Groby Spotlight November 2022

ERIN’S STORY ... from her Mum

ERIN MARLOW is 25 years old, and she works for the charity Menphys providing support for young people with learning disabilities. She’s lived in Groby all her life and she has a stammer.

That last fact is most important because it’s something she has lived with since she was 4 years old and she is now passionate about supporting others with similar challenges.

Born very prematurely, Erin has special educational needs as well as a stammer, so communication was difficult at her local primary school and then at a secondary school which had a specialist unit for speech and language needs. She later attended Stephenson College in Coalville, gaining NVQ Level 3 Health & Social Care. She has had speech and language therapy for over 20 years including attending the Michael Palin Centre aged 16, where they were able to provide assessments, recommendations and support.

However, it was during the Covid pandemic that Erin became aware of the online stammering community through the British Stammering Association. They provide support for people on their stammering journey and also offer education and information to those who want to understand more.

Erin describes finding the Stand Up to Stammering Facebook group as being a huge help to her in so many ways including accepting that her stammer is just the way she speaks. They are a group where people who stammer can practice their speech by filming a daily “mind over matter” challenge and giving them the opportunity to talk about their experiences. The British Stammering Association have given Erin many opportunities to volunteer with them on their Youth Panel and their Stammer Helpline, increasing her confidence and developing her communication skills.

Erin appeared on BBC’s The One Show

That new confidence was fully tested on national TV recently when the British Stammering Association asked

Erin to work with them on a feature for The One Show marking Stammering Awareness Day.

Filming outdoors in Cardiff with British Stammering Association patron Ed Balls and Jessie Yendel, who has collected 3 million followers highlighting her own stammering journey as mimidarlingbeauty on TikTok, Erin took on the challenge of speaking to passers by about her stammer.

The response to the film (view it on BBC iPlayer: The One Show 18th October) has been overwhelmingly positive, with many comments describing her courage and confidence as truly inspiring.

As a stammer advocate Erin is now able to use her experience to help other people with a stammer, signposting them to the support she has received from groups, and tools such as the speech app BeneTalk.

And for Groby Spotlight readers who see Erin out and about, her advice is: “Come up and say hello, and just be patient and wait for the words to come out.”

through the seasons

COME and support Groby’s community choir in concert, featuring singers of all ages from Groby, surrounding villages and from many other areas of Leicestershire too!

WHEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE?

Saturday 26th November 7.00pm & Sunday 27th November 3.00pm WHERE AT?

New College Leicester, Glenfield Road, LE3 6DN

THIS IS A NEW VENUE BUT IT IS EASY TO FIND WITH PLENTY OF PARKING AND DISABLED ACCESS.

TICKETS ARE PRICED AT ONLY £5.00 And are available from any Choir member, at Wednesday rehearsals (1.30-3.00pm, 3.40-4.40pm, 7.30-9.00pm at Groby Club) or Groby Library (Saturday mornings only) WHY NOT SUPPORT THE LIBRARY TOO? Enjoy a cuppa, piece of cake and borrow a book while you’re there!

Groby Sings is a registered charity no. 1180490. All enquiries to www.grobysings.org

Erin Marlow (left) with British Stammering Association patron Ed Balls and Jessie Yendel during filming of The One Show

Fields in Trust

THE GROBY PARISH Neighbourhood Plan will likely seek to designate certain areas in the parish as Local Green Spaces thus ruling out new development in those areas other than in very special circumstances.

There are other ways to protect green spaces in the parish including the Groby Parish Council’s initiative to use Fields in Trust. Although most residents will have seen Fields in Trust commemorative plaques, few if any will be aware of what they mean.

Fields in Trust is a charity set up in 1925 . They work with landowners, community groups, and policy makers to champion the value of parks and green spaces to achieve better protection for the future at both local and national level.

Fields in Trust works in partnership with landowners to protect land through a Deed of Dedication, a binding legal commitment with the landowner which secures spaces in perpetuity for current and future generations to enjoy.

More information may be found at www.fieldsintrust.org where it is possible to search for local Fields in Trust spaces.

In 2013, Groby Parish Council marked Queen Elizabeth II’s 2012 Diamond Jubilee by protecting Beacon Field, Butler’s Field, Marina Park, Quarry Park, and Stamford Memorial Park as Queen Elizabeth II Fields. In 2017, the council marked the Queen’s 2016 90th birthday by protecting Queen Elizabeth II XC Park as a Fields in Trust Protected Field (this last park may be accessed from Sycamore Drive, Meadow Way, and Meadow Court Road).

Help Shape the Future of Groby Parish

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

Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

BIRD FLU - don’t feed the birds at Groby Pool

SWANS AND other birds are dying of bird flu at Groby Pool.

Residents are being asked to restrain from feeding the birds.

It is particularly important now, as it brings the birds into close contact with each other and aids transmission of the disease, with deadly consequences.

There have been 82 confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in England since 1 October 2022. It can affect humans and other mammals, but mainly affects birds. If you suspect any type of bird flu in poultry or captive birds you must report it immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301. Failure to do so is an offence. You are advised not to touch or pick up any dead or visibly sick birds that you find, and if you are walking with your dog, keep your dog away from the infected bird.

You should call the Defra helpline (03459 33 55 77) if you find:

• one or more dead bird of prey or owl

• 3 or more dead gulls or wild waterfowl (swans, geese and ducks)

• 5 or more dead birds of any species.

The risk to the general public’s health is very low, and on the basis of the current scientific evidence poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers. It is safe to eat poultry and poultry products, including eggs, when properly cooked. If you keep poultry, even if only as pets, you can register on gov.uk so you can be contacted during an outbreak.

The National Farmer’s Union has an online case finder. As at the start of November the nearest confirmed cases were at premises near Waltham on the Wolds, near Melton. A 3km Protection Zone and 10km Surveillance Zone were put in place around the premises.

The RSPB believes that the bird flu that is currently circulating originated in intensive poultry operations in East Asia in 1996 and has now spread into wild birds through two routes: the movement of poultry, poultry products and associated vehicles and equipment; and through the movements and migrations of wild bird populations. It adds that there is no evidence that the current bird flu outbreak has spread from poultry in the UK.

Norman Griffiths

Groby

News from Groby Community Library

Baby group

OUR NEW BABY GROUP has started slowly, but it’s great to see some new parents and babies coming to the library for the first time.

As well as having some mats and toys for the babies there is a large range of board books to share with your little ones. They can also join the library and take some of them home for three weeks! So if you’re a new Mum or Dad or a grandparent, come along and meet others and have a chat. The next sessions are Wednesdays 16th November, 30th November, and 14th December from 10.3011.30am. There is space for babies up to 1 year old. As always coffee and cake will be available.

SmARTsy

ON 26TH NOVEMBER we’re hosting two glass fusion workshops run by SmARTsy.

