Groby Spotlight June 2023

A final message from the Groby Gardening Society

AS MANY OF YOU will have noticed, the commemorative tree funded by the Society has been planted outside Groby Library and seems to be in good health.

The photo shows some of the committee attending the ceremony to affix the plaque. The tree is an amelanchier (also known as juneberry) which will eventually grow to a height and spread of 8m x 4m. Amelanchier show colourful spring flowers, useful for the early pollenators, as well as autumn colour as the leaves change. They also produce fruit which is a valuable source of food for birds, making this a tree for all seasons.

Since the final meeting of the Society, donations of the remaining assets have been made to local organisations, in addition to the purchase of the commemorative tree. Donations were made to the Groby CIC towards the upkeep of the meadow to keep Groby green, to Groby Parish Council towards plants for the upcoming sensory garden, to Groby Community library, and to the Groby Allotment Society. The remaining balance, after final banking charges, will be split between the Woodland Trust, and toward the upkeep of the Millennium Green in Glenfield, which many Groby residents visit frequently.

And that’s it. The Society operated for over 40 years, and members will have (hopefully!) happy memories of the talks, the social events, the plant sales, the Village Show, the daytrips and the longer 3-day holiday trips.

With best wishes for the future, enjoy your gardens when you can. Stay safe.

Keith Poole

Thank you letter from Ruth

Urgent Attention To Residents: 5G Mast Planned for Laundon Way

THE ONLINE comments for the planning application to install a 15m high 5G telephone mast on Laundon Way closed on Wednesday 14th June.

Via the Groby Spotlight I urge residents to look at this application, and if you don’t wish this to be installed then immediate action is required. If you wish to object and have missed the deadline of the 14th June then you can still object by emailing planning@hinckleybosworth.gov.uk and quoting the application number 23/00467/TGDO. Please make sure to include your name and address. This is really a matter of urgency if you want to stop this going ahead.

I would like to thank the volunteers who helped in spreading the word and Norwood press who kindly printed over a 1000 leaflets very quickly. Thanks also go to Borough Councillor Martin Cartwright who kindly made us aware this was taking place more information is contained in Cllr Martin Cartwrights Spotlight Borough Council report. You will only find one leaflet attached to a lamp post that was provided to warn all the residents of Groby of this application which personally on behalf of the affected residents I find appalling and shocking.

Tom Hines

GROBY is a wonderful place! Please could I, through Groby Spotlight Magazine, thank the people who on Tuesday evening (23rd May) came to my assistance when I fell dangerously at the roundabout at Sacheverel Way.

Two gentlemen - presumably on their way home - pulled me to safety and, staying a considerable time with me, miraculously produced First Aid equipment, a wad of tissues, water - to drink and to wipe up some of the blood. A lady had also stopped to see if she could help, and later she (and her son) drove me and my daughter home.

I am so sorry that in the shock of the situation I did not ask the names of any of my Samaritans, including the motorcyclist who pulled me to safety and supported me, cheerfully and encouragingly, but I did not clearly see his face. Thank you, thank you, to all those wonderful people, and others who paused to ask if further help was needed. Sincerest gratitude.

Ruth Ledbury

IM Properties launch £100,000 fund for community projects near Hinckley Park development

IT’S OVER A YEAR since readers became aware of a proposal to build a trading estate on farmland between Groby and Anstey. Though there has been nothing to report, there is no indication that the company has gone away. No doubt there is much work going on in the background making preparations for the submission of a planning application to the Borough Council.

A recent company announcement about another of their developments, less than 12 miles away as the crow flies, is a timely reminder of what is at stake. Although the 130 acre project is not yet complete, the development at Hinckley Park at the A5 island on the M69 is already occupied by Amazon and DPD, whose automated parcel depot is Europe’s largest. Developers no doubt like to have new projects in the pipeline when one is completed, but residents will no doubt hope that Groby will not be the next.

The announcement made by IM Properties will be seen by some as demonstrating their benevolence, though others may see it as a sweetener for accepting a permanent change to the landscape. The company has set up a £100,000 Hinckley Park Fund offering grants between £2,000 and £10,000 to support local groups and projects in the surrounding area.

“Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council is not involved in this fund in any way,” said a spokesperson for the council, “and it will be administered through Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.”

“We’ve seen first-hand the positive impacts our community funds can bring,” said Richard Lawrence, Development Director at IM Properties. “and didn’t want Hinckley to miss out. As the scheme is nearing the end, we’ve opted for a one-off panel to allocate funds of £100,000.”

The Hinckley Park project is not as large as the scheme proposed for Groby, but readers can get an indication of the scale by visiting https://hinckleypark. co.uk/ and scrolling down to the site camera.

IMP is reported to have offered to include a new doctor’s surgery on Anstey Lane - on the trading estate side of the A50 - if the Groby development goes ahead.

Norman Griffiths

Letter

Please take care of your elderly relatives

ON SUNDAY 4th June, my daughter and I found a very distressed older gent on a local car park.

He was crying and said he felt extremely low. We chatted to him for a while then we took him to the pub and got him a coffee.

His wife had died last year and he didn’t want to burden his family with how he felt. He said he had a son in a nearby village whose mother in law had dementia so they were busy with her. Also, his daughter was moving house in the next week so he didn’t want to bother her. This older generation really find it hard to tell their families about their emotions - my mother and father were the same.

I just want put out there that if you have an older single parent who says they are okay, it is possible that they may not be. Please check on them as often as you can.

This gentleman has had a very interesting life and we were with him for a couple of hours. He was smiling at the end of our chat so hopefully we helped him out a bit.

Di Stevenson

New

fund helps families with energy and food costs

RESIDENTS who need support with rising food and energy costs can apply for a slice of a new £7.2m pot.

Leicestershire County Council was been awarded the money by the Department of Work and Pensions and is urging people who are struggling to pay their bills to apply.

Eligible households can receive an average of £200 in vouchers.

This means that the council has now made £22m of wide-ranging support available to help ease cost of living pressures. Over half-term, 14,000 children across Leicestershire could also benefit from £15 school food vouchers.

The council’s support includes: Energy efficiency grants and advice - through the council’s Warm Homes scheme

Community fridges – run by volunteers, with projects in Wigston, Coalville, Loughborough, and Hinckley, are continuing to support their local communities by providing

donated food for free to anyone who needs it Applications need to be made through a professional or support worker – or through one of the following organisations:

• Registered charities and voluntary organisations

• Schools/education settings

• Food banks

• Care organisations

• Children’s Services

• Adult Social Care

• Housing

• Revenues and Customer Support

• Public Health

• Care and NHS professionals including nurses and GPs

• District and borough councils

• Citizens’ Advice

The money is from the Government’s Household Support Fund. Find out more on the council’s Cost of Living webpage (https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ leisure-and-community/find-help-with-cost-of-living)

Field Head Street Party At the Movies

Groby Sings has two exciting pieces of news to report this month. Firstly, tickets are on sale NOW for our concerts on:

SATURDAY 24th JUNE 7.00pm and SUNDAY 25th JUNE 3.00pm

VENUE: Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Ratby Road, Groby LE6 0FP (known locally as BGLC or Groby College)

TICKETS - only £5 – can be bought at THE GROBY CLUB (during normal opening hours), GROBY LIBRARY (Wednesdays and Saturdays only 10.00am-12.00pm) and via CHOIR MEMBERS.

ON SUNDAY 7th May, Field Head held their own street party closing off the service road behind the Field Head Hotel.

Just over 400 people attended. playing games, singing and eating lots of food. All good left over was donated to the Markfield Library and Food Banks in the area.

David Hyde

How to deal with those STRESSFUL people in your life

SADLY, most of us know someone who makes us feel stressed. That awkward colleague at work, a selfish family member, an aggressive neighbour, or a friend who emotionally drains you.

Whoever they are, beware: stress-giving people can seriously affect your mental – and physical – health. Travis Bradberry, the author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, warns: “Even if we are exposed to stress for just a few days, it can still compromise the effectiveness of neurons in the hippocampus - that part of the brain which is responsible for reasoning and memory.”

Stress produces more adrenaline and cortisol. These ‘stress’ hormones put you in a state of ‘hyper-arousal’. Your heart rate and blood pressure increase, you feel angry, anxious, out of control, overwhelmed or numb. Long term, this can result in insomnia, and even heart disease and stroke.

So how do you stop stressful people from hurting you? Clinical psychologist Dr Marianne Trent and other psychotherapists suggest the following:

Try to take breaks from the stress-giver for at least 20 minutes at a time. Give your stress hormones time to rebalance, and regain your inner calm.

Try to schedule your meeting with the stress-giver between activities that make you happy. Even just texting a good friend can help.

Try to reduce the time you spend with them. Of course, as stressful people are often ‘un-boundaried’, they will not like that, because they want to set the agenda. Instead, start setting boundaries as to when you are available. Don’t be afraid to just say ‘no’. They don’t own you, and they should not be running your life.

COME ALONG to a concert and support your Community Choir as our second piece of great news is that we’ve had this message from Hannah Meredith, Communities Editor, BBC Radio Leicester:

‘Groby Sings has been shortlisted as a FINALIST in the Community Group category for BBC Radio Leicester’s Make a Difference Awards 2023.

