Groby Spotlight Mid-January 2023

Warm Spaces near the village centre and Field Head

AS THE GLOW of the festive season fades, 2023 will bring with it uncertainty for many, as thoughts will turn to how to cope with the cost of living.

This time last year, as we made plans for the year ahead, not many will have foreseen that our income would be reduced in value as the cost of living increases. Belts have been tightened, but for many there will be difficult choices to be made, and sadly one of these will be turning on the heating.

December was one of the coldest for many years, and brought with it a stark reminder. I was fortunate to be able to keep warm as the temperature dipped, but for those who cannot afford to heat their homes they struggle against the cold every day.

The Warm Spaces Working Party, at Groby Parish Council, was set up to work with the community and to facilitate warm, safe and inclusive spaces for residents.

Warm Space near the village centre

We are delighted that the Groby Community Centre on Forest Rise, is now open on Mondays and Fridays from 9am until 4pm, hoping to continue until the end of March. The space will be warm and welcoming and available for all, with free hot and cold drinks, biscuits and company.

The space will be run by volunteers from within the community, and it will be this that is essential to keeping the space open and if we can, extend the opening time into the evenings when people may need it the most.

Can you help?

We are appealing to all of you for your help. Do you have a couple of hours a week you could spare to help out? Maybe you are someone who will need a warm space, and by volunteering you can help to keep the space open.

Have you been on the receiving end of kindness when times have been difficult? This would be a great opportunity to pay it forward. Communities reunite at difficult times, you just need to look back at how the country came together during the mourning of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Now is the time we really need to come together and support one another.

If you can help in any way, please contact the Groby Parish Council Office, Village Hall, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester. LE6 0DQ. Tel: 0116 287 6985 or Email: parishclerk@groby.com.

We are also looking for donations of games, jigsaws, books and activities to keep people entertained while visiting the space. Or are you part of an organisation which do an activity that could visit during the opening hours, to share a craft or offer advice.

We do not yet have information about other Warm Spaces in the village centre.

Warm Spaces near Field Head

This information has been supplied by the Borough Council:

• Markfield Community Library, Oakfield Avenue, Markfield, LE67 9WG: Monday 9am to 10am, 1pm to 3pm, 6pm to 7pm. Tuesday 9am to 10am, 12.30pm to 3pm, Friday 9am to 10am, 1pm to 3pm, Saturday 10am to 12.30pm

• Markfield Congregational Community Church, 104 Main Street, LE67 9UU: Tuesday 9.30am to 1.30pm

• Methodist Church, Main Street, Markfield, LE67 9UU: Wednesday 10am to 12 noon

Cllr Janet Bishop

Spaces Working Party, Groby Parish Council

LetterGroby twins featured on BBC’s The Repair Shop

I WONDER if you would be interested in mentioning a recent event featured on BBC programme ‘The Repair Shop’ that features my wife (Jeanette) and her twin sister (Janice). They appeared on the 3rd January episode of the show (Series 11, Episode 2) with a tap dance mat that was badly in need of repair (over 75 years old) which they had used throughout their stage careers as tap dancers and entertainers.

Both sisters are now in their seventies and hadn’t used the tap mat for over 20 years until they appeared on the show. After it was repaired by the Repair Shop Team, they performed a short tap routine to the song ‘Sisters’ on camera for the show.

Both twins have lived near to each other in Carmen Grove, Groby for over twenty years. I attach a couple of photos of the twins from ‘The Repair Shop’. The episode is available on the BBC iPlayer.

David Mitchell

The Groby nursing home that was never built

THE NATIONAL HEALTH Service is experiencing the clinical equivalent of a log jam. Many hospital patients cannot be discharged because of the lack of aftercare in the community, whether at home or in residential care.

Local authorities are struggling to provide aftercare in the community, and there are insufficient care home places available. Some argue that home care is inefficient because part of the dedicated carer ’s day is spent on the road travelling between clients. Carers want to help their clients, not spend time under pressure driving between homes. Many elderly people who live in oversized family homes would welcome a more compact bungalow. A building programme that provided safe homes for those needing care, whilst at the same time retaining their independence, might

• reduce the cost of care in the community by eliminating unproductive travelling time, • help with the NHS bed problem and • release much needed family homes.

The shortage of care and nursing homes is something that the residents of Groby know about, as the village doesn’t have one. But thirty years ago, in 1993, a company proposed building a nursing home on land which backs on to the Markfield Road allotments and is accessed from the mineral line footpath near the church.

The Borough Council refused planning permission and said the development wasn’t in keeping with the conservation area, would represent over development of the site and would have an overbearing effect on the neighbouring dwelling. Traffic and parking was also an issue.

Subsequently permission has been given for a housing development of apartments on the site, though construction of the dwellings is yet to commence.

Norman Griffiths

Groby Scout Group becomes a collection point for thebikeproject.co.uk

THEBIKEPROJECT.CO.UK is a nationwide organisation that takes second-hand bikes, fixes them up in their workshop and gives them to refugees and asylum seekers.

Groby Scout Group with the kind permission of the Parish Council have agreed to become a collection point. The only other one in our county is in Ashby.

If anyone has a bike they no longer need and want to donate to a very worthy cause, then simply go to thebikeproject.co.uk and select Groby Scout Group as your preferred drop off point.

We will then be in touch with you to arrange a good time for you to drop the bike off with us. Thebikeproject.co.uk will then collect the bikes from us and will repair and service them before giving them to refugees. Bikes that are beyond repair will be stripped down and the parts used for other bikes. So if you need to get rid of an old bike then please go online to thebikeproject.co.uk and fill in the form.

Morrisons hiked

in

The grocer “rapidly” increased its prices in June, which meant it lost more shoppers than rivals last year, credit rating agency Moody’s said.

The price rises meant Morrisons lost market share, leading to it being overtaken by Aldi as the UK’s fourth biggest grocer.

Moody’s findings raises concerns over the Bradford-based grocer since its £7 billion takeover by US private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in 2021.

Morrisons now has 9.1% of the market, down from 10% before the deal but up from 9% a month ago.

Moreover, Moody’s warned that Lidl could also overtake Morrisons “in the next couple of years”.

I usually meet my girlfriend at 12:59 because I like that one-to-one time.

73rd Leicester (Groby) Scout Group

prices more than any other major grocer

2022

AS REPORTED by Sahar Nazir in the Retail Gazette, Morrisons hiked prices more than any other major grocer in the last year, resulting in a large number of customers switching to other supermarkets.

