Spotlight Groby & Field Head Mid-March 2021
The Monthly News & Information Magazine For Groby, Field Head & The Brantings Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council
Business Recovery Project Fund Launched SMALL BUSINESSES that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to apply to a new fund to help businesses to safeguard jobs in the borough.
Gillian and Alan celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary ORIGINALLY from the North East, Gillian and Alan Moffett have lived in Leicestershire for over 60 years with the past 21 being in Beaumont Green, Groby.
They were married at Holy Cross Church, Fenham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 4th March 1961 and have just celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary, receiving a congratulatory card from HRH Queen Elizabeth II. They both left their north east roots when Alan joined the Leicester City Police Force (as it was then). He was a serving traffic officer for 30 years and then in Traffic Admin until his retirement in 2004. Keen gardeners, Gillian and Alan have 2 daughters and 4 grown-up grandchildren and are very much looking forward to celebrating their 60 married years with their family, when restrictions are lifted.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has launched a Business Recovery Project Fund to target match funded grants to help to small businesses and help them to recover from the impacts they may have faced or are still facing, from the pandemic. The fund prioritises independent business (including retail), tourism and hospitality business and creative industry and is designed to help toward the costs of investing in new equipment or other capital expenditure to aid their recovery. Other independent businesses that can demonstrate they have suffered severe hardship as a result of the pandemic are also welcome to apply. Suitable projects might include new equipment or machinery, building a new website, investing in new products and e-commerce such as contactless payment technology or permanent fixtures and fittings to support social distancing such as an awning for a café or restaurant to support alfresco dining. The grants available range from £1,000 and £15,000 and the scheme will provide 50% grant support with the applicant providing the other 50% as match funding. This grant scheme is funded through the government’s Additional Restrictions Grant. The council’s initial allocation of £300,000 is for the period to the end of March 2022 or until funds run out. Businesses should be able to A 25% INCREASE in the cost of Hinckley and Bosworth’s garden waste demonstrate their recovery project will safeguard jobs and collection service may sound like bad news. But, at £30 per annum from ideally create new ones. 1 June, it still represents good value compared to the service provided by Leader of the Council, some other local authorities. Councillor Stuart Bray said: The Government website says “Some councils provide a home collection service for garden “We recognise local businesses waste - there may be a small fee for green waste collection.” Although some councils make no has been severely impacted by charge, for the people of Harlow, who were shown to be paying £96 per annum a couple of years ago, that may have the pandemic and many may been an understatement. They are no doubt pleased that the council cut the cost to £42 last year, with the portfolio need to adapt and change to holder for environment admitting that “the cost has been too high for too long.” Sunny Eastbourne residents face a survive. This grant is available £70 charge this year. to support our local businesses The £24 charge hasn’t been increased for 5 years, and the start date for the new year has been put back by two in implementing a recovery months to the first of June to compensate customers for the collections missed when the pandemic hit in the spring of project enabling them to them 2020. The service now runs from 1 June 2021 to 31 May 2022, though subscribers can renew from 1 March onwards. get back on their feet and grow “The £6 increase is to reduce the level of subsidy required from other budgets,” explained a spokesperson for sustainably.” Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. “The garden waste service last year cost £1,411,350 to run. The income For the full guidance and details from garden waste subscriptions was £780,000, so subscriptions currently only represent around 55% of the cost of on how to apply visit: www. providing the service.” hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/ businessrecoveryfund Norman Griffiths
Garden waste collections still good value despite £6 increase
Next Issue Out On 17th April • Advert & Article Deadline Is 3rd April
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Chelsea Flower Show moves to the autumn
Groby & Field Head Spotlight
FOR THE first time ever in its 108-year history, Chelsea Flower Show will not be held in the Spring, but in the Autumn.
Parents invited to become virtual Reading Friends PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT
Telephone
01530-244069 Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk 3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings. Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.
The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies. Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/ or advertisements submitted for publication. All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight. None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.
NEXT ISSUE OUT ON:
PARENTS around the county are invited to join virtual Reading Friends groups to meet new people in their local area.
Leicestershire County Council has been awarded funding from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and The Reading Agency to take part in their new initiative Read, Talk, Share, which is aimed at tackling loneliness and includes a national rollout of their Reading Friends scheme. Reading Friends is a reading befriending programme that helps to start conversations and connect people who are lonely and isolated. Virtual groups will start to appear on Facebook over the next few months, providing support for parents, particularly first-time parents, who may feel more isolated without close family support and regular library activities. A group has already been established on Facebook for the Burbage and Hinckley area with over 75 members. Sally from the Burbage Reading Friends group said: “I’ve been a member of a book club for several years but for various reasons it’s recently disbanded so this was perfect timing. All the members had the opportunity to vote from a selection of books and a date was set for a Zoom review. “We started off with an icebreaker which helped us all get to know each other a bit better and all had a chance to share our thoughts, have a good discussion about each of the characters and score the book out of 5.” Councillor Richard Blunt, cabinet member for libraries, said: “Over the last year, our libraries staff have been investigating new and innovative ways to reach out to residents who may be affected by loneliness caused by lockdown, and help them to connect through reading. “I’m very proud that we have been awarded funding to set up Reading Friends groups and a telephone befriending scheme, and would encourage parents to look out for new Facebook groups around Leicestershire or contact us about volunteering yourself.” Additional opportunities will be available for parents to join telephone befriending activities. Leicestershire Libraries are looking for volunteers to support the telephone befriending service and to run virtual Reading Friends groups. If you would like to know more, please email victoria.barton@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 4574. To find out more about Reading Friends and find groups near you, visit https://readingfriends.org.uk
17th April 2021 DEADLINE: 3rd April 2021
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The 2021 Chelsea Flower Show will now take place from 21st to 26th September. The Royal Horticultural Society, the show organisers, will still hold it at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. The hope is that by September, millions more people will be vaccinated, so that mass outdoor events will be able to happen safely. 140,000 people are predicted to attend this year’s Chelsea, over the six days. Sue Biggs, RHS director general, says: “We believe many designers and nurseries will look forward to working with different plants that would not be available or at their best in May. We will do our utmost to deliver a beautiful, uplifting and different RHS Chelsea safely in September 2021.”
Walking and talking By the Revd Tony Horsfall of Charis Training DURING THE PANDEMIC, I have enjoyed walking. In many ways, getting out daily for a good walk has not only helped me physically, but also bolstered my mental well-being. Often, I have arranged to walk with a friend, and we have enjoyed good conversation and fellowship.
Today I was walking alone, and I noticed it seemed further and to take longer. When you are walking and talking, you hardly notice the distance or the time. I am not usually able to think much when I am walking alone, but today the reminder came into my head of a saying: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ It made me thankful for all the friends who have encouraged me this year and helped me to keep going. We can walk alone, and sometimes that’s a good thing; but it is easier to be able to walk through life with others. Who has walked with you this year? Do they know that you appreciate their companionship on the journey?
Other people don’t like my queue jumping. Especially when I use my motorcycle.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Your Village, Your Future HAVING assembled a core group of volunteers with much of the knowledge and skills needed to drive development of the Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan, we are now in the process of establishing working groups that will focus on some of the themes of the plan.
NT clothing collections WHEN MOST people think of the collections in National Trust houses they think of paintings, furniture, silverware and other historic and priceless objects.
We are seeking additional volunteers to help with this important work which may shape the future of Groby Parish for many years – can you help? If you feel you may be interested, please get in touch using the contact details below to start an informal, no commitment discussion. Anyone interested to contribute should get in touch by email to grobyneighbourhoodplan@gmail.com or through the Groby Council Offices, Village Hall, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DQ tel. 0116 287 6985. Please indicate which of the Working Groups you are interested to join.
However across their properties the Trust also houses the largest collection of clothing in the UK. This amounts to just over 27,000 items of clothing ranging from practical everyday wear to high status fashion. One of the oldest and most unusual garments is the linen chemise worn by Mary, Queen of Scots, at her execution in 15870 (pictured right). An embroidered inscription on the bodice of the garment states this historic fact and the garment is displayed at Coughton Court in Warwickshire. At Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland something more utilitarian is the battlefield attire of Sir John Astley, a Royalist commander during the English Civil War. It consists of his buff leather coat and doublet worn in battle from 1642 to 1649. An item of very different men’s attire from the late 1600’s is the figured silk doublet and petticoat breeches worn by Sir Edmund Verney. Following the restoration of Charles II the style was brought over from France where the court had been in exile. This item is on display at Claydon House near Buckingham. Returning to the ladies we come to the famous Victorian actress, Ellen Terry. In her home at Smallhythe Place in Kent there is a large collection of her dresses. The most famous is the spectacular stage costume that she wore as Lady Macbeth which is decorated with real glittering green beetle wings. Closer to Groby there are a number of items of clothing at Calke Abbey near Ashby de la Zouch. These include a number of items of livery in good condition which would have been worn by the Footmen when Calke was a prosperous estate. At Canons Ashby near Towcester there is a large collection of men’s waistcoats from the late 18th century made from linen, silk and velvet. Whilst most National Trust properties contain items of clothing, the largest costume collection is at Killerton House near Exeter. Here the Trust cares for approximately 20,000 items of clothing. The whole of the top floor of the house is given over to displaying the items on a rotating basis. • THE NATIONAL TRUST Leicester Association has currently suspended its meetings but continues to issue its monthly email Newsheet and its triannual printed Newsletter to members. It is also organising “Zoom” meetings with speaker. Please check the Association web site at – www.leicesternt.btck.co.uk for details, including updates regarding Stoneywell Cottage.
Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
Alan Tyler Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association
We are now seeking volunteers with special interest in these themes to join the groups led by members of the Steering Group. Groby Parish Council have applied to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) to designate the whole extent of Groby Parish as the neighbourhood area to be covered by the plan. By the time you read this, the public consultation on area designation will have closed. Official determination by HBBC could take up to mid-April 2021. The Steering Group and working groups are not permitted to engage extensively with Groby Community to seek new evidence and opinion (through meetings and questionnaires for example) until the neighbourhood area has been determined. However, work has already begun on existing evidence – reviewing planning reports, collecting local knowledge, inventorying open spaces etc. The Steering Group has established two initial working groups, the Historical Environment Working Group, and the Natural Environment Working Group.
