Groby Spotlight Mid-September 2022

Local leaders publish tributes to The Queen

SENIOR LEADERS

across Leicester and Leicestershire have released messages of condolence following the sad death of Her Majesty The Queen.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur OBE, said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of our Queen, who dedicated her life to the service of our country and the “QueenCommonwealth.Elizabethserved as our Monarch longer than any of her predecessors and was hugely respected and loved by people across the world. The recent Platinum Jubilee celebrations demonstrated how loved and treasured she was.

“I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to our new King and all members of the Royal family at this very sad time.

“I will be observing Royal mourning until after The Queen’s funeral which means that I will not be undertaking social engagements as LordLieutenant.”

Leader of Leicestershire County Council, Nick Rushton, added: “We are all deeply moved to hear of the death of Her Majesty The Queen. I speak on behalf of the elected members and those working for the County Council.“Manyof us have only ever known one Monarch – such has been the remarkable reign of Queen Elizabeth the Second.

“As a mark of respect, during the period of Royal mourning, the Union and County Flags have been half-masted at County Hall. Our headquarters will also be illuminated in purple until after The Queen’s funeral.

“The Chairman will be attending only those official engagements of a formal nature and will not be wearing his insignia.”

Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “I am profoundly saddened by the news of Her Majesty’s passing and, on behalf of the city, extend my sympathies to our new monarch and all of the Royal Family.

“Queen Elizabeth was on the throne for more than 70 years – the longest reign of any British monarch – and in that time was a tireless ambassador in the service of the country and the wider Commonwealth.

“During her lengthy reign, The Queen oversaw vast changes politically and domestically, both at home and internationally.

“She always acted with remarkable grace and composure, which inspired genuine affection from across the world. Her passing truly marks the end of an era.”

Bishop of Leicester, The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, said: “I learnt of the death of her Majesty the Queen with enormous sadness at the loss of a faithful, courageous and inspirational monarch.

“She was a great gift to our country, ruling for 70 years with complete dedication to her people and to her vocation. She succeeded in being Queen for all of us, whatever our status, beliefs or background. As we all

know, she was held in deep respect and admiration across the world, by both ordinary people and international leaders.“Having had the privilege of meeting her personally, I found Her Majesty to be warm and approachable, intensely interested in others and always keen to remind us that it is our common efforts that forge and maintain our community life. Her Christian faith provided an inspiration and encouragement to many, and was the motivation to her life-long desire to serve her country and the Commonwealth, and their people. We owe her a deep debt of gratitude.

“Today we pray for the Royal Family in their own grief, and extend our deepest sympathy to them.”

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “The loss of the Queen is keenly felt by officers and staff here at Leicestershire Police and for those of us who have sworn an oath, this is a very poignant day.

“Above all else, our ability to serve the law is down to our constitutional monarchy and we have been proud to serve Queen Elizabeth during her remarkable reign.

“She has visited our city many times and each time we have been honoured to welcome her here. It has been our privilege to welcome her and provide policing support for her visits.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews: “This is a very sad day for us all. Her Majesty’s kindness knew no bounds, even complimenting me on my rather suspect brown suede and corduroy jacket as I stood in the crowd outside Windsor Castle for her Silver Jubilee in 1977.“From charity work, hosting and guiding Heads of State, to a wide array of other public and voluntary engagements, Her Majesty’s sense of duty and devotion to a lifetime of service are qualities to be admired and adorned upon ourselves so we can be and do better in our lives. Quite simply, The Queen has been the strength and stay of our nation for generations, and we owe her a debt of gratitude greater than she would have ever claimed.”

Books of condolence will be available at St. Martins House in Leicester, Town Hall in Leicester and County Hall in Glenfield

The following public buildings will be illuminated in purple: County Hall in Glenfield, Town Hall and City Hall in Leicester.

Residents are advised to check opening times on the website in advance. There will also be a virtual book of condolence available on the LordLieutenant’s website for those who cannot attend in person.

THE LORD-LIEUTENANT will publish further information about how the city and county will be marking The Queen’s death, and how local residents are able to join in this collective mourning. This local information will available soon at: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/TheQueen

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926 - 2022)

Broadband outage for Groby after truck hits box

Latest News from the Groby Gatherers

THE species.endangeredthisdrasticallynumbersdepletingpopulation,localproblemsdehydrationcausedheat-waveRECENTsevereforthehedgehogforalready

year.morecontributionneededthewithSocietyHedgehogLeicestershireRescuewasinundatedcasualtiesofdroughtandourvaluedeventhanusualthisDebraClarkcontinued

Whilst landlines appear to have been unaffected it resulted in the loss of broadband for over a week for many homes and businesses in the village.

Norman Griffiths

Fun-Key-Moves in Groby

GROBY RESIDENT Hazel Adcock has launched Fun-KeyMoves, a new exercise and wellbeing group which meets at Groby Community Centre, Forest Rise on Wednesday evenings between 6pm & 7.30pm.

The timetable comprises an optional weigh-in on arrival, then a fun circuit-based exercise session at your own level, accompanied by Funky Music.Thelast half hour is spent having an inspirational, supportive chat on different topics, aimed at motivating and giving tips.

Sounds great! The cost is £7.50 per week.

Contact Hazel on 07817 303018 for more information.

with her hard work, raising funds from car boot sales and Facebook Marketplace, managing this year to collect the amazing total of £2,900! We are delighted to announce that this surpassed, yet again, our previous totals from past events.

Debra is pictured here, handing over the cheque to Steph Goodway and Chris Denyer from the Leicestershire Hedgehog Rescue Society.

We shall of course continue fund raising in 2023 and always welcome donations to sell. If you have any of the following items, they would be much appreciated – Men’s and Ladies’ clothing, shoes and handbags –in good condition please! Tools, garden ornaments, clean soft toys and household goods also sell well but please no drinking glasses, mugs or plastic items as these unfortunately are not popular. Many thanks! Any monetary donations can be gifted to the Leicestershire Hedgehog Rescue Society via their website.

Please email me on d.clark20@ntlworld.com and I will endeavour to collect any items from the Groby area if you are unable to deliver them in person.Welook

forward to next year and hopefully a bright and productive one is ahead of us.

Debra Clark Groby Gatherers

WhatsApps from Heaven

By Louise Hamlin

THIS IS A BOOK about bereavement and also about the many extraordinary happenings and signs from the afterlife that then followed.

Louise talks about her personal experience of grief, in all its facets, and in a way that will resonate with readers who are bereaved. She also details, in careful and precise language, the succession of signs that she received, apparently from her husband after hisShedeath.describes

how to start with she was very sceptical and looked for all sorts of other explanations, but eventually, she came to accept that the signs, including WhatsApps and dematerialisations, must have come from her husband’s spirit in the afterlife. She explains how these signs have completely changed her understanding of life and death. This book should bring comfort to the bereaved, and will encourage those left behind to recognise signs that are sent to them by their loved ones.

Listen to Louise Hamlin, interviewed by Howard Hughes on his excellent UNEXPLAINED podcast service.

Go to https://theunexplained.tv/episodes/edition-656-louise-hamlin

A LORRY is said to have reversed into this telecom box in front of the Leicester Road cottage opposite Pymm Ley Lane at the end of August.

News from Groby Community Library

Summer ChallengeReading

IT’S BEEN A busy summer at the library. We’re delighted that so many children have taken part in the ‘Gadgeteers’ Summer Reading Challenge.

The challenge only ended on 10th September so we haven’t counted up the number of participants yet. We’ll let you know next month.

Book and cake sale

OUR BOOK AND CAKE sale was a great success. Thanks to everyone who came to buy books and cakes.

We were so lucky that the weather stayed fair. It was great to see some of our regulars and some new faces supporting the library. Thanks also to the trustees and volunteers who helped out on the day. We couldn’t do it without you. Don’t forget we always have a trolley of books for sale in the library by the door, these are changed on a regular basis. If you have books in good condition we welcome donations to sell to raise

funds to keep the library open. Of course a selection of Lisa’s cakes are always available in the library’s ‘Time Out’ café.

Cuppa and Company

WE’RE CONTINUING to hold our monthly informal cuppa and chat sessions on the second Friday of the month 9th September, 14th October, 11th November and 9th December 10.3011.30am.

The sessions are an opportunity for anyone who maybe in need of a bit of company to get together over a free cup of coffee or tea. You may also be tempted by some of the café’s delicious cakes and tray bakes. Do you know anyone who may benefit from this? Please pass on the information so that more people can join us.

Baby group

Why not come and join our new baby group starting on 5th October 10.30-11.30am. This will be an unled session giving you the

opportunity to chat and discuss common issues with other new parents. There will be space for babies up to 1 year old. Coffee and cake will be available.

Volunteer with us

WE’RE ALWAYS on the lookout for new volunteers. Have you recently retired and perhaps wanting to get involved in the local community? Maybe you want to meet new people or develop new skills. You could volunteer in the library, the café or even become a trustee. The trustees are all very hands on. So if you think you would like to get involved please contact Dave Robinson our Chair and volunteer coordinator at volunteers@grobylibrary.co.uk or pick up an application form in the library. Richard one of our volunteers said “Volunteering at the library gave me the opportunity to meet people and help without the responsibilities of policy or financial decision making. I do a regular shift but work with at least one other volunteer, so there’s always someone to help or remind me. With the café there’s a real feeling of a community hub and the cakes are always a tempting bonus.”

Books from the Sunday Times Fiction Bestsellers, in stock or on order at Groby Community Library. All books can be reserved.

