property is currently undergoing a refurbishment which once completed will be to a high standard and will consist internally of a ground floor retail area with small kitchenette and w.c. whilst on the first floor will be storage or retailing facilities. Externally, there will be a paved area to provide off road car parking for approximately 2 vehicles. The accommodation comprises: Ground Floor: Retail Space approx. 52.23 m² 562.19 ft² Kitchen approx. 2.16 m² 23.25 ft² W.C. First Floor Stores approx. 16.42 m² 176.74 ft² RENTAL: £8,000 per annum exclusive. For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact Spencers Druce on 0116 255 8888 or email: info@spencersdruce.co.uk

I find it very offensive when people get easily offended.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Gardening Society News Evening visit to Botanic Gardens THE JUNE 14TH meeting took the form of an early evening visit to the University of Leicester Botanical Gardens, when around 40 members (including two new members who joined on the day) were given a guided tour in groups of (around) ten. I am indebted to Mary Campbell the guide for my group, who provided details of the gardens for me.

country), African Blue Atlas cedar, Himalayan cedar, Cyprus cedar, giant sequoia, Grand fir, dawn redwood, and Highland pine. There are examples of Field Maple, reputedly planted in 1760 as the local Enclosure Act was enforced. There are also lodgepole pines, and Lawson’s cypress. The water garden and sunken gardens are thought to have been laid out in the 1920s in the Arts and Crafts Garden style, which leads to a 150-metre long herbaceous border. A venue that is well worth visiting throughout the year. See also their website https://www2.le.ac.uk/ institution/botanic-garden

Helping Hedgehogs – 12 July

The gardens were originally the grounds of four houses (three built between 1902 and 1908, the most recent built in 1928) covering some 16 acres, and these were bought up over a period of years to create the botanic gardens today. The original University botanic garden was within the Leicester campus, and transferred to Oadby in 1947 and are named after Harold Martin, a former registrar of the university who oversaw the purchase of the houses. By 1968 the boundaries between the gardens of the four houses had been removed and the site took on its current layout, which is under continuing development. Botanic gardens carry out research and educational activities. Students from Leicester University study aspects of evolution and classification, as well as plant physiology and genetics, in addition around 12000 people attend lectures and courses at the garden, including children from schools within the city and county. There is a variety of garden types each containing plants typical of their type from all over the world, including the water garden, the sunken garden, the limestone garden, the sandstone garden, the herb garden, order beds - used in teaching the classification of plants - the pinetum, the cedar grove, paddock and meadow. There is an alpine house and a desert house, as well as a large fuchsia collection. Of particular interest within the herb garden is the Fibonacci pavement, which mathematical formula is found repeatedly throughout nature in the way for example that seed heads and leaf arrangements are created in the most efficient manner. Many of the gardens of the original houses were designed specifically for their owners, and reflect the trends of the time. Of particular interest are specimens of: evergreen oak, a hybrid wingnut (which species dates back to cretaceous times and was thought extinct), sugar maple, Japanese and English walnut, European oak, Indian horse chestnut, Turkish hazel, Kashmir rowan, Chinese bramble, gum trees, Japanese maple, a Judas tree, several magnolia, a Japanese umbrella pine, swamp cypress, bristlecone pine (the tallest in the

We were joined by Colleen Powell of Leicestershire Hedgehog Rescue (see also their website http://leicestershirehedgehogrescue. co.uk) who gave us a talk about one of Britain’s native mammals, the hedgehog, highlighting how useful they are to gardeners and what we can do to help them. Hedgehogs are in serious decline throughout Britain, and deserve a little help from us. A show of hands revealed that only about 10% of members had seen a hedgehog in their garden. Colleen told us that hedgehogs roam considerable distances - up to 1.5 miles - each night foraging for food, and may visit 10 or more gardens. They have poor eyesight but very good hearing and sense of smell. Leaving or creating a gap underneath fence panels in the garden helps them roam more freely. You can encourage hedgehogs to visit, and keep visiting, by leaving out a small dish with some cat food or cat biscuits (not fish based) and they will in turn help to keep down the slug, snail and beetle population, something we’d all welcome. Putting out bread and milk for hedgehogs can make them ill, since they are lactose intolerant. Mealworms left out for the birds can also make hedgehogs ill, their high calcium/phosphorous ratio causing calcium deficiency. Hedgehogs are adapting to climate change and the warmer winters that we frequently have by no longer habitually hibernating. They are also likely to produce 2-3 litters per year, and those born later often struggle to gain sufficient weight to survive the colder weather. Even so, approximately half of all baby hedgehogs do not survive the winter. Colleen urged us to avoid slug pellets containing metaldehyde (the bright blue pellets) since these are toxic to hedgehogs, and indeed most wildlife. There is no known antidote to metaldehyde poisoning in hedgehogs. Although hedgehogs do carry fleas and ticks these are host-specific and you are very unlikely to be troubled by them; you’re more likely to be affected by those on your cat or dog. Hedgehogs build nests in quiet corners of the garden, and Colleen urged us to be careful when tidying up in the autumn in case they are disturbed. Ponds and ditches, or holes where a fence post has been removed can cause a hedgehog to fall in, and if there is no escape route they could perish. Hedgehogs can swim but are not good climbers, so adding a shallow ramp will help them get out. Other hazards are abandoned nets, wire and string, which could cause a hedgehog to become entangled, and chicken wire fencing – they might try to clamber underneath it but would be unable to

