Groby Spotlight March 2022 by Michael Wilkinson

Spotligh potlightt Groby & Field Head MID-MARCH 2022

Delivered FREE to Homes & Businesses in Groby, Field Head & The Brantings Message from Australia

Colin and Pat celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary

The end of an era

A GROBY COUPLE are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary this month, and the Spotlight has received a lovely message of congratulations from their daughter Jane and family in Australia.

Colin and Patricia Johnson were married at St Mary the Virgin church in Osgathorpe Near Coalville, on the 10th March 1962 and this year celebrate their Diamond wedding anniversary .

Margaret and Maurice Chaplin in the shop. THE END OF May will see the closure of a long established local shop. Chaplins Butchers was established in 1869 when Robert Chaplin - Maurice and Margaret’s great grandfather, was the local butcher, draper and postmaster. At this time the village was mostly owned by the Earl of Stamford. Robert was followed by his son Everard, and then their father Herbert.

Their bridesmaids were Colin’s sister Sylvia Johnson and two of their nieces Pam Stock and Tina Boyce. The reception was held at the Gate Inn. Colin and Pat have lived in Groby for over forty years. They have three daughters Jennie, Julie and Jane, nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Jane and her husband Dave contacted the Spotlight to send lots of love and good wishes from themselves and the four grandchildren, their partners and Colin and Pat’s nine great grandchildren, all living around Brisbane in Australia.

PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT PARK THIS ISSUE includes a lot of information about the employment park which is being proposed by IM Properties close to the A50 / A46 roundabout, between Groby and Anstey. To view the developer’s recent webinar, visit: https://www.impgroby.co.uk/

When we came to live in Groby in 1973, Herbert, Maurice and uncle Harry (who was the brother of Mrs Enid Chaplin, Herbert’s wife), Maurice and Margaret’s mother, all worked in the shop.

Herbert Chaplin on his motorcycle taken around 1939

The growth of supermarkets, along with the changing preferences of consumer demand, resulting in a dwindling customer base for many other fresh food outlets - together with increased legislation - has led to their decision to retire. We wish them well in their retirement.

Ted Hollick

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Cormorants at Groby Pool

I AM ENCLOSING a photo of the Cormorant colony at Groby Pool. They are extremely gregarious birds, always nesting in large numbers.

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: 16th April 2022 DEADLINE: 2nd April 2022

We lost count of how many were perched on their little “island”, fishing and feeding their young. Although not in view on this shot, there was also a pair of herons and some egrets. Quite a treat to see and brighten up a grey February morning walk.

Diana Marinari

Watch Council meetings from your armchair DURING THE PANDEMIC face to face routine meetings at our local councils were replaced with online meetings on media platforms such as Zoom. Although not ideal for officers and members, suddenly local democracy became more accessible to the electors that councils serve. Travelling to Hinckley or even County Hall, to attend a meeting was never something to look forward to. But sitting at home watching on a laptop or even a phone, though not ideal, is much more attractive, especially when combined with a cup of tea (or even something stronger). Very few local residents attend Parish Council meetings in person, and Zoom didn’t bring any great upturn in interest. They can no longer be viewed online. The Borough Council meetings, however, have been more successful in generating public interest and live broadcasts (streaming) will continue for many meetings. Numbers increased dramatically when live streaming was introduced. For example, for a meeting where up to 30 people might have attended previously, 150 residents might watch on YouTube. For some meetings, over 300 viewed the meeting live, a number which couldn’t even have been accommodated in the Council Chamber. Watching on You Tube is even easier than on Zoom, and if you miss a meeting it’s easy to catch up after the event. To watch a Borough Council meeting •

Google HBBC calendar

•

Choose your meeting and click the link on the calendar

•

Scroll down to media

•

Click watch the meeting on You Tube

You will probably find it useful to open another ‘tab’ with the agenda, or even any of the documents which Council members will be discussing. County Council meetings can also be watched on You Tube. Google leics county online and follow the links.

Norman Griffiths

I married my wife for her looks, but not the ones she’s giving me lately.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Have your say on the HBBC Draft Local Plan

Proposed Groby Expansion Janet Bishop writes about the proposed employment park YOU WILL HAVE most likely seen the recent proposal for 140 acres of commercial buildings and large warehouses by developers IM Properties. This would dominate the views from many parts of the village, replace green open countryside, fields and recreational space in a huge area of Groby near the two wind turbines and the Anstey border. And even though we would be promised a travel plan the likelihood is that it would burden our local roads with over 4,000 additional traffic movements each day, in addition to the heavy goods vehicles.

Local sentiment FEELINGS are very strongly against this proposed development because the damage, destruction and loss to Groby and Anstey is so high. Groby already has over 300 acres of woodland, so the additional 20 acres of trees promised is hardly significant. More jobs and more trees cannot come close to the heavy cost to our villages. We would lose a huge area of open countryside that we enjoy and admire and that protects and promotes our villages’ separate identity and character. It’s called the “green wedge” in planning terms and is protected by extensive planning policy and guidelines. The developers proposal fails these, plus many other planning policies and established guidelines, along with not meeting very strict highways safety policies. This type of development belongs elsewhere. This location is unsuitable and cannot be justified on any economic or planning grounds. Even with their offers to mitigate and compensate our community, nothing would be enough to make the proposal acceptable compared to the irreplaceable damage, the losses we will suffer and the environment future generations will have to live with. Once the concrete is laid it is there forever, no-one demolishes factory units to create farmland.

EVEN THOUGH the scales are tipped heavily against it, now is the time to share your thoughts and feelings about the proposed Groby commercial and warehouse site and development. If you act now your voice will make a difference. Although the HINCKLEY AND BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL DRAFT LOCAL PLAN to 2039 has excluded this site from commercial development, the Plan has not yet been approved by the Government and can be changed. The Plan is currently out for public consultation and comment, so this is an ideal opportunity for you to tell the Borough Council that you support their proposed designation for this land and do not want it built on.

What to do before 5pm on Wednesday March 23rd. TELL THE Borough Council that you support their designation in the Draft Local Plan of site references LPR49A and LPR49B and wish these sites to be retained as farmland.

Easy ways to do it •

BY EMAIL: planningpolicy@hinckleybosworth.gov.uk

•

BY POST TO: Planning Policy, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, Hinckley, LE10 0FR.

•

THROUGH THE COUNCIL WEBSITE : https://myaccount. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/en/service/Contact_us?topic=Policy_and_ regeneration or

•

BY GOOGLING Grobylinx and following the link.

Is this starting to have a negative impact on their daily life? If so it’s time to try STILL method! For more information please get in touch. A 20 minute free consultation awaits.

Tel: 07875 300623

Why you need to act now

Whichever way you comment you must include your name, address and contact details for it to be valid.

Is your child struggling with ANXIETY?

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Please send us your news by Saturday 2nd April.

Dem Bones, dem bones

IT HAS BEEN said that the body of any organisation is made up of four types of bones….

There are the Wishbones – who spend their time wishing someone else would do something about the problem under discussion…. There are the Jawbones – who spend their time talking about the problem. There are the Knucklebones – who spend their time knocking everything that everyone has already done or would like to do. Finally, there are the Backbones who quietly come along, get under the load, and carry it! Which type of bone are you?

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For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

You and anti-social behaviour David Pickup, a solicitor, considers what you can do when you need to do something. IT IS A NICE Spring afternoon, and you want to sit out in the garden to read your village magazine.

You deserve a break, because you have been kept awake all night by noise from certain neighbours in the street where you live. The racket is affecting your health as you and your family need your rest. You feel that your complaints have been ignored. What can you do? There is a procedure called Community Trigger, which offers a coordinated response to serious anti-social behaviour problems by ensuring organisations work together on an agreed plan. It is useful where people feel they have been ignored.

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Anti-social behaviour is defined as behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress. It can also include vandalism, drugs use or intimidation. However, agencies should also consider the cumulative effect of the incidents complained of, and the harm caused to the victim. To use Community Trigger, you must have made three reports of antisocial behaviour within the past six months, and made the reports within one month of the incident happening. The Community Trigger is not for complaints about how a problem has been dealt with or to report new cases of anti-social behaviour. You can apply to your local authority for yourself or someone can apply on your behalf, such as a councillor, MP or relative. It will result in a multi-agency case review which involves various organisations such as the local Police, local council, or a housing association, if they are the landlord. For more information search “Community Trigger” on your local authority website. As always this is a very short pointer to a serious and complex issue. Always get advice before taking any action.

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Email: leicestershirewest@greenthumb.co.uk Call: 0116 269 4019 Visit: greenthumb.co.uk I always knock on the fridge door before opening it, just in case there’s a salad dressing.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Community Library News WE HOPE you are all enjoying the lighter mornings and evenings and the feeling that Spring is round the corner. Here at the library we’re planning events and activities for the next few months. Have you got an idea for an activity, workshop or talk that we could have at the library? Just get in touch if you have an idea or there’s something you could offer. We recently held our delayed Christmas cheese and wine party to say a big Thank You to all our fantastic volunteers. Without them we can’t provide the library service and activities that we offer to the community. Many thanks also to the Laundon Way Coop for providing the cheese, crackers and wine. They were appreciated by everyone who attended.

Events WE’LL HAVE had our Fairtrade workshop delivered by the Central England Coop before this edition of Spotlight comes out.

Thursday mornings, and Construction Club alternate Wednesday afternoons. We hope to have some children’s craft sessions during the Easter holiday.

‘Crafternoons’ WE WERE sorry to have to suspend our popular ‘Crafternoons’ when the pandemic started. But GOOD NEWS they will be restarting soon. Due to budget cuts there may have to be a small charge for materials but we hope our old and some new crafters will join us.

Annual General Meeting THE GROBY Community Library Group AGM will take place on 16th March at 7.30pm at the library. If you’d like to attend please email enquiries@grobylibrary. co.uk or leave your name and contact details at the library desk. We will see the results of our consultation on opening hours shortly and will report back in the next edition of Spotlight.

Thank you to everyone who has taken part. Check out our website www.grobylibrary.co.uk our Facebook page, Twitter and the library window for forthcoming dates for all activities and events.