News from Groby Community Library

Hi everyone! We’ve reached that time of year when Janus, the Roman God of doorways, looked backwards as well as forwards. (Libraries can be SO educational), so for this Spotlight article we’ll do a bit of both.

This year, moving further away from Lockdowns, Groby Community Library has moved from strength to strength, with much increased use by the people of the village. Recently we’ve had successful events with Smartsy guiding people to make glass decorations, a heaving Christmas Crackers morning when local children and their parents made Christmas crafts and pinned things on reindeer, not to mention Santa dropping in on another day.

We’ve been happy to add lots of new books into our stock, financed by Leicestershire Libraries, and especially lots of new children’s fiction, and fact too. Titles like these books for older children, and loads more!

Michael Morpurgo: There Was Once a Queen

Liz Pichon: Random Acts of Fun

David Walliams: Spaceboy

Jacqueline Wilson: Project Fairy

Rick Riordan: Daughter of the Deep

Jeff Kinney: Diper Revolution

J.K. Rowling: The Tales of Beedle the Bard

Louie Stowell: Loki: A Bad God’s Guide to Taking the Blame

Anthony Horowitz: Where Seagulls Dare And...

Adam Wallace: Fartboy: The First Sniff (!)

So much for last year – it’s so last year! This year continues with all your favourite books and events.

CUPPA AND COMPANY happens on the second Friday of each month – February 10th is the next one after this Spotlight comes out. It’s a chance to come together with

other people from Groby who might feel a bit isolated or simply like the chance to chat over a free cup of coffee, from 10.3011.30am. We’d love to see you, so just come along.

On February 18th, at 10.30am, we’re excited to host an event featuring local author, CATHERINE WARD. Catherine has been a supporter of the library for a long time, being previously a leading light in our Wriggly Readers group, and on February 16th, The Emerald Forest, her first picture book, will be published. Catherine will be in the library to meet her readers and to preside over an hour of readings and activities. It’s all free, so if you’re a 4-year-old plus who likes books, orangutans or is at a loose end, pop down to the library!

Don’t forget all of our other, fortnightly, groups:

WRIGGLY READERS

on Thursdays, THE BABY GROUP on Wednesday mornings, CONSTRUCTION CLUB on Wednesday afternoons and KNIT AND STITCH on Friday afternoons. You can find details on our website, and on social media at Facebook and Twitter - look for “Groby Community Library”. And, of course, we have a café that is filled with good cakes and excellent tea and coffee, ideally placed for you to sit and watch the world go by outside, possibly whilst reading a book!

We’ll see you soon!

Accuracy of Governance article questioned

A PARISH COUNCILLOR from Field Head Ward has mentioned to me that some local residents are unhappy about the accuracy of an article I had written for the Spotlight, and they would like a correction to be published in a future issue.

It is important for residents to have confidence in what they read in the magazine, and in the interest of transparency I decided to ask that the concerns were put in writing, or an email, and drawn to the attention of the editor.

The editor has not received any written representation about this matter, which related to police attendance at Parish Council meetings. Nevertheless, it is something that requires clarification for those who doubt the accuracy of the report, whether or not they wish to raise it with the editor. I do not believe the article was inaccurate and, in order that anyone who doubts that can check it, I have made it available online.

This will be helpful to -

• anyone who has read it, and feels it is inaccurate, to read again,

• and for anyone who has not read it, or has relied on hearsay to inform their opinion, to read it for the first time.

To read the article just google grobylinx and follow the Governance link.

Proposed single storey side extension (Lawful Development Certificate) - at 32 Woodbank Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0BN

Dad told me to invest my money in bonds. So I bought 100 copies of Goldfinger.

My

Dave Robinson

Norman Griffiths

Meet local author Catherine Ward on 18th February at Groby Library!

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

So why should I be interested in the Groby Neighbourhood Plan?

IT CAN BE TEMPTING to think of the development of the neighbourhood plan as something which is remote and of little interest to the majority of people. This is not true.

• Access to Markfield from the village of Groby is difficult except by a long walk on the side of a busy road.

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Telephone 01530-244069

Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk

Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

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

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

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

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

Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

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

All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

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

The work done in producing the plan can have a real impact on the day to day lives of the residents and businesses of Groby Parish, and is an effective way that you can tell your councillors what is important to you and make a real contribution to how our parish will look in the future.

A good example of how the development of the Groby Neighbourhood Plan contributes to your future, is work done by the footpaths, cycle ways and bridleways group. Not an engaging title, or a sexy topic – but people who took the time to complete the recent questionnaire indicated that the people of Groby make regular use of footpaths/bridleway/ cycleways (FBC) in the area and greatly value access to nearby countryside.

The findings of the FBC group included the following issues of interest to walkers and cyclists:

• There are good off road connections to nearby villages such as Ratby and Anstey, but

• Poor access to settlements within the parish itself such as Field Head.

• Access to Groby Pool is limited to a roadside walk for anyone with mobility issues, or, pushing a pram. Limited improvements to existing footpaths and gates would improve general accessibility and produce a pleasant off road walk allowing parents with prams and young children much greater freedom and enjoyment.

• Improvements to the Sacheverell Way end of the old mineral line would improve safety of cycle and access to routes from Groby village to Glenfield and the ‘sustrans’ national cycle network.

Issues have also been raised which affect all residents of the parish, not just cyclists and walkers. Traffic is forecast to increase by 22% over the next 20 years, bringing increased noise, air pollution and congestion, all of which were indicated as concerns to residents in the recent questionnaire.

Reducing traffic growth is in everyone’s interest and both local authorities and central government believe that the promotion of active travel - walking and cycling - can reduce this problem.

To address all the issues raised in the full FBC report will require ongoing attention and effort.

With this in mind administrative changes have been proposed to set up structures to ensure that issues raised in the Groby Neighbourhood Plan continue to be considered and do not fall ‘through the cracks’ of day to day problems.

These include establishing volunteer groups to help maintain local rights of way and the establishment of a ‘Tracks and Rights of Way Champion’ on the Parish Council.

These proposals, supported by your responses to the recent questionnaire are now being considered by the Parish Council and will advise the development of our Local Plan.

If you want to have a say in the future of Groby Parish, keep in touch with what’s happening and make sure you make your views known.

The full FBC report is available. If you want to see a full copy let me have your email address and I will send you a copy.

Please send requests to :parishclerk@groby.com

Local hair salon reaches finals of UK Hair & Beauty Awards

Funny Signs

In a Bangkok dry cleaners: ‘Drop your trousers here for best results.’

