GLENFIELD GAZETTE JULY 2023

Letter

Leicestershire Shared Reading Group at Glenfield Library

I AM SECRETARY of a voluntary organisation called Leicestershire Shared Reading and we hold shared reading group meetings across libraries, including Glenfield library.

The Glenfield group meets every Friday morning from 10:15 to 11:45 and at such meetings either poems, or short stories, or both are read and discussed amongst the group.

Our aim is to engage with people who may be older, isolated, or just want a reason to get out of the house more, and share great literature at a deep and personal level. The goal is to help people form social connections in a stable and supportive environment, as well as improving their health and wellbeing.

Our numbers in Glenfield have dwindled over the last year or so, and we would welcome the opportunity to have a few words in the Glenfield Gazette to help us attract more participants. It’s easy to join our group, people just need to pop in to Glenfield library on a Friday morning, say hello, sit back and experience Shared Reading first hand. If you need any more information about us please do not hesitate to ask, or you can got to our website at https://www.leicestershiresharedreading.org/

Trevor Pullen

FOR GLENFIELD

New call for local green spaces to be protected from development

AS REPORTED HANNAH RICHARDSON IN THE LEICESTER MERCURY on 3rd July, city councillors have called for two much-loved Leicester green spaces to be saved from development.

The former Western Park Golf Course and Beaumont Park are both included in Leicester City Council’s Local Plan – a document which sets out where houses can be built in the coming years.

Approximately 412 homes could be constructed on the former Western Park Golf Course site, as well as employment areas and gypsy and traveller pitches. A recycling centre has also proposed for the site, following consultation with councillors.

Meanwhile, almost half of the Beaumont Leys green space looks set to be turned into an employment area, with space also allocated for up to 12 traveller caravans.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 ...>

The Glenfield Gardeners’ Association Annual Show on

Saturday 19th

August at St. Peter’s Church Hall, Glenfield

Open to all.

Come and have a look at a display of fruit, vegetables, flowers, wine, bakery and much more.

Refreshments, plant stall & raffle.

Doors Open 2:15pm

PresentaCon of Trophies 3:45pm

Adults 50p entry

Accompanied Children Free

Interested in entering? Pick up a schedule from Glenfield Library, Park House, or download a copy from hGp://www.glenfieldgazeGe.com/annual-show.html

14,000 people couldn’t vote in local elections because they didn’t have ID under new rules

AROUND 14,000 PEOPLE were not able to vote in this year’s local elections because they failed to produce the right photo ID, the Electoral Commission has revealed.

Under new rules brought in by the government, voters must now show an accepted form of photo identification before they are allowed a ballot paper.

Accepted forms of ID include passports, driving licences and blue badges - or voters can apply for a free certificate by post ahead of polling day.

May’s vote was the first time the new rules were tested. They will also be used at the next general election - tipped for 2024. The Electoral Commission, which is an independent body, said the figures on people being turned away were “concerning”.

The Electoral Commission said figures showed a “very high awareness” of the new rules on voter ID - and that more than half who arrived at polling stations knew about the free certificates. Data shows almost 90,000 people applied for them and 81,033 were issued. But only 25,000 were used on the day.

Anyone for CRIBBAGE?

IS ANYONE interested in starting a cribbage (crib) group in Glenfield?

Crib is an easy game to play and social, beginners welcome.

Please contact Peter on 0116 291 9464.

Plant thieves about!

Plant pots stolen from front garden

ON FRIDAY 30th June, between 5.15pm and 7.15pm two large palmtree plants in grey plant pots were stolen from front driveway on Liberty Road in Glenfield.

Read a book!

THIS SUMMER, why not encourage your children to read a book?

A recent study has found that children who read for pleasure carry the benefits with them far into adulthood.

And the most avid childhood readers score far higher on vocabulary tests, even 30 years later.

As Marcel Proust the author once said, there are “no days of our childhood lived so fully as those spent with a favourite book.”

Eating late at night

IT IS NOT GOOD to eat late at night, but it is very tempting at times. At least you can reduce the damage by avoiding certain types of food.

For while many people blame alcohol for a poor night’s sleep, food high in processed carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sugar can also affect sleep quality, according to recent research published in the journal Obesity.

As one expert explains, such foods “upset our metabolism.” Eating sugar late at night overstimulates you, as the rising blood sugar prepares your body for activity. When we eat late at night, our body temperature rises. But when we are preparing to fall asleep, our body temperature falls, so eating late goes against our body’s natural desire to drop in temperature.”

Save these two green areas from development - from page 1

Both schemes have proved controversial, with city residents not wanting to lose swathes of their parkland and nature escapes to bulldozers. However, the council has said the city needed houses, and that it had a duty to provide them. Now, though, Councillors Patrick Kitterick and Hemant Rae Bhatia, who represent the Green Party and the Conservatives on Leicester City Council respectively, have called on the authority to remove the two sites from the Local Plan. A motion submitted by the Castle and the Beaumont Leys ward councillors ahead of earlyJuly’s full council meeting calls on the authority to “note the concerns of people in the west of Leicester at the proposed loss of valuable green open space at Beaumont Park and the former Western Park Golf Course in the city”. It also asks the authority to agree that the council “believes it is not too late to act to save these sites from development and instead focus more effort on bringing forward brownfield sites in Leicester [for development]”, and that the council, therefore, “agrees to withdraw Beaumont Park and Western Park Golf Course from the list of proposed sites for development from the Leicester City Local Plan at the earliest possible opportunity”.

The old Western Park Golf Course, perhaps the most controversial and certainly the most commented-on site in the plan, became a political battleground during this year’s local elections as parties weigh in on whether it should be built on or protected. The local Conservatives had pledged to “apply for a special status for Western Park Golf Course to create a nature reserve within the city with the idea that we will attract wildlife and species for us all to enjoy”. Coun Rae Bhatia said the people of Leicester would be watching “very closely” to see how other councillors vote on this week’s motion.

Leicester West MP Liz Kendall spoke out recently over the possibility of the two sites being concreted over. She has launched a petition to save Beaumont Park, saying there are other parts of the city that could be developed instead. Ms Kendall had also written to the council in 2020 to raise concerns about a number of sites, including Western Golf Course, and called on the council to listen to local views.

Solution

On Page 20

BEWARE OF THE DOG?

THE NUMBER of dog attacks recorded by police in England and Wales has risen by more than a third in the past five years, from 16,000 to 22,000 in 2022.

Dog attacks are currently costing the NHS more than £70 million a year.

As one expert has put it: “We are in the middle of a companion dog crisis.” So, what is going on?

For one thing, there were 3.2 million puppies born during the pandemic, when they were not able to socialise and attend training classes. By now, they are young adults, with loads of energy but little knowledge of how to behave.

Another problem is that although dogs seldom attack without some warning, a lot of people are failing to spot the warning signs. Not only that, but the owners then can engage in behaviour which actually increases their dog’s distress.

When people don’t realise what behaviour can trigger their dogs to snap or bite, they put themselves and others at risk, especially where young children are concerned.

Many experts would welcome a public information campaign, and improved access to dog training, to help to address some of the current issues.

Appliance that corrects dental irregularities (6)

14. Food that is discarded (as from a kitchen) (6)

15. Character created by A A Milne, ___ the Pooh (6)

16. Native of Mumbai, for example (6)

19. Long noosed rope used to catch animals (5)

MILLINGTON TRAVEL AND STEVE BROOKS (FORMER GLENFIELD TRAVEL OWNER)

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info@glenfieldgazette.com

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The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Glenfield Gazette Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. The Glenfield Gazette cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

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News from Glenfield Park WI

and appeared as a cockney costermonger, and among his songs was ‘My old Dutch’.