Top 10 Books BESTSELLERS available at Groby Library

• Richard Osman: The Thursday Murder Club • Taylor Jenkins Reid: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo • Katie Fforde: A Wedding in the Country • Adele Parks: Both of You • Matt Haig: The Midnight Library • Lisa Jewell: The Night She Disappeared • Lee Child & Andrew Child: Better Off Dead • Abigail Dean: Girl A • Danielle Steel: Neighbours • Peter James: Left You Dead

We will also have had our first ‘Cuppa and Company’ event. This is a coffee morning for anyone who feels isolated and would like a bit of company. We’ll be having a look at artefacts to bring back memories of holidays and the seaside. Thanks to the Leicester Road Coop and Bradgate Rotary for supporting us with the provision of refreshments. Do you know anyone who’s feeling lonely? Please tell them about our coffee morning events. For children - Wriggly readers now takes place on alternate

I have a telescope on the peephole of my door so I can see who’s at the door for 200 miles.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

A second chance to save Groby’s fields

IT’S A STRANGE twist of fate that a large part of the fields currently threatened by the employment park proposal next to the A50 probably wouldn’t exist, if it hadn’t been for a very successful public campaign against the proposed Charnwood Forest Route of the M1 over 60 years ago. The Forest route would have cut into the Forest just north of Groby Pool. It would be in sight of Bradgate Park and Newtown Linford and it was said it would pass alongside the Scout camp at John’s Lea Wood and alongside the 12th Century Ulverscroft Priory and through the Ulverscroft Valley. Concerns were raised at the proximity of the road to Groby Pool. “I have tried to make the pool a bird sanctuary,” said Mrs P. M. Logan of Pool House. “Most of the water birds seem to favour the tail of the pool, and that is the part which I believe the new road will come closest. I feel that apart from other objections to the road, it will have the effect of reducing the value of the pool as a conservation area for both birds and wild flowers” Within a month 10,000 petition signatures received opposing the route, and this increased to 30,000 names by March 1958, with the latest signatory Hilary M. Grey-Bell a direct descendant of Lady Jane Grey. Those who wish to save the fields for a second time will need the same persistence and determination as was shown in the late fifties. To read the full story, first published in the Spotlight in 2014, just Google M1 through Groby.

Norman Griffiths

Your favourite music WHY DO YOU like the music that you do? It may depend on your personality traits. A recent study has found that agreeable people tend to favour mellow music such as reggae, while neurotic people will tend to prefer intense styles such as grunge and metal. The study spanned 50 countries, and despite differences in culture and language, the researchers still found clear correlations between personality traits and musical styles. Thus, people who are ‘open’ and ‘sophisticated’ will like jazz supremos such as Miles Davis, while more extroverted types will tend towards singers such as Ed Sheeran. Dr David Greenberg, the University of Cambridge researcher who led the study, says: “We were surprised at just how much these patterns between music and personality replicated across the globe.” There was a clear pattern of personality traits being matched to particular musical genres. Thus, the trait of agreeableness, characterised by sympathy and co-operation, leads such people towards mellow music sung by artistes such as Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and Norah Jones (pictured). People who display the traits of ‘extroversion’ prefer the excitement of contemporary music styles such as electro, rap, and pop, sung by artists like Beyonce and Justin Bieber. Then there are the ‘conscientious’ music lovers, with personality traits such as obedience and a preference for order, who lean towards music defined as ‘unpretentious,’ which includes religious music and country styles. People with ‘open’ personalities defined by their imagination and creativity, prefer compositionally complex styles termed ‘sophisticated,’ which includes jazz. Finally, neurotic people tend to enjoy intense styles such as punk rock and the grunge of Nirvarna, which perhaps “reflects their inner angst and frustration”. The study was published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

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The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

WE DID IT! Groby Sings made a careful but positive start back to normality with the first proper singing together sessions at the Groby Club on Wednesday 23rd February.

ON THE ROAD

Three current local consultations explained

OME RESIDENTS may feel confused by the planning consultations taking place through Everyone said how much they had missed March, or may even be suffering consultation singing and socialising after so long. Some changes have had to be We made, did it!!including, Groby Sings made a careful but positive start back to normality with the first proper fatigue. Itsinging would be easy to say ‘I’ll not bother, it’ll sessions at the GrobyMonday Club on Wednesday 23 February.It Everyone they had missed unfortunately for some, atogether change of day from to Wednesday. was said how much get sorted singing and socialising after so long. Some changes have had to be made, including,all unfortunately for some, a out.’

again! rd

always going to be a bit of a leap into unknown as start-up was going coming change of day fromthe Monday to Wednesday. It was always to be a bit of a leap into the unknown as Ignoring them would be a mistake for anyone who is interested in such start-up was coming before the droppingday. of legal restrictions the following day. The Management Team and before the dropping of legal restrictions the following as how will look in the future, whether open countryside will Trustees had the unenviable job of trying to balance the obvious desire of singers things to get together againGroby with The Management Teamthe and Trustees had theasunenviable of measures, trying such as registering awareness of us all to stay safe as possible.job Initial attendance outside of how much traffic volumes, delays and congestion be lost forever, and the singing room and the out of theagain seating with more than as things evolve but, after to balance the obvious desire of singers tospreading get together the usual, may changeincrease. The current consultations provide a rare opportunity for the voice everything the country has gone through during the pandemic, Groby Singers are keen to maintain a respect awareness of us all to stay as safe as possible. Initial measures, such as of the residents to be heard. for one another’s views on keeping safe. registering attendance outside of the singing room and the spreading out It is important to understand why there are 3 consultations first day was smaller than usual but a total of 60-70 singers across both of the seating more than Understandably, usual, may attendance change on asthe things evolve but, after afternoon and evening sessions really enjoyed being back and made a lovely sound to 1.The welcome Groby the new Neighbourhood Plan everything the country has gone through the Singersto bring to Groby Sings. Musical Director, Simon during Lubkowski, whopandemic, has a wealth ofGroby musical experience As well as 16 years as a Head of Music and Music Teacher in Secondary Schools across Leicestershire, Simon works as a and Bosworth Draft Local Plan 2.The Hinckley are keen to maintain a respect for one another’s views on keeping safe. freelance Musical Director, Singing Teacher, Vocal Coach, Arranger, Performer and Composer and has been

IMLuck Properties Employment Area Proposal directingon Choirs the past years.smaller Groby Sings’ founding conductor, sent a Good Understandably, attendance theforfirst day12was than usual but Helen Hayes, 3.The message to the choir and Simon, and is looking forward to visiting us again when we resume public a total of 60-70 singers across both afternoon and evening sessions really performances. For the moment, no concert is planned and the choir is just singing for pleasure, revisiting the The enjoyed being back and made lovely to welcome new Musical songs foraGroby Singssound On The Road that we werethe just beginning to learn before the dark days Groby of March 2020.Neighbourhood Plan The members present Groby Club the first sessions back would Groby Sings has Director, Simon Lubkowski, who has a inwealth of for musical experience to surely bringknow that THIS CONSULTATION document has been delivered to returned home when they heard our lovely rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water. to Groby Sings. As well as 16 years as a Head of Music and Music Teacher each home and can either be completed online or by After such a successful start, we hope that more singers, old and new, will feel safe to come along to Groby in Secondary Schools across Leicestershire, Simon works as a freelance on Wednesdays, 1.30-3.00pm and/or 7.30-9.00pm (no choir in school holidays).returning No auditions are your completed form to the Parish Office by Musical Director, SingingClub Teacher, Vocal Coach, Arranger, Performer and necessary and no regular subscriptions are requested. However, there is an opportunity to make25th. a small March Composer and has beenvoluntary directing Choirs the pastbox) 12toyears. donation (into for an anonymous support the charity’s costs, if possible. Groby Sings is an It’s aThere questionnaire asking for your views on how Groby should look in inclusive choir and everyone is welcome, however good or not so good their singing voice! are disabled Groby Sings’ founding conductor, Helen Hayes, a GoodatLuck message facilities at the Club, including ramps.sent Unfortunately, the moment there are no crèche the what you want to see in the completed plan, for example the facilities futurefor and afternoon sessions and, sadly, the be resuming yet. However, it is hoped that both of to the choir and Simon, and is looking forward tochildren’s visitingchoir us won’t again when we whether you want to retain the green wedge and village separation or not. these will be catered for before too long and will be publicised in the usual way. resume public performances. For the moment, no concert is planned and the The final Plan may contain a vision, aims, planning policies, proposals for choir is just singing for pleasure, thego songs for Groby Sings On Finally, manyrevisiting thanks should to the Trustees and Management Team who have improving continued to work to or providing new facilities, or allocation of key sites for thehard area keep Groby Sings alive, if in partial hibernation for 2 years, Cox who has kept Groby The Road that we were just beginning to learn before the dark daysand of especially March to Janespecific kinds of development. Singers informed and entertained with her emails about Groby Sings and other topics! Thank you to everyone 2020. The members present in GrobyofClub the first sessions back wouldthe faith. in the community Groby,for surrounding villages and beyond for keeping The Hinckley and Bosworth Draft Local Plan surely know that Groby Sings has returned home when they heard our lovely Groby Sings is back! rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water. THE LOCAL PLAN will guide future development in Hinckley enquiries, please contact us via our website www.grobysings.org. After such a successful For start, we hope that more singers, old and new, will feel safe to come along to Groby on Wednesdays, 1.30-3.00pm and/or Groby Sings is a Club Registered Charity no. 1180490. 7.30-9.00pm (no choir in school holidays). No auditions are necessary and no regular subscriptions are requested. However, there is an opportunity to make a small voluntary donation (into an anonymous box) to support the charity’s costs, if possible. Groby Sings is an inclusive choir and everyone is welcome, however good or not so good their singing voice! There are disabled facilities at the Club, including ramps. Unfortunately, at the moment there are no crèche facilities for the afternoon sessions and, sadly, the children’s choir won’t be resuming yet. However, it is hoped that both of these will be catered for before too long and will be publicised in the usual way.

Finally, many thanks should go to the Trustees and Management Team who have continued to work hard to keep Groby Sings alive, if in partial hibernation for 2 years, and especially to Jane Cox who has kept Groby Singers informed and entertained with her emails about Groby Sings and other topics! Thank you to everyone in the community of Groby, surrounding villages and beyond for keeping the faith. Groby Sings is back! For enquiries, please contact us via our website www. grobysings.org Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490.

and Bosworth up to 2039.

The draft plan sets out a preferred strategy for housing and economic growth. This consultation document will not be delivered to each household, but can be completed online, or comments can be registered online, by email and by post. Many residents will only be interested in 2 aspects – how many new houses Groby will be required to accept (it recommends 45), and whether the Plan considers the fields subject to a proposal for an employment park suitable for development. (See Janet Bishop’s article for more information on this and how to comment.)

