February 2016 groby spotlight online by Michael Wilkinson

VACANCIES FOR TWO PARISH COUNCILLORS - SEE PAGE 8

Rainbows have arrived in Groby!

IN OCTOBER last year, two local mums decided it was time to open up a Rainbows Girl Guides unit. Straight away we had 11 girls attending and in January took the numbers to 16. We meet for an hour a week with the emphasis on fun. Girl Guiding enables girls and young women to develop their potential and to make a difference to the world. The aim of Guiding is to help girls and young women develop emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, so that they can make a positive contribution to their community and the wider world. We are an all-girl group and our aim is to give the girls their own space and own voice. If you are interested in getting your daughter on the waiting list please go to https://enquiryym.girlguiding.org.uk/ and register them.

Katy McMorrow

Letter

Farewell from Jane at Groby Library IF ALL GOES well with the transfer to the community partnership library my last day at Groby Library will have been Thurs 4th February. Groby Library, and its customers, has been a very big part of my life over the last 10 years and I didn’t want to leave without saying a proper goodbye and thank you. It has been a pleasure to work at Groby library and I shall miss you all. I had intended to stay and help the volunteer group get started, but the opportunity of a post in a library nearer to where I live came up and I decided to apply for that. Groby Library has been one of the best community libraries in the area – very much thanks to the people of Groby – and I hope that you will continue to support the new voluntary group to ensure the library stays open and successful. I have made a lot friends in Groby and I am sad that I will probably not see many of you again, but hopefully Janet & Christine will let me know of any open days they will be having and I can visit on those occasions. Take care of yourselves and many thanks for making my time at Groby Library such a good one. Best Wishes,

Jane Blowers

Letter from Sue & Harry at Groby Post Office

HARRY AND I are retiring on 3rd March 2016. It has been a hugely difficult decision given how much we love seeing and helping our customers – the Post Office hasn’t only been how we earn a living but it’s our way of life.

We feel now is the right time for someone else to have this opportunity and responsibility. Given our commitment to the people of Groby, we assisted Post Office Management to find the right person to support people at the heart of the village. We have managed the Post Office for 26 years and it has been a privilege to serve such an amazing, compassionate and generous group of people. We will remember forever the kind words and affection we received recently when the Post Office announced its sale. We have so many fond memories and we will miss you all dearly. We have wWorked very hard to deliver the service that you all deserve, and you can be assured of the same level of support until we retire as we look forward to serving you. Linda Barnes is also retiring with us - She has been with us for more than 20 years and has been such an efficient, warm and devoted person. We thank her from the bottom of our heart; She has been a God send to us and the people of Groby. We will miss her very much as she is part of our family. Sharon will be continuing working at Groby Post Office with the new owners - she has also been a devoted and sincere person to work with for the past 7 years - We also wish her the best for the future. We will also like to thank all of the Post Men for the last 26 years - they have been a pleasure to work with. We have won many awards and accolades during the last 26 years which we will treasure in our hearts - but our main treasure has been the people of Groby - we will miss you. Thank you and Best Wishes to you all from Sue and Harry.

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 12th March - Advert/Articles needed by 27th February

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Wine Circle OUR WINE circle is a very sociable group which meets on the third Monday of the month at Groby Community College. Speakers are invited to give talks on a variety of interesting topics after which there is a chance to catch up socially over a drink with a cheese and French bread snack. Throughout the year we organise fun nights out such as skittles, quiz nights, meals out and visits, etc. Our Guest Speaker for the January meeting was Caroline Roberts, a Leicester and Rutland Blue Badge guide. We have met with Caroline on several occasions for guided walks around Leicester however, this time she gave us an interesting talk called “More fascinating facts about Leicester”. Prompted by the question ‘if you had some visitors where in Leicester would you want to show them’, the talk started at the Jewry Wall and followed on with an imaginary wander through some of Leicester’s interesting heritage and history, covering Roman times, the middle ages to modern times. This included fascinating facts about how the church of St Martin became a Cathedral in 1927 following the establishment of a new Diocese of Leicester in 1926 and, of course, the discovery of the remains of Richard III. Future guest speakers include: • Feb - The National Trust • Mar - Tibet • Apr - Houses with a story to tell. If you feel you would be interested in coming along or would like more information about our Wine Circle please contact either:

Dave Cooper (0116 239 2844) or Robbie Grundy (0116 239 3853).

Snap OFSTED Inspection at Martinshaw School With years 1 and 2 choosing the subject of Ofsted Inspection for their Christmas performance, I suppose some would have considered it tempting fate. Consequently, and prophetically on the afternoon of Tuesday 12th January. and still in the middle of settling into the just opened KS1 classrooms, Headmaster Mr Neil Elson received the call that the Inspectors would be visiting first thing the following morning, Wednesday 13th January. No panicking, and with just a little tweaking late into Tuesday evening, the school was ready. The Inspectors duly arrived and were straight into the inspection, observing teaching, talking to children, looking at work books, speaking to parents and Governors and quickly, unobtrusively and efficiently carried out all their duties. The school just went about its business as normal, the children working hard to impress our guests by just showing their normal level of enthusiasm and politeness, something picked up on in the final report. The official report rated the school as Good in every single category, with fulsome praise for the progress that the school has made recently and pointing to a very successful future. Well done to the Head, senior management team, teachers, assistants, governors, volunteers and, most importantly, the pupils for making this school, along with the other two Primary Schools, places of learning for which Groby can be justly proud.

Owen Lawrence

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Full Steam Ahead for LOROS!

Groby Allotment Society News

WHAT DO you get if you combine an exciting trip on the Great Central Railway, a beautiful countryside walk and raising money for your local Hospice? Full Steam Ahead for LOROS, of course.

“Life With A Lottie” By Jane Marston

LOROS has teamed up with The Great Central Railway for an event which gives supporters the chance to raise money while enjoying a trip on a steam train. The event, which will be taking place on Saturday 12th March, will see participants take part in a five-mile walk across Leicestershire countryside, before boarding the LOROS Express. The walk will start at Quorn and Woodhouse Station, before supporters head cross country through the villages of Old Woodhouse and through private land around Swithland Reservoir, leading through to the beautifully nostalgic old station at Rothley. From there, participants will jump on board the Great Central Railway, on which they will be taken back to Quorn where they can enjoy a complimentary hog-roast at the The Manor House pub. Events Lead at LOROS Laura Betts said: “This is a charity walk with a difference and everyone is really excited about it. “The Great Central Railway and LOROS both play huge parts within Leicestershire community, so this is a really lovely way to bring both organisations together and allow the public to see a little glimpse of the great work we both do.” The event is family friendly, with entertainment at both stations and the Station Master has granted special permission to allow dogs on the day too. General Manager of Great Central Railway, Richard Patching said: “We are delighted to be working alongside such a worthwhile charity supporting young adults and families within our county and community. “We truly hope the event is a success for all concerned and that the Great Central Railway continues to strengthen their relationships with LOROS for the long term future. “Families and individuals can get involved by joining us on the day and enjoying a train ride alongside a lovely countryside walk through our beautiful Charnwood countryside, whilst supporting this charity, which is so crucial to many.” Full Steam Ahead for LOROS begins at 9.30am, with tickets costing £18 for adults, £12 for under 12’s and free for under 3’s. Tickets are limited so booking ahead is advised. For more details and to book please visit loros.co.uk/steam or call (0116) 231 8431/2

T LAST the days are drawing out and the first thing my husband asks when meeting a fellow plot holder is ‘got anything in yet’?

We still have a slow trickle of winter veg supplying our table, but I must admit when buying groceries I do slip in the odd bag of veg - something for a change. The soft fruit that we froze last season still provides us with most off our puddings and jam – there again I did buy some black cherry jam the other day – what a treat. If only we could grow rice for Ernie’s rice puddings all would be good. Winter digging continues and spring planting of seeds is taking shape. There was much satisfaction when the seed potatoes arrived and put to chit, Onion seeds have been planted in the greenhouse along with peas and broad beans. Cuttings for chrysanthemums and dahlias are being nurtured along. The season is well under way but very dependent on the weather. Once again our year is being planned around the plot and the developing seasons. The outside garden trug (1 mtr square and waist level) has been emptied and refilled with fresh compost – this is where we grew our prize winning carrots last year and will try this again this year – no carrot fly and lovely straight carrots. The Committee are once again working hard for the plot holders on both sites and don’t forget your rents are due and the AGM is in February. The Bacon Buttie Sunday mornings will commence the first Sunday morning in April 10am till 11 30ish. If you have any garden related equipment that you wish to pass on to other gardeners please bring along to one of our open shed mornings. Or on the other hand if you need some equipment come along and see what pre loved stuff we can upcycle for you to use. Please please come along and support use on our fund raising events it is a major way of raising funds and 100% goes back into the society.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Sausage and Leek Pie Using up the last of the winter leeks. Shortcrust pastry – using 12 oz. of plain flour 2 Leeks chopped 8 oz. sausage meat – good quality 2 eggs A splash of milk A handful of grated cheese Make the pastry and divide into two portions. Roll out the first and line a shallow pie dish. Spread the sausage meat over the pastry and then add the chopped leeks. Take one of the eggs and beat in a small bowl with the milk and pour over the leeks. Sprinkle over the cheese. Roll out the rest of the pastry and place over the pie to form a lid. Beat the second egg and use to seal the edges of the pastry and brush over the lid. Bake in a hot oven Gas 6 /200cfor 20 mins, then reduce the heat to Gas 4 / 180C for a further 40 mins. Serve piping hot with mashed potato and fresh veg. Serves 4 (or in our house 2 and we have the left overs for lunch the following day).

Can you help the Food Bank with a small storage facility? LAST MONTH the Spotlight reported the weekly opening of a Food Bank at Groby Village Hall. In an update Tim Adkin, Food Bank Co-ordinator at Charity Link, said “We have a small number of referrals, so we have actually been able to help people who needed crisis support. We have received regular donations and the Nottingham Building society are having a collection point. There is now a dedicated team of local volunteers manning the Food Bank and we have been supported by the District Councillors.” The Food Bank needs a small storage space. “Two large cupboards would suffice but it needs to be dry , cool and accessible, Tim added. If you want to find out more about the food bank or can help with storage, please email Tim.Adkin@charity-link.org or call him on 0116 222 2214. The local food bank assists with emergency food for local residents in crisis and operates for 2 hours at the Village Hall on Leicester Road on Friday mornings from 10am. In exceptional circumstances deliveries can be arranged to homes in the Ratby, Groby and Markfield areas. All Food bank users will need to provide proof of their identity and a letter from an ‘agency’ outlining their needs, the number of dependants in the household and their address. An agency could be local faith groups, Social Services, Hinckley and Bosworth Housing, a local GP. the Parish Council, or the Police. Food to last up to one week will be supplied. Recipients will be able to receive up to a maximum of three food donations in any one period to overcome their immediate crisis.

Norman Griffiths I don’t use alcohol to solve my problems but when I’m drunk I’m an expert at solving yours.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Parish Council car park news AS FEBRUARY arrived so did the diggers at Stamford Drive car park.

Groby CIC Annual General Meeting THE AGM of Groby CIC will take place on Tuesday 8th of March 2016. For more information, contact peterboat60@gmail.com

Volunteers required for HBBC consultation WE ARE looking for volunteers to come along to the council offices, to tell us what they think about some of our services. Please be assured that any feedback will remain anonymous, but will be really valuable in helping us to improve council services. If volunteers or someone a volunteer lives with is diabetic (or has regular injections or uses an EpiPen) that would be very useful for the feedback session. It is not essential, however. Volunteers can attend anytime between 9am – 4pm, on either 17 or 22 March 2016. The session will take around 45 minutes and will take place at: Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, Hinckley, Leicester LE10 0FR (Please note there is up to two hours free parking on site at the Hub). If you are willing to support this important area of work, please contact Anne Jones on 01455 255914,anne.jones@hinckleybosworth.gov.uk, indicating when you would like to attend.