‘It's an award that goes to a group of people who have helped to genuinely change the lives of others within the community. We had hundreds of nominations across the eight award categories, so you should be incredibly proud of yourselves that we got to hear about your dedication and effort which is obviously highly valued by many.

‘The judges had to shortlist four finalists for each Make a Difference category and it is just wonderful news that you are one of those finalists for the Community Group award.’

There is to be an awards ceremony on Sunday, 3rd September, when the overall winner will be announced. Radio Leicester is planning to record some audio and video clips of the finalists to play in the lead up to the event so listen to our local radio and keep an eye on the Radio Leicester website for glimpses of Groby Singers sharing their passion for singing and socialising.

Meanwhile, we have many singers who are not from Groby and we welcome anyone from anywhere who’d like to sing with us on Wednesdays, term time only, at The Groby Club, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ, which has ramps and disabled facilities. Adult singers: 1.30-3.00pm or 7.30-9.00pm, Youth & Children’s Choir (7 years and over): 3.40-4.40pm.

All sessions include a refreshment break. Pre-school children are welcome in the afternoon in the care of their adult with a crèche area available. Groby Sings is a dementia-friendly choir and people with memory problems and their friends and carers are especially welcome to join us.

Enquiries via our website www.grobysings.org

Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490

Some of my salad garnish was singing Jailhouse Rock the other day. Think it was Elvis Parsley.

GROBY PARISH COUNCIL

Tel: 0116 287 6985 • Email: parishclerk@groby.com • Website:www.groby.com

May 2023 Elections

Following the Parish Council Elections which took place on 4 th May 2023 we now have a new Council made up of 16 councillors, 13 representing Groby Ward and 3 representing Field Head Ward. These locally elected people represent the interests of those living and working in the Groby Parish. Please contact us via our Parish Clerk, Sue Hackett, about matters that concern you, or any ideas you may have.

Council have also held their Annual Meeting at which Councillor Carol Lincoln was elected Chairman and Councillor Nathan Clarke as Vice Chairman.

Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting took p lace in the Village Hall on Thursday 25th May 2023. The Parish Meeting provides parishioners with an opportunity to meet their councillors, find out more about what the various local groups and organisations are doing, what the Parish Council are doing and to have your say. The format for this year’s meeting was slightly different and we invited the local groups and organisations to do a table -top presentation. We had displays from the Scout Group, Groby Juniors Football Club, Groby Library, the Neighbourho od Plan Steering Group, Groby Allotment Society, Bradgate Rotary , Churches Together in Groby and over 40 residents in attendance.

The Chairman presented her report and expressed her gratitude to the local groups which are run by volunteers for the benefit of the community and who help to make lives richer in a number of ways. Councillor Lincoln went on to report on what the Parish Council has done over the last four years, and this included:

• Work has started on the formation of a memorial rose garden on Stamford Park next to the Memorial to the Groby footballers who lost their lives in a tragic accident.

• Starting up a Warm Spaces hub during the winter months.

• Embarking on a project to introduce wildflower verges and areas around the village to help protect the environment and encourage biodiversity.

• Maintenance of St Philip & St James’ Churchyard.

• Maintained our open green spaces, parks and cemetery.

• Reacted to climate concerns over energy and made cost savin gs on the Christmas Lights along with engaging in multiple tree planting initiatives.

• Made great progress with the Neighbourhood Plan which is currently short -listing all the green spaces around our Parish that need protection from development

• Installed mobile vehicle-activated speed signs around the village to help make our roads safer.

• Carried out several litter picking events with a joint team of councillors and residents.

• Provided funding for legal representation to oppose the proposed housing developm ent at Field Head.

PARISH COUNCILLORS

GROBY WARD:

Carol LINCOLN (Chairman)

Nathan CLARKE (Vice Chairman)

Geoff BAKER

Sylvia BECK

Liz EMMERSON

Katherine GRIFFITHS

Ted HOLLICK

Natasha JONES

Sandra JONES

Colin MULLINS

Gary RICHARDSON

Lesley TRIVETT

Carole YORK

FIELD HEAD WARD:

Peter BATTY

David HYDE

Harvey SINGH

The Chairman pledged to move forward as a Council this year doing positive things to benefit and improve parish li fe and to that end, Council would welcome any suggestions from parishioners. Unfortunately, due to an External Auditor bill of just over £39,000 Council will have a very restricted budget this year. The bill relates to the time taken for the auditor to investigate the numerous challenges and objections from one elector in the Parish. Of these challenges, six points were upheld by the auditor and a Public Interest Report was issued which can be viewed on Council’s website. Council have now formed a committee tasked with putting an action plan, which will address the areas of concerns, into place.

There is however a pot of money available from a previous housing development in Groby which is set aside for sporting facilities or play equipment on Marina Park, and we would welcome our parishioners thoughts on how this might be spent.

Wildflowers in Butlers Field

The Memorial Rose Garden taking shape on Stamford Park

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

On the face of it, moving from paying 20% basic rate tax to 40% higher rate tax sounds painfully expensive. However, the UK tax system uses marginal tax rates. This means you only pay a particular rate on the portion of your income that falls into the relevant band.

A practical example

Using the tax bands and rates for 2023-4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (The bands and rates in Scotland vary slightly but the principles are the same.)

Imagine you earn £50,270, which is the top end of the basic rate band. You pay no income tax on the first £12,570 as this is covered by the personal allowance. You then pay the basic rate of 20% on the remaining money (£37,700), meaning £7,540 in income tax.

If you then get a pay rise of £1,000, you’ll move into the 40% ‘higher rate’ band. However, only this extra £1,000 is taxed at 40%. That means your total income tax rises by £400 to £7,940. However much you earn, what really matters is your ‘effective marginal tax rate’. Simply put, that’s how much of each extra pound you earn goes to taxes and other costs. For example,

How to keep YOUNG, as you grow OLD

WHEN THE US President Joe Biden announced that he was running for re-election, many of us thought he was too old. He will be 86 by the end of 2028. Trump will be 82. How could either of them run the United States at such an age?

an employee earning £30,000 could have an effective marginal tax rate of 32%, made up of 20% income tax and 12% National Insurance.

Student loans

Sometimes the effective marginal tax rate may be higher than you expect. For example, graduates who started university in 2012 or later don’t face that extreme effect but they do have a higher effective marginal tax rate than nongraduates. Any income you have over £27,295 is taxed at an extra 9% towards your loan repayments. Add in income tax and NI and you have an effective marginal tax rate of 41%. If you get into the higher rate band, this rises to over 50%.

Higher rates

There’s also a potential shock for anyone (graduate or not) whose income rises over £100,000. On paper you’ll still be paying the 40% rate because the 45% ‘additional rate’ doesn’t start until you earn £125,140. However, for every £2 you earn over £100,000, the personal allowance is reduced by £1. For every extra £2 you earn, your taxable income goes up by £3. It’s charged at the 40% rate, meaning £1.20 extra income tax. Put it all together and the effective marginal tax rate is 60%. Many people joining the six -figure club will take expert advice on options such as increasing pension contributions that may reduce tax liabilities.

The argument about Biden and Trump will doubtless carry on, but meanwhile, there is some encouragement for the rest of us who are ageing.

A 2012 study by the University of Edinburgh found that only about a quarter of the cognitive changes that occur as we age are determined by genetics. The other three quarters are based on our lifestyle choices.

Firstly, choose to exercise. When you exercise in any way, you are not just making your body fit, you are also improving your brain health. This is because exercise promotes the release of a cell-making protein in the brain called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which is linked to learning and memory.

Secondly, choose to retain a sense of control and purpose in your life. We can’t all influence world politics, but we can each of us can act for the general good of the people around us. In 2022, researchers in the US found that people who have a greater sense of purpose in life not only live longer, but have fewer health problems, including depression, blood pressure problems and heart attacks.

Thirdly, choose to set yourself some realistic personal goals, no matter how small. Research shows that setting a goal – even just to lose weight, or tidy the garden, can make you feel immediately more worthwhile.

Spot the difference!

Spot the difference!

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

Fourthly, choose to keep spending time with other people. Remaining sociable in old age is vital – we are social animals and really do need those meaningful relationships.

Fifthly, choose to follow activities that allow you to keep learning – perhaps take up a hobby such gardening, or even begin a foreign language.

Smile Time

A man goes to the doctor and says, “Doctor, I think I’ve got a problem with my ears.” The doctor replies “Can you describe the symptoms?” The man says “Sure. Marge has blue hair, Homer is fat & bald”.

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a pyramid covered in chocolate and hazelnuts. It’s believed to be the tomb of Pharaoh Rocher.

Leicester Road Co-op customers are literally quids in

Back in January the Spotlight revealed that a local supermarket’s prices for some products had been cut so much that they were lower than the major supermarket groups. Shoppers at village stores know from experience that convenience and low prices do not normally go together, so this was welcome news. With food price inflation soaring it is remarkable that the Central England Co-op managed to promise to freeze the prices of many items until 13th June (the ‘Price Lock’.)

Leicester Road Co-op customers are literally quids in

BACK IN JANUARY the Spotlight revealed that a local supermarket’s prices for some products had been cut so much that they were lower than the major supermarket groups.