The IM Properties Employment Area Proposal THE DEVELOPMENT company are presenting their vision of an enlarged urban Groby and want to hear what residents think before they prepare a planning application. This consultation is face to face in the week ending 12 March and will probably be over before you read this Spotlight. Their leaflet includes postal, email, and telephone contact details. Three important consultations that deserve your attention.

Norman Griffiths

I wasn’t that hungry, so I just ate a kid’s meal at Mcdonald’s. His mother was furious.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

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County Council cracks down on illegal parking around schools MORE THAN 500 civil penalty notices have been issued to drivers putting the safety of children at risk by parking illegally outside the gates of Leicestershire schools. The penalties have been issued over 12 months by Leicestershire County Council’s two electric camera enforcement cars. They patrol 167 schools at picking up and dropping off times on a regular basis. Schools with persistent safety concerns are visited with extra frequency to try and improve driver behaviour and tackle issues around inconsiderate parking. Between January 2021 and January 2022, 501 penalties were issued to the keepers of vehicles parked on school ‘keep clear’ markings across the whole county. This number is substantially up on previous years. Using automatic number plate recognition technology (ANPR), the cars collect the necessary evidence to issue a £70 Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) where an offence takes place. The cars are equipped with an intelligent enforcement system that uses GPS to recognise where restrictions begin and end as the vehicle is driven though a restriction zone. All funds generated are put towards running the camera cars.

What do you call a dead magician? An abra-cadaver.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby Surgery Patients Newsletter Another Covid booster for vulnerable groups The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has formally advised a rollout of an additional booster this spring for groups of people deemed most vulnerable to severe coronavirus, including the over-75s. The jabs will probably be offered from April. Additional groups regarded as being at greater risk are likely to be offered a further booster this autumn, before an expected rise in infections over next winter. The immunity of many of the oldest people, who had received their booster in September or October, could be waning. “To maintain high levels of protection for the most vulnerable individuals in the population, an extra spring dose of vaccine is advised ahead of an expected autumn booster programme later this year,” said Prof Wei Shen Lim, who leads on Covid vaccinations for the JCVI. Prof Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick,said : “It makes sense to continue to protect the most vulnerable – particularly as the requirement for self-isolation is removed and testing is going to become more limited. We know that the elderly and most vulnerable are more susceptible to infection and can mount poor immune response to vaccination. So it makes sense to protect against future variants and to provide longer-lived immune responses for these individuals.” It’s likely that the process will be similar to the earlier roll out, and patients will be contacted in due course.

GPs face imposed contract this year In 2020 we stood outside our front doors clapping in appreciation of all the NHS workers who were working their hardest to protect us from the impact of Covid. Two years later our GPs must have been dismayed to hear a General Practices Committee (GPC) negotiator say that the 2022/23 changes to the GP contract have been imposed without agreement (see pulsetoday.co.uk.) Under the changes, primary care networks will be required to provide a full range of services from 9am to 5pm on Saturdays. A GPC executive member, Dr Richard Van Mellaerts, said NHS England’s decision to apply changes without agreement from the GPC was ‘deeply disappointing’. He said there was ‘no recognition of massive pressures in general practice, huge patient backlog, and increased costs of NI contributions’, meaning ‘patient care will be impacted’. The BMA had said it would ‘leave no stone unturned in trying to find an agreed way forward’. It also said that the current contract was not ‘fit for purpose’, and has clarified that it is not seeking to renegotiate the current five-year GP contract, outside of the usual annual amendments, following a statement that suggested this might be the case.

Locum to cover for Dr Vagani Dr Vagani is taking annual leave in March, and a lady locum doctor and Dr Chotai will be looking after his patients.

Lady doctor changes her mind The lady doctor who was lined up to join the team has withdrawn from the post.

Don’t forget your face mask Although the wearing of face masks is now in rapid decline throughout the community, the health care environment is one area where patients are asked to continue wearing one.

The search for new premises Improving the patient experience continues to be a high priority for the practice, with the focus on finding a site for a new surgery or alternative premises. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council continue to hold infrastructure funds contributed by the developers of two local housing sites, and it is felt that this cash should be held to be available for a new surgery rather than be used on premises which it is hoped will ultimately be vacated.

Major drive launched to recruit NHS ‘reservists’ Press reports indicate that the head of the NHS has announced thousands of new ‘reservists’ will be recruited to support the health service as staff tackle COVID-19 backlogs. A wide range of opportunities are available, including assisting people who are being discharged from hospital or as part of the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme. Anyone can register their interest, including people who are interested in embarking on a career in the NHS or former staff who might want to return. Local hospitals and NHS services can then call on the ‘NHS reservist community’ depending on their staffing requirements and pressures in their area, creating a bank extra resource for when it is needed. Since its initial pilot launch at five sites last year, more than 17,000 people have joined up. No previous experience is necessary with full training provided and NHS reservists will be paid in line with the role they are doing. Support will also be provided by existing full-time staff that they can ‘buddy up’ with before starting any role. Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Former healthcare workers coming out of retirement played a vital role in the national mission to roll out vaccines, as did the many selfless volunteers who came forward to support the NHS. We want to build on this invaluable resource. If you want to help the NHS care for patients and tackle the COVID backlog please sign up today”. If you are interested go to https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/weare-nhs/nhs-reservists.

Norman Griffiths for Groby Surgery Patients Group

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Groby WI plant a tree to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Groby Gardening Society NEWS

HE SOCIETY’S AGM took place on February 10th at Groby WMC. No minutes were taken since the Society does not currently have a secretary, these notes reflect what was proposed and discussed. There were no new volunteers to join the committee, and although there were many comments relating to how the society should proceed. Alvar Johnson addressed the meeting to express his sadness that the society faces being wound down after more than forty years, and many members also expressed their disappointment. It was suggested that if the society cannot continue then something should be done to commemorate its existence. Suggestions included a commemorative tree, or stand of trees, or a commemorative bench. The society has sufficient funds to support this. The current treasurer reported that there are currently 48 paid-up members of the society, from subscriptions paid early in 2020 before the start of the lockdown. Anyone who requests a refund of their subscription will be given one.

Members of Groby WI planted a Sorbus Majestica (White Hornbeam) to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Jubilee Park. They are registering the tree on the national map called ‘ The Queen’s Green Canopy’. This is a digital map of all the trees planted in honour of Her Majesty’s Jubilee. As you can see the sun shone for us and some of us enjoyed a coffee and a natter afterwards at the Time Out Cafe in Groby Library.

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It was also suggested that the society could subsidise a final day trip or trips - if there was sufficient interest. This would need to be arranged directly with Roberts travel, who have been the society’s choice of transport for many years. There will be a further meeting with Groby Allotment Society in March with a view to organising a joint Village Show to be held in September 2022. More details will be announced in the Spotlight in the coming months. There was a discussion that if the society is to close, then an informal gathering could take place as a social event (Owen Lawrence mentioned a similar arrangement for a group he attends). Joy Russell and others have arranged a Social Afternoon on Thursday April 7th at 2pm (prompt!) at the United Reformed Church on Chapel Hill. Described as a get-together, Joy has asked that members turn up with “Brains in Gear, and to be ready for some Quizzing, and some Strategies to be devised!” It’s hoped that this may become a regular, informal arrangement. If any members of the society have any comments, suggestions or observations, please contact Helen Box in the first instance, via email at helen_box@hotmail.com. Spring is starting to peek around the corner, the snowdrops and early daffodils are coping well with the seemingly continuous stream of storms that are battering the UK, and the vernal equinox will soon be here. It’ll soon be time to start mowing the lawn! Enjoy your garden when you can. Stay safe.

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HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS Councillor Martin Cartwright reports

IM Properties Groby Proposals Update

NE TOPIC dominates discussion in Groby right now, so also dominates my Spotlight article this month that being the proposals by IM Properties to potentially develop a new business industrial site in Groby. IM Properties wish to build a 57 hectare site, approximately 140 acre Business Park on land north of the village of Groby between Groby and Anstey located to both sides of Anstey Lane Groby. When looking towards Anstey from Groby to the Left of Anstey Lane towards the back of the pick your own farm, right up to the wind turbines, and right of Anstey lane between Anstey Lane and the A46 both of the sites fronts the A50. Anstey Lane, Groby was split in two when the A50 bypass was built. The section they are proposing the development for is north of the A50 as you head towards Anstey. The developer is testing the water by inviting people who would be affected by the scheme to find out more information and to see and hear their views on their proposals as part of residents’ feedback to them. This includes Groby, Anstey and Glenfield people. The developer is well aware that this is Greenbelt land for separation of Groby and Anstey and has an open, wide vista important to both Groby and Anstey residents and as such are likely to receive local opposition from residents to their proposals as a result. To help mitigate the impact of the buildings the developer is proposing to plant 20 acres of Woodland to reduce the climate impact of their proposals including purchasing the Klondyke opposite Groby pool as a carbon offset scheme by turning the Klondyke into a Woodland. Furthermore they claim that local employers have shown significant interest in locating to the site with a potential of 2,000 jobs as a result, although they have remained tightlipped at this stage as to who those local businesses might be and the skill set of the jobs on offer. Figures of £182m for the local economy have been quoted but again no details at this point as to how that is achieved.To find out more, please visit the IM Properties website for this development www.impgroby. co.uk For more information about the company itself, visit IM Properties corporate website www. improperties.co.uk

Pictured Above: The two areas in blue either side of Anstey Lane abutting the A50 are the two industrial park site boundaries. The area in blue adjacent Groby Pool is the Klondyke site. I have had significant enquiries from Groby residents on their proposals with many and varied views, to date none in favour of the proposals. Here is a summary of the most popular questions and answers to date: Question: Your manifesto said back in 2019 “no development north of the A50”? Answer: My manifesto back in 2019 to the Groby electorate did say no development north of the A50. Irrespective of my or anyone else’s manifesto pledges it is the democratic right and the law in this country that anyone has the ability to consult with people as IM Properties are currently doing and or to submit a planning application that may or may not result in success or failure. IM Properties are well aware of my manifesto pledge and that the land is located in the Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge, Greenbelt land. The Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge policy was reviewed as recently as September 2020 by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and will be a significant factor in the eventual outcome of their proposals should it proceed to a formal planning application. To read the policy, visit www. hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk and type in Rothley Brook to the HBBC web site home page search bar. IM Properties will all most certainly have looked into my background and what I can say is that since 2007 I have a well proven track

record of defending incursion into the green wedge albeit a different side of Groby, still Green Wedge, and I see no reason why this would change.

questions than answers.