Wise Words The three great essentials to achieve anything worth while are: Hard work, Stick-to-itiveness, and Common sense. Thomas A. Edison

It has been transformed from a partially grass and weed infested area to a pristine surface at a cost of £22,000. The car park at the opposite end of the field also needs some work. Although it had been thought that this would be relatively minor in comparison a more detailed examination has shown that any short term fix would be just that – a short term fix. It has been estimated that £17,000 needs to be spent but the work can be deferred beyond the current financial year. The car parks are there for the convenience of residents but it should be remembered that there’s a daily routine for Parish Council staff of unlocking the car parks at recreation areas in the morning and re-locking them at night. If you make use of the car parks you need to check the locking time on your way in to ensure that you have left before the gatekeeper arrives, as occasionally residents with vehicles do get locked in. If this happens you’ll find that your visit is much longer than you anticipated, as out of hours the Parish Council telephone is diverted to an answering machine. You’ll have to get in touch with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council( HBBC) who will then try to contact someone locally with a key to let you out. Your car won’t be stranded overnight but you will have to wait for help to arrive and this will not be a pleasant experience as darkness falls, particularly for lone females or those with small children. The HBBC emergency out of hours number is 01455 251137. So do ensure you check the locking times and remove your car before the gate is locked. And, just in case, it’s worth ensuring you are carrying a charged mobile phone so that you can ring for help and, finally, be sure you know which car park you are in so that help can get to you as quickly as possible.

Norman Griffiths

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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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NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 12th March DEADLINE: 27th February

My cat just swatted my dog in the face for yawning loudly and it was then I knew they were married.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Hedgehogs in need ONLY A few weeks to go, and hedgehogs will be waking up from their winter sleep. Keep an eye out for them this Spring, and do try and offer food to any that you see. For hedgehogs are in trouble: numbers have more than halved in rural Britain in the last 15 years, where intensive farming and poor hedgerow management have destroyed their habitats. In the city it can be just as bad: fenced off gardens and lawns laid to concrete can mean death to a starving hedgehog. There are now believed to be less than a million hedgehogs left in the entire UK, according to the ‘State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2015’ report. So here’s how to help your local hedgehog: Cut a five-inch square hole in the bottom of your garden fence, or remove a brick or two from the base of a wall, to let hedgehogs get through. Where possible, replace fences or walls with hedges. Don’t pave over your garden. Encourage insects with nectar-rich plants. Leave out meaty cat or dog food. Avoid treating your lawn with herbicide. Pile up logs to create a habitat for hedgehogs. Take care when clearing piles of leaves, in case you disturb one. And finally, please avoid using slug pellets! (Advice from Hedgehog Street)

National Trust Leicester Association News THE CALKE ABBEY estate near Ashby de la Zouch was purchased by Sir Henry Harpur in 1622. The current country house was built by his great grandson, Sir John Harpur, in 1704 soon after he came into his inheritance, aged 21, in 1701. Even though he married Catherine, the daughter of Lord Crewe, he had no interest in public life. However his son and grandson, both “Sir Henry Harpur”, were involved in public life. They were both MP’s and racehorse owners and breeders; one of their horses won the equivalent of £3 million in 1773. Apart from Sir George Crewe, owner from 1819 to 1844, all of the other owners of Calke Abbey led unsociable and even eccentric lives. Another Sir Henry Harpur, owner from 1789 to 1819, withdrew from society, married a ladies maid and changed the family name to Crewe. From the 1830’s two generations of the family were serious collectors and by 1840 there were already 400 cases of stuffed birds, quadrupeds and fishes. Members of the family also rarely threw anything away and many rooms in the house took on the appearance of a museum, as it remains today. This year a very rare collection of elaborate solid silver wine labels will be on display. Specially commissioned for Calke Abbey in the 18th and 19th centuries they were hung round the neck of wine decanters as wine wasn’t sold in bottles at that time. The family were hit by crippling death duties in 1924 and by an another £8 million bill in 1981. This caused the house to fall into a rapid state of decline like many other grand houses in this country, a state in which the National Trust has chosen to display the house. This year, for the first time, the house will be open

to the public every day of the week with free flow visiting from 12.30 to 5.00pm until 30th October. The parkland, garden, shop & restaurant are also open every day • The NT Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 24th February at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm when Derek Holloway will present an talk on “Clarice Cliff”. There is also an evening meeting on Tuesday 8th March when Hannah Steggles will present an illustrated talk on “The History of Cromford Mill”. The meeting will be held at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. Admission to both meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00 including refreshments. For details of the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

Ratby library improvements LEICESTERSHIRE’S latest community partnership library opened its doors on Monday 8th February in Ratby, when the county council handed over the keys to a local group. Graham Stanley, chair of the Ratby Library & Community Group said: “Since setting up an independent group we’ve created a charity business and recruited a fantastic group of committed volunteers, including sixthform students from Groby Community College. “We shall more than double the library building’s previous opening hours and be open every day except Sunday and we hope to improve the building’s current operating income.” He revealed the group was raising £115,000 to alter the building and said: “The creation of a village space with a cafeteria, the hosting of training courses, faster and more responsive IT and other improvements will, over the longer term, bring greater numbers through our doors and it will be this that helps support the continuation and growth of the library.”

Someone needs to invent an alarm clock that, if you hit snooze more than three times, will call in sick for you.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

New convenience store takes on the big players Norman Griffiths looks at Groby Food and Wine THOSE WHO have lived in Groby the longest will remember the days when there were two convenience stores on Martinshaw Lane and two small supermarkets on Ratby Road where Cathy Stevens and Pricegate now trade. The Martinshaw stores closed and now, following the demise locally of Budgens, both supermarkets in the village are operated by the Co-op. They are run by different groups under the Co-op name but carry similar product ranges and for many items have similar pricing. Although an attempt to reintroduce the convenience store concept to Martinshaw Lane failed recently this has not deterred a businessman called Gobi from taking on the empty unit which used to house the local off licence years ago. His new store, Groby Food and Wine, is a convenience store which carries a wide range of wines and other drinks at competitive prices. His background is sales development is built on Martinshaw and marketing and he also runs a Lane. As a corner shop it is ideally wholesale business which enables placed to serve residents in the him to not only price the wines Martinshaw Lane, Woodbank Road keenly but also to operate a and Stephenson Drive area who free loyalty card. The card gives want to walk but don’t want to members an extra 10% on all wines cross the busy Ratby Road to get and strong beers, subject to a £12 to the Leicester Road or Laundon spend. And with lots of wines at 2 Way Co-op outlets. “We’ll tailor the bottles for £10 the minimum spend goods we offer to those things our won’t be a problem for many wine customers want us to stock,” Gobi lovers. To join the discount club, explained. For example, the grocery customers just have to collect a basics will be supplemented with discount card from the store. frozen meals for one which can be quickly reheated. He aims to Gobi is optimistic about offer low prices on the essentials, making a success of his new including 2 litres of milk for 99p, store on Martinshaw Lane. “The bread for 89p and half a dozen eggs convenience store market is for £1. undergoing a revival,” he said, “with many shoppers choosing The Local Shop Report 2015 to shop more often rather than produced by the Association of going to the big supermarkets once Convenience Stores shows that a week. The Co-op stores in the there are now 51,524 local shops village cater for this market well but in mainland UK. Around 83% of I believe there is still a place in the their customers visit their local market for something like Groby convenience store at least once Food and Wine which is much a week, with 25% visiting at least more like a corner shop. We don’t once a day. Nearly four in every have the huge range of the larger five customers travel less than a stores but we have the essentials mile to use their local convenience in addition to our good range of store store, with around 60% wines.” walking to the store. With the keen prices on wines Three quarters of local shops are the store is hoping to attract run by small business owners, and customers from all parts of the although over 7 in 10 retailers are village. Many elderly residents live the first in their family to own or in the immediate vicinity, with more run a convenience store this does to come when the new housing not apply to Gobi. “I have lots of

experience in retail as my close family members have convenience stores around the country,” he explained. According to the Local Shop Report 2015 an estimated 25% of shop owners work more than 70 hours a week, but Gobi has tried to maintain a sensible work/life balance. “In 2011 I sold my shop to spend more time with my three beautiful little kids and take on the school runs and extra activities,” he added. But he’s up for the challenge of taking on the big players in the market and is busy planning

the additional services he wants to provide. By the time this Spotlight arrives the store should be offering mobile phone top up services, Council tax bill payments, International calling cards, electricity and other bill payments. National lottery tickets should be available before the end of February. So how does Gobi sum up his vision for Groby Food and Wine? “We are trying to make this store a fully convenience store for our local community,” he said.

I once watched a documentary on ferns because the remote was out of reach.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

The Jewellery Sale

Starts Saturday 27th February Platinum, 18ct & 9ct Gold and Silver Jewellery

up to 50% off

was £2,221 Now £1,110.50

was £740.00 Now £370.00

was £965.00 Now £482.50

Like us on Facebook @ Cathy-Stephens-Jewellery Follow us on Twitter @CSJewellerey Cathy Stephens Jewellery Limited | www.cathystephens.co.uk 19 Ratby Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0GF Open: Mon - Sat 10am - 5.30pm Tel: 0116 2870041 11 Flying Horse walk, Relationship Nottingham City Centre 2HN - Open: Mon - Sat Tel: 0115 9410800 Status: ThrowingNG1 my own clothes out the window.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Want to downsize your home?

ELDERLY people who live in houses too big for their needs often want to downsize - but are frightened to do so. They fear that a new home might not have such good neighbours next door, or that they will not feel part of the new community. So says the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. In recent months it has been urging that elderly people who want to downsize should be offered ‘emotional’ support to do so. The Institution says that more needs to be done to help pensioners’ ‘distress’, and to make the downsizing experience ‘more positive’.

Community library transfer delayed IT’S TRUE what they say. Everything takes longer than you think, and this applies to setting up a Community Library just as much as any other project. There’s so much to do. It’s not just the practical day to day jobs, it’s also what has to go in the background. After all, the Community Library Group have had to form a charity and conduct legal negotiations with the County Council. They are giving financial support initially and providing the premises and equipment so every ‘i’ has to be dotted and every ‘t’ crossed. That’s how it should be but it does mean that it’s been very difficult to keep to their original project plan without any slippage. So it didn’t all happen on February 8th, but there’s hopefully only a few weeks delay. It’s more of an inconvenience to our great band of volunteers who have been busy training than it is to customers. Library members will be unaffected by the postponement of the transfer which they hope will now take place sometime in March. Keep an eye out at the library for new dates and posters as there may be a few days closure around the changeover date, while the new occupants settle in.

