Sept 2011 Groby Spotlight

The News & Information Magazine for Groby, Field Head & The Brantings College News

Best ever results at A and A* Over the last few weeks over 400 Groby Community College students have received their GCSE and A Level results.

It has been yet another bumper crop of exam results this year with a quarter of all GCSE and A2 results being awarded a grade A or an A*. Quite rightly the students have cause to celebrate!

The AS and A Level results saw some exceptional results. A* and A grades at A Level placed the college in the top two in the county and AS results rose considerably from last year. 27% of all grades awarded were at A and A* which is an increase from 2010.

Top performers at A Level included Sam Parr and Emma Haylock who achieved 3 A* at A Level. Sam who also achieved a fourth A level at A grade will be studying English at Birmingham. Other top performing A Level students Annalisa Martin who has secured her place at Oxford University to study History and German.

At GCSE 24% of all grades achieved were at A and A* grade. 77% of students achieved 5+A*-C grades and 54% with English and Maths. Top performing students at GCSE include Rebecca Broad with 15A* and 1 B grade and Thomas Flavell with 15A*-B grades.

New Principal Robert Coles stated that he was thrilled to see the results of such a hard working group of students. He stated ‘exam results always reflect the hard work and efforts of the young people who take them. When students achieve they should feel duly proud of their incredible effort and commitment.’

He also went onto to praise the hard work of the staff and the leadership of Caroline Wilkins, the outgoing Principal. ‘The staff at Groby Community College and at Brookvale and South Charnwood High School should also be thrilled by these GCSE and A Level results. It is the hard work of the people who surround the students who also contribute so much to these outcomes.’

The staff at the college and high schools wishes all of the students the best of luck with the next stage in their education and thank the parents and carers for their endless support.

Don’t Miss the Fun Day for Groby on Sunday 18th Sept.

A summer fun day in aid of charity is to take place in Groby, on Sunday 18th September from 9am.

Colleagues from Midlands Co-operative Foodstore, on Leicester Road, will be holding the event to raise money for their colleague-elected charity the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association. Activities will include a raffle, a tombola, a cake stall, family games and much more. Customers, and colleagues, will also get a chance to soak the store manager in what is expected to be a very popular “Throw Wet Sponges at the Manager” game.

Store Manager, Paul Simpson said: “The MND Association is our colleague-elected charity and we are committed to supporting them as much as we can. Organising a summer fun day helps the store raise money for charity and give something back to the local community at the same time. We held a similar event in 2009 and raised almost £1,000 for charity. We are hoping to do even better this year. ”

SAD ANNOUNCEMENT It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of my life partner and business partner Susan Hatton.

Susan and I have been publishing local magazines together for around 15 years and many of our advertisers and contributors will have spoken with her regularly on the phone, or met her in person.

Susan was a wonderful woman, loving and caring, who always put other people first.

She was extremely proud of our publications and worked tirelessly to make them useful and interesting to our thousands of readers.

Her sudden passing has left me devastated, and getting this issue out without her help and support has been extremely difficult.

It has been put together in a real hurry, and may not be up to our usual standard. I apologise in advance if I’ve omitted an advert or article which should have appeared.

Mike Wilkinson

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Truckstops ........ 8 Book Sale ...........9 Jottings .......11-12 Missing Cat ...... 13 NHS Dentistry .14 Groby WI ........ 19 Eustace ............21 Allotments ......22 Gardening ...... 23 PLUS LOTS MORE!

Next issue out on 15th October • Article/Advert Deadline: 1st October

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Amazing! You just hang something in your wardrobe for a while and it shrinks two sizes.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby & Field Head Spotlight 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.

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.

NEXT ISSUE OUT Saturday 15th October

Advert Deadline: Saturday 1st October

TO ADVERTISE: Call 01530 244069

Email: info@grobyspotlight.co.uk

Local PR consultancy tops league table A company with an office in Groby has been named as one of the country’s top public sector PR consultancies in a new poll published on Friday 19th August.

Word Association was the highest listed PR consultancy in the East Midlands in trade journal PR Week’s annual league table which ranks out-of-London agencies. The company was also ranked 9th in the magazine’s list of top public sector agencies across the UK. The league table is based on the PR companies’ total income, number of clients and number of staff during 2010. Word Association came in 9th place with an income of £754,000, 20 clients and 13 staff.

The achievements reaffirm Word Association’s status as one of the leading businesses in the industry and are evidence of the company’s solid record of growth, despite the difficult climate.

Chief Executive Mark Thomas said: “Reaching this position by increasing turnover by 9% when most other agencies have seen big falls is an achievement that speaks for itself.

“We have managed it by responding robustly to the new environment and finding new opportunities, such as meeting the increasing need to deliver added value and provide more for less.

“As a consultancy with a deep understanding of the sector, offering evaluated solutions that are up to date with latest communications trends, we are confident we will continue to prosper as more public sector organisations decide they should be working with us.”

PR is just one of the services offered by Word Association which also offers design, events, marketing strategy, publications and new media.

The consultancy has clients across the private, public and voluntary sectors.

Back to Church Sunday Back to Church Sunday on 25th September is a national initiative with services being organised at thousands of churches for people who haven’t been to church in a while, if ever.

The aim of Back to Church Sunday is for church members to invite a friend or neighbour to experience the best of normal church life, and explore how God can relate to their own life. Last year thousands of people across England took up the opportunity to come back to church, or to visit for the first time. Many have since wanted to become full members of the worshipping community.

In preparation for this year’s Back to Church Sunday, the congregation of Groby United Reformed Church have joined together in handing out invitations to friends and neighbours. Commenting on the invitations one member said, “It was a real joy to spend time talking to people in the village and inviting them to ‘Back to Church Sunday’. Although everyone is welcome in church every week, we believe having a special Sunday for those who haven’t been to church in a while, or ever, makes it easier for those visiting.

Jesus is just as relevant to people’s lives today as he ever was, but over the years some people we meet have felt something has pushed or pulled them away from church, or that it wasn’t always connecting with their lives. Back to Church Sunday is a great opportunity to give church another go with no strings attached. Our theme for this year’s Back to Church Sunday is ‘God welcomes all sorts!” And we hope every person in Groby may know they are welcome in church just as they are.”

Joy Russell Every time I think I’ve hit rock bottom, someone lends me a shovel.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

National Trust Leicester Association

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www.leicestershireforums.org

Tattershall Castle Centenary

Thursday 15th September, 7-9pm (6.30pm for networking and information sharing)

Ratby Methodist Church, 31 Station Road, Ratby, Leicestershire LE6 0JQ

Have your say

2011 marks the 100th anniversary of Tattershall Castle near Sleaford, Lincs, being saved for the nation.

Bagworth & Thornton, Botcheston, Field Head, Groby, Newtown Unthank, and Stanton-under-Bardon areas

Leicestershire County Council are offering Community Forum and Big Society Funding opportunities

Take part in the networking session and share your views with other residents, local councillors and officers

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on at my Community Forum?

Speakers include:

Chairman:

Leicestershire County Council

County Councillor, David Sprason

I can learn about access training and employment opportunities

K0596

Multi Access Centre

The castle was built in 1434 by Ralph, 3rd Baron Cromwell, when he was at the height of his career as Treasurer to Henry VI (1433 - 43). Even though keeps had gone out of fashion Ralph built a brick keep and outbuildings, surrounded by a brick enclosing wall and two moats.

Although it appeared defensive it was in fact a domestic country mansion masquerading as a fortress with many large windows and much elaborate stonework.

By 1911 the castle had fallen into ruins and only the keep remained basically in tact and even its stunning stone fireplaces were about to be shipped to America. Lord Curzon, who had recently returned from a posting as Viceroy of India, was notified of these facts by Tattershallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vicar.

He felt â&#x20AC;&#x153;it was a scandalâ&#x20AC;? and bought the castle the same day by telegram.

Lord Curzon had already restored many of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved buildings, including the Taj Mahal, and was passionate about conservation and heritage. Over the next three years he organised and paid for a large restoration programme and the castle was opened to the public in 1914.

On his death in 1925 he left Tattershall to the National Trust.

Tattershall Castle is open Saturday to Wednesday until 30th October. â&#x20AC;˘ The NT Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 28th September at St Guthlacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester at 2.30pm and Sophie Stevens will present a talk on The Work of the Air Ambulance Service.

There will also be an evening meeting on Tuesday 11th October when Michael Smith, NT Property Manager, will present an illustrated talk on the Croome Park Estate. The meeting will be held at Highpoint Conference Centre, Glenfield Road, Leicester at 7.30pm.

Admission to both meetings is NTLA members ÂŁ2.50 and visitors ÂŁ4.00.

For information on the Association and its Talks Service call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler

Chairman, NT Leicester Association

Someday weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll look back on this, laugh nervously and change the subject.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby Village Society

~ Preservation ~ ~ Conservation ~ ~ Communal Interests ~ Thursday September 22 Joseph Roberts A Grocer of Distinction Mr. Brian Johnson Thursday October 27 Down the Garden Path Mr. David Bell Thursday November 24 Island Life - Teaching on a South Pacific Island Mrs. Sophie Hadfield-Hill Thursday December 22 A Tudor Christmas Mrs. Alison Coates 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

LETTER

Not impressed by Groby’s outdoor gym equipment IS IT ME ?Or have I just read an article about the parish council spending £11,437 on outdoor Gym Equipment?