I also take very seriously the comments made in my election pledge and would have to have very compelling reasons why this commitment couldn’t be kept.

Question: Where Will Access to the Site Be From?

IM Properties are consulting with Groby and surrounding villages’ residents affected, both in Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council area as well as Charnwood Borough Council (Anstey) and Blaby District Council (Glenfield) districts. Personally, I am pleased that they have chosen to at least consult with Groby residents, as well as Anstey and Glenfield residents as it is these peoples’ views that count in this on what is even at this early stage of consultation is already seen by the public feedback as controversial plans with more

One can only hope that IM Properties take account of those local views expressed during their consultation.

Answer: The proposals contain an outline of the site boundary, please see picture above, but as it is not a planning application at this time so it does not contain the site access details or an indicative layout of site in relation to the buildings. This full detail will have to be shown and consulted upon in the event a full planning application is submitted. Question: What is the size of the Woodland Area for Climate Mitigation Measures? Answer: Five Acres are proposed within the Klondyke Site that is CONTINUED OVERLEAF ...>

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS - FROM PAGE 13

Councillor Martin Cartwright reports • Tel: 0116 287 4500 Mob: 07850 707050 E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 close by to the industrial park but not directly connected to it. The Klondyke site is much closer to Groby Pool on Newtown Linford Lane. Fifteen Acres are proposed within the business park itself making a total of twenty acres. Detailed plans for either of the Woodland sites have not yet been shared. Question: I thought the Klondyke site was currently subject to planning enforcement breaches Answer: Planning enforcement notices were served on a number of plot owners on the Klondyke, the time to comply with those notices has expired with the plot owners not having complied. One option available for those served planning enforcement notices was to appeal the notices, the time in which to do so has also now expired and no appeals lodged. The next stage of enforcement is via the courts and whilst this process is ongoing it is completely separate to IM Properties proposals, so one should not be confused with the other. For clarity IM Properties are aware of the planning breaches on the Klondyke and that further enforcement action is ongoing and underway via the courts. IM Properties are not involved in the enforcement process that is a Borough Council function. Question: Groby & Anstey are currently separated by Open Fields. Does this mean the two Villages Will Merge as a result of the Development? Answer: No, It is not in their proposals at this stage. However, the separation between the two villages will be significantly reduced as a result of the proposals

leaving a much smaller separation distance than that which currently exists today. Question: Traffic – The proposals state 2,000 Jobs. Surely this means a lot more traffic? Answer: Whilst it is true to say that IM Properties quote a potential for 2,000 jobs they do not go on to say how this will be achieved, the skill sets of those jobs created or how the employees will enter and exit the site and/or by what method of doing so, on foot, by vehicle or a combination of the two. We will have to wait and see what it says at the planning stage if and when they submit a planning application on the access details into and out of the site to the adjoining road network and employee travel arrangements. At the planning stage of the process Leicestershire County Council Highways Department will be consulted on the access to the site and may be in support or against their proposals by objecting at that time. Until details are declared of actual companies that have expressed an interest it is impossible for you or I to work out if their claims of 2000 jobs is realistic r not. Question: Does the Hinckley & Bosworth Core Strategy and Draft Local Plan not prevent their Proposals going ahead? Answer: Both the current Core Strategy and emerging Draft Local Plan do contain policies that the applicant has to pay attention to and overcome if they were to submit a planning application; they have not submitted a planning application at the moment so as a result they may or may not have had regard to those policies at this time. The Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge policy is significant when

accessing the impact of their proposals.

as your Borough Councillor in an observer role:

Face to Face Consultation Events

Sixty seven people joined the Webinar during which a presentation of the proposals was made. This complete session is now available to view by visiting www.impgroby.co.uk web site

Two face to face events were held - one on 10th March the other on the 12th March. I attended both of these events as your Councillor in an observer role. When I wrote this article the events had not taken place so I am not in a position to feedback to you the outcome of these consultation meetings. I will update you in my column in due course There is a slim chance that you receive this Edition of the Spotlight before the events have concluded and as such are still in a position to attend. • March 10th Groby Ex Servicemens Club 5pm – 8-pm • March 12th Brookvale Campus 10am – 4pm

Consultation Events Held prior to my article submission to the Spotlight A Webinar took place on Tuesday 22nd February between 6.30 and 7.30 pm. I attended this event

A total of 108 questions were submitted during the event which, due to time constraints, could not all be answered. A summary of the questions was promised to be available to view on their web site. At my time of writing these had not appeared. What we did learn though was that the proposals to access the site will be via traffic lights at the Anstey Lane Junction of the A50. I will be in a position to update you on the Face to Face Consultation on this in the next edition of the Spotlight. 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 below. 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

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‘Wellbeing at the weekend!’

SHUTTLEWOOD Clarke Foundation is expanding its supportive and inclusive ethos from Saturday 2ndApril as the Foundation launches weekend opening at Ulverscroft Grange Community Support and Wellbeing Centre. Helen Baxter of Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation said ‘we wish to convey a very warm weekend welcome to our visitors, supporters, service users and volunteers! Our Saturday opening will allow us to build on our supportive services and provide new opportunities for people to enjoy all that the Foundation has to offer’. She added ‘You are invited to explore our accessible Yew Trail, discover the natural environment of our woodland pathways and drop in to the tearooms for refreshments or lunch overlooking the Charnwood Forest’. To find out more, drop in to Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB – open Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm – and Saturday’s 10.00am – 4.00pm from 2nd April 2022. Children’s Easter trail available from Monday 11th April – Friday 22nd April 2022! For more information regarding the supportive services and activities provided at Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, contact Helen Baxter on 01530 244914 or visit www.shuttlewood-clarke.org

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Groby Allotments News Whirling Compost Bin Lids!

HE LAST FEW WEEKS have been chaotic on the allotments as the named storms of Dudley, Eunice and Franklin have done their worst, blowing roofing felt off sheds or throwing compost bins, lids, greenhouse panes or blowing netting and other things around the plots. However, as I write this today, all looks calm again and hopefully we will have more settled weather as we plant out our new crops and repair any damage.

Crops for a new year

Y TOMATO, PEPPER and chilli seeds are in the propagator, I already have a fresh batch of basil growing in the kitchen, and I’ve had lots of “help” during half-term with the grandchildren sowing the broad bean and cauliflower seeds for me. I may need to sow a second row of both of those seeds over the coming weeks though, as worms and snails seemed to be a distraction and more interesting than making sure the seeds were covered and in the correct place! The children enjoyed themselves though and my granddaughter even offered to pick some kale, but then declined to eat it once it was cooked. I still have some way to go it seems, encouraging healthy eating.

Peat-Free Compost a success!

E ARE

PRESSING ahead with our trial of peatfree versus peat containing compost and we are really pleased with the results so far. The seeds sown in the peat-free compost are coming up as well as, and in some cases better than the conventional peat compost. As you can see from the photo, more leek seeds have germinated in the front peat-free pot than in the peat pot behind. It isn’t just one trial of this either, as we have a variety of seeds in the trial and one or two members of the society trialling the compost. At our next Open Shed Sunday on 6th March, some of the recently sown vegetable plants will be ready to sell. I think

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that there are quite a few varieties of peat-free compost on the market now which aren’t too expensive and are very good quality, so why not take the plunge, use peat-free for your seeds this year and help save the planet from global warming!

AGM held at last!

E WERE UNABLE to hold our AGM last year due to the lockdown and so it was so nice to be able to meet up with members again this year in person. We had our meeting on 19th February at the Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club who very generously allowed us to hold our meeting there free of charge, a great bonus to voluntary societies such as ours who rely on membership fees. We had a good turn-out, especially when you consider that it sleeted that day! It certainly wasn’t a day for going out onto the allotments! We didn’t have any new nominations for committee members but luckily all the current members of the committee were willing to serve for another year, so we are still able to carry on. We also had a large number of raffle prizes this year, which was lovely. I think that the raffle draw was in danger of lasting longer than the AGM! Although the Allotment Society is doing well, it does seem to be a problem these days for village clubs and societies to find sufficient numbers of people who are prepared and/or are able to give up a considerable amount of their free time to volunteer to run a local society or club. Committee members tend to be (but not exclusively so for the Allotments I must emphasise!) retired people. Younger people these days seem to have less free time after work or rather work is so allencompassing, that any free time that they have is prioritised to spend with family and friends and there is no time left to help out in the community. I have also noticed that these days there are so many more communities than just the physical ones which are geographically close. People are more engaged in virtual communities online and may turn to these more than the actual ones around them. All of this doesn’t bode well for village clubs and societies which rely on volunteers. The Allotment Society is currently a vibrant and active group with a large and active committee, but village groups and societies do need new volunteers to step up and join their committees to enable them to carry on in the future. Let us hope that the interest shown in appreciating local activities, encouraged by the lockdown, continues now that we have our freedom back again.

Carol Lincoln

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge What is it?

Where is it?

Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge is an area (part of which is defined by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council) that primarily seeks to guide the development form of urban areas. Green wedge policies were first introduced in Leicestershire in 1987 and since then they have helped to maintain settlement identity whilst providing green infrastructure links between settlements.

The green wedge has been largely successful in keeping clear separation between Groby village and the villages of Ratby, Anstey, Glenfield, and Newtown Linford. A map of the green wedge is shown below.

The get-together to be held at the United Reformed Church Hall

The green wedge has the following function:

Brains in gear please, some quizzing & 2 strategies to be devised!

• Preventing the merging of settlements. The green wedge will safeguard the identity of communities within and around urban areas that face growth pressures. The coalescence of settlements should be considered in terms of both physical separation and the perception of distance between the settlements.

• Providing a green lung into urban areas. The green wedge will provide communities with access to green infrastructure and the countryside beyond. • Acting as a recreational resource. The green wedge will provide a recreational resource. This will include informal and formal facilities now and in the future. Public access will be maximised.

What is acceptable land use? The Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s draft Local Plan lists the following land uses as acceptable in the green wedge:

Community Survey To answer questions about the green wedge and other important issues please complete the Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Community Survey online at https://www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GrobyNP Responses must be received by Friday 25 March 2022. Paper copies have also been distributed. Please telephone 0116 287 6985 or email parishclerk@groby.com if you need any help or further paper copies.