Outside a restaurant: ‘Where good food is an unexpected pleasure.’

Demi

Demi Long (pictured above with her certificates), owner of Here Come The Blondes opened her doors in February 2022 and has since become a finalist for the “Best New Salon’’ and ‘’Best for Blondes’’ in Leicester.

Here Come the Blondes is an exclusive hair service offering one-to-one private appointments. Specializing mainly in blonde hair, this salon is the natural choice for all blondes and to-be blondes.

Located in Groby, the salon is conveniently located near the M1 and has clients coming from Leicester, Manchester, London and Birmingham.

In a bar: ‘Guys: No shirt- no service. Gals: No shirt - no charge.’

Outside a restaurant: ‘Wanted - person to wash dishes and two waitresses.

In a Norwegian hotel: ‘Ladies are requested not to have children in the bar.’

On a road sign: ‘When this sign is under water, this road is impassable.’

Vehicle thieves and burglars still active, so make your home and business secure

THE LAST FEW MONTHS has seen an increase in the number of homes in Groby broken into, often through patio doors at the rear of the property.

One of the latest to be reported is a home on Lawnwood Road. Other burglaries include bungalows on Ferrers Rise, with further unconfirmed reports of other homes in the Woodbank Road and Forest Rise area. Last year the activity focussed around Pymm Ley Lane.

There has also been an increase in damage to parked cars and, on 22 December, Groby Kitchens on Fir Tree Lane appealed on Spotted Groby for help finding a van stolen from their car park overnight. Burglaries in the village have been on the increase since September. “We have seen a spike, especially in the areas of Groby and Stoke Golding,” said a police spokesperson. “We now have a specific operation aimed at targeting and disrupting the people committing these crimes.” In the meantime residents are urged to follow the advice given in 2021 which can still be read online. Just Google grobylinx news and click on the link.

Another Spotted Groby contributor gave the following advice on improving home security - “There are a spate of burglaries happening in Groby and the surrounding areas. They make entry by “snapping the lock” please check the face of your locks (where the key goes in) for a 3 star symbols. If you don’t have the symbol you might want to change it for a 3 star anti snap lock. It’s super simple and you can do it yourself on a UPVC or composite door. Just YouTube “how to measure and change for 3 star lock”, you only need one screwdriver. It’s another cost at this expensive time but not huge and you can do it yourself and an Amazon order. The police also advise bolting your gate and padlock if you can, also to put carpet gripper rod on the top of the gate to stop them climbing over. “

Christians Against Poverty Cost-of-living rise is hurting

MORE THAN four million people in the UK are now being forced to borrow money to cover the cost of essentials, such as heating and food.

CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY (CAP) say that a poll carried out for them by YouGov has found that nearly one fifth of adults in the UK, or about ten million people, are now struggling financially. CAP says that of its clients who have done so, 44 per cent of them have a disability, 42 per cent are single parents, and 47 per cent have suffered abuse.

Higher earners are using up savings, while those on medium to low incomes are having to turn to high-cost credit to survive. One quarter of low earners (earning less than £15,000 a year) have already fallen behind on bills.

Newtown Linford Ladies Luncheon Club

THIS LUNCHEON CLUB originally started in Newtown Linford but now has members from all over Leicestershire. If you wish to join us, see below.

December’s meeting started with a delicious 3 course Christmas Dinner followed by coffee and mints. This was excellent value for £19. After the meal, The LOROS Choir entertained the diners with a selection of beautiful carols. Some we could sing to and some were new carols to us. It certainly made us feel very festive. There was also a large Christmas Raffle in aid of The Cinnamon Trust.

There is a monthly meeting on every third Wednesday and you can have 3 visits initially to see if you wish to join. Members pay an additional £20 a year to cover the speakers’ fees on top of their monthly £19 for their meal. There are no meetings in July and August but often an outing is arranged instead. The venue is Lingdale Golf Club, Joe Moores Lane, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, LE12 8TF. For more information telephone Sheila Price 0116 220 5225.

All dietary needs are catered for.

What is L VE?

A GROUP of 4-to-8-year-olds was once asked: ‘What does love mean?’ The answers they gave were surprising for their depth of insight….

– “When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” Rebecca – age 8

– “When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.” Billy – age 4

– “Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.” Karl – age 5

– “Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your chips, without making them give you any of theirs.” Chrissy – age 6

– “Love is what makes you smile when you’re tired.” Terri – age 4

– “Love is when mum makes coffee for my dad and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.” Danny – age 7

– “Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mum and Dad are like that. They look gross when they kiss.” Emily – age 8

– “If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.” Nikka – age 6 (We need a few million more Nikka’s on this planet)

“My mummy loves me more than anybody. You don’t see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.” –Clare, aged 6

“Love is when mummy gives daddy the best piece of chicken.”

– Elaine – age 5

“Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day” Mary Ann – age 4

Norman Griffiths

Husky

home by Christmas, and even roped in Santa to help with some Christmas Magic – well it worked!

Ralph went home in time for Christmas and is settling in well to his new home. Any animals that didn’t find their homes yet will have received a gift thanks to the generosity of everyone who helped with our Christmas Appeal, and we are hopeful of finding them all responsible and loving homes this new year.

We are busy planning the year ahead here at LAA, and we thought we would let you know about our on-site charity shops. Perhaps you are thinking of having a clear-out at home and are looking for somewhere to donate items? Please consider us if you have items that you no longer need but that could be sold to help raise much-needed-funds for our animals. We accept good quality clothing, homewares and children’s toys. You can find the full list of items on our website. You may even like to pop in and have a look round. Our shops are open from 10am-2pm Tuesday through to Saturday. We also have a pop-up coffee shop and sale, where there are some great bargains to be had, this takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

If you are thinking of adopting an animal you can find all the relevant information, including the profiles of our current cats and dogs on our website, and we are open for people to look round the Centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm for the Kennels, and 11am to 2pm for the Cattery.

Leicester Animal Aid is a rehoming centre for dogs and cats. Every year, we care for more than 300 dogs and cats who are lost, abandoned, neglected, unwanted or relinquished because their owners can no longer look after them.

We rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our doors open to the hundreds of animals who need our help.

