MAY 2023 GROBY SPOTLIGHT

Raising funds for LOROS Druck Employee Suki Cooks Homemade Curry for 200 Colleagues

Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of Year 2023 announced

IN APRIL, Suki Dhillon, an assembly operator at Groby based Druck, a Baker Hughes business, cooked home-made curry for more than 200 of her colleagues, helping to raise money for, LOROS!

Suki, with the help of her husband, son, two daughters and one of her colleagues, has been creating curries for Druck employees every year for the last 15 years.

Enacting a military style operation, Suki and her family supplied enough homemade curry and rice pudding to provide 200 colleagues at Druck with a slap-up two course meal. The whole operation took around three days: day one was shopping, which included two carloads of food and drink; day two was preparation from the family home in Thurmaston, Leicester; and day three was cooking, serving and washing up.

Suki and her family provided all the plastic plates, the cutlery, as well as the food and drink at their own

expense. All they asked in return from diners was a small donation, if they are able, to local hospice, LOROS, where Suki also spends one afternoon a week volunteering.

Always first to volunteer or help out, Suki is one of Druck’s most popular employees. For example, during the pandemic, using her ‘old fashioned’ sewing machine, Suki spent countless evenings producing 165 handmade masks, which she distributed to Druck staff members. COVID also failed to stop Suki cooking for her colleagues – she provided packed-lunch curries instead. She was recently recognized by the company for her caring approach and received an award.

Asked why she donates so much of her time, Suki said. “I love helping people. What inspires me most in life is seeing the smile on people’s faces. There’s nothing more heart-warming and rewarding than making someone’s day a little better.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 ...>

A GROUP OF 16 remarkable young people from Leicester and Leicestershire along with their families and friends joined the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire at County Hall on 27 April 2023 for an awards ceremony to celebrate their achievements as our 2023 finalists.

Congratulations go to Joshua Bailey who received the top prize of the evening, becoming the Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year 2023.

Continued on page 3 ...>

Beautiful Bluebells!

I am enclosing a couple of photos from my annual “Bluebell Walk” through the woods near Groby Pool. As usual they have excelled themselves, swathing through the trees in a colourful display of natural beauty and pure tranquility. The smell is pretty amazing too!

Di Marinari

Suki Dhillon (front) with her family and some colleagues who provided support on the day

Suki Cooks 200 Curries

At Druck - from page 1

Young Person of the Year Award - from page 1

This years ‘red carpet’ awards evening and dinner was hosted by the LordLieutenant, Mike Kapur OBE supported by his Deputy Lieutenants Professor Bob Allison CBE, Mrs Sally Bowie, Mrs Diana Brooks MBE and Mr Jonathan Agnew MBE.

The four finalists shortlisted in each of the four categories were recognised as remarkable examples of dedication, going above and beyond to help others and for their outstanding personal achievements.

The category winners were:

She continued: “I joined Druck in 2008. As soon as I arrived, I was made to feel very welcome, so much so that I began to cook curry every year for my colleagues. I usually serve up my curry in November as it coincides with the Birthday of my Sikh God, Guru Nunak, who taught me to earn an honest living and share what you have with others.”

Gordon Docherty, vice president of Druck, recently presented Suki with a ‘Baker Hughes Care Award’ at the company’s global headquarters in Groby. He said: “Suki is an inspiration – her selfless approach has helped foster a strong family culture across our business. That she and her family donate so much of their time helping others is a wonderful example to us all. I’m proud that Suki has chosen to spend the last 15 years at Druck – she’s a valued member of our team – and her culinary skills are first-class!”

TUESDAY 16th MAY

2023 at 7.30PM

At Markfield Methodist Church, The Green, Markfield LE67 9UU

Hidden Meanings of Place Names

Speaker: Sandy Leong

Place names give us a fascinating insight into Britain’s history.

Some place names come from the earliest inhabitants of Britain, but many are associated with our invaders who have left their mark. Did you know that Nottingham used to be called Snotengham (Snott’s Settlement)?

Some place names have evolved over the centuries, others have stayed the same and some aren’t what they seem!

Everyone is very welcome to come along.

£3 for visitors or become a member for £8 per year, and then no additional charge for talks/ activities.

www.markfieldhistory.org

• Young Person of CourageJoshua Bailey, who attends South Charnwood High School.

• Young Volunteer – Sofia Omar, who attends Crown Hills Community College.

• Young Artist of the Year – Jessica Mawby, who attends Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College.

• Young Leader – Clem Beardmore, who attends the Priory Belvoir Academy.

These young people were all considered for the overall award of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year which went to Joshua Bailey.

After hearing his name announced as the Young Person of the Year 2023 Joshua Bailey said, “I’m feeling shocked and amazed at how well I’ve done, I didn’t realise that I’d be chosen for both awards. This has given me more courage to carry on doing what I do best.”

“Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE said: “It was a privilege for me to host this year’s event for our extraordinary young people in recognition of their bravery, creativity, strength of spirit and selflessness. I’m honoured to have been able to share their stories with our guests at the event and more widely within their communities – they are an inspiration to us all.

“As Lord-Lieutenant, I’m privileged to be able to meet some of our city and county’s extraordinary young people and see truly humbling examples of volunteering, community engagement, and personal achievement which require dedication and commitment of the highest order, that too often go unnoticed by the wider community.

“I hope that these awards will continue to highlight the talents and dedication of our communities’ young people and urge anyone who knows a young person they think deserves recognition and encouragement for their endeavours to look out for details of my 2024 awards later in the year.”

The awards are sponsored by a variety of organisations offering services to young people, including Leicestershire County and Leicester City Councils, together with universities and the business community, and seek to identify and reward the very best examples of achievement by young people locally. For more information visit the webpage.

Joshua with his family.

Borough Council sets the record straight on its Local Plan

FOLLOWING QUESTIONS raised in Parliament this week over the status of the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council’s Local Plan the Council has issued the following clarification.

The Council currently has an adopted Core Strategy and Site Allocations plan, guiding development in the Borough through to 2026. Reliance on these policies ensured the Council was recently able to successfully defend an appeal for 110 houses in Barwell. The Council also has an up-to-date Good Design Guide, helping to ensure good design in all new developments.

The Council supports neighbourhood planning across the Borough, with adopted neighbourhood plans in place in Market Bosworth, Burbage, Markfield, Desford, Stoke Golding, Barlestone and Sheepy. These neighbourhood plans include locally promoted and supported allocations for future housing growth, ensuring community buy in to shape development in the borough and helping to defend against speculative development.

