Groby Spotlight Mid-March 2023

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Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Stakeholder Workshop

THE GROBY PARISH

Neighbourhood

Plan Steering Group was delighted to meet some of the key stakeholders for a workshop in early February at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus. The main aims of the workshop were to raise awareness of the plan and to outline progress and perhaps more importantly, to identify opportunities and constraints related to the future development and delivery of services, facilities and infrastructure in Groby Parish. Many statutory authorities were invited as well as landowners and representatives of neighbouring parishes and local groups. Such is the nature of these consultations that few attended but this was made up by those that did attend – Leicestershire County Council (LCC), Leicestershire Police, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC), Groby Surgery, Groby Scout Group, and Groby Juniors Football Club. We were very encouraged by the endorsement of our approach by both LCC and HBBC and appreciative of the comments and advice received from all. Informal feedback also suggests that the attendees found the workshop equally useful.

Help Shape the Future of Groby Parish

To have your say, find out more and see how you can help, visit us online at http://www.groby.com or write to Groby Council Offices, Village Hall, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DQ or call 0116 287 6985 for further information.

Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

Twice the fun as Groby Players present two one-act comedies

OUR NEXT PRODUCTION on March 23rd/24/25th, in the Village Hall, Groby, consists of TWO one-act, comedy plays.

The first is about a group of women, waiting for a bus, who indulge in gossip to pass the time, revealing their differing views on life.

The second is about the ‘The Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society’ who are in trouble, and need to sell tickets fast, and the only thing that will sell tickets, argues Gordon, the Chairman, is ‘Sex’!!

It’s café style seating , so bring your own refreshments for the interval, and enjoy an evening of local entertainment. Doors open at 7pm. Curtain up at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced at £8, are available from grobyplayers@yahoo.com, or tel/text 07790 861033, or message on our Facebook page.

Dot Hollins

HELP FOR HEROES: Almost £3,000 raised by Rose

MY MUM, Rose Blayney, has almost reached the £3000 mark of fundraising for Help for Heroes. She is continuing to make jams, marmalade and various pickles.

If anyone should like to purchase homemade goods please feel free to either visit her during the afternoons at 30 Lawnwood Road in the village - or call in to Bradgate Stores where a small collection of jars are available. (For which we are grateful for them stocking jars).

Thank you to everyone for the continued support.

Groby Parish Council reply to letter in last month’s issue

IN ANSWER to the question submitted in the Spotlight regarding the Christmas Lights being left on all the time, the reason is that it is still more cost effective.

As all the lights in the display are LED lights and so use very little power, the electricity that they consume is still far less than the cost of purchasing and fitting timers to every light. I hope that this answers the reader’s query.

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I’D JUST LIKE to tell you about an amazing twoepisode series called, Inside Our Autistic minds, presented by Chris Packham (Known for Spring/ Autumn watch and The Really Wild Show).

At the Movies

REMINDER: Groby Sings is back in action on Wednesdays. The trees and shrubs are springing into life and the days are starting to lengthen so we should all be in the mood to enjoy singing together again ‘At the Movies’.

WHERE? The Groby Club, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ (ramps and disabled facilities available)

WHEN? Wednesdays, term time only.

• 1.30pm – 3.00pm: Adult singers (pre-school children welcome in the care of their adult with a crèche area available)

• 3.40pm - 4.40pm: Youth and Children’s Choir (7 years and over)

• 7.30pm – 9.00pm: Adult singers

It’s a fascinating insight into how people with autism experience the world and how they communicate. My son Mark was chosen to appear on this program to represent non-verbal young people who have autism and complex learning difficulties. Mark is a sweet-natured, giggly, fun-loving boy who likes strings of beads, Lego men, sensory lights, visiting restaurants and most of all going to his local pub.

Every person with autism is different, but there are certain difficulties experienced by all, these are, in varying degrees, communication, social interaction, imagination, and sensory issues.

Some historical figures who were thought to have autism are, Albert Einstein (Scientist and Mathematician), Charles Darwin (Naturalist and biologist), Bobby Fischer (Chess Grandmaster), Isaac Newton (Astronomer), Leonardo Da Vinci (Artist)and many more, including Alan Turing, who helped break the Enigma code, a pivotal point which led to the end of the Second World War. He also designed the first all-purpose digital computer and was the founding father of artificial intelligence, his Turing test is used today as a criterion to gauge whether a computer is really thinking.

Notable people from recent history who are on the spectrum are, Chris Packham (Naturalist and T.V. presenter), Anthony Hopkins (Actor), Elon Musk (Entrepreneur), Susan Boyle (singer) and Dan Aykroyd (Actor, Ghostbusters!).

You may have spotted there’s more men in my list than women, it was once thought there were four times more men on the Autistic Spectrum than women, but that has now been proven to be incorrect. Recent studies say due to women’s ability to ‘mask’ their autism, many go undiagnosed, the number is thought to be nearer one female to every two males. Around one in every hundred people are on the Autistic Spectrum, so it’s highly likely every person who reads this will know someone whose brain works in a unique and fascinating way.

If you missed the series of ‘Our Autistic Minds’, it’s available on BBC iPlayer.

April 2nd is world Autism Day. If you’d like help or information about Autism, you can connect on Facebook with the Leicester Autistic Society or with me via the Leicestershire and Rutland Charity, Miracles-To-Believe-In (website: www.mtbi.co.uk) which provides outings and events for families with children and young adults (0-35yrs) on the Autistic Spectrum. There’s also a support group for parents and carers which runs on the last Friday of each month (term time) at Kirby Muxloe Free Church 10-12. Coffee/tea, biscuits, and confidential chat.

Find us on Face book, Kirby Muxloe Autism support group.

Adult singers are welcome at either or both sessions so feel free to vary attendance each week as the same programme of singing will be covered by our Musical Director, Simon Lubkowski.

Remember, Groby Sings welcomes everyone and this season we are actively encouraging people who have been diagnosed with memory loss or dementia, as well as their friends and carers, to come along and experience the enjoyment of singing together. Home bakers are also especially welcome as we like to enjoy a drink and a cake during a short break in the singing. If you would like to contribute by occasionally supplying a few baked goodies, there will be an opportunity to sign up for a future session.

Enquiries via our website www.grobysings.org.

Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490

HBBC Council Tax charge to go up

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH Borough Council is to increase its council tax charge for 2023/24 by £5 following a decision of the full council at its budgetsetting meeting on 22 February 2023.

This means the average Band D council tax (including the Special Expense Area) for Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council will increase to a charge of £149.87 for the 2023/24 financial year, the lowest in Leicestershire and anticipated to be the 15th lowest in England, and certainly within the lowest quartile.

This figure will be supplemented by the charges levied by Leicestershire County Council (£1,525.46), the Police and Crime Commissioner (£273.23) and the Fire Authority (£79.29).

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If you suffer from loneliness from time to time, ironically, you’re not alone. According to ‘The Lonely Society’, a report published by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), 48% of those surveyed believed that Britain is becoming a lonelier place.

The Covid-19 pandemic is partly to blame. After spending so long in survival mode, isolated from the ones we love, many of us still find it increasingly hard to coax ourselves out of that more guarded and introverted mindset. This is made even more pronounced when we factor in the move from communal offices to remote working, which has changed the lives of millions of people across the UK.

The ever-advancing progression of technology and social media is also believed to be a contributor. Despite claims that technology helps us connect with people, many experts believe that having constant access to technology can actually prevent us from building personal relationships.

Although many of us will be familiar with the upset of not being invited to a party, or the devastation of losing a loved one, what many people don’t know is that loneliness can also have a serious impact on our physical health. The work of neuroscientists such as John Cacioppo at the University of Chicago has shown that the stress of loneliness can directly affect our mental and physical wellbeing, with a cumulative effect on the heart that is the equivalent of a non-smoker taking up smoking. So, with this in mind, what’s the best way to overcome loneliness?

Get a new job or share your skills

You could use your free time to volunteer for a local charity, or try joining a new group or class. You’ll meet new people and be filled with a revived sense of purpose.

Practice self-care

It’s easy to let loneliness eat away at your confidence and self-esteem. Try to avoid falling into a negative headspace by practicing gratitude, meditation and mindfulness. Reminding yourself about the good things in life or reminiscing on happy times can help you to think more positively.

Reach out to someone

Talking to someone about how you feel can be a helpful way to cope with the negative emotions associated with loneliness. If there isn’t anyone you can trust, the campaigning and lobbying organisation Campaign to End Loneliness can help. Although they don’t recruit volunteers directly, you can visit their website at www. campaigntoendloneliness.org to find information about volunteering opportunities.

Find

support online

Using technology in the right way can be a fantastic way to meet new like-minded people. Find people with similar interests by joining Facebook or Meetup groups, and check to see if any apps you use, like fitness or workout apps, have a social element or discussion board to join. While you do have to be careful, it’s possible to find real support, connection and lasting friendships with people you meet online.

RECENTLY when walking by Bluebell Drive to catch the bus into Leicester, I saw five County Council workmen cutting hedgerows back. It did not need doing as there was no threat to anyone walking to the bus stop. The Council say they have no money to subsidise bus services yet needing five men was a waste of money and time. I see it everywhere with the GCR, with the help of Network Rail, cutting 30 tons of trees down in four days. This is happening countrywide. With losing land, trees, hedgerows there is no hope for the end of climate change worldwide.

Trees and hedgerows give life to animals, insects and birds and many species are being threatened with extinction. I feel sorry for the people losing their bus services and bus drivers in the county as we need public transport not less.

Smile Time

JUST ASKED my wife what she’s ‘burning up for dinner” and it turned out to be all of my personal belongings.

A COUPLE are on a date at a fancy restaurant. The woman tells the man to say something to her that will get her heart racing. He replies, “I forgot my wallet.”

