March 2011 Shepshed Eye by Michael Wilkinson

Packed With Information. Please Read Every Page!

ISSUE 3: March 2011

Don’t forget to send us your news for next month’s issue!

FREE Monthly News and Information Magazine for Shepshed

Shepshed Police Station remains open

Contrary to rumour, Shepshed Police Station in Charnwood Road remains open and the volunteer staff are on hand to assist members of the public at the following times: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays from 10am to 12 noon. In the event of the office closing or moving to another location details will be widely published in advance. Check out the web site for the latest details of Beat Surgeries and special events: www.leics.police.uk and enter your postcode.

Mary Hewitt - Police Support Volunteer

Time running out to enter the Charnwood Dragons’ Den

BRIGHT business brains are being reminded time is running out to apply to win a free office for a year by entering Charnwood’s Dragons’ Den. Charnwood Borough Council is offering the office, complete with furniture, free wireless internet, and the use of a shared meeting room, in the modern surroundings of the Ark Business Centre in Gordon Road, Loughborough. The prize is worth at least £3,500. To be in with a chance of setting up shop in the new digs, entrants must pitch their idea to a panel of Charnwood’s very own Dragons at Loughborough’s Woodgate Chambers on April 4th. The panel will star council leader Mike Preston, Loughborough University’s Student Enterprise Manager Marina Pickles, Business Link’s Startup Manager Sanjay Pancholi and local self-made business maestro Robert Nash of CLN Associates. The council is thought to be the first local authority in the region to offer such a prize which is designed to give a new business a helping hand. Mr Nash said: “We want to remind people that the clock is ticking and that they must get their entry forms into us by February 28th. “This is a unique prize which could offer one business an amazing chance to kickstart their career in the best possible way in the modern office environment provided at the Ark Business Centre.” To enter or for more information about the prize - including a 360-degree virtual tour - visit the Dragon’s Den section of Charnwood Borough Council’s website www.charnwood.gov.uk/dragonsden. Business pitches can be sent to:

Dragons Den Competition, Michael Underwood, Communications Department, Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough, LE11 2TR or email Michael.underwood@charnwood.gov.uk

New Group at Forest House Surgery A Petition containing 608 signatures being presented to Chairman of the Police Authority, Barrie Roper, Chief Constable Simon Cole and member of Police Authority, Bernard Greaves by Chairman of Shepshed Town council, Cllr Diane Horn and County Councillor for Shepshed, Cllr Christine Radford At Enderby Police HQ on Tuesday 18th January 2011. The Petition reads: “We, the undersigned, support Shepshed Town Council in the campaign for the retention of a Police base within the community of Shepshed.”

The newly formed Patient Participation Group met for the first time on Tuesday 15 February. One of the main aims of the group is to foster improved communication between the practice and its patients. The group will meet again at 6.30pm on the 22nd March at the Surgery. New members are welcome. For more information, please contact Susan Baker, Practice Manager, on 01509 508412.

Tel: 01509 822 000 - www.theshepshed.co.uk

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(See website for ad rates) Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk 5,800 copies distributed 10 times a year (no issue in January or August) to homes and businesses in Shepshed (population 13,000). Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press. Shepshed Community Eye 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 Shepshed Community Eye Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Shepshed Community Eye 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. Shepshed Community Eye reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted for publication.

NEXT ISSUE OUT 25th March 2011 Advert Deadline: 16th March

Hurry! The deadline is 1st March ...

Apply for a Grant from Shepshed Town Council

Shepshed Town Council invites local groups and organisations to apply for financial assistance. Application forms are available from the council office at 47a Charnwood Road, Shepshed or via email: shepshed.Towncouncil@btinternet.Com Closing date for applications is Tuesday 1st March all application forms must be fully completed accompanied by an up to date balance sheet.

Cobblers to Shepshed residents! Andrew Hawkey has informed us that he has received over 400 enquiries about shoe repairs in the Shepshed, and he is now in a position to offer a convenient good local Express Shoe Repair service at his shop. Given the wonderful support from local people that he has experienced for the Boulangerie Patisserie, he is looking forward to helping all local residents to be ’Well shod’, and to helping the environment, as there will be no need to travel out to the larger towns. Andrew’s telephone numbers are 01509 554016 and 07951 689632.

Signet Ring Found in Shepshed - Is It Yours? Found in the Oakley Road area of Shepshed: a gold signet ring. If you think it may be yours, telephone 01509 502438. The finder will be happy to reunite it with its rightful owner.

Planning a street party on Royal Wedding Day? If you are planning to hold a street party in your area in celebration of the forthcoming Royal Wedding or other events, Charnwood Borough Council has put together a web site with all the information you need to help you organise such an event. Details can be found at: http://www.charnwood.gov. uk/pages/royal_wedding_street_ parties_friday_29th_april You should find all the information you need, and the process for organising a road closure (should you need one) has been simplified so that basically all we require is: • Completed application form (at least 8 weeks prior to the event please) • Map of roads affected • Proposed street plan layout • Public liability insurance not essential (although recommended) • No charge for road closure by Charnwood BC If you have any further queries, or would like to discuss your individual event, please do not hesitate to contact me, when I would be happy to assist. Lynne Twigg Business Support Manager Leisure and Environment Directorate Charnwood Borough Council Direct Dial: 01509 634541 Email: lynne.twigg@charnwood. gov.uk

Chance to learn the art of hedgelaying A chance to learn the age old art of hedgelaying will take place at Donington le Heath Manor House on 12th & 13th March. The two day course will take place under the guidance of Leicestershire County Council’s David Luther. Participants will learn how to lay, stake and bind traditional hawthorn hedges as part of the council’s “Meet the Expert” programme of events. Mr Luther said: “All are welcome to come along and find out more – from people who have never laid a hedge before to those who would like to build on their skills. “It’s a good chance to learn something new, help preserve the environment, meet new people and have a bit of fun at the same time.” Hedgerows are havens for wildlife and a well managed hedgerow will prove impenetrable to cattle. The two day course costs £30 per person for both days and can be booked by calling 01530 278444.

If you’re�working�on your�Home�or�Garden this�is�for�YOU!

The best things in life are free ... or have no interest or payments for one full year.

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Nicky Morgan talks anti-social behaviour... Shepshed Lions Club In my dealings with many Shepshed residents, I know that despite positive signs of improvement, ASB is still an issue that troubles some of you.

I am therefore calling for community support of new government proposals tackling antisocial behaviour and serving up harsher penalties for those who are engaged in ASB. The coalition government launched the new proposals on 7th February 2011 which include the devolving of community powers and improving support for victims. I feel that these new measures will help support the fantastic work of the Charnwood Borough Council ASB unit and the local Police who have managed to significantly reduce cases of ASB in Charnwood, Loughborough, and Shepshed. Reports from the Charnwood Borough Council show that the number of serious ASB cases such as substance abuse and street drinking has reduced - in the Charnwood area such cases reduced by over 100 in 2010 compared to 2009. A further report shows Shepshed to have similar positive trends, significantly reducing litter and street related offences. While in some instances the actual numbers of ASB cases have reduced, it seems that more people are now making the effort to report cases of ASB which may otherwise

not have been raised without enhanced community confidence and awareness. The consultation proposals feature ‘Criminal Behaviour Orders’ issued by courts that would ban individuals from certain activities or places, and ‘Crime Prevention Injunctions’, designed to nip bad behaviour in the bud. As well as giving more power to communities, Police, and the council, these new criminal orders that those engaged in ASB could face will be a welcome deterrent - and proof that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated in communities like Shepshed. One of the proposals would see a similar service to the new Police crime mapping website (www. police.uk) where the public can view a layout of crime in their area, which would specifically map ASB related incidents. What do you think? I hope that you will feel as supportive of these proposals as I do. It is excellent to see such a strong commitment from the government to fight back against anti-social behaviour with stream-lined but more effective

Shepshed Lions Club are responding to the public demand for a Santa Sleigh around the village and surrounding district.

powers, and real, meaningful penalties. I would like to hear your views. If you would like to talk to me about anti-social behaviour, or any other issue, please do get in touch. I have set up a new easy to use contact form on my website (www. nickymorgan.org) to “Have your say”, or alternatively you can ring 01509 262 723. Best wishes,

Nicky

Charnwood BRAS graduate The latest and final group of Charnwood BRAS (Breastfeeding Reassurance and Support) volunteers have just completed their training to become Breastfeeding Peer Supporters and were presented with their certificates by the Mayor of Charnwood at a ceremony in January. Keely Donald from Shepshed took part with eight other women from Charnwood in the La Leche League Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Programme aimed at providing support to mums who are breastfeeding and giving information to pregnant women about feeding their babies. The course covers the practicalities and health benefits of breastfeeding as well as using local Home Start leaders to cover issues such as confidentiality and communication skills. The classes were taught by a mixed group of Community Health Service staff and Local Authority Family Outreach workers and were coordinated by Joanne Talbot, a Community Nursery Nurse working in Charnwood. This same team were recently presented with the Leicestershire County & Rutland PCT Star Award for their positive influence on breastfeeding support within the wider area. Angie Bell, a Charnwood Health Visitor and one of the course administrators said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to have facilitated in the growth of this exceptional group of women, from willing volunteers to skilled peer supporters. And I’m confident that they will offer invaluable support to new parents within Charnwood.” Keely and the latest group of volunteers join twenty other women who have trained over the last two years including Caroline Rands, also from Shepshed. The ladies are now out and about in Charnwood supporting mums at breast feeding cafes, hospitals and Sure Start Centres. They are also planning ante-natal breastfeeding workshops and feeding related talks, starting some involvement with teen mums and much more besides. The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Jill Vincent, a strong supporter of breastfeeding, presented the new volunteers with their certificates at a ceremony at Shelthorpe Children’s Centre in Loughborough. Contact the Charnwood BRAS at the Shepshed Breastfeeding Cafe (at The Oak Centre, Shepshed High School on Mondays 10-11.30am) or via their website www.charnwoodbras.co.uk or through your health visitor or midwife.