The Borough Council therefore has key adopted plans in place to guide development and protect the local environment and is committed to progressing its new Local Plan following a refresh of its programme published in December 2022.

The Council considers the Local Plan is crucial when it comes to planning in the borough, controlling what can be built and where.

It sets out preferred locations for new housing and employment and includes several planning policies. These policies cover issues such as conserving and enhancing the environment, sustainable transport, and addressing the growing issue of climate change.

Originally, the Local Plan had been due to be sent to the Secretary of State for examination, after the council finished the necessary public consultations on the document in March last year.

However, the Council was forced to review its timetable based on several key factors including new national requirements and housing targets, uncertainties around various Government statements on proposed changes to the Planning system, delays in the publication of promised national guidance, uncertainty over national housing targets, need for clarification over Leicester’s unmet housing need and the need for further work to assess and advise on local impacts such as highways and education. Following legal advice on these matters the Council has been forced to review its programme. Work is now progressing in line with our revised published timetable.

73rd Birthday for the 73rd Scout Group

GROBY SCOUT GROUP’S official title is the 73rd Leicester and this year we are celebrating our 73rd birthday. The Group started in 1945 and was the 73rd Scout Group to open in Leicester, hence our official title. Back then it was just a cub pack back that met at the village School room on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the Pack only lasted a few years, but was resurrected in the early 1950’s when it started meeting at Groby Wharf (pictured above), roughly where Fir Tree Walk is now. The Group moved to its current location by Quarry Park in 1970. The original Parish Council lease for the land is dated 1968 and the Group built the HQ which was officially opened in 1971. The Group are currently finalising a new lease with the Parish Council, securing a home for Scouting in Groby for the next 100 years.

~ Family Fun Day on 17th June ~

TO CELEBRATE our 73 years, all current members have received a celebration badge and we are holding a Family Fun Day on June 17th from 12 till 4pm.

There will be a BBQ and licensed bar, bouncy castle, craft & gift stalls, activities & games, a shooting & archery range and a raffle with some amazing prizes.

We still have space for a few more independent stalls, please email andy.stone@grobyscouts.org.uk

We hope you’ll you come and celebrate with us

LOCAL ELECTION RESULTS At the Movies

Parish Council election result

Elected/votes received Groby

BAKER Geoffrey Andrew 601

BECK Sylvia Mary 682

CLARKE Nathan Kenneth 638

EMMERSON Liz 954

GRIFFITHS Katharine Ann 643

HOLLICK Ted 953

JONES Natasha Lisa 915

JONES Sandra Joan 699

LINCOLN Carol Ann 601

MULLINS Colin 840

RICHARDSON Gary Kenneth 636

TRIVETT Lesley Elva 601

YORK Carole Judith 932

Not elected/votes received Groby

EVERSON-CRANE James 564

BATTY Jacqualyn 544

HAGAN John 465

JACKSON Carl George 194

COLLINS Laura J ane 218

WILLIS Pam 575

Elected/votes received Field Head

BATTY Peter Raymond 83

HYDE David Roland John 113

SINGH Harvey 99

Not elected/votes received Field Head

JOHNSON Martin Lewis 63

Borough Council election result

Groby

Candidates elected/votes received

Martin Brett Cartwright, Liberal Democrat 947

Ted Hollick, Liberal Democrat 876

Not elected/votes received

John Hagan, Independent 161

David Roland John Hyde, Conservative 524

Gary Kenneth Richardson, Conservative 617

Kim Paul Robinson, Reform UK 93

Field Head ,Markfield, and Stanton

Elected/votes received

Claire Harris, Conservative 779

Christopher David Lambert, Labour 797

Not elected/votes received

Robert Martin, Labour 674

Leigh Zouga Quilter, Conservative 674

Lisa Wren, Green 195

WE SEEM TO be rapidly heading towards summer now which means that things are hotting up for Groby Sings.

We’re excitedly beginning to look forward to performing our first concerts back at Brookvale Groby Learning Campus, Ratby Road, Groby LE6 0FP (known locally as BGLC or Groby College).

We hope to welcome back in the audience the many supporters from home and abroad who enjoyed our previous 15 concert seasons as well as other music lovers who have yet to experience the joy and enthusiasm of the community choir that is Groby Sings. Make sure to put these dates in your diary:

SATURDAY 24th JUNE 7.00pm and SUNDAY 25th JUNE 3.00pm

TICKETS - only £5 - will be available from 22nd MAY at THE GROBY CLUB (during normal opening hours), GROBY LIBRARY (Wednesdays and Saturdays only 10.00am-12.00pm) and via CHOIR MEMBERS, who will be able to purchase tickets at rehearsal sessions.

Whilst many singers are happy to be on stage, we know that it’s not for everyone and so taking part in Groby Sings concerts is entirely optional. If any singer has mobility issues or concerns about standing for long periods, there will be seats in front of the stage and space for wheelchairs and we always try our best to cater for everyone’s needs. It’s important too that anyone who enjoys singing but prefers not to take part in concerts knows that they are still always welcome to join us on Wednesdays and we hope that non-concert singers will take the opportunity to come along and appreciate the performances as part of the audience.

Come along and sing with us on Wednesdays, term time only, at The Groby Club, Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DJ, which has ramps and disabled facilities. Adult singers: 1.30-3.00pm or 7.309.00pm, Youth & Children’s Choir (7 years and over): 3.40-4.40pm. All sessions include a refreshment break. Pre-school children are welcome in the afternoon in the care of their adult with a crèche area available.

Enquiries via our website www.grobysings.org.

Groby Sings is a Registered Charity no. 1180490

Letter Election premises

AGAIN, THIS YEAR, candidates stand very close to the entrance of the polling station, leaving very little room to enter.

Although they are friendly and greet you, I find this very intimidating, especially as the entrance to the polling station in Groby is quite narrow and you need to squeeze through.

I can understand that they like to shelter from the elements, it is not pleasant for me.

Doubly so in my case as I was brought up in Europe, and NO canvassing is permitted within 50 metres of the polling station, a very sensible solution in my opinion.

You can still talk to the candidates, but without feeling intimidated.

Margaret Knight

Cats are a great pet if you’ve ever wanted convenient access to a friend that hurts your feelings.

The Parish Council, the complaints, and the auditor

GOVERNMENTS and Local authorities spend public money, and it’s no surprise when taxpayers get angry if they hear allegations that the big fish have wasted billions of pounds on dodgy contracts or fraud.