George Laybourne was famous for his rendition of Champagne Charlie a rather impoverished chap in a top hat.

WE WERE by Felicity Austin who talked to us about the History of the Music Hall. With the word sheets handed round we were able to have a great time joining in with Felicity with the songs and many of the choruses. She had hats, shawls and pinafores to give a further flavour of the times as she painted a picture of the music hall in its heyday.

We had a most enjoyable time hearing stories about its stars.

There was Harry Champion in his Pearly waistcoat singing ‘I’m Enery the eighth I am’ and ‘Any Old Iron’.

Little Tich, a comedian who had huge long shoes which looked ridiculous especially as he was only 4ft 6 inches his most famous recitation was entitled ‘The Green Eye of The Little Yellow God’ the tale of “Mad Carew”who was broken hearted.

Albert Chevalier moved from acting to the music hall

Of course, there was Vesta Tilley (above) who in the 1880’s and 90’s would often appear dressed either as a ‘Toff’ or a man in uniform and singing ’Who were you with Last Night?’ and ‘All the Nice Girls Love a Sailor’

Florrie Ford from Australia with the ‘Down at the Old Bull and Bush’ and ‘Hold your Hand out you Naughty Boy’ - she appeared in the first ever Royal Variety Show in 1912. A little later one of her popular songs was ‘Pack up Your Troubles in your Old Kit Bag’.

So many of the recitations and the songs were full of innuendo and a bit saucy.

Marie Lloyd was one of the finest female music hall performers with her famous song ‘There was I waiting at the Church’. One that we didn’t know was ‘She’s Never had Her Ticket Punched Before’!

With stories full of humour interspersed with a song or two for us to join in with we were only sorry when it came to an end.

~ Future dates ~

• AUGUST 3RD

Boat trip to Mountsorrel with picnic.

• SEPTEMBER 7TH

Hearing dogs for the deaf

• Always give without remembering and always receive without forgetting.

• One of the marks of successful people is they are action oriented. One of the marks of average people is they are talk oriented.

Dogs can’t operate MRI scanners, but cats can.

Celebrations for Glenfield Ladies Co-operative Choir Musical Director

IT IS OFTEN said that “all good things come in threes” and for Laura Freeman, Music Director of the Glenfield Ladies Co-operative Choir this is certainly true.

For two months in the middle of 2023, Laura’s diary is filled to the brim with concerts, performances, a major birthday, her graduation ceremony and much more.

From a very early age, Laura’s inspirational and supportive family encouraged her interest in music. She began learning the piano aged 6 and the clarinet at 9, achieving her Grade 8 at 16 and her Grade 8 singing followed along a mere 20 years later! More recently, she added the saxophone to her portfolio and together with fellow sax teacher, Sarah Banks, they have cofounded the ‘Leicester Wind Ensemble’ who meet in Blaby on the first Sunday of each month.

In 2017, Laura decided to put a formal framework around her experience and undertake part-time study for a BA (Hons) in Music at the University of Nottingham, working alongside her freelance music tuition business. On the 1st of June, Laura gave her solo vocal performance of a collection of 12 songs entitled “Felines and Feathers” and for extra inspiration she kept a picture of her beloved cat, Cosmo, on the piano.

Following closely behind are Laura’s graduation and 50th birthday party which coincide on the same day in July. There will be no time rest because she is super busy planning the third of her ‘good things’. Recently she said “Yes!” to Simon her partner of 14 years and they are due to be married on the 14th of July.

She is a passionate advocate of learning music at any age saying “When it comes to the love of music, it doesn’t matter! Dust off that flute, dig out that clarinet, retune your old guitar or just sing out and give it a go because you never know where it will lead you.” We think it’s unlikely Laura will take things easy this summer but whatever good things come next, you can be sure there will be music and champagne.

The choir will be taking a break over the summer after their concert on 24th June but will be back on 4th September.

Carol Pick, Secretary, Glenfield Ladies Co-operative Choir

Being bored is good for you

THIS WILL CHEER you up this summer, when your children mope around the house saying that they are bored: apparently a bit of boredom is good for them.

So says a senior educationalist, Julia Robinson, who has encouraged parents NOT to force their children into too many activities.

Instead, they must be allowed to become bored, so that they can have time to be reflective and calm. Too many pursuits such as music lessons, sport and online learning could result in a generation of manic, anxiety-ridden adults, she warns.

She points out that happiness does not come from a “regime of unrealistic multitasking, running oneself ragged with an exhausting programme of endless…activities.”

Another educationalist urged that children need “downtime…. They have the right to be bored, to give them the stimulus to be inventive, resourceful and self-reliant – all important life skills.”

What are you drinking?

COLD DRINKS in hot weather are great, but if you head for the highsugar fizzy drinks, you are putting yourself at risk of heart disease and type-2 diabetes.

Fizzy drinks are full of sugar, but no vitamins, minerals or antioxidants. Instead, try serving water with ice and pieces of fresh orange, lemon or lime to add flavour. Or dilute a pure fruit juice with sparkling mineral water. Or go for herbal tea or fruit tea. For more ideas visit https:// heartresearch.org.uk/eatingbetter/

SECONDS

1. What is the second book of the Bible?

2. The Second Severn Crossing is a bridge that carries which motorway over the River Severn?

3. If Florence Nightingale was the first woman to appear on the back of a Bank of England note, who was the second?

4. Which country hold the record for the most second-place finishes in the Eurovision Song Contest?

5. After Lucy, who was the second of the four children to find Narnia in the novel The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe?

6. What day of the week is named after the second-largest planet in the solar system?

7. In football, which two British teams play each other in the Second City Derby?

8. After Harry Potter, who is the second-most mentioned character in J.K. Rowling’s series of Harry Potter novels?

9. In 1924, what became the first city to host the Summer Olympics for a second time?

10. Edward’s Day Out, Edward And Gordon, The Sad Story Of Henry And Edward, and Gordon And Henry were the four stories in the first book of a famous series. Which character was introduced in the second book and went on to become the best known character in the series?

How to build the perfect SANDCASTLE ... in 9 easy steps

If you are going to the beach this month, first pay a visit to https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/ blog/blog-posts/how-to-build-the-perfect-sandcastle/

Planning Apps

Conversion and extension of existing property to create 4 No. supported living apartments. Demolition of conservatory and construction of single storey rear extension. Conversion of garage to living accommodation - at 3 Leicester Road, Glenfield, Leicestershire LE3 8HE

Two storey side and first floor front extension including addition of pitched roof over existing ground floor - at 40 Salcombe Drive, Glenfield, Leicestershire LE3 8AF

Variation of condition 2 (approved drawings) attached to planning permission 22/0723/HH - at 3 Saintbury Road, Glenfield, Leicestershire LE3 8EN

Two storey side and single storey rear extensions - at 5 Clovelly Road Glenfield Leicestershire LE3 8AD

Erection of one dwelling with associated landscaping, parking and fencing - at 126 Dominion Road Glenfield Leicestershire LE3 8JA

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

News From Glenfield Primary School

Going for Gold

WE ARE PROUD to announce that last month Glenfield Primary School received the gold School Games Mark.

