Your chance to nominate someone special!
Young Artist of the Year
Do you know someone special who is a resident of Groby and will be available in July 2013? If so, then the Parish Council wants to hear from you and make that someone very special.
Tell us in no more than 100 words why that person is so special and why they would be honoured to assist in the Official Opening of the superb new Garden of Remembrance at Groby Village Cemetery. Their name will be forever engraved as being special to Groby Village for all time. We think that someone young and someone in their later years would really fit the bill and together make the opening a day to remember. Closing date – 31st May 2013 : c/o Clerk to the Council, Beverley Greenwood, Council Offices, Village Hall, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0DQ – all letters answered. Memorial plaques, trees, roses and benches are available to purchase to remember that special someone in the Garden of Remembrance. Contact the Clerk for further details.
Quarry Park Drainage Works Drainage works will be commencing at Quarry Park in Groby from Tuesday 7th May 2013 for a minimum of 4 weeks. Heavy goods lorries will be going in with machinery and depositing aggregate and pipes in the car park. Every effort will be made to keep disruption to the car park to a minimum, but the playing field will be off limits. D The work DOES NOT affect the children’s play area.
Meghan Shuttlewood year 12 at Groby Community College has won Young Artist of the Year at the Leicestershire Lord Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year ceremony held at County Hall, 11 April 2013. Mrs Deborah Law, Subject Leader for Art, nominated Meghan on the basis of her sheer talent, originality and the unique qualities of her work
The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton presents Meghan with her prize.
and she received a prize of £500 worth of art equipment. Meghan is looking to study art at Goldsmiths University in London and hopes that winning this award will help her to stand out amongst the stiff competition for places at one of the country’s best art schools.
Who are all these people? And why are they looking so pleased? Find out on page 26 ...
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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It appears someone invited a lot of old people to my high school reunion.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Impromptu deputy head shave
Red Nose Day at Brookvale High School!
Students and staff at Brookvale High School have always relished the opportunity to ‘get stuck in’ and raise money for all sorts of charitable causes, and this year’s Red Nose Day was no exception.
Dental nurse/ receptionist vacancy To join a great team at Crofton House Dental Practice in Groby. The candidate to have experience or be on the training course.
Friday 15th March 2013 began with an array of colour and costume, with students arriving to school either in their PJs or dressed as their favourite Super-Hero! Our school has always been a completely safe environment in which to learn, but on this particular Friday we need not have feared, for we had Superman, Spiderman and Captain America (to name but a few) on our patch watching over us! ‘Onesies’ are obviously the name of the game for bedtime, with a variety of animals prowling our corridors and classrooms! Whilst our students were bubbling over with excitement at each other’s dress attire, our staff members sat openmouthed during our normal Friday morning staff briefing, as our very own Deputy Headteacher, Mr Greg Godwin, announced that if the staff could manage to raise £50 by lunch time, he would allow his head to be shaved during the lunch break!!!! As you can imagine, pockets were raided and purses were rattled and coinage was produced and the required total of £50 was met with ease, and surpassed well before the lunch break began. Mr Godwin lived up to his words and at approximately 1.30pm in our Gymnasium, watched by students and staff alike, paying at least 50p for entrance, Mrs Ruth Goddard, one of our Student Support Officers, produced her trusty (could even have been slightly rusty!!!) clippers and proceeded to glide them over the barnet of Mr Godwin. 15 minutes or so later (Mrs Goodard had already been heard to say ‘There’s not a lot to go at actually!’) the head shave was complete and Mr Godwin was sporting his new look for all to see! At the end of Friday 15th March 2013, the grand total raised for the ‘Red Nose Day’ cause was £902.85 and a thoroughly good day’s fundraising had been enjoyed by all.
Elaine Freeman
What’s going on at Groby Library? Why not come along to Groby Library in the next few weeks and see what’s going on there, as well as being able to borrow the latest books and audio books, you can also access the internet and use the computers for free. DVDs are available for hire at a very competitive rate. Groby Library also hosts a couple of local groups, the Knit and Stitch group meet every other Friday from 5.30pm til 6.30pm. Everyone is very welcome, regardless of ability. So why not come along, get creative and have a chat over a cuppa? Remaining May dates are Friday 17th and 31st. The parent -led story and rhyme group for pre-school children takes place on alternate Thursday mornings from 10.30am until 11am. It’s a great opportunity for parents, grandparents and carers to get together with their little ones for stories and songs, to have fun and meet others. The group warmly welcomes new members and especially adults who can help out by reading the occasional story. The dates for May are Thursday 9th and 23rd and the group meets throughout the holidays. For more details please contact the library on 0116 305 3601 or email: grobylibrary@leics.gov.uk
10 times out of 9, you’ll find me exaggerating about something.
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Groby Wi’s “Pink” Walk In Aid Of Glenfield Breast Care Unit Why not come along and join us in our “Pink” Walk around the village in aid of the Glenfield Breast Care Unit. We held the first one last year and it was a really happy, enjoyable event raising quite a lot of money. This year we would like more entrants, the more the merrier. It is open to absolutely everyone. Fancy dress welcome or wear something pink. It is on Saturday 3rd August at Groby Village Hall starting from 10.00 am. It is £2.50 per entry which includes a cuppa and biscuit at the end. We also welcome those who wish not to do the actual walk but would like to come along to support us. Refreshments will be available in the hall. So why not come along and either join our fun walk or enjoy a cuppa all in the aid of this great cause. For further details please ring Fran on 0116 224 5479. I was walking down the street when a man threw a glass of milk over me. I thought, ‘How dairy!’ I loaded a video of me with the flu on to YouTube, and within a week the whole street had caught it. Apparently it had gone viral.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Our Garden at Groby Nursery Playgroup
Local belly dancer performs for Duchess! Last month, Groby’s own belly dancer, Ayshe, was invited to perform before a very important audience.
All the children and staff at our setting are amazed at the variety of creatures we have in our garden at the moment. We have tadpoles changing into froglets, caterpillars metamorphosing into butterflies. We even have a little mouse who has taken up residence in our herb garden. But most surprising of all is a Mummy Blackbird who has built her nest in the children’s play tunnel which is hanging up on our outside wall. She has been really busy building her nest and now she is keeping her eggs warm by spending nearly all her time sitting on them. We can’t wait for them to hatch!
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Partnered by her niece Rosie, Ayshe belly danced at a party organised by the Duchess of Rutland. Ayshe has been a professional belly dancer for 28 years and has recently trained her niece to duet with her at shows. As she explains, “We were booked by a London agency to perform for the Duchess and her family for the Duchess’s daughter’s 18th birthday, in the Belvoir Castle grounds in a Moroccan-style tent. “As well as our show, there were live camels, and every one of the 50 guests wore Arabic fancy dress. “Her young brothers made up a rude rap about their sister and friends revealed revelations about her various suitors. Then the duchess read a poem she had written about her daughter.” “Everyone had a fantastic time!”
Television Gardener to Visit Newtown Linford For the members of Newtown Linford Gardening Club the highlight of the year in 2013 will come in October when our guest speaker will be the television gardener Christine Walkden. It is a real feather in our cap to be able to attract someone who has achieved such national recognition. Anyone who has watched ‘Gardeners’ World’ or the ‘One Show’ will have no difficulty in recognising her and her extremely extrovert and effusive style of delivery. We will be opening this special event to non-members and to members of nearby gardening clubs so we advise you all to mark Tuesday October 22nd in your diaries and watch this space for further information in future months. Tickets are now available at £10 each They can be obtained from the secretary at 32 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford LE6 0HH or by ringing 10530 242452 or by e-mail at 01530242452@talktalk.net
If you enjoy reading the Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks! “Doctor, Doctor! I swallowed a bone.” “Are you choking?” “No! I’m serious.”
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
David Wilson backs Flexible Learning Centre at Groby Community College David Wilson has given his backing to a new centre designed to help students develop basic construction skills at Groby Community College in Leicestershire. The programme will be in partnership with Leicester College where expert teaching and progression routes at post 16 will help support those students wishing to access construction apprenticeships. The new Flexible Learning Centre at Groby Community College will open in September 2013. Made possible by an £80,000 donation from the David Wilson Foundation, the new purpose-built Centre gives students the perfect opportunity to study the three main trades – bricklaying, plumbing and carpentry – in a realistic working environment with all of the tools and equipment linked to each trade available to them. The centre will provide access to up to 50 students each year. Vocationally based courses delivered by the Centre include the City and Guilds Level 1 Introductory Certificate in Basic Construction Skills, with students taught by staff from Leicester College. In addition to Groby Community College students, the Centre is also used by Brookvale
High School who share the campus with the college. Endorsing the new Centre, David Wilson said: “A key aim of the David Wilson Foundation is to help young people acquire construction skills for their future. This new Construction Centre is the perfect example of that aspiration in action, giving young people an ideal introduction into the construction industry and the skills needed to succeed.” Commenting on the future success of the Centre, Sue Varnam, Groby Community College’s Curriculum Leader for Flexible Learning said: “The grant from the David Wilson Foundation has given the students who need it most on our campus an exciting opportunity to follow a programme in construction, which will play a part in significantly engaging those students who find it hardest to secure proper progression routes at college and long term employment.” “Not only will students develop knowledge and understanding as they work towards their
qualifications, but they will also gain skills that will prove invaluable in their future careers.” Groby Community College’s Principal, Robert Coles, said: “We are so very grateful to The David Wilson Foundation in helping to make this Construction Centre a reality. This opportunity will help some of our most vulnerable students gain a real insight into the world of work and will help to provide them with relevant skills which will support them in securing long term jobs and a prosperous future.” It is anticipated that the new Construction Centre will open for the first students in September this year. For further information contact: Robert Coles, Principal of the college. David Wilson, CBE, DL established The David Wilson Foundation to support young people through education. Specifically the Foundation helps young people overcome barriers to succeed, develop skills in the construction industry and achieve their potential for a successful working life.
Grants available for voluntary and charitable organisations Market Harborough Building Society’s associated Charitable Foundation was founded in 1999 to support charitable and voluntary organisations in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland. Almost all of the charity’s funding is provided by the Society. Voluntary and charitable organisations may apply for a grant, normally for capital expenditure, i.e. to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as buildings, fixtures and fittings, machinery, furniture and other equipment. The amount of any grant awarded will not normally be less than £250 or greater than £2,000. For more information and how to apply please visit the website at: www.mhbs.co.uk/charitable_foundation.aspx
The leading cause of death in mice is scientists.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Groby Gardening Society News
Fascinating talk on ‘Food from the hedgerows’ April Meeting In earlier times, foraging was a part of everyday life with the fields and woods providing much nutritious food. Even after the days of the genuine hunter/gatherer, there were many opportunities for country folk especially to supplement their diet from Nature’s free larder. There will be readers who remember gathering rosehips for the wartime production of rosehip syrup to provide youngsters with much needed Vitamin C. Some children were given half days off school to go and pick such fruit. In more modern times, who has not collected blackberries from the hedgerows during pleasant autumn days? In some of the many televised programmes about cooking, there can be found enthusiastic foragers.
