The News & Information Magazine for Groby, Field Head & The Brantings
Groby War Memorial Village Hall Car Park Groby Village Hall is a registered charity run by a management committee of trustees.
The committee gives notice that in order to protect its property it intends to impose controls on the use of the Village Hall private car park The first stage will be the installation within the next two weeks of a lockable barrier. In the meantime the committee is advising local residents, unauthorised users, and the local authorities of its intentions. For added security the barrier may be locked when the Village Hall is not being used, access will be available for Library staff. The car park will be closed and the barrier locked at some point in the New Year to enable ‘white lining’ to be renewed as recommended by HBBC. Following the ending of the three way agreement in 2009 between the Groby Village Hall, Leicestershire County Council, and the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, any future maintenance costs of the car park will have to be borne by the Village Hall itself. Although the car park is presently in a very good condition it will at some point in the future require resurfacing at some considerable expense. This is likely to be within the next ten years. In view of this the Committee is discussing various ideas which would enable it to raise revenue for this purpose. Pay and Display or space rental are just two of the options which the Committee will be considering.
Groby Village Hall Management Committee
On Sunday 13th November the new Groby War Memorial was unveiled in the corner of Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club car park. This event was attended by approximately 180 people, with wreaths being laid by Albert Hargreaves for Groby Club, Martin Cartwright for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Alan Atkins & Owen Lawrence for Malaya & Borneo Veterans After the unveiling, the Revd Louise Corke said a prayer, and then people were invited into the club for a drink or tea/coffee and biscuits provided free of charge. The plaque on the memorial reads as follows: It is with honour, pride and gratitude that we remember all those brave servicemen and servicewomen who sacrificed their lives in defence of our liberty and freedom. We salute you. We will remember them. Hopefully by the time you read this the stone wall surrounding the memorial and steps up to it will have been completed. The memorial has no metal on it to deter theft, and is covered by CCTV 24hrs a day. Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club are extremely grateful to all those individuals and businesses that have donated time, resources or financially towards the new Groby War Memorial
Top selling children’s author visits Lady Jane Grey Primary School The children and staff of Lady Jane Grey Primary School had a fantastic time during National Book Week (14th-18th November 2011) whereby one of the current top selling children’s authors, Tom Palmer visited the school. He has received awards for his children’s fictional stories which are based around the sports of Football and Rugby. He spent the day with the Key Stage Two children leading a fun and fantastic football quiz, reading extracts from his books, answering children’s questions and signing books. He left the children feeling enthusiastic, inspired and excited about reading and writing. One child commented “this is the best day at school… ever!” while another child wrote a thank you letter to Tom Palmer with the comments “you have inspired me to read more books and write my own stories”. Continued on page 6
Groby In Bloom has folded Helen Lindsay REPORTS I am sorry to announce that Groby in Bloom has folded, even though the volunteers had planned some lovely displays for next summer to celebrate the Olympics and the Queen’s Jubilee. 1 would like to thank the volunteers; for their commitment to the group and the time they have willingly given to planning
Continued on page 3
Next issue out on 14th January • Article/Advert Deadline: 3rd January
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Anstey & District Funeral Services www.ansteyfunerals.com
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STARS AT CHRISTMAS As the festive season once again draws near, we at Anstey & District Funeral Services are acutely aware that this can be a very difficult and demanding time for people who have lost a loved one. In that vein, we would like to offer you the opportunity to acknowledge the memory of someone you have lost, and someone whose memory will be special to you this Christmas. A Remembrance Christmas Tree will be available inside our offices from 1st December for this very purpose. If you would like to use this way of paying tribute to your loved one, you simply have to write their name and details on a paper star (that we will supply to you) and return it to our premises, at Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey - the star can then be placed on our tree. Alternatively, you could simply post the star to us. We trust that this will provide a treasured memory for both you and your family during this Christmas time and we wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight. None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.
NEXT ISSUE OUT Saturday 14th January
Advert Deadline: Tuesday 3rd January
TO ADVERTISE: Call 01530 244069
Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Home improvement grants available
OBITUARY
GRANTS are available for private householders in the borough who are looking to repair their properties. The funds are administered by the Borough Council’s Private Sector Housing team and Care and Repair West Leicestershire and can be used to carry out works such as damp proof courses, roof repairs, electrical rewiring and heating repairs/replacement, subject to survey. To qualify for financial assistance applicants would need to be receiving a qualifying benefit or be over the age of 60 where a financial test of resources can be applied. For more information on the grant schemes and what is available please call Private Sector Housing on 01455 255734. Care and Repair are a home improvement agency. Their role is to assist people with obtaining contractors’ quotes and completing the paperwork required when applying for financial assistance and monitoring the works as they are being carried out. Care and Repair also have two schemes for the over 60s. A handy-person scheme for smaller general repairs and a Safe at Home scheme that installs locks and security measures. For more information on these schemes please call Care and Repair on 01530 510031.
Groby in Bloom - from page 1 their areas, planting and maintaining the floral displays. The husbands of the volunteers have also played an important role, for example in helping to maintain areas and collecting plants. The support from sponsors for the various floral displays has been greatly appreciated: GE for Fir Tree Lane, Mark Jarvis - planters leading up the steps to the shops, Lawnwood - Classic Cuts for the flower bed, Henson’s Hardware for the hanging basket, Crofton House Dental Practice for Oak Tree flower bed, the manager at Santander for the container outside that establishment and Pricegate for container in the Village Hall car park, plus Groby Post Office, Groby Chinese Take Away, Groby Fish Bar and Wilsons and Sons for the hanging baskets. There are many other people and organisations that have supported us: Mark Allen, Leicester Blinds for helping us with erecting the hanging baskets; Jim Bryce for making all our notices, collecting the hanging baskets from the nursery and watering the plants outside the Council Office before and after the watering contract finished, Anil Tailor, senior partner at Celerica for auditing our books and Groby Parish Council for their financial support.
Helen Lindsay
Ford M Baker was for many years minister of Trinity Baptist Church which met at Groby Village Hall. He and his wife Peggy lived on Flaxfield Close and will surely be remembered for their Shitzhu “Freddy”. BAKER, Rev. Ford Rev. Ford Baker, 69, of Decatur, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Rev. Ford was born in Detroit, MI and went on to serve as a medic in the U.S. Air Force. He was a missionary in England for 12 years. He is predeceased by a daughter Patricia Marie, and survived by his loving wife of 50 years Margaret, two daughters; Cathi and Laura and his faithful dog Freddy.
Carol Measures
(formerly a member of TBC)
Peggy and Rev. Ford
Winter travel A government warning said that anyone travelling in icy conditions should take: shovel, blankets, sleeping bag, scarf, hat and gloves, 24 hours supply of food and drink, de-icer, rock salt, torch, spare batteries, road flares, reflective triangles, tow rope, a five gallon petrol jerrycan, first aid kit, and jump leads. So ... I looked a complete prat on the bus this morning!
The most adorable bride of today will be someone’s mother-in-law in the future.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Bradgate Twinning Association News Report from Mike Brewer
This year our French friends visited us from Friday, 28th October till Tuesday, 1st November. In the Good Old Days this would have involved spending most of the first day travelling, including a trip across the English Channel, whose horizon sometimes, rather unnervingly, went vertical.
Free advice to boost village shops Free advice to help village shops boost their businesses is on offer from a £30,000 county council scheme. Leicestershire County Council has launched its village shop support scheme, to help village shops and Post Offices survive the downturn and fend off superstores. Its offering free specialist advice, plus grants of up to £3,000. Lesley Pendleton, Cabinet member for rural affairs, said: “Our village shops and Post Offices are the lifeblood of our local economies and we’ve launched this scheme to help them survive and thrive.” The council has commissioned Kerching Retail to offer the advice service. Corin Birchall from Kerching said: “We want to help shops explore all the opportunities to help their businesses grow. “Examples include revamping your window display, using a website or Facebook to communicate regularly with customers and launching a loyalty scheme.” The following, free services are available to Leicestershire rural retailers: • 24 hour access to online training, support and assessment tools • one-to-one email support or phone support • face to face support, including retail assessments and analysis of window displays For further details, businesses can see www.kerchingretail.com/vss or email vss@kerchingretail.com or telephone 01455 203 206.
Nowadays things are rather different: we go by coach through The Tunnel with only the occasional drop of sea water down the back of your neck to remind you that The Channel is not far away. The French make good use of the extra time available – this year they went sight-seeing in London on the way here and visited Canterbury on the way back. We met our visitors in Anstey, many old friends but also some newcomers who needed to be introduced to their hosts. The week-end is a mixture of ‘en famille’, where we plan our time to meet the needs of our individual guests, and events arranged for the French as a group. So on Saturday morning my wife and I took our French guests to Fosse Park. Claudie and Jean-Pierre had some serious shopping to do. After a buffet lunch we returned home and prepared for the group event in the evening: dancing with refreshments. The floor was packed after the usual slow self-conscious start. We had a good mix of dances, including some party pieces such as The Birdie Song and The Slosh. Fun, fun, fun! There was another group event on Sunday morning: a Walking Treasure Hunt around Anstey ending up with lunch at The Crown. Those of us with limited physiques only made it to half way, but most teams completed the course and luckily all managed to work out what “the Queen’s hat” referred to. The rest of the day was en famille. We took our French guests to a garden centre and had an interesting evening catching up on family news. The male contingent got rather engrossed adding names to photos on the computer. The main outing took place on Monday, consisting of a visit to Denby Pottery and a quick look at Matlock on the way back. The Pottery proved a great success, with various activities, such as painting plates, laid on for the more adventurous. Dining and packing en famille in the evening. Suddenly it was Tuesday morning and getting to the coach on time. Group photo in front of the war memorial, lot of hugs and perhaps a few tears before the sad departure. Wave at the coach till it’s out of sight. Sudden dénouement. Sigh. Back to reality.