David Baldacci: The 6:20 Man Colleen Hoover: It Ends With Us

Delia Owens: Where the Crawdads Sing

Colleen Hoover: Verity Colleen Hoover: Ugly Love Bella Mackie: How To Kill Your Family

Richard Osman: The Man Who Died Twice

Taylor Jenkins Reid: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Liane Moriarty: Apples Never Fall

John Connolly: The Furies

ARE YOU A new Mum or Dad wanting to meet up with other new parents?

Cows would live longer if they weren’t made of steak and leather jackets.

Info from Roz & Dave

Groby & Field Head Spotlight

THE RECENT JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS brought back memories for Mark Finnigan of a less happy street party in Groby 20 years ago to celebrate the Queen’s fifty years on the throne.

“There were lots of cakes, drinks and bunting,” reflected Mark. “Terry, my Dad, being a part time club singer, took the microphone and sang to the large crowd. It was very much enjoyed by everyone, but shortly after, as he showed someone his Union Jack socks, he sadly fell down with a heart attack. Luckily there were several nurses from the Glenfield Hospital, and others around, who performed CPR. Dad died three times, but those ladies didn’t give up until the ambulance arrived.

Help for Heroes Jam & SALEPickles

Saturday 24th 9.30-2.00pmSept.

30 Lawnwood Road

Groby, LE6 0BH

PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67

Email01530-244069Telephone9ZTusat: grobyspotlight.co.ukinfo@

Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

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

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

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

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

Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission.

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

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

NEXT ISSUE OUT ON: 15th October 2022

DEADLINE: 1st October

Of course, both the LRI and later the Glenfield Hospital helped him, and as a result he became a member and then a Committee member of the Take Heart. He often attended with Janet, my Mum, at the bookstall and the support group, where he particularly enjoyed talking to, and giving reassurance to anyone experiencing heart problems. Mum also helps the Take Heart Support Group, both in person and by selling jams, pickles and more.

Over time he has had several implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) and stents fitted, and is just fine and walks daily in the nearby woodlands.”

An ICD is a small device which can treat people with dangerously abnormal heart rhythms.

It continually monitors and sends electrical pulses to regulate abnormal heart rhythms (specifically those that can be dangerous and cause a cardiac arrest).

Mark’s appeal is that readers learn how to deliver CPR, and approach Take Heart, either as a patient or as a family with concerns, as there are members who have been where you are and, as we say “got the tee shirt.”

The pandemic has adversely affected the work of Take Heart. “Our hospital ward visiting and publicity stall volunteers have still not been allowed to visit the hospital,” said a spokesperson.

But the group is active in fundraising and this enables it to buy equipment for cardiac services at Glenfield. “We are still looking into funding systems which allow patients to be monitored from home, saving a long hospital stay, and blood pressure monitors.” One recent donation of £1000 was made by a local company who lost a colleague to a heart attack at work.

The monthly Support Group meetings are getting more and more attendees, though there are Committee gaps which still need to be filled. The meetings are held at Glenfield Hospital on the first Saturday of the month.

“It would be a pleasure to welcome new or potential members, their families and friends for a coffee and chat,” said Chairman Gerry Vora. “Our experienced volunteers would be most pleased to listen and help if anyone is worried or anxious.” If you want to attend ring and confirm which room before travelling.

Norman Griffiths

Contacts: email : thl@takeheartleicester.co.uk Services : 0116 2587221

Rose Blayney’s garage is open for sales of many varieties of jam, marmalade, pickled onions, piccalilli etc. All funds are again being donated to Help for Heroes registered charity.

As many of the lovely people in Groby know, my mum Rose Blayney takes no monies at all, and she has been supported greatly by Bradgate Stores, allotment owners and locals who have donated soft fruits and continue to collect clean jars, which has enabled her to continue this amazing fundraising effort.

Coming Up

THROUGH THE SEASONS

- from tulip time to winter snowsRehearsals at Groby Club from 7th September

Wednesday afternoon choir: 1.30pm - 3pm

Creche area available

Children’s choir 3.40pm - 4.40pm for children aged 7 years old and over

Wednesday evening choir: 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Performances take place in November www.grobysings.org for more info

‘My dad died three times and has supported the Take Heart charity ever since’

Goose Grease & Brown Paper

THE SPEAKER at our August meeting was Kath Reynolds talking about ‘Goose Grease and Brown Paper’ and I had no idea what to expect!

It turned out to be a fun trip down memory lane to pre NHS days and the kitchen cupboard remedies inflicted by our nearest and dearest which included the use of honey, salt, onions, mustard, snails, onions, urine, string and cow muck! Kath gave us an insight to a combination of living memories and social history with a few gory stories included! Some of the sayings have since been proven to be totally wrong: ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ but the acids and sugars will cause tooth decay. ‘A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down’, it might make it taste better but too much sugar is so bad for us. I will summarise some of the remedies, many of which most of us

Ciderremembered!vinegarwas used for headaches, cough mixture, treating bites and cleaning windows. For a bumped head, Tiger Balm and 4711 Eau de Cologne was used, as was butter (or margarine if you couldn’t afford butter) and butter was also used on burns. Iodine was applied to scrapes. There were many treatments for a sore throat: honey, lemon and glycerine (this sometimes included whiskey), gargle with salt water, TCP and water, bicarbonate of soda with water or water infused with sage which has a mild antiseptic property. The most weird remedies were to wrap the throat with a red DOL flannel (this flannel supposedly cured rheumatism, lumbago, sciatica, bronchitis and numerous other ailments), a silk scarf or a sweaty sock (to inhale the sweat), or blow flower of sulphur powder down the back of the throat. The saying ‘cruel to be kind’ has to come from this sore throat remedy where a piece of fatty bacon was tied with a piece of string, swallowed and then pulled back up - it beggars belief!

Treatment for coughs included a mixture of goose fat and dried mustard powder rubbed on the chest, a boiled onion, the liquid was drunk and the onion eaten and good old Vick rubbed on the chest, back and soles of feet - I still use this today and also ‘Snufflebabe’ on the grandchildren which is a paediatric version of Vick! A chopped onion mixed with brown sugar was eaten for a cough and tasted much like the cough medicine ‘Liqufruta’, a taste I remember to this day, ugh. During the ‘flu epidemic in the early 1900s,

a chopped onion would be put by the bedside to absorb germs on exhalation. For Whooping Cough, children were encouraged to smell tar or inhale the smell from gas works, I think the Pertussis vaccination used today seems a much better option!

Who remembers kaolin, bread or camphorated oil poultices covered over with brown paper or red DOLS flannel. Kath suggested red DOLS flannel and an onion in a bucket of cow muck could cure Covid as nobody would come near to you! A common cure for warts was to rub dandelion milk on the wart but sadly this supposedly then led to bed wetting. Golden eye ointment or a wooden spoon with a warm towel wrapped round it were common treatments for styes. Urine has been used in the treatment of chilblains by putting

ABBA at 50

By Carl Magnus Palm

the feet into a chamber pot of fresh urine and putting fresh wee on to chapped hands. In World War 2, urine was put on to soldiers’ wounds and even today urea found in urine is used in moisturisers ( I’m sure they have a different was of manufacturing urea nowadays)!

I have tried to cover many of the things that Kath talked about but it is impossible to re-create the humour when she was telling her stories. It was such an interesting, humorous talk which was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us.

The next meeting is on Thursday 15th September at 7.30 pm and the talk will be ‘The Real CSI (Crime Scene Investigation)’ given by Paul Taberner. New members are always welcome.

Ruth Rolinson

How to save £70 - stay out of the Groby Road bus lane

BUS LANES look as if they are here to stay. How you feel about them may depend on whether or not you travel by public transport, but if you’re a driver you need to be aware of the latest bus lane addition in Leicester.

Opened on Wednesday 20 July it’s on the inbound Groby Road (A50) and starts around Mary Road. The best landmark is the flower shop on the Groby side of the Garland Avenue/Brading Road junction. It then runs down towards Medina Road, near the Fosse Road North/ Blackbird Road lights.

In August 2018 the Leicester Mercury revealed that Leicester’s bus lane cameras had generated nearly £4 million in the preceding two-and-a-half years. Around 116,000 penalty notices had been issued. Groby motorist Ian Walton, told the Mercury “I don’t much like the cameras and, whatever the council says they should just be honest, they’re mainly a cash machine. It’s a tax on the daft. If you’re stupid enough to drive where you shouldn’t, you deserve to pay a fine.”

Two years later, in 2020, another 30,000 fines had generated an income of £900,000, despite the cameras being shut off in April and May during the first national Covid-19 lockdown.

AFTER WINNING 1974’s Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Waterloo,” ABBA catapulted to fame, capturing hearts across the globe with their melodic and everso-catchy pop songs.

Formed in Stockholm, in 1972 by Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid “Frida” Lyngstad, ABBA became one of the most commercially successful acts in the history of popular music, topping the charts worldwide.

After their split in 1982, it seemed the ABBA story was all but over. But the 1990s ushered in a new wave of ABBA appreciation, and their music found favor again in modern popular culture.

Now celebrating their fiftieth year, ABBA are one of the great tales of pop music. From their humble beginnings in post-war Sweden to global superstardom, ABBA at 50 charts the remarkable story of this Swedish quartet. Beautifully illustrated with essential images, this book examines the group’s enduring legacy and much-loved musical repertoire of perfectly crafted pop. A must for all ABBA fans.

The City Council says it’s not a means to generate cash, but to enable bus journey times to be shortened. “The success of our cameras will be judged on how few rather than how many people they catch,” said City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby. “Their objective is to provide areas where buses can pass freely to improve journey times and therefore make them more appealing as an alternative to private motor vehicles.”

