June 2015 groby spotlight magazine by Michael Wilkinson

Groby Street Fair running order - see page 6

Spotlight

June 2015

The Monthly News & Information Magazine For Groby, Field Head & The Brantings

Martinshaw’s Got Talent!

DURING the first half of the Summer Term, Martinshaw’s Early Years’ Foundation Stage transformed their classroom’s open area into a talent show stage, giving the multi-talented 4 and 5 year olds the opportunity to showcase their talents as : musicians, comedians, dancers, singers, artists and stage managers. This was, of course, also a chance to hone literacy, artistic and mathematical skills as the children not only performed but produced scripts, scores, certificates and tickets for the audience. Some highly imaginative designs were produced. Everything culminated in the EYFS class assembly when the pupils performed in front of their proud parents, grandparents and carers. The judging panel, complete with big buzzers, had to be seen to be believed, the Simon Cowell lookalike easily more scary and a lot louder than the original. The mini-me Amanda Holden looked amazing complete with mum’s ‘all day’ bright red lipstick. The whole show was a complete success, with the audience dutifully clapping, laughing and even booing in response to cue cards, enthusiastically held aloft by production assistants. If they’re this good at 4 and 5, it beggars belief how good they will be as ‘elderly’ 10 year olds!

Owen Lawrence

No Spotlight next month THERE WILL be no issue of Groby & Field Head Spotlight next month due to annual holidays. But don’t get too upset! The magazine will be back on Saturday 15th August, so see you then!

Marathon Mission Complete! THE BIG DAY had finally arrived, 26 April 2015. This was the day I would join almost 40,000 runners to pound the streets of London to take on the 26.2 miles of the 35th London Marathon. The city was buzzing, the people, the runners, the organisation all coming together on what turned out to be quite a chilly and damp morning. As the start unfolds, the runners, who are all huddled together are at fever pitch. The atmosphere of the crowds all along the route is electric and the noise deafening. It is difficult to take in all the sights but crossing Tower Bridge is a great highlight. As the distance unfolds at 13, 18 and 21 miles the scenery becomes more familiar and to finally see the finishing line looming was such a relief to my aching legs and ankles. With a finishing time of 4 hours and 22 minutes and an overall place of 19,687, it was certainly a day I shall never forget! A massive thankyou to everyone who has helped, supported and sponsored me on this epic London adventure. So far the total of money collected stands at £2162 which is a massive achievement. Thanks again.

Simon Moore

Don’t miss the book & DVD sale at Groby Library! HEAD OVER to Groby library and bag yourself a bargain! Our sale includes both adult and children stock and will be held from Saturday 13th of June until Saturday 4th of July. Stock up your book shelves with popular authors and recent best sellers and check out our ex-rental DVDs and talking books too. All items are very reasonably priced - don’t miss our bargain book sale! For more information call the library on: 0116 3053601. Groby Library: Leicester Road, Groby, LE6 0DQ.

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 15th August - Advert/Articles needed by 1st August

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

New team joins Groby Juniors Club GROBY JUNIORS Spartans are a new team to the club. We are a team where development and fun comes first above results.

General Election 2015 Charnwood Constituency

As an under 12 team (next season) we are able to combine boys and girls and actively encourage interaction away from the club, including social events, such as rounders, cricket etc. The team have come back home from Desford FC with most of the players at school in Groby. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Groby Juniors for their support in allowing us to play for their club and with sponsorship from Volkswagen Parkway and Benlowe group who have enabled to buy kits for these well deserving players.

•

Candidate: ARGAR, Edward John Comport Party: The Conservative Party Candidate Votes: 28,384 ELECTED

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Candidate: DUFFY, Cathy Party: British National Party Votes: 489

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Candidate: KELLYWALSH, Sean Gerard Party: Labour Party Votes: 11,453

•

Candidate: SANSOME, Simon Robert Party: Liberal Democrats Votes: 3,605

•

Candidate: YATES, Lynton Party: UK Independence Party (UKIP) Votes: 8,330

The GROBY JUNIORS SPARTANS in their smart new strip

Groby athletes run Edinburgh Marathon IT WAS A wet and windy bank holiday when Andrea Winkless and Crystal Brown of Groby took to the streets of Edinburgh to run the marathon. .. Andrea was chasing a “good for age” time to automatically qualify for the London marathon which is sub 3.50...she knew it was going to be tight, and didn’t help that a weather warning was issued the night before for rain and 45 mph winds, Andrea says: “We set off, pace seemed ok but once we got further in I realised it was faster than I initially had planned to start and this was going to hurt later on in the race. “We got to 18 mile and were faced with a headwind all the way home, I did wonder if I’d end up undoing all my hard work but just dug deep. By 23 miles I was thinking of anything just to get me home I was in a dark place. . but crossed the line in 3.38.48 , over a 26 minute PB but most of all a qualifying time for London 2016. I’d done it!” Crystal Brown finished in 4.11.50 which was also a 16 minute PB.

Turnout: 67.6%

EDINBURGH SUCCESS for Andrea Winkless and Crystal Brown

Baby Show returns to Hinckley Leisure Centre HINCKLEY’S popular Baby Show returns to Hinckley Leisure Centre later this month. Now in its third year, the free event taking place on Sunday 14 June will feature more than 40 different exhibitors. The event will offer expectant parents and those with children aged 0-5 with a one-stop place to find out about local services, businesses, clubs, activities, baby and young children’s gifts and keepsakes plus a host of products available locally and much more. The event will run from 10.00 am to 1.30 pm and is free to attend. The event will also offer: • A Baby Photo Competition with Reilly Studios with prizes available in each age category. • Baby massage demonstration at 11.30 am • Positive birthing workshop at 10.30 am • Child/Baby CPR demo at 12.20 pm • Free prize draw with a top prize of a £30 Love to Shop voucher. • Smoothie bike Youngsters and their parents will also be able to watch demonstrations and take part in special taster sessions in music, ballet, dance and martial arts throughout the morning and there will be a free activity and play zone for youngsters to enjoy plus a café area. Rebecca Ball, Children and Young People’s Strategic Co-ordinator at the Borough Council said: “Now in its third year, this year’s Baby Show is set to be a great one for young children and their families. I hope lots of people will come along and be part of the activities and enjoy the demonstrations on offer.” More information about exhibitors as well as a full timetable for the demonstrations taking place throughout the morning is available from: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/babyshow15

(This information was accidentally omitted from last month’s issue - oops!)

Ratby Open Art Exhibition THE RATBY Open Art Exhibition takes place on Saturday 18th July and Sunday 19th July, between 10am and 3pm at Ratby Village Hall. There will be a Plant Stall, Tombola and Refreshments available. For more information, please contact: Chris Talbot on 0116 239 0475.

I made a huge TO DO list for this weekend. Just can’t figure out who’s going to do it.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Being married is like having a best friend who doesn’t remember anything you say.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

GROBY MORNING GROUP

Every Thursday at 9.30am Groby Community Centre, Forest Rise, Groby LE6 0BD

GROBY EVENING GROUP

Every Thursday at 5.15pm and 7.00pm Brookvale High School, Ratby Road, Groby, LE6 0GE (In new dining hall)

Tel: HAZEL on 0116 2879272 or 07817 303018 Email: hazel_slimmingworld@hotmail.co.uk

GLENFIELD GROUP

Every Monday at 9.30am,11.30am, 5.30pm and 7.30pm Sports Ground, New Pavilion, Gynsill Lane, LE7 7AG Tel: MICHELLE on 07788 745540 Email: slimmingworldmichelle@hotmail.co.uk

RATBY EVENING GROUP

Every WEDNESDAY at 6.30pm Ratby Parish Church Hall, Church Lane, Ratby LE6 0JF Tel: GEMMA on 07891 513288

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I’m so old, I can remember getting through an entire day without taking a picture of anything.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Precious Time is Running Out for Britain’s Largest Beetle ONE OF BRITAIN’S most recognisable and unique species, the stag beetle (Lucanus cervus) is unfortunately becoming increasingly rare to find. For fifteen years, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) has been actively working to halt the decline of this iconic insect. PTES is asking volunteers to join their annual Great Stag Hunt Survey and record any sightings of stag beetles. The survey, which can be found on their website, www.ptes.org, is easy to use and with your input, PTES can better understand how stag beetles numbers are faring in the UK. By the end of May this year, only 384 stag beetles have been recorded, so all contributions are vital to this survey. For much of their life cycle, stag beetles stay underground as larvae, feeding on rotten wood for up to seven years before building large ovoid cocoons and eventually metamorphosing into their more recognisable form. Given that they take so much time to develop, it is a shame that fully formed stag beetles can only be expected to survive around three months above ground. Threatened by significant loss of habitat and human interactions, adult stag beetles are also at risk from cats and magpies. If they manage to avoid an early departure, then the winter months will finish the job. Unfortunately, the stag beetle’s tough exterior and formidable looking mandibles encourages some people to kill them without realising they are not harmful to humans. Others, who believe the larvae can destroy living wood or timber are also misinformed, as larvae only feed on decaying wood underground. Added to which, their attraction to the warmth of tarmac and being hunted by natural predators, stag beetles don’t currently stand much of a chance at finding a mate and reproducing before the summer ends. Alongside the Great Stag Hunt Survey, find out how to create a stag beetle-friendly garden on the PTES website, giving the insect a better chance of survival. From leaving dead wood on the ground to rot down as food and shelter for larvae, to being mindful of cats outside in the evening, we can all help to support the numbers of stag beetles in Britain. If you spot a stag beetle, head to the website and ensure it is recorded: www. ptes.org/stagbeetles.

Letter

Spare wool wanted With reference to the item in last month’s Spotlight: ‘Do you have any spare wool for Dorothy?’ - I would like to point out that there is a knitting group that meets at the United Reformed Church in Groby, on alternate Fridays, between 2pm and 4pm. We also knit for charity and have recently sent 6 blankets to a care home. Any wool donated would be equally divided between the two groups. Why not join us for a tea and a chat while you knit? All enquiries to groby Library.

Mrs Joan Camp, Groby

Groby Allotment Society News “Life With A Lottie” By Jane Marston

I WAS SENT this e mail with a request that the letter be printed in the Spotlight. I think it says perfectly what Allotment life is all about.

Letter

The mail comes from Richard (our local Author) who was in the same ward at the same time as Ernie – The Boss. Both are well on the way to recovery.

89-year-old daredevil plans wing walk for charity!

Thank you to my Allotment saviours The timing for the operation on my foot was never going to be perfect, but the end of April looked like being a near catastrophe!