Norman Griffiths

Spring Harmony - an evening of Spring Music THE GRIFFIN Singers is a long established choral group which has been singing for over 30 years, performing a variety of music for many events and community groups. On Saturday 19th March 2016 the Griffin Singers will be visiting Kirby Muxloe Free Church to present Spring Harmony - an evening of spring music. The Musical Director is Lance Atter. There will be a wide variety of items including showbiz numbers, choral classics, humorous items, both sung and spoken and some Easter items. All proceeds from the evening will go towards the Kirby Muxloe Free Church roof repair project. Everyone is invited the show starts at 7.30pm. Entry costs £8, and this includes tea and coffee. For tickets, call 0116 239 3173 or email: admin@kirbyfree.org

There’s no time capsule quite like the pocket of a coat that’s been in the closet for a year.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Small Ads • Huffy BMX Bike, 18” BMX bike,1020 Space Age Steel. With pegs on back. Need a bit of a clean up as it’s been in the garage for some years. Price: £30.00 • Wedgewood Kutani tri-dish, bone china tri-dish sometimes known as pickle dish, in excellent condition no chips or cracks. Price: £15.00 • Royal Winton, Grimwades Gurgling Jug. No chips or scratches in excellent condition. Price: £15. • Lowry, beautiful Lowry print in nice frame measuring approx 15”x 17”. Excellent condition. Price: £20.00 • 11 Black Labrador Ornaments, all in good condition. Price: £40 the lot or sell individually • Party/Prom Dresses for sale size 1214, most with labels still attached. Price: £5 - £10 each. Happy for you to try on. • High heel shoes, size 6-7. Price: £5.00 Tel: 0116 223 5655 or Mob: 07727 156249 • Electronic Reclining Chair, cost nearly £660 from new 3 years ago and in good working order. Velour type material. Colour dark burnt orange. Collection only. Price: £25. Tel. 0116 231 1047. • Givi 52 ltr TOP BOX, anthracite with back rest & 2 keys. Well used hence price £30.00 ono Tel: 0116 232 2541 • Robinson Willey GAS FIRE used once, very good condition, quick sale. Price: £45.00 ono. Tel: 0116 255 8163 • Ladies Dunlop Tour Pink GOLF CLUB SET WITH BAG, ideal for starter. Ex condition £60.00 ono Tel: 07825 158989 • Goodmans FREEVIEW+ DIGITAL TV RECORDER. Complete with instructions. Price £30.00 • Gardenline ELECTRIC ROTARY MOWER. Good condition. Price: £40.00 ono. Tel.0116 3678360 • Pro Fitness MINI X TRAINER. As new. Price: £45.00 ono. Tel: 01530 245323 • Lockable SEWING TABLE,in beech effect,containing a mechanical lift for a sewing machine and four small drawers for equipment, materials etc. Price: £50.00 ono. Tel 0116 225 1789. • Set of 20 volumes of CHILDREN’S BRITANNICA ENCYCLOPAEDIA Price: £15.00 Tel. 0116 287 6684. • ROOF BARS to fit Ford Focus 5 door. 2006 onward. Used twice. Price:£50. Tel: 0116 287 2730

News from The Hub An update from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Leader, Cllr Mike Hall

MY MOST important role as Leader of H&BBC is in setting direction and showing leadership in our community, so in my first piece of “News from the Hub” I want to give you some insight into what that means to me in practical ways, and how that is shaping some of my decisions. I believe in fairness in the way that we deliver our services across all of our communities. That means I want to see investment across all parts of the Borough, perhaps not on the same scale that Hinckley has seen in recent years, but proportionate for the size and needs of each particular area. We should be fair to you, our customers and Council Tax payers, who should not have to pay for everything that Council does through tax increases. Council will be increasingly generating income through investment in its assets, but there are also likely to be fair Council Tax rises to contribute towards the increasing costs of our services. We should be fair to Council employees, who are constantly looking to reduce costs and improve efficiencies, but they should be able to expect fair pay for the work that they do, and the opportunity to take on new and more challenging roles in what is a rapidly changing workplace. We should also be fair to businesses, listening to their concerns and where possible helping them to expand and to create more jobs, recognising that the business rates they pay contribute to the delivery of some of our local services. When Council recently consulted on increasing Council Tax by £16 it was because we needed to know how people felt about that possibility, and if it came to it, would you be prepared to vote for a tax increase, which would have been a legal requirement if we needed to make such a change. We also asked if you would continue to use the green waste collection service if a £35 charge was made. We could not have considered that possibility without first gaining the views of residents. If we have to resort to either of those options it will be as a last resort, having tried all other options. An area that I particularly want to influence is the way in which we decide on where new homes will be built. Council has a plan of where homes should be built up to 2026, but as we have seen in recent years that does not always prevent other sites from being developed. Myself, Council Officers and other Councillors recently met with a group of builders representatives to consider options for how we might meet our housing requirements beyond 2026. We will soon be repeating that exercise with representatives from our Parish Councils, so that we have their views. I know it sounds a long way off to be discussing 2026 and beyond, but that is what we have to do if we are to have a plan that will work. I’m also going to encourage every Parish Council to work with their community in order to deliver a Neighbourhood Development Plan. These will help our communities to grow in a way that they want to, and will become increasingly more important. As Council completes its annual budget setting exercise there will be changes, some will be visible some may not, but I hope over time they will lead to the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth becoming a better place to work and live.

Mike Hall

IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Spotlight, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Our postal address is Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@grobyspotlight. co.uk. Please put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line.

Ready, steady, eat on the run! DO YOU eat three square meals a day with your family?

If so, you are unusual. It seems that nine out of ten of us now lead lifestyles so hectic that we often skip regular eating times, and snack instead. Instead of sit-down eating, we grab food on the run, or eat on our own in front of the telly or social media. Three quarters of us rarely or never invite even our friends or family to eat. The recent poll was carried out by the BBC Good Food Magazine.

Wise Words Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching. Satchel Paige Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. Judy Garland Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is God’s gift, that’s why we call it the present. Joan Rivers

If cats could talk, they wouldn’t and it’d be unnerving.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

More investment for the BMX? THE PARISH Council is considering what essential maintenance is needed at the Groby BMX track. The signs of wear and tear are showing and some remedial work is required. The track is a good recreational facility but the recurring question is how it could be made even better with increased community involvement. Attempts to establish a club have failed in the past despite the availability of Parish Council financial assistance to get one started. The housing development at the site of the Brant Inn is providing a further opportunity to enhance the BMX experience in the village, as the developer will be required to provide funds which could go towards improvements (but not routine maintenance) of the park facilities.

Your ideas invited If you have ideas about how the BMX track could be improved with a cash injection, and how the community can be more involved, then the Parish Clerk would be pleased to hear from you. The idea of a club that could motivate young people to get involved and could organise training, events and competitions isn’t dead yet. But if grant cash which could be used on other projects is to be pumped in there will be an expectation that at last the community will recognise the value of this asset and the benefit it brings for the young people of Groby in particular.

Norman Griffiths

Rich – but lonely

HBBC Public Space Protection Order Consultation HINCKLEY and Bosworth Borough Council is considering the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle dog fouling, irresponsible dog owners and the use of “intoxicating substances” (alcohol and so-called legal highs) in public. The consultation to inform this runs until 11th March 2016 and we would be grateful for your views. The consultation can be completed here: http://www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/pspo However, please read this guidance first to help you complete the form: A PSPO is a new measure, created by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which is intended to deal with any particular nuisances or problems in a defined area that are detrimental to the quality of life of the local community. This is done by imposing restrictions on the use of that area; these restrictions apply to all who use the piece of land. The aim is to prevent individuals or groups committing antisocial behaviour in public spaces. Police and Council officers are able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 or prosecute any individual who fails to comply with a PSPO. A breach of the PSPO is a criminal offence and the individual(s) would be liable to a maximum penalty of £1000.00 The PSPO would replace the existing “No Drinking” order that applies to certain areas of the Borough and be far broader covering the town centre and all public areas throughout the Borough.

Parks & Open Spaces Within the Council’s Corporate Plan 2013-16 one of the authority’s key aims is to create a vibrant place to work and live. Two key priorities to deliver this aim are to provide clean neighbourhoods and to protect and improve our parks and open spaces. A recent public consultation focusing on green spaces identified the most important elements to users were keeping our parks clear of dog fouling, ensuring that dogs are kept under control and personal safety. We could include a requirement for dog owners to pick up dog mess and keep dogs under control in parks and open spaces as part of the Public Space Protection Order to help officers to tackle these issues. We would like your views on this.

Intoxicating substances CENTRAL Government is proposing a’ blanket ban’ on all legal high production, importation and supply in the form of a Psychoactive Substance Bill; however this bill does not address possession and usage of these drugs. New psychoactive substances (so-called ‘legal highs’) frequently contain substances that are not legal and cannot be assumed safe. New psychoactive substances have become a particular concern in recent years with supply and demand increasing. The availability of these substances, especially over the internet and in ‘head shops’, has radically changed the nature of the drugs market. Since January 2015 the Hinckley Endeavour Team has noticed a significant increase in the littering of canisters (whippets) that contain nitrous oxide, which are discarded after users have inhaled the ‘legal high’ substance. Now, in light of the on-going nuisance of litter and antisocial behaviour arising from this, the council wishes to use the PSPO to effectively ban the use of ‘legal highs’ in specific hotspots in Hinckley and Bosworth. The PSPO would contain the following prohibition: ‘Person(s) within this area will not ingest, inhale, inject, smoke, possess or otherwise use intoxicating substances. Intoxicating substances is given the following definition (which includes alcohol and what are commonly referred to as legal highs): Substance with the capacity to stimulate or depress the central nervous system. The restrictions on alcohol would not apply to pavement cafes or to licensed premises and the prohibition does not include smoking cigarettes. Anyone in breach of the order would be committing a criminal offence and could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice or face a fine in court. Police and council enforcement officers would have the power to seize the intoxicating substances. We would like your views on this.

Angela Egan

HBBC Substance Misuse and Prevention Officer

MANY high-earning men are not as satisfied as you might think.

Groby Village Society

Preservation - Conservation Communal Interests

Programme 2016 Thursday February 25 Overview of the National Trust ~ Mr Alan Tyler ~ Thursday March 24 A.G.M. Thursday April 28 Who do you think lived in a house like this? (part 2) ~ Mr Brian Johnson ~ Thursday May 26 Medical Detection Dogs ~ Mrs Denise Taylor ~ Thursday June 23 Catherine Crompton’s Diary ~ Mr Stephen Flinders ~ Thursday July 28 From Golden Gate to Glitter Gulch ~ Mr Simon Coates ~ Thursday August 25 Elizabeth Woodville ~ Mrs Sally Henshaw ~ 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

They often resent the time their job takes, and secretly hanker to be home with their partner and children. Given the option, they would choose to earn less, in return for more free time. The research was carried out by sociologists at the University of Leicester, who call the problem “a form of work-life conflict.’

I’ve decided to become a vegetarian for attention.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea Tough Budget Decisions Facing the County Council LEICESTERSHIRE County Council’s leader has briefed the Government on the tough budget situation facing his council. Councillor Leader Nick Rushton, accompanied by six of Leicestershire’s seven MPs, met Local Government Minister Marcus Jones in London last month. Cllr Rushton explained to the minister how, as a result of funding cuts and rising demand for care services, we have to save £78 million over the next four years and that this will mean tough decisions on services. He also pointed out that Leicestershire, as the lowest funded county council, would be hit harder than many other councils and that the current funding formula doesn’t make any sense. Cllr Rushton said that he’s very grateful for the solid support from all the MPs, who raised their concerns. He said I’m encouraged that the Minister listened to our points and I hope that the Government will take action to ensure a fairer outcome for Leicestershire residents, as he promised he would do. Key headlines from the council’s budget proposals include: • Leicestershire is the lowest funded county in the country. If it received the same overall income per household as Surrey, it would be £105m better off • Total savings of £78 million will be required, including £26 million from April. The council has only identified £59 million, leaving £19 million still to be found. Identified savings include proposed cuts to bus subsidies, waste sites and public health work • Efficiency savings of £27 million, including reductions in management and administration (£3 million) and better commissioning and procurement (£9 million) • Growth of £41.3 million to meet rising demand, including adult social care (£23 million), children’s social care (£8 million) and waste (£2.4 million) • Council Tax rises of 3.99 per cent per year, including a two per cent precept to support adult social care, which was introduced by the Government. The two per cent will not cover the council’s full costs for adult social care • An estimated 500 full-time equivalent posts will go – 900 have gone over the last five years • Budget Consultation • The County Council recently consulted on our draft budget for the financial year ahead (2016-17) and the medium term financial strategy for the next four years (2016-20). • We’ve saved £32 million and are now proposing to save £26 million next year, rising to £78 million over

the next four years, due to the rise in demand for care and waste services and loss of Government funding. We are also proposing to raise the council’s share of Council Tax by 3.99 per cent.