Good news is just life’s way of keeping you off balance.

At their January business meeting it was decided to purchase a trailer and build a sleigh ready for next Christmas. A project team will put the necessary plans into action ready for next year. It is hoped this will generate more donations for local charity. Shepshed Lions held their business meeting following an extremely successful “Christmas get-together” at a member’s house where this year instead of a traditional Christmas Meal, a really delicious Chinese Banquet had been prepared and cooked. At the meeting, the President thanked members for their efforts at the Tin Shakes at the Co-op and Tesco before Christmas and would also like to thank members of the public who donated and allowed us to distribute around 50 parcels to the elderly and those in need. The Hamper Raffles in the Pubs and local shops were also a success although the final amount raised will not be known until the February meeting. The Lions have a particularly good Social side and during February we shall be welcoming our French friends again, from Domont Lions Club, to our Charter weekend. Apart from our Charter Ball, which this year has a Masquerade theme, we shall be challenging the French to our annual Skittles tournament, walking in Bradgate Park and going to the “Dogs”, only this year it will a virtual meeting in the warmth of one of our members homes instead outside at a Dog track. A great time is anticipated for all as in previous years. Some of our members will be reciprocating at our friends Ball in Domont in March where another full weekend of entertainment is provided and thoroughly enjoyed. We are always looking for new members and anyone wishing to obtain further information please contact: Sue and Bob Lilley on 01509 508265 or Lynn and David Jackson on 01509 822452.Or any member of Shepshed Lions Club.

Planning an Event? Let us know and we’ll pass the news on to thousands of local readers of the Eye. Contact details: info@shepshedeye.co.uk or tel: 01530 244069

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk â&#x20AC;˘ Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

Indecision is the key to flexibility.

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Community Plan: February Update

group of local residents and business people have continued to meet to further the work on creating a Community Plan for Shepshed. The bulk of the work over the past 2 months has been to draft and finalise a questionnaire and to seek funding to support the work of the group. We have been successful in securing an Awards for All grant which is part of the Big Lottery Fund. This has enabled us to print the questionnaires and provide a freepost envelope for their return. The questionnaire has now been distributed to 6000 households in Shepshed to seek their views and opinions on living and working in the town. The questionnaire is part of our first stage in drawing up the Community Plan which will be a response to the findings from our consultation. Our consultation exercise has also included a number of other events. We have presented to the Shepshed and Hathern Forum. We have also held a display in Shepshed Library and took part in the Town Council’s Christmas Fayre. In addition to the questionnaire that that has been distributed we are also keen to seek the opinions of young people. An online survey is available for completion on the Rural Community Council website: (there is a link to it from the Shepshed Eye

website - www.shepshedeye.co.uk) We were invited to attend Shepshed Youth Forum on Saturday 19th February 2011 at ‘Passion’. Members of the steering group are also making themselves available on Saturday mornings to hear people’s thoughts on the consultation and to also ensure that everyone has received a questionnaire. We were outside the library on Saturday 12th February, and will hopefully be outside the Co-op on Saturday 26th February. If you have not received a questionnaire please contact Charnwood Distributors on 07817 598882. If you are having problems completing the questionnaire please contact the chair of the steering group – Sam Woods – on 07890 587611. The Consultation is a real opportunity for the residents and business people of Shepshed to let the Borough and County Councillors know what we want and to put likeminded people in touch with each other so we can work together to improve our town. Some of the issues raised so far have been; the possibility of a leisure centre and cinema or local film club in the town, redevelopment and growth of businesses, safe parking for bicycles, more activities for 11+years, less litter.

Hearing people’s thoughts on the consultation We continue to welcome anyone who is interested in knowing more about the Steering Group and how they can contribute to improving Shepshed, to our meetings, the next one is on Thursday 31st March 2011 at 7.30pm at the Town Council Offices. We want to hear everybody’s views – so if you are part of a community group and would like a member of the Steering Group to come to one

of your meetings to discuss your most pressing issues about our town, please use the contact details below to let us know. We have already begun to look at some of the issues raised by people. One of the possibilities is to have a Farmers Market/Food Fair – further work on this will resume after the questionnaire has been returned and the responses analysed. The questionnaires need to be

Regular User Groups at The Glenmore Centre Monday Luncheon Club

10.00am- 2.00pm

Karate

4.00pm - 7.30pm

Karate with Shoto Ryue (adults only)

8.00pm -10.00pm

Tuesday Tiddlywinks Parent & Toddlers

10.00am - 11.30am

Vista (2nd Tuesday of month)

2.00pm - 4.00pm

History Society ( 2nd Tuesday of month)

7.00pm - 9.00pm

Loughborough & District Amateur Radio Club

7.30pm -9.30pm

Wednesday Yoga

9.15am -11.00am

Wednesday Welcome

10.30am -12 noon

Quilt Together

12.30pm -3.30pm

CODA

3.30pm - 6.30pm

Shepshed Model Railway Club

7.30pm - 9.30pm Thursday

Glenmore Art Group

10.00am - 12 noon

Tea Dance

1.30pm - 4.00pm

Brownies

6.00pm - 7.30pm

Pilates

7.00pm - 8.00pm Friday

Scallywags Parent and Toddler

10.15am - 11.45am

Musical Bumps

1.00pm - 3.00pm Saturday

Aimee Fardell School of Dance

9.15am - 12 noon Sunday

Shepshed Albion U13s Football Club

various

Tai-Chi

6.00pm - 8.00pm

The Glenmore Community Centre, Thorpe Road, Shepshed, Leicestershire LE12 9LU • Tel:01509 650662 • e-mail:glenmorecentre@btconnect.com

Money can’t buy everything ... but then again neither can no money.

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk • Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

City legend The Birch is caught by surprise!

Ideas so far

• • •

completed by 4th March 2011. You can return the questionnaires in the freepost envelope provided or you can drop it off at one of the collection points around the town (these are identified in the questionnaire). In addition you can also complete the questionnaire on-line http:// www.ruralcc.org.uk/questionnaires. html. There is the option of including your completed questionnaire into a prize draw – the prize has been generously donated by Livio’s – a meal for two at the Italian restaurant. It is so important that we have as many of the questionnaires completed and returned as possible so that we can make a Community Plan that reflects the needs of the people that live and work in Shepshed.

Next Meeting: 31st March

At a surprise ceremony on Monday evening January 31st, the Rotary Club of the Soar Valley presented local celebrity Alan Birchenall MBE with a prestigious award in recognition of his fund raising for local charities over more than thirty years.

Presenting the Paul Harris award on behalf of the Soar Valley Club, Rotary District Governor Roger McDermott explained that the award was named after the founder of the Rotary movement and was awarded to those exemplifying the Rotary belief in ‘Service Above Self ’. Roger described the enormous contribution that ‘The Birch’ had made in raising over £800,000 for charity and the respect that he was held in as an ambassador for sport in general and Leicester City in particular. The award, and a cheque to help

support the Teenage Cancer Trust, were presented at Soar Valley’s annual Charter dinner where Alan had been invited to speak. A surprised Mr. Birchenall said how thrilled he was with the award and promised that the cheque would be put to good use by the Teenage Cancer Trust of which he is a keen supporter.

After the brief ceremony Alan gave a fascinating and amusing speech and received a delighted response from his audience. Alan Birchenall, also known as ‘The Birch’ and ‘Mr. Leicester City’ was awarded an MBE in 2003 and the freedom of the City of Leicester in 2009.

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Rotary Award for Alan Birchenall

Leisure centre Cinema or local film club in the town Redevelopment and growth of businesses Safe parking for bicycles more activities for 11+years less litter.