The School Games Mark focuses on putting physical activity and competitive sport at the heart of schools, providing children with the opportunity to compete and achieve their personal best. We did this by attending tournaments, through PE lessons, having active lunch times, developing our Sports Ambassadors and providing active after-school clubs! The children have worked extremely hard and are always recognised as having superb spirit and attitude when attending extra-curricular events and clubs as well as during lunch times and PE lessons. Well done to all involved!

Year 6 Condover Hall Residential

THE YEAR 6 CHILDREN had a fantastic time at the Condover Hall residential trip. See group photos above. They all enjoyed so many amazing activities, team-building opportunities and have made memories they will keep for years to come.

LOVE LIFE WITH A LUSH LAWN

Lawns do wonders for our wellbeing. That’s why we’ve devised three programmes of year-round treatments to keep your grass a cut above.

From controlling weeds to bringing out the green, we’ll help you to look after the lawn that looks after you.

“What’s that over there?”

Fiona obligingly looked away while Trevor nudged his ball out of the rough with his foot. This wasn’t the first time he’d cheated. On the third hole his ball had mysteriously leapt out of the pond to arrive in a perfect position on the green, covered in duckweed.

“How on earth did it get there?” she’d asked. He winked. “Must be an act of God.”

But now she had had enough, and despite leading by several points she no longer cared who won. She wished she’d never agreed to a game of pitch and putt with Trevor. How could she have known she’d be a natural? The better she played, the more Trevor sulked.

She feared he would never admit defeat.

The sun had now faded over the horizon and they had seen no one for hours. The pitch and putt golf course was long and confusing. They had to climb over a fence to get to the final green.

“Are you sure this is right?” Fiona frowned. “There’s an awful lot of garden gnomes.”

“Trust me,” Trevor insisted. “I know my way around a golf course. What’s this?”

A scrappy dog ran towards them, wagging its whole body as if it had never been more pleased to see anyone.

“Pumpkin!” a woman called from the shadows. “Pumpkin, where are you?”

“He’s over here,” Trevor replied in a clipped tone, “by the ninth hole.”

The woman, wrapped in a dressing gown, trudged towards them from beyond the hedge. “You know, you really shouldn’t allow dogs on here,” Trevor said curtly.

“He’s got to do his tiddles,” the woman dismissed him blithely.

Trevor raised his eyebrows. “If you could just keep him away from this hole,” he grunted finally, “I’d appreciate it.”

“I don’t think I can,” she replied. “That’s his favourite hole, he’s buried all sorts of things down there.”

“That’s very inconsiderate,” Trevor huffed. “I’ve a good mind to report you to the management.”

“Have you now?” The woman laughed. “What management is that?”

“The golf course, of course.”

“But the golf course is over the fence, and you’re in my back garden.”

“But…” Trevor protested helplessly, “I haven’t won yet.”

“Finish your game and be off then.” The woman sighed patiently.

“I’ll tell you what, Trev,” Fiona offered, “if I get a hole in one, I win – if not, the game is yours.” She knew he could not resist the deal.

She squared up to the ball, glowing in the twilight like a tiny moon on the dewy grass, raised her putter and hit it squarely. The ball rolled neatly past the hole, just as she’d intended.

“Shame,” Trevor declared smugly.

As the ball rolled on, Pumpkin nipped forward and grabbed it in his jaws, then trotted back and deposited the ball in the hole.

“Looks like you’ve got a winner,” said the woman, clapping.

“But that’s cheating,” Trevor stammered. “Let’s call it an act of dog,” Fiona laughed. “Now let’s get out of this nice lady’s garden.”

By Jackie Brewster

BOOK YOU MIGHT LIKE THE TRIAL

By Rob Rinder

When hero policeman Grant Cliveden dies from a poisoning in the Old Bailey, it threatens to shake the country to its core.

The evidence points to one man. Jimmy Knight has been convicted of multiple offences before and defending him will be no easy task. Not least because this is trainee barrister Adam Green’s first case.

But it will quickly become clear that Jimmy Knight is not the only person in Cliveden’s past with an axe to grind.

The only thing that’s certain is that this is a trial which will push Adam - and the justice system itself - to the limit. . .

Rob Rinder is a barrister turned writer and broadcaster. In 2014, while still a practising barrister, he began starring in his reality court show Judge Rinder, and he now uses his legal knowledge working in the media to make the law more accessible.

He is also the author of two books and a columnist for the Sun and the London Evening Standard newspapers.

His participation in Who Do You Think You Are? retraced the story of his Holocaust survivor grandfather and received a BAFTA. The BBC series he presented, The Holocaust, My Family and Me, was aired to wide critical acclaim.

In 2020, Rob was awarded an MBE for his services to Holocaust education and an honorary doctorate for his legal work. The Trial is his debut novel and is inspired by Rob’s own experiences as a barrister.

One of the ‘World’s Strongest Man’ events should be ‘Pulling apart two shopping trolleys that are stuck together.’

Do you love your SMARTPHONE too much?

It’s normal to let your hair – and your guard –down while you’re on holiday, but staying safe and healthy abroad is as important as it is at home. Falling ill or suffering from an injury is the last thing anyone wants on their vacation, so it’s important to arrive at your destination prepared for whatever’s around the corner.

From packing the essentials to creating a portable medical history, here are a handful of tips to help you enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

Take out travel insurance

We all hope our trips abroad go smoothly, but that isn’t always the case. Although not a legal requirement, travel insurance could save you from forking out for sky-high medical bills, flight cancellations, lost luggage, stolen possessions and more. With treatment for a broken leg in Spain costing around £15,000, it’s a no-brainer for medical precautions alone.

Create a portable medical history

If something happened that left you unconscious in a crisis, having your medical history to hand could be a lifesaver. Even if you’re travelling with a friend or family member, communication can be difficult – especially when you factor in stress and a potential language barrier.

A self-created printed form is key to getting the best care without guesswork, and should include details of any recent surgeries, vaccinations, medications and allergies.

Bring (or make copies of) important documents

A copy of your passport, driver’s licence or another form of identification could save you from scrambling to find proper documentation if you lose your passport and need to get home.

It’s also a good idea to bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These cards will allow you to get state healthcare across Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

Share your travel itinerary

Sharing your travel itinerary with a close friend or family member will give you peace of mind that, should anything happen to you,

your whereabouts will be recorded. This is especially important if you’re travelling alone, but could also be useful if you’re planning on exploring more remote areas or engaging in any potentially risky activities.

Do your research

Take some time to get to know your destination in depth before you arrive. Every area has its rougher parts, so it’s a good idea to read traveller reviews to find the safest neighbourhoods. Check www.gov.uk for the latest foreign travel updates and advice an/d, in case of an emergency, write down the contact information for the nearest embassy, police station and local emergency departments.

Bring the basics

When it comes to travelling, comfort is key. While you can’t pack for every potential eventuality, you can come prepared with the essentials. Bring blister plasters, a small first-aid kit and painkillers, and wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely. Although the Covid-19 pandemic seems well and truly behind us, it’s also a good idea to pack face masks and some antibacterial hand gel.

HOW MUCH time a day do you spend on your smartphone? According to one app monitoring firm, App Annie, we can spend an average of 4.8 hours a day on it.

And so much time is not doing us any good.

As one writer has put it, our smartphone “removes us from the present moment and wastes time that could be more profitably and purposefully spent. Imagine, at the end of your life, receiving a balance sheet stating the number of your hours on Earth lost to scrolling.”

Scientists explain the attraction of smartphones in this way : responding to the ‘push notification’ rewards you with dopamine, the brain chemical that makes you happy.