I pass the millennium park every night, every morning, I have cycled passed, walked through, driven passed several hundreds of times at the weekend and no doubt even flown over in a plane and I have never seen anybody using this equipment.

I have however tried it myself and its rubbish, it is uncomfortable, cumbersome and completely impractical for its use- the only way anybody will ever get fit on it is if some nicks it for scrap and has to carry it to their van.

And now I read the parish council is thinking of reducing the size of the new area for the children’s play equipment to accommodate this pile of scrap.

How much research has been done?

I also pass the play area at Glenfield every night and it is ALWAYS FULL. It’s not rocket science, just have a look around and see what works, not go for some new-fangled idea that is no good to anybody – ask people what they want/think !!!

Here’s a few ideas - more play equipment, free coffee morning for the elderly, someone employed part-time to pick up the litter, a dog warden, more plants to replace those stolen, more litter bins, a fitness coach Saturday and Sunday mornings for an hour on the park, pavement repairs, a skateboard track to match the bmx one, football and rugby posts, an outdoor table tennis table, a partridge in a pear tree In fact anything - even a flaming Maypole would be better than useless gym equipment.

Come on GPC get your act together and make some effort.

John Mason Groby

Can you help Paige?

Paige Watson-Quilter is a 16 year old former student of Groby College, who was born and raised in Groby.

Paige has been dancing since the age of 2½ and attends the ‘Michelle Ann School of Dance and Performing Arts’ in Cosby, where she is at an advanced level in her dance subjects-Ballet, Tap, Modern, Lyrical, Acro and Greek.

Paige is on track to complete all her exams in these subjects by the time she is 18, enabling her to become a fully qualified dance teacher.

She has won numerous competitions and awards throughout the country and is looking forward to competing in the ’B.T.D.A. All England Finals’ in November.

Having completed her GCSE’s, she has more recently successfully auditioned and won a 3yr Musical Theatre place at L.C.P.A (Leicester College of Performing Arts) whose founder & principle is Ann Oliver M.B.E and Engleburt Humperdink as Patron.

With ambitions to perform in the ‘West End’, Paige is actively looking for part-time employment as well as appealing for support by way of a grant or sponsorship which will enable her to successfully complete her 3years training.

Paige says” I’m very excited and honoured to be a part of L.C.P.A and look forward to the challenges that await. I would greatly appreciate any offers of support or part-time work to help me realise my ambition. If you can help, I will send you tickets for my shows. Performing is my life!”

If you are able to offer any help and require further information please telephone: 07505 661450.

Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along comes today.

Is autumn early this year?

The Woodland Trust would love for you to help them find out.

If you go to their website and download a form, you could keep an eye out for the details they need to build up a national picture.

Go to: http://visitwoods.org.uk/en/ visit-woods/Pages/get-involved.aspx

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Millennium Green News       

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  07957 282677    

The Garden Party, held on July 16th, became more of a ‘House Party’ because of the rain.

However the sun did come out during the afternoon and a few brave visitors sat outside for a little while while others strolled around the garden.

Everyone had an enjoyable time and took the chance to catch up with friends. In total £139 was raised for the Millennium Green. Thanks to everyone who came to support us, to those who donated items for the refreshments and who helped to set up and clear away at the end. Special thanks to Joan and David Fawkes and their family who let us use their house and garden again.

It has been rewarding to see that the Green has been well used this summer by young and old alike, as well as those in between! There have been several family picnics and often individuals have arrived to use the fitness equipment maintained by Glenfield Parish Council. The hedges around the garden area put up so much growth this year that they had to be cut earlier than usual. This gave us the chance to shred the clippings and much of the other coarse garden waste that had accumulated.There are still some areas of the garden that need attention. The last gardening session is on Saturday October 1st from 10.00am to noon.

This year seems to have brought an abundance of wasps to people’s gardens. The Green has not escaped this and we have had to close off the willow tunnel for safety reasons until the wasps hibernate for the winter.

They are coming to feed on aphids that seem to like the willow. There is no wasps nest so no action can be taken by the Environmental Health Officers at Blaby District Council. So if you are users of the Green please take care and keep young children away from the tunnel while cautionary notices are in place.

Next year will be a special one for the Green as it was officially opened 10 years ago, on April 13th 2002. We hope to mark this milestone with special events throughout the year. Ideas are welcome. You can contact us on 0116 2991868 or 0116 2879705. You can also ring this number if your name is ‘Janet’ and you have lost any keys. We have them safe!

Christine Tordoff

Anstey & District Funeral Service Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors

We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way.

• •

• • • •

Traditional hearse & fleet Horse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives available Memorial showroom Extensive car parking Private catering suite Private chapels of rest Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred

0116 234 0548 Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT

www.ansteyfunerals.com

LETTER

Noise of building work is disturbing my summer!

This summer I have not been able to sit in my back garden through constant hammering and banging from neighbours building extensions to their property.

It may be their hobby doing these things, but it is a nuisance all the same.

I hope when all the extensions have been completed, myself and my neighbourhood can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet for the remainder of the summer.

Name & Address Supplied

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        

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    

Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day watching TV. I will move my TV into the bedroom.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Operation Christmas Child

Shoe Boxes and the Olympics

This autumn, when it comes to choosing gifts for your shoe box for needy children in Eastern Europe and Africa, why not do an ‘Olympic themed’ shoe box?

As well as giving you the chance to do something a bit different with your shoeboxes, this is also your chance to send sporty items out to needy children in our world – children who might otherwise not have the chance to experience the joy of sport for themselves.

GIFTS: You might want to include a tennis ball, skipping rope, • baseball hat, small football, inflatable beach ball, stop watch, sweat bands, swim goggles, toy medals or some other sports-related gift that would bring a smile to a child!

• BOX: Decorate your shoebox with Olympic stickers, drawings or even try and get hold of wrapping paper with a sporty theme.

MESSAGE: Add a message to your child, stating that the shoebox • has come from the home of the next Olympics and that you hope they enjoy the sports items you’ve included in your box for them to play with.

For details of your nearest collection point for Operation Christmas Child, visit: www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/

BigSociety Roadshows

The Big Society Roadshows are coming to each District in Leicestershire!

Come along to these local events to learn more about the opportunities available to help you develop the Big Society in your local community.

Charnwood

Tuesday 13 September The Moira Centre, Moira Street, Loughborough, LE11 1AX

Blaby

Thursday 15 September The Pavilion, Sports Field Lane, Huncote, LE9 3BN

Hinckley & Bosworth

Wednesday 21 September George Ward Centre, Church Lane, Barwell, LE9 8DG

North West Leicestershire

Thursday 22 September Packington Memorial Hall, High Street, Packington, LE65 1WH

www.leics.gov.uk/bigsociety

Harborough

Monday 26 September Voluntary Action South Leicestershire, St Mary’s Place, Market Harborough, LE16 7DR

Oadby & Wigston

Tuesday 11 October Oadby Trinity Methodist Church, Harborough Road, Oadby, LE2 4LA

Melton

Thursday 13 October Sage Cross Methodist Church, Sage Cross Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1RB All events will take place from 4pm - 6pm

Helping communities to help themselves

In winter, why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Another threat to our open spaces?

Norman Griffiths looks at proposals for truckstops A clean bed, a hot meal and a secure night’s sleep.

Not much to ask for Britain’s lorry drivers after a long day’s work in an industry that’s worth millions every year to Britain, argued Unite the union as part of their campaign to improve conditions for their members. They believe that for far too many British professional lorry drivers the end of the driving day marks the beginning of a tense and sleepless night as they struggle to find a safe place to park with a decent meal they can afford and the opportunity to protect their cargo from motorway pirates.

Official figures obtained by Unite under the Freedom of Information Act show that there were nearly 400 thefts from lorries in Leicestershire alone last year.

“That’s a big cost to the haulage industry, and a significant expense to the taxpayer in police investigation time. It is also a major headache for professional truck drivers who have to cope with the consequences. Sometimes that involves facing or suffering violence at the hands of lorry raiders,” claims the union.

The union and its members will be pleased with the announcement made by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Mike Penning on June 22nd. “Following closure of the roadside facilities policy consultation on 2 July last year, I have reviewed the responses and am introducing a change to the policy to permit the development of truckstops on the motorway network,” he said.

Strong support for truckstops “The consultation identified strong support from the haulage industry for the development of truckstops. Proposals for dedicated truckstop facilities will now be considered in the context of existing and/or proposed rest facilities on the strategic road network, and will be determined on their individual merit. This will include truckstop facilities that can be accessed direct from motorways – motorway truckstops – which are a type of facility not permitted until now.

Where there is evidence to demonstrate that demand for lorry parking exceeds supply, the development of truckstop facilities at existing service areas would be viewed favourably.”

Mike Penning added that he is currently considering ways to reduce regulation, increase competition and improve still further the quality of motorway service areas. “To this end, I have instructed officials in my department to identify those elements of the policy that might instead

be better determined at a local level through the current planning system.” Then come the now familiar words decentralisation and localism. “This approach accords with the Government’s twin aims of decentralisation and localism, reducing the burden of bureaucracy and strengthening local accountability. It will encourage competition and, through this, improve service for users.”

What can they provide?

Services that can be provided at motorway and trunk road truckstops are covered by regulations and can include • parking, • toilet and showering facilities, • games and/or exercise area floor space (games, gaming machines, or exercise machines) for use by lorry drivers only, • facilities for waste recycling in the amenity building and picnic areas.