Historical Environment Working Group The scope of work of the Historical Environment Working Group is likely to include Groby Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, Listed Buildings, Scheduled Monuments, Heritage at Risk, the Historic Environment Record, Local Heritage Assets, and Ridge and Furrow earthworks. Indeed, there is a current HBBC initiative to compile local heritage lists with a view to protecting that heritage.
Natural Environment Working Group The scope of work of the Natural Environment Working Group is likely to include The National Forest; Charnwood Forest Regional Park; Green Infrastructure; Sites of Specific Scientific Interest; Ancient Woodlands; Veteran Trees; Local Wildlife Sites; Open Space, Play, and Recreation; Climate Change; Renewable Energy; and Flood Risk.
Help Shape the Future of Groby Parish
Doing yoga got me out of the habit of biting my fingernails. Now I bite my toenails.
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intouch
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WITH GROBY, RATBY & FIELD HEAD
Promoted by Richard Allen on behalf of Ozzy O'Shea both of the BCA office 10a Priory Walk, Hinckley, LE10 1HU
May 2021
HIGHLY RESPECTED COUNCILLOR CHOSEN Local County Councillor Ozzy O’Shea has been selected as the Conservative County Council candidate for the Groby & Ratby and Field Head ward for the County Council Elections to be held on 6th May 2021.
GET IN TOUCH
Email: ozzy@yourlocalcandidate.co.uk Tel: 0116 2394336 Mob: 07808585825
Ozzy, with his late wife Jenny, have four children and 9 grandchildren, Ozzy has lived in the ward area for 32 years. Ozzy has always been active in the community, serving as a PTA chairman and a school governor a position he held for 29 years. He has a served as a parish Councillor for Ratby for the past 25 years, Borough Councillor for Ratby, Bagworth and Thornton for 14 years, and he became the County Councillor for Groby & Ratby in 2013 and Field Head in 2017.
Ozzy has a wealth of experience in community matters having retired from Leicestershire Constabulary after completing 43 years’ service both as a police officer and as a civilian supervisor in the Force Operations room. For the last 9 years of his service Ozzy changed to a job share position so that he could dedicate more time to his community.
His dedication to the local community has earned Ozzy a reputation as someone who is always available, ready to listen, takes time to understand people’s concerns and then acts immediately to deal with issues. Put simply Ozzy is the local man who gets things done. Actions speaks louder than words.
Re-electing Ozzy will ensure a strong voice for Groby, Ratby and Field Head on the County Council and he says, “I am both proud and honoured to have served as your County Councillor for the past 8 years. It is great to be given the opportunity to represent my home area once again and I promise to ensure that the interests of local people remain my first priority."
Ozzy has the experience of holding the office of Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council 2017/18 Ozzy also served as Chairman of Leicestershire County Council 2018/2019 where he made contacts all across Leicestershire. While holding these offices Ozzy always found time for his residents and acted on local issues. He has a reputation for dealing with residents’ issues even when on holiday something his late wife Jenny happily put up with. Ozzy was also appointed a Magistrate in October 2018.
Register to vote: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/registertovote Register for a postal vote and proxy vote: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/info/200172/how_to_vote/454/ voting_at_the_polling_station_by_post_and_by_proxy/2 To find out more information please visit: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
A vote for Ozzy is a vote for the Local Man That Gets Things Done - 6TH MAY 2021
Canon Paul Hardingham considers the eternal promise of Easter
“We can trust Jesus’ plan for the future of our world and lives” “SO MANY PEOPLE right across the country are anxious about employment, anxious about food, isolated from loved ones and feel that the future looks dark.” These are words from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s sermon on Easter Day 2020. Who would have thought that we are experiencing the same uncertainties this Easter! Yet the Easter story remains one of hope overcoming darkness and despair. The women
arrived at the tomb on Easter morning with mixed emotions, as they came to anoint Jesus’ body (Mark 16:1). They were confused, as they tried to make sense of Jesus’ death. Their hopes were dashed with an uncertain future. In the current pandemic, we too are left asking: Where is God in all this? Yet the young man at the tomb tells them not be alarmed: “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” (Mark 16:6).
The women had forgotten Jesus’ promise to the disciples that He would die and rise from the dead. Jesus’ resurrection is also the sure foundation of hope for us in the present crisis. He turns our confusion and fear into joy and wonder! We can trust Jesus’ plan for the future of our world and lives, despite the fact that things can’t return to the way they were: “There needs to be a resurrection of our common life, a new normal, something that links to the old, but is different and more beautiful.” (Justin Welby).
Retirement is wonderful. It’s doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby Sings Springs into Life! THOSE OF US who have been able to go out and about for a daily walk have been delighted to see signs of Spring - snowdrops and crocuses in gardens and green shoots on the trees.
Thank God for dentists
HERE IS something gruesome: last year the sale of DIY dentistry first aid kits nearly doubled.
People actually attempted to give themselves lost fillings, caps and crowns. Most popular were products that offered ‘long-lasting’ temporary repair for caps and fillings, and a first aid kit. The British Dental Association understands why; because of lockdown, there were 20 million fewer dental treatments available last year than in 2019. That left some people desperate. But experts warn against the damage that could be done. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says: “DIY home dentistry is a terrible idea and should be avoided at all costs. Home treatments in untrained hands … can lead to permanent damage to your health.” The good news is that dental surgeries are now back to relative normality. So – book an appointment if you need one!
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Also, most noticeable has been the birdsong which is becoming increasingly varied as the days become brighter. We know how singing and listening to music is so good for lifting our mood even on grey days so hearing the cheerful birds singing has to be a sign that it’s time to welcome back Groby Sings. In normal times we would get together again after the school half-term but, sadly, we still can’t physically meet to sing. However, in the spirit of Carry On Groby Sings, our concert-at-home from last summer, we’re keeping in touch with each other by various means and trying to be creative with ways to keep Groby Sings alive
Singers have enjoyed taking part in Sing Christmas and Carols Round The Tree at the Stamford Arms, something else to look forward to again when the world resumes ‘normal’service. One of our singers had a more personal experience when she was anxiously waiting for eye surgery. After four hours of tests she got into the theatre only to hear a cd playing ‘We Built this City’, which was the lively opening number at our last concert, Groby Sings Under The Stars. This familiar tune immediately put her at ease, so much so that the surgeon said ‘Can you stop jigging to the music now as I would like to operate on your
ready for when we’re able to sing side by side again (or as near as we’re allowed!). The miracle that is the Covid vaccine is giving us all hope that this may be achieved later this year. It seems that plenty of singing went on last year. Several choir members said they’d joined Gareth Malone in his online Great British Home Chorus where more than one Groby Sings song was featured. Others joined in with online church services and Radio Leicester’s Sing Christmas live broadcast. In the past many Groby
eyes’! Good to know that Groby Sings figured in our community in such different ways. It’s often been said that singing and music has helped us to escape to another world while we’ve been living with so many restrictions. Groby Sings helped our choir members to cope during 2020 with regular updates from the management team and Derbyshire news from Helen Hayes, our former conductor. In readiness for our return, Paul Cox and Cliff Ashby, our piano keyboard wizards carried on perfecting their playing techniques at home and
My wife says she enjoys my company. Good thing I own it.
we singers were practising songs from Calamity Jane and Simon and Garfunkel ready for when we’re able to perform Groby Sings On The Road, our next concert. In June, we had our ‘sing-at-home’ event, Carry On Groby Sings, which was enjoyed by so many singers that we’re hoping to put together a similar event later this year. Maybe by then small groups of singers will be able to sing together, hopefully in a sunny garden! For now, our portfolio of over 200 songs from seven years of Groby Sings music-making is providing us with plenty of material to which we can all sing along. This includes potential new members, of course. Even though we can’t invite you for tea, cakes and singing at Groby Club at the moment, we’d love to welcome anyone who enjoys singing to join with us every Monday, which used to be our meeting day, at 1.15pm or 7.30pm (or any day/time you like – only you will know!) to sing along to one of our favourites chosen by choir members. Every week we will publicise the Song of the Week on our Facebook page and on the calendar on our website grobysings.org. Anyone who has our Groby Sings cds can sing to the appropriate track, or information about a YouTube version will be publicised when each weekly song is announced. Words can also be found online. Anyone who wishes to join in the singing or wants more information about Groby Sings can make enquiries via the Contact page on the website. MEANWHILE, as the sign at the Stamford Arms says ‘Told you we’d be back’ and here we are, raring to go. Why not come with us? Stay Safe Everyone Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk or ozzyoshea@hotmail.com
County Council Tax to Rise by 4.99% Budget background
Councillor Byron Rhodes, Cabinet member for resources and finance, said: “These are increasingly tough times. “And without local government funding reform, we will have even less room for manoeuvre. But our prudent, long-term approach is paying off. And the difficult decisions we’ve taken over the last decade – saving £220m – have put us in a better position than many other councils who are floundering. “Asking residents to pay more is not where we want to be. But if this increase was not taken, service cuts would be the inevitable consequence. This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly but we have to keep the show on the road. Reducing frontline services isn’t an option and higher “Council Tax increases were broadly supported by respondents to our recent budget survey. Unfortunately, Government has pushed us in this direction by already assuming Council Tax is increased when calculating their latest assessments of councils’ spending power. “Balancing the books when you’re the lowest funded county in the country is difficult. But I believe the budget we’ve set out delivers the services residents depend on. Against a backdrop of lack of reform, coronavirus and rising demand for services, there is a danger that we’re pushed very close to the edge, but I am confident that the budget strikes the right balance of financial sustainability and service protection. Our 2021-25 budget at a glance: • Balanced budget for two years • £220m savings since 2010 • £450m capital pot for new roads, schools and more • £255m for children and family services and adult social care
What services does the county council provide?