The new Groby Road bus lane will be accompanied by the extension of the 30 mph speed limit. Eight different bus services operate along the route, with up to seven buses every hour travelling into the cityd. The £50,000 cost will be covered by the first 1428 drivers who pay a reduced fine of £35 within 28 days. Leave it any longer and the fine is

£70.Inthe past there have been complaints about the quality of the signage, so drive carefully, stay out of the bus lane, and avoid adding to all those escalating household bills.

Norman Griffiths

This is Going to Hurt was the at least fifty of them, and adapted into a major TV series. But it was only part of the story.

By turns hilarious, heartbreaking and humbling, Undoctored is about what happens when a doctor hangs up his scrubs, but medicine refuses to let go of It’shim.about an extraordinary medical school It’seducation.aboutopening old wounds and examining the present-day scars.

It’s about hospital admissions and personal ones.

It’s about blowing up your life and stitching it back together.

It’s about being a doctor and being a It’spatient.about 300 pages long.

Undoctored is Adam Kay’s funniest and most moving book yet - an astonishing portrait of a life in and out of medicine, from one of Britain’s finest storytellers.

Your toddler and smartphoneyour

WHEN PARENTS of toddlers often browse social media, they risk damaging the development of their child.

A recent study has found that when mothers are on their smartphones, they talk to their toddlers only a quarter as much, give few opportunities for the child to practise conversation with them, provide a slower response to the child’s explicit bids, and even sometimes ignore the child when the child really needs help.Asmother-child interactions determine the child’s future linguistic vocabularydevelopment,andselfconfidence, the study concluded that the use of smartphones by mothers can have “an adverse impact on the foundation of child development,” which in turn may have consequences.“far-reaching”

Groby Plan

Housing Site Assessment – Call for Sites

GROBY PARISH COUNCIL, supported by Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, are considering where any new housing might be placed within the parish.

Earlier this year, a community survey delivered to all residents and businesses received 811 responses. The full results may be found on the Groby Parish Council website www.groby.com The results indicated that our Neighbourhood Plan may need to allocate site(s) to meet housing requirements to 2039. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has already identified a number of potential housing sites and we would like to improve on this through local knowledge.

New housing can be an emotive subject for any parish. By going through a fair and transparent housing site assessment process, the council aims to deliver an evidence-based, robust and sustainable Neighbourhood Plan for Groby Parish.

Any sites put forward will then be subject to an objective site assessment process. All sites must be ‘deliverable’ over the plan period i.e. to 2039. Deliverable means that the site is:

• Available. Based on the best information (confirmed by landowners), there is confidence that there are no legal or ownership problems. This will often mean that the land is controlled by a developer or landowner who has expressed an intention to develop, or the landowner has expressed an intention to sell.

• Achievable. Essentially a judgement about the economic viability of a site, and the capacity of the developer to complete and let or sell the development over a certain period (confirmed by information from developers).

• Suitable. Factors include:

- Physical limitations or problems such as access, infrastructure, ground conditions, flood risk, hazardous risks, pollution or contamination

- Potential impacts including the effect upon landscapes including landscape features, nature and heritage conservation

- Environmental/amenity impacts experienced by would-be occupiers and neighbouring areas

At the end of the process, the council may or may not decide to allocate housing site(s) in the Neighbourhood Plan.

If you are a landowner or developer and would like your site considered, please email parishclerk@groby.com before 8 October 2022.

Groby Parish Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group

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‘THREE FOR ALL’ - Three One Act Plays

WE ARE DELIGHTED to bring you news of our forthcoming productions in October!

When selecting plays, we always try to consider how best to please our audiences whilst, at the same time, maintaining the MTTG tradition of presenting worthwhile productions which are entertaining, amusing and possibly thought-provoking as well as challenging in part!

In October, we will present “THREE FOR ALL” – a selection of One Act Plays which , together, offer variety and create an entertaining evening of drama!

Three of our gentleman members have stepped up to the mark to act as directors –David Woodward, Wayne Roberts and Tadeusz Dobrowolski.

David’s choice is “Cafe Fear” , described as a tragi-comedy and written by Paul John Matthews. Synopsis:- Two newspaper reporters are following up reports that a patient has escaped from a local secure hospital. They stop off at a café to ask directions but soon realise that they are in a very strange place.

Wayne has chosen “Joining The Club”- a comedy by the prolific and popular author David Tristram. Synopsis:- This is the night that Jenny, a highly successful career woman who is unexpectedly expectant, plans to reveal the results of her home pregnancy test to her husband, Tom. But he has some startling news of his own...Thethird

Play, “Alright on the Night?”, written by Robin Wilson and chosen by Tadeusz, will, he promises us, end the evening with a smile. Synopsis:- It’s the dress rehearsal for the Downcot Players’ production, but one stage exit has been blocked by the WI and the Stage Manager has decided to concentrate on his acting. Not to mention the elderly actor who wanders off altogether Please Note: The plays are not suitable for younger children.

The plays will be performed at THORNTON COMMUNITY CENTRE from WEDNESDAY 5th October to Saturday 8th October at 7.30 p.m. nightly. Tickets, priced at £6, are AVAILABLE ON 07983 669689 or EMAIL: mttg. theatre@gmail.com

Bring Your Own Nibbles & Drinks!

The audience will be seated at tables, and you are welcome to bring your own nibbles and drinks. We do hope that you will come along to support your local Group. Your custom is very much valued.

AskedFrequentlyQuestions

Why are frequently asked questions

The ones I’d never ask?

Why do cookies make suggestions

Intruding on each task?

Why does ev’ry Tom and Harry Assume my phone is smartThat it’s something I must carry An inch beside my heart?

I prefer to store my files

But that is not allowed

They go ten thousand miles

To somewhere called a ‘cloud’.

I do not own my software

Whatever my intent

It’s somewhere up aloft there, And I must pay a rent.

The modern world is bumpy

And hard to navigate

It often makes me grumpy Despairing of my fate; And frequently – each hour I ask the question why

Computers have such power O’er folk like you and I?

By Nigel Beeton

What’s the difference between the Bermuda Triangle and the Golden Triangle?

MOST READERS will have heard of the Bermuda Triangle, but some may be less familiar with the term ‘Golden Triangle.’

At its simplest level there are two differences. The first is that the Bermuda Triangle is in the Caribbean, but the Golden Triangle is in England. The second is that the Bermuda Triangle is associated with the mysterious disappearance of ships and aircraft, but the Golden Triangle is associated with the disappearance of open spaces and farmland.

“There is no official precise measurement of exactly what constitutes the Golden Triangle, but it pretty much covers Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, plus parts of Staffordshire and Derbyshire,” explains RCS Logistics, a specialist in warehousing and distribution services. “When you throw in Birmingham International Airport and East Midlands Airport (which itself contains a freight hub) plus the various rail links to the UK’s ports, the Midlands begins to look more and more like the natural home for nation’s supply chain.”

“As well as being in proximity to the huge distribution centres of supermarkets and high street stores, Midlands-based supply chain companies enjoy access to over 90% of the UK population within 4 hours drive.”

The company says that in addition to the giants of UK haulage, smaller independent logistics companies are also numerous in the Golden Triangle and are typically based in logistics centres. Proximity to major motorways, notably the M1 and M6, means that major cities such as London and Manchester are not difficult to reach. With London’s huge demand and scarcity of property meaning rental for a typical premises is much more expensive than in the Heart of England, the result is that the Midlands has close to 150 million square feet of warehouse space. This is more than twice the combined warehousing activity of London, Scotland and Wales.

Brownfield sites, already developed, are not always available, and those who travel across the Triangle will be familiar with how these developments have accelerated in recent years, the disappearance of fields, and the appearance of massive new buildings. In 2015, the Golden

Triangle was home to 13.4 million square metres of warehouse space, but in the next six years it is estimated to have increased to 18.5 million.

And there’s more to come

German logistics firm DHL, for example, is to expand in the UK in response to the growth in home deliveries, setting up new depots and enlarging others. This amounts to an investment of £482m across its UK e-commerce operation, DHL Parcel UK, following a 40% rise in volumes since the start of 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic led to a surge in online shopping.

Ten new collection and delivery depots will be created across the UK, while 20 more existing sites will be expanded. It includes a new 25,000 sq. metre hub in a warehouse park south of Coventry airport, which will be able to handle more than 500,000 items a day. The hub will have a 48-door crossdock facility so that products from a manufacturer are distributed directly to customers, with little or no storage required.

Industrial and logistics expansion has broken all records in recent

years. “Activity in the UK industrial and logistics market went into overdrive during 2021, although insatiable demand is being challenged by rising costs and acute supply shortages,” says Lambert Smith Hampton, a leading UK commercial and residential real estate consultancy and agency. “Even against the backdrop of a stellar few years for the industrial and logistics market, 2021 will go down in history as the year in which just about every conceivable record was emphatically broken With over 50 million sq ft of active requirements across the UK, the main impediment to both occupier and investor activity is a critical lack of supply.” Developers have responded with a record 20.7 million sq. ft pipeline of speculative space under construction, up 80% year-on-year.Somecritics dislike the speculative nature of some of the developments. “They’ve been built to meet demand from investors in Europe, the Middle East and the United States to achieve returns on their cash,” says Samir Dani, professor of operations management and deputy director of Keele Business School. Texas-

based investment firm Hines is said to have bought at least five warehouses in the golden triangle in less than a year, while American pension investor Blackstone is also thought to be a big buyer.

The controversyGroby

When justifying the Anstey Lane development at Groby, I M Properties referred to a study commissioned by councils across Leicestershire to look at the warehousing and logistics requirements across the county.