Fly Tipping The Spinney Opposite Groby Community College I WAS MADE aware of the above Fly Tipping incident on Friday13 December 2015 which is the second occasion within a couple of months. This is simply not good enough as school children use part of their route to walk to school. There is no need to fly tip as there are tips close by that will take furniture and household waste. Fly tipping costs us all as it’s the Borough Council’s rate payers who end up paying. The Borough Council will remove large items for a small charge. I contacted the Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Warden who arranged for the removal the same day. I have followed this up with a view to having the site monitored in order to trace offenders and prosecute them. I would ask residents to be vigilant and help us to trace offenders, taking registration numbers and types of vehicles would help as the amount of tipping involved in both occasions would have required a vehicle possibly a van. I can be contacted in confidence.

Wallace Drive Traveller Application Update THE ABOVE Appeal is due to be heard as an informal hearing on Tuesday 15th March. I have been in contact with the head of the Borough Council’s planning department Nic Thomas to see if he had heard back from the planning inspectorate with regards to my request for him to ask for a public enquiry on behalf of the residents. There has been no change by the inspectorate so this Appeal reference APP/K2420/W/15/3135595 will be heard as an informal hearing at the offices of the Borough Council offices, The Hub, Rugby Road, Hinckley on the 15th March at 10am where all interested parties can attend. I would suggest residents arrive early if you want to register to speak.

Queuing back from the Roundabout onto the A46 WITH REGARDS to Councillor Cartwright’s report last month I can confirm I have been working with Highways on this issue and also the problems caused by the

queuing back from County Hall Island due to the road works. As the Director of Highways Phil Crossland confirmed to him, measures are being put in place to reduce these issues. When County Hall has its signals installed and working, and both sets of lights linked up with Area Traffic Control, these problems should be resolved. The measures being put in place should help to alleviate these issues. I must say I fought to get the A50/A46 Island signalled and brought forward and this has been a great help to motorists from both Groby and Ratby. I have also forwarded a resident’s suggestion to the Director for consideration. The suggestion was to put an extra lane in solely for traffic entering the A46 from Groby. However due to the budget cuts I personally do not see that as a viable option at this time.

Klondyke Appeal Update On Monday 1st February 2016 the Borough Council planning department received an Appeal from Mr McDonaugh in regard to the recent refusal of planning permission in relation to the Certificate of Existing Lawful Use and the enforcement notice that was served. They have requested that the appeal be heard as a 2 day Public Inquiry. The Borough Council will robustly defend this appeal. I will keep residents updated.

Planning Application 15/00889/OUT Land South Of Jacqueline Road Field Head, Markfield Update I have spoken with Nic Thomas the Borough Councils head of planning and also the case officer Jenny Brader on the issues surrounding this application. It is now due to be heard by the Planning Committee this month on Tuesday 23rd February 2016. I have been working with Matthew Lay, the local Borough Councillor and Groby Parish Council on this application and at the present time it is looking like the recommendation will be one of refusal.

Planning Application 15-00760/OUT Land off Leicester Road/Bluebell Drive, Groby Update

Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825

Email: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Borough Council’s head of planning on the above application. He confirmed to me that there are still outstanding issues on this application, and that it will not now go to the February Planning Committee meeting. The earliest date it will be heard will now be at the March meeting.

Sexual health strategy WE ARE consulting on the proposed new strategy for delivering sexual health services in Leicestershire from 2016-19. The Health and Social Care Act 2012 has created a fragmented service for sexual health services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. At present, three main organisations - the county council, clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and NHS England – deliver different aspects. With all partners facing financial pressures, there is a need to develop strong, joined -up approach to sexual health provision ensuring high-quality, appropriate services are available to local residents. You can have your say until midnight on Tuesday 15 March 2016. Tell us how this might affect you Online Leicestershire.gov.uk/sexual_ health¬_consultation For general enquiries or comments about this consultation call 0116 3050705 I would like to take this opportunity to thank Residents for your continued support. Remember I am only an Email or a phone call away.

Kind Regards

Ozzy O’shea

I HAVE also been speaking with Nic Thomas the

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

Working for you. Always Keeping Residents updated Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808585825 Email: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Dog owners reminded to get pets microchipped

Can you understand your own car’s dashboard?

THERE YOU are, driving along, and suddenly, a red light flashes up on your dashboard. What do you do? Very likely, you stare at it in consternation, and then pull over and ring the AA or RAC. The AA alone receives about 17,000 warning light calls every

DOG owners in Hinckley and Bosworth are being reminded that they have until 6 April this year to ensure that their pets are microchipped.

Councillor Kevin Morrell with his dog Kerry and Dog Warden Anne McDonald, who microchipped Kerry.

After this date the law is changing and if a dog is not microchipped, the owner may be served with a notice by the dog warden requiring them to microchip their dog within 21 days. Failure to comply with the notice may result in a £500 fine. Councillor Kevin Morrell, the Borough Council’s Executive Member responsible for the Environment, said: “All dog owners whose dogs are not yet microchipped are encouraged to contact the dog warden service to discuss the need to microchip their dog ahead of the April 2016 deadline.” Most responsible dog owners already have their dogs chipped but those who have yet to chip them should contact their vets or the dog warden service on 01455 255946. Some owners have not yet microchipped their dogs because they are concerned it may hurt the animal. However, a microchip is only the size of a grain of rice and the dog warden will implant it under the skin using a special implant gun. No anaesthetic is required and the procedure should cause no more discomfort than a standard vaccination. To give dog owners the opportunity to microchip their pets, the dog warden service is holding two microchipping sessions in March as follows: Thursday 3 March between 2.30pm and 5.30pm at the Sports Pavilion, Alan’s Way, Newbold Verdon LE9 9LB. Tuesday 15 March between 3pm and 6pm at the Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, Hinckley, LE10 0FR (owners are asked to use the Rugby Road entrance to the Hub). It will cost only £10 per dog and no appointment is necessary.: Each microchip has a unique identification number, which is registered to the dog and the owner’s details are placed on a national database. This number can then be read when a scanner is passed over the chip, enabling the dog warden to search the national database to find the owner’s details. The owner can then be contacted and reunited with their dog. Owners with chipped dogs are encouraged to ensure that their details are kept up to date at all times.

Passive smoking puts pets at great risk IF NOTHING else will stop you smoking, consider this: smoking can even kill your pet.

Cats and dogs spend most of their time in your home, and are close to carpets where smoke particles linger. Recent research at the University of Glasgow has found that animals exposed to second-hand smoke develop health problems ranging from cancer to cell damage to weight gain. Cats are particularly vulnerable, as they self-groom extensively, and thus ingest smoke particles into their bodies. Such ‘third-hand’ smoke particles are considered even more carcinogenic than second-hand smoke.

month. March is one of the peak months of the year for such calls, as the new car registrations have just been released. It is hardly surprising that thousands of us are bewildered: many modern cars have dashboards that resemble the ‘Starship Enterprise’ in complexity. To add to the problem, one in eight of us do not even carry the handbook in the car. Meanwhile, the AA is doing its best to help: it has added a catalogue of 1000 symbols and their meanings to its app.

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I should have told my wife I was referring to her memory before comparing her to an elephant.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Another triumph for Groby Sings!

WOW! Groby Sings did it again at our winter concert with two outstanding performances of ‘Groby Sings Goes To Town’. From the opening number, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, to the final Let’s Go Fly a Kite, the choir was flying high throughout. Although the songs from My Fair Lady were a little challenging in rehearsal (we aren’t natural cockneys!), by performance time they were magical. Every section of the choir shone and it was clear how far we have come in the three years since the first concert when musical arrangements were simpler with limited harmonies. Now we have up to four different parts in some songs, no mean feat for an amateur group of singers. A special mention should be made of our young singers who led the adult choir in most of the Mary Poppins songs and made many of us, both choir and audience, tearful with their voices in Sing. The five young soloists performed beautifully with the youngest, seven year old Ruby, stealing the show at the end. Even Helen Hayes, our conductor, had to blink away the tears. There were some lovely comments afterwards: ‘best performance so far’, ‘brilliant, really professional sound’, ‘most impressed with the men’, ‘loved every single minute’, ‘Helen Hayes is an inspiration’ (from a member of the audience and the choir all agree, of course), ‘a fantastic group to be part of. A new choir member was prompted to join after hearing the ‘incredible sound’ at Groby Sings Goes West last summer, when his daughter was singing, and he noted the shortage of men. He wasn’t disappointed, being made very welcome by other choir members and he said he thought that Downtown sounded ‘awesome’. It’s clear that the Groby Sings community choir has established a place in the hearts of many Groby residents as well as our friends in surrounding villages. The choir had a wonderful time performing and the almost sellout audiences thoroughly enjoyed it too. However, we couldn’t have done it without the support of so many others and we must give special thanks to those who led our performances - Helen, our conductor, Paul, our keyboard player and musical arranger and the other band members, Martin and Sam. Also, a big thank you to Cliff for all the rehearsal time, to Jane for organising us all, to Ruth for all the hours she devotes to the accounts and administration, to Groby Club for the use of their function room and to all the other volunteers who help to keep us going. Here’s to the next show: Groby Sings The Beatles and ABBA! Rehearsals start at Groby Club On Monday 22nd February, everyone welcome. SEE ADVERT ON PAGE 28. Why not come along? You too could experience the feelings of one of our members who says they have ‘enjoyed meeting new and lovely people. What a life-changing decision it was to join Groby Sings’. Other lovely comments - Groby Sings ‘really perks me up after stressful day at work and never fails to send me home smiling,’ and a Groby Sings rehearsal ‘makes Monday a day to look forward to!’

Wake up to the Big Fairtrade Breakfast! DO YOU remember last year’s ‘Fair Cake & Cuppa’ events? To celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight 22 village groups took part…! This year Churches Together in Groby (both of whom have Fair Trade Status) encourage you to: WAKE UP TO THE BIG FAIRTRADE BREAKFAST! How about inviting some friends or neighbours to a FAIRTRADE BREAKFAST? Or organising one for a group you’re involved in…? We hope that lots of people will take on the challenge as we remember the people who produce the food that we eat. You might want to adapt the idea to suit your own situation: have brunch, or even chocolate cake for an afternoon breakfast! More information about this National campaign can be found at:www.fairtrade.org.uk Fairtrade ingredients can be purchased from the Groby Co-ops and at local supermarkets. LOOK OUT for flyers and posters for more details of BIG BREAKFASTS being held in Groby. Groby Sings, Love Groby Tasters, Catch, Noah’s Ark, Urban Saints, Wriggly Readers and the local Primary Schools are all making exciting plans for the F.T. Fortnight. Sit down for breakfast, stand up for farmers! 29 February - 13 March.

New household chores for children

MANY CHILDREN are earning their pocket-money with a new kind of household chore: helping baffled parents with digital challenges such as downloading apps, or posting photographs on social media. It seems that 47 per cent of parents with children aged between 10 and 18 have paid their offspring for digital help. And they pay well: children can earn 20 per cent more for jobs such as setting up an email address, than for the more familiar but boring ‘tidy your bedroom’ sort of work. The survey was carried out by Barclays.

