April 2023 Your Local Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves

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Carnivore/Ketogenic Diets and Physical/ Mental/Spiritual Health

Article by Alan Chapman

Placebo/nocebo and consciousness are also significant factors in this consideration. What we imagine becomes our realities. See Robert-Temple. com, about plasma energies.

are misnomers in many ways.

And so now to the 'meat' of this article. The following videos/podcasts (available via LiveWildLiveFree.org) offer strong evidence that:

• Carbohydrates in vegetables and fruits are not essential for human health.

• In a large proportion of global human population, vegetables and fruits - especially processed drinks made from fruit and vegetables - are actually extremely harmful for humans.

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That said, there is significant evidence emerging that carbs and sugars are even more dangerous for most humans than is generally realised.

A big consideration is the logic of vegetarian and veganism, which asserts we should not kill and eat (or wear or otherwise exploit) 'sentient' creatures. Sentient means feeling and perceiving. The word 'sentient' derives from Latin 'sentire' meaning 'to feel, and is first recorded in English in 1632.

Sentience - the capability to sense and perceive feelings such as pain, and to respond to communications and 'vibrations' of energies - is most certainly possessed by plants, and certainly by fungi. Trees cooperate and communicate with fungi and with other trees. See for example: MerlinSheldrake.com/entangled-life

It is well-known that plants grow better, and picked apples last longer (they take longer to decompose) when given loving communications/ energies from humans.

Energies exist and act in our existence/life/ realities that cannot easily be explained using modern conventional language and science. Consider dreams and zeitgeist, and intimate mutual eye-gazing for a few minutes. Try it.

And so perhaps even rocks and minerals, and 'dead' things like logs and earth, are sentient too, along with what we believe conventionally to be sentient creatures.

When farmers plough fields and harvest crops to produce 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' foods, living creatures are killed, for example nesting birds, mice, larger animals too. Also farmers necessarily kill animals regarded as pests such as rabbits and rats. Pesticides and weedkillers kill plants and other living organisms, and harm humans too.

• The effects of these harms - inflammation damage to brain and body, including neurological systems, eyes and vital organs, especially the liver - take several years to become chronic illnesses, by which time, many people are already in the grip of nonsensical and corrupted healthcare systems, and 'dependent upon' several prescribed pharmaceuticals, notably for high blood pressure, insomnia, anxiety/depression, and pain relief.

Graham Phillips and Ken Berry MDProlongevity.co.uk/dr-ken-berry

Graham is the UK's most senior and multiaward-winning pharmacist. Dr Ken Berry is an immensely experienced practising USA family physician (general practitioner) with vast knowledge and research experience in nutrition.

Dr Shawn Baker - Carnivore.Diet/dr-shawnbaker-md

Dr Shawn Baker MD is a world-leading authority on nutrition and lifestyle, "orthopedic surgeon, treating disease with medical nutritional therapy, best-selling author (The Carnivore Diet), world champion athlete..."

The free health coaching website LiveWildLiveFree. org is a social enterprise which I cofounded with Maria Hennings Hunt in 2021. It contains the above videos and podcasts, plus lots more free information about health and related matters of education, governance, human rights, etc.

See the increasing evidence that reducing carbs/sugars via various 'low carbs' diets has immense positive effects on mental health, notably: LCHF (low carb high fat), Keto/Ketogenic, Paleo and Carnivore diet. See especially the works of Dr Chris Palmer and Dr Georgia Ede - featured on LiveWildLiveFree.org/resources.

Alan and Maria's combined life experience will soon be 130 years, across a wide variety of sectors; corporate/ employed and multinational; and over 60 years running our own different businesses. We are both highly trained and qualified in nutrition, a powerful way to improve human health, longevity, and societal health too! We're each in excellent natural health ourselves, and we rely wholly on our natural immunity, good diet, exercise and lifestyle to keep well, fit, resilient, extremely active; always learning and creating, and in many ways becoming younger, fitter, stronger, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

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When many crops are harvested, a vast amount of wildlife in the soil is killed when the soil around the roots is taken away with the crops for processing.

And this relates strongly to another crucial point: crops generally need soil in which to grow.

Harvesting removes a lot of soil, including being removed on the wheels of the farm vehicles, and this needs to be replenished. How is soil replenished? Well, generally soil is replenished with manure from grazing livestock or by the spreading of manure-based solids and nutrients.

And so, you see, the notion of vegetarianism and veganism is quite a flawed concept. The terms

We are PHC (Public Health Collaboration) Ambassadors, HealthResults.com Practitioners, Nutrition-Network.org Advisors, and Practitioners for The-PHA.org (The People's Health Alliance). We guide individuals and employers in nutrition, natural healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and healing.