• restaurant facilities • hotels offering overnight accommodation for lorry drivers

Farmers and landowners to benefit?

Some industry analysts believe that farmers and landowners with land close to major road infrastructures could soon benefit from this change in policy which has strong support for the development of secure truck stops from a number of organizations, These include the Transport Police, the Highways Agency, insurers and the haulage industry, as current demand for lorry parking far outstrips supply. It is thought that this could provide farmers with a diversification opportunity to earn additional income from truck stop facilities that can be accessed directly from motorways, as well as dedicated truck stops close to motorway junctions and on major trunk roads.

Stephen Rice, Partner at Fisher German in Banbury

and who knows Groby well and is a former Wigston resident, believes that farmers and land owners who own land next to motorway junctions and major trunk roads are ideally placed to provide these secure parking facilities.

“With the proposed change in policy and directions from Central Government, Local Planning Authorities will have to take a more positive and pragmatic view regarding proposals for secure lorry parking facilities. At present lorries are forced to park overnight in lay-bys and industrial estates, where there is no access to facilities and drivers and their loads are at risk of being targeted by organized criminal gangs,” said Stephen.

Local truckstops This area is not particularly well served with secure truckstops, though there is one just off the M1 at Shepshed. With the A50, the M1 and the A46 Western Bypass surrounding Groby this may be seen as a prime area for the development of a truckstop, though no doubt local residents would advocate the M1 services as a more appropriate location.

“The operation of a secure lorry parking facility is extremely straight forward and is something that many farmers and land owners would be able to manage themselves as an ancillary business to their main farming enterprise. Alternatively there are existing truck stop operators who are also looking for new sites for which they would either take a lease or enter into a joint venture arrangement. We are currently working on a number of such schemes and have identified areas within the Midlands and South East where there is a significant demand with very few facilities currently provided,” added Stephen.

He recognises that local communities may not wish to see the development of a truckstop on their doorstep. “Any proposal to develop land that is currently ‘green’ is controversial but development has to go somewhere,” he said. “The local community who may object to such a proposal will be the same people who expect goods and services in the shops 7 days a week. Unfortunately lorries are a necessary feature on our roads and they need somewhere to park overnight. Planning is still going to be very difficult but a sensitively thought out development in the right place right next to the road network it is serving should not be too controversial.”

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting dead?

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Sale of second-hand collectable children’s books at Groby Village Hall Did you join the Famous Five on their adventures? Did you long to go to boarding school and have a midnight feast? Did you set sail with the Swallows? Or were you one of William’s Outlaws?

Many of us read books as children and allowed our imaginations to wander thanks to a range of fabulous authors. Adults still enjoy the comfort, nostalgia and adventure of these books. Authors such as Elinor M Brent-Dyer, Elsie Oxenham, Malcolm Saville and Arthur Ransome are collected avidly by readers throughout the world. Fanzines and clubs unite like minded collectors and readers who love to share their passion.

If you are interested in rediscovering a childhood favourite, discovering a new author or expanding a collection then come along to Groby Village Hall on Saturday October 1st. There will be a second-hand sale of collectible children’s books held between 10.30 am and 4 pm. Specialist traders in second hand children’s books from across the country will be there. Free entry and refreshments available. Profits from refreshments and stall rents will go to LOROS so in addition to an interesting browse amongst wonderful books you can support a worthwhile local charity.

Kate Johnson

Money is the root of all wealth.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby player to represent Great Britain in European Senior Club Tennis Championships I thought I would drop you a line notifying you of our latest achievement taking place in Sabatelle, Barcelona, Spain from 5-11th September 2011.

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Myself (Leon Stewart-Hillard of 9, Chestnut Walk, Groby and my team mates are representing Great Britain in The European Senior Over 45 Tennis Championships held this year in Barcelona, Spain.

We achieved this opportunity by being Great Britain’s top over 45 men’s team, winning the British National Title at the end of 2010. This event is very prestigious and many former ATP players will be on show.

Teams from Spain, Belgium, Germany, Holland, Italy, France, Sweden, Great Britain and Ireland will be playing. We have two Great Britain international players in our team and are very much looking forward to competing. Casepak Recycling Solutions originally based in Ratby, now at Enderby and at their new £21 million Sunningdale Road plant have been kind enough to sponsor the team kit this year and we would like to thank them for their sponsorship of the team kit.

Players representing Great Britain from left to right are: Tim Davies, Leon Stewart-Hillard, John Ison, Steve Stroud and Steve Brett.

Leon Stewart-Hillard

County to pilot new support scheme for families A scheme to encourage investors to fund support for deprived families is being launched in Leicestershire.

Leicestershire County Council has welcomed the Government’s Social Impact Bond, which aims to raise around £10 million to support local families blighted by issues such as anti-social behaviour, crime, addiction and poor education.

The Government is setting up the Social Impact Bonds in Leicestershire, Hammersmith and Fulham, Westminster and Birmingham, to help reduce the £100,000 per year that public bodies spend supporting each of the 46,000 most deprived families in the country.

Investors and philanthropists will be able to invest in the bonds, which will fund intensive support for deprived families.

If the schemes are successful and the families are taken out of deprivation and long-term dependence on the state, the taxpayer will return the investments with a decent return. If not, then the taxpayer won’t pay.

What disease did cured ham actually have?

Examples include: • investing in one-to-one support to improve discipline and parenting skills in families where the parent has lost control • investing in exercise classes, to tackle obesity It is focussing its efforts on improving services to around 750 families with complex needs. They currently cost the taxpayer millions of pounds per year, through benefits claims, health problems, care cases and other interventions.

By having a single budget, and by intervening earlier and in a more joined-up way, agencies can provide these families with better outcomes and cut costs.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths

Community Speed Watch idea revived It’s three years since Groby Parish Council gave its backing to the introduction of a Community Speed Watch for Groby.

Despite the level of concern about speeding in the village not enough residents said that they wanted a scheme to be introduced, so the idea had to be dropped.

But concern about speeding hasn’t gone away and a recent speed surveillance exercise on one local road showed a high level of disregard for the speed limit. So another attempt is to be made to get Groby Speed Watch up and running. The philosophy of Speed Watch isn’t about bashing the motorist with a punitive fine and points on the licence, it’s simply about raising awareness of speed limits on local roads and encouraging motorists to think about their speed, their own safety and the safety of others. Watch the Spotlight in coming months for more about the plan, how you can volunteer or just show support, and who to contact.

Business plan for new Quarry Park development?

The Groby Parish Council working party on the proposed community facility and scouts building at Quarry Park has agreed that there is a need to produce a business plan which would involve existing and anticipated stakeholders and at some time in the future to establish a management forum consisting of all stakeholders.

Although the report does not spell out how comprehensive the plan should be, or its scope, there are a number of features a business plan would normally cover, so the working party might consider including such things as • the aims and vision of the project • the background to the proposal • the time-scales • consideration of the location

options available • an assessment of the venues currently available in the village • the current shortfall in facilities in the village • who might be expected to rent the new centre • the projected turnover, and annual running costs • the impact on Council Tax bills • the development costs and funding sources • how the centre will be marketed • the management structure and how the day to day running may be organised • benchmarks and performance measures to monitor the success of the project.

As the project is for a community building the impact that a new facility might have on the viability of existing facilities might also be considered.

The working party, which will hold a further meeting on September 26th at the Scout building, feels that concerns about traffic problems on the narrow access road to Quarry Park can be mitigated. It is hoped that overall costs can be reduced by using as a model for a more modest new building the successful community facility constructed at North Muskham near Newark.

North Muskham project team was very successful at accessing grant funding of over £450,000, with a further £55,000 coming from the parish council and £75,000 from local fund-raising and donations.

Fund raising is more difficult now but Groby Parish Council hopes to be able to use professional fundraising expertise from the North Muskham project to improve their chances of success.

Parish website to get a new look The decision of Leicestershire County Council(LCC) to introduce a charge for hosting parish council’s websites from 2012 has encouraged Groby Parish Council to look around for alternatives.

The County Council decided that they can no longer provide a free service except to those with Council Tax income of less than £1000 .

TURN TO PAGE 12

Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Jottings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 The new charge is structured and there are four charging bands above £1,000. Groby falls into the highest band and was asked to pay £375 a year plus VAT. The LCC believes the cost is a very competitive for a service and support which they believe cannot be matched by any other service provider in the market. But when Beverley Greenwood, the Parish Clerk, compared the market she found that another provider, http:// parishcouncil.net, could create and host a very attractive website with a whole range of features for just £200 a year plus an initial setting up cost of £250. At its September meeting the Parish Council decided to move its website to the new provider as soon as it is convenient.

Village Green application to be decided this month When the County Council Development Board and Regulatory Committee meet this month they will consider whether to accept the report of Alun Aylesbury M.A., the Inspector who examined the application by Groby Parish Council for land next to the cemetery to be designated a Village Green.

His conclusion and recommendation is that no part of the application site should be added to the Register of Town and Village Greens, because on the evidence it does not meet the statutory tests required for such registration.

In a hefty 50 page report the Inspector examines the evidence from both sides. Groby Parish Council would have liked more residents to have come forward with evidence of their use of the land over the years and to appear at the enquiry. If the County Council accepts the Inspector’s

News in Brief with Norman Griffiths recommendation the Parish Council may have the right to appeal, and if this is the case there may be the opportunity for others who have used the land to come forward.