Despite watching several YouTube instructional videos, the appendectomy was unsuccessful.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

How Rugby could cut the cost of travelling to London Norman Griffiths looks for ways to cut the cost of a trip to the capital city

A WORD of reassurance to begin with. This strategy to save money on your rail fares doesn’t require you to run around on a rugby pitch getting covered in mud, crouching down in the middle of a bunch of burly men in the scrum, or joining them in the showers. Sorry if for some readers this reassurance comes as a disappointment but read on anyway to find out how to cut the cost of travelling to London. Ask travellers what they think of the fare to London and the responses are likely to range from ‘Do the train companies want blood?’ to the rather more restrained ‘It’s a rip off.’ It will come as no surprise, therefore, to learn that there is a campaigning group called Bring Back British Rail which would like British Rail to be re-nationalised. Putting aside whether or not that would be a good idea, with the current financial situation there is not much chance of that happening. Bring Back British Rail is now supporting a re-nationalisation petition which is very close to achieving the 55,000 signature target it has set. If this is a cause close to your heart and you want to add your name then go to www.thepetitionsite.com, enter 302/005/061 into the search box and follow the link on the search results page.

How can you save money? YOU NEED to have a car and you need to drive to Rugby station instead of Leicester station. Don’t dismiss the idea out of hand. Rugby station is easy to reach from the M1 and Google says that it takes 30 minutes compared to 18 minutes to Leicester station. Parking at weekends costs just £3 a day. The bad news is that not everyone can benefit from this, but other ways to save will be explained later.

But what about the fares? If you are thinking this way of saving money is not worth the effort then look closely at these fare comparisons for travelling at fixed times (the short day visit)– around 10am to London and leaving London at 6pm – and comparing an early train out and a late train back between the two routes.

The short day visit fares Booking online at the last minute for Saturday 30 January the return ticket from Rugby was £32, compared to £78.50 from Leicester. That’s a saving of £93 for a couple.

Booking a month in advance travelling from Rugby a couple could save £101. Booking nearly 3 months in advance travelling from Rugby a couple could save £123.

Travelling early and late Booking online at the last minute for Saturday 30 January, the saving was smaller at just £25 per couple. Booking a month in advance travelling from Rugby a couple could save £49. Booking nearly 3 months in advance travelling from Rugby a couple could save £44. So if you want to travel out very early and come back late the savings may not tempt you to use a gallon of petrol driving to Rugby. But if you like to travel down after breakfast and back in the early evening a saving of £123 could buy you bed and breakfast and a longer visit instead of a day trip. The lowest fare found from Rugby was £12 return. That’s not a misprint £12 return.

Other ways to save on rail fares RAILCARDS are worth considering, though there is an upfront cost to set against the savings to be made. For example the £30 Two Together Railcard gives two named adults 1/3 off rail fares when they travel together by train. You can get 1/3 off Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares when you travel after 9:30am Monday to Friday, and any time at weekends and on Public Holidays. So if you don’t want to travel from Rugby, a couple with the Two Together Railcard could still reduce the £78.50 ‘next day’ per person fare mentioned above to £105 per couple. Such a saving would cover the cost of the Railcard even if you paid full price for it, and give you 12 months of discounted rail travel. But you can save even more by using Tesco Clubcard tokens to buy railcards at half price. And if you still have some Clubcard points left over you can use them to buy Redspottedhanky.com tokens. For every £5 of Clubcard points you can get £10 in tokens towards your fare if you buy the tickets on redspottedhanky.com. This would effectively bring the cost per couple down further from £105 to around £55, or £70 when taking account of the Railcard outlay. On the same day, and using the same discount methods, the return fares from Rugby would reduce to around £23 per couple. Using Clubcard points to buy a

railcard and pay for train fares the cheapest return fare from Rugby found in this sample to London for the 10am/6pm journey would be just £6.50 per person return plus the one off Railcard cost, or £8.50 per person using Tesco points without buying a Railcard.

Things to remember IF YOU are arranging to meet someone, remember that trains from Rugby terminate at Euston, just up the road from St Pancras. These are online prices and rail ticket pricing is dynamic, just like airline tickets so prices are constantly changing. Generally the further you can book in advance the less you will pay. Beware of booking more than 3 months in advance as the bargain fares are only made available around 12 weeks before the journey. All prices quoted don’t include any mandatory booking fees. Advance tickets which commit you to travelling on the train you have booked are generally cheaper than the more flexible open tickets. You can avoid postage charges by printing your tickets at the station on the self service machines. Keep your car park ticket safe and try and have the right amount in coins for the machine before you leave the station. If you have a limited number of Clubcard points and intend making more than one trip by train within the 12 month period of validity it may be better to use the points to buy the Railcard which will give you 30% discount every time you travel at weekends and after 9am on weekdays. If you use the points towards the ticket cost instead you only get a one off discount of 50%, When using Clubcard vouchers on Redspottedhanky.com you need to follow the instructions on the Tesco website. Redspottedhanky Customer Services have confirmed that clubcard vouchers can be used in conjunction with Railcards. As Clubcard tokens come in fixed denominations you may have to pay a small balance in cash or if you prefer ‘overpay’ in vouchers, effectively losing some of your points in the process.

More savings when you get to London WHEN YOU get to London paying for tube travel has become easier, and you can take advantage of 2FOR1 offers on lots of attractions. The pay as you go Oyster Card is useful when travelling around London as it has a daily cap on the cost of travel, though a refundable deposit has to be paid for the

card. You can avoid this by using your contactless credit or debit card instead and still benefit from the daily price cap as long as you ensure that you use the same card for all the journeys you make on the same day. Make sure you pay the right fare by touching in and out on the yellow card readers at the start and end of your journey on the tube. Read more about this on the www./tfl.gov.uk website. You only need to touch in on buses and trams, and if you have a concessionary pass it’s valid for free travel on London buses subject to the at the usual time restrictions. Because you’ve travelled by train you will qualify for lots of discounts on visitor attractions in the city, but make sure you check on www. daysoutguide.co.uk which offers are valid for the date you intend to travel when you download the vouchers. Currently the 2FOR1 list includes the London Eye (saving £23.50), St Paul’s Cathedral (saving £23.50), Westminster Abbey (saving £18.00), Madame Tussauds (saving £34.00), the Tower of London (saving £24.50), the SEA LIFE London Aquarium (saving £24.50), Thames Clippers (saving £17.25), the Churchill War Rooms (saving £18.00), the Cutty Sark (saving £13.50) and lots more. And you needn’t go hungry as you can also get discounts on food. These include 2FOR1 on Pizza & Pasta when a drink is purchased at Azzurro Italian Bar + Kitchens and 2FOR1 on any main course from a set menu at Planet Hollywood as well as other restaurants.

To summarise THERE ARE already travellers choosing to save money by using alternative stations such as Coventry, or Nuneaton as in the case of a recent caller to Radio Leicester, but Rugby is easily accessible from the MI so is probably a good choice if you compare fares and decide that the money you can save makes it worthwhile. There are also additional savings to be made on travel using a Railcard and Tesco Clubcard points and these are available for travel from Leicester station as well. And with a little planning and the use of 2for1 vouchers the savings needn’t stop when you get to London.

My wife is great at multitasking. She can be mad at me for five different things at the same time.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Gardening Society News OUR ANNUAL General Meeting took place on a very cold January 14th. It was therefore pleasing to see so many members were prepared to tackle the elements in order to support this important meeting. The general report on 2015 was positive and encouraging. All talks were well attended and the special events such as the plant sale and the village show were deemed successes. All the trips were well supported and once again were accompanied by wonderful weather. Eric had done his usual sterling work in controlling our finances and members could now look forward to another rewarding year. The proceeds from our charity efforts during 2015 will be divided between The Laura Fund and The Leicester St. Martin’s Appeal. The officers from last year were prepared to stand again and they, and the committee, were unanimously re-elected. A welcome addition to the committee was Jayne R from Ratby. Members heard an outline of this year’s programme of speakers and then an introduction to the trips

and outings planned for 2016. (See later section) Signing boards for these trips were available and many members took advantage of the chance to make early entries. A departure from previous years revolves around our three day trip in July. After signing the entry form, members can only be guaranteed their place on the trip when they pass to Eric a £25 non-returnable deposit. This is required by the March meeting (10th). The non-returnable remainder of the outstanding cost must be paid to Eric by the June meeting (9th). If a member has to drop out after paying the deposit, and perhaps the remainder, the amounts are only non-returnable if their place cannot be filled. Trips for 2016 and other important dates • May 7th (Saturday) - A day trip to The Malvern Spring Show • May 14th (Saturday) - The Plant Sale at the Village Hall • June 9th (Thursday eve.) - A visit to a private Earl Shilton garden • July 14th/15th/16th (Thurs,

Fri, Sat) - Three day trip to Norwich area • August 20th (Saturday) - The Village Show • October 20th (Thursday) - A day trip to Batsford Arboretum Our three day Trip: On day one we are travelling to Houghton Hall and Gardens before going to our hotel in Norwich city. This is The Maid’s head hotel which has a very central position. Day two, after a morning chance to look round Norwich, sees us visiting the famous Vicarage garden at East Rushton. Day three again offers a chance to see more of Norwich before we set off for home, but visiting Peckover House and garden en route. We are currently trying to include also a short seaside stop. More details are available at our meetings. Bob Brown’s Nursery a.k.a. Cotswold garden Flowers (Bob is talking to our society at the March meeting) Searching out Cotswold Garden Flowers is not for the faint-hearted. The Badsey-based nursery is notoriously difficult to find and even when you are on the right route, the last stage - along a narrow, rutted track through farm fields - can be off-putting. (Some members will remember this approach!) A lesser business would have failed years ago, but this nursery is different. It was set up 20 years ago by Bob Brown and so well-known has he become in the industry that the business is more often than not referred to by his name rather than by its correct title; one of the signs in Badsey village even points you towards ‘Bob Brown’ with the legend Cotswold Garden Flowers almost as an afterthought underneath. When he first started the business the remoteness of the site was not an issue as he intended it to be mail order only with no on-site visitors. “I couldn’t stop them wanting to come,” he recalls. Today people visit from all over the country and even from as far as America and Japan. It is a source of some amusement that he is better known abroad than he is in Badsey itself. What they travel for is the chance to buy something different, and from someone who knows exactly how to care for it. Bob specialises in easy to grow and unusual perennials and selected shrubs, and his plant knowledge is formidable. Add to that the fact that everything is trialed before sale at the nursery

and you begin to see why he is successful. Yet he has not always been a nurseryman. Despite a love of plants from childhood, his first career was as a teacher. The chance to pursue his dream of working in horticulture came when he was made redundant from his job as a head teacher in London following the abolition of the London Education Authority. “I had always planned to do something like this. The children were grown up and that was the impetus.” Deciding that the Cotswolds was a good central base, he bought an acre of land in Badsey originally intended for use as a burial ground. It was not an obvious choice for a nursery as 21 years earlier all the topsoil had been removed and sold. That August, when mushroom farms were giving away their spent compost, he arranged for 60-ton lorries and a bulldozer to cover the ground to a depth of about a foot. By October the compost had been pulled underground by worms and the soil had changed colour. “It was instant topsoil.” Today he is in partnership with his son Edmund and the business is on two sites, with Offenham the centre of the mail order side. At Badsey the nursery consists of polytunnels, a shed which doubles as staff room and sales desk, and the all-important stock beds. Plants are stuffed into a series of wide rectangles, with a network of paths in between - originally there were no hard paths and visitors were advised to bring wellies. Unlike formal trial beds there is no pattern to the planting yet nor is there an attempt to make flower borders. Future Meetings • March 10th 2016: Social and creative evening • April 14th 2016: “Cotswold Garden Flowers” - Bob Brown If you like the sound of what we get up to, why not come along to a meeting and try us out. You will be most welcome. Our monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Eric Atherton. (Tel. No. 0116 287 6637) or Email e.atherton637@btinternet.com

