November 2012 Groby Spotlight by Michael Wilkinson

Nicki Nealon takes Coventry Half Marathon again!

Traditional Christmas Fair

Groby’s Nicki Nealon won the Coventry Half Marathon in October in a time of 1.22.36, finishing as first lady and 19th overall. The second lady was Coventry Godiva’s Paula Richardson in 1.27.25, with Charnwood’s Katie Lomas in 3rd in 1.30.38. This was a significant winning margin for a Large City Half Marathon; temperatures were cold but with a light wind were reasonably pleasant running conditions. Nicki has retained last year’s title with a time which was 20 secs quicker than when she won this event last year. This followed a 4th place in the Ladies event at the Nottingham half marathon two weeks earlier.

Nick Nealon (Nicki’s husband)

Apply for £10k for your project!

Community groups urged to apply for grants

at Martinshaw School Forest View, Groby on Friday December 7th from 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm Includes Santa’s Grotto, Raffle, Toy Tombola, Lucky dip, Mulled Wine, Refreshments, Christmas Crafts, Face Painting, Stalls and Games and Biscuits to Decorate plus much more Come along and enjoy!

Merry Christmas

Garden of Remembrance proposals considered

COMMUNITY groups in parishes across the Borough are being encouraged to apply for their share of the Borough Council’s Parish and Community Initiative Fund before applications close in February. Grants totalling £100,000 per year are awarded to support community projects in the parished areas of the borough. These grants fund a wide variety of projects such as play areas, community buildings, new pathways, heritage trails, and sports facilities. Grants for 2013/14 will be provided on the following basis: • projects must be within a parished area of the borough • maximum of £10,000 per parish area • maximum of £10,000 per project • maximum of 50 per cent of total project costs funded • all works must be completed within the financial year • projects must demonstrate that they meet the council’s corporate aims and that they are of community benefit Applications forms, guidance notes and general information are automatically sent to parish and town councils and to community groups that have applied in the past. For further copies, or for more information, please contact the Green Spaces Team on 01455 255707 or email GreenSpaces@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

Bought shares in The Meadow? Some Important News for you on pages 4 & 5 ...

Groby Parish Council is considering proposals for a new Garden of Remembrance at the local cemetery. The landscaping will include raised beds and will provide areas for the scattering of ashes. The residence restrictions that apply to burials will not apply to ashes and this will allow the ashes of non residents to be scattered. There will also be the facility to place commemorative plaques on the sides of the raised beds. Charges for both services will provide an additional income stream for the cemetery.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby & Field Head Spotlight PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

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01530-244069 Email us at: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk 3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings. Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby & Field Head. 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.

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Children turned into history detectives

On Tuesday 30th October, the Year 4 pupils from Lady Jane Grey Primary School were given the perfect introduction to their new topic, ‘What Happened at the Battle of Bosworth?’ with a visit to Bosworth Battlefield and Heritage Centre.

The children were already inspired by the ongoing investigations regarding the possible discovery of the remains of King Richard III in Leicester and were full of questions for the guides at the Battlefield Centre. Everyone had a chance to carry the standards of Henry Tudor, Richard III or the Stanley brothers and lead their armies around the fields, hearing all about the events from 1485. They then turned into history detectives, locating the clues to questions whilst moving through the interactive exhibition. Boys were amazed at how heavy the chainmail suits were and how difficult it was to see through the tiny slit in the helmets. The pupils also enjoyed being able to practise using a longbow and being evaluated on what sort of archer they would make! By far the favourite part of the day was learning all about the weaponry used during the battle. The pupils and staff then took part in ‘Bill Drill’, practising moves with a weapon of their own. Children returned to school eager to find out more about the War of the Roses and life in Tudor times. We also await the final results of the bone discovery with anticipation.

Alison McHugh

Y4 teacher at Lady Jane Grey Primary School.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Newtown Linford Lane meadow latest Norman Griffiths hears shareholders should expect a letter

The protracted legal process of transferring the meadow at Newtown Linford Lane from Groby Parish Council to a Community Interest Company (CIC)is taking another step forward. An initial period of public consultation on the draft Articles of Association has commenced and will end on December 14th.

But what is a CIC? Community interest companies (CIC) are a type of limited company designed specifically for those wishing to operate for the benefit of the community rather than for the benefit of the owners of the company. This means that a CIC cannot be formed or used solely for the personal gain of a particular person, or group of people. CICs can be limited by shares, or by guarantee, have a statutory “asset lock” to prevent the assets and profits being distributed, except as permitted by legislation. This ensures the assets and profits are retained within the CIC for community purposes, or transferred to another asset-locked organisation, such as another CIC or charity. In this case Groby Parish Council is the nominated asset locked body. A “community interest test” and “asset lock” ensures that the CIC is established for community purposes and the assets and profits are dedicated to these purposes. Registration of a company as a CIC has to be approved by the Regulator who also has a continuing monitoring and enforcement role. The Government, however, expects the Regulator to exercise a “light touch” and to encourage the development of the CIC ‘brand’ and provide guidance and assistance on matters relating to CICs.

Where can I read the draft Articles? The draft articles are available on the Groby Parish Council website

to the Parish Council or email me,” advised Chairman Alistair Cooper. He can be contacted at grobycic@ hotmail.com.

What kind of matters are included in the Articles?

www.groby.com, in the local library and also in the Parish Office at the Village Hall. A letter from the Council to all residents is published in this edition of the Spotlight. Comments may also be sent to the Parish Council by mail or email. Comments should be submitted by Friday 14th December 2012

What about shareholders? Shareholders are those residents who made a personal payment of £200 per share towards the purchase of the land. They will be written to individually about the consultation but, despite the hard work that has gone into building a database with the details of everyone who has made a personal financial contribution towards the purchase, there are still concerns that it may not be 100% complete. It has been said that some shareholders have commented that they have not received any communication since they made payment and the steering group are anxious to resolve any outstanding issues. “I would ask anyone who has contributed but not received a letter by late November, to contact

The draft articles extend to 22 pages and cover all aspects of the CIC and give the objects of the Company as carrying on activities which benefit the community and in particular to acquire interests in land to be used for events or uses with a community focus. The Company “may borrow or raise and secure the payment of money for any purpose including for the purposes of investment or of raising funds if agreed by the Company Secretary or by two thirds of the shareholders.” The powers and responsibilities of directors are outlined, along with their appointment and retirement. The decision making processes for both directors and shareholders are included. The Directors must comply with the requirements of the Companies Acts and the minutes of the company must be kept for at least ten years from the date of the meeting, resolution or decision they record. This is the briefest of overviews and anyone interested is advised to read the full document before submitting comments on the draft articles. After the consultation any comments received will be considered before the document is finalised under the legal guidance of solicitors Josiah Hincks.

Whenever I feel blue, I start breathing again.

Interested in advertising in the Spotlight? Our Advert Rates are on page 33

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Open Letter from Groby Parish Council to all Parishioners of Groby Groby Community Trust 500 Club: Meadow off Newtown Linford Lane, Groby We ( Groby Parish Council) have written individually to all of the contributors of the Groby Community Trust 500 Club but as Groby Parish Council are also major financial contributors then the Parishioners of Groby also have the right to comment on the formation of this Company. Following receipt of the latest draft Articles of Association from Josiah Hincks, joint solicitors for both Groby Parish Council (being the nominated asset locked body) and the proposed Community Initiative Company (C.I.C.) which will oversee the management of the meadow, Groby Parish Council (GPC) have placed on their web site www.groby.com the draft Articles of Association issue 3 to enable both financial contributors and Groby parishioners to pass comment, before a final version is agreed between both parties and issued as a necessity for the formation of the Community Initiative Company. Due to the size of the document it is not feasible nor cost effective to distribute copies, and therefore the Articles can be viewed on the website and comments can be placed via an on-line consultation – see Parish Council tab, “Consultations”. A copy is also available to view at Groby Village library within the folder reserved for Parish Council minutes and copies are available to view at the Parish Council Offices during normal working hours. Comments may also be sent to the address and email above. We wish to conclude this process as soon as is practicable and therefore we would like to receive your comments by Friday 14th December 2012 . Yours sincerely,

Beverley Greenwood MBA.BSc. AILCM. Clerk to the Council

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Bradgate Flower Club Bradgate Flower Club had a busy afternoon providing tea and cakes at Newtown Linford’s ‘Scarecrow Day’ at the end of September. In addition to this fund-raising activity, young visitors – from 18 months to twelve years old – joined in the free ‘have a go’ introduction to flower arranging. Tony Brown ‘s demonstration on 3rd October was well attended by members and their guests and lived up to his theme - ‘Fabulous Flowers’.

Next Meeting Please note that the Flower Club’s next meeting will be held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall at 7.30 on December 5th, when we can promise a “Christmas Extravaganza’ with demonstrator Julie Woods from Great Eversden, Cambridge.

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Get your lottery tickets now at Groby Post Of fice! Sue and Harry are very pleased to announce that customers can now buy National Lottery and Euromillions tickets as well as scratchcards from Groby Post Office. This service is only available at specially selected Post Offices. Groby Post Office is committed to delivering excellent customer service and has received a number of awards. We aim to offer a variety of products to suit everyone’s needs and that’s why we are continually expanding the range of services we offer, from dry cleaning to travel products that now cover all your holiday needs. In addition to Passport and Identity checking, these products include currency exchange at 0% commission and travel insurance. The Post Office is regularly running promotions and one of Groby’s very own residents was a recent winner. Mr Paul Rumble was selected as one of the lucky winners in the Travel Money prize draw, which meant he was refunded the whole amount of the foreign currency he had purchased at Groby Post Office. Sue added, “Harry and I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the Groby community and cherish every relationship we have developed during this time. We would love to meet even more people from the local community and beyond and we will be delighted to assist in whatever we can. We would like to invite anyone who has not visited Groby Post Office for a while to pop in and take advantage of the wide range of services we have on offer. We are thrilled for Mr Rumble and hopefully, the prize made his holiday experience even more special”.