At our April meeting we welcomed Lynn Tann-Watson (pictured above) to talk about “Food from the hedgerows”. Her first advice was to ignore anything you cannot, without doubt, identify. She has not confidence to pick any fungi except giant puff balls. Apparently, these are superb if fried in butter with garlic or even stuffed with chopped vegetables and herbs and then baked. Acorns from our native oaks can be ground to make a flour, albeit a last resort as a “famine” food. These acorns firstly need to be soaked and strained many times to remove their bitterness! These same acorns have been made into a coffee substitute, but even this enthusiast
cannot recommend the taste. Many people will have come across hazel nuts in our local woods and, if you can beat the squirrels, these are very nutritious. Lynn claimed that they contain fifty times the protein, seven times the fat and five times the carbohydrate of eggs. The fruit of the beech tree is known as beechnuts or mast and is found in small burrs that drop from the tree in autumn. It is small, roughly triangular and edible, with a bitter, astringent taste. They have a high enough fat content that they can be pressed for edible oil. Fresh from the tree, beech leaves are a fine salad vegetable, as sweet as a mild cabbage much softer in texture. The young leaves can be steeped in gin for several weeks, the liquor strained off and sweetened to give a light green/ yellow liqueur called beechleaf noyau. (Probably a good way to spoil gin). Country wines, of course, have their origin in the products from woods and hedges. Blackberries, elderberries, sloes, crab apples, wild damsons and plums would be suitable starting points. Similarly, such fruits can often be made into jellies and jams. Another thread running through Lynn’s talk was the use of tea substitutes. Blackberry and raspberry leaves being examples of such “tea” leaves. A link with our last talk was Lynn’s enthusiasm for dandelions. Before you curse these so-called weeds in your garden, consider how you can put them to use in your kitchen. Dandelions are useful in food, homemade wine, and herbal medicines. The bright yellow blossom of the dandelion, its milky stem, its leafy greens, and even its root all possess special qualities that make the hardy plant handy. If you thought dandelions were just garden nuisances, you might be surprised how edibly indispensable they are. In fact, it is only in the last century that people began to see dandelions as weeds instead of vital herbs. Dandelion greens, nutritious as they are, can sometimes be bitter. Accordingly, they are rarely served
in beer brewing, calling it “The wicked weed”, or how dandelion and burdock beverage is a good detoxifying agent. Space does not permit many more illustrations of nature’s bounty, but horse radish, hairy bitter cress, silver weed, wild garlic, stinging nettles, fat hen, rowan berries and goose grass all figured in Lynn’s fascinating talk.
Outings on their own without mollifying additives. Besides mixing their way into salads, diced-up dandelion greens find their way into tomato sauces, where the slight bitterness complements tomato, basil, and sugar combinations. Some bakers will incorporate dandelion greens into specialty breads, especially accompanying tart cranberries. For an exotic pizza topping, dandelion greens make an interesting alternative to spinach. As for meat, spicy sausage and dandelion is a good match because the bitterness of the dandelion curiously softens the punch. Dandelion blossoms are also used in cooking. As long as the stems are removed, leaving just the golden flower and the immediate green underpinning, they garnish dishes nicely. They can be fried, baked, and sautéed with various seasonings or (less frequently) incorporated into soups and stews alongside their greens. Dandelion blossoms are also the source of tart jellies. Sadly, because so many people attempt, often in vain, to remove dandelions from their property, herbicides sometime taint dandelions and render them unsafe for consumption. Before picking dandelions, or any other wild food, be sure that they are not growing in an area that was treated for “weeds.” Some grocery stores, particularly independent stores with more specialty items, will carry dandelion greens. The blossoms are harder to come by commercially. Lynn enlivened her presentation by having numerous examples of plants that she featured and also by including some interesting stories. Examples included how Henry VIII banned the use of hops
We shall have to close the signing lists for our two trips at the end of May. So if you would still like to join us, please contact Alvar directly.
The Plant Sale This takes place on Saturday May 18th at 10.30 in Groby Village Hall. Don’t miss the chance to get quality bedding plants, lovingly grown vegetable plants, plants for hanging baskets and many herbaceous and perennial specimens. Here is the chance to support a local initiative, as well as getting the above at very competitive prices.
Forthcoming events • May 18th: Plant sale at The Village Hall (10.30-12.00) • June 13th: “Fuchsias” by Martin Beerman • June 21st: Day trip to Cotswolds and Coughton Court • July 10th/11th: Two day trip to The Great Yorkshire Show and Brodsworth House & Gardens • August 8th: No meeting at U.R.C., but an evening trip to a private garden at Saddington. Our monthly meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month, usually in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Alvar Johnson. (Tel. No. 01162877870) or E mail alvar3@talktalk.net
Alvar Johnson
Temporary Road Closure Of The Field Head Roundabout On The A50, Markfield The County Council has granted the temporary closure of the above road in order to carry out carriageway resurfacing. This will require the closure of Markfield Lane, Launde Road, and Leicester Road as well as the A50. These works will be carried out in 2 phases: up to Junction 22. Local and non-local motorway traffic will be diverted • Phase 1. The roundabout will be closed Coalville bound on the along Leicester Road, Sacheverell Way, Groby, Groby Road, Markfield nights of the 20th and 21st May 2013 between 20.00 hours and 06.00 Road, Ratby, Ratby Lane, London Road, Forest Road, Stoney Lane, & Cliffe hours. This will include the closure of Leicester Road, Markfield. Lane, Markfield. These routes will be reversed for phase 2. • Phase 2. The roundabout will be closed city bound on the 22nd. 23rd The route for vehicles wishing to travel to Newtown Linford will be signed and 24th May between 20.00 hours and 06.00 hours. on site. Traffic will be diverted along the A46 to Junction 21 of the M1 and back
If a double dip recession is so bad, why did they make it sound so delicious?
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Groby Village Society
Preservation ~ Conservation Communal Interests
Forthcoming Events Thursday May 23 - Wot, No Polar Bears? - Mr Simon Coates Thursday June 27 - Egypt the Ancient Land of the Pharaohs - Mrs Anne Halsey Thursday July 25 - Hey Diddle Diddle - Mrs Sally Leong Thursday August 22 - Awaiting Details Thursday September 26 Chris & Ken The Railway Men (Part2) - Mr Ken Issitt & Mr Chris Bates Thursday October 24 - Nell Gwyn - Mrs Sally Henshaw Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 Email: groby.villagesociety@ tiscali.co.uk Non Members are Welcome
• We have a range of full and part-time courses at levels 3 and 4 to suit you, from hair and beauty to business, IT and care. • Completing a course or training has also been found to have a positive impact on quality of life, increasing self-esteem and confidence. For the first time from August 2013, due to changes in government funding, learners will have the option of accessing a loan to pay their course fees from the Student Loans Company (SLC). Learners will only need to start repaying the loan once they have completed the course and are earning over £21,000 per year. This new funding means that many more people over the age of 24 will have the opportunity to study on level 3 and level 4 courses, allowing them to experience the related benefits such as increased wages and job satisfaction. What options are available to cover course/training costs? Self Funded: Pay for the course up front, or in instalments (up to10) for eligible courses Loan: Take out a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to cover the course/training costs. Who are the new loans for? The 24+ Advanced Learning Loans are for anyone who is: • Aged 24 and above at the start of their course • Studying at Level 3 and Level 4 in Further Education and training • Resident in the UK for at least the last 3 years • Has not previously had a loan to do the same type and level of qualification. The loans will not be means tested or subject to credit checks. How do they work? There is no upfront cost to the individual. The loan is taken out at the start of the course but repaid after the course has finished and earnings are at last £21,000. When will they be available? For courses starting from September 2013 onwards, loans will be available for courses including Advanced and Higher Apprenticeships, QCF Diplomas/Certificates at levels 3 and 4, Access to HE courses (full and parttime) and A levels. How much will the loans be for? For all eligible courses the loan will be up to the 100% of the cost of the training including course and material fees. How do I apply?
You can apply online now via https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans To find out more visit leicestercollege.ac.uk or call 0116 224 2240.
Get involved in Local and Community History! Have you been inspired by the discovery of Richard III, or always wanted to trace your family tree? If so, Local and Community History Month is for you. Throughout May you can take part in an exciting range of events and learning activities across Leicestershire to find out more about local and family history. See new exhibitions, enjoy fascinating talks and guided walks, or take inspiration from the past in a creative taster session, in areas such as writing, jewellery making, painting, drawing and textiles. View the full programme of events or visit the website (www.leics. gov.uk) to find out how you can get involved.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight March Meeting
PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. What is a weed? Well, it LE67 9ZT seems to depend upon your point of Telephone view. To some they are simply a garden01530-244069 ing nuisance, whereas to others they Emailinus are a nice plant theat: wrong place. info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Shakespeare did not appear to be a great Visit weedthe lover as he wrote “To website at thy fair flower add the rank smell of www.grobyspotlight.co.uk weeds: But why thy odour matcheth not thy show? The soil is this, that 3,500 thou dost common grow.” The copies distributed book of Genesis states 11 times a year (no“Cursed issue is the ground because of you; through in July) to homes and painful toil you will eat of it all the businesses in Groby, days of your life. It will Field produce Head Thefor Brantings. thorns andand thistles you and you will eat the plants of the field. By andbrow published ineat theCompiled sweat of your you will the Parish of Groby your food until you return to the ground.” & Field Head. At our March meeting, Eric Printed in aEllistown by gave most interesting Webster Norwood presentation on thisPress. subject close to most gardeners’ hearts. He outThe Spotlight is a monthly lined some historical points such as compilation of articles, press the releases, sycamore beinggeneral considered events, items for a longoftime as aand weed brought interest news items over bysubmitted the Romans. Helocal alsoresidents, described to us by thegroups, process of colonisation by wild associations, sports clubs plants after ice age. Eric was and the locallast authorities. clearly a supporter of weeds in the The opinions expressed by general sense and backed up his contributors are not necessarily thoughts that many those ofby the suggesting Spotlight Production valued greatly Team.wild The flowers, inclusion that of any group enhance our countryside, can become or organisation in this publication does not necessarily a our unwanted weeds if theyimply invade recommendation its aims, gardens. Cow parsley,ofred campion, methods or policies. buttercups and even dandelions fell Groby & Field Head Spotlight into this category. cannot be held responsible for An the interesting aside was byhis ininformation disclosed formation that there over advertisements, all ofare which are 360 acceptedofindandelion good faith. in the micro species EveryIsles. effortAn is made to ensure British aspect whichthe many accuracy of information in this would not have considered was the magazine, but no liability can be effect of some weeds on the qualaccepted for loss or inconvenience ity of caused farm products as or milk or as a result such of error flour. Quite a omission. few weeds, if eaten by dairyGroby cows,&can unappetisFieldproduce Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, ing, bitter milk. Penny cress and refuse to are publish articles of theshorten wild oralliums examples and/or advertisements submitted such plants. for publication. A rye-like All grass whose contents © seed head is almost indistinguishable Groby & Field Head Spotlight. from wheat was a similar problem.inThis None of the articles contained this magazine are toisbethought reproduced Bearded Darnel to be any way without first of obtaining theintares in the parable the wheat written Groby wherever & Field and tares,consent and asfrom it thrives Head Spotlight. wheat is grown, a problem developed. If its seeds are ground with ISSUE OUTpoitheNEXT wheat grains, sour (possibly sonous) flour is produced. Its simiSaturday 15th June larity to wheat seeds in terms of size and appearance was a real problem until theSaturday last century 1stwhen June separation techniques improved. Black nightshade grows well in fields of cultivated peas and its seeds greatly resemble peas in size, if not appearEmail: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk ance. Mechanised picking could not distinguish between the two. There is, of course, a rich history of plants such as our weeds being
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When a cowboy breaks his leg, I think his horse should be allowed to shoot him.