Punctual people have nothing better to do.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Coping with hair loss due to cancer treatment Headstrong in Leicester can help you prepare for the potential shock of losing your hair due to cancer treatment. The service offered by Breast Cancer Care in partnership with Coping with Cancer and is open to people with all types of cancer.
At a free one hour private appointment our trained volunteers will show you how to make the most of scarves, hats and other headwear as an alternative to wigs. Our volunteers will also talk you through how to look after your hair and scalp before, during and after treatment and free information booklets are also available. Feel more confident coping with hair loss and learn how to tie scarves in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. A free scarf and silk tie is given at your first appointment. Headstrong appointments take place every Wednesday morning at Coping with Cancer, Helen Webb House, Leicester. To book an appointment or for more information Please call 0116 223 0055. Helen Webb House, Fosse Road South is within easy reach from the city centre by bus.
A Polish immigrant went to apply for a driving licence. The first thing he had to do was to take an eye sight test. The optician showed him a card with the letters: ‘C Z W I X N O S T A Q Z.’ “Can you read this?” the optician asked. “Read it?” the Polish man replied, “I know the guy.”
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ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT
As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement. The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.
Next dates: Sat 17th December ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548
People who want by the yard, but try by the inch, should be kicked by the foot!
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Peter Pan is a great success!
It’s a fantastic service!
What do you know about
?
Connexions Leicester Shire provides information, advice and guidance for 13-19 year olds in Leicester and Leicestershire to help them make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life. Information, advice and guidance are available on a wide range of issues including jobs and careers.
There was lots of laughter, a few groans, and loads of fun for all at the latest show from Keely-Anna’s Dance Fitness Fusion. Over eighty local children aged from 3 to 18 came together at Babington Community College to stage a pantomime version of Peter Pan, complete with villainous pirates, a bloodthirsty crocodile, enthusiastic audience participation, and lots of excellent dancing. “We set ourselves a big challenge this time.” said Miss Keely-Anna. “Adding acting, singing and some blue-screen filming into our usual dance show meant that we all had to broaden our range of skills. But the students were fantastic as ever, and their enjoyment really came through on stage.” “I also have to give a special thank-you to the Mums and Dads who gave so much of their time to help out. They did the lighting, made scenery, sewed costumes, manned the changing rooms… without their help it really couldn’t happen, and I’m so grateful.” “All the rights to Peter Pan are held by Great Ormond St Hospital, so putting on a production of Peter Pan is also an opportunity to raise money for an excellent cause. And I’m delighted to say that we raised just over £160 from a raffle and a percentage of the ticket costs.”
Lady Jane Grey From page 1 Alongside Tom Palmer’s visit, the children participated in many book focussed activities including: class reading swaps whereby each child read to children in other classes; choosing which teacher to hear a story from at the end of each day, creating their own story books and writing book reviews. The week culminated in the whole school (staff included) dressing up as their favourite book character. Some of the characters included Where’s Wally, Angelina Ballerina, Tom Palmer’s football characters and the Tiger Who Came To Tea. Even the Headteacher, Mr Fitzgerald, had morphed in to Harry Potter for the day! A fabulous week was had by all and we are already looking forward to another great book week next year!
Support to young people is offered by a network of Connexions personal advisers who offer specialist information, advice and guidance or act as brokers to further support services in the area. All young people in Leicestershire have a named personal adviser who they can access via their school or college, or by contacting their local Connexions Centre. Further details can be found at www.connexions-leics.org Information and advice is also available for adults about jobs, training and courses through Connexions’ Next Step service. Next Step advisers can help local adults • Find a suitable job • Apply for courses and training opportunities • Write a great CV • Understand what financial support is available for learning. Connexions Leicester Shire can also offer employers personalised, local support. For those organisations looking to employ or train young people, Connexions offers a free recruitment service. The Connexions Employer Services Team supports employers through the recruitment process, advertises vacancies to young people across the city and county, and offers advice, information and expertise. Further details can be found at www.connexions-leics.org/employers Connexions Leicester Shire staff can be contacted at Connexions Coalville, 5 Hotel Street, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3 Tel: 01530 812 231 Email: coalville@connexions-leics.org
School Games - has YOUR school signed up yet? In Our Olympic year, make sure your school is a part of the greatest school sport competition across Leicester-Shire & Rutland in 2012!
In the run up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, schools have the chance to boost their existing work in school sport to create a year-round calendar of competition for all their students. The Leicester-Shire & Rutland School Games is a new approach to competitive school sport designed to motivate and enthuse all young people across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. Over 225 schools across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland have signedup already, has yours? Visit www.lrsport.org/schoolgames to find out more!
Nothing tastes as good as slim feels.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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GROBY LIBRARY
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Letter from Margaret Purves re: Groby in Bloom Dear Spotlight In response to the article in last month’s Spotlight regarding Groby in Bloom by Norman Griffiths. I would like to put the record straight. I was not at the Groby in Bloom meeting where the decision was made that the Group would fold. I was looking forward to seeing the summer 2012 designs which were to be very patriotic, and at that time had no intention of withdrawing from the group.
Revised Opening Hours Groby Library Revised Opening Hours from next April Day
Current
New hours from 2nd April 2012
Monday
10.00am – 12.30pm 2.00pm – 5.00pm
2.00pm – 5.00pm
Tuesday
Closed
2.00pm – 5.00pm
Wednesday
2.00pm – 5.00pm
2.00pm – 5.00pm
Thursday
10.00am – 12.30pm 2.00pm – 5.00pm
10.00am – 1.00pm
Friday
2.00pm – 7.00pm
2.00pm – 7.00pm
Saturday
9.30am – 1.00pm 2.00pm – 5.00pm
10.00am – 1.00pm
Margaret Purves
Editor’s note Norman Griffiths has given this explanation of the source of the information in his article: When a hard working volunteer group in receipt of £3,000 a year from the Parish Council disbands so suddenly residents will clearly want to know what has happened and I did ask twice for an explanation from the group that could be published. None was forthcoming and so the published article was based largely on what I considered to be reliable sources including what was said at the Parish Council Meeting on November 7th. Councillor Helen Lindsay told the Parish Council that, at a meeting of the group, when other members of Groby in Bloom heard that she and Margaret were leaving they said “We’re going with you.” Margaret Purves has now clarified in her letter that she was not at the Groby in Bloom meeting and at that time had no intention of withdrawing from the group. This was not known when the report was written and as the statement that both Cllr Lindsay and Margaret Purves were leaving the group was made in a public meeting by a Parish Councillor, who was also the Chair of Groby in Bloom, it was considered to be reliable, authoritative and not in need of independent corroboration. I accept that the assumption made that Margaret Purves was at the meeting is now known to be incorrect but believe, however, that the other comments about the statements made at the Parish Council meeting accurately reflect what was said.
All Groby residents will receive a Christmas leaflet with all the Christmas/New Year events and services held by the churches; please choose the ones which will suit you and we trust that you will be able to mark Christmas well.
Boring job? Does going to work bore you to tears? Be careful – if you feel constantly under-challenged, it can leave you as vulnerable to ‘burn-out’ as a job that knocks you off your feet. Spending www.leics.gov.uk/libraries your days in monotonous and un-stimulating tasks can leave you disenchanted with life, feeling trapped, cynical and never gratified. The researchers from the University of Zaragoza in Spain, observe that at least “having a family, partner or children can act as ‘a protective cushion’, and help make life worthwhile.”
Churches Together in Groby Urban Saints During term time, held at the URC chapel: games, friends, crafts and a Christian basis to discussions. - for 5’s to 14’s on Mon evenings at 3.45pm, 6.30pm or 7.45pm - for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm - for 15-18’s o Fri at 7.30pm More details on the church websites
Fair Cuppa: an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Every Thursday, 10.00—11.30am. Cuppa Carols on 15th Dec Christmas/New Year events and services: please see websites and church magazines St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church www.grobyurc.com Mrs Norma Whittaker 287 6606 Children/Youth Worker Deb Goodhead 07730 596309
Catch
Play, craft, story & chat for pre-school children with a parent/carer. Every Friday in term time, 9.30 – 11.30am, at the URC.
People spend their health for wealth . . . then spend their wealth for health.
10
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Fancy a MINI Adventure?
Nottinghamshire MINI Club are a forum based club for both old and new Mini’s. We’re always on the look out for new members and we have a great variety of events for people to attend. At present there aren’t many members from the Leicestershire area even though many of our activities take place country wide. We have car runs and weekends away to all sorts of places. The Lake District, Wales, the Yorkshire Dales, and the Peak District are just some of the areas we’ve been to. There’s also the MINI shows which we attend which gives people a chance to show off their cars and meet up for a chat. We have a monthly pub meet which is held in the East Midlands at various different locations as well as raising money for charities at certain events through the year, and then there’s the ever popular trip to Scarefest at Alton Towers which is free to enter for members. You don’t need to be a member to come along to any of our events so you’re than welcome to join us without being pressured to sign up. Paid membership costs just £10 per year and opens up a variety of discounts on items such as car insurance, parts, tyres, cleaning products, and much more. You’ll also be given a unique membership number and a welcome pack. If you’d like more information then visit www.nottsminiclub.co.uk or you can call Chris on 07540 568 763
Glenfield Millennium Green News As another year draws to an end we would like to wish all supporters of Glenfield Millennium Green a Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for 2012. Remember to join us to sing Carols on the Green on Saturday December 17th at 6.30pm. There will be a collection at the end for a local charity. If you get a gift of a new camera don’t forget we want to receive your photographs of the Millennium Green for a calendar to sell at the end of our 10th year.