November - a great month to view Jupiter! NOVEMBER is the first of three great months to observe Jupiter. It now lies in Taurus and so is high in the ecliptic and hence, when due south, at an elevation of ~60 degrees. It is looking somewhat different than in the last few years as the north equatorial belt has become quite broad. The Great Red Spot is currently a pale shade of pink but can be easily seen as a large feature in the South Equatorial Belt. An imaging opportunity occurs at the end of November when a complete rotation can be observed at an elevation of greater than 20 degrees and against a dark sky. Source: http://www.jodrellbank. manchester.ac.uk/astronomy/ nightsky/

Wrinkled was not one of the things I wanted to be when I grew up.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Science Success at Groby Community College Over the last few months students from Groby Community College have been picking off a number of major Science achievements and awards.

LETTERS ABOUT MOBILE PHONES Dear Spotlight In reply to Helen box’s letter regarding the poor signal for Orange mobile phones: I have been on Orange for years and up until the mini-tornado at the end of June I was quite happy, but from that morning on I have been unable to text or phone from the Bradgate Hill area. My phone was checked, as was my SIM card, but to no avail. I have had to change provider, with much trouble. I was informed by Orange that the mast would not be repaired until Christmas.

Another Year 13 student Banisha Mistry was lucky enough to gain a Nuffield Bursary which involved completing a four week placement at Babcock Systems and Engineering. Banisha spent the summer holiday working on a project designing defence mechanisms for the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. Banisha said that the project was ‘amazing as it enabled me to gain first hand engineering experience’. Banisha is currently planning to apply for an engineering degree which she will Katie Severn, (above) currently start in September 2013. in Year 13 and studying for her A Head of Physics at Groby Community Levels this year, was nominated College, Mrs Sue Woolhouse said for a Leicestershire Physicist of the that she was thrilled by the success Year award just before the summer of Science students at the college. holidays. Katie was invited in She also said how fantastic it was for September to Leicester University female students like Katie, Banisha to collect her award where she was and Rebecca Broad (another bursary able to hear a range of inspirational winner) to break into traditional male talks about working in science. Katie dominated fields such as Physics said that she was delighted and and Engineering. She is extremely excited to receive the award and proud of the students who are real that it was an honour to be ambassadors for the college and recognised for her work. young people in general.

Janet Johnson Dear Spotlight I also live in the A50 Markfield Road area of Groby. I have had no Orange signal at home since the end of June following the storms. I have taken it up with Orange to level 2 (technical) and have been given a date of 1st December for the mast to be repaired.

Janet Smith

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

CHARITY CHRISTMAS FAIR SUNDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2012 2.00 – 5.00 pm At Castle Hotel & Restaurant, Main Street, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2AP Lots of stalls including Jewellery, Woollens, Scarfs, gloves and earmuffs, Fabric Bags, Christmas Gifts and decorations plus Face Painting and Glitter Tattoos and Santa’s Grotto.

Glenfield U3A Glenfield U3A is a friendly group of people who meet together each month, and also get involved in various activities which help to keep active in mind and body. Membership is steadily increasing: since Glenfield U3A was formed just over two years ago, over 200 people have signed up. Thursday 25 October was the monthly meeting and annual registration day. Most of the existing members renewed their membership, and several new people joined as well. Despite a well-organised processing system, for a short time there was an (orderly) queue out of the door! Our visiting speaker had as his topic “A-Z of advertising”; based on Yellow Pages entries, he had memorabilia examples of businesses listed under each letter. Many of these took us down memory lane! As well as the monthly general meetings, there are about twenty groups with specific interests ranging from Card Making to Walking, Computer Workshop to Tai Chi. (New ones to be introduced are German, Ballroom Dancing and First Aid.) Members can join any of these special interest groups. There is no age, ability, or geographical location restrictions on U3A membership. Why not come along and try for yourself? You’ll be made most welcome! For more information, look on our website www.u3asites.org.uk/ glenfield (click on the “Contact” tab and complete the form.) Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of each month at 2.00pm, at St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield. [But please note, there will be no meeting in December, as it is Christmas week.]

Daughter donates £5,000 in memory of her mother Mrs Heather Ford has donated £5,000 to name a Hearing Dog puppy in the memory of her mother, Iris Giles, who passed away on the 6th April 2012 aged 89. Heather met volunteers of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People at the Burbage Carnival in June who put her in contact with the local representative. The Charity attended Burbage Carnival as it is one of the chosen charities of the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council; Councillor Martin Cartwright. The Black Labrador puppy which has been named Sam after Mrs Giles’ favourite dog was born on the 15th August 2012. DONATION: (LEFT-RIGHT): Vicky Ryan (Hearing Dogs for Deaf Heather Says “My mother was passionate People Community Fundraiser Midlands), Cllr Martin Cartwright about animals, she grew up in Coventry and (Mayor Hinckley & Bosworth), Heather Ford, Sue Cross (Mayor’s survived the blitz, and despite losing her Consort) and Berrie the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People Working Dog. home to one of the bombs she never stopped helping animals wherever and whenever she could. In later life, one of her to raise funds and awareness for deaf people to specific household favourite dogs was a black Chow their chosen charities. We were sounds and danger signals, such as Chow named Sam. She chose him invited to attend the Burbage the doorbell, telephone or smoke when he was 8 weeks old. He was Carnival which allowed Mrs Ford alarm in the home, workplace a wonderful dog with a fantastic the opportunity to find out the or in public buildings. There are character. Throughout his 12 years difference her donation could 750 hearing dogs currently in he was a superb companion and make.” operation across the UK bringing friend to my mother.” independence, confidence and Mayor Cllr Martin Cartwright companionship to deaf people. “I chose Hearing Dogs for Deaf commented “I and my consort were People as my mother had hearing lucky enough to visit the training The Charity receives no loss and I saw how isolating and center in York recently where the government funding, so without frustrating it was for her. I know that dogs are trained and can only the support of people like Mrs she would be happy and contented describe the facility as a Prestigious Ford, Mrs Giles and the Mayor of knowing that her legacy was going Boarding School for Dogs. Having Hinckley & Bosworth we would to help change someone’s life for seen a local partnership before not be able to continue our life the better; that someone is going choosing Hearing Dogs as one of changing work. to benefit because of her love for our chosen charities we know what If you would like to find out more animals. A Hearing Dog doesn’t just a difference these dogs make to about Hearing Dogs for Deaf help with everyday sounds, they are peoples lives and how marvellous People please visit our website at also fantastic companions. I know the dogs truly are. We are delighted www.hearingdogs.org.uk that my mother would be over the that Heather has chosen to make To find out more about the moon that someone was going to this donation in memory of her Mayor’s Charities Appeal please have the chance to experience a mother Iris Giles and pass on our visit www.hinckley-bosworth.gov. partnership similar to what she had best wishes to Heather at what is uk/mayor or contact the Worshipful with her Sam; A companion to help also a difficult time with the sad loss Mayor Cllr Cartwright on 0116 end the isolation.” of her mother Iris” 2874500 / 07850 707050. E-mail Vicky Ryan, Community This year Hearing Dogs for Deaf boroughcouncil@appliancehome. Fundraising Manager for Hearing People are celebrating 30 years of co.uk Dogs for Deaf People says “Mrs excellence in training dogs to alert Giles, through her daughter Heather Ford, is helping us to continue our life changing work. Because of her, Hearing Dog puppy Sam is being sponsored through his socialising training, giving him a fantastic chance to become a life changing Hearing Dog once his training is complete” “Hearing Dogs for Deaf People were lucky enough at the beginning of the year to be chosen as one of the Mayor’s charities. Martin and his team are working tirelessly

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A very successful Dog Walk!

‘Thank you’ from Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary A big ‘Thank You’ to all the supporters of the recent Redgate Sponsored Dog Walk. Thirty six wonderful people, and their generous sponsors, raised over £900 for Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary when they turned out on a crisp autumn Sunday to walk their dogs in support of the local animal charity. It was a great day out and luckily the weather remained very kind. Trustee Kristina Linnell really enjoyed marshalling and leading One of the dogs in particular enjoyed the walk, while Redgate staff and volunteers kept on top of the never- a well-earned cup of vegetable soup at the end of the walk ! ending daily duties. We hosted many different breeds, who all got on really well together without any animosity between dogs: Labradors, Staffies, Greyhounds, Collies, Rottweilers, Shar Peis, Jack Russells and many more. It was particularly nice to see some of our Redgate re-homed dogs take part, including Rosie, (aka Nippy), Mia, a little Staffy, and Pasha, a SharPei cross. Well done to everyone who completed the six and a half mile route around Bardon and Stanton, raising much-needed funds for the sanctuary. Everyone seemed to enjoy the morning, (we have received some lovely emails from participants) and also the simple lunch which followed. We hope the event will grow in popularity each year. Keep an eye on the ‘Herald’ and the ‘Spotlight’ where we advertise our events and activities! If YOU could help us fund-raise, or if you could re-home a Redgate dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig (or occasionally a ferret or bird), please come to visit us. We are open every day from 10am – 4pm. http://redgatefarmanimalsanctuary.co.uk/ Tel: 01530 243 925

ROCK AND ROLL FOR REDGATES ! CHARITY EVENT IN AID OF: Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary

Come along and share a night of great music and entertainment at: The Club, Main Street, Thornton

Saturday 8th December, starts 7:30pm The brilliant AULD SPYCE will be playing hits from the 1950’s and 1960’s Followed by a “fab, hip and groovy” 1970’s / 1980’s Disco FOOD AVAILABLE - GOOD BAR - Fantastic STAR PRIZE RAFFLE

Entry only £5 (on the door) All proceeds for care of animals at the Sanctuary Tel: 01530 230 455

I was the teacher’s pet when I was at school. She couldn’t afford a dog.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby Village Society Preservation ~ Conservation Communal Interests

Forthcoming Events

A big Thank You from the Street Fair Committee!