Although the Co-op says it will be continuing to offer great member’s discounts on over 100 lines, with the price lock ending customers should check for any price changes when shopping in order to avoid surprises at the checkout. Customers using contactless payment cards often no longer ask for a receipt, so they have no record of how much they paid for individual items.

check for any price changes when shopping in order to avoid surprises at the checkout. Customers using contactless payment cards often no longer ask for a receipt, so they have no record of how much they paid for individual items.

Shoppers who have taken advantage of the Member’s Prices will have made significant savings. At first the price cuts were limited to 50 items, but this was then doubled to 100. The prices were locked until Easter initially, but Easter passed and customers continued to save.

Shoppers at village stores know from experience that convenience and low prices do not normally go together, so this was welcome news. With food price inflation soaring it is remarkable that the Central England Co-op managed to promise to freeze the prices of many items until 13th June (the ‘Price Lock’.)

Shoppers who have taken advantage of the Member’s Prices will have made significant savings. At first the price cuts were limited to 50 items, but this was then doubled to 100. The prices were locked until Easter initially, but Easter passed and customers continued to save.

Central Co-op is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK, with over 440 trading sites in 19 counties in the East and West Midlands and beyond. In Groby only the Leicester Road Village Store is part of the Central Co-op. The members prices are only available to customers who had joined the Co-op, but the £1 fee was likely to be recovered in the first shop. A temporary membership card, which can be used straight away, can be picked up at the checkout. Membership can then be registered online, though some may prefer to download the Co-op app to their phone.

Road Village Store is part of the Central Co-op. The members prices are only available to customers who have joined the Co-op, but the £1 fee is likely to be recovered in the first shop. A temporary membership card, which can be used straight away, can be picked up at the checkout. Membership can then be registered online, though some may prefer to download the Co-op app to their phone.

Although the Co-op says it will be continuing to offer great member’s discounts on over 100 lines, with the price lock ending customers should

When shopping remember that different supermarket chains discount different products and may have similar price locks or discounts such as Tesco Clubcard prices, so if possible always check prices before you buy.

Norman Griffiths

SOME

Central Co-op is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK, with over 440 trading sites in 19 counties in the East and West Midlands and beyond. In Groby only the Leicester

When shopping remember that different supermarket chains discount different products and may have similar price locks or discounts such as Tesco Clubcard prices, so if possible always check prices before you buy.

Norman Griffiths

OF THE CO-OP MEMBER’S PRICES COMPARED AS AT 31ST MAY 2023

Tour of grounds of Groby Old Hall

Led by Peter Liddle

Tuesday 4th July 2023 at 2.00 pm

This Tour is part of the Leicestershire Festival of Archaeology www.leicsfieldworkers.org/festival-of-archaeology/

South Charnwood High School

‘encouraging

Human Resources and Office Manager

37 HOURS PER WEEK - Full-time or term time considered (40 weeks per year)

Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm four days a week and 8:00 am to 3:30pm one day a week.

South Charnwood High School

Admission: £4 • Pre-booking is essential. Contact Mr Liddle on 0116 221 4508 or email peter.liddle51@gmail.com

Within the grounds is:

• the Motte of the former Groby Castle

• the shield of a De Quincy / Ferrers coat-of-arms in the brickwork of the Tower

• a surviving wall of part of the former grand medieval manorial complex

• a surviving wall presumed to have been a wall of the preReformation Chapel

• remains of a “ha-ha”

This site was the home of Sir John Grey of Groby, who died at the Second Battle of St Albans on 17 February 1461, and the property remained in the hands of the Grey family through to the time of Sir John’s great-great granddaughter

QUEEN JANE (LADY JANE GREY) (1537 - 1554) and beyond.

Sir John’s widow ELIZABETH

WOODVILLE (c. 1437 - 1492) became QUEEN CONSORT to Edward IV (brother of Richard III). Through this second marriage, Elizabeth Woodville was the mother of the ill-fated “Princes in the Tower”.

She was also the mother of Elizabeth of York who became QUEEN CONSORT to Henry VII (Henry Tudor), and therefore she was maternal grandmother to Elizabeth and Henry’s son Henry VIII.

Further, she is an ancestor of both Queen Jane (Lady Jane Grey) and Jane’s rival Queen Mary.

(By her first marriage Elizabeth Woodville was a great-great grandmother to Jane, and by her second marriage, she was a great grandmother to Mary).

GRADE 9 - Actual Full-Time Salary £27,858 to £30,078 per annum • Actual 40 Weeks PA Salary £24,340 to £26,866 per annum. (Pay Award Pending)

‘encouraging

An excellent and experienced administrator and communicator is required as soon as possible, to lead our Administration Team on a day to day basis, as well as to provide high quality HR support to the Business Manager and the academy as a whole. If you feel you could excel in this role and have team leader and HR or payroll experience, we would love to hear from you. We can offer you the chance to work with a fantastic team of colleagues with a strong, supportive staff development ethos.

You are very welcome to visit us prior to application. Please call to agree a suitable date and time to look around the school and meet our staff and pupils.

Please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list check is essential.

Closing date for applications:

9.00am, Tuesday 27th June 2023

‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’

Local charity awarded £14,840 from the Severn Trent Community Fund

LOCAL CHARITY, Living

Without Abuse, is celebrating after being awarded almost £15,000 in funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund to refurbish their Loughborough and Leicester offices.

LWA supports victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The funds will enable LWA to provide its hardworking staff with areas for mental wellbeing and relaxation, as well as a welcoming

safe space for clients escaping trauma.

LWA has offered domestic abuse services since 1977 and is made up of paid staff and volunteers who provide a range of services to the local community, whilst managed by a team of volunteer Trustee Directors. The charity actively works to tackle the issues of domestic abuse head-on, whilst raising awareness and hosting numerous events and campaigns each year to support more victims. This funding from the Severn Trent Community Fund, which

awards grant money to improve the three elements of community wellbeing - people, places and environment – means there will now be modern, relaxing staff lounges and wellbeing areas at both offices. In addition to this LWA will offer a welcome and safe one to one counselling room at its Leicester office, for victims of domestic abuse and their families, along with a breakout room which will be used to provide therapy sessions.

Tammy Clinton-Harris, Operational Manager, says: “Having the funding to add separate spaces

for staff break times has been vital for our staff and organisation to fully embrace trauma informed practice. Delivering services as we do and supporting vulnerable victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence can have an impact on staff’s emotional health and wellbeing.

“Vicarious trauma can be prevalent in this sector. The breakout space that we are creating will be a fundamental part of staff wellbeing to ensure they are practising in a safe environment and have space to step away and have adequate break times.”

Groby Scouts

CAMPING SEASON is well and truly upon us.

Over 60 of our young people attended our recent Spring Group Camp. The theme was ‘Hard Rock Camp’ and the youngsters tried drumming, built their own bottle top shaker sticks, decorated their own ‘Rock T-Shirt’, mugs and guitar biscuits, plus Den building, open fires and sleeping in tents. There were some impressive dance moves at the Disco. The Cubs were having such a great time they were up before 5am on Saturday!

Seven of our Scouts are joining a group of 30 Scouts climbing and camping in Derbyshire later this month and plans for both summer camp and our Autumn Group camp are well underway.

Our Family Fun Day, to celebrate our 73rd Birthday is on June 17th, join us between 12 and 4pm for food, stalls, games and fun. We’ll see you there

National Trust Leicester Association

ACOUPLE OF years ago Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood in Derbyshire was renamed “The Children`s Country House” by the National Trust and it was recently announced as Permanent Exhibition of the Year at the Museum & Heritage Awards 2023.

Held at a glittering packed out ceremony at 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, the awards celebrate the very best in the world of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions.

On announcing The Children’s Country House as the winners in the Permanent Exhibition of the Year category, the judges noted ‘That this winning permanent exhibition has moved the sector’s dial! It is a participatory and imaginative new bold approach to interpreting historic houses and heritage’.

Jodie Lees, Creative Programme Manager at The Children’s Country House said “It is fantastic that we have been recognised in these industry leading awards. The team here have worked incredibly hard to create an experience with, for and by children and families’.”

The SWEET SMELL of rain

HAVE YOU ever noticed the sweet, fresh smell after a downpour of rain? That ‘smell of rain’ is called petrichor, and it fascinates scientists.

It was back in 1965 that scientists first named it. Petrichor comes from the Greek for stone, ‘petra’, and the golden fluid flowing through the veins of the immortals, ‘ichor’.

Petrichor is produced when raindrops form air pockets on the rocks and soil, and softly force the release of aromatic chemicals trapped there. The petrichor-scented compounds drift upwards into the atmosphere as a gas, like a glass of champagne.

The odour itself comes mainly from a chemical called geosmin, which is made by bacteria in soil. Geosmin is made by soil microbes, to fend off hungry worms. Geosmin is highly pungent, and even just five parts per trillion can be picked up by the human nose.

To create The Children’s Country House, National Trust staff worked with 100 ‘Ambassadors’, aged up to 12 years, to devise and test ideas, first in digital sessions and then via in-person workshops at the hall.

Jodie continued “This is a new way for a National Trust house to work with children, and we’ve built close relationships with the children and their families. The children have been part of this process and enjoyed sharing their ideas, thoughts and feedback but above all they love that this is somewhere tailored for them.”