This content is information not clinical diagnosis. Note that each of us is different, so our genetics and ancestry are also factors in what diets best suit us individually. Reference sources: PublicHealthCollaboration.org, LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk, HealthResults.com, Nutrition-Network.org, and other highly qualified NHS practising GPs and dietary professionals, especially in successfully treating obesity, diabetes and other chronic illnesses including depression. If you are under treatment/on medication, show your doctor the resources here, especially LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk and PHCuk.org. Alan Chapman has particular experience in suicide grief and recovery and suicide prevention. See AlanChapman.com

Anstey Town Football Club

Article by Alex Smythe

50th Year Anniversary

Anstey Town Football Club was founded back in 1973; so, this year, we celebrate 50 years. The club currently participates in the Leicester Senior League, Division 1.

As a mark of celebration for our 50th year, we will be holding a family fun afternoon and celebration evening on 24th June at the Pumping Station in Cropston. This is a chance for players, officials, ex-players, supporters and the local community to get together to celebrate everything Anstey Town!

The event will run from 3pm until late and will celebrate the early stages of Anstey Town back in 1973 up to the current squad members of 2023. All members of the local community and members of the club from the last 50 years are welcome to come along and join us for an amazing day including:

• Activities for children during the afternoon such as Bouncy Castle, Penalty Shootout and other fun things!

• Auction of football memorabilia being held by a professional football Legend

• A fun evening filled with live Music and DJ from 7pm.

Tickets for this event will be £5 for adults (Children free of charge) and will soon be available around Anstey. You can also pay on the gate.

Graham Ford, Anstey Town legend, is your point of contact and would love to hear from anyone interested in the event. He’d love to hear from you at grahamford50@yahoo.com or, alternatively, check out Anstey Town’s facebook page or on Instagram and Twitter.

Results

Anstey Town started off the season had a disappointing start to the season, losing our first three games. However, since then, the squad went on a tremendous run of only losing 1 of their next 14 games including 5 cup games which has led to us reaching the Saturday Intermediate County Cup Final.

We are currently sitting 9th in the league having played only 13 games so far this season. We’re looking to push on and have a strong finish to the season and especially leading up to the final.

Final County Cup Finalists

Anstey Town FC VS Harborough Town FC Reserves

Anstey Town take on Harborough Town FC Reserves in the Final of the Saturday Intermediate Trophy on Tuesday 18th April 2023 – 7pm kick off at Holmes Park (LE8 6FA).

Anstey Town started the cup run with a 4-1 win in the 2nd Round against G.N.G Oadby Town ReserveS. In the 3rd round, Mountsorrel Amateurs took us to extra time after a late free kick got them the draw. Anstey managed to progress to the Quarter Finals after winning 3-1 on penalties.

The quarter final represented a game of revenge for the lads after Sporting Markfield had beaten Anstey in the 2nd game of the season, 3-0. After picking up an excellent run of form the Town came out 2-0 winners to progress to the semi-final. The semi final was a game of two halves, to say the least, as we went in at half time all square at 0-0. However, Anstey came flying out in the second half and finished the game 3-0; progress us to our first county cup final since 2008 was achieved.

We would love to see as many of you there as possible at the final. Join us on this magnificent cup journey, taking place in our 50th Year Anniversary year. A date for your diary…Tuesday 24th April, Holmes Park, Dog & Gun Lane, Leicester, LE8 6FA at 19:00pm.

Support for the Local Football Club

People may not be aware, but Anstey Town isn't a funded football club enjoying the privilege of being able to afford to play on a nice pitch. The club solely runs off sponsorships for which we are extremely grateful. Without these, there wouldn't be an Anstey Town.

Our current home ground is based at Ellistown Football Club where we share pitches depending on fixtures with Ellistown’s First Team.

Anstey Town are looking to become independent and have a guaranteed place to play football in the coming years which is another reason why we would love to see as many people at the 50th Year Anniversary because any proceeds made from the event will support the football club in its ambition to achieve a more suitable and stable venue next year and beyond.

A special mention to our sponsors below.

JRH

The Stadon Club Facebook: The Stadon Club

Thank you for taking the time to read about our local football club and what the community support means to us. We’re always looking to recruit local young players keen to become involved in a community minded group of people.

S.A.S. LANDSCAPING

GARDEN DESIGN AND MAINTENANCE

We are a small local, friendly team, happy to carry out all aspects of garden work.