• Thurs Nov 22: Fools and Jesters - Mrs Sally Henshaw

Groby Street Fair committee would like to thank the following for their very kind donations which made this years Street Fair possible; (List attached)

• Thurs Dec 13: Life as a Barnardo’s Boy - Mr Alan Dearman

Also those who donated the raffle prizes, which have now all been claimed! (see list below) Thanks go to all who helped make the day a success. We will let you know the finances when we have had all invoices submitted. Once again, a big thank you from The Committee • Thomas Herbert Smith’s Trust Fund • APT Groby • Terjon Scaffolding • GE Druck • Groby Kitchens • Newby & co • Mr Lakhani of Groby Post Office • Norman Griffiths • ‘Spotlight’

Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842 e-mail:- groby.villagesociety@ tiscali.co.uk Non Members are Welcome

Panto Time

Mother Goose is coming to Thurcaston The Latimer Players are pleased to announce that once again they will be performing a traditional family pantomime, suitable for all ages. Follow Mother Goose, her family and village friends and see how she turns from rags to riches with the help of the Candy, the goose who lays golden eggs. You are invited to join in with the boos and hisses and the songs as you enjoy the silly antics of Bodjit and Scrachit. See how the good fairy triumphs over both the bad fairy and the villain and how Jack and Jill come to live happily ever after. Performance dates are 22nd, 23rd and 24th November at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm in the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston LE& 7JA. Tickets are available from Anna Lacey, 121 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, LE7 7JL. All seats are £6.50 each.

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RAFFLE PRIZES 1st Diamond Pendant & Chain 2nd Bottle of Cognac & Glasses 3rd Bouquet of Flowers 4th Bottle of Champagne 5th Doorstop 6th Cupcake Candles 7th Placemats & Coasters 8th Chocolates 9th Decorative Tin 10th Casserole Dish 11th Notepads & pencils 12th Hair Care Products 13th Bottle of Wine 14th Bottle of Wine 15th Bottle of Wine 16th Pasta Bowl & Accessories 17th Alarm Clock 18th Fridge Magnet Shopping lists 19th Clothes ’Pegs’ 20th £25 Beauty Gift Voucher 21st Fish & Chips for 2 Voucher 22nd Years Club Membership 23rd Years Club Membership 24th Years Club Membership

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Grants available to help improve countryside Grants are available for landowners and farmers who would like to improve the countryside. The County Hall based Stepping Stones Project is offering a maximum grant of £2,500. The money can be used to fund up to 50 per cent of the total cost of schemes to improve hedgerows, trees, field corners, ponds and small woodlands. To be eligible the land has to be within the Stepping Stones Project area, which covers 61 parishes around Leicester. The scheme must also have some community benefit which can include public access to the site or being visible from a public right of way or highway. To find out more, confirm eligibility or to obtain an information pack, call the Stepping Stones project officers on: 0116 305 7221 or 305 7264. More information on the scheme can be found at: www.leics.gov.uk/ stepping_stones_grants The deadline for applications is December 14, 2012. All work must be completed by March 1, 2013.

Grandchildren are God’s reward for not killing your children.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Art exhibition in Groby Work by a local artist will be on show at Groby Village Hall in November.

Painter Mark Wilde has been working and teaching in the area for many years and is now clearing out his studio! He will be presenting a collection of his past work - watercolours, acrylics, pen and wash, and drawings - as well as extra frames and mounts. All work will be for sale at clearout prices. The showing is from 10am to 5pm on Sunday the 18th November, 10am to 5pm, at Groby Village Hall. For more information ring mark at 01509 673064 or email markwilde8@gmail.com

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How would you like to win £10,000 in time for Christmas? Just think of what you could do with a sum like that. Or imagine yourself behind the wheel of a sleek and stylish new Mini First. These two fantastic prizes offer a choice to the winner of the LOROS Christmas Raffle so don’t delay. Tickets are available from early October, the closing date is Monday 10th December and the draw will take place on Wednesday 19th December. There will also be an additional draw taking place with all early entries having the chance to win a £10 M & S voucher. Not only are our raffles a great way to win prizes, but every single ticket bought helps support the vital work of LOROS. Our hospice and home support services offer free, caring expertise to patients and families who may be spending precious time together and it is vital that these services continue in the future. Help us to carry on providing care for the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland by joining in the fun. To order a book of tickets to sell or to buy tickets yourself call the lottery team on 0116 2318430. Don’t forget it could be you making that choice of first prize, and just in time for Christmas! SYTNER Leicester are supporting the LOROS Raffle.

I asked Mom if I was a gifted child ... she said they certainly wouldn’t have paid for me.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby Allotment Society News - from John Thornton

All in an allotment year! In the spring I erect my runner bean poles, when I take them down summers gone. We have enjoyed the crop and having just taken down the poles I realise that winter will soon be here. That’s another year gone by. People crossing the public footpath to the chapel notice the allotment year, we get many comments on the seasons and the state of the plots. What they don’t see is all the hard work that goes on in the background in managing the plots. We have a main committee and a newly formed Social and Fund Raising group under our umbrella but running its own meetings and activities, raising funds for the society. You will have seen the ladies of this group either at the successful street fair or their Sunday fund raising events from our site office during the summer months. Some pictures you may have seen in the Spotlight. Their latest event was tea and bacon butties served from our site office on a recent beautiful Sunday morning. This group represents the new image of the allotments, where ladies are becoming more involved, a move that is taking place up and down the country. Ladies now form a significant portion of our membership whereas a few years ago ladies rarely ventured onto the allotments let alone tend a plot.

Recent tree removal undertaken by Contractors Hunter Tree Care.

Finance is a balancing act The main committee are responsible for the administration and maintenance of both allotment sites in the village. General maintenance includes all grass cutting, which in the summer can be monthly, weed control and removal of trees which were planted with good intentions but now have outgrown their usefulness. All this work is carried out by licensed contractors and paid for by ourselves. We have separate bank accounts for site administration, from money raised from rents and for Society activities, from fund raising and any profit from our seed scheme. Finance is a balancing act managed by our Treasurer Carol. The seed scheme which is open to all Society members, whether allotment tenants or not is an annual task, run by Jamie which includes distributing the catalogues, receiving and collating the incoming order forms with the money, then delivering the newly arrived seeds from Kings Seeds to members. When a plot becomes vacant we allocate it to applicants on the waiting list. This may sound easy but people can be particular about plot size and site, either Orchard Close or Ratby Road. All this requires a lot of foot and paper work which Jamie manages. The Parish Council remains responsible for the external boundary to both sites, but we maintain any internal fencing.

In place of the trees a new fence erected by our own members.

Plots will be split if requested We have a website (Groby Allotment Society) kept up to date with the latest news and photographs by Norman. This is where you can download the forms to apply for a plot, erect a shed or plant fruit trees. These are passed on to Kathy our Secretary. The other side to management is plot inspections. You cannot have a plot and not keep it in order. You must keep about two thirds under cultivation and the rest under weed control, not an easy task this year. If you are not doing this then you will get a notice to rectify, but we do exercise discretion if a tenant is experiencing specific difficulties; however ignoring the notice may result in being issued with a notice to quit, which we have had to do in the past. This can result in upset but if we manage we do it. We will split plots if requested; it is not fair when we have a waiting list to have plots underused. Seasonal Note: Before lighting a bonfire on your plot or in your garden, please check that a Hedgehog has not moved into the heap for winter quarters.

Contractors cutting and strimming the grass on the roadways.

The main purpose of holding children’s parties is to remind yourself that there are children more awful than your own.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby Girls Under 10’s are up and running! In last month’s article we told you about Groby Junior Girls Under 11’s gaining their first ever point. Not to be outdone the Under 10’s, in only their second ever game, repeated the feat with a 1-1 draw away at Oadby & Wigston Girls. Groby took the lead in the first half only for Oadby & Wigston to equalised just after half time. Later on that very same day the Under 11’s Girls gained their first ever victory with a deserved 3-2 win against Anstey Swifts. Both teams are showing fantastic improvement and progress as each game goes by, and all of the hard work they put in at training is starting to pay off. The Under 10’s are still looking for a kit sponsor so if there are any companies or businesses that are interested in this then please contact Phil Bray on mobile 07809 437287 or email address pbray@redtreesolutions.com

Phil Bray

News from Elizabeth Woodville School

Play with your children

Reflecting on the London 2012 Olympics

This Christmas, the most valuable thing you can give to your children is time. Play with them. One in seven parents spend less than a hour a week playing with their own children, according to recent research. Yet playtime is a vital part of a child’s development. Children struggle to get any quality play: as many as 46 per cent of children under the age of 11 have never played outside except during school time. This means they are no longer being stimulated to be creative or to use their imagination, expert says. Parents are thought to be essential for helping their children develop their creativity – so this Christmas, make time for them.

We all enjoyed listening to a special guest speaker on Thursday 4th October as Nicki Little, an Olympic and Paralympics Volunteer or ‘Games-maker’ joined us in assembly to tell us about the experience of helping to run the London 2012 games. The children enjoyed asking questions and finding out about the event that many of them attended from another perspective. Our Olympic Legacy challenge is to encourage as many children as possible to try a new sporting activity this year and we will be asking the children if there are any new sports they would like to participate in at school that they have not tried before!

Groby Library – Story Lab 2012 Everyone at Elizabeth Woodville was delighted to be awarded with the trophy for first place in the Summer reading challenge. 55 children from Elizabeth Woodville Primary school finished the challenge and at least 65 children took part. To finish the challenge children had to make 3 visits and borrow at least 6 books over the summer holidays The trophy was presented by Linda Wright from the Leics. Library Service

Harvest Celebrations Earlier this month we held our Harvest Celebration Assembly in school and we have, once again, been overwhelmed by the generosity of the gifts given. The Harvest display provided a wonderful backdrop to the school assembly. As in previous years, the harvest produce was given to the Red Cross in Leicester. They were delighted that Elizabeth Woodville could help so many people in Leicester through their contributions.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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I went for a walk last night and my kids asked me how long I’d be gone. I said, “The whole time.”