MY 89 YEAR old Father is going to do a wing walk to celebrate his 90th birthday & also raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. Sadly his wife died of this terrible disease in 2012. His love of flying started as a young man which resulted in his joining the RAF in the war at 17 years of age as a Rear Gunner in a Lancaster Bomber. Despite having crashed twice during his period with the RAF, his love of flying continues undiminished . Any donations would be greatly appreciated for this worthy cause. john-weston2 @ justgiving.com Many thanks

Joanna Jarvis

I had run out of time to dig over my Ratby Road allotment, so I faced a bleak year of good soil lying fallow, apart from spuds and onions. It was in that shallow depression that the true nature of allotment holders manifested itself. First, my plot neighbour Nigel loaned me his rotavator – and in fact, did half the job himself by way of showing me how to work it. I planted a selection of brassicas – all infants, spindly, tiny and weak – and then went to hospital. A few days later with my foot in plaster, I hobbled across to the allotment to see if anything was growing. Devastation. Virtually all the green shoots had vanished. A week later, still hobbling, I saw plot neighbours Nigel and Benny on my plot, busily planting strong, healthy brassicas: doing it properly where I am the complete amateur even when fit. Later, neighbour Richard covered my sprouting potatoes. Thank you does not cover how grateful and overwhelmed I am. These guys brush aside my comments with a laugh and a joke, but deep down I know I am experiencing the essence of ‘allotmenting’. Growing stuff is great, but there is no greater joy than helping each other out, having a laugh and sharing a chat about the weather (of course), but mostly putting the world to rights. Maybe I can say a resounding ‘thank you’ in print, and that will spread the word about how overwhelmed I am? Much of the joy of an allotment holder may be in growing your own, but it’s also the inherent camaraderie and the kindness that grows stronger than any plant. Richard. Thanks Richard – my sentiments entirely.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Rhubarb Fool

I am a bit fed up with stewed rhubarb (can you ever get fed up with stewed Rhubarb?) and Rhubarb crumble. • 500g rhubarb trimmed and chopped • 100g sugar • Juice of ½ orange • 500ml natural yogurt • Zest of 1 orange • 1 teaspoon of runny honey Throw into the pan the rhubarb, sugar and orange juice – bring to the boil and simmer until you get a thick compote consistency. Leave to cool. Mix the yogurt, orange zest and the honey together. Serve a spoonful of yogurt into serving glass, followed by a spoonful of rhubarb compote. Continue the layers until the glass is full! Yummy. This can be used as a lovely breakfast dish using left over stewed rhubarb. You could then sprinkle a few oats or nuts on the top – what a lovely way to start the day. Or a quick and tasty sweet.

I’m still exhausted from my 2-mile jog. And I went on it four months ago.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

The Groby Street Fair and Carnival Parade

Norman Griffiths takes a look at the plan for the day

AST YEAR the Groby Street Fair started with the Syston Scout and Guides Band and it was such a success that they are back for the 2015. This year, however, they will lead a Carnival Parade through the village on the morning of Saturday 20th June. The Parade will assemble at the Lady Jane Grey/Budgens end of Pymm Ley Lane and will take a route to the Fair through the village which will include Glebe Road, Crane Ley Road, Chapel Hill and Ratby Road. So be sure to give them your support and a wave as they pass by. If you go down to the post office at 11.am on the morning of the fair you won’t find Sue and Harry Lakhani there as they will be on Markfield Road officially opening the proceedings. This will be followed by the judging of the carnival entries as they pass the stage and 11.20 visitors will be entertained by Martinshaw Primary School followed by Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth Woodville schools. At noon the LOROS Choir led by Judy Dodd will take to the stage. Two of the most regular performers at the Street Fair have been local folk duo On the Fence, and they’ll be back after the choir. At 13.50, Roxanne Dinsdale and her Bellyliscious Dancers will return after a very successful debut last year. As a young girl Roxanne studied Classical ballet for many years, but after a change in direction went on to perform as a cabaret dancer. During her early teens she developed an interest in Middle Eastern dance, and became Britain’s youngest professional Belly dancer at the age of 17. “Some years later I rescued a snake that was in a very poor state,” Roxanne said. “When I had nursed him back to health I realised he had

Groby Street Fair Programme Sat 20th June 2015 You can keep up to date with any changes in the running order on the Groby Street Fair page on facebook or on www.grobystreetfair.tk.

a lot of talent and he has been paying me back ever since by performing wonderful tricks with me in the show. I have developed my international cabaret style over the years, which incorporates steps from Arabic, Turkish, Egyptian and American cabaret.” Roxanne’s colourful and professional dance routine will be followed by the Magna Band playing show, classic and film tunes. The musical theme will continue through the afternoon with an appearance by Coopers Last Stand playing 60’s harmony pop, then Roboter, an enjoyable blend of acoustic punk/fusion. Raffle tickets will be on sale all day with the draw taking place at 5.00pm. Cathy Stephens has donated another very special prize and there’s lots more to be won. The Fair will then end with some great nostalgic R’nB sounds from Dr K’s Gastric Band, closing at 6pm. There’ll be songs by blues greats Muddy Waters and BB King, as well as other favourites by the Small Faces, Fleetwood Mac, the Animals and John Fogerty, remembered for fronting Creedence Clearwater Revival. Add in the stalls, the food, the games, the rides, together with(hopefully) lots of sunshine

• 10.40am Syston Scout and Guide Band, primary schools and others (marching through the streets) as carnival procession marching through village from Lady Jane Grey school via stage to Scout Hall • 11.00am Opening by Mr & Mrs Lakhani (Groby Post Mistress and Post Master) • 11.10am Judging of carnival entries as they pass the stage • 11.20am Martinshaw Primary School followed by Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth Woodville schools. • 12.00 noon LOROS Choir (Led by Judy Dodd) • 1.00pm On the Fence ( Groby Folk Duo) • 1.50pm Bellyliscious (Dancers - Roxanne Dinsdale) • 2.30pm Magna Band ( Show, classic and film tunes) • 3.30pm Coopers Last Stand (60’s harmony pop) • 4.30pm Roboter (Acoustic punk/fusion) • 5.00pm Raffle draw • 5.20pm Dr K’s Gastric Band (60’s 70’s R&B) • 6.00pm Close and clear up – please stay and help if you can spare some time. and it looks as if the winning formula continues for another year. So get out and enjoy the day. There’s always a need for helpers to clear up at the end of the day and re-open Markfield Road to traffic, so if you can spend between 30 minutes and an hour helping it would be greatly appreciated.

The entertainment presentation has been so good in the past that it may surprise readers that it was all managed and delivered “in house.” This year should be even better as there will be a professional stage and sound engineer from “Sound Stage One”

Sometimes I wonder if the other planets feel sorry for Earth for getting stuck with all the people.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Small Ads • YOUVIEW TV BOX - 500Gb Excellent Condition. Cost Over £240. Connect To Internet For Extra Services Like BBC IPlayer. Price: £65.00 Tel: 07432 514025

Coffee Morning in Groby for Children’s Air Ambulance Charity

• Mantis electric HEDGE TRIMMER. Extends to 5`5”, with 20” double sided shearing blade. Used only twice. Price: £45.00 Tel: 01530 249735 (Markfield) • COMPUTER/OFFICE CHAIR in Black Vinyl. V.G.C. Price: £10.00 Tel: 0116 287 3087

THE CHILDREN’S Air Ambulance Charity is to benefit from the proceeds of a Coffee Morning that is being held at 8 Wallace Drive, Groby on Sat 11th July.

• Morphy Richards BREADMAKER. Hardly used. Price: £20.00 o.n.o. Tel: 0116 223 5720 • YOUNGMAN BOSS Heavy Duty SCAFFOLD TOWER (Aluminium) - Approximately 4.2 metres high, on wheels, 3 feet wide by 6 feet long, with ladder at one end, braces and support poles, and trapdoor in floor. Price: £695.00 Tel: 01530 245635 (Stanton) IF YOU HAVE any household items which you’d like to advertise FREE in the Spotlight, please SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Our postal address is Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk. Please put ‘Small Ads’ in the subject line.

Come and enjoy a coffee, cake and a chat between 10am and 1 o’clock. There will be a raffle and more, as well as Karen’s Krafts for sale. The Charity’s aim is to provide life saving flights to any child between the ages of newborn to 16 years who require immediate transfer to a “hospital of excellence” in order to receive treatment. For more information visit the website at: www.tcaa.org.uk

Exciting Football News! LEICESTER CITY legend and radio pundit Matt Elliott has moved his Football Development Group lock, stock and barrel to the Markfield Community Centre. The group is now providing a full programme football coaching, multi sports and a goal keeping school at the centre. For further information please contact Football Development on 01530 458691 or 07584 568937.

I’m sorry I ignored you, but it was the only way to get your attention.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

National Trust Leicester Association News

Visit the birthplace and family home of the genius Sir Isaac Newton

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Telephone 01530-

244069

A NUMBER of my recent articles have been about anniversaries and this month is no exception as 2015 is the 350th anniversary of Isaac Newton’s return to Woolsthorpe Manor. Newton returned to Woolsthorpe to escape the plague which had reached Cambridge University where Newton spent almost his entire life. The year 1665/66 became known as his “Year of Wonders” when during his period of isolation he developed his theories on gravity, light and motion. He also proved that our planet was merely a satellite of the sun and discovered the principle of differential calculus. Sir Isaac Newton, as he became, was born at Woolsthorpe on Christmas Day 1642 where he was brought up by his grandmother as his father had died two months before his birth. On display at Woolsthorpe this year, for the first time, will be two volumes of the first English translation by Andrew Motte of Isaac Newton’s great work “Principia Mathematica” dated 1729. The Principia is a collection of all of the important work carried out during the “Year of Wonders”. An original Latin copy of the book will also be on display. In addition throughout the year there will be themed talks, family events and science events and experiments in the completely hands on Science Centre. Also you

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk 3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings. Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby & Field Head. Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press. The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities.

Woolsthorpe Manor - where Newton developed his major theories can see the historic apple tree that inspired Newton’s theory of gravity. Later this year it is planned that British astronaut, Tim Peak, will take some pips from the famous tree with him on his mission to the International Space Station. Woolsthorpe Manor and the Science Discovery Centre, near Grantham, is open every day, except Tuesday, 11.00 to 5.00, until 25th October. For details of the Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 222 9133.

Alan Tyler Publicity Officer

Art Exhibition at Shuttlewood Clarke AFTER A very successful exhibition two years ago in the Stables Gallery at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, Ulverscroft, local artist Patricia Hardy is having a second exhibition. This is from the 1st to the 31st July. The location is very lovely and it is worth a visit if only for a cream tea-yummy!!

Christian Aid Week 2015 Thank you Groby !!! We collected in excess of £4,600 during the week

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight. None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON 15th AUGUST DEADLINE: 1st AUGUST

The fastest way to be happy is to make other people happy. You go first.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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CLINIC 18 Hallamfields Road Birstall, Leicester, LE4 3LH

The Stamford Arms ... at the heart of your village! Leicester Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0DJ Tel: 0116 287 5616 Web: www.stamfordarms.co.uk

THE STAMFORD ARMS is everything a village pub should be ... and more. Following major refurbishment, and some very innovative design features, the Stamford Arms now has something for everyone.

Fine beers, wines & spirits We are Good Beer Guide Accredited, and were chosen as CAMRA Pub of the Month earlier this year

Excellent dining - which you can book online We serve food from 9.30am (Monday to Saturday) and Sunday from 12pm until 10pm.Our brand new menu offers a wide range of delicious meals, from burgers to Sunday roast, and stonebaked pizzas to Tapas, including vegetarian and gluten-free options (see the full menu on our website).

Events & Meal Deals The Stamford Arms receives its CAMRA Pub of the Month Award

Beer & Cider Festival: 25th-28th June Sample some of the finest beers and ciders - in the comfort of your local pub. We have 16 cask ales and 6 real ciders to tickle your taste buds!

Quiz Nights - Tuesdays & Sundays from 9pm Open Mic Night - Thursday 8.30pm Pound Pudding Club - Every Monday - a pud for £1 Pizza & a Pint for £10 - Saturdays (between 12 noon -6pm) Pizzas 2 for £12 -Tuesdays 9-10pm. Margherita pizza and choice of 1 topping Pizzas 2 for £12 - Sundays 8-10pm

The new Children’s Play Area with the Blacksmith’s Cottage in the background

Bring the children The Stamford Arms now has a Family Garden with a secure Children’s Play Area. There’s seating for 64 and lots to keep the children entertained, including a Tuck Shop, BBQ, Petanque and a Pirate Ship!

