Feb 2012 Groby Spotlight by Michael Wilkinson

The News & Information Magazine for Groby, Field Head & The Brantings Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council News Release

Local parish councillor censured A Parish Councillor from Groby has been censured by Hinckley & Bosworth’s Standards Committee after being found to be in breach of the Parish Council Code of Conduct. The committee decided that Councillor Peter Batty of Groby Parish Council failed to treat three members of the public with respect, acted in a way which may cause the Parish Council to be in breach of equality enactments and brought his office and authority into disrepute. The committee censured Councillor Batty, determined that he sends a written letter of apology to the members of the public and undertakes training in race relations. In the event that Councillor Batty does not comply by 31 March 2012, he will be suspended from Groby Parish Council for one month. The committee was told that in July 2010, Councillor Batty was responsible for producing a newsletter that was distributed in Groby, which suggested that the complainant and his family were gypsies or travellers and detailed fears that their property may be intended for occupation by gypsies or travellers. The committee concluded that the newsletter clearly identified the family as being travellers or gypsies and described their actions in a provocative way. It was worded in such a way as to raise suspicions, stating that they were gutting the property and clearing and cutting down trees and bushes. The newsletter then described an unauthorised travellers’ site using words such as “full scale invasion” which undoubtedly would have caused concern to residents of a potential repeat of such behaviour. The committee concluded that this failed to treat the occupants/owners with respect and did nothing to promote good race relations as required by the Race Relations Act 1976. As such, it also brought Councillor Batty’s office and authority into disrepute. Councillor Batty has a right to appeal this decision.

Risk taking at Groby Pool could end in tragedy ... Those old photos showing Groby Pool and other expanses of water frozen over look very attractive. Some of them show people walking on the ice and it all looks quite safe. But it takes the item on the news telling us that someone has overestimated the strength of the ice and fallen into freezing water to remind us that if we walk on ice we are taking a calculated risk. The problem is that we are not qualified either to make the calculation or measure the risk. A miscalculation can result in a tragic accident and even a fatality. The most vulnerable are our young people as they are at the age when risk taking is part of their development. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service may arrive in time to save a life but there are no guarantees. They would much rather that they didn’t need to get called out to deal with such incidents and have issued this advice to highlight the dangers presented by ponds, lakes and water courses when they have frozen over. “Parents should warn their children of the dangers of frozen water, and discourage them from playing on or near open water areas during freezing and icy conditions. It is understandable that areas of water are a natural recreational attraction to the public but the following simple guidance should help to keep you safe when using them: • Supervise younger children at all times, and discourage older children from playing near frozen water. • If possible find other areas to walk your animals. Public access to rivers, lakes, canals, etc…, are a great draw in wintery conditions but they can also be dangerous so if possible walk your animals elsewhere and eliminate any risk to them and yourself. •Keep animals on leads at all times when you are near to the water. Your dog may normally be very well trained and well behaved but you never know what may distract them and make them run on to the ice, to them it’s just another piece of land, especially if there are ducks to chase! • Do not enter the water if your dog does. In general, when a dog enters the water it will find its own way out; resist the temptation to jump in yourself.” The photograph was taken by a reader at Groby Pool at during the recent freezing weather. These youngsters got home safely. Others may not be so lucky.

Norman Griffiths

Police name driver of van following fatal collision in Groby Police have named the driver of the van who died following a collision on the A50 in Groby. The collision occurred at about 9.13am on Tuesday February 7 on the A50, Bradgate Hill and involved two vehicles, a blue Ford Transit van and a black Mercedes CLK. The driver of the van, Mr Danny Roy Chapman (63) of Groby, received fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Mercedes was not injured. Detective Constable Nick Bryan is investigating the collision, he said: “The collision occurred on the county bound carriageway of the A50 and we would urge anyone who witnessed it or saw either vehicle beforehand to contact us. “ Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 87 Nick Bryan on 101*, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 0087. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free** and anonymous, on 0800 555 111. * Calls to 101 cost 15p for the entire call from both mobile phones and land lines ** Please note some mobile ‘phone service providers may charge for this call.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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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.

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Brookvale students’ rowing success Leicester junior rowing team came home from a another successful day at Northampton Head on January 28th with several wins.

Local Brookvale students won both a double and quad races. Oliver Talbot (13), from Groby, came home with a medal from coxing the girls, womens novice 4 quad, and a tankard for the boys J14 quad. Oliver was also recently presented with the Spirit of Rowing award 2011 for outstanding commitment and team spirit. The next big event for the juniors is in Cambridge in March. Leicester Regatta is being held on April 22nd - a free event for anyone to watch - with leading teams and universities attending.

Enter the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile!

Sport Relief 2012 is on its way from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th March! Whether you do 1, 3 or 6 miles - as a family team, with your mates or against the clock - you’ll have a fantastic time when you go the distance. There are 14 Mile events happening across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. The East Leake Leisure Centre Mile, Loughborough The Rutland Water Mile, Rutland The Leicester Racecourse Mile, Leicester The Leicester Forest RFC Mile, Leicester The Hinckley and Bosworth Mile, Hinckley The Conkers Mile, Moira The Melton Mile, Melton Mowbray The Loughborough Mile, Loughborough The Markfield Magic Mile, Markfield The Broughton Astley Recci Mile, Broughton Astley The Market Harborough Mile, Market Harborough Leicester Leys Mile, Leicester Cottesmore Mile, Oakham The Fleckney Mile, Leicester Visit www.lrsport.org/run to find out more!

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People tend to make rules for others and exceptions for themselves.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

National Trust Leicester Association NEWS

The National Trust will open two new properties during 2012 for you to visit on your travels.

The first will be Nuffield Place near Henley-onThames, the former home of the great philanthropist William Morris, Lord Nuffield, the founder of the Morris Motor Company and one of the richest men in the world. The house and complete collection have only recently been saved for the nation by the Trust. This atmospheric country house is full of fascinating personal belongings that reflect Morris’s unostentatious way of life including his personal tool cupboard located in his bedroom. The house and gardens will open on 4th April from Wednesday to Sunday but pre booking will be required. In December the National Trust signed a long lease to acquire Tredegar House and Park in Newport, South Wales. The house is a Charles 11 mansion and one of the finest 17th century restoration houses in Britain. For over 400 years it was the country estate of the flamboyant Morgan family but since the 1950’s has had a more chequered history. In addition to the impressive house with its State Rooms there is a Grade 1 listed stables, a large Park, three walled gardens, an orangery and farm buildings. The property is due to open in early summer. By the time you read this article most local NT properties will be open to the public. In the next few weeks Calke Abbey will open on 25th February, Belton House on 3rd March and Mr Straw’s House on 13th March.

Forthcoming meetings

Groby Village Society ~ Preservation ~ ~ Conservation ~ ~ Communal Interests ~

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

The National Trust Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 22nd February at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Leicester at 2.30pm. Ned Newitt will present a talk on The Leicester Slums. There will be an evening meeting on Tuesday 13th March when Colin Hobday will present an illustrated talk on Derbyshire – County of Contrasts. The meeting will be held at Highpoint Conference Centre, Glenfield Road, Leicester at 7.30pm. Admission to both meetings is NTLA members £2.50 and visitors £4.00. For more information on the National Trust Leicester Association and its Talks Service call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman

Don’t forget to send us your news! Email details to: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk and we’ll do our best to give you a mention. Tremendous!

My divorce came to me as a complete surprise. That’s what happens when you haven’t been home in 18 years.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On how to have a music festival The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren It seemed such an innocent suggestion. A local farmer announced he wanted to arrange a Spring music festival. I could already hear Mozart string quartets being played in our Lady Chapel, and arias from Donizetti operas being sung al fresco in the Glebe field, while we sipped champagne in the warm Spring sunshine and admired the flowers. Unfortunately, our farmer was thinking of a heavy metal weekend in one of his fields. The teacups began to rattle when village talk turned to portable lavatories, mobile catering vans and using the churchyard for overflow camping space. Then the police arrived to discuss crowd control and drug policy. At James the Least of All we tend more towards congenial dinner parties with drugs labelled Bollinger or Glenfiddich. That was the point when Colonel Trubshaw began to search out his old shotgun. His wife even stopped serving coffee after Mattins, in order to patrol the perimeter of their estate with their arthritic spaniel. On the other hand, Miss Little went a little mad. She exchanged her usual tweeds and brogues and pearls for a red bandana, long patchwork dress and peace beads. She must have enjoyed the 1960s. It was time to take action, so I told our farmer that St. James the Least of All would support him to the hilt. Our ladies would of course do flower arrangements for the stage, and our sidesmen would greet the campers as they arrived. We would provide a full choral Evensong on Friday night, to help set the tone for the weekend. When the farmer gasped something about heavy metal, I was able to reassure him. “Heavy metal? We’re doing that Saturday morning from about 6am, when our bellringers will give a three hour exhibition of change ringing.” The farmer pleaded something about singing, and I was able to reassure him on that point as well: “On Sunday we’ll do a Songs of Praise, and not to worry, your campers can choose their favourite hymns from ‘Ancient and Modern’.” I was thanked profusely, but the following week, our dear farmer wrote to tell me he had decided to graze sheep on his field after all. Shame about that. Your loving uncle,

Eustace

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

White’s Hair & Beauty launches in Ratby

New book provides hope for jobless youth The Office for National Statistics announced in January that the number of young people out of work is continuing to rise, hitting 1.04 million in the three months to November, up 52,000 on the three months to October.