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

‘Working together for excellence 11-19’

The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus

Official opening on 1st December

Local Letting Agency opens first branch Since opening Oaktree Lettings and Management in spring 2011, Louise Rogers and Marianne Callachan have provided landlords with a friendly and professional service from their base in Groby. Due to continued success and support from many local landlords, they are pleased to announce the opening of their new shop at 86 Faire Road, Glenfield. As such Louise and Marianne are pleased to invite current, future and potential landlord clients to the official opening on Saturday 1st December between 10am and 4pm\. This will be an opportunity for people to call in and meet Marianne and Louise and chat about the services available. “We have had a fantastic first year of trading and are very happy to be opening premises in the area we are both local too. We would like to thank all our clients past and present for their support and look forward to continuing to provide a service of highest standard but still based on the personal level that our current clients receive” Oaktree Lettings can be reached on 0116 2870334.

As you may have noticed if you live in or close to Groby, The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus Groby Community College students, in years 10 and 11, are now wearing a smart newforuniform. See photo above of ‘Working together excellence 11-19’ Groby students alongside their younger peers at Brookvale As you may have noticed if you live in or close to Groby, Groby Community College students, in years 10 High and 11,School. are now wearing a smart new uniform. See photo of Groby students alongside their younger peersRobert at Brookvale High School. Mr Coles, Principal at Groby Community College says, “I am so pleased with the way our students have adopted their uniform with Mr Robert Coles, Principal at Groby Community College says, “I am so pleased with the way our students pride. Along with Brookvale Highwith School weHigh aim to we provide outstanding have adopted their uniform with pride. Along Brookvale School aim to provide education for local people, 11-19, our newis uniform of outstanding education foryoung local young people, 11-19, and and our new uniform part of this. is Wepart are also this. We are proud young people’s results this summer.” very proud of ouralso youngvery people’s resultsof thisour summer.” Summer 2012 Groby Community College students achieved: Summer 2012 Groby Community College students achieved: GCSE 94% 5 A*- C 62% 5 A*- C with English and Maths Significantly above the national average in English, maths and science 80% A* - C in GCSE English 68% A* - C in GCSE Maths 80% 2XA* - C in Science

Post 16 22% A / A* grades at A level 47% A*-B grades at A Level 77% A* - C grades at A level

The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus consists of two established and The Brookvale Groby Learning Campus consists two established andand successful schools, Brookvale successful schools, Brookvale HighofSchool 11-14, Groby Community High School 11-14, and Groby Community College 14-19. Virtually all our students stay with us 11-16, College 14-19. Virtually all our students stay with us 11-16, with most with most staying on to complete A levels as well. The two schools work very closely together to ensure staying on to complete A levels as well. The two schools work very closely smooth transition from high school to upper school. This involves sharing teachers, sharing resources together ensure smooth transition from high school to upper school. This and sharingto a long term plan for the campus. involves sharing teachers, sharing resources and sharing a long term plan Wethe havecampus. the advantage of being able to offer a wide range of established and successful GCSE and A for Level courses, staffed by teachers who are experienced specialists in their subject, and now that We have the advantage of being able to offer a wide range of established students are expected to stay in education until they are 18, students on the campus have the added and successful GCSE and bywith teachers who are bonus of transferring smoothly intoA ourLevel Post 16courses, Centre afterstaffed their GCSEs teachers they know and experienced specialists in their subject, and now that students are expected trust. to stay in education until they are 18, students on the campus have the If you are interested in finding out more about our 11-19 campus, please contact Jill Massingham at added bonus of transferring smoothly into our Post 16 Centre after their Groby Community College on telephone number 0116 2879921, or Elaine Freeman at Brookvale High GCSEs with School on 0116 teachers 2876914. they know and trust. If you are interested in finding out more about our 11-19 campus, please We are always delighted to show visitors around our schools. contact Jill Massingham at Groby Community College on telephone Katie Rush0116 2879921, or Elaine Freeman at Brookvale RobertHigh Coles School on number Headteacher Principal 0116 2876914. Brookvale High School Groby Community College We are always delighted to show visitors around our schools.

Bradgate Lions Club News

During the past month we have held a Blind-folded walk in Newtown Linford, this was in support of Lions Clubs International World Sight Day, and was to draw the public’s attention to the plight of the blind and partial sighted worldwide. Our walk which was from the Bradgate PH along Main Street to the Bradgate Park main entrance and back, was led by the Deputy Mayor of Charnwood Borough Council and was supported by Lions Club members from Loughborough and Rothley and Soar Valley Lions Clubs. We have also enjoyed a Fish and Chip Supper evening at the Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield, followed by a talk about Rainbows Childrens Hospice. We are now getting ready for our “Children in Need “ fund raising efforts. These start on November 10th. with a bucket collection in Groby, followed by collections in public houses in the Glenfield area on the lunch time of the actual “Children in Need” day Friday 16th. Nov and collections in the evening in the pubs in the Markfield and Ratby area’s. On Saturday 17th. we will be holding a bucket collection in Cropston Road, Anstey. On all these collection we will be accompanied by Pudsey Bear. If you would like further information about Bradgate Lions Club and their activities, please ring the membership officer, Roger Gamble on 01530 242912.

CHARITY CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR (Raising funds for March of Dimes for Premature Babies & The Children’s Trust)

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The complete lack of evidence is the surest sign that the conspiracy is working.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Bloors appeal – a traffic Norman Griffiths reports residents concerns if Bloors win Groby residents may believe that the village is full and there is no more capacity in local healthcare and educational facilities. And members of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council agreed when they added an additional reason to this effect when they turned down Bloors planning application in respect of land next to Groby cemetery. With the appeal against the decision imminent the Council has had to consider whether it has all the information it needs to defend this position and at the 23 October planning committee members agreed to withdraw this reason for refusal from the appeal if the supporting evidence could not be produced by the time of the appeal. Residents will hope that officers are trying to gather together the evidence as a matter of urgency as the appeal hearing will begin on December 11th. Locally there is speculation that two of the local primary schools simply do not have enough land to grow and may be incapable of the necessary expansion to accommodate the extra pupils that nearly 100 new homes would generate. But some are concerned that the third, Martinshaw Primary, may not be in the same position.

Traffic problems Expansion at Martinshaw would bring other problems, however. Local residents have long complained about the traffic congestion on Forest Rise and Forest View, effectively a cul de sac feeding not only local homes but also the school, the Scout hut, the community centre and the Quarry recreation park. They were outspoken when it was suggested that a new community facility should be built on the park and voiced their concerns about traffic volumes at an open meeting earlier this year. The community facility scheme was dropped in favour of improvements to the existing facilities and a revised plan for the provision of a multi use games area, changing facilities and car park improvements, all of which it is felt would not lead to a significant increase in traffic volumes.

Do you have information? With such a large site at Martinshaw Primary the question sometimes asked is why two new schools were built in the village rather than extending Martinshaw. Although no definitive answer has been found the belief is that the increasing use of cars by parents to take their children to school made expansion difficult because of the problems of vehicular access. Within the community there may well be information which will support this, and the Parish Council is asking anyone who may have some background knowledge to contact them as soon as possible.

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True, effective leaders do not demand or proclaim or intimidate. They encourage, inspire and lead by example. True leaders become leaders not because of their titles, but because of their work. Real leaders have no need to make promises, because it is already obvious to everyone that they get results. The world can always benefit from more good, effective leaders. You can make the choice to be one. Leadership is difficult and demanding, and often a thankless job. Yet without honest, authentic, effective leadership, the world would devolve into chaos. The job of a real leader is not to tell people what to do. The job of a real leader is to enable each and every person to be his or her absolute best, and to point all those people in a positive direction. You don’t need anyone’s permission to be a leader. All you have to do is to genuinely and respectfully make a positive difference in the lives of others. Ralph Marston Copyright 2012 Ralph S. Marston, Jr. Used by permission. Originally published in “The Daily Motivator” at www.dailymotivator.com

I am willing to make the mistakes if someone else is willing to learn from them.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

bombshell for Forest Rise?

Congestion Close to 100 new homes next to the cemetery would generate a significant increase in the number of children passing through the educational system in Groby. Parents are unlikely to want their children to walk unaccompanied along the old railway footpath or to make their way on a congested Ratby Road as other parents drop children off at Brookvale or the Community College. The effect could be extra congestion near the Community College as vehicles turn right into Ratby Road from the new estate and gridlock on Forest rise on the approach to Martinshaw School. None of this may happen. The inspector may reject the appeal as these are not the only grounds on which the decision will be fought. But residents in the Forest Rise area will be concerned that this time Bloors may get the green light and will anxiously await the appeal outcome.

Attending the Appeal hearing “Any resident or interested party can attend the appeal,” said a spokesperson for the Parish Council. “In addition anyone is allowed to speak as long as they attend first thing in the day and inform the clerk/Inspector that they want to speak and what they want to speak about.” The Planning website says that the Inspector will open the hearing by explaining what the appeal is about. He or she will then go through some routine points, including asking who wants to speak. The Inspector leads the discussion. Hearings give everyone concerned the chance to give their views. Although hearings are informal, they must be orderly so that everyone involved can have a fair hearing.

Christmas Extravaganza at Bradgate Flower Club Bradgate Flower Club’s December meeting will be held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on Wednesday 5th, when we can promise a “Christmas Extravaganza’ with guest demonstrator Julie Woods from Great Eversden, Cambridge. We meet at 7.30 and visitors are welcome - a charge of £5 is made. Details from Geraldine Abbott on 01530 415378

The easiest way to make your old car run better, is to check the prices of a new car.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Bloors, mobile masts, yellow lines and red tape Norman Griffiths wonders whether red tape cutting will benefit Groby The appeal by Bloors against the refusal of planning permission to develop land next to Groby Cemetery will begin on December 11th is expected to last a minimum of two days and will be heard by Ms A Davison. As reported last month, because of a conflict of interest the Borough Council will no longer be represented by Simon Stannion of Marrons, a leading expert in planning law. This means he is free to represent the Parish Council instead. The Borough Council will now be represented by Barrister Timothy Leader. The outcome of the appeal may be uncertain, but the residents feel that the reasons for rejecting the development are valid, whatever the planning inspector may conclude. They look around at the schools and health facilities and see that Groby is full. An additional reason to the application refusal was added by members which said that “existing schools and health care facilities have insufficient capacity to expand and the local planning authority is not satisfied that the developer contributions can mitigate against the impact of development. Therefore the proposals are not considered to be sustainable...”