Borough Council approves new offices The Borough Council gave the go-ahead at its meeting on 30 August for the construction of a 41,000 sq ft office development called the Hinckley Hub on the corner of Hawley Road and Rugby Road in Hinckley.

The development will house the Borough Council’s new offices, allowing it to vacate its current accommodation in Argents Mead and at Florence House, as well as providing office space for other partner organisations.

Leicestershire County Council has already agreed to take 7,277 sq ft of space in the new development and negotiations are continuing with several other organisations that could see a further 5,000 sq ft of office space let within the building.

This would leave the Borough Council to occupy the remaining 29,000 sq ft - a reduction of 15,000 sq ft on the office space taken up in Argents Mead and Florence House – making the Hinckley Hub a far more efficient alternative. In addition, the Hinckley Hub will allow all organisations sharing the accommodation to save money by sharing its facilities and running costs.

Council Leader Stuart Bray said: “The hub concept is all about getting all the local services people need under one roof so they have a single point of contact.

It also means that the various organisations can work together more effectively – and all of this saves public money through the sharing of resources.”

But critics of the plan argue that to take on a 30 year lease makes no commercial sense and that in the long term this will actually cost more than purchasing new offices.

Our marriage was a love match, pure and simple - she was pure and I was simple.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

LOROS LOTTERY

Urgent – Can You Help?

LOROS is urgently looking for commission paid or volunteer collectors for established lottery rounds of approximately 17 calls in the Groby (Laundon Road) area and 16 calls in the Groby/Glenfield (The Brantings) area.

Calls are made on a four weekly basis.

We are desperately looking for someone who has a couple of hours to spare and could help. Would you or someone you know be interested in collecting LOROS Lottery subscriptions on an established round?

There is no cold calling involved and everyone on the round has indicated that they would like a collector to call. It is a lovely way to meet new people, maybe you have just moved house and don’t know anyone in your area? It is also a good way of getting some exercise and, if you choose to take commission, a way of earning some extra money. Most importantly, it is a very worthwhile way of supporting LOROS. Give the Lottery Office a call on 0116 2318430 if you would like to have an informal chat and find out more about becoming a LOROS Lottery Collector.

Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

13

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

NHS review hits Groby dental services Norman Griffiths finds out why 500 children are affected NHS dental treatment for around 500 children in Groby has been withdrawn by the Primary Care Trust (PCT) following the termination of the contract between the Trust and a local dentist.

This has left both the practice at which the dentist was based and parents with uncertainty about the future of NHS treatment for children in the village. The only dental surgery in Groby is at Crofton House on Ratby Road. The Principal, Mrs Lesley Trivett, has told Groby Parish Council this month of her concerns about this situation and her hope that the position can be clarified and satisfactorily resolved as quickly as possible. The Council agreed to write to the Primary Care Trust about dentistry services in Groby.

The PCT explanation “A contract to deliver NHS dental services to children only was previously delivered from Crofton House Dental Practice in Groby. This contract was held by an individual contract holder and not by the practice, so when she resigned this meant the contract terminated,” explained a spokesperson for the PCT. “Patients who were treated under this contract were sent letters at the end of June by NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland to advise them that from July 2011 NHS dental services for children would no longer be available at the practice. They were also advised of their options for accessing NHS treatment.”

But the only options were help finding an alternative dentist and out of hours emergency dental care, as there is no alternative dental surgery in Groby. In practice this means that the parents of young people in Groby who wish them to have NHS treatment are faced with sending

Don’t Miss Closing Date for School Places

Parents are being urged to look out for school place application packs which will be landing on doormats across Leicestershire.

them to surgeries in nearby villages such as Anstey and Glenfield, neither of which have direct bus links.

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is currently conducting a review of NHS dental services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, looking at the current demand, as well as provision and ways in which access can be increased.

“Options for reinvesting or investing further in dental services are currently at the consultation stage and once this is completed the outcome will be made available to all NHS dental providers across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland,” explained Liz Thomas, PR & media Relations officer. “With regards to Groby, any re-provision of services or further investment will be offered through a procurement process. An individual contract holder at Crofton House Dental Practice would be able to apply for this along with any other interested providers.”

Concern about the delay At Crofton House Lesley Trivett has no problem with participating in a procurement process but is saddened by the delay, uncertainty and anxiety to her young patients and their parents. At the moment there

seems to be no rush of practitioners queuing up to open up a second dental surgery in Groby, although one newly qualified dentist did look at the possibilities a few years ago.

Most people appreciate the long term relationship they establish with their dentists and doctors for both themselves and their children.

“Patients are reluctant to change dentists and practices as familiarity of surroundings and care for such an intimate part of ones body is really important to keep any anxiety of dentistry at bay,” explained Mrs Trivett. “I will do everything that I can to return the contract to the practice for the benefit of the patients of Groby and surrounding area, and would welcome any support to lobby the PCT. There has been an NHS provision for 28 years for children and this should continue due to the need, as we are able to treat more people on the NHS if it were funded. We have a new Associate, Dr Avani Patel, who is looking forward to helping provide these services.”

Anyone with any questions as to whether this affects their children or who wants more information, or advice on how to contact the PCT should get in touch with the practice.

There cannot be a crisis today; my schedule is already full.

Around 14,000 forms will be sent out to parents whose children will transfer to secondary, high or upper school in the autumn term, 2012 and the County Council is urging them to make sure they apply on time.

Parents need to apply by 31st October, 2011. Application forms are being sent out throughout September.

Transfer to the next school is not automatic so all parents need to apply - even for their child to attend the catchment area school for their home address. Late applicants may not be offered a place at any of their preferred schools, or even their catchment area school.

Leicestershire County Council are encouraging more parents to apply online at: www.leics.gov. uk/admissions Doing so is easy and applicants will receive an email acknowledging receipt of their application and be able to view their decision online on 1st March, 2012. Parents can also apply by post if they wish.

For more information or an application form, go to: www. leics.gov.uk/admissions or email admissions@leics.gov.uk or call School Admissions on 0116 305 6684.

Independent advice is also available through the Choice Advice Service on 0116 275 2097 or parent-partnershipservice@leics.gov.uk

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

If you see a ghost this month...

If you think you see something that is unexplainable this month, don’t worry: a team from University College London has also been seeing things.

Ghosts and bogeymen CAN appear to lurk in shadows, according to the scientists. It seems that as the year wanes, dim light can fool our brains into seeing things that are not really there.

In a series of sight tests, the scientists found that people “are mentally better prepared to see something vague when the surrounding context is also vague.” This may also explain why ‘monsters’ traditionally have tended to lurk in shadows. “In shadows many things are seen vaguely, thus tending to trigger the filling-in process,” said one scientist.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Groby WI report - from Margaret Gamble It’s a long time since I said “Issy Whizzy, Lets Get Busy”.

All this came about because our August Speaker was a magician, Joy Henderson. It was literally a funny old night. Firstly, our President was on holiday, her place should have been taken by the Vice-President but she unfortunately was ill. Secondly, that meant yours truly had to do both jobs. Now it takes me all my time to be Secretary but thanks to a very understanding audience they kindly put up with my blundering.

Thirdly, yes there is a third thing. Our advertised speaker couldn’t make it but fortunately our September speaker could do a swop. Out of the hat came not a rabbit but a magician. Joy was what I call, I hope she doesn’t mind, a very down to earth lady who could well have been one of us. No sparkly costume, just a cardi with sleeves well pulled back.

She was a laugh from beginning to end and had the knack of getting volunteers without them knowing.

A very clever lady who had great tricks, that is where the “Issy Whizzy” bit came in.

Every now and then she would ask for the magic words. A very childish thing but very funny when the audience was one of ladies of various ages. At one point she asked for a volunteer who could shoot. A member who had been in the Forces came forward. Her gun was a banana with which she was told to shoot at a balloon when a doorbell rang. Raising her banana with a pretend shooting noise the balloon burst, how I don’t know. Another lady was asked to think of a number between 1 and 7. Unfortunately the lady was so nervous she said 9, I can’t think she had been in the limelight before, along with most of Joy’s “volunteers”. Joy performed dozens of tricks. I spoke to one volunteer who during the trick had to hold a pack of cards. At the end of the trick her hand was empty but as she told me afterwards she could have sworn she was still holding them, she could still feel them, clever stuff.

A very brave lady sort of volunteered to have her neck pierced. Firstly Joy demonstrated how a blade went through one side of a “wooden” collar and came out the other side. Our “doomed” volunteer had a plastic sheet put over her and then Joy proceeded to push the blade from the back to the front of her neck. It was very squeamish especially with “blood” pouring out. The trick was great the only snag being too much blood resulting in the volunteer ‘s pristine

19

• A religious farmer lost his Bible out in the field. A few days later he went to answer a noise at his door. Standing there was a cow, with his Bible in its mouth. The farmer raised his eyes to heaven and thanked the Lord for this miracle. “Not really,” said the cow. “Your name was written inside.”

• As my five-year-old son and I were heading to McDonald’s one day, we passed a car accident.

Usually when we see something terrible like that, we say a prayer for whoever might be hurt, so I pointed and said to my son, “We should pray.” From the back seat I heard his earnest voice: “Dear God, please don’t let those cars block the entrance to McDonald’s.”

white undies turned rather scarlet, hopefully it washes out.

Joy then said she would give a prize. Ladies were asked to raise their hands and when their birth year i.e. 1980s, 1970s, 1960s were called they were to put their hands down. Finally, it got down to one lady who happened to be on the front row. She turned around and found herself the oldest in the room and her prize was a lettuce and carrot. Luckily she took it all in good part.