“The smartphone is the modernday hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation,” Dr Anna Lembke, professor of psychiatry and behavioural sciences at Stanford University, California, wrote in her book Dopamine Nation in 2021.

Dr Lembke warns: “The scrolling and visual stimuli release dopamine in our brain’s reward pathways, and the way our brain compensates for overstimulation is [by entering] a dopamine deficit state. Once we’re in that state we continue scrolling to try and bring those dopamine levels back up to baseline, so we get into a place where we’re chasing our tail. We’re chasing dopamine.”

Ice House tours launch for summer season

BE TRANSPORTED

BACK to Blaby village’s Victorian past during a tour of the historic Ice House at Bouskell Park.

Summer tours of the Grade II Listed Building are now open for booking. The tour includes a guided walk across Bouskell Park with information given about the archaeological features. You will then have an opportunity to look inside the restored Ice House and learn about how and when it was used. See here for booking details: Ice House Tours

Bouskell Park was once the site of a medieval village, the remains of which were cleared to create parkland and gardens for Blaby Hall. Much of the park’s features date back to this period including the Ice House built in 1843.

The historic Ice House was a form of early refrigeration and it would have been used by the residents of Blaby Hall to store ice that could be used to preserve food and cool drinks. Domed and circular in shape, the Ice House is covered by an earth mound with a small circular ventilation opening at the top.

In December 2019, £156,000 was awarded to Blaby District Council by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of a £173,000 project. This exciting ‘Buried Bouskell’ project restored the Ice House to its former glory and helped preserve its structure and heritage for the future.

The works the installation of a new retaining structure, rebuild of the tunnel entrance, a new door and dome cover. Railings, landscaping of the area and signage were also included as part of the extensive redevelopment.

Councillor Nigel Grundy, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: “It was enormously satisfying when the Buried Bouskell project came to fruition and the historic Ice House was finally restored. Now we are proud to run regular tours to this landmark within picturesque parkland to allow people a glimpse into Blaby village’s Victorian past.”

Councillor Les Phillimore, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services, added: “It is estimated there may be something like 2,500 ice houses left in Britain so they are not a common feature and fully restored ice houses are even rarer and of enormous historical value. Most of them are also located in the grounds of grand houses - so we like to think our ice house is pretty unique and is a great asset to our District as a visitor attraction. Book a tour and see for yourself.”

Tours cost £5.50 per adult and up to four children can go free per adult.

Tours run from 10am until noon and upcoming dates are: Wednesday 5 July; Saturday 8 July; Wednesday 9 August; Saturday 26 August.

The walk around Bouskell Park is among 12 special Heritage Walks located across the District which allows people to enjoy picturesque surroundings while also learning about the area’s history.

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Loughborough Town Hall launches summer season with incredible line-up of shows

LOUGHBOROUGH Town Hall is excited to launch its summer season, full to the brim with live music, musicals, comedy, drama and community events!

Highlights for this season include some first-time visitors to Loughborough Town Hall, such as Jenny Eclair with her brand new hilarious tour, Sixty Plus! (FFS!). Audiences can also look forward to the incredible WhitneyQueen of the Night, Carl Hutchinson, Showaddywaddy, Jonathan Agnew and much more, sure to get audiences dancing (or rolling) in the aisles. Summer 2023 is set to be huge for music and musical theatre lovers, with Whitney - Queen of the Night coming direct from the West End on 14 September. The phenomenal production celebrates the life and music of one of the greatest ever singers with a sizzling cast and incredible live band.

Continuing the live music, don’t miss out on Sinfonia Viva bringing grand orchestral music to Loughborough Town Hall on 20 September. The incredible soaring sounds of the East Midlands orchestra are sure to make hairs stand on end and even bring a tear to the eye, as they fill the auditorium with some of the world’s most renowned classical pieces. Coming soon, audiences need to get tickets ‘toot-sweet’ for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, 22-25 June. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Keyworth School of Theatre and Dance Revue takes place on 1 July. And as if that wasn’t enough to excite theatre fans, we have no fewer than three shows in a week for young audiences through July and August, putting on Peter Pan, Mary Poppins and Annie.

Comedy fans will have plenty to chuckle about with Jenny Eclair coming to Loughborough on 29 September after extending her tour due to popular demand! Her show Sixty Plus! (FFS!) confronts a new decade of decrepitude, as Jenny asks whether she should celebrate or crawl into a hole? Audiences can also look forward to laughs from UK comedy’s best-kept secret Carl Hutchinson on 15 September and can join Live with Aggers fresh from the Ashes on 26 September for hilarious anecdotes and moving stories from the incredible career of the master broadcaster and ex-cricketer.

On 1 September, local legends Showaddywaddy are back for another unforgettable night of chart hits, while West End treats in September include the unmissable Phantom of the Opera, which brings The Music of the Night to Loughborough Town Hall from 5-9 September.

The fan-favourite An Evening With… programme is back with new stars ready to regale audiences with laughs, stories and amazing anecdotes from their varied careers. This summer, the England hattrick hero from the 1966 World Cup win Sir Geoff Hurst shares tales of his storied footballing career on 18 September. Plus, comedian and award-winning columnist Mark Steel brings his unique and hilarious take on life to the Town Hall on 16 September.

Add in gems like the Sock Gallery Summer Exhibition 2023 (29 July-30 August) and the Leicester Society of Artists Annual Exhibition (beginning 7 September), and there really is something for everyone this summer!

Date for your diary

Picnic in the Park

EVERYONE is invited to the Parish Council’s “Picnic in the Park” event on Sunday 20th August 2023, between 3 pm and 5 pm on Ellis Park, behind the Parish Council Offices. Bring a picnic and listen to performances from Ratby Brass Band plus a selection of other stalls. Free to attend!

Glenfield Library Opening Hours

I was enjoying a brilliant sing-a-long last night, until I was asked to leave the opera.

News from the Glenfield Gardeners’ Association

MANY GARDENS are at their best now with Roses, peonies and salvias in full bloom. It is a great time to get out and visit other people’s gardens to get ideas and inspirations.

The Glenfield Gardeners’ decided to have a trip out to a wonderful garden called The Paddocks in Hungarton owned by Helen Galyer.

people’s gardens to get ideas and inspirations. The a trip out to a wonderful garden called The Paddocks Helen opens her garden for charity every year and garden which has taken many years to develop. Lots of available to buy. outing with a Hungarton large party. through the open gardens. having an ‘Open historically there was to be involved in this and might consider opening their get in touch with us via our email address

Helen opens her garden for charity every year and welcomed us around her family garden which has taken many years to develop. Lots of lovely unusual plants were also available to buy. We rounded off our very enjoyable outing with a delightful meal at The Ashby Arms in Hungarton who were very accommodating to our large party.

Many more gardens are open to visit through the NGS Scheme but also local village open gardens. At the GGA, we have considered having an ‘Open gardens’ for many years as historically there was one in Glenfield. If anyone would like to be involved in this and might consider opening their garden to visitors, please do get in touch with us via our email address glenfieldgardeners@gmail.com

My co-workers laugh at my jokes in in-person meetings, but never in online meetings. When I asked them why, they said that my jokes weren’t remotely funny.

My wife left me because of my gambling addiction. But I’m sure I can win her back.

I told my wife I wanted to be cremated. She made an appointment for Tuesday.

For his birthday, I got my son an alarm clock that swears at him instead of beeping. He’s in for a rude awakening.

