NATIONAL FOREST WALKING FESTIVAL

from Groby Spotlight Mid-May 2022

ALLOTMENTS

National Forest Walking Festival is Back!

SUSPENDED FOR THE past two years, the National Forest Walking Festival is back with lots of different types of walks taking place throughout the forest, making it accessible to all. Local community group, Ministry of Nordic Walks, will be leading some of them in nearby Groby, Ratby, Markfield and Thornton as well as providing some bluebell walks and some Nordic walking courses in the National Forest in early May.

May is national walking month and is one of the best times to be outdoors in the National Forest. The drama of spring blossom, the heady scent of bluebells carpeting ancient woods, and the chance to see wildlife in abundance are all wonderful for the mind and soul.

Look out for the surprising range of wildlife in and around the Forest, and marvel at the geological stories beneath your feet. Included are many “wildlife” themed walks giving plenty of opportunity to celebrate and learn about nature.

The booklet containing the many different and varied walks (including history and geology walks, forest bathing, Nordic walking, trail running and of course nature walks) can be downloaded from the website

https://www.nationalforest.org/visit/national-forest-

walking-festival and the walking festival takes place between the 14th – 26th May.

Pet sitters wanted!

PET SITTERS are in high demand these days, as millions of people have returned to work, and must leave their cats and dogs during each day.

According to the British Pet Food Manufacturers Association, one in ten households welcomed a new pet during the first seven months of lockdown. According to Adzuna, a job search website, a pet sitter can now earn an average salary of £24,000 a year for pet sitting.

FROM JUST £7.50

PER MONTH*

*Based on 5 annual treatments with a lawn size up to 40m2 when paying by Direct Debit

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Home Farm, Markfield Road, for sale £1,100,000Groby LE6 0FT Freehold

PART OF A stunning development of 5 luxury farm building

Home Farm Markfield Road Groby Leicester LE6 0FT conversions in highly desirable location with open views,

Plot 1 is available for reservation.

A stunning development of 5 luxury farm building conversions in highly desirable The property comprises a substantial three-storey former farmhouse location with open views. Plot 1 is available with an extensive garden, ample parking for several vehicles and for reservation and a substantial 3 storey double garage. The accommodation currently provides 5/6 bedrooms, 5/6 bedroom approx 4000 square ft former 4/5 reception rooms and large kitchen diner with orangery off. The farmhouse with an extensive garden, ample parking for several vehicles and double garage. accommodation however can be adapted to buyer’s requirements subject to early reservation. Site visits will be via strict appointment with estate agents Ashley Adams on 01332 865568 or email melbourneinfo@ ashleyadams.co.uk Residential Sales & Lettings | Mortgage Services | Conveyancing | Surveyors | Land & New Homes

THE ARCHAEOLOGY of LEICESTER CASTLE A talk by Mathew Morris

Tuesday 17th May 2022 at 7.30 pm The Methodist Church Rooms, Main Street, Markfield Non-members £3 to include refreshments www.markfieldhistory.org

Soul Journey

A recital of music and poetry from contemplatives and mystics with the Alma String Quartet

From plainsong to gospel, celtic to ragas. Evocative music and words that invite us to stillness, wholeness and joy. Music by Max Richter, Hildegarde von Bingen, Kala Ramnath, Morten Lauridsen. Words by Rumi, Hafiz, Mary Oliver, Chelan Harkin 1st July 2022, 7.30pm

Markfield Methodist Church (LE67 9UU) • Tickets £10 • Available from Ann 01530 242166 or Karen 07739 555015 karensilverwood@gmail.com

How to discourage MOSQUITOES

SUMMER BRINGS mosquitoes. We avoid them by using sprays, zappers or citronella candles. But now scientists may have found another way to discourage these blood-sucking pests.

A recent study in Nature Communication suggests that we might also consider not wearing red clothes. It seems that mosquitoes see only certain wavelengths of light, and therefore only certain colours are seen to be a source of food. And red is their favourite colour! Fortunately, white, green, purple or blue clothes go unnoticed by the hungry bugs. So, it may be helpful this summer to cover your skin with cooler shades of clothes.

But don’t expect miracles, because unfortunately, mosquitos are also attracted by our breath, our sweat and even the temperature of our skin. Which, sadly, puts you back to square one.