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

BORIS THE pupils go back in time to BOFFIN ancient greece!

Shepshed Eye’s one-man think tank applies his strange brand of logic to those nagging little problems …

A colossal amount of paper is used every day by the newspaper industry producing a product which has a life of only a few hours. To overcome this scandalous waste, we should all be issued with ‘Magic Slates’ which would be ‘stamped’ with the latest news at the newsagents shop each day.Then, after reading it, we would simply lift the plastic top sheet to wipe the slate clean.

Between now and the next general election, 5% of the National Lottery prize pot should be put aside each week to finance the General Election Prize Draw. This would be a special one-off edition of the Lottery in which every voter receives one go in a raffle. The first 5,000 names drawn out at random would each win a share of the prize money.

Beat workplace boredom Avoid the tedium of working in the same room every day by requesting your own mobile office. A luxury coach would be fitted out as an office and would pick up workers from their homes each morning, and drop them off again in the evening. During working hours, the coach would cruise around country lanes and park up at well-known beauty spots while the ‘passengers’ do their normal office work. This stimulating working environment would improve worker well-being and the company would prosper as a result.

Never miss a meter reading If you are fed up with missing the gas man and receiving estimated meter readings as a result, all you need to do is set up a series of mirrors, held in place by plasticine, and angled in such a way as to reflect the gas meter reading from the cupboard under the stairs to one of your front windows. The gas man will then be able to read the meter without the need to enter your home. Have YOU got the same sort of brain as Boris? Do you get flashes of inspiration on a regular basis? Share your wisdom with other readers by writing to: BRAINWAVES, Shepshed Eye, PO Box 8, Markfield,

Leics. LE67 9ZT or email to info@shepshedeye.co.uk

CHARNWOOD is set to shake to the sound of a daylong Zumbathon to raise money for Comic Relief. Zumba is the latest dance craze to grip the fitness world and Charnwood Borough Council’s Active Together team is urging people throughout the Borough to sign up and take part in the event. The Comic Relief Zumbathon will be held at six venues on Friday, March 18, with each session lasting an hour and costing £3 – with all proceeds going to charity. Your local Zumbathon session is at the Glenmore Centre, Shepshed at 5.30 - 6.30pm.

Reuseable newspapers

Encouraging people to vote at election time

Comic Relief Zumbathon

Urban Rebound On Friday 4th February the Year 4 and 5 children at Newcroft Primary School turned the hall and their classes into Ancient Greece. Timezone visited the school, and gave the children the chance to dress up as Ancient Greek children and experience what life might have been like. They had a debate and vote about whether Athens or Sparta should lead them in a war against the Persians, then they experienced a school lesson in Ancient Greece, using a wax tablet to write Greek letters and number. After that, they played games that were played thousands of years ago to practise war, and at the end of the day each child was turned into a hoplite, with a swooden shield and spear each. They made an intimidating army of almost 100, and scared all the teachers and parents with their marching, shouting and charging. The parents will be in again soon, helping the children to paint their Ancient Greek vases with pictures that show what is important to them and their family.

The NXT FACTOR is back! See poster on page 24 - then start practising

As part of Leicestershire’s women’s week, in which women will be able to access a number of physical activity sessions at just £1, Urban rebounding will be running at the Glenmore centre from 6-7pm on Wednesday 9th March, (please note voucher is required for this session, for more information check out the website on www.lrsport.org.uk/ womensweek - alternatively contact us for your voucher to be posted! Booking is Essential for both activities!! For more information or to book please contact the Active Together team on 01509 632535 or alternatively email active. together@charnwood.gov.uk.

Samantha Chamberlain Physical Activity Development Officer, Active Together Charnwood 01509 632535

Rotarians pleased to provide wheelchair When the members of the Rotary Club of Shepshed Charnwood were made aware of the need for a new wheelchair for the First Aid facility at Harry Carlton School in East Leake, they were quick to respond and used some of the money raised from the Christmas Santa collection to buy a new one. Last week Rotary President Roger Hutchinson was able to present the new chair to Virginia Arnone-Youlton who is the First Aider at the school. Virginia thanked the Rotary Club for their generous gesture and assured Roger that it would be in regular use. The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Whitehouse Hotel in Kegworth, 7.30 for 8.00pm, and anyone is welcome to come along to find out more about Rotary activities.

Fred Thompson

In the picture are Headmaster Graham Legg, Rotary Vice President Trevor Smith, Rotary President Roger Hutchinson and Virginia Arnone-Youlton. In the chair (for demonstration purposes only) is Thomas Waterfield from Year 8.

I always wanted to be a procrastinator, but never got round to it.

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People that don't really know us may consider a bikers pub to be the last place on earth they would want to visit, or do business with, but bikers and visitors to The Vic nowadays come from all walks of life, from Surgeons to Lawyers, Actors to Nurses, we are a close knit community but always welcome strangers that are interested enough in finding out a littler more about the scene. If your idea of going out is to feel comfortable in the surroundings, listen to some good live rock music, have a laugh and not have to watch your back, maybe The Vic is for you. Generally The Vic is for the more mature clientele, we don't allow rowdy youngsters inside, bikers ‘n’ truckers and live music lovers is basically who we cater for, and they love the place due to the safety feel. In the summer we have bikers from as far as Cornwall to Scotland, Anglesey to Hull, just to visit us, even abroad, we have had bikers from France, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, purely to visit The Vic for a weekend of rock music, ride out’s, and British hospitality, many come camping, some stop in our hostel, we have 24 beds. In 2007 we even had 2 bikers from New Zealand camping, they were touring the UK and taking in The Isle of Man TT races, but even that far away they had heard of The Vic in Coalville, so camped with us for 5 nights, bikers travelling to the TT races from abroad usually stopover to break the journey up. We do many outside events and meets here at The Vic, so listed below is an idea of what each night is about, we basically provide the facility for car park meetings, but weather does have a say in how many attend. Monday nights are for 3 wheelers, that can be Reliant Robins, Bubble Cars, Trikes, anything with 3 wheels on. Tuesday nights is car club night, any car club can meet here, ie Mini Owners, Beetle owners, Hot Rods, American cars, Wednesday night we host Classic Wheels Night, for really old cars and motorcycles, classic, vintage and veteran ‘anything old and bold’ are welcome over 25 years old. The Big One, is on a Thursday night, its our big bike night, an abundance of all sorts, from Harley Davidsons to Lambrettas, vintage to modern superbikes, with classic rock sounds drifting into the car park from the disco inside mingling with the smell of fried onions from the burger van, makes a great atmosphere, you need to get there early on a good night as parking can become a problem. We do cruise-ins every Friday night, Saturday afternoon and night, Sunday afternoon and night, which basically means if your out and about riding you can drop in for refreshments, beer, Tea, Coffee, chip butty etc etc,,, anyone wanting to sell any motorcycle items are welcome Sunday afternoons, ‘’free’’ trade space is available. We are a Real Ale Pub ‘’Speckled Hen’’ ‘’Hob Goblin’’ ‘’Pedigree’’ etc etc etc plus we sell real ‘’Scrumpy’’ which is naturally cloudy and pretty potent stuff. The Vic has three stages inside the pub all with there own PA and lights, a new one is an acoustic stage in the front bar, so if you can play a guitar and want to sing a few songs or tell a few jokes come on down Wednesday or Thursday, there are 2 outside stages, we have a couple of marquee’s, the biggest completely fills the beer garden and so many times a year we put bands on inside and outside. The Moxters of Rock is held once a year, always the nearest Friday and Saturday to mid-summers day, in 2011 it is on June 17th - 18th whereby 14 top tribute bands play, tickets are £30 each for a weekend ticket, and has never failed to sell out. We host the Hard Drive Festival in July, usually the third weekend where 40 bands will perform over the two day period arriving from all over the UK and even abroad, we are running a new one to celebrate The Vics Birthday, , it is held on the second weekend in September, The Booze Fusion Fest the first one in 2009 was her 160th since she opened her doors for the first time, let you work that one out.