Following a major refurbishment, White’s Hair & Beauty held an open evening to relaunch their Ratby salon.

What the heck is a ...

Styptic pencil?

A styptic or hemostatic pencil is a short stick of medication, usually anhydrous aluminium sulphate, potassium alum (both are types of alum) or titanium dioxide which is used for staunching blood by causing blood vessels to contract at the site of the wound.

Debbie White said: “Around 80 clients and guests came along and I think they were pleasantly surprised at how different the salon looked. I am absolutely delighted with the way it has turned out. “We started the alterations on Boxing Day and I want to thank everyone involved for making the salon look so great.” Whites Hair & Beauty acquired the Ratby salon two years ago. They also have a salon in Station Road, Glenfield.

Rural Grants of up to £60 million on offer The Rural Economy Grant Scheme, worth up to £60 million in total, will be launched from the end of February.

Before safety razors were invented, it was an essential part of a shaving kit and was used to seal cuts caused by improper shaving.[4] Some people continue to use styptic pencils for minor skin wounds from safety or electric razors.

Grants for local businesses will be available of up to £1million, aimed at micro and SME businesses to boost farm competiveness and support significant growth in particular for agri-food, rural tourism, forestry, renewable energy and high growth sectors. The Rural Economy Grant is another measure to be introduced under the Rural Development Program for England (RDPE) and adds to the Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme (FFIS) launched in November 2011. The FFIS is a scheme of support, developed to help farming, forestry and horticultural businesses in England to become more efficient at using resources. There is £20m available under FFIS until December 2013. The grants are for capital items and the grant rate available is up to 40% in non upland areas, and up to 50% in upland areas and the maximum grant allowable per project is £25,000. The minimum grant is £2,500. Robert Hall, Savills Agribusiness comments “The Rural Economy Grant Scheme and FFIS offer a golden opportunity to get new ideas off the ground for farming and other rural business”. Savills have been successful in working with rural clients to access funding under previous schemes. The success rate of obtaining previous Rural Grants Savills has achieved for clients is above 85%.

Employment experts are urging young people to sharpen up their job search skills to succeed in a highly competitive employment market. David Royston-Lee has responded to the UK’s challenge with his latest book - ‘How to Win from the Start’. He says “How does a young person write a CV when they have little to no work experience. The answer is here.” His book uses a career management approach which focuses on three key questions: Who am I? Where am I going? And how will I get there? David Royston-Lee states; “The reason for focusing on ‘who am I’ is because when you know more about yourself, the other two areas fall into place quite easily. The confidence that young people need about knowing yourself gives you them the key to getting the best job for them!” The book addresses common problems such as how to write a CV when you have little to no work experience or, how to focus on what you want and how to get what you want. David says, “Jobseekers need to focus on who they are and what they enjoy doing; not just at what they are good at.” ‘How To Win From The Start’ is designed to assist young people, or any person at a crossroads in their career through the difficult process of finding that ‘right’ job, so that they will have a better chance of finding, not just a job, but the right one. A job that will open the door to a successful career … and find them work they will continue to enjoy in the future. ‘How to Win from the Start’ (Artesian Publishing) available from www.amazon.co.uk price £7.19 or Kindle eBook, price £5.14.

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Parent Governor Vacancies: Can you help us achieve our vision to be outstanding? If so, then join our Governing Body. We have vacancies on our Governing Body for both Parent and Community Governors. We are looking for people committed to the long term development of the College who can help us to take the college forward over the next few years. If you are interested then contact Jill Massingham (Principal’s PA) jillmassingham@grobycoll.leics.sch.uk or on 0116 281 7003 (direct line)

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Community facility: the search for a site continues Norman Griffiths looks at the options which may be considered

In January the Parish Council held it’s long awaited meeting to discuss their plans with residents for a new community building on Quarry Park and to meet potential stakeholders in the project. On the night there were few stakeholders in attendance but plenty of residents, although it’s fair to say they were not representative of the whole community as the meeting attracted those predominantly from the area around Quarry Park. They had a view to put forward about the plans, and that view was that they don’t want it on Quarry Park if it means more traffic on already overloaded roads. Residents highlighted the existing traffic problems of the area caused by the Forest Rise Community Centre, Martinshaw School and Quarry Park and the Scout Hut. The Quarry Park Working Party took the message back to the Parish Councillors, many of whom attended the meeting, that residents spoke overwhelmingly about the need to reduce traffic and parking and not to do anything to actually increase the problems in the area. Although any refurbishment of the Scout Hut which may be approved by the Parish Council in the future would not create the

same volume of extra traffic as a community facility it was conceded that there would be some increase if the Scouts were to take overflow bookings from the Village Hall when it was full. The Working Party at their meeting on 3rd February concluded that they should take account of the strength of local public opposition and the original plans could not go ahead with access from Forest Rise. The issue of an alternative access to Quarry Park from the A50 was discussed and, although the cost and the difficulty of overcoming possible objections from the Highways Authority means it is not an easy solution, the Working Party feels it should be investigated further. They also feel that an alternative scheme for shower and changing rooms should be considered alongside the A50 access option. Residents also asked about potential alternative sites, which the Working Party has also taken on board. A facility on Groby’s Marina/ Stamford Park is not considered an option as it was scheduled to be included as part of the Green Wedge by Hinckley and Bosworth

Borough Council at a meeting in December. However the working party feels that the football/sports field formerly leased by Lady Jane Grey School is large enough to accommodate a scheme and could be considered as a potential alternative site. In order to minimise costs the proposed Groby community building has been based on a similar facility built in North Muskham, a small village of 360 properties (2001 census) about 6 miles from Newark in Nottinghamshire. Despite the small size of the village they managed to attract grant funding of £461,000, supplemented by £55,000 from their Parish Council and £75,000 raised from villagers over a long period. The financial squeeze has probably closed some of the grant opportunities to Groby residents but the Parish Council is hopeful that support could come from the Landfill Communities Fund. The snag is that this funding may only be available for a development on Quarry Park, but enlisting the services of a professional fundraiser may increase the likelihood of winning awards.

The view was that residents don’t want the new building on Quarry Park if it means more traffic on already overloaded roads.

It’s not too late to vaccinate Health officials in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are reminding people it’s not too late to get the flu jab. As the cold weather arrives, the flu virus continues to circulate in the community. Those at risk of getting serious complications from flu may be more vulnerable if they haven’t yet had the flu jab. Each winter the free flu jab is offered to people in ‘at risk’ groups. These include everyone aged 65 and over, children and adults under 65 with certain medical conditions and all pregnant women. However, there are still some under 65s with long term conditions, such as heart or breathing problems, and pregnant women who have yet to have theirs. The vaccine takes around 10 days to start working, so the sooner people have it the quicker they’ll be protected. Professor Azhar Farooqi, GP and co-chair of the Leicester City CCG, said: “Flu is much more serious than getting a cold, and the effects of seasonal flu are often underestimated. Some people are more at risk from flu and need the vaccine because they are not able to fight off flu as easily as others. For these people, flu can often result in more serious complications which require hospital treatment. It can even be fatal in some cases. “Flu can be prevented by having the vaccine, which is provided free at GP surgeries across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for those people most at risk.” If you think you may be eligible for the free flu jab, call your GP surgery now to check and to book an appointment. For more information on the flu vaccine, go to: www.leicestercity.nhs.uk/flu.

Tony & Julie - they are CLUELESS! Have you tuned in to CLUELESS on BBC Radio Leicester on a Sunday morning? It’s absolutely compulsive listening! The programme takes the form of a Car Treasure Hunt, with Tony Wadsworth broadcasting from the studio and his real-life wife, Julie Mayer, travelling around the county in the Radio Car, solving clues to a series of destinations and trying to track down the ‘treasure’ before the show ends. The clues are set by a mysterious character known only as ‘The Doctor’ and they are very cryptic. The first clue is unveiled at the beginning of the show and listeners are encouraged to phone in with their suggestions. The clever thing about the programme is that the calls are fed through to the studio in random order, and this sometimes results in Julie being sent off in completely the wrong direction! There’s loads of marital banter between Tony and Julie, and their tempers can get frayed as they try to solve the devious clues. Some of the suggestions put forward by listeners are very strange - and obviously wrong - but Tony deals with everyone in a courteous way and thanks them for trying to help. Before long, you find yourself shouting at the radio - which is always good fun! But then someone gets through with a gem of information which solves the clue. It’s a brilliant programme which keeps you listening until the climax - or anti-climax - at 12 noon. Tune in at 9am next Sunday and see if you agree!

Tarquin Vandyke Last night I got thrown out of the casino. I completely misunderstood what the crap table was for.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby land for sale at the February Shonki Brothers Auction A single enclosure of sloping land in Groby is being offered for sale at the next Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers Property Auction on Wednesday 22nd February 2012.