You can find more information on the Leicester Animal Aid website, including the shop details and items that we accept for donations: https:// www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/charity-shop/charity-shop

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea

THE AUTUMN

STATEMENT

has dialled down the immediate pressure – and shifted an impossible situation for local government to a very difficult one

• Our plan protects public services, as much as possible, during tough economic times - through Council Tax, driving efficiencies and service cuts, so that we can balance the books next year

• We’ve earmarked an extra £16m to pay for care services - our priority is to ensure vulnerable people continue to receive services they depend on, despite soaring year-on-year demand

• No one wants to ask residents to pay more, especially during a cost-of-living crisis – but inflation is driving up our costs and a Council Tax rise significantly reduces the impact on front line services

• The National Living Wage increase costs £18m – this alone is the equivalent of a five per cent rise in Council Tax

• Funding all the big capital schemes required for a growing county would impact on core services, unless new funding is made available

• We pride ourselves on doing the best we can with the money we have – all councils face tough decisions but we continue to be the lowest funded

• If we are to continue to protect the most vulnerable in society difficult decisions lie ahead - our budget gap is set to rise to over £90m by 2026

• Your views will help shape key decisions - we’re being upfront about the uncertainty in our future financial position as it’s clear that significant financial problems loom large

County Councils Budget proposals 2023 –

Have your say

2027

Please follow the link below to view our income and expenditure chart and take the survey: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ have-your-say/current-engagement/ budget-proposals-2023-2027

How much is the council’s budget?

Our budget for next year is £504m. Our income is mainly from Council Tax, as well as government grants for specific projects.

What period do your budget proposals cover?

We publish a four-year budget plan every year, known as the medium term financial strategy. It includes areas where investment is planned to meet increased demand – known as growth – and areas earmarked for savings.

How much is spent on different services?

The chart breaks down spend and income over the next four years. The financial outlook remains extremely tough with our budget gap set to rise to over £90m by 2026.

What are the proposals?

At a glance:

• £57m more to support vulnerable people - to pay for more home and residential care, and support people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs. The number of home care users has increased by 600 since January 2020.

• £59m of efficiency savings - reducing back-office costs by maximising digital technology, simplifying processes and providing the right level of support to residents

• Service cuts totalling £4mincluding reviewing waste sites, streetlighting, Green Plaques and Shire Grants

• A five per cent Council Tax rise for 2023/24 - this equates to £1.39 a week for a Band D home and generates £17.7m for front line services

• £508m four-year capital pot - for the cost of building roads, schools and other one-off projects

Have your say

We’re seeking views from residents, businesses, organisations and staff on what they think about our budget proposals, which will help shape the final proposals.

Share your views by midnight on Sunday 15 January:

To complete the online survey, please follow this link to view and take the survey

https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ have-your-say/current-engagement/ budget-proposals-2023-2027

If you’re able to, please complete this survey online using the link above. For paper copies of the survey or any other questions, please email resources@leics.gov. uk or call 0116 305 5800.

What happens next?

Following the consultation, our cabinet will agree final proposals before the budget is agreed at a meeting of the county council on 22 February 2023.

Consultations setting out more details about any specific service reductions would run before any changes are made.

Police Barclays Bank Scam Attempt On Groby Resident

I WANT TO draw residents’ attention to a recent Scam that was attempted on an elderly vulnerable resident in Groby.

The resident received a phone call from a male purporting to be a police officer from the Met Police.

He gave his warrant card number and collar number to her and said that her account had been compromised. He told her they had one person in custody that had attempted fraud on her account.

He went on to say they were still looking for two other suspects. They needed to make sure her account with Barclays was safe. He informed her that the nearest Barclays branch was in Birstall and that she needed to go there and meet an officer.

She told him that she could not drive and that she was infirm and could not get there. However, the caller was insistent saying she needed to attend for the account safety and they would arrange for a taxi to pick her up in 15 minutes.

He told her that she needed to make a withdrawal of £16,000 and give to the officer to protect the account and she would get back. He said they needed it as evidence. Fortunately, this resident was switched on - she told them it was a scam and put the phone down. The resident contacted me and I immediately contacted Trading Standards who contacted the resident and also the police. This scam has been used

numerous times and they are very convincing. Unfortunately, not everyone is so well switched on. Several vulnerable people have fallen victim to this scam.

‘Amazon Prime’ Scam Email and Attachment

BE AWARE of a scam email purporting to be from Amazon Prime. It says:

Dear Customer,

We didn`t received a payment to extend your Prime Membership because the billing associated with your account is no longer valid.

Please add the new one or update your billing information to prevent interruption of your benefits, we’ll try charging other active cards if we can`t charge your default card.

If we not received a payment in 2 day(s), we apologize if your Prime Membership has suspended. The Prime Membership Team © 2022 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Amazon, Amazon.com, the Amazon.com logo, and 1-Click are registered

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

Ozzy O’shea

Why it’s important to stay warm this winter

TALK TO older residents about winter weather and you’ll often be told tales of how they grew up with ice forming on the inside of their windows.

Double glazing, wall and roof insulation, together with central heating has reduced the risk of such misadventures. But hikes in energy bills change everything, and for many the the lifestyle clock turns back 70 years, as homes become suddenly colder, as the affordable, or marginally affordable, become unaffordable.

How warm our homes are is not simply a matter of comfort, it is for many a health issue. Although rocketing temperatures in the summer can be a killer, in the winter the risks are more subtle and marginal changes in temperature can have adverse effects.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) strongly recommends that indoor housing temperatures should be high enough to protect residents from the harmful health effects of cold. For countries with temperate or colder climates, 18°C has been proposed as a safe and well-balanced indoor temperature to protect the health of general populations during cold seasons, but a higher minimum indoor temperature than 18°C may be necessary for vulnerable groups including older people, children and those with chronic illnesses.

The WHO had looked at household temperatures and health, along with the benefits of better insulation of homes. The WHO acknowledged that cold indoor temperatures have been associated with increased blood pressure, asthma symptoms and poor mental health and that cold homes contribute to excess winter deaths. Most of these can be attributed to both respiratory and cardiovascular disease, especially for older people. In children, the excess winter health burden is mostly due to respiratory disease. Excess winter deaths due to cold housing has been estimated at 38,200 per year in 11 selected European countries.

Cold air inflames lungs and inhibits circulation, increasing the risk of respiratory conditions, such as asthma attacks or symptoms, worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and infection. Cold also causes stress to the circulatory system that can lead to cardiovascular effects, including heart disease and strokes.

Winter mortality is greater in countries with milder climates than in those with more severe winter conditions. This is partly because countries with mild winters, such as the UK, often have homes characterized by poor insulation that are harder to heat than well insulated houses in more extreme climates.