Stay in our Blacksmith’s Cottage Spend an atmospheric night - or maybe a weekend in our recently acquired Blacksmith’s Cottage. The building has been tastefully modernised to provide 5-star accommodation, but retains its quaint and homely charm.

I am at my most dangerous when I almost know what I am doing.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Lady Jane Grey School News Support our HSA’s Wild West Summer Fair Saturday 13th June Attractions include: Tombola, Wooden Hoops, Panning for Gold, BBQ, Snake Eyes, Horse Racing and Inflatable Obstacle Course! Don’t miss it!

Sam, Amy & Dangerous Dave take over our assembly!

you to our children for their maturity, courtesy, determination and mutual support during their fantastic 3 days away. They have made the school very proud!

Pioneer Experience IT WAS A real pleasure to take this year 6 class away on the residential to Pioneer. As a school we received lots of praise from the site management and staff. This praise acknowledged the excellent behaviour and manners of the children who attend LJG. The week went by so quick, no sooner had we got there it seemed like we were on the bus home. The children gave 100% in all of the activities and thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of their time at Pioneer. At the disco the children proved that Groby rocks by dominating the dance floor with some excellent moves.

SAM & AMY from GEM 106 visited LJG on Wednesday 6th May.

They gave an assembly to the whole school which included a visit from Sammy the Hamster and Dangerous Dave. Sammy led a dancing competition won by Maxwell Wright who really showed the school how to bust some moves! Declan Hooper won the Small Talk quiz and we all finished off dancing to ‘Gangnam style’! Thank you to Mr Knight for nominating LJG!

Campfires, Zip Wires and Leaps of Faith for Year 4’s ON WEDNESDAY 22nd April, an excited cohort of our year 4 children waved goodbye to their parents and embarked upon an adventurous residential trip to Caythorpe Court in Lincolnshire. Upon arrival, the children eagerly unpacked, before joining the year 4s from Elizabeth Woodville and being greeted by their wonderful group leaders, Becka and Ryan. They soon faced a range of thrilling challenges: including the mountainous rocking climbing wall; the giant swing; the lighting fast zip wire; a quad biking course; raft building; and the deathdefying leap of faith. During the first fun-filled evening, the children collected their sweets and gathered around an open campfire overlooking the gorgeous lake. Following some entertaining tales from our group leaders, we engaged in a wonderful group sing-along – marking a lovely end to an exciting first day away. After an activity-packed second day, the children dressed up in their finest evening clothes and danced the night away at the PGL disco. Throughout the trip our children showed great courage by facing their fears and daring to attempt challenges they never thought they would: such as the leap of faith which involved climbing a forty foot wobbly totem pole before leaping off the top onto a nearby trapeze bar! The Lady Jane Grey staff and governors would like to say a massive thank

This joint trip with Elizabeth Woodville was an ideal opportunity from both schools to mix and make new friendships as part of the year 6 transitional move to Brookvale. This will benefit the children when they leave LJG. Here is an article from one of the Year 6 children: We had the time of our life at Pioneer. The journey was approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. You may think that’s a long time but its 100% worth the wait! When you get there your adrenalin goes pretty much into overload. When you get into the main building the instructors gave us a warm welcome and a tour around the site. The annoying part was dragging our cases upstairs to the ‘tree tops’ dorm. Food—The food at Pioneer was lovely and possibly the best you’ll ever have. They have a variety of food and no matter what, it’s tasty. My particular favourite was Southern fried chicken with wedges. Activities—There are many activities at Pioneer such as high ropes, low ropes, challenge course, climbing, abseiling, search and rescue, caving, zip wire, bridge building and raft building. But my personal favourite is very popular and it is the ‘Big Bounce’. Trust me, you are 100% safe on all of the activities you do not need to worry. I hope anyone who goes to Pioneer experiences everything I did. Marlea Edwards—Year 6.

The West End is calling ONCE AGAIN, the fabulous Drama Club put on an outstanding show for our end of term performance! I think the West End is calling for some of our fantastic actors and actresses after they wowed the school with their performance of ‘Annie’. With Amaris Imir (Year 4/5) taking the lead, supported by other leading roles played by Maya Patel (Year 4), Tiernan Watson (Year 4/5) and Stephanie Bramley (Year 6), the whole drama club worked so hard and were so dedicated to the show, coming to extra practises and lunchtime rehearsals. I was so unbelievably proud of them and I know all of the parents who came to the show were blown away! I am very excited to see what our next show, ‘Mary Poppins’ has in store for everyone!

If we’re in a situation where I am the “voice of reason,” then we are in a very very bad situation.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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A SERIES of free workshops are being held across Hinckley & Bosworth for older residents at risk from falls. The Falls Awareness Workshops will be held during July/August and are intended for those who have had a fall or for those who have a healthrelated condition (including poor hearing and eyesight) that can affect their balance. Carers and family members are also welcome to attend. The workshops have been organised by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council Active Together Team, due to studies that have identified older adults are more likely to require care or a stay in hospital after a fall. With Hinckley and Bosworth’s ageing population increasing each year, more and more people are living with long term illnesses or disabilities that could make them susceptible to falls. The workshops will provide information and advice on: • free hearing and services; • postural assessments; • alarm services; • free Tai Chi class; • reflexology taster; Co-op suitable slippers for sale They will be held at the following locations: • Tuesday 7 July - Millennium Hall, Burbage (1.00pm - 3.00pm) • Friday 17 July - Stoke Golding Village Hall (12noon - 2.00pm) • Thursday 23 July - Sport in Desford (10.00am - 12noon) • Tuesday 4 August - Groby Village Hall (1.00pm - 3.00pm) Free tea or coffee and cakes are included for those attending and free transport will be provided for care homes or groups of five people or more. Pre booking is essential. For more information contact Emma Hopkins on 01455 255875 or email: emma.hopkins@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk.

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I wish I got as excited about anything as my washing machine does about its final spin cycle.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

The UK’s biggest food wholesaler buys Budgens Norman Griffiths reports on the Booker takeover

T’S BEEN noticeable recently that something has changed at Budgens, as stock levels shrank and shelves were left empty. Quite what was going on wasn’t clear as the local management didn’t comment on the rumours that the store was going to close. Then on 21 May 2015 Booker Group plc (“Booker”) announced the proposed acquisition of Londis and Budgens in Great Britain for £40 million. Booker, the UK’s leading food wholesaler and Musgrave Group plc have signed a sale and purchase agreement for Booker to acquire the entire issued share capital of the loss making Musgrave Retail Partners GB Limited. Musgrave is the parent company of Londis and Budgens. Completion of the Acquisition is conditional on the approval of the Competition & Markets Authority. Londis is a retail chain of 1,630 convenience stores. Sales in the year to December 2014 were £504 million. Budgens is a franchised chain of grocery stores with 167 stores with sales of £329 million in 2014. Following completion of the purchase Booker’s aim is to further develop the Budgens and Londis brands alongside Booker’s other retail brands Premier and Family Shopper. The company says that the Budgens and Londis brands will continue to trade, but will benefit from a better local and national supply chain. This will help improve the choice offered by the retailers

Budgens has been acquired by the Booker Group plc to the consumer. “The increased scale and operational efficiency should help lower prices, and retailers will benefit from a better delivery and cash and carry service,” argues Booker. “This will help independents prosper amid the changes that are occurring in the grocery market.”

Commenting on the proposed transaction, Charles Wilson, Chief Executive of Booker, said: “Booker, Londis and Budgens are joining forces to help independent retailers prosper throughout Great Britain. This transaction should strengthen Londis, Budgens, Premier, Family Shopper and other Booker retailers,

through improving choice, prices and service to consumers. Overall it will help independent retailers prosper.” The convenience store market was worth £37.4bn in 2014, up 5.2% on 2013, and competition is increasing. Multiple retailers and discounters have increased space by 37% since 2007. and One Stop, Tesco Express, Co-op, Sainsbury Local, Asda, Waitrose and other multiples have expanded their convenience operations. Despite the number of new smaller stores opening one estimate suggests that although sales for convenience stores are forecast to rise by 17% by 2020 this compares with a projection of 82% for the likes of Aldi and Lidl and a 93% rise in online shopping. Hardly a revolution in shopping habits. Although sales for convenience stores are forecast to rise by 17% by 2020 this compares with a projection of 82% for the likes of Aldi and Lidl and a 93% rise in online shopping. Booker, the UK’s leading food wholesaler that now owns Makro, has a track record of turning around challenged businesses. The local Budgens store has been quite progressive and innovative in trying to extend its services and offerings over the years but what impact the takeover will have locally isn’t clear. If the store continues to trade its customers will no doubt welcome any price cuts and service improvements which being part of the larger Booker group might deliver.

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I think my therapist is seeing other people.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Parish Council Congratulations to the new members elected to Groby Parish Council and those members returning.

One seat is still spare following the election. We would hope that this will be filled at the earliest possible opportunity especially as a couple of people have expressed an interest in being co-opted.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council AGM Mayor Making On Tuesday 19th May the AGM of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council took place.

Congratulations to Cllr Janice Richards who will be the Mayor of the Borough for the Civic Year 2015 – 2016 and to Cllr Richard Allen who was elected to the position of Deputy Mayor 2015- 2016. The new leader of the Borough Council is Cllr Mike Hall with Cllr Kevin Morrell as Deputy Leader. Martin and Ted’s committee positions are as follows: • Planning Committee: Cllr Ted Hollick – Cllr Martin Cartwright Substitute • Licensing Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright – Cllr Ted Hollick Substitute • Licensing Regulatory Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright – Cllr Ted Hollick Substitute • Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee: Cllr Martin Cartwright – Cllr Ted Hollick Substitute • Appeals Panel: Cllr Martin Cartwright & Cllr Ted Hollick • Highways Forum: Cllr Martin Cartwright – Cllr Ted Hollick Substitute One or both of us will be at each of these meetings to ensure Groby’s representation is made.

Martin Cartwright Call: 0116 287 4500 Mobile: 078 50 70 70 50 E-mail: boroughcouncil@ appliancehome.co.uk Write: Maverick House, 10 Pine Tree Avenue Groby, LE6 0EQ The target for the event was 500Km’s run, and £2000.00 raised for charity. What they actually achieved was 504Km’s or 316 Miles run around Groby and it looks like they will have collected, raised, donated over £3300.00 A BIG thank you to the runners it could not be done without you, aged from 3 to 63 years old. 54 runners took part from across the whole community. A great effort. Please feel proud of what you have done, you have made a difference. Thanks also go to Jeff and his team that organised the event, everyone that donated items for the auction and to all the residents that turned out to support the event. Well done, great news!

Forthcoming Events • Music in the Mead: Saturday 20th June 1.00pm – 3.00pm Argents Mead Hinckley Enjoy free Music in bandstand • Proms in the Park – Holycroft Park Hinckley: Saturday 13th June – 6.00pm – 9.00pm A free music event with a program of music performed by local school orchestras and singers. Take your own refreshments or Picnic.

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

• Mallory Mile: Wednesday 17th June 6.00pm – 8.00pm Mallory Park Kirkby Mallory Using you own bike take part in National Bike Week 2015 with a family bike ride at the famous Mallory Park Circuit • Groby Street Fair: Saturday 20th June 11.00am 6.00pm Markfield Road Groby. Entertainment, Stalls and much more. Come and see Groby’s street fair.