12th 2008, been awarded top Bikers and Truckers pub by The Oldie Magazine,2008, Richard Ingram from the TV series `Private Eye` is the editor, Best bikers pub in 2006 by Motor Cycle News, featured in The Rough Pub Guide 2008 as one of Britains top 50 pubs, and written about at some point by every motorcycle publication in the country. It is the only pub in the UK that has Ministry of Transport approval to run a motorcycle training school from one of it car parks, Our Burger Van is also very popular on weekend evenings, as well as serving locally made award winning burgers and sausages and bacon buttys till the early hours at weekends, most diners love our food, you ask for a chip butty at The Vic and you’ll be getting hand peeled and cut chips, no frozen chips here. Couples want to get married at The Vic,(which we are looking into), but it’s a great pub also to call your local, you can come in knowing nobody, and go out knowing everybody, a very very friendly pub that earns respect from all its customers, who do tend to look after it and keep it that way, if you know what I mean, the website is worth a look at to, www.vicbikerspub.co.uk in some places a little naughty and raunchy, but hey, its all fun, and what were about. The Vic is the first bikers pub in the UK to be recognised in a way that Leicestershire County Council have installed brown tourism signs for us. In fact so popular has The Vic become one little lady from Texas has had a tattoo of the logo on her back. Give us a try,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Vic has helped put Coalville on the map probably more so than any other attraction and has run more charity events than most would endeavour to….. On Jan 1st, or 2nd if it isn’t a work day, we host the Brass Monkey Run, started in 1995, bikers travel to the Vic from all over the midlands to join in the ride around The Charnwood Forest. This event raises hundreds of pounds for Rainbow’s childrens hospice in Loughborough,, The Air ambulance receives many hundreds of ££££££sss from us every year, we raise money for this charity every minute the pub is open by having a magazine rack inside the pub, bikers donate there old magazines and we sell them on for £1, which goes straight into there collection box. Riders for Health did benefit from us,(look at there website :- www.Riders.org) we did help with the Day of Champions at Donington Park until they moved the GP to Silverstone, the ride out started at Mallory Park, 400 plus riders would head for The Vic, and we fed them each a bacon butty tea or coffee, we have 2 hours and get through one hundred pound in weight of bacon, 20 gallon of water for drinks, the idea was a few of the GP stars come to The Vic for breakfast, and we turn it into a chat show on stage, after this, the bikers would leave for Donington Park, this attracts a lot of media interest as it raises close to 200 grand for there cause, Princess Anne is patron of the charity and we have been lucky enough to meet her at the charitys open day and she shown a lot of interest in what we are doing at The Vic. Famous faces are plentiful, Martin Johnson the England Rugby star paid us a visit, James Toseland the 2004 and 2006 world superbike champion has played with his band ‘CRASH’ many times to help raise money for Riders For Health, Chas‘n’Dave was here in 2006, Eric Bell co-founder of Thin Lizzy, The 2 Hairy Bikers dropped in to help cook the bacon one year for the Day of Champions ride in, and were astounded at the level of organisation needed to make things run smoothly. Motorcycle stars include Americans, Colin Edwards, Randy Mamola and John Hopkins, and Brits, Leon Haslam, Steve Plater, the late David Jeffries, Shaky Byrns, Jamie Whitham, (have you seen his video it hilarious www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lPBgtRLmIE and many more, Listen to The Vic Anthem or check out the Brass monkey run on the front page of the website, see what bands are playing or even sign up for a Vic newsletter, hope to see you one day. The Vic Team xx

The pub is gaining popularity on a daily basis, and has been on telly many times, featured on Holiday Showdown, Pub of the week on The Al Murray Show, Sept

It doesn’t matter whether you’re rich or poor as long as you have money.

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

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London Mozart Players visit Newcroft Primary School

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During the week beginning 7th February, members of the London Mozart Players and composer Fraser Trainer worked with children from the Shepshed Community Band, based at Newcroft Primary School, in preparation for a concert held at the Emanuel Church, Loughborough, on 12th February. The initiative was organised by Orchestras Live, the national development agency for orchestral music and Leicestershire Arts in Education. The children worked alongside the composer and Mozart Players to work on new pieces of music which they shared with friends and family at the concert. The Mozart Players also performed a range of pieces, including Mozart! The experience was so successful Orchestras Live are hoping to return later in the year to work again with the Shepshed Community Band.

COFFEE TABLE, large, medium polished wood with 2 glass inserts + shelf under, immac.cond. Price: £40. T: 01509 505 432. DINING CHAIRS 6 Ercol light wood. Price: £12 each, DISPLAY CUPBOARD glass fronted, golden pine colour, suit small item collector. H58xW47xD11cms. For wall mounting, 4 removable shelves. Price:£20. T: 01509 507 577. Send your FREE small ads - by email or post only please - to Shepshed Eye, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk Private sales only - maximum 3 items - maximum price per item £300

Glenmore Centre News Eileen Upton, one of the cooks for Monday Lunch Club retired this month after 15 years of service. Monday Lunch Club provides a home cooked meal for elderly local people, as well as providing entertainment such as bingo, dominoes and a raffle. Eileen has been a huge part of this Club for more than 15 years and we all wish her well in her retirement. The Club is now searching for a new cook to help out on Mondays between 9am and 2pm. No qualifications are necessary just the ability to cook for a group of up to 15 people on a weekly basis. If anyone is interested please contact Bill Sloane or Victoria Jacques at the Glenmore Centre on 01509 650662 for more information. • We are also still after volunteers to help with the new Tuesday lunch project.

Victoria Jacques

Glenmore Development Worker

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Telephone 01509 600340 Dijon vu - the same mustard as before.

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Shepshed and Hathern Area Forum UPDATE The last meeting of the Shepshed and Hathern Area Forum was held at Shepshed High School on 14th February 2011 and was attended by 46 residents, councillors and officers.

Monthly ‘Music for Health’ at Marwood Residential Home

In response to requests for greater opportunity for networking and sharing information, there was beforehand a thirty minute period during which local residents could meet each other or talk informally, on a one to one basis, with the local Police, officers from Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council, and local councillors.

Green Spaces in Leicestershire The main item on the agenda was an inter-active discussion on Green Spaces in Leicestershire. Local residents were asked to identify on large scale maps provided, and mark using different coloured flags, the local Green Spaces of importance to them. They were asked to explain why they valued them, for Landscape value, for Natural value, for recreational value or for Community value. The results will be collated together with the feedback at the other 26 Community Forums across Leicestershire over the next couple of months. All of this will help to inform local policy and planning processes as well as the County Council’s response to emerging national policies. There is still time for your input into this important consultation using the website which is www.lsr-online. org/greenspaces The closing date for responses is 15th April 2011.

Local Policing issues Sergeant Martin Owen, from Charnwood Local Policing Unit, reported that crime and anti-social behaviour were both down on the comparable period last year. The Police faced challenges due to budget constraints and across Charnwood 10 locally based offices will reduce to 6 but he remained confident that, with support from the public, the overall level of front line policing would not reduce and recent improvements would be maintained. Referring to the need to close Shepshed police station, and co-locate elsewhere, he said that this would be done when suitably affordable, and local, premises could be found.

Community-led Plan for Shepshed Anne Glasper, secretary of the Community-led Plan group, explained that they had received grants from Charnwood Borough

Council, the Rural Community Council, and now, with a grant from the National Lottery, would be able to distribute the questionnaire to every house in Shepshed. She explained that the survey needed to achieve the highest possible response from local people. This would give it the credibility to go on and seek further resources to improve Shepshed for the future and re-vitalise community spirit. In answer to a question, Anne reported that the steering group had a very wide and representative membership and is always open to other people with new ideas and who can get involved as little or as much as they want. There will be a further report on its development at the next meeting.

Next meeting Cllr Christine Radford, chair of the Forum, was pleased with the meeting which had given people an opportunity to explain the range of green spaces available locally, what they use them for and why they value them. “I was very pleased to see a number of people at the Forum tonight for whom this was their first meeting” said Christine. This feeling was backed up by positive responses given by the public. “This was the first time I had attended a local forum” said one respondent “ and I found it a very good way to stay in touch”. The next meeting will be on Thursday 16th June 2011 at Hathern Club, 44 Dovecote Street, Hathern LE12 5HS, official meeting starting from 7.00pm. However, do please come, if possible, from 6.30pm when you will be able to talk to other members of your community and local councillors, officers and the police about matters of importance to you. There is limited parking available at the club, which is in Dovecote Street , so it is recommended to share a car if possible. There is parking available in the streets around and within an easy five minute walk of the club.

On Tuesday the 18th January the residents of Marwood Residential home on Ashby Road, Shepshed enjoyed taking part in an activity arranged by the organisation called ‘Music for Health’. The residents accompanied various tunes with the shaking of musical instruments. The ones shown in the picture are known as ‘little bits of nonsense’ - they had great fun singing along to some old tunes and making their own music as well. This event takes place every month and the residents really look forward to it.

Emma Lowe

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Mrs Chris Thomas 01509 507 334 (Home) 08450 568 571 (Office) 95 Anson Road, Shepshed Member of The Society of Will Writers

Practise safe eating - always use condiments.

Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Census forms are on the way

The census in our community

Ever wondered what the census is all about? Read on to find out how it affects your daily existence.