The land - at Newtown Linford Lane, Groby LE6 0DQ - has an approximate area of 1.43 acres (0.57 hectares). A Development Uplift Clause for any non-agricultural or non-equestrian use will be included within the contract entitling the Seller to recover 20% of any increase in value of the site for a 30 year period. This will be effective upon the grant of planning consent or zoning by the local authority. The Guide price for this land is £35,000 plus. The auction takes place at Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 4AL, starting at 5pm. For more information, contact Kal Sangra Shonki Brothers on 0116 254 3373 or view the full sales catalogue on the website at www.shonkibrothers.com       

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  07957 282677    

State of the Art Delivery Cart One of Groby Spotlight’s deliverers has designed and manufactured a superb delivery cart for use on his monthly round. Jeff Smith, who delivers Spotlights to the Lena Drive/Wallace Drive area, spared no expense in the creation of his magazine transportation utility vehicle. It has varnished timber bodywork, rubber-tyred wheels, galvanised mudguards and a hinged lid with a shiny doorknob! Excellent work, Jeff!

Incorrect Positioning Of Babies Can Lead To Hip Dysplasia As part of Baby Hip Health Week 2012 (10th - 17th March), the national charity STEPS is calling for parents and professionals to learn how to position their babies correctly to help prevent hip dysplasia. Teaming up with the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) STEPS is releasing two parent friendly leaflets on hip healthy swaddling and using baby equipment in a hip friendly way. Diagrams show correct and incorrect positioning for car seats and baby harnesses and slings and show correct swaddling methods. STEPS Director and member of the IHDI Advisory Board, Sue Banton, said, “We don’t want to scare parents, but by putting their babies in inappropriate car seats or baby slings or by swaddling their babies in the wrong way there is a real risk of their child developing hip dysplasia”. The IHDI states: “Some types of baby carriers and other equipment may interfere with healthy hip positioning. Such devices include but are not limited to baby carriers, slings, wraps, pouches, car seats, exercisers, rockers, jumpers, swings, bouncers and walkers, and moulded seating items. These devices could inadvertently place hips in an unhealthy position, especially when used for extended periods of time. Any device that restrains a baby’s legs in an unhealthy position should be considered a potential risk for abnormal hip development”. For more information and guidelines please visit http://www. steps-charity.org.uk/Get-Involved/ baby-hip-health-awareness.html or http://www.hipdysplasia.org/ Developmental-Dysplasia-Of-TheHip/Prevention/Default.aspx

So I went to the doctor and he said, ‘You’ve got hypochondria.’ I said, ‘Not that as well.’

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Are YOU creative?

Design a church chair! The Church of England has launched a competition for design students, leading designers, manufacturers and contractors: to design new church seating. The Church of England is responsible for 16,000 parish churches, 12,500 of which are listed, and, as for all developments in church buildings, aspires to the highest quality design for new chairs. The competition has two categories:

1. 2.

Design a chair under £100 - open to students and recent graduates (cash prize and opportunity to pitch to manufacturers). Design a seat (chair or bench) for churches - open to all.

The aim is to encourage chair designs to enhance the buildings they are placed in, and to be celebrated by present and future generations. For while the Victorian pews may have been swept away to reveal the uncluttered medieval space, sadly this space is often ruined by indifferent or downright ugly modern chairs. The competition aims to inspire high quality church seating designs (both chairs and benches) that can be retailed at an affordable price. The real challenge will be to see whether comfort and practicality can be combined with good and new design which is sympathetic to historic interiors. Designs need to be: • ergonomic, sympathetic to historic interiors, sufficiently robust for regular use requiring minimum maintenance, comfortable without dependency on upholstery, • workable on historic floors, able to stack or fold neatly and compactly, lightweight and easy to lift, practical for mass production, with the option of being linked, and of having a book holder and chair arms. Application forms can be downloaded from www.churchcare.co.uk (or contact GROBY SPOTLIGHT on 01530 244069 and we’ll send you one). Completed application forms and supporting information to be received no later than 30 March 2012. Please send items by post or email to: Catherine Townsend, Casework & Projects Officer, Cathedral and Church Buildings Division, Archbishops’ Council, Church House, London SW1P AZ. Tel: 020 7898 1885. E-mail: catherine.townsend@churchofengland.org

BOOK REVIEW from Claire Brierley Starlight

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by Stella Gibbons

Starlight is a story of people. It begins with Gladys and Annie, two sisters in their late seventies sharing a small flat in a house in Highgate, London.

Phone: 0116 262 3202 email@henstocks.co.uk

Fax: 0116 261 9186 www.henstocks.co.uk

The book draws in other characters from flats in the house and circles around their lives weaving in more people connected to them. As this pot of lives is stirred up, some unusual developments twist the story around to its interesting and satisfying conclusion. The characters are what really stay with you after finishing this book. Stella Gibbons’ careful crafting of each just lifts them from the page. Gladys, for example was so well drawn and at times had me laughing out loud. Mr Fisher, another inhabitant of the flat was another, a perfect eccentric leading to beautiful revelations. Lovely, funny, creepy, comfy and well rounded. A delight to read. Starlight is available to borrow from Groby Library.

Read a good book recently? Why not share your experience by writing a brief review for the Spotlight! Beware of Alphabet Grenades ... if you throw them, it could spell disaster!

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Markfield, Ratby & Groby Community Forum

he next meeting of the Markfield, Ratby & Groby (MRG) Community Forum will take place on Wednesday 29th February 2012, between 7 pm and 9 pm, at Thornton Community Centre, Main Street, Thornton, Leicestershire, LE67 1AH.

Come along and find out more about Deployment of super-fast broadband, Green Spaces in Leicester and Leicestershire and take part in discussions about local jobs and skills opportunities in your area. Leicestershire County Council will also be providing details of the next round of Community Forum Budgets and how you can get your hands on £12,500 to invest in local improvements of your choice. To find out more you can either call the Communities & Places Team on 0116 305 7034 or visit the Leicestershire Forums website http://www.leicestershireforums.org/markgro/ Please note both the Chairman and Vice-Chairman are up for election, if you would like to be nominated or want further information on what the role entails please call 0116 305 7986 A formal final agenda will be circulated nearer the time. If you have any queries or suggestions for topics to be included on the agenda for the next meeting, please contact Nicola Lees, Communities & Places Officer for Hinckley & Bosworth on 0116 305 7986 or email Nicola.lees@leics.gov.uk. Markfield, Ratby & Groby Community Forum area also covers Bagworth & Thornton, Botcheston, Field Head, Groby, Newtown Unthank and Stanton-under-Bardon areas.

Homemade Authentic Indian Snacks Samosas Pakoras / Onion Bhajis Spring Rolls & a Variety of Curries Catering is available for Dinner Parties, Weddings, Birthdays, Office Events & more. Free Home Delivery within 5 miles For all enquiries please contact us:

Ria’s Kitchen 07772 542 356 Email: riaskitchen@hotmail.co.uk

Hinckley & Bosworth Community Forum Budget Workshops 2011! Leicestershire County Council has made funds available to all 25 Community Forums in the county. The Markfield, Ratby and Groby Community Forum had £12,500 available for local communities to invest in local improvements of their choice.

How did local communities get involved? Five local groups and organisations requested a share of the £12,500 allocated to the Markfield, Ratby and Groby Community Forum area, with projects ranging from a new skate park and wheeled facility to personalised support for parents/carers with a child under five and fencing to secure sports pavilion. By sending in project proposal forms prior to the workshop, other local residents and organisations were able to view and comment on submitted Project Proposals via the website, and make suggestions on how the projects could be further improved or developed. The Markfield, Ratby and Groby Community Forum Budget Workshop, took place on 2nd November, where projects were discussed in detail, and all present were able to vote on their favourite projects. For further information on the results, please visit the Leicestershire Forums website http://www. leicestershireforums.org/markgro/meetings.html

The Next Round of Community Forum Budget Workshops 2012... If you missed out on funding for this round, you can still get involved! Leicestershire County Council will be repeating this opportunity for local residents in the summer of 2012. Proposal forms will be available from March and these will need to be in by mid May, so get your thinking caps on and keep reviewing the Leicestershire Forums website http://www.leicestershireforums.org/cfb.html to obtain further details, applications forms and find out key dates. If you do not have access to the internet please call 0116 305 7034 where a member of the Communities and Places Team will be able to assist.

Skillforce - changing the lives of young people

SkillForce is an education charity working with 10,000 young people throughout 150 schools in Great Britain who are in danger of leaving school without the skills and qualifications they need to succeed in life. • • • • •

• • • •

Each year 35,000 young people leave school without qualifications. Those finding work are more likely to be in low paid jobs NEET young people are also five times more likely to have a criminal record than other sections of society. Each NEET young person costs the taxpayer £97,000 over the course of their lifetime, with a total annual cost of £3.65 billion. Young people who leave school without qualifications are four times more likely to be NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) than their peers who have a qualification. In particular, the most disadvantaged – those on Free School Meals are prone to becoming NEET. Only 9% of those on Free School Meals go into Further Education (FE) whereas 60% of SkillForce graduates go onto FE. 93% of SkillForce graduates gain a recognised qualification. SkillForce makes positive and permanent change to young peoples’ lives. For more information, visit the Skillforce website at www.skillforce.org

I had a cat called Minton who swallowed a shuttlecock. I said ‘Bad Minton!’

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

News from Groby Gardening Society The 2012 Annual General meeting Our annual business meeting took place on the 12th January and was very well attended by over 30 members. This was particularly pleasing to the committee as it showed a tangible support for their efforts. The meeting heard the Chairman’s report for 2011 and were lead through the accounts by Eric, our treasurer. A tribute was made to Molly whose enthusiastic running of our charity efforts had raised £270 which was divided between an Alzheimer’s support charity and The Salvation Army. Next year, we hope to support “Help The Heroes” and Childline. It may be somewhat invidious to highlight individuals from the ranks of all who help so readily in running our meetings and events, but hopefully members will agree that special thanks are due to Kay Peel who valiantly looks after the room’s heating arrangements and Kay Blick who punctually unlocks the room!