“This identified the area west of the A46 as one of the ‘key areas of opportunity’ for road linked logistics sites.” said the company. “First and foremost, the site is well connected to key transport corridors (the A50, A46 and M1) which provide access across the East Midlands and to all parts of the country.”

IMP came to the conclusion that Groby is within one of these key areas. “Given the shortfall in land required to accommodate floorspace needed to 2041 identified in the land use forecasts section, we have identified general broad areas across Leicestershire where new strategic logistics sites should be located (Areas of Opportunity),” says the report. And it does identify six key areas which it shows on a plan, and acknowledges that the boundaries are not definitive and are shown for indicative purposes only.

Groby is just outside the key areas identified and, even with the caveat concerning boundaries, it is legitimate to question their interpretation of the report.

Norman Griffiths

How to stop gettinglorriesstuck

HAVE YOU ever come across a huge lorry jammed tight somewhere, and wondered WHY ON EARTH the driver chose that route?

The answer is probably that they used a satnav system designed to helpNowcars.the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils in England and Wales, is calling for a change in the law. It argues that HGVs should use only specialist navigation tools designed to keep them on wider roads.Thecall comes following a series of incidents involving HGVs in impossible places. One lorry was determined to get under a tiny bridge in Leicestershire, but instead shut the road for 12 hours. Another lorry nosed itself deep into a narrow street in Bristol, and was stuck for 15 hours. A third lorry tackled a very narrow railway bridge in Swindon, and crashed, causing hours of delay to numerous trains and dozens of cars.

FREE ServiceCounselling

HOSPICE HOPE is delighted to announce that it has expanded its popular counselling service and will now be delivering additional counselling hours at the Marlene Reid Centre, Coalville, in addition to the counselling sessions it provides at Hope House, Griffydam.

The expansion of our counselling service has been made possible by grants awarded by the Hinckley and Rugby Building Society and the ‘Getting Help in Neighbourhoods Fund Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing Fund’, which is managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Foundation.Telephone counselling hours have also been increased through these funds, offering more people the option to access counselling in their own homes.Hospice Hope’s Charity Manager, Jim Vickrage, commented, “Counselling gives individuals the chance to address their problems in a positive way by helping to clarify issues, explore options, develop strategies and increase self-awareness. We are delighted to be able to grow this valuable service as it delivers support direct to people who need it”.

Hospice Hope is now offering 20 hours of free face to face or telephone counselling each week, supporting individuals in North West Leicestershire who have a condition that leads to a reduction in quality of life or who have been diagnosed with a life limiting condition, as well as offering support to their partner or carer.

To find out more about the charity, all our support services, and how you may be able to help us continue our invaluable work please contact Hospice Hope at jim@hospicehope.org.uk, visit our website at www. hospichope.org.uk or call us on 07935 800 658.

Hospice Hope is a registered charity, number 1169561.

Hidden danger of gum disease

Modern travelling is not travelling at all; it is merely being sent to a place, and very little different from becoming a parcel.

John Ruskin

In the beginning, the Universe was created. This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move.

Douglas Adams

So say some researchers at the University of Birmingham, following a recent study of more than 64,000 patients with a history of gum disease. It was found that patients had a higher likelihood of developing depression, anxiety, autoimmune conditions such as arthritis, Type 1 diabetes or psoriasis, a skin condition. They were also found to be more likely to have heart or blood problems or Type 2 diabetes.

One doctor pointed out that, sadly, “poor oral health is extremely common, both here in the UK and globally.” And, “when oral ill-health progresses, it can lead to a substantially reduced quality of life.”

The study, one of the largest of its kind, was published in The BMJ.

THIS WILL encourage you to brush your teeth: it seems that gum disease can increase your risk of developing mental health problems and other illnesses by more than a third.

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Gardening could save your life –but only if you really get stuck in

A RECENT study has found that just an hour a week of digging and shovelling could be enough to cut your risk of dying. Such ‘muscle strengthening exercises’ has been found linked to a 10 to 20 per cent lower risk of death from all causes.

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Over Installations4,000 of inSensorsMeteorologyinChina3Years

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The study, recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, also found that if you combine that hour a week of strength-training with regular aerobic exercise, you may even reduce your overall risk of an early death by as much as 40 per cent.

So brisk walking and cycling are great – but add in a bit of muscle building, too. Sadly, the growth in online shopping means we are not even carrying our shopping bags home from the supermarket as much as we used to do.

Be kind to hedgehogs

THE LATEST State of Britain’s Hedgehogs report warns that between 30 per cent and 75 per cent of the UK’s population of hedgehogs has been lost in rural areas in the last two decades. The largest falls are in the eastern half of England.

However, there is some evidence that in our towns and cities, a more stable population may be establishing itself, thanks to the constant help from considerate gardeners and animal-lovers. If you have a garden, and would like to help hedgehogs this coming winter, please https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/animals/hedgehogs/gardenvisit:

First day back at school

IT WAS THE first day of school. As the new Head made his rounds, he heard a terrible commotion coming from one of the classrooms.

He rushed in and spotted one boy, taller than the others, who seemed to be making the most noise. He seized the lad, dragged him to the hall, and despite his protests, told him to wait there until he was excused.

Returning to the classroom, the Head restored order and lectured the class about the importance of good behaviour. “Now,” he said, “are there any questions?”

One girl stood up timidly. “Please sir,” she asked, “May we have our teacher back?”

DRUCK, a Baker Hughes business, has now delivered more than 4,000 of its highaccuracy, high-reliability pressure measurement sensors in China following the company’s latest contract with the country’s leading integrator.meteorology

A significant number of sensors were installed across the rapidly increasing smart city monitoring stations — over 4,000 in the last threeDruckyears.has

received orders from several customers, taking the company’s market share from zero to over 40% in just three years.

China leads the way in smart city monitoring, and the number of Druck installations is expected to double in the next three years.

Smart cities use digital solutions to make traditional networks and services more efficient for the benefit of inhabitants and business.

Druck technology, manufactured at its plant in Changzhou, China, and at its global headquarters in Groby, will enable Chinese authorities to better predict the weather, vital for flood defenses and early weather warning

Foundedsystems.inGroby in 1972, this year Druck is celebrating its 50th birthday. Druck has grown into a global leader for pressuremeasurement across a wide range of applications for customers in more than 70 countries and employing more than 800 people.

National Trust Leicester Association

INADDITION to the grand house, walled garden and estate walks Calke Abbey near Ashby has another rather different experience for visitors that many people are not aware of. It is called “Calke Explore”.

Calke Explore is an outdoor adventure area away from the house and gardens. It is situated in peaceful woodland where you can find a car park, toilet facilities, a “Changing Place” toilet and a refreshment kiosk. It has easy access to walking and cycling routes, exciting natural play areas nestled in the woods and spaces for relaxation and reflection.

There is easy access to the wider estate and to the Tramway Trail which is a family friendly walking and cycling route on hard paths. There is also a children’s natural woodland play area open throughout the year. More peacefully there is plenty of space for reflection with new benches overlooking the wetlands and a courtyard with both covered and uncovered seating where you can relax with a cuppa. The food and beverage kiosk is open weekends from 10am to 3pm.

If you don’t want to bring your own bike, a cycle hire facility is open at weekends and throughout school holidays. There are also two orienteering courses kindly created by Derwent Valley Orienteers. Navigate from marker to marker to collect a series of letters which then spell out a Calke related phrase.

To make Calke Explore as green as possible new recycling bins have been installed as well as environmentally friendly hand dryers in the toilets. Single use cups have also been banned in the Food and Beverage kiosk and visitors are being encouraged to bring their own cup with them and in return receive 25p off the cost of a hot drink. Also to make Calke explore as accessible to as many people as possible there are 10 “accessible” parking bays next to the facilities, a disabled access toilet and an adult “Changing Places” facility if you have additional needs. Finally there is also a human-sized badger sett that can be walked through and which is also wheelchair accessible.

• THE NATIONAL TRUST Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 28th September at 2.30pm at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester, LE2 3LF, when Jill Kashi will present an illustrated talk on “60 Years of Change at Baddesley Clinton”. For details of the NT Leicester Association please call 0116 2229133 or visit our web site, at www.leicesternt.com New members are always welcome.

We will be getting delivery of the vaccines in September and will be contacting patients, as specified by the NHS, to book an appointment. request patients to be ‘patient’ in the meantime. Those patients who are eligible are: 50 years and over, or anyone who has certain health conditions

Shingles Vaccine and Pneumonia Vaccine

Patients eligible for the shingles vaccine are those aged 70 to Patients79.eligible for the pneumonia vaccine are those who are 65 and over, or those with long term health Theconditions.Groby

Surgery cannot stress the importance of having the vaccine as it decreases the risk of becoming severely ill.

Alan Tyler, Publicity Officer NT Leicester Association

IT VERY MUCH looks like the company the planning radar’ the local the school it the school is closed people are away on holiday.

Of course, all of this could be purely coincidental; many who have been in touch disagree.

The application was validated for processing by HBBC on the day the last Spotlight was delivered to you with a 21-day consultation period that fell just short of this month’s Spotlight.

Many residents have been in touch against the mast, not one in support to date, a summary of the objections I have had sight of are enclosed below.