John Orna-Ornstein, National Trust’s Director of Curation and Experience said “I am delighted to see the well-deserved recognition for The Children’s Country House and the team there. It is truly bringing history to life for children in a fun, creative but informative way, encouraging an interest and curiosity in heritage among young people that we hope will last them a lifetime.”

When The Children’s Country House opened in October 2022, it was believed to be the first heritage experience of its kind where the Hall, Museum and Gardens put young people at the very centre of the experience. Trust experts worked alongside children to create

the new experience, where children are encouraged to be curious, explore the house and ‘have fun with history’, all while protecting the late 17th century hall’s collections.

The Museum & Heritage Awards are open to all museums, galleries, archives, and cultural and heritage organisations, both digital and in-person. Entries are welcomed from all areas of the cultural sector; from organisations that connect objects, stories and spaces with audiences and people, as well as the individuals, companies and organisations which support their work.

The Children’s Country House at Sudbury is currently open weekends only but during school holidays it will be open seven days a week. Pre-booking is essential.

The National Trust Leicester Association has now moved on to its summer programme of outings, visits and social events. Meetings with a speaker will re-commence in September with speakers booked for the evening of the 12th and the afternoon of the 27th. For full details of the NT Leicester Association please visit our web site at www.leicesternt.com or call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association

Some FUN Facts

• ‘Bluetooth’ technology was named after a tenth-century king, King Harald ‘Bluetooth’ Gormsson. He united Denmark and Norway, just like the technology united computers and mobile phones.

• It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.

• The only part of your skeleton you can touch is your teeth.

• The real name for a hashtag (#) is an octothorpe. The ‘octo’ refers to the eight points in the symbol, but according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary the ‘thorpe’ part is a mystery.

RSPCA Food Bank is now open

RSPCA Woodside Animal Centre are pleased to announce the opening of a Pet Food Bank scheme in Leicestershire and Peterborough.

The Pet Food Bank will be available at five separate locations in Leicestershire, and two locations in Peterborough.

RSPCA Woodside’s Communities and Communications Officer, Natalie Martin said: “The decision about whether individuals should feed themselves or their pets should never have to be made. Currently, Woodside Animal Centre receive up to ten calls a day from people asking if they can relinquish their pets to Woodside as they cannot afford vet fees or animal food.

“The pet food bank will not be means-tested as more people are struggling due to the cost-ofliving crisis. Glenfield Storage Solutions have kindly offered free storage for the pet food and Woodside Animal Centre simply wouldn’t be able to run the pet food bank without their generosity.

“We are hoping that this new pet food bank scheme will mean more pets can stay with their families.”

Individuals using the pet food bank will be able to choose their nearest collection point to collect the pet food from. RSPCA Woodside pet food bank collection points will be located at Woodside Animal Centre, their Leicestershire charity shops in Hinckley, Birstall, Wigston and Melton Mowbray, as well as their Peterborough charity shops in Market Deeping and Whittlesey.

Anyone wishing to use Woodside’s Pet Food Bank should allow 1 working day’s notice for pet food packages to be prepared.

They can call 0116 233 6677, 10am-4pm, 7 days a week, or they can visit Woodside’s website for more details: rspcaleicester.org.uk/pet-foodbank.

Time to say Thank You

THANK YOU to our past and retiring Borough and Parish Councillors for their contributions during the last difficult 4 year term, and welcome to our newly elected Councillors for both the Groby and Field Head Wards.

Time to show appreciation

I AM VERY grateful to County Councillor Ozzy O’shea for supporting my request and facilitating the funds and Traffic Management arrangements which has enabled the very welcome improvements to the Groby Pool footpaths and viewing area .

The fact that the whole of the pool is privately owned by Hansons has meant that Leics. County Council has had to get permission from the company along with a financial contribution to carry out the much needed work on their land.

Needless to say I am absolutely delighted with the quality of the work done and would say on behalf of the many visitors and regular walkers to our local beauty spot

A very big thank you to Hanson and the Leics. Highways Team.

Borough Council positions

AS WELL as being one of your two Groby Ward Councillor’s I will once again be a member of the Borough Planning Committee, the Audit Committee, and the Ethical Governance Committee (Vice Chair ) I will also be the Borough Representative on both the Groby Quarry Liaision and Bradgate Landfill Committees.

Will this be a solution?

Planning Application

21/01191/HYB Padge Hall Farm Hinckley

THE HYBRID Planning application was recently deferred from the previous planning meeting, the proposal for warehouses, industrial units and a large distribution centre creating nearly 2000 jobs, south of the A5 near to the notorious railway bridge and the Dodwells island. It had already been approved by Rugby Borough Council and the Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough council.

It just left Hinckley and Bosworth to pass the plans for the access to the area as this was the only part that was in our control.

The Hinckley planning committee decided that it would not support the scheme without and until we had a number of questions answered by the three Highway authorities in respect of the long awaited A5 improvements. This meeting has not taken place but we have had a discussion with the developers as to their very detailed plans for lowering the A5 roadway underneath the railway bridge and a reserved area alongside the current roadway for possible future dualling of it.

With these reassurances the committee has now voted by a majority to approve the access.

Groby COMMUNITY Library

OVER THE NEXT few weeks up until July 19th the Rural Community Council’s Hinckley and Bosworth Mobile Community Hub will be offering drop in sessions in the library on Wednesday afternoons, from 2-4.

Come and chat to Vikki and Gemma for information and advice on finances, housing, schooling, health & wellbeing, employment, budgeting, family and legal support. The service is free and you don’t need to book.

Summer Reading Challenge

From July 1st and throughout the summer holidays Leicestershire Libraries present our ever popular Summer Reading Challenge!

If you are aged between 4 and 12 years old you can take part. Just come to the library and register with us and you’ll get a foldout passport and the first two of six stickers. What you have to do is solve the puzzles in the passport and read some books! Although the theme of the challenge is sport your books can be about anything at all, or story books. When you’ve read them you just write their details in your folder and then come back for your second and third visits. You’ll get more goodies and, finally a certificate and medal! Let’s see how many children will complete the challenge in Groby!

Cuppa & Company

My apologies to all those who have been confused by our efforts to increase the number of Cuppa and Company sessions we offer each month. To simplify things, from July 1st we will have two sessions each month, on the second and fourth Fridays, from 10.30 until 11.30. Despite the recent confusion we are still enjoying an hour of chat and free coffee with our friends and new friends.

Mother & Baby Group

Cuppa and Company is turning into an established favourite activity in the library, but don’t forget our newest opportunity to meet your neighbours, the mother and baby group that meets on Wednesday mornings from 10.30. It’s a chance to meet your fellow mums while your little ones get to socialise together!

Bestsellers now in stock

A selection of titles from The Sunday Times bestsellers, now in stock at Groby Library:

• Mark Billingham The Last Dance

• Richard Osman The Bullet That Missed

• Ian Rankin A Heart Full of Headstones

• Bonnie Garmus Lessons in Chemistry

• Peter James Picture You Dead

• Jeffrey Archer Next in Line

• Lee Child & Andrew Child No Plan B

• Kate Atkinson Shrines of Gaiety

• Marian Keyes Agaian, Rachel Happy Reading!

Dave Robinson

BOOK SPOT: The Last Dance

By Mark Billingham

MEET Detective Miller: unique, unconventional, and criminally underestimated...

He’s a detective, a dancer, he has no respect for authority - and he’s the best hope Blackpool has for keeping criminals off the streets. Meet Detective Declan Miller.

A double murder in a seaside hotel sees a grieving Miller return to work to solve what appears to be a case of mistaken identity. Just why were two completely unconnected men taken out?

Despite a somewhat dubious relationship with both reality and his new partner, can the eccentric, offbeat Miller find answers where his colleagues have found only an impossible puzzle?

Across

1. Short play preceding the main performance (7-6)

7. Diplomat having less authority than an ambassador (5)

8. Small axe with a short handle (7)

9. Egyptian royal tomb (7)

10. Plain dough cake, often griddled (5)

11. John ___, English dramatist whose works include Look Back in Anger (7)

17. Minor parish official (5)

18. Mass of precious metal (7)

20. Territory occupied by a nation (7)

21. One of the two main branches of orthodox Islam (5)

22. Native of Freetown, for example (6,7) Down

1. Causing a sensation as of things crawling on the skin (6)

2. Large streams (6)

3. Bottomless gulf or pit (5)

4. Skilled craftsman (7)

5. Educational institution (6)

6. Having decayed or disintegrated (6)

8. Large body of water in north-east Canada (6,3)

12. Knitted jumper (7)

13. Appliance that corrects dental irregularities (6)

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

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

16. Native of Mumbai, for example (6)

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

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea

Groby Flood Alleviation Project

I AM PLEASED to report that I had a site meeting with the project manager from Severn Trent on Wednesday 24th May.

We met representatives from Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and looked at an area of the Groby Pool car park as a possible location for a construction compound. The compound is required whilst Severn Trent contractors carry out the works at the two locations in Groby. The meeting was very positive. The work is likely to start in September as this is the earliest that Cadent can start the work moving the gas main on Ratby Road near to the junction of Markfield Road, prior to Severn Trent carrying their work. There will be a lot of traffic disruption both at this location and also at the second location on Leicester Road near to Marston Drive. However, I am sure residents will be pleased, that the work we have done over the past 5 years working with Highways and Severn Trent is now coming to fruition as flooding in this area goes all the way back to 1993.