10
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Spotlight Small Ads • Working laptop 2.5GHz Celeron Proc. 1 GB RAM 20GB HDD Win XP SP3. Faulty Power supply excluded but can be used with generic 20V supply. Price: £20 • Solid Oak Chest of Drawer Unit. 3 draws. Top in need of light sanding & varnish. Price: £30 • Computer Pentium 4 2.53GHz 512MB 40GB Tower. Win XP SP3 Fully Functional. Price: £40 • Set of Multimedia Computer Speakers Price: £5 • Solid Oak Double bed Headboard. Brand new still in packaging from Bensons. Provence Style. Price: £50. Tel: 07958 411978 • Mobility Scooter, Sterling Little Gem. Suitable for person up to 12 stone. Scooter will dismantle for easy loading into car. Price £150 Tel: 0116 225 0229 • BRIDAL SHOES - Ivory, size 6, brand new. Price: £25 • BRIDAL SANDALS - Diamante detail, size 8, brand new. Price: £20 • WEDDING VEIL - brand new, Diamante detail, cost £100 reasonable offers considered. Tel: 0116 299 3799 after 5.30pm. • Two reclinable folding PATIO CHAIRS in white plastic. Price: £25 the pair, or near offer. • Two folding BISTRO CHAIRS, made in steel, padded, green in colour. Price: £15 the pair, or near offer. • Six HANDBAGS - as new/used - ‘Tommy & Kate/Kinsey/Radley/ Ciccia’ - assorted colours and sizes. Prices range from £25-£60 each. Tel: 0116 232 2474 or mobile 07757 530272.
• Champion horse riding BODY PROTECTOR - child large, chest size 72cm-80cm Price: £15 o.n.o. • Harry Hall horse riding BODY PROTECTOR - never worn, child’s extra large Price: £30 o.n.o. • RIDING JODHPURS - beige, 11-12 years Price: £5 • RIDING HAT - skull size 54cm55cm Price: £20 o.n.o • SKULL HAT & COVER - size 56cm-58cm Price: £20 o.n.o. • POLLY HAT - 56cm-61cm, adult Price: £20 o.n.o. • Harry Hall long RIDING BOOTS - size 4 Price: £5 Tel: 0116 287 0607 • Large Ironing Board Price: £3 Tel: 0116 229 1903 Trading Standards Advice Sellers of second hand electrical goods are responsible for ensuring the goods meet legal safety requirements and sellers may be liable to pay compensation if they sell unsafe goods and they cause injury or damage. If the equipment you are selling complies with an acceptable standard - for example, a British/European Standard - it will normally meet safety requirements.If you sell second hand electrical goods which are unsafe or incorrectly labelled and you haven’t taken reasonable precautions to avoid this, you may be prosecuted.
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Meeting disappointment head-on. Or as I like to call it, waking up.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Martinshaw and Leicestershire Primary Cross Country Championship The County Cross Country Finals took place on Saturday 16th March and Martinshaw took along a number of athletes to compete on the day. The Hinckley and Bosworth area dominated the event winning 6 of the 8 races. Our athletes contributed greatly to the success of the Hinckley and Bosworth team with some excellent individual performances. Lucca Watson-Quilter capped a fine season by retaining the county title in the Year Five race. He was followed in by his brother, Roman in 2nd place and Alfie O’Keeffe had his best race of the season finishing 20th. As a result of these performances Martinshaw have been awarded with the county trophy. Jessica Tansley ran a gutsy race to finish in 17th and contributed to the Year 5 Girls becoming county champions. With the Cross Country season now at an end our KS2 athletes will be turning their attention to something a little different: Orienteering! Martinshaw have a good competitive record in the sport having been County Champions both 2011 and 2012. We’ve had lots of children interested in participating and hope to send a strong team to Bradgate Park for the County Championships on May 18th.
Car Boot Sale
FREE adult cycling courses
Saturday 1st June Copt Oak Memorial Hall Whitwick Road, Copt Oak, LE67 9QB (next to Copt Oak Pub) Cars £5 - set up from 7.30am 9am - 1pm - Admission 50p Refreshments available Proceeds in aid of St Peters Church, Copt Oak To book ring - 0116 2674746
Free adult cycling courses are being run across the county this spring, summer and autumn. The courses, run by Leicestershire County Council, are aimed at developing confidence and skills for riding both on and off the road. They are ideal for people who have never been on a bike before, riders who want to improve their confidence and people who haven’t cycled for years. Training is delivered by experienced instructors qualified to a national standard. Participants don’t need their own bike as bikes and helmets can be hired, subject to availability, for a small, refundable deposit. Last year over 350 people took part in the courses across Leicestershire. Cycling is great fun and a good opportunity to get fit, save money on fuel and help the environment. So whether you are looking for a new leisure activity or planning on cycling to work, why not give it a go? The courses are run over five two-hour sessions. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. For more information and to book a place visit: www.leics.gov.uk/cycling, email choosehowyoumove@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 8307.
Council Approved
If time is money, then how come someone like me who has all the time in the world is still broke?
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
County Council Election Result - May 2013
The loneliness of baby boomers One in three of us who are over 50 struggles with loneliness.
This is fuelled partly by the rise in ‘silver splitters’ - people who divorce later in life. The number of older people getting divorced has almost doubled in a decade. The study, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), shows that the problem is most acute among those who live alone or have long-standing illnesses that lead to them becoming isolated. Over 60 per cent of those who had been widowed felt lonely for some or much of the time. 51 per cent of divorced or separated people felt lonely. (By contrast, only just over 40 per cent of those who had always been single said they felt lonely.) Campaign groups warn that the generation approaching retirement will prove to be a ‘loneliness time bomb’. Michele Mitchell, director general of Age UK, voiced her concern that cuts to local authority budgets “are exacerbating the problem of loneliness and isolation for many older people.”
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National Trust Leicester Association NEWS
Lord Vernon began building Sudbury Hall in the 1660’s and appears to have been his own architect. He included some well-established Jacobean ideas, including a long gallery, which were beginning to be considered out of date. However, he employed some of the top London craftsmen of the day to undertake some of the decoration. This included a large lime wood carving by the “in-vogue” master carver and sculptor Grinling Gibbons. The intricate piece adorns the Drawing Room chimney breast and features flowers, leaves, pine cones, fruit, shells, fish and birds. It was commissioned by George Vernon in 1678 and cost £40 in total (nearly £5,000 today). But, over generations, the carving had lost fragments (including a lobster and crab) and been subjected to questionable treatments such as dark staining and bids to rid it of woodworm. Some sensitive conservation work in the 1960s helped, but for the last three years, the carving has been in such a fragile state, even gentle cleaning has been impossible. Towards the end of last year, conservators, Tankerdale, spent two days carefully removing the carving to take back to their studios. The restoration involved over 800 hours of studio time and work included re-attaching separated elements, strengthening vulnerable, worm-damaged sections as well as trying to understand the different surface finishes that had been applied in the past. Once that was complete, Tankerdale cleaned the whole carving and it was put back in position in March, in view of the visiting public, and can now be seen in all its original glory. Sudbury Hall is open Wednesday to Sunday from 1.00 to 5.00 pm until 3rd November. Sudbury is also home to the NT Museum of Childhood, which is now open 7 days a week from 11am to 5pm. For details of the National Trust Leicester Association and its Talks Service, please call 0116 2229133.
Alan Tyler
Chairman
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Ratby Village Society Open Meetings Ratby Village Society meetings start at 8.00 pm in the Village Hall, Main Street, Ratby, on the third Tuesday monthly with the exception of JULY, AUGUST & DECEMBER when there are no meetings. Admission for members is £1.60 (Membership £5.00) and casual guests £2.50 refreshments included. All welcome. • 21st May 2012 – Ever wondered what makes people tick when you seem then going about their daily lives? Do they have a secret past, an unusual hobby or just a normal regular occupation? Why not come along and find out when Andy Cereseto again presents his ‘Personalities Revealed’ a revealing insight into the lives of three local victims sorry that should be people. Always a popular night so why not join us!
Newtown Linford Gardening Club News Our April visit to Woodland Nursery was truly aweinspiring. The enormous greenhouses, which all can see when arriving at the Garden Centre a few miles north of Hinckley, but cannot visit, were opened to a large party form our club and we were given a guided tour. Some four million bedding plants are raised in these greenhouses and then sent out to the many garden centres in the Wyevale Group. It was eyeopening to see the huge array of plants. We learned of the ways in which the 30 gardeners, employed on the site, ensured that all the plants were kept healthy and made to grow well enough to be sold to the public. Imagine pinching out over 20,000 fuchsia cuttings, or regulating the temperature in the greenhouse, sometimes on an hourly basis, or watering twice a day, or protecting the plants from pests and diseases and it will give an insight into the methods used to maintain the quality of the plants they sell. We were all greatly impressed. On June 25th our speaker is Colin Olle who is talking to us about the National Garden Scheme which encourages people to open their garden to the public and raise money for charity. This event is timely because one of our members will be doing just that towards the end of July. The visit of Christine Walkden on October 22nd continues to cause a lot of interest. Tickets are being ordered at a steady rate and we have had a lot of interest both from our members and from people who are members of other clubs but wish, on this occasion, to join us for this memorable evening. Tickets at £10 or membership for the year (£12) can be obtained by contacting the secretary (tel. 242452 or e-mail 01530242452@talktalk.net) , or by coming to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors). Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.