Looking Ahead The 2012 programme is now complete and it is hoped that these will be widely available by the February meeting (9th). Visits during 2012 will be to The Royal Sandringham Show, Bressingham Gardens, Sudely Castle and the allotments at Brascote. The first two will be combined with an overnight stay at King’s Lynn. It is also hoped to run the Fish and Chip supper in September. Also, we are still on a waiting list to be invited to see the gardens at Buckingham Palace. The committee was re-elected en bloc with Alvar remaining as Chairman and Eric as treasurer. Eric did wish to relinquish this post to reduce his overall commitment but, as no volunteer was forthcoming, he agreed to carry on for a further year. Many will know that Eric puts in a colossal amount of work in the organisation of The Plant Sale in May and The Show in August, so If any member reading this would care to help, please make yourself known to Eric or Alvar. Perhaps someone would like to work alongside Eric during the year to become acquainted with the treasurer’s role? The last year of our “Grassroots” grant was spent during 2011 and apart from subsidising speakers’ fees and the overnight stay at Chester, we purchased a laptop computer, a projector and printer/ scanner. These were used in the administrative processes for the 2011 show and the agenda and various reports were projected for viewing at the recent AGM. Also, a slide show of various photographs taken at Society events over the

last two years was shown. Members’ digital photographs of places of interest can similarly be displayed.

Subscriptions The AGM accepted Eric’s suggestion that these remain at £6 per year, per person, but it was thought that a modest rise next year should take place. For £6 members receive:1. Access to twelve monthly meetings, including the special Christmas buffet supper 2. Free tea and biscuits at every meeting 3. Subsidised trips (this year there will be a 2 day trip, a 1 day trip and 1 evening trip) 4. Access to the Fish & Chip supper.

Awesome nature It will not come as a surprise to most to reflect that our much loved spring flowers like daffodils and hyacinths flower more successfully if subjected to some winter cold. But what about our common fruit trees and bushes such as plum or blackcurrant? More surprisingly these also require winter chilling, if they are to flower and fruit successfully. During the summer and autumn when the flower and leaf buds are forming, special chemicals called growth inhibitors accumulate in these buds. When the necessary cold conditions occur, these inhibitors are broken down to allow the buds to open at the right time. Each type of fruit cultivar needs a certain time below a temperature of about 70C (450F). This time can vary between 200-1,500 hours, depending upon the cultivar. If not enough cold is experienced, plants may suffer delayed or uneven flowering and leafing, leading to poor crops. Reduced chilling needs are increasingly important as the effects of climate changes occur.

Forthcoming events March 8th Woods and Forests April 12th Sempervivum and Hardy Sedums 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

Alvar Johnson

FENCING

S G S

SHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES

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CALL JIM SHOOTER . 95 LEICESTER ROAD, GROBY

0116 2879715 / 07814224630 When I was at school people used to throw gold bars at me. I was a victim of bullion.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Avoid food waste!

Website suggests recipes based on what’s in your cupboard!

On the Jim Davis show on BBC Radio Leicester last week, the topic being discussed was food waste, and how to avoid it. One listener rang in and told Jim about the supercook website (www.supercook.com) which suggests recipes based on various random ingredients which you enter. So, for example, if you have a tin of spam in the cupboard, enter SPAM in the ingredient slot and up comes a list of recipes. Fantastic!

Bringing love, smiles and laughter to our children’s lives

Are you looking for a speaker to come along to your group meeting, or would you like to find out more about an amazing local charity then look no further than Rainbows. Just like everyone else, our children and young people need a place to play, laugh and love life. A place where they and their families are cared for and supported. Sadly, some children simply don’t live long enough. Since 1994 we’ve opened our doors and hearts to those children and the people who love them most. The truth is that we can’t do our work without the help of people like you – and we know that together we can bring more care, smiles and laughter to our children, young people and their families. As the East Midlands’ only hospice for children and young people, Rainbows is a place where life-limited children and their families can find care and support. Our incredible team of people helps relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, support parents and siblings through their bereavements and care for children until the end. if you would like to book a speaker, get involved or find out more, please contact Jennifer Leach on 01509 638 006 or email jennifer. leach@rainbows.co.uk

I don’t make jokes about the Spanish ... No way, Jose!

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Help a disadvantaged child!

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (West Leics) ~ Registered Charity No. 1142034 ~

Are you able to help a local charity that provides unforgettable holidays for disadvantaged children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster? Since 1995, Friends of Chernobyl’s Children have been bringing needy children to the UK for 4-week respite holidays from the difficult conditions they endure in their homeland. Nationally, we help around 600 children each year and over the years, we have provided a lifeline for thousands of struggling families through our Family Hosting Project. The West Leicestershire group of the charity is based in Markfield and brought our first group of children to the county in September 2009. With the help and support of a small but dedicated team of volunteers, and the generosity of local people, the charity is able to place the children with local host families and put together a fantastic programme of activities for the kids to participate in during their stay giving them not only the chance to play, learn and laugh but also to make lasting friendships and enjoy experiences they would never have the opportunity to discover at home. To help us provide these life-changing holidays, we need local people to get involved. Specifically we need:Host families living within commutable distance of Markfield who • could host a child (age 7-13yrs) for 4 weeks in August 2012. Trustees and members who can help us with the day-to-day running • of the charity throughout the year. Volunteers to assist us in running a 4-week programme of activities. • Minibus drivers to transport the children in and around the county. • If you would like further information about how you could help us to put smiles onto the faces of these deserving children, please contact Sue Platts on 01455 285799 or 07906 407797 or e-mail paperchase.sue@btopenworld.com or visit the West Leicestershire page of our national website at www.focc.org.uk.

First family housing scheme built by council for 40 years! THE first family housing scheme to be built by the Borough Council for nearly 40 years has just been completed. And the first tenants to benefit from the scheme are Wayne Moore (29) and Christie Greenway (27), together with children Kiera (6), Warren (2) and Frazer (9 months), who are ready to move into their new semi in Alexander Gardens, Hinckley. The couple’s new home is one of a pair of three-bedroomed semis that cost £228,000 to build, with funding

provided by the council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). They have been built to meet Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. To meet this high standard they include features such as solar photovoltaic panels, which produce electricity from the sun, low energy light fittings to minimise electricity usage and permeable paving, which reduces the amount of rainwater that runs off from the development. The houses have also been designed to Lifetime Homes Standard, which adds to the comfort and convenience of the home and can support the changing needs of

individuals and families at different stages of life. Executive Member for Housing at the Borough Council, Councillor David Cope welcomed the new homes: “I would like to add my considerable pleasure that after all these years council properties are being built and in my ward too. This is something that my colleagues and I have wanted to see happen for years and now it is a reality. Furthermore the quality of the build is superb. It is a real accolade for the officers who made the project happen and the officers that oversaw the vision into practice. It is a truly fantastic result for this council!”

Kitt McGrath, Area Manager for the HCA, added: “We are pleased to see the development completed and look forward to the first tenants moving in. These high quality, affordable homes will make a huge difference to the lives of local people.” The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) is the single, national housing and regeneration delivery agency for England. Its vision is to create opportunity for people to live in homes they can afford in places they want to live, by enabling local authorities and communities to deliver the ambition they have for their own areas.

I was taking the motorway out of London. A policeman pulled me over and said: ‘Put it back.’

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

School bus row – is putting young people at risk an appropriate way of saving public money? Norman Griffiths looks at the assessment of the Field Head walking route

The parents who have been told they must pay £400 a year for each child to travel by bus to Groby Community College don’t think so, neither does Gary Smith, of Longland Safety Management Ltd.

reinstated while they conduct this new safety assessment and ask for reimbursement of any fees paid by the affected parents.

Parliamentary debate

He recently joined parents, the Clerk to the Parish Council and Field Head Councillor Peter Batty on a walk from Groby to Field Head to assist in assessing the hazards which could be encountered by the young people in walking the route. The mainly uphill walk was undertaken at a slow pace and took around one and a half hours.

Consultant’s report In the report he acknowledges the need to spend public money in an appropriate way but adds that “putting young people at risk and placing more stress on their families is not an appropriate saving of public money.” He comments on a number of risk factors relating to the relative isolation of parts of the route and the footpaths leading to wooded areas which intersect it. “As a parent I would not be happy with my children walking through the area as it is quite isolated,” he commented. He also shares the concerns of parents about the lack of street lighting following the switching off of lights by the County Council. Students have said they need to leave home at 7.15am in order to reach the College in time, and during the recent cold snap would have faced the additional hazard of slippery footpath surfaces. Gary believes that if any incidents occurred along the route to students whose bus privileges had been removed the potential civil litigation that would follow would

be hard for the local authority to defend. Exposure to diesel fumes is another issue that Gary says should be taken into account. His recommendation is that the County Council should undertake a more formal safety assessment taking into account the volume and speed of traffic. “I would advise that the bus is reinstated on safety grounds until a more specialist assessment can be undertaken at the times the children walk to and from school by the local authority,” he concluded.