Addition withdrawn However, the Borough Council has now withdrawn this addition. “The council is required to submit evidence to support this at appeal,” explained a spokesperson. “Members hoped to be able to provide this evidence, but unfortunately it was not forthcoming in time for the appeal. Members were asked for their views at the 23 October planning committee and agreed to withdraw this reason for refusal from the appeal if the supporting evidence could not be produced.” It remains to be seen what impact this reversal has and to what extent the philosophy of development, development, development, has percolated down from the Coalition to the planning appeals process.

The return of Eric But it is not just planning law relating to housing and commercial development that has been subject to streamlining and simplification. The Groby skyline will soon change when the two recently approved wind turbines tower over the fields behind the fishing lakes, and the prospect has now been raised by some MP’s of a free for all for mobile phone mast construction. Eric Pickles, the Community Secretary, may have been out of the limelight recently but he’s now bounced back into it with his comments on the Growth and

Infrastructure Bill. Earlier legislation had promised to remove the bottlenecks and cut the red tape in planning law and this bill it seems will cut even more red tape. Mike Jones,of the Local Government Association is reported to have expressed concern that the new bill will “open the door to a mobile phone mast free for all,” leaving people and councils powerless to object. Apparently more decisions may be taken centrally, with developers having the right to seek fresh decisions from Eric if a local authority is thought to have a very poor performance over planning. He believes masts are no more intrusive than satellite dishes. “dishes can be put up without planning permission,” he is reported as saying,”so why can’t we do the same with broadband technology?” Although it seems to some as if the golden dawn of Localism has taken a fast forward to a golden sunset, Nicholas Boles MP said in the House of Commons that “for the avoidance of doubt, clause 7 of the Growth Bill makes no change to the planning regime for mobile phone masts, which governs their location and siting.” Business Minister Michael Fallon said that mobile operators “will be encouraged to engage with local authorities and communities as a matter of best practice, and

they will have to sign up to a code of practice on the siting of this infrastructure, to ensure that that is handled sensitively.”

What concerns Groby residents? Although red tape is being cut left, right and centre, ask a councillor what concerns residents mention to them and you’ll find that it isn’t that it’s too hard to get permission to build on a field. Neither is it that there aren’t enough wind turbines or mobile masts in Groby. But it might well be that they are concerned about dog mess on pavements or the difficulties that on street parking cause in the village centre. Residents know all about red tape and parking regulations, but plans to streamline a system that has already taken more than two years to bring some more yellow lines to the streets of Groby will come too late. Currently residents are frustrated, the Parish Council is frustrated, and no doubt the officers at County Hall who have to work through a quagmire of regulations are frustrated as well. The Department for Transport is looking into ways of streamlining the Traffic Regulation Order process but there is no indication when and if this will prove positive. The reason behind the current system is to allow time slots for interested or affected people to make comment and/or

objections, which is considered particularly important since parking offences became matters for Civil enforcement. Civil enforcement allows for direct challenges to be made when concerns are raised about a number of issues to do with Traffic Regulation Orders including such things as signing and lining, and the way an Order has been written. The actual order making process can also be challenged if the various stages have not been adhered to which could result in an entire Order being put into disrepute if found not to have been made according to procedure. The County Council has to ensure the correct procedure has been followed to avoid any future problems with an Order. But the good news is that, though not imminent, the end is in sight. After all the public consultation and tweaking, no objections were raised to the final scheme by the Parish Council at it’s November meeting. Because there has been some tweaking to take account of the comments of residents there is more advertising to come, followed by the making of an Order, followed by more advertising and the last time anyone can object. Not everyone will be happy when the yellow line painters arrive, but we’ll all have to wait and see what happens next.

Every man wants a wife who is beautiful, understanding, economical, and a good cook. But the law allows only one wife.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight â&#x20AC;˘ Mid-November 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

The Groby College Camp Tanzania!

Jambo! On the first day of the summer holidays, fifteen students and one teacher from Groby Community College embarked upon the adventure of a lifetime. Having fundraised tirelessly for over a year leading up to the trip, these brave Year 11 and 12 students were about to leave all their home comforts behind and spend the next four weeks in Tanzania! After scraping together money by organising bake sales, Christmas dinners, tribute concerts, parties and even a sponsored abseil, the team from Groby finally touched down on Tanzanian soil and were ready to get down to some serious project work! Accompanying them were three students and a teacher from a school in Croydon. Arriving at their first camp late at night after an 8 hour bus journey, the team weren’t really sure about what Camp Tanga had to offer. At first glance there was a spectacular dining and social area built around a baobab tree, a dozen or so tents, and the faint sound of a nearby stream. Tiredness was getting the better of most team members and it was decided that they would call

it a night. It was not until morning when the first few tents were being unzipped, that the “stream” turned out to be the Indian Ocean! The view of the clear blue water and a beach only a stone’s throw away was breathtaking. Camp Tanga was beautiful! Project work at Tanga was focused mostly on the local community. The first project was to build a house for one of the “mamas” who lived near the Camp. This involved digging up what seemed like a couple of tons of clay-like mud, which was then transported to the site where the house was being built. The messy bit came next, which involved mixing the mud with water and stamping on the mixture (barefoot!) until it was ready to be slapped onto the wooden scaffold. Luckily Nathan, Bhargavi and Mollie stepped up and stepped in! By the time the last bit of cement had been smoothed and Daniel Whitmore’s 16th birthday had been celebrated, it was time to

The Groby Community College Camp Tanzania team: Daniel Whitmore, Mollie Reynolds, Bhargavi Alampalle, Sian Rimes, Megan Shuttlewood, Nathan Hiom, Zanny Taylor, Daniel Barber, Katie Mullings, Hannah Williams, Lorna Cooper, Sally Clarke, Sarah Bedder, Phoebe Whittington, Tom Flavell and Mr. Singh. come home. Four weeks of hard work, mosquito bites and fun times with the local children had come to an end. Every student on the trip had an amazing experience and returned home with countless stories to share and lots of new lessons learnt. Camp Tanzania

was an amazing experience for the team, helping those less fortunate than themselves was truly rewarding, and something they would recommend to anyone! Poa kachizi kama ndizi!

Mr Varinder Singh

Report by Katie Mullings (now in year 13) For the Tanzania 2012 expedition we did numerous amounts of fundraising! It took a lot of hard work, determination and patience but was all 100% worth it. In Tanzania we did community and wildlife projects, conservation work, scuba diving in the Indian Ocean and went on Safari. It was a fantastic variety from walking past beautiful zebras to getting covered in mud! I enjoyed every single part of the experience but if I had to pick one favourite it would be the work in the local primary schools as all of the children were fantastic and we even got to teach a class! All the local people were so inspirational and kind, they made you feel like part of their family. This trip has been an unforgettable experience; the saddest part was having to say goodbye! I have made some amazing friends for life with so many memories to keep with me forever. I would definitely do something like this in the future and encourage anyone else to take part too. It was a brilliant experience and has made me a better person.

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-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Crime Figures for October 2012 The following incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during October 2012. Description

Groby

House Burglaries Actual: Flaxfield Close, Pymm Ley Lane, Pine Tree Avenue, Crane Ley Road Attempted: Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Attempted:

4 Actual 0 Attempted

Field Head 0

0 Actual 0 Attempted

Theft of Motor Vehicle:

Theft from Motor Vehicle: Garendon Way

Damage to Motor Vehicle: Bradgate Hill, Farr Wood Close

Non-Domestic Assaults

Assault - Harassment

Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars

TOTAL (Actual)

TOTAL (Attempted)

Theft: 7 / Damage: 1 / Other: 9

Groby NHW Calendar of Events 2012

FENCING

S G S

SHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES

Groby Village Hall, New room to the rear of the main hall

NEW & REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKEN

Thursday 6th December 2012 at 7.30pm

CALL JIM SHOOTER . 95 LEICESTER ROAD, GROBY

PC 0918 Ned Kelly • Sergeant Matthew Trott Local crime news in more detail is available at www.groby.org.uk

ALL WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED

0116 2879715 / 07814224630

Information supplied by Martin Cartwright, Secretary - Groby Branch Neighbourhood Watch Tel: 0116 2874500 • Mobile: 07850 707050 Email: neighbourhoodwatch@appliancehome.co.uk In An Emergency dial 999. Contact the local police on 0116 222-2222.