Anne and David Couling
Lady Jane Grey Primary School Wolsey Close, Groby
Summer Fair
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Charity Family Disco / Auction
Saturday 11th May 2013 - 7.30pm Till Late At Markfield Community Centre, Markfield Tickets £2 Per Person Come along and enjoy a good night and help raise money for a great charity. Everyone welcome. There’s a raffle, tombola plus more. A guest star from Leicester City Football Club will be attending. All proceeds are going to Cancer Research 1089464 For tickets contact Diane: 07748 915829
Sock it to me
Where do you hide your valuables? It seems the sock drawer wins with most of us – it comes top in our favourite hidey-hole for things we treasure. Next, comes the space under our bed, according to a survey by confused.com.
Groby Juniors Under 9’s promoted to Division 1
Saturday 15th June 2013 11.30am-2.00pm Admission Adults 50p • Children Free Fun family day, bouncy castle, BBQ, Grand Raffle and many more fun games with great prizes to be won. Everyone welcome.
The Groby Juniors Under 9’s team managed by Darren Barrett and assisted by Matt Phipps and Phil Bird, can hold their heads high after finishing in second place in Division 2 of the Leicester and District Mutual Footbal league, playing 14 matches with 11 wins, 1 draw and 2 defeats. Darren is full of praise for the team saying “A fantastic season - I’m really proud of the team. They are a great bunch of kids and we’re all looking forward to the challenge of Division 1.” The team will be in action over the summer having entered 4 football tournaments including the Groby Juniors Football Club annual tournament which will be held on 25th and 26th May at Groby Community College. Special thanks go to the teams sponsor PRICEGATE Grocery and Convenience store in Groby.
It’s all about perspective. The sinking of the Titanic was a miracle to the lobsters in the ship’s kitchen.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Look What’s On At The Palace, Ibstock 57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303
~ Forthcoming Events ~ Friday, 10th May - Film Night – ‘Hope Springs’ (12A). After thirty years of marriage, a middle-aged couple attends an intense, weeklong counselling session to work on their relationship. Starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, High Street, 01530 260460. Tuesday, 14th May – The Palace Community Centre Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held at The Palace and will begin at 7.00pm. Open to the general public, but membership is required in order to vote. If you would like to find out more about becoming a member contact Tel: 01530 260460. Friday, 17th May – ‘The Ibstock Dolly Mixtures’ present ‘Fun and Frolics’, a musical review in aid of ‘The Air Ambulance Service’. Performance starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or from Lois on Tel: 01530 261686.
Friday, 24th May - Film Night – ‘Quartet’ (12A) Dustin Hoffman directs a stellar cast in this bittersweet tale of ageing opera singers forced to face their mortality. ‘Moving, amusing and truthful’, starring Maggie Smith and Pauline Collins. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, High Street, 01530 260460. Saturday, 1st June - Pelenna Valley Welsh Male Voice Choir – Following last years’ sell-out concert at The Palace, this world famous Welsh Male Voice Choir make a return visit. Tickets: £10.00 from Halls, High Street, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460. Sunday, 2nd June – ‘Tea at The Palace’ to celebrate the Coronation Day of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. From 2.30pm tea and light refreshments will be served and events of the day and tributes to the Queen will be shown on the large screen. Come along and join the party!
Take steps to enjoy Walking Month A series of organised strolls, ambles and rambles is taking place in Leicestershire to celebrate National Walking Month. The walks will take place throughout May in a bid to encourage people to get fit and enjoy the great outdoors. It is hoped the initiative will also encourage people to consider leaving their cars at home and walk instead, wherever possible. Walks include a guided amble around Martinshaw Woods in Ratby, an exploration of footpaths beyond Beacon Hill and a stroll around Coalville. A host of walks will also take place in North West Leicestershire, Hinckley and Bosworth and Charnwood as part of the National Forest Walking Festival. Ian Drummond, Leicestershire County Council Assistant Director for Transportation, said: “We hope people will take strides to swap their cars for their walking shoes this spring. “Walking is a great way to stay physically active and there are some excellent walks, both urban and rural, right here on our doorsteps in Leicestershire. “We hope more people will sample them this May and help celebrate National Walking Month with us.” Further updates on Walking Month will be available at www.leics.gov. uk/walkingThe site also includes information on year-round walking opportunities in Leicestershire For information on the National Forest Walking Festival visit: www. thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk
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I used to use expensive, illegal substances to blur the lines of reality. Now, I just take off my glasses.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
New Voluntary and Community Sector Partnership is moving forward Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council have commissioned Next Generation Community Connect and Community Action Hinckley & Bosworth, as partners, to develop new arrangements to support the sustainability and development of Voluntary and Community (VCS) organisations in the Borough from April 2013. Research just completed, has identified over 1200 local clubs and agencies within the borough, a big number of people to consult with, and a ‘big ask’ in terms of consultation. This will therefore have two parts to it, firstly a questionnaire to be sent to as many of the 1200 organisations as possible by email, to get as much feedback and opinion about how such arrangements should work. Secondly a day consultation workshop. The new Voluntary and Community Sector Partnership for the borough, proposed by the Borough Council, is moving forward. To assist in the facilitation of this work, Next Generation Community Connect and Community Action Hinckley & Bosworth will hold a consultation workshop event for representatives from local charities and community groups and clubs, which will facilitate the opportunity to interact and ensure a transparent, comprehensive and cohesive approach towards the creation of the new Forum and Commissioning Board. The event will take place on Thursday 16th May at the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley, 9.30am – 4.00pm. Around 40 local people active in the voluntary sector will be invited to attend, to represent the views of the charities, voluntary and groups clubs in the borough. These number over 1,200, identified in an independent survey and clearly it is not easy to consult face-to-face with everyone, so a questionnaire is also being sent out alongside the Concordia event to as many other groups and enquirers as possible. The event at the Concordia and responses to the questionnaire will influence the developments. The event organisers are trying to ensure that the views are heard from across the widest range of groups and the whole geographical area of the borough. At a time when funding for charities and community groups has become more difficult to obtain, it is hoped that the new Forum and Commissioning Board will provide not only a fair and accessible way of distributing of funding, but will also act as a useful pipeline attracting more funds to the borough from regional and national sources. The consultation and questionnaire responses will contribute to establishing a pilot Forum and Commissioning Board arrangement to be in place and working by the end of the summer. For further information about the development of the VCS partnership Forum and Commissioning Board or to receive a questionnaire please contact: vcsinfo@nxt-gen.org.uk Next Generation: 01455 632984
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Smartphone overload?
Do you spend your days feeling stressed, and somewhat confused? Your smartphone and use of social networking sites may well be to blame. Facebook and Twitter clog the mind with a deluge of information, ranging from gossip to breaking news, and smartphones only increase the problem. “A saturated mind is the single biggest cause of stress, lack of confidence, bad decisions, strained relationships, fumbled goals and unrealised potential.” Says Jamie Smart, an international behaviour expert. He says he finds some eight year olds can think more clearly than some business leaders and politicians. “People are paying the price as time-scarcity and information-saturation clogs the ‘mental machinery’ they rely on. When your mind is clear you can focus, solve problems and succeed.”
I’m always astounded by the things my wife thinks I want to hear about.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
The extraordinary story of Groby Sings Norman Griffiths reports on the choir’s remarkable success For decades television viewers have switched on in their millions to watch talent shows in one form or another. Over the years Hughie Green’s Opportunity Knocks seems to have morphed into shows like Britain’s Got Talent and The Voice. Sadly one variation only lasted for one series. Last Choir Standing was a BBC show broadcast in the summer of 2008 that pitted choir against choir, a format used earlier for an annual competition on Welsh television from 2003. Presumably either the viewing figures or the pool of available contestants was not great enough to warrant a second series, but the interest in choral singing was far from dead, as the success of Gareth Malone in building choirs from scratch for his various television series demonstrates. This included in 2008 his programme about Lancaster School in Leicester entitled Boys Don’t Sing. Sometimes it seemed that Gareth was working against the odds when trying to encourage people to join and stay with his choirs. No doubt he would have been pleased to have been faced with the instant success experienced by local curate Helen Hayes when she launched her Groby Sings project. With first rehearsals scheduled for children on a Friday afternoon, and for adults on Monday afternoons at 1.15pm and evenings at 8pm at Groby Club on Leicester Road, she must have been somewhat apprehensive about the possible turnout. What if there were only a handful?
Overwhelming response But when the day came her thoughts had to change, as the focus became how to cope with the stunning response from villagers. It wasn’t a handful that came to participate but hundreds. “The response for Groby Sings has been completely amazing,” said Helen. “I had thought that I would be lucky to get 40 people involved and after only 3 rehearsals we already have over 210 people singing.” Although it is true that the singers are predominantly women it seems
that the men are also starting to realise that this could be fun. “If there are are any men out there thinking it’s only women, we have 30 men taking part with more coming each week,” she added. Rehearsals continue at the Club but the concert will now be at the Community College. For Helen it’s about more than just the music as she understands the difference that participation in a project like this can have on people’s lives. “The incredible thing is how this is meeting the needs of many people who have been ill, are bereaved, lonely or just finding life difficult at the moment. There is no doubt that singing does put a smile on your face and we all need that.” It isn’t just the member’s response which has impressed Helen, as the project has generated much good will from the community. “Everybody is getting into the community spirit,” she said. “An example is the Groby Club who have offered their premises free of charge because it is a community event. We are very grateful to them.” In addition the Anstey and District
Funeral Directors is sponsoring a souvenir recording of the event and the CD cover will be designed by local priest Father Simon Lunby of New Parks. The choir will be performing in the sports hall at at Groby Community College at 7.30pm on June 29th and 3pm on June 30th. Some of the members have a lot of singing experience but others have none at all. “Many people have come to me and said they have never sung in a choir before and that this will be the first time they have ever performed in a concert,” said Helen.
A recipe for disaster? Taking over 200 residents, many who have never sung in public before, and turning them into a choir good enough to perform in just two months, may sound like a recipe for disaster. But this recipe has an added ingredient, Helen Hayes. She has the enthusiasm, personality and experience to make it happen. Helen trained as a primary school teacher at Nottingham Trent University and taught in Nottingham, Derby and
Are you a member of the choir? In a group of over 200 people there will be many different reasons for joining the choir. We’d love to hear what singing in the choir has meant for you. If you’d like to tell us we won’t print your name and contact details so you don’t need to include them if you don’t want to, just write to the Spotlight or email mychoirstory@grobyonline.tk
Leicestershire until 2002. She began conducting children’s choirs and this led to her working for Music for Everyone as their principal conductor for Vocals, a children’s choir of more than 200. Helen left teaching to become a full-time freelance animateur in 2002. An animateur has been described as someone who helps audiences to appreciate musicians and music in new ways and helps them to enjoy music that they may not be familiar with. They also help the musicians as they develop techniques for reaching out to their communities and encourage as many people as possible to engage with music and music related activities. Helen has been involved in a variety of exciting projects working with London Symphony Orchestra (which also appears on Gareth Malone’s CV) on a project with excluded pupils in Nottingham, music workshops at Foston Hall Women’s prison, drugs awareness projects in secondary schools, an action research project with early years in Leicestershire and taking a schools music workshop in China. Helen is a member of the international competition choir Choros Amici ,winners of Sainsbury’s Choir of the Year 2000. She has performed in the Royal Albert Hall London, Hyde Park with Pavarotti, Songs of Praise and taken part in many international choir competitions in Ireland, France, Spain and Finland enjoying much success. She is also part of a Christian singing group Octave, described as a “unique vocal ensemble of priests in the Diocese of Leicester.” Helen was ordained as a priest in 2011 in Leicester Cathedral. There can be little doubt that not only is this going to happen at the end of June but that it is going to be a huge success.