My wife told me she’ll slam my head on the keyboard if I don’t get off the computer. I’m not too worried, I think she’s jokinlkjhfakljn m,.nbziyoao78y

Can everyone who is here for the yodelling lessons please form an orderly orderly orderly orderly queue.

The show schedules for our Show on Saturday 19th August are at Park House and in the library. If you fancy entering some of our baking, growing or making classes, then please do pick one up. You do not need an entry form; just bring your items along on the day to enter.

All are welcome to come along to our meetings. You don’t have to be a member. We meet at 7.30pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month in St Peter’s Church Hall. Yearly membership is just £16 or you can come for the evening for £3, an absolute gardening bargain and there is always tea and biscuits.

Check out our facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/ggaglenfield/ or ring us on 07791 488784 or 0116 231 3732.

My wife tells me I have two major faults. I don’t listen –and something else.

I broke up with a girl years ago because of her obsession with counting. I wonder what she’s up to these days.

Yesterday one of my good friends told me I often make people uncomfortable by violating their personal space. It was a really hurtful thing to say and completely ruined our bath.

Spot the difference!

Spot the difference!

can you spot?

Saturday 19th August are at Park House and in the our baking, growing or making classes, then please do form; just bring your items along on the day to enter. meetings. You don’t have to be a member. We meet the month in St Peter’s Church Hall. Yearly membership evening for £3, an absolute gardening bargain and there our facebook page for more details ring us on 07791488784/2313732

International Bat Night: 26th-27th August

DID YOU KNOW that there are 18 species of bat in the UK?

And did you know that these bats make up almost a quarter of ALL our mammal species?

So, our UK bats are well worth celebrating. And International Bat Night brings together bat groups and the Bat Conservation Trust, to provide many opportunities for bat walks and talks at dusk in local neighbourhoods across the UK.

As the bat groups explain: “We aim to encourage thousands of people across the country to see bats in their natural environment by taking part in a range of events organised by local bat groups, wildlife trusts, countryside rangers and other organisations across the country.”

More information at: https://www.bats.org.uk/ support-bats/international-bat-night

I don’t wish there were more hours in the day, but I could use a few more at night.

Local artist is producing a collection of paintings of Glenfield village

VIX BONNER is an artist who lives and works in Glenfield. She is currently in the process of producing a collection of watercolour paintings will be made into prints and greeting cards depicting scenes around Glenfield village.

Three paintings have so far been completed. They are called The Balk, St.Peter’s & The Square.

Buy Some Cards!

Local Artist Vix Bonner of VixBonArt is selling cards depicting prints from original paintings of scenes around the village. Cards cost £4 each or 3 for £10 and a percentage of profits will go towards St Peter’s Church Centre. Cards are available from Vix at St Peter’s Art Cafe, Thursdays 9:30 - 12.00

Rishi Sunak rejects Tory MP’s call for shops to be

forced to accept cash

RISHI SUNAK has rejected a Tory MP’s call for shops to accept cash payments.

As reported by GB News, Sunak was pressed by Newton Abbott MP Anne Marie Morris about whether establishments serving the public should be mandated to provide the option during his appearance at Prime Minister’s Questions on 21st June.

Morris, who sits on the Treasury Select Committee, asked the Prime Minister: “Will the Prime Minister look again at the Financial Services and Markets Bill, when it comes back from the other place, and ensure that any entity providing a public service directly to the public, involving payments or a charge, must accept cash?”

She also pointed to a study conducted by LINK which revealed 45 per cent of Britons have been somewhere where cash has not been accepted or even discouraged.

The study also found that 49 per cent of people said being unable or

Use it or lose it

being discouraged to pay in cash was inconvenient.

The Prime Minister said: “We know that cash continues to be used by millions of people, particularly those in vulnerable groups.

“That is why the Financial Services and Markets Bill will, for the first ever time, protect people’s access to cash in UK law.

“The Bill also supports businesses that continue to accept cash by ensuring reasonable access to deposit facilities, but as technology and consumer behaviour changes, it is right that organisations themselves should be able to choose the forms of payment that they will accept.”

Sunak’s Government previously faced calls to consider legislating for retailers and businesses to accept cash payments in March.

Parliament debated the proposal after a 33,499 people signed a petition to “make it illegal for retailers and services to decline cash payments”.

A second petition received 25,021 signatures.

In response to the calls for businesses to accept cash, the Government said: “The Government does not plan to mandate cash acceptance.

“Businesses are able to choose the forms of payment they accept.”

Cash remains a popular form of payment for millions of Britons, especially among the nation’s older population.

Around 5.4 million adults still rely on cash in the UK.

An estimated 73 per cent of consumers also claimed to use cash in January 2022, LINK’s research has shown.

Nationwide even suggested cash is making a post-Covid comeback, with a 19 per cent increase in withdrawals from the building society’s ATMs last year compared to 2021.

Do you think shops should be forced to accept cash?

Let us know.

ALL THE ANSWERS

Spot The Difference

1. Beach towel different colour

2. Plaster missing on beach ball

3. Girl swimsuit different colour

4. Section on parasol different colour

5. Mum sunglasses missing

6. Flag on sandcastle facing other way

7. Girl pigtail missing

8. Starfish missing

9. Flake on ice cream cone missing

10. Different mouth on boy

Quiz Answers

1. Exodus, 2. The M4, 3. Elizabeth Fry, 4. The United Kingdom, 5. Edmund, 6. Saturday (after Saturn), 7. Aston Villa and Birmingham City, 8. Ron Weasley, 9. Paris, 10. Thomas The Tank Engine

Crossword Solution

Across: 1 Curtain-raiser, 7 Envoy, 8 Hatchet, 9 Pyramid, 10 Scone, 11 Osborne, 17 Reeve, 18 Bullion, 20 Country, 21 Sunni, 22 Sierra Leonean.

Down: 1 Creepy, 2 Rivers, 3 Abysm, 4 Artisan, 5 School, 6 Rotten, 8 Hudson Bay, 12 Sweater, 13 Braces, 14 Refuse, 15 Winnie, 16 Indian, 19 Lasso.

GAZETTE Small Ads

• Cadac Easi-chef GAS BBQ c/w bottle, vgc. Price: £50.

• Large BIRD’S BATH/ ornamental FOUNTAIN, about 4ft high.

Price: £50.

• Selection of STEPPING STONES and small PAVING SLABS.

Price: £5 each.

• FEMALE STATUE on a pedestal

Price: £20.

Tel: 07745 356447 (Glenfield)

• SHOES you can walk in.

Size 5 - 3” heel.

Tel: 0116 287 5654 (Glenfield)

• FREE TANALISED TIMBERpreviously used for decking. 20 off 4mx30mm, 35 off 3mx30mm and 20 off 2mx30mm.

Tel: 07974 448527 (Markfield)

• MODERN 4 FT. SIDEBOARD with drinks servery, 2 cupboards, 2 drawers, extra shelves. Price: £10.

Tel: 0116 232 2959 (Glenfield)

• FREE to a good homePRESSURE WASHER - good condition.

Tel: 0116 287 2531 (Glenfield)

• Silentnight DOUBLE MATTRESS - fire resistant.

• ACCORDION - Stentor 20-key with case.

• Portable stereo TUNER/AMP with integrated turntable. Any offers.

Tel: 0116 287 3596 (Groby)

• MENS WALKING SHOES –Highline II Mountain Warehouse. Size 7 Dark Grey. Never worn still in box. Price: £10.00

Tel: 0781 866 5903 (Glenfield)

• White circular GLASS PEDESTAL TABLE - 96 cm (3ft) diameter and four chairs. Good condition. Price: £60.