The Trustees of Glenfield Millennium Green
Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Field Head students told to pay to get to college Norman Griffiths reports on a new row over free school transport “The wheels on the bus go round and round” is a song we sing to our children. But some parents living at Field Head have been told that although the wheels on the school bus to Groby still go round and round they will have to pay £400 a year for each child they want to put on it, even though there are empty seats on the bus which carries children who qualify for free school transport. Both parents and students turned out in force at the November meeting of Groby Parish Council to ask for the support of the Council for their petition and fight with Leicestershire County Council, and to question County Councillor David Sprason. Markfield Parish and Borough Councillor Matthew Lay accompanied the residents. The meeting was told that a new satellite tracking system for calculating the distance between home and school had improved the accuracy of the decision making about who qualifies for free transport and who has to pay. Councillors from the Parish, Borough and County were united in their opposition to the imposition of the new charge and whilst acknowledging that the distance from school rules had been applied argued that there was a lack of common sense in the decision, particularly because of the dangerous nature of the A50 as a walking route to school.
Dangerous route Anyone who has walked the route will be aware of intimidation felt as vehicles speed past and the feeling that if a vehicle should leave the road the driver might escape but at those speeds a pedestrian wouldn’t stand a chance. One resident told of her own walk from Field Head into the village one lunchtime. She was passed by 87 lorries, three of which had drivers using their mobile phones. The walking route is a recognised black spot locally for speeding drivers and road traffic accidents, including overturned lorries. For parent Ray Palmer it is the second time he has been involved in a school transport dispute locally. He told the meeting of the hazards of the road : the dangerous roundabout, the speed, the
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crossing at the lights at Lena Drive, the hazards of the Quinto depot for young pedestrians, and the sheer risk to young students of walking such an isolated route in the dark. Although it could be argued that technically the road is not isolated because of the volume of traffic in practice any motorist who saw an incident would be unable to brake and stop quickly for fear of causing a major accident.
A day in the life of a student One of the young students at the meeting spoke eloquently and confidently about her day at the college if she has to walk. Loaded up with her course work and PE kit her day would start at 7.15am for the more than an hour it takes to walk to the college. At 3.15pm she would retrace her steps, but it would take 90 minutes for the uphill hike. Once back in Field Head there’s home work and revision to get on with. “When I was young we walked everywhere and thought nothing of it,” some might say. But then the volume of traffic on roads was a fraction of those today, so much so that many youngsters of that time will recall playing football in the streets.
Point by point challenge Although there are only 16 students affected 331 signatures have been collected in support of their campaign for common sense. The Parish Council is to meet with representatives of the parents to build a challenge to the County Council assessment point by point. No doubt in addition to their analysis they will be sending the message that the Council should apply common sense, treat these students not as a source of income but as vulnerable youngsters, and perhaps most of all not to hide behind the rules.
QUOTE: I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn’t met me yet. - Rodney Dangerfield
Worry is interest paid in advance for a debt you may never owe.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Collection service now cheaper and more convenient THE collection of bulky household items by the Borough Council has been made much easier and cheaper for residents.
Groby Players Groby Players last production of ‘Murder in Rehearsal’ was well received and enjoyed by near sell out audiences. Our next production will be in March 2012, so look out for news in the Spotlight. One raffle prize was unclaimed after the Saturday 12th performance, so if you have any white raffle tickets still in coat pockets, or buried in handbags,and you attended the Saturday performance, please contact 07790861033.
Dot Hollins
Community grants to keep warm in the winter Organisations in Leicestershire are being offered the chance to apply for grants to keep their community venues cosy in the winter. The County Council is offering Shire Community Climate Change Grants of up to £5,000 for organisations to improve energy efficiency in community buildings. Charities, faith groups, village / community building committees and parish councils can apply for the money. The grants could cover projects such as the installation of energy efficiency measures including new heating systems, roof or cavity wall insulation, water conversion systems and solar panel systems. Funding is also available for community building energy audits, training courses and community events relating to energy efficiency / climate change. For more information visit: www.leics.gov.uk/climatechange_grants or call Di Braker on 0116 3057082 (di.braker@leics.gov.uk) or Nailesh Ramaiya on 0116 3058111 (nailesh.ramaiya@leics.gov.uk)
The streamlined service means that residents are now able to have their electrical and non-electrical bulky items picked up at the same time, thereby reducing the cost for collections. Under the new arrangement, residents pay £20 for up to three items, or £30 for up to five items, regardless of whether they are a mix of electrical and non-electrical goods. Once the items have been collected, the continuing partnership with the charity Work-Link ensures that those suitable for recycling can be offered to people who receive benefits or are on low incomes. For more information on this service contact Work-Link on 01455 636506. Items that cannot be re-used can now be stripped into components like wood and metal for recycling, rather than simply being sent to landfill, another step forward to improving recycling rates for the borough. The new service also enables the council to deliver additional and replacement waste containers, reducing waiting times and improving the service for residents. For more information about the bulky waste service, or to arrange a collection, please call 01455 238141. Payment can be taken directly over the phone and collections are usually scheduled for within five working days.
Funding boost for local Home-Start service Home-Start is to receive funding from the Community Forum to recruit more volunteers in the Markfield, Ratby and Groby area. We wish to thank all members of the forum for an enjoyable evening and after a tense wait on Wednesday 2nd November, Home-Start’s project proposal received 55% of the votes and were awarded £5230. Home-Start offers one-one, personalised support for parents/carers with at least one child under five; reaching out to families at risk of social exclusion, including those who do not engage with other services. The holistic nature of support offered ensures that the needs of the whole family are addressed, including older children and young people in the household to enhance their lives. Home-Start provides a unique service; recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who are ‘matched’ to individual families to offer informal, friendly and confidential home-based support tailored to the individual needs of each family for as long as the family needs it.
Nothing shows a man’s character more than what he laughs at.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Letter from Uncle Eustace
On parish accounts, teapots and Labrador retrievers The Rectory St. James the Least of All
My dear Nephew Darren Your annual accounts – all 146 pages, bound in their plastic covers and laid out in faultless detail – are really most impressive. I was rather envious to note you have a clergy ‘discretionary fund’; were I given such a thing, my cellar of claret would improve immeasurably – although that is perhaps the reason why I am not given one. The size of your office expenses makes me wonder if you have a staff rivalling that of the European Community. I suppose that at least you are doing your bit for job creation. Our dear Miss Marigold, who spends two hours a week randomly filing pieces of paper, mistyping rotas and failing to re-order stationery, is only rewarded by being the first to find out who are booking marriages and having their babies baptised – and if they do not happen in that order, that will be another piece of information remembered for future use. All this is information beyond the price of jewels in village communities. Our accounts have more by way of charm than they do of accuracy, generally consisting of one sheet of handwritten paper. There are only ever three copies for circulation, as that is the limit of Colonel Denster’s carbon paper. It seems to be an unalterable tradition that they never balance, until we find the following year that the missing £20 was found months later under the teapot on the mantelpiece. One footnote to this was the occasion when the Colonel suspected an unaccountable £5 had been eaten by his Labrador. Our greatest expenses by far are categorised as ‘miscellaneous’, which is a catch-all for everything that our treasurer is unable to recall where it really went. The thousands paid on church maintenance and diocesan fees are nodded through without comment – but if the money spent on Easter lilies or packets of tea for the Summer Fete increases by anything more than 50 pence, there will be much agonised debate and speculation about whether this is an indication of money laundering. I see that your accounts were professionally audited. Fortunately, it does not matter too much about the accuracy of our own, as I have an arrangement with our auditor who lives in the village: if he refuses to sign them off, then I refuse to baptise his grand-children.
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Literally freezing to death More than 200 people will die in Britain every day this winter because of a cold-related disease. Most of these deaths will be among pensioners. Age UK, who did the research, has responded by launching a campaign, ‘Spread the Warmth’, to try and help the thousands of older people who are suffering this winter. Age UK warns that cold weather and poor heating especially hit people with circulatory and respiratory diseases. The warning followed a Government-commissioned report that found that 2,700 people die each year because they are unable to afford high fuel bills. That is more than are killed on Britain’s roads.
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Eustace What makes you fall asleep? It seems that noise, not counting sheep, works best. Wayne Rooney admits that the sound of a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer can put him out. Other more usual helpful sounds are listed as the sound of waves, soft music, the wind, a ticking clock, the drone of a bee, or the hum of traffic. Sadly 10 per cent of us only have to talk with our partner to feel sleepiness stealing over us...
The most precious thing we have is life. Yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
New film showcases Charnwood Forest’s beauty A NEW film has been produced to showcase the support on offer to help people discover and explore Charnwood’s amazing beauty spots.
Charnwood Borough Council’s Access To Nature team used Lottery funding to produce the three-minute video which illustrates how officers are helping hard-to-reach groups and people with physical disabilities enjoy places such as the Outwoods and Beacon Hill. Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Cleansing and Open Spaces, said: “The film captures beautifully how our officers are there to help people of all backgrounds, ages, and physical abilities to enjoy our natural beauty spots. “Just writing to a group and inviting them to get involved in the Access to Nature project is unlikely to result in them visiting the Outwoods. “Visiting a group to tell them about the project is better - but being able to show them what we do is better still. “We are very proud of the Borough’s green heritage and want as many residents and visitors to experience it. The film will help us promote our services, our beauty spots and hopefully encourage more people to visit.” The video was premiered at recent Diwali celebrations in Loughborough and will be shown at a Loughborough Council of Faiths event on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. You can see the film, produced by local film maker Richard Bailey, at YouTube by entering this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV1jbwzC rCE&feature=feedu For more information about Access To Nature, please visit: http://www. charnwood.gov.uk/pages/access_to_nature
Extra £736 needed a year – just to stand still Have you planned your household budget for the coming year? It probably won’t cheer you up. The cost of living has risen so quickly that by the end of 2011 we will have needed to spend an extra £736 just in order to maintain the same living standard as we had in 2010. Rising energy bills, petrol prices and food prices can be scary: the average household electricity bill rose by 7.5 per cent between August and September 2011, while the average gas bill rose by 13 per cent in the same period. The price of clothing went up four per cent. As the supermarket chain Asda warns: “Families have never had it so tough”. (Figures from the Office for National Statistics.)