I will keep residents fully updated, making sure you have plenty of notice of the planned works and traffic control.

Policing

ON TUESDAY 16TH MAY I met Police Inspector Steve Palmer at County Hall to discuss issues within my ward.

We discussed burglaries which had occurred mainly in Groby and he assured me that extra resources had been put in place and an arrest had been made. However, there is an ongoing issue in Ratby with shed and garage breaks, where pedal cycles are being taken and recently a motor cycle. They have mainly occurred in the early hours over weekends. I am pleased to say, the police have been passed details of possible suspects for these offences. I would urge all residents to make sure that their sheds and garages are locked securely.

Another of the issues we discussed was the increased number of electric scooters in Groby and Ratby. I am pleased to report that we have been allocated another police officer, Pc Amy Cunningham. Amy replaces Pc Greg Rawisinski on the beat team. We have also been allocated further PCSO, Pcso Grace Muldoon. Two excellent

officers. Residents know that I work closely with the police team and will do my best to keep you updated on current issues. I would like to welcome Amy and Grace to the team.

Footpath Newtown Linford Lane, Groby

I AM PLEASED to report that I have been working with Highways and Hansons, who own the Groby Quarry.

Highways have been cutting the over growth and bushes back. They have also improved the footpaths going past Groby Pool and stoned the path past the weir. Unfortunately the footpath only goes so far before it diverts through the fields. The cost of a footpath to Newtown Lindford is far too prohibitive.

I have secured this work using approximately £31,000 out of my members Highways Fund and a Community donation from Hansons. I had several requests from residents regarding the over grown bushes impeding the footpath and also the state of the current footpath in places. For the last 2 years members were allocated £25,000 to use in their wards. Unfortunately, the members Highway Fund closed this April. However, Groby Parish has done very well out of the fund receiving additional speed activated signs that are moved around by the parish council. The work on the paths should be completed by the end of June.

B&Q Scam Email

FRAUDSTERS are impersonating B&Q in dodgy emails which promise free products in exchange for filling out a survey.

Their aim is to obtain your details. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is.

These scam emails offer recipients the chance to ‘participate in a loyalty program’ with B&Q. They claim that in exchange for ‘less than a minute of your time’, you can

get a free Dewalt Power Station or 170-piece Stanley tool set. The emails mimic B&Q branding to appear genuine, but are sent from seemingly random email addresses. The emails themselves also contain spelling errorsanother giveaway that they’re sent by fraudsters.

Scam Microsoft Email with attachment

A scam email is circulating with an attachment that contains a virus. Please do not open it - just delete it. Here is the wording:

We noticed you have been ignoring all our verification messages sent to your Microsoft account.

We hereby inform you that your xxxxxx@hotmail.comaccount will be closed “ Thursday, May 04, 2023, 10:25:16 AM.” , If you fail to update your email account with the Microsoft Account attached file.

Note: In 24 hours, we will deactivate all inactive email accounts.

We respects your privacy. Read our privacy policy for more information. Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Outlook.com ©2023

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

Ozzy O’shea

Always Working for you Locally

Cashless societyare you in favour?

I KEEP HEARING on TV and radio that the Cashless Society is the way forward, and that using cash is unfashionable, inconvenient and unsafe. Well, I beg to differ.

I’m getting on in years, and old enough to remember when most villages of any size had their own bank - and sometimes a building society branch as well. It was never a problem to draw some cash out in those days.

If you wanted to nip out with your mates to the pub, or have a flutter down at the dog track, you’d go to the bank, or the cashpoint, and draw out what you needed. Nowadays, most of the small bank branches have closed down, and we are being nudged into using cards - or even smart phones - to pay for our purchases.

One problem with these modern ways of paying is that it doesn’t seem as ‘real’ as paying by cash, and many people spend more if they buy things on their card, rather than handing over notes. Another reason for us to hang on to cash is that what you purchase with cash is kept private, rather than being recorded on Big Brother’s database. I might - (hypothetically, of course) - have a secret fetish for wearing fully-fashioned ladies stockings (with seams), but I wouldn’t want all and sundry to know about it. So, I’m going to carry on using cash - and I hope that everyone else does too.

IS FRED RIGHT? Is the Cashless Society just a sneaky way for the Government to make us overspend, and keep tabs on what we buy with our own hard-earned money?

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council AGMMayor Making

ON TUESDAY 23rd May the AGM of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council took place.

Congratulations to Cllr Scott Gibbens who will be the Mayor of the Borough for the Civic Year 2023 – 2024 and to Cllr Robin WebberJones is the Deputy Mayor for the civic year 2023 – 2024.

The leader of the Borough Council is Cllr Stuart Bray the deputy leader is Cllr Mark Christopher Bools

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have a cabinet based system with executive members covering the different aspects of the functions of the Borough Council.

My committee positions

Executive: Executive member for climate change, licensing, environmental & rural affairs

Appeals Panel

Ethical Governance & Personnel Committee

Licensing Committee

Planning Committee Substitute

Appointment of representatives to Outside Bodies

• Bradgate Landfill Liaison Committee

• Charnwood Forest Steering Group

• Cliffe Hill Quarry Liaison Committee

• Voluntary and Community Sector Partnership Commissioning Board (VCS)

• Dixie Grammar School Foundation - Trustee

Leicestershire Net Zero Signing

I signed the Leicestershire County Council Climate & Nature Pact on behalf of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council

Leicestershire County Council has teamed up with key partners and stakeholders including Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to draw up an ambitious set up of principles setting out Leicestershire’s commitment to tackle climate change, nature decline and carbon reduction.

The Leicestershire Climate and Nature Pact is based on the principles of the Glasgow Climate Pact, signed by the UK government in November 2021. It supports national and international efforts to tackle climate change by bringing together the business and private sector, voluntary, community and

social enterprises the public sector and the people and communities of Leicestershire, to drive local action and work towards a number of shared environmental aims. The core requirements of the Pact include the need to act quickly on reducing the impacts of climate change, reducing carbon emissions to Net Zero, halting ecological decline, supporting climate recovery, and working together to deliver effective action on climate change.

Street Light Trial

Recently there have been a number of burglaries in Groby and right across the Borough. The question was asked, as some took place once the street lights went off, during the night was the lack of lighting a contributing factor?

Following my request to have the lighting switched on LCC have turned the street lights on in Meadow Court Road only, for 28 days from 4th March as a trial. This is a very much localised trial and it has been highlighted that LCC have to save a further £500,000 from the street lighting bill, which is going to be a real challenge and underlines this as a tactic they will likely be very reluctant to extend. It is however very welcome that the trial Is taking place to see if there is any merit to the residents’ concerns about street lighting.

It is my honestly held belief that lighting does make people feel safer, but does very little to prevent offences especially when you consider virtually all of the recent burglaries have seen the property entered from the rear.

I have asked LCC and our Road Safety Unit who have good links with highways who look after lighting to report back to me on the outcome of this trial. The outcome of the trial will be reported

in the next issue of the Spotlight (August).

5G Telephone Mast Application

Proposed 15.0m Phase 8 Monopole and associated ancillary works - at Sacheverell Way, Groby.Reference Number: 23/00467/TGDO

A planning application for a Proposed 5G MAST telecommunications installation of 15.0m Phase 8 Monopole with wraparound cabinets and associated ancillary works has been submitted to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council by WHP on behalf of CK Hutchinson Networks and is to be located at the corner of Laundon Way and Sacheverell Way, Groby. Right at the entrance to Laundon Way with Laundon Way on your right, Butlers Field to your left is the location proposed alongside the footpath. Whilst this will provide better mobile phone coverage for those on the three network within the Laundon Way estate of Groby the tree line that affected the Brookvale Campus site will still have a role to play on the coverage for that side of Groby.

Online consultation began on May 23rd lasting 21 days so it is imperative that you act quickly on this application to submit your views upon it.

To view and comment on the proposals please follow the instructions below:

New 5G Mast Application Number 23/00467/TGDO

1. Go to: www.hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk

2. Click: “Planning and building control” text

3. Click: “View and comment on application” text

4. Click: “View and comment online” BOX

5. Enter: “23/00467/TGDO” to the search box

6. Click: “Search” GREY BOX

7. Follow the onscreen prompts

Kind regards

Cllr Martin Cartwright

£5 million funding boost for new Heritage Development Trusts to revive unused historic buildings

THE NATIONAL LOTTERY Heritage Fund and Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has announced a three-year partnership programme to save heritage across the UK – by empowering people to come together to revive unused buildings and support expert regeneration in some of the UK’s most deprived places and communities. Expressions of Interest for this new programme opened in May.

This builds on AHF’s successful pilot Heritage Development Trust (HDT) initiative, which supported seven trusts across England with revenue funding, grants to develop plans for historic building projects and specialist advice as they scale up their activities.

The new Heritage Development Trusts will receive a package of funding that includes three-year revenue grants between £55k-£70k per annum, as well as guidance from consultants and mentors to develop their skills and knowledge alongside peer-to-peer support to expand their network of contacts, with regular events to share expertise and experience. They will also be eligible to apply for project viability grants and project development grants to help bring historic buildings back into use.