At the other end of the scale Parish Councils such as Groby might look like tiddlers, with weekly expenditure of around £1.50 a week per household. But it is just as important that proper procedures, financial controls and good governance are exercised by Parishes as Government Departments and Agencies. The role of auditors is to ensure that everything is working as it should, though this role probably makes them as popular as Ofsted in schools or the Care Quality Commission in healthcare. The guidelines they work to relate to all local authorities, though there are slightly different provisions in relation to smaller local authorities. Smaller authorities are defined as those where the higher of gross income or expenditure does not exceed £6.5 million for the relevant financial year or either of the two previous years. All authorities also complete an annual governance statement setting out the arrangements they have in place to ensure that the authority and its business is properly managed.

Questions or objections

IF AN AUDITOR receives a question or objection from a local elector in relation to a smaller authority it will consider the size of the authority and the relative costs of the action that may need to be taken by the auditor in response to an objection as against the amounts of money involved.

This is more likely to be a material factor in determining the auditor’s decision as to whether or not to accept the objection for consideration. The costs of any action taken are borne by local taxpayers, and auditors have a duty to ensure that their response is proportionate and that they remain mindful of the amounts of public money involved.

The principle of proportionality

WHEN CONSIDERING whether to exercise any of their additional powers, auditors have to have regard in particular to the principle

of proportionality, unless they have significant concerns about the way the Council is being managed or led, or they judge that the exercise of additional powers would be in the public interest.

The auditor can do any or all of the following:

• make a ‘Schedule 7 recommendation’ which the authority must consider and respond to publicly;

• make other recommendations to the authority they consider appropriate;

• issue an advisory notice; and/or

• apply for a judicial review of the authority’s actions.

Groby Parish Council

IT IS WITHIN THIS framework that the external auditor has considered two objections to the Parish Council’s accounts for the years ended 31 March 2021 and certain other matters in relation to the years ended 31 March 2020, 2021, and 2022.

The auditor has identified shortcomings and has had to decide what action should be taken. The report identified weaknesses in some of the arrangements in place for the governance of the Council in relation to some of the matters raised and believes that they are of sufficient

significance to warrant a public interest report so that the matters can be considered by the Council and brought to the public’s attention.

The public interest report

INTHIS CASE they feel that making a ‘public interest report’ is a proportionate response. On receipt of a public interest report, the authority must publish it and call a public meeting to consider the auditor’s report and any recommendations in it. The authority must consider and respond publicly within a short time frame, but an authority is entitled to disagree with the conclusions set out in the report.

The Action Plan

GROBY PARISH COUNCIL met to consider the report on 2nd May and agreed an Action Plan to ensure that all the auditor’s recommendations are properly considered in public and that considered actions are put in place at an organisational level to ensure that all risks associated with a repeat of the failures identified are fully mitigated.

You can read the auditor’s public interest report and the Council’s agreed Action Plan on Groby. com.

Norman Griffiths

My worst enemy is anyone who reacts with less than total delight when encountering my dog on a walk.

Borough Council News From Councillor Martin Cartwright

THE RESULTS of the recent election are printed on page 6 of this issue.

The turnout was 31.84%

Thank you to all the residents who once again placed their faith in my abilities by placing a vote for me in this election process, 947 in total.

Having already served 16 years a Groby Borough Councillor this gives me a new four year term of office. I am thrilled with the results and looking forward to remaining in the role as your Borough Councillor.

Mayor Making, Annual Council, takes place on Tuesday 23rd May at which all the committee positions and the cabinet of the administration will be determined.

I hold a 100% record for meeting attendance for the whole 16 years of service. During that time I have had thousands of conversations with residents and been able to help, support, or signpost so many people either directly to Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council or any of its major partners for the many and varied issues that residents have been faced with.

It is true to say that the last four years have been like no other that have gone before. The first 12 months in what would now be referred to as the old norm, little did we appreciate how good that was at the time, you could buy one get one free at the shops, you now buy one pay three times the price or get a third of the contents, two years of a pandemic, fear, loved ones lost. Months of recovery from the pandemic with things improving for everyone before the war in Ukraine now over 12 months on from the onset and the cost of living crisis with everyone’s bills rising due to high inflation.

Some of my achievements affecting more than just individual

households include:

• Residents concerned with IM Properties Business Park proposals, this went into over 1,000 people a database of which I hold to keep residents updated. GDPR would not allow me to pass this database on so any new candidate would have to start from scratch on this issue.

• 5G Phone masts in inappropriate places, not delivering any benefit to offset the harm they do to the character and landscape of the location they were proposed to be installed in.

• Groby’s allocation of housing numbers until 2039, currently 45 Homes.

• Housing, Section 106 monies £270,000 towards infrastructure improvements in Groby.

For me, the most vital attribute of any local Councillor, is local knowledge by living and working in the area they represent. Experience also helps with 16 years service, issues long forgotten about may surface once again such as the Bloors site and the length and breadth of knowledge gained over those significant years also serves to help you.

But most importantly is the ability for residents with an issue or question to be able to get in touch quickly and easily with their Councillor by which ever method they choose.

Many prefer face to face as not everyone is internet, computer ready, I do a lot of this.

I also have a vast amount of channels available to residents in order to contact me from Landline, Mobile, E-mail, WhatsApp and Snapchat.

I keep residents updated by my monthly Spotlight article, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Social Media accounts.

No matter which method you choose to seek my help I will do my best to help you.

Thank you for your support, this is very much appreciated.

Syston Funtopia

FUNTOPIA, ‘The BIG Day Out for Little Kids’ is coming back to Syston for TWO fun-filled visits this summer!

Funtopia is a fantastic funpacked Children’s Festival which is specifically designed for under 10’s. Filled with role play areas, sumo suits, huge water fights, stage shows, giant inflatable games, character meet and greets, under 5’s area, high energy inflatables and more!

The Children’s Festival has several new attractions this summer, which include:

• ‘The Baby Zone’ where the tiniest of visitors can learn and play

• Giant 110ft Obstacle Course (where both kids and grown ups can compete!)

• ‘The Fun-Farm’ a new Role Play Area where kids can run their own farm

• Stage Shows – The new stage features shows, parties and workshops throughout the day

Funtopia is All-Inclusive! All of the activities and games are included in the price of your entry. Please note: some activities have height/age restrictions attached.

The 2023 Summer Tour runs from April-August and is visiting Syston on Saturday 27th May and returns Saturday 29th July. For the first time ever the tour will be stopping at Loughborough as well on the 25th June! The Funtopia Tour consists of over 60 dates between April-August and is open daily 11:30am- 5:30pm.