An invisible man marries an invisible woman. The kids were nothing to look at either.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Allotment Society News - from John Thornton As many readers will know we have been members of the ‘National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners’ for many years. Being members we are afforded technical and legal advice, which we have been able to use on a number of occasions in the past. The most noticeable benefit our members will be familiar with is the seed scheme, which offers Kings seeds at approximately half price. With over 500 varieties of flower, vegetable and herbs in their catalogue to chose from it brightens up the end of the growing season selecting the bumper crops for next year. Next year to gardeners is always going to be a better year. You don’t have to have an allotment to take advantage of the
scheme, just contact a committee member or go on line to ‘Groby Allotment Society’ and follow the links to how to join the Society, print off the form, fill it in, scan it back in, return it by email or by post to the address given. With 122,000 members worldwide we are a powerful force. Now we have a new member; His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who has kindly agreed to assume the Patronage of our Society. We all know of the Prince’s interest in horticulture but I doubt whether we will see him on our plots in the coming year. Our new ‘social events and fund raising group’ which you will have seen manning our stall at the street festival last summer are applying for funding for toilets on both Ratby Road and Orchard Close allotments. If we are successful in our fund raising we could invite the Prince to perform the opening ceremony! The way he performs the opening we would bow to his experience. We will keep you all informed.
Where do children learn to be kind? If there are young people in your life, ask yourself this: where are they learning to be kind, compassionate, and charitable towards others? Where are these values set out as basic principles of human behaviour?
• In the past we have occasionally suffered from vandals breaking into the allotments but never have we experienced burglars breaking out. Burglars attempting a break in to a neighbouring property were disturbed, so to effect an escape they scaled the boundary fencing onto the plots and made for the Mallard Road entrance gate. Finding a substantial lock, they, by using great force managed to break it off and escape. The cost to us: one lock. • It is now late autumn so with winter digging completed time can be spent tidying the plot and thoughts put to next year’s planting. Seed suppliers are constantly introducing new varieties for us to try. The old favourites are still available but new disease resistant strains are worth a try. Club root, that dreaded word on the plots, can be restrained and a new onion Santero F1 is resistant to downy mildew and a tomato Fandango F1 has good blight resistance as is a new potato we shall hear about soon. These are
just a few new introductions which scientists have produced to help us on land which is constantly worked and which is too small to rotate or rest. Disease lingers many years in soil and it can be a lifetime before it clears, rotation on small plots is just not feasible. • If disease is not enough to occupy us then the climate can be considered. Strawberries in November, broad beans in flower, sprouting purple and white broccoli just about to flower. We can just gather on the plots and moan but just think if it were our livelihood, it would be serious. I was told at Melton Farmers Market that farmers in the fields are taking the tops out of broccoli to hold it back for the market. We are warned that it could be a dry winter and spring. Has any one tried bananas on the plots?
Anstey Folk Club Singaround 1st Sunday every month at 8.30pm Old Hare & Hounds, Bradgate Road, Anstey All welcome
At home? In school? Dame Joan Bakewell, 78, the former ‘pensioners’ champion’, is not so sure. “These days, where would young people even learn to value a commitment to charity or kindness? They don’t learn it in their home, they don’t learn it in school, it’s seen as soft. It’s not what you’re about. You’re meant to stand up for your own individual personality; make your way in the world. “Kindness, empathy, generosity, are all in short supply. People used to learn it from the churches. I learned it at Sunday school. Where do you learn it now? I don’t know.” She adds: “On the whole, our society is quite cruel. We care about money, we care about fame, we care about success.”
Do you agree or disagree with Dame Joan Bakewell - drop us a line and let us know. Did you hear about the dyslexic man who walked into a bra ...
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Crime Figures for Nov 2011 The following incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during November 2011. Description
Groby
Field Head
House Burglaries Actual: Beaumont Green, Garendon Way, Fern Crescent Attempted: Glebe Road
3 Actual 1 Attempted
0
Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Attempted:
0 Actual 0 Attempted
0
Theft of Motor Vehicle:
0
0
Theft from Motor Vehicle:
0
0
Damage to Motor Vehicle: Lime Avenue
1
0
Non-Domestic Assaults
2
0
Anti Social Behaviour Incidents
0
0
Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars
17
0
TOTAL (Actual)
23
0
TOTAL (Attempted)
1
0
Theft: 8 / Damage: 1 / Other: 8
PC 0918 Ned Kelly • Sergeant Matthew Trott Local crime news in more detail is available at www.groby.org.uk Information supplied by Martin Cartwright, Secretary - Groby Branch Neighbourhood Watch Tel: 0116 2874500 • Mobile: 07850 707050 Email: neighbourhoodwatch@appliancehome.co.uk In An Emergency dial 999. Contact the local police on 0116 222-2222.
Is Santa bringing you a new computer for Christmas?
If so and you’d like to brush up or develop your IT skills and learn in a friendly environment you may be interested in a: • 10 week Computer Confidence course starting Monday January 16th 2012 • Venue: Glenfield Park House. Cost: £56.25. • • Time: 10 am – 12 noon • To enrol: Please contact the Adult Learning Department at Groby Community College or telephone the freephone central enrolment no on 0800 988 0308 This course will provide the opportunity for you to consolidate any existing basic computing skills you may already have. The aim of this course is to build your confidence to enable you to operate your computer effectively and prepare you for higher level courses if you wish to develop your skills further For details of other courses we have on offer, many starting in the New Year please visit www.leics.gov.uk/golearn. or contact the Adult Learning Department at Groby Community College or 0800 988 0308. Also we have an 8 week course Digital Photo Editing Using Photoshop Level 2 starting on Tuesday 24th January for 8 weeks on a Tuesday evening. The cost is £80 although you may be eligible for fee remission.
Homework For Grown-ups Quiz Book Who is Senuna? Where would you find the islets of Langerhans? Mr Deasy, Gabriel Conroy and Robert Hand are all characters from works by which author? Which of the following is larger: 0.00099 or 0.001? ...and many, many more fiendishly fun questions to test your old-school knowledge
Do the simplest questions have you scratching your head? Or are you happiest shouting out the answers to Mastermind and QI? The Homework for Grown-ups Quiz Book will provide hours of fun for the whole family. Test your knowledge and remind yourself of everything you learnt at school and promptly forgot. The book accompanies the bestselling Homework for Grown-ups series of books by E. Foley and B. Coates, described by the Daily Telegraph as “An obvious candidate to take to a desert island, along with Shakespeare and the Bible.” 400 pages • Hardcover • AMAZON PRICE: £5.59
Money doesn’t bring you happiness, but it enables you to look for it in more places.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Nominate an inspiring teenager!
Residents across Leicester and Leicestershire are being urged to nominate inspiring teenagers for a prestigious award. There is still time to nominate young people for the 2012 Lord-Lieutenants Awards which have seen new categories introduced to commemorate the 30th Olympiad and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. In partnership with organisations offering services to young people, including Leicestershire County and Leicester City Councils, and with the business community, the awards seek to identify and reward the very best examples of achievement by young people locally. Young people aged 13 – 19 by March 29th 2012 are eligible for nomination. This year’s categories are: • Young Community Citizen of the Year: Someone whose actions have helped generate pride in their community • Young Innovator of the Year: A young person who has inspired others with their creativity and innovation in engineering, technology, music or the arts • Young Volunteer in Sport Award: Someone who has given their time and energy to volunteer in local sport • Young Sports Personality of the Year: A young person who has exceeded expectations in their individual achievement or team work • Young Disabled Sports Personality of the Year: A young person with a learning and / or physical disability who has exceeded expectations in their individual achievement or team work The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Lady Gretton, said: “We want to hear about the achievements of as many inspirational young people as possible and recognise and celebrate the wonderful work they do. “There are many good examples of what young people have achieved, sometimes despite great disadvantage and obstacles placed before them. I would urge people to nominate people they know and who they think should be recognised by these awards.” There will be a separate award for each category - the winners will all receive a trophy and a prize to the value of £500. From the winners of these categories one person will be announced as Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year. This outstanding achievement will be marked by the presentation of a special trophy. The closing date for nominations is January 31, 2012. *Nominees need to be aged 13-19 as of March 29th, 2012. Nomination forms and more information can be found at: www.leics.gov. uk/llawards or www.thejitty.com Alternatively call the Lieutenancy Office at County Hall on 0116 305 6060.
Juggling technology A quarter of us check our mobile phones within three minutes of waking up. 69 per cent of us work on our laptops while talking on the phone... and watching TV – all at the same time. In fact, the average person spends an average of three hours a day watching TV, five hours on computers, and about an hour on the phone. The research was for Esure insurance.
Misers aren’t much fun to live with, but they make great ancestors.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Elizabeth Woodville Primary School Eco-Committee visits to Groby Co-Op and B&Q Report written by Alicia Westbury and Oliver Stockill On Friday 4th November Elizabeth Woodville Eco team went to the Co Op in Groby. When we got there our Treasurer/Secretary Oliver Stockill asked to see the Manager. When the Manager came to talk to us he introduced himself, his name was Paul Simpson - pictured right with the Eco Team. Paul then took us upstairs to the staff room, and there we talked for about 20 minutes. We had taken a question sheet and Paul was willing to answer them. The group asked about re-cycling - what did the Co Op do with their waste? The Co Op recycled plastic, paper, card, food and general waste separately. Groby Co Op is a flagship with a policy of nil to landfill on all of their food waste. Food is sent off to create energy or fertilizer for the land Mr Simpson then took us downstairs back into the store, he also told us about what the Co Op team did with food that is coming to its sell-by date. They have a section at the back of the store where they label it and put it for sale at a lower charge. If the food is not sold they put it in a big black bin and it is collected once a week. We then had a picture taken with the Manager by the recycling bins. Afterwards we went back inside where the Manager was kind enough to give us all a Fairtrade goody bag. We all said thank you as we needed to return to school. With the information we have learnt from our visit we shall do a display in school. Thank you for your time Mr Paul Simpson! The Eco team had a fun and very interesting visit to the store.