HOW TO APPLY

ORGANISATIONS will be required to submit an Expression of Interest by 9am on MONDAY 26 JUNE. Trusts that are shortlisted will be invited to submit a full application by September, and decisions on grant funding will be made in December 2023.

Further information on funding, eligibility and how to apply are available on AHF’s website at https://ahfund.org.uk/grants/ hdt/

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”

Thomas A. Edison

Festival of Archaeology Programme Announced

THE POPULAR Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland

Archaeology returns in July 2023 with over 100 heritage events across the two counties.

This year, the Festival will be held between Saturday 1st and Sunday 30th July, running alongside the Council For British Archaeology’s national Festival of Archaeology.

The Festival offers guided heritage walks, talks from some of the counties’ leading heritage experts, self-guided walks to enjoy at your own pace and many more family friendly activities, exhibitions and hands-on events across Leicestershire and Rutland.

Highlights include:

• A rare opportunity to take a guided-walk to Hallaton Castle, the finest surviving motte-and-bailey castle in Leicestershire, and to Hamilton and Ingarsby, two of the best preserved deserted villages.

• A chance to travel back in time to Roman Leicester with family fun activities in the city’s Cultural Quarter

• Artefact handling sessions with archaeologist Mathew Morris, one of the team who found King Richard III.

• Guided Walks with local historian Jim Butler whose Hidden Histories of Leicester videos have been a YouTube hit.

• Tours of the Glenfield Railway Tunnel, one of the oldest railway tunnels in the world.

The theme for this year’s Festival is ‘Archaeology and Creativity!’ Archaeology is about exploration and how it can lead into imagination and storytelling. There are many ways to bring to life the material that archaeologists uncover and tell the stories of the places and people around us – through art, creative writing and poetry for instance, as well as music and theatre.

Festival co-ordinator, Peter Liddle, said ‘we are very excited by this year’s programme with new events and some old favourites. There are events to be enjoyed every single day of the Festival and we look forward to sharing so much of our local heritage and inspiring both young and old’.

This year, the Festival is also hosting a an art and creative writing competition. The competition is FREE and open to all. During the Festival, we want people to visit new places in Leicestershire and Rutland, or revisit old ones, find inspiration from their trips and write a story or a poem or create a piece of art work inspired by the things they have seen.

So let’s get creative with archaeology and celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Leicestershire and Rutland!

Tour of Bardon Park Chapel

Events are organised by local heritage groups around the two counties who are keen to share their area’s rich archaeology.

The full programme of events can be found at: https://leicsfieldworkers. org/festival-of-archaeology/

The Festival of Leicestershire and Rutland Archaeology is part of the Council of British Archaeology’s national Festival of Archaeology which runs from 15th-30th July.

Bardon Park Chapel, Shaw Lane (A 511 Road), Bardon Hill, Coalville, LE67 1SY www.bardonchapel.co.uk leicsfieldworkers.org/festival-of-archaeology/

To find out more about the national Festival and what else is going on across Britain visit https://www.archaeologyuk. org/festival.html

#FestivalofArchaeology

Just opened the instruction booklet for my new ladder. It says “step one, then step two, then step three”...

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Government’s threat to curtail democratic planning decisions

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Telephone 01530-244069

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

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

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

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

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

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

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

All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

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

THE SPOTLIGHT has previously reported on the problems faced not only by the planning department at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, but also planning teams across the country. Earlier this year the Local Government Association, which represents councils across England, published its 2022 Workforce Survey. It said significant staff shortages in local government risk having a serious impact on councils’ capacity to deliver services across the board, and almost 6 in 10 councils (58 per cent) were struggling to recruit planning officers. In addition to recruitment problems there have been retention issues as well, with 62% of respondents saying they feel underpaid for their position/ responsibility, compared with only 33% of private sector respondents. The planning industry has been widely affected by cuts, with local authorities spending far less on planning since 2009. According to the Institute for Government, between 2009/10 and 2019/20 central government grants were cut 37% in real-terms.

The Government is aware of the problems and housing & planning minister Rachel Maclean has announced that over 50 students are to receive a £5,000 planning bursary to cover up to 50% of their university fees, encouraging more young people into a career in planning. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities will offer the bursary through the Royal Town Planning Institute, giving young people the opportunity to study a master’s degree in planning. This builds on an existing £2,000 bursary run by the department.

The controversy over the Borough Council’s performance flared up again recently with the Leicester Mercury reporting that the rights of residents to have planning applications determined initially by their elected councillors might be subordinated by the right of applicants to have timely decisions. This might infuriate some residents, particularly those who have experienced similar delays by services the Government is directly responsible for.

Writing to the council, Michael Gove said: “I have significant concerns about the performance of a handful of local authorities including your council. A

performance by your council of 46.5 per cent between October 2020 and September 2022 is far below the expected threshold of 70 per cent.”

He added that is not good enough, despite some more encouraging recent data, and he was considering“designating” the Borough Council.

A difference of opinion

“Currently, applications are submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council,” said Hinckley MP Dr Luke Evans. “Major or contentious developments may then be considered by the planning committee, which is made up of your elected councillors. This would all be at risk if designation goes ahead.” He added that a major development for hundreds of houses could bypass the borough council and any local involvement, to go straight to the planning inspectorate.

Whether major or contentious applications would be affected is disputed by Stuart Bray, Leader of the Council “The threat of designation is not for the whole planning service, it is for minor applications only, and then only if the applicant chooses that route for their application, it would not be compulsory.”

Can these different views be reconciled?

A regulatory change in 2016 prescribed applications for nonmajor development as a separate category of applications in respect of which a local planning authority can be designated, alongside applications for major development. That may be the answer, or it may be totally irrelevant.

Performance has improved

A spokesperson for the Borough Council said the planning department is now out-performing government targets after an influx of new staff arrived to work with the existing team. “The council has been performing consistently above the government’s performance thresholds for both minor and major applications from October 2022. As well as this, 80 per cent of all minor applications have been turned around within target times since January this year - well above the government’s target of 70 per cent.” Officers have invited officials from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to visit the council and specifically meet with the planning team. This invite has been accepted.

Norman Griffiths

Call for Leicestershire people to help in fight against ASH DIEBACK

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to play their part in keeping the countryside green by helping the county council identify and manage diseased ash trees.

Leicestershire County Council is dealing with the ongoing challenge of ash dieback, which has seen thousands of ash trees wiped out across the UK.

The highly destructive disease is caused by a fungus and can lead to infected trees shedding branches or limbs, or potentially falling as the tree dies.

There are no exact figures for the number of ash trees in Leicestershire, but it is estimated that there are more than half a million in the county, with around 120,000 of them at the side of roads.

Many of the trees are on private land, and the council is working to raise awareness of the issue among residents, businesses and landowners to remind them of their responsibility to ensure their trees do not become a hazard to road users and member of the public using footpaths.

The council has created a booklet full of help and advice on ash dieback, including clear information on the steps which landowners with infected trees on their land need to take to halt the spread of the disease, as well as pictures showing the symptoms of ash dieback. The booklets have been supplied to each of Leicestershire’s 130 tree wardens to support their work with landowners, and are available to download from the council’s website.

More information on ash dieback, including a short video, can also be found on the website.

The county council is working to protect existing trees, while also helping to plant 700,000 more – one for every person living in Leicestershire – over the next decade. The tree planting drive has just reached the landmark figure of 250,000 trees.

Landowners are also being reminded that, with certain exemptions, all trees in Britain are protected by the Forestry Act, which means that a felling licence may be required to remove them. Tree owners should be clear that their tree is in an exempted category, which includes trees in gardens; or obtain a licence, before any felling takes place.

Nail extensions

Most nail salons offer both gel and acrylic extensions. For gels, the liquid gel is painted onto each nail and over a temporary nail ‘form’ or ready-made tip to add length. Each layer is cured under an LED or UV lamp. The form is removed and the extensions are filed to your desired shape.

Acrylics are applied in a similar way, but using a powder polymer and liquid monomer, which is air-dried rather than cured under a lamp.

There are pros and cons to both types of extension. Acrylics tend to be stronger but less flexible, which means there’s a risk of them snapping if you catch them. The removal process for gel extensions is also slightly gentler on your natural nails.

Both types will need regularly infilling as your natural nails grow, and you’ll need to have them professionally removed, so do factor in all the costs before booking.

Broken a single nail? Never fear. Most nail bars offer a single nail repair for around the price of a cup of coffee.

Diabetes timebomb: NHS to offer ‘soup and shakes’ diet

THE NHS is to roll out a ‘soup and shakes’ diet across the UK, aimed at the tens of thousands of patients who are fighting Type 2 diabetes.

Gel manicure

Want fuss-free nails for your holiday? While a standard gel manicure won’t add length to your nails, it will give you glorious colour and shine for a good couple of weeks. As with extensions, the gel will need removing either in the salon or with a special gel remover at home. Don’t be tempted to peel the gel off as doing so will leave you with seriously damaged nails.

At-home manicures

It’s a good idea to give your nails a break from gels and acrylics now and then, so why not treat yourself to a DIY manicure?