Police Matters

Welcome to ‘Police Matters’ for the Dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Team that cover Anstey, Thurcaston/Cropston and Newtown Linford. It has been a while since the beat team have put a column in magazine and would like to establish this as a monthly routine again. Your main two officers for the area are PC Greg Moore 0330 and PCSO Mitch Jarvis 6093.

The crime breakdown shows offences committed between 24th February and 22th March 2023.

Crime figures (Anstey)

Theft from Motor Vehicle (inc Attempts) – 2

Damage to Motor Vehicle – 1

Criminal Damage Dwelling – 1

Theft Store – (inc. Attempts) – 1

Theft Cycle – 1

Theft Property (inc. Attempts) – 1

Crime figures (Cropston)

Burglary Dwelling (inc. Attempts)– 1

Burglary (non Dwelling) (Business Premises, Shed, Garage, Etc. Inc. Attempts) – 1

Theft from Motor Vehicle (inc Attempts) – 1

Damage to Motor Vehicle – 1

Theft Property (inc. Attempts) – 1

Crime figures (Thurcaston) No crime

Crime figures (Newtown Linford)

Theft of Motor Vehicle (inc Attempts) – 1

Criminal Damage (non Dwelling) (Business Premises, Shed, Garage Etc) – 1

Theft Cycle – 1

Theft Property (inc. Attempts) – 1

Crime Prevention

Burglar facts

• Burglars target homes that they think will contain valuables. A sure giveaway is leaving packaging from expensive items outside your front door

• Burglars often look for homes with windows or doors left open or with vulnerable features that they can exploit.

• Burglars are aware of the times when someone is expected to be away from their house such as during the school run or holidays

• Burglars typically do not want to be seen or heard and if they feel that they would be noticed by a neighbour or passer-by then they are more likely to feel exposed and may move on to find somewhere else to burgle

• Burglars often choose a home because they’ve spotted a specific vehicle, motorcycle or bicycle they want to steal – and the keys are more than likely to be inside the residence

• Sheds and garages are often vulnerable as they are not that secure and contain tools which the burglar can use to assist them to gain entry to a home

• It’s a fact that many burglars return to homes that they’ve previously burgled because the homeowner failed to upgrade security following the first burglary. They sometimes return to an area to try to burgle a nearby home that they spotted while committing a previous break in. Even more reason for you to ensure you keep your home as safe as houses

The Wednesday Hub – A Warm

Welcome In Thurcaston

Article by Eleanor Lloyd Jones

The Thurcaston & Cropston Good Neighbours group has joined forces with All Saints Church in Thurcaston to set up a weekly warm space meeting. Every Wednesday afternoon from 2-4pm the Harrison Room (at the Church) is open for anyone to come and drop in.

The Wednesday Hub is free to attend - come along for coffee, cake, chat and a warm welcome! We also have puzzles, games (such as cards and Scrabble), books or you can bring your own activities with you. WiFi now available too. For further details please call 07834 483850 or email us on Wednesdayhub3@gmail.com

Anstey Local History Society

Our next meeting will be held on: Wednesday April 19th 2023 at 7.30.p.m. at The Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road

Anstey Town Charity: The first 600 years (Discover how the Anstey Town Charity came into being and why it still exists today)

Speaker: Michael Tedd Members:

If anybody has any information about the recorded crimes then please speak with your local officers, or if you have any information at all about crime please call CRIMESTOPPERS. Your call will always be free, we won’t ask your name and you may even receive a cash reward. Just call –0800 555 111

Beat Surgeries (16/04/2023)

Anstey - Co-Op, Cropston Road 15:00-16:00

Newtown Linford - Bradgate Road / Police box 16:15-17:15

Cropston - Station Road, near to Bradgate Road junction 17:3018:30

Anstey - Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road 19:00-20:00

PS 0882 Mark Smith, PC Greg Moore and PCSO 6093 Mitch Jarvis

Beat NL58 – Anstey, Thurcaston/ Cropston, Newtown Linford Charnwood Dedicated Neighbourhood Team Leicestershire Police

Anstey WI

Article by Sheila Timms

Sadly, it snowed on the evening of Anstey WI’s March meeting, so it was a select few members who gathered for “Patchwork for Pleasure” with Carolyn Boulter. This did not diminish the fun we had, though. Carolyn showed us how to make a patchwork owl, from kits she had meticulously prepared, down to pre-threading the needle for the first stage. She had also brought examples of other projects she can teach, and small things she had made to sell.