Year 6 Eco Committee trip to B&Q On Friday 18th November, Elizabeth Woodville Primary Schools Eco Committee, year 6 members Alicia Westbury and Oliver Stockill went to B&Q as part of their big project. The Committee had previously written to B&Q requesting their help and support in creating 7 new garden plots for the children within the school grounds. Oliver, Alicia and Mrs Storey went to B&Q, where Alicia asked for the manager. Mr Marsh is the manager of the gardening department. One of the workers we met was called Di Chapman and another was called Josh Braker. They were very keen to support us with our projects and discussed some items that they would be happy to donate. B&Q kindly donated a shed, greenhouse, compost, bulbs, a tray of plants, growing kit and enough timber to create 2 new garden plots all completely free of charge. Mr Marsh also offered the expert knowledge of a member of his staff to help advise us with our gardening and planting of our fruit and vegetables. We would also like to thank Mr Dave Howkins of Dignity Developments, who offered his services free of charge to collect all the items from B&Q. He also gave his time to put all the items together, including creating a concrete base for our shed. These items will be extremely useful for our projects.
07957 282677
The trouble with bucket seats is that not everybody has the same size bucket.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Groby Parish Council PUBLIC MEETING Proposed development of a new
Community Facility on
Quarry Park, Groby Groby Parish Council has been working on a scheme to create a new Community Facility on Quarry Park which the community can use at all times. A number of rooms allow one large user to take it as a whole or individual users to occupy and use its facilities at any one time. New changing rooms to allow a more appropriate facility for home and away football teams to use the hall and field. User groups from Groby, Markfield and Ratby who are interested in the proposed new development and would like to be a stakeholder in the scheme are invited to a PUBLIC MEETING to be held on:
WEDNESDAY 18th JANUARY 2012 at 6.30pm FOREST RISE COMMUNITY CENTRE FOREST RISE, GROBY For further details contact the Parish Clerk: Email: parishclerk@groby.com Telephone: 0116 287 6985
A man needs a mistress, just to break the monogamy.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
The Pingat Jasa Malaysia By Owen Lawrence
“Pingat Jasa Malaysia” can be translated as “The Malaysian Service Medal”. The medal was offered at the end of 2004 to the Commonwealth countries who served Malaysia in her fight against aggression and terrorism. Those Commonwealth countries include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, the United Kingdom and, never to be forgotten, the Gurkhas.
The Citation The citation that accompanies the medal reads: Pingat Jasa Malaysia. This medal is awarded to the peacekeeping groups amongst the Communion countries for distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice or loyalty in upholding Peninsula of Malaya or Malaysia sovereignty during the period of Emergency and Confrontation.” Foreign and Commonwealth medals have to be accepted by The Queen on the advice of the Government of each Commonwealth country involved where she is head of State. After a short period of consultation the Governments of Australia and New Zealand accepted the medal without restriction for their citizens. The British Government, however, announced in the House of Lords that they would refuse the Malaysian medal for British citizens on the basis that the award was contrary to British Medals Policy. In early 2005 intensive lobbying commenced to try and reverse that decision and after a few months the Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) announced that the FCO had submitted a paper to the Committee on the Grants of Honours, Decorations and Medals (known as the HD Committee which advises The Queen on these matters) asking them to review their policy in respect of foreign awards and the PJM. After several months the HD Committee met on the 7th December 2005 to carry out the review but their recommendation was not announced until a written Ministerial Statement was made in the Commons on the 31st January 2006 - the day after medals were presented in Australia where the Pingat Jasa Malaysia can now be worn. The British HD Committee’s recommendation, however, was that British citizens could accept the medal
but they would not be allowed to wear it. This astonishing situation means that The Queen has granted a wearable medal to her Australian and New Zealand citizens, but has refused the right to wear the PJM to her British citizens. In August 2007, Alan Atkins, myself, our wives, Violet and Marilyn, were invited, along with a number of other veterans from Britain and the Commonwealth, to Kualar Lumpur, Malaysia, as guests of the Malaysian Government to help celebrate the country’s 50 years of Independence. We were given a special dispensation to wear the PJM in Malaysia, as not to wear it would have been, quite rightly, considered to be something of an insult to our hosts, probably the only Islamic country that actually likes us, but with the instruction that we must remove it on our return to the UK. Again, of course, unlike our Commonwealth cousins, who had full and unrestricted permission to wear it. Eventually, due to sterling work by about half a dozen veterans based throughout the Commenwealth through the fight4pjm website, lobbying, researching and making an absolute nuisance of themselves with the Honours Committee and others, the issue was brought, once more to debate in the House of Lords and Commons by among others labour peer Lord Touhig a long time supporter. The Queen was finally advised, on 3rd November 2011 that qualifying veterans would not only have permission to accept the medal, but would have an unrestricted right to wear it. On Remembrance Sunday this year, thousands of Malaysian and Borneo Veterans wore the PJM at ceremonies all over the UK along with our comrades in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Nepal and Malaysia.
Owen (Lol) Lawrence
Chair Leicester Branch National Malaya and Borneo Vets. Assoc.
Alan Atkins & Owen lawrence wearing the PMJ
Pingat Jasa Malaysia
Oct 2006 PJM Presentation by Brigadier Idris. Malaysian High Commission
Junk is something you throw away three weeks before you need it.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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All the Latest Groby WI News from Evelyn Ward We do have minor hiccups occasionally but the November meeting brought a major catastrophe. The cupboard in the Village Hall kitchen containing our tea, coffee, etc was firmly locked. Our Secretary hastily departed homewards to collect everything necessary for the refreshments at social time. Come between WI members and their cuppas at your peril! Her husband was left speechless when their pantry was raided; no drinks for him until she returned but, like all good W.I. husbands, he knew his place. The meeting opened and Notices of forthcoming County Events were read out, including a Barn Dance, Flora Fantasy, Tea Dance, Craft Fair, Monthly Lunch Club, and Christmas Open House at WI House. Husbands were invited to the Annual Council Meeting on 4 March 2012. One of the speakers is to be Jonathan Agnew, English Cricketer and BBC Commentator. It was announced that, unfortunately the
annual Christmas Concert at the All Nations Centre had been cancelled due to lack of support. The skittles team were congratulated for their triumph over Thurcaston and Cropston in the semi-final. Cis Cockett was thanked for arranging the flowers at WI House. This is allocated on a rota system with other Leics. W.I.s. Members report that they are always beautiful; she maintains a very high standard. The Groby Street Fair in 2011 was a great success and will be repeated on 8 September 2012. It was agreed that our W.I. would serve refreshments again. It proved to be extremely hard work for the ladies serving in 2011 so it was hoped that more helpers would come on board next year. It was decided not to exchange Christmas Cards between members this year but donations in lieu will be collected at the December meeting and given to charity.