BOY: *calls 999* Hello? I need your help! Two girls are fighting over me!

999: So what’s your emergency?

Boy: The ugly one is winning.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 4
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12 months of chaos ahead

Bus lane fines coincide with major roadworks congestion

LAST JULY there was much trumpeting as we were told that the new bus lane near the Five Ways junction on Groby Road in Leicester was complete. Cameras would catch both unsuspecting drivers who made a mistake as well as the reckless who were prepared to take a chance.

The trumpets are blowing again, and it sounds as if it never happened, as the Leicester Mercury has now reported that “it was first installed in early January and is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Leicester deputy city mayor for transport, clean air and climate emergency, Councillor Adam Clarke, told the paper that “Keeping our bus network moving is key to ensuring we have a reliable, affordable and convenient public transport system. Unfortunately, when other vehicles clog up bus lanes, they slow down those bus services and cause unnecessary disruption and delays.

“An average of six buses an hour make use of the bus lane, including the electric Hospital Hopper service, taking NHS staff to work and patients to appointments. At peak times Hospital Hopper buses have an average load of over 60 people; it’s important they and other bus users get to where they need to be in a timely way.”

Some drivers will agree wholeheartedly, but others may question the timing of the opening, with the Five Ways junction doomed to 12 months of chaos as major highway improvements are carried out there.

Over 300 motorists have been fined in the first month, generating income in excess of £10,000 if paid within 28 days, or double that if they delay payment. If the infringements continue at this rate the cost of the system should be recovered within six months.

5 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk I’m all for going out to a social gathering but I draw a line at someone starting a conversation with me.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Inspirational reads to mark International Women’s Day and great gift ideas for Mother’s Day.

All You Ever Wanted – Susan Elliot Wright

A dark and sinister tale of toxic family relationships, full of secrets and lies. Life is hectic when new mum Emily returns to work, so when she meets Anna, she’s grateful to find someone who can calm her down. Anna soon becomes part of the family but Emily can’t help feeling something isn’t right: someone is keeping a big secret from her – and they know her lifechanging secret too…

You’ll Never Walk Alone – Rachel Kelly

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:

15TH APRIL 2023

DEADLINE: 1ST APRIL

The Sunday Times best-selling author brings you a lovely collection of inspirational poetry, designed to help you through every occasion, on good days and bad, and to bring poetry into your life. One for every week of the year, the 52 poems are organised into seasons – from the dark and wintry to the spring-like and hopeful – with insightful notes from the author.

Whatever Next? Lessons from an Unexpected Life – Anne Glenconner

From Maid of Honour at the late Queen’s coronation in 1953 to Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret, Anne Glenconner (the author of The Times Memoir of the Year, Lady in Waiting), brings her bracing honesty, characteristic wit and courage to reflect on – and reveal more – about her fascinating life and the hard-won lessons learnt in diplomacy, marriage and motherhood.

Deliciously Vintage Baking & Desserts

The novelty of retro foods has spiked since lockdowns, with consumers returning to nostalgic recipes for a dose of comfort food and for the enjoyment of traditional baking. And it’s not hard to see why some cakes and bakes become classics, with family recipes handed down through the generations. From cookies and cakes to pastries and desserts, Victoria Glass charts the delicious range of some of our much-loved classics, guaranteed to hit all the right notes of nostalgia and deliciousness.

Good for a Girl – Lauren Fleshman

One of the most-decorated distance runners in the United States, Lauren Fleshman tells of how she fell in love with running as a girl and shares her own running journey – from being pushed to her limits and succumbing to devastating injuries to daring to fight for a better way for female athletes. It’s a powerful look at how competitive sports is designed for men and boys and routinely fail female athletes, leading to injuries, eating disorders, and mental-health issues.

The London Séance Society – Sarah Penner (out 21st March) 1873. At an abandoned chateau on the outskirts of Paris, a dark séance is about to take place led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire, known for conjuring the spirits of murder victims and revealing their killers. Although sceptical, Lenna Wickes has come to Vaudeline for answers to her sister’s death and agrees to become her assistant. When the pair travel to London to help solve a high-profile murder, they begin to suspect they are not merely out to solve a crime, but are perhaps entangled in one themselves...

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Funding available for ‘shovel ready’ nature projects

SEVERN TRENT has funding available for communities who want to boost nature across the region.

The water and waste company is inviting individual land managers, community groups and businesses to come forward for funding for projects to improve nature in the local environment.

This offer is available FOR A LIMITED TIME to help support nature projects across the region that may have been put on hold because of the cost-of-living crisis.

The scale of each project must be over one acre (that’s roughly half the size of a rugby pitch) and must be completed by FRIDAY 24 MARCH 2023.

Graham Osborn, Principal Ecologist at Severn Trent, said: “What’s good for nature is good for water and we’re open to any ideas, but the more creative the better! For a bit of inspiration, previous projects have included hedgerow planting, wildflower meadow creation and habitat management for native birds and mammals.”

Graham added: “To qualify for this funding, the project must be completed by Friday 24 March 2023, so ideas and proposals need to be shovel-ready to ensure they are up and running by the spring to give the habitats and wildlife the best chance to thrive. We will also consider projects that have already started but weren’t able to be completed, perhaps because they ran into financial difficulty.”

The available funding is part of Severn Trent’s Great Big Nature Boost – an environmental commitment that is seeing Severn Trent revive 5,000 hectares of land, plant 1.3 million trees and restore 2,000km of rivers across the Severn Trent region by 2027, allowing the company to give back to the communities it serves while helping to improve the quality of the water it treats and supplies to its customers.

To apply for funding, please email ecologymatters@severntrent.co.uk to express your interest as soon as possible. For more information, please visit stwater.co.uk/biodiversity

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What does Biloxi mean to you?

IF THE WORD Biloxi is recognised by any readers, there is a strong chance that they are fans of author John

National Trust Leicester Association

MARCH TENDS to be a month when we start going out into the great outdoors and many National trust properties have open spaces for country walks. Some properties are also steeped in myths and legends which have estate legends connected to them.

At the Plym Valley in Devon which is part of Dartmoor, among the trees you will find the Dewerstone, named after “Dewer” or a devil who is said to command a pack of demonic “Wisht hounds”. Appearing as a figure in black he lures or hunts travellers to the top of the Dewerstone and then disappears leaving them to fall into the jaws of his hounds.

In West Sussex, at Devil’s Dyke, the Devil got so annoyed at churches springing up in Sussex that he began digging a dyke to let in sea water and drown the people. During the construction he created two new features, Chanctonbury Ring and Rackham Hill.

At Killerton in Devon you can take a walk to the top of Dolbury Hill, a now-extinct volcano that was once the site of an Iron Age Fort. Legend has it that it was the hiding place of a huge mass of treasure, guarded by the Killerton Dragon who watches over the house.

It’s in the deep south of the USA and is possibly the area of the States that has received the most mentions in his many thrillers.

The Boys from Biloxi, published last year, has arrived in hardback at Groby Community Library and can be borrowed by members free of charge. Those who want it straight away will find it online at prices ranging from £10 to £22 for a new copy.

It’s a familiar tale of two school friends whose lives take them in different directions. One takes the straight and narrow and rises through the legal profession, the other grows up in a criminal family peddling alcohol, gambling, drugs, prostitution and violence. Although their lives take different paths, you will have guessed that their chosen careers will ultimately lead to conflict and a final showdown.

The Boys from Biloxi will be back on the shelf at Groby Library from 11th March.

The chalk horse figure on White Horse Hill in Oxfordshire is one of England’s most recognisable sites, but the site also hides another legend. There are lots of locations all over the country which are said to have been the site of St George’s battle with the dragon, and the aptly named Dragon Hill is one of them. Other sites with local legends include Croft Castle in Herefordshire where “Puck”, the mischievous imp has a reputation for leading travellers astray as they try to get home. At Blickling Hall in Norfolk, the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, her headless ghost can be seen as night falls, arriving in a coach on 19th May each year, the anniversary of her execution.

• THE NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has an evening meeting on Tuesday 14th March at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm when Sandra Moore will present an illustrated talk entitled “Living Memories

– Characters from Belgrave Cemetery”

The Association also has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 22nd March when Peter Cousins will present an illustrated talk entitled “Lawyers, Privateers & Explorers”. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm. Admission to meetings is NTLA members £3.00, visitors £4.00, including refreshments.

For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133 or visit our web site at www.leicesternt.com New members always welcome.

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GROBY PARISH COUNCIL

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

Your Council

Groby Parish Council is a group of 16 unpaid locally elected people representing the interests of those living and working in the Groby Parish. We try hard to be approachable, so please contact us via our Clerk about matters that concern you, or any ideas you may have.

Council meetings are held monthly, usually on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the Parish Council Office.

May 2023 Elections

Have you considered becoming a Parish Councillor? Parish Council elections are coming up on 4th May 2023 for the 2023-2027 term. Nomination form packs are now available which need to be submitted to Electoral Services at Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council between the period Monday 20 March to Tuesday 4 April 2023 Please contact the Parish Clerk for further information.

Please be aware that from 4th May 2023 you will need to show photo ID when you vote in person at the local elections.

Next Year’s Parish Precept

In January the Parish Council agreed its budget for the new financial year starting 1st April 2023 and set its precept (the main source of income for the Parish Council) at £237,661. This equates to a per-household precept of £89.59 per annum for a property in Band D, or £1.72 per week. This brings us closer to the average for Parish and Town Councils in the surrounding area, but we do recognise that this is a 20% increase on last year’s precept, equating to a per-household annual increase of £14.99 or 29 pence per week for a property in Band D.

This decision was not taken lightly but in order to improve and maintain facilities in the Parish whilst also increasing the ‘Protection of Land’ budget (for engaging legal and professional services should the need arise to oppose any proposed developments) it was agreed that the precept needed to be increased.