Tickets The success of the project brings other problems, for example how to deal with requests for tickets for the performances. Tickets will cost £3.50 and priority will be given to choir members, which seems fair. Tickets for anyone else who wants to attend will be available during June, so watch out for posters in village shops or check on www. grobyonline.tk
You can learn a lot about a person just by watching them through binoculars 24 hours a day.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Brookvale’s Got Talent! On Thursday evening 18th April along with parents/ carers/grandparents, staff and governors I went along to Groby Community College to enjoy the final of Brookvale’s Got Talent. What an amazing experience!
Why you need strawberries this Wimbledon Wimbledon will soon be upon us, as will the strawberries!
The purpose of the competition was to raise funds for Rainbows, the children’s charity and a most worthy cause. A lot of planning, preparation and hard work had gone into the whole show. Everything was of a very high standard. The finalists consisted of 4 female singers, 1 female accordion player and 2 male double acts. We were treated to a great night’s entertainment. Once all the acts had performed the audience were asked to vote for their favourite act, a very difficult decision as they were all very good and very different. After the interval we were further entertained by ‘The Spice Girls’ (female members of staff) singing ‘Stop!’. They proved a real challenge to Posh, Baby, Ginger, Sporty and Scary! Next we had Tom Jones, (a very senior member of staff), with his able backing group, (The Kitchen Ladies) singing ‘Delilah’. Great Stuff! The entertainment was brought to a close by last year’s competition winner, Katie, singing Jessie J’s, ‘Mamma Knows Best’. The tension was growing – who would win?? Votes were counted and the winner was announced. 1 Sadie, 2 Tom & Ryan, 3 Jack & Mac (pictured). All most deserving winners. Sadie brought the evening to a close by performing once again, her winning song, Christina Perri’s, ‘Jar of Hearts’. A great night, a great production, with over £600 being raised for Rainbows, and Brookvale students we all can be justly proud of. Well done everyone!
Watching the tennis may stress you out, but strawberries are totally good for you (just avoid the sugar and cream). Strawberries are a highly concentrated source of vitamin C, vital for a healthy immune system and a powerful antioxidant which protects against heart and circulatory disease. They contain pectin, which helps with the elimination of cholesterol. They have anti-cancer properties and especially contain ellagic acid, which is thought to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Ann Dunn
Brookvale High School, Governor
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My wife treats me like a god. She barely notices I exist until she wants something.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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BROOKVALE HIGH SCHOOL
BEAUTY & THE BEAST Brookvale High School’s annual Production has always been a much anticipated event on the calendar and this year was certainly no exception! Beauty & The Beast was performed on Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st March 2013 in the Theatre at Groby Community College. The show began in an array of colour and costume, performed to a sellout audience each evening, who sat spell-bound throughout. Sadie Hurst, Year 9 and Matthew Skelton, Year 8, gave captivating performances as Beauty and The Beast, with supporting cast members chosen from across all year groups. Music was made and word perfect songs were performed, oozing with feeling and emotion, making the audience laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time!). Of course, our annual production could not happen if it were not for the boundless energies and vivid imaginations of our Drama Subject Leader, Mr Adam Goodger and our Music Subject Leader, Miss Laura White, who begin work on this event long before any of us can even imagine, firing the enthusiasm of our young people, who cannot wait to audition for parts. Rehearsals begin many, many months before the show actually goes out, with our students and staff giving up so much of their ‘down-time’ in order to perform at their absolute best. Many more staff members also were involved - our ADT department, along with our Premises team, who helped to design the amazing costumes and set, indeed our audience members could not have failed but to have been thrilled by the sight of the fantastic ‘tea-cup’ gliding effortlessly around on the stage, with ‘Chip’ ensconced inside it! Numerous other staff members (too many to mention) were involved each evening, keeping order and prompting where needed. So many wonderful comments were received afterwards, with congratulatory emails coming in their abundance! There is a general feeling about the place that our annual production just keeps getting better and better, indeed surpassing everyone’s expectations. We are now all waiting in anticipation ... come on Mr Goodger and Miss White ... what’s coming next year?
Elaine Freeman
Sundays – lazy no longer It seems that Sunday is not for rest any more: we typically carry out about 15 jobs on the day.
In fact, it seems that one in ten of us make Sunday one of the busiest days of our week, with cleaning, ironing and washing topping the list of laborious tasks. The study was carried out for Chef & Brewer. When is the last time you gave yourself simply a day to rest?
Groby Girls Guaranteed Cup Success
The County Cup is traditionally the cup to win for all Sunday League teams. The illustrious competition has been running for longer than many can remember. This year’s Under 10’s girls final will feature a host of local youngsters after Groby Juniors Ladies beat Oadby and Wigston Girls in a close fought semi final hosted at Rugby Juniors F.C. Tensions were high as the game kicked off and despite a strong wind blowing across the pitch both teams kept their composure and started brightly. Oadby took an early lead but were soon pegged back by a goal from Tilly Clarke to make the score 1 -1. Tilly helped herself to another goal shortly after, which gave her a tremendous personal record of scoring 8 goals in 3 games ( 2 hat tricks and a brace no less ! ) Oadby managed to level the score with a scrappy equalizer and the nerves started to show, on the sidelines at least, as both teams tried to create the winning goal within the 40 minute playing time limit. Extra time approached and both teams were still locked in a stalemate with the drama of penalties still to come. The full time whistle blew with the sides level at 2 -2 and after a brief team talk, the girls were back for extra time. Both teams pushed for the winner and it was Groby that were making the clearer chances but they couldn’t grab the winner and so it was penalties. Both teams lined up on the half way line and a solitary player from each team was asked to step forward and take their opportunity. The first 2 penalties for each side were either missed or saved respectively until Hannah Osborn stepped up and smashed her penalty into the net to give Groby Juniors a 1-0 advantage. Oadby missed their next spot kick with Groby Juniors’ Abbie Hamilton hitting the post with a strong effort to leave the score 1-0 with 1 penalty left each. Oadby and Wigston saw their final penalty saved by Stephanie Botteril meaning Groby Juniors Ladies under 10’s had reached their first final in their debut season. After handshakes and 3 cheers all around, the girls started to enjoy their moment and dreaming of lifting the cup. This year’s final of the girls under 10 County Cup competition will see the village of Groby strongly represented with both teams fielding local girls guaranteeing the village will have at least 2 County Cup winners as residents. • Groby Juniors Ladies under 10’s are still seeking a sponsor. If you are a local business and are interested in becoming part of an up and coming, successful local ladies team, then please contact me by email at: adam_bramley@hotmail.com
Adam Bramley
Are you 40 – going on 55?
On average, today’s 40 year-olds are less fit than their parents and grandparents were: in fact, they have the bodies their parents had at 55. Lack of exercise and a high-fat/sugar diet mean they are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, with poorer metabolic health. The study was published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Just lately when I go out, some bird with long legs starts following me. I think I’m being Storked.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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My Weight Loss Journey By Lindy Whitelam I joined my weight loss group on the 18th July 2012 weighing in at just over 17st. Obviously this is far too much weight to be carrying around and I suffered with many health problems. My husband had died in December 2008 having suffered from cancer for 7 years and through all that time, I turned to food for comfort. After he died, I put on another two stone and just carried on baking and eating, deluding myself that I would be able to lose it whenever I wanted to. In November 2011 I’d had a serious fall in the garden resulting in broken ribs, toes and damage to my left hip. This made my normal activities such as walking the dog, climbing the stairs, cleaning the house etc, all really difficult and extremely painful and again, I turned to food for comfort. One of the deciding factors for losing weight came when I realised that sooner or later I was going to have to let my doctor have a look at my hip. The very idea of an examination brought me out in a cold sweat because I was so embarrassed about my weight, so I decided there and then that I would need help this time in losing the weight. I found myself a local weight loss group and went to the next meeting. I was absolutely terrified, I’m normally a very shy and unconfident person. When I walked through the doors that first night and saw all those people there, I was ready to run away. I was convinced that I would be the largest person there and that everybody would laugh at me, but of course, none of this happened. The consultant explains everything to you and I was amazed at how much food you can eat on the Extra Easy plan. I started losing weight from that day and have continued to lose it steadily ever since. I have now lost 6 and ½ stones in 33 weeks, going from dress size 24/26 to size 12. I attend my group every week, not just for the weighing in, but staying afterwards as well for Body Image Therapy because you get tremendous support from everyone, not just your consultant. If you’re having a bad week, its nice to hear from other members how they’ve coped through their difficulties and it can encourage you to continue. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to lose the weight and maintain it without the support of my consultant and the group. We have both ladies and gentlemen attend, all ages and sizes, and there is usually a group near you that fits in with any busy lifestyle. Exercise is an important factor in looking and feeling good. I now walk the dog everyday for miles, swim and do aerobic sessions at least five times a week. I feel fantastic, not just physically but mentally as well, and am confident that I can do anything I want to do now.