Once you have paid to enter Funtopia, all the activities are included in the price. For only £10 per child, visitors can enjoy a full day of fun!”.

Full tour dates can be viewed on the Facebook page at www. facebook.com/funtopiauk

Funtopia will be held at Central Park, St Peter’s Street, Syston LE7 2EN

National Trust Leicester Association

AFTER EIGHT YEARS the young lady who has been Property Manager at Stoneywell Cottage, our local NT property at Ulverscroft near Markfield, is moving on to be Operations Manager at Kedleston Hall near Derby.

Another lady has been appointed to take over the role at Stoneywell and will take up the position at the beginning of June. She currently works for the Bradgate Park Trust and has relevant diplomas from Exeter and Leicester Universities. Previously she worked for the National Trust as a Visitor Experience Officer in Surrey. Stoneywell Cottage itself will of course remain the excellent example of an Arts and Crafts cottage being built in 1899. It was designed by Ernest Gimson who was an Arts and Crafts Architect and friend of William Morris and was built for Ernest’s eldest brother, Sydney Gimson, who was managing director of Gimson Engineering in Leicester. On the ground floor there is a dining room which was originally the kitchen and would have been the domain of the cook and maid. There is a small pantry off of this room which kept food nice and cool as it is built into the bedrock.

In the dining room is a large oak dining table and a set of eight dining chairs. The table was made by Edward Barnsley who was a partner with Ernest Gimson in a handmade furniture business. Ernest made the set of eight ladder back dining chairs. There is also a

fine dresser also made by Ernest, this time originally for his sister Margaret’s cottage. Also on the ground floor is a large sitting room with a large inglenook fireplace. This room also features many books which were collected by Sydney’s son Basil after he inherited the cottage from his father.

In the corner of the room is a steep spiral staircase cut out of the solid rock which leads up to the master bedroom. The original double bed is on display together with an ornate wooden coffer and a chest of drawers with a hidden writing desk that was a birthday gift for Basil.

Moving on from the master bedroom visitors pass through the nursery which contains a copy of an Ernest Gimson cot. From the nursery landing you can enter the bathroom which was a later addition to the cottage. Also from the landing you enter another double bedroom which was mainly used a guest bedroom. The

landing also leads to another large bedroom known as the “well room” as you go down steps into the room. This contains two single beds and a Hornby toy train set. A final staircase leads to a single bedroom in the roof space.

The property also contains four acres of garden and eleven acres of woodland. The property is open Friday to Monday, 10.00am to 4.30pm and pre booking is required in accordance with the planning consent for the building. Bookings can be made on line at www. nationaltrust.org.uk or by telephone on 0344 2491895.

• THE NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has now moved on to its summer programme of coach outings and visits. Meetings with a speaker will recommence in September with speakers booked for the evening of the 12th and the afternoon of the 27th. The Association continues to issue its monthly email Newsheet and its triannual printed Newsletter to all members. Please check the Association web site at – www. leicesternt.com - for further details.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer NT Leicester Assn.

Groby COMMUNITY Library

AS A CHARITY, we’re required to hold an Annual General Meeting that’s open to members of the public.

This year’s will be on May 17th at 7.30pm, and we’d love to see anyone who is interested in what we’ve been up to for the past year, or who would like to make comments or suggestions about the services available from YOUR public library.

As you know, the library is run entirely by volunteers, with the support of Leicestershire Libraries, and the support of our local community is very important to us. If you have any items which you would like to raise formally on the night, please email enquiries@grobylibrary.co.uk in advance, giving us a brief idea of the subject you’d like to raise.

Our regular groups continue to meet (times are up in the library), but in last month’s Spotlight I managed to get the new dates wrong for Cuppa and Company, our popular, free, fortnightly meeting place for people from the village who may feel a little cut off, to come and enjoy an hour chatting to their neighbours over a free cup of something warm.

The next few meetings are on May 19th, June 2nd, 16th and 30th, and we would love to see you. At the other end of the age scale, as I did get right last month, our new group for babies and their carers meets every Wednesday morning at 10.30 for another opportunity to chat with new friends.

As the year goes by we inch towards the finish line of July 1st, when our Summer Reading Challenge starts, with a theme of sports. If you’re aged 4-11, you’ll be able to fill the school-shaped gap in your life by reading books and winning prizes! Smelly stickers and real gold medals (well, maybe not real gold) will definitely make you want to get in training!

I haven’t got much else to bring to your attention this month, except our community cafe, selling fabulous cakes and very nice coffee and tea. And we have a great selection of the latest books for you to borrow, free of charge! Books like these, recently featured in the Sunday Times bestsellers:

Colleen Hoover It Ends With Us

David Baldacci Simply Lies

Marian Keyes Again, Rachel

Lee Child & Andrew Child No Plan B

Elly Griffiths Bleeding Heart Yard

Graham Norton Forever Home

Richard Coles Murder Before Evensong

Cecelia Ahern In a Thousand Different Ways

Harlan Coben I Will Find You

Erica James A Secret Garden Affair

Happy Reading!

Dave Robinson

A sincere Thank You!

Call: 0116 287 5955

Mobile: 07962 373983

E-mail: ted.hollick@outlook.com

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

Letter Request for a skatepark

I’M WRITING TO you asking why in the year 2023 the council agreed to spend taxpayers’ money on the most dated piece of play equipment I’ve seen in recent years.

This new play area at the park on Marina Drive, Groby has from what I’ve seen attracted not one person to use it as it’s awful. Why don’t the council get with the times and build a concrete skate park like places in Melton Mowbray and Desborough. These places are constantly bustling with children and families from far and wide. Surely with the success of skateboarding and bmxing in the Olympics it’s time to get with the times .

As an adult who still enjoys skateboarding, and spends a significant amount of my time coaching children to skateboard, it’s a sport which has grown in popularity. It’s a great form of exercise, builds confidence, and has contributed to my mental health and well-being. I know it does the same for children and young people.

Wayne Hill

A RECENT study suggests that for every additional 500 steps you take each day, you may be lowering the risk of heart issues by 14 per cent.

To put it another way, this recent study found that adults who took fewer than 2,000 steps a day were 77 per cent more likely to experience a cardiovascular event in the following three years than those who took about 4,500 steps a day.

“We were surprised to find that every additional quarter of a mile, or 500 steps, of walking had such a strong benefit to heart health,” said one professor of epidemiology at the University of Alabama. “While we do not want to diminish the importance of higher intensity physical activity, encouraging small increases in the number of daily steps also has significant cardiovascular benefits.