Annual Parish Meeting

All residents of Groby Parish are invited to the Annual Parish Meeting being held on Thursday 16th March 2023 at 6.30 pm in the Dining Hall, Brookvale Groby Learning Campus.

The meeting will be informal with refreshments provided. It is an opportunity for Groby parishioners to find out more about the work of the Parish Council along with information about organisations active in the local community.

PARISH COUNCILLORS

Pam WILLIS (Chairman)

Carol LINCOLN (Vice Chair)

Geoff BAKER

Sylvia BECK

Janet BISHOP

Jim COLEY

Liz EMMERSON

James EVERSON-CRANE

Katherine GRIFFITHS

Ted HOLLICK

David HYDE

Natasha JONES

Sandra JONES

Colin MULLINS

Gary RICHARDSON

Carole YORK

BOROUGH COUNCILLORS

Martin Cartwright

Ted Hollick

COUNTY COUNCILLOR

Ozzy O’Shea

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Mr Edward Argar

Great Britain Spring Clean Litter Pick Event

As part of the Great Britain Spring Clean, Groby Parish Council have organised a community litter pick event to take place on Saturday 1st April 2023 between 10am – 12pm. The litter pick will start from the Council Office and anyone attending will be welcomed back for refreshments.

Warm Spaces

Our Warm Spaces being held at Groby Community Centre on Forest Rise will continue to run on Monda ys and Fridays between 9am – 4pm until the end of March 2023. This is a free warm space with refreshments, company, books, jigsaws and games to enjoy. Anyone and everyone are welcome to come along.

HINCKLEY & BOSWORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL NEWS

Councillor Ted Hollick reports

destination

THATIS THE PROUD claim of the Hinckley BID (business improvement district) where they justifiably claim that 21 new businesses were welcomed to the town in 2022 and with more on their way making 400+ in the town centre offering real value deals. Why not give them a try.

Along with Borough Council support there are more than 30 events which are held each year mostly free of charge with 13 easy reach Council car parks, free on Sundays some of them now having EV (electric Vehicle) charging points and more planned. These could well be attractive to Groby residents as I am only too well aware that there is no direct bus to Hinckley from Groby and where there is from other villages, those are being taken away as well as the County Council can no longer afford to subsidise them. The town centre also boasts a popular open-air market every Monday Friday and Saturday with Public toilets situated on station road not far away.

Groby organisations supported

Groby Community Library

OUR BIG EVENT this month has been the visit on February 18th, of Catherine Ward, local author and long-time supporter of Groby Community Library, and over fifty children, parents, grandparents and carers. Catherine was introducing her newly published book, The Emerald Forest, to her enthusiastic audience, who then took part in activities including making orangutans, colouring, an information trail around the library, wordsearch, etc etc.

Easter Eggstravaganza on 4th April

Our big kids’ event for March (that’s the event, not big kids…) is an Easter Eggstravaganza, with crafts and activities led by Mel. It’s on April 4th, from 2-4pm. It costs £2.50 per child to take part. We look forward to seeing lots of you for an EGGSTREMELY EGGSTATIC EGGSPERIENCE!

THROUGH

THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION and the Parish Council Groby has benefitted with grants of 1000s of pounds to local organisations from the Borough Council’s (PCIF) Parish & Community Initiative Fund which is derived from monies raised by the Brown Bin charges.

Hinckley is indeed ‘A Borough to be proud of.’

Proposed developments

ITIS ALSO WORTH REMINDING residents that the current administration has categorically stated that it will NOT be supporting the IM properties proposal for an employment park which would see some of Groby’s green fields lost forever.

While on the subject of huge developments, I should mention that the massive HNRFI Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange has been temporarily withdrawn due to the Planning Inspectorate seeking further assurances with regard to certain aspects of it.

Deadline for postal vote applications is 18th April

DON’T LEAVE IT TOO LATE! Applications for a postal vote must be received at the Borough Council offices before 5:00pm on 18th April. This is the easiest and quickest way to vote and will do away with the need to provide photo ID should you choose to vote in person at the Polling Station.

Councillor Ted Hollick

Call: 0116 287 5955

Mobile: 07962 373983

E-mail: ted.hollick@outlook.com

Write: 7 Shaw Wood Close, Groby, LE6 0FY

And of course, we have all of our regular events – Wriggly Readers, Construction Club, Cuppa and Company, Knit and Natter and, if you’re a new mum who would welcome the chance of a coffee with other mums while your babies get acquainted, there’s our baby group, fortnightly on Wednesday mornings. Details of all other groups are available at the library. If you come for a coffee at the Café now, you can enjoy a shaded seat outside, thanks to the Co-op, who have provided community funding for our new jumbrella at the picnic tables.

We are also grateful the Groby Gardening Society for a generous gift, alongside the horticultural support we have already had from them. We do books too!

Here’s a latest selection of The Sunday Times Bestsellers in our stock:

• Bonnie Garmus Lessons in Chemistry

• Val McDermid 1989

• Colleen Hoover It Ends With Us

• Lucinda Riley The Murders at Fleat House

• Bella Mackie How to Kill Your Family

• Mark Billingham The Murder Book

• John Grisham Sparring Partners

• Colleen Hoover Ugly Love

• Richard Osman The Man Who Died Twice

• Lee Child & Andrew Child No Plan B

We’ll see you soon!

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY BY BONNIE GARMUS

CHEMIST ELIZABETH ZOTT is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing.

But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute take a very unscientific view of equality. Forced to resign, she reluctantly signs on as the host of a cooking show, Supper at Six. But her revolutionary approach to cooking, fuelled by scientific and rational commentary, grabs the attention of a nation. Soon, a legion of overlooked housewives find themselves daring to change the status quo. One molecule at a time.

• Dry Verge

• Flat Roofing

• Moss Removal

• Dry Ridge

• Lead Flashing

• Slate/Tile Roofing

• UPVC Fascia, Soffits & Gutters FREE

Proprietor: Elias Bell

1 Maynard Close, Bagworth, LE67 1BU

Mobile: 07494820600 - Telephone: 01530 231 631

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 10
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Witness extreme adventure with the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour!

THE BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour is bringing a night of thrilling adventure films to the De Montfort Hall, on 19 April.

The Festival features a collection of short films from the world’s top adventure filmmakers, with epic skiing, climbing, mountain biking and more in remote corners of the planet.

For more information and to book tickets, see www.banff-uk.com

South Charnwood High School

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

AND LOUGHBOROUGH

South Charnwood High School

‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’

‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’

Cover Supervisor

Permanent, 34.5 hours per week, over 5 days, term time (39 weeks)

Hours of work: 8.15am to 3.45pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.15am to 3.15pm Friday

Required as soon as possible, an enthusiastic and committed person to deliver planned lessons as a Cover Supervisor in this 11-16 Secondary school with outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes (Ofsted 2019). The school lies in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, with easy access to the M1.

Grade: 7 – Actual salary £18,093 - £19,533 per annum (depending on experience)

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

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

Closing date for applications:

12 noon, Friday 17th March 2023.

Interviews: To be confirmed

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

11 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Saving is a fine thing, especially when your parents have done it for you.
Headteacher:
Deputy Headteacher:
Assistant Headteachers:
Business Manager: Alistair Keates Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB. Tel: 01530 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539
Simon Andrews
Abigail Allfree
Kathryn Juszkiewicz, Christopher Peach, Callum Peake
Deputy
Assistant
Business Manager:
Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB. Tel: 01530 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539
Headteacher: Simon Andrews
Headteacher: Abigail Allfree
Headteachers: Kathryn Juszkiewicz, Christopher Peach, Callum Peake
Alistair Keates
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King Charles III: a monarch for modern times

When the coronation of King Charles III takes place on 6th May at Westminster Abbey, the ceremony – which will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury – will be rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry. However, it will also reflect the monarch’s role today, and look to the future.

Then and now

The Queen’s coronation on 2nd June 1953 was one of the greatest events of the twentieth century. More than 8,000 guests filled the abbey to witness the crowning of the young mother, while crowds lined the route that took her and the Duke of Edinburgh to and from the abbey. Millions more were lucky enough to watch the event on the still novel phenomenon of television, this being the first time the event had been televised.

It has been speculated that King Charles will have a toned-down affair with reduced costs, with suggestions of it lasting just one hour and with around 2,000 dignitaries in attendance.

Break with tradition

The date of 6th May was reportedly chosen in consultation with the government, the Church of England and the Royal Household. However, the date does have some symbolic references to family members:

• Firstly, the coronation of George VI, the King’s grandfather, was in May.

• 6th May is also the birthday of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the King’s grandson, who will be turning four on the day.

• It’s also the same date as the late Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, was married in 1960. During the ceremony the King will be anointed with holy oil, receive the orb, coronation ring and sceptre, and be blessed and then consecrated by the Archbishop. Monarchs traditionally sit in the fourteenth-century King Edward’s Chair, and Charles will be crowned with the St Edward’s crown, becoming the fortieth British monarch crowned at the Abbey since William the Conqueror in 1066.

Camilla, Queen Consort, will also be anointed and crowned, as was the Queen Mother when George VI was crowned in 1937. Man and boy

Charles will be 74 at the time of the ceremony, the oldest ever new monarch. In 1953 the thenPrince Charles was just four years old when his mother was crowned.

As with royal ceremonies, there had been behind-the-scenes preparation and practices in the lead up to the big day. Charles’ boyhood memories include how, the night before, the Queen came to say goodnight wearing the St Edward’s Crown as she was trying to get used to its 5lb weight. He also recalled being kept awake by the “thousands of people gathered in The Mall outside Buckingham Palace chanting: ‘We want the Queen’”.

Royal author Robert Jobson says: “Charles has adapted to his new role very well and is out connecting with people, which sadly the late Queen wasn’t able to do towards the end of her life.”