Many residents live in poorly insulated homes, or even well insulated homes with energy costs more than they can afford. In such circumstances this winter is going to be very challenging, and finding Groby’s Warm Places is not only going to be good for your wallet it is going to be good for your health, both physical and mental, as companionship in adversity can lift the spirits.

The last thing that the organisers and volunteers want is empty Warm Spaces, so don’t sit at home getting colder by the day, check them out and take your friends with you. Google grobylinx to see where you’ll find a warm space locally.

Norman Griffiths

Christmas Social Event

BY THE TIME you read this, Christmas will be a vague memory but at the time of writing, I am still trying to get organised!

We had our Christmas Open Shed Sunday event early, on 4th December, and everyone was invited as usual. To celebrate, and to say thank you to all our loyal visitors over the year, we offered free mulled wine, hot drinks and mince pies or Christmas cake cupcakes to all comers. Our Christmas stall, with lots of homemade beautiful Christmas decorations and wreaths, all made from recycled materials went down a storm! We are lucky to have a very talented member who made all of these herself!

Defibrillator

WE TOOK DELIVERY of a defibrillator & cabinet recently. This is a vital piece of equipment which could save the life of anyone who suffers a heart attack. It is fully automated with a recorded message explaining each step in the process. The Society decided to purchase one at our last AGM and we have been in consultation with the United Reformed Church about a suitable place to install it. We decided that the best place is on the side wall of the church, adjacent to one of the allotment pedestrian entrances and also close to the Chapel Hill footpath, so it will potentially be of wider use to everyone in that part of the village.

We could not have bought this without the very generous help from the Thomas Herbert Smith Trust Fund, to whom we are truly grateful, and also to the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust who funded the cabinet and provided much support. We hope that this equipment will never be needed, but we are so pleased that it will be there to potentially save a life if necessary. It will be installed soon and then will join the list of defibrillators available for use around the village. The Emergency services are able to see the details of where each one is sited on the “circuit” and so can direct anyone to their nearest machine.

Hoglet Problems

Santa also managed to take time out of his busy schedule to pay us a visit again this year and eagerly listened to the Christmas wish lists from the children, handing them a small present to take away. We hope that some of our attendees made it back home okay, as some felt the need to warm themselves with several servings of mulled wine! I have a feeling that one or two perhaps walked home on “unfamiliar legs” that Sunday!

AFTER THE END OF that very cold spell just before Christmas, as it warmed up for a few days, one of our tenants encountered a small, very hungry hedgehog, which came out to gobble up the food she was putting out for the birds. It looked far too small to survive the winter hibernation and so we took it to our local hedgehog rescue lady. She estimated that it was only ten to twelve weeks old and so would definitively not survive through till April on its own. She took it in

and will ensure it is kept awake this winter, feeding it up so it can come back to its home on the plots in the Spring. As it is unlikely that there was only one hoglet from this late litter, we are now checking to see if there are any more baby hedgehogs so that they are looked after until the Spring as well. If you happen to see a hedgehog out during the day, bear in mind that it needs to be fat enough to survive the winter weather. Hedgehogs usually sleep through the winter months and only come out briefly during slightly warmer spells to grab a snack before going back to sleep again. So, if you see a hedgehog out and about which is smaller than 650g, please do contact your local hedgehog rescue centre for advice. If they need to be looked after, you can opt to have them back again once the Spring arrives, or the centre will relocate them to a suitable area for you. As they are really good at munching up many garden pests, we are happy to welcome them back to the allotments as soon as they are ready!! They are also an endangered species, having dramatically declined over the last couple of decades due to habitat loss as wild areas and hedges are lost, so looking after as many as we can is important for their future. As our allotment year comes to an end, we see some changes, sadly saying goodbye to some of our most experienced allotmenteers, but also welcoming new tenants to enjoy growing their own fruit and vegetables. We hope that those who have chosen to “bow out” as plot holders will still keep in touch and we look forward to seeing you at our future social events which will kick off in March 2023.

Whether you are allotmenteers or not, we wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year, and good gardening!

Carol

Lincoln

So you think you know what the speed limits are?

EVERY DRIVER knows that a speed limit of 30 miles per hour applies to all single and dual carriageways with street lights, unless there are signs showing otherwise. But what about roads outside the 30mph limit? And what if you are towing a caravan or trailer, driving a small van or motor home?

It’s worth checking the limits for your vehicle to ensure you stay within the law, and you can check them online at https://www.gov.uk/ speed-limits

Spotlight local money saving bargains guide

FOOD PRICE inflation is hitting shoppers who rely on local stores particularly hard.

Some cannot travel to the larger supermarkets. Home delivery is an option but minimum order requirements and delivery charges can wipe out any potential savings. For those who shop locally the good news is that there are some bargains to be had in Groby’s shops. One local store currently has offers on 4 pint bottles of milk and free range eggs, selling them for less than Tesco, Aldi, Asda, Sainsbury and Morrisons. Other offers include over a third off fish fingers, 30% off fresh breaded cod fillets, and more than 20% off lean beef mince and chicken breast fillets. There’s lots more reduced to at least the end of the month, including family size apple pies at £1.

To find out where you’ll find all these bargains just Google grobylinx.

Norman Griffiths

Half

for two and a bottle of house

at The Stamford Arms in Groby. All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 17 FAVOURITE TELEVISION WESTERN SERIES. These can overlap

Send your marked entry forms to: HEY CISCO, HEY PANCHO, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 28TH JANUARY 2023. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

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

HEYES

Don’t bin those old batteries

VIRTUALLY EVERY home uses batteries.

Many are rechargeable, but when they eventually fail and become “zombie batteries” we have the chore of getting rid of them, as there are rules regarding the disposal of batteries. They should not be thrown in the waste bin, or even the recycling bin, but does it really matter?

Well, yes it does.

Some batteries contain lithium, which can ignite when placed under pressure and exposed to oxygen. These are often the conditions batteries come under in bin lorries or at the council’s depot, with potentially dangerous effects.

Waste crews regularly salvage dumped batteries from recycling and waste bins, and at least a quarter of people in the UK admit to binning batteries. The total annual cost of battery fires to the country has been estimated at £150 million.

Batteries that haven’t been removed from electricals cause more than 700 fires in waste trucks and waste sites, according to research conducted amongst local authorities. Nearly 90% said that fires caused by batteries are an increasing problem. There are now 350% more fires caused by batteries in the waste stream than previously reported.

A national campaign aims to tackle the growing number of serious fires started by carelessly discarded batteries Both Barwell and Coalville recycling household waste sites were forced to close temporarily last year, after discarded batteries caused fires.