Temporary Road Closure Of: Sacheverell Way/leicester Road Roundabout, Groby Leicestershire County Council has granted the temporary closure of the above road. This roundabout will be closed on Sunday the 12th May 2013 and again on Sunday the 19th May. This will enable Leicestershire Highways to carry out carriageway resurfacing. During the closure the alternative route will be via:The A50 Bradgate Hill, up to the land fill roundabout, back down the A50 to Newtown Linford Lane, onto Leicester Road, Ratby Road, and Groby Road. For vehicles travelling towards from Ratby heading for the A50 South, the route will be:Groby Road, Ratby Road, Leicester Road, Newtown Linford Lane and around onto the A50. The 7.5T weight restriction through Groby village will be suspended during the works.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Letter from Uncle Eustace
Beware the church microphone The Rectory St. James the Least My dear Nephew Darren Despite my assurances that it was unnecessary, it was kind of you to loan us your sound equipment, so we could experience the advantages of using radio microphones in church. Your assurance that everyone would then be able to hear with absolute clarity seemed to miss the point that everyone does not necessarily want to do so. I have no doubt that members of your congregation hang on to your every word, eager to make sure you remain theologically sound, but for us, those who had blissfully slumbered throughout my sermons for the last 30 years found themselves unable to filter out a single syllable. Colonel Wainwright decided to change the start of his Bible readings from the customary “Here beginneth..” to “Testing, Testing” before giving the microphone a good biff, which made the verger dash outside to check if yet another mediaeval gargoyle had fallen from the roof. Also, forgetting that microphones pick up asides just as effectively, his own comment to his wife in the front pew “I thought I read that rather well” did nothing for the pride he has always cherished for his humility. I was also not convinced that the sixteenth century workmen who had devoted the greater part of their lives reverently carving the Lady Chapel altar had intended it to support an electronic console that would have looked more at home in an aeroplane cockpit. However, the event which finally decided us against microphones came about an hour after the service. Several of the choir boys had crept back into the church and decided to improvise a rock concert with their guitars and the mikes turned up full blast. The church exploded in a perfect cacophony of noise which panicked a horse and rider going by. The horse bolted down the road, which caused two cars two veer violently to avoid it. One car ended up in a pond, the other in a field, having ripped off a great deal of old fencing. Whoever fixed the fencing failed and later that night all 43 cows in the field escaped, and ended up in the Colonel’s front flowerfilled front garden, where they spent a comfortable night slicing his velvet turf with their sharp cleats, and chomping everything in sight. Your loving uncle,
Eustace
What makes men risk car crashes Beware good looking men at the wheel of a car.
More than two million men have had a car ‘crash’ of some sort in the last year while admiring themselves in their rear-view mirror. It seems that male motorists study their reflection between five and ten times in a half-hour journey, according to research carried out by MoreTh>n. That is not all that these so-called ‘motorsexual men’ do at the wheel. They apply deodorant (25%); use face wipes (15%); apply aftershave (13%); moisturiser ( 12%); and use mouthwash (10%). Six per cent of men even admitted to having applied fake tan, or make-up while driving. As one motoring expert observed: “It’s important that men leave their looks alone while driving, and pay attention to the roads.
The Upbeatles & Engelbert tribute at Thornton Club: Friday 31st May The fabulous Upbeatles, great supporters of county charities, are returning to Thornton Club on Friday 31st May to give a fund-raising concert of 1960’s music in aid of two local causes. Also appearing will an Engelbert Humperdinck tribute act. The two charities being supported are: • Little Elliott’s Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis, a campaign set up to increase awareness of Cystic Fibrosis and to raise money for a physio vest for Elliott, which he is not able to get on the NHS but would dramatically change his life and give him a brighter outlook for the future. The vest vibrates to loosen & thin mucus on the lungs. Elliott is a Thornton boy and was born with CF, which is a life shortening illness caused by a faulty gene within the body that causes sticky mucus to form in nearly all of the organs, particularly clogging up the lungs – making it hard to breathe. It also affects the digestive system, making it hard to digest food and gain weight. • Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary, a registered charity (founded 1986) based near Stanton-under-Bardon, which looks after stray, abandoned and injured animals and also provides a local re-homing service. There are currently 9 horses, 12 dogs, 26 cats and kittens, 15 rabbits, 4 guinea pigs, a bull, 2 cows, 7 goats, 5 pigs, a flock of sheep, various aviary birds and wildfowl in their care, but every day brings in new patients who need care straight away. The Sanctuary also provides an ideal place for work experience for young people who want to work with animals. Redgates’ income is through local fund-raising and most of the cash raised is needed for Vet’s bills, food and heating. So please put the date in your diaries: Friday 31st May; starting at 7:30pm; £5 entrance on the door. And don’t forget to bring some money for the (in)famous raffle! See you there!
“Failed to forward chain letter to 5 friends” Is what I want my tombstone to read.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Groby men solve a mystery Norman Griffiths finds new technology sometimes provides the answer Young people today may be surprised to learn that there was life before the internet, Sky, set top boxes that record your favourite programmes, digital television and radio, and the devices and apps that have made shareholders in Apple very rich. And we mustn’t forget the rise of digital cameras and, perhaps, their fall as they are replaced by the smartphone with it’s internet connection and high resolution camera built in. Now everything is instant and often the first photos on television from an incident on the other side of the world are from the phone of someone who was involved or nearby. The ease with which we can all capture events may eliminate some of the mysteries of life, those unexplained happenings which in earlier years may have just been talked about but are now the
subject of someone’s wobbling and sometimes grainy telephone video. Readers may have viewed with interest the home movies of Groby in the 1960’s mentioned in the Spotlight last month. How differently we might view history if there had always been mobile phones with cameras. What a treat it would be to see the old quarry railway in action during it’s heyday. Turning the clock further back imagine if Pliny the Elder was able to support his description of the burying of Pompeii and Herculaneum with a video from his smartphone. Or what about someone with a mobile ‘embedded’ and filming the Crusades. And if we had a video of the internment of Richard III it might have reduced the cost of Leicester University’s search for his remains.
Enduring mysteries unsolved Despite a the proliferation of digital camera technology we still don’t seem to have solved some of our enduring mysteries, which is surprising. Aliens either don’t
abduct people with mobile phones or they delete all the images of themselves before they return their victims to earth. Has any reader seen any recent footage of the Loch Ness monster taken on a mobile? There is perhaps some out there somewhere. The Himalayan Yeti may a good subject for a mobile camera photo shoot if someone can locate him or her, as Sir David Attenborough believes there is ‘very convincing’ evidence that yetis exist. A photograph of a mysterious footprint, rumoured to be that of the yeti was taken in the Himalayas in 1951, but we still await some smartphone video to really convince us.
A breakthrough in Groby So the important mysteries of life may remain mysteries. But there has been a breakthrough and there is mystery which has been the subject of rumour and speculation for generations which it seems has been resolved by someone being in the right place at the right time with the right camera or mobile phone. The embarrassment of the
small boy who adamantly believes in Santa Claus when all his friends have rejected the concept can now be replaced with four simple words, “I told you so.” Although it didn’t make the national press, two gents on the way home from the pub late on Christmas Eve last year caught sight of someone through the open curtains of a Groby home. They were entranced as they realised it was Santa Claus and we must applaud their quick thinking as they took a video of the visit. Folks that only believe what they can see, and have internet access, can view the video on YouTube by visiting www.grobyonline.tk and following the link.
If you have taken any videos on your mobile which similarly solve one of the great mysteries, or happened to catch fairies at the end of your garden, let the Spotlight know and post it on You Tube so that we can all enjoy what you saw.
I’ll worry about being replaced by a computer when they make one that grovels.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Helen and Bob from Church View Nursery in Barkby arrived at our April meeting armed with a vast array of perennial plants, bringing a riot of colour into the village Hall a large percentage of which are home-grown from stock. Helen began by saying she knew Groby well. She had spent a lot of time at the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Matley, who, by the way, was remembered by a number of members as she had been a WI member for many years. Helen had no definite career in mind when she left school but enrolled as a nurse and managed to complete only eight months of her training. She had always had a real passion for plants and finally took the plunge doing a course at Brooksby Agricultural College. There she studied all aspects of growing vegetables, fruit, including landscaping, but no flowering plants. She had various jobs; working in the gardens of a large house which boasted an orangery, in the gardens at Leicester University and even in a newsagents. Bob began gaining his knowledge of agriculture by working every spare moment evenings and weekends at a local farm. Finally, they set up their own small business specialising in perennials. Bob demonstrated his method of splitting plants. Personally, having been left in charge of my plot very late in life I am nervous of this aspect of gardening, but his action with what appeared to be a meat cleaver seemed very successful and certainly gave me confidence to ‘have a go’. They advised that before investing in a plant it is wise to make sure that the spot you have in mind has the right soil and conditions. In this respect his example of lupins explained
Groby WI News why my attempts at nurturing these flowers have all been dismal failures. Useful tips on cutting back and taking cuttings from plants was a help in increasing stock and thus saving money. Weeds and dead foliage around potted plants are left there during the winter helping to provide protection from frost. Plants grown in their nursery are all free from the vine weevil. Lots of advice regarding specific plants, the names and spelling of which were quite beyond me to note with accuracy. One exception being that slugs and snails hate pulmonaria; (I can quite see why, fancy having the nickname Spotted Dog) common name lung-wort which in olden times was supposed to cure lung disease. This is one purchase definitely on my list. They were curious as to why the plants in their poly-tunnel were free of aphids until a tiny jenny-wren was spotted hopping inside for a free feast, more to the point safe from feline predators. Helen and Bob’s patter was very entertaining. On his admission
she is the dominant one in the partnership and her bubbly character came over in their repartee. They both enjoy meeting and talking to people so their business is ideal; all gardeners welcome an opportunity for a chinwag about their favourite hobby. Their plants sold like hot cakes. Watch out for ‘Groby in Bloom this Summer’. An unexpected addition came along, their little friendly Border Terrier dog who wandered around the audience all evening enjoying lots of pats etc from members. This is the second month where the canine species have stolen the show. A visit to “Hot Stuff ” at the Curve Theatre gave all who went had a great time, one member in particular is an avid fan, I think she has a thing for Ceri Dupree! We are very proud of the fact that two of our long standing members are now on the Leics. & Rutland W.I. Executive Committee. Anne now has the top job of Federation Chairman and Diane is County
Groby WI Programme 2013 •
May 16th: Resolutions - Breast Care Presentation
•
June 20th: Birthday - 60th Birthday Dinner at Beaumanor Hall
•
July 18th: Librarian To The Rich & Famous At Royal Ascot - Penny Hodgson
•
August 15th: Laughter Yoga Leader - Marlies Flintham
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September 19th: Introduction To Herbs - Lynne Jan-Watson
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October 17th: Helping Hedgehogs - Colleen Powel
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November 21st: AGM - Social Evening
•
December 12th: Christmas Meeting Local Walks Last Wednesday In The Month At 2pm Derbyshire Walks – To Be Arranged By Margaret Gamble
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Treasurer, well done girls. It’s great to think that we have ladies in our Institute who hold such high positions in the WI. (I know my place!! I got promotion to folding the raffle tickets at the last meeting.) I have joined, along with quite a few fellow members, the Groby Sings choir, I think it’s great. Everyone including Helen Hayes our singing teacher are amazed how many there are of us, including some lovely men. The idea is to get villagers together and it is really working. So again WI ladies are having a go. Lastly, we held our Luncheon Club at one of our favourite eating haunts at Earl Shilton. I managed a starter and main but was amazed so many had puds as well, I remember well those days when I could have joined them. Our next meeting is on the l6th May, it is our Resolutions meeting but we also have Glenfield Breast Care nurses coming along to demonstrate what the proceeds of our 2012 Bra Walk produced. We are really looking forward to this as we try to raise as much as we can for this charity. By the way we are having a “Pink Walk” this year, open to everyone, again around the Village. It will be on the 3rd August and absolutely everyone will be welcome to either walk with us or drop in at the Village Hall for a cuppa. We hope to see you on the l6th at the Village Hall at 7.30pm, you will be very welcome. By the way our annual Garden Party is now our “Summer Show”. This change of venue is because of last year’s dreadful weather. So our Show will be in the Village Hall on Saturday 8th June from 10am – 12.30pm. It also means that there will be a lot more variety to offer as well as the usual stalls etc. Tea/ Coffee and of course WI cakes will also be on offer.