AGE

UK LAUNCHES DISCOUNTED WILLS PROMOTION

MORE THAN HALF of adults (56%) in the UK don’t have a valid will, this means that their estate (their property, financial and other assets) will be left to someone they haven’t chosen when they die.

To encourage residents of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to take action now to make or update a will, local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is launching its much awaited annual will writing promotion.

The successful scheme, which runs from the 1st March – 30th April 2023 is supported by many local solicitors who have generously agreed to reduce their Will Writing charges for older people (55+) to only £35 + VAT for an updated or a single uncomplicated Will for the duration of the promotion.

It’s important that a will is in place as it gives not only you, but your family peace of mind for the future and can prevent the risk of significant problems when dealing with your estate. It’s also advised that you regularly review your will to ensure it is up to date.

To request a will writing promotion pack, please contact enquiries@ ageukleics.org.uk or call 0116 299 2233.

More information is also available at www.ageukleics.org.uk

Deliverer Andy to visit the Landmarks of Leicester in a charity fundraising walk

ONE OF OUR DELIVERERS, Andy Lewis, is off on a mini adventure to see the many sights of Leicester on a charity run and walk.

On Saturday March 25th he will be running the Braunstone Park Run and then will walk to Fosse Park, Everards Meadow, The Black Horse in Aylestone via the Great Central Way . Then he will adventure off to Grace Road, King Power Stadium and Welford Road Stadium before crossing Victoria Park to take in some culture at the De Montfort Hall, New Walk Museum,Curve and Phoenix.

To finish the walk he will head off to the home of more Leicester sporting heroes at the Morningside Arena, before gently strolling round Abbey Park and eventually ending at Jubilee Square.

Andy likes to do what he can for local causes and is doing this walk for local charity Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Projects. If you’d like to make a contributionhowever large or small - to this very worthwhile cause, please visit Andy’s fundraising page at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/andylewis or scan the QR code above.

The Landmarks of Leicester Walk was inspired by Cool as Leicester and their social group which promotes Leicester and its events and has given Andy the inspiration to see some of the City’s landmarks.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 12
I respect giraffes, but I always get the impression they’re looking down on me.

Chess Club and Games Meet-Up launches this month at The Nag’s Head

A NEW Chess Club & Games Meet-Up will be starting on Monday 27th March at 3.30pm and it‘s FREE!

A chance to meet other Glenfield residents in a social, friendly local venue (The Nag‘s Head, Station Road) to play Chess, as well as Dominoes, and Card Games. Everyone is welcome, you don‘t have to be an expert, just come along and have fun. Drinks and snacks can be bought at the Bar.

For any details either call Carlym (evenings) on: 0116 287 8886 or email: carlymquantrill@hotmail.co.uk or call Donna on: 0116 287 2794.

Or just turn up at our first meet-up on Monday 27th March Monday at 3.30pm. See you there, (please bring along a Chess Set, Dominoes, or Cards if you have them), and don‘t forget it‘s FREE! We will then meet regularly every Monday.

(If you are between 14 & 17 years old and would like to join the Chess & Games Club, please contact Carlym or Donna, you are welcome, but obviously you can‘t drink alcohol.)

REQUEST TO SPOTLIGHT READERS: If you have a chess set, dominoes, or packs of playing Cards lying around that you don‘t use, we would be most grateful for any donations. If you could drop them off at The Nag‘s Head we would really appreciate your generosity.

Better weather on the way: it’s time to get walking again!

WITH SPRING on its way we start to think about getting out to walk in the beautiful English countryside again, but where to find new and interesting walks?

Walking in Leicestershire (https:// www.walkinginengland.co.uk/ leics) has loads of walks to download and print, free, it also has books of walks, details of all the walking groups in the county and much more. Whether you want to walk on your own or with a group all the information is there in one place.

John Harris (who maintains the website) said ‘There is so much walking information on the web but it is difficult to find. Walking in Leicestershire (part of the Walking in England website) has brought it together in one place so whether you are walking from home, or away on holiday, you will be able to find a walk suitable for you’. With walks from half a mile to twelve miles plus long, and a note of suitability for pushchairs and wheelchairs, everyone can find a walk to enjoy.

So home or away, check out the websites and get walking!

www.walkinginengland.co.uk • john@walkinginengland.co.uk

South Charnwood High School

South Charnwood High School

Lunchtime Supervisors

We require, as soon as possible, Lunchtime Supervisors to join our team, who are responsible for the health and safety, wellbeing and security of children during the school lunch break.

Term time position (39 weeks), 1 hour 15 minutes per day, 6.25 hours per week. Normally, the hours of work are 12.50pm to 2.05pm daily, but may be subject to change due to exams etc. Rate of pay is £10.78 to £10.88 per hour (with an additional 12% up lift for holiday pay).

If you are interested in the position, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred List will be carried out by the school

‘South Charnwood High School - Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People.

13 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Simon Andrews Deputy Headteacher: Abigail Allfree Assistant Headteachers: Kathryn Juszkiewicz, Christopher Peach, Callum Peake Business Manager: Alistair Keates Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB. Tel: 01530 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539
excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Simon Andrews Deputy Headteacher: Abigail Allfree Assistant Headteachers: Kathryn Juszkiewicz, Christopher Peach, Callum Peake Business Manager: Alistair Keates Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB. Tel: 01530 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539
‘encouraging
sales@cooksmidlands.co.uk cooksmidlands.co.uk 01530 249191 For all your tools, garden equipment and DIY needs! Horsepool Grange, Elliotts Lane, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicester, LE67 9TW M1 J22 MARKFIELD STANTON UNDER BARDON e w t VISIT OUR NEW SHOP! Visit our shop here at Cooks Midlands Ltd, we have great deals on all sorts of DIY equipment and more... • Power and Hand Tools • Work Wear and Safety Boots • Fencing Equipment • Makita Electric Strimmers and Mowers • Brushes and Shovels • Britains Farm Toys Open Now in Stanton Under Bardon If
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Don’t forget to send us your news! Email items to: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk. Please send any images as jpeg attachments. Thank you.

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea

Email: ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk or ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Tel 0116 239 4336 Mobile 07808

Budget Council Tax Rise April 2023

A BUDGET that delivers major investment in support for vulnerable people has been set by Leicestershire County Council.

The authority agreed its financial plan - including an extra £57m for vital help, such as home and residential care - at a full county council meeting on the 22nd February 2023.

The budget is designed to protect public services as much as possible during tough economic times, it will see major capital investment of £509m, service cuts totalling £3m, £59m of efficiency savings and a 4.99 per cent Council Tax increase from April to ensure the books will balance next year.

An extra £1m has also been earmarked to offset the impact of service cuts and boost road maintenance, following better than expected Government funding earlier this year – this includes £100,000 to continue rolling out community speed cameras. Protecting the vulnerable and hefty investment in support people depend on – that’s what our budget delivers.

Unforeseen global issues such as war in Ukraine and rising energy costs make balancing our books challenging. We’ve spent a lot of time on it and asking people to pay more has been a tough decision. Not doing so would drastically reduce the money we can spend on social care, fixing roads and other frontline services.

Although councils fared better than expected in the Government’s Autumn Statement, the financial outlook remains extremely tough with the authority’s budget gap set to rise to nearly £90m by 2026.

Growing service demand is set to increase costs by £70m, with rising inflation forecast to add another £91m by 2026/27. On top of this, the National Living Wage increase drives up social care costs significantly and adds another £18m.

A 4.99 per cent Council Tax increase from April equates to £1.39 a week for a Band D home and generates £17.7m for front line services. The national agreed public sector pay rise for staff agreed in November 2022 was £1925 excluding senior staff. This added £17m to our budget. Even with the financial pressuring growing, we pride ourselves on

doing the best we can with the money we have. And that’s why it was right to freeze our own member allowances this year. Being the lowest funded county compounds the issue and I am looking forward to our leader discussing this with the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, next month.

A 4.99 per cent Council Tax rise in the county council’s share includes a two per cent adult social care levy – and means a Band D home would pay £1,525.

The budget includes:

• £57m more to support vulnerable people - to pay for more home and residential care, and support people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs. The number of home care users has increased by 600 since January 2020.

• £59m of efficiency savings –reducing back office costs by maximising digital technology, simplifying processes and providing the right level of support to residents

• Service cuts totalling £3mincluding reviewing waste sites, streetlighting, Green Plaques and Shire Grants

• A £509m four-year capital pot - for the cost of building roads, schools and other one-off projects The council’s yearly budget totals £512m.

District councils, police, fire and parish and town councils all make up portions of residents’ Council Tax bills.

Winter Weather

I HAVE paid thanks to our Gritting teams, who have been working to keep our roads clear, whilst we are all asleep.

They have done and excellent job and continue to do so, as another cold snap is on the horizon.

Locked’ Apple ID Scam

SCAMMERS are again attempting to steal personal data from Apple users by impersonating the brand.

Fraudsters are sending phishing emails claiming the recipient’s Apple ID has been locked due to ‘multiple failed sign-in attempts’. If you click the Verify your account’ button, you’re taken to a QR code generation website, which scammers use to phish for your personal information.

And finally

FINALLY, I would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents.

Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Ozzy O’shea

Always Working for you Locally.

Cllr Ozzy O’shea Tel 0116 2394336 Mobile 07808585825

Email Ozzy.O’shea@leics.gov.uk

Newtown Linford Ladies Luncheon Club

THIS LUNCHEON CLUB originally started in Newtown Linford but now has members from all over Leicestershire.

There is a monthly meeting on every 3rd Wednesday and you can have 3 visits initially to see if you wish to join.Members pay an additional £20 a year to cover the speakers’ fees on top of their monthly £19 for their meal. There are no meetings in July and August but often an outing is arranged instead.