When you dig below the surface it’s actually quite amazing how census statistics affect day-to-day activities. Far more than simply tracing family trees, the census provides the statistical blueprint for every community – including ours. You may not realise it, but from the moment you get up in the morning and take a shower, run a bath or even fill a kettle the census has had a part to play. Based on the number of people living in an area, water companies can plan the infrastructure – the size, width and volume – of the pipes running into and out of your property for both clean and waste water. The Office for National Statistics produces the rich source of census statistics – and these are used by local authorities for policy planning, academics for predicting trends, businesses for product development and central government to help share out funding. But what does this mean to you? If you have children of school age,

previous censuses have helped work out the number of school places needed locally. While you drop them off at school, it’s worth remembering that you’re walking into another section of the blueprint – census statistics feed into central government’s equation for sharing out funding – and your local authority receives money for services like schools, health and transport, based on the number of people living in an area. More than simply counting people, the census also looks at characteristics. This is the number of males and females, the number of people in specific age brackets, the number of people belonging to a particular ethnicity, the number of cars / vans a household owns etc. The census describes the population at a national, regional and local level. In March the next census will ask how you travel to work. The statistics from this answer are used to help determine how much – and which type – of public transport is needed. Also, travel patterns can be predicted and the effects of placing new traffic lights in an area, or a pedestrian crossing, or even making

a town centre pedestrianised, can be ascertained. At lunchtime you might pop out to your local supermarket for a bite to eat. Supermarkets use census statistics to work out which food to stock in which areas. So, for example, if the census shows that there are a high percentage of a particular ethnic community, or religious group, living locally (but never who they are), the supermarket can make sure it is stocking food to cater to its local population’s tastes. And, the census statistics help to plan the number of car parking spaces each store needs. Many stores locate their branches based on census statistics, opening in areas where they will be of use to the community, from bank branches, to opticians and chemists and leisure chains. After work you might be visiting an elderly relative in a care home. Again, census statistics will have been used to plan out the long-term care requirements for your area. Emergency services also use census statistics. The Police for example, can map out potential

crime hotspots and work out where to concentrate their crime prevention efforts. Fire brigades can allocate resources (appliances / personnel / fire engines) and plan home safety visits. Having the correct number of resources to respond to fires in the shortest time, and making visits in areas of high risk, can save lives. So when the white envelope pops through your door in March, with your census questionnaire in it, you’ll know that your confidential answers will help identify the services and facilities needed locally.

Find out more at www.census.gov.uk

Digital Switchover Volunteers Sought!

Rival companies wanted for football clash

TV is going digital.

FOOTBALL-mad firms in Charnwood are being urged to get their kit on for the second annual Corporate Football Tournament.

The existing analogue TV signal will be switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal. It will mean that almost everyone will be able to receive digital TV through an aerial but people will need to retune their set at the appropriate times and some people may need a set top box. There will be a number of roadshow events and advice points around the area to inform people what is going to happen and a help scheme is available for people who may experience difficulties. It is anticipated that around 5% of people may experience difficulties and may not know where to go for the help that is available.

Volunteering for the RCC - Volunteers are sought to help people access the information and support. The Rural Community Council (Leics & Rutland) will be seeking up to 45 volunteers from across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland who will be a local contact point and able to help vulnerable people, who have slipped through the net to access the help scheme or seek appropriate advice. Training will be provided and expenses up to £350 will be available for these community volunteers. Their task will be to • Attend a training workshop and a mid project evaluation • Identify additional community supporters in their area • Identify and support those in the target group • Collect data from the community supporters and report back to the project officer The project will be undertaken between March 2011 and September 2011 and most work will be undertaken in your own local area. If you feel that you would like to volunteer please contact Diana Cook for more details and an application form dcook@ruralcc.org.uk, telephone 0116 2689706 or see our website www.ruralcc.org.uk/latestnews.html

Charnwood Borough Council’s Active Together team is appealing for six-a-side teams to enter the competition which pits different companies against each other in the name of the ‘beautiful game’. Following on from last year’s success, which saw 3M crowned champions, the council wants companies to enter a squad of no more than nine players and they must be single sex teams (all male or all female). Councillor Peter Lewis, Charnwood Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “The Corporate Football Tournament isn’t just a great team building activity for companies, it’s also a chance for employees to get rid of their frustrations, play sport and escape the office for the day. “It doesn’t matter how big or small big the company is - as long as all the players are employees they can enter.” The tournament will be held on Sunday, April 3, 2011, at Rawlins Community College from 9am to 1.30pm. It costs £30 per team and the closing date for applications is Wednesday, March 23, 2011. For more information, contact Jo Grant on 01509 632535 or email: jo.grant@charnwood.gov.uk. The football tournament is part of the Active Together team’s programme which works with local workplaces to help improve the health of employees. For more information about what else Active Together can offer your workplace, call Jo or visit http://www.workplacechallenge.org.uk/

Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.

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SHEPSHED CARERS CO-OPERATIVE INVITE YOU TO OUR OPEN DAYS Sat 26th February & Wed 2nd March 10 am – 2 pm Nature of the Services Provided The service is provided to people requesting care, either directly or through other agencies, which includes: UÊÊÊ Ê>Ã«iVÌÃÊ vÊ«iÀÃ > ÊV>ÀiÊ ÊÊÊÊÊ vÌi ÊÕÃ }ÊÌÀ> ÃviÀÊ> `Ã® UÊÊÊ*Ài«>À }Ê ÀÊ>ÃÃ ÃÌ }ÊÜ Ì ÊÊÊÊÊ«Ài«>À>Ì Ê vÊv `

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

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Environmental Enhancements Feasibility Study

An environmental enhancement feasibility study for Shepshed has been prepared for the consideration of the Town Council. The illustration above shows some of the ideas put forward by Bellinger Design Landscape Architects.

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Knit & Natter - or just natter! This Christchurch Methodist Church group started off as a one-off fundraiser, but proved so popular that it has now become part of the regular church programme. Meetings take place on the third Saturday of the month and everyone is welcome to come along at any time between 2pm and 4pm. Knitting is not compulsory! If you like to natter with busy hands then please bring any type of needlecraft, but if you prefer to simply natter, you will be made very welcome. Tea and cakes are served and members pay a £1.50 subscription which goes to the refurbishment fund. Next meetings: Saturday 19th March at 3 Harrington Road, and Saturday 16th April at Christchurch. For more information, contact Jan (01509 503918) or Sue (01509 650171).

I stayed at a nice, really fancy hotel this weekend. The towels were so thick I could hardly get my suitcase shut.

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Oaks Country Fair 2011 On Spring Bank Holiday Monday 30th May the Union Jack will once again fly on the top of the hill at Oaks-inCharnwood. This flag signifies that Belton and Hathern Scouts have set up camp for the weekend of the Fair. This event has its origins in the 1930s and is well and truly established on the local calendar; it is a true community event catering for all ages. The Fair is organised by the parishioners of Shepshed and Oaksin-Charnwood who are very lucky to have access to such a beautiful site on which to hold their Fair. St James the Greater Church nestles by a rocky granite outcrop amidst the trees in the heart of Charnwood Forest. Members of the organising committee are delighted with the number of early bookings for charity, craft and trade stalls. Added to this the owners of classic vehicles, with both two and four wheels, are making sure that their display will be very worthwhile. An interesting demonstration of static engines is also planned. All dog owners are invited to bring their canine friends to take part in the Companion Dog Show, always an extremely popular part of the Fair. There will be music from Charnwood Concert Band, Newcroft School Band and the pipes and drums of the 1st Company Boys’ Brigade. A fresh addition to the Country Fair for this year is a Wildlife and Conservation area. Should you wish to learn more about the Oaks Country Fair, with a view to booking a stall or taking part in the vehicle display, please contact Anne Wightman on 01509 502736, or e-mail alan.wig@tiscali.co.uk

You’re Hired! Mock eco-business wins Shepshed ‘Apprentice’ project STUDENTS survived a boardroom grilling to win an Apprentice-style competition which showcased how much they know about protecting the environment. Year Nine pupils from Shepshed High School were asked to create a company then make a 10-minute presentation in a ‘boardroom’ explaining how environmentallyfriendly and sustainable their business would be. A panel of judges then chose the company which impressed them the most and ‘fired’ the rest. The unique project was organised by Charnwood Borough Council’s waste education team. The winning team was Environmentally Friendly Oils (EFO) which was made up of Sean Horobin, 13, Calum Hill, 14, Dean Howard, 13 and David Hutton, 13 who each won an iPod shuffle for their efforts. Sean said: “We won because our presentation was the best, we worked as a team and we were the most confident.” Calum added: “It was a really good competition. We gained a lot of knowledge and confidence out of it, learned how to put together a good presentation and how to respond to tough questions. We won because we did our research!” The panel of judges included Tolu Omideyi, Charnwood Borough

BOARDROOM: Judges Tolu Omideyi, Steve Alford and Steve Bloor hear the winning presentation from EFO members Sean Horobin, Calum Hill, Dean Howard and Daniel Hutton Council’s sustainable development officer, Steve Bloor, manager of McDonald’s in Loughborough and Steve Alford, the school bursar. Mr Alford said: “All the presentations were of a very high standard and I’m very proud of all the students. The EFO presentation showed real environmentally-friendly values.” Councillor Hilary Fryer, Charnwood Borough Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “This was a creative way of getting young people to think about the environment and how to reduce their own impact on it. “While this was a fun exercise for the

Loughborough Town Hall foyer set for revamp LOUGHBOROUGH Town Hall’s café will be transformed into an art gallery and expanded tourist information centre under new plans revealed by Charnwood Borough Council. The Visitor Service Centre, currently hosted in the foyer acting as the Town Hall Box Office, will be expanded to improve the provision of tourist information. This will include a new tourism kiosk, leaflet display space, direct internet links to information such as bus timetables, plus advice on local attractions and places of interest. The café area will be completely redesigned to host ‘The Sock Gallery’, a brand new visual arts exhibition. The new gallery will work with established local groups and individuals to showcase and sell the work of some of the Borough’s best artists.

students to take part in, there is a serious message behind it which the council strives to get across to young people through projects like this. “If we can get across that message of good environmental stewardship to young people now, it can only help in the future.” Students chose the council scheme for their Key Skills Programme.