We’re responsible for delivering a wide range of services including adult social care, children’s social care, public health, transport, education, planning, road maintenance, libraries, waste management and trading standards. These are funded by Council Tax, business rates, Government grants and income from fees and charges. We are proud that as a Council we have protected the most vulnerable
over the past year during the pandemic. I have supported the several grants in my ward, including £22.436 to the Benefice of Groby and Ratby Community Response Team who provided food and supplies to vulnerable members of our community.
Budget in more detail Rising costs
Growing demand for services is expected to increase costs by £60m, including: • Children and Family Services (£23m) - this is mainly due to pressures on the budget for social care places, which are rising by over 10 per cent a year, and growing social worker caseloads • Adult Social Care (£13m) - this is largely the result of an ageing population with increasing care needs and a growing number of people with learning disabilities • Environment and Transport (£4m) - this primarily relates to more SEND pupils requiring transport
Savings
The £56m savings are made up of: • £30m of detailed savings – reducing children and family costs by re-shaping how services are delivered, reducing adult social care costs by simplifying processes and speeding up support, bringing together early help and prevention services - and delivering some inhouse and reducing disposal costs by recycling and re-using more waste • A ‘high needs development plan’ which will reduce SEND costs by £26m
Council Tax
A Council Tax increase of 4.99 per cent is proposed (including the 3 per cent adult social care levy) and equates to £5.59 a month for a Band D house. Councils can apply a levy of three per cent for adult social care over two years – the proposal is to include a three per cent levy in 2021/22. Council Tax is the only significant lever available to the County Council to raise additional money to fund vital services whilst balancing the budget
Capital programme
The £450m four-year capital pot sets out plans for sustainable investment across the county including: • £70m to improve and maintain existing roads and bridges • £120m for improving transport infrastructure
• £72m for extra school places, including specialist provision for SEND students • £25m to boost adult social care accommodation that supports people to live independently • £23m for recycling and household waste initiatives and specific carbon and energy reduction projects • £71m to invest in property to generate ongoing money for front line services
go away and I continue to receive complaints. Some residents tell me that in order to avoid confrontation they now drive through estate roads, past Elizabeth Woodville School to gain access onto Ratby Road. This is not ideal.
Fly Tipping at Stephenson Close
Parking on Ratby Road in Groby Ratby Road is one of the main routes in and out of the village. It is used by emergency vehicles, and delivery vehicles. It is also on the gritting route and the school run. Residents will be aware that over the past 3 years parking has been an issue on Ratby Road, Groby. For years previously residents had only parked on the left-hand side of the road as you travel towards the centre of the village. Then about 3 years ago residents started parking partly on the pavement causing an obstruction to pedestrians. After numerous complaints, a meeting was held with local residents, the police and Highway officers to try and address the problem. The police started to deal with people parking on the pavement and residents then decided to park on the road. This has and is still causing problems due to the width of the road. It has made it tight to drive through with cars and vans parking on both sides of the road. I held a meeting just over a year ago at County Hall with the police and the Chairman and Members of the Parish Council. It was clear something needed to be done and the Parish Members suggested double yellow lines along the righthand side Ratby Road as you travel towards the centre of the village. I continue to receive complaints, as do the Parish Council and the Borough Councillors. In the interests of highway safety a solution has to be found. I have been progressing this issue over the last year and I have now successfully arranged for the County Council’s Highways department to consult with residents on the proposals to put double yellow lines along the righthand side of Ratby Road as you travel into the village. I would urge residents to please take part in this consultation which is all about road safety and accident prevention. Please put your views forward. This issue is not going to
I was made aware that someone had fly tipped furniture an old lawn mower and a bicycle on the green area. I have arranged removal and for officers from Hinckley and Bosworth Council to look into this. They will be leafleting households. Hinckley and Bosworth Council will collect white goods and bulky items. They have just increased their charges up from £15 to £20 to collect three items or 5 items up from £25 to £33.
Groby Flood Alleviation Residents and businesses in Groby have for too long suffered from flooding incidents to their properties. For the past 18 months I have been working closely with the County Council’s Flood Team, Severn Trent Water and local residents to seek a final solution to prevent any further incidents of flooding. The County Council and Severn Trent have carried out joint investigations and have now produced firm proposals for drainage improvements in the centre of the village and on Leicester Road East, between Pymm Ley Lane and Marston Drive. In the centre of Groby, Severn Trent Water propose to increase the size and extend the length of the surface water sewer along Ratby Road and the County Council will provide extra road gullies. This should prevent any further pooling of water at the junction of Ratby Road, Markfield Road and Leicester Road. On Leicester Road East, Severn Trent propose to install an underground foul water storage tank to temporarily store high flows during heavy rainfall to prevent the pressure of foul water lifting up manhole covers resulting in contaminated water flowing onto properties. These proposals will be
My 10 year old niece says her prayers every night, but instead of ‘amen’, she says ‘click, send.’
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For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk
Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808 585825 Scam alert: fake Barclays ‘unusual payee request’ text
submitted for approval and funding at Severn Trent Water during April 2021 with a planned construction for summer 2022. I will give you an update when I receive confirmation. On Leicester Road East, the County Council has secured funding to carry out improvements to the surface water system during this April/May. This will involve installing additional road gullies and directing the water into an existing larger diameter sewer situated in the centre of the outbound carriageway. This will involve some delays to traffic travelling on Leicester Road during construction. The County Council is proposing to install additional gullies on Markfield Road when Severn Trent commence their planned construction work during the summer of 2022.
I have been made aware of a scam text message targeting Barclays customers by directing them to a fake website. Fake text messages posing as banks are nothing new – last year saw a huge rise in the number of people reporting that they’ve received one purporting to be from Halifax. But this one using Barclays to target victim’s features another twist to be wary of: it has managed to successfully drop into people’s inboxes with the sender set as the bank itself These types of ‘smishing’ attempts work by rushing people into visiting a fake website, which can go on to request and steal sensitive information, such as bank details. In this case, its victims will alarmed to read that an ‘unusual payee request’ has been ‘flagged’ on their account.
Thank you I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents for your continued support. It has been an absolute pleasure
and privilege to have represented you over the past 8 years. Remember I am only an Email or a phone call away. I am always here to help in any way that I can. Kind Regards
Ozzy O’shea Working for you Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 or 07808585825 Email: Ozzy.O’shea@leics.gov.uk Email: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com
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Accidentally fell asleep smoking an e-cigarette and when I woke up the whole house was on the internet.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Letter
Litter picking heroes offered support
Regenerating disused buildings for housing is preferable to greenfield development I REFER to Norman Griffiths’ story on Page 4 in the midFebruary Spotlight mentioning that Leicester is asking neighbouring communities to help make up a shortfall of 8,000 homes.
I see lots of space that can be used within the city centre especially on the way into Leicester on the A50 at Woodgate, the old Leicester First bus garage on Abbey Park Road unused for over 15 years or more, Palais sadly going to ruin, office blocks empty, shops boarded up, British Steam Specialties which is empty and sadly could be demolished. If there was more use of these buildings it would regenerate our city centre but sadly it falls on deaf ears as it is easier to build outside our city and the greed that land makes for people and councils selling it There is no incentive to create additional housing within the city but to build on greenfield sites and farmland with the destruction of trees and loss of wildlife. In Groby we have lost lots of land for housing and the next step will be to build on Sacheverell Way as there is no other land available. Also if we have the loss of allotments it would be sad for people who like to grow vegetables and wild flowers and other things. We managed to save the land between the Groby bypass which you are able to walk through to Groby Pool by the car park otherwise that would have been built on The sad thing is that local councils and people have no say in the matter as these planning applications are pushed through, as seen with large warehouse developments throughout the country. Where I live you could walk through the fields at one time, but now you walk through housing estates. Yours sincerely
D A Cookson, Groby
Apply for equipment for your group LEICESTERSHIRE County Council is supporting local litter picking groups - often called wombles by pledging to help them access the equipment they need.
Across Leicestershire, there are hundreds of groups who collect litter from Leicestershire streets, parks, verges and other public spaces. Now, practical support is being offered through a new fund which will supply these groups with road signs and hi-vis jackets to help keep them safe, and extra-long litter pickers to reach under bushes and hedgerows. Louise Richardson, Leicestershire County Council for communities, said: “Womblers provide a vital community service. The benefits are numerous - litter-picking keeps our public spaces clean, aids wildlife, promotes walking and increases recycling. “That’s why we want to support our local groups by giving them the equipment they need. It’s a great example of how we can support and empower our communities to make a difference in their area. I applaud our womblers and hope that our support bolsters their brilliant work. Claim your equipment at: https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-andcommunity/community-schemes-and-funding/support-for-community-litterpicking The project joins the package of financial support recently championed by the council which included a dedicated pot of cash for Leicestershire’s volunteer groups, pubs and small businesses.