turn around because of their spiny covering (there are approximately 5000 spines on an adult hedgehog). Colleen brought along two rescued hoglets which will be cared for until they gain sufficient weight for them to be released back into the wild, where their life expectancy is three years. Hedgehogs’ only predators are badgers, but they are increasingly being affected by human activity. They’ve been around for 20 million years and are beneficial to modern gardening techniques, so we should encourage them as garden visitors.

Llandudno trip – 25-27 July Around 30 members went on the annual trip, this year to Llandudno staying for 2 nights at the Imperial Hotel on the seafront, and stopping en route at Arley Hall. Day 2 saw us take a trip to Portmeirion, and on the return journey on day 3 we called in at Wollerton Old Hall.

Forthcoming trips • Day trip to Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire on Wednesday, September 12, cost is £24.

Come along to a meeting! If you like the sound of what we get up to, why not come along to a meeting and try us out. Our monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill, Groby. You’ll be sure of a warm welcome, along with a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit! Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Eric Atherton. (Tel. No. 0116 287 6637) or Email e.atherton637@btinternet.com The next meeting is on 9th August, when we’ll be welcoming Rutland Willows to tell us all about willow weaving. In September we’ll be welcoming Mick Eaton, with a talk entitled “Start Christmas early”! Note that the Village Show is on Saturday 18th August in the Village Hall, 2.30 – 4.30.

Keith Poole

Zebras are just horses that escaped from prison.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

DISASTER MOVIES Wordsearch

05/08/2018

Word Search Puzzle

IF YOU can find 12 DISASTERForgot MOVIES in this issue’s Wordsearch puzzle, you could username or password? Passcode/Create New win User Help yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel. Solutions for Districts

Free

To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the titles of well-known12 disaster Resources What We Offer WhoorWe Are Teachers Send Parents your entryStudents to: END OF movies . These can run vertically, horizontally diagonally (and backwards!). THE WORLD, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 1st September 2018. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the prize. T H E T O W E R I N G I N F E R N O Q A Good luck! L S O I K U T X R D W H U G K E H V Z N V F N N P W T N A O O L W Y I K N Y M I Here are the 12 DISASTER MOVIES you have to find:

H I E I Z W M K N L Y M P G M W S

V U R Y D F A H O X K B H E R N E

R L U R J E K Q D A Y T I U O U W

E P T H P S F N D G E N R V T S O

D Q N S B X B H E W T C B N S O F

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A NIGHT TO REMEMBER • ARMAGEDDON • CLOVERFIELD DANTES PEAK • DEEP IMPACT • EARTHQUAKE INDEPENDENCE DAY • THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW THE PERFECT STORM • THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE THE TOWERING INFERNO • TITANIC Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner The first correct entry drawn out was from: PAULINE LAW of Ferrers Rise, Groby

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What did we do before Google? ANIGHTTOREMEMBER ARMAGEDDON GOOGLE, the internet search company, CLOVERFIELD was founded 20 years ago next month, DANTESPEAK on 4th September 1998, by Larry Page DEEPIMPACT and Sergey Brin, both students at EARTHQUAKE INDEPENDENCEDAY Stanford University in California. THEDAYAFTERTOMORROW

The company was initially based in a friend’s garage. The friend – Susan THEPERFECTSTORM Wojcicki – is now CEO of YouTube. THEPOSEIDONADVENTURE The company developed from an idea for an innovative search engine THETOWERINGINFERNO TITANICcalled Backrub, which outshone early competitors. Eventually originally its use became so ubiquitous that the word “google” is now often used to mean search on a computer. From the outset Google has included “Don’t be evil” in its code of Created by Puzzlemaker at conduct, and this has been reiterated as recently as this year. The company says: ‘We believe strongly that in the long term, we will be better served – as shareholders and in all other ways – by a company that does good things for the world even if we forgo some short-term gains.’ The name Google is a play on the mathematical expression for the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. It reflects the founders’ mission ‘to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.’ The company’s huge campus, Googleplex is a tourist destination in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is regarded as an ideal employee-friendly workplace. The company employs over 60,000 people.

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New cameras to tackle speeding LEICESTERSHIRE County Council are installing new average speed cameras this summer as part of a scheme to alleviate safety concerns across the county. The new devices are being installed in Sharnford, Walcote, Oadby, Groby, Measham, Woodhouse Eaves and Wyfordby as part of a year-long trial to discourage motorists from speeding. The speed cameras - set to be switched on this September - will cover four villages and three key main and rural routes which have various issues and concerns around speeding and safety.