Some members went to Kilworth House again. This time it was to see “The Little of Shop of Horrors”.

The weather for once this year was good and the show tip top. When I asked one lady if she enjoyed it, she replied with a laugh, “Frightfully good”.

as it was packed all afternoon. We were all shattered but very pleased with the success of it. Wonderful to see so many villagers having a go although several people I spoke to said, “I think some of my veg/fruit was as good as those entered”. So next year have a go, it’s good fun and it’s amazing how discussing one’s carrots or roses with a stranger opens opportunity for new friendships and learning tips.

• I don’t know why I didn’t realise this sooner. It’s the shampoo we use in the shower.

When I wash my hair, the shampoo runs down my whole body, and printed very clearly on the shampoo label is this warning , “FOR EXTRA VOLUME AND BODY.” No wonder I have been gaining weight. I am getting rid of the shampoo and am going to use dishwashing liquid instead.

It’s label reads, “DISSOLVES FAT THAT IS OTHERWISE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE.” Problem solved.

Then, of course, we had the Village Show which we hold jointly with the Garden Society. Another brilliant year, over 600 entries. The produce hall was absolutely full and a blaze of colour. The crafts and cookery were well entered but the childrens section was a wonder of imagination. Of course there were a few “upsets”. One of the cookery entries somehow found itself on the floor but miraculously was still perfect. Unfortunately a prize pot of marmalade which was marked “not for sale” disappeared, someone obviously just couldn’t resist it. As usual I was in the kitchen along with a band of willing helpers. A good job we had loads of cakes

Housework is something you do that nobody notices until you don’t do it.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Relate Leicestershire urges people to get help sooner for their relationships Relationship charity, Relate Leicestershire is urging people to get help sooner for their relationships after findings released in August reveal that 44% of people, who called the charity’s national helpline, had waited over two years to get help.

In a further survey Relate Leicestershire found that: • 31% of respondents living in the East Midlands believe there is a stigma attached to getting help with your relationship • And 36% of respondents living in the East Midlands would feel ashamed or nervous of admitting to friends or family that they had sought expert counselling.

The charity has launched a campaign, Heart to Heart, backed by some of the nation’s leading agony aunts and uncles, to encourage people to get help for their relationship sooner rather than later, if things aren’t going right.

Relate Leicestershire knows that couples have their ups and downs, but believe it’s crucial that people recognise when problems are serious and not just a difficult patch. The charity is encouraging people to start thinking about their relationship, talking to each other and taking action if they see signs of problems.

Relate Leicestershire recognises that whilst many of us wouldn’t hesitate to seek help for a medical problem, we often hold back when it comes to getting support for our relationships because of the stigma surrounding relationship support. But relationships are precious and worth working at.

Julie Maxwell, counsellor with Relate, commented: “Seeking counselling does not mean you’re a failure, on the contrary, it shows you take your relationship seriously and you’re willing to do whatever you can to resolve your difficulties. Some people see going for counselling as a sign of weakness but in reality it takes strength and courage to stand up to others prejudiced views and get the help your relationship deserves.”

Author Roopa Farooki and her husband didn’t hesitate to seek help through counselling. She says, “When we had problems, we sought help straight away. Relationships need to be nurtured in order to thrive. We’ve been together for seventeen years now and we still have to work hard at our relationship, but we reap the rewards every day.”

To help couples understand how healthy their relationships are, the charity has developed an online health check at www.relate.org.uk/hearttoheart.

Couples will also find an online video offering five simple top tips to keep relationships healthy.

Julie Maxwell continues: “It’s important to note that it’s never too late to get help for your relationship. The sooner people come to Relate, the sooner you can sort out your problems. Don’t bury your head in the sand and get help if things aren’t right.”

The Heart to Heart campaign is backed by many of the nation’s Agony Aunts and Uncles including Bel Mooney, Philip Hodson, Jane O’Gorman and Susan Quilliam.

Agony Aunt Tracey Cox, says: “If you work things through together, it removes all the finger-pointing, guilt and blame that can cause a small problem to escalate quickly into a massive one. And the quicker you seek help, the less damage caused to the relationship and the easier it is to solve.”

For more information about Relate Leicestershire and the services it offers visit www.relateleicestershire.org.uk or call 0116 2543011

SUICIDE AWARENESS Free training in Markfield is a problem for society as a whole. To increase awareness - and to help remove the stigma which can be a barrier for those in need of help - this free half-day training session should be of interest to anyone who wishes to: • Examine their own attitudes • Find out (and challenge) the myths that surround suicide • Discover the likely suicide risk factors and warning signs • Find out how you might help someone at risk of suicide This awareness training is free and open to all: members of the public, as well as those whose work is more likely to bring them into contact with people at greater risk of suicide. However, places at this training event are limited so advance booking is essential. If places are over-subscribed, priority will be given to those who live or work in Markfield or the surrounding area.

The event takes place on Friday 23 September 2011 at 9:00am (for 9:15am start) until 12:30 at Markfield Community & Sports Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9ST. Refreshments and a buffet lunch (at 12:30pm) will be provided If you wish to attend, please contact Mike Wilbur, SAPT project manager: mwilbur@ruralcc.org.uk / tel: 0116 268 9712

Valuation Day in support of Hospice Hope A Valuation Day will be held in aid of local charity ‘Hospice Hope’ on 19 October 2011 from 10.00am to 3.00pm at Stanton Under Bardon Parish Church, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon.

Featuring Vanessa Savage, expert valuer from Hansons Auctioneers.

Please bring along items such as jewellery, silver, paintings, toys, books, clothing (vintage, retro etc), small pieces of furniture, curios and just about anything else! Valuations are free but donations to ‘Hospice Hope’ will be most welcome! Refreshments available all day. For further details please contact Teresa on 01530 810018 or info@hospicehope.org.uk

I always try to go the extra mile at work, but my boss always finds me and brings me back.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Press one for vicar, two for curate ... 12 for prayer ...

The Rectory St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren Now you have got your new telephone system in the parish, I shall not be calling you again.

I refuse to wait for ten minutes every time I ring to have to listen to the cycle of “press 1 for the vicar, 2 for the curate, 3 for the secretary”, until we end with “12 for requests for prayer”. I was tempted to leave a message on 12 to ask that the wretched machine would break down, but then realised I would have to call a second time to leave a message on 13 for making a confession.

And if I have to listen one more time to someone playing “Thine be the glory” on one finger on an electric organ while I am “on hold” I will have him excommunicated. At least you have the grace while I am waiting not to ask me not to hang up, as my call is important to you. I would even warm to your system if a voice occasionally said that they couldn’t care less whether I hung up or not as my call was utterly irrelevant to them.

Those poor people who have to wait to reach 7 for leaving messages regarding marriages might as well leave a second on 8 for baptisms and save on a large phone bill in months to come; in fact, another on 9 for funerals may well be necessary by the time that number comes up.

Entire families could be born, marry and die before they hear that 15 is specially reserved for urgent calls. And may I suggest that your car parking attendant who stuck a note on my windscreen telling me not to park there again is given the number 666.

My own answerphone tells people firmly that the machine is specially designed not to accept incoming messages and that I only answer the thing personally on Thursdays between 10am and 12 noon, provided nothing better has turned up. Alternatively, they could write me a letter which may be answered at my convenience, or could be ignored if I disapprove of its contents. This has the added benefit that I have not received any invitations to buy photocopiers or to learn that I have been selected to have a new kitchen installed, for many a year.

For the few who have got hold of my mobile number, my response is to tell them that I am just about to enter a tunnel and then to switch it off. Callers from other parts of the country now believe that the parish of St. James the Least is honeycombed by mile-long tunnels, making communication all-but impossible.

You can now be assured that your new system means you will be contactable at any moment, wherever you happen to be. But don’t call me to complain and expect to receive sympathy; I shall be just about to enter a tunnel.

Your loving uncle,

Eustace

I can explain it to you, but I can’t understand it for you.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Allotment Society News - from John Thornton

If you didn’t attend the street fair in June you missed a treat. It was a wonderful experience for the village.

The Allotment Society stand proved a great success thanks to Helen, Sadhana and Jane who put in an amazing amount of work.

These three ladies came forward at our AGM to form a sub-committee for social events. If this is their standard we look forward to their next event. Well done ladies.

As usual before the village produce show we hold our bestkept allotment competition. Usually the winners are spread evenly between Orchard Close and Ratby Road allotments. Unfortunately this year all the winners were on Ratby Road. We employ Judges from the ‘Judges Guild’ so we were saddened that the winners were all from one site. So come on Orchard Close let’s see if you can turn the tables next year. The results were: 1st Ernie and Jane Marston, 2nd Tony Mellor and 3rd Peter and Joy Russell and the best newcomer Pauline and Peter Anderson. Well done all of you. This competition is not on the size of your plot but content, quality and tidiness. Peter who has one of the smallest plots, still managed a third place.

Despite the very cold winter and a dry start to the summer most crops have done remarkably

Jane, Helen and Sadhana our three hard working ladies on our stall at the street fair. The large plate in the fore ground holds Sadhana’s samosas, she made 200 and sold all of them.

well. Soft fruit particularly. We started harvesting gooseberries early in the season, which luckily escaped gooseberry sawfly. This insect can destroy the leaves of a bush overnight if not spotted early. Strawberries followed closely behind benefiting from the dry weather. Slugs can cause a problem with ground fruit but the cold winter and dry soil surface kept their heads down. Blackcurrants suffered initially from lack of rain but nature provided rain just in time, to fill them out. Raspberries have a long picking season, mine looked very sad early on with the drought but picked up after a good rain to produce well. Blackberries follow on to complete the picture.