Alvar Johnson

Whenever something says ‘sign here’ I can’t help but put Capricorn.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter from Leader of the Borough Council AS LEADER of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council I would like to put the record straight on the article by Councillor Cartwright in the January copy of Groby Spotlight. He has incorrectly reported that we will be having a referendum on a 16.7% Council Tax increase, this is untrue. I have never said that would be the case. In fact I have been very clear that whilst we have carried out a public consultation on a couple of options for raising money, we have still been working with officers to agree alternatives to avoid both a significant tax increase and a charge for garden waste collection. I was pleased with the number of people who responded to the survey, which was a significant number for a survey of this nature. The questions were not asking people to express a preference of one option or the other, at the end of the day it is Council who will make the decision if either or both of those options are necessary, and most people who responded seemed to understood that, even if Cllr Cartwright did not. The survey told us that 73% of people who responded would vote yes in a referendum to a 16.7% Council Tax increase. It also told us that enough people are prepared to pay £35 to have their garden waste collected, for us to be able to raise the money that is needed through that option and a small Council Tax increase. The delivery of the original survey did have problems with the appointed agent (not the bin men as claimed by Cllr Cartwright in an earlier report) failing to deliver in some areas. They have not been paid by the Council and the survey was reprinted in the Borough Bulletin and the deadline extended. Again this had nothing to do with Cllr Cartwright. On 13th January the Conservative Administrations draft budget was issued to scrutiny committee. This showed that we are able to present for approval to Council, on 18th February, a balanced budget which requires no green waste charge and only a £5 per year increase in the Borough Council element of Council tax. This is the Band D level and many people will pay less. So there will not be a referendum, no 16.7% Council Tax increase, and we do not have to make a £35 charge for garden waste collection. Kind Regards

Cllr Mike Hall

Leader Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council

Is your Community Project worth an Award? THE RCC in their role of supporting celebrating and promoting communities in Leicestershire & Rutland invite entries for the 2016 Achievement Awards. We are looking for Community Projects and Community Buildings which show that your community is a good place for everybody to live and which exhibit a high degree of volunteer involvement We are particularly interested in projects which: · are making a long term difference to your community · make the best use of local community assets · support vulnerable and disadvantaged people of all ages Projects should be current and must not have been entered before, unless enhancement has been carried out. · The Achievement Awards are open to any community with a population of 15 000 or less. Closing date is Friday 6th May 2016. Judging will take place between June 13th and 24th. Full details and entry forms can be downloaded from our website http://www.ruralcc.org.uk/ or contact Pat Crane on 01455 823537 or by email on patcrane33@gmail.com

How much do you trust other people?

HERE IS a rather depressing statistic: about half of the British population believes that those around them should not be trusted, and even admit that if they had the chance, they would take advantage of anyone who trusted them. This finding comes from the recent British Social Attitudes survey. Apparently this high level of overall lack of trust towards others has remained consistently high since the 1990s, throughout nearly two decades of major social and technological change. But there is always a bright side: for another full 47 per cent of those questioned believed exactly the opposite, and felt that other people COULD generally be trusted. As one researcher said, there is a big debate to be had “about what it is that underpins trust.”

Get gardening this Spring, and beat the blues!

THE GARDENERS among us have long known that there is nothing like an hour or two in the garden to dissolve your tension, depression, and anger, and to bolster your feelings of calm and well-being. It also helps keep you in good physical shape. Now the scientists agree: recent research from the universities of Westminster and Essex has found that gardening (especially caring for an allotment) can prevent a range of diseases (ranging from mental illness, obesity, and cardiovascular disease to straightforward loneliness) - and thus save the NHS a good deal of time and money.

Learning from the past would be a lot easier if I could remember most of it.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Field Head Housing Proposal

New hope for Jacqueline Road housing opponents THE CHANGES that the Coalition Government made to the planning system were designed to streamline the whole process and sweep away over 1000 pages of planning guidance and replace it with 65 pages. Despite all this, at a local level producing a plan for the future within the Hinckley and Bosworth area seems to have taken a huge effort in human resources. The documentation and the process for approval is daunting, and the Borough Council has recently announced the latest stage and the latest consultation. It’s the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document – Main Modifications Consultation, which runs until Friday, 18 March 2016. Readers who want to see what it’s all about can read more at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ siteallocations. The consultation is to allow everyone to consider the modifications proposed by the Inspector who examined the Borough Plan and to read additional modifications proposed by the council but on which it is not inviting comments. There’s a lot to read but tucked away in the documentation is a potential windfall for the opponents of the Taylor Wimpey planning application at Jacqueline Road, Field Head. A new sustainability appraisal supplement(SAS) re-assesses sites in settlements where the housing requirement has already been met, and that includes the Taylor Wimpey site. In simple terms it appears to conclude that no greenfield site around Markfield can be considered sustainable at the moment and none should be allocated without further investigation through the local plan review. To approve the Taylor Wimpey application and grant planning permission would therefore seem to be contrary to the Council’s declared policies. Cllr Peter Batty, Chairman of the Parish Council, who raised this with the legal team that will represent the parish said: “In a nutshell, we believe that the Borough Council are left with no alternative but to refuse this application or potentially leave themselves wide open for a Judicial Review that they would almost certainly lose. Equally, we believe that this will whip the carpet out from under Taylor Wimpey’s feet for any appeal at least until the SAS is completed (at least a year) which in any case could slam the door on this site if it supports the position stated in the Main Modifications proposals.”

Norman Griffiths

The frozen knees of Martinshaw SEEING some of the year 6 pupils, and for that matter, year 2 pupils on these cold winter mornings still wearing short trousers brought back memories of my own childhood.

I was born and brought up in a couple of the less salubrious areas of Nottingham; Radford and the Meadows. I, along with my brother were the kids that the parents of ‘nice’ children didn’t want you to play with. I must admit that I take great delight in reminding friends from West Bridgford (bread and lard land) in relation to the Meadows and Wollaton Park adjoining to Radford of that fact. We lived in back- to- back terraced L-R: Me and my brother houses and shared an outside toilet with Graham 1949-50 our neighbours, you learned to whistle at a very early age. However, doors were left open, crime was low to nonexistent. None of us had anything worth pinching and neighbours watched you when you got home from school if your Mum and Dad were late. Anyway, I digress. Two of the most significant happenings in my growing up were: 1) At the age of about 3 1/2, my uncle snatching my dummy out of my mouth and chucking it in the fire, with the immortal words, ‘You don’t need this now, you’re a big boy’. If I had understood or even heard of the word’ hypocrite’ at that age I would have thought it. He had a fag hanging out of his mouth at the time. I felt similar pain when I stopped smoking about 30 years later and I am obviously still traumatised now. 2) My final right of passage, my first pair of long trousers at the age 11. I can remember the day, I came home from school and there they were, over the back of a chair, to be presented to me by my Mum with the words, ‘You’re nearly a man now, so no more short trousers’. I just thought, ‘No more frozen knees’. The whole right of passage thing, certainly with three lads from year 6 at Martinshaw seems to have completely turned on its head. They started in shorts in early years, then into longs in years 3 and 4 before then reverting to short trousers in years 5 and 6 at the age of 10 and 11. What’s going on, I wonder? Is it that ‘kids’ have got tougher or have I just got, ‘Old and Cold ?’.

Owen Lawrence

Lost in translation

ARE YOU travelling this Easter? Keep an eye out for those delightful translations into English that didn’t quite make it… • • • • • •

Danish airline: We take your bags and send them in all directions. Heathrow: No electric people carrying vehicles past this point. Japanese taxi: Safety first: please put on your seatbelt. Prepare for accident. Kenyan maternity ward: No children allowed. Beijing shop: Haircuts half price today. Only one per customer. Swedish furrier: Fur coats made for ladies from their own skin.

I just hired a private investigator to find out what I do all day.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

AT OUR January meeting, Mr Ian Heircock acquainted us with the history of Walkers, the famous Leicester pork pie makers. He has worked for the company for 35 years in Cobden Street initially under leadership of Harold Walker. Their first shop was in High Street, with a factory in Oxford Street. The pies had a ready market all the year round but the only way to ensure that we had the traditional pork pie for breakfast on Christmas Day was to queue, usually in the freezing cold, very early on Christmas Eve. My daughter still provides this festive fare although I am quite sure she would not wait in line for it. Its a little bit more upmarket these days, champagne is the favoured drink. (replaced by Bucks Fizz) During World War II there was no pork available off the ration so in 1946, in true entrepreneurial fashion, they turned to plain potato crisps complete with the blue twist of salt. They never could have imagined the enormous range of flavours we have today. The business was taken over by Pork Farms whilst retaining the original recipes. Walkers make the same pies for all the major supermarkets, including M & S, with the exception of Asda. This can be easily proved by checking the label for Walkers code number LJ008 stamped on all their products. There are no members of the Walker family on the Board today. When the strict hygiene rules came into force and cooked and uncooked food could not be prepared in the same room the company devised a complicated system of staff going out of one door after completing one process then going around the building via the car park and into the next room for the next process. Their TV advert created a problem, the lights would very quickly cause a meltdown. We were shown the

All the latest news from Groby WI pottery models used, not resembling the real thing at all, proving that the camera can lie. The old wooden moulds were called ‘dollys’ and were exactly the size of a jam jar. Their modern bakery works 3 shifts a day 364 days a year. They have ten huge ovens with observation windows moving round on a carousel, each at a different level of cooking. Different flavours have now been introduced; the M & S favourite pie is stilton and pear. Ian demonstrated making a hand raised pie and recalled the first one he made. Very successful, so he thought, but when moved, the bottom fell out. Tongue in cheek he demonstrated crimping the edges with false teeth. Moving on, in addition to pies, sandwiches are assembled and packaged for sale, fillings strictly controlled, can you believe it, even the lettuce is weighed! Ian was so entertaining with many more amusing stories. • THE CINEMA OUTING this month was to see “Joy”. Joy is a lady who struggles to bring up her family alone, desperate for money etc. She eventually comes up with an idea when cleaning the kitchen floor that it would be a lot better if she had a better mop. So Joy invented the mop which squeezes from the handle. The film tells the story of her battle for rights of ownership of the mop. Who would have thought that making a film about a woman’s idea of cleaning the kitchen floor would be a success. Another outing was to see ‘The Danish Girl’. Depending on how you see the Danish Girl’s problem, apparently it all finished up with

tears, what a lovely end! AT OUR MEETING we had to decide on which of half a dozen or so Resolutions to put forward. All were very relevant to today’s needs etc but the final choice was ‘Failing to care - assessment of need in long-term care’. This Resolution was passed with a large majority. This goes to our Federation to see what other W.I.’s voted for and then whatever is chosen goes onto National which is where it gets interesting. M.P.s, etc. get involved and they know the W.I. carry a large voting power interesting! The following article has been written to Marilyn Lawrence, what would we do without the Lawrence family? WI Alvaston Hall 18th to 22nd January 2016 Eight members and three husbands boarded the coach at WI house, joining other members of the Leicestershire WI for a break at Alvaston Hall, near Nantwich in Cheshire (one member travelled independently). We had a two hour comfort/shopping stop at Trentham Garden Shopping Village, arriving at Alvaston Hall at 3.00p.m. To our delight, we had been up-graded to sumptuous accommodation in the new extension. Tuesday was a visit to Chester where we were left to our own devices for a few hours to shop or sightsee. On Wednesday we had a short stop at Nantwich on our way to the Bridgewater Garden Centre. Not only a garden centre, there were several other shops including Lakeland, Edinburgh Woollen Mill and a Hobbycraft, so plenty to see during the few hours we were there.

On Thursday there was an organised trip to the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. Two of our party went on this whilst the rest of us stayed at the hotel taking advantage of their leisure facilities or just going for walks. We arrived back in Leicester early Friday afternoon. Altogether, a very enjoyable week with good company, a first class hotel serving a variety of delicious food with friendly and helpful staff. Many thanks to the organisers and to our coach drivers. We are in the process of putting together our outings for the year. As they are (not that we are bragging) usually very successful we hopefully will have a few more, watch this space. Next month’s meeting is about Kedlestone Hall and the love story (ah) of George and Mary Soar, Heather Terrington will be telling us all about it. So come along on Thursday, l8th February at 7.30p.m. for a bit of romance, history and most of all, a friendly get together.