Electrical Goods and Bikes Needed for Local Charity Don’t just throw out your old appliances and equipment, REACT can re-use them. There is a high demand for electrical appliances and bikes are also very popular, so if you’re thinking of upgrading please donate your old gear. The REACT project based behind the main Marlene Reid Centre building in Coalville, is based around furniture re-use and is currently in short supply of domestic appliances. All goods are tested and repaired by a qualified engineer and then passed onto local people on low income for a nominal charge. Collection of the items can be arranged. The funds raised from selling the electrical appliances and re-used furniture are returned to the project to fund training for the long term unemployed. The REACT furniture warehouse is open six days a week, Mondays to Fridays from 9.00am to 2:30pm. The warehouse is well stocked with brand new mattresses and beds including wooden slatted beds and faux leather bed frames, as well as bedroom furniture and sofas and corner settee all competitively priced. So, if you are having a clear out please call The Marlene Reid Centre on 01530 510515 or call the REACT Furniture Project directly on 01530 512454. To find out more about, visit www.mrc.uk.net

I really need to confront my phobia of German sausages, but I fear the wurst.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069 Well it’s not often I am at a loss for words but this month a rare thing occurred, we have not done a lot. Of course there are bits and bobs, one of which was our entry into the National WI’s Big Walk and Splash. Members were encouraged for nearly six months to keep track of their walking or swimming mileage. Each Institute then entered the national competition. I can’t for the life of me remember what the prize for the winner is but I bet it will be wellies or a rubber ring but who knows. Anyway most of us did our bit, some more seriously than others. I kept a rough record but I know for a fact that most of us did far more than we declared. For example, most ladies do quite a bit of mileage around the house, working and running after partners and family. Veronica was our winner clocking up about 800 miles. I did a few hundred but of course I have a couple of dogs which makes walking compulsory. Altogether Groby WI clocked up over 9,000 miles so we shall see how that compares with other WIs, I won’t get too excited. Lisa Clarridge demonstrated Christmas decorations at our October meeting. The first display was done on a large dinner plate with a lip, the sort of pottery oddment we all seem to gather, one that has no match, original owner unknown. The second was on a plastic tray 16” x 3” for a mantlepiece arrangement. Oasis was fastened to the base of the containers with pot tape (obtainable from florists, DIY stores). Sello tape is not suitable. Candle holders were secured as required; conifer cuttings were prepared by stripping an inch from the foliage and inserted to form the outside edge. Then other varieties were radiated to fill in and cover the oasis completely. It did seem at times that it would not be possible to add even one more leaf. An amazing selection of material was used, ivy, holly,

Groby WI News

rosemary, rose hips, snow berries, dried poppy heads and gypsophila, cinnamon sticks, larch foliage, pot pourri, dried citrus fruit, twisted hazel, pine cones etc etc. Lisa is a dedicated forager, local folk are quite accustomed to seeing her lurking furtively, clippers at the ready. Some pieces needed to be firmly wired. It was emphasised that the larger arrangement needed to be well balanced, not too heavy at the front. When finished the whole arrangement was almost twice the length of the container, having that land on your hearthrug would be a disaster and would certainly give you a ‘Bah! Humbug!’ attitude to the festive season. A member asked if Lisa was ambidextrous as she worked so deftly with both hands: apparently not in everything, simply multitasking. This proves our claim that ladies have a gift in this direction. Her friend, Nicky was an able assistant; Eric and Ernie was mentioned, their words not mine. She confessed that this was the first time she had done any kind of plant display, however, she became quite confident eventually feeling that she might consider producing a replica. Arranging flora and fauna is a skill not bestowed upon me but I felt her enthusiasm was infectious.

Lisa passed on a couple of useful tips: hair spray works as well as proprietary brands of ‘leaf shine’; spray paint and glitter highlighting pieces gives a seasonal effect; if going out for an hour or two moving the arrangements out of doors can help to offset the damaging effects of central heating. However, I do think that attempting to transport the mantlepiece display would prove disastrous. It was suggested that we could all have a go at creating our own arrangements as a competition

entry at the December meeting. The results could be interesting! I should explain that Evelyn now does the ‘speaker’ bit and I do the rest!! I mention this because Evelyn was thrilled to receive a Harvest Festival gift from two children who attend the Montessori Nursery School which is adjoining WI House. Apparently each year the youngsters make up an individually decorated box filled with goodies and pass it to WI House for distribution to a member. The box itself was beautifully decorated as only an under five year old can do. Evelyn was thrilled to bits, really overcome and she much appreciated the thought of the two youngsters. Next month’s meeting is in the Social Club and it’s our AGM which will be on Thursday 15th November. There will be the usual business but also a quiz and social evening so no matter how we try to be business like the chances are that it will be quite lively. I shall be stepping down as Secretary along with Julie who is our President. We have done quite a few years and both feel the need of a break. I shall, however, give you the full rundown next month. The bad news is that I shall still be writing my usual rubbish.

Evelyn Ward and Margaret Gamble

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby Gardening Society News Our October meeting with a bird enthusiast! Little did those members, who braved a poor night weather-wise, envisage that they were in for such a delightfully entertaining evening in the company of David Tideswell. To say that David was just amusing would not do justice to his superb delivery. Our gain was certainly a loss to the stand-up comedians’ circuits! He spoke about the things we, as gardeners, can do to help and encourage bluetits to survive and nest in our gardens. A booklet he has produced is a mine of information, including how to build suitable nesting boxes and how to make our own fat balls. He also had home-made feeders for sale at knock-down prices. His presentation of slides was magnificent. All of his slides were excellent, but some were truly remarkable. At one stage he nurtured a relationship with a family of bluetits so that he could easily photograph them incubating and feeding their young in the nest box. It is doubtful that any member could recall an evening when so much laughter accompanied the talk. Yet, behind David’s wonderful comic timing there lay the mind of a genuine expert. His knowledge appeared to be encyclopaedic, but his disarming technique allowed the audience to participate and join in with no embarrassment. It was with real pleasure that we learned that his repertoire of talks has been expanded and he now does, what he calls, “An amusing Christmas talk.” Watch this space!

Evil Weevils Vine weevil adults and larvae are serious pests to a wide variety of plants. The larvae are more damaging and are usually found in the compost of container grown plants, but they can, and do, attack the roots of outdoor plants particularly relishing fuchsias, primulas, cyclamen, begonias and heucheras. The adults feed at night, making holes and irregular notches in leaves. This is inconvenient, but usually not terminal. The real

greenhouses and homes, consistent warmth enables weevils to be active all year round and to complete their life cycle in less than a year. What can we do about them? Physical barriers like thick PVC around the plant pot and liberally coated with insect barrier glue can be helpful. Sacking or corrugated card placed near affected plants can be a hiding place for adults. They can be removed during daytime when they are relatively inactive. There are biological controls based on the use of nematodes, but the chemical last resort is Provado based upon thicloprid. Plants drenched with this at the beginning and end of the growing season seems successful. Some composts can be bought with this chemical already added.

Trips and outings for 2013 Although a long way off, the committee is busy doing the groundwork for next year’s social events. It is hoped that some results will be available for the A.G.M. on the 10th January 2013.

Important!! pests are the larvae as they attack and destroy root systems. Suspect these creatures if a wilting plant does not recover upon watering. The white, plump larvae can be found around the roots of an attacked plant. The adults, If discovered, usually play “dead”. They can remain on their backs with their legs tucked in for upto 10 minutes, giving time for dangers to pass! They cannot fly, but can crawl with admirable determination, sometimes upside down, over long distances to a favoured laying site. The female emerges from the soil in early spring and over a 3-4 month period can lay 1000 eggs close to host plants. Larvae hatch after about 2 weeks, then tunnel into the soil feeding on plant roots. As the weather cools, they burrow to overwinter at greater depths. In heated

Will members please note that the December meeting has been brought forward by one week. It will now be on December 6th NOT December 13th.

Forthcoming events December 6th - The Fireman’s Tale and Christmas party. January 10th - the A.G.M. We always welcome new members and casual guests at our monthly meetings that 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

Please sign the petition!

Proposed Visa Charges Threaten Chernobyl Children’s Visits A local charity’s best efforts to make life more bearable for youngsters growing up in the shadow of Chernobyl have been threatened by government proposals. The West Leicestershire branch of Friends of Chernobyl Children that provides respite holidays for children suffering from the effects of the 1986 nuclear disaster, fears for the future of some of the girls and boys they support if new visa fees are introduced. Families across the western half of the county welcome a group of 7-12 year olds from Belarus into their homes for a month of recuperative care each summer at a cost of approximately £500 per child. The new visa fee, due to be introduced by the government in March 2013, will add an extra £86 per child to the cost of bringing them to the UK. Until now the Foreign and Commonwealth Office have waived the visa charge for children visiting the UK for health reasons. John Buckby who is Group Coordinator for the West Leicestershire branch fears that the charity could be forced to reduce the number of children it is able to help each year unless the plans are thrown out of Parliament in the New Year. He said “This is devastating news for us because if these proposals go ahead, we will have to find an additional £1,300 each year which will place a very heavy burden on our small, self-supporting charity. We are run entirely

by volunteers and meet the full cost of these life-changing breaks through our own fundraising endeavours. We receive no statutory funding of any kind and I am concerned that we could be forced to reduce the number of children we assist”. “We are part of a national charity that provides aid and essential healthcare to around 600 children nationwide and since the disaster happened, we have provided a lifeline for thousands of youngsters and their struggling families whose plight has been largely forgotten by the international community”. “If they proceed with their plans, the UK will be the only government in the whole of the EU to start charging for the children’s visas. All other EU governments provide the visas free of charge in acknowledgment of the important work done by Chernobyl charities with these needy children” Mr Buckby urged people to voice their opposition to the extra cost by signing a nationwide online petition and he explained that more than 100,000 signatures are needed before January 2013 for the issue to be debated in Parliament. To sign the petition visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/37945

For more information about the charity, please visit the national website at www.focc.org.uk or contact John Buckby on 01455 285799 or e-mail him at the following address: john.evolution@btinternet.com

I was chatting to this Arab dairy farmer, or Milk Sheik as he prefers to be called.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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My mate’s daughter’s horse will only come out when it gets dark. It’s becoming a night mare.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

After spending 20 minutes trying to get my girlfriend’s bra off, I decided to give up. I wish I’d never put it on now.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Pub to close for refurbishment

Do you want another bill?

The alterations at the Stamford Arms have now been approved by the Borough Council, and the good news is that the busy trading period running up to Christmas will be unaffected.

Bloors will obviously be hoping that this latest appeal in respect of land next to Groby cemetery will be successful and they will be able to realise their substantial investment in the site.

It will be all change in January with the refurbishment starting on either the 7th or 14th of January 2012. Brian, the landlord, hopes to continue trading in just the main bar for four weeks but the pub will then close fully for another five or six weeks. The project is currently out to tender so the exact dates and timescales are yet to be confirmed. Brian was delighted at the response from the village to the firework display on November 5th. “Over 800 people from the village attended,” he said “and the feedback from everyone was that it was a great night. I would like to thank the Groby Scout group for organising the BBQ, Groby Juniors football team for tombola and Loros holding a raffle achieving nearly £300 for local groups and charities. Groby is a fantastic village to live and work in and I can’t wait for the Christmas Carols on Tuesday 18th December.”

Included in the plans are public open spaces, and if their development gets the go ahead these will need maintaining. Ratby Parish Council has been asked if they would adopt the open spaces and pay for their maintenance as the land in not within Groby parish. Unsurprisingly it seems that they declined, so Groby Parish Council has been asked the same question and given the same answer.