Ombudsman’s concern In another development one of the parents has discussed her appeal with the office of the Local Government Ombudsman. She reports that her case officer also expressed concern about the safety aspects of the route and the fact that it seems that no full safety assessment has been carried out. He agrees that lighting is relevant and should be taken into consideration as this is a 4 lane

carriageway with heavy goods vehicles and in the dark mornings children will be at risk. He will ask why Leicestershire County Council consider lighting to not be an issue, as on a four lane carriageway it is unreasonable to allow any child to walk this route in the dark with HGV likely to ‘pull’ children into the road or ‘catch their bags’. And it can happen. A few days before Christmas a man died after getting out of his car on the hard shoulder of the M6 near Keele. He was hit by an HGV in a freak motorway accident and it is thought that he was sucked on to the carriageway by a passing truck. The parent adds that the case officer said that the potential dangers are significant and he will ask for a full and robust safety assessment to be undertaken as soon as possible as it is not acceptable for the assessment on the 28th July to carry any significant reliance. Meanwhile, he said he will ask for transport to be

A parliamentary debate led by Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan gave members the opportunity to discuss the issue of free bus travel. Nicky pointed out that the Directgov website states on its home-to-school transport page that “Safe walking routes are those which usually include road crossings, good lighting and well maintained pavements and footpaths. Local Authorities are required to assess the suitability of walking routes.” She also explained the Leicestershire County Council view on the Directgov approach in a letter from the Assistant Director of Transport dated 20 July 2011 in which he argued that ‘safe’ is a very absolute term and it is not possible to guarantee that anything is absolutely safe, so it is an unreasonable stipulation. “The law requires that a walking route be ‘available’ for a child accompanied as necessary by a responsible adult and it is this criterion that we apply.”

Leicestershire County Council’s position In a statement a spokesperson for Leicestershire County Council said “the Council takes seriously concerns about the safety of school children and all other road users. It carries out its assessments of walking routes to school in accordance with nationally agreed guidance issued by Road Safety GB, as agreed by the Scrutiny Review Panel in home-to-school transport.”

I rang up BT. I said: ‘I want to report a nuisance caller.’ He said: ‘Not you again.’

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

LETTER

Groby weekday car park At long last, we appear to have some major movement to help tackle the Groby car parking fiasco. On a number of posts around the village, we have notices hung telling us of proposals from County Hall to introduce ‘restricted’ or ‘no waiting’ yellow lines on various stretches of roads within the village. Of course the proposals will now, I presume, be subjected to meetings to delete, amend or accept the procedure. We do not know how long this exercise will take before the proposals go on, presumably, to the next stage. Assuming the proposals are accepted, I guess the next stage is financial approval. Which fiscal year’s budget will that be in? If financial approval is given, when will the work project be planned for? Yes, I am being pessimistic, but I have seen planned work for Groby village go ‘down the pan’ before!

S/Leader F.Leathers (Ret’d) Groby

Is this your safety helmet? A Spotlight reader has found a new child’s safety helmet on the BMX track seating area in Groby. If it’s yours, and you would like it back, contact the finder by email at smwelch@ hotmail.com and arrange to pick it up.

I met a Dutch girl with inflatable shoes last week, phoned her up for a date, but she’d popped her clogs.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

BMX volunteers needed As the anniversary of the opening of the BMX track approaches it continues to be well used, though the Parish Council has been told there are signs of misuse. Visitors may have noticed that sometimes the cyclists are supplemented by youngsters with scooters. “Scooters were one of the most popular gifts this Christmas but unfortunately they do wear the track out very fast due to their hard wheels which the track just isn’t designed for,” said Jamie West who helped with the construction of the track.“Whilst I think the current trend for scooters is great, it would be appreciated if parents could remind children that using the scooters on the track does damage it and ruins the enjoyment of the BMX users,” he added. The volunteer management team is only three strong and would like the support of the wider community. “We are looking to refresh the track as soon as the weather improves ready for the spring, which should only take a morning,” explained Jamie. “Any volunteers who could lend a hand and the use of a compacting plate would be greatly appreciated to get the track back up to scratch ready for the spring” Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact Jamie on info@grobybmx. com

Black bin, brown bin, now black bin blue lid When the high winds blow it’s not unknown for the plastic bottles, and other recycling to blow away. But with the latest changes to collections those days may be behind us as a new recycling service will be introduced next month. Throughout March blue lidded wheeled bins will be distributed throughout the Borough to improve recycling services for residents. Those with limited storage space may groan but don’t worry, if you haven’t the space for another bin you don’t have to have it. You can carry on using the blue

box and the blue and yellow bags instead. As the new bin is now being issued without charge anyone who paid for one last year and set up a standing order or direct debit should cancel the instruction with their bank. There is no change to collection days and other services (Brown Bin, Black Bin) remain unchanged

It is hoped that the new service will provide residents with an easier more convenient way to recycle which should encourage greater participation and further reduction in waste going to landfill, considerably reducing the likelihood of materials escaping the current bags and box and littering the street. Then there’s an anticipated £200,000 yearly saving to the Borough Council and it’s Council Taxpayers. The new bin will have an internal caddy to hold card and paper with all other recycling going into the bottom of the bin. Any additional recycling can be left in the blue and yellow bags. The new blue lidded black bins will be delivered to Groby residents on either March 2nd, March 16th or March 30th. The blue boxes used by residents currently will be collected when new bins are delivered. Residents can start to use their bin as soon as they receive it. There have been rumours that it will be possible to take a Certificate in Recycling Etiquette for £10 which will be worth 2 GCSE’s. If you receive a letter offering you such a certificate it should be saved so that it can be the first item you put in the recycling caddy.

I saw this man and woman wrapped in a barcode. I said: ‘Are you two an item?’

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Crime Figures for Jan 2012 The following incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during January 2012. Description

Groby

House Burglaries Actual: Anstey Lane Attempted: Bluebell Drive, Daisy Close

1 Actual 2 Attempted

Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Primrose Close, Bluebell Drive, Percival Way Attempted: Pymm Ley Lane

Field Head 0

0 3 Actual 1 Attempted

Theft of Motor Vehicle:

Theft from Motor Vehicle: Castell Drive, Primrose Close, Branting Hill, Bluebell Drive (3)

Damage to Motor Vehicle: Stamford Drive

Non-Domestic Assaults

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents

Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars

TOTAL (Actual)

TOTAL (Attempted)

Theft: 2 / Damage: 1 / Other: 4

Groby NHW Calendar of Events 2012 Groby Village Hall, New room to the rear of the main hall

Thursday 8th March 2012 at 7.30pm Thursday 14th June 2012 at 7.30pm Thursday 13th September 2012 at 7.30pm Thursday 6th December 2012 at 7.30pm 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.

Avoid being targeted by rogue traders Put your mind at rest and visit the Age UK Business Directory, where you will find a large selection of trustworthy traders and businesses, which have been checked by local Age UK staff who are available to help. www.aubd.co.uk If you do not have a computer, we will happily search the Directory for you - just call us FREE on 0800 5999435

There are two types of people I hate ... racists and Norwegians.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

New Insurance Product Launched By TomTom And Motaquote TomTom has made a landmark move into the insurance market by providing the technology behind a new insurance product, which bases premiums on driving behaviour.

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TomTom has teamed up with insurance broker Motaquote for the launch of Fair Pay Insurance - a product that rewards ‘good’ drivers with lower premiums. “Our entry into the insurance market with our proven fleet management technology puts us at the forefront of a move that could help to revolutionise the motor insurance industry,” said Thomas Schmidt, Managing Director TomTom Business Solutions. “We offer a unique combination of navigation, traffic information and telematics which opens up great opportunities for insurance companies to promote greener, safer driving and create a ground breaking portfolio of new insurance products. “We are delighted Motaquote have recognised this potential in the launch of such an innovative product.” Fair Pay Insurance gives drivers control over their own policy by using driving ability and behaviour to allocate premiums, rather than so-called risk factors such as postcode, gender, age and vehicle type. “We’ve dispensed with generalisations and said to our customers, if you believe you’re a good driver, we’ll believe you and we’ll even give you the benefit up front,” said Nigel Lombard, Managing Director of Fair Pay Insurance. “This is unlike some other telematics-based schemes where you may have to prove your ability over a number of months. So if you think of your insurance as your car’s MPG - the better you drive, the longer your fuel will last. It’s the same with Fair Pay Insurance, good drivers get more for their money and in that sense they will pay ultimately less.” Drivers who sign up for Fair Pay will benefit from a specially-developed TomTom PRO 3100 navigation device, which includes Active Driver Feedback and LIVE Services. This means policy-holders can be alerted to driving events, such as harsh cornering and sharp breaking, and benefit from accurate traffic information updated every two minutes. They will also have a LINK tracking unit fitted in their vehicles, allowing driver behaviour and habits to be monitored. This information can then be viewed by the policy-holder in their driver dashboard, an online tool that details journey and driver behaviour data, and in regular email bulletins.

I quit my job at the helium gas factory. I didn’t like being spoken to in that voice.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

All the Latest Groby WI News from Evelyn Ward Our January meeting was held on Thursday, 19 January and was attended by 67 members and 3 visitors.