We now have a freezer well stocked apart from strawberries, which do not freeze well. All this sounds idyllic doesn’t it, but allotments are hard persistent work. The raspberries alone once the picking is over require the old fruiting canes cutting back, which will allow next year’s to flourish, then need all tying back to the supports.

Failure to do this, they will get out of control, grass will grow amongst

them and that’s the end of a tidy stand of canes.

Beetroot have also flourished but onions did suffer through lack of rain. Surprisingly potatoes also did very well coming out of the ground dry and warm, slugs again were absent, they don’t like warm soil.

Broad beans, which were autumn planted, did suffer from the cold winter, I know of no successes here at all for these, Spring sown ones produced a heavy crop but as gardeners say the world over: “Next year it will be better.”

We are still welcoming new members to the plots both on Orchard Close and Ratby Road.

We have a steady turnover due to tenants leaving the area, age or health. So if you are waiting your number will eventually come to the top.

We like to encourage young gardeners to start early. The photograph above shows young Isabel and William Wynott working on their family plot. William is checking the soil condition while Isabel is eating it, probably testing the soil PH. Isabel will know even at this early age how important it is to test the soil for its acid or alkaline condition.

Kathy our Secretary explains to a show visitor the benefits of home composting.

Let your tree rot!

Experts in managing woodlands have long recommended that, if at all possible, we should leave dead timber to rot where it is.

On the ground, it rots from the outside in. Left standing (when safe), it rots from the inside out. But what actually happens as the wood rots?

When a fallen tree branch starts to decay, the first folk to move in are the bark beetles. Their burrowing loosens the bark, making room for the next arrivals a year or so later – predatory beetles such as cardinal beetles. Third to arrive (eventually) are cranefly larvae, followed by millipedes, slugs, woodlice, centipedes, solitary wasps and even more beetle species. Within a few years the dead tree will be providing winter home to bumblebee queens, wasps and even butterflies and moths. After about 20 years a large tree or stump will be well rotted, and well on its way to rejoining the soil.

If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Groby Gardening Society News The Liverpool/ Ness gardens trip Once again we were blessed with good weather for our annual overnight trip and this, coupled with our usual bunch of very amiable members, made it another very successful venture.

The journey to Liverpool passed uneventfully, although it was commented how the current road network makes this a much easier journey than many remember.

Upon arriving in the City, Colin, our coach driver, was able to point out landmarks as he negotiated his way to the dockland area.

Members quickly dispersed into the numerous attractions offered by this City only to rejoin the coach for our onward journey to Chester. The City open-top bus tour, the amphibious tour of the docks and city, The maritime and slavery museums, the newly opened Museum of Liverpool, Cathedrals and gardens were all mentioned afterwards

as wonderful experiences. Our overnight stay at Chester was really appreciated as our base at The Crowne plaza was probably even better than our last visit. (At that time we did not think it could be bettered!) After a leisurely morning in the hotel or Chester itself, we set off for The Botanic gardens of Liverpool University at Ness. Here, we made up two guided tours of these magnificent gardens. The suggested 45 minute tours extended well beyond this time and were a slight disappointment to some as it limited the time for private ambling.

The guides themselves were impressive with botanical names tripping off the tongue at every opportunity. Certainly one guide

laced his commentary with amusing anecdotes about the early plant collectors, particularly in China, where the benefactor of Ness Gardens sent his private botanists.

A highlight of the visit came with the arranged teatime refreshments.

A beautifully set private dining room was complemented by delicate, delicious sandwiches, scones and fresh tea and coffee.

Not all members were used to crust-trimmed sandwiches filled with smoked salmon! We arrived back in Groby in the early evening, probably tired but very satisfied.

A common question remained ... where next in 2012?

Nottingham University gardens On August 11th, we welcomed back Ian Cooke to our usual monthly meeting. Ian last spoke to us about Cannas, but his list of talks is impressively long. This time his subject was the History of the development of these wonderful gardens. He was head gardener for 14 years and saw the redevelopment of many aspects. The original land was given by Jesse Boot of the pharmacy chain fame and the current appearance of the campus must surely be a suitable memorial to this great benefactor.

A theme of Ian’s developments was the establishment of small, court-yard type areas with quality stones and planting which require minimal attention. At the forefront of his thinking was that these areas should be quiet havens for the benefit of students and staff on the campus. However, the gardens and grounds are open to the public and numerous events are held there to encourage the people of Nottingham to come and use these grounds. Many members afterwards agreed that the gardens seem an ideal focus for one of our future evening visits. Ian himself, after taking early retirement, spends the English winter in california and comes back duringthe summer to deliver his various talks. He is also developing into a rather prolific book writer on the subject of gardening.

The Shrewsbury Flower Show Forty three members and friends set off on Friday 12th August to visit this popular show. The weather once again was kind to us with only brief spells of a little rain. The show itself was a revelation to first-time visitors. The attractions were so numerous that some members thought they had not seen everything. From dazzling displays of plants and flowers in the main marquee to medieval jousting displays in the arena, there seemed to be something for everyone. Show jumping, a Welsh male choir and military bands all added to the entertainmment.

The marquee holding the floral arrangements and speciality plant societies was another highlight.

Some members managed to get free muesli and Muller yogurts!

One smaller tent focussed on bee keeping in Shropshire and numerous demonstrations by bee keepers were held throughout the day. Nationally, this show is placed below those such as Malvern and Harrogate, but most of our visitors would probably dispute this notion.

The Village Show Although this will have been held by the time of this publication, a report will added to our October newsletter.

“Down to Earth” The radio Leicester show is broadcast from our October meeting. If anyone has gardening questions to be put to the panel, they can either write them down and present them at the door upon entry or let Alvar have a copy .

Forthcoming events •

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September 22nd: Fish ‘n’ Chip Supper for members and guests October 13th: BBC radio Leicester’s “Down to Earth” November 10th: Superheroes-The Plant Hunters

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

I’m old enough to know better, but I’m still too young to care.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

FENCING

S G S

SHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES

NEW & REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKEN ALL WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED

CALL JIM SHOOTER . 95 LEICESTER ROAD, GROBY

0116 2879715 / 07814224630

Your Voice, Your Choice

Small Ads • BOWLS - Rinkmaster, Size 5, plus Measure: Price: £45 LADY’S BOWLING SHOES, Size 5; MEN’S BOWLING SHOES, Size 9; Price: £10 per pair.

Tel: 0116 287 5654 • Good condition sofa suite for sale. 3,2,1 seater in Groby to collect.

Price: £300.

• Large Corner Cupboard 6’4’2’ for sale. Price: £35 • Swing with brand new seat. Price: £20 Phone 0116 2220523 or 07540 419037 • Zanussi Aquacycle 1400 washing machine. Price: £20.

• Tumble dryer, Crusader.

Price: £30.

• Girl’s bike Raleigh Krush 20” wheel, excellent condition suit age 6-9 year old. Price: £40. Great Christmas present.

• Jet wash Karcher K2.20.

Price: £40.

• TV Phillips 24in crt. Price: £10 • Portable tv/video player, silver, 14 in crt. Price: £10.

Tel: 0116 2878313 after 6pm.

• Briggs & Stratton 5HP Rotovator.

Excellent condition, recently serviced.

Best offer secures.

Tel: 0116 287 6715.

Advertise your items for sale FREE.

Send us the details, 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 4 items, please. Max price: £300.

See page 3 for Spotlight contact details.

World Animal Day: 4th October The first World Animal Day was launched in 2003, and it is now an international annual effort – in more than 64 countries.

If you love animals, here is an opportunity to unite with animal advocates around the world, in order to heighten public awareness of animal issues. The aim? Simply to improve standards of animal welfare around the world – something which is badly needed!

Visit: www.worldanimalday.org.uk

Community Forum Budgets 2011 How do I comment?

Leicestershire County Council has made funds available to all Community Forums in the Hinckley & Bosworth area.

•

Each forum will have between £12,500 and £15,000 available per year for local communities to invest in local improvements of their choice.

The Funding can be used for new or existing projects and activities which meet one or more of the objectives in the Leicestershire Sustainable Community Strategy, see link to priorities http://www. leicestershiretogether.org/scs_priorities_11_13.pdf. We are currently looking for projects that can be delivered between January and the end of June 2012.

How can local communities get involved?

•

How do I vote for my favourite projects?

People can: • Put forward project proposals • Comment on project proposals for the local area • Vote for their favourite projects

•

•

•

• •

How do I put forward a project proposal?

•

•

All Project Proposal Forms received by the deadline will be made available on the Leicestershire Forums website (www. leicestershireforums.org) where you can comment on the appropriateness, feasibility and sustainability of the projects and make suggestions on how the project could be further improved and/or developed.

If you do not have access to the internet and would like to comment, please contact Leicestershire County Council (see contact details below) You can attend your local Community Forum Budget workshop (see below).

Please submit a Project Proposal Form to describe your project proposal.

NB Each forum has its own deadline for proposals. Please see schedule below.

Attend a Community Forum Budget workshop to present your project and discuss it in more detail with others.