We Are Here To Help You Should you have any comments or problems you would like us to mention in our articles please get in touch.

Please remember if we can ever be of service to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact us, our details are listed above. Kind regards

Martin Cartwright & Ted Hollick

Groby 24 Hour Endurance Race 29 May – 30 May: Jeff Twilton from GE arranged a 24 hour endurance relay around Groby in aid of Help for Heroes and Blesma from 1.00pm on 29th May to 1.00pm on 30th May.

It was an honour for me (Martin Cartwright) to start the race with Engineering Director at GE Druck, Gordon Docherty although I quickly fell behind and realised just how unfit I was.

One great way to make a difference in your community is by moving somewhere else.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea I AM PLEASED that your two Borough Councillors have decided to follow my lead in writing a monthly article in the spotlight keeping residents updated. This is something that I have done for the past 2 years since you elected me.

Planning Application at Wallace Drive Groby RESIDENTS will be aware that the above planning application for the Gypsy and Traveller site was resubmitted to the Borough Councils Planning department with a new access now coming off of Wallace Drive. It has now been confirmed that the Planning Committee will hear this application on the 30th June at the Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road Hinckley. The meeting will start at 6pm.

Groby, A50 / Markfield Road: installation of bollards THIS SCHEME has been promoted primarily as a cycling measure to encourage the safe use of the shared-use cycle track / footway near the A50/ Markfield Road junction. The bollards are being placed on the footway to stop cars driving down the footway to access Groby village centre via Markfield Road after a cyclist was involved in an incident with one of these

motor vehicles carrying out an illegal manoeuvre. As a result of this incident and other reports I attended a site visit together with the police and the Parish Council, we were all in agreement with the above action. I have also requested officers look into the possibility of placing a No Entry sign at the top of Markfield Road near to its junction with the A50. However that would require a traffic regulation being put in place. I want to make sure pedestrians and cyclists are protected from any risk of accident.

Boundary Review

Cities Devolution Bill

Fraudsters often target ‘goods for sale’ adverts on popular online auctions sites, so watch out whenever you’re selling anything online.

CHANCELLOR George Osborne has set out the new Government’s plans to devolve sweeping powers and funding in his Cities Devolution Bill, in the Queens Speech. The Leader of the County Council commented “Whilst I welcome this, I do not want upper tier authorities to get left behind. County Councils need to enjoy the same benefits of this legislation as intended for the cities. To this end, I have written to the new Communities and Local Government Secretary Greg Clark MP, seeking an early meeting to discuss our plans for a Combined Authority with the City of Leicester. Mr Clark is aware from his previous visit of the excellent working relationships between the two authorities. I would expect any Combined Authority should have devolved powers and funding over such areas as transport, skills, job creation, strategic Planning and housing, policing and economic development.” The leader is also lobbying our Local MPs for their support in trying to achieve a fairer deal for Leicestershire.

THE BOUNDARY Commission are currently carrying out a Boundary Review of all the County Council wards. My ward is likely to be extended as soon as I know the details I will update the parish Council and residents.

Scams you should be aware of

How does the fraudster operate? The fraudster will contact the seller to say that they want to buy the advertised item. The seller then receives what looks like a genuine PayPal email, to confirm that the money has been paid by the buyer into their account. With confirmation of payment, the seller will then send the item to the buyer’s address. The seller will later find that the PayPal email is a fake and that the money has not been paid. The seller ends up losing out twice as not only do they not have the money, but they no longer have the item to sell. How to protect yourself: • Check your PayPal account to ensure that the money has been paid in and has cleared into your bank account before you send the item to the buyer. • Do not be bullied or rushed into sending items before you know that the payment has cleared – a genuine purchaser will not mind waiting a day or two for you to send them their item. • If you are selling a vehicle, think carefully when selling to overseas purchasers – especially if they tell you they will send an extra payment for shipping – check that the funds have cleared before arranging this.

Be alert with regard to vehicle thefts In recent weeks there have been several thefts of Land Rovers. The vehicles have been stolen at night, taken to remote, but local, locations and stripped of all valuable parts. The assumption must be that this is a professional gang with the expertise to get around the vehicle’s security systems and to quickly and efficiently remove its component parts. If you own such a vehicle or a similar 4x4 it would be wise to take extra precautions to safeguard it at this time of heightened risk. In addition it is unlikely that the thieves are driving around randomly at night to identify target vehicles. It’s more likely that they are being identified in advance so please be aware of strangers taking an unexplained interest in your property or vehicle. If you notice any suspicious activity, please report it to the police as soon as possible. Crime in progress calls 999, otherwise call 101. I would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I pride myself on making myself available to residents. Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

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

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Vista mobile support service heads to our borough

Groby Village Society

Preservation - Conservation Communal Interests

LOCAL SIGHT loss charity Vista has launched a brand new Mobile Support Service for older people at risk of developing sight loss in Leicestershire.

Programme 2015 Thursday June 25 “Who do you think lived in a house like this?” Mr Brian Johnson

The service, in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, will tour the county in a specially designed mobile unit, providing information, support and advice. During July it will visit a variety of locations across the Hinckley & Bosworth region (a full list can be found below). 1.8 million people are living with significant sight loss in the UK, and evidence suggests that over 50 per cent of sight loss is due to preventable or treatable causes. Vista will raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of sight loss, the importance of early diagnosis and the links between lifestyle and sight loss. Manned by friendly staff, the vehicle features an open plan welcome area, leaflet display and a seating area for individual consultation and support. During

Thursday July 23 “Smiths are Possible” Mrs Alison Coates Thursday August 27 Canine Partners Mrs Denise Taylor Thursday September 24 Injustice or Justifiable Dr John Sutton Thursday October 22 ‘Ark at our Peter Mrs Ruth Coward Thursday November 26 Henry V and Agincourt Mrs Sally Henshaw Thursday December 10 “National Trust in the East Midlands” Mr Alan Tyler

their time on board, visitors can: Learn how a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of sight loss, the importance of regular sight tests and spotting conditions early Find out more about the support and services available through Vista Discover equipment and technologies that can support people with sight loss. The programme will also support older people already experiencing sight loss, enabling them to access dedicated information, advice and support in their local communities. Paul Bott, Vista’s Chief Executive, said: “This exciting new project enables us to increase awareness of avoidable sight loss, in particular amongst older people. We believe that advice and support should be available in even the most rural communities, so we’re taking our services on the road.” A full list of dates, locations and times is available on our website at www.vistablind.org.uk/ mobilesupport

Bens Low-Cost Gardening and Labouring Jobs Undertaken • Gardening • Lawn mowing • Fence staining • Pressure washing including car wash service • General Labouring • Farm hand • Oddjobs… Just ask! No Job too small Local Groby lad looking to fund his doctorate – almost guaranteed to beat any previous quotes!! Discounted Rates for OAPs

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To advertise, contact Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069

Mobile Support Service July Dates

Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. For Further Details, Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- groby. villagesociety@tiscali.co.uk Non Members are Welcome

• July 3rd – 9.30am – 12pm: Village Hall, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon, LE67 9TX • July 3rd – 1.30pm – 4pm: Bricklayers Arms Pub, 213 Main Street, Thornton, LE67 1AH • July 6th – 9.30am – 12pm: Botcheston Village Hall, Main Street Botcheston, LE9 9FF • July 6th- 1.30pm – 4pm: Groby Community Centre, 39 Forest Rise, Groby, LE6 0BD

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I’m pretty sure my dogs only sit in the window and watch me leave so they know when it is safe to sit on the couch.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Do you fancy becoming a Parish Councillor?

THERE IS currently a vacancy for a councillor on Groby Parish Council, so if you’re interested in putting your name forward for co-option, please contact the Parish Clerk (tel: 0116 287 6985 or email: ParishClerk@groby.com) as soon as possible. Groby Parish Council are responsible for 64 acres of amenity land including Martinshaw Little Wood and the Mineral Line. They also provide and maintain a Cemetery on Ratby Road. Other responsibilities include: • Safety checks and minor repairs to playground equipment • Removal of litter from parks and playgrounds • Checking all planning applications and holding them at the Council Offices for the public to view • Providing allotments and maintaining their walls, paths and hedges • Liaising with Leicestershire County Council regarding road maintenance, road signs and lighting • Various footpaths within the parish Find out more by visiting the website at: www.groby.com

Oliver at the Curve Theatre TRAVEL back to Victorian London this Christmas for this timeless tale about the boy who asked for more… After escaping the workhouse, young orphan boy Oliver quickly finds himself alone on the bleak streets of London. When he befriends the mischievous Artful Dodger, Oliver is introduced to the art of pickpocketing, but could his new lifestyle lead him to discovering his mysterious past? Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Oliver! is one of the most successful musicals of all time and has a sensational score that includes such classics as Food Glorious Food, You’ve Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, Where Is Love? and I’d Do Anything. In Curve’s brand new production of Lionel Bart’s multi-award winning musical, director Paul Kerryson will be joined by choreographer Andrew Wright, Musical Director Ben Atkinson and Set Designer Matthew Kinley, to bring you another mustsee family favourite. Consider Yourself in for a treat this Christmas! Visit www.curveonline.co.uk for more details

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I wanna get rid of this memory foam mattress, but it knows too much.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

A Promise to my Seventeen Year Old Self Published author Lisa Drakeford used to work at Groby Library.

HEN YOU’RE seventeen and write in your diary that you want to write a book, you don’t tend to think that it might take until you’re fifty for it to actually happen. You’ve got no concept that other things might take precedence. That being a student, then a student teacher, then a full blown teacher at one of the hardest schools in town might slow things down a bit That having your own kids and then finding you’re using up all your patience and head space on other people’s kids might temper that writing ambition. So it gets hidden or pushed aside or even, dare I say, forgotten? But that happened to me. It was only when I’d had enough of teaching that I remembered that sentence, written in God-awful scrawl, in a battered old diary which sat damp and cold in the attic for all those years. I became a library assistant. I gave up the noise and the teenage demands and the marking and the lesson preparation and the falling asleep in front of EastEnders when I should have been planning lessons. I gave all that up because I suddenly remembered that I had other ambitions. Other thoughts and fantasies about writing for myself. Working in a small community library gave me head space again. I remembered what it felt like to have energy at the end of the day. And to be fair, it gave me the time to watch and enjoy my own kids. And I got interested in YA books. I watched the small section of society come into the library, scurry over to the teenage section, select a handful of powerful looking books and grin like it was Christmas as they walked out. Only to bring

them back a week later and do it all again. Teenagers, I realised, Ok, maybe only a certain section of them, had the propensity to almost eat books. And this got me thinking. Thinking that maybe, after all, I could write a book for this avid, devoted section of society. So that when Dan Tunstall’s Big and Clever and Lucy Christopher’s Stolen came through the internal post for me to put on the shelves, it felt only right that maybe I should have a sneak preview. Maybe I could read them first and then put them on the shelves once I’d done so. I did. And I was mind blown. Blown away by their brilliance. From these two novels came my inspiration all over again. I was going to write a book. Only this time I was going to do it there and then. So I took some classes. I went to Leicester School of Writing and attended three courses: How to get started. How to write a novel and How to write for young people. All good. All food for thought and all very inspirational. From there I started to get my rejections. The rejections which I was promised would come. And they did, thick and fast. I’ve still got the folder full of them. Everyone

quoted the shed load of rejections JK Rowling received before she got accepted (and we’ll return to JK in a bit). So I was ready. My stroke of genius came with Writing East Midlands. Scrolling through their website one night I saw they invited writers to submit work to apply for their mentorship scheme. Where was the harm? I thought, as I clicked ‘send’ on my latest piece of self-indulgent, unpublishable muck. But someone, somewhere must have seen some promise. Because I got shortlisted to attend a workshop to set targets and make preparations for an interview to win a mentor. The five others attending the workshop, as far as I was concerned, were sublime writers with talent literally bleeding from their pores. I was gob-smacked when I read the email to say I’d been selected. To say I was stunned is a gross understatement. I danced round my kitchen like a crazy baby elephant in very bad pyjamas. ( Awkward image? Well trust me, it’s true.)(My poor, poor bewildered children who happened to be watching.) Next stroke of genius came with WEM’s suggested mentor. The