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How much does a Cockney spend on shampoo? Pantene.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
GROBY GARDENING SOCIETY NEWS THERE WAS no meeting in February due to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions. The Government has published details of a gradual easing of restrictions beginning in March (possibly by the time you read this schools will have re-opened) depending on the continuing reductions in Covid-19 cases and uptake of the vaccinations. This may herald a return to some semblance of normality, until then the Society can’t make any plans for this year. The predicted “Beast from the East” didn’t materialise in January, but the start of the month saw very low temperatures caused by the shifting of the Jet Stream, with -8C locally and as low as -23C in Scotland, along with substantial snowfall. The mini-Beast exited as quickly as it had arrived, and at the time of writing southern England had just recorded 18C, with a lot of dry weather forecast for the early part of March, in this region at least. Across the Atlantic in the United States there was a major winter storm which reached as far south as Texas, with heavy snow across most of Texas, cold-stunned turtles being rescued from the beaches, and the bizarre sight of ice-covered trees in the mangrove swamps of Louisiana. Just a week later the temperature was back in the twenties. Beijing recorded a record low and record high temperature for February within a week of each other, from minus 20C to plus 25C. Whilst a lot of the northern hemisphere weather anomalies are influenced by the Jet Stream, resulting in rapid swings of high and low temperatures, and heavy rainfall or none at all it’s worth noticing the there have been fluctuations noted in the Atlantic Ocean currents, which affect the Gulf Stream which in turn impacts on the weather in northern Europe. What has this got to do with a gardening society, you might ask? Changing weather factors will have an impact
on the growing seasons, on a major scale for farmers and growers, but with knock-on effects for gardens and allotments. The heavy rain so far this year has made it very difficult to prepare the ground for many gardeners, last year recorded long periods of dry weather ending in torrential rainstorms, which may become the new normal for British summers. Perhaps recognisable seasons will change such that the transition is more sudden than gradual. However, March 1st saw the start of meteorological Spring, with astronomical Spring beginning with the equinox around March 22. Sunshine levels are increasing, days are getting warmer and longer, new growth is starting to appear on the shrubs and trees, with snowdrops and crocuses leading the way, and daffodils not far behind. The lawns are beginning to hint at needing mowing, and birds in particular are becoming more active and starting nest building. The picture shows a pair of pigeons that spent several hours enjoying a communal bath in the sun in my back garden. The fieldfares that visited our garden in the colder weather are now departed, and as I left the house the other day I walked into a swarm of midges that had appeared from nowhere. All the more reason for the birds to be active! We’ve covered up the rhubarb crowns to promote growth, and apparently production in the Rhubarb Triangle around Wakefield is going well, protected from the weather outside. Not long till it’s full steam ahead for local gardeners, so get your sun hat, sunscreen and shorts ready, and who knows, in a month or two we might even be able to think about meeting up again! Enjoy your garden when you can. Stay safe. (If you have any queries about the society, please email Helen Box on helen_box@hotmail.com in the first instance.)
Keith Poole
Planning Apps Certficate of lawful proposed development for gable roof and rear dormer - at 8 Carmen Grove Groby Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0BA Prior notification for construction of additional storey upon existing single storey dwelling - at 3 Grey Close Groby Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0DS Rear extension measuring 4 metres in depth; 2.85 metres in height to the ridge; and 2.70 metres to the eaves - at 13 Hilary Crescent Groby Leicester Leicestershire LE6 0BG
In praise of the afternoon nap A SHORT NAP in the afternoon improves your memory and keeps your brain more agile.
People who nap tend to speak more fluently, have greater mental agility, and remember things better than those who do not break up their day with sleep. Even a five-minute nap can offer your brain a chance to down-time and replenish itself, so that it is ‘good to go’ again. If you want longer than five minutes, try to stop at 40 minutes, before you enter the deepest stage of sleep. If you do carry on, sleep for two hours, which is a full sleepcycle. The study was published in the British Medical Journal.
Positivity Quotes
Better to be an optimist who gets disappointed than a pessimist who has no hope. Robin Sharma The less you respond to negative people, the more positive your life will become. Paulo Coelho
I used to wonder if Elton John liked Iceberg lettuce but then realised he was more of a rocket man.
MARCH 2021 | ISSUE NO. 04
GROBY PROPERTY NEWSLETTER
WHAT'S Written by HAPPENING IN THE P R O P E R T Y M A R K E T Gemma Hawley MARCH 2021 And so, as I write this we are emerging into March already, and what a busy February and March we've had at Maverick Homes. Hot News: Stamp Duty Holiday To Be Extended The Stamp Duty holiday has caused a huge increase in people wanting to move in the before the deadline on 31st March. Unfortunately, conveyancing back-logs and delays in land searches have led to the probability of some buyers missing out. However, as part of his budget plans, Rishi Sunak has now moved the deadline from 31st March to the end of June to avoid people scrambling to complete their transactions by the end of March. This is good news for the property industry as it will help keep the market buoyant, but it remains to be seen whether this is simply just delaying the inevitable. For now though, it looks like buyers will have some further relief. Lockdown Demand Still Evident This series of lockdowns over the past year has certainly made home movers think more about where they want to live and what type of
property they want to live in. We’re seeing demand for bigger gardens, and for houses with extra bedrooms, studies or garden offices in particular. Conversely, other home movers are thinking about whether they actually need the space they have currently and whether they could downsize. This all makes for a buoyant market which has certainly seen some big changes over the past year! Market Attraction for Landlords According to reports in the Buy Association, the Stamp Duty holiday, combined with relatively low interest rates has seen more and more investors look to the buy-to-let sector. The research particularly highlights the fact that it is the small companies and the first-time landlords that are being attracted to the opportunities. If you are interested in investing, feel free to have a chat with me. Property Lettings and Investments are my area of expertise. Positive News for First Timers Moneyfacts reports that “the number of mortgage deals available to those with a 10%
deposit increased by 117 during the first six weeks of 2021”. The website, which is very useful if you are interested in finance and money-related matters, says that this is very positive news for first-time buyers. The report goes on to say that the “number of lenders offering mortgages to those with a 10% deposit – at a 90% loan-to-value (LTV) – has also increased from 32 to 47 during this same period”. With more mortgage deals available, now could be a great time to step onto the property ladder for first time buyers. House Prices Cooling? According to the Halifax bank, house prices fell slightly in January, so does this mean there are early signs that the property market is cooling? Russell Galley, Managing Director, Halifax, said: “The average UK house price slipped by -0.3% in January, the biggest monthly fall since April last year. Whilst this pushed the typical property value down to its lowest level since October, at just under £252,000, prices are around £13,000 higher than a year ago.” At Maverick Homes we are finding that properties are not remaining on the market for long and are selling for close to asking price. There are fluctuations in the market of course, but we’re pretty confident you can achieve the price you want! Facebook Page @GrobyPropertyNews
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Groby Ex-Servicemen’s NEW COVID-19 Social Club Limited Update TESTING PROGRAMME STARTS AT DRUCK HELLO to all our Members and Guests We are delighted to start preparing to welcome our members and customers back to the Club following the Government’s announcement of their roadmap out of lockdown.
We are looking forward to doing what we do best in serving our members, customers and local community at our great Club. It is finally beginning to show light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel. The Club Committee have decided with the best interests of our Staff, Members and Customers that we stay closed until we can open indoors on 17th May 2021. (Subject to change). There have been volumes of work in the Club during closure with the Concert Room being decorated to freshen it, bring a new warm atmosphere, and modernise for our usual Saturday night entertainment, Bingo and Open The Box on a Sunday Lunch. As ever we look forward to welcoming parties to hire our Concert Room on a Friday. The Committee has also worked hard at claiming every government and local council grant. The Club were saddened to hear the passing of an Ex-Serviceman and national hero Captain Sir Tom Moore; we send our thoughts to his family. We also send condolences to everyone throughout Groby and the world that has been through terrible times during COVID-19. At the moment we have the fabulous Ceri Dupree booked in for Friday 2nd July. Ceri was due to appear last year but was unable to due to lockdown. If you have tickets for last years show, then this will gain you entry for Friday 2nd July 2021. The date is subject to change on Government Restrictions. We have had questions of when the AGM will be for this year to discuss 2019 and 2020 accounts. Due to the restrictions we are unsure but as soon as we reopen our doors a date will be decided by the Committee and the Club Secretary will inform the members on the Club noticeboards, Social Media and via Groby Spotlight. The Club is currently having a website being built which will go live on 1st May 2021. All contents of the website will be revealed when we launch. We look forward to presenting the website to you. It is certain that we will make up for lost time in the coming months. Please can I remind you - if you have not done so already - to renew your memberships. Please refer to our Facebook page and previous local magazines on instructions of how to renew. Please keep safe and we look forward to seeing you very soon.
Eddie Pagett
Club President, On behalf of the Management Committee
DRUCK, based in Groby Leicester, has launched a Government-backed onsite Covid-19 Rapid Testing Programme to help protect those most at risk. Druck colleagues working on-site are being offered a lateral flow test twice weekly, provided by NHS Test and Trace.
Following a successful trial at Druck, lateral flow testing of colleagues began on 23 February. A rapid testing programme has launched at Druck’s HQ in Leicester, as part of NHS Test and Trace’s UK-wide continuing drive to increase the availability of testing. It is estimated that around one in three people who are infected with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the disease without knowing it. Broadening testing to identify those showing no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and break chains of transmission. Following a simple step-by-step guide, employees will have their results in around 30 minutes.
Druck’s Jaimey Shephard undertakes Covid test Gordon Docherty, vice president of Druck, said: “As part of our commitment to do everything we can to keep Druck colleagues safe, we’re pleased to have rolled out our on-site Covid-19 Testing Programme in partnership with NHS Test and Trace. “My colleagues have responded exceptionally well to the challenges the pandemic has brought about. They have embraced the introduction of the testing programme, reflecting everyone’s commitment to stay safe and continue providing cutting-edge pressure measurement technology for our customers.” Druck, a Baker Hughes business, is a global technology company that designs, develops and manufactures the highest quality, most accurate and reliable pressure sensing devices and instruments, software and services. Headquartered in Groby, Leicester, Druck employs more than 650 staff in Groby and around 800 in total at sites in the UK, Hungary, France, India, China and the US.
Druck’s Vice President, Gordon Docherty (left), Helene Doggett (right)
How do so many people get simple sayings wrong? Answers on a coastguard please.