PLOT WANTED Person seeking building plot (approx. ½ acre) for bungalow. Genuine inquiry for health reasons. Long-time resident in the area. Contact Vicki on 01530 230389.

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Green Spaces

Live Entertainment at Shepshed’s Pubs & Clubs

What green spaces do you value? People are being urged to have their say on the green spaces they value. The county council wants to hear from people about their favourite green spaces, whether they are parks and meadows or large green wedges between towns.

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A green space is generally defined as a managed or more natural space, which is either publicly accessible and/or provides visual amenity. The visual amenity might be to retain an important view within or beyond a settlement, or on a larger scale to provide an area of separation between settlements or parts of settlements. However, we are interested in your views on all green areas, whether or not they match this definition; the vital factor is that the green space is valuable to you. There are a number of protected areas in Leicestershire that we already know about, such as Bradgate Park, Conservation Areas and Green Wedges. So we are particularly interested in hearing about more local areas that are important to you in your community. It could be a small strip of waste land that local children play on, a roadside verge that provides particular wildlife habitat, a village green or public garden, or even large areas of green space between towns and villages.

Why are we asking? The council launched the idea because the Government’s localism policy aims to give local communities a greater say on planning decisions affecting their areas. Ministers are also proposing to create a new “valued green spaces” designation. Understanding which green spaces local people particularly value will help local communities and councils decide where new homes and other developments needed by local communities are best located. At the moment, Leicestershire has green wedges around Leicester, Loughborough, Hinckley and Coalville. Residents have been campaigning for further green wedges to be designated and other areas of countryside to be protected.

How you can have your say Go to the webpage at www.leics.gov.uk/greenspaces and make your comments using the interactive, online map of the county. Just enter a postcode or click on the map to find an area of interest, zoom in and select a particular place, then let us know what it is you value about that green space. You can tell us about as many areas as you want - just repeat the process. This consultation covers the County area of Leicestershire only; you will be able to identify areas that cross the County / City boundary, but not areas completely within the City.

Charnwood’s Walk Programme 2011 to be launched in Shepshed Charnwood Borough Council have a nationally accredited walk programme which runs throughout the year. In April every year there is a walk launch attended by the mayor and local councillors. Last year’s walks attracted nearly 2,000 people in total. This year’s walk launch takes place in Shepshed, with a walk starting at 10am from the Glenmore Park Car Park on 11th April 2011. The walk is about 5 miles, and takes walkers down the railway line and across the fields and brook and back round by Anson Road. The walk leader is Natalie Warrington. Everyone is welcome to take part.

Nita Pearson Active Lifestyle Development Officer Charnwood Borough Council 01509 634594 email nita.pearson@charnwood.gov.uk

Pied Bull Inn Belton Street, Shepshed 01509 503707 Entertainments Free Sat 26 Feb: Live Entertainment 8pm Sat 5 Mar: OPEN MIC 8pm Sat 26 Mar: Live Entertainment 8pm Every Sun: Charity QUIZ £1 Entry(Goes to Charity) 8.30pm Start. The Black Swan Loughborough Road, Shepshed 01509 502659 Sat 5 Mar: CHRIS ROBIN 9pm (Male vocalist) Free. Every Wed: QUIZ 9pm Free to Enter + Free Buffet, Winning Team gets £10 Drinks Voucher. The Crown Brook Street, Shepshed 01509 504 136 Entertainments Free & Start at 9pm Fri 25 Feb: KARAOKE/DISCO (Red Face Steve’s) also on:Sat 5 Mar, Fri 11 Mar, Sat 19 Mar, & Sat 26 Mar. Sat 26 Feb: GLASTONBUDGET Band & Fri 4,18 & 25 March. 9pm Start. The Britannia 28 Britannia Street, Shephed. 07981 849 141 Every Sat: KARAOKE 8.30pm Every 3rd Fri: FOLK Singaround Upstairs in FUNCTION ROOM

The Blue Ball Market Place, Shepshed Entertainments Free & Start at 9pm Fri 25 Feb: KARAOKE with Matty Blue Eyes. Sat 26 Feb: PREMONITION (Featuring Wayne Curtis) Fri 4 Mar: KARAOKE Sat 5 Mar: GEORGIE SURRIDGE (Excellent Female Vocalist) Fri 11 Mar: MOTOWN SOUL (Jayne Haywood) Sat 12 Mar: KARAOKE (R.F.Steve) Fri 18 Mar: KARAOKE Sat 19 Mar: PAUL RAVEL Fri 25 Mar: KARAOKE Sat 26 Mar: RETRO Duo. The Red Lion Market Place, Shepshed 0751 718 0094 Entertainments Free/Most Start 9pm. Fri 25 Feb: ‘SMASHED’ Party People (R&B/Hip Hop/Electro/House/D&B) Sat 26 Feb: KARAOKE (Soulfinger) Also on Fri 4 Mar, Sat 12 Mar, Fri 18 Mar & Sat 26 Mar. Fri 11 Mar: Fresh Friday Chart Hits Sat 19 Mar: FIGHTBACK Band Fri 25 Mar: Fresh Friday Chart Hits The Bottom Railway Charnwood Road, Shepshed 01509 506 572 Every Wed: BINGO 8.30pm Free Entry Every Sat: BINGO 8pm Free Entry Send us your forthcoming entertainments and we’ll include details here free! Details of pub & club entertainments in Shepshed are included in this column FREE of CHARGE. Simply email your live entertainment information to: info@shepshedeye.co.uk and we’ll include it in the magazine. Tremendous!

LETTER: ‘I’m not excited by foodstore!’ Many thanks and congratulations on the second edition - I hope that you can continue to produce copy for many years to come and thanks to all the contributors and advertisers for making it happen.

The front page article regarding 25 Charnwood Road will prompt me into taking further notice and indeed, participation in local planning proposals. The proposed development of a “new modern high quality foodstore” is described as “exciting” and the spokesman for the developer is quoted as saying “it is an important development for Shepshed and hope that it will be welcomed by all”, could not be further from the truth! It excites me not one jot! I don’t think the town needs another foodstore any more than it would benefit from the concreting over of Garendon or a new golf club! When will the planning people, developers and land owners realise that the majority of inhabitants of the town are not stupid and that the beneficiaries of any such scheme will be the store owners, developers and a short term win by the builders. It will not make my life any easier, cheaper, happier or fruitful. The paragraph stating that the development will bring “wider economic benefits”, “spin off benefits for existing uses” and “employment opportunities for up to 100 new (local) jobs” is nothing but banal spin doctoring. I find it hard to believe that the Town Councillors, CBC, LCC and the store owners think that they can tell me what I need and where I want it - push through the objectives and ask me to pay taxes for the process and shut up while I’m doing it! I can understand that the developer has a living to earn and that he would be foolish to say “we are building another shop that Shepshed doesn’t really need but hey-ho! I’m rich on the back of it!” But I think he is foolish and ill informed to think that the good people of Shepshed will (in their droves) do their weekly shop here anymore than the majority do their main shop in the Co-op. Please stop treating us like imbeciles and tell us the truth!

Peter Bagguley I’m not into working out. My philosophy: no pain, no pain.

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Mayor of Charnwood visits Shepshed The photographs show the Mayor of Charnwood’s Civic Away Day visit to Shepshed on 17th January 2011.

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The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Jill Vincent (fourth from left) during her visit.

New council homes are on track DESPITE extreme weather in December, the £1.2 million project to build nine new Council homes is on target.