• Not in keeping in the street scene in an historic part of Groby, Mineral Railway Line

• Too close to the largest education campus in Groby

• Concerns about the health and well being of students and teachers at Brookvale

• Too close to an existing mast from the same provider

• Significant concerns over the impact of the EMF from the mast, unproven to be safe

• Too close to residential homes

• Concern for wildlife, bats etc in the Spinney

• Applicant declares the mast will be ineffective

• Trees on three sides of the mast many of which have TPO’S Thank you to everyone that has sent me details of their submissions to

AsHBBC.with

previous applications residents have said that they were having difficulties - if not finding it impossible - to submit comments on the HBBC web site. This has been reported to the IT department at HBBC and is being investigated. This does not help those affected - please see details below about an alternative way to submit.

Whilst the official consultation period has closed, if the case officer has not come to a conclusion by the time you receive this Spotlight, it will still be possible to submit your comments by e-mail to them.

I have no way of foreseeing what date the decision on this mast is issued in order to support or refuse the application at the time of writing so would add this needs to be done within a few days of receiving this Spotlight. Any later, will certainly be too late.

There may still be time to submit your views: To submit comments to the case officer please email the planning official direct on: Stephen.Sarfo@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk with the following in the subject: 22/00734/TGDO Proposed Telecommunications Installation on Ratby Road

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

Hinckley & Bosworth Local Governance Review

NOW THAT the Local Governance Review consultation has closed what has become clear is that the recommendation

to move Field Head to Markfield Parish from Groby Parish Council was as a result of a recommendation to do so in the first place by Groby Parish Council members and only a couple of residents.

You should have received a letter by now from Bill Cullen explaining that changes were proposed to take place urging you to go to the HBBC web site and take a look.

However, neither the HBBC web site, Bill Cullen’s letter nor any of the articles printed to date set out the pros and cons for doing so.

If the change takes place, this will result in Groby Parish Council being reduced to 13 members for Groby Ward alone. They currently have 16 members, 13 for Groby Ward and 3 for Field Head Ward.

Markfield Parish Council would have one Councillor for Field Head.

The Parish precept for Field Head currently paid to Groby Parish Council would be lost from Groby’s budget and instead paid to Markfield Parish Council, the result being a severe reduction of precept monies paid to Groby Parish Council.

Groby Parish Council would have to live and work within its reduced budget finances from then on or increase the Groby precept significantly to compensate for the loss.

The opposite is true for Markfield; Field Head residents would pay the prevailing Parish Precept rate that Markfield Parish Council sets in the future and Markfield Parish Council would receive the precept monies. Field Head would then pay nothing to the Groby Parish Council.

It has also been stated that Field Head residents would lose the right to use Groby Cemetery. This is NOT correct.

Whilst an automatic right for Burial will be lost if the change happens, the rules of Groby Cemetery do allow for applications from people who have had a connection to Groby in the past to be submitted and decided on an individual case basis.

Field Head residents having had a connection to Groby for such a long time in this case would have a good case to put forward in qualifying to be buried there. This would diminish over significant time but it is not true to say the right would be removed straight away. An ashes plot at Groby Cemetery can be applied for by anyone even those without a connection to Groby.

As to the pros for completing the move to Markfield Parish Council, Field Head residents may believe it is better aligned to Markfield and would prefer a Councillor representing them on Markfield Parish Council.

Whilst Groby Parish Council as a whole put forward the suggestion in the first place - and all Councillors voted for it - once the second consultation took place it became evident at a Parish Council meeting that much of the pros and cons were not fully understood entirely. Groby Parish Council then voted to keep the status quo, that being not to move Field Head into Markfield.

The good to come out of the second consultation is that many more people are aware of the consultation and have had the opportunity to find out more and give their views should they choose to do so.

Any changes will be in place from the May 2023 Borough and Parish Council elections.

Kind regards, Cllr Martin Cartwright

Cllr Martin Cartwright

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Groby 0116 287 07850 Groby,

Ratby

Letter

Traditional Wet Plate Photography

I AM A GROBY RESIDENT with a keen interest in traditional wet plate and alternative process photography and I wondered if you might be interested in publishing a couple of my photographs.

The wet plate process was developed in 1851 by Frederick Scott Archer, replacing the more expensive daguerreotype, producing images in pure silver either on glass or aluminium plates. The trick is making the image before the collodion – a solution created as a battlefield dressing in the Napoleonic War – dries, hence the term “wet plate.” Once the plate has been sensitised the process is surprisingly quick, which has led some practitioners to call it the Victorian Polaroid, although exposures can take over a minute. It’s an unusual process and perhaps your readers might find it interesting.Ihavealso photographed Leicestershire and, more locally, Martinshaw Woods using infrared photography, which produces some rather spectacular imagery.

I am also looking to expand my portfolio and would be happy to photograph members of our local community or work with local organisations to set-up pop-up events or similar. I’m particularly interested in using the technology of the past to tell contemporary stories, and there is a magical quality to wet plate photography that I think provides a welcome antidote to our increasingly digital lives. Collaborations are always welcome. Here are a couple of examples: a wet plate potrait and an infrared shot of an ancient oak on the edge of Martinshaw Woods:

Additional examples of my work can be found on my website (when in photography mode I go by the name Collodion Ghost): https://www. paulcwhitehouse.com/ Paul Whitehouse

Take picnics, not barbeques, to Martinshaw Woods - says Woodland Trust

“The simple message is : wildfires can destroy habitats, kill wildlife and put people’s lives at risk. Bring a picnic to enjoy instead of lighting a fire, and leave your BBQ at home.”

The Trust believes the vast majority of the fires in Martinshaw are campfires that get out of control or are deliberate arson. But what is the profile of the typical firelighter? “In the case of Martinshaw the fires are mainly started by local children, so targeting parents may be a valid approach. But it is not solely children, with instances of a parent teaching their children how to light fires.”

Local homes which back on to Martinshaw Wood would be very vulnerable in the event of a wild fire, and the Trust says that the site has a detailed fire risk assessment that identifies the risks associated with the Rural Urban Interface (RUI). Fire breaks and control lines are in place around the wood and in the RUI zone a “no Brash” policy for two tree lengths has been adopted to reduce ‘fuel load.’ Brash is woody debris left by logging operations. It seems that felling the trees would in many respects be counterproductive, as they would be replaced with fine fuels such as grasses and scrub that would burn better.

Neighbours are encouraged to help by avoiding piling brash and waste in the wood or on the boundary, avoiding storing large amounts of flammable material and cleaning dry leaves out of UPVC gutters etc.

This summer there have been a number of fires in the Charnwood area, including one at Groby Pool, that damaged trees, undergrowth and a bench seat.

Norman Griffiths

What We Owe The AFuture:Million-Year View

by William HUMANITYMacAskillisinitsinfancy. Our future could last for millions of years – or it could end tomorrow.

Astonishing numbers of people could lead lives of great happiness or unimaginable suffering, or never live at all, depending on what we choose to do today.

As we approach a critical juncture in our history, we can make profound moral decisions about how humanity’s course plays out. We can create positive change on behalf of future generations, to prevent the use of catastrophic weapons and maintain peace between the world’s great powers. We can improve our moral values, navigating the rise of AI and climate change more fairly for generations to come.

The challenges we face are enormous. But so is the influence we have. If we choose wisely, our distant descendants will look back on us fondly, knowing we did everything we could to give them a world that is beautiful and just.

Table Top Sale in Ratby Book Your Table Now!

Don’t miss the Table Top Sale on Saturday 8th October from 10am-1pm at Ratby Parish Church & Church rooms.

The cost for renting a table is £8.

If you wish to book a table or require further information please contact Joan Hawkins tel: 07545 909868 or Anne Koscielska tel: 07813 645923.

Refreshments will be available in church rooms.

“WE DON’T PERMIT lighting fires on our sites – and it’s even more important now, with it being so dry for so long,” a spokesman for the Woodland Trust explained.

Groby Allotments News

A Successful Open Day!

DESPITE THE soaring temperatures on Sunday, 14th August, we had a really good day, with Master Composter Rod Weston showing us all how to make a compost liquid feed using a giant teabag to soak the compost in, and a hunt the beasties compost safari!

We also had guided tours of our main site imparting lots of allotment history as well as our usual stalls. Our younger visitors enjoyed taking part in a colouring competition, hunting for prizes in the mini bran tub or, best of all having their faces painted by one of our talented members! I quite fancied having my face painted but I was so hot, I’m sure the paint would have run and I would have frightened the rest of the children away completely!

We had bacon cobs or hot dogs available from the catering shed and also some delicious biscuits, scones and cakes baked by more talented tenants! Luckily, we had enough shade under the gazebos for our visitors and some borrowed garden umbrellas for our stall holders to stop us wilting too much in the heat.

For the first time this year, we had a mini Produce Show with a variety of very good entries but the ones that produced the most interest were those in the “funny looking vegetable” category and there was hot competition to see who had won first prize, although decorum prevents me from adding a photo of the winning entry!

What Weather!

WELL, WHAT a year for gardeners allotmenteers!and

Hopefully, and by the time you read this, our long dry summer will be over and we will be back to having frequent rain showers to wet the soil again. At the moment even the odd rain shower has only just touched the surface of the soil on my plot and when I dig down to plant anything new, the soil just below the surface is as dry as a bone. I intend to dig lots of my compost into my soil this autumn to give it more water-retaining ability for next year. The problem at the moment is that the soil is so dry and compacted that any significant rain is likely to just run off and not soak in.

Problems with Ants

Piano

Friday 11th November 7PM. Markfield Methodist

Apart from causing small ‘ant hills’ on the footpaths at the side of my allotment plot, they don’t cause too much trouble, but they do have a tendency to ‘farm’ aphids (greenfly) which can do a lot of damage to crops. The ants are very clever and look after the aphids because they feed on the ‘honeydew’ that the aphids secrete.