Please read the full guidance for applicants, which is available on www.leicestershireforums. org/cfb or by contacting the County Council (see contact details below) Advice and support with filling in your Project Proposal Form is also available at one of the Big Society Roadshows .

•

By attending your local Community Forum Budget workshop (see schedule below).

At the workshop you will have a chance to hear from all projects, discuss some projects in more detail and to vote for your favourite projects.

Attendance is free, but you do need to register.

Registration opens 3 weeks prior to the workshop and will be on a first come, first serve basis. You can register on-line via the Leicestershire Forums website (www.leicestershireforums.org) or by phoning 0116 3057034.

Key dates and deadlines Big Society Roadshow – Hinckley & Bosworth, Wednesday 21st September, 4pm at The George Ward Centre.

For more information see the poster on page 7.

Hinckley & Bosworth

Proposals on website for comments & Workshop booking starts:

Community Forum

Project Proposal Deadline

Budget

Workshop Date (all workshops 6.30-9pm)

Markfield, Ratby & Groby

14 Oct 2011

£ 12,500

2 Nov 2011

17 Oct 2011

Bosworth

21 Oct 2011

£ 12,500

10 Nov 2011

24 Oct 2011

Hinckley

4 Nov 2011

£ 15,000

24 Nov 2011

7 Nov 2011

It doesn’t matter if you win or lose until you lose.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

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Golf lessons for young women YOUNG women in the Hinckley & Bosworth area are being given an exciting chance to learn how to play golf for just £10.

The initiative has been launched to encourage more women between the ages of 18 and 35 years to play the game and is being supported by the Leicestershire County Golf Partnership, Forest Hill Golf Club at Botcheston, and Active Together Hinckley and Bosworth.

Coaching sessions will start at the Forest Hill Golf Club this month (September), with Head Professional Richard Hughes offering a programme of six one-hour lessons taught on the club’s all-weather, under cover, floodlit facilities.

The programme starts on Wednesday 21 September and there are two groups available: from 7pm to 8pm and from 8pm to 9pm. Absolutely no experience is required and all equipment can be borrowed during the sessions.

Prior booking for the sessions is essential. To reserve a space, or for more information, please contact Richard on 07890 471151 or email rich.hughes@hotmail.co.uk.

Crime Figures for August 2011 The following incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during August 2011.

Description

Groby

Field Head

House Burglaries Actual: Anstey Lane Attempted: Crane Ley Road, Kings Way

1Actual 2 Attempted

0

Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Lime Avenue Attempted:

1 Actual 0 Attempted

0

Theft of Motor Vehicle:

0

0

Theft from Motor Vehicle:

0

0

Damage to Motor Vehicle: Stamford Drive, Pine Tree Avenue, Queensmead Close

3

0

Non-Domestic Assaults

1

0

2

0

Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars

18

0

TOTAL (Actual)

28

0

TOTAL (Attempted)

0

0

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents Theft: 2 / Damage: 2 / Other: 5

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

Next meeting: Thursday 8th December 2011 at 7.30pm at Groby Village Hall.

Homemade Authentic Indian Snacks Samosa’s Pakora’s / Onion Bhaji’s Spring Rolls Catering is available for BBQ’s, Parties & Weddings & Office Events Free Home Delivery within 5 miles For all enquiries please contact us:

Ria’s Kitchen

07772 542 356 Email: riaskitchen@hotmail.co.uk

The tip you leave now for lunch would have bought you one twenty years ago.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

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HENSTOCKS

Accountants & Tax Consultants 26 Fosse Road Central, Leicester LE3 5PR ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 50 YEARS WE CAN DEAL WITH ALL YOUR ACCOUNTANCY REQUIREMENTS. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE ACCOUNTS PREPARATION, PERSONAL AND BUSINESS TAXATION, BOOKKEEPING, PAYROLL AND VAT.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Phone: 0116 262 3202 email@henstocks.co.uk

Fax: 0116 261 9186 www.henstocks.co.uk

ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICES

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

As part of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement.

The group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12noon.

Next dates: Sat 17th September & Sat 15th October ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

Christmas Tree Festival St Philip and St James Church will be holding their 7th Annual Christmas Tree Festival on 3rd and 4th December.

Invitations to take part are being circulated to businesses, groups and organisations during September.

If you would like to be part of this popular event but do not receive an invitation please ring 0116 231 2070 or spaeak to any member of the church.

The Theme this year is....”Once Upon a Christmas - Seasonal Stories”

This article was accidentally missed out last month ...

Martinshaw’s year ended on a high note As the School academic year came to a close, Martinshaw Primary School became very busy with various musical commitments.

The school’s years 3 and 4 havie been undergoing a weekly programme of singing teaching through Leicester Cathedral’s Chorister Outreach Project, which culminated on Thursday 30th June 2011 with a Summer Service and Celebration at Leicester Cathedral lead by the Dean, The Very Revd. Vivienne Faull.

Four other Schools from around the County participated, along with the Leicester Cathedral Youth Choir.

Martinshaw’s contribution was a very enthusiastic Medley of Spiritual Songs performed in front of an audience of family and friends.

On 1st July the school choir, after many rehearsals, performed a concert in aid of our local LOROS. The choir was made up of students from year 2 up to year 6 (aged from 6 to 11), along with a staff choir, ages indeterminate.

The year finally ended with two farewell performances from the students of year 6, written, directed and performed entirely by themselves.

This year’s theme was an hilarious spoof on the Royal Wedding, starting in the BBC Breakfast Studio, and covering everything from Messrs Blair and Brown trying to sneak into the Abbey, through to Princess Beatrice’s notorious hat and ending with the performance of the Policeman directing the crowds in the Mall. A truly remarkable and imaginative effort thorouighly enjoyed by parents, puplils and staff.

Owen Lawrence

Rock me gently....

Do you have trouble sleeping? Get yourself a hammock, a rocking chair, or even an adult-size cradle. A recent scientific study has found that a slow swinging motion helps us fall asleep faster and also slip into a deeper sleep than a stationary bed. The study, published in Current Biology, found that the swinging helps synchronise brain activity into a pattern associated with sleep. It also encouraged deeper sleep. The findings help explain why generations of women have successfully cradled babies to sleep, and why it is so hard to stay awake in a rocking chair.

I could listen to you forever. And I think I just did.

Forest inspires G8 art exhibition in the Atkins AN exhibition of artwork inspired by the National Forest is being staged in the Creative Hinckley gallery at Hinckley’s Atkins Building throughout September.

Called ‘Trace Elements’, the exhibition runs until 30 September and is the result of a fascination for the forest and its ever-changing light, colour and growth as seasons develop and time passes.

The four artists involved Maureen Cooper, Diane Hall, Graham Ensor and Robert Thacker - have followed an exploratory and experimental approach to ideas and materials to create work which includes paintings, drawings, installations, textiles, collage, printing and photographs.

“People have always lived and worked in forest areas, leaving traces of their presence throughout history but nature eventually takes over,” say the artists.

“We want to show the viewer how we see this past and continuing relationship with the forest. The aim is to encourage the viewer to look and so develop an increasing awareness and appreciation of what is around us.”

The artists are leading a Drawing Workshop to be held on Saturday 10 September from 10am until 3.30pm. The cost is £30, including lunch and all materials. Contact Lindsay Orton on 01455 255833 for more information or to book a place.

There will also be a chance to meet the artists at their Artist in Conversation event to be held on Saturday 24 September from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Ante-natal breastfeeding workshop is well received

The Breastfeeding workshops being offered to expectant parents in the Charnwood area have been well received. The sessions are being run by the Charnwood BRAS (Breastfeeding Reassurance And Support) Group. The group is part of Leicestershire’s active breastfeeding peer support network.

The group of volunteers recognised a need within Charnwood to help parents learn about breastfeeding before their babies arrived and believe that having this good understanding of the subject gives new mums a greater chance of success in those crucial early weeks.

The workshop runs monthly on a Monday evening from The Moira Community Centre in Loughborough and is available to all pregnant women, preferably from about 33 weeks gestation, with or without partners.

It is free to attend and is designed as a one-off workshop so each couple would attend once only. The dates for the next ones are 26th September, 24th October and 28th November.

The venture is jointly funded by Children’s Health Services and Charnwood Borough Council and a local Health Visitor is part of the teaching team.

Lydia Martindale, one of the volunteers, said “We really want to attract prospective fathers too, as their support and encouragement later on is essential. We are hoping the delicious home-made cakes at the tea break might draw them in!”

The organisers are also keen to welcome those thinking about bottle feeding. They say that making an informed choice about which way to feed your baby is very important and hearing about the benefits of breastfeeding may help couples make a decision.

Local midwives have been frustrated at not having the time to offer antenatal feeding sessions themselves, so are delighted by this project and have been very supportive in spreading the word.

Demand for the workshops has been so great that the group hopes to soon be able to offer a second monthly session elsewhere in Charnwood.

For more information about this workshop or the Charnwood BRAS in general, please visit www.charnwoodbras.co.uk To book a place please contact the group on 07583 041054

LETTER

Bradgate Flower Club Bradgate Flower Club meetings have resumed after the summer break. They continue to attract members and visitors from the local areas covered by each of your publications.

We meet on the first Wednesday of the month at Newtown Linford Village Hall (unless otherwise stated). Could you please find space for information about the October and November meetings, as follows: On Wednesday 5th October, Bradgate Flower Club welcomes Glenice Yates from the West Midlands. Her theme is ‘Flower Power’.