Each 1 hour session will cost £10 to cover materials. You’ll make a glass decoration to take home for Christmas. These sessions are for adults only. Tickets are available in the library. So come along and try something new. No experience necessary.

Get warm in the library

THERE HAS BEEN a lot in the news recently about the cost of living crisis and the huge increase in energy costs.

Although we aren’t increasing our opening hours everyone is welcome to come to the library, when we are open, to keep warm, read books, chat to friends, use the computers (or bring your laptop) or just have a warm drink. We will be offering our usual range of hot drinks and cakes and will soon be selling savoury snacks and cup a soups too. You’ll also get a warm welcome.

Normality returning?

Outside decoration

They were there while the outside of the building was being redecorated. Thanks to Leicestershire County Council for doing this. The Council owns the building so is responsible for outside maintenance. It’s good to have had a fresh lick of paint!

Coop Community Fund

THE LAUNDON WAY Coop had chosen Groby Community Library to receive money as part of their Community Fund for 21/22.

The year of fundraising for us has now finished. Thank you to everyone who chose the library for this, we really value your support. More details next month.

Raising much-needed library funds

Santa’s

library visit

CHRISTMAS at the library, come and join us on Saturday 10th December to see Santa and his sleigh from 10.30am - 12noon.

While you’re there have a go at guessing what’s in the Christmas ‘feely boxes’ provided by Bradgate Rotary.

Best Sellers

BOOKS in The Sunday Times Bestsellers, in stock at Groby Community Library and that you can request:

Colleen Hoover It Ends With Us

David Baldacci Dream Town

Richard Osman The Man Who Died Twice

Richard Osman The Thursday Murder Club

Lucy Foley The Paris Apartment

Shorter telecom mast is a ‘Trojan Horse’

FOLLOWING the refusal of permission for a new 5G telecom mast opposite the College Campus on Ratby Road, the telecom company that provides the Three network has submitted a new application for the same site.

The original proposal was rejected by the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, who said that “It is considered that the development would cause harm to the character and appearance of the area by virtue of the height of mast and its visual dominance to the street scene. The proposal would introduce an incongruous form within the domestic street scene. It is considered the harm is not outweighed by the public benefit of improved telecommunications.”

The latest application does nothing to address the street scene issue other than to trim 3 metres off the height, and Groby Parish Council has been advised by County and Borough councillors that the street scene impact should form the main thrust of the objection to the new application.

HAVE

YOU STARTED your Christmas shopping yet?

When you do, you can help raise funds for the library at no extra cost to you.

We’re registered with Amazon Smile and Give as You Live

Sign up for Give as You Live using this link https://www. giveasyoulive.com/join/grobylibrary

Colleen Hoover Verity

Bella Mackie How to Kill Your Family

Colleen Hoover Ugly Love

Robert Harris Act of Oblivion

Danielle Steel The High Notes

Primark sales back to pre-Covid levels as it vows not to increase prices

AS REPORTED in RETAIL GAZETTE, Primark’s UK like-for-like sales have returned to preCovid levels as it promises not to increase prices.

The value retailer’s adjusted operating profit soared 136% to £756 million in the year to September 17.

Primark’s total sales also jumped 43% to £7.7 billion year on year, driven by a “significant increase” in footfall and sales densities as shoppers emerged from the pandemic.

Owner Associated British Foods said it expects further cost inflation going forward but vowed not to raise prices more than already planned.

Members were warned that if a 15 metre mast is approved it is unlikely that it would be installed as it could be upgraded to a taller mast without further permission. It would effectively be a ‘Trojan Horse’, providing a way of bringing a taller mast into the community against the wishes of most residents. The Parish Council is objecting to the proposal and residents were asked to register their individual objections with the Borough Council planning office by 1 November.

Norman Griffiths

My Uncle Sammy was an angry man. He had written on his tombstone: ‘What are you looking at?’

YOU MAY HAVE noticed barriers up around the library and a large white box in the car park recently.

Groby Gardening Society News

THIS YEAR has provided some challenging weather for gardeners, with prolonged drought and record high temperatures, although at time of writing it seems to have been raining non-stop for a week!

Climate change is happening, and the unpredictable nature of its effects will be felt for a long time, as can be seen with the floods in Pakistan and Australia, and droughts in the USA and Europe. The Arctic ice-cap is eroding rapidly, so less sunlight – and therefore less heat – is reflected, resulting in more melting of the ice, in an ever-increasing cycle. What we can be fairly certain of in the UK is that summers will be drier and warmer, and winters will be wetter and warmer.

There was a trip to Trentham Gardens in September, with over thirty people attending. The gardens are a fascinating place, well worth a visit, with a comfortable walk around a sizeable lake, spectacular formal gardens and plenty of retail opportunities in both the garden centre and the array of shops. The weather was kind, the rain holding off until we were all back on the coach. My thanks to Roberts Travel for organising this, and to our regular driver Phil for a comfortable and safe journey.

A social meeting was held at the Groby URC on October 13th, over 20 people attending. Since the society is no longer viable, it has been decided that the society’s remaining funds will be disposed of as discussed at several previous meetings and social events. The society will purchase a commemorative tree, guard and plaque to be sited outside Groby Library. In addition, a donation will be made to the Groby CIC for the purchase and siting of two oak trees, commemorating Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III. A further donation will be made to the library to help with its running costs. A donation will also be made to Groby Allotment Society towards improving their water supply. Finally, a donation will be made to Groby Parish Council towards the plants for the proposed sensory garden, still in the planning stage. Any residual money will be allocated to local environmental causes/charities.

A final social event is planned for December 8th at Groby URC at 2 pm, with a buffet provided from society funds. Any comments, suggestions or observations, please contact Helen Box in the first instance, via email at helen_box@hotmail.com

Enjoy your garden when you can. Stay safe.

IWONDERED

if It might be possible to share some lovely news via the Spotlight, about a group of Year 1 Elizabeth Woodville students who completed a Countryfile Ramble to raise money for BBC Children in need.

My son and his friends ranging from 3-8 years of age walked 5kms together around Beacon Hill Country Park last Saturday and they have raised £400 and counting.

We are very proud of them and it would be amazing to share the good news. Many thanks

Lauren (Proud Mum)

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My father hated radio and couldn’t wait for television to be invented so he could hate that too.

Keith Poole

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

Field Head to remain part of Groby Parish

EARLIER THIS YEAR the Borough Council carried out a community governance review of the whole borough area to ensure that the parish electoral arrangements are appropriate and relevant. Following an initial consultation, proposals were put forward which included the transfer of Field Head from Groby

appropriate

The Borough Council has decided, after further public consultation, that based upon the evidence currently available a community governance change “would not help to better reflect the local identities and interests of the community, or help to secure more effective and convenient governance of the area.”

housing development proposal adjoining the Field Head boundary resulted in angry scenes at Groby Parish Council as residents felt they had been abandoned. The Parish Council has committed funds and commissioned professional help to construct a robust objection to the plan, despite the fact that is outside the Parish Council area.

a Field Head elector to the Parish Council has helped in this respect and has strengthened the Council, which in essence is the sum of the diverse skills which members bring to the role.