• NEXT MONTH’S MEETING is on Wednesday 15th March 2023 with a three-course lunch at Lingdale Golf Club, Joe Moores Lane, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire LE12 8TF, starting at 12 noon to 3pm, and afterwards there will a talk by Stuart Dixon on The Garden of Hebb’s Farmhouse

If you are interested in attending this Luncheon Club meeting, then please telephone Sheila Price 0116 2205225 before Friday 10th March to book a place. All dietary needs are catered for.

Aldi has donated almost 400,000 meals in county

ALDI has officially donated 30 million meals to good causes since launching its food donations initiative in 2019, with 399,300 meals being donated to local communities in Leicestershire.

In partnership with community giving platform Neighbourly, all of the supermarket’s stores in Leicestershire are partnered with foodbanks, charities and community groups, who receive surplus food year-round.

As a result of the successful partnership, more than 4,000 good causes across the country have now benefitted from the scheme, including soup kitchens and children’s breakfast clubs.

Charities and community groups interested in working with Aldi should contact Neighbourly at aldi@neighbourly.com

WISE WORDS

The best way to predict your future is to create it.

Abraham Lincoln

Happiness is like a butterfly; the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder.

Henry David Thoreau

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.

Mae West

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 14
585825 I was having an awful day at work so I went for a walk to clear my head. The passenger in my taxi was fuming.

South Charnwood High School

South Charnwood High School

Facilities Assistants

3G Pitch and Lettings

(Casual or permanent contracted hours that can fit around other commitments)

We are looking for Facilities Assistants who will be part of our Premises Team, supporting afterschool 3G pitch and whole school lettings.

The role will involve opening and shutting the site, assisting with the setting up of facilities, clearing of pitches, ensuring the area is kept clean and free of litter and liaising with and assisting users.

The hours of work will fall between the times of Monday to Friday between 4:45pm and 9:45pm and Saturday and Sunday between 8:45 am and 5:45pm. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who wants to work within the community. These are casual or permanent contracted hours and can fit around other commitments. Rate of pay is £10.78 to £10.88 per hour (with an additional 12% up lift for holiday pay).

If you are interested in this role, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk for an information pack and application form. Alternatively, telephone 01530 242351 or email: hcarnan@southcharnwood.org

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

Charnwood High School - Committed to

Children and Young People.’

15 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk
‘South
Safeguarding
‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Simon Andrews Deputy Headteacher: Abigail Allfree Assistant Headteachers: Kathryn Juszkiewicz, Christopher Peach, Callum Peake Business Manager: Alistair Keates Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB. Tel: 01530 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539
‘encouraging excellence, valuing people’ Headteacher: Simon Andrews Deputy Headteacher: Abigail Allfree Assistant Headteachers: Kathryn Juszkiewicz, Christopher Peach, Callum Peake Business Manager: Alistair Keates Broad Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9TB. Tel: 01530 242351 Email: office@southcharnwood.org A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 08423539 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 7AT Email: talbotthouse@ansteyfunerals.com Website: www.ansteyfunerals.com We can take care of every detail, advise and help you on each and every step of the way. Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred. 0116 234 0548 • Qualified Funeral Directors • Floral Tributes arranged • Hearse, Limousines and alternatives available • Monumental Service • Car parking available • Online tribute and donation profile • Catering suite • Chapels of rest • Funeral plans available • 24 hour service I’m giving up on the silent treatment. Going to start talking to myself again. Craft Fair Saturday 15th April 2023 10am – 4pm Groby Village Hall LE6 0DQ Featuring many local crafters * FREE ENTRY * Refreshments served all day Stalls include: • HOME MADE BAKING AND PRESERVES • • PLANTS AND LOCAL PRODUCE • • HAND MADE CRAFTS • JEWELLERY • • CARDS • GIFTS • AND MUCH MORE! GLENFIELD COUNTRY MARKET

Groby Allotments

What will the weather let us grow this year?

IRECENTLY READ an article on an Organic Gardening website which had the results of a survey of its members as to which were the most successful crops last year, bearing in mind that last year was incredibly difficult due to the extreme weather, the results of which we are still seeing as a scarcity of some things in our markets and supermarkets. It was a bumper year for tomatoes, as I can testify. The hot weather made sure there was a really good crop as they benefitted from the consistent amounts of summer sunshine.

On the other hand it was a truly awful year for runner beans, as many allotmenteers can also testify. The hot dry months of June and July meant that the flowers were not pollinated and so, even when well-watered, most plants did not set pods, meaning that there was a much reduced yield. I heard so many plot holders complaining that their runner bean harvest had been disastrous. However, some plants recovered when the rains came later in August and September, and so started to produce a crop then, allowing a harvest much later for some lucky growers.

It is well known that potato tubers were much smaller than usual last year, with also reduced yields, as many farmers reported and I also witnessed. What I was surprised about though was that the report stated that the really dry conditions resulted in really dry floury potatoes, which meant that most tended to disintegrate on cooking. I didn’t notice that too much but then I often boil my potatoes for too long anyway, so I’m used to them falling apart in the pan!!

Brassicas (cauli, cabbage, sprouts, broccoli, kale etc) didn’t do well during the summer either but winter plantings were much better after the September rains. Carrots also didn’t do too well, with the lack of water causing delayed and reduced harvests.

So it really is a time to wonder what the weather will be like this coming year. On our large Ratby Road site, we have been busy installing many more communal rainwater collectors to allow members access to a shared supply of water when their water butts run dry. We are collecting the water from the United Church roof with the kind agreement of the church. My plot water container is almost full already and it holds 1000L, so fingers crossed, we will be able to prevent our plants withering in another excessive heatwave

this summer. On the other hand, it could be a cold wet summer this year, in which case we will need to protect our crops from tomato and potato blight! It is never the same, each year brings its own challenges and triumphs but that is half the fun of growing your own – that and the taste of justpicked vegetables or fruit. There really is nothing like it and so I will continue to grow my fruit and vegetables, no matter what the weather!

Allotments AGM

WE HELD OUR annual general meeting in February in the Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club and we are very grateful to them for allowing us to use one of their rooms without cost.

It was an enjoyable meeting with the officers reports showcasing what had been achieved over the last year and there was an extensive raffle with lots of really good prizes to be won. We had a slightly reduced number of members attending this year but I suspect the agenda item on Succession Planning encouraged a few members to stay away in case they were persuaded to join the management committee! We did get one volunteer, to whom we are truly grateful, and most of the committee were willing to stand again, so continuing managing the allotment sites isn’t an issue for us at the moment, but we do need to prepare to hand over to a younger generation eventually so we will continue to ask for more volunteers to help run the Society. After all we need to pass on all the experience of successfully managing the Society and avoiding all the pitfalls.

It is a similar problem for many village groups and societies which seem to be struggling to find new volunteers to help run them as the ‘old guard’ stand down. It does seem a shame that various local groups have folded recently, and although there are many opportunities to meet up online these days, the benefits of face-to-face encounters seem to be so much more rewarding and enjoyable, to my mind anyway.

I find that part of the joy of having an allotment is not only the growing of crops or being outside in the open air but also the chance to have a quick chat with your plot neighbour or fellow allotment member about your shared interests and life and an allotment is always a good place to escape to and further away than the garden shed!

Embroidery classes - places available after Easter

EMBROIDERY is beautiful and fascinating. It has so many different forms. It can be detailed or bold, colourful or monochrome, magnificent or miniature. It’s a great aid to mindfulness in anxious times. It can be a record of happy places and events. It can be wonderfully intricate, or it can be very simple - and still really effective.

For forty years, Jennie Fox has been teaching a superb range of hand embroidery skills to many happy embroiderers from all around Leicester. Students come saying they couldn’t ever do beautiful pieces like hers - and surprise themselves with what they create. Jennie is as skilled at inspiring people as she is at showing them actual techniques. Sometimes Jennie suggests a design, but everyone chooses different colours or size or detail. Sometimes each person just brings their own project. Looking at fellow students’ work is part of the enjoyment and the learning of a class. The classes are so friendly and encouraging and supportive as well as full of lovely work!

THE NEXT TERM of Jennie’s classes begins after Easter. There are a few places available on Wednesday evenings at the Church Hall in Syston, so if you think this might be for you, give Jennie a ring on 0116 260 7585.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 16 Your call is very important to us. Please enjoy this 40 minute flute solo.
~ ADVERTISING RATES IN GROBY SPOTLIGHT ~ Call Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069 to book or email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Advert Size (Portion of the A4 page) Advert Dimensions in Millimetres Width x Height Price per Insertion (EACH MONTH) Sixteenth of a Page 45mm wide x 65mm high £20.00 plus VAT Twelfth of a Page 95mm wide x 41mm high £28.00 plus VAT Eighth of a Page 95mm wide x 65mm high £40.00 plus VAT Sixth of a Page 95mm wide by 87mm high £50.00 plus VAT Quarter of a Page 95mm wide x 130mm high £65.00 plus VAT Half of a Page 194mm wide x 130mm high £120.00 plus VAT Full Page (A4) 194m wide x 268mm high £190.00 plus VAT Double Page Spread (A3) 404mm wide x 268mm high £249.00 plus VAT

Spotlight Small Ads

• SINGLE DIVAN BED with mattress, complete with attractive white metal headboard. All as new.

Price: £120.00 o.n.o. Collection only.

Tel: 07966 253612 (Markfield)

• STAIRGATE, VGC, with fixings and instructions. Price: £10.00.

• Sivac medium DOG CRATE. VGC.

Price: £20.00.

Tel: 07745 356447 (Glenfield)

• A Go Go Elite travellers MOBILITY

SCOOTER - New 2 years ago,only been out on it twice. Red in colour. Just serviced. New Battery- have receipt for it. Dismantles to fit in the boot of a car. Price: £450.00 o.n.o.