Great and Godly Maxine Linnell. An author from Leicestershire who I’d not only sat listening to at an author talk at the university, but also whose two YA books I’d relished, loved and admired. (Another dance round the kitchen was most definitely in order.)(I’d like to think in better clothes, but maybe that’s my imagination.) The mentoring occurred in a hotel foyer once a month for six months. Lots of coffee; lots of wise advice and encouragement; lots of firm, fair and fiercely meticulous criticism and most importantly, lots of laughs. Maxine is brilliant. She is so wonderfully sage. I think I owe her everything. ( I’ve now told her this several thousand times.) Half way through the scheme she suggested I send off my rather raw YA novel to the Times/ Chicken House competition. I did so and then promptly forgot about it because we had three more sessions to work on. So you can imagine my terror/ shock/amazement when Barry Cunningham – JK Rowling’s discoverer -phoned me to tell me that I’d been long listed. That he’d read it. That he’d liked it! And then a month later to say it had been short listed. And then another month later to tell me that it hadn’t won. BUT THAT HE STILL WANTED TO PUBLISH IT. By now, dancing round the kitchen was becoming somewhat mundane for my eye-rolling children. So now, 32 years after writing that sentence in my diary, I’m finally having a book published. I’m 50 now and the THE BABY is published in July. And I suppose this is my biggest regret. Starting a writing career at 50 seems a bit daunting, a bit ridiculous, a bit late. But I’m not giving up; I reckon I owe it to my 17 year old self. I should have done this much earlier; so I have a lot of time to make up and I’m determined to do so. I’m relishing the launches, the readings, and the courses Chicken House have provided. I’m going at them with all guns blazing. Saying yes to everything. Lapping up every opportunity as I hope I would have done at 17. I’ve not done this alone. I’ve had so much support: the writing school, WEM, Maxine, Chicken House and the tons and tons of good YA novels which are out there right now. I’m grateful to them all. Gushing. Buzzing. On my knees in admiration. And yes, I’m afraid to say, still prancing round my kitchen.

Lisa Drakeford

I would do anything for love except change my routine, leave the house or put myself out in any way.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Elizabeth Woodville School News

It’s a mystery The theme for next half term has been led by our pupils. The school council gathered ideas from each class on subjects and topics they would like to learn about and the school has chosen to ‘step back in time’ with each theme having a history focus. Infants, lower juniors and upper juniors have then decided on specific areas they want to look at and this is what they chose! • Foundation - Into the Woods (Traditional Tales) • Y1 / 2 - Castles • Y3 / 4 - Ice age and extinct animals • Y5 / 6 - Pirates This is a really exciting way to create our final curriculum theme of the year and we hope the children will enjoy being so involved! We look forward to sharing their experiences with you in the next issue.

The Tesco Farm to Fork experience

Marconi Cup Victory CONGRATULATIONS to the football team who won the Marconi Cup tournament for the second year in a row. Both our teams played incredibly well on the day and credit must also go to Year 5 pupil, Will Alves who was injured and so became our manager for the competition. After delivering such a fantastic result, he now has Mr Coleman’s job full time!

An adventure in Groby FOR THEIR learning about recounts, Year 1 decided to have a small adventure to help them write about a real event. We had a great morning walking around Groby, ending at Marina Park where we had a well-earned rest and play! Along the way we walked along ‘Fairy Alley’ and ‘Jungle Alley’, we swam along another pathway, counted lots of red cars and even saw a car which made animal noises! What an adventure! After all this the children wrote about their morning and Mrs Taylor was very pleased with their writing.

Keeping Healthy IN SCIENCE, Class 1 and Class 2 have been learning all about the best growing conditions for plants and also how to keep ourselves healthy.

YEAR 3 and 4 have been on a visit to Tesco at Beaumont Leys to take part in the Farm to Fork experience. The children had the opportunity to find out about how the food they eat gets from the farms to the packets that we buy on the shelves. Each Class had a tour of the store, starting with the bakery, where the children learnt about the bread making process before shaping their own bread rolls. The children then visited the fish and cheese counters, finding out about each section. Then onto the fruit and veg section to explore the different countries our favourite fruits and vegetables come from. We also got to try some food while we were there! The children came back full of new knowledge and questions about our food, as well as a goody bag. Lucky us!

Inter-House Football Fun! On Friday 15th May, the whole school took part in the Inter House Football Challenge! Bradgate House, Ferrers House, Cropston House and Swithland House cheered on their friends with great enthusiasm. The children were split into their house groups in class and each team took part in several matches against their classmates. The sun shone and the children thoroughly enjoyed all the games. The goals for each house, from each class, were logged and unbelievably there were only 6 goals between first and fourth position! Ferrers emerged triumphant pipping everybody to the post! There was a great team atmosphere throughout the day, well done Ferrers House!

We have grown 3 types of seeds and tested cress seeds in the light and dark. We also looked at the human skeleton and tried lots of exercises to test how our muscles work.

Maths Challenge: Square Cards

TAKE ALL of the Aces, Kings, Queens and Jacks from a pack of cards. Arrange them in a 4 × 4 square so that every row, column and diagonal contains one card of each value (A,J,Q,K) and one card of each suit (Heart, Spade, Diamond, Club). If you can solve it please email your answer to Mr Coleman at office@ ewoodville.leics.sch.uk by Friday 3rd July for a chance to be one of 3 winners in our prize draw. Good luck!

Think Tank YEAR 5 AND 6 thoroughly enjoyed demonstrating their scientific thinking at our recent trip to the Think Tank in Birmingham. From steam engines and talking robots to the highly impressive chocolate wrapping machine, the children wee amazed and inspired by over 200 hands-on displays of science and technology across four hugely impressive floors.

I’ve learned so much from my mistakes, I’m thinking of making a few more.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Gardening Society News MAY 14TH saw us welcoming Geoff Hodge to talk and discuss how gardening may need to alter due to climatic changes. Geoff is a nationally renowned freelance writer and contributor to major gardening magazines. He has also been the editor of the R.H.S. website. Apparently, the crystallisation of gardeners’ thoughts on these matters can be traced back to 2002 when a conference of all interested parties, like the R.H.S., National Trust etc, took place. Although many predictions have already been proved wrong, there is a growing body of opinion that more extreme weather patterns are emerging as well as longer term changes. He suggested that within the next 5-10 years we will be seeing fewer or even no frosts, longer springs, warmer AVERAGE temperatures, drier summers and wetter autumns and winters. Two consequences will probably be a greater reliance upon collected water and more flooding. In gardening terms we can expect more plants suffering from root rot through standing in water or boggy ground during the winter and lawns could be found growing all year long. Fruit bushes and trees could suffer as most fruit flowers need a chilling period for the fruit to properly set. Also, with warmer winters, we can expect more exotic pests and diseases spreading north from the continent. We are already seeing Lily Beetles and Rosemary Beetles and an increase in hitherto unknown viruses. Plants may need more feeding due to nutrients leaching out of the soil more quickly. Geoff was an enthusiast of mulching to alleviate the expected reduced summer water and interestingly said the optimum depth for wood bark mulching was a massive four inches. Two inches or less is useless. He then went on to catalogue plants which will suffer and those which will thrive under these changing conditions. These will be highlighted in the next edition of Spotlight.

The Village Show (Groby Gardening Society and Groby Women’s Institute) WE ARE already gearing up for this highlight to be held on Saturday 22nd August. Last year’s show was quite exceptional and we are hoping that the 2015 event will equal, if not surpass that of 2014. Some changes in the schedule have been made, acting upon suggestions from last year’s visitors and exhibitors. e.g. We now have two classes of potato (white and coloured) and dimensions, which are important in some classes have been clarified. Regular competitors will be pleased to see that the use of a wax disc and cellophane cover have been highlighted for the Lemon Curd class. As always the success of the show depends upon people bothering to enter exhibits. Each year we hear of potential exhibitors who have finally shied away from entering because they feel their exhibits cannot win. The spirit of entering village shows like ours is to enter for the fun, not necessarily to win. If the only entrants were surefire winners, we would have no show and most would agree that the village would be that much poorer for it. So, whilst stalwarts and regulars will again be warmly welcomed, it would be great to also welcome new-comers to the fold of entrants. If you are interested, the first step is to get a schedule from either the library or off the Spotlight website. A perusal of the classes will reveal that whilst some require a little forward planning, many classes offer the chance to enter spontaneously on the day. Regulars will tell that until the Saturday morning, no clear idea of what is available for some classes will emerge. This is especially true in the flower sections and many entries are picked at the last minute from a quick dash around the garden on the morning of the show. To give a flavour of what you could perhaps enter in this section, here is

a summary of the floral section:A rose: one specimen either hybrid tea or large flowered rose Three stages of the rose: One bud, one ¾ open and one fully open-all of one variety One bloom or stem of any flower to be judged for scent only A vase of any mixed flowering stems taken form a minimum of two different kinds of plant Phlox: three stems (vase provided) Dahlias: Five stems (vase provided) Sweet or flowering peas: Five stems (vase provided) Marigolds: Five stems (vase provided) Annuals: Five stems of one kind (vase provided) Perennials: Five stems of one kind (vase provided) Gladiolus: One spike (vase provided) Rudbeckia: Five stems (vase provided) Flowering shrub: Three stems (vase provided) Clematis: One flower (own small vessel such as a glass or jar) Hosta: One leaf (own small vessel such as a glass or jar) This is not an exhaustive list, but indicates how easy it is to enter some classes.

Trips 2015

June 19th (Friday) 1 day Blenheim Palace and its Flower Show* (See pick up times & locations on tickets--to be delivered) July 29th -31st (Wed. – Friday) 3 days - Wells, Tyntesfield, R.H.S. Rosemoor & The Courts garden* •More details in due course, but signing boards will be available at each monthly meeting.

Future Meetings

July 9th: Members’ Open Gardens (details from Society meetings) August 13th: Flower Arranging (Sharon Badger)

Make yourself indispensable at work by hiding everything.

An error! Many apologies, but Eric’s telephone number on the back of the programmes is wrong. The correct number is 0116 287 6637. If you like the sound of what we get up to, why not come along to a meeting and try us out. You will be most welcome. Our monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Eric Atherton. (Tel. No. 01162876637) or E mail e.atherton@btinternet.com

Alvar Johnson

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Taster Day For Year 5 Pupils At Loughborough Grammar And High Schools PARENTS WITH children in Year 5 at primary schools in the East Midlands who are considering an independent education for their child from Year 7 are invited to register them for a taster day at Loughborough Grammar school for boys and Loughborough High School for girls on Tuesday 23rd June. Children will have the opportunity to meet staff and pupils, and enjoy subject-related activities designed especially for them at the two senior schools which are part of Loughborough Endowed Schools and located on the same campus. Loughborough Endowed Schools operates an extensive bus network providing transport from across the region, with new routes from South Derbyshire and South East Nottinghamshire commencing this September. For more information, or to reserve a place, telephone Loughborough Grammar School on 01509 283745 or Loughborough High School on 01509 283800.