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Small Ads • Homemix DJ Party Mixing Station - Twin CD mixer deck complete with speakers, microphone and headphones. Ideal for home parties. Boxed and in good condition. £75.00 • Arbiter Karaoke Machine - Karaoke machine plays CDG Discs. Twin cassette deck. Remote control. 2 x microphone + lead to connect to TV. Boxed and in good condition. £60.00 • Iphone 5S - 16gb boxed with charger and earphones (unused). Grey colour. Excellent condition. £40.00 Tel: 01530 242781 (Markfield) • Moulinex Masterchef 650 food processor. Hardly used, complete. £25.00. Tel: Liz on 07985 027320 (Stanton under Bardon). • Double Headboard for Divan Bed. Beige/Fawn Material in colour. Very Good Condition. £20 Tel.07885 296828 (Markfield) • FREE - Guinea pig hutch/run, suitable for 1 or 2 guinea pigs. Timber/ wire mesh. Will need to be assembled after collection. Good condition. Tel: 01530 230 455 (Thornton) • Wheel Chair - H/Duty (needs pushing), seat in use 22-inch (56 Cm), Chair width 27-inch (69 Cm), Folded 12inch (30 Cm), weight (passenger) capacity 450 Lbs (204 Kg). Chair will fit through a standard door in your home.Price £110 or very close. • Walker - H/Duty with fitted seat and attached bag. Width 24-inch (60 Cm) with brakes - never been outside, so as new. Price £60 or very close. Tel: 01530 243062 (Markfield) • LEC fridge freezer - h47” x w19 x d20”. Nearly new. Price: £70. • Grey leather/crome bar stool. Price: £10 Tel: 0116 287 6078 (Groby) • Mowing Equipment for sale. Various Strimmers and mowers. Tel: 01530 244572 or mobile: 07977 036445 (Stanton) • Fridge Freezer – Hotpoint (White). Height 174cm, width 55cm, depth 56 cm. Very good working condition. Price: £45. • Opulence Crystal Glass Ceiling light, with a shining chrome finish. Diameter (Max) 35 cm (Min) 16 cm. Price: £5. • 35cm Round Charcoal BBQ with tools and charcoal. Hardly used. Price: £5. • Over The Bath Indoor Clothes Airer. Hardly used. Price: £3. • Table Lamp in Green. Price: £2. Tel: 07903 779352 (Groby) • Wild Tudor china, assortment of Plates & vases, clock (needs repair). Price: £10.Tel: 07748 964567 SEND DETAILS by post or email sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum EIGHT items please. Our postal address is: Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk PLEASE ENSURE that you put ‘SMALL ADS’ in the subject line, and INCLUDE YOUR FULL POSTAL ADDRESS (not for publication, just to know where you are).
Notices found in church newsletters ... that didn’t quite come out right! • • • • • • • • •
This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs Brown, our church warden, to come forward and lay an egg on the altar. Ladies are requested not to have children in the church kitchen. For those who have children and don’t know it, we have a crèche in the crypt. Bring & share church supper: Prayer and medication will follow. Don’t let worry kill you. Let the Church help! The organist invites anyone who enjoys sinning to volunteer for the choir. At the church meeting last week the rector spoke briefly and delighted the audience. Remember in prayer the many who are sick both of our church and the community. Smile at someone who you find hard to love. Say ‘hell’ to someone who doesn’t much care about you.
A bloke on a tractor has just driven past me shouting ‘The end of the world is nigh’. It was Farmer Geddon.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Research Reveals the Impact of COVID-19 on Parental Guilt in the UK RESEARCH has revealed that parents are feeling more guilt than ever before due to the additional pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lockdown has placed families under new and unique pressures since restrictions were first implemented in March last year. As a result, almost three quarters of UK parents are feeling additional guilt, despite having no control over the situation. The study, which was conducted amongst parents in the UK by leading name label manufacturer My Nametags (https://www.mynametags.com/), found that parental guilt has become a hallmark of modern parenting which has only been worsened by the pandemic. The most common reasons household is struggling to continue their education while at home, with for parents feeling guilty during just over three quarters of these lockdown are how bored their children are (31 percent), that they parents (77 percent) attributing this can’t spend time with their relatives to a lack of motivation.1 A study (26 percent) and keeping them by the University of Oxford also confirmed that many parents’ own indoors (26 percent). 10 percent mental health has suffered due to of parents even admitted to feeling guilty that they are not enjoying the the additional strains of lockdown.2 extra time they are getting to spend Interestingly, women are more with their children. likely to suffer from guilt than men, Home-schooling has also been with mums being afflicted eight times more per month than dads on identified as a key stress, with 25 average. percent of parents feeling guilty about not educating their children Beyond the impact of COVID-19, properly. Government statistics the most common cause of parental have revealed that over half of guilt in the UK is allowing children parents feel that a child in their to have too much screen time, with
almost half of parents feeling guilty for letting their youngsters spend too much time on their iPads or in front of the TV. This is followed by not spending enough quality time with their children (33 percent), not playing with them enough (32 percent), and not cooking from scratch (26 percent). However, the study found that this guilt is often disproportionate. While almost half of parents feel guilty about losing their temper, only 38 percent believe this negatively impacts their children. Similarly, while over a quarter feel guilty about giving their children quick and easy meals, only 14 percent think this genuinely effects their children’s wellbeing, demonstrating that parents even feel guilty about things that they don’t believe have an impact on their children. Commenting on the findings, Parenting Expert Bea Marshall says: “Guilt is common among all parents and yet it actually makes it harder for us to parent in the ways we aspire. Guilt stems from our fears that how we raise our children may impact their futures. These may be fears about physical and mental health, relationships and social success or financial independence. Our worries may also be related to what others think of us and our children. There is no such thing as a perfect parent
but fears that we are falling short can lead to guilt.” Top five most common causes of parental guilt during lockdown: • How bored children are • That children can’t spend time with their relatives • Having to keep children indoors • Not home-schooling children properly • Not paying children enough attention when working from home The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of My Nametags in 2020, surveying 2,000 parents in the UK. To find out more about the research, visit https:// www.mynametags.com/
Kindness Quotes Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can. John Wesley Kindness is more important than wisdom, and the recognition of this is the beginning of wisdom. Theodore Rubin
A friend told me that he used milk instead of shaving foam. ‘Pasteurised?’ ‘No, just around my chin’.
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The good news about your forgetfulness YOU KNOW the scenario – you go into the lounge, and then wonder what you wanted.
Or you need to make a phone call but can’t find the phone. You go to the cash point and forget your pin number. Or your car keys are lost in the kitchen, but even when you find them and go shopping, you forget stuff on the list. If at times you find yourself living in an annoying brain-fog, the good news is that it is not because you are ill or getting old. To varying extents, everyone does it. A recent study at the University of Edinburgh has found that forgetfulness is as common in people in their 20s as it is in people in their 50s. Although some of the people in the study were worried about getting dementia, a neuropsychiatrist at the university reassured them: “People think that if you are starting to forget things – something like misplacing your keys – that is something to worry about. But it is normal.” Good reasons for forgetting things range from the fact that too much was happening in your life at the time, you were stressed about something, not paying attention to what you were doing, or just too busy thinking about something else entirely.
Alex’s Wish Announce Virtual AGM for 2021
Letter from Uncle Eustace
On the best way to run a church council meeting The Rectory St. James the Least of All My dear Nephew Darren THANK YOU for inviting me to speak at your church council yesterday.
I began to suspect that my theme of why Eusebius’s dislike of Sabellianism led to his condemnation at the Council of Antioch in 324 was a little misjudged, when the only question I was asked after my lecture was if Eusebius was on Facebook. I never realised how much technology is needed these days just to discuss church matters. It seemed that everyone had brought their laptop, so they could refer to all the diocesan briefing documents and reports that you mentioned. I’ve been in the diocese 40 years and have never heard of most of those papers. But then I find it too easy to delete the diocesan mailings, unread, with a click of my mouse. Our church meetings are far more traditional. Since the church floor seems to have been carved out of permafrost, our meetings circulate round members’ houses. This introduces a nice element of competition, as each host tries to outdo the previous one in the baking of cakes. Meetings at Colonel Drinkwater’s – a more inappropriate name one cannot imagine – are the shortest, since we are always promised wine once the meeting is over. It is remarkable how unanimity is achieved on every subject within minutes, and nothing appears under “any other business”. Mrs Eddington never troubles us with minutes, largely because she can rarely read the notes she takes. She just shares with us whatever she can decipher at our next meeting. Last month, she accidentally brought her shopping list instead, and so read that out. There followed a lively discussion on whether carrots from our local shop were better than those at the supermarket. When it was found out she intended to use them in a venison casserole, endless recipes were keenly debated. We always leave our church meetings well fed, up to date with village gossip, and totally untroubled by any church council business. And the lack of any minutes ensures that I can then make all the decisions myself, between meetings. I think you will find our system has much to be commended. Your loving uncle,
Eustace
LOCAL, parent-led charity Alex’s Wish have announced that they will be holding their AGM virtually for 2021.
The event which takes place on the 18th march 2021 from 08:00 – 09:00 is an opportunity for anyone to learn more about the charity as well its aims and objectives. Zoe Edwards, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Alex’s Wish commented on the event saying, “Anyone who would like to learn more about Alex’s Wish is welcome to attend our AGM. This year we’re holding it via Zoom and if you would like to book your place then all you need to do is email me at zoe@alexswish.co.uk.”
Went to Scotland for my holidays five years running. Next time I’m taking a train.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
Bradgate Rotary Club News LET’S MAKE this a better planet by giving nature a helping hand!
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Bradgate Rotary, with many of its members living in Groby and the surrounding villages, are appealing for help with their latest environmental project. The Club are looking to encourage more wild-flowers into the environment, encourage bugs and insects and to help the bird population by providing more bird boxes. Help will be needed to help propagate and grow wild-flower plug plants, donate old books, and build bird boxes. The CIC field (on the left after passing under the A50 bridge) will be reopening at the end of March and on April 10/11th Rotary are helping to launch a wild-flower and wildlife event. They would like volunteers to collect one of the prepared seed growing kits provided by Bradgate Rotary and to propagate the seeds, returning for planting in June at a celebration event. The packs will include compost, seed and trays. Planting for the seeds is April and the plants should grow 8-10 weeks. Sectioned trays or make recycle your old toilet rolls to keep the plants separated. On the weekend of April 10th/11th children will be able to make a wild-flower bomb at the Stamford Arms and take them down to the CIC field to throw them into the ground in designated areas ahead of the planting of the plug plants at the June event. Takeaway teas and coffees will also be available to purchase at the pub between the hours of 10am and 2pm. Old books can be donated, and these will be placed in hollows and trees to create bug hotels and food to help encourage insects and bugs to burrow into them. Any handy persons who would like to help with making birdboxes to encourage more birds to the trees and hedgerows in the field would be most welcome. Rotary are currently seeking a source for natural untreated wood to be cut to create the bird boxes. Bradgate Rotary are looking at several environmental projects throughout the village and the area and would welcome any support or ideas you may have. For further details and any offer of help with the growing of plants please contact, Rotary President, Lesley Trivett on 0116 231 2954.