Tel: 0116 299 4641 (Groby)

• Boys MOUNTAIN BIKE. ProBike Striker with front suspension; 20 inch wheels. In good condition, but not used for a few years. Price: £50.

• Titan ELECTRIC CHAINSAW Used twice. Really good performance for its size. Price: £25.

• Three camping/ collapsible CHAIRS. Price: £15.

Tel: 0116 287 6919 (Groby)

• Excel excite Van05 LARGE MOBILITY SCOOTER. Lights, indicators, new tyres and 2 brand new batteries. Offers over £450.00 please. Photos available on request.

• DESK CYCLE with resistance and calorie/distance and speed counter. Over 100.00 new. Price: 50.00 ono. Can provide photos if requested.

Tel: 07388 844276 (Markfield)

• Sony Bravia TELEVISION37inch, KDL37V5810, smart, 4 HDMI sockets, integrated Freeview, very good condition. Price: £50 o.n.o.

• TV STAND - Black glass, 3 shelves. Price: £15.

• Freeview SET-TOP BOXManhattan T1, Freeview, HD,1 HDMI socket, with remote and PSU. Price: £10.

• SOUP MAKER - Daewoo

SDA1714, 1.6L, Brand new.

Price: £10

Tel: 07866 109206 (Groby)

• GARDEN LOW FENCING for sale. Bought B&Q a year ago, now not needed. Comprising: 3 sections of treated trellis fencing 6’x2’; 5 posts 1m x700mm square, also treated; 5 bevelled and treated post caps 100mm square; 5 steel post spikes 3’ x 7.5cm square. Makes 20 foot low fence with entry gap. Price: £125 or nearest offer.

Tel: 0116 224 3505 (Groby)

• 3 PIECE CONSERVATORY/ GARDEN FURNITURE in cane basket weave. In excellent condition, both the cane and cushions, etc. Price: £75 all in.

• FULL SET OF GOLF CLUBS, (good make), including carrying bag. Price: £30. Buyer to collect, from LE67 9SA.

Tel: 07880 551180 (Markfield)

• STIHL PETROL CHAINSAW for sale. MS260 model, old model but still in good working order. 40cm chain arm with mixture bottle and sharpening file. Price:£35.

Tel: 07821 094472 (Markfield)

• Three piece BROWN LEATHER SETTEE. Offers invited.

• Solid Oak DINING TABLE with extension piece.Offers invited. Items no longer needed due to new ones.

Tel. 07900811281 (Markfield)

• MIRROR - 89cm x 64cm, light pine frame - 75mm. Used - good condition. Price: £5.

• PICTURE FRAME - 16 inch x 20 inch. Light pine frame - 35mm. Used - good condition. Price: £5. Tel: 01530 243166. (Markfield)

SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. This is a free service for private individuals, not businesses. Maximum 8 items please. Post to: Gazette Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@glenfieldgazette.com

PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to let buyers know where you are).

Serves: 4 as a main dish (8 as a side)

Ingredients

• 2 medium aubergines, cut into 3cm pieces

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 1cm pieces

• 4 celery stalks, cut into 1cm pieces

• 100ml white wine or red wine vinegar

• 1 tbsp tomato puree

• 2 tbsp capers, rinsed

• 10 green pitted olives

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 30g pine nuts

Tomato sauce

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 anchovy

• 1 tsp garlic, chopped

• 800g passata

• Salt and pepper

Apply now for 30 hours childcare funding

Want to keep that summer feeling after your holiday? Try our delicious Mediterranean-inspired recipe. Caponata is a Sicilian dish consisting of chopped fried aubergine and other vegetables, seasoned with olive oil, tomato sauce, celery, olives, and capers. Delicious served hot or cold, it is the ideal dish for making ahead.

Method

1. Heat the oven to 200C / 180C fan / gas mark 6. Place the aubergine pieces on 2 large baking trays. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and season. Bake for 20 minutes until just turning golden.

2. Meanwhile, make the tomato sauce. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan (large enough to also hold the aubergine). Add the anchovy and garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the passata and season, then simmer for 10 minutes to thicken the sauce.

3. Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the onion, pepper and celery for 5 minutes to soften. Tip the onion mixture into the tomato sauce with the remaining ingredients and the aubergine. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes.

4. Serve hot or cold.

Nutrition per serving: 336kcal, fat 23g (of which saturates 2.9g), carbohydrates 25g (of which sugars 21g), protein 5.4g

WORKING PARENTS and carers are encouraged to apply now for free 30 hours childcare funding for the autumn term.

Eligible parents of three and fouryear-olds across Leicestershire are reminded they need to confirm their details every term to ensure they still receive their entitlement.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “We want to encourage as many parents and carers across Leicestershire to claim childcare they are entitled to.

“The increased cost of living has caused additional hardship for some, and we urge families to use all available resources to their advantage.

“Attending childcare has many benefits, including supporting early learning and helping children develop their social skills ready for school.”

All three-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours free funding, but some working parents can claim 30 hours. Find out more and see the eligibility criteria visit: https:// www.gov.uk/30-hours-freechildcare

GRANTS OF UP TO £5,000 AVAILABLE TO LEICESTERSHIRE BUSINESSES

THE SIR Thomas White Loan Charity pledges to support businesses in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland through £50,000 delivered in grants in 2023

To be eligible for the business grant, available up to £5,000, applicants much be over 18 and under 45 years of age, a resident in Leicestershire or Rutland and operating their business from within this area, having done so for at least one year already. Full eligibility criteria can be found on STWLC’s website: www.stwcharity. co.uk/business-grants

Based at Friar’s Mill in the heart of Leicester city centre, STWLC provides unique interest-free loans to the value of £20,000 to new and existing businesses in Leicestershire and Rutland to aid start-up or development.

With no interest to pay on loans over a nine-year period and a three-year break before repayments commence, STWLC’s support has helped a number of well-known businesses within the county, including Barrie Stephen Hair whose owner, Barrie Stephen, is a patron of the charity.

Whereas the charity’s interest-free business loans are to be repaid, these grants of up to £5,000 require no repayment by recipients at all.

The application deadline is 9am on 31 August 2023. Applications will be reviewed by the grant committee, with final decisions taken on grant awards during the week commencing 21 September 2023.

Visit www.stwcharity.co.uk

Bold and beautiful summer swimwear

By

236 4221

Showroom: 71 Church Lane

Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AF

Whether you’re the ‘laze by the pool with a margarita’ type or a paddleboard pro, dare to stand out from the crowd this summer.

Curvy Kate Wrapsody Bandeau Swimsuit, £64, www.curvykate.com

Kate Duggan

Orla Kiely x Regatta Passion Flower Swimsuit, £40, www.regatta.com

Primark Paisley Kimono, £12, Reversable Bikini Top, £7, and Bottoms, £5, in-store only

V by Very Enhancing SquareNeck, Tie-Waist Swimsuit, £28, www.very.co.uk

M&S Floral Shorts, £32, www.marksandspencer.com

FatFace Paradie Frill Bikini Top, £28 and Bottoms, £25, www.fatface.com

Tu Brown Animal Print Bikini Top, £12, and Bottoms, £7, tuclothing. sainsburys.co.uk

Matalan Multicoloured Bandeau Bikini, £18.50, www.matalan.co.uk

Primark Jelly Fish Swim Shorts, £6, in-store only

If it’s ‘easier said than done’, then I’d rather we just keep talking about it.