Step 1: Remove any old polish and gently file your nails into shape. Remember to file in one direction to prevent splitting.

Step 2: Soak your fingertips in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles. Dry your hands and massage a drop of cuticle oil into the base of each nail, before gently pushing the cuticles back.

Step 3: Buff your nails so you have a smooth, even surface.

Step 4: Apply a strengthening base coat, such as ORLY Nail Defense (£8.70, www. orlybeauty.co.uk) and allow it to dry.

Step 5: Add colour with a breathable nail varnish. Nailberry’s L’Oxygéné range is a great choice (£16, www.nailberry.co.uk). Not only is it breathable, it’s also free from phthalates and other harsh chemicals.

The tropical-inspired Glamazon is ideal for summer. Go for two coats followed by a top coat for nails that should stay chip-free for around a week.

Nail art

Whether you fancy festival-worthy neon tips, zany palm trees or dazzling crystals, hand-painted nail art brings the wow factor to manicures. It’s difficult to do at home, but most salons will have a range of designs for you to choose from and your technician will be happy to discuss bespoke creations.

Health officials said every part of the country will be offering the regime by next March, as the NHS tries to tackle what has been called Britain’s ‘diabetes timebomb’.

Pilot schemes report an average of two stone in weight loss in three months. Clinical trials seem to show that this will be enough to reverse about half of diabetes cases. The ‘soups and shakes’ diet is a ‘total diet replacement’ product, which aims to deliver 800 to 900 calories a day for 12 weeks.

Professor Jonathan Valabhji, the NHS England’s national clinical director for diabetes and obesity, says: “Research is clear that weight loss, where indicated, goes a long way to helping people stay well and avoiding preventable illness, and in many cases, it can be the trigger for putting Type 2 diabetes into remission.

Fancy Instagram-worthy nails but have no idea where to start? This article is for you…

Spotlight Small Ads

• Brilliant Award Winning VITAPOD

Electric heated PROPAGATOR

- OFFERS over £100 please (with additional accessories) from Greenhouse Sensations (view videos greenhouse sensation.co.uk) - cost well over £200 a year ago.Selling due to house move. Tel: 07825 795558 (Field Head)

• LADIES MOUNTAIN BIKE. Used just once from new due to medical condition. Maxima Special Edition Storm. Very good condition. 15 gears.

£75

• Full size TABLE TENNIS TABLE

Strength Indoor Foldaway. With Net, Bats & Balls. Very Good condition. £70

• ELECTRIC BREAD MAKER

Stainless Steel. Ambiano. Like new. Digital display with instructions.

Unboxed. £20

• Russell Hobbs COFFEE MAKING

MACHINE. Stainless Steel. Good Condition. £15.

• Electric Plunge ROUTER MACHINE for woodworking corners and grooves.

Power Craft 1050 watt motor, Parallel & Template Guide complete with Router Bit set and user guide. Boxed. £25

• Exercise AIRWALKER/ CROSS TRAINER. Christopeit Sport. Works Arms & Legs. £15

• Exercise SIT UP CHAIR/

MACHINE. AB Lounge Ultra Sport folds for easy storage. Take the stress off the rest of your body whilst focusing on the stomach and side muscles. £10

• ELECTRIC GUITAR AMPLIFIER. BB Blaster BB10, 10 watt portable/ practice amp. Good condition. Ideal for beginners. £10

Tel: 0116 2870375 (Groby)

• CAR MECHANICS MAGAZINES1966-1967. Collectors/nostalgia. Price: £25.

Tel: 0116 287 7065 (Groby)

• FREE: CHILDREN’S

TRAMPOLINE - with safety net sides. Only one season spent outside. In good condition. suitable for up to 5 years approx.

Tel. 07713 457414 (Groby)

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

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

• Three CAMPING/ COLLAPSIBLE CHAIRS. £15.

Tel: 0116 287 6919 (Groby)

• Yamaha GUITAR - £75.00

• TV GLASS TABLE - £25.00

• SWIVEL CHAIR - £25.00

All very good condition.

Tel: 0116 232 1922 (Groby)

• Two standing READING LAMPS, not much used, £15.00 each.

• CAMPING TOILET, used once, £20.00.

• ACOUSTIC GUITAR, free to good home, or donation to charity.

Tel: 01530 485799 (Markfield)

• Solid Rosewood DINING TABLE, seats 6, can extend to seat 8. Plus 6 chairs - not rosewood. Size 5’5”L x 3’3”W when not extended VGC.Can supply photo. Price: £200.00.

• Wood effect DISPLAY UNIT. Cupboards at the bottom and glass cupboards at the top. Size: 3’10 L x 1’5” W x5’11” H. Can supply photo. Price: £50.00.

Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby)

• 10 ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA

Children’s Edition - very good condition. £50.00 o.n.o.

Tel: 07504 801793 (Groby)

• SONY BRAVIA TV - 32inch, good condition. Price: £20.00

Tel. 07905558349 (Bagworth)

• KNITTING NEEDLES - FREE. Approximately 32 pairs of Mixture of steel and plastic - various sizes.

Tel: 0116 270 1825 (Glenfield)

• Phillips Hostess HEATED TROLLEY - very good condition. Price: £10.00.

• GARDEN GREEN NETTING - brand new, still in packaging, rot-proof, 4m wide by 10m long. Price: £10.00.

Tel: 01530 245328 (Stantonunder-Bardon)

• Four-wheeled MOBILITY SCOOTER - in good condition.

Price: £175.00.

Tel: 01530 249986 (Markfield)

• Wireless HEADPHONES and Transmitter.

• Dolce Gusto COFFEE MACHINE.

• Lovely country PICTURE. Offers invited.

Tel: 01530 249413 (Markfield)

• Black leather Rhino

MOTORBIKER’S JACKET - size 40vgc. Price: £100 o.n.o.

• Black summer synthetic

MOTORBIKER’S JACKET - size 40 -

v.g.c. Price: £50.00 o.n.o.

Tel: 07587 528973 (Markfield)

• FAN / LIGHT (3 lights) in new condition. Retails around £180. Great in a conservatory. Selling only because conservatory insulating roof fitted.

Price: £75.

Tel: 07915 114630 or 01530 244493 (Markfield)

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

Beware of that PIZZA

SUMMER evenings make it so easy to want a pizza – but before you reach for your next slice, there’s something you should know.

Pizza is very high in salt. When the campaign group Action on Salt analysed the salt content of more than 1,300 pizzas from restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets, it found that one in two pizzas contain a whole day’s recommended intake. That is 6g of salt a day, which amounts to roughly one level teaspoon, according to the NHS.

Takeaway pizzas were found to be the worst culprits. A basic Domino’s cheese and tomato pizza contained 10.77g of salt, and a Papa John’s double pepperoni stuffed-crust pizza contained 14.31g. Franco pizza, with spicy salami fried onion & chilli-infused honey, contains 7.18g, more than a whole day’s worth. A Zizzi’s rustica pizza margherita contains the equivalent of 1.2 teaspoons of salt.

The human body needs some salt to function properly, but too much can lead to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.

FOOT & THERAPY CLINIC

Diagnose - Treatment - Maintain Foot Health Practitioner in Markfield

Professional, friendly advice & treatments including:

• Toenail & fingernail trimming & filing

• Callus reduction & smoothing

• Ingrowing toenails

• Corn removal

• Thickened or fungal toenails

• Cracked heels & dry skin

• Verrucas & Athlete’s foot

• Diabetic foot care

Fully qualified & registered • Fully insured • Full DBS

Jane Harwood-Scott DipFHP, MCFHP, MAFHP

For appointments - Markfield Clinic or Home Visits ring: 01530 242277 or 07949 212128 or email: footandtherapyclinic@gmail.com

Groby Allotments

No Mow May

I WONDER how many of you have subscribed to ‘No Mow May’ and kept your lawnmowers in the shed this spring?

I have at home, and I’ve noticed some lovely wild flowers appearing as well as having a lot more bees about. The long grass, now in full flower also looks rather nice too. I daren’t do this on the plot though or I would have a notice to remedy!

So that we can manage the allotments properly, we have a couple of committee members who act as plot inspectors and go round all the plots on a regular basis to check that plots are not being neglected.

Obviously, account is taken of those who have been ill or are unable to tend their plot temporarily, but for those who have not started using their plot that season or let it fall into disarray, we send them a reminder to get going. This is because an abandoned plot is not only a great nuisance to plot neighbours when the weeds seed and blow over to grow all over newly dug ground nearby, but also to be fair to those people on the waiting list who are desperate for a plot and would make good use of it and tend it well.

Plot Waiting Lists

AS I SAID, we have a short waiting list for plots, which we like to turn around fairly quickly.

However an article in a national paper recently has reported that there are huge waiting lists for some allotments, ranging from three years on average up and down the country, to over twelve years in Islington, London!

I can understand the demand for allotments increasing as food prices rise but having to wait twelve years would, I think, put everyone off! With the need for more and more land to be swallowed up for housing, retaining green spaces in general and allotment land in particular becomes more and more important.

This is especially the case where new houses have such small gardens these days that ‘growing your own’ in your own back garden is just not feasible anymore. It is surprising though, because I recently also read that plot rents were increasing astronomically in some places too. Seems like we have a valuable commodity on our hands.