Symbiosis? Ask Ivan Pedley We never know who does what in the village and often stumble on them accidentally. Local naturalist Ivan Pedley is an example, and if you want to know what to ask him just say “what’s symbiosis?” Better still turn up at the New Walk Museum by 7.30pm on February 13th and he’ll tell you

all about it. He will be speaking to The Natural History Section of the Leicestershire Literary & Philosophical Society about “Symbiosis: the glue that holds Nature together.” It’s a venue he’s quite familiar with as he is Chairman and as such he extends a warm invitation to everyone. At just £1 the admission charge for non members is very reasonable and there’s free parking as well. The full programme can be found online at http://www. leicesterlitandphil.org.uk/ . Some of the upcoming talks include “The state of Leicester and Rutland Flora in the 21st Century” on 21st November and “The Identification of Trees” on 5th December. And if you can’t make it to Ivan’s talk in February but are still curious about symbiosis here’s his explanation: “The talk is about all the “networking” that goes on in my Groby garden between these organisms • Trees/Fungi, • Trees /Birds, • Sexton Beetles/Mites, • Lichens [a relationship between Fungi and Alga], • Plant cells and Chloroplasts [which were, in evolutionary terms originally bacteria] and finally • Animal cells [human cells] and the internal structures called mitochondria which provide them with energy--the mitochondria were themselves way back in evolution bacteria which we and all animals use as energy producers in our cells.” So that’s symbiosis, the glue that holds Nature together. If you want to know more about mitochondria please cut out the middleman and ask Ivan himself on February 13th at the New Walk Museum.

Groby Club improvements The makeover at Groby Club on Leicester Road extends to their website as well. Currently offline it promises to return with a brand new look.

Christmas lights The Groby Christmas lights will be twinkling from Saturday December 1st, a couple of weeks before Carols around the Tree. Residents may be starting to think about this Christmas but the Parish Council has been looking further ahead and choosing new lights for Christmas 2013.

Panto Time

Mother Goose is coming to Thurcaston

The Latimer Players are pleased to announce that once again they will be performing a traditional family pantomime, suitable for all ages. Follow Mother Goose, her family and village friends and see how she turns from rags to riches with the help of the Candy, the goose who lays golden eggs. You are invited to join in with the boos and hisses and the songs as you enjoy the silly antics of Bodjit and Scrachit. See how the good fairy triumphs over both the bad fairy and the villain and how Jack and Jill come to live happily ever after. Performance dates are 22nd, 23rd and 24th November at 7.30pm and Saturday matinee at 2.30pm in the Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston LE& 7JA. Tickets are available from Anna Lacey, 121 Leicester Road, Thurcaston, LE7 7JL. All seats are £6.50 each.

Don’t forget to send us your news! Email Mike at info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

In the room the curtains were drawn, but the rest of the furniture was real.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

National Trust Leicester Association NEWS

Many National Trust Christmas events begin in November. There are Christmas Markets at Belton House, Grantham on Sat 17 & Sun 18 Nov, at Kedleston Hall, near Derby on Sat 24 & Sun 25 Nov and at Sudbury Hall, near Burton upon Trent on Sat 1 & Sun 2 Dec. In addition a number of properties will be “dressed” for Christmas. Canons Ashby, near Towcester, every weekend from 24 Nov to 9 Dec, Kedleston Hall, every weekend from 1 to 9 Dec, Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield, every weekend from 1 to 16 Dec and Sudbury Hall and the Museum of Childhood every day from Sat 1 to Sun 9 Dec. Canons Ashby will almost certainly look at its best as it has just won three of the Northamptonshire Museums and Historic Houses Forum Awards. Firstly the “Best Historic House Event” for its very successful Victorian Country Gathering, secondly the “Most Inspirational Project” for the innovative way the new Sir Henry Dryden story brings the house to life and finally the overall award of “Heritage Site of the Year” for having made the most impact and influence on the heritage community. The end of season review at all National Trust properties always brings a number of interesting facts to light. One small item was that at the Back to Backs in Birmingham a research project discovered 142 different layers of wallpaper in one of the houses. A local Art College then devised a project to recreate all of the designs. The National Trust Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 28th November at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm. Peter Liddle will present an illustrated talk on The Time-Team in Leicestershire. There will be an evening meeting on Tuesday 11th December when Brian Johnson will present an illustrated talk on The Houses of Westcotes & Westend – A Much Sought After Location. The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone West at 7.30pm. Admission to both meetings is NTLA members £2.50 and visitors £4.00 including refreshments. For more information on the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman

Art Exhibition & Craft Fair 1st December 2012 Individual pieces of work and hand made gifts and cards The Rothley Centre - 10 - 4.00 pm Tea & Homemade Cakes available - Free Entry

Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and we’ll include them in this column FREE! Amazing! Call it a hunch, but I’m pretty sure I have an abnormal convex curvature of the upper spine.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Letter from Uncle Eustace

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808

QUIZ Nite: Thursdays We now have SKY and ESPN Fri 30th Nov: RACE NIGHT - 8.30 start - all welcome. Try our new menus! See ad page 5 www.bricklayersarms.net

The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members

Sat 10th Nov: Tony Wadsworth’s Upbeatles + Guests Sat 17th Nov: Dirty Water Band and Mr Simon Henley As Elvis Sat 24th Nov: The Freeze - Classic To Modern Rock Covers Band Fri 30th Nov: Xmas Lights Switch On With Mulled Wine And Mince Pies and Mini Disco for the children Sat 1st Dec: Punk And Disorderly - Local Punk Band Sat 8th Dec: Redgates Animal Sanctuary Fundraising Evening Sat 15th Dec: Retro Rockets - Classic To Modern Rock Covers Band Sat 29th Dec: THORNTON’S GOT TALENT NIGHT! Prizes - Two Sections Under 16’s and 16’s And Over. Tel Karen For More Details 01530 230631 A big thank you from the club to everyone for supporting us. We Also Have Bingo Every Tuesday Evening All Welcome www.myspace.com/thorntonclub

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats 17th November and 1st December with ’King of the Road’. See ad on page 17. The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496 ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm. Sunday 11th Nov: WEDDING FAYRE 11am-3pm Tribute Nights: Fri 9th Nov: CHER Fri 30th Nov: 80s TRIBUTE Thurs 6th Dec: BLUES BROTHERS

Fri 7th Dec: PHIL COLLINS Fri 14th Dec: MICHAEL BUBLE & ROBBIE WILLIAMS Sat 15th Dec: ABBA See ad on page 30. The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc. Sat 10th Nov: THE DEL SHARONS - female group - Rock & Roll covers plus other songs Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205 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. £1.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission. Winter Indoor Car Boot - 1st Sunday of every month. Next one is Sun 2nd Dec - 10am till 2pm - Tables £5 to book. Fri 16th Nov: 1940s NIGHT with girl duo ‘Our Finest Hour’ at 8pm (doors open at 7pm). Entry is £5. ASK ABOUT OUR FREE ROOM HIRE FOR THOSE SPECIAL FAMILY OCCASIONS. Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Fri 9th Nov: FALL GIZE Sat 10th Nov: LEE RICHARDS Friday 16th Nov: MISSI MAC Sat 17th Nov: Jane Allen Sun 18th Nov: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 23rd Nov: Limited Edition Sat 24th Nov: Jane George Sun 25th Nov: Super Sunday ‘50’ Friday 30th Nov: Charlie Frost Sat 1st Dec: ELECTRAX Sun 2nd Dec: Super Sunday’50’ Friday 7th Dec: AL Sat 8th Dec: Natalie Nightingale Sun 9th Dec: Super Sunday ‘50’

On giving the after dinner speech The Rectory St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren I had been slightly surprised that in your ministry so far, you have never been asked to give an after-dinner speech. Now you have delivered your first one, I can understand why. Speeches after any dinner come at the point where stomachs are dealing with a little too much food and brains with about the same quantity of wine. They should be short and witty; sadly, yours was neither. An hour-long speech on the Herodians and Second Temple Judaism at the time of the birth of Christ was not quite what we had expected. Of course, I applauded your enthusiasm, but I was the only one; the rest of them were asleep. Long after you had left, the catering staff gently vacuumed the carpets around the audience and it was only when the night security guard arrived that the last diners were woken and politely sent home. I suspect you will have put many marriages under strain as husbands, returning home in the early hours of the morning, had to explain to wives why they were so late. Their truthful answers would have been unbelievable. When the head waiter appeared in a dressing gown and started placing chairs on tables, even you must have suspected that hints were being dropped and I have never heard of a hotel manager interrupting a speech to place his keys on the top table and asking if the last person to leave would kindly lock the main door. I know that your clerical attire is more usually T-shirt and jeans, but borrowing the curate’s dinner suit from your next-door parish was also not a good idea. He is a foot taller and several stones heavier than you. The result was quite worrying – several people wondered if you had just recovered from some dreadful disease that had made you shrink. In the light of your qualified success, thank you for offering to come to repeat your speech after our annual Christmas dinner, but no thank you. The verger’s son wants to share with us how many potholes he has counted in and around the town, and that should be most interesting. Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Website worth a visit Enjoy reading? You’ll love readitswapit A free book swapping service has been set up at www.readitswapit.co.uk. The service allows users to recycle books by swapping with other members (you do have to pay postage). You select the book you would like from the website library, and choose a person you’d like to swap with. The member receives an email saying that you want to swap. The other user logs onto the site and views your list of books. If they find one they like, they will confirm the swap. They can reject the swap if they don’t like any of your books! Full instructions are on the website. The site has over 349,000 books available so you should find something you like. www.readitswapit.co.uk

If you enjoy reading the Spotlight, please pass it on to a friend or relative after you’ve finished with it. Thanks!