Evelyn and Margaret (We are both back for the New Year, all stations go).

Programme of Talks for 2016 Date Date

Speakers Speakers

January 21st Ian Heircock st Heircock January February2118th Ian Heather Terrington February 18th Heather Terrington

Topic Topic

Walker's Pork Pies Walker's Pork Kedlestone HallPies Kedlestone George andHall Mary George and Soar – a loveMary story Soar – a love story th Janet Hiles Mercy Ships March 17 th Janet Hiles Mercy Ships and March st Life Support April 2117 Lisel Beadle Life Support and April 21st Lisel Beadle C.P.R. C.P.R. May 19th RESOLUTIONS SOCIAL EVENING th May 16 19th RESOLUTIONS SOCIAL EVENING W.I. Judge produce, Ruth Green June W.I. produce, Ruth Green June 16th craft Judge and cooking craft and cooking st Julie Ede Co-Co Chanel July 21 Julie EdeButt Co-Co July 21st18th Nasser Tai ChiChanel August Nasser Chi August 18th NormanButt & Underwood Tai September Cathedrals, Roof Norman & Underwood Cathedrals, September Roof 15th Tops and More th 15 Tops and More th October 20 Canon Alan Haydock Confessions of a October 20th Canon Alan Haydock Confessions Country Vicarof a Country Vicar a AGM + Making November 17th Lisa Johnson AGM + Making a November 17th Lisa Johnson Christmas Wreath Christmas Workshop Wreath Entertainment with December 15th SOCIAL EVENING Workshop December 15th SOCIAL EVENING Entertainment food and drinkwith food and drink

Seriously contemplating remarrying my ex wife, but I’m pretty sure she’ll figure out that I’m just after my money.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Bradgate Rotary Club News Update BRADGATE Rotary Club ended 2015 in a flurry of Festive Fun! Maybe you saw us too!! December saw some members taking part in The Santa Fun Run in Loughborough on the 6th December and members attending STEPS to wrap presents bought by Bradgate Rotary and to help them prepare for their annual Christmas party Santa was very busy touring around the villages of Groby and Ratby over several evenings, bringing joy and happiness to several groups of children, handing out sweets, telling stories and reminding them to be “Good” on the run up to Christmas. Santa also made a Saturday visit to the libraries in Groby and Glenfield where children were invited to talk about their dreams for Christmas, join in with craft activities and listen to stories with Santa. Our Christmas charity collections raised a magnificent amount of £670 (from the Santa Sleigh) with further monies to be collected from the Santa Fun Run -- £700 to date and still climbing! This allowed us to boost our charity fund and enabled us to provide £250 to Rainbows (at Santa’s request) and further donations to two of the Bradgate Rotary Charities, STEPS and 20:20. 2016 has already seen Bradgate Rotary getting out and about and starting to think of activities and new fund raising ideas for the club. On 20th January Bradgate Rotary sponsored a team from South Charnwood High School who competed against five other schools from the District in the semi-final of Rotary District 1070 Youth Speaks competition held at Welland Park Academy. Their speech was entitled ‘Baked Off ’. They gave a self- assured and passionate speech based on discussions The team from SCHS receiving their certificates from surrounding political correctness and ‘The Great British Bake-off ’. They all did Rotary District Governor Geoff Blurton extremely well and made it through to the final to be held in March. We’ll soon be celebrating our first birthday as a Rotary club with a Spring social at the end of February. Our next Speaker evening is about being a Dementia friend. We’re also planning a quiz night and a social evening based on the TV series ‘The Cube’ We’re still on the look out for new members We meet for breakfast at the Stamford Arms Groby on the first and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. The alternate Wednesdays are usually speaker or social evenings. So if you want to get involved in a local group, make new friends, help with our fundraising and join in with our social events please let us know. We would welcome people from all the villages in the Bradgate area including Markfield, Anstey, Newtown Linford, Glenfield and Ratby. Contact Brian at The Stamford Arms or just pop down and join us for breakfast at 7.30 am you’d be more than welcome. You don’t need any special skills just a bit of time and lots of enthusiasm. We are not a formal Rotary club so if you have any preconceptions about what it might be like do come and find out for yourself.

Dentures At Home Emergency Mobile

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0116 275 0101 (home) 07880 973 742 (mobile) Love is telling someone to go to hell and worrying about them getting there safely.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

DAN HARDY 01530 587324

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I don’t punish the dog for eating my unattended food because I do the same thing to other people.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Borough Councillors’ Monthly Report Green Waste Collection AT THE end of 2015 the Borough Council carried out a consultation asking residents which they preferred - would they be prepared to pay an annual charge for the green waste collection and a 2% increase in council tax, or alternatively to vote in a referendum to increase council tax by 16% with no additional annual charge for the green waste collection. Despite carrying out this consultation the administration have chosen to completely ignore either option or the residents’ views, and are opting for a 4.5% increase in council tax. Following a recently announced change by the government they can do this without holding a referendum. There will be no charge for the green waste collection at least for the forthcoming year but beyond that but is not guaranteed. We will have to wait and see what proposals they make next year. The question remains that why go to so much trouble and considerable expense asking residents for their opinions and then totally ignore the responses and to choose a third option that was never available as a choice in the consultation. Maybe now it has become clear why there was such a poor questionnaire return rate!

Proposed development: 30 Markfield Road, Groby WITH REGARD to the development to the side of the church I was under the impression that the planning permission granted back in 2006 had lapsed, and therefore the works currently being under taken should not be happening. Numerous residents have also contacted me on this. I asked the planning department for clarification and the HBBC enforcement office to investigate and they have confirmed that the permission is still live. In this particular instance, 30 Markfield Road, the developer implemented a small section of the highway with an overall area of 29.5 square metres. These works were commenced on the 6 April 2010, with the three years running

out on the development on the 24 April 2010. Therefore these works kept the planning permission live on the site. Therefore, from the above information the developer has discharged all relevant pre commencement conditions and has done some works which are classed as a material operation as defined by Section 56(4) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) and subsequently the permission has remained live on the site.

HBBC Affordable Rented bungalows Martinshaw Lane HINCKLEY & Bosworth Borough Council own a piece of land at Martinshaw Lane, Groby to the rear of the cottages on Ratby road. Through the Council’s HRA Investment Strategy there are plans for the development of affordable rented bungalows to be developed on this land. The plans include 5 one-bedroom bungalows and 4 two-bedroom bungalows, each with their own garden. The bungalows will be let at 80% market rent and will be allocated according to the Council’s letting policies. This includes consideration of a local connection in the allocation. A public consultation to share the plans for the development and obtain comments at was held at Groby Community Centre on Forest Rise on Wednesday 20th January and Friday 22nd January. Cllr Hollick and I were at both consultations and were very pleased with the amount of residents that came to look at the proposals and site layout. The feedback was largely very positive with only a few comments some of which may result in minor changes before the plans go to determination at HBBC planning committee, anticipated between February and April 2016. If permission is granted then the site could be started as early as June 2016 with a completion date of December 2016 or very early 2017.

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

Jacqueline Drive Planning Application The Triangle of Green Space at Field Head, is the subject of a dispute between Leicestershire Highways and Groby Parish Council who have owned and maintained it since it was transferred to Groby PC in 1991 with the covenant of which states that it should be kept in perpetuity as public open space. This resulted in the proposed Jacqueline Road planning application being temporarily withdrawn from the Hinckley & Bosworth planning meeting of the 26th of January

UPVC Door Locks LOCKS fitted to UPVC doors and modern houses with the “Oval” type of locks and “EuroLocks” have been vulnerable to “bumping”, cylinder snapping and a host of other strange terms, the bottom line is, thieves have devised a method of breaking these type of locks to gain entry. If you have a lock that is not Kite marked or BS spec marked to TS 007 or PAS 24 then you need to attend to them. In some extreme cases it seems the whole door needs to be replaced. The following link http:// www.dhfonline.org.uk/news.

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

aspx?NewsArticleId=70 takes you to the Door and Hardware Federation web site which will give you more information, together with details of a Watchdog programme that looked in to the problems. So far I’m not aware of any such household burglaries locally using this method, but I have heard of cases in the north of the country who are seeing a lot of houses being entered using these methods. In some cases a “short” key is employed and only has to enter the lock a short distance and by using a small set of tools, the lock can be opened and no evidence of it being forced is seen. Police are then not able to view the case objectively as the lock appears to be fine and the officers often suggest the house holder has left their door unlocked which of course they have not. If you have any concerns about your door locks, check them out and ensure they are at the appropriate standard. Otherwise fit an alarm, and do so throughout the house. If you have any friends who might be interested, please pass this on.

We Are Here To Help You SHOULD you have any comments or problems you would like us to mention in our articles please get in touch. Please remember if we can ever be of service to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact us, our details are listed above. Kind regards

Martin Cartwright & Ted Hollick

Why am I always the last to know that I’m in an open relationship?

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Letter

The ‘cool’ way to propose marriage ONCE UPON a time, if a man wanted to propose marriage, he might get down on one knee before his beloved, in order to demonstrate his affection. Not any more.

Nowadays it seems he makes sure to pop the question while on an overseas holiday. Recent research by the insurer Liverpool Victoria found that 60 per cent of engagements now happen abroad – with Paris as still the romance capital of the world. After that come New York, Las Vegas, Orlando and Venice as the most popular cities in which to get engaged. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge got engaged in Kenya in 2010. Apparently Prince William carried the engagement ring - which originally belonged to his mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in his rucksack for three weeks while waiting for the right moment.

Get smart over children’s toys

Wise Words

HOW MANY toys do your children have? How many do they actually play with? If you spend your time wading through, falling over and trying to occasionally tidy up a great variety of toys around your house, here is a poignant finding: while most ten year olds have 238 toys each, they play with only about 12 favourites on a regular basis. It seems that the UK has the second highest ‘spend’ per child in the world – with the average child receiving about £508 worth of gifts per year. MyGiftClues.com, who conducted the research, offer a free online tool that aims to help adults choose longer lasting toys and gifts that their children will prefer.

Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity. George S. Patton Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one’s aim. John D. Rockefeller One advantage of talking to yourself is that you know at least somebody’s listening. Franklin P. Jones

A big thank you to some kind Groby villagers ALTHOUGH a resident of what has become to be known as ‘The Branting Estate’ on the other side of the A46 in Glenfield, I was for a long time a resident in Groby. My wife and still do our shopping in the village. On December the 22nd last, I went to pay our paper bill at Wilsons. I parked my car outside Flints, and my wife stayed in the car. Although suffering from Labyrinthititis I can still walk with care without a stick. I climbed the steps to the shops. On completion of that task I left the shop and commenced to return to the car via the steps. On the second or third step my illness got the better of me and I toppled over to my right and rolled down to the bottom of the slope. This is where I come to the point of this missive. The people of Groby rallied round. Passers-by came to my aid, and picked me up. Customers from the betting shop came out and also helped me back into the shop while one of them phoned for an ambulance. By this time my wife had joined, having watched me fall, so one gentleman went over and locked our car. Another lady went into the chemist and came back with some lint to tend to my wounds. I wish to thank all these kind people for their help and kindness shown to me and my wife. THANK YOU ALL.

Colin Smart, Branting Hill Grove

Sit down for breakfast; stand up for farmers. Every Saturday morning 9.30—12noon

On 12th March, Tasters will promote Fairtrade Fortnight with a different breakfast menu. Millions of farmers and workers in developing countries work hard every day to grow the food we eat. Yet many don’t earn enough to know where their next meal is coming from. We have the power to change this.

Catch Children and Youth events each week:

Fair Cuppa:

fairtrade refreshments in fairly traded mugs! Every Thursday, 10.30— 12noon Pop in, meet friends and make new ones!