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT

Telephone 01530-244069

Email us at: info@ grobyspotlight.co.uk

Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

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

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

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

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

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

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

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

All contents © Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

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

The final report says that the overall response of 57% against the proposal to amend the boundary “shows a lack of appetite for change, and the evidence that residents from Field Head are generally not in favour of the proposed change shows their feeling of identity with Groby parish. There were conflicting views about whether Field Head residents used facilities in Markfield or Groby.”

Some residents of Groby feel that the parish suffers from being on the eastern border of the borough, distant from Hinckley. Similarly, some Field Head residents share the same thoughts when considering their relationship with the central Groby village area, and this year a Newtown Linford parish

LETTER

BACK IN JUNE I wrote in the Spotlight about taking on a half marathon trek in support of Alzheimer’s Society.

I have been eager to give you all an update on the day but I was waiting for the final results from all of the events that took place over the 2022 fundraising season.

There was concern in July due to the soaring heat as to whether the trek would go ahead, but we were eventually given the green light and more water stops were added to help everyone along.

It was so good after six months of training to be standing at the start line with so many other people raring to go. It was a circular route through the Cotswolds starting near Winchcombe and taking in fantastic sights throughout. There was such a range of terrain, even with all my training, it was a difficult walk and each section seemed to have something new to contend with. I met some lovely people that had come from all over the UK to take part. Whoever designed this route decided to put the hardest part at the end! There was a long steep hill

It isn’t the first time that parish councillors have been shouted at, or the police have had to attend a meeting, as it seems to take controversy to motivate residents to express an interest in what unpaid councillors give up their time to do for them. Even during lockdown, when residents could attend parish council meetings on Zoom from the comfort of their own homes, less than 1 in 1000 residents attended.

Although the Borough Council believes that Field Head ward is over-represented in terms of the elector-to-councillor ratio, this is not something that residents have taken advantage of over the years. As a result there has been an absence of the voice of residents of the ward. The recent election of

that we had to traverse in stages, when I say never ending – it truly was. We’d walk a few metres and take a break to catch our breath. It felt unbelievable after six months of training, 13 miles of trekking difficult terrain and incredible heat to contend with to be finally seeing the finish line. I decided to finish with the two guys I’d met near the end and in the craziness of the day, one of them grabbed our hands and made us run across the finish line! It was utter madness considering how hot and exhausted we were but super fun and has made for a great memory.

A massive thank you for supporting me in this adventure and to everyone that donated to my page. It has really meant a lot and has kept me going through all of the training.

Each trekker was given the target of raising £200 each and with your help I was able to smash this and raise a total of £540!

I’m 52 but I prefer to think of myself as 11 centigrade.

Perhaps, at the forthcoming parish elections next May, more of the Field Head residents who wish to maintain the link to Groby will exercise their electoral right to participate in the governance of the village.

Some residents expressed concern about a lack of consultation about the Governance Review, but the Borough says it was advertised in several places including the Borough Bulletin delivered to every home.

Draft recommendations were based on the comments received and subsequently consultation has taken place on the draft recommendations. “Community governance reviews are a statutory process and there is no provision for a parish poll as part of this process.”

Norman Griffiths

A total of 751 trekkers took part in the Cotswolds Trek and between us we raised a whopping £451,000! This amazing total is enough to be able to fund 1074 families to be supported by community dementia advisors. They provide face-to-face support for families facing complex challenges. Whether they’re supporting someone living with dementia, a carer, or an entire family, this support is invaluable when it comes to navigating the maze of dementia.

If my journey has piqued your interest in taking part yourself I can highly recommend it. If you would like more information on the events that take place around the country or would like to sign up for a 2023 event you can visit:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.../ join-event/trekking/trek26

You can even use the discount code ‘EARLYBIRD’ to get 20% off the registration fee.

Jodie Totman

to Markfield Parish Council, together with an

adjustment to the number of elected members for each parish.

Hanson

AS ANTICIPATED in last months

Spotlight I want to say thank you to the Hanson’s Quarry staff for tidying up the fire damaged area alongside the pool and the work they have now done to the footpath. The bark surface blends in naturally and will make it a lot better for people to walk on and will be welcomed by the many people who use the path.

Community

Governance result

- Field Head to remain part of Groby Parish

AT THE HBBC council meeting on Tuesday 1st November the council approved the report of the working party that had been tasked with assessing the public response to the Community Governance consultation. The majority of Councillors agreed to the findings of that cross party group with one Councillor voting against and one Councillor abstaining, this means that Field Head remains as a part of Groby Parish but could also be subject to a further review in a few years time.

Warm Places

THE BOROUGH COUNCIL is actively encouraging public places to sign up to scheme which is designed to help vulnerable people find a warm space during what is expected to be a difficult winter period.

Churches, Libraries, Community centres and Village Halls are some of the places that could be eligible for a £1,200 grant to help facilitate the scheme. For more information please contact the Borough Council 01455 238141 Hinckley National Rail Freight

Interchange

(HNRFI )

YES IT IS A BIT OF A MOUTHFUL and it will certainly take some swallowing as although it is described as National, it will (if it goes ahead) create all sorts of problems within the Hinckley area especially the western side from Burbage common and the M69 corridor.

To quote from their publicity leaflet, “HNRFI is a proposed multi-purpose freight interchange and distribution centre located on land to the south of Elmesthorpe, between the Leicester to Hinckley Railway to the North-West and the M69 Motorway to the South-East.”

Does it have any good points ? It will create jobs Does it have a Downside? Well how about increased traffic, climate impact, reduced air quality, destruction of green fields, loss of mature trees, destroying ecology and wildlife habitats, increased risk of flooding, excess noise, impact on PRoWs (Public Rights of Way,)increased pollution, and the inevitable Blot on the Rural landscape of 9 or 10 huge sheds. Not to mention the hundreds of lorry movements that will be needed to service the proposal which is to be fed with dozens of trains daily each a mile long.

To view the dedicated project website – https://www.hinckleynrfi.co.uk

Ted Hollick

Letter Getting VERY creative at Halloween

FOR THE LAST 3 years since we moved to Groby my husband Simon Richardson has entertained the village with fantastic Halloween displays.

This year he has gone all out with his theme on Stranger Things.

Here are some photos from the last couple of years and his effort for this year’s. My son Jacob aged 14 student at Groby College made the spooky clock!

Karen Richardson

Spinney Side (off Highfield Rd), Groby

Newbold Verdon Jazz Club

NEWBOLD VERDON Jazz Club has been running for over 30 years at Newbold Verdon Social Club.