•

Agriculture, including horticulture not accompanied by retail development

•

Recreation, including allotments and community gardens

Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

•

Forestry, including community woodlands and orchards

•

Footpaths, bridleways and cycleways

•

Burial grounds

•

Use for nature conservation

•

Environmental Education Centre

The following QR code can be read using a smartphone or other device to take you straight to the online questionnaire.

With the condition that the green wedge is subject to review to accommodate new development.

SOCIAL AFTERNOON on Thursday 7th April 2022 at 2pm prompt

What does it do?

• Guiding development form. The green wedge will guide the form of new developments in urban areas.

Members of Groby Gardening Society are invited to a

Children and energy drinks UP TO A THIRD of our children are consuming energy drinks every week, according to recent research by the British Medical Journal. The study, commissioned by the government, found that some under-18s have as many as five or more a week. Now experts have found that too many energy drinks lead to physical symptoms such as having trouble sleeping, irritability, headaches, and stomach problems. Having an energy drink on five or more days a week can result in low psychological, physical, educational and overall well-being. One scientist from the University of York said that the findings “offer support for a Government policy banning the sale of energy drinks to children.”

Desford Bowls Club A FTER A HIGHLY successful season last year, the club are looking for new recruits.

For the upcoming season, we have an expanded fixture list. We again have teams entered in the Hinckley and District and Coalville triples leagues. These matches take place on a Monday and Thursday evening respectively. This year we have entered the Coalville and District over 60’s league, playing on a Tuesday afternoon. This is a new venture and is very much aimed at the less experienced bowlers. Along with internal competitions, which are open to all members, and a full Weekend friendly fixture list, which runs from Mid April to early October, there should be plenty of bowling for everyone. With this amount of bowling available we are looking for new members, bowlers of any age or experience who would like to join our club. Bowls is truly an enjoyable sport very much available to everybody, irrespective of age,gender or ability. If you are interested in joining our small, friendly Club then please contact Gill Whatsize at sidbowls1@gmail.com. You will also receive the added benefits of being an associate member of our umbrella group Sport in Desford, with all the benefits this brings.

I may not be able to walk the walk or talk the talk, but if you need somebody to drink the drink, then I’m your man.

GROBY PARISH COUNCIL

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

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER: MARCH 2022 IM Properties Proposals for Groby Employment Park GROBY PARISH COUNCIL are unanimously opposed to the proposed IM Properties Development.

Tree Planting on Queen Elizabeth II Park and Butlers Field

Following the Parish Council meeting in March, a Working Party will be set up to address the one issue of the IMP proposal. We will also be contacting others affected by these proposals, such as local Parish Councils, Charnwood and Blaby Borough Councils and Leicestershire County Council

One such example, is the recent Parish Council election to fill one Councillor vacancy, which resulted in a cost to the taxpayer of £6,200. In order to minimise the increase on the Precept, Council have taken the decision to reduce our reserves by 30% which will support the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24. The increase in the Precept for 2022-23 has been set at 5.6%, which equates to an annual increase per household of £3.94 (for properties in Band D).

Mobile Vehicle Speed Activation Signs GRANT FUNDING was obtained which has enabled the Parish Council to purchase Mobile Vehicle Speed Activation Signs for the village. These are to be initially rotated around 10 locations. Our thanks go to County Councillor O’Shea for his help in securing the grant funding.

Geoff BAKER ggbaker1@hotmail.com Sylvia BECK 0116 287 6716

James EVERSON-CRANE crane.james20@gmail.com Katharine GRIFFITHS Ted HOLLICK ted.hollick@outlook.com

WE HAVE recently welcomed three new Councillors, Cllr Griffiths, Cllr Willis and Cllr York onto the Council.

THE PARISH COUNCIL has faced a challenging year financially as a result of spiralling costs.

Carol LINCOLN (Vice Chair) carol@cornerway.co.uk

Elizabeth EMMERSON e.emmerson1@sky.com

Three new Councillors

Parish Precept

Brian RIGBY (Chairman) brianrigbygpc@icloud.com

Jim COLEY jim.coley@btinternet.com

We are in the process of securing funding and resourcing the skills required to challenge this proposed development. We would like to call on anyone who may be interested in joining the Working Party, or feels they have relevant experience or expertise they can offer, to contact us at parishclerk@groby.com.

This leaves us currently with no vacancies.

PARISH COUNCILLORS

Natasha JONES natjones222@outlook.com IN CELEBRATION of HM Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, we have planted a Sorbus Majestica Tree on Queen Elizabeth II Park, which is now included on the Queen’s Green Canopy Map. As part of the Woodland Trust’s ‘Big Climate Fightback’ initiative we were fortunate enough to receive 400 sapling trees which have been planted on Queen Elizabeth II Park and Butlers Field. We would like to thank Elizabeth Woodville Primary School pupils for their excellent help with planting these trees and also thanks to Groby Library for their help in promoting this.

Groby CIC THE PARISH COUNCIL are happy to report that Leicestershire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, having reviewed allegations made against Council concerning Groby C.I.C. matters, have concluded that there are no matters that warrant further police investigation or constitute criminality and there will be no further action in these matters. Groby Parish Council would like to thank the CIC Directors for their continued commitment to managing and maintaining a green open space, much loved by our Parish.

Groby Parish Council is comprised of up to 16 unpaid members. They are supported by a Parish Clerk, Deputy Clerk, Estates Manager, Assistant Estates Manager and two Gate Keepers. Parish Council Office, Village Hall, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0DG Tel: 0116 287 6985 • Email: parishclerk@groby.com • Website: www.groby.com

Sandra JONES Helen LINDSAY Eileen MARVIN Colin MULLINS colinmullins@outlook.com Pamela Willis Carole YORK BOROUGH COUNCILLORS Martin Cartwright boroughcouncil@appliancehome. co.uk 0116 287 4500/ 07850 707050 Ted Hollick ted.hollick@outlook.com 0116 287 5955 COUNTY COUNCILLOR Ozzy O’shea ozzy.oshea@leics.gov.uk 0116 239 4336 / 07808 585825 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT Mr Edward Argar 0116 260 8609

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • 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 Rise 3% From April 2022

S I REPORTED in my January report, the County Council is facing extremely difficult pressures in preparing a balance budget. We have faced increased pressures over the past two years with the Covid pandemic. That is on top of the significant financial challenges that we have faced for more than a decade now, dealing first with austerity. Throughout this uncertain period, we have managed taxpayers’ money prudently, making savings to see off potential financial crises, while protecting the frontline services we know really matter to the people of Leicestershire. I fully understand the pressure on families with inflation running at almost 7% and the rising cost of gas and electricity supplies. However the council’s situation remains hugely difficult, and again we are in a position where we had to consider raising council tax to not only maintain those vital services – including adult and children’s social care to look after the most vulnerable among us - but also to tackle unprecedented rising demand for them. We can balance our books in the next financial year but thereafter the gap between the council’s income and what we will have to spend becomes increasingly difficult to manage. However we are not sitting and waiting for the worst-case scenario to engulf us. We are working to fix the broken system of local government finance which unfairly places us among the lowest funded councils in England. In the longer term we are pressing the Government for a County Deal to bring greater devolved powers to Leicestershire and significant funding to back them. Our 2022-26 budget at a glance: • Balanced budget for 2022-23 • £230m savings since 2010 • £514m capital pot for new roads, schools and more • £60m more for children and family services and adult social care • £100m of savings needed by 2025/26 • Approved 3 per cent rise in precept from April 2022 WHAT SERVICES COUNTY COUNCIL PROVIDES 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 and Government grants.

stress this is not yet a planning application being considered by the Borough Council. If and when a formal planning application is made, then everyone will be entitled to make their views known to the Local Planning Authority.

The council’s projected expenditure versus income shows a £46 million gap in 2025/26.

No doubt at that time proper guidance on how and on what grounds to object most effectively will be made easily available by organised local campaign groups, such as Groby Parish Council.

BUDGET IN MORE DETAIL ~ RISING COSTS ~ Growing demand for services is expected to increase costs by £88m, including: • Children and Family Services (£25m) - this is mainly due to pressures on the budget for social care places, a rising number of looked after children and growing social worker caseloads • Adult Social Care (£35m) - 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 (£6m) - this mainly relates to more for pupils with special educations needs and disabilities. ~ SAVINGS ~ The council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) sets out the need to save £100m by 2025/26 with more than £46m of that sum yet to be identified. ~ COUNCIL TAX ~ The Council Tax increase of 3 per cent was agreed at the County Council meeting held on the 23rd February 2022 (which included the 1 per cent adult social care levy) and equates to £42.30 a year for a band D house. Council Tax is the only significant lever available to the County Council to raise additional money to fund vital services whilst balancing the budget.

IM Properties Proposed Commercial Development Groby

ANY RESIDENTS have contacted me with a mix of concern turning to anger, following coverage in the local media of the proposal by IM Properties to build a huge Employment Park in open countryside overlooking Groby. I must stress that this appears to be an attempt by the developer to have this included in the new Draft Local Plan that has recently been proposed by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council. The plan will be subject to Public Examination, by a Government Planning Inspector later this year. However, I must

My Initial observations looking at the plans provided by the developer are: • The site is located in Rothley Brook Green Wedge, a protected area in Hinckley and Bosworth planning Policies updated in September 2020. It provides a separation between Groby and Anstey. • A small part of the site is located in Flood Zone 3. Zone 3 being the highest risk. For me it will be very difficult to comment officially, as I represent Groby as your County Councillor, when this will be a planning matter for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council to determine. Equally, as your County Councillor I have to keep an open mind and be seen to do so as there will be important Highways matters to be considered by the County Council. I can make sure however that Highways officers fairly and objectively examine the implications on the local Highway network to ensure that any proposals are fully compliant with local Highway policy. I cannot however influence or seek to influence the professional assessment of the Highways Authority as this could present the developer with an opportunity to apply for a Judicial Review if a future planning application were refused on these grounds and I am sure you will understand that would not be in the best interests of Groby. Groby has a good record of defeating controversial planning applications by the community working together supported by a group of local residents with many years of experience between them of the planning system, both locally and nationally, together experience and qualifications in Highways and flooding matters (very relevant to this site). I believe that Groby Parish Council is currently attempting to engage with these residents on this matter. In the meantime, further information on the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Draft Local Plan

Ozzy O’shea 2020-2039 can be found on the council’s website: www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk

Flood Alleviation Scheme, Groby

ESIDENTS WILL be aware that residential properties and businesses in Groby have experienced flooding incidents since 1993. Severn Trent Water are in the process of finalising a scheme to improve the drainage network. They intend to increase the size of the surface water sewer on the inbound carriageway on Ratby Road, from opposite number 82 to the junction with Leicester Road. They also intend to install a foul water underground storage tank in the grass verge opposite Bluebell Drive. The first stage is to dig trial holes to establish the position of underground services, such as gas, water, electricity etc to confirm the location of the proposed sewers. These positions have been marked out with the letters TH and a number. There is not a confirmed start date and they may even be working on them as you read this article. There will be disruption to traffic, particularly on Ratby Road. I have been working with residents, Severn Trent and Highways to try and resolve this flooding problem. Our Local MP Ed Argar, has also been very supportive and has recently met residents to help us move this forward. Advance Notice of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order. From Groby Road to Ratby Road, Groby A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is to be made for the following location: From Groby Road to Ratby Road, Groby (see weblink below).The purpose of the TTRO is to allow Leicestershire County Council to facilitate drainage investigation work and

When the hostess at the restaurant says, ‘Table for two?’, I like to act surprised and say, ‘You can see her too?’