For 6’s to 14’s on Mon evenings at 6.00pm or 7.45pm; for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm; for 15-18’s on Fri at 7.30pm. We meet at the United Reformed Church All of these activites, along with our work in schools, are provided by the two churches in Groby under the group name EXTEND. 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 Revd Sue McKenzie 232 1733 Youth Worker Ruth Cross 07759 087804 Children and Families Worker John Fryer 07540 957926

Birthday cake is the only food you can blow on and spit on and still everybody rushes to get a piece.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Surgery Patients Participation Group newsletter

Should you have a pneumonia jab? FEBRUARY already. The Autumn queue at the surgery for the flu jab now seems a long time ago. This is the time of the year for vulnerable patients to be thinking about getting vaccinated against pneumonia. Pneumococcal infections can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis, but the vaccine gives protection against them. The NHS says that at their worst they can cause permanent severe brain damage, or even kill. These infections can be most serious in people with certain long-term health conditions and older people, so these groups are offered a pneumococcal vaccination on the NHS. It’s a simple and safe vaccine. There are 5,000 to 6,000 serious pneumococcal infections every year in England and Wales. An estimated 3,400 people over the age of 65 in England die in hospital every year from pneumococcal infections. Pneumococcal infections are easily spread by close or prolonged contact with someone who has symptoms of the infection

or someone who is not affected but is a ‘carrier’. Once the bacteria have entered your body – usually through your nose or throat – they can either lie dormant or they can multiply and cause health problems. One to three days is thought to be a typical incubation period. These infections can be invasive and serious,and inside a major organ or in the blood. Meningitis, an infection of the brain, is an example of an invasive infection. Non-invasive infections outside the major organs can be less serious. So if you are over 65 it sounds like a good idea to reduce the risks of developing an infection by arranging to see the nurse for a ‘pneumo jab’. And you are also advised to have one even if you are not yet 65 but have a chronic long term health condition. You’re considered to be at a higher risk of a pneumococcal infection if you have: • diabetes • a long-term respiratory disease • heart disease, for example, congenital heart disease • chronic kidney disease • chronic liver disease, for example, liver cirrhosis

• a suppressed immune system caused by a health condition such as HIV • a suppressed immune system caused by medication such as chemotherapy or steroid tablets • a cochlear implant (a small hearing device fitted inside your ear) • had the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spine leaking from its usual position, for example, as the result of an accident or surgery • had your spleen removed, or your spleen does not work properly So give the surgery a call after the peak time for booking appointments with the doctors has passed and arrangements will be made for you to see the nurse. If all the vulnerable readers of the Spotlight phone straight away the nurses’s diary will fill up very quickly, so please be patient.

Facebook pages could be on the way The surgery has its website but the Patient’s Participation Group doesn’t have an online presence. Well not yet. At the January meeting of the Group the new Chairman, Derick Harrison, floated the

idea of following the lead of other PPGs and creating some facebook pages. Everyone was in favour and impressed by the achievements of other groups, so he has been busy working away at it.

Settling in Alison, the new full time receptionist reports that she is settling in and enjoying her new role at Groby Surgery.

Membership Finally don’t forget that it would be really helpful to have younger patients represented on the Patients Group, particularly parents with young children. Meetings never last more than an hour and only take place six times a year. So why not be part of it? You can leave your contact details at reception or email GrobySurgeryPPG@btconnect.com. If you are not a patient at Groby Surgery but want further medical advice on any of the issues raised please contact your own doctor.

Norman Griffiths for Groby Surgery PPG

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Based on my calculations, I can retire five years after I die.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

News from Elizabeth Woodville Primary School Visit our website THE SCHOOL’S new website has been live for a number of weeks, have you visited it yet? On it you will find a wealth of information about the school, which is being added to all the time. It is a good way to keep up to date with Elizabeth Woodville news.

Traditional Tales come to life at Elizabeth Woodville IN LITERACY, our infant classes have been learning about traditional tales ... Goldilocks and the Three Bears In our Foundation Stage, pupils have been reading the story, Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The children thoroughly enjoyed playing in the role play area which was set up as the Three Little Bears’ Cottage. In here the children enjoyed acting out the story and demonstrating their excellent independent writing skills. A particular highlight was experimenting with the texture of porridge oats in the water tray to make their own porridge that was ‘just right!’

A visit from the Big Bad Wolf Year 1 have been learning about the variety of characters in traditional tales in order to write their own versions. During a lesson on describing a bad character, the class even had a visit from the Big Bad Wolf himself! All the children were very brave and luckily managed to ask all of their questions before the wolf became too hungry, phew!

Tree planting WE WENT tree planting in the autumn term, which provided the children with a pleasurable outdoor learning experience. We learnt about the animals that live outside in the woodland areas and what their homes would be like. Then, we went on to plant 36 trees! We are looking forward to visiting again to see how much our trees have grown.

Cross Country Success! AT THE end of the autumn term, our cross country runners ran in the final of the three county races at Prestwold Hall. The children performed brilliantly, competing against over 200 schools. Our Year 3 boys finished 3rd overall, our Year 4 boys and Year 6 girls finished 2nd and our Year 5 boys finished in 1st place. A tremendous achievement! Furthermore, our pupils have just completed the first Hinckley and Bosworth Area event on the 23rd

January. Again all our runners performed amazingly well, with Elizabeth Woodville students winning 4 out of the 7 races we entered, incredible! Congratulations to our race winners, Amelia Norton (Y3 girls), Macauley McGlinchey (Y3 boys), Joe Matthews (Y4 boys), Theo Coats (Y5 boys). Well done also to Riley Smith, Lucy Hollingworth and James Hollingworth for finishing in the top 5 in their respective races.

Our school would like pass on our huge congratulations to Mackenzie Smith and Theo Coats who have been selected to represent our school and also Hinckley and Bosworth in the Cross Country Championships. Both children were selected due to their outstanding performances in this year’s races at Prestwold Hall. We know you will join us in wishing them the very best of luck.

Groby

Sings and

All rehearsals at Groby Club starting from 22nd February Monday afternoon choir 1.15pm - 3pm (Childcare facilities, lifts available) Monday evening choir 8pm - 9.30pm Friday after school Children / Youth choir (age 7 and above) : 3.40pm - 4.40pm

Performances at Groby Community College Sports Hall:

Saturday 25th June at 7.30pm & Sunday 26th June at 3.00pm For more information, contact Helen Hayes on 07867963328

How come, no matter what color bubble bath you use, the bubbles are always white?

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Entered what I ate today into my new fitness app and it just sent an ambulance to my house.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

2/3/2016

On the Farm Wordsearch

Word Search Puzzle

Forgot username or password?

Passcode/Cre

If you can spot 12 ITEMS YOU MIGHT FIND ON A FARM in this issue’s Wordsearch puzzle, you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of:

Solutions for Districts

A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The FieldHead Hotel.

Free Resources

What Who Are- the namesTeachers To go into the draw, all youWe have Offer to do is find - and mark aWe line through of 12 things you could find on a farm. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: CROP ROTATION, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by WEDNESDAY 2ND MARCH 2016. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct S N R U F A Y J I Y F T I L J R W entry drawn out of the Editor’s trilby will win the prize. Good luck! N M E K E M E R X K C R W R U C M C W T Y F R G T E A M I K O X W G K J S R U B N V M H N T L M B V E F G E N N C X Q Y C C R X Q B A V R V V F V R Q A U A A T P K A F Y E D R X N E D B G P S G A E J A K T P A P V B A R G B T C D H C R S S K H F G T A N P I G L E T L Y C O H E E O S I L A G E C L A M P A O J N R B K P L E L O U Q A O R R R T I Y L M I L L O F C M I O V E N Q B I V V M F O X F F T T L K C N N M I K R U K U U C H C G F D R X W O C Y E S R E J G A A E I B O R W C Q G B Z Q L C R H K Y H C W I E X S M X H B I T E I V S H O Q BALEOFHAY COMBINEHARVESTER HATCHERY INCUBATOR JERSEYCOW MILKINGPARLOUR PIGLET PLOUGH ROOSTER SCARECROW SILAGECLAMP TRACTOR

Here are the twelve FARM ITEMS you have to find:

BALE OF HAY • COMBINE HARVESTER • HATCHERY INCUBATOR • JERSEY COW • MILKING PARLOUR PIGLET • PLOUGH • ROOSTER SCARECROW • SILAGE CLAMP • TRACTOR Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Issue’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch competition was: ALISON FLETCHER of Foxglove Drive, Groby Congratulations! Your prize will be with you soon.

SCAM: ‘Your Package Has Been Seized’

FRAUDSTERS are sending out virus infected emails that claim a package has been seized by HM Revenue & Customs upon arrival into the United Kingdom. The official looking scam emails, claiming to be from Royal Mail, contain a link to a document which will install malicious software on your computer designed to steal credentials like account names, email addresses and passwords. An example email reads: Title: Your parcel has been seized Royal Mail is sorry to inform you that a package addressed to you was seized by HM Revenue & Customs upon arrival into the United Kingdom. A close inspection deemed your items as counterfeit and the manufacturers have been notified. If your items are declared genuine then they will be returned back to you with the appropriate custom charges. You may have been a victim of counterfeit merchandise and the RM Group UK will notify you on how to get your money back. Please review the attached PDF document for more information. Document (RM7002137GB).Zip Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

To help the spread of the virus, the email also says: “You will need to have access to a computer to download and open the Zip file”. If you receive one of these emails, do not click on any links or download any attachments and report it to Action Fraud.

Protect Yourself • Royal Mail will never send an email asking for credit card numbers or other personal or confidential information. • Royal Mail will never ask customers to enter information on a page that isn’t part of the Royal Mail website. • Royal Mail will never include attachments unless the email was solicited by a customer e.g. customer has contacted Royal Mail with an enquiry or has signed up for updates from Royal Mail. • Royal Mail have also stressed that they do not receive a person’s email address as part of any home shopping experience. If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone: 0300 123 2040

The hardest part of any relationship is when it’s not your turn to talk.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • FEBRUARY 2016 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

e ot qu

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Tel: 01604 563021 (Mobile) Harvey or Min: 07966 505688 www.hm-landscapes.com

If you enjoyed reading this issue of Groby Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks! Weddings and funerals are the same because I love going but I don’t want them to be about me.

16-18 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ Tel: 0116 287 1809 For entertainment info email Groby.ents@gmail.com General email. committee@thegrobyclub.co.uk

The New Groby War Memorial

2016 Memberships available just £8 per year

A warm welcome awaits you at The Groby Club

Members who have not yet renewed Are now in arrears and will incur a penalty if not renewed by 29th Feb 2016

Emma Jonson

Fri 11th March

Fri 19th Feb

SUNDAY CARVERY SERVED 1PM-5PM FULL MENU ALSO AVAILABLE FULL MENU AVAILABLE THURS – SUN 2PM- 10PM•SAT ALL DAY BREAKFAST FROM 9AM ALL THE LATEST SPORTING ACTION LIVE IN THE BAR ON 55” TV SCREENS ALL LCFC LIVE TELEVISED MATCHES ON BIG SCREENS IN THE FUNCTION ROOM

FRIDAY BIG SHOW NIGHTS Feb 12th Elton John tribute March 25th Comedy with Stewart Masters plus Support act

Comedy Night with

Fri 25th March

Stewart Masters TICKETS ON SALE NOW

FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO IS NOW IN THE CARLING SUITE EVERY FRIDAY

FOR ALL HE LATEST INFO ON EVENTS OREMAIL US AT Groby.ents@gmail.com TO BE ADDED TO OUR MONTHLY MAILING LIST GIVING YOU EARLY PURCHASES FOR ALL TICKETED EVENTS T

Friday night Is music night in the Concert Room Live Music + Disco ALL NIGHT!