Nominations for new committee members met with the usual negative response. November is our Annual General Meeting and it was pleasurable to see such a good turnout of members. As usual, Glenfield Country Market came along with goodies for sale – preserves, delicious cakes, handicrafts etc. First item on the Agenda was the appointment of an auditor followed by the Financial Statement presented by Diane Brown.The accounts were adopted unanimously. Thanks were given to Diane who wears many hats in our organisation, but the task of Treasurer is responsible and time-consuming, which she carries out admirably. Margaret Gamble, our Secretary presented the Committee’s Report covering the following: Speakers - These have been so varied, Concordia Theatre; Fuschia Expert; Working on a Cruise Liner given by a BBC Radio Leicester presenter; Corsets ( a plea here for a liberty bodice to add to the Speaker’s collection); Healthy Eating by Sainsburys, including Fair Trade products and advice on sell-by dates; an amusing insight back to World War II depicting two housewives coping with rationing; Wet-on Wet painting, a truly remarkable method of producing quite a passable picture in about an hour and a fab lady magician. Last but not least, 4 members filling in at short notice when the Speaker called off, giving us an entertaining off-beat version of All Things Bright and Beautiful. The audience participation had to be heard to be believed. Outings - Seven major shows, the Olympic Stadium, monthly lunch dates to Ashfields Restaurant, Christmas Lunch at Brooksby College and our own Christmas Party, a sumptuous spread provided by the committee. Regular walks have been arranged and well supported by the more energetic members. The weekend away was outstanding, including visits to Blist Hill Village, Ruthin Castle,
Medieval Banquet, Port Merion, a scenic railway journey. Yes, it was just a weekend! Again, Diane did all the research and bookings necessary to make these trips such a success. Money-raising - Donations in lieu of Christmas card exchange between members amounted to £100 for local Charities. Glenfield Breast Unit received £262 from the raffle of Lynn Mellor’s quillow. The profit from the Groby Village Street Fair catering enabled us to give a donation to the Village Fair Committee. The secretary’s report was adopted unanimously. Margaret does an excellent job and always seems to find humour in the most hum-drum situations. I am sure I speak for all the members, when I say the Committee are to be congratulated on such a diverse programme. Grateful thanks go to them for all the hard work they put in on our behalf. The President, Julie Kotecha, gave her address which was short; in effect she said that she did very little, really. This is an understatement; she fronts our meetings with great humour, raps our knuckles occasionally and we do deserve it, talking out of turn being the main sin. Add to this her obvious work on the committee, I think she definitely earns her keep. Formalities over, the new committee for the coming year were paraded. Both the retiring President and Secretary were returned to office. However, they both warned that they would definitely not be up for nomination for these posts at the 2012 AGM. Then came a light on the horizon when a newly elected committee member indicated that she would be willing to stand for President next time round. Refreshments were served and gratefully received. Trading began in earnest at the Market. The next meeting is on 19 January 2012 at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. Visitors are very welcome. The ladies of Groby W.I. wish all Groby residents a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The real reason you can’t take it with you is that it goes before you do.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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The Plant Hunters On 10th November, our speaker Doug Stewart, had to travel from Hull to talk to us about the “Plant Hunters”. He gave an insight into the stories of a few of these remarkable men who ventured into the unknown to find, and bring back to cultivation, a whole world of new and exotic plants. Journeying through remote and beautiful lands, often in great peril, they were rewarded with the discovery of the plants that shaped western garden design for the next two hundred years. One such man was Frank Kingdom-Ward. On twenty two journeys spanning forty five years, he hunted plants in the remotest corners of Burma, Tibet and Assam. He was inspired by his father, a professor of Botany at Cambridge University, and acquired a love of nature, except for snakes! In his early hunts he was sponsored by Arthur Kilpin Bulley and Ness gardens stands as evidence to the successes he had. Amongst plants he introduced are saxifrage, Gentian, Meconopsis, Cotoneaster, Primula, Lilies and several Rhododendrons. The hardships he endured and the adventures he had are the stuff of “Boys’ own” comics. As well as unforgiving mountainous territory, he faced warlords, bandits and common thieves, who to his immense displeasure stole his tea thermos. During the First World War he rose to the rank of captain and this rank was resumed during the 1939-1945 conflict. In this he established safe corridors through Burma, avoiding the Japanese, and towards the end he taught jungle survival techniques to airman at The School of Jungle warfare in Poona, India. Ernest (Chinese) Wilson was another young man fascinated by the flora of distant lands. He was dispatched to China by W.T. Thistleton- Dyer, the Curator of Kew, to find a specimen of the much sought after Handkerchief tree. After arriving in Hong Kong during an outbreak of bubonic plague, he set off for a gruelling 1000 mile trek to the region in Sishuan where a specimen tree was known to be. The exact position was unclear as his map, like fictional treasure trove whereabouts, showed a cross within an area of 20000 square miles! His enormous entourage set off for the search with Wilson suitably carried in a sedan chair. His crushing disappointment can only be guessed at as he eventually found the EXACT spot where the tree was growing, only to find but a stump. A new wooden house stood next to it, having been fashioned from the wood of the said tree! He retreated to Ichang and sought solace exploring the nearby hills. Clambering through dense woods he suddenly came across a magnificent handkerchief tree in full bloom. He eventually gathered a large quantity of the nutmeg-shaped seeds and with a light heart turned his attention to the new plants growing all around. He literally found hundreds of new trees, shrubs and plants including Clematis montana, Clematis armandii and varieties of birch, honeysuckle, viburnum, rhododendron and camellia.
Forthcoming events January 12th 2012 Annual General Meeting February 9th 2012 The work of The Watermead Rangers March 8th 2012 Woods and Forests We always welcome new members and casual guests at our monthly meetings that are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month, usually in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Alvar Johnson. (Tel. No. 01162877870) or E mail alvar3@talktalk.net
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I don’t approve of political jokes...I’ve seen too many of them get elected.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Babies and Business Benefit from Breastfeeding The Charnwood BRAS (Breastfeeding Reassurance And Support) Group is compiling a booklet of businesses which welcome breastfeeding mums. A team of volunteers has already visited restaurants, cafes, pubs and other businesses in Loughborough and will soon be targeting establishments in the surrounding villages to ask the management if they welcome breastfeeding on their premises. Lydia Martindale lives in Mountsorrel and is one of the organisers of the project. She says “I feel this is necessary as new mums can very often feel uncomfortable feeding in public places in case they get asked to move or have other members of public saying things. Women can feed when and where they like and are protected by the Equality Act 2010 which makes it clear that it’s against the law to get less favourable treatment because you are breastfeeding when receiving services”. Businesses which sign up to the scheme will be listed in the Charnwood BRAS booklet and on their website as well as receiving a “Breastfeeding is welcome here” window sticker. The peer supporter group is keen to promote those businesses where mums feel comfortable feeding their baby. Tamsin Robinson, from Anstey, is a peer supporter with the group and suggests that the increased awareness of those businesses amongst parents will result in more customers. She says “Breastfeeding mums enjoy a cup of tea or a meal out like anyone else does. A group of friends will look for a breastfeeding-friendly place if they have a new mum with them. Most businesses would welcome that extra custom if it was on offer.” Babies have small stomachs and breast milk is digested very quickly so they need to feed frequently. There’s not always time for a mum to get home or to find a private place to feed. The Charnwood BRAS team’s message to managers is to please consider how you can make your environment more welcoming to breastfeeding women. Most mothers feed very discretely and the peer supporter volunteers are hoping to find a few more establishments where they can direct mums to go when their baby needs feeding while they’re out and about. If you run a business and would like to be included in the “Breastfeeding Welcome Here” booklet or would like more information then please contact the Charnwood BRAS on 07583 041054 or through their website www. charnwoodbras.co.uk.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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A wife asks her husband, “Could you please go shopping for me and buy one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6.” A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk. The wife asks him, “Why the hell did you buy 6 cartons of milk?!” He replied, “They had eggs.”
This year around 6,000 people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will be facing their first Christmas without someone they were close to. To help them though this difficult time, LOROS Hospice will hold a Light up a Life event where people can celebrate and remember the life of a friend or family member. A special outdoor service for the lighting of the Christmas tree in memory of loved ones will be held on Sunday 4th December at 4:30pm in the Hospice Grounds, Groby Road, Leicester. As the lights are lit on the tree there will be the opportunity to share in singing carols. The name of loved ones will be entered in to the Christmas Book of Remembrance and will be displayed in the chapel/Prayer room at the Hospice. To sponsor a light in memory of a loved one please contact the Hospice for an application form prior to the day. With more than 300 events taking place across the UK, the LOROS Light up a Life event is part of the nationwide campaign by the hospice movement to support people dealing with the death of someone they care about. David Praill, chief executive of Help the Hospices, the leading charity supporting hospice care throughout the UK, says: “An important part of hospice care is the support provided to friends and family of a patient after they have died. A Light up a Life event is one of the many ways that hospices help people come to terms with the loss of someone close to them and warmly remember a loved one for years to come. “Like all independent hospices, LOROS is reliant on the generosity of the local community to fund its vital services. Light up a Life events help hospices to raise the money needed to provide care that is tailored to patients’ individual needs and supports their friends and family too.” LOROS would encourage people to find out more about their nearest Light up a Life event. The events are for anyone who is bereaved, not just those cared for in a hospice. For Further details contact LOROS on 0116 2318431.
LETTER New parking restrictions and a thank you I believe that the County Council is approaching the final stages of consultation regarding the introduction of parking restrictions in the village centre. This probably means that notices about the right to comment will be attached to lamposts where there are new or revised parking restrictions and a map will be available to inspect in the Parish Council offices. Some residents will be unaware of how they may be affected, as they will still have uncontrolled parking outside their homes. However that currently empty parking space could soon be filled by by commuter cars displaced by parking restrictions in the village centre. The problem will be pushed out of the centre into surrounding streets. That isn’t all, however, as there are no doubt people like myself who didn’t initially appreciate how some of the new restrictions may work in practice. Currently there is unrestricted parking on Chapel Hill which makes it an attractive all day parking spot for commuters. This leads to congestion and on occasion has made it impossible for larger delivery vehicles to reach their customers. It would be equally difficult for emergency vehicles to gain access but a County Council officer has explained that a fire tender would be able to push a car out of the way. The new restrictions would impose parking limits on one side of Chapel Hill whilst leaving the other side uncontrolled. Early commuter arrivals would clearly not park on the restricted side and because of the narrowness of the road this would effectively stop shoppers or residents from parking in the time restricted bay. The changes are therefore unlikely to be of any benefit to anyone. Residents may be able to think of similar situations and my advice is to look at the map in the Parish Council office and submit any comments if you have any. The Parish Council has negotiated the best deal they think they can achieve and this is probably the final stage of the process. If you don’t have your say now you may be quite surprised by the outcome. Whilst writing may I take the opportunity to thank the couple in a car which stopped to help me when I tripped and fell opposite the Co-op store on Saturday 3rd December. I’m on the mend and really appreciated your help and concern.
John Thornton
Housing Advice more convenient than ever Staff from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council will be running monthly housing surgeries in the rural areas from December to offer help and advice to people struggling with mortgage or rent arrears or finding somewhere to live during the economic downturn. From December, officers from the housing options team will be at Newbold Verdon Library on the first Tuesday of every month, Sheepy Magna Memorial Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of every month and Groby Community Centre on the 3rd Thursday of every month to give free advice on: • finding somewhere to live • dealing with a problem landlord or tenant • what to do if threatened with repossession or eviction • rent or mortgage arrears • being in a violent relationship • other housing issues No appointment is necessary and all advice is free and strictly confidential. Jo Wykes, Housing Options Manager at the Borough Council said: “In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever that the advice and information we can offer is accessible to all and that’s why we are taking our services out to the local community. This is a chance for people who may be worried to talk through their housing issues with trained members of staff.” Regular drop in surgeries also take place at the council offices, Argents Mead every weekday MondayFriday 9.30-12 and 2-4 (except Wednesday mornings and public holidays). The full details of the dates, times and venues for the Groby drop in surgeries are as follows:
Groby Community Centre - 39 Forest Rise, Groby 3rd Thursday of the month 9.30am – 11.30 am 15 Dec 2011• 19 Jan 2012 16 Feb 2012 • 15 Mar 2012 19 Apr 2012 • 17 May 2012
For more information on housing options advice and information from Hinckley and Bosworth Council please call 01455 238141.