Trips already planned are a coach trip to view the Olympic Stadium, ‘Gypsy’ the musical; ‘Me and My Girl’ at Kilworth House and a Birmingham Shopping trip to name but a few. The things Committee members do for members, a couple of intrepid explorers have volunteered to try other venues just to make sure the food is ok. The Luncheon Club have decided on a change of venue this month to Rothley Fish & Chip Shop, probably a big decision will have to be made between a minnow or a whale! A queue quickly formed at Diane’s table to pay the subs. for 2012. The amount is set at £31.50 which includes 12 meetings with a cup of tea/coffee and bicky, monthly copies of W.I.County News and 8 “WI Life” magazines from the National Federation.

Skittles success! The Skittles competition which is held between the six Institutes in the Bradgate Group to which we belong, reached a very exciting final. Guess what, we won again. As previously said the much prized “silver” egg cup for which we fight will be back on our Secretary’s window-sill for yet another year, unless some other fan of silver polishing volunteers, which is very doubtful. Other various ideas for activities were considered; a darts team, enthusiasts should be encouraged to polish up their arrows and their mental arithmetic for quick-fire scoring! Morris dancing; visits to members’ interesting gardens’. We are game to try most things. The collection in lieu of exchanging Christmas cards between members raised £40, shared between Shawoods and Glenfield Breast Unit. The Groby Village Street Fair committee have announced September 8th as the date for 2012. Groby W.I. will again serve refreshments, hopefully with more volunteers manning the teapots! Our speaker for the evening was Janet Wroe, the Wardrobe Mistress at the Hinckley Concordia

Theatre. Janet explained that this is run almost entirely by volunteers, the only paid member of the staff being the cleaner. Apart from their own productions they are hosts to an Opera Company, a Ballet Theatre, Academy of Dance, they also have a Youth Theatre. The costumes are all made in house, at very little cost, from fabrics donated and makeovers. Janet confessed to having little skill in this direction. Items are often donated; on one occasion several bin bags were left, anonymously, containing dresses worth £1,000 each. Other donations were Andy Pandy, Looby Lou, Superman not sure if Robin was included, Janet said these were most revealing! (Nicholas Lyndhurst in Only Fools and Horses comes to mind).

Remarkably gifted The Society is most fortunate to have the services of a dedicated young man, Simon; he had suffered some quite debilitating health problems and hoped that involvement would be therapeutic. Janet decided to give him the opportunity to help with costumes. Simon turned out to be remarkably gifted at producing wonderful authentic garments, but he was inclined to overdo the ‘bling’. A thriving business is carried on hiring out costumes for fancy dress, hen nights, etc. They have an extensive collection of costumes for all eras. The charges are most competitive £15 for a whole costume - £10 for a dress, sundry items are also available. Other drama groups can hire and are allowed to keep items throughout rehearsals, not just for the actual production nights; a great advantage.

Most embarrassing! Whetstone Golf Club’s new captains are known as King and Queen, one imaginative member at his installation hired a Roman outfit and drove to the 1st hole in a chariot! Another, a lady, hired out a chicken costume and to make the impersonation more authentic, strutted around clucking; most embarrassing when her false teeth fell out! Three ladies and a gentleman accompanied Janet: Irene, Pat 1, Pat 2 who, surprise, surprise, turned out to be none other than one of our members, Pat Carter (medieval lady), and not-to-be-forgotten Dave, who opened the show for the medieval period as a jester he was definitely type cast. The next group featured Kings and Queens. Dave’s second slot was as Henry VIII, looking for another wife; the costume was great, but weighing in around 9st. he left a lot to our imagination. Queen Elizabeth I (our Pat) appeared in a very regal dress complete with stand up collar (apparently copied from the

Black Adder TV series) but the model was not too happy with carrot wig. Queen Victoria came in as normal, all in black with a sombre face to match. Literature was portrayed by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice characters, Mrs. Bennett, Caroline Bingham and Lydia, whose youthful pretty dress in a delicate shade of green, with small puffed sleeves was modelled by our Pat and the age gap was no barrier, she carried it off beautifully. Next, the turn of Charles Dickens and his Great Expectations characters. Miss Haversham could well have come straight to us from filming, the gown was so authentic aged by cold tea and weak black emulsion paint. The young Estelle’s ensemble lifted the gloom, until Magwitch appeared in a costume complete with convicts arrows and a ball and chain. We saw the Ugly Sisters, a belly dancer (DAVE!!!) Pearly Queen, this costume was so heavy; all the buttons for both the King and Queen were sewn on by Janet, a robe made for ‘Godspell’ chorus had to be repeated 42 times. Modern materials are such a boon these days, crease resistant, draping easily, washing and

drying quickly. Janet then revealed that she had been hiding her talents when we saw a black forbidding crow, an owl and a hen, all life-size and fully plumed, complete with feet and claws. She also said that she was a retired midwife and, together with colleagues entertained pensioners’ groups etc. as The Merry Midwives. They had also appeared on the TV Quiz Show The Eggheads, sadly, not winners but did very well and she and the other “chicken” are shortly to be on our screens in ‘Pointless’. Watch this space! The vote of thanks was given, appropriately, by Lynn Mellor. No stranger herself to ‘dressing up’ she appears regularly in costume at The Manor House, Donington-le-Heath greeting visitors. Lynne echoed all our thanks for the wonderful evening presented by Hinckley Concordia Theatre. The next meeting is on 16th February in Groby Village Hall at 7.30pm. This time we have again our own Lynn Mellor demonstrating ‘Quilting for Beginners’, is there no end to her talents? Visitors, of course, always welcome.

My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Collect some salt before the snow returns When the snow eventually arrived the side roads presented their usual problems, but this time it wasn’t quite as bad thanks to the efforts of volunteer salt spreaders across the village. They had taken advantage of the Parish council’s offer to collect a couple of bags of salt from the cemetery for use in their local neighbourhood. They had to promise that it was not for their own paths. Older residents will remember when Groby disappeared under snow in the first week of April one year, so there’s still plenty of time for those snow clouds to return. You can still pick up salt but should ring the Parish Clerk’s office on 0116 287 6985 to check collection times. Councillor Jim Coley was one of those who spread the salt and

is now keen to spread the word that every little helps. To prove it he’s taken a photo showing the difference between the part of the road he treated and the part he didn’t. If more residents come forward to tackle the troublespots we’ll all benefit.

Turbines set for refusal? One of the comments often made about wind turbines it that there is no movement when there is no wind. It seems that the application for two wind turbines off Anstey Lane has also paused temporarily. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had asked for some more information but this hasn’t been supplied yet so no decision has been made on the application. This will change on March 6 when it is the intention of the Local Planning Authority to consider this application, when it will be recommended for refusal.

Next two Bradgate Flower Club Meetings Bradgate Flower Club meets on Wednesday 7th March to celebrate the skills within its membership. ‘All Our Own’ will feature demonstrations by individual members, drawing on their wealth of experience in flower arranging. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone interested in the subject to see what can be gained from joining a NAFAS affiliated club. • On Wednesday 4th April, the guest demonstrator is Janet Cooper from Daventry, who will explore the theme ‘Nature’s Bounty’. Both meetings start at 7.30pm in Newtown Linford Village Hall (which will be the venue each month except in December). The Flower Club’s events are open to existing and new members and to visitors, for whom an entry charge of £5 is made. Further details of both meetings can be obtained from me on 01530 415378. •

Geraldine Abbott

Chairman, Bradgate Flower Club

www.leicestershireforums.org

Markfield, Ratby & Groby Community Forum

Wednesday 29th February, 6.30-9pm (6.30pm for networking and information sharing)

Thornton Community Centre, Main Street, Thornton, Leicestershire, LE67 1AH

Have your say

Bagworth & Thornton, Botcheston, Field Head, Groby, Newtown Unthank, and Stanton-under-Bardon areas Learn about local job opportunities and access to skills

New Chairman and Vice-Chairman to be elected

What’s going on at my Community Forum? Take part in the networking session and share your views with other residents, local councillors and officers

Speakers include:

Chairman:

Connexions

To be elected

Deployment of super-fast broadband in Leicestershire

Councillor Jim Coley’s salting demonstration

I want to tell you a bit about myself ... I’m a very quiet and secretive person, and that’s it really.

K1108_A4

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Apartment for sale within Markfield Court BURCHELL EDWARDS Estate Agents are offeering for sale 11 Oak Green, Markfield Court, Ratby Lane, Markfield. The property comprises an over 55’s warden assisted, first floor apartment set within Markfield Court which comprises a well planned retirement development. The apartment enjoys majority Upvc double glazing, electric heated accommodation which comprises of: Lounge, dining room, fitted kitchen, two double bedrooms & bathroom with three-piece white suite. The apartment has no upward sales chain. The complex also benefits from communal parking, communal gardens with delightful views over rolling countryside and is situated on the very edge of this favoured north-west Leicestershire village. Set within in communal gardens with uninterrupted countryside views to rear, the complex enjoys a 24 hour, 7 day care line emergency call centre facility. Also including a residents lounge, library, snooker room and Social Club with function\party room. Various mobile services visit the development on a weekly basis and Markfield village centre is one mile away. Offers in the region of £94,950 are invited. For more information, contact Leigh Chapple ate Burchell Edwards on 0116 262 0022.