After we start to get our usual rainfall again, we should hopefully see the ant population reduce, as they prefer loose dry soil. After this summer, the one thing that the soil on my plot is not, is loose!! To dig, it would be more appropriate to use a pick axe than a spade or trowel! So those ants must be very muscular or determined. I’ve also heard that making up a peppermint spray, made by adding a few drops of peppermint oil to water in a spray bottle and spraying this solution thoroughly along the edges of the beds, or in my case paths, is

a good deterrent. However it will need to be sprayed fairly frequently to remain effective. The best solution I think, is to attract anteating birds to your beds or plot, such as robins, wrens or sparrows. I’ll check that my bird seed contains the favourite seeds of these birds and leave them to do all the hard work!

Carol Lincoln

will be able to see Renata play. Tickets £12 adults, £6 children. Via our website http://www. markfieldmethodistchurch.orgorcall07979607099

Sunday 25th September, Sunday 2nd & 30th October Time: 2.30pm Groby Village Hall More Info Tel: 07598 929767

I DON’T KNOW about you,

but this year has been a good one for all the ants in the garden and on the plot because it has been so dry.

County

Get help with your child’s progress

WE KNOW it might feel uncertain and daunting when beginning to explore support for your child.

However, if your child isn’t progressing as well as they should, is having difficulty at nursery, school or college, or has a disability, they can get extra help.

How to get help

If you’re worried about your child’s progress speak to:

• their teacher

• their nursery worker

• the school SENCO

• your GP or health visitor if your child isn’t in nursery or school

Or contact SENDIASS

Every school and nursery has a special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO). They’re teachers who are trained to identify children with special educational needs and make sure the children get all the help they need. You can talk to the SENCO at your child’s school or nursery. They’ll be able to explain how they can help and if they can get other services involved.

Help your child may get THE HELP your child will get may include:

• a special learning programme

• extra help from a teacher or assistant – including help from a teacher who specialises in your child’s condition

• working in a smaller group

• help to take part in class activities

• extra encouragement in their learning – for example to ask questions or to try something they find difficult

• help to communicate with other •childrenareferral to other agencies for support

You may also find other services in our Directory (www.leicestershire.

social-care-and-supporting-families/gov.uk/education-and-children/ Yourinformation-and-support-directory)child’sschoolorcollege

may create a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Plan or ask for an assessment for an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Support Plan to help set targets and agree ways of helping them.

You should be asked to meet to discuss targets and support with the school. If your child has

received support from school and is still not making progress the school may ask for an assessment of their Education, Health and Care (EHC) Needs from the Local Authority. Families, Young people, Nurseries, Colleges and other professionals can also ask for an EHC Needs assessment if a child is not making progress.

How to get advice

CONTACT gettingyouindependent(SENDIASS)andInformation,SENDAdviceSupportServiceforadviceifthinkyourchildisn’tthehelptheyneed.

Telephone: 0116 305 5614 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 4.30pm, Friday 9am to 4pm)

Email: sendiass@leics.gov.uk

Extended Road Closure, Ratby Lane, Kirby Muxloe

LEICESTERSHIRE County Council Highways have agreed to a two-week extension to the Developer works at the above location.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the current restrictions will now be in place until the 2nd October 2022.

I fully appreciate residents will not be happy as there has already been a six-week road closure stopping traffic travelling directly out of Ratby towards Blood Hill and the A47. However the County Council has had to agree a further two-week extension. I understand that this is down to unexpected issues on the site. The alternative was to open the road and then close it again for two weeks for the works to be carried out in three months time. The best solution was to do the work now and get it over with and out the way. These closures have gone on long enough disrupting communities.

I am as annoyed as you are that this closure has taken so long but it is not down to LCC Highways, it is down to the developer and the work they need to do.

I am also appalled at the amount of abusive phone calls that the highways officer overseeing this road closure has received after the officer’s contact details was put on Spotted Facebook sites. This officer is a dedicated officer that has kept this closure down to an absolute minimum of what the developer requested. The officer has taken so much abuse on the phone it has caused physical upset.

Overgrown Hedgerow at the A50/A46 Island / Groby Turn

The location in the company’s own words would give reduced coverage. There are safer and better locations that would give better coverage. This location is far too close to the school.

Don’t be scammed

I WAS CONTACTED by several residents rightly complaining that as you travelled from the city to the Groby turn at the A46 island vegetation was encroaching the carriageway.

I arranged the cutback which needed a lane closure.

Leicester Road, Highway Close, Groby Verge Update

WITH REGARD to Cllr Cartwright’s article in August’s Spotlight, I have been working with Highways officers on this piece of land to get the verge cut and maintained for some time.

Countryside Homes were responsible for handing it back in a good maintainable condition - why should tax payers’ money be used to do what they should have done. I can confirm that on the 29th July following a meeting on site with Highways officers and Countryside homes. Countryside Homes have agreed to scrape off and level out the verge for the full extents of the development and topsoil and seed the final layer. Highways officers also arranged for the overgrown grass and weeds to be cut back. In the meantime Groby Parish Council have requested Highways permission to make the verge a wild flower verge and to ensure that a visibility splay is maintained.

22/00734/TGDO 5G Mast, Ratby Road, Groby

I HAVE formally submitted a strong objection to the above application on both health grounds and the visual impact.

Emails are recirculating again, using the Ofgem logo and branding claim to offer an ‘energy bill rebate scheme’, directing recipients to a fake online portal. There, victims are urged to share personal and payment details in order to claim their

Capitalisingrefund.

on the government’s cost of living energy measures, the email explains that you claim a £200 discount on energy bills this Autumn and a £500 Council Tax Rebate.

While this email appears to come from Ofgem, if you examine the sender’s email you can see that the address has been spoofed.

Fake emails we’ve seen come

year.fromcomTheaThe••••from:info@rebate-ogem.cominfo@totalsolutions24-7.co.ukreservations@expedicar.ro,andinfo@globalskyward.com.linkintheemaildirectsyoutofakeportaltoharvestyourdetails.fakewebsite-rebate-ofgem.-promptedurgentwarningstherealOfgemearlierthis

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

Ozzy O’shea

Always Working for you Tel 0116 239 4336 Mobile 07808 585825

Email ozzy.o’shea@leics.gov.uk

Email ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

FRAUDSTERS are posing as the energy regulator Ofgem to dupe people into handing over personal and payment details.

Aldi Hiring 225 Colleagues LeicestershireIn

Church of England unveils strategy to help rural churches THRIVE

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND has launched a 10-point strategy to help its thousands of rural churches survive and thrive.

The CofE has published How Village Churches Thrive, a practical guide to help the churches – many of them historic listed buildings with small congregations – have a sustainable future.

Thornton Teas with a Twist – 3Ts afternoonWednesdayteas,chat,gamesforall!

ALDI HAS announced it is looking to hire 225 store colleagues in Leicestershire between now and the end of the year.

In a welcome boost to the local economy, the UK’s oflookingsupermarketfourth-largestisforpeoplealllevelsof

experience to fill roles at its stores across the region.

This includes both full-time and part-time positions such as Caretaker and Store Assistant, all the way up to Deputy Store Manager, with salaries of up to £48,490.Storesin

Leicestershire where Aldi is looking to hire include Hinckley, Lutterworth and Holliers Walk.

The recruitment push forms part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive, with the supermarket on track to create 2,000 permanent new roles across the UK this year.

In July, Aldi announced a second pay increase this year for its store colleagues, maintaining its position as the UK’s best-paying supermarket.FromSeptember, store colleagues at Aldi will earn an industry-leading minimum hourly rate of £10.50 nationally, and £11.95 inside the M25, with paid breaks included.

Those interested in applying for jobs can visit www.aldirecruitment. co.uk.

The strategy sets out 10 key areas “where applying relatively small changes can make a big difference to the revitalisation, recovery and renewal of our village churches, amplifying the efforts that may well be happening already.”

The ten key recommendations set out in the strategy are:

1. Extend a warm welcome. Think carefully and objectively about who your welcome is aimed at.

2. Make the most of life events – weddings, baptisms and funerals. Many people’s first contact with church begins through the church being there for them at life’s big moments.

3. Use buildings creatively. With thought and planning, your buildings can provide opportunities for people to connect with the community.

4. Care for ‘God’s Acre.’ Engage the whole community in loving and caring for the churchyard.

5. Be the ‘heartbeat’ of a village community. Your church could affect positive change in village life. Leading a community audit could be an important place to start.

6. Celebrate your heritage. The history of the church buildings presents an opportunity for churches to connect with new people of all ages and backgrounds.

7. Cultivate fruitful festivals. Festivals across the year provide ideal opportunities to celebrate, be innovative and creative, and – in partnership with schools, businesses and local groups – to welcome others of every age group.

8. Welcome more children. Engaging with younger people is a priority for the CofE nationally – and village settings can offer great opportunities for creative ministry with children. Projects formed in partnership, especially with local schools, are most likely to thrive.

9. Reach the isolated and lonely. Village churches are in ‘the perfect position’ to make a positive impact on isolation and loneliness.

10. Communicate effectively. Focused communication supports your parish vision and strategy and ensures that all your efforts have more chance of being effective.

Church House Publishing, who published the new guide, describe it as “Packed with practical advice and inspiring case studies to encourage and increase confidence in all who work or worship in a village church.”

FOLLOWING ON from the Jubilee tea there will be free social afternoons at Thornton Community Centre twice a month on Wednesdays until December. If this new venture proves successful, we hope to continue in the New Year.

The first two will be on 14th and 28th September from 2 to 4 pm, with scones jam and cream on 14th. All no charge.