Tel: 0116 233 5983( Glenfield )

• TRAVEL LITE PLAYPEN/TRAVEL

COT, complete with case and easy assembly instructions. Excellent condition. Ideal for holidays and for when grandchildren come to stay.

Price: £30.00.

Tel. 0116 2870916 (Groby).

• 5 ECO BOARDS - Colour NaturalSize 1.795m.

• 1 Eco Panel Top - Colour Natural

- Size 1.829m

All items are new and unused, boxed and stored inside. Price: £80.00.

Tel: 0116 287 8411 (Glenfield)

• STORAGE CUPBOARD, Colour Oak, 2 Doors, 2 Shelves, Lock with keys, New Condition, Size HxWxD 108,80,47 cm. Price: £50.00

• REFRIGERATOR, IceQ48B, small drinks fridge for cans and bottles, colour Black, size HxWxD 50,45,43 cm, good condition. Price: £30.00.

Tel: 0116 231 2395 (Groby)

• WOODEN RADIATOR COVER

- Painted White. Size - Length 1.5 metres, Height 800cm. Good Condition. Price: £10.00.

Tel: 01455 823675 (Markfield)

• Two men’s Arco dark grey JACKETS - size large brand new. Price: £15 each.

• Two-tier VEG STEAMER - as new. Price: £8.00.

• JUICER/BLENDER - as new, hardly used. Price: £8.00.

Tel: 07780 798243 (Glenfield).

• TABLE TOP FREEZER - Ice King. Height 19½“ by Width 19“.

Price: £60.00

Tel: 0116 232 1341 (Glenfield)

• CASIO KEYBOARD & STAND

- LK-55, key lighting system. Price: £50.00.

Tel: 0116 231 1161 (Glenfield)

• BEKO 7Cu ft Frost free TALL FREEZER Model TZDA 524F Colour:Silver. Suitable for indoors/garage/ shed. Excellent condition. Price: £50.00

Tel: 01530 249101 (Markfield)

• BREAD MAKER - used only once. Price: £15.00

• Set of 10 ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA CHILDREN‘S EDITIONS. Price: £5.00 o.n.o. Tel: 07504 801793 (Groby)

• TREADMILL/RUNNING

MACHINE - vgc. Price: £70.00. Will need collecting.

Tel: 07467 949192 (Groby)

• Dark brown LEATHER THREEPIECE SUITE - 3 seater sofa and 2 chairs. Good condition. Price: £100.00.

Tel: 0779 255 6490 (Groby)

• 10 internal six panel NATURAL WOOD DOORS - 762mm x 1981mm x 35mm with handles. Excellent condition. Price: £15 each.

Tel: 01530 243397 (Markfield)

• LEATHER DINING CHAIRS - 6 tall light brown dining chairs in good condition. Very comfortable.

Price: £200 or near offer .

Tel 01530 243142

• 5FT CHRISTMAS TREE Very bushy.Build up each row. Numbered rows. Used but very good condition.

Price: £25.00

• Bissell Cleanview Reach 37Y8 CARPET SHAMPOOER. Little used. Very good condition. Price: £50.00.

Tel: 01530 245944 (Markfield)

• Two white VENETIAN BLINDS in good condition. Size: 185cm wide (73ins) by 115cm drop (45ins).

Price: £40.00 each or £75.00 for both.

Tel: 07720 661602 (Markfield)

• WHEELCHAIR - folds compactremovable foot rests - self wheeled or push. Price: £40.00

• Copper Coal Bucket. Price: £10.00.

Tel: 07773 894093.

• RONSEAL ONE COAT FENCE LIFE. 3 x 5 Litres. DARK OAK. Unopened. Price: £20.00.

• CAR STEERING WHEEL STOPLOCK, One Key. Price: £15.00.

Tel: 07773 011247 (Markfield)

• SONY BRAVIA 32in TV. Good condition. Price: £50 o.n.o.

Tel. 07905 558349 (Bagworth)

• GOOD QUALITY CHIPBOARD15mm thick, various lengths. Ideal for DIY projects. FREE.

Tel: 07565 110126 (Stanton-u-Bardon)

• WHEELCHAIR RAMP - £30.00

• Garden VAC - used once, with leaf bag - £40.00

• Medium DOG CAGE - £10.00

Tel: 01530 244681 (Markfield)

• Stainless steel GARDEN FORK & SPADE - £10.00 each.

• Shakespeare Sigma 30lbs thrust electric OUTBOARD ENGINE, with 12V battery. Price: £50.00

Tel: 07514 900530 (Markfield)

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

I’m always astonished by the things my wife thinks I want to hear about.

17 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

LOROS LADIES’ SINGERS fundraising raises

£30.000 for the hospice

WE ARE A small lady’s choir which has been in existence since 2005 We originally consisted of staff, volunteers, and friends. Staff started to leave or retire, and now it consists of former staff, volunteers and friends’ staff and volunteers. We liaise with LOROS fundraisers and have raised over thirty thousand pounds since 2005

We have sung at over 140 events singing for LOROS on many occasions, including on the ward, in Day Therapy, at volunteers’ parties, the 25th anniversary picnic, LOROS shop opening.

- We have sung at many concerts and fundraising events, also weddings and funerals and in various settings including churches, halls, care homes, hospital ward, pubs, gardens, parties, shops

- Our singing services have been a prize at fundraising auctions We have made a CD to help raise funds

We have sung on BBC Radio Leicester We have sung at De Montfort Hall

Until the pandemic we rehearsed weekly at LOROS, where patients and families would sometimes come to listen.

Now due to LOROS covid restrictions we have moved and rehearse most Wednesdays at 5.0pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, Western Park.

If you would be interested in joining our choir, you would be most welcome We sing a variety of different music or if you are thinking of doing a fund raising event for LOROS and would be interested in booking our choir please contact Judy Dodd (music director 0116 285 6217)

Our next fundraising concert is on Saturday April 15th at 3pm at St Annes Church Hall Letchworth Road LE3 6FN

WISE WORDS

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for.

Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it.

I am happy because I’m grateful. I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.

Will Arnett

Residents disgusted by overflowing bin

Most dog owners clean up responsibly after their dogs, but a minority of dog walkers will go to great lengths not to put their dog waste bags into their own bins.

If there is not a convenient bin handy, or a bin is full, they may dump it on the road, in the verge, or even in a surface water drain. As the photo illustrates some will even stack bags on a full bin in the vain hope that they will not fall off or blow to the floor, where they become very attractive to the curiosity of toddlers walking with parents and other dogs.

Short staffing or sickness can lead to a collection being missed, and the Borough Council confirms that this was why this particular black litter bin was full. “It was an unforeseen circumstance which ordinarily wouldn’t happen,” said a spokesperson for the Council. “The advice for anyone spotting an overflowing bin is to report a problem either via our website ( type into the search box report a litter bin), email streetsceneservices@hinckley-bosworth. gov.uk or call 01455 238141. If a litter bin is full and overflowing, dog walkers are asked either find another litter bin in the area or take the waste home and use their black household waste bin.”

When bins overflow operatives have to use litter pickers to handle individual bags. “Although staff are equipped with and the correct PPE to deal with this type of waste, over filled bins do become heavy to empty and may cause the bags to split,” added the spokesperson.

A dog walker who thinks their dog’s waste is too unpleasant or dangerous to put into their own bin can rightly express indignation that public bins can sometimes overflow. After all, they pay both the Borough Council to empty the black bins and the Parish Council to empty the red bins.

Ironically, although none of the residents living a few yards from this stinking bin are dog owners, they also pay for this service, but accept it as part of the give and take of living in a community where expenses are shared. Their appeal to dog owners would surely be to consider those who live nearby and if the bin is full please report it. Take your poo bag to another bin or home.

The Old Hall Farm Fishery on Newtown Linford Lane is also appealing to the minority of dog walkers that abandon bags, to take them home or to a bin. A facebook Spotted Groby posting said that whilst on the whole dog walkers using the public footpath across the private property are taking their dog bags away, some are dumped away from the footpath. The posting also reports “dogs off leads wondering off the footpath and messing anywhere,” even on grass used for animal feed. “We have put signage at either end of our property regarding this, but signs have been previously damaged or simply removed. The fishery on the property is non profit, so new signs and repairs have to come out of the monies raised for charities. Please respect the property as you use the public footpath, that's all we ask.”

Groby isn’t alone in having this problem. The Forestry Commission has said that it won’t be installing bins at Bignalls Wood, near Ashby, despite bags of excrement piling up at the entrance.

The organisation says it is too expensive and does not change dog walkers' behaviour. "In our experience of managing the nation's forests we have found even the presence of bins does not necessarily reduce litter or influence the behaviours of some visitors,” a spokesperson explained. “They are expensive to empty and use resources that we don’t have for this site."

Visit Glenfield Country Market!

THE GLENFIELD COUNTRY MARKET is a weekly event held in the centre of Glenfield. Producers cook, craft and grow, displaying their wares at this popular market held each Friday in St Peter’s Church Centre, Church Road, Glenfield

(LE3 8DP) from 9am-11am.

We are aware that people are tightening their belts but it is worth saying that we still offer good value for money across the craft, bakes and preserves and plants displays. We are also currently reducing some of our prices to enable our producers to make room for new creations.

Why don’t you give us a try? It’s a friendly, informal and free event and we will be very happy to see you. There are refreshments available as well as a wide range of hand-crafted goods to buy. Our crafts, bakes and plants are specially displayed each week so you will be spoilt for choice! We take card payments to make your shopping experience even better! You can now like and follow us on facebook: ‘The Glenfield Country Market’ too! Thank you.

Ruth Lane - Secretary for Glenfield Country Market

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 18
Oscillating fans are for people who want to be cool every 5-7 seconds.