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk repairs, and any other associated work to the highway. The TTRO will incorporate a temporary road closure and parking restrictions. The duration of the restriction is not anticipated to exceed a period of 4 days commencing on the 4th April 2022.

Romance Scams

S MORE PEOPLE will be looking for friendship and even romance at this time of year, fraudsters will be spending weeks researching and looking for targets before taking the time to gain their victim’s trust, to eventually ask for money. It is important that no matter how long you’ve been speaking to someone online and how much you think you trust them, if you have not met them in person, it’s important that you do not: • Send them any money • Allow them access to your bank account • Transfer money on their behalf • Take a loan out for them • Provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licenses • Invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice • Purchase and send the codes on gift cards from Amazon, iTunes or Google Play • Agree to receive or send parcels on their behalf (laptops, mobile phones etc.) You can report suspicious dating or social media profiles, as the criminals behind them might not just be conning one person. Your report could help protect others.

immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 For further information you can go to: https://www.actionfraud.police. uk/a-z-of-fraud/dating-fraud

Social Media Quizzes

FUN QUIZ pops up on your Facebook feed or another social media platform. A few questions are answered to prove how well you know a friend. Or a short personality test is offered to match with a character from a favourite TV show. These quizzes appear to be meaningless, but the intent behind them is to collect information. Beware of questions like: “What was the first car you owned?” “What is your mother’s maiden name?”. These are common security questions for insurance, banking, and credit card accounts. Sharing this information can lead to accounts being hacked, and personal and financial information being stolen.

Extensions - Refurbishments Patios - General Building Works

This harmless quiz could let scammers crack your password and security questions and put you at risk of identity theft.

Get in touch today for your quote

To find out how to further protect yourself go to: https://www. actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/ identity-fraud-and-identity-theft

contact@countycontractorsleics.co.uk www.countycontractorsleics.co.uk

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

07734405374

@CountyCon

County Contractors, Groby, Leicester

Ozzy O’shea

Always Working for you

If you think you have been a victim of a romance scam, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone. Contact your bank

Tel 0116 239 4336 Mobile 07808 585825 Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Hard floor cleaning On site curtain cleaning Rugs, including oriental and antique All types of upholstery, especially leather RUGS - we are CLEANING SPECIALISTS traditional Persian or Chinese, Gabbeh or Kilim, we even love Wiltons and Shaggy ones!

01530 244900 ■ 07825 795558 stuart@theprofessionalcarpetcleaner.co.uk www.sjscarpetcleaners.co.uk CHECK OUT QUALITY OF OUR SERVICE ON SJS GOOGLE REVIEWS FOR BOTH LEICESTER AND LOUGHBOROUGH

Once in a while, someone amazing comes along ... and here I am.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Planning Apps Proposed alterations to the existing dormer bungalow including internal / external alterations including render - at 28 Lawnwood Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0BH Single Storey Detached garage/ store - at 160 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DP Two storey side extension, loft conversion and other alterations at 2 Parkside, Groby, Leicester LE6 0EB Dormer window extension to front roof elevation - at 1 Meadowcourt Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DW First floor front extension and single storey rear/side extensions - at 46 Jacqueline Road, Field Head, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9RB Single storey extensions to front and side of dwelling - at 26 Preston Close, Stanton Under Bardon, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TX Demolition of existing workshop, erection of new twin-bay workshop - at Keith Burdett Haulage Contractor, Broad Lane, Stanton Under Bardon, Markfield Leics. LE67 9TB Single storey rear extension and conversion of garage into habitable room - at 33 London Road, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9UR

Markfield Local History Group Presents

CALKE ABBEY GARDENS

ROSE BLAYNEY HAS RAISED £1,000 FOR HELP FOR HEROES

UST THOUGHT that I would update you with regards to mums fundraising efforts for Help for Heroes. We have finally received confirmation from the charity to acknowledge receipt of £1000 raised by mum from the sale of jams, marmalade and pickles and piccalilli is in just 7 months. We are extremely grateful to everyone who has purchased and still call in and purchase goods so that funds grow again. (£60 is already in the pot towards the next transfer). And, just to reiterate that mum takes no money from the funds raised from sales to pay for fruit and vegetables used to make the products. So, if anyone wishes to help with soft fruits etc this coming year, donations would be very welcome as she continues to support this valuable and loved charity. Also, please continue to save those jars from the recycling, every one jar helps. Thank you once again to everyone who supports my dedicated and lovely mum - Rose Blayney.

Wendy Lemmon (Daughter)

I Have Something to Tell you By Susan Lewis

High-flying lawyer Jessica Wells has it all. A successful career, loving husband Tom and a family she adores. But one case – and one client – will put all that at risk. Edward Blake. An ordinary life turned upside down – or a man who quietly watched television while his wife was murdered upstairs? With more questions than answers and a case too knotted to unravel, Jessica suspects he’s protecting someone. Then she comes home one day and her husband utters the words no one ever wants to hear. Sit down … I have something to tell you Now Jessica must fight not only for the man she defends, but for the man she thought she trusted with her life – her husband.

Spot the Differences

1700 to present day

A talk by Tony Woods Tuesday March 15th at 7.30 pm The Methodist Church Rooms, Main Street, Markfield Non-members £3 to include refreshments www.markfieldhistory.org

For CONSPIRACY Fans... Did We Go To The Moon? Controversial researcher, filmmaker and author Bart Sibrel delivers a 2022 update on his research claiming the Apollo missions never went to the Moon - on Howard Hughes THE UNEXPLAINED podcast Edition 612 of 21st February. (www.theunexplained.tv)

Can YOU spot the 10 differences in the cartoons above? Answers are on page 24. Good luck! My aunt has had her left indicator on since 2011.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

LOROS’ Twilight Walk is back – and it’s going to be royally good!

REUNITE!

King Edward VII Coalville School Reunion

OROS Hospice is pleased to announce that their annual Twilight Walk is returning with a Royal Parade theme, in line with the nation’s celebrations for the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II. As the local charity’s flagship fundraising event, participants can join LOROS on the 10km walk across the city on Saturday 28th May 2022. The event will start and finish at King Power Stadium, with the route featuring entertainment, food stalls and more.

13 Brampton Avenue, Leicester, LE3 6DA

In keeping with the Royal Parade theme, walkers are encouraged to dress up in their finery; from Kings and Queens to fairy-tale inspired Prince and Princesses, Knights and Jesters.

Reunion Takes Place on Saturday 9 April 2022, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Newbridge School, Forest Road, Coalville, LE67 3SJ Entry fee is £5 – Cheese or ham salad £10.00 Please email, telephone or write to request Registration Form and Booking Form. Tel: 0116 254 6591 Email: reunion@ oldedwardianscoalville. co.uk

Now in its twelfth year, the Twilight Walk brings walkers together in solidarity to raise money for their local Hospice and to remember loved ones. Last year, Twilight Walkers collectively walked over 53,000 miles and made each step count by raising almost £50,000 for the local charity. Lisa Wilson, Events Co-ordinator at LOROS Hospice says; “We are thrilled to present our Royal Parade Twilight Walk in a year where Queen Elizabeth II has made history. “The Twilight Walk continues to be Leicester’s biggest night out and we hope that this year will see even more supporters joining the fun in fancy dress to raise funds for LOROS.” “It’s such a high-energy, feel-good evening which really brings people together. With this theme, participants can really use their imagination for their royal-inspired outfits!” Early-bird tickets for the event, which is being sponsored by Dunelm, can be bought at the price of just £10 each for a limited time only. For more information on the event or to sign up today, visit loros.co.uk/ twilight

IDC Home Maintenance Painter and Decorator NO JOB TOO SMALL From papering one wall to a complete house re-decoration

For a Free Quotation Call Ian on 07885 541428

E-mail: i.crowhurst@btinternet.com Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held

I want that job pushing shy skydivers out of planes.

Think the mechanic in my local garage has amnesia. Took my car for a new light bulb and he asked me what year it was.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Chocolate and eggs: Easter food superheroes or arch-villains?

Free 4-hour narrowboat cruises

Baldwin Trust launches ‘Project Waterside’

It’s Easter, the season of eggs and chocolate. But what’s the latest advice about these foods? Do they harm or heal? EGGS

Packed with goodness A medium egg is very low in carbohydrates and supplies over 10% of our daily protein needs. Containing just 66 kcals and 4.6g of fat (only one-third are saturates), it’s a great source of nutrients often scarce in UK diets; around 20% of us are vitamin D deficient. Eggs provide a third of daily vitamin D requirements, around half our required vitamin B12 and selenium, and vitamin A, vitamin B2, folate, biotin, iodine and phosphorous. What about cholesterol? And salmonella? Research shows that cholesterol found in eggs and other foods has a negligible effect on our cholesterol levels. Our body makes cholesterol and levels are raised by many factors. Saturated fat was the main suspect until recently, when a fresh look at the evidence cast some doubts. Regarding salmonella, the Food Standards Agency recommends, for now, that vulnerable groups should only eat hard-boiled eggs. However, a massive increase in chicken vaccination has more than halved infection cases. All eggs with the Lion Mark come from vaccinated chickens. CHOCOLATE Chocolate has been accused of causing acne, obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and diabetes, amongst others. But it may have beneficial effects although note that these will come from varieties with a high cocoa content. White chocolate, for example, has a very low cocoa content. Acne. There’s no scientific proof that chocolate causes acne; research suggests foods with a high glycaemic load may be the culprit. • Obesity & diabetes. Due to high sugar and fat, overindulgence may show on the scales.