When a little bit more exercise can help a lot

Upcoming Events at Leicester Animal Aid

LEICESTER ANIMAL AID has some events coming up over the next few months. Although the Leicestershire-based charity’s top priority is caring for cats and dogs and helping to rehome them, they also run a children’s activity club, host dog shows and have stalls at local events, and have cat and dog first aid courses at their Centre in Huncote. There’s plenty going on, so make sure to update your diaries with these dates!

Sunday, 14th May |

Burbage Common Open Day, Hinckley, LE10 3DD

A family fun day will be taking place at Burbage Common, and Leicester Animal Aid will be present. There will be a tombola and information stall with members of staff available for a chat. Drop by, say hello, learn a bit about the Charity and enter the tombola for a prize every time.

Saturday, 20th May & Saturday, 29th July | Cat and Dog First Aid Courses, L.A.A., Huncote, LE9 3LE

If you have a cat or a dog, would you know what to do in the event of an accident? These First Aid Courses at Leicester Animal Aid will teach you just that, with up-to-date techniques taught by a veterinary professional. Attendees will also receive a certificate.

The Cat First Aid Course on Saturday, 20th May is £40 (the dog course is now fully booked), and this includes a donation to L.A.A. The courses on 29th July are free, aimed at those on low-income or who are unemployed. You can book online via their website under the events section: https:// www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/event/calendar

Calling all bargain hunters!

GLENFIELD MILLENIUM GREEN

are hosting a Table Top and Plant Sale on the 20th May between 10am12pm.

If you would like to sell some of your own things and would like to book a table, please contact us via facebook or our website. www.glenfieldmilleniumgreen.weebly.com

The tables cost £5 and all money raised will go directly to supporting the upkeep of this green space. We look forward to seeing you on the Green!

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea

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

75 years since the arrival of Windrush

Groby Flood Alleviation Project

I ATTENDED a Progress Meeting with Severn Trent’s Project Manager, County Council Drainage Engineer and local residents on 27th April.

I am pleased to report that the project has moved another step forward since my previous article in April when the tree removal was completed. Severn Trent have now produced a Biodiversity Enhancement Plan showing the type and siting of replacement trees and reinstatement proposals following the completion of construction work.

Funding has been approved and released to cover the cost of diverting gas mains on Leicester Road and Ratby Road. I am waiting to receive the start date. These diversions will have to take place before Severn Trent can commence their work to improve their surface water and foul water sewers.

Severn Trent have invited quotations from contractors to carry out the construction work. Quotations will be returned during week commencing 22nd May. This will allow them to put forward their Business Case for the main works and then seek approval for the rest of the Project Budget.

This has been a challenge and I thank the residents for their support. I am pleased to say, we are finally moving forward.

Severn Trent are providing monthly updates to members of the Progress Meeting that will allow me to keep you in the picture through future articles in the Spotlight.

Groby Borough Council and Parish Council Elections

I WOULD LIKE to offer my congratulations to both Martin and Ted on their success in the Borough Council elections.

I would also like to offer my congratulations to all the successful candidates in the recent Parish Council elections.

26 Arriva Bus Service Through Groby

I REPORTED in last month’s article that the 26 Arriva bus service would no longer run around Stephenson Way, Lawnwood Road, Woodbank Road and would run directly along Ratby Road from the 16th April.

Although I argued that it would have a major impact on the elderly

and disabled residents on that route, Arriva continued with their plans and rerouted the service. This is a commercial service and they said it was needed to save time on the route. I am very unhappy with the decision and I have written to their commercial director on behalf of residents.

How to Spot a Text Message Scam

MESSAGING SCAMS can be very convincing, so it’s important to know what to watch out for to stay ahead of the fraudsters.

Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of smartphones and are getting very clever with how they try to take your hard-earned money. Research found that text scams have boomed as consumers have become increasingly reliant on deliveries during the pandemic. Scammers use many different types of messaging systems and apps, like SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Google Hangouts, Snapchat and other messaging platforms to try scam you out of your money.

By using identity masking technology to change the name displayed as the sender, scammers often make it look like a legitimate organisation is contacting you via text or a messaging app. This is known as ‘number spoofing’. If you get sent a scam message, it’s important you don’t respond to it and report it so others don’t fall victim. Reporting a scam message is free and it will help stop the spread of these messages

FluBot’ malware scam delivery message

WATCH OUT FOR scam delivery messages containing dangerous ‘FluBot’ malware.

Known to affect Android devices, these messages have been found to contain a dodgy link to download an app that can infect

your phone with malware. The malware can harvest passwords and other personal information, it also accesses contacts to send out further messages.

Always be wary of unsolicited texts, and think twice before you click on a link. If you think you’ve received a genuine delivery message, but you’re not certain, then contact the delivery company’s official customer service helpline to verify the message.

If you’ve received a similar message and you think it’s a scam you can simply delete it. If you’d like to report it then you can do so by forwarding the message to 7726 - a free reporting service provided by phone operators.

If you’ve received this message and you’ve already downloaded the infected app then follow these steps:

• Don’t enter any passwords or log into any accounts.

• Perform a factory reset on your device.

• After resetting your device you may be prompted to restore from a backup, but do not restore any apps that you’ve accessed or downloaded since your device was compromised.

• Once you’ve restored your device you should change your passwords on your accounts to ensure they are secure

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

Ozzy O’shea

Always Working for you Locally

Some proofreading needed!

IT WAS 75 YEARS ago next month, on 21st June 1948, that the passenger ship HMT

Tel 0116 239 4336 Mobile 07808 585825 My leadership skills begin and end with starting the Happy Birthday song at a party.

Empire Windrush docked in London, bringing the first large group of immigrants from the West Indies to the UK.

It was a result of the British Government’s invitation to people from Commonwealth countries to settle in Britain and help rebuild the country after the devastation of the Second World War. The promise was one of prosperity and full employment, and the Windrush – ironically built and launched in Germany in 1930 – carried more than 1000 people, though the figure is often given as 492. In fact, there were probably 492 men from Jamaica, but also men and women from other islands, plus Polish men and women.

Most of the Caribbeans remained to settle permanently, despite mixed reactions. The first of what became known as the Windrush generation were housed temporarily in the Brixton area, where Windrush Square – an open space in front of the Brixton Tate Library – marks their arrival.