Helping the environment and me

So I have some bee and insect hotels on my plot as well as a source of water and I plant quite a lot of flowering plants now as well as my vegetables to attract pollinators and also predator insects to get rid of the greenfly, blackfly and other pests. Marigolds are brilliant for this. The flowers attract hoverflies which love to eat aphids and so keep down the greenfly population trying to attack my beans. Although I allow some nettles to grow at home as food for caterpillars, I don’t grow those on the plot, but foxgloves and red campion are also good caterpillar food. I do hope that we can help more butterflies this year. Last year was disastrous for them and their numbers plummeted, so I’m doing anything to help that I can. I have seen more small blue butterflies than usual this year, so fingers crossed!

I was quite intrigued recently to read that forget-me-not flowers, which are incidentally slowly taking over my plot, have a way of letting pollinators know when they have been pollinated. Apparently the centre of the flower changes colour, the yellow ring in the centre changes to a creamy brown, so letting the bees or insects know that there is no need to visit that flower again. It should help me too, as inspecting them regularly will help me remove the pollinated ones so I don’t get so many seeding for next year.

Plants for Sale

WE HAD a really successful Open Shed Sunday again last month with many visitors taking advantage of the vegetable and flowering plants for sale as well as the refreshments on offer. The weather has been so variable this year, first cold, then cold and wet, then hot and now very dry, so quite a lot of seedlings have perished in these strange conditions, and the ability to top up your crop failures with fresh specimens is really helpful. Amanda, who grows all the plants from seed, has some really interesting plant varieties for sale at the moment as well, so we are looking forward to some successful crops. Good Gardening!

Carol Lincoln

• New Guttering • Wood Staining • Repointing

• Ridge Tiles • Chimney Stacks • Roof Valley

• Dry Verge • Flat Roofing • Dry Ridge • Lead Flashing

• Moss Removal • Slate/Tile Roofing

• UPVC Fascia, Soffits & Gutters

Proprietor: Elias Bell

1 Maynard Close, Bagworth, LE67 1BU

Mobile: 07494820600 - Freephone: 0800 292 7391

Glenfield Gardeners’ Association Annual Show Schedule is now available

THE SCHEDULE of Classes for the Glenfield Gardeners’ Association Annual Show 2023 is now available to view and download from the Glenfield Gazette website.

There are sections for vegetables, flowers, fruit, flower arranging, preserves, wine & cookery, craft, art, poetry and photography.

There is also a section for Young People - comprising two age groups: 11 and under or 11 to 17.

Why not have a go this this year and enter something for one or more of the categories. It costs nothing to enter and who knows - you may win!

To view the schedule, visit www.glenfieldgazette.com and click on the Annual Show tab at the top of the screen.

The rise of SOURDOUGH

WE SEEM to love bread. In Britain we buy 11 million loaves of the stuff every day. For years it was just the base for our breakfast marmalade or lunchtime sandwiches, until sourdough arrived.

Sourdough has exploded in popularity. Global sales are forecast to grow $2.36bn (£1.92bn) during 2022-2026. UK craft bakers point to its flavour and perceived health benefits.

Sourdough is a seemingly simple mix of just flour, water and salt. But it isn’t made with traditional bread yeast. Instead, it’s fermented by lactic acid bacteria and naturally occurring wild yeasts. A single teaspoon of sourdough starter can contain 50 million yeasts and 5 billion lactobacilli (lactic acid bacteria) that originated in the environment, made a home in it while the starter was fermenting and growing. And a lot of scientists think that that is good for us.

Thank

I DO LIKE to do my bit to help conserve local wildlife and help improve biodiversity.

you for reading this issue of Spotlight. If you enjoyed it, please pass it on to a friend or relative.

RAISING FUNDS FOR LIVING WITHOUT ABUSE CHARITY

LWA Loughborough Colour Run: Sunday 2nd July 2023

LWA’s Loughborough Colour Run returns for its fifth yearwhether you’re a marathon runner, casual plodder or just looking for a fun day out, this is the event for you!

Set within the grounds of Charnwood College, entrants can walk, jog or run the 5km route, which has some inflatable surprises and coloured powder paints along the way. There will be warm up Zumba, stalls, refreshments and even a finisher’s medal.

Entry starts from £10 and children under five can come along for FREE! For event information or to enter, please visit: https://lwa.enthuse. com/cf/loughborough-colour-run-0b474

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Get your family, friends and colleagues together, pop on your running shoes and join us for our Loughborough Colour Run, where you can have a great time, whilst helping to raise funds for LWA.

Emily Corrigan, Head of Fundraising for LWA: “This is a great family event and a highlight in the Loughborough calendar – what better way to spend your Sunday than negotiating inflatables and running through rainbow colours whilst raising money for a charity which supports thousands of local people.”

Every year, LWA support thousands of adults and children who experiencing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence; they work with women, men, young people and children across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. One in four women and one in six men experience abuse in their lifetime, whether it’s physical, mental, emotional, financial or one of the many other types. It’s a prevalent crime that effects all walks of life and can have long lasting effects for those suffering.

If you need support, you can contact LWA by calling 08 08 80 200 28. Monday to Saturday, 8am – 8pm.

I used to be able to do cartwheels. Now I tip over while pulling on my socks.

News from Hinckley Parkinson’s Group

SPEECH AND communication problems are common for people with Parkinson’s.

They can include problems with your voice, body language, making conversations and small handwriting. With the right help and support however there are lots of ways you can improve any symptoms.

The photograph, taken on the Friday afternoon just before the Coronation, shows some of the members of the Hinckley Group involved in the ‘Singing for Fun’ and ‘Movement to Music’ sessions.

Many people with Parkinson’s speak quietly and in one tone; often not conveying much emotion. Sometimes speech sounds breathy or hoarse. Words might be slurred or mumbled, perhaps trailing off at the end of a sentence. Some can speak rapidly, but some slowly, even stuttering or stammering.

Using the voice as much as possible is so important to keep those muscles working. Joining in a song on the radio or in a group is so helpful. I know that some reading this will be saying that they cannot sing or hold a note –but everyone can actually sing in some way! Everyone will be welcomed.

I am reminded about what Gyles Brandreth said about the importance of vocal exercises. He explained that the famous actor Sir Donald Sinden, had given him a master-class on elocution, explaining that it was your vowels that give you volume and consonants that give you clarity. His advice was to repeat a particular sentence: ““Hip bath, hip bath, lavatory, lavatory, bidet, bidet, douche!”. Gyles has always followed this advice.

You may not wish to recite that particular sentence but exercising your voice is so important whenever you can!

Our monthly meetings continue on the second Sunday at 2.30 on June 11th and July 9th [Summer Social] at the Mary Forryan Centre; our ‘Challenge Parkinson’s’ weekly exercises at 3.00 at the St. Francis Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley; ‘Movement to Music’ [2.30pm] and ‘Singing for Fun’ [4.00pm] at Elmesthorpe Village Hall every Friday afternoon; our monthly ‘get togethers’ at Dobbies at Stapleton on the third Monday of the month [June 19, July 17] from 2.00 in the Restaurant Conservatory; and our Nordic Walking on the third Thursday of the month at 11.00 from Acorns Café at Burbage Common. A few summer activities are also planned and we have a monthly Carers Group on the third Tuesday each month at the same time as the exercise class [June 20, July 18]. For further information on any of our activities please contact Janet Kavanagh on 07932615233. For Nordic Walking call Peter on 01455 636776.

Planning Apps

Two storey rear extension and garage conversion - at 13 The Square, Bagworth, Coalville, Leicester LE67 1DQ

Proposed 15.0m Phase 8 Monopole and associated ancillary works - at Sacheverell Way, Groby, Leicester

Lawful Development Certificate for single storey side/rear extension - at 3 Border Close, Glenfield, Leicester LE3 8JP

Single storey side extension (including the demolition of existing side extension) - at 1 Fir Tree Walk, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FN

Proposed change of use of first floor from office/clinic (class E) to flat (Class C3) - at 32A Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ

Single storey side extension - at 31 Stanton Lane, Stanton Under Bardon, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QA

Robert A. Leake

The solar system hula hoop champion is Saturn...

WIN

A

This is your Word Search!

IF YOU can find 18 MUSICAL TERMS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of house wine at The Stamford Arms in Groby.

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 18 MUSICAL TERMS. These can overlap and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

ADAGIO ALLEGRO CANTATA CRESCENDO FUGUE GLISSANDO OBBLIGATO ORATORIO PRESTO RONDO TREMOLO VIBRATO

Send your marked entry forms to: PART OF YOUR SYMPHONY, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 1ST JULY 2023. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

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

Find the word in the puzzle.

Words can go in any direction.

FIND THESE 18 MUSICAL TERMS!

Words can share letters as they cross over each other.

ADAGIO • ALLEGRO • ANDANTE • CANTATA • CRESCENDO

DIMINUENDO • FUGUE • GLISSANDO • LARGO

OBBLIGATO • ORATORIO • PIZZICATO • PRESTO • RONDO SPICCATO • TREMOLO • VIBRATO • VIVACE

18 of 18 words placed.

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

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

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

Copyright © 2023

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