Everyone is invited to drop in for a cuppa, cake and chat. Jig saws, and board games will be provided and a book swap and freebie table. There will be toys available for young families.

It’s your afternoons. Meet new friends, exchange ideas, learn new skills or just come for the company.

Just pop in and spend some time in happy surroundings.

A huge thank you to the Community Centre trustees for the room hire and start up donation.

If you would like to help with these Wednesdays, even for just the odd one, please do let me know.

Organised by the village for the villagers.Formore information contact me, Shirley, on 01530 230 422 or shirley.garlick19@btinternet.comemail

And I quote ...

I’m not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb ... and I’m also not blonde.

Dolly Parton

SupperHarvestandConcert

with the Cantamici Choir

Saturday Sept 24th 7.30pm

At St Peter’s Church Copt Oak. Tickets £10 - (please book to help with catering)

Contact 01530 249101 or 01530 244229 or

Book of condolence opens at County Hall

Friday 11th November 7PM. Markfield Methodist Church. Hungarian Pianist Renata Konyiksca returns to wow us with another amazing performance. Our Church has an intimate setting in which the piano is arranged so that as many folks as possible will be able to see Renata play.

Tickets £12 adults, £6 children. Via our website http://www. markfieldmethodistchurch.orgorcall07979607099

Quiz Night

A BOOK OF CONDOLENCE has opened at County Hall following the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II, the country’s longest reigning monarch.

On Friday 9th September, Vice Lord Lieutenant, Col. Murray Colville, Leicestershire County Council, Chairman Kevin Feltham, Leader Nick Rushton, and Deputy Leader Deborah Taylor, signed the book where residents and staff can leave tributes to Her Majesty. Lord Lieutenant, Mike Kapur, was also in attendance to witness the opening of the book.

Chairman Kevin Feltham, said: “The Queen dedicated her life to the country and my thoughts remain with the King and the Royal Family. Signing the book of condolence is an opportunity for the people of Leicestershire to reflect on their memories of The Queen and pay their respects.”

On Saturday 24th September 2022 at 7.30pm

Leader Nick Rushton added: “Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a bright and shining light who embodied the spirit, unity and duty of our nation and county. We offer King Charles III our loyalty and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much, to so many, for so long. I hope people will come and share their messages of sympathy and memories.”

Deputy leader Deborah Taylor said: “I know the thoughts of everyone in Leicestershire and with The Queen’s close family as the whole world mourns this great lady.”

Through Thick and ThinMy Story So Far

By Rosemary Conley

Rosemary had nearly died as a child. Years later, having defied the odds and become a teenager, she discovered a medical report that said she was overweight. That was the moment the young Rosemary Conley decided to change her life. After leaving school at 15, training as a secretary and working as a Tupperware dealer, Rosemary started her own slimming classes in 1972 with an investment of just £8.

In 1983 she published the first of 36 books that were to sell in their millions around the world, alongside millions more of her fitness videos, while also starring in her own TV shows on BBC and ITV. She became, in short, one of the most popular and successful diet and fitness experts the world has seen.

But Rosemary’s life was not to be one of unbounded achievement and success. As well as the good times there were dark and distressing times, and here she tells of the sorrows and setbacks that were to come – as well as the joy she found, and still finds, in helping people live healthier and happier lives.

VinegarBlackberryRecipe

INGREDIENTS: 450g (1lb) washed;blackberries,600ml (1 pint) white wine vinegar (other recipes use malt or cider, so you could use whichever is to hand; 300g (1lb) unrefined sugar.

METHOD: Place the blackberries in a bowl and cover vinegar.Allowwith the mixture to steep 7-10 days, covered. Then, pressing down with the back of a ladle or spoon, carefully mash the berries to release their juices. Strain the mixture, reserving the liquid. Add the liquid to a saucepan. Bring to the boil, then cook at a boil for 8-10 minutes. Transfer to sterilized bottles and enjoy!

Vice Lord Lieutenant, Col. Murray Colville (front), Leicestershire County Council Chairman Kevin Feltham (right), Leader Nick Rushton (middle), and Deputy Leader Deborah Taylor (left) sign the book of condolence at County Hall.

THIS IS THE autobiography of one of the nation’s favourite TV diet and fitness experts of the past 50 years.

A Sunday walk in Bradgate Park ... by bus

GROBY IS LUCKY to have easy access to the countryside, with many walks not needing any transport for the able bodied.

When transport is needed it’s likely to involve a car, as not all beauty spots can be accessed by a convenient bus service.

Thornton Reservoir is one exception, served by the Coalville 26 service via Ratby. But it doesn’t run on Sundays, unlike another service which only runs on Sundays and serves Bradgate Park

The 29B seems to have been little publicised by Arriva, but it enables Groby residents to be alighting in Newtown Linford in just a few minutes. Four times on a Sunday the 29 Coalville bus is diverted from Bradgate Hill, and instead turns down Newtown Linford Lane, travelling on to Markfield. You can stay in Newtown Linford for 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours. All options offer the opportunity of a short refreshment break, or even for lunch if you stay longer. If you want to walk home, you can avoid Newtown Linford Lane by taking the picturesque footpath near the cemetery down to Groby Pool.

Markfield Local History CelebratingPresentsGrouptheOrigins

of Animal Life: Building a UNESCO Global Geopark in Forest,CharnwoodUK

~ A talk by ~ Dr Jack Matthews

Geoheritage Conservation and Interpretation Officer for the Charnwood Forest Geopark, U.K., and a freelance consultant in geoheritage, geoconservation, and geotourism.

Although it might seem to be very much a seasonal excursion, it has been retained in the new timetable effective from August 27th. The published times from Leicester Road (Pymm Ley Lane stop) are 9.47, 11.47, 13.47 and 15.47. The return service, from Newtown Linford (the Bradgate stop), leaves at 11.53, 13.53, 15.53 and 17.48. The rise in the number of cancelled buses is a risk factor, but if you are prepared to walk one way you can build in certainty by going by bus and walking back to Groby.

Field Head residents could reverse the route, though check the times for the journey from Markfield.

Buckle up for an exciting ride

Arriva aficionadas may be excited to hear of a ‘journey’ from Groby to Burton that takes just 12 minutes. It will be of particular interest to anyone who doesn’t actually want to go to Burton, and enjoys roller coaster rides. A front seat speeded up video of the bus, apparently hurtling around bends and junctions, can be watched on You Tube by Googling Leicester to Burton | 4772 (YJ56 KFD). Videos of other routes, including the Skylink to Derby, are also available.

Norman Griffiths

Local companies team up estate agent

Potential house buyers have been so keen to find out more, even before a house is built, that the company has arranged to have a sales consultant based at the offices of local estate agent Anderson Briggs in Groby, so customers are not left disappointed.

William Davis Homes Sales Director Steve Rush said he was delighted to be partnering with the company founded in January this year by Conor Anderson and Jed Briggs. The developer has built a reputation for working with local suppliers and providing local employment.

William Davis sales consultant June Hall will be available at the Anderson Briggs office on Ratby Road in Groby on an appointment-only basis.

The office was opened in March by Conor and Jed, who were childhood friends in the Groby and Ratby area and now have ten years’ combined experience in the industry.

Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire is host to some of the oldest animal fossils in the world. This presentation will outline the internationally significant geodiversity of Charnwood Forest - including the outstanding ancient fossils - and the ways it has shaped the landscape, communities, and people of Britain’s ‘unexpected upland’.

Tuesday September 20th at 7.30 pm

The Methodist Church Rooms, Main Street, Markfield

Non-members £3 to include www.markfieldhistory.orgrefreshments

Henry Ford’s secret ...

“The formula,” said Ford, “is the same formula I have always used in making cars – just stick to one model.”

Sixteenth of a Page 45mm wide x 65mm high £20.00 plus VAT

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Eighth of a Page 95mm wide x 65mm high £40.00 plus VAT

Sixth of a Page 95mm wide by 87mm high £50.00 plus VAT

Quarter of a Page 95mm wide x 130mm high £65.00 plus VAT

Half of a Page 194mm wide x 130mm high £120.00 plus VAT

Full Page (A4) 194m wide x 268mm high £190.00 plus VAT

Double Page Spread (A3) 404mm wide x 268mm high £249.00 plus VAT

WHEN THE late Mr and Mrs Henry Ford celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, a reporter asked them: “To what do you attribute your fifty years of successful married life?”

How Times change

FORTY TWO years ago residents of Field Head rejected a suggestion of Markfield Parish Council that the area should become part of Markfield Parish.

At a meeting of the Borough Council on Tuesday 6th September 2022, a petition of 114 signatures was presented to Officers of the Council stating the residents’ wish to be taken into Markfield Parish.

If this proposed Parish boundary change goes ahead it will need both Councils to adjust their Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Councils launch Discretionary Energy Rebate Scheme

LEICESTERSHIRE residents could be eligible for a Discretionary Energy Rebate payment of £150 this summer.

Residents of Hinckley and Bosworth and North West Leicestershire district councils, are working together as Leicestershire Partnership Revenues and Benefits, to pay out grants as part the Government’s energy rebate scheme which was put in place to support families amid rising global energy costs.

The Government has provided councils with funding to operate a discretionary scheme for households in need who would not otherwise be eligible for a £150 Energy Rebate. This includes, for example, individuals on low incomes who live in properties valued in bands E to H and who did not qualify for a rebate earlier this year and occupiers of homes of multiple occupation who pay rent and energy bills but not council tax, such as student accommodation.

Households may qualify under one of two available Energy Rebate groups.

The Discretionary Energy Rebate group one aims to support households in bands E to H where the residents are in receipt of council tax support, carers allowance, have a disabled band relief or other vulnerability related exemption.