World Plumbing Day: 11th March

Ignoring a leaky loo could treble water bills, warns UK plumbing register

TO MARK World Plumbing Day on Saturday (11 March), WaterSafe, the UK’s register of approved contractors working with drinking water, is warning people in Leicestershire not to ignore a leaky loo.

Even a small trickle can waste up to 400 litres of water every day and cost the bill payer up to £400 extra per year*, meaning homes and businesses are throwing money and water down the drain.

It’s easy to check if your loo is leaking. The water may run or drip down the back of the pan and into the toilet bowl, or you may hear your toilet refilling randomly when you haven’t used it for a while.

If you’re not sure, wait 30 minutes after flushing, then run a piece of tissue around the back of the bowl. If it becomes wet this may indicate a leak. Other signs to look out for are dripping overflow pipes, located on an outside wall. If you’re still not sure, some water companies give away free strips to test for a leaky loo.

You can read more about leaky loos on WaterSafe’s website (www. watersafe.org.uk).

19 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk I asked Mum if I was a gifted child. She said she certainly wouldn’t have paid for me. Get in touch today for your quote 07734405374 07973852738 contact@countycontractorsleics.co.uk www.countycontractorsleics.co.uk @CountyCon County Contractors, Groby, Leicester WHY MOVE AND HAVE THE EXPENSE LETS MAKE YOUR HOME THE ONE YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED FOR LESS ELECTRICIAN ♦Fixed Wiring Testing ♦Landlord Certification ♦Expert Fault Finding ♦Fuse Board Upgrades ♦Extra Sockets & Lights ♦Electric Heating ♦Complete Rewiring (with minimal disruption) ♦Cottage Specialists ♦Electrics Showers (Inc. Plumbing) ♦Security (Alarms, CCTV, Lights) ♦Free No Obligation Quotes Control Electrics (Leics.) Ltd Control Electrics Ltd Call: 0116 268 2910 Cropston Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7BR A one-stop professional & reliable service Tel: 01530 243789 Mobile 07866 518907 npbbuilder@gmail.com 1A JACQUELINE ROAD, MARKFIELD Flat Roof Repair, Ridges, Chinney Repointing etc Kitchens, Doors, Windows all building work undertaken UPVC. Facia Boards 20yr guarantee Ridges • Dry Verge Flat Roof Repairs • Chimneys Repointing • Lead Work Fascia Boards • Guttering 20 YEAR GUARANTEE

All the latest news from

OUR SPEAKER at February’s meeting was our own Lynn Mellor and the subject of her talk was ‘The Belles of the Clock Tower’.

I’m not sure where to start as the talk was, as always from Lynn, very interesting and informative with so many facts given to us in a relatively short space of time but she is a born story teller and manages to put humour into the most gruesome of tales! I apologise in advance to Lynn as some of my notes made no sense when I came to write this and I did have to resort to my friend Google!

The Clock Tower in Leicester was built in 1868 by architect Joseph Goddard and was originally called the Haymarket Memorial Structure. Most of us will probably not have noticed the four male figures on the Clock Tower but they are: William Wyggeston 1467 - 1536 (sometimes spelt as Wigston), a wool merchant; Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester 1208 -1265; Sir Thomas White 1492 - 1567, a cloth merchant who set up a fund in 1542 to help young men start up in business and Alderman Gabriel Newton 1683 -1762. a wool-comber and Mayor of Leicester in 1732.

I’m sure of you will associate these names with familiar Leicester buildings: Wyggeston Hospital, now a retirement Home; Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys (my own father was a very proud pupil there and 80 years on I still have his school tie); De Montfort University; Alderman Newtown’s School for Girls - the list goes on!

But back to the title of Lynn’s talk and the four women she would choose to be statues on the Clock Tower: Aethelflaed; Lady Jane Grey; Mary Linwood and Alice Hawkins.

AETHELFLAED (c.870 - 918) was the eldest daughter of Alfred the Great, King of West Saxons. She was born at the height of the Viking Invasions and by 878, most of England was under Danish rule and the Danes were creating their own settlements. Mercia was partitioned between the English and the Vikings. The West half of Mercia came under the rule of Aethelred who was known as Lord of the Mercians and he accepted Alfred being overlord, having the new title of King of the Anglo Saxons. Alfred arranged a marriage of convenience between Aethelflaed and Aethelred to seal the alliance between the surviving English Kingdoms, they had one daughter, Aefwynn. After Aethelred’s death

in 911, Aethelflaed became the Lady of the Mercians and her succession was one of the the most unique events in Medieval history. In the Midlands and the North she dominated the political scene and was renowned as a competent war leader. In 913 she built forts at Tamworth to guard against the Danes entering Leicester. Records show that in 1744 (and maybe even earlier) a fair held in the Newarke area of Leicester took place on Shrove Tuesday to commemorate the chasing out of the Danes in the 10th century. The fair would have music, entertainment and food and part of this celebration were the ‘Whipping Toms’, a group of three men carrying whips, one with a bell and the aim was for men and boys to try to grab the bell whilst they were being being whipped below the knee! This brutal celebration was abolished in 1846.

In 1922, Aethelflaed’s statue and fountain was unveiled in Victoria Park. This was funded by a bequest made by Miss Edith Gittins, an active promoter of women’s rights and social reform. The statue, minus the fountain, now stands in the yard of the Guildhall in Leicester.

LADY JANE GREY, 1537 - 1554, will be known to all of us as the nine day Queen. She was born at Bradgate Park to Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk, and Frances, Duchess of Suffolk. She had a very strict upbringing, sustaining physical violence from her parents. Jane was an English Noblewomen who claimed the throne of England and Ireland for just nine days, as part of an unsuccessful bid to prevent the accession of the staunch Catholic, Mary Tudor. The great granddaughter of Henry VII, Jane inherited the crown from her half cousin Edward VI on the 9th July 1553. In 1553 Jane married Lord Guilford Dudley. In early 1554, the Wyatt Rebellion took place to try to prevent Mary marrying a spaniard and bringing Catholicism to England. The Rebellion failed and Jane and Guilford were accused of being part of it. On 12th February 1554, Jane watched Dudley’s execution before being executed herself for high treason. She was found guilty of assuming the title and power of a monarch. It is said that the tops were lopped off the oak trees in Bradgate Park as a mark of respect for Jane.

MARY LINWOOD, 1755 - 1845, was an English needlewoman who exhibited her embroidery in Leicester and London. She moved

to Leicester age nine and after the death of her father, Mary’s mother set up a private boarding school for young ladies in Belgrave Gate. When her mother died, Mary took over the school and continued it for 50 years. It later became the Mary Linwood Comprehensive School. She made her first embroidered picture when she was 13 years old and by 1775 she was established as a needlework expert and considered a pioneer of embroidery as an art. She embroidered over 100 pictures that specialised in full size copies of Old Masters. Interestingly, one of her works was of Lady Jane Grey! She exhibited in Russia and Catherine the Great offered her £40,000 for her collection but Mary refused as she wanted her work to remain in England.

In 1860s/70s the Royal School of Needlework and the Arts and Craft Movement began to criticise Berlin Wool Work (needlepoint) for having led to a loss of embroidery skills and Mary’s notoriety was put into question for her work in this field. Age 78, she produced her last picture. She was also said to be the last person in Leicester to use a sedan chair. In 1845 she caught ‘flu and died. She was buried at St Margaret’s Church in Leicester, where she had previously worshipped.

The last, but not least of Lynn’s Belles of the Clock Tower is Alice Hawkins, 1863 - 1946. Age 13, she was working in the boot and shoe industry and became a leading Suffragette among boot and shoe machinists in Leicester at a time when women had no voice. In 1884, she married Alfred Hawkins after meeting him at a socialist meeting and went to have six children.

In 1907 she was imprisoned in Holloway prison for 14 days after attending a Suffragette meeting in Hyde Park and she met Sylvia Pankhurst who ran the Women’s Social and Political Union, their motto being ‘Deeds not Words’. Alice was imprisoned on several occasions, once for throwing a brick through the Home Office

window!. Alfred heckled Sir Winston Churchill at a meeting in Leicester to support Votes for Women but was unsuccessful and once again, Alice was imprisoned.

Whilst in prison, she befriended women wardens. The WSVU agreed to cease activities at the start of 1914 if women in prison were released. Many Suffragettes were working women rather than ‘ladies’. Alice died in 1946 and was buried in a pauper’s grave at Welford Road Cemetry. The colours of the Suffragette Movement are purple for loyalty, green for hope and white for purity. A lot of Suffragettes were part of Women’s ‘Institutes, enabling them to become women in their own right, what a wonderful history that we should all be so grateful for and so proud of.

Thank you so much Lynn for this fascinating talk about our home town, I hope I’ve managed to be accurate and do it justice in this potted summary!

We have two theatre trips coming up, both at Curve: Fisherman’s Friends and The Bodyguard. There is also our 70th birthday celebration in June which is to be held at Groby Club with a hot meal included. A river cruise from Nottingham (with food) is being planned for later in the year, so you will see that apart from our regular meetings we have some exciting visits ahead. If you think you might be interested in joining the WI just come along to our next meeting, we’re a very friendly bunch!

The next meeting is on Thursday 16th March and the speaker will be from Hannah’s Chocolates. Hopefully, after the chocolate demonstration, we will have some chocolate goodies to sample!

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 20 All types of thieves are bad, but bakery robbers take the biscuit.
WI From £5 From £5 CRB Checked Tel: 07934 686692 Email: Julie.petcareservice@gmail.com SERVICES Dog Walking Julie’s Pet Care Pet Minding Email: juliedu.petcare@gmail.com
Groby
Mary Linwood

Bradgate Rotary News

Another Well-being Event planned – March 29th

FOLLOWING THE HUGELY successful Well-being Events held at the Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Groby and in Anstey, Bradgate Rotary are organising an Easter Event on Wednesday 29th March at the Activity Centre at Ulverscroft Manor.