However, recent studies show chocolate can lower your insulin resistance (potentially reducing diabetes risk). A study of 1,500 teens showed that those eating 1.5oz of chocolate daily (that’s just a square and a half) had less body fat and more energy than those eating 0.16oz daily. Experts say diabetics can eat chocolate but must monitor their total carbohydrate intake. • Cardiovascular health, cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Many studies suggest that cocoa has beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, improving blood pressure, vascular function and blood flow, and reducing clot risk. It may lower cholesterol slightly, but only as part of a low-fat diet. • Brain function. Chocolate can help preserve the brain’s blood flow and prevent memory decline in older people, and could be important in diseases like Alzheimer’s. • Mood. Chemicals in chocolate can raise our serotonin levels and affect other receptors in the brain that trigger feelings of well-being. • Migraine. While chocolate contains chemicals believed to be migraine triggers, recent data shows that some cocoa compounds may be beneficial in migraine treatment. • Osteoporosis. The bad news: chocolate may contribute to osteoporosis. One study of women aged 70-85 found that daily chocolate consumers had lower bone density and strength. Proper comparisons haven’t been done between white, milk and dark chocolate, but most beneficial effects come from cocoa content. So choose high cocoa content varieties low in sugar and fat, and eat chocolate in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

The new rules of dating DATING IS NOT what it used to be. Instead of making an effort to dress up and meet somewhere special for the first time, nowadays singletons are increasingly staying at home, and vetting potential partners on Zoom first.

What started during the pandemic seems to be having a lasting impact, with various dating apps reporting that their clients now prefer to have video dates before actually meeting in person. As one relationship dating expert explained: “Single people like having a way to check that their potential date is ‘normal’ before meeting them in real life.” Another relationship dating expert points out some of the basic benefits of a video call. “Do you like the sound of their voice? Do you feel attracted to them? Can you banter?” All in all, it seems that preliminary video dates are a good idea – an important stage of the dating journey.

THE BALDWIN TRUST, a local volunteer run charity which provides adapted narrowboat cruises for the community in Leicestershire, has announced the launch of its new initiative, “Project Waterside”.

This is a new way of linking commercial and other organisations to community groups in Charnwood and Leicestershire via sponsoring a narrowboat cruise with The Baldwin Trust, which offers a free of charge narrowboat cruise to community groups in the local area. We are pleased to be partnering with local community transport organisations and community neighbourhood organisations for this project. Only one group booking per boat per day is taken, so there is no sharing with other people or groups. For further information about sponsoring cruises for local community groups, families referred by community organisations or Covid-19 heroes - contact: sponsoring@baldwintrust.co.uk For further information about receiving a sponsored cruise – if you are a local community group, a referral organisation for local families affected by the pandemic or a referral organisation for local Covid-19 heroes contact: pwcruise@baldwintrust.co.uk For further information about volunteering with us – please complete a Volunteer Application Form on our website – www. baldwintrust.co.uk or contact: Andrew Reed, Volunteer Coordinator by Email: Volunteers@baldwintrust.co.uk or tel: 07763 736 906 Website: www.baldwintrust.co.uk

Useful Gardening Tip THE EASIEST way to tell the difference between young plants and weeds is to pull up everything. If they come up again, they’re weeds.

The neighbourhood watch is having a meeting about the creepy guy and I’m the only one not invited.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Hinckley Pancake Racers

More than 130 intrepid pancake racers of all ages and abilities braved the cold wind and took to Castle Street at midday on Shrove Tuesday (1 March) to try to win one of the coveted Hinckley BID Pancake-Race Trophies. Following in the footsteps of when the first pancake race started 577 years ago in Olney, Bucks – our racers ran up the hill in small groups and stopped every 10 metres to flip their pancake, before running to the next of 3 flipping points - several had dressed especially for the occasion including Wonder Woman and Matty the Mattress Man. Mayor of Hinckley & Bosworth, Councillor Ted Hollick presented the trophies to the worthy winners and every entrant was awarded a specially crafted commemorative medal.

Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Cllr Ted Hollick with Jack - winner of the Junior race Mark Richards from Hinckley Adult Learners and ‘Princess Elsa’. The ‘Junior Race Runner-up’ was Zane, Age 10 from Westfield Junior School and the overall ‘Junior Race Winner’ was Jack (11) who ran from St Mary’s Primary School. The Senior Race Runner-up was Tom Bright from Fosse 107 whilst the overall Senior Race Winner was Michael Cornish from Armstrongs Lester & Co - who fought off fierce competition from runner-up Tom. The next free to watch large events organised by Hinckley BID are the Soap Box Derby to be held on Castle Street on Sunday June 26 and the Classic Motor Show to be held in Hinckley Town Centre on Sunday September 18. Details of all the Hinckley BID Events are shown on www. hinckleybid.co.uk

To Advertise in the Spotlight, call Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 or email your requirements to info@grobyspotlight. co.uk

Full details of how to advertise, visit www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

To join in, please look at www. hinckleybid.co.uk or call 01455 698494.

Happy New Year from Churches Together in Groby! Please see our on-line links below for up to date information.

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The two ‘Best Dressed Pancake Flipper’ trophies, went to Mr Sefton Winslade (above), the Pastoral Support Officer at Westfield Junior School who dressed up as Wonder Woman and ‘Matty the Mattress’ from Vogue Beds Group. The ‘Excellent Effort’ awards went to

13th Mar 9.30am Communion, 6pm Evensong 20th Mar 8am Communion, 9.30am morning worship 4pm Super Sunday Service for families 27th Mar 9.30am Communion 6pm Evensong 3rd Apr 8am Communion, 9.30am All Age Worship . 6pm Evensong 10th April 9.30am Palm Sunday Praise. 6pm Communion Telephone church every Sunday at 11.15am (Tel 0333 0164 757 Room No 10336316# pin No 1920# calls charged at local rate)

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I can’t decide if life is passing me by or trying to run me over.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Spotlight Small Ads • RISER RECLINER CHAIR. Willowbrook Newhampton model with back massage feature. Photos available. Price: £300 ono. Tel 07780 945060 (Markfield) • WALKING BOOTS - Fully furlined, wine colour, size 3/4, zip up comfortable fabric ankle boots. Brand new. Price: £20. Tel: 07810 604596 (Groby) • 2 ALUMINIUM EXTENDED LADDERS. Both 12ft 9 inches long, Solid end for ground support. Good Condition. Price: £10 • OAK GARAGE TABLE - used as Worktop. Height 30 inches, Width 53.5 inches, Depth 29.5 inches. FREE. Would need a van to collect Tel : 07775 636407 (Markfield) • HAND OPERATED PALLET TRUCK – used but in good condition. Price: £140.00 or very nearest offer. Viewing can be arranged. Tel: 0116 287 6985 (Groby Parish Council) • PANASONIC DIGITAL CORDLESS PHONE/ANSWER PHONE - Model KX-TGC 420E, 2 phone system, 6 months old. Price: £25-00. Tel: 01530 483759 (Markfield) • Lakeland Dry:Soon HEATED AIRER. Excellent condition and perfect for drying a full load of washing - 21m drying space - very economical using only a few pence per hour - folds flat - when fully open measures 73 x 75 x 137cm. 300W. Price: £55. • JEWELLERY/TRINKET BOXES new and hand painted - a set of two very attractive and very high quality items - sizes 25 x 16 x 10 cm and 20 x 13 x 8cm - a perfect gift. Price: £35. • Oneida 44-piece EPNS SILVER CUTLERY SET - excellent quality unused and in original presentation storage case. Price: £50 • Sensor stainless steel MIRROR which lights up automatically as you approach. USB port for battery charging. Excellent condition, 5x magnification. Price: £10 Tel: 01530 242318 (Markfield) • Cosatto 3 in 1 BABY TRANSPORT SYSTEM consists of pram pushchair and car seat. Price: £150.00. • Also two BABY BOUNCER CHAIRS - they play sounds and soothe, and a PLAY CHAIR. Price: £10 each. Tel: 07931 130737 (Markfield)

National Trust Leicester Association

• LADIES BICYCLE. Tiger Cyclone. Was an Xmas present 18 years old but never used, kept indoors so still in perfect condition. Save me from my guilt. Cost £350, will accept £100. Tel: 07985 027320 (Stanton) • PANASONIC TV - 37 inch Flat screen (model TX-L37D25B). Price: £40. Tel: 07885 808207 (Glenfield) • Full set LADIES’ MITSUSHIBA GOLF IRONS. VGC. Price: £30 o.n.o. Other ladies’ golf equipment also available if required. Tel. 0150 230355 (Bagworth) • WOODEN BIRD TABLE - £20.00 • BIRD BOX - £6.00 Tel: 01530 245754 (Markfield)

• Beautiful red leather Italian DOUBLE BED SETTEE. Bed never used. Has been kept in spare room. Cost over £1,000. Price: £400 o.n.o. for quick sale. • Revitive Advance FOOT MASSAGER. Used 3 times. Cost £185. Price: £80. • Automatic PRESSURE COOKER. 14-in-one functions. Never used. Still in box. Price: £45.00 Tel: 01530 244450 (Markfield)

• CLEANER/IRONER required for 6 hours per week in Markfield. Tel: 07795 413846 (Markfield)

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).

Did you spot all 10 differences? 1. Clouds, 2. Butterfly changed colour, 3. Bird changed direction, 4. Rabbit’s eyes, 5. Crease under rabbit’s right eye, 6. Easter egg lost a spot, 7. Easter egg missing, 8. Mark missing from bear’s tummy, 9. Rabbit’s tail. 10. Bear’s teeth.