I always take life with a grain of salt. Plus a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.
Groby Village Society
~ Preservation ~ ~ Conservation ~ ~ Communal Interests ~ Thursday December 22 A Tudor Christmas Mrs. Alison Coates Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- groby.villagesociety@ tiscali.co.uk Non Members are Welcome
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A clear conscience is the sign of a fuzzy memory.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
National Trust Leicester Association During 2012 the National Trust will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Octavia Hill, one of the three founders of the National Trust.
Octavia Hill was born in 1838 in Wisbech where her father had inherited a thriving corn business, a substantial house and considerable agricultural estates. Unfortunately, two years after Octavia’s birth, he was declared bankrupt having used his inheritance to set up an infant school and agricultural colony. The catastrophe caused him to suffer a serious nervous breakdown and on doctors advise he was separated from his wife and children. By the time Octavia was fourteen, her mother had taken charge of the Ladies’ Guild, a co-operative association which gave education and work to women and children in London and was supported by a group of prominent Christian Socialists. Octavia supervised some of the children, who were employed making toys and the Christian Socialists were to prove a significant influence on her later work. At the age of 17 Octavia was employed by John Ruskin as a picture copyist and her employers ideas also influenced her future activities. Octavia’s pictures were not as absolutely faithful as Ruskin would have liked and he concluded that her energies were better devoted to social work. Therefore in 1864 Ruskin put up the money for her to buy three houses in Marylebone to house the poor. Octavia managed the houses by a scheme that was simple and direct – each property was judged on its merits and had to pay its way. She used the same management scheme over many years for an increasing number of successful projects both in Britain and abroad and became a prominent social reformer. In 1875 Octavia mounted a major campaign to purchase the Swiss Cottage Fields as a public open space. The campaign was a damaging failure but through it she met Robert Hunter who was the honorary Solicitor to the Commons Preservation Society and who would become a fellow founder of the National Trust. By 1884 Octavia Hill and Robert Hunter were convinced that a body was required to hold open spaces in perpetuity for public benefit. The germ of an idea for a “National Trust” was born but it took another ten years to come to fruition in January 1895. Octavia Hill worked tirelessly for the National Trust from its formation until her death from cancer in 1912. Octavia Hill’s birthplace in Wisbech is open to the public and is situated opposite the NT property “Peckover House”. The NT Leicester Association has an evening meeting on Tuesday 10th January when Trevor Parr, NT Talks Service, will present an illustrated talk on Mr Straws House. The meeting will be held at Highpoint Conference Centre, Glenfield Road, Leicester at 7.30pm. Admission is NTLA members £2.50 and visitors £4.00. For more information on the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service call 0116 2229133.
Alan Tyler
Chairman, NT Leicester Association
Anstey Christmas Day Lunch The 6th Annual Anstey Christmas Day Lunch will again be held at St Mary’s Church rooms in Church Lane, Anstey on Christmas Day - 25th December 2011. Around 70 Guests attend the six hour long day. As they start arriving at the hall on Church Lane a machine provides a covering of Snow and Bing Crosby’s song White Christmas is heard all around to help get them in the festive spirit. Once inside the guests receive “free of charge” welcome drinks and nibbles, a full five course meal and drinks, a gift from Father Christmas, communal singing, Bingo with prizes and more importantly are made to feel part of a family with someone to talk to. A goody bag to help supplement their pension is given to each guest as they leave. This much needed community event is welcomed and valued by all the lonely, elderly and infirm people that attend on the day who would normally have been on their own. If you would like to attend or be a helper on the day then please contact Dave Ford on 0116 2368811 Organiser Dave and his team want to see this vital community caring day in Anstey continue and spread to the surrounding areas. For the Lunch to continue for many more years to come Dave relies on his faithful band of helpers and the generosity of local businesses, groups and individuals to donate the financial support to allow the day to be a success. Dave is struggling to reach his target this year therefore, any size donation would be welcomed.
PLEASE CAN YOU HELP? Be part of the day by pledging items or sending a donation/Chq payable to: Dave Ford, 69, Bradgate Rd, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AB
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SWEETIE WORDSEARCH 1st Prize: Sunday Lunch for Four at CAFE 7, Within Sevenoaks Nursery, Groby Lane, Newtown Linford. 2nd Prize: A £10 DVD Hire Voucher to Spend at Glenfield Moviezone!
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BAJOOKAJOE BLACKJACKS Address: ................................................................................................ FLORALGUMS FLYINGSAUCERS .................................................................Postcode: ............................. FRUITSALAD If you can find 12 TRADITIONAL ITEMS CONFECTIONERY in LOVEHEARTS the Wordsearch grid above, you could win a SUNDAY LUNCH MIDGETGEMS MAIN COURSE FOR FOUR at CAFE SEVEN, Sevenoaks Garden PARMAVIOLETS Centre, Near Groby Pool (see advert on right) - or a £10 DVD PEARDROPS Hire Voucher to spend at Glenfield Moviezone (see advert on PONTEFRACTCAKES page 2). AllREFRESHERS you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 OLD FASHIONED VARIETIES OF SWEET. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: SWEETIES, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 4th January 2012. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the CAFE SEVEN voucher and the sender of the second will win the Moviezone DVD hire voucher. Good luck!
Here are the CONFECTIONERY ITEMS you have to find: ANGLO BUBBLY • BAJOOKA JOE • BLACKJACKS FLORAL GUMS • FLYING SAUCERS • FRUIT SALAD LOVE HEARTS • MIDGET GEMS • PARMA VIOLETS PEAR DROPS • PONTEFRACT CAKES • REFRESHERS PLEASE NOTE: CAFE 7 closes between Boxing Day and 20th January 2012, so winning vouchers will not be redeemable until after 20th January 2012.
Evening news is where they begin with ‘Good Evening,’ and then proceed to tell you why it isn’t.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Fri 16th: Denny Dee Sat 17th: Dave B Sun 18th: Super Sunday 50 Fri 23rd: Exit Sat 24th: Peter Wayre Sun 25th: No entertainment, but club will be open, lunch and evening Fri 30th: Jane Allen Sat 31st: Colin Kacey and Steve Raffles, ticket only entry £5. on sale for members/children until 17th Dec, affiliated & non-members on sale from 18th Dec Sun 1st Jan: Super Sunday 50 Fri 6th Jan: Toni Sat 7th Jan: Man Maid Sun 8th Jan: Super Sunday 50 Fri 13th Jan: Steve Dean Sat 14th Jan: Nightshift Sun 15th Jan: Super Sunday 50 SEE ADVERT ON PAGE 31 The Stamford Arms, 2 Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616 General Knowledge QUIZ Every Sunday Music QUIZ Every Tuesday CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT NOT AVAILABLE AT TIME THIS ISSUE WENT TO PRESS - SEE OUR WEBSITE - www. grobyspotlight.co.uk - details will be posted there! The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Fri 9th Dec: Christmas lights switch on and carols around the tree with mulled wine, mince pies and music - all welcome Sat 10th Dec: Mick Ridgway’s Mojo Hand Band Sat 17th Dec: S Punk 7 Sun 18th Dec: Children’s Christmas Party - 3pm to 5pm
with DJ Chick New Year’s Eve: The “Dirty Water” Band ALL SKY SPORTS AND ESPN www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205 New members welcome. Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Last Friday of the month – Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each Sequence dances Sunday Nights. £1.00 admission 8 o’clock. Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission. Christmas Eve - lounge - Disco plus Sport Presentation. Boxing Day - lunchtime - Music New Year’s Eve - Social Dance - 8pm-12 midnight - £2.50 on the door. Contact: Glenda 01530 230467 The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm. Fri 9th Dec: SWING MUSIC Sat 10th Dec: MICHAEL BUBLE Fri 16th Dec: MOTOWN Sat 17th Dec: BACKBEAT - Duo Fri 23rd Dec: 60s TRIBUTE Sat 24th Dec: DISCO Quiz Nite: 2nd Tues of Month The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sat 17th Dec Boxing Night (’King of the Road’) Sat 10th Dec: Popular local Singer LYNN
2070 Remembers Remembrance Sunday Parade
TWENTY SIX Cadets and members of Staff from 2070 (Glenfield) squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets attended the annual Remembrance Sunday parade held in Glenfield along with other local youth groups. The parade began at the community centre where the cadets marched along Stamford Street down to the roundabout and into St Peter’s Church. The church service was conducted by Canon John Sharp with appropriate readings from the Squadron Padre, Sue Bradley. The service then resumed outside the church war memorial where an act of remembrance for those who have fallen took place – this included the laying of the wreath by SGT Zishiri followed by a 2 minute silence. The act of remembrance was finalised by the sounding of the last post. There was a good attendance throughout the youth organisations with a strong showing from all involved – there wasn’t an unused seat in the church, which is never a bad thing. The squadron banner was carried by CPL Holford with two escorts Cadet Day and Cadet Copley both doing it for the first time. The day finished with tea and biscuits at the community centre with some of the staff representing the Air Cadet Organisation at the Royal British Legion in Birstall later on. Officer Commanding, Flt Lt Mayoh-Smith commented that “It was nice to see a good turnout once again; it goes to show that as the years go by the support for Armistice Day is as strong as ever”. For more information about the squadron and the Air Cadet Organisation please visit www.2070sqn.co.uk
Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE! Amazing!
Good Luck to AMELIA LILY in the X-FACTOR FINAL! After being controversially discarded by girls’ category mentor, Kelly Rowlands, in week one of the live shows - and NOT voted off by the public as some online bloggers are mistakenly saying - Amelia was reinstated by public vote to replace Frankie Cocozza - and is now Kelly’s only remaining act. Go Amelia!