In June 2022 the Barwell site was shut after a fire caused by a battery damaged the rubbish compacting machinery.

In November fire crews were called to a smoking bin lorry in Thringstone and in the Coalville area the crew noticed smoke from the back of the waste lorry. They found discarded batteries and a dumped laptop, which could also have exploded en-route.

In September motorists tried to stop a refuse vehicle after a blaze caused by batteries broke out during a collection trip in the Melton area.

Advances in recycling

In 2021 a team led by Leicester University developed a new battery recycling method using ultrasonic waves to separate valuable materials from electrodes. It was developed with the Faraday Institution to tackle recycling of

electric vehicle batteries.

“This novel procedure is 100 times quicker and greener than conventional battery recycling techniques and leads to a higher purity of recovered materials,” said Project Leader Professor Andy Abbott.

Disassembly of lithium-ion batteries has been shown to recover around 80 per cent of the original material.

Where can I find out more?

You can find more about the dangers of “zombie batteries” by visiting www.takecharge.org. uk. If you want information about where to take used batteries, or advice from the County Council, just Google grobylinx and select Spotlight Links for a longer version of this article.

Norman Griffiths

Bosom Friends Leicestershire Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Manifest

By Roxie Nafousi

Bosom Friends is a group of ladies who have had, or are having, treatment for breast cancer. The group was formed in 1987 by breast cancer patients at Glenfield Hospital who wanted to give ladies the chance to talk to each other and to share their feelings about how to cope with the effects of breast cancer. Nurses at Glenfield Hospital helped to set up the group and continue to support it by displaying flyers and providing information for new members.

The group has been meeting ever since and continues to provide a friendly environment where the ladies can have some fun, relax and make friends within the safety of their common bond to one another.

Some of the meetings are “Coffee and Chat” which provide the

chance for the group members to talk and get to know one another. At others, they may have a guest speaker or demonstration. The group sometimes arranges social activities such as skittles evenings, boat trips and meals out.

The group have helped many women and their families over the last 35 years.

In the past 15 years alone 159 different ladies have come to meetings.

One lady has been attending the group regularly for 31 years, two others for 30 years. They still enjoy the friendship and support which Bosom Friends provides.

Another lady who joined the group this year said “I just wanted to say thank you for your meeting last week. I had lots of questions when I came. I found chatting to those around me very helpful. A lot of my fears were calmed. It’s great what you do!”

Over the years the group have fundraised to enable it to contribute

to charities such as LOROS and to provide much needed hospital equipment. More recently, during the Covid pandemic the group donated money to purchase comfort packs for hospital staff and have contributed to the Secret Garden at Glenfield Hospital, where patients and staff can relax. Hospital gowns for the Breast Care Unit at the hospital have also been provided by Bosom Friends.

The group celebrated their 35th birthday this year with a pub skittles evening. The finale to their 2022 programme was a Festive Evening, attended by Janet Till, one of the founding members of the group. The Bosom Friends look forward to sharing many future years together.

The group meets on the last Thursday of each month (excluding December) from 7.30pm at Sue Young Cancer Support, Helen Webb House, 35 Westleigh Road, Leicester. LE3 0HH. Further details about the group can be found on their website: www. bosomfriendsleicestershire.com

MANIFEST is the essential guide for anyone and everyone wanting to feel more empowered in their lives.

Self-development coach and ‘Queen of Manifesting’ Roxie Nafousi will show you how in just seven simple steps you can understand the true art of manifestation and learn how to create the life you have always dreamed of.

Whether you want to attract your soulmate, find the perfect job or your dream home, or simply discover more inner-peace and confidence, MANIFEST will teach you exactly how to get there in just 7 steps . . .

1. Be clear in your vision

2. Remove fear and doubt

3. Align your behaviour

4. Overcome tests from the universe

5. Embrace gratitude without caveats

6. Turn envy into inspiration

7. Trust in the universe

A meeting of science and wisdom, manifesting is a philosophy and a self-development practice to help you reach for your goals, cultivate self-love and live your best life. Unlock the magic for yourself and begin your journey to turning your dreams into reality.

A LEICESTERSHIRE GROUP, which helps ladies affected by breast cancer, celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2022.

Goodbye Windows 8.1 Hello Windows 10

WITH LESS than 3% of computers still running Windows 8.1 there are unlikely to be many PC users affected by its final demise.

But as there’ll be no more security updates after this month, if you do use it, you should either stop using the PC on the internet, upgrade to a newer operating system or, as a last resort, buy a new PC or tablet.

Don’t assume that your PC is too old to support a new Operating System or that upgrading will be too expensive. One local resident reports upgrading a budget seven year old laptop to Windows 10 without a problem and free of charge. It’s possible to put off any major expense for 2 years as Windows 10 will continue to receive security updates until October 2025.

Upgrading is not a complicated process, as your PC should check whether you can run Windows 10. It doesn’t demand a high level of knowledge and once the process is underway it might take a few hours, but you can leave your PC to get on with it.

Beware of scams and get Windows 10 direct from Microsoft. On their website PC magazine has an excellent article on upgrading which was updated last month. It takes you through each step and provides direct links to the right pages on the Microsoft website. This keeps you safe.

You can find a link to the PC magazine article by Googling grobylinx and following the How To Upgrade link. If you have the article open on a second pc, laptop, tablet or mobile, you can check that you are seeing the screens that are illustrated in the article.

Stolen Focus

By Johann Hari

IS YOUR ability to focus and pay attention in free fall?

You are not alone. The average office worker now focuses on any one task for just three minutes. But it’s not your fault. Your attention didn’t collapse. It has been stolen.

Internationally bestselling author Johann Hari shows twelve deep factors harming our focus. Once we understand them, together, we can take back our minds.

This is a book for those of us who feel we are spending too much time staring at our phones - and are losing the capacity to concentrate ― Financial Times

I wrapped my Christmas presents early this year, but I used the wrong paper - the paper I used said ‘Happy Birthday’. I didn’t want to waste it, so I added ‘Jesus’. Demetri Martin

I love to shop after a bad relationship. I don’t know - I buy a new outfit and it makes me feel better. It just does. Sometimes, if I see a really great outfit, I’ll break up with someone on purpose. Rita Rudner

Norman Griffiths

All the latest news from Groby WI

OUR DECEMBER meeting was our Christmas party complete with Christmas jumpers and sparkly outfits.