OUR LOCAL NT property, Stoneywell Cottage at Ulverscroft, reopened to the public on 4th March. It is now open until 31st October, four days a week, Friday to Monday, 10.00am to 4.30pm and all visits have to be pre booked to comply with the planning permission from the local council. Towards the end of last year some damp patches appeared on the wall of the master bedroom. So over the closed season investigation work took place to reveal the cause of any water ingress. Originally it was thought that there was a leak in the roof but the investigation revealed that the roof was in excellent condition and that the damp was due to cracks in the chimney stack. Some internal work has been carried out which required both the master bedroom and the adjacent bedroom to be completely cleared of furniture and artefacts. This large task was assisted by an army of NT staff from Charlecote Park and Sudbury Hall. However the majority of the work will be carried out in the spring when scaffolding will be required and the property may need to close for one weekend. Other work carried out over the closed season included servicing the shuttlebus and the fire and intruder alarms and some remedial electrical work. Also a large oak gate post to the drive had to be replaced. This was all in addition to the usual winter clean throughout the property. When the cottage reopens a new system of cottage tours will be in operation. The tours will alternate throughout the day between guided tours and self led exploration with a brief introduction being given prior to entering the cottage. In addition the four acres of garden and eleven acres of woodland will be open throughout the day. • THE NT LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 23rd March when Pat Hall will present an illustrated talk entitled “Life can be Funny”. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm. There will also be an evening meeting on Tuesday 12th April at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. Following a short AGM Joe Whitehead will present an illustrated talk entitled “Burghley House Gardens”. Admission to meetings is NTLA members £2.50, visitors £4.00, including refreshments. For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 222 9133 or visit our web site at www.leicesternt.com New members are always welcome.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

If you enjoy reading the Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative when you’ve finished with it. This reader did. It’s good to share! Thanks.

The captain made me wear trousers that were far too small for me. He ran a tight ship.

For publication dates and details of advertising rates, visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

FILMS FEATURING

ANIMALS

This is your Word Search! WORDSEARCH

IF YOU can find the 16 FILMS FEATURING ANIMALS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of house wine at The Stamford Arms in BABE BORNFREE Groby.

FLIPPER

GLENFIELD COUNTRY MARKET

Craft Fair Saturday 30th April 2022 10am – 4pm Groby Village Hall LE6 0DQ Featuring many local crafters

* FREE ENTRY *

Refreshments served all day

FREEWILLY

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through These can overlap JAWS- 16 FILMS FEATURING ANIMALS.JURASSICPARK and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). LASSIE LIFEOFPI Send your marked entry forms to: AS FREE AS THE WIND BLOWS, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to SEABISCUIT WARHORSE arrive by SATURDAY 2ND APRIL 2022. Please remember to fill in WILLARD your name and address. (Some people don’t!) The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the voucher for a Meal for Two and a Bottle of House Wine at The Stamford Arms, Groby. Good luck!

Find the word in the puzzle.

Find these 16 FILMS ABOUT ANIMALS:

Words can go in any direction.

Words can letters they cross over each other. BABEshare • BORN FREE as • FLIPPER • FREE WILLY GORILLAS IN THE MIST • JAWS • KING KONG • LASSIE PI • SEA BISCUIT • WAR HORSE • WILLARD 16 ofLIFE 16 OF words placed. CUJO • JURASSIC PARK • MOBY DICK • WHITE FANG

Stalls include: • HOME MADE BAKING AND PRESERVES • • PLANTS AND LOCAL PRODUCE •

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

• HAND MADE CRAFTS • JEWELLERY • • CARDS • GIFTS •

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

AND MUCH MORE! .............................................................................Postcode: .............................

NICOLE RILEY of Highway Close, Groby. I was cleaning my flat today when suddenly I thought ... why don’t I just buy a new tyre?

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2022 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

All the latest news from Groby WI OUR SPEAKER for the February meeting was The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur, OBE, FRSA. Prior to the meeting we had been given instructions to arrive early and be seated before he arrived and that he would need to be met in the Village Hall car park and escorted into the Village Hall. I think we all felt slightly apprehensive as to whether the talk would be rather boring and the speaker a bit aloof but we could not have been more wrong! Mike Kapur was a delightful, approachable gentleman who gave a fascinating insight into the world of being a Lord Lieutenant. The pictures above show the man himself with swords presented to him on becoming the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and subsequently Lord Lieutenant, a personal gift from the President of Malta and the document he received from the Queen when he was appointed Lord Lieutenant. He succeeded Lady Jennifer Gretton in the role on 14th June 2018. He is the Queen’s representative in the county, a role which is non political. He promotes working together across voluntary services, business and cultural life. His main duties are : to arrange visits of the Royal Family and escort Royal Visitors; Present medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty; Participate in civil, voluntary and social activities; Liaise with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force and their associated Cadet Forces. There are currently 98 Lord Lieutenants in the UK, 42 of which are female and it has been an unbroken chain since 1549 when Henry Grey was appointed. He was the father of Lady Jane Grey and the only Lord Lieutenant to be beheaded! Whilst the practical implementation has changed,

Royal Enclosure at Ascot!

their purpose is to protect and uphold the dignity of the Monarch, to defend the Monarch and to maintain the guardianship of traditions. All Lord Lieutenants are required to step down at the age of 75 and he is pleased that he has 20 years to implement any ideas he may have! He is immensly proud of being the only Lord Lieutenant of Indian origin. He is assisted by 34 deputies (with the capacity of up to a maximum of 58) which may sound a lot but he went on to say that with over 300 invitations every year, it is impossible to attend them all himself. We were highly honoured that he chose to speak to us tonight as he had also had an invitation to watch the Leicester City match, how many people would have made that choice I wonder! Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge held a Christmas concert in 2021 to celebrate ordinary people during covid and Mike was able to choose local people to attend from Leicestershire. He was asked by a WI member whether or not his family were involved in his role as Lord Lieutenant and he said his wife was particulary fond of having a new outfit and hat to go into the

Mike feels that there is a fragile link between the monarchy and younger people and he and his deputies are keen to talk to children in schools about this. He talked about the forthcoming celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which he saw as a chance to unite the country. The Duchess of Cornwall will host a ‘Big Lunch’ on 5th June. There will be a countrywide cake competition. There are to be 70 beacons lit across the country as a symbol of hope and Mike was very proud to have been granted permission to have a beacon on the top of the Space Centre as well as the traditional one at Beacon Hill. There will be tree planting as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, with 1 million trees being planted in Leicestershire. The Groby WI have already planted our contribution (see our separate article and picture recording this event). Locally, there is expected to be many street parties. 70 people who will become 70 years of age this year will be nominated and invited to Beaumanor Hall on 31st May. Finally, 70 trophies will be awarded to organisations that have demonstrated ways in which they have shaped their communities. There is an Association of Lord Lieutenants which meet annually for an AGM where they are able to compare notes and plan for the future. I’m sure that I’m not alone in having absolutely no idea what a Lord Lieutenant does but Mike Kapur’s talk was very informative and interesting, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all the members. The speaker for our next meeting on 17th March is Geoff Rowe talking about the Leicester Comedy Festival. New members are also welcome.

Groby Village Society Meetings March: No meeting April 28: A.G.M. The usual 7.30 start in the Village Hall Meetings held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. unless stated otherwise For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- pcastell42@gmail. com Non Members are Welcome

Groby CIC Annual General Meeting The Groby Community Interest Company Annual General Meeting will take place at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 5th April 2022, at the Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Social Club, Leicester Road, Groby, LE6 0DJ. All Shareholders are cordially invited to attend, when an update will be provided on the current position and activities of the Groby CIC, the financial report presented and there will be an invitation for new Directors to join the committee.

Ruth Rolinson

Ballerinas always dance on their tiptoes. Which makes me wonder: why not just hire taller girls?

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HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS Councillor Ted Hollick reports

The Latimer Players are back!

Almost Easter, so it must Fields at risk of development be Pantomime! I HEAR YOU say Easter is not pantomime time but for the Latimer Players this panto is coming early, or late depending on how you look at it.

Regrettably last November we had to cancel our production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears due to COVID and precautionary isolation. With lines all learned, costumes almost done, scenery well on the way and with three weeks to go you can imagine the disappointment for the cast and our audience when we postponed. We are pleased to say that we are going ahead with Goldilocks and the Three Bears this coming April on Thursday 28th, Friday 29th and Saturday 30th at 7.30pm and Saturday 30th at 2.30pm. Children 5 years and under are free, 6-12 years £4.50 and Adults £7. Tickets are available from Christine Deavin at christinedeavin@gmail.com or 0116 237 6855. The action of the pantomime takes place in a circus where we meet all the usual circus characters, including the strong man, jugglers, tightrope walkers, magician and lots more. Dame Gertie and her hapless son Billy run the circus but are failing to make it profitable. Enter evil Heinkel and his side kick Snot who want to steal the circus by tricking Dame Gertie into believing he is a goodie. Goldilocks saves the day with the help of the Three Bears. As always, they are helped along the way by the good fairy or, in this case, Mystic Sharon. Find out what Goldilocks’s father’s big secret is and if Goldilocks and Billy can finally live happily ever.

FIRSTLY I wish to correct a number of misconceptions with regard to the IM proposal of an employment park for Groby. This is not something put forward by the Hinckley-Bosworth Borough Council and neither is it a Planning Application, It is the company’s exploratory consultation with the community of Groby.

If you would like to take part in this or any of our forthcoming productions ring Christine on 0116 237 6855 or email christinedeavin@gmail.com. We are always looking for actors, set builders and backstage people. No previous experience is required, just enthusiasm. Along with our two productions a year we have monthly members events which usually involves food and alcohol at different venues and a chance to catch up with each other.

IM Properties want the views of the residents which will help them navigate any difficulties the proposal might reveal. Judging by the multitude of emails and phone calls I have received I can confirm that the residents of Groby are totally opposed to the scheme. They clearly don’t want it, don’t need it and certainly do not want to lose any of the Green Wedge which is a valued area of countryside containing flora fauna and pleasant walks which are very well used. This open countryside forms an excellent separation between Anstey, Groby and Glenfield, maintaining their individual identities. The people are not Nimbys but are all without exception determined to preserve for ever the natural environment around us which is so beneficial to their health and well-being the importance of which has become more apparent during the pandemic. Groby and Anstey residents are completely against any more lorries clogging up our inadequate roads churning out noise, fumes and pollution on the way in and out of what would be a horrible blot of sheds on a concrete covered base increasing a greater chance of flooding and doing nothing to alleviate climate change. I would add that traffic volumes and the resultant congestion is already a problem and I can say that where I live close to the village centre the constant noise both day and night from the M1, A50 and A46 Western By-Pass which surround us can be intolerable.

including songs from

As a Groby Ward Councillor and Parish Councillor I will honour the pledge made in our election leaflet to Preserve our green spaces and as is council policy fight any development north of the A50. I would like to thank the very many residents of Groby Anstey and Glenfield who without exception have left me in no doubt whatsoever of their opposition to the I M proposal.

Ted Hollick

and other travelling hits

Rehearsals at Groby Club Wednesday afternoon choir: 1.30pm - 3pm

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

Wednesday evening choir: 7.30pm - 9.00pm www.grobysings.org for more information Registered Charity no. 1180490

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