Evelyn and Margaret
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My wife left me with my 6 year old and my 3 year old... and as if that’s not bad enough, she left the 6 year old in charge.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Glenfield U3A News Update
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At last Spring is here and with it the start of the Glenfield U3A programme of outdoor visits. On Friday 5th April 31 members departed, by luxury coach, from the Co-Op car park on a trip to London. It was a good journey, reaching Westminster in just under 3 hours. Members took a river cruise to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London with a visit to the Jewel Tower. Later in the afternoon the group divided into two parties for an excellent guided tour round the Houses of Parliament. 13 members of the gardening group made their first outdoor trip to the National Trust property Lyveden New Bield on the 1st May. The property is an intriguing Elizabethan lodge and moated garden set in the heart of rural Northamptonshire. It was a glorious day, full of wide blue skies and birdsong; a very peaceful and tranquil setting. Their luck continued when they discovered the National Trust had opened a small café that week – the group filled it, putting the two staff to the test of finding enough chairs for them all and providing them with excellent meals and cream teas. The U3A groups continue to flourish. With the better weather in April, the cycling group had their first outing of the year, starting with lunch at the Hope and Anchor P.H followed by a gentle 10 mile ride around Watermead Country Park. Several members of the Glenfield U3A have started attending a Scottish Country Dancing class run in Leicester City Centre. A regular group of between 6 and 7 members meet at St Stephen’s Church Centre, De Montfort St at 1.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon. The Stollers group have had several interesting walks to such places as the Botanical gardens, Abbey Park, Brocks Hill country park, whilst the Walking Group which now numbers about 30 is out in all weathers, averaging a 4/5 mile walk twice a month. The writing group recentled welcomed 2 new members including published author John Gwynant (Murder at the Abbey, Ramblin Jack’s Bawdy Tales, Curse of The Sin Eater etc). The computer class for beginners has proved very successful and there is a waiting list for the next 6 week course. Arrangements for new groups are well under way, group leaders are now in place for Pilates, Table Tennis, Flower arranging, and photography. There are 887 local U3A’s throughout the UK with a membership of 300,000 The U3A is a great opportunity to make new friends and pursue new interests or rekindle old ones. If you would like to find out more about the local group why not take a look at our website www.u3asites.org.uk/glenfield, come along to our monthly meeting at 2pm on the fourth Thursday of the month at St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield. Or contact Chairperson Carol Knill on 0116 2919464.
Gill Tapping
Publicity Officer, Website & Newsletter Editor.
I never change the clock in my car. Six months of the year, I’m an hour late. The other six I’m two hours late.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Who’s who in The Class of 61? Norman Griffiths receives an update from John Hughes
It’s been a fascinating to read the memories of John Hughes & Phil Symons as they revisited the sights of Groby that they enjoyed as friends after meeting at school. Groby has changed and so have John and Phil. But most of the landmarks from their youth are still there as is their enduring friendship, something to be valued in a changing world. Following the serialisation of their “Class of ‘61” journey in the Spotlight, several former class mates have been in touch via email (Gillian Ball, Lesley Porter and Mark Chiswell). Along with Mrs. Brewer they have helped them to put names to the faces on the school photograph from 1961. Let John explain what happened next: “We thought we were nearly there. Then a couple of weeks ago, I went to support my old football team (Markfield Rangers) in a County Cup Final and bumped into some local lads who had been following Phil’s articles with great interest. One of them (Colin Stafford from Markfield) was adamant that his cousin Martin Chapman is on the photo (both Colin’s and Martin’s families lived in Groby in the late ‘50s/early ‘60s before moving to Markfield). So, we keep turning up names from unexpected sources. This is where we are up to. You will see that not all names are certain, and even the ones we feel certain about may be wrong. Many other names have been suggested and we have listed these too. Perhaps some of them are on the photograph. Please get in touch if you can help with our quest or have any memories from that era. We are contemplating getting together in the Stamford Arms for a drink in a few weeks time so let us know if you would like to come along.” You can contact John and Phil by email at jandm.hughes@btinternet.com. In order to protect the privacy of other members of the Class of 61 only the
first names are being published. No doubt in the intervening years many of the surnames of the girls will have changed. Don’t be shy about contacting John and Phil if you have a question or something to add – they will be pleased to hear from you. Who’s who in the photo Back Row:- Mrs. Brewer - Malcolm - Clive - Lesley Porter - Martin Lesley - Laurence – Philip Symons - Jane - Diane - Simon Middle Row:- Susan – Julie – Kenneth - Jeanette or Wendy – Celia – Linda – Alison – Arthur - Carl - John Hughes Front Row:- Christine – Mary – Beverley – Julie - Gillian Ball - Gillian Alan – Tony - Mark Chiswell Other names remembered (but where are they? perhaps they joined the class later? or are they in the photo?) Peter – Robert – Kevin – Susan – Jane – Maureen – Diane – Vicky – Maxine – Barbara - Annette - Gina - Jean
Mayor Martin beats the Ghurkas to Mablethorpe to raise charity cash
Hinckley & Bosworth Mayor Martin Cartwright resumed his cycling ‘career’ after a 30-year gap to raise money for a host of charities.
Councillor Cartwright, who nearly died in a cycling accident as a teenager, got back in the saddle for a charity bike ride from Groby to the Leicester Children’s Holiday Home in Mablethorpe. And, just to make sure he didn’t hang around, six Gurkhas from Gamecock Barracks, in Bramcote, set out - after giving him a 24-hour start - to catch him. They got close, but Martin reached the finishing line 45 minutes ahead of his pursuers. Amazingly, the charity challenge was the first serious cycling he had undertaken since he ended up in a coma and on a life support machine after a collision with a car when he was aged 15. Councillor Cartwright, who lives in Groby, said: “I can still remember the accident. “It was partly my fault. I swerved to avoid a jogger and was struck by the vehicle – and even more seriously for me, I wasn’t wearing a crash helmet. “I spent three days in a coma – on a life support machine. I broke my righ t leg in three places and still bear the scars.” He is raising money and awareness for The British Heart Foundation, Leicester Royal Infirmary Neonatal Care, Macmillan, People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Cats Protection, Dogs for the Disabled and the Leicester Children’s Holiday Home. To support Martin Cartwright’s fundaising effots, e-mail him at:bikeride@appliancehome.co.uk Councillor Cartwright’s hectic year of Mayoral civic duties and charitable events ends on May 14.
I tell women what they want to hear. Usually something like “Well, I’m gonna go now.”
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Groby walking group celebrates its fourth birthday! Let’s Walk Groby recently celebrated its 4th anniversary with an excellent walk in Martinshaw Woods and a bumper banquet afterwards at the Village Hall. A great time was had by over 40 walkers at this well organised event.
The group started with 8 walkers and, over the 4 years, more than 150 people have walked with Let’s Walk Groby and you will regularly see over 40 of us walking around the village. We provide a free, one-hour health walk for anyone, every Thursday morning starting from Groby Village Hall at 10am. These leisurely walks are led, and marshalled, by trained volunteer walk leaders. After the walk we enjoy a chat and refreshments at the ‘Fair Cuppa’ Coffee Morning in the Village Hall. The group is noted for being very friendly and companionable and has helped many residents of the village to meet new people, make new friends and get to know the village better. If you would like to join us then come on down to the Village Hall or if you want further information please contact John Alton on 0116 2877966 or email john.alton3@ntlworld.com
Groby Juniors Football Tournament May 2013 The annual Groby Juniors football tournament will be held on 25th and 26th May on the Groby Community College playing fields. The action kicks off at 9.00 am on both days, so come along and see some of the future premier league stars in action. To keep the kids occupied there will be a bouncy castle plus beat the keeper and crossbar challenge If you are able to help on either day with setting up, car park duty, taking down, etc., then please contact Mark Bond on 07817 661250.
John Alton
A white smile to go with the tan Smiling is one of the best signals that we display as a person to attract other people and it makes us feel good about ourselves, releasing good feeling hormones. Have you considered a whiter smile, perhaps for a wedding or your holiday? Most people can improve the colour of their teeth with a simple process that can be done at home with a whitening agent. How to go about it:- There are a few ways that this can be done, some products just whiten the front few teeth that show in your smile and others whiten all the teeth. It is important due to the changes in legislation that this is done by a dental practitioner or therapist in a safe environment to make sure that you are suited to the material. Ask your dentist for what they can provide. Article written by Crofton House Dental Practice
The last guy who broke my heart was hard to get over. At least until I shifted the truck into four-wheel drive.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
Little Markfield Farm Open Day 2013
This year’s open day is on the 9th June, and we hope that it is going to be bigger and better than the last year as the family is celebrating 100 years of working the land at Little Markfield Farm. This year we will be having cookery demonstrations, sausage making demonstrations along with craft and food stalls, vintage tractors and machinery, stationary engines, and of course all the animals. Last year’s event raised £1200 for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance as well as for St Michael and All Angels Church of Markfield. There are a few stalls left - if you would like one, contact us on (01530) 242173.
I remember that Paul McCartney song like it was Yesterday.
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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays We now have SKY and ESPN Try our new menus! www.bricklayersarms.net The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open To Non-members Sat 11th May - The Decade Runners - Young Energetic Covers Band Fri 17th May - Rockin’ Robins - Rock N Roll Evening Sat 18th May - Cern - Classic To Modern Day Rock Covers Band Sat 25th May - Phatt Chance - Music / Fun Evening Fri 31st May - The Upbeatles & Englebert Humperdink - Charity Evening Sat 1st June - Sort It Out - Young Band With Girl Singer Modern Day Rock Covers Fri 7th June - Susie Tom & Lesley - Free Admission - £2.50 Suppers Available Sat 8th June - Ltd Edition - Pop Covers Band With Female Singer Sky Sports Are Back - Bingo On Tuesdays - www.facebook.com/ thethorntonclub facebook.com/The Club Thornton Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205 Find us on FACEBOOK - search Bagworth WMC New members welcome. Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month Sequence dances Sunday Nights. £1.50 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission. Sat 18th May - SOCIAL SEQUENCE DANCE - £1.50 on the door - 8pm start Sat 25th May - FREE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT with ANDY SUMMERS • AIR PISTOL SPEED SHOOTING - 1st Tuesday of each month - £2 on the door - winner takes all. Bring your own pistol or use ours. Ask about our free room hire for those special family occasions.