Shepshed Camera Club News The mid-term break for Shepshed Camera Club is fast approaching but before that the members have enjoyed two very entertaining Tuesday evening meetings at the Council Offices in Charnwood Road. On 1st February Nigel Ward, LRPS from Derby gave a two part talk entitled “Street Photography from Here to Hiroshima”. The first half featured a mix of candid and people pictures taken all over the U.K.and Europe, a type of photography that doesn’t feature often among the Club members. After the interval Nigel, who is married to a Japanese lady, showed a whole series of similar style images taken during his many visits to Japan over recent years. On 8th.February the members held their second annual oneoff digital image challenge competition entitled “4 of the best”. Each entrant, of which there were 14, supplied a group of four images for projection and these were judged individually by Peter Cheetham,APAGB, who awarded each image a mark out of 20. The entrant with the best combined aggregate score was Brian Negus who gained 59 points to win overall and he also received the award for the highest scoring image of the evening entitled “Peat Smoke and Sunbeam”. This was a particularly well-achieved All major result for Brian as he is quite severely cards visually impaired but doesn’t let this spoil his enjoyment of the hobby of accepted photography. After the mid-term break the Club Gas & Heating engineer meets once again on 1st.March when the second competition league round of the year will take place. More details are available at www. shepshedcameraclub.co.uk/ 01509 503

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The scheme is part of Charnwood Borough Council’s programme to secure the provision of 250 affordable homes in the Borough by 2012. The nine new affordable and energy efficient properties are being built in Shepshed, Barrow-UponSoar and Thurmaston and are the first council homes to be built for almost 20 years. The new properties will meet high energy efficiency standards and will feature timber-frame construction, high levels of insulation in the walls and roof, and energy efficient windows and doors. They will be advertised and allocated in accordance with the soon to be implemented Choice Based Lettings scheme and should be available from May 2011 onwards. Councillor John Bush, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for housing, said: “I’m really pleased that we remain on track to deliver these homes working in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency to provide not only places to live for those in housing need but to help keep fuel bills down in times of rising energy prices. “These affordable homes are using some of the most up-to-date construction methods which shows that high standards of energy efficiency can be achieved and the benefits passed onto those who live in them.” The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) helped the scheme with a £406,000 cash injection. The work is being carried out by leading UK construction, infrastructure and design business Morgan Sindall plc.

Articles & News: 01530 244069 Email: info@shepshedeye.co.uk • Advertising Enquiries: 0800 644 6150 Email: ads@shepshedeye.co.uk

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In March, hundreds of school children from Leicestershire are expected to race thousands of children from across the UK in a national bike race called ‘The Big Pedal’. The race, powered by UK charity Sustrans and funded by the bicycle industry through its Bike Hub, will last for three weeks – starting on the 7th March. The three week race follows a similar format to the Tour de France; each day is a different time trial, with different stages, from long flat sprints to hillier mountainous climbs. The more children, parents and teachers that cycle in to school on each day, the quicker time the school is awarded for each stage. The school with the lowest time overall will be declared winner. First prize for the national winners is a spectacular day with the M.A.D stunt team, who have performed for people all over the world, from Pepsi-Cola in Saudi Arabia to Formula One driver Jacques Villeneuve at his birthday party. National runners up win a Minipod bike and scooter storage system worth over £1,000 for their school. In last year’s race, organised by Sustrans, 408 schools from across the UK competed to be the first to complete a gruelling, 5,224 mile bike challenge. In Leicester, seven schools took part, with Caldecote Primary School taking first place regionally. The Big Pedal 2011 is open to any school within the UK, and it is free to take part. Schools can sign up to take part in the entire three week challenge, or register for a special one-day stage that will take place in the last week of the race – which is also Bike to School Week (21 – 25 March). For more information, and to get your school involved, please go to: www.thebigpedal.org.uk

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Healthy options on the menu at local play barn

Rotarians Entertain Ambassadorial Scholar

As a mum of two very lively boys I’m always looking to give them two things: interesting meals which are good for them, and a way to burn off steam. If my boys are tired from an activity, they seem to be better behaved, and when they’ve no energy left the house is sometimes a little quieter. Four years ago I decided to open an indoor play area in Coalville, as the nearest clean indoor play facilities were either in Leicester or Swadlincote. Over the past four years the playbarn - Barneys - has changed and developed and my boys have got bigger and more lively. Barneys has become a local supporter of change for life and as part of this policy we’ve recently changed the children’s menu. We are now promoting healthy food for active kids. We have a range of children’s meals that are home-made and will certainly save you some cooking time at home if you call in after school. The meals contain fresh vegetables which will count towards their 5-a-day. We even offer fresh fruit and smoothies as healthier alternatives to fizzy drinks or chocolate. If you want to get your children active, an indoor play area is the perfect destination. The children play while the adults can treat them selves to a well deserved rest and a freshly ground coffee. Evening Laser Storm is the craze for 2011 aimed at children over 8 years old that may feel they’ve outgrown a play area. After 6pm the younger children leave and the older kids can get started. Why not pay a visit soon?

Cheryl - Barneys Play Barn Tel: 01530 835876

Pick up a copy! Extra copies of Shepshed Community Eye are now being placed in Shepshed Library and The Glenmore Centre. So if for any reason you miss your copy, you can pick one up at either of these two places. Terrific!

A young Japanese graduate, who is studying for a Masters Degree at Leicester University, was the guest of the members of Shepshed Charnwood Rotary Club at their recent meeting at the Whitehouse Hotel in Kegworth. Alisa Nojima, who is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ginza, near Tokyo in Japan, and who is receiving an Ambassadorial Scholarship from the Rotary Foundation, came to talk about her studies and hopes for the future. She obtained a BA in International Communications and is now on a one year course at Leicester University to study for a Masters Degree in International Education. She is particularly interested in the role that different cultures play in enabling people to communicate, and the differences in education systems between cultures. A vote of thanks was proposed by Rotarian Richard Hornsby. The Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Whitehouse Hotel in Kegworth at 7.30 for 8.00pm and all are welcome to come along to find out more about Rotary activities. Fred Thompson. Pictured are, from the left, Mary Ireland from the Rotary Club of Leicester and host of Alisa, Rotarian Richard Hornsby, Alisa Nojima and President Elect of Shepshed Charnwood Rotary Club Bill Watson.

Pride of Charnwood Awards Interested in local history? Shepshed History Society meets every second Tuesday in the month at the Glenmore Centre, Thorpe Road, Shepshed LE12 9LU, starting at 7.30pm and finishing at 9.30pm. Members are entertained by different speakers on various topics, many of which are humorous. There is ample parking facilities and new members are always made welcome. Free tea and coffee is always available.

Closing Date for nominations: 1st March Pride of Charnwood Awards is run by Charnwood Youth Council with the active support of Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council Youth Service. The awards aim to give positive recognition to young people who voluntarily give time, effort and energy to improve the quality of life in Charnwood. Do you know a young person or group aged 13-19 who should be recognized by The Pride of Charnwood Awards? For more information and to pick up a nomination form please visit your local youth club, Connexions Office or Charnwood Borough Council Offices at Southfields, Loughborough. Andrew Lake, Area Youth Work Coordinator Tel: 01509 267796 (Mondays and Wednesdays) Email: Andrew.lake@leics.gov.uk Website: www.thejitty.com/cyc

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Award Categories: • • • • •

Caring for Others Best Youth Group Helping the Community Improving the Environment Pride of Charnwood Award

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

Rotary Club News From John Fox-Russell

The Rotary Club of Shepshed got off to an interesting start to 2011. The January speakers’ topics covered an extremely wide range of subjects - all of them fascinating. On January 10th we welcomed three speakers representing the McQuarrie Stammerers. They revealed their own stuttering and stammering problems and referred to the treatment they experienced in their efforts to cope with what could be a serious and embarrassing handicap. They revealed how they attended courses of the McQuarrie system which is now recognised in many countries in the world. Attendance at these therapeutic courses enabled most sufferers to gain and hold down demanding jobs and even to develop public speaking skills sufficiently well to participate in public speaking contests. One member of the club described the evening thus: “One of the most impressive and informative presentations ever given to the club.” Everyone agreed.

Panto trip January 10th was Panto Night at Thringstone. For well over ten years, the Rotary Club of Shepshed has bought tickets for the Pantomime and this year again we took 25 senior citizens from Shepshed to the show and returned them to their homes. We receive letters of thanks from the different groups and we are very happy to provide the service.

Global Peace Initiative January 17th saw the return visit of Jennifer Horsfall - a student at Hind Leys college - whom the club, along with others, had sponsored to be one of the UK representatives at a Global Peace Initiative conference in the United States. Having been selected by Hind Leys College Jennifer travelled to New York and other parts of the states along with representatives from 61 countries across the world. An excellent illustrated presentation.

Fundraising Talk On January 24th we welcomed the Fundraising and Marketing Director of LCL (Leicester Charity Link) which is a professionally organised co-ordinator of fund-raising in aid of charitable causes throughout Leicestershire. They only accept referrals from health professionals, social services and statutory and voluntary organisations. Sue McEniff gave anonymous examples to illustrate the type of work undertaken.