Sharon Possart is the guest at Bradgate Flower Club’s meeting on Wednesday 2nd November. Her theme for the demonstration is ‘Cocktail Hour’.

Both meetings will start at 7.30 in Newtown Linford Village Hall. A charge of £4 is made for visitors. Further details ca be obtained from Geraldine Abbott on 01530 415378.

Geraldine Abbott I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

LETTER Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk Friday 16th Sept: Gabby Jordan Saturday 17th Sept: Premonition Sunday 18th: Super Sunday ‘50’ Friday 23rd Sept: Mark Brannelly Saturday 24th Sept: Double Trouble Sunday 25th Sept: Super Sunday ‘50’ Friday 30th Sept: Craig McGann Saturday 1st Oct: Neil Warner Sunday 2nd Oct: Super Sunday ‘50’ Friday 7th Oct: Chrissy Saturday 8th Oct: Total Eclipse Sunday 9th Oct: Super Sunday ‘50’ SEE ADVERT ON BACK PAGE & FEATURE ON PAGE 20 The Stamford Arms, 2 Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616 Saturday 17th Sept: FINGERS & FUMBS Sunday 18th Sept: TIME OUT - 3pm Monday 19th Sept: Hiss and Boo - JAZZ - Now appearing every third Mon of the Month - 8.30pm onwards Friday 23rd Sept: THE ZUFFLERS - 9pm Saturday 24th Sept: BACK LINE - blues band - 9pm Sunday 25th Sept: TBC Friday 30th Sept: SKY CHASER - 9pm Saturday 1st Oct: THE CHEEZE - 9pm Sunday 2nd Oct: AINT MISBEHAVIN’ - 3pm Friday 7th Oct: FUNKTION JUNCTION - 9pm Saturday 8th Oct: THE FREEZE - 9pm

Sunday 9th Oct: HISS & BOO BAND - 3pmGeneral Knowledge QUIZ Every Sunday • Music QUIZ Every Tuesday The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm.

Fri 23 Sept: FREDDIE & QUEEN (A night of Pure MAGIC!) Fri 7th Oct: TINA TURNER Quiz Nite: 2nd Tues of Month The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:Sats 10th Sept AND 24th Sept (’King of the Road’) The Club, Thornton Main Street.

T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members Sat 17th Sept: DISCO/ KARAOKE Sat 24th Sept: tbc Sat 1st Oct: THE CABSTARS Ska Band plus Guests www.myspace.com/ thorntonclub The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Sat 17 Sept: JAYNE Garden & Pub Games etc.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield.

T: 01530 242 496 Fri 30th Sept: SIRE - Reggae/ Motown Tribute Sat 8th Oct: KARAOKE with Mark ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN

Groby Village Hall Car Park In the Mid–August copy of your magazine, Norman Griffiths in his Jottings, News in Brief column on page 15 referred to the (Groby) Village Hall car park.

He is correct to state that the car park ceased to be a public car park in 2009. The car park is private land. It is part of the Village Hall and managed by the Village Hall management committee. Prior to 2009 the car park was maintained by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) with the understanding that it could be used as a public car park. Leicestershire County Council (LCC) retains ownership of part of the car park alongside the Library. Access to that portion is across the area owned by the Village Hall.

For several months the Village Hall management committee has been considering how the cost of the upkeep/maintenance of the car park can be financed to ensure funds are available to pay for white-lining and resurfacing etc when required.

At present the car park is extensively used, without charge, by car and van drivers who are not attending events in the Village Hall, Library or Parish council. Overnight parkers pay nothing, nor do visitors attending functions nearby where those car parks are full or none is available. Furthermore, it is also used by some as a park and ride facility to Leicester city, having parked for the day without charge. These users make no contribution to the running costs of the Village Hall but take maximum advantage of its car parking facility. These actions limit the parking availability for legitimate users of our excellent Village facility throughout the day.

Clearly this issue has to be addressed in the fairest way possible. However to merely increase the fees of users of the Village hall would not be the approach to ensure that car park users make a contribution to its upkeep and maintenance. Some users of the car park never use the Village Hall, Library or Parish Council office but merely use this facility in the centre of the Village as a car park.

The Parish Council have been approached to contribute to the maintenance cost of the car park but have declined other than in the way described by Mr. Griffiths. The Village Hall management committee hoped that with their help and that of the LCC, which has been confirmed, a free car parking facility could be maintained. Funds will need to be raised to pay for future repairs and renovation of the car park. How it is to be done still has to be decided. Nevertheless an arrangement will be arrived at sooner or later. The fairest way for such an arrangement to work is for all users of the car park to pay a reasonable amount to use it and this will need to be reflected in the final arrangements made to maintain the facility.

For and on behalf of Groby Village Hall Management committee.

Don’t sniff at ‘man flu’

When a woman sneezes, she has a cold. When a man sneezes, he has flu. This long-running debate over why women usually carry on with life, while men often take to their beds, may at last have been solved. A recent study in Australia has found that women do indeed have a ‘much stronger immune response’ to rhinoviruses – the bugs that cause the common cold – than men. As one scientist commented: “It makes sense from a biological point of view because women are more likely to ensure the survival of the species.”

Granny is worth £5,000

Grandparents may not be worth their weight in gold (not with gold at its present price!) but they come pretty near it: they can help struggling families save something like £5,000 in childcare/housekeeping a year.

A recent Post Office Financial Services’ study had found that parents can save an average of £86 every week because of the unpaid efforts of grandparents. Then there is the food they buy and the gifts they give to their grandchildren ...

Rock is dead. Long live paper and scissors.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

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The Shires Social Group

Local group for singles aged 45+

THE SHIRES SOCIAL GROUP is a non-profit making organisation which arranges social events for single people aged 45 and over.

If you fall into this category, and you would like to make new friends, the group would like to hear from you.

Meetings are held weekly on a Thursday evening at a venue in Groby. The Group encourages group participation in organising events for all members’ tastes, for example: • Dining Out • Ten Pin Bowling • Holidays Days Out • • Barbecues Dancing • • Walks • Theatre/Cinema Trips Quiz Nights • You only live once, so make the most of it!

For further details, phone Jeff on 0116 234 1944 or Nita on 0116 212 9879.

IDC Home Maintenance Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL From changing a light bulb to complete house re-decoration.

For all the jobs you need to do but simply don’t have time.

For a free quotation please call Ian on:

01530 245461

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07885 541428

3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire

Web site: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk Listed @ http://www.ageconcernbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held

I’m on a whisky diet. I’ve lost three days already.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

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The Squire’s Revenge During the early part of the eighteenth century, Squire Tooley lived at Tooley Hall near Groby.

The Squire had other interests in life apart from hunting, shooting and fishing - he installed a mistress at Groby Pool House.

Unknown to his wife, he made frequent visits to his lady love who understood him better than his wife, and listened patiently to the stories he had to tell.

At this time, Parson Pike was Vicar of Ratby. He was a friend of the Squire and his wife and made frequent visits to Tooley Hall. The Parson was aware of the Squire’s clandestine visits to Groby Pool House and felt it was his duty to inform the Squire’s wife. After speaking to her, Parson Pike was worried as to the reception he would receive when he next met the Squire.

He need not have worried - the Squire acted as if nothing had happened. Little did he know that the Squire was planning his revenge.

One beautiful summer day a few weeks later, the Squire asked the Parson to join him on a fishing trip to Groby Pool. Parson Pike was happy to go. They set off and rowed the boat to the middle of the pool and baited their lines.

At a favourable moment, the Squire pushed the 18-stone interfering Parson into the pool. He had fishermen standing by with nets to pull the Parson to the bank. Without doubt, it was the largest pike ever landed at Groby Pool!

Muriel Ward Groby

Groby Players’ next production Groby Players are to perform an audience participation murder mystery entitled ‘Murder in Rehearsal’ by Angels Lanyon.

The dates are November 10/11/12 in Groby Village Hall.

The first part of the play tells the story leading up to the murder.

During the interval, members of the audience can try to guess the murderer, the motive and the method, .You are invited to bring along your supper, nibbles and drinks etc. for consuming during the interval, whilst guessing the 3 challenges. Part 2 of the play reveals the answers. A maximum of 80 tickets will be sold per night, in order to set out the hall ‘cafe style’, so get together with friends for a entertaining night out.’

Tickets will be on sale, priced £6.00, in the Village Hall in October on Saturdays 10 am-12md or you can reserve tickets by email to dot@dhollins. freeserve.co.uk , tel /text 07790861033 or 0116 2873373.

Churches Together in Groby Urban Saints

Every Third Sunday at 6.30pm At St. Philip and St. James, Groby An informal service of worship, tackling questions and issues raised by the young people of Groby about faith, life choices and cultural issues. For details of the October 3SE, please see the church websites.

Harvest Festival Sunday 2nd October at St. P&J, Sunday 9th October at the URC

During term time, held 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, 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 Fair Cuppa: an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Please note the change of time.

All tea/coffee is fairtrade Every Thursday, 10.30—12noon.

Catch

Play, craft, story

& chat for pre-school children with a parent/carer.

Every Friday in term time, 9.30 – 11.30am, at the URC.

For all Sunday services: please see our websites and church magazines: St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church www.grobyurc.com Mrs Norma Whittaker 287 6606 Children/Youth Worker Deb Goodhead 07730 596309

Have children while your parents are still young enough to look after them.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-SEPTEMBER 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

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