Sweetener information

What is Stevia? STEVIA is a sweetener and sugar substitute extracted from the leaves of the plant species Stevia rebaudiana.

The active compounds of stevia are steviol glycosides (mainly stevioside and rebaudioside), which have up to 150 times the sweetness of sugar, are heat-stable, pH-stable, and not fermentable. These steviosides have a negligible effect on blood glucose, which makes stevia attractive to people on carbohydrate-controlled diets. Stevia’s taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar, and some of its extracts may have a bitter or licorice-like aftertaste at high concentrations. The legal status of stevia extracts as food additives and supplements varies from country to country. In Japan, for example, stevia has been widely used for decades as a sweetener. In some other countries, health concerns and political controversies have led to various restrictions, or outright prohibition. The United States, for example, banned stevia in the early 1990s[7][8] and approved some specific glycoside extracts for use as food additives in 2008. The European Union approved stevia additives in 2011. (Information courtesy of Wikipedia)

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On why people complain to the vicar – and how to ignore them From The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren So, you have received your first letter of complaint. I am not wholly unsympathetic with your complainant, as attempting to marry the bride to the best man would have created havoc with the seating arrangements at the reception. However, you must learn that receiving letters of complaint is an integral part of the ordained ministry. After 50 years of parish life, the number of such letters I have received are now held in bound volumes. The anonymous ones you will receive, invariably written in green ink on lined notepaper, can be safely consigned to your waste paper basket, along with all mail, from whatever source, labelled “Urgent”. You will receive letters complaining that you did not pray for someone who was in hospital, regardless of the fact that you knew nothing of it. Probably by the next post, you will receive a letter complaining that you did pray for someone in hospital – when they had wanted to keep their cosmetic surgery secret. Those who regard themselves as guardians of doctrinal purity will write complaining of the heresies contained in the previous Sunday’s sermon. These can be filed with those letters that complain that your sermons are too short, along with those who complain that they are too long. The hourly striking of the church clock is a perennial favourite for complaints. I usually reply by saying that we are currently exploring the possibility of getting it to strike the quarters too. Letters of complaint will arrive in November, complaining that the church is too cold, so making prayer impossible. Others will drop on the doormat in April saying that it is too hot, so making prayer impossible. In Spring, some will write that the churchyard should be mown more often, while others will complain that it is mown too often and ruins it as a habitat for wildlife. The annual Summer procession of witness generates complaints that the brass band ruined the slumbers of parishioners having a Sunday lie-in. Then come Harvest, there will be the letters complaining that they did not receive a Harvest gift, which was particularly unforgivable, as their grandmother had once sung in the choir. Thus the annual round is accompanied by reams of notepaper. The only letter of complaint I have really treasured came from the bishop, rebuking me for never having attended any meeting when he was present. I have had it framed and hung on the study wall.

Your loving uncle, Eustace

Don’t forget to send us your news!

I was going to go running but then I got all nostalgic for sitting.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

All the latest news from Groby WI I AM NOT sure where to begin this month, so much happened. I will begin by saying that we won yet again our skittles match. We played Astill Lodge and although we lost the first round we won the next two but it was very close. Well done ladies. A very enjoyable evening at Groby’s Club. We had a trip to Birmingham and like many of us thought, who wants to go there but we had a great time. We found ourselves in an industrial estate (formerly back-to-back houses). We entered another world full of grinders, polishers, cutters etc and lathes. To a mechanical mind very ordinary but to us mind boggling. We were welcomed by a cuppa and amazingly provided with seats for all. George Hook is a master pearl worker, as was five generations before him. The original John Hook began as a pearl button maker in 1824. The present George Hook, a one off, an entertainer from the start. His Brum accent, large knitted cardigan (with only one button) captivated us with his great humour but wonderful knowledge. There were boxes of shells everywhere, usually from Australia and the Pacific. He spoke of the difficulties in the making of various pearl products. We watched him produce samples from the cutting (from the middle of large shells) to the end by polishing. The result can be anything from a delicate little spoon to an earring, a button, the handle of a fruit knife, or a brooch. Scarf slides are also a popular line, and the thinnest of pieces of mother of pearl might provide the decorative inlay on the fretboard of a guitar or banjo. How thick the layers are and whether they have been holed by an interfering worm, determines what George can make of them. But very little ever goes to waste, and even the fine powder shaved off during the cutting process might have a use.

There’s a large bowl of it in the workshop, as fine as flour. “There’s probably a cosmetics market I haven’t broken into yet,” George comments, “so I’m keeping the dust just in case”. George used to employ several workers but in recent years it is just him. He made for the likes of Jasper Conran but said he no longer wants the big business. At one time there were loads of pearl button The Smith & Pepper factory makers but buttons started being made from plastic hence he is plus years. The family were very the last one. He then let us wander conscious of the gold dust which around his workshop, just imagine would be left after the making of Steptoe’s yard. Everything from old the jewellery, hence certain strict machines, ramshackle bikes, drums rules were applied. Brylcream was (another sideline, George’s other banned (crafty workers could pick passion is Irish folk bands, hence up dust and run it through their drums), etc. George and his little hair), the floors were continually factory is a one off, an amazing visit. swept, the dust collected and sent Onto the Jewellery Quarter and a for processing to gather the fine gold tour of the Jewellery Museum. The particles, nothing escaped them. tour took us into a real jewellery Altogether it was a very different factory where hardly anything has and great trip. It struck me though changed since early last century. that both visits had dust in common which was very valuable; can’t say “Time capsule” the same about my household dust. For more than 80 years Smith & The Plant Sale did very well. Pepper produced jewellery from Of course WI ladies did the this workshop founded in 1899. refreshments with loads of lovely Unfortunately by 1980 the family cakes and scones, a sell out. It was decided they could no longer one of the best Plant Sales from continue, so one Friday they just our point of view ever. Thanks to abandoned it. Tools were left strewn everyone who contributed their on benches; grubby overalls were time and efforts. hung on the coat hooks; and dirty We had three walks this month, teacups were abandoned alongside the first was the usual Friday walk jars of marmite and jam on the shelf. to Glenfield Country Market, the The building was left shut up for 9 second was to Grey Lodge Farm, to years before the Council acquired see the rhododendrons. The third possession and opened the doors was our Derbyshire walk. We met to find a perfectly preserved time up at Calke Abbey, a glorious Bank capsule. Even the workers overalls Holiday. We knew there would be and coats were left hanging on a craft fair there so decided to take hooks in the workshop gathering a picnic. Good job we did, it was dust waiting for their owners to heaving. However it didn’t bother return. Therefore the factory as us. Our walk especially was to see you see it today has been left pretty the bluebells in the local woods, they much untouched for the past 30

I call my mother twice a week. Or as she refers to it, “Never.”

were lovely. On returning to Calke we were able to enjoy our picnic and have a sunny and of course, chatty meal (It means we talked a lot!). May is our Resolutions month. The Resolution on which we decided to debate was Care for the Elderly (I fit into this category!). Roughly at the moment elderly who are in need of 24 hour care usually in hospital (personal care) are paid for by the Government, but those who ‘manage’ at home (social care) is the responsibility of Local Government. Grants from the local council are very hit and miss, varying in area and amount. This can be a great strain (as most of us know) on families etc. I dare say I have not correctly put the Resolution but it was generally agreed that social care and nursing health care should come together. The debate had quite a few differing views and eventually it was passed but with a few abstentions. Basically though, everyone agreed that it all boiled down to money which as we know is very tight. June’s meeting is our birthday meeting. We are in our early sixties but the WI Federation is celebrating 100 years and Institutes are celebrating in loads of different ways. Back to June’s meeting, Richard Papworth is our speaker and it looks to be a very amusing and interesting talk, ‘Excuse me madam, but I’m a store detective’. This is on the l8th June, so come along to the Village Hall at 7.30 pm, you will be very welcome. July’s meeting which is on the l6th July will be a social evening, unfortunately our speaker has had to cancel. Don’t please let this deter you from coming, we WI gals usually come up with an entertaining, social evening which means anything can happen, so do come along and see what we come up with.

Margaret Gamble

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

LFE Film Evenings receives Big Lottery grant

Groby Surgery Patient’s Participation Group Newsletter

Bringing patients and practice together OUR GROUP was formed early in 2014 and, since then, has met regularly to develop ways to support the link between the practice and patients and has joined the National Association for Patient Participation(NAPP).

STARTED IN 2010 as a community facility, LFE Film Evenings has been a resounding success. Initially the facilities and experience provided by Centre Screen (part of Phoenix Arts) of Leicester were used. As the project blossomed, a couple of years ago an application for a grant was made to Blaby D.C. for the installation of a big screen – which became a part-way stage to being selfsufficient. Audiences continued to grow, to the current level of around 50-100, depending on the films shown. However, due to funding cuts, the facilities available from Centre Screen became an unknown quantity. There was a danger that they may not be available in the next few years. Therefore it was decided that as the popularity of the Film Evenings continues to grow, it made the installation of permanent audio-visual equipment a worthwhile proposition. As this venture is run on a non-profit making basis, there were no funds being generated to do this. So an approach was made to The Big Lottery Fund earlier this year for a grant. After completing the on-line questionnaire – which was followed up by them telephoning for more details – a grant of £4,355 was provided to enable the installation to take place. Work was completed at the end of May in time for the June film show. The equipment allows for other functions to be made available as well, such as PowerPoint presentations and music from CDs, so will provide a useful facility for the Parish to offer. LFE Film Evenings is not a club; there is no membership system. Residents of the locality can come when they wish to see a film in comfortable and convivial surroundings (without the disturbance of crunching popcorn!). No pre-booking is necessary Venue: The Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE. Dates: First Thursday of each month (except August). Doors open: At 7.00pm. Showings: Start at 7.30pm. Cost: £5 including a complimentary hot drink and biscuit.

What is our aim ? Well, perhaps the words of the NAPP sum it up..... To make stronger the relationship between patients and their practices, which is critical to the provision of modern, high-quality general practice. Patient Participation Groups find out what patients think but may also carry out research, hold health awareness and information events, support the practice in its dealings with other bodies, and carry out patient surveys. We were delighted when the Care Commissioning Group approved the change from a single handed GP practice to a partnership. Although we were sad that the retirement of Dr. Gajebasia went hand-in-hand with the change, we welcome the arrival of Dr T. John (female) and Dr. Karaminder (male) as new partners in the practice and Kay Dean as the new Practice Manager. Dr. Vaghani will continue to work within the practice as a salaried GP. In reception Claire Harper, Jill Phipps and Lisa Wood will still be the first point of contact for patients. We believe that the changes, along with the appointment of Krystal Hurley as a permanent Nurse in the practice, will enhance the care of existing patients and allow the patient base to grow to reflect the recent growth of the village. We aim to keep patients informed through the new surgery website and newsletters such as this one for those who don’t have internet access. If you have any questions about the PPG, or want to discuss in confidence anything else about the Groby Practice, please either leave a letter for us at the surgery or contact us by email – GrobySurgeryPPG@btconnect. com. This is also the email address to use if you want to register to receive newsletters or patient surveys from us by email.