Houses for Sale in Glenfield

If you earn more, you’ll be better off. It sounds simple but the reality can be more complicated. Some myths about the effects of taxes on higher income are simply down to confusion. In rare cases though, the benefits of a pay rise may be less than they might seem.

Let’s clear up one major myth right away: the incorrect idea that a pay rise that puts you into a higher tax band leaves you worse off than before.

On the face of it, moving from paying 19% basic rate tax to 42% higher rate tax sounds painfully expensive. However, the Scottish tax system uses marginal tax rates. This means you only pay a particular rate on the portion of your income that falls into the relevant band.

A practical example

This example uses the tax bands and rates for 2023-4 in Scotland: You earn £43,662. The first £12,570 is tax free; there are then tax bands of 19%, 20% and 21% up to £43,662. If you then get a pay rise of £1,000 this extra is taxed at the higher rate of 42%, but note it’s only the extra £1000, not the whole amount.

It doesn’t end there though. There’s a sting for anyone whose income rises over £100,000.

To put it another way, for every extra £2 you earn, your taxable income goes up by £3. It’s charged at the 42% rate, meaning £1.26 extra income tax. Put it all together and the effective marginal tax rate is 63%. Many people joining the six-figure club will take expert advice on options such as increasing pension contributions to reduce tax liabilities.

Student loans

Students who took out a student loan after 2012 have a higher effective marginal tax rate than non-graduates. Any income you have over £27,660 is taxed at an extra 9% towards your loan repayments. Add in income tax and NI and you have an effective marginal tax rate of at least 42%.

Universal credit

On paper you’ll still be paying the 42% rate because the 47% ‘additional rate’ doesn’t start until you earn £125,140. However, for every £2 you earn over £100,000, the personal allowance is reduced by £1.

On paper you’ll still be paying the start until you earn reduced by £1.

Perhaps the most extreme marginal effect is at the other end of the income spectrum and doesn’t involve tax at all. For many people receiving Universal Credit, your payments are reduced by 55p for every pound you earn from work. Those responsible for dependent children or affected by some illness or disabilities get a set ‘work allowance’ (£379 a month if they receive housing support, £631 a month otherwise.) The reduction in Universal Credit only affects your earnings above this amount.

Do YOU run a club, team or association in Glenfield?

If so, why not drop us a line and tell us a bit about it, and we’ll include a free brief mention in the Gazette.

Email: info@glenfieldgazette.com

Thank you to the Litter Pickers of Ellis Park!

AS A regular visitor to Ellis Park, I’ve noticed recently that some of the dog walkers are having a ‘tidy-up’ whilst walking their furry friends.

The park is a lovely space, and it’s great to see people taking a pride in their surroundings, rather than letting the litterbugs win. Let’s keep Glenfield tidy!

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

New specialist housing scheme supported by Blaby

Council

BLABY DISTRICT

COUNCIL is supporting a unique development which will provide specialist, supported housing for adults with mental health needs.

Together with Homes England the Council has partially grant funded a scheme to bring 15 one-bed self-contained apartments to Blaby village.

The project is being delivered by developers Pelham working in partnership with Norton Housing and Support and Modus Partnerships.

This is the first affordable supported housing scheme to be brought forward in the District for some time and will meet a demand recognised by the Council.

The scheme has been four years in the making and the Council’s Strategic Housing Team have worked closely with partners to progress the project, including providing evidence of the need for the scheme and liaising with planners in order to make sure any site constraints were overcome.

The funding from the Council and Homes England was instrumental in ensuring the viability of the development.

Much needed housing approved for Blaby District

OUTLINE PLANNING permission has been granted for a new 885 home development just north of the A47 in Kirby Muxloe.

The application, from L and Q Estates, was approved by Blaby District Council Planning Committee members.

As well as the homes the scheme provides for a new primary school, landscaping and public open space. There is also the potential for a coffee shop with community use.

The 44 hectare site has been allocated for housing in the Blaby District Local Plan since 2019 and is mainly agricultural land bordering the existing sports clubs on Hinckley Road as well as Kirby Muxloe Golf Club.

Initially two applications were submitted, one from L and Q Estates for 750 dwellings and a separate one from Hazelton Homes for 137 homes, however, Hazelton Homes withdrew their bid and L and Q Estates took over the proposals for both sites.

All vehicle access will be from a proposed roundabout on the A47 with pedestrian and cycle only access onto the A47 opposite Beggars Lane.

It is expected that 25% of the housing provided will be affordable within a mix of sizes, from one bed to four beds and bungalows.

Future planning applications which will outline the finer details of the scheme will also need to be reviewed by the Council.

The perfect diet

WHAT IS THE best and most infallible way to reduce your waistline?

Just move your head slowly from right to left when asked to have a second helping.

The Driver’s Story ... from Ted Letter May local elections

CHARLIE had been a Train Driver for many years and for the last few he had made it to the top link of drivers in his depot. Now he drove express trains to and from London. This involved driving the High Speed Trains from Sheffield to and from St. Pancras.

Today Charlie was heading out of St. Pancras with a High Speed Train heading for Sheffield. It was a cold winter’s day and heavy dark clouds hung over the city and Charlie thought it could only get worse the further north he went. Leaving Market Harborough far behind Charlie increases the train speed. A few more miles down the line is the next junction at Kilby Bridge where a third line branches off the main lines forming a reversible slow line.

As the train approaches the junction signal which is showing a bright green clear signal Charlie spots a lone figure beside the junction points waving a red light hand signal. Despite the main signal showing a green clear signal the fact that a red danger signal was being waved at him Charlie he had no choice but to put on the brakes, stop his train and contact the Signalman to find out what was going on.

Charlie brought the High Speed Train to a stand about a mile beyond the junction.

Charlie’s heart was beating twice the speed of normal and his hands holding the train brake were still shaking. Recovering his breath Charlie was thinking “What was the red light for when the main signal was green?” Charlie thought it did not add up. Charlie reached for the phone to call the Signalman in the Power Box at Leicester.

The Signalman answered straight away.

“Hello Signalman this is the Driver of One Echo One Four I have come to a stand between Kilby Bridge and Wigston the signal was green but someone at the side of the track was waving a red light at me do you know anything about it?” Charlie asked the Signalman.

A very relieved Signalman’s voice told Charlie that he was just about to put out an emergency call to stop all trains in the area where Charlie had brought his train to a stand when to his relief he had seen on his display panel that Charlie’s train had stopped anyway. The Signalman went onto tell Charlie why he had wanted his train to stop.

A lorry had skidded on the snow covered road and crashed through the side of the bridge at Wigston South Junction and ended up on the track and that Charlie would have found the next signal at red but he would not have had time to stop in time and would certainly have hit the lorry with terrible consequences!

Who the person was that had shown Charlie the red light to stop his train the Signalman did not know but he was thankful to whoever it was. Having said that, how could anyone right back there have known about the incident at Wigston South, as it had only just happened a few minutes before?

Charlie was to recount this story of the man with the red light many times over the next few weeks. To the British Transport Police, his own railway company and Network Rail.

No trace was ever found of the man waving the red light to stop Charlie’s train before the crash that would have surely happened. Weeks passed and the incident would have been confined to the annals of the Railway Archives were it not for a phone call to the Railway Company that Charlie worked for.

An anonymous caller said that he had heard the story of a train being stopped by a man waving a red light at Kilby Bridge that had prevented a certain crash.