We welcome professional traditional jazz bands from all over the country and abroad. If you love jazz or would like to give it a try we would love to see you.

Our next concert on Friday December 2nd sees the skilled trombonist Richard Leach with his Street Band. Why not come along and join us and enjoy an evening of foot tapping music.

Admission is £10 payable on the door and music begins at 8.00pm. Dancers are welcome and we have a raffle and mince pies as it’s nearly Christmas!

For more details contact Kelvin on 01455 822824 or Pauline on 01162 865496 or see our website www.newboldverdonjazz.wixsite.com

Bus reliability The Age Where Nothing Works Any More

BUS USERS have long complained about the local service, including the loss of the dedicated Leicester to Groby route.

What is left are the through buses to Coalville and Ratby, and although these have been subject to change the village still benefits from a better service than many settlements of a similar size.

Generally speaking the buses were reliable, but then came Covid, the lockdown, the massive drop in passenger numbers. and timetable reductions which have not been completely restored. Complaints about long queues opposite the post office, or having to stand on buses, came to an end as virtually empty buses passed through the village. Passenger numbers have not fully recovered and the threat of a vicious circle of unprofitable services, followed by more service cuts, never seems far away

The one benefit that Covid brought is that bus passengers are more amenable to open windows whilst travelling. But now that the risk of catching Covid on the bus has reduced, there is another factor which discourages the use of public transport. The country seems to have entered The Age Where Nothing Works Any More.

Within a short period we have moved to a situation where public service backlogs in many areas seem to have increased, the hospitality trade struggles to find staff, and in the shops product availability has gone down as prices go up. Transport has not escaped as we have seen petrol shortages, airport chaos, lorry queues at ports, cancelled rail trips, and locally buses that either don’t arrive or are late.

Post Covid many of the skilled workers we used to rely on are either suffering long term illness, have gone back to Europe, have decided that post furlough early retirement is more attractive than returning to the daily grind, or have been abducted by aliens who now have the best public services in the universe.

Bus breakdowns

Whilst it is acknowledged that our bus service reliability has been hit by driver shortages, there now appears to be another factor – vehicle breakdowns. There have always been breakdowns resulting in passengers having to disembark and await the Arriva cavalry, but recently they seem to have increased in perceived frequency. The evidence for this conclusion comes from none other than our 26 Leicester to Coalville service. There have been at least two 26 breakdowns in the village in Groby last month. Morning visitors to the Leicester Road Co-op may have seen passengers leaving the bus and walking to the Post Office to catch the next 29 to Leicester. A couple of weeks later an outbound 26 had to be towed away from the Stamford Arms stop.

What does Arriva have to say?

“I’ve not been able to get hold of any detail around the breakdowns,” said a spokesperson for Arriva. “However, we continue to invest heavily in our fleet with a further 36 brand new buses are being delivered to us in Leicestershire in winter 2022, and we expect our first zero-emission fullelectric buses to be delivered to our Thurmaston depot in 2023.”

Timetable changes

Minor timetable changes have just been made to Groby’s bus services, so it’s advisable to check times before travelling. Google Grobylinx buses for a link to the Arriva journey planner.

Norman Griffiths

Remembrance - Lest We Forget

I LAID a wreath at Groby Ex-Servicemens club on behalf of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.

I also laid a personal wreath at the There but Not There Tommy on Leicester Road.

Ratby Road 5G Telecommunications Mast

that works urgently required for the preservation of the grade II* listed building be commenced by a contractor employed by the Borough Council during the late summer. The Urgent Works Notice process allows for costs of the works to be recovered from Hanson by the Borough Council. Following the threat of a legal challenge and Hanson’s willingness to enter into positive discussions about the needs of the site with the Borough Council the Urgent Works Notice was suspended.

Representatives of the Borough Council, Historic England and Hanson met during the late summer to discuss the scope of urgently needed work to preserve Bradgate Stables in the immediate term and the need to determine the longer term future of the site via the undertaking of an Options Appraisal.

It remains the aim of the Borough Council to negotiate and discuss the voluntary undertaking of any urgently needed work to preserve Bradgate Stables by Hanson. However, should these discussions not result in any meaningful and timely action by Hanson then the Borough Council shall actively consider their option of again having to revert to statutory enforcement action and stepping in to complete any work to secure the urgent preservation of the building in default.

AS HIGHLIGHTED in the October issue of the Spotlight the original application for a 18m 5G Mast outside Brookvale Campus was rejected by Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council.

Being an inappropriate location both residents and myself as ward member were grateful that HBBC officers came to this conclusion.

The applicant could have, and still could, appeal the refusal decision as they have 6 months from the issue date in order to do so, April 2023. Instead, for now, they have chosen to submit a new application for a mast on the same site but 3m lower in height at 15m instead. The reduction in height has meant that the mast and cabinets will be located closer to the highway verge than in the original application. It is in the applicant’s own documentation, twice now, that the mast is to be located outside their target area and as a result of the topography and surrounding trees many of which are protected with Tree Preservation orders (TPO) on them likely that the public realm benefit will not outweigh the harm caused by the mast, so bringing into play the NPPF. Sadly, again many residents have expressed to me that they are having issues and or finding it impossible to submit comments online to HBBC. I am assured this is being looked into but to date have heard nothing further.

The deadline to submit comments for this new application may have passed by the time you get to read this article, so please act quickly Details of the application are below:

1. Go to: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

2. Click: “Planning and building control” text

3. Click: “View and comment on application” text

4. Click: “View and comment online” BOX

5.Enter: “22/00956/TGDO” to the search box

6.Click: “Search” GREY BOX

7.Follow the onscreen prompts

Unable to submit comments online?

TO SUBMIT comments to the case officer please email the planning official direct on: Stephen.Sarfo@ hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk with the following in the subject: 22/00956/TGDO Proposed Telecommunications Installation on Ratby Road

In order to keep track of the comments sent please CC: mast@ appliancehome.co.uk

Bradgate Stables Update

AS HIGHLIGHTED in the mid-May 2022 edition of Spotlight the Borough Council had served an Urgent Works Notice upon Hanson Quarry Products Europe Ltd, the owner of Bradgate Stables, with the intention

It is my understanding that a protected species survey on the site is underway or having been completed, the results of which are not known. The Borough Council did obtain quotes from specialist contractors to carry out the urgent works notice requirements and that the quotes came in significantly lower than the best guess estimate in the first instance albeit that this would have to be re quoted now due to the passage of time.

Support is also being given by Historic England.

Local Governance Review

Groby

THE INITIAL consultation produced four responses. The second consultation process (draft recommendations consultation) has now been completed with many more respondents, 124 in total this time around.

Recommendations were for the boundary to be redrawn between Groby and Markfield Parishes to result in Field Head becoming part of Markfield Parish. The three Parish Councillors for Field Head sitting on Groby Parish Council currently would following next May’s Parish Council elections change to one Parish Councillor for Field Head sitting on Markfield Parish Council had the change gone ahead a reduction of two Parish Councillors for Field Head.