There was a bit of business but we were all anxious to eat, drink and be merry! The committee had provided delicious sandwiches, sausage rolls, quiche, salad, cheese straws, crisps and mince pies washed down nicely with apple juice, Schloer or prosecco. We did a quiz and had an hilarious rendition of ‘Twelve days of Christmas’ by Pat and Philippa (pictured above, sorry about how I’ve captured your expression Pat!). We finished the evening off with a few traditional carols. It was so lovely to be able to sit together and to mix freely after a difficult two years. All members were given a pot of Tete a Tete daffodil bulbs and I, for one, will look forward to seeing them bloom which will be a sure sign that Spring is on the way! Many thanks go to Kate and the committee for all their hard work during difficult times and throughout the year.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 19th January and the speaker will be Kirsty Ottey from RNID talking about deafness.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year.

Ruth Rolinson

Bradgate Rotary News

Santa visits Groby with Rotary help

WITH THE POSTAL strikes threatening to delay children’s letters to Santa Claus over a hundred Groby children had the chance to talk to him direct as he visited the Co-op Store on Laundon Way, with the help from Bradgate Rotary.

Sat on his sleigh Santa was able to chat to many children and give out a special gift provided by the Co-op. Despite living in the frozen North Pole, Santa said it was very cold in Groby, but that his heart was warmed by the welcome he was given by the boys and girls. As well as Groby, Santa and his sleigh visited Anstey, Glenfield, Ratby and Markfield.

Latest update from Santa – He really enjoyed visiting the area and thanked the fantastic children leaving mince pies and other goodies for him, even although Mrs Claus has made him go on a diet it was well worth it! Oh well Santa, Christmas 2023 is only eleven months away!

Christmas Wellbeing Event at Groby Club

A FABULOUS AFTERNOON of entertainment and fun was shared by over fifty senior citizens from the Groby, Markfield and Ratby area. The Bold Ukulele Band played festive and popular tunes and an appreciative audience joined in the sing-song.

The fifth such free event, supported by a Council grant, proved a huge success, and encouraged many local residents to have a much-needed social afternoon, after shielding from the recent Covid outbreaks. As well as the band entertainment there was time for two games of prize bingo, a fun festive quiz as well as Christmas crackers and mince pies.

Bradgate are hoping to continue with these popular Wellbeing Events in the early part of the year. Anyone who has not already been to one of the free events are urged to contact the Bradgate Club to receive an invitation.

Making a difference in your community – new members welcome!

WE ARE A BREAKFAST CLUB that take a keen interest in the community, the environment, and local causes. Visit a Bradgate Rotary breakfast meeting to see what can achieve with some help. We have two Zoom meetings and two face-to-face meetings per month, one in Groby & one in Anstey. Email your contact details to Adrian Walker – walk77a@yahoo.com and we’ll be in touch.

Adrian Walker

Motorcycle Teams sign deals with Druck

By adopting Druck’s high quality PMP4300 and PMP4400 pressure sensors, designed to provide enhanced levels of accuracy and reliability, Hawk Racing and other motorcycle race teams aim to improve motorcycle performance ahead of the start of the 2023 season.

With an extensive track record across the motorsport sector, the PMP4300 and PMP4400 technology will be used by motorcycle teams to monitor chassis and engine pressure requirements, including brake, fuel, manifold and air pressures, which directly impact motorcycle performance.

“Sensor technology is massively important, and of course, the riders want the latest tech to help enhance their performance,” said Steve Hicken, manager of Leicestershire based Hawk Racing, the longest established team in British Superbikes.

“We’ll start the 2023 season with Druck pressure sensors on our British Championship bike to monitor critical parameters.

Adopting Druck’s world class pressure sensor technology is just one of a number of significant changes designed to improve our performance across the 2023 season.”

“Drawing on 50 years of pressure measurement expertise, our cutting-edge technology provides motorsport customers with the pressure measurement accuracy and reliability required to optimize performance and achieve marginal gains,” said Gordon Docherty, vice president of Druck. “Extending our footprint across the motorsport sector, we’re delighted to welcome top tier motorcycle teams to our customer portfolio.”

A NUMBER of top tier motorcycle racing teams, including Hawk Racing, have signed deals with Druck, a Baker Hughes business, and industry leader in pressure measurement technology and instrumentation.

National Trust Leicester Association

2022 was the year when the country welcomed a new king to the throne, a king who is a good supporter of the National Trust. One of our relatively local NT properties has a strong connection to another king of England.

December 2022 was the 85th anniversary of the abdication of King Edward VIII, the first sovereign to ever abdicate voluntarily in this country and his abdication had a strong connection to Belton House, the NT property near Grantham.

Peregrine Cust, the 6th Baron Brownlow, inherited Belton House in 1927. He attended Eton and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards, where he met the future King.

During the 1930’s Peregrine became equerry, and a close friend, to the Prince of Wales and later became Lord-in-waiting when Edward became King. This close connection resulted in the King visiting Belton on a number of occasions where he chose to sleep in the Chinese bedroom overlooking the garden. It is considered that Mrs Wallis Simpson would also have visited Belton.

Once the King’s intention to marry Mrs Simpson became clear Peregrine became involved in the abdication crisis and personally accompanied Mrs Simpson on her flight to France to escape the media attention. Records show that he did however encourage Mrs Simpson to renounce the idea of marriage to the King.

Later, conflicting reports indicate that following the abdication Peregrine attempted to extricate himself from the former King’s circle of friends. Other reports, however, state that the Brownlow family retained links with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor during their years in exile.

At Belton House there is a revealing picture, in the library, of the King, painted during the year of his reign by Frank O. Salisbury. Also on display is the first pressing of the Abdication Speech.

The 6th Baron Brownlow died, a few years after the Duke of Windsor, in 1978. This year Belton House will open to the public in early March.

• THE NT LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 25th January at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester, LE2 3LF. Doors open at 2.00pm when Ken Reeves will present an illustrated talk entitled “Eagle, Geese & Whisky – the Magical Islands of Islay & Jura”.

• THERE WILL BE AN EVENING MEETING on Tuesday 14th February at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone, LE3 3FT at 7.00pm when Dr Ann Featherstone will present an illustrated talk on “Maidens, Murders & Monsters – Victorian Melodrama”

Admission to both meetings is NTLA members £3.00, visitors £4.00 including refreshments.

For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133 or visit our web site at www.leicesternt.com

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS FROM COUNCILLOR MARTIN CARTWRIGHT

Tel: 0116 287 4500 Mob: 07850 707050 E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk

Happy New Year

I HOPE you and your family, friends had a good Christmas. Wishing you a Very Happy New Year

Free Keyless Car Pouches

THANK YOU to every one that applied for the free keyless car pouches. They were massively oversubscribed I am afraid.