Events later this year The Groby Scarecrow event will be over the weekend of September 11th /12th and will have a theme of “Heroes”, which should give a wide scope and acknowledge the great work done by the NHS, essential workers, and heroes in the community. Profits from the event will be going to Bradgate Rotary charities, including LOROS Hospice and Leicester Children’s Holidays.
The Great British Pooch off! One event that wasn’t affected by Covid was the Bradgate Rotary’s virtual dog show, “The Great British Pooch off!” With several hundred entries spread over the various categories the independent specialist judges will have their work cut out choosing the winners and the overall winner. All funds raised will be donated to local charities – Leicestershire Children’s Holidays and the LOROS Hospice.
A bit of spare time on your hands? Anyone interested in joining their local Rotary and helping the community please email Adrian Walker – walk77a@yahoo.com
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LOROS Ward nurses receive award for exceptional care
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Enrich Your Child’s Learning Experiences
Nominated by Tracey Hughes, Counselling and Bereavement Manager at LOROS, the team were singled out for their dedication, care and professionalism throughout the pandemic. Tracey said: “It takes a special person to work in a hospice because they know they aren’t going to make people well, they are going to help patients’ end of life become more peaceful and dignified. “Maybe that’s what people would expect but their personal investment in LOROS is something I have never seen in all my working years, it isn’t just a job, it’s a calling, they give 100% of themselves and they are a credit to their profession.” Throughout the pandemic nursing staff on the LOROS ward put aside their personal anxieties to reach out to patients, who were no longer able to see their families in the normal way due to visitor restrictions. Despite the barriers of PPE, nurses became like the extended family of patients, holding their hands and providing comfort. Tracey said: “The last video call to a husband as his wife lay dying was facilitated by a nurse who stayed with them both throughout. She was present at the most intimate part of the couple’s life as they said goodbye, knowing they would never speak again and that their life together would end when the video link did. “That nurse did something that she was never trained for but she showed the care, compassion, the empathy and integrity of all the nurses and healthcare assistants that work at LOROS.” Unusually, the award has been made to all nurses and healthcare assistants who work with patients and their families on the LOROS Inpatient Ward. Cavell awards are normally made to individuals. Katie Shepherd, a nurse at LOROS, said: “This is so lovely and I’m so proud. It’s such an incredible team and they’ve all worked so hard. We all share the same commitment to the patients and their families. It’s so nice to be recognised.” John Knight, CEO at LOROS, said: “We’re so proud of our nursing team. Their care is what makes LOROS the special place it is. During these very challenging times the whole hospice has pulled together to support patients on the Ward and this award is testament to that fantastic team work.” The Cavell Star Awards is a national programme to recognise nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare assistants who shine bright and show exceptional care to colleagues, patients or their families.
Ch
THE ENTIRE TEAM of ward nurses at LOROS Hospice have been awarded a prestigious Cavell Star for their exceptional care of patients during the Covid crisis.
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Markfield musician releases second album LOCAL AMATEUR musician Stefan Hewitt released his second album of electronic instrumental music on 1st March after a twelve-month writing and recording process.
Stefan, who lives in Markfield and works in a local distribution business, released his debut album Turning Point in 2017 and since that time has released four more four-track ep’s in the electronic music genre. The new album is called Precious Things and contains eleven selfcomposed tracks ranging from what Stefan calls ‘dark ambient’ on the opening track ‘Outer World Inner Space’ to more up-tempo dance-orientated sounds on the tracks ‘Firestorm’ and ‘Pressure Wave’. The album, along with all of Stefan’s other releases, is available for streaming listening on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and YouTube Music and purchase on iTunes and the Amazon Digital Music Store. As the artist Stefan is able to monitor the countries where the music is streamed and to date this has included listeners from not just the UK, but as far afield as Australia and South America. You can access the album and back catalogue on your preferred device and listening platform and join others in enjoying Stefan’s music.
When I was a child, I always had my nose in a book. My parents couldn’t afford Kleenex.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
No One Can Change Your Life Except For You by Laura Whitmore
LAURA WHITMORE knows lucky breaks come to those who are ready to step into their own power, even when they’re feeling nervous as hell about it.
In No One Can Change Your Life Except For You, she shares her experiences of overcoming heartbreak, body image worries, self-doubt and insecurity. Laura has learned that optimism, self-belief and learning to accept yourself, will bring you more than anyone else can ever give you. And she shows how her own struggles can help you through yours. Frank, heartfelt, inspirational and funny, this is a book to remind you that the hero you are looking for is YOU.
The Ministry of Bodies
By Seamus O’Mahoney Seamus O’Mahony charts the realities of work in the ‘ministry of bodies’, that huge complex where people come to be cured and to die.
What it’s like to be a Puppy Parent for Canine Partners Leicestershire resident Jenny Burden has been a volunteer Puppy Parent for Canine Partners since July 2019. She is currently looking after her first puppy-in-training. This is her story: I AM a new Puppy Parent and my first puppy came to me in November 2019. I had recently retired from work and have always wanted a dog and thought it would be very rewarding to join an assistance dog charity, such as Canine Partners.
I have looked after friends’ dogs when they have needed it, such as holidays and dog walking, and I also had a few dogs as a child. I have also experienced how an assistance dog could have helped and made a huge impact on a severely disabled youngster that I know of. The person concerned, has various challenges both mentally and physically, but the comfort and delight in his face when a relative with a dog visited was immense and heart warming. The dog seemed to instinctively know this and stayed by his side. To know that I have helped to raise a puppy which will eventually be placed with a person in need is an amazing feeling. My role is to help look after a puppy from about eight weeks of age until they are 14 months old. I do this with guidance from a specialist Puppy Trainer, including Puppy Classes, one-to-ones, and training sessions in town. I teach the puppy basic training and the vital skills they need to become a future assistance dog. The end goal is to have reared a happy, well-adjusted
puppy that is ready to go on to the next stage of their training at one of the two national Training Centres. They will eventually be placed with someone on the waiting list who is living with a physical disability. Seeing for myself the skills taught to Canine Partners’ puppies is amazing. The realisation of how dedicated the staff and the whole team are in achieving this and all of their hard work, (and the dogs of course), only fuelled my desire to make an impact to someone’s life by becoming a Puppy Parent. My part is only the start of an amazing journey, and every day I feel proud of this, even though I know the puppy will have to leave me, she will, I know, make such a difference to someone’s life. The wonderful thing is, when my puppy has successfully been placed with their partner, I can do it all over again with another amazing dog. Canine Partners are doing
absolutely amazing work, and more volunteers should come forward and change someone’s life too, the rewards are outstanding. What does it take for a life to transform? It starts with a puppy, adorable and warm. Could you love and care for the UK’s future assistance dogs? Please visit caninepartners.org. uk/puppy-parents to find out more.
The Cut By Chris Brookmyre
Millie Spark can kill anyone.
A special effects make-up artist, her talent is to create realistic scenes of bloody violence. Then, one day, she wakes to find her lover dead in her bed. Twenty-five years later, her sentence for murder served, Millicent is ready to give up on her broken life - until she meets troubled film student and reluctant petty thief Jerry. Together, they begin to discover that all was not what it seemed on that fateful night . . . and someone doesn’t want them to find out why.
From unexpected deaths to moral quandaries and bureaucratic disasters, O’Mahony documents life in the halls and wards that all of us will visit at some point in our lives with his characteristic wit and dry and unsentimental intelligence. Absurd general emails, vain and self-promoting specialists, the relentless parade of self-destructive drinkers and drug users, the comical expectations of baffled patients: this is not a conventional medical memoir, but the collective biography of one of our great modern institutions - the general hospital - through the eyes of a brilliant writer, who happens to be a doctor.
I tried some of that revitalising shampoo. My hair was awake all night.
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Poundstretcher to Support Woodside Animal Centre
New Group Walking Sessions launched in Groby!
POUNDSTRETCHER are supporting Woodside Animal Centre as their chosen pet charity for 2021, donating goods, vouchers and resources up to a total value of over £7,000 to help their wonderful cause. Woodside Animal Centre rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of neglected and abandoned animals each year. The charity is located at 190 Scudamore Road, Leicester, LE3 1UQ and is an independently funded centre. They rely on generous support from the public and local community to keep running. As well as an on-going monthly £300 donation of vouchers (totalling £3,600 annually) and an additional monthly donation of £100 in vouchers/goods (totalling £1,200), Poundstretcher have also donated £400-worth of wool to support the charity’s team of volunteer knitters who create knitted clothing and blankets for the charity’s furry residents.
0116 234 0548 We can take care of every detail, advise and help you on each and every step of the way. • Qualified Funeral Directors • Floral Tributes arranged • Hearse, Limousines and alternatives available • Monumental Service • Car parking available
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I was in a bar, nursing a beer. My nipple was getting quite soggy.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
THIS THE FIRST WI article of 2021 and I apologize that the words are not all mine but some are taken from our esteem President, Angela’s, regular newsletter to WI members. I hope she won’t mind!
What a start to the New Year! There has been the dreadful increase in Covid cases and death rates and the closure of our schools yet again. The recent floods, snow and ice brought yet more misery to many people but I do believe there is hope on the horizon! Some of you will have already had your first Covid vaccination and it is so encouraging that the numbers being vaccinated are increasing at such a rate, leading us to hope that at some point life may be able to return to some sort of normality; plans that were made back in 2019 may finally happen in some form in 2021. Daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses appearing in the garden are providing much needed colour and joy to our lives.