The overall response of 57% against the proposals to amend the boundary demonstrates a lack of appetite for the change, and the evidence that Field Head are generally not in favour of the proposed change shows their feeling of identity within Groby Parish.

The result voted upon and agreed at HBBC Council on November 1st 2022 was that Field Head should remain within Groby Parish and have three Field Head ward councillors just as they had before the start of the governance review process. Result: No Change

I voted for this outcome.

Markfield

This increase was not supported under the review and will remain the same at 10 Councillors for Markfield Parish Council.

A further Councillor for Field Head would have been introduced to Markfield Parish Council had the Groby proposals gone ahead completely separate to NALCS guidelines.

As Groby remains unchanged in the review process it means that no additional Councillor will be added to Markfield Parish Council with regards Field Head

The result of Markfield Local Governance review process is to remain unchanged from the situation prior to engaging in the review process. Result: No change

Martin Cartwright

UNDER NALCS guidance the number of Councillors for Markfield Parish Council could be increased by one from 10 to 11 Councillors.

THIS SUMMER a major home builder called on the government to tackle the shortage of planners to boost the economy and speed up housing development.

Redrow’s chief executive Matthew Pratt said “There is clearly a shortage of planning officers out there, and we request the government would move to address this situation because it’s not just the housing industry that relies on planning.”

Recent research revealed local authority spending on planning fell from £844 million in 2009/10 to £480 million in 2020/21, by which time fewer than half of applications were determined within statutory time limits.

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has not escaped the problem, performance has decreased and members have been told that the past year has been a difficult time, not least with the recruitment of officers. Vacancies have impacted on customer service and the speed of processing of applications, a key performance indicator.

Turnover has been high in 2021/22, and whilst some posts have been filled others are still vacant and currently occupied by agency staff, consultants, support from a neighbouring local authority and a private firm. This temporary cover costs more than any salary savings from the vacancies. Posts have been unsuccessfully advertised, and a recruitment consultant has been appointed. Under-performance can lead to the government removing decision-making powers from planning authorities.

The availability of housing sites is another important issue for planners. The Government requires that Councils maintain a 5 year supply of sites, and only include sites which were deemed deliverable. At 1st April 2022 the Council has 4.89 years’ supply of deliverable housing sites.

The Government has also introduced a Housing Delivery Test (HDT), measuring housing delivery over the preceding three years as a percentage of the target. Substantial shortfalls can mean that unallocated and possibly less favourable sites may become vulnerable to speculative applications and may be granted permission.

A March 2021 delivery rate of 86% fell below the 95% target, and the council has had to produce an Action Plan (updated in July 2022) detailing how it intends to address the issues.

But for Groby housing may not be the biggest challenge. With the likelihood of a major planning application for a trading estate off Anstey Lane, from a developer with deeper pockets than the Borough Council, residents will be hoping that the problems facing the Planning Department can be resolved. However, with the problem being a national one, some may feel that there are few grounds for optimism. And, once again, villagers may need to provide funds to employ independent professional help to preserve what they value about life in Groby.

Norman Griffiths

twenty

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at

or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” Henry Ford

“So many of our dreams at first seems impossible, then they seem improbable, and then, when we summon the will, they soon become inevitable.” Christopher Reeve

Consumers worried by food price inflation

CONSUMERS are being warned not to try and cut costs by eating food that has passed the use-by date shown on the product label.

A use-by date is the most important date to remember, as you can safely eat food until and on the use-by date but not after. If you can’t eat it by the use by date remember that you can freeze food right up to the use-by date on the label. Food can be safe to eat after a best before date, but it might not be at its best.

‘We know many people are worried about food affordability right now and our evidence shows that people are finding ways to save money where they can,” said Emily Miles, Food Standards Agency Chief Executive. It’s not a good idea to turn off the fridge or eat food past its use-by date as these things can lead to a higher risk of you becoming ill with food poisoning.

Food prices have been rising fast this year and have continued to rise since September, when a survey indicated that:

• a third of participants reported that they had eaten food past its use-by date at least once in the preceding month, because they couldn’t afford to buy more food,

• four in ten participants were worried about the cost of food,

• nearly a third said that because of rising costs they had skipped a meal or cut down the size of their meals,

• one in five had turned off a fridge and/or freezer containing food, at least once, to reduce energy bills and save money.

Switching food storage appliances off is considered unwise, as using your fridge at the correct temperature (50 C or below) helps prevent food poisoning. If food isn’t properly chilled it could go off faster and be unsafe to eat. And freezing foods delays chemical reactions and puts bacteria “on pause,” allowing food to be kept longer.

Norman Griffiths

Animal Aid’s Mission to Find Ralph a Home this Christmas - can you help?

THE STAFF AT Leicester Animal Aid have a few animals that have longer stays than others, and Ralph here is one of them.

He is a loveable 9-year-old Husky, and has been with Animal Aid now since June. Even Santa has been helping in the search for his furrever home and called in to visit recently!

Ralph is a clever boy, and very talkative. He needs a secure garden with a high fence as he likes to jump and will need a strong walker. He is a handsome boy, and you might notice that he has different coloured eyes – a condition called heterochromia which is common in certain breeds including Huskies. Animal Aid think it makes him even more special and are hoping to find him a responsible and loving home really soon.

If Ralph doesn’t find his home in time for the big day, then he and all the other animals in their care over the Christmas period will receive a gift which will be thanks to generous members of the public who donate to their Christmas Appeal. If you would like to help, then please visit the LAA website and click ‘donate now’.

Leicester Animal Aid is a rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and cats. Every year, they care for more than 300 dogs and cats who are lost, abandoned, neglected, unwanted or relinquished because their owners can no longer look after them. They rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our doors open to the hundreds of animals who need help.

Tel: 01455 888257 • Website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Extending Limited Waiting Bays, Fir Tree Lane and Ratby Road Groby

NOTICE IS BEING given by the County Council of a proposal to extend the limited waiting bays 2 hours no return within 1 hour Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm on part of Fir Tree Lane and Ratby Road, Groby.

The proposal is for a maximum of 3 extra spaces on Fir Tree Lane and 1 extra space on Ratby Road. This is to help local shops and businesses.

Documents can also be viewed online at https://www.leicestershire. gov.uk/roads-andtravel/carsand-parking/traffic-managementconsultations Objections to the proposals, specifying the grounds on which they are made, should be sent in writing to the undersigned by not later than 23rd November 2022, quoting reference JM/ HTWMT/5293. Alternatively, objections can be emailed to jane.x.moore@leics.gov.uk or via the online comment form which may be accessed via the link above.

Success for GB News Radio

ACCORDING TO new RAJAR figures, GB News Radio has become the fastest-growing news station in the country, with its audience soaring from 277,000 to 415,000 over the last quarter – a near 50% increase in just three months.