Payments to households who receive these benefits will be made automatically by the council, there is no need for households to apply to receive it. Group one eligible households will be sent a Post Office letter which will enable them to go to any Post Office, with photo identification, and receive the cash.

Alternatively, Discretionary Energy Rebate Group Two may also provide a rebate to households who occupied a property on 1 April 2022 who were liable for rent and energy bills but not for paying council tax. This is likely to apply to homes of multiple occupation including student accommodation amongst others, but unlike those eligible for the rebate as part of group one, householders who qualify as part of group two must apply to receive their rebate, payments will not be made automatically. To apply visit your local council’s website. Applications must be made by 30 September 2022.

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council Leader Cllr Stuart Bray said on behalf of the Leicestershire Partnership Revenues and Benefits: “We know people are struggling with the cost of living right now and we want to make sure that residents receive this vital help with their bills. We will be distributing a further £143,000 to eligible households over the next few weeks. Our priority is to make sure every household entitled to this payment gets it as soon as possible.”

Hinckley and Bosworth residents should go to: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/discretionaryenergyrebate

Borough Council enforcement officers to wear body cams ENFORCEMENT officers around the borough will soon wear body cameras to provide enforcement.thetransparencygreateraroundactionsof

Cameras will be worn on officers’ uniforms and will only start recording after a person has been observed committing an offence.

It is hoped that the cameras will also help to prevent incidents of physical and verbal abuse towards officers.

As part of the scheme, those being recorded will be told as soon as is practically possible that they are being filmed. The cameras will provide officers with a record of everything that is said, which can also be used to make sure officers are carrying out the correct procedures.

The cameras can record for several hours before they need to be charged, ensuring officers are always able to use the devices. Footage will be securely downloaded using a docking station, which will then enable officers and other authorised council staff to view the footage on a computer.

• Power Maxx Platinum

VIBRATIONS PLATE. Good working order including instructions.

Price: £25.

Tel: 07855 290073 (Glenfield)

• Kawai CA 51 CONCERT ARTIST DIGITAL PIANO, in immaculate condition, hardly used. I would like £500 o.n.o.

Tel: 0116 287 8323 (Groby)

• Astraka FULL-LENGTH COAT & HOOD. Excellent condition. Price: £35 o.n.o.

Tel: 07999 768521 or 0116 287 8987 (Groby)

• Gibson JIGSAW PUZZLES

1000-piece £4.00. 1x Thomas Kinkade 1000-piece £4.00. 1x puzzle with unique shapes a challenge 1000-piece £4.00. 1x festive puzzle 1000-piece. Can supply photos.

Tel: 07790 734858 (Groby)

• Pedestrian GARDEN GATEledged & braced - size: 1m 80mm X 90mm wide. Requires one slat and new furniture. Price: £25. Can deliver.

Tel: 07715 853571 (Glenfield)

• DESSERT GLASSES. 6 x Bormioli Rocco JERBA Clear glass dessert dishes curved stem Italian.BRAND new in original box never used. Price: £60.

Tel: 07929 473888 (Groby)

• GARAGE DOOR, Remote Controlled up and over type (disassembled) with Cardale 659-T electric opening mechanism and 2 remote controls, NOVOFERM ISO20MM GEORGIAN model, powder coated in white with insulated panels installed 8 years ago on an 80’s Fitchett/Bloor garage. Dimensions: 6’10” wide, 6’6” height (2,083mm x 1,981mm) Price £189.

Tel: 07860 523567 (Groby)

• Boxed Flymo PowerVac 3000 Powerful LEAF BLOWER/ LEAF VAC / MULCHER. Complete with all attachments. Virtually new. Price: £35.

• EGG POACHER - 4 poaching cups, non stick, sturdy heavy stainless steel body, little used, can also be used as a pan. Price: £8

• Vintage Art Deco frameless bevelled rectangular MIRROR with chain, 1920s. Size 49cm x 76cmexcellent condition. Price: £20

Tel: 01530 242318 or 07763 110929 (Markfield)

• VINTAGE BIKE - 1950s. Humber Make. Black with Basket. Price: £100. Tel: 01530 244572 or 07729 332067 (Stanton under Bardon)

• COAL BUCKET & COMPANION SET. Price: £15.

Tel: 07508 723698 (Markfield)

• Halfords Apollo Elyse LADIES BIKE - 16” frame, 700c wheels, 18 gears. Purple/grey/black. The latest version is £230 at Halfords. This one has only been ridden a handful of times and is like new. Price: £125.

Tel: 07950058568 (Groby)

• Nibra POWER FITNESS MACHINE - Slim 2 - plus mat and accessories. Only used once. As new. Price: £50.

• Ten Endangered Animal Species PLATES. Price: £50.

Tel: 0116 287 5818 (Glenfield)

• Binatone Tom Tom SATNAV - touch screen. Brand new, still in box. Price:

•£45.Car

BATTERY CHARGER - up to 1.8L. Brand new. Price: £25.00

• HAMMER DRILL - as new. Very powerful.Price: £20.

Tel: 07957 915183 (Groby)

• Pro-Fitness CROSS TRAINERUsed, Good Condition. Not dismantled so will require a van for pick up. Price: £35.

Tel: 07473 926657 (Markfield)

• Enfold Lite FOLDING BIKE. Excellent condition. Will include helmet, lock and pump.

Price: £135 o.v.n.o.

Tel: 07743 015377 (Thornton)

• DOUBLE SOFA BED in distinctive rustic colours with 2 matching Price:cushions/pillows.£50.(Two pairs of MATCHING CURTAINS could be made available for an additional £20 if required.)

• LARGE EXERCISE MACHINE for arms & legs together.

Price: £40

• SMALL EXERCISE MACHINE for arms or legs separately. Price: £15.

Tel: 01530 243158 (Markfield)

• Two Tefal Non stick FRYING PANS 20cm & 26cm.

• Two Tefal Non stick SAUCEPANS 17cm & 15cm. All excellent condition. Price: £20 for the set.

Tel: 07905 558349 (Bagworth)

• Full set of GOLF CLUBS for sale - all good condition. Mizuno irons, Dunlop woods with covers and Slazenger putter. Price: £60

• Williams GOLF BAG. Price: £20

• White Adidas GOLF SHOES, worn once - size 11. Price: £15.

• Black Slazenger GOLF SHOES worn twice - size 11. Price: £15.

Tel: 07961 463080 (Thornton)

The Dance of Death by C. V. LEICESTERChauhanCITY

is being stalked by a ruthless killer…

When a young Asian woman is found murdered in a particularly brutal fashion, the Leicestershire police force are put on high alert to find the killer.

The body was positioned in the shape of swastika and instantly points to racist motivations.Newlypromoted homicide detective Rohan Sharma is given the case – a surprise both to Sharma himself and his more experienced colleagues.

Desperate to prove himself, Sharma works around the clock – and soon discovers connections to the death of a young Somali woman that occurred the previous year.

But with his resentful colleagues working against him and his private life falling apart, Sharma struggles to keep his head in the game.

And when he starts to receive strange anonymous messages, he realises the killer may now be tracking his every move…

Can Detective Sharma stop the killer before he strikes again?

Or will he find himself trapped in a vicious dance of death…?

• 15” Matsui HD Ready DIGITAL LCD TV. Full working order with remote and instruction book. Price: £15.00.

• 2 X Eagle Claw car anti theft crook locks. 2 keys for each. Price: £6.00 each or £10.00 the pair.

Tel: 07585 344915 (Markfield)

• Space Saver SPARE WHEEL, JACK AND WHEEL BRACE for Nissan Juke (2015 model). As new. Price: £85.00

Tel: 01530 231089 (Thornton)

SEND DETAILS by post or email - sorry, we can’t take them over the phone. Maximum EIGHT items please. No business ads. Our postal address is: Spotlight Small Ads, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT or you can email details to: info@grobyspotlight.co.ukPLEASEENSUREthatyouput‘SMALLADS’inthesubjectline,andINCLUDEYOURFULLPOSTALADDRESS

(not for publication, just to know where you are).

Be entertainedatthe Ratby HarvestChurchSupper

COME AND join us at our Harvest Supper to be held in the Church on Saturday 2nd October.

As well as a “bring and share” supper we will be entertained by the TUDOR CHOIR (Musical Director, Judy Dodd). The choir will be singing a selection of popular songs including songs from the musicals. The choir will entertain us from 6-30pm to 7-30pm. This then will be followed by the finger buffet.

Tea/coffee and juices will be available but feel free to bring your own bottle if you wish.There is no charge for this event although you will be able to leave a donation towards our Clock repairs if you choose

For further information or to book a place please contact Anne Koscielska tel: 07813 645923.

Don’t the Biggest Coffee Morning for MacMillan Cancer Support

THE WORLD’S Biggest Coffee Morning is Macmillan Cancer Support’s biggest annual fundraising event, held to support people living with cancer. People all over the UK either host or attend a Coffee Morning to raise money for Macmillan. The official date is Friday 30th September, but a coffee morning to support MacMillan can be held at any time. From a group in the garden, sharing a coffee over a screen or a takeaway cake and cuppa, you can hold yours however you like. Last year, 2021, Macmillan raised over £11 million and hopes to top that this year. Find out more at: https://coffee.macmillan.org.uk

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

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 20 FAVOURITE CHOCOLATE BARS. These can overlap and run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!). Send your marked entry forms to: A TASTE OF PARADISE, Groby Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by SATURDAY 1st OCTOBER 2022. Please remember to fill in your name and address. (Some people don’t!)

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