The Male of the Species Three plays by Alun Owen (Cert.PG)

This trilogy of plays introduced by Sir Laurence Olivier and featuring performances from Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Paul Scofield, is a dramatic and controversial study in male behaviour. Never trust a man - whoever he is. This is the bitter lesson learned by Mary MacNeil in her relationships with three different men: her father, a mendacious womaniser; a smooth-talking office flirt, Cornelius; and an elderly barrister, Emlyn, who is enchanted by Mary’s youthful vitality and charm. Only one of these men will win her heart in the end... It is available to own on 19th March 2012, RRP £12.99. Part of ITV’s celebrated anthology series Saturday Night Theatre, MALE OF THE SPECIES was written by Oscar-nominated playwright Alun Owen and originally screened in 1969 to great acclaim, earning Primetime Emmy Awards for both Paul Scofield and Anna Calder-Marshall.

What do you call a lady with big teeth that sleeps in the afternoon? Siesta Rantzen.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Atkins to host first Wedding Fair Hinckley’s Grade II listed Atkins Building will play host to couples planning a wedding when it holds its first Wedding Fair later this month. The free event takes place on Saturday 25 February from 10am to 4pm and offers couples planning a wedding or civil ceremony the opportunity to meet face-to-face with an array of independent local wedding suppliers and businesses who could play a part in their day, including suppliers of: • Bespoke bridal wear • Cakes, flowers, stationery and confectionery • Hair styling, nails and beauty • Men’s suits • Photography • Jewellery • Car hire • Entertainment and venue decoration. There will also be an opportunity to purchase unique crafts and gifts to make that special day stand out. The Wedding Fair has been arranged to coincide with the open day of Hinckley Register Office, which moved from the former register office on Mount Road to the Atkins Building one year ago. And to celebrate its first anniversary at Atkins, Hinckley registrars will be holding a free prize draw in which a prospective couple can win a free ceremony. Registrars will also be on hand to offer tours of Atkins facilities to couples who have not yet booked a venue. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Councillor Stuart Bray, said: “It is good to see the Atkins Building being used in this way. I would urge anyone planning a ceremony to go along and see what’s on offer from our local independent businesses.” Entry to the wedding fair is free, no booking is required. For more information contact Rebecca Wilbur, Atkins Business Centre Adviser, on 01455 247070.

Jottings

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Microwave dangers

Pick up a magazine

Microwaving food has become an everyday aspect of life for most households.

During these difficult times you may have decided to spend less on monthly magazines.

But there are limitations, some of which as perhaps as not commonly known as they should be, as one reader has told the Spotlight. It seems that it is not only unwise to boil water in a microwave it is positively dangerous. Apparently microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it. To prevent this from happening and causing injury the advice is not to heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand in the microwave for thirty seconds before moving it or adding anything into it. Superheating can occur any time water is heated and will particularly occur if the vessel that the water is heated in is new, or when heating a small amount of water (less than half a cup). The water heats faster than the vapour bubbles can form and if the cup is very new it is unlikely to have small surface scratches inside it that provide a place for the bubbles to form. As the bubbles cannot form and release some of the heat that has built up, the liquid does not boil, and the liquid continues to heat up well past its boiling point. If the liquid is bumped or jarred the bubbles to rapidly form and expel the hot liquid.

Down at Groby Library there’s a magazine exchange box, the idea being that you bring one and take one. But if you don’t have one to bring don’t be put off, there are so many in the box that Jane and Lisa are happy for you to just take one. As the Spotlight went to the printers there were a lot of lifestyle mags in the box such as Good Housekeeping, and House Beautiful as well as others that may appeal mainly to women like Prima, Woman and Home, Red, Essentials, OK and WI Life. Older readers will find the Saga Magazine whilst music lovers might like BBC Music. There’s The Cricketer for sportsmen, the Railway Magazine for enthusiasts and the Caravan Club Magazine for those wanting to forget the winter. And for those who thoughts and allegiances are north of Nottinghamshire there’s Yorkshire and the Yorkshire Dalesman. If your economising has gone further and includes saving £3 a week cancelling your Leicester Mercury don’t forget that you can read the Mercury and catch up with all the local news at the Library. In order to stop it wandering out of the door in someone’s pocket it’s kept safely behind the counter, but it’s happily handed over if you ask for either the current edition or one from the previous couple of days.

‘The Austerity Olympics’ - When The Games Came To London In 1948

Janie Hampton’s acclaimed The Austerity Olympics vividly depicts the last time the Games came to London. Her tales of teams ferried to events on double-decker buses, billeted in army camps and sewing their own kits are a world away from the lavish 2012 arenas and massive regeneration of Stratford East. The 1948 London Olympics demonstrated what a fantastic Games could be organized on just £760,000 - and still make a profit. The main stadium was cleared of greyhound racing to allow great athletes such as Emil Zatopek and Fanny Blankers-Koen to thrill the indomitable Londoners who cheerfully overcame every obstacle, from food rationing to terrible weather. Entertaining, revealing and highly-readable, this meticulously researched book is full of first-hand interviews, hilarious anecdotes, and spirited athletic feats. The Austerity Olympics is a fascinating book about an extraordinary event. The Austerity Olympics by Janie Hampton is published by Aurum Press on 20th February 2012, priced £8.99.

A friend of mine always wanted to be run over by a steam train. When it happened, he was chuffed to bits.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Further concessionary travel cuts? Concern was expressed at the February meeting of Groby Parish Council that the latest County Council consultation on proposed changes to transport subsidies may not reach the most vulnerable members of the community. The consultation runs until 2nd April with the responses being considered by the County Council on 8th May. The Council is looking at ways to increase the savings of £74 million it plans to make over the next four years. This consultation deals with many aspects of the assistance given with school transport costs in a range of situations and also looks again at the concessionary scheme for up to 128,500 residents older and disabled residents. It considers saving £10,000 by removing the after 11pm Monday to Friday concession for older and disabled residents, and £20,000 by removing free transport for the disabled before 9.30am Monday to Friday. Withdrawal of vouchers for disabled people who cannot use conventional bus services and for older people who live over 800 metres from an hourly bus would save £85,000, but the biggest saving of £155,000 could come from the withdrawal of half fare on community transport such as dial-a-ride and social car schemes. These services are intended to help people who by virtue of disability, frailty or ill health cannot use conventional bus services or have serious problems doing so. They

are provided for individuals to help them live as independently as possible. The consultation can be completed online but concern was expressed at the Parish Council meeting that many of the people who would be worst affected by such cuts, if they are implemented, are the least likely to have internet access. If you do have internet access and wish to respond you can find the consultation at http://www. leics.gov.uk/transportconsultation. If you don’t have internet access or would prefer a printed version for yourself or someone you know who might be affected you can ring the County Council on 0116 305 0001 or email stg@leics.gov.uk.

Good news on dental services NHS dental treatment for around 500 children in Groby was withdrawn by the Primary Care Trust(PCT) following the termination of the contract between the Trust and a local dentist. This left both the practice at which the dentist was based and parents with uncertainty about the future of NHS treatment for children in the village. At last tenders have been invited from suitably qualified and experienced providers for a new contract to provide a dental service in the Groby area. The service to be delivered is restricted to within a four mile radius of Groby. The contract will be for a period of five years with the option to extend. The closing date for tenders was 17 February 2012.

FOX BOSS WORDSEARCH Win a Sunday Lunch for Four at CAFE 7, Within Sevenoaks Nursery, Groby Lane, Newtown Linford.

U D S H H P Z J Z L E F G M N J

G G L M B L G M G G R G A Y I S

N G H E A R Q G P W H R J A G X

I F B Q I D V U L D T A C W E M

W Z V R B F A T R I C F P O L A

T Q K H I K M Y N I A T W L P T

L L E R R A F O K N A R F L E T

D C R M I A N N O C R J W O A G

M S O E A E M L K L I T U H R I

X M U K I F H W I J B M C N S L

K K M L C H H P U T Y Y U A O L

E C L X I G X I B K T C M I N I

G O R D O N M I L N E L D M W E

D A V I D P L E A T N T E R I S

T D U E C A L L A W K C O J Y J

A S U O S O L U A P A M E D R J

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

BRIANLITTLE DAVIDPLEAT Address: ................................................................................................ FRANKOFARRELL GORDONMILNE IANHOLLOWAY .................................................................Postcode: ............................. JIMMYBLOOMFIELD If JOCKWALLACE you can find the names of 12 Leicester City MANAGERS inMARTINONEILL the Wordsearch grid above, you could win a SUNDAY MATTGILLIES LUNCH MAIN COURSE FOR FOUR at CAFE SEVEN, Sevenoaks MICKYADAMS Garden Centre, Near Groby Pool. AllNIGELPEARSON you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line PAULOSOUSA through - the names of 12 former City bosses. These can run vertically,

horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: CITY GAFFERS, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Thursday 8th March 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. Good luck!

Here are the MANAGERS you have to find: BRIAN LITTLE • DAVID PLEAT • FRANK O’FARRELL

Ratby Village Society Ratby Village Society meetings start at 8pm in the Village Hall, Main Street, Ratby, on the third Tuesday monthly except July and December when there are no meetings. The AGM takes place in February. Admission for members is £1.60 and casual guests £2.50 with refreshments included. Tuesday 20th March - Brian Leader and Dawn Tudor talk on ‘First Steps to Researching your Family History’ including information and advice on photo scanning and restoration for damaged photos. This can be done without having the negatives or causing damage to the originals. Please bring a notebook and pencil with you.