The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm. Fri 17th May: MEATLOAF TRIBUTE Fri 31st May: ROCK N ROLL TRIBUTE Fri 14th June: DIVA DANCE NIGHT See ad on page 30. The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc. Sat 18th May: The Del Sharrons Sat 1st June: F4C
Swedish
Deep Tissue
Sports Massage
Bad backs Sore neck & shoulders Knee problems Tight and knotted muscles Recovery & Flexibility Suitable for all muscular aches, pains & injuries Sessions £25 Per hour (£15 - 30mins, £20 - 45mins) Personal training also available. We are mobile!
Call us on 07890 587 306
The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats 11th May and 25th May with ‘King of the Road’. Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Friday 10th May: Adam James Wilford - Good Solo Performer Fri 17th May: Tara Vex Excellent Female Singer Sat 18th May: Soul Providers - quality Soul Duo Sun 19th May: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Fri 24th May: Steve Del Rio And The Deltas -quality Rock And Roll Band Sat 25th May: Hayley Ria Christian & tony Wallace - Superb Female Vocalist With A Quality Comedian Sun 26th May: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Fri 31st May: Natasha Fox Very Good Female Vocalist Sat 1st June: Tba Sun 2nd June: Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz Fri 7th June: Carla Jones -very Good Vocalist Sat 8th June: Divinity - Quality Duo Sun 9th June -Super Sunday ‘50’ Bingo And Quiz
Send your Local Live Entertainments and we’ll include a mention here FREE - tremendous!
Your child is in danger Children are safer playing out in the street or their local park than on the internet, says a recent report from the NSPCC. We may warn youngsters about ‘stranger danger’, but we are failing to equip them for new ‘emerging threats’ that are waiting for them on social networking sites and through phenomena such as ‘sexting’ or ‘cyberbullying’. Many children as young as five spend up to six hours a week on the internet, and a quarter of 11 and 12 year olds now see something on the internet every day which worries them. The report also warns that almost three out of 10 children aged 11 – 16 have been bullied over the internet or through a smartphone. No wonder experts are urging parents to take steps to protect their children from these very real threats. This CAN be done, but children need help.
LETTER
Hinckley Summer Car Boot Is A Great Way To Raise Funds For voluntary and community groups times have never been so hard. If you or your group would like to raise funds to support your work why not join us at the Hinckley Summer Car boot here at Westfield on Saturday mornings starting May 18th. As well as organizing the event we are asking our members and supporters to donate second hand goods that we can sell. Why not ask your members and supporters to do the same. If you are interested in having a stall or want further details please visit the Hinckley Summer Car boot site at http:// hinckleycarboot.wordpress. com/ Or contact me, Dave Roberts on 07980 631255
I leave notes on people’s windshields telling them I smashed their car and did an amazing job fixing it.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Redgate dogs requiring homes
Rocky
Walter
If you can offer a loving home to one of these dogs, Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary would be delighted to hear from you! Call them on 01530 243925.
Rory
overwhelming for him. During the time at the sanctuary Rory has been an absolute delight with the staff and has become a firm favourite with many of our volunteers. He has a lot of love to give and is still patiently waiting for his new forever family.
Billy Rocky is an adorable neutered Staffycross – small and compact - aged about 18 months. Rocky was handed to the sanctuary as a stray in September 2012 and has remained with us ever since with little interest shown in him. The longer he spends in the kennel environment the more stressful it becomes for him which means that he does not always display himself well in his kennel. Yet all Rocky requires to calm down is play and affection. As all Staffies, Rocky loves human attention. He has a lot of coopedup energy and can come across as boisterous at times, but soon calms down when you spend time with him. He has an adorable smiley face and will sit and give you his paw, especially if he can see a treat. Rocky does require lead training which we believe will be a lot easier away from the sanctuary environment. Rocky would be best suited to a person or a couple where somebody has the time to spend with him to help him overcome his stress and insecurities and to make him feel safe and wanted.
Big Rory is approximately 5 years old and a crossbreed of possibly Rottweiler/ Mastiff/Labrador combination. He was left tied to the sanctuary gates in autumn last year. Rory is a very gentle giant who loves nothing more than go on his walk, roll in the grass and have lots of cuddles. He is strong on the lead when first leaving his kennel but soon calms down. He usually lies calmly in his bed in the kennel, however, when new people come in to visit he can come across as quite loud. It would be advisable to ask to see him outside of his kennel to witness his true temperament. Rory can be wary of new faces and might ‘grumble’ a little at the first meeting. However, this is insecurity. Potential adopters should be mindful of this and not introduce him to too many new people at once as it would be
Brindle Billy is an adorable little chap, a 1-year old Staffy, who arrived to us from the pound and is now on the look-out for a new owner to give him a loving new start to his life. He loves people and enjoys playtime, he will chase and bring his ball back to you all day, so would need active new owners to give the exercise and attention that this young dog needs.
Walter is a neat and nippy 3-year old black and white Terrier cross who is neutered and vaccinated. Walter would be best suited to a person or a couple in a quiet household without young children. Walter requires someone who understands rescue dogs and accepts that they need a lot of patience and understanding. Walter is quite a shy and nervous dog who somewhere during his young life has lost trust in humans. He is very wary of excessive touch especially on his spine, and is happiest going on his walks or playing with his toys – then you see his real character. He has worked over time with a dog behaviour expert who is positive that Walter will be able to overcome his nervousness and become a great companion for someone who will give him the time and space it will need to gain his trust. To help along the way, a kind sponsor has donated a home visit and lessons with a professional dog behaviour expert to give the new owner all the right tools to help Walter become a happy and relaxed dog again and to take his place in a new home. Could you give Walter a chance?
th
Fair Cuppa:
an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Every Thursday, 10.30-12.00
Urban Saints is held during term time, at the URC chapel: games, friends, crafts and a Christian basis to discussions. - for 5’s to 14’s on Mon evenings at 3.45pm, 6.30pm or 7.45pm - for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm - for 15-18’s o Fri at 7.30pm
th
Christian Aid Week is 12 – 18 May and the two churches will be distributing and collecting envelopes as in previous years. If we don’t manage to call in your street, all is not lost. Drop a donation in to either church, in a clearly marked envelope. The Groby collections are always very successful; we regularly raise over £4,000 …let’s keep it that way! Information about Christian Aid’s work is available at www.christianaid.org.uk There’s a lot we can do.
Help people in poverty out of poverty
More details on the church websites More details on the church websites
Youth Worker Ruth O’Connell 07759 087804
For further information please see websites and church magazines St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church www.grobyurc.com Revd Sue McKenzie 232 1733
Catch meets for play, craft, story & chat for pre-school children with a parent or carer. Every Friday in term time, 9.30-11.30am, at the URC.
Why aren’t lawyers sworn to tell the truth along with everyone else at the proceedings?
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069 http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWor
30Puzzle ord Search
The Apprentice Wordsearch V K U R T W I L S O N E U F Y N J
J K B D E H X L P U C B U E A A A
Z G H Y Y T L O Z U L G L Y T M S
Z Z J J O I A M A N U R I M I S O
F E K J M Q A L O E A R Y J M S N
J O E X K Y E T S V R L A B S I L
ALEXMILLS FRANCESCAVARLEY JASONLEECH JAZAMPAWFARR JORDANPOULTON KURTWILSON LEAHTOTTON LUISAZISSMAN MYLESMORDAUNT NATALIEPANAYI NEILCLOUGH REBECCASLATER SOPHIELAU TIMSTILLWELL UZMAYAKOOB ZEESHAANSHAH
N C E S A I T I A A E A N I T Z E
N L Z K H O M C F S C A A A I A E
A L O P T A S W M F C C P B L S C
Y O O H G E A O Q K Z O E L L I H
Subscriber L Find the names of the 16 competitors in the BBC2 series THE APPRENTICE in this month’s Wordsearch puzzle and you could win yourself a meal and a drink. This month we are offering a tasty prize of: A Main Course for Two, plus A Bottle of House Wine at The Fieldhead Hotel. To go into the draw, all you have to do is find - and mark a line through - the names of the 16 Apprentice contestants. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your entry to: YOU’RE FIRED, B O L G F J X Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 to arrive by Wednesday 5th June 2013. S E T R A T H 9ZT Remember to include your name and address. The first all-correct entry A Z A Z N H N drawn out of the Editor’s executive briefcase will win the Meal for Two at N N A U C G O The Fieldhead Hotel. Good luck!
C P R N T R G S I B W U F
M D Z P S N W W L Y E L J
A L M X C H K V A C L R C
L J O Z V L A G T P L P I
T W M B G C S H A D U H J
U O L C L I E N N Q S Y O
T L U O P N A D R O J T Y
Here are the 16 Apprentice Contestants you have to find: ALEX MILLS • FRANCESCA VARLEY • JASON LEECH • JAZ AMPAW-FARR JORDAN POULTON • KURT WILSON • LEAH TOTTON • LUISA ZISSMAN MYLES MORDAUNT • NATALIE PANAYI • NEIL CLOUGH • REBECCA SLATER SOPHIE LAU • TIM STILLWELL • UZMA YAKOOB • ZEESHAAN SHAH Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................
Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch competition was: MRS G. SANDERS of Forest View, Groby You win a Main Course for Two plus a Bottle of House Wine at The Fieldhead Hotel. Congratulations! Your prize will be with you soon.
BOOKSPOT Luck: A Fresh Look At Fortune By Ed Smith For aspiring cricketer Ed Smith, luck was for other people. Ed believed that the successful cricketer made his own luck by an application of will power, elimination of error, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. But when a freak accident at the crease at Lords prematurely ended Ed Smith’s international cricketing career, it changed everything - and prompted him to look anew at his own life through the prism of luck. Tracing the history of the concepts of luck and fortune, destiny and fate, from the ancient Greeks to the present day - in religion, in banking, in politics - Ed Smith argues that the question of luck versus skill is as pertinent today as it ever has been. He challenges us to think again about privilege and opportunity, to re-examine the question of innate ability and of gifts and talents accidentally conferred at birth. Weaving in his personal stories - notably the chance meeting of a beautiful stranger who would become his wife on a train he seemed fated to miss - he puts to us the idea that in life, luck cannot be underestimated: without any means of explaining our differing lots in life, the world without luck is one in which you deserve every ill that befalls you, where envy dominates and averageness is the stifling ideal. Embracing luck leads us to a fresh reappraisal of the nature of success, opportunity and fairness. AMAZON PRICE: £6.74
Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com
My exercise program consists of having a lot of stairs in my home and forgetting things.
Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-May 2013 • Tel: 01530 244069
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Seems like I can’t go anywhere in my house without somebody recognizing me.
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Centre