Members’ Meetings LAST MONTH saw us hold our first Zoom meeting with an external speaker. Sarah Lott from the Memory Book (www.memorybook.co.uk) spoke to us about the need to record our memories and life stories. So many of us these days take photographs with our cameras and phones and store them digitally. This seems such a good idea at the time as it is so easy, but the problem arises that these are just stored and not looked at, and more importantly, no record is maintained of who the individuals are or even where some of the locations were. Historically, we took photographs sparingly, as film was expensive, and we spent ages sticking them into albums recording who everyone was, where the photograph was taken and the year. A lot of this no longer happens so a lot of this information is lost. Sarah gave us strategies to approach
News from Groby WI
Enjoy. I do not bake. I don’t make jam. Can’t remember the words to ‘Jerusalem’. I’m not too fond of drinking tea – More a glass of wine or coffee for me. So what am I doing in WI? For growing plants I have no skill. My knitting needles have long lain still. I couldn’t invite you round to supI don’t own a single china cup! So what am I doing in WI?
recording our memories by using, for example, mind maps. Members had ‘virtually brought along’ a photograph of themselves when young together with an item that meant a lot to them and we had a discussion about why the item was memorable. It was a fascinating evening and the good news is that some members have been inspired to start recording their memories. As much as many may dislike Zoom the biggest advantage is that we now have open to us a huge range of additional speakers. Sarah Lott spoke to us from her home in Leatherhead, Surrey and our February speaker is from Chelmsford, Essex. Our next meeting is entitled ‘Burlesque, Me and the WI aka How Burlesque saved my life’. We will be welcoming Lindsey Barrell (herself a WI President), also known as Ms Cherry Bombe who will talk to us about how she discovered Burlesque followed by the WI and how she brought the two worlds together. Lindsey will show us some of her costumes and even give us a demonstration. So, ladies of the WI, get those feather boas at the ready and be prepared
to wiggle those bits for what we hope will be an entertaining evening.
Theatre Trips OTHER NEWS is that our very own Entertainments’ Red Coat, Diane is still trying to pack our diaries with future theatre trips, tricky in the current climate.
So far, we have tickets provisionally booked for: • Everybody’s Talking about Jamie • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe • Wizard of Oz As ever, the WI continues to support its members and if you fancy joining us when we eventually are able meet again, you will be very welcome.
Poem THE POEM this time is from a Jan Taylor from Tean WI. Although it is perfect as a recruitment exercise it has some points within which strike a chord.
My image of what I ought to be, And be able to do, was all wrong you see. I don’t fit the stereotypical frame Of a busy and talented domestic dame. And yet I’m enjoying WI? I love the camaraderie, The warmth and laughter, the company, The underlying caring shown For one another. How I’ve grown. To love being part of WI. I enjoy hearing speakers on topics various. Some are informative, others hilarious. I enjoy being one of the ‘ladies who lunch’. I’ve made lots of friends, so thanks a bunch. For welcoming me to WI. So if you’re a lady like me out there Who thinks WI is not for her, Just give it a try and you will see That it’s well worthwhile, and then like me, You’ll know what you’re doing in WI. Keep safe everyone!
Ruth Rolinson
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I come from a long line of actors. It’s called the dole queue.
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Have your say this May
A new drive is urging people not to miss the chance to have their say in Leicestershire County Council’s election on 6 May.
Residents are being encouraged to use their vote to shape the wide range of services delivered by the authority including adult social care, children’s social care, public health, transport, education, planning, road maintenance, libraries, waste management and trading standards. Arrangements are being put in place to ensure polling stations are safe places to cast ballots and people can expect many of the measures they’ve become used to over recent months such as hand sanitiser, floor markings and face coverings. Postal votes are also an option and need to applied for by 20 April. Graeme Wardle, head of member services at Leicestershire County Council, said: “I’d strongly encourage people to vote on 6 May and have their say on who represents them. “Whether it’s road maintenance, recycling and waste, support for schools or social care, our services play a key part in everyday lives and by going to the polls, you can help to shape these for the next four years. “Polling stations will be safe places to vote and you’re likely to see screens, hand sanitiser, social distancing floor markings and need to wear a face mask. We’ll continue to work closely with the Government and public health leads to make sure arrangements reflect the most up-to-date guidance. “We want to make sure that everyone who is entitled to vote is able to do so, regardless of the pandemic, and you can also choose to apply to vote by post or proxy instead.” The ‘use your vote’ campaign will run up until May across social media, newsletters and more, and aims to encourage people to get involved in democracy and shape where they live.
Children’s play area at the Outwoods closed for around six weeks WORK WILL be getting underway on the Outwoods Visitor Centre and Café from Monday March 8.
This will mean the children’s play area and events barn will be temporarily closed for around six weeks from Monday March 8. It is longer than we first thought but the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of visitors while major groundworks are completed and large machinery is being used on site.We appreciate this will be disappointing to visitors but safety is paramount. For more information about the Outwoods Visitor Centre and Café please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/visitorcentre.
Enjoy reading the Spotlight? If so, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it. It’s great to share! My wife does wonderful things with leftovers. She throws them away.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS - Councillor Martin Cartwright reports
Tel: 0116 287 4500 Mob: 07850 707050
Leicester Road Groby, Speed Camera Van, Speeding Offences Recorded JANUARY saw the Speed Camera van visit Leicester Road in Groby, outbound towards the A50.
One visit was made with the speed camera van recording speed for a total of 110 minutes that day. Total Offences recorded: 11 This relates to an average of 6 offences per hour. Despite COVID resulting in many working from home for employment and home schooling, there was much less traffic on the roads but still a significant number of offences were recorded in this location by the speed camera van. Across Leicestershire from 1st January 2021 to 31st January 2021 there were 300 offences recorded with six of those being in Groby. These offences were completed over the 3808 minutes that the speed camera vans were in operation across Leicestershire’s locations.
Groby Pool Bin Vandalism OVER THE WEEKEND 13th – 14th February 2021 one of the newly installed bins at Groby Pool was vandalised.
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – Lifeline HERE’S A REMINDER of the valuable lifeline service that Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council provide to approximately 900 residents in the Borough. In these current times, the lifeline is more useful than ever!
The lifeline is an essential means of communication for many users enabling them to raise the alarm call at the touch of a button. The lifeline consists of an alarm button that is worn either around the neck or on the wrist as well as an intercom which is connected via the phone line and a mains power socket. Once the alarm is activated, the control operator automatically knows the user’s identification and address. They have access to all the relevant information such as date of birth, medical conditions, doctors surgery used and, more importantly, the phone numbers and details of contacts and key holders. This means that even if the operator cannot hear the lifeline user, they can still contact their family, friends or neighbours, requesting them to visit. If a key safe is installed, the Council can also send out on-call officers as an extra back up for when contacts are unavailable. The service enables residents to continue living at home and to be independent. It gives peace of mind to the user and their families. For more information please contact Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, Leicestershire Telephone 01455 238141 : Web Site: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk
I am here to help you
SHOULD YOU have any comments or problems you would like me to mention in my article please get in touch.
Did you witness this vandalism? If you witnessed this or know of the person or persons that did this damage please report it to the Police. Trying to improve the area for everyone’s benefit, your enjoyment and the environment as a whole why would anyone choose to do this?
COVID Vaccination Transportation Help NEED HELP getting to your COVID Vaccination appointment?
Please see a link below to details of Community Transport Schemes which are offering transport to help people to attend COVID vaccination appointments within Leicestershire, along with other appointments: https://www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/transport-for-vaccinations. html
Please remember if I can ever be of help to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact me. My contact details are listed. Keep safe, take care. Kind regards,
Cllr Martin Cartwright Cllr Martin Cartwright Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – Groby Ward. Executive member for: Licensing, Environmental, Climate Change, Rural Issues & Klondyke Community Hub
Call: 0116 287 4500 Mobile: 07850 707050
E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk Write : Maverick House,10 Pine Tree Avenue, Groby, LE6 0EQ
Cllr Martin Cartwright
@CllrCartwright
As a kid, I was made to walk the plank. We couldn’t afford a dog.
cllr.martincartwright
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Spring is in the air AS I WRITE this article the sun is shining, the sky is blue and the temperature is a very spring-like 120C!
The potatoes are chitting nicely on the spare bedroom windowsill and I also have some which are just poking through the compost. Hope of better things to come is in the air, both on the gardening front as well as in the country and we can all look forward to being able to get out again and perhaps even meet loved ones later this year. I was quite worried about the broad beans that I had planted out last autumn and were about 4 inches (10cm) tall, looked so sorry for themselves a week or so ago after the really cold weather and frosts but an inspection of them the other day revealed that they had survived and were back to looking really good. I will plant out those seeds currently on the windowsill a little later after the threat of all frosts has gone. This used to be after the end of March but with climate change who knows! I’m still harvesting the kale and have just eaten up the last of the red cabbage. We on the committee are also daring to discuss the possibility of resuming our Open Shed Sundays later, if the national escape from lockdown continues according to plan! We rely on these events to raise funds to improve facilities on our allotment sites and so this last year has been very difficult, as I’m sure has been the case for all other voluntary groups. No-one seems to have escaped the fall-out from the effects of the virus and lockdown. With fingers firmly crossed, we look forward to being able to welcome you to come and say hello, have a cuppa and a bacon cob or veggie slice, and browse our bric-à-brac stall or have a flutter on the tombola sometime soon!
Where are we with Peat? WITH EVERYONE busy planting their seeds, this
ALLOTMENTS NEWS is a bumper time of year for sales of compost. The problem is that the majority of compost brands still contain a large percentage of peat.