In fact, according to Press Gazette, GB News was the only news station to grow its weekly audience in Q3.

Are you dreading some Christmas presents?

DO YOU EXPECT to like all the presents you will receive this year? Not if last year was anything to go by! In fact, it seems that more than twothirds of us expect that we will unwrap at least one item that we do not like this Christmas.

What do you do with those weird gifts? One in four of us admit to dumping them – straight into the bin. Yet we are very polite about it - two in five of us pretend delight so that we do not hurt anyone’s feelings. Only one in ten of us is ruthlessly honest and express our disappointment.

A better way of getting rid of unwanted presents is to donate them to charity. Charity shops will welcome almost any kind of unwanted Christmas present.

Mothers’ Union partners campaign against domestic abuse

MOTHERS’ UNION has teamed up with Women’s Aid in a campaign to help draw attention to end domestic abuse.

The campaign aims to highlight the fact that 1.6 million women in England experience domestic abuse every year. Three women are killed each fortnight by a current or ex-partner. And one in every seven children will have to live with domestic violence at some point in their childhood.

As Bev Jullien, CEO of Mothers’ Union, says: “It’s what happens behind closed doors which is so very worrying. Domestic abuse takes many forms. As well as the bruises and violence, which is absolutely shocking, it’s restricting access to money, it’s tracking your partner online, it’s controlling who they speak to. It’s very much about exercising power over those who are closest to you. Of course, the longer it continues, the more impact it has on any children in a relationship as well.

“God created man and woman as equal. He teaches us to love one another, and those core principles should lead us all to be in healthy relationships and help others to be so too.”

More details at: https://www.mothersunion.org/partnerships/womensaid

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Christmas card

RICHARD, my husband, and I had a hectic Christmas holiday schedule involving work, care of parents, driving of teenagers, shopping, and all the required doings of the season.

Running out of time, I asked a local printer to simply print our name on our Christmas cards, to save me signing each one.

Soon we started getting cards from friends signed ‘The Modest Morrisons’, ‘The Clever Clarks’, and ‘The Successful Smiths’. This baffled me until I looked again at our card. I had posted out a hundred cards neatly imprinted with ‘Happy Holidays from the Rich Armstrongs’.

County Councillor’s Report from Ozzy O’shea

Email:

Cost of Living Support

AN EXTRA £3.6m of Government cash is enabling Leicestershire County Council to step up the support it’s providing this winter as cost of living pressures bite.

Under proposals published on Monday (17 Oct), the money will be used to offer £1.5m emergency food and fuel support – triple the amount allocated last year – and will ensure 14,000 children across the county have free school meal vouchers during the Christmas, February half term and Easter holidays.

The national funding takes the council’s wide-ranging support package to £14.8m and is on top of community fridges, innovative ‘green homes’ schemes, energy efficiency advice and help for foodbanks and charities, all of which is helping to bring down household bills.

Our vital support includes: Energy efficiency grants and advice - through the council’s Warm Homes scheme.

A £4m Greener Living Leicestershire project - helping to cut household bills by fully-funded home improvements including loft and wall insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and new efficient windows and doors

£15 free school meal vouchers for 14,000 children across Leicestershire - also benefiting families during half term this week

Voluntary groups, charities, public sector organisations and others can refer people for support from the £1.5m emergency food and fuel support pot – any organisations wanting to register should email: householdsupportfund@ leics.gov.uk

Find out more about the support available at: www.leicestershire. gov.uk/cost-of-living

School admissions update

The School Admissions Office Team will be available to parents Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 4pm. The team will be offline to parents on Tuesdays and Thursdays to focus on applications received.

FIRST TIME ADMISSIONS

(FTA): The application window for children seeking to start school for the first time from autumn 2023 is now open until national closing date 15 January. National offer date for FTA entry 2023 is 16 April (or next working day).

SECONDARY TRANSFER

(YEAR 6 TO YEAR 7): The

application window to apply for Year 7 entry 2023 is now open.

Parents and carers will have received an invitation to apply. The National closing date for Year 7 transfers is 31 October and the National offer date is 1 March (or next working day).

Parents and carers: to maximise your opportunities, apply for three schools including the catchment school(s). It is never advised to only apply for one school, as this increases the risk of disappointment, resulting in upset and having to accept a school much further away.

INFANT TO JUNIOR

TRANSFERS: The application window to transfer from Infant to Junior school is now open. Parents and carers will receive a letter inviting them to apply to transfer for entry 2023. Always apply for the linked Junior school to maximise likelihood of success. The closing date for infant to junior transfer is 15 January, the national offer date is 16 April (or next working day). Applications for a year-three place in a primary school will not be processed until late summer term, for entry 2023, as it will be considered a mid-term transfer.

Spotting Fraud or Scams

While fraud and scams are not new, advances in technology give criminals more ways to attempt to access your money. Knowing the techniques they use can help you protect yourself and your money.

FRAUD OR SCAM? - In everyday use, the words fraud and scams are used interchangeably. However, we think it’s useful to use clear definitions.

Fraud happens to you, scams happen with you.

Fraud is wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.

Fraudsters access a customer’s account or take money without the customer’s permission.

A scam is a type of fraud, but where customers are tricked in to taking actions themselves, which then gives a fraudster access to accounts and money.

Fraudsters gain the customer’s confidence and make them believe that the actions they’re being asked to take are for a legitimate purpose. If you think you’ve responded to a scam or been a victim of fraud, contact your bank straight away and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

Tips for spotting fraud and scams

While there’s no one-size-fitsall approach when it comes to protecting yourself from fraudulent activity, we’ve put together a list of things that can help you spot and avoid fraud and scams.

Always think carefully before making a payment, especially if it’s a lot of money for you. Speak to someone you trust first, like a friend or family member, before making payments.

Pay extra attention to the warnings that banks provide when making a payment. They’re in place to help you bank safely and avoid being scammed.

Anyone can be easily impersonated, and criminals can make the caller ID, email address or name look exactly like the genuine caller. So, if you receive an email, text or call, verify it’s genuine by phoning them back on a known and trusted number.

When making a payment, always take the time to complete extra checks to make sure the payee and the payment is genuine. This includes reading reviews, researching companies or websites, and verifying the person or company are who they say they are.

Don’t allow anyone to access your computer or devices remotely. This is because criminals can ask you to click on a link or download an app. Remember, your bank, the police or any trusted organisation will never ask you to withdraw, transfer or send back money from your account. If you’re asked to do this, it’s a scam.

If you’re concerned or think you’ve responded to a scam email or text or given your details out to the wrong people, you should contact your bank straight away to protect your account and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

HMRC SCAMS - With these scams, criminals pose as HMRC to try and persuade you to send them money by insisting that you make an urgent payment or click on a link in a message. For example, they could send an outstanding bill or tax rebate messages. They may even threaten you with court action, bailiffs, or police arrest if you don’t take urgent action.