Check out the surgery website The surgery now has a website - www.thegrobysurgery.nhs.uk. It’s packed full of useful information as well as the essential details about opening hours and how to get in touch. There are also the links you can click on to make or cancel an appointment, request repeat prescriptions and more. If English isn’t your preferred language you can choose another with just a couple of clicks.

Surgery Opening Hours The surgery is open as follows : Monday, Wednesday, Thursday - 08:30 – 12:30 and 2.30 – 5.30 Tuesday, Friday - 08:30 – 12:30 and 2.00 – 5.30 I hope you find the news and information in this newsletter helpful.

Ernie Broadhurst (Chair) How to contact Groby Surgery 26 Rookery Lane, Groby, LE6 0GL (Tel : 0116 231 3331)

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

The Groby Fire Norman Griffiths looks back at June 9th 2014

T 6.34AM on Monday 6th June 2014 Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service received a call to attend at GE Druck on Fir Tree Lane, due to a report of smoke inside the building. This was to be the start of a day unlike any other that most employees or residents had experienced. A day in which a 5 litre spillage of nitric acid led to a fire which Leicestershire’s Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Dave Webb said was large and hazardous and was only prevented from becoming a major incident by the teamwork of crews from nine fire stations across the county. Breathing Apparatus and a Hose Reel Jet were used initially for investigation purposes to the ground floor, where crews discovered the nitric acid leak. In response two officers in chemical protection suits were deployed accompanied by onsite staff also wearing protection. At 08:39 a fire was reported in the building due to a chemical reaction, with the fire spreading rapidly. The Fire and Rescue Service were withdrawn from the immediate area due to further chemicals potentially being involved. The whole immediate site was then evacuated. At 09:54 the Leicestershire Police set up a full Silver Control. “Silver control is where tactical decisions on dealing with the incident will be made by representatives from the main responding agencies,” one Emergency Planning Officer explained at the time the Civil Contingencies Act came into force. “Silver Controls are initially managed by the Police but when the incident progresses to the clear up/return to normality phase, it is common for control of the incident to pass to the local authority.” Appliances from Fire and Rescue Stations at Market Bosworth, Western, Coalville, Birstall, Eastern, Central, Southern, Hinckley and Wigston attended. Additional vehicles included the Command Support Vehicle, Water Carrier, Hose Layer, Welfare Vehicle, Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) and Heavy Equipment Vehicle.

How the fire was reported

The Leicester Mercury (http:// www.leicestermercury.co.uk) had extensive coverage of the incident. Keith Yarwood, who lives about

The fire at GE Druck last year - photo by Ted Hollick 60 yards from the factory, told the Mercury: “At about 8am we saw a plume of smoke rising up and I thought it was a bonfire. Then within ten minutes it was a huge black cloud. Someone rang us - a contractor from Druck - and said we better leave because if the tanks did blow it would take the roof off our house. We left. We sat in the car at the end of the road for about 20 minutes. We went back when we saw the colour of the smoke going from thick black to grey and it seemed it was coming under control. It’s horrible. There’s a thick dense smoke swirling through the village stinking out people’s houses. It’s like the aftermath of Bonfire Night but worse.” John Thornton, who lives about 600 yards from the factory, said: “The smoke was really black and thick and the flames were 40 or 50 feet into the air.” He added that he had been told by a firefighter who was first on the scene that they had saved the village by cooling these huge oxygen containers which were in danger of going up, though the validity of this pessimistic assessment has been questioned. Councillor Peter Batty said the village was “effectively sealed off. There were huge palls of thick black smoke that could be seen from surrounding villages,” he said. “I live about a mile a way and you could taste the chemicals. It’s a worry because there are all sorts of chemicals on that site.” A resident of Fir Tree Walk shared these concerns: “When we moved here 30 years ago, it was just a small unit. Since then they’ve taken over a lot of other units. “If it contains such dangerous chemicals in such quantities what the hell is it

doing so close to residents?” But Cllr Batty and Cllr Jim Coley were reassured after a site meeting at Fir Tree Lane. Cllr Batty said: “It was very interesting. They allowed us a complete tour of the affected area, which was an office block. It was a mess. You could see the girders and the windows had melted, so it was clearly a high-heat fire. They showed us the chemical store which was protected by fire walls and there was only smoke damage. They were very open and didn’t try to avoid any questions.” And although any smoke inhalation is best avoided there was more re-assurance from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service group manager Paul Weston who said the toxicity of the smoke from the blaze was “no worse than from an average house fire”. Neil Elson, head teacher at the nearby Martinshaw Primary School, said the vast majority of the school’s 185 pupils attended as normal, apart from “a very small number, about 10, whose parents took them home as a precaution. “The fire service told us to keep windows and doors shut and we explained to the children what was happening,” he said.

The regulatory background Companies are required to meet stringent statutory safety standards. Shakespeares are the second largest law firm in the Midlands and has grown to become one of the region’s leading legal advisers. Commenting on the incident on their website (www.shakespeares.

co.uk ) Ashleigh Harold, a key part of Shakespeare’s regulatory team said, “What is significant about this case is whether GE Druck Ltd will be found wanting under the onerous provisions of the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations 1999. These regulations require businesses to take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances and to limit the consequences to people and the environment of any major accidents which do occur.” He added that “The Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency are the relevant ‘Competent Authority’ in England and Wales. The Regulations place duties on the Competent Authority to inspect activities subject to COMAH and prohibit the operation of a business if there is evidence that measures taken for prevention and mitigation of major accidents are seriously deficient. GE Druck Ltd will be required by the Competent Authority to have a robust Major Accident Prevention Policy (MAPP) in place detailing the safety management procedures to be implemented in the event of a major incident.” Alan Millband, Regulatory Partner in Shakespeares Nottingham offices said : “Officers of the Environment Agency were present during this blaze and are believed to have commented that there did not appear to be any imminent harm to the environment or contamination of water courses. GE Druck Ltd together with the Health and Safety Executive will undoubtedly now be reviewing their procedures to ensure all measures necessary were taken to mitigate the consequences of the accident on both people and the environment. Time will tell therefore whether any prosecution is brought against GE Druck Ltd given the onerous and dual responsibilities placed upon the company and the competent authority.” “Commercial buildings, nondomestic and multi-occupancy premises in England and Wales are already forced to undertake a ‘suitable and sufficient’ fire risk assessment carried out under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005,” explains the website of the Fire Industry Association(http://www.fia. uk.com). “While the overwhelming majority of premises do this, if the assessment is thought to have been carried out to an insufficient extent,

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk the Responsible Person can face an unlimited fine or up to two years in prison.” The Health and Safety Executive said at the time they were aware of the incident but the enquiry was ‘fire service led’. GE Druck has an excellent safety record and 12 months later it is re-assuring that there have been no reports of shortcomings. The company set up an email address for residents to ask questions about the incident, had a stand at the Groby Street Fair and also arranged a site open evening at which questions could be raised.

Thanks to the people of Groby

GE Druck’s site manager, Ryan Crocker, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Leicestershire fire emergency services, area business owners and community members of Groby for their patience and support as we dealt with the incident. Although your own lives were disrupted as a result of the fire and the street closures, you still opened your hearts and homes to those involved in the incident on Monday. Residents were quick to offer a place to sit, drinks and use of their facilities to those

employees who were evacuated. Some local shops opened earlier to accommodate our displaced workers and even offered free drinks to some. I’m sure there were other very quiet moments of generosity shared that I am not mentioning here, but you know who you are, and we are so very thankful for your understanding and generosity.”(http://www.groby. com) Although twelve months on the rebuilding has been completed there is no doubt that the day of the Great Groby Fire is one that will be remembered. If readers want to read more all the sources acknowledged are in the public domain and available online.

There must be many personal stories to tell about the day of the fire. Were you evacuated from your home? Did you take your children home? Were you on the receiving end of an act of kindness from local residents? Did you open your home or business to GE Druck employees walking the streets? Tell the spotlight and we’ll share your experiences with other readers.

Are you becoming ‘nomophobic’? WHERE is your mobile phone? When did you last check it? If it is close, and you have checked it within the last few minutes or so, you may have nomophobia…. Fear of being separated from your mobile phone. ‘Nomo’ stands for ‘no mobile’, and what you ‘fear’ is being out of contact, not connected.

Nomophobia is taking its toll on family life, it seems. As one father recently admitted: “The very first thing I do when I wake up in the morning – and the very last thing I do at night – is pick up my phone, press the Twitter app and see what’s going on in the world…. During the day I can’t undertake the most basic task – from making the children’s lunch to cleaning my teeth – without swiping the screen…” Now Ofcom, the communications industry regulator, has released figures that show that the average amount we spend online has more than doubled from 9.9 hours a week 10 years ago to 20.5 hours a week. A separate report finds that the average person in the UK checks their phone 50 times a day. Psychiatrists are warning of widespread technology addiction, and urge people to take ‘holidays’ from their gadgets. Most of us won’t manage that, but we might do well to heed at least one piece of advice: avoid screenlight for an hour before you sleep at night, in order to sleep properly. Phone addiction can be just as damaging as addiction to alcohol or gambling. If this is you, be honest, and consider the effect your screen addiction could be having on those people close to you.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Field Head development planned

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays We now have SKY and BT Sports Multi Screen. Ask about our new menus! www. bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Sat 13th June: GEORGIE FROM THE FINDING GEORGIA BAND Sat 27th June: THE BONEYARD BLUES BAND Fri 7th Aug: Charity Evening With THE DIRTY WATER BAND And SIMON HENLEY As Elvis Presley Sky & BT Sports Free Room Hire Available For Your Perfect Party - Bingo Every Tuesday Evening - View Our Website On www.facebook. com/TheThorntonClub Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205 Find us on FACEBOOK search Bagworth WMC New members welcome. Every Tuesday night TARGET SHOOTING - call for details Every Monday night: DOMINOES - only £1.50 entry, which includes supper. Bargain! Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Bingo & Raffle every Wednesday and Saturday Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month - and RAFFLE - with excellent prizes. Sequence dances Sunday Nights with live organist £2.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission. Ask about our FREE ROOM HIRE for those special family occasions. The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Brides and grooms-to-be are very welcome to come and take a look around our lovely hotel it’s a great wedding venue!

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New homes proposal for Jacqueline Road

The Bull’s Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc. POKER NIGHT - Tuesdays starts at 8pm Sat 27th June: AN EVENING OF JAZZ featuring KAT PAGETT with DEJA VU. Enjoy some of the music made popular by Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Sarah Vaughan and other jazz greats The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights Every Fortnight:- with ‘KING OF THE ROAD’. Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Fri 12th June: KELLY BRAZIL Sat 13th June: COLIN KACEY Fri 19th June: SCOTT DAVID Sat 20th June: LIMITED EDITION Fri 26th June: LAURA ELSON Sat 27th June: ABOVE & BEYOND Bingo every Friday & Saturday Bingo and Open The Box on Sunday Lunchtime Bingo & Pub Quiz every Sunday Evening DANCE CLUB - Sat 2.30pm3.30pm - All ages welcome - £3 per hour

THE MEETING of the Parish Council Planning Committee on 3rd June was better attended than usual. The reason for the interest was the visit by a representative of the builders Taylor Wimpey who talked about the company’s proposals for developing land off Jacqueline Road in Field Head. Taylor Wimpey intends to apply for permission for up to 140 dwellings including a new vehicular access point off Ratby Lane, open space and associated development. The proposals were presented to the local community at a public consultation event in Markfield in May. The new homes would be a mix of sizes and types, although the majority will be three and four bedroom family homes. There would be a large area of public open space along the southern boundary which would include a new children’s play area, allotments and new areas of landscaped grassland suitable for informal play and recreation. Details of the proposals can be found online at https://www.taylorwimpey. co.uk/jacqueline-road. “We are proposing to submit an outline planning application for this development, which will seek to secure the principle of development for the site while reserving detailed matters of design for future consideration,” the website explains. “Our current plans are therefore in an illustrative format and your feedback would be welcome. If you would like to comment on the proposals you can do so by clicking the ‘Have your say’ button. Your feedback will help us to refine our emerging plans before we finalise and submit a planning application to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.” With the Bloor Homes application resolved the residents of Groby and Field Head, together with Markfield, now have the beginnings of another potential development problem. When it is submitted this is may well become another planning application that the residents and Parish Council will wish to work together to oppose.