From those of you who read gardening magazines or watch Monty Don on the television, you will know that the UK is supposed to be moving to peat-free compost. The government set a voluntary target to ban peat in horticulture in 2010 but progress is woefully slow. The horticultural industry was supposed to completely remove all peat from retail compost products by 2020 and from commercial use by 2030. However a quick check of the contents of most potting composts reveals that nearly all of them contain at least 50% peat. What is wrong with this I hear you say? Peat based composts are a brilliant growing medium for seeds and seedlings and can’t really be beaten as they contain lots of nutrients and have a great moisture-retaining capacity. The peat is made from sphagnum moss and acid-loving plants decomposing in the waterlogged wetlands over 10,000 years. The problem is that all our peat bogs, found in Ireland and on our upland moorland in England and Scotland, are vast carbon sinks. Drying the peat out enough to extract it, either for agriculture or horticulture means that huge amounts of carbon gases are released, contributing to the current climate emergency. Sadly the habitat which also supports plants and animals also disappears and will take another 10,000 years to recover. Shockingly, DEFRA statistics show that the amount of peat produced for retail compost has reduced by just 12% and commercially, reduction has only been a meagre 1%.
There is a huge environmental impact caused by the drainage of peat bogs. A report on the state of Scotland’s peatland has shown that 75% of it has been degraded, either by extraction, draining, overgrazing or tree planting. The implication of this is that the poor condition of UK peatlands actually accounts for as much as 5% of UK greenhouse gas emissions every year – more than the total annual emissions from all HGVs on the UK roads! It isn’t all bad news though, there are a few peat-free compost products out there now, or even better you could make up some yourself if you already compost your kitchen waste, collect leaf mould and have some horticultural sand available. There are various recipes on the internet. You will find that retail bags of compost are quite a bit more expensive than the peat-containing ones but they need to be seen as a longtime investment for the benefit of the planet. There are some important tips that you need to know for successful peat-free compost growing though. You will notice that the texture of the compost is very different and so it will require watering more often as the products that they are made from can dry out more quickly so require watering little and often. The compost might look quite dry on the surface but will still be damp further down the pot, so a scientific “sticking your finger into the compost” will show you whether it needs watering or not. An important tip to note is that if the compost has been allowed to dry out, it will need the pot to be immersed in a bucket of water to allow the compost to rehydrate slowly. Top-watering will just result in the water running off. The other issue is the amount of nutrients the composts contain. Most peat-based composts claim to
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have enough nutrients in them to support plant growth for six weeks, whereas a peat-free one is likely to have enough nutrients for four weeks only and so you may need to feed your seedlings a little earlier than usual. You can easily see when your plants need feeding though and a good seaweed or comfrey feed will do really well. Have fun with your composting experiments but mainly just have fun growing your own veg. They really do taste a lot nicer!
Carol Lincoln
Saying good-bye
AN INEXPERIENCED curate was sent to do a graveside burial for a homeless man with no family or friends.
Not knowing where the cemetery was, he made several wrong turns and got lost. When he eventually arrived, the hearse was nowhere in sight, the backhoe was next to the open hole, and the workmen were sitting under a tree eating lunch. When the curate looked into the open grave and even found the vault lid was already in place, he felt very guilty. The homeless man deserved something, even though it was late. And so, the curate delivered an impassioned burial service, sending the deceased into the great beyond in some style. The workmen looked on in silence, but as the curate returned to his car, he overheard one of the workmen remark: ‘I’ve been putting in septic tanks for 20 years and I ain’t never seen anything like that!’
Booking deadline for the mid-April issue is Saturday 3rd April. Don’t miss out!
I bought some HP Sauce the other day. It’s costing me 6p a month for the next two years.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2021 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS
Councillor Ted Hollick reports Councils have a ‘Duty to cooperate’ by taking a share. This is in my opinion likely to result in an intolerable swathe of houses to the south west of Leicester.
It’s nothing to do with us ! BUT IT WAS. On Friday 12th of February I received a phone call from a resident advising me of a possible problem in the centre of the village whereby there was a sound of constantly running water coming from a drain outside the local butchers. The resident told me she had telephoned Severn Trent to report this as it had been noticeable for two or three days and did not appear to be normal surface water run-off. The reply she was given stated that drains were the responsibility of the Leicestershire County Council and it was nothing to do with them. I had a look myself and it was clearly an unusual amount of running water that was coming into the drain and furthermore was entering the drain through the side wall and not from a pipe, it was also appearing from under the road surface in the centre of the road. This information I gave to an LCC highways person at County Hall who said he would get someone
Supporting Climate change
to go and have a look but felt that from what I had described it was almost certainly a Severn Trent problem. On Sunday the 14th at around 9.00 am I contacted Severn Trent based in Coventry and told them that I suspected a significant leak was the probable reason. I am pleased to report that an employee of Severn Trent arrived to investigate three hours later who confirmed it was most
likely to be a leak from a cracked main and would arrange for some investigative work to be carried out in the next couple of days. Some substantial excavation work was found to be necessary and the work was duly completed a few days later so thank you to the ST team.
Groby Neighbourhood Development Plan FRIDAY THE 5TH OF MARCH saw the end of the public consultation of the Area Designation Plan which ended following 7 weeks plus on the HBBC website, the area which has been identified is everywhere within the Groby Parish boundary and at the time of writing it is not known if there had been any comments or suggestions received by the Borough Council. Following checks by the Borough to determine if the plan is acceptable a Service Level agreement will be instigated to support the group towards a successful validation.
Build Build Build THE GOVERNMENT’S well published plans to BUILD BUILD BUILD seems to indicate that the City of Leicester will be expected to provide around 10,000 more homes than previously suggested, it is well known that the city is unable to provide the number of houses that had already been allocated. The upshot of this is that another Government directive is that surrounding Borough and District
IF IT IS INEVITABLE that the County is to be overrun with bricks and mortar then we must do all we can to counteract this by planting more and more trees and hedges to preserve and conserve the Flora and Fauna that these large scale developments will drive out. The Borough Council is actively pushing for the boundary of the National Forest to be widened to include a much larger area of Hinckley and its environs up to the Blaby district boundary. The Southern boundary of the National Forest in Groby currently runs along the Ratby Road (schools side ) down to the centre of the village around by the chip shop, down the Newtown Linford Lane including the Klondyke and a part of the Groby quarry and up towards Markfield as it follows the line of the Groby Parish boundary.
Can we count on you? A REMINDER to respond to the National Census Day which is Sunday March 21st.
Speeding statistics ON THE A50 NORTH WEST bound at Groby, 676 drivers have been caught by the Average Speed Cameras, despite the clear warning signs that are in place and clearly visible. On the South East bound carriageway a staggering total of 1138 drivers have been caught. Keep safe and continue to follow the guidelines even after Lockdown is lifted.
Councillor Ted Hollick
Councillor Ted Hollick Call: 0116 287 5955 Mobile: 07962 373983 E-mail: ted.hollick@outlook.com Write: 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, LE6 0FY
It only takes four men to wallpaper a house,but you have to slice them thinly.
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Stamford Arms
AT THE HEART OF GROBY SINCE 1921 Our lockdown 3 takeaway menu will be available online 4th Jan www.stamfordarms.co.uk featuring Pizzas, Pastas and plenty of our traditional main meals for collection, or free delivery to Groby.
TEAM TAKEAWAY SUCCESS Thank you for your support in lockdown 2 giving us the ability to
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DISCOVER TWELVE Tom Hanks Films
WORDSEARCH
We are pleased to announce thatChatty our Takeaway Project support many charities, especially our Shelter to help has now secured funding for our Chatty Shelter. support mental health in our community. the Christmas Lockdowns heretoatthe the Stamford Arms WThroughout e have provided Dinners Groby and Ratby we recognise that many are finding isolation a struggle, Community Response Team, delivering a bit of Christmas Spirit. in the winter Promoting youthespecially sports at Newtown Linfordmonths. Cricket Club, by This Chatty Shelter will provide a place chat supporting the annual Boxing Day Duck Race for andinformal raising £300. when normality returns; a location is now being reviewed. Raising over £8000 with our Bradgate Rotary Club in 2020 Working our charities Bradgate Club and in supportwith of local andRotary the Bradgate Parkvolunteers, Calendar. we have delivered over 200 free meals to Key Workers or those We celebrated our traditional Christmas Carols for Churches isolated in January; this being recognised by the BBC East Together here at the Stamford Arms on 17th December 2020, Midlands Today.
spreading the message of Christmas to local families in Groby.
Our Takeaway Menu is now available on our website:
New Takeaway Menu Starting 7th January
www.stamfordarms.co.uk
The first British Prime Minister ROBERT WALPOLE became the first British Prime Minister 300 years ago, on 3rd April 1721. It was a title he rejected, but historians agree that he effectively created that office for himself.
He was one of the greatest politicians in British history, but he had intended to be a clergyman, until his older brother Edward died in 1698, leaving him responsible for the considerable Walpole estate. His country seat was Houghton Hall in Norfolk, which he used as a base for generous, sometimes extravagant hospitality and built up an impressive art collection, most of which was later sold and now resides in the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg. Another part of his legacy is 10 Downing Street, which was offered to him personally by George II, but which he accepted as the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury. He was knighted in 1726 and made Earl of Orford on his resignation in 1742. His skills as an orator and negotiator played a significant role in sustaining the Whig party over a long period, and in ensuring the Hanoverian succession. He rebuilt the tower of the medieval church on his Houghton estate as a memorial to his grandfather.
IF YOU can find the titles of 12 WELL-KNOWN TOM HANKS FILMS 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 - 12 TOM HANKS MOVIE TITLES. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: THERE’S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Saturday 3rd April 2021. 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 - thanks to the generous sponsorship of Brian Rigby - owner of The Stamford Arms. (Redeemable when restrictions allow.)
Here are the 12 TOM HANKS FILMS you have to find:
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN • BIG • CAST AWAY • FORREST GUMP PHILADELPHIA • SAVING MR BANKS • SAVING PRIVATE RYAN SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE • THE DA VINCI CODE THE GREEN MILE • TOY STORY • YOU’VE GOT MAIL Name: .............................................................................................................. Address: ............................................................................................................. .............................................................................Postcode: ............................. Last Month’s Winner was:
CLARE MILLER of Marina Drive, Groby. Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you soon!
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