GORDON MILNE • IAN HOLLOWAY • JIMMY BLOOMFIELD JOCK WALLACE • MARTIN O’NEILL • MATT GILLIES MICKY ADAMS • NIGEL PEARSON • PAULO SOUSA

Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last month’s Wordearch competition was: MRS. I. CARTWRIGHT of Woodlands Drive, Groby. You win a Sunday Lunch Main Course for Four at Cafe Seven, Sevenoaks Garden Centre, near Groby Pool.

Congratulations! Your prize will be with you soon.

Created by Puzzlemaker

Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Fri 17th Feb: Louise Claire Sat 18th Feb: Chris Jones Sun 19th Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 24th Feb: Hollie Marie Sat 25th Feb: The Works Trio Sun 26th Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 2nd March: Luke Sat 3rd March: After Shock Sun 4th March: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 9th March: Phil Craig Sat 10th March: Jessica Sun 11th March: Super Sunday ‘50’ SEE ADVERT ON PAGE 26 The Stamford Arms, 2 Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616 General Knowledge QUIZ Every Sunday Music QUIZ Every Tuesday The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 25th Feb: JOHN STACEY Garden & Pub Games etc. The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496 Sat 3rd March: Jan’s 14-Year Bash Sat 10th March: Karaoke with MARK ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN The Bricklayers 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 Sat 18th Feb: Charity Evening With ‘The Upbeatles’ and ‘ELVIS’ To Raise Money For Thornton Church. For More Info Telephone Diane 01530 230123 Or Karen 01530 230631

Latest news from Lady Jane Grey School Sat 25th Feb: The Freeze - rock covers band Sat 3rd March: Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band - £5 admission. ALL SKY SPORTS AND ESPN www.myspace.com/thorntonclub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205 New members Welcome 2012 membership now due. Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Andy’s charity quiz – last Friday of the month £1.50 each Sequence Dance - Sunday nights 8pm £1 admission. Tea Dance - Wednesday 2-4 pm £1 admission Charity Dance - Friday 17th February Dance Phil Brown on the keyboards. 8 pm admission £2.50 Saturday night dance – 3rd March 8 pm £1 admission For further details, tel: 01530 230205 The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm. Fri 24th Feb: CHER Fri 9th March: PHIL COLLINS Fri 23rd March: 80s TRIBUTE Fri 6th April: MOTOWN SOUL Quiz Nite: 2nd Tues of Month (See Advert on page 26) The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sat 10th March 2012 (’King of the Road’)

Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE! Amazing!

On Friday 20th January, Lady Jane Grey’s Primary School’s Year 5 class took part in a Design and Technology recycling project. The organisation Recycled Evolution, led by Steve and Claire worked with the nine and ten year olds to build a bench from recycled scaffolding boards. The children were made aware that the scaffolding boards could only be used for a maximum of two years on site, in order to comply with health and safety regulations. To develop the children’s awareness of the importance of wood, they were initially required to list as many items that they could think of that are made from this material. This therefore heightened their understanding of the value of recycling. Children were then provided with their own ear plugs, dust masks and goggles and discussed why these are essential to their health and safety. The children collaboratively worked together and a real sense of team morale developed as they sanded, painted and used an electric screwdriver to work towards creating their end product of a bench.

Class teacher Mr Robertson said “All children thoroughly enjoyed working as part of the successful team and understood the value of each other’s efforts”. The Bench, which is just short of being finished will be placed in the Key Stage Two play ground and will be there for the enjoyment of all children. The sense of pride and achievement expressed by all the children who have taken part was beyond any expectations. As a school Steve and Claire’s efforts cannot be praised and thanked enough. Due to the success of this project, the school will be welcoming Recycled Evolution back to work with Year 3, to make bird boxes in the not to distant future.

Katherine Renshaw

My grandmother was insane. She had pierced hearing aids.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Glenfield Millennium Green News

It’s our 10th anniversary so we’re going to celebrate! The Millennium Green was officially opened on April 13th 2002 by the Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell. At the time, with planting just completed, the Green looked quite bleak and open. It has changed a great deal during the last 10 years and we are celebrating this Anniversary during our annual Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Saturday, April 7th, from 10.30am to 12.00pm (noon). We will be planting a tree to commemorate the event and having a cake to share.We need to raise extra money to fund this celebration and a Jubilee Party planned for June 4th. We are running a Table Top Sale on March 3rd at the Memorial Hall, Stamford Street, Glenfield from 10.00am to 12.00 (noon). Tables can be booked by phoning 0116 2991868 and cost £6. A chance to spring-clean cupboards and make room for more! Light refreshments will be available during the morning and more details of events that we are planning during the year. There will be a small admission charge on the day for those who come to buy.

Christine Tordoff

Over 500 take advantage of free insulation offer OVER 500 residents in Hinckley & Bosworth have taken advantage of a special offer to have energy-saving loft and cavity wall insulation installed in their homes completely free of charge.

Every single resident living in the borough – whether a homeowner or privately renting property - can still get the insulation installed free of charge if they apply before the end of June 2012. The offer is open to everyone, regardless of age or income and applicants do not need to be in receipt of benefit. The free insulation measures, which can help residents stay warmer at home in the winter and cooler in the summer while keeping fuel bills down, are being made available through the Energy Saving Trust. They can be contacted on freephone 0800 512 012, quoting the promotion code “H & B“ for further information. The offer only applies to homes where there is less than 60mm of existing insulation. The insulation measures are free for homes where the cavity is up to 120 square metres or 90 square metres for the loft. If a home is bigger, then the householder will have to pay the difference. The insulation measures will save each householder up to £270 on their fuel bills each year and the 500 homes treated so far will reduce carbon emissions by a total of 11,840 tonnes over 25 years.

Churches Together in Groby Fair Cuppa:

an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Every Thursday, 10.00—11.30am.

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.

For further information 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

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

Set aside half an hour every day to do all your worrying. Then take a nap during this period.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Allotment Society gets a new shed! John Thornton tells the story of the new Trading/Community Shed

During our discussions with the Parish Council about the Society taking over the administration of the village allotments, which now seems almost history, we requested and they agreed that we could have a trading / communal shed for the sole benefit of members on condition that it was provided at no cost to the Council. We now have this shed, funded solely from the Society’s savings which have been accumulated over the years since our foundation in 1983. The rental income is in a totally separate account which is spent on site maintenance. The shed replaces an old ramshackle corrugated iron structure, of much larger size and in dangerous condition, was in its earlier life part of the bicycle sheds at the GEC site at New Parks. It will be extremely useful in the day-to-day running of the plots providing a dry and wind free environment to handle paperwork when enrolling new members to

the plots. It will also be a focal point for all tenants where we envisage rents being collected, a wall map of the plots on both sites which will show division lines and other useful information. Our fund raising and social committee have already expressed the wish for a formal shed opening party, perhaps with a barbecue when the weather warms up. The committee hope to create a social atmosphere for all members and their families. We have long envied other societies in other parts of the country with a trading centre where plants, seeds and surplus produce can be swapped we already do this on a much smaller scale. It will take time to get it up and running but we are determined to succeed. We have been busy letting plots in the past few weeks which have been vacated mainly by members moving from the area, new families demanding more time and at the other end of the scale old Father Time wielding his scythe. If you are on the list don’t despair it is getting shorter and you may be next in line. The rent renewal letters have been sent out and at 12p a square

metre we think our rents reflect good value when compared with other areas; the UK average is 15p but at the other end of the scale for example, Runnymede at 55p, London £3-50 and lastly Islington with a 10m X 2m plot at £70 per annum coupled with a 10 year waiting list! Thankfully we are in middle England so enjoy your plot.

Our new shed as delivered, which on its own was exciting with the lorry getting stuck and needing a tow out. We will fix a water collection system later, which will feed into a 1000 litre tank for all to use, saving on the cost of the metered tap water.

Make a meal from leftovers A series of free cookery classes are being held to teach people how to cook up a treat using leftovers. As well as cooking up to three recipes, Leicestershire residents who attend can pick up tasty recipe cards and take home a free goody bag containing giveaways including a spaghetti measure and a meal planner. The Leicestershire Waste Partnership, which is made up of the county, district and borough councils, is hoping the classes will teach people to love their leftovers and save up to £50 a month by reducing food waste. The move would also make the county greener - it is estimated that if everyone stopped throwing away food waste the carbon that would be saved would be equal to taking one in every four cars off the road. Sessions will be held at: Brockington College, Blaby Road, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4AQ • Monday, February 20, 6pm-9pm Friday, February 24, 6pm -9pm Loughborough College, The Radmoor Centre, Radmoor Road, • Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3BT Tuesday, February 28, 6pm-9pm Tuesday, March 6, 6pm-9pm Guy Jackson, Chairman of Leicestershire Environment Board which the Waste Partnership is a part of, said: “You don’t have to throw food scraps in the bin – these free classes will show how leftovers can be used to create tasty, nutritious dishes. “As families look for ways to save money on their household bills many of us aren’t aware that food waste not only hits us in the pocket – up to £50 a month – but also has a serious impact on the environment.” To sign up for the class* or to find out more information please call 0116 305 7005 or email wasteprevention@leics.gov.uk . *The cookery classes are part of the national “Love Food Hate Waste” campaign, are suitable for children aged nine or over and are available for Leicestershire residents only (excluding Leicester City). For more tips on reducing food waste visit: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com More information on the classes can be found at: www.leics.gov.uk/love_ food_hate_waste or www.lesswaste.org.uk

My biggest problem is that I believe almost everything I tell myself.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-FEBRUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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