The Windrush generation generally defines everyone who emigrated to Britain from the Caribbean between 1948 and 1971, at which point all Commonwealth citizens living in the UK were given the right to remain. In 2018 a scandal emerged involving ineptitude by the Home Office which had resulted in people from this generation being wrongly detained, denied legal rights and threatened with deportation. It was calculated that more than 80 had been wrongly deported.

These people had been living and working in the UK for decades but had never been provided with the official paperwork, and the Home Office had kept no record of those granted leave to remain. The UK Government apologised, and the Home Secretary at the time, Amber Rudd, described her department’s performance as “appalling”.

Groby WI: bees, honey, and Southwell Workhouse

HONEY AND BEE KEEPING was the subject of our April speaker, Julia Wallis.

I certainly hadn’t realised that bee keeping was so complicated! Thirty to forty thousand tons of honey is consumed in the UK every year with less than a third actually produced here.

To produce sixteen ounces of honey it apparently takes 1,152 bees to travel 112,000 miles and visit 4.5 million flowers, unbelievable! Some of the plants pollinated by bees are rapeseed, beans, fruit trees and bushes, salad crops, sunflowers and blackthorn.

Julia informed us that honey is nectar concentrated with the stomach contents of the bees. There are, in fact, very few wild colonies of bees in the UK.

Albert Einstein once said that ‘if we lose bees, we lose man. If there is no pollination, there won’t be any plants’. From what we are now being told about the demise of bees generally, perhaps he was right. The main threats to the bee population are: wasps, hornets, wax moths, mice, woodpeckers, badgers and vandalism.

In the hive during the summer, there will be up to 50,000 female worker bees. They will collect pollen and nectar, feed the brood and the Queen bee and keep the hive clean - sounds familiar ladies! There are about 2,000 male drone bees and their job is purely to impregnate the Queen when she leaves the hive, which she will only do once. The drones then die, their job done! In the winter months there will be approximately 10,000 worker bees, one Queen and no drones. They will huddle together in the hive, sometimes dislocating their wings.

Julia summed up her talk with ways we can all help bees: buy british honey; keep bees; report swarms for collection; plant our garden with bee friendly flowers and shrubs.

MYSELF AND THREE other members of Groby WI joined Markfield WI on a trip to Southwell.

First we went to Southwell Workhouse which was so interesting and gave an insight into an awful existence for the people living there . We were staggered to know that it did not actually close its doors until the 1980s, although it was then a home for the elderly.

We are all ladies of a certain age and all had actual memories of some of the items we saw: a tin bath brought in weekly for several people to share, flat irons heated on the fire, peg rugs and many more things!

The pictures here are from the workhouse and I particularly liked the crocheted bird and flowers on a tree outside the cafe, the recipe for gruel not so much so!

Question: What do Groby Library, Classic Cuts Hairdressers and Laundon Way Co-op all have in common?

There are over 200 species of bees producing various types of honey: comb, liquid, creamed, chunk and monofloral. There are several supposed health benefits associated with honey: it is digestible, glucose is produced for fast release energy; pollen and beneficial enzymes in raw unfiltered honey; helps wounds heal faster, anti-inflammatory, treatment for MRSA, burns and chronic leg ulcers; relieves sore throats and is yummy on hot buttered toast! Although there is no scientific evidence, pollen is said to lower cholesterol, propolis is a resin like material made by bees from the buds of poplar and cone bearing trees and is to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties whilst Royal Jelly is anti-aging and contains Vitamin B5. During the Crimean War, surgeons put propolis on to the wounds of soldiers to aid healing.

Answer: They are all kindly acting as drop off points for Christian Aid Week Envelopes. Thank you!

We then went in to the lovely town of Southwell. Unfortunately we did not have time to visit the cathedral, choosing to have lunch instead. However, it was the day before St George’s Day and we were treated to a long procession of Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts and several bands passing the window of the cafe. All in all, a lovely day out.

Our next meeting is on Thursday 15th May at 7.30pm in the Village Hall and will be WI Resolutions with a social evening.

Ruth Rolinson

Question: What do Groby Library, Classic Cuts Hairdressers and Laundon Way Co-op all have in common?

Question: What do Groby Library, Classic Cuts Hairdressers and Laundon Way Co-op all have in common?

Answer: They are all kindly acting as drop off points for Christian Aid Week Envelopes. Thank you!

Please look out for the red donation envelope that will be delivered to every home in Groby week commencing 14th May. This will tell you where your nearest drop off point is.

Answer: They are all kindly acting as drop off points for Christian Aid Week Envelopes. Thank you!

Please look out for the red donation envelope that will be delivered to every home in Groby week commencing 14th May. This will tell you where your nearest drop off point is. Donations can also be made on line by using the link or QR code below. https://www.justgiving.com/page/churchestogetheringrobycaw2023

If you can, please help dreams come true this Christian Aid Week. Seeds, tools, training, safe storage units and co-operative ovens will help farmers like Jen generate enough income to support their families and afford school fees. Thank you and God Bless

Chris Davies and Mary Pringle

Donations can also be made on line by using the link or QR code below. https://www.justgiving.com/page/churchestogetheringroby caw2023

Please look out for the red donation envelope that delivered to every home week commencing 14th May. This will tell you where your nearest drop off point is.

Churches Together in Groby

Music was supplied by Trevor Pringle, aka Troubadour

in the Street

The sunny weather added to the enjoyment.

The sunny weather added to the enjoyment.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Healthcare NEWS

Groby Surgery closure dates

PATIENTS at Groby Surgery should remember that the surgery closes for half a day once a month to have time to update staff with the latest training and expand in services. The May closure will be from 12:30pm17:30pm on Wednesday 24th May 2023. Next month it will be Thursday 15th June 2023. As usual the surgery will not be open on Spring Bank Holiday, Monday 29th May.

Evening appointments

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT Telephone 01530-244069

Email

Visit

3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings.

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press releases, events, general items of interest and news items submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs and local authorities.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims, methods or policies.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend, shorten or refuse to publish articles and/ or advertisements submitted for publication.

All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

None of the articles contained in this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

SOMETIMES an evening appointment might be more convenient for patients, and although these are not available locally they can be booked two evenings a week at Glenfield. The sessions are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 17.30 and 20.00pm. Call reception on 0116 231 3331 if you want to book an evening appointment, and remember that the evening surgeries only deal with pre-booked consultations.

Ensure youngsters are vaccinated against serious illnesses

RECENT figures have highlighted that some young people have not taken advantage of vaccines offered to adolescents, with the result that they are more at risk of disease.