I was first elected as your Borough Councillor in May 2007 and have remained as your Borough Councillor ever since, 16 years representing 4 consecutive 4 year terms of office.

It has been an absolute pleasure to carry out my Borough Council role and I will be seeking a mandate from Groby residents for a new four year term of office on 4th May 2023.

Significant changes to the voting process are taking place at the next election whereby anyone attending a polling station to vote will have to produce photographic ID in order to vote even if you have your polling card with you. This could potentially slow down the voting process unless significant extra resources are put in place but will make the voting more secure as a result

I have asked the Police if more can be provided and have kept a waiting list of those not successful this time around should I be able to obtain more of them.

Not everyone who applied actually had a keyless car. All the ones I had to give out did go to owners in Groby with a keyless car. This will hopefully help to reduce vehicle theft. If I am able to obtain more and you are confirmed as being on my waiting list I will be in touch at the relevant time.

Borough Council Elections

I WROTE last month expressing that another year had gone by so quickly. 2023 is election year; the 4th May 2023 will see Borough Council and Parish Council elections take place across the Country including Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.

My current term of office, 4 years, comes to an end on that date.

Four years it would be safe to say that have not been like anything that has gone before it. The first 12 months of what was the old normal pre pandemic, 2 years of a pandemic and the 9 months to date of things returning to a ‘new normal’ but with higher inflation and the cost of living crisis.

There is an alternative to this and that is for a postal vote. The security checks will have already been carried out for postal voters so the process for postal voting will not change for existing and new postal voters. Whilst the number of people able to cast their votes by post fluctuates up and down around 35% of the electorate in Groby have already opted to vote by post.

To postal vote you have to register for this in advance the time to do so for the 2023 elections is now.

Postal voters can still visit the polling station on the day so long as they have their sealed forms with them; no photographic ID will be required for registered postal voters. If you register to postal vote it can be for one election or all future elections you can also opt back out at any time.

Please visit www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk and type ‘Apply or a Postal Vote’ into the search box for more information and or to register.

Counting of the votes will take place on 5th May 2023 with King Charles’ Coronation on Saturday 6th May 2023.

Phone Mast Application - 02 Mast Rifle Range

Location: Land South of Leicestershire Rifle Range Club Newtown Linford Lane, Groby

Proposal: Proposed upgrade to existing 23m High Lattice Tower to include 6No. Antennas and associated ancillary works.

Pictured above is the 02 Mast already located at the Rifle Range on Newtown Linford Lane Groby, It has been in place and in use for many years.

The proposal is to add an additional layer to the top of the mast, 6No. VM02 ANTENNAS, which will give greater coverage as a result. The environmental impact will be reduced by improving an existing mast already in place.

I have asked a number of questions of the applicant including will this improvement offer 5G?

Those questions have been answered including that it will offer 5G. As ward member I have written into the planning department and the applicant supporting these proposed improvements to this mast

Cost of Living Crisis Event

FOLLOWING ON from the very successful Hinckley Town centre cost of living crisis event held in 2022 a Rural Cost of Living Event is planned for Saturday 4th February 2023, 10am - 1pm, at Barlestone Community Centre.

The Borough Council and its partners will have help, advice, and support for residents on offer.

Cllr Martin Cartwright

Warm Places Directory Launched

A DIRECTORY of ‘Warm Places’ which are opening their doors to residents concerned about rising bills has been launched by the Borough Council.

Many households are struggling with the cost of living, particularly thanks to mounting energy bills, leaving residents and families facing tough decisions about whether and when they can heat their homes.

To help residents during this challenging time, the Council has developed a Warm Places directory. Warm Places are existing community or business places that provide a safe and friendly public space where people of all ages can go and spend time reading, studying, chatting with others and meeting new people. Some of the venues also offer support, services and advice.

The directory is available on the Council’s website www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk/warmplaces with Warm Places located throughout the Borough.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Stuart Bray said: “.If you need help or if you are concerned about how to pay your bills please get in touch, there are many organisations that can help.”

Please remember if I can ever be of help to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – Groby Ward. Executive member for: Licensing, Environmental, Climate Change & Rural Issues

Call: 0116 287 4500 • Mobile: 07850 707050

E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk

Write : Maverick House,10 Pine Tree Avenue, Groby, LE6 0EQ Cllr Martin Cartwright @CllrCartwright cllr.martincartwright

All types of thieves are bad, but bakery robbers take the biscuit.

Cllr Martin Cartwright

Tel 0116 222 5211 (Groby)

• WICKER COFFEE TABLE - glass top, with drawer. Very good condition. Length 40” and height 18”. FREE FOR COLLECTION.

Tel: 0116 287 5988 (Groby)

• MAMIYA ZE 35mm

CAMERA - 135mm LENS (Sekor E), 50mm LENS (Sekor E), 80-210mm Tamron LENS (Mamiya fit) plus Hanimex CZ

130 FLASH UNIT

Price: £140.00 Tel: 01530 244544 (Markfield)

• Kings WHEELCHAIR - very good condition. Price: £25.00 o.n.o.

• Olympia PORTABLE

TYPEWRITER - very good condition, hardly used. Price: £35.00 o.n.o.

• BAR STOOL with swivel and height adjustment. Brand new. Price: £25.00 o.n.o. Tel: 07306 803257 (Groby)

• GO GO MOBILITY

SCOOTER - fits in car boot, just been serviced. Good condition. Price: £385.00 Tel: 0116 231 2531 (Glenfield)

• SAMSUNG GALAXY BUDS

Live. Brand new. Never used. Price £40 o.n.o.

Tel: 07741 478967 (Glenfield)

• OAK CABINET to sit on top of sideboard, 145cm wide by 107cm high. Has 2 glazed cupboards, 2 central shelves, 3 drawers under. Collection only. Price: £100.

Tel: 07496 470701 (Markfield)

• Langstons solid light oak EXTENDING ROUND PEDESTAL TABLE with 4 upholstered CHAIRS (beige), matching SIDEBOARD and glass fronted TV CABINET Would sell seperately. 8 years old - in perfect condition. Offers when viewed. Tel: 01530 249853 (Markfield Court Retirement Village

• NEXT BOOKCASE/ DISPLAY - oak effect. Unit dimensions are Height 173 cm by Width 90cm by Depth 30 cm. Price: £125.00 o.n.o. Tel: 07766 676469 (Glenfield)

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