The afternoon is free to anyone from the Bradgate area (Groby, Glenfield, Ratby, Markfield, Newtown Linford and Anstey areas). The purpose of these afternoons is to help the many vulnerable adults and people sheltering to enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment and activity to help combat loneliness.

The Easter Event will feature the local acoustic musicians, John Montague and Steve Convey, who will play and sing well-known songs, including a selection of Neil Diamond covers. This Acoustic Duo are back by popular demand and places will fill very fast.

The popular prize bingo, raffle and fun quiz will keep everyone entertained for the afternoon. Starting at 2pm and finishing by 5pm, there will be a few Easter surprises plus tea and cake.

To book a place for the afternoon please call or text Bradgate Rotary on 07851 796798.

• A FURTHER WELL-BEING EVENT is also planned for Thursday 8th June in Glenfield and will again be open to anyone throughout the Bradgate villages.

Rotary helping to eradicate Polio

FOROVER 35 YEARS, Rotary and its members have been committed to fighting to eradicate polio across the world.

The Purple4Polio activities are to raise funds and awareness for End Polio Now, Rotary’s global campaign. You may have seen the purple crocuses that Bradgate Rotary planted to raise awareness throughout sites in Groby, as well as Markfield memorial stone and Ratby library.

Thanks to Rotary, and the support of our partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, there are now just two countries classed as endemic with Type 1 remaining in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

21 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Today my
really
put me in a very awkward position.
yoga instructor was
drunk,

Election Voter

Photographic ID

In the Borough Council election taking place on May 4th this year you will need to bring photographic ID in order to be able to place your vote.

King Charles III Coronation - Grants

To mark the Coronation of King Charles III, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, in partnership with the Rural Community Council (RCC), is launching a new fund to help established community groups across Hinckley and Bosworth to celebrate and commemorate this historic occasion.

Grants of up to £500 are available for those who are going to organise Coronation related activities or events, for example:

• Community Events between Saturday 6th May & Monday 9th May

• Flagpoles or Union Flags

• Commemorative benches or trees

• Coronation orchards or wildflower gardens

Please note that food and refreshments included in applications will only be supported up to a maximum of £100.

To qualify you will need to demonstrate that you are an existing/established voluntary group, and that your Coronation Celebrations are an extension of your existing offer to the community.

Please be advised grants are not available for one off private street parties celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III, for which we wish you good luck and success.

To submit an application, groups should apply online by visiting https://www.ruralcc.org.uk/hbbc/ and complete the short application form.

Applications must be received by Thursday 6th April in order to be considered.

Applications will be considered by a specially convened VCS funding panel, with funds released to successful applicants by mid-April. Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and the RCC hope you are able to celebrate this momentous moment in history.

For further information please contact Joanne Lowe 01455320455 - E-mail: jlowe@ruralcc.org.uk

Bradgate Stables Update

Bradgate Stables and Kennels are located to the north of the A50 between Bradgate Hill and Markfield, part of a much bigger development that included Bradgate House.

Sadly the house was demolished in 1926 but its elaborate stable block, Bradgate Stables, still survives, albeit in a dilapidated condition. The loss of the house completely makes the significance of the stable block all the more important and significant.

Both the house and stable block were constructed in 1856 for the 7th Earl of Stamford, Master of the Quorn Hunt 1856-63.

The Stables and Kennels are a Grade II* listed building due to their special historic and architectural interest.

Bradgate Stables feature on a number of Historic Buildings at risk registers, including Historic England. The Borough Council and Historic England have been attempting to secure the proper preservation of Bradgate Stables and Kennels for a considerable period of time.

Cllr Martin Cartwright

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council – Groby Ward.

Executive member for: Licensing, Environmental, Climate Change & Rural Issues

Call: 0116 287 4500 • Mobile: 07850 707050

E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk

Write : Maverick House,10 Pine Tree Avenue, Groby, LE6 0EQ

Cllr Martin Cartwright @CllrCartwright cllr.martincartwright

The building is now in disuse and is in a very poor state of disrepair, at significant risk, being identified by the Borough Council and Historic England as “at risk”.

The current building owners, who are ultimately responsible for the listed building status requirements upon their land, have failed to undertake much of the works required for its preservation. This is despite the pausing of formal action planned by the Borough Council during the summer of 2022, which was withdrawn based on the seemingly willingness of the landowner to address the condition of the building.

Regrettably, as a result, the Borough Council - with the support of Historic England - are recommencing with a statutory course of action under Section 54 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. This is to ensure that the works urgently required for the preservation of the building are undertaken either voluntarily by the landowner or in default by the Borough Council, where if the latter, the cost of the work, currently estimated at just under £300,000, can be recovered from the land owner. If works are carried out in default Historic England would pick up 80% and HBBC 20% of the bill before recovery.

The specified urgent works include vegetation clearance, scaffolding replacement, wall repairs, and repairs to the tower and armorial panel.

The urgent works identified in the report will be undertaken throughout the spring and summer of 2023.

Although the urgent works are only a short-term measure they are imperative and urgently required to ensure the condition of the building does not deteriorate any further at this time, allowing long-term options for the Stables and Kennels to be explored and the proper

preservation of this special building to be secured for the longer term. There is considerable interest from stakeholders in the long-term options for the building.

As ward member for Groby I am extremely grateful for the comprehensive report that has been undertaken by the experts in this field that not only identifies what the urgent work needed to be completed right now is but also gives a complete true picture of the current state of the building.

I am also very grateful to the Borough Council officers that have taken an interest and pursued this issue over many years resulting in the recommendation that I was delighted to second and support at the Borough Council on February 22nd 2023.

Once the urgent works have been undertaken to stop further deteriation to the Bradgate Stables I would welcome talks with the landowner and the Borough Council officers as to what happens next in respect of the future of Bradgate Stables. One step at a time springs to mind.

Can I remind residents that the Bradgate Stables are located on private land.

Absolutely no attempt should be made by anyone to visit the site as you would be trespassing. Any works carried out will be closely supervised and monitored by those with the skills to do so, in that respect the urgent works required will be carried out in safe hands.

I look forward to being able to update you in due course.

Please remember if I can ever be of help to you or your family please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 22 Anything can be a balanced meal if it’s the right distance from the fulcrum. Borough Council News From Councillor Martin Cartwright Tel: 0116 287 4500 Mob: 07850 707050 E-Mail: hbbc@appliancehome.co.uk

Sign up by Wednesday, March 15 if you’re interested

Funding available to run holiday clubs this summer

FUNDING IS AVAILABLE for organisations to run holiday clubs for children and young people in Leicestershire this summer.

Leicestershire County Council, working with Active Together, has secured £1.5m from the Department for Education funded Holiday Activities & Food (HAF) Programme to co-ordinate the schemes during the school holidays.

They are looking for Leicestershire schools, charity, voluntary and community sector organisations, and other out of school and holiday activity organisations, to deliver the Leicestershire ‘Holidays Together’ provision.

Providers interested in offering a range of activities across the county for young people who receive benefits related free school meals this summer need to register an interest (link is external)by Wednesday, March 15.

An online Q & A session will be held for anyone interested in signing up, via Microsoft Teams at 6pm on Thursday, March 2.

Holidays Together sessions could include:

• Creative activities, for example putting on a play, junk modelling or drumming workshop

• Fun experiences, for example a nature walk, cooking activities or a trip

• Physical activities, for example parachute games, swimming, dancing or sports

Providers also be asked to provide at least one healthy meal a day to participants.

If you have the potential to become a Holidays Together provider and are interested in finding out more about running a HAF programme this summer - or would like to take part in the online session - you can register your interest online at https://www.active-together.org/holidaystogetherproviders

For more information, or any queries about the programme, email the County Council at haf@leics.gov.uk

WIN A MEAL AT THE STAMFORD!

GREATEST SCIENTISTS

WORDSEARCH

This is your Word Search!

IF YOU can find 16 OF THE GREATEST SCIENTISTS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of house wine at The Stamford Arms in Groby.

ADALOVELACE ALBERTEINSTEIN ARCHIMEDES CARLLINNAEUS

ENRICOFERMI GALILEOGALILEI HIPPOCRATES ISAACNEWTON

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 16 OF THE GREATEST SCIENTISTS. These can overlap and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: EUREKA, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 1ST APRIL 2023. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

MARIECURIE MICHAELFARADAY NIKOLATESLA

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

Find the word in the puzzle.

Words can go in any direction.

Please find the following 16 GREATEST SCIENTISTS

Words can share letters as they cross over each other.

ADA LOVELACE • ALBERT EINSTEIN • ALEXANDER FLEMING ARCHIMEDES • CARL LINNAEUS • DMITRI MENDELEEV • ENRICO FERMI • GALILEO GALILEI • GREGOR MENDEL

16 of 16 words placed.

HIPPOCRATES • ISAAC NEWTON • LOUIS PASTEUR

MARIE CURIE • MICHAEL FARADAY

NICOLAUS COPERNICUS • NIKOLA TESLA

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

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

Last Issue’s Winner was:

Copyright © 2023

Anne Whitworth of Woodland Drive, Groby.

Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you in the next few weeks.

23 Groby & Field Head Spotlight • MID-MARCH 2023 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk 08/03/2023, 10:07 W P a o
Disco
makes me more productive than the last minute.
Nothing
.............................
.............................................................................Postcode:
The Great Gregor Mendel

ALL’S WELL WHEN THE LAWN’S WELL

Lawns are so much more than carpets of grass. They complete our garden visions, they’re sanctuaries for our wellbeing. That’s why we provide year-round treatments to keep your lawn at its best.

It’s also why we’re running our Share The Lawn Love campaign, to bring lovely lawns to people who deserve them.

Discover more at greenthumb.co.uk Leicestershire West - 0116 269 4019 leicestershirewest@greenthumb.co.uk Scan here

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