Uptake of the adolescent vaccines offered to 13 and 14 year olds who were in school year 9 during the 2021 to 2022 academic year has fallen, leaving many young people unprotected from life-threatening diseases, according to Data published by the UK Health Security Agency.

The final routine dose offered to teenagers for tetanus, diphtheria and polio, gives long-lasting protection into

Interesting new information about VITAMIN D

AN ARTICLE has been published on the Pubmed website regarding the possible protective effects of taking Vitamin D with regard to prostate cancer.

This meta-analysis “suggested that higher 25-hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with a reduction of mortality in prostate cancer patients and vitamin D is an important protective factor in the progression and prognosis of prostate cancer.”

adulthood, whilst another vaccine helps protect young people against 4 types of meningococcal disease. Although rare, these serious diseases can cause life-threatening illness leading to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death.

Uptake or children in school year 9 was 69%, around 7% lower than the previous year and well below prepandemic levels of 88% in the 2018 to 2019 academic year. The data suggests that the NHS has already caught up many children who missed out on their vaccines, with uptake improving to around 80% for children in year 10.

As coverage is not back up to pre-pandemic levels parents and guardians are being encouraged to ensure eligible young people are up to date with their adolescent vaccines before they leave school. The advice is that those young people who have missed out on their teenage vaccines should contact their school nurse, school immunisation team or GP surgery to arrange a catch-up.

“The 3-in-1 teenage booster and the meningitis vaccination are extremely well-researched and proven to provide protection against a range of diseases that can cause serious illness,” explained Steve Russell, National Director for Vaccination and Screening.

“NHS School Aged Immunisation Services offer these vaccinations in secondary schools, as well as the HPV vaccination that protects against a range of cancers and we strongly urge those eligible and their family members and guardians to ensure they are up to date, and if not to come forward for their vaccines as soon as possible – it’s the best way to keep protected.”

Norman Griffiths

Smile Time

This next one…

A local DJ was introducing a record at our annual church fete/parish party. “This next one,” he said, “is for Charlotte, a choir member, who is a hundred and eleven! Hey, Charlotte, congratulations on a ripe old age!”

There was a short pause and then the DJ said in a somewhat more subdued voice, “I’m sorry, I got it wrong. This next one is for Charlotte, who is ill.”

Man and wife

In the conclusion of the article, the authors say: “Based on the results mentioned earlier, we can draw the conclusion that higher vitamin D level is significantly associated with a risk reduction of all-cause mortality and prostate cancer-specific mortality, indicating vitamin D may exert a protective effect in the progression and prognosis of prostate cancer.

“More cohort studies and randomized clinical trial are needed to further illustrate the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and prognosis of prostate cancer.”

You can read the full article online at:

pmc/articles/PMC6240137/

With Bible in hand, I read to my Sunday school class: “‘For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife.’ Okay,” I said, “from this Scripture, what do we learn is important in marriage?”

A voice at the back blurted: “Cleavage!”

Gardening

Overheard at my gardening club meeting: “I never knew what compost was until I met my husband.”

Short Story

The Ice Sculpture

Mel was filling vases with peonies for the top table when a lady wearing huge sunglasses strode into to the marquee.

“This all looks rather tragic,” she announced to no one in particular. Behind her, a delivery man wheeled a squeaky trolley carrying something the size of a sheep hidden beneath a white sheet.

Grunting, the man lifted the heavy object onto the table reserved for wedding gifts and handed the lady a clipboard to sign.

“How quaint,” she said, “in LA we’re completely digital, you never see pens and paper anywhere.” His task complete, the man scurried out of the marquee as though in a hurry to escape.

“Are you here for the wedding?” Mel asked, placing the last vase in position.

“You bet.” The lady removed her glasses and surveyed the marquee. “I’m Pauline, the bride’s aunt. Just flown in.” She then fixed her steely gaze upon Mel. “Is there time to do something about these sorrylooking flowers?”

Mel held her tongue. She’d been up since four decorating the marquee for her friend Abbie’s big day, and had just been congratulating herself on how beautiful it looked.

“This desperately needs touch of glamour, wouldn’t you say?”

Pauline said. “In Hollywood we know how to throw a wedding.”

“Is that where you’re from?” Mel asked, hoping to change the

Planning Apps

Single storey rear/side extension at 5 Dalby Drive, Groby, Leicester LE6 0DF

subject.

“We moved out there six years ago,” Pauline said smugly. “Our pool is bigger than this whole tent.”

“Cool.” Mel nodded, already tiring of Abbie’s boastful relative.

“Make yourself useful and remove this sheet,” Pauline said, pointing at the strange object she’d just had delivered.

“Be careful, what’s underneath costs more than you earn in a year.”

Quietly seething, Mel gently took hold of the corners of the sheet. She could feel cold emanating from whatever was beneath it. Gently she lifted it.

“Wow!” she said, standing back.

“What is it?”

“Botticelli’s Birth of Venus,” Pauline said curtly. “If you lived in LA, you’d know that.”

To Mel it looked like a dumpy, naked lady standing on a seashell.

“Is it carved out of ice?” Mel asked.

“You bet,” Pauline pouted.

“Remind you of anyone?”

Mel peered at the sculpture’s face, which was already starting to glisten in the heat.

“I’m not sure,” Mel said, though she had her suspicions. “Is it you?”

“That’s right,” Pauline purred.

“It’s what we in Hollywood call a conversation piece.”

“Lovely.” Mel frowned. She could imagine what kind of conversation Abbie’s wedding guests would have about it.

“Won’t it melt?” she asked, noticing puddles of water already forming on the table.

“Well, hurry up and turn on the air conditioning.” Pauline glanced irritably around the tent for the non-existent air conditioning unit. “Which reminds me, you need to rearrange the seating plan so that I’m closest to it.”

“I’m sure Abbie will love it,” Mel said, feeling not at all sure. “Perhaps I should let her know you’re here?” She had a sinking feeling her friend’s big day was about to become all about managing the needs of Auntie Pauline and her awful ice sculpture.

“Abbie?” Pauline asked. “Who on earth’s Abbie?”

“The bride,” Mel said dumbfounded.

“The bride is Sara, you silly girl,” Pauline said hotly, “and she’s getting married here, today, the twenty-first of June.”

The two women stared at each other. The ice sculpture slowly dripped and Mel felt a pleasant calm descend upon her.

“What’s the time difference between here and LA?” she asked.

“Eight hours,” Pauline said tetchily. “Why?”

“You’re a day ahead of yourself.” Mel smiled politely.