There’s a fine line between cuddling and holding someone down so they can’t get away.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
Music Bursary on offer for talented young musician A MUSIC bursary worth £1,000 is again being offered to a talented young musician in Hinckley & Bosworth. The bursary is being provided by the Borough Council and the Matthew Fulham Foundation to offer the successful young musician (aged 15 to 19) the opportunity to further their expertise in their chosen field of music. The bursary can be used for: • purchase of instruments or accessories • music lessons and master classes • weekend music courses • travel expenses related to the pursuit of their expertise • or a combination of the above Applications must be supported by a music teacher either at school or a private teacher. The deadline for the receipt of applications is Friday 27 January 2012. Shortlisted applicants will have to perform at a Bursary Showcase event (where the winner is announced) at St Martins Catholic School, Stoke Golding on Saturday 10 March 2012 where all are welcome to attend. They also play at the Proms in the Park held in June at Hollycroft Park, Hinckley in front of nearly 1,500 people. Pete Fulham said: “The Matthew Fulham Foundation is pleased to be partnering the Borough Council once again for the Matthew Fulham Music Bursary and Proms in the Park. The borough has so much talent yet it is always difficult for these young people to showcase that talent to the public. This year, we will be showcasing instruments only as we feel that better aligns with Matt’s memory (he played trombone) which is why this bursary came about”. Councillor Michael Mullaney, the Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “For the fourth year, we are really delighted to be supporting the Matthew Fulham Foundation to give our local talented young people a wonderful opportunity to showcase their musical prowess and also to receive a financial reward to help them continue with their studies and potentially develop a career in music.” For more information please contact Lindsay Orton, Creative Communities and Tourism Officer, on 01455 255833. Application forms are available to download from the council website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk and the foundation website at www.matthewfulham.org.
Last Month’s Wordsearch Winners The winner of the first prize in last month’s Wordearch competition was: Jude Littleworth of Bailey View, Groby - you win a Sunday Lunch Main Course for Four at Cafe Seven, Sevenoaks Garden Centre, near Groby Pool. Second prize - a £10 DVD hire voucher to spend at Glenfield Moviezone - goes to Mrs.Muriel Stanley of Meadow Way, Groby.
Congratulations! Your prizes will be with you soon. A diplomat is someone who tells you to go to hell in such a way that you look forward to the trip.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
When Does Work Become Play? By Rhoberta Shaler, PhD feeling something like disappointment, a sinking feeling, or a desire to cry? This will tell you right away that you need to step back and do the following:
Steps for Taking Back Your Life:
I work an average of ten hours a day and it occurred to me the other day that I am retired. Sounds paradoxical, however, it’s true. My definition of retirement is the time in a person’s life when she has the opportunity to do exactly what she wants to do all day. So, I’m retired. Are you? There is another thing I truly like about my definition: it changes my attitude towards my work. Knowing that I am consciously CHOOSING to do what I do makes all the difference. Of course, each one of us at some level is choosing what we are doing every moment. It’s the ‘consciously’ part we may be missing. It’s possible that we spend time complaining bitterly about our lives without ever actually admitting that we’ve created our perception of it and our reaction to it. Sure, difficulties arise and, with it, stress. What we do then is also a choice. There is just no escaping that ‘choice’ thing even though we have hundreds of well-rehearsed reasons and excuses to justify and maintain our discomfort. Recently, I was coaching a young woman of forty who recently had her first child. She had returned to work after only nine weeks with her baby. Her husband works out of town all week and they live on the outskirts of a major city to make life more affordable. As we chatted, her tears flowed. Why? Because she is running as fast as she can, multi-tasking all the way, justifying every decision on behalf of finances. She is exhausted, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. And, for five and half days a week, she is alone. She is definitely not retired by my definition. We spent our session reviewing her choices. One of the greatest travesties of our current culture is that we are constantly being bombarded with advertising and information to suggest we ‘should’ be able to do it all without pain, stress or loss IF we really had it all together. Unfortunately that often translates to if we cannot manage every aspect of our lives every minute of our lives without distress, we’re simply not good enough. Have you ever felt that? The world works hard to keep us believing its true, but, it’s not! We have to take back our lives. Review our position. Reflect on our choices. Re-consider our values. Redefine success. Re-construct our plan. Re-design our use of time. As you read this, are you noticing that you are
Take a weekend just for yourself. Wear only comfortable clothes. Turn off the computer, the phone, the mobile phone. Have a brand, new journal and pen ready. This is your time. Spend the first twelve hours sleeping because most folks are chronically over-tired yet another symptom of our ‘be-everything, do-everything, haveeverything myth’. When you wake up, luxuriate in the knowledge that this time is just for you. Nowhere to go, no one to please, nothing that has to be done. When is the last time you could say that? Notice that, too. Eat good food that nourishes your body, eyes and soul. Eat leisurely and just eat. Don’t think about anything except enjoying the food, your surroundings and the leisure. Then, relax. Sleep if you need to. When your body and mind have rested, take whatever time you need to fully consider these three questions and write your answers your new journal: A. What is most important, most valuable, and most significant to me in life? These may be character traits, relationships, habits, aspirations, events and possessions. There are no right answers, only YOUR answers. Do not evaluate your list on the basis of what others may think. Start with a clean page. The first change in your thinking will be to find only the things that honestly reflect what YOU value. No ‘shoulds, ought-tos, or musts’. Not what anyone has told you is right. Just what is important to you.
B. If I based my life choices squarely on my answers above, how would I spend my time, my energy and my money? One good way of developing this answer is to create an ideal week for yourself. As you do that, beware of the ‘should’ gremlins looking over your shoulder. It is your week in your life. Your responsibility is to have it reflect what you say you value. Notice what fits and what does not fit. You may have to prioritize. Stick with the project until you have a week that is so appealing you can hardly wait to begin. OK, let’s stop for a reality check. Have you designed a week’s vacation or a week that truly reflects what you want your life to be all about? Your optimal design will be for a week that you could repeat forever, one that you would feel very good about in every way. C. What are the first five things you can do to begin matching your current life with your ideal life? Take this in small steps. In fact, take it in what I call TTDC’s, Teeny, Tiny, DoAble Chunks. Choose five small things you can accomplish or change this week. Whether you are changing your physical surroundings, your relationship, your attitude or your behaviour, start small. Celebrate often. Progress is cumulative. Just keep going forward. Stop regularly to review your progress, re-commit to your values, and choose the next five things to do. Once this becomes a habit, you’re on your way to your ideal life. You are on your way to being ‘retired’! (C) Rhoberta Shaler, PhD All rights reserved worldwide. Used with permission.
Localism Act Marks Major Change To Planning System On 16th November 2011 the Localism Bill gained Royal Assent and was enacted. Alongside a wider package of planning reforms, the Localism Act marks a profound change to the English planning system. The Localism Act contains wide-ranging measures on local government finance, powers for London and a general power of competence for local authorities. In relation to planning, Part 5 of the Act introduces a procedurally complex new neighbourhood planning process; makes changes to the Local Development Framework (LDF) and planning applications processes; abolishes Regional Strategies; and introduces a ‘duty to co-operate’. Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of leading housing and planning charity, the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), said: “The effectiveness and fairness of the new regime will depend not just on the extensive legislation set out in the Localism Act, but also on a wider package of changes. These include the introduction of the New Homes Bonus, designed to incentivise housing growth, changes to Housing Benefit and a new National Planning Policy Framework, which will contain the key national policy direction for planning.” “Now is the time for local authorities to seize the devolved powers in the Localism Act for the benefit of the communities they represent. The challenge will be to find the most effective balance between strategic housing policy and an emphasis on the localism approach; the balance between traditional land use regulation and fiscal incentives; and the degree to which, taken as whole, the reforms provide for a socially progressive framework which will ensure access to high-quality homes and communities.”
You’re never too old to learn something stupid.
Glenfield U3A
Come and join us Want a couple of hours rest and relaxation amid the hurly burly of Christmas preparations? Glenfield U3A’s Christmas Celebration, Thursday 22nd December at St Peter’s Church Hall, 2.00 – 4.00pm may be just what you need. There will be carol singing, ably led by Whitwick U3A’s Singing for Pleasure group, a Christmas quiz, raffle with amazing prizes including a gift voucher from the Co-op and a royal gift pack offering tickets to visit Buckingham Palace next summer, and light refreshments. All that and lots of friendly people! You will also be able to find out all about our activities. We have 14 interest groups running at the moment from gardening to craft to learning Spanish. It costs just £1 to come as a visitor. Everyone is a volunteer and we share the organisation, planning and running of groups. If you decide to become a member you don’t need to be an expert, just have a willingness to participate. There are no formal qualifications. The U3A is an organisation for older people no longer in full time employment. There are always people to welcome you and show you the ropes. We have a website, www.u3asites.org.uk/glenfield, which is brimful of information about what we do. If instead you would like to speak to someone, you can phone Carol Knill (chairperson), 0116 2919464, Janet Fenton (membership secretary), 07514 020654 or Gail Nunn (group coordinator) 0116 2314895. Or just turn up and give us the once over.
Bradgate Flower Club News Bradgate Flower Club’s 2011 meetings conclude with a demonstration on 7th December. On Wednesday 7th December, Bradgate Flower Club welcomes Lee Berrill from Northamptonshire. Appropriately, the chosen theme is ‘Winter Wonderland’. The meeting will start at 7.30 in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall. A charge of £4 is made for visitors. The Club AGM will be held at 7.30pm on 11th January 2012 in Newtown Linford Village Hall. Further details of both meetings can be obtained from Geraldine Abbott on 01530 415378.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-DECEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Yea Guara r
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Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says, ‘In case of emergency, notify:’ I put ‘DOCTOR.’