Norman Griffiths

The Old Thatched Inn, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon Sat 13th June: MEMPHIS TO VEGAS - a night of tribute to The King.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Bradgate Rotary Club News MAY HAS seen Bradgate Rotary Club busy scheduling plans for later in the year at our breakfast meetings and enjoying social events, whilst also raising funds for our local charities (STEPS. Alex’s Wish and 2020) at our evening meets. At our speaker’s evening on May 13th we were entertained and educated by Liz Robson from Rothley Wine Ltd (Kingfishers’ Pool Vineyard), following a two course meal at The Stamford Arms in Groby. Liz explained how she has established her English Wine Vineyard over the last two years and gave us all a taste of her sparkling Vintage wine “Orion” and one of their still white wines “Solaris”. As you can imagine it was a very relaxed and enjoyable experience. We are now looking forward to a return visit from her, later in the year, for a full wine tasting of her 2014 wine production. We also helped Brian (Rigby), our President, celebrate the recent opening of the Stamford Arms Pub Garden on Wednesday, May 27th with a “Skittles” Evening in the new garden, complete with an “al fresco” menu of Chicken Fajitas and ice creams from the new tuck shop. The following weekend involved members manning a tombola stall at the Bradgate Park Early Summer Fair in Newtown Linford on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May, where we were very happy to also support Anne H with her charity offering narrow boat trips for the disabled. We also run a charity bookstall for LOROS each Thursday at Glenfield Hospital and would welcome any volunteers who might be able to offer assistance with this venture (any avid booklovers out there!). The following events are planned for June and new members or prospective members would be extremely welcome to join us at any of our meetings, either for Breakfast 7.30-8.30am at The Stanford Arms, Groby on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday in the month or at our speaker evening (2nd Wednesday) or social evening ( 4th Wednesday). Please contact or drop in to chat with our President, Brian Rigby, at The Stamford Arms, Groby for any further details. Future plans already in place for Rotary are: • 17 June - Breakfast - Club assembly • 24 June - Social - Taste Restaurant at Leicester College, evening • 14 Oct - Speaker : Peter from Bradgate Park • 25 Nov - Wine tasting : Liz Robson, Rothley Wine Ltd

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

24-hour ‘Groby Hanson’s Challenge’ to raise Valuation Day money for injured at Thornton veterans “Fair Warning!”

WE ARE DELIGHTED to announce that Vanessa Savage of Hanson’s Auctions in Etwall, Derbyshire, is coming to Thornton on Saturday 20th June. Vanessa will be based in Thornton Community Centre from 10am – 2pm and is looking forward to meeting you and to talking about your (potential) valuables! Vanessa is a very highly experienced general valuer and works for the famous Charles Hanson - star of Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip etc. So come along on 20th June and bring your antiques and collectables, ceramics, jewellery, silver items, medals and coins – even favourite family bric-a-brac to see if it more valuable than you thought.

Entrance is free, but there will be a small charge of £1 per item for Vanessa to value (a set counts as just one item – so a tea/coffee service, or an album of postcards would be just £1). We will also have the centre’s ‘reservoir view’ Café open throughout selling the most delicious snacks and refreshments (all very reasonably priced). And if we manage to make enough cakes in advance, there will also be a cake stall! Vanessa will also be organising an interesting Antiques Quiz, designed by Hanson’s for keen watchers of TV antiques programmes. And of course there will be a good old Thornton RAFFLE! This is a charity event and all proceeds from the day will be shared equally between Thornton Community Centre and Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary. It promises to be an excellent event and we are really looking forward to welcoming you !

Muriel Walker (Thornton Community Centre) and Jo Leadbetter (Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary)

On Friday 29 May, Groby witnessed a fundraising 24-hour run to raise money for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans and Help for Heroes. Taking part were representatives from Groby Village including Groby Borough Councillor and former Mayor Cllr Martin Cartwright, the local Army Reserve unit (158 RLC), Loughborough University Officer Training Corps (RAF Typhoon Squadron), members of GE (Druck), and many others Participants ran laps of the village over a period of 24 hours. The circuit was 4.5km and teams changed runners every hour. Blesma Member Paul Swain, who lost his arm while serving in Afghanistan, ran the final lap. After the run, the Club opened for the FA Cup Final which kicked off at 5.30pm. There was also an auction with prizes including signed football shirts, a limited edition electric guitar and local restaurant vouchers! The challenge was organised by Jeff Twilton, who says: “It’s an honour to run in this event. The cause is close to all our hearts. Blesma does a great job for some special guys. I am especially glad Paul could come running with us.” Blesma, The Limbless Veterans is the national charity for all limbless service men and women, their widows and dependants. It was formed in the years following the First World War and became a national charity in 1932.

Cllr Martin Cartwright

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Groby Ward

Glenfield Millennium Green News It stayed dry this year for the Plant Sale that was held on the Green on May 23rd. Thank you to all who donated plants, came to buy and helped on the day. We raised just over £230 and there are some plants left to buy at our Garden Party. The Garden Party is being hosted by Joan and David Fawkes at 60 Overdale Avenue. This is being held on Saturday 4th July from 3.00pm to 5.00pm. The £2 admission includes afternoon tea with a choice of warm or cold drinks (accompanied children are admitted free). As well as the chance to meet with friends and enjoy a pleasant afternoon in the garden there will be tombola, a plant stall and a few games to pass the afternoon. If it does happen to rain there is room inside for everyone. To get there go past where the Brant Inn used to be and follow the road around the bend. There will be bunting and signs to help you find us. We look forward to your company.

Chris Tordoff

Secretary Glenfield Millennium Green Trust.

Invitation to FREE Health and Wellbeing Days at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation A new FREE Health and Wellbeing Day is starting on Thursday 4th June, and then running every Thursday, at the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation. This day builds on the success of the Foundation’s previous dropin groups, and will allow more local people to benefit from the uplifting social group, which takes place in the Foundations beautiful Charnwood Forest location of Ulverscroft Manor. The Health and Wellbeing Days run from 10am – 3pm, with no requirement to stay for the full day, but the opportunity to drop in and come and chat with friends, or make new friends, with light refreshments available. Should you wish to try some of our relaxation classes during the day regular Seated Yoga and Relaxation Classes are available (at a small cost), and appointments can be booked with a chiropodist/ reflexologist (prebooking required and at a small cost). Alan Norman, Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Chief Executive commented ‘We are delighted to be expanding the range of opportunities we can offer local people, and have seen some firm friendships and support networks formed at our health and wellbeing days. The additional opportunities to take part in seated exercise and relaxation classes has been particularly beneficial for our visitors and these popular classes are now available weekly’. Jodie Hodges, who has been attending the Foundation’s drop in groups commented ‘Because of my disability I have difficulty walking, the seated yoga has loosened me up which helps me to keep moving. I will now be doing seated yoga every week, it really does help.’ For more information on the Health and Wellbeing Day, or to book into a class, please contact the Support Team on 01530 244914 or hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org A fourth marriage meant yet another name change for me. I didn’t realize the upheaval it had caused until I asked my father why I hadn’t heard from him in a while. “I forgot your phone number,” he said. “You could’ve looked it up in the phone book.” “I didn’t know what name to look under.”

When I see a tyre swing swaying gently in the breeze, I like to believe its daydreaming about life on the open road.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

07/06/2015

Wimbledon Wordsearch

Word Search Puzzle

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WIMBLEDON is on its way so this month’s Wordsearch is based on tennis. Find TWELVE TENNIS TERMS in this issue’s puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are Solutions offering a for tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle House Districts FreeofResources Wine at The Fieldhead Hotel. What We Offer Who We Are Teachers To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - 12 TERMS OR PHRASES USED IN TENNIS. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

F H H P D Y K K U C S N M H O W E C S T Z A E F H T T J M P G D S H F I C N P S C F Z N X K X L E S U U K J E I Y S J M Z E A V J B M P X Z F V X O D I T T B I F J L P L S M L C H I P A N D C H A R G E P I E S N L G C T Y G I W D T D Z K T O T C F Q R S E E S N N M C I T T L U A F T O O F S A H K Z C Z O G J C Q H F S Y V H J N O K Q P H C V N P Z M S R E O D V S T D O S X I F S S I C R E C L E Y P N V P Q G T C L H O S M L R L C P D D O C R T X O F U E L V R X E G H G R X G J A U I R E E K Q D W Y B V D I G O S P W T D O G Q D C B D A B B A C K H A N D J Z O Q J D Y F Q BACKHAND CHIPANDCHARGE CROSSCOURT DROPSHOT FOOTFAULT FOREHAND KICKSERVE LET PASSINGSHOT SEED SETPOINT VOLLEY

Send your entry to: THREE MATCH POINTS, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 1st July 2015. Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry drawn out of the Editor’s trilby will win the Meal for Two at The Fieldhead Hotel. Good luck! Here are the twelve TENNIS TERMS you have to find:

BACKHAND • CHIP AND CHARGE • CROSSCOURT DROP SHOT • FOOT FAULT • FOREHAND KICK SERVE • LET • PASSING SHOT SEED • SET POINT • VOLLEY Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Issue’s Wordsearch Winner There Wasn’t One! Like a nit, I accidentally placed the wrong grid of letters in the magazine, so none of the clue words were actually in the puzzle! Some perplexed readers rang and emailed to ask if they were going crazy. I reassured them that I was the crazy one. Hopefully this one’s OK ....

Letter from Australia

Seeking Bernise Toon Hello, My name is Gary John Toon, I am a 4th generation Toon. I have been trying to get in contact with the Markfield Parish Church and also the Historical Society but I have received no reply. My cousin Alexander Toon was in contact with a lady by the name of Bernise Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com (Bernice) Thompson (I think I have spelt her first name correctly), but he has lost contact with her. We believe she was following up on the Toon Family history with the local parish church and also the historical society. Bernise was in her late 60’s. I would dearly like your assistance if you could please pass on this message on to some one that may be able to help connect with Bernise or a Toon family member. My Great Great Grandfather Was George Toon I have enclosed a photo of his grave in the North Rockhampton cemetery Queensland Australia. My great grand Father was John William Toon he was also born in Markfield and my grandfather was Alexander William Toon he was born in Australia. My contact details are; Work email – gary.toon@ergon.com.au Private email – Animal57@hotmail.com.au Mobile Phone 0409631025 Home Phone (07) 49394356 Once again, Thank you if you are able to help me.

Gary John Toon I got a job as a store greeter. But apparently “You again?” wasn’t the greeting they had in mind.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • JUNE 2015 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

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