Other people don’t like my queue-jumping. Especially when I use my motorcycle.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-AUGUST 2018 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk AS THE summer term came to an end it was time for the final sporting event of the season Benny Clinton Invitation Trophy. The team went into the competition full of confidence after a 3rd place league position and a Marconi Cup Final. The team started the competition against the holders and favourites for the tournament Desford, and after a tight game Desford scored with the last kick of the match to win 1-0.

This made LJG’s chances of making the final a tough task. We then came up against a well drilled Barlestone team and ended the game 0-0 with LJG dominating most of the game. Sheepy Magna were our next opponents and a victory was very much needed. We took the lead after a beautiful though ball was played by captain Lucas which left super striker James one-on-one with a chance he was never going to miss. So, 1-0 to LJG the match ended. We went into the last game knowing that a win would be enough to make the final but came up against the hosts of the tournament, Newbold Verdon. After many goalkeeping heroics from the Newbold Verdon goal keeper, James again popped

gives a grand total for the year of £5,160. The money raised this year will be spent on outdoor equipment for the playground.

Lady Jane Grey School News up and blasted the ball into the back of the net to give us a 1-0 victory, and LJG are in the final! The Final would see LJG come up against Desford again. The game was very tense with both goalkeepers making amazing saves and keeping their team in the match. With neither team able to break the deadlock it went to the dreaded penalty shootout. However practice had paid off with LJG winning the penalty shootout 6-5! The Benny Clinton Trophy was coming back to Lady Jane Grey! I would also like to personally say well done to all the players who played on the day and throughout the whole football season: • The Spectacular stopper – Joe • The rocks in defences - Madilyn, Tom, Dec and Ellis • The midfield maestro – Will • The Vardy-like Striker – James • The Superb Vice Captain – Thomas • And the driving force of the team this year the Captain – Lucas Thank you for all your hard work this season and congratulations on winning the biggest trophy of them all! This year has been a record year for Lady Jane Grey’s Home School Associate. The Spooky Disco raised £450, Christmas Fair £804 and the Milk Bottle Challenge £600. The recently held fundraising week was a staggering success entered into by everyone at school, both children and adults raising an unbelievable £2,300. The Summer Fair was another huge success raising £1,006. This

Thursday 5th July saw Lady Jane Grey’s choir give a special evening performance in the school hall to raise funds for an experience of a lifetime: to perform at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall, next year. Our singers gave wonderful renditions of some of the classic musical numbers they had recently performed at De Montfort Hall (like ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ and ‘Feed the Birds’), in addition to a range of other popular tunes which their choirmaster, Mrs Lyons, had been working on with them. The audience members were treated to a jubilant version of Jess Glynne and Clean Bandit’s hit song, ‘Rather Be’; Emeli Sande’s life-affirming anthem, ‘Wonder’; and a contagious rendition of Queen’s classic, ‘We Will Rock You’, which featured Mr Fletcher playing the famous guitar solo and gave the choir the chance to demonstrate some of their quirkier dance moves.

Courses to keep rural skills alive PEOPLE who want to help keep history alive by learning a traditional rural skill can sign up for a range of courses starting next month.

The sessions are aimed at people with little or no previous experience of rural techniques. Courses on offer include dry stone walling and hedgelaying. An advanced hedgelaying course, for those who would like the opportunity to further develop their skills, will be available early next year. Anyone is welcome to attend the courses, with discounts being offered to those who live in a partnership area, which covers Blaby, Charnwood and Hinckley and Bosworth, as well as those on job seekers allowance. The courses on offer are: Introduction to dry stone walling: Outwoods, Loughborough, 22 and 23 September 2018, £70 per person; £60* Learn how to recognise the different types of stone and their role within the building process. Strip down and repair a section of tumbledown wall, rebuilding it back to its original state using different types of stone. Hedgelaying for beginners: Bardon Hill, Coalville, 17 and 18 November 2018, £70 per person; £60* Learn about the art and practice the traditional skills of laying a hedge. Go through the various processes of hedgelaying, with time to lay a section of hedge, stake and bind it. Due to the practical nature of each course, a reasonable degree of physical ability is required. Booking is essential, so to ensure a spot on any of these courses, please contact Leicestershire County Council’s environment team on 0116 305 7264 or email environmentteam@leics.gov.uk. *partnership discount applies to anyone living in Blaby, Charnwood or Hinckley and Bosworth district.

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Rehearsals at Groby Club from 3rd September Monday afternoon choir: 1.15pm - 3pm (Childcare facilities, lifts available) Monday evening choir: 8pm - 9.30pm Monday after-school children’s choir: 3.40pm - 4.40pm

Performances: Saturday 24th November at 7.00pm & Sunday 25th November at 3.00pm www.grobysings.org for more information

I’ve had myself waxed ‘down there’. Now my socks slide on real easy.