“Today’s the twentieth. You’ve come to the wrong wedding.”

By Jackie Brewster

Chimney stack to the side of the building at 4 Old Hall Barns, Markfield Road, Groby, Leicester LE6 0FL

Single storey rear conservatory at 5 Oak Green, Markfield, Leicester LE67 9RX

Word Ladder

Here possible (others

ANSWER ON PAGE 22

After kissing a girl on her sofa she said “Let’s take this upstairs”. “Ok” I said. “ You grab one end and I’ll grab the other.”

Our fabulous advertisers make your magazine possibleplease use them if you can. Thanks!

Spotlight Small Ads

• Silver Cross 3-in-1 PRAM AND PUSHCHAIR. In good condition.

Price: £200.00

• TRAVEL COT, two heights, nearly new. Price: £60.00

• IKEA WOODEN COT AND MATTRESS.Never used.

Price: £60.00

Tel: 0116 225 1789 (Groby)

• SINGLE DIVAN BED with storage drawers beneath, offered with mattress and attractive white metal headboard. All as new.

Price: £60.00. Collection only please.

Tel: 07966 253612 (Markfield)

• Kampa Air Pro 390 CARAVAN AWNING, PUMP, GROUND SHEET.

Price: £300.00 o.n.o.

• 43” LED LG TV - 12 months old. Price: £150.00.

TEL: 07421 000121 (Markfield)

• SET OF GOLF CLUBS and GOLF BAG. Ideal for learner/beginner.

Reasonable OK condition.

Price: £50.00.

• Karcher PRESSURE WASHER, including jet nozzle, no separate tools. Working in good condition. Price: £60.00.

• STELLA 8” SAUCEPAN with lid and 2 STELLA 10” Frying pans.

Price: £8 each or all 3 items £20.

Tel: 07880 551180 (Markfield)

• 4x Charles Tyrewhitt SHIRTS - 16.5 collar, non iron. As new. £10.00 each.

• Ventuno SUIT black - 34” waist long trousers. £10.00.

• Luke JACKET black XL £10.00

• Moss JACKET navy blue, reg fit 40” chest £10.00

• Lambretta JACKET black 40” chest £10.00

• Moss TROUSERS 34”waist black £10.00

• Large collection of BABY CLOTHES 0-3 months. Including all-in-ones, hats, mittens, vests, baby grows, Moses basket sheets. Girls& boys. All clean in VGC £30.00.

Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby)

• Rattan Monaco CORNER GARDEN

FURNITURE. (Bought from Next @ £1,299) Seats 6/8 hardly ever used good as new. Rising table comes with 2 stools. Price: £595.00.

Tel: 07903 076745

• Rattan GARDEN SOFA and 2 CHAIRS plus cushions and glass coffee table. Price: £40.00

• Electric TREADMILL MACHINEv.g.c. Price: £20.00.

Tel: 07467 949192 (Groby)

• B&D WORKMATE - vgc - almost new. Price: £15.

• Heavy duty PLASTIC TOOL BOX with a few tools £8.00

• Assortment of GARDEN TOOLS from £1.

Tel: 07741 478967 (Glenfield)

• ELECTRIC BIKE - Ladies step through electric bike, Freego Regency, complete with wicker front basket and rear panniers, chain guard and rear wheel skirt. Price: £450.00.

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• RIDING RUBBERS (Boots) - knee high. Slim fit. Size: 40. Cottage Craft make. Good condition. Black. Price: £20.00.

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• Multipurpose 4-SECTION LADDER - height open= 11’8” (3.38m)instructions available. Price: £15.00

• Lakeland ‘Radfan’ RADIATOR FAN Price: £10.00.

• Hoover ‘Whirlwind Evo’ (red)

ELECTRIC CARPET CLEANER with instructions. Price: £25.00.

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ELECTRIC CARPET CLEANER with instructions. Price: £25.00.

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RADIATORS X 2. Instructions included. Bought Feb 2023 - only light use. Price: £25.00 each. All items - to be collected.

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The number of working days lost to sickness skyrockets

DID YOU take time off work last year? Many of us did. In fact, according to recently released official figures, a record 185.6 million working days were lost, due to sickness or injury. That is even more than during the first year of lockdown. In fact, 2022 was the worst year for sick days since 1995, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 138.2 million days were lost in 2019.

The most common reasons we gave were minor illnesses, including coughs, colds, flu or tummy upsets. Respiratory conditions also overtook mental health as the fourth most common reason for absence in 2022.

I had a vasectomy so I won’t have kids. But when I got home, they were still there.

Did you know that Glenfield has a weekly Country Market?

A wide range of homemade cakes and preserves, quality crafts, plants and home-grown produce are on sale.

WIN A MEAL FOR TWO AT THE STAMFORD! UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS

WORDSEARCH

This is your Word Search!

Refreshments are served

Free admission

Card payments now available

Come along to see us and to support this local event

Where? St Peter’s Church Centre, LE3 8DP with parking!

When? Each Friday morning 9am-11am

For more details contact: glenfieldmarket@gmail.com

BIKECOURIER

IF YOU can find 20 UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win yourself a meal for two and a bottle of house wine at The Stamford Arms in Groby.

BLACKSMITH

BODYPARTMODEL CHANDLER

DERMATOLOGIST

FOODTASTER

NETFLIXTAGGER

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 20 UNUSUAL OCCUPATIONS. These can overlap and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: ODD JOBCENTRE, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 3RD JUNE 2023. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

SAILMAKER

EMBALMER

LUMBERJA

PERSONALSHOPPER

TAXIDERMIST

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

UFOLOGIST

VOICEOVERAR

FIND THESE 20 ODD JOBS!

Find the word in the puzzle.

BIKE COURIER • BLACKSMITH • BODY PAINTER • BODY PART MODEL

Words can go in any direction.

CHANDLER • CHIMNEY SWEEP • DERMATOLOGIST • EMBALMER FLETCHER • FOOD TASTER • LUMBERJACK • MATADOR

Words can share letters as they cross over each other

NETFLIX TAGGER • PERSONAL SHOPPER • PIANO TUNER • SAILMAKER

TAXIDERMIST • TRANSLATOR • UFOLOGIST • VOICE OVER ARTIST

20 of 20 words placed.

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

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

.............................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Issue’s Winner was: Mrs Joy Leslie of Crane-Ley Road, Groby. Congratulations! Your voucher will be sent to you in the next few weeks.

Copyright © 2023

If your boyfriend can’t appreciate a good fruit pun, you need to let that mango.