Did they know that it was a hundred years to the day that the Signalman at Kilby Bridge had waved a red light at a train to try to stop it as the train in front had failed. Unfortunately in this case it was too late to stop the train and it crashed into the rear of the failed train killing the engine driver and the fireman.

The train company looked into the story with Network Rail and local newspaper records. It turned out that not only did the day match but also the times of day except both incidents were exactly 100 years apart!

So who was this man that waved the red light at Charlie on his High Speed Train could it have been the ghost of that fateful Signalman?

No one was ever found who admitted showing that red light that day but Charlie and his passengers on that train on that day will be forever thankful to who or whatever it was that showed that red light to show Charlie he needed to stop before it was too late!

MARY KAPADIA and I stood as the Green Party candidates in Glenfield Faire ward in the Blaby District Council elections in May.

We have both lived in the ward for decades and have previously stood in elections in that ward. The Green Party stood as many candidates as we could throughout Blaby District but could not stand a candidate in every ward. We are sorry we had no one to stand in Glenfield Ellis ward.

The Green Party stand candidates in order to give voters the opportunity to vote for fairer, greener policies or at least to have a choice – if Mary and I had not stood, there would have been no choice and no election in Fairestone.

We did not have any pacts with any other political party and the only ward where we were able to give extra time and support in the campaign (targeted) was Kirby Muxloe, where we already had a sitting councillor.

Our two candidates in Kirby Muxloe, Tony Deakin and Roger Stead, were subsequently elected by a large margin. Elsewhere we did our best, and Mary and I would like to thank the hundreds of residents who supported us and gave us their vote in May – we are not going away.

Part of an article lamented the loss of good councillors claiming that voters had seemingly deserted local Conservatives over national issues, resulting in the loss of Conservative working majorities in local councils.

One of Blaby’s new Green Councillors, Tony Deakin, says “Many of the new councillors will be taking up the reins of leadership for their part of Leicestershire, and I’m sure that all of them are more than capable of challenging the disappointing suggestion from my fellow Blaby Councillor that only Conservatives can be ‘bold and innovative’”

I, too, am sure that all the new councillors will be striving hard to represent their communities and help push local councils to work in the best interests of their local areas.

Councillor Deakin, who helps run the Blaby Green Party, added “Rather than ‘coasting’ (as indicated in the Gazette article), I’m sure our local councils of many colours will aim to bring about the vital changes necessary in our County as quickly as possible, especially if there is a Green Councillor or two in the room to help drive things forward.”

Nick Cox

Blaby Green Party

Council working to minimise disruption to waste collections

BLABY DISTRICT COUNCIL is actively working on contingency plans to minimise disruptions to waste collections during the strike action by GMB Union. Approximately 40 members of GMB Union working in the waste, recycling, district cleansing and open spaces team are taking strike action on four consecutive Wednesdays, which started on 28th June, and are set to continue until 19th July.

The strike action is over pay, with the GMB seeking an extra 15% local pay increase for its members, an average of £4,000 per year, on top of the national pay offer of £1,925.

For residents whose waste is scheduled to be collected on a Wednesday, please place all your scheduled bins out as usual. Bins will be emptied if sufficient crews are available. Please ensure bins are placed at the kerbside by 6.30am.

The Council will be updating the GMB Strike Action page and social media with any news on the strike action and waste collections. The Council will also be sending out email updates, so if residents would like to receive information on changes to collections, they can sign up to email updates at www.blaby.gov.uk/sign-up

I’m trying to get back to my original weight. 7lbs 8oz.

Free Your Mind: The new world of manipulation and how to resist it

by Laura Dodsworth and Patrick Fagan

LEARN HOW to recognise and resist the daily attempts to control and manipulate your mind.

There is a war on for your mind. You may not notice, but you are surrounded by manipulators: advertisers, politicians, big tech, even the humble waiter who asks, ‘Still or sparkling?’

Free Your Mind is your field manual to surviving the information battlefield. In this indispensable book, Laura Dodsworth and Patrick Fagan draw on interviews with mind-control experts ranging from monks to magicians, infiltrate cults and forums to uncover their most deceptive techniques and expose the hidden tactics used to influence you, from social media to subliminal messages.

Learn how to recognise the nudges, dispel efforts to brainwash you and always question those who say the choice is yours. If you don’t control your mind, someone else will.

WORDSEARCH SURNAMES

This is your Word Sear

IF YOU can find the 20 MOST COMMON SURNAMES IN ENGLAND in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of house wine at The Stamford Arms in Groby.

Brown Clarke

Evans Green

Johnson Jones

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the 20 most common SECOND NAMES in England. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Rober ts Robinson

Taylor Thomas

Walker White

Send your marked entry forms to: HALLOWED BE THY NAME, Glenfield Gazette, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 22ND JULY 2023. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

Wilson Wright

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!

Here are the 20 SECOND NAMES you have to find:

Find the word in the puzzle.

SMITH • JONES • TAYLOR • BROWN • WILLIAMS

Words can go in any direction.

WILSON • JOHNSON • DAVIES • PATEL • ROBINSON

WRIGHT • THOMPSON • EVANS • WALKER • WHITE

Words can share letters as they cross over each other

ROBERTS • GREEN • HALL • THOMAS • CLARKE

20 of 20 words placed.

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

Address: .............................................................................................................

.............................................................................Postcode: .............................

LAST MONTH’S WINNER WAS Colin Murphy of Springfield Close, Glenfield. Congratulations! Your prize voucher will be sent to you soon!

Copyright

I don’t think my wife likes me very much. When I had a heart attack she wrote for an ambulance.

If you enjoy reading Glenfield Gazette, please pass it onto a friend or relative. Thanks! It’s good to share.

Whatis Live-inCare?

Live-inCare servicesiswhena CareProfessional residesinyourhometoprovidecareandassistance. Oneofthesignificantadvantagesofalive-in CareProfessional isthatitisasafealternativetoother typesofcare andofferspeaceofmindthatsomeoneisreadilyavailableshouldtheneedarise.Live-In Care worksona10houraveragedailyagreementwitha2hourbreak-thiscanbecoveredbyanother HomeInstead CareProfessional ifneeded.

Live-inCare isasafeandaffordablealternativetoaresidentialcarehomethatgivesyoucontrolover your care,bringingyouconsistent,one-to-onesupportinthecomfortofyourhome.

Whatis HomeCare?

Homecareordomiciliarycareiswherea Care Professional willvisityourhomeforaminimum ofan houraday,aslittleorasoftenasrequired. Homecareisgreatoptionshouldyourlovedoneneed companionship(achatoveracoffeeoratriptogo shopping),helpwithhouseholdchoresoreven personalCare.

Is Live-inCare Safe?

Live-incare isoneofthesafestoptionsavailable. OnetooneCarefromourCareProfessionalmeans thatyourCareispersonalisedtoyourneedsandto suityourdailyroutinewhichwouldallowtolivesafe andwell,enjoyingahigherqualityoflifewhilstbeing inthecomfortofyourownhome.

Live-inCare Vs.HomeCare

Livingathomemeansstayinginfamiliar surroundingsandmaintainingthosedaily routinesthatmightnotbepossiblein residentialcare.

Thebestwaytogetacomplete understanding isbyspeakingwithamember ofourteamwhowillhappilygothroughall ofyourconcernsandrequirementstohelp youdecideonthebestsolutionforyour lovedone.

Pleasecalluson 01163192474 todiscuss theoptions.