These scammers can contact you at any time of year, though they tend to get more tax assessment deadline dates. They might make contact through:

• text messages

• instant messaging services like WhatsApp

• emails

• phone calls

• or even social media. The caller ID or email address might say it’s from HMRC or HM Revenue and Customs, but criminals can fake these details to appear the same as the genuine ID. HMRC will never call you out of the blue about a claim, payment or debt that you don’t already know about and will never call threatening legal action.

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF

Never make a payment to HMRC if they contact you out of the blue, even if you’re threatened with police or court action.

Always check what you owe directly with HMRC on the GOV.UK website.

Never rely on the number on the caller display as proof that it’s HMRC you’re talking to. This can be falsified (known as spoofing) by a criminal to appear as if they’re calling from HMRC or any other organisation.

Never be pressured into providing personal or financial information to anyone.

Energy Bills Support Scam

Action Fraud has received 139 crime reports relating to fake text messages purporting to be from the UK government. The texts state that the recipient is “owed” or “eligible” for an energy bill discount as part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Energy Bill Discount: £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from October 2022. You DO NOT need to apply for the scheme and you will NOT be asked for your bank details.

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

Ozzy O’shea

Always Working for you (Contact details at top of page)

Groby Allotments News

THIS TIME OF YEAR is usually a quiet time of year on the allotments as we all wind down our plots for winter and spend our time poring over seed catalogues and plan what to grow next year.

However this year a lot of us are still harvesting crops which should have long been over and done with. Astonishingly, tomatoes are still ripening on the plots, let alone in greenhouses.

Do we still need Garden Bonfires?

SINCE 1ST NOVEMBER, on the allotments, we have been able to burn garden waste which can’t be composted on our plots.

This is most likely to be the woody waste which, if put in the compost heap, would take years to rot down. However, we are being informed of ways to compost the more difficult garden waste these days. Many woody stems of brassicas such as broccoli for example, as well as twigs or hedge prunings can be successfully composted if cut into small pieces or shredded before adding to the compost heap. Shredded twigs and branches can also be used as a mulch for the soil or an organic base for garden or plot paths.

Alternatively, small branches and twigs can be used to create woody piles in the garden or on your plot which will serve as a home for insects, frogs etc and other helpful creatures over the winter months.

If you decide to move your wood pile though, be aware that some of the residents may surprise you.

I moved one of my wood piles one

Spring a few years ago and was totally unprepared for fifteen frogs jumping out! I almost fell over in surprise but I suppose they were as surprised as I was!

An extended use for Halloween Lanterns

ROD WESTON, the master composter based at Stokes Wood allotments in the city promotes composting and has a pumpkin smashing event just after Halloween each year where people can go down with their kids and have fun smashing up their Halloween pumpkin lanterns.

After smashing, these pumpkin remains can then be added to the compost heap, ready to produce a wonderful soil conditioner next year. Of course you can also save the flesh of the pumpkin as it is hollowed out to make hearty warming pumpkin soup or add to casseroles and toast or roast the pumpkin seeds to use sprinkled on dishes or as a healthy snack.

Those autumn leaves

BY THE TIME you read this, all the exciting Halloween and Bonfire events will be a distant memory but we will still be left with what to do with those autumn leaves.

My efforts to collect them up have been made difficult due to the persistent rain that we have had these last few days but I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to sweep them up as it gets a little drier. I also collect these over the winter in a pile at the bottom of the garden, leaving them to rot down to a wonderful leaf mould to use next year as a mulch on top of the soil or again used as a soil conditioner. Beware though when collecting all those

leaves that you don’t also collect lots of acorns as they will happily grow in the perfect conditions of rotting leaves and you could have a mini forest emerging from your leaf pile.

It has been a “mast” year for acorns this year, meaning that the oak trees have produced a huge amount of the nuts.

Animals such as squirrels, jays and badgers love acorns and usually eat most of the nuts that the tree produces, but during a year when vast numbers of nuts are produced, there are many more nuts than the animals can possibly eat and so more are left to grow into the next generation of oak trees.

Planning Apps

Proposed front extension by remove existing porch and replace with new entrance hall and toilet 2.41m wide x 2.1m deep - at 5 Warren Close, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9SJ

Of course, squirrels and jays also gather lots of the nuts in ‘caches’ so they can come back over the winter to access their various larders. Jays seem to be very efficient in remembering where they have left their mini larders but in my experience squirrels have quite bad memories at remembering where they have buried them. I can personally confirm this by the numbers of little oak trees that spring up in my lawn and borders each year!

I’m all for planting trees and reducing my carbon footprint but not to the extent that I need to make my way through a wood to find my front door!!

Demolish exiting dwelling, replace with new dwelling and triple garage - at The Homestead, Thornton Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9RP

Proposed first floor side extension - at 12 Garendon Way, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0YR

Proposed rear extension and demolition of existing garage - at 10 Parklands Avenue, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0BL

I can’t figure out if life is passing me by or trying to run me over.

Carol Lincoln

JIGSAW SWAPPING

Fed up with doing the same jigsaw?

Then come to Groby Library on Saturday 26th November between 10-30am and 12-00 noon and bring your jigsaws to swap with other people.

I can

aura We

a mysterious bioenergy field around us, according to study

AS REPORTED by Tara MacIsaac In The Epoch Times (www. theepochtimes.com)

Biochemist John Norman Hansen, Ph.D., at the University of Maryland has found evidence of what he believes is a bioenergy field around humans.

Such a field has been speculated about and alluded to in spiritual traditions for thousands of years, but now scientific investigation has indicated such a field does exist.

Dr. Hansen conducted hundreds of experiments with dozens of subjects, and his results are consistently replicable. Other scientists have also replicated his results, including Willem H. van den Berg of the department of biochemistry and biophysics at the Johnson Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania, and physicist William van der Sluys at Gettysburg College, who published their study in the Journal of Scientific Exploration on March 15.

Make sure your valuations are up-to-date for insurance

WE ONCE had a break in just before Christmas, the thief stole presents from under the Christmas tree and my laptop.

This was some years ago, but I can still remember the trauma of it. We got off lightly as there was not much damage and the items stolen had lit tle sentimental value. I have recently heard of an issue with insurance which could make matters worse.

Supposing you claim for the cost of your belongings which were stolen. The insurance company appoints an investigator who then assesses the value of your claim. The person adds up the figures which come to say £30,000. Some of the jewellery has gone up a lot in value over the years. But wait a minute, your cover was only up to £10,000.00. The in surance company refuses to pay anything, not even the £10,000.