First thing this morning, there was a tap on my door. Funny sense of humour my plumber has.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Glenfield Millennium Green News There is a real autumnal feel outside as I write this piece for the Spotlight. The last gardening session on the Green was used to shred all the branches, cuttings etc that had accumulated over the last few months. Paths around the edge are now clear after so much extra growth this year. Other volunteers are busy clearing their own plots ready for winter. Thanks to everyone who has helped during this year. The inclement weather has caused damage to the paths and flooding at the narrow end of the Green has been a real problem. So we are looking to do major repairs as soon as we can raise the money. You can help us to do this by supporting a

Table Top Sale at Groby Village Hall Saturday November 24th from 10.00am to 12.00 (noon). Refreshments will be available plus a variety of ‘stalls’ including bric a brac, books, games, toys, Christmas decorations, art works etc etc. There may be one or two tables left if you want to have a clear out of ‘treasures’ before Christmas. Tables must be booked in advance and cost £6. Details, and a booking form, can be obtained by phoning 0116 2991868. We look forward to seeing you there.

Chris Tordoff

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 More details on the church websites or check with Deb 07730 596309.

The details of all our Christmas activities will be on a Christmas Card delivered to your door

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.

However Carols Round the Tree at the Stamford Arms is so popular, you may want to put the date on your calendar now: Tues 18th Dec at 7pm, in the carpark

Fair Cuppa:

an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Every Thursday, 10.30-12.00 Carols with your Cuppa on 20th Dec at 10.30 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 Children/Youth Worker Deb Goodhead 07730 596309

I couldn’t find the Oxo cubes anywhere in our local shop today. They must have been out of stock.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

2070 (Glenfield) Squadron:

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition

On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th October, seven Glenfield cadets successfully completed their qualifying expedition for the ‘Expedition Section’ of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. The cadets arrived at the squadron at 0800hrs where the day began with route planning and an equipment check to ensure everybody was as fully prepared as possible. The journey began at 1100hrs at Loughborough Cemetery; their route went through Woodhouse Eaves, the Outwoods and onto the scout campsite at the Oaks in Charnwood where they spent a rather chilly night camping in tents. On Sunday morning the cadets had eaten and cleared the campsite by 0930hrs ready for the second day of their expedition which would take them back to the squadron via Thornton Reservoir. The cadets were lucky with the weather, being a warmer than average weekend in October, the cadets found themselves applying sun cream! All of them demonstrated the necessary skills during their qualifying expedition: navigation, kit, camp craft and teamwork to a standard that was deemed acceptable by the D of E Assessor. For most of the cadets only the physical section needs to be completed before they will have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award! OC 2070 Flt Lt Mayoh-Smith: “All of the cadets did very well, especially as they had a long way to walk on their second day. I look forward to seeing a lot of Bronze D of E badges appearing on the squadron early next year”

CI James Brewster

For more information please visit: www.2070sqn.co.uk

Spotlight Small Ads • Bosch Dishwasher (SGS45E08GB), (W=600mm, D=570mm, H=810mm), Silver Exxcel multi programme – auto 3 in 1. Excellent condition Price: £120.00 • Gas Hob (4 ring) stainless steel, still with 1 year guarantee Price: £40.00 • Dining Table (1100mm x 900mm, extends to 1400mm) & 4 chairs. All wood with padded chairs Price: £40.00 • Spice Rack (W=420mm, D=150mm, H=680mm). Solid pine with 2 shelves and 2 drawers Price: £10.00 Tel: 0116 287 7786 • Tall Pine CHEST OF DRAWERS, 140cm by 43cm. Price: £10.00 o.n.o. • Long light wood MIRROR, width 43cm by 20cm Price: £2.00 Buyer to collect Tel: 0116 287 0864 • Graco CHILD’S CAR SEAT, 15.36 kg, grey and pink spotted cover, excellent condition, only used occasionally in grandparents’ car. Price: £30.00 • Hydraulic TROLLEY JACK, hardly used, 2 tonne/2000kg. Price: £35.00 Tel: 01530 243574 • Child’s BLACKBOARD & PAINT EASEL, plus paint pots & brushes Price: £5.00 • Ladies’ RALEIGH CYCLE Price: £5.00 Tel: 0116 287 6759 • CD 10 KEYBOARD with automatic accompaniments and stand. Price: £60.00 Tel: 0116 224 9177 • Cozy Toes ELECTRIC UNDERBLANKET, very good condition. Price: FREE Tel: 0116 287 5654

• BEDROOM FURNITURE, solid Pine (Antique), good condition,comprising: • Double Wardrobe, with one drawer at bottom, height: 106cm, width: 79cm, depth: 35cm. • 4 + 2 Chest of Drawers, height: 106cm, width: 79cm, depth: 35cm. • Bedside Cabinet, 3 drawers, height: 58.5cm, depth: 36cm, width: 40.5cm. • Desk with 3 drawers either side, height: 74cm, width: 138cm, depth: 41.5cm. Total price: £150.00 (individual prices negotiable). Tel: 01530 249757 • 7 Clear glass DEMI JOHNS Price: £5.00 • BARBI BIKE with stabilisers, suit 3-6 years, v.g.c., Price: £25.00 • RALEIGH BIKE, purple, suit 710 years, clean condition. Price: £10.00 • Children’s red TRAILER BIKE, 20” wheel, 5 gears, attach to adult bike, suit 4-8 years, v.g.c. Price: £50.00 Tel: 0116 231 1802. • Gents honey-coloured corduroy three-quarter length JACKET. Fully lined with lambswool & on collar. Size: 40” chest. Only been worn a few times, due to illness, so in immaculate condition. Price: £35.00 • ELECTRIC ORGAN, 2 keyboards, 13 foot pedals, and lots of sounds & rhythms. Dark wood and in perfect working order and condition. Sensible offers considered. Tel: 0116 287 8651.

Advertise Your Unwanted Household Items For Sale Free To Spotlight Readers! Send us the details in writing, cost of item and your contact phone number for the display box, together with your home address for our purposes only (not for publication). Max price: £300.

Don’t Dump It, Donate It! The build up to Christmas and the New Year is causing acute problems for Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. Whilst their shops are doing particularly well on sales, they are running into problems with donations of saleable items and are desperately short of stock, particularly furniture and bric-a-brac but also books and clothing. “During and after the festive season, many people will be contemplating how they will make space for their presents or dispose of household furniture in order to accommodate new purchases made in the sales. Our motto is: ‘Don’t Dump It, Donate It!’ “says Peter Ralphs of the local Age UK. “All I can say is that we desperately need help from the public so that we can continue to help needy local older people through the money which is taken through our shops. All of our 23 charity shops around the two counties will gladly accept donations whilst furniture can also be collected from homes by calling 0116 2781208.”

My doctor told me that I’d be lucky to reach 50. That’s the last time I give him a lift in my Robin Reliant.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

rd Search Puzzle

http://puzzlemake

I’M A CELEBRITY WORDSEARCH Win a Sunday Lunch Main Course for Two at CAFE 7, Within Sevenoaks Nursery, Groby Lane, Newtown Linford. W F H Y O W D A V I D H A Y E A

B O S E P V C Y W A E Y U T N O

Z A T L L T J V F Q C S E T H S

H B A S P E Z Z Z J L H H W E T

A P X E I A N K I I A O G I P R

Y I I N M R K F N J N Z R C A E

H H W H B X B D L Y D R Y O H B

B U A C O Z A C M A O W A L R O

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O J S H R A I N K P L T I A V L

If you can find 12 PARTICIPANTS of ‘I’m a Celebrity - Get Me Out Of Here’ in the Wordsearch grid, you could win a MEAL FOR TWO at CAFE SEVEN, within Sevenoaks Garden Centre, Near Groby Pool. All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of the 12 participants of the new series of ‘I’m A Celebrity - Get me Out Of Here’. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: BUSH TUCKER TRIAL, Groby & Field Head Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 5th December 2012. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat U N D N will win the CAFE SEVEN voucher. Good luck!

O Q T V D Y F W C L K M K N H

H L D A R L L L R Y M A E B S

I J N Y E L N O C N A I R B A

C H A R L I E B R O O K S B F

Here are the 10 CELEBRITIES (plus Ant & Dec) you have to find: ANTHONY MCPARTLIN • ASHLEY ROBERTS BRIAN CONLEY • CHARLIE BROOKS • COLIN BAKER DAVID HAYE • DECLAN DONNELLY ERIC BRISTOW • HELEN FLANAGAN • HUGO TAYLOR LINDA ROBSON • NADINE DORRIES Name: ................................................................................................. Address: ................................................................................................ .................................................................Postcode: .............................

Last Month’s Wordsearch Winner The winner of last issue’s Wordsearch competition was: JOSEPHINE CHILDS of Poplars Close,Groby. You win a Sunday Lunch Main Course for Two at Cafe Seven, Sevenoaks Garden Centre, near Groby Pool. Congratulations! Your prize will be with you soon.

Oh what a night! ANTHONYMCPARTLIN

Groby Community College 1st Annual Awards Ceremony

ASHLEYROBERTS BRIANCONLEY CHARLIEBROOKS COLINBAKER DAVIDHAYE DECLANDONNELLY The first Annual Awards Ceremony for the college was held on ERICBRISTOW Thursday 27th September as a celebration of the success of the HELENFLANAGAN HUGOTAYLOR students from the GCSE Class of 2012. LINDAROBSON Nearly 100 students returned to college to collect awards for their achievements during Year 10 and 11. It was a tremendous evening, enjoyed by students past NADINEDORRIES

and present, parents, carers and staff from the college. Ex-student Michael Walker, actor and puppeteer, delivered an inspirational speech in which he encouraged all of the students to grab every opportunity that comes their way. Michael is now best known for his alter ego – Basil Brush! Many of the awards that were handed out will be annual cups and shields. The students who received these awards Created by Puzzlemaker at were the first students to have their names engraved on the plaques which we hope will become littered with the names of successful students over the coming years. The main award winners were as follows: A number of awards were given for the different subjects. These awards were presented by the Curriculum Leaders who were proud to congratulate the students who had achieved the most in their subject areas. Well done to all of the students from the Class of 2012.

DiscoveryEducation.com

I’m starting to think that I drink too much. The last time I gave a urine sample, there was an olive in it.

Subs

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-November 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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