At the Copa On January 26th a good number of club members went to the Loughborough Town Hall to see Copacabana by The Christchurch Theatre Club. We are keen supporters of this theatre group and enjoyed the evening immensely. January 31st was a business meeting at which we discussed the projects in hand.

On February 7th Dr.D. Ridings attended the meeting to give a presentation on her voluntary work in Tanzania. Dr.Ridings, a dentist practising in Shepshed gives time, every year, to the Bridge2Aid charity undertaking dental repair work, etc in an area of extreme poverty.

Speakers to come More good speakers to come include: Barry Norman on Comical Poetry of Growing up in the 60s, two speakers on Charity work in Cuba, Dr.Heather Crate from STEPS in Shepshed, Bill Brookman on his work in Haiti, and a full programme. We do not just eat and listen to speakers though, as almost every meeting is followed by a committee meeting to arrange our future events such as:On Saturday 26th February, we shall again be collecting outside the Shepshed Co-op and the new Tesco store for POLIO. The people of Shepshed have been magnificent in their support of this project since it began in 1987, last year contributing over £370. Absolutely amazing thank you. That week we celebrate 105 years of Rotary and we hope that we can do our bit again. We shall be looking out for the PURPLE CROCUSES in bloom in Shepshed. We planted over 4,000 bulbs last October in various places in Shepshed and look forward to them showing how supportive Shepshed can be.

Magic Lantern Show On Fri. March 11th we have a Magic Lantern Show at Shepshed High School given by Mr. Michael Wortley on “A walk through the old village of Shepshed”. This is not to be missed – a truly wonderful show. The show starts at 7.30pm. It costs £5.00 entry and the proceeds will go to The Leicester Air Ambulance. Refreshments will be available. And there’s lots more, including a Games Night in April and a LADIES ONLY FASHION SHOW on Friday 6th May. Tickets are priced at £5.00 each and refreshments will be available. Tickets are limited so apply now to any club member or at Shepshed High School.

Young Writers We shall be awarding certificates and book tokens to Young Writers in three Shepshed Primary Schools this term and to students from Shepshed High School during the summer term. There will be at least one concert by Shepshed Schools’ choirs and orchestras during the summer term.

Two new members We have welcomed two new members in two months and now have 14 men and 9 women in our friendly club. You know where we are if you wish to be sociable and put something back into the world community. Call Keith Cuff on 01509 820881 or look on our website shepshedrotaryclub.webspace. virginmedia.com.

                  

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Want to be a local councillor? With local elections coming up on 5th May 2011, now is a good time to seriously consider becoming a town councillor. But what does it involve? A helpful booklet has been compiled by the Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils as a general guide to becoming a local councillor. It explains: • what parish and town councils are • the services they can provide • where councils get their money from • how they make decisions • how much time this takes up • why people become councillors • the qualifications necessary to become a councillor • the election procedure • what happens if you get elected Local councils rely on people who are prepared to put themselves forward to make sure that local people are listened to. As a councillor you can be a voice for your community and help achieve real change. In other words, you can make a difference. To obtain a copy of the booklet, contact Mrs. Brenda Snape at Shepshed Town Council on 01509 508872 or the Leicestershire & Rutland Association of Local Councils on 0116 235 3800.

Actor Born And Bred In Shepshed Returns An actor who was born and bred in Shepshed is set to return to his roots in a new theatre show. DAVID BLOOD is appearing in the touring production of “SIG AND SERV’s STORY BOOK” by Alan Huckle at the Glenmore Community Centre, Shepshed on Saturday 5th March at 8pm. David who now lives in Norwich is the co-founder of Headless Teddy Productions who present this show in conjunction with EyesWrite. He appears alongside Peter Sowerbutts with whom he started the company to present the original outing for their two wacky French characters. Prior to becoming a professional David was a member of various amateur companies in the Shephed area including the Christ Church Theatre Club and Act One. “SIG AND SERV’S STORYBOOK” takes its audience into a twisted version of Sleeping Beauty. Forget Disney, these two clearly have no understanding of the ways of traditional fairytales. With drunken fairies, Geordie country bumpkins and a withered old man with a knobkerrie; not forgetting the reappearance of the lisping Inspector Ruffles and the academically challenged Sergeant Trattles. Chaos ensues as Sig and Serv embark on a cock-and-bull journey no audience will never forget. David Blood (Sig) said “This new production is a joyous romp. It’s brilliant to re-visit characters that you so enjoy playing but the added bonus is being able to come home and the present the show here. My family are all in the Shepshed area so even Sunday lunch is assured as well!”. David is well known by film makers in East Anglia, appearing in many a film for them. Peter is a prolific actor who will be going on a national tour for the Birmingham Stage Company this year, as Shere Khan the tiger in “Jungle Book”.

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Shepshed Community EYE - Issue 3 - March 2011 • Visit the website at www.shepshedeye.co.uk

It’s a Magical Life!

Christchurch Methodist Events in March

by Philosophical Phyllis

Wednesday March 2nd 2:45pm Ladies Guild - Songs of Praise Video

Friday March 18th 9:30am Coffee Morning & Fund Raising Stall (weather permitting)

I’ve just enjoyed the DVD drama film ‘The Shift’ featuring the popular American author and speaker Dr.Wayne Dyer.

Friday March 4th 9:30am Coffee Morning & Fund Raising Stall (weather permitting)

Sunday March 20th 10:45am Morning Worship & Junior Church 12:00pm Sunday Lunch Fundraiser 6:00pm No Service

A two-hour joy to watch.

Sunday March 6th 10:45am All Age Worship 6:00pm Evening Worship

Wednesday March 23rd 2:45pm Ladies Guild - Celebration Lunch

Wednesday March 9th 2:45pm Ladies Guild - An afternoon with Joyce Danvers

Friday March 25th 9:30am Coffee Morning & Fund Raising Stall (weather permitting)

Friday March 11th 9:30am Coffee Morning & Fund Raising Stall (weather permitting)

Wednesday March 30th 2:45pm Ladies Guild - Famous Painting

Wednesday March 16th 2:45pm Ladies Guild - An afternoon with Alf Thompson

What the teacher says and what the teacher means…. If you have ever wondered what the teachers think of your child….

Sunday March 27th 10:45am Communion Service & Junior Church 6:00pm Evening Worship

Sunday March 13th 10:45am Morning Worship & Junior Church 6:00pm Evening Worship

Seeing the principles of how to live a life of meaning - expounded by ancient sages - shown in simple terms and working out in modern life. The DVD is available from Hay House at £15.99.

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Your son James has a remarkable ability in gathering needed information from his classmates. (He was caught cheating on an exam.) Karen is an endless fund of energy and viability. (your hyperactive monster can’t stay put for five minutes.) Fantastic imagination! (He’s one of the biggest liars I have ever met). Margie exhibits a casual, relaxed attitude to school, indicating that high expectations don’t intimidate her. (The lazy thing hasn’t done one assignment all term.) Nick thrives on interaction with his peers. (Your son needs to shut up and start working.) Your daughter’s greatest asset is her demonstrative public discussions. (Classroom lawyer! Why is it that every time I explain an assignment she creates a class argument.) John enjoys the thrill of engaging challenges with his peers. (He’s a bully.) An adventurous nature lover who rarely misses opportunities to explore new territory. (Your daughter was caught skipping class in order to wade in the fish pond.)

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Find the first 12 squares on a Monopoly Board in the Wordsearch grid above, and you could win yourself a £25 Voucher to spend at Akash Indian Take Away. All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through the names of the first 12 squares on the Monopoly Board. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: Advance To Go!, Shepshed Eye, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 12th March 2011. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the prize. Good luck! Here are the twelve MONOPOLY SQUARES you have to find: OLD KENT ROAD • COMMUNITY CHEST • WHITECHAPEL ROAD INCOME TAX • KING’S CROSS STATION • THE ANGEL ISLINGTON CHANCE • EUSTON ROAD • PENTONVILLE ROAD JAIL • PALL MALL • ELECTRIC COMPANY Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Month’s Winner was Mr. Harris! The winner of the Wordsearch Competition in the last issue of Shepshed Eye was MR. J.S. HARRIS of Norwich Close, Shepshed. Congratulations ! Your prize - a Voucher for a Main Course for Two plus a Bottle of House Wine at The Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield - will be with you soon.

I am the world’s greatest authority on my own opinion.

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• It is an offence not to clean up after your dog has fouled public land. A fixed penalty of £80 is payable or up to £1,000 if it goes to a Magistrates Court. • Properly sealed bags containing dog waste should be put in dog waste bins, street litter bins, or take them home for disposal. • Dog faeces is a health hazard with the roundworm Toxocara causing eye, liver, brain and respiratory problems. Children are particularly vulnerable in play areas. • If you have information relating to someone failing to clean up after their dog, please contact the Dog Control Service on 01509 634628.