The insurers are doing nothing wrong as you, the insured, have a duty to give up-to-date accurate valuations. The insurance company

is within its rights not to pay anything at all, not even the cover amount. You can complain and the Financial Services Ombudsman who will in vestigate. They have a very helpful section on insurance problems. It is not only contents this relates to, but any insurance could be ‘voided’ for under-valuation. It seems a hard rule. The word ‘voided’ means it is as though it never existed at all. Even previous claims might have to be refunded.

Here are some things you can do:

• If you have valuables, make sure they are accurately valued.

• Have a record of what valuables you have, when you got it and how much you paid.

• Think about security. When did you last check window locks, doors?

• Do the other people in your house know about safety?

• Do your family members have in surance? Young people often do not think about this.

DON’T BE ALONE CHRISTMAS DAY

Come and Join us at

Little Markfield Farm MARKFIELD

For people who would otherwise be on their own, aged over 70 in Markfield and surrounding villages

TRANSPORT CAN BE ARRANGED

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE RING 07979 607099-Kerry Sharpe

There is no charge for the day, we just want everyone to have the opportunity of being with others on what can be a lonely day

If anyone would like to make a donation of chocolates/biscuits/sweets

BOWNS HARDWARE on Main Street, Markfield will kindly take donations for us, so just drop off to them anytime they are open. Many thanks

see your

all have

Spotlight Small Ads

• LEATHER THREE-PIECE SUITE - dark brown in colour. Good condition. FREE. Must be collected. Tel: 01530 249171 (Field Head)

• SET OF WILDLIFE JOURNALS: (The Living Countryside) vol 37180. Too good for the tip. FREE. Tel: 01530 244531 (Field Head)

• CORBY TROUSER PRESSMahogany 7700 Trouser Press. Price £35 o.n.o. Tel: 07754 703 748 (Field Head)

• Five seater L-Shaped BROWN SOFA, Scotch guarded and complies Furniture and Fittings (Fire) Safety Regulations. Price: £300 o.n.o.

Tel: 07711 846528 (Bagworth)

• GYMNASTIC BEAM - 6 feet long and 18 inches high. Width: 4 inches. Metal, cobered in leather. Price: £35.00.

Tel: 07828 047081 (Field Head)

• WHITE BATH plus TAPS. One year old. Price: £25.

• Overbath folding SHOWER SCREEN. One year old. Price: £25. Tel: 07547 901657 (Glenfield)

• Halfords portable CAMPING FRIDGE - 12V. Price: £10.

• Portable Projector SCREEN50” on tripod. Price: £15. Tel. 0116 287 6684 (Groby)

• Mothercare HIGH CHAIR with safety harness. Price:£35.

• Mothercare PRIMARY TRAVEL COT for age up to 24 months. Price: £25.

• Extending FIREGUARD. Price: £10.

All good condition. Tel: 07376 874122 (Groby)

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

Tel. 07905 558349 (Bagworth)

• Halfords Apollo Craze Junior MOUNTAIN BIKE Suitable for 8-12 year old. White and grey marl pattern. Beautiful, gleaming condition. Price £100.00.

• POGO STICK. Ages 6 and up to 60kgs. Good condition. Instruction sheet included. Price: £8.00.

• DOG CRATE - Two doors. Removable black plastic tray base for easy cleaning. Folds down. 30” length, 18” width, 21” height. Suitable for a small dog or puppy. Price £5.00.

Tel 0116 291 3576 or 07891 246871 (Groby)

• FRIDGE/FREEZER (Hoover) in excellent condition. Price: £95 o.n.o.

Tel: 0116 236 7973 (Anstey)

• Ladies WINTER COAT - Joules - size 8/10. Never worn. Cost £190. Would accept £75 o.v.n.o. Tel: 07889 540608 (Groby)

• Three-drawer WRITING DESKgood condition. FREE. Tel: 01530 242025 (Markfield)

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

Tel: 07934 686692 Email: Julie.petcareservice@gmail.com

Email: juliedu.petcare@gmail.com

National Trust Leicester Association

HAM HOUSE situated only 10 miles from central London on the banks of the River Thames is one of the great Stuart houses of England. It passed to the National Trust in 1948. The house was originally built in 1610 but the house as we see it today is the creation of William Murray and his daughter Elizabeth. It is a rare surviving example of 17th century luxury and grandeur.

As a boy William was educated with young Charles I and they remained friends well into adulthood and William was given the lease of Ham House and its estate as a gift from the king in 1626. Over the years William, and later his daughter Elizabeth transformed the house into what we still see today. It is a rare example of luxury and grandeur.

Between 1637 and 1639 William embarked on a series of lavish decorative alterations to the house. The changes cemented his status as a man of style, a close friend of the king and an important member of his court. Unfortunately the English Civil War broke out in 1642 and as a Royalist William had to fight against the Parliamentarians. A few years after the war William died.

In 1672 Elizabeth, aged 46, married the affluent Duke of Lauerdale who was a key member of King Charles ll’s court. Over the following years they transformed Ham House into one of the grandest Stuart houses in England. With only a few decorative alterations in the 1740’s and 1890’s the house remains a rare example of 17th century luxury and taste.

The House is open seven days a week throughout the year, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

• THE NT LEICESTER ASSOCIATION has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 23rd November when Bill Devitt will present a talk entitled “Bling – Showing off Wealth in 1800s-1900s”. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm.

There will also be an evening meeting on Tuesday 13th December at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm. Mike Ogden will present an illustrated talk entitled “The History of Skyscrapers”

Admission to meetings is NTLA members £3.00, visitors £4.00, including refreshments.

For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 222 9133.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer

Drive-Thru McDonalds was more expensive than I thought. Once you’ve hired the car

The Decade in Tory: An Inventory of Idiocy from the Coalition to Covid

By Russell Jones

IN 2020 the United Kingdom reached a bewildering milestone: ten successive years of Conservative rule. In that decade there were three prime ministers, each in turn described as the worst leader we ever had; ministerial resignations by the hundred; and an unrelenting stream of ineffectual, divisive bumslurry oozing from 10 Downing Street.

The Decade in Tory is an inglorious, rollicking and entirely true account of ten years of demonstrable lies, relentless incompetence, epic waste, serial corruption, official police investigations, anti-democratic practices, abuse of power, dereliction of duty and hundreds of thousands of avoidable deaths. With his signature scathing wit, Russell Jones breaks down the government’s interminable failures year by year, covering everything from David Cameron’s pledge to tackle inequality – which reduced UK life expectancy for the first time since 1841 – through the bewildering storm of lies and betrayals that led to Brexit, devastating education cuts, serial mismanagement of the NHS and Boris Johnson’s calamitous response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will leave you gasping and wondering: can things possibly get any worse?

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have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 16 WELL KNOWN FLYERS. These can overlap and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).

Send your marked entry forms to: IN THE AIR TONIGHT, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by TUESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER 2022. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

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

Last Issue’s Winner was: PAULINE PERCIVAL of Ratby Road, Groby.

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

Crocodiles can grow up to 20 feet, but most have just four.