At first the hall fell silent, as everyone concentrated on their task, when suddenly we heard, “Oh, you have got a big bottom, haven’t you?” The member thus addressed

pretended to take umbrage, but the reference was to her owl, of course. There followed much merriment at the ensuing conversation. We all had great fun. Carolyn’s excellent preparation was matched by her patience in helping those who were struggling. Remarkably, each owl had its own character.

Afterwards, we sang “Happy Birthday,” to Elizabeth Robinson, a popular member, whose 80th was the following day. She supplied cake and prosecco for the refreshments, and was presented with a plant.

The competition, for a piece of patchwork, attracted a variety of examples. Joint winners were Ann Coney and Jan Darby, with Marian Driver and Sue Crook tied in second place, and Sheryl Bramley third.

Help With Hayfever

Article by Raj Sheladiya

Do you suffer with hayfever? As many as 20% of us do, and this number’s on the increase.

An allergic reaction such as hayfever can be explained as an excessive reaction to a normally harmless substance. The immune system identifies the harmless substance, in this instance pollen, as dangerous, and produces an antibody called IgE, which triggers the production of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, including running nose and eyes, itching and burning in localised areas such as in the throat, nose and eyes, puffiness, swelling and mucus formation.

Pollen counts can be high any time from March through to September, BUT, if you are prone to hayfever, there are a number of measures you can take to stay one step ahead.

Do your homework! stay up to date with the latest pollen information in your local area by checking your 5-day pollen forecast.

Lighten your toxic load by avoiding junk, keeping your caffeine and alcohol intake low and avoiding nicotine. Simple steps, such as drinking plenty of water and keeping your bowel moving daily, can also help.

Avoid dairy foods as they cause mucus formation that can exacerbate hayfever symptoms, and keep your intake of refined sugar low. Sugar can trigger surges

and drops in blood sugar levels that cause adrenalin production to kick in, which involves the production of histamine - just what you don't want.

Make sure you’re sleeping well. Whilst scientists are still trying to figure out the exact relationship between sleep and the immune system, studies show that sleep helps to shift the balance of anti-inflammatory proteins so that the immune system can recognise and respond better to bugs and allergens, which may help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Plant remedies can also help. Approximately two weeks before your usual symptoms kick in, take Luffa operculata twice daily. Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets from A.Vogel contain seven tropical herbs, including Luffa operculata and Galphimia glauca, to help with allergy to grass and tree pollen. They are non-drowsy and so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

If your eyes are particularly sensitive to hayfever try Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops. With hyaluronic acid and chamomile, they provide a soothing solution for red, itchy eyes as a result of hayfever-causing allergens, and can be used with contact lenses and glasses.

For further information contact Raj Sheladiya and his team at Health & Glamour, 17 Leicester Road, Wigston, LE18 1NR or call 0116 288 9424.

Loughborough Flower Lovers' Club

Article by Heather Cake

At its next meeting on Thursday, 20 April the Loughborough Flower Lovers’ Club will welcome the experienced NAFAS Area Judge and qualified teacher, Sharon Badger from Market Harborough, with a demonstration entitled ‘A New Lease of Life’.

Sharon’s inspirational demonstrations include a variety of designs in traditional, modern and contemporary styles, with something for everyone. A keen gardener, she likes to use seasonal plant material wherever possible.

Meetings are held at the Amherst School, Gray Street, Loughborough LE11 2DZ from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month. There is parking within the school grounds, and the venue is warm and spacious. All the audience has to do is just sit back, relax and be entertained by an expert, and perhaps buy a raffle ticket to win one of the many displays produced during the evening.

Visitors and new members can be assured of a very warm welcome, and are charged a small entry fee. Particularly welcome are those who are new to flower arranging.

If you would like to know more, please ring 01509 853740.

News From St Mary’s Church Rooms, Anstey

Article by Anne Dutton

Since the decision to restore Church Rooms, so that it is once again available for use by the Church and Community, an update seems to be in order. We would like to thank those who have supported us and given practical help and advice and to those who have helped us financially.

Donations from Anstey Gala, Anstey Town Charity, Friday Coffee Morning and Anstey History Society have funded the investigation into the condition of the floor (which is better than was feared), the removal of a considerable amount of debris from the loft and the restoration of the Swithland Slate roof at the front of the building.

Charnwood Members’ grants from Cllr Paul Baines and Cllr Deborah Taylor for kitchen equipment and a very generous grant from The Edith Murphy Foundation towards re fitting the kitchen mean that, along with our own fundraising, we are now able to go ahead with the complete refurbishment of the kitchen.

We are very pleased to report that there is now a new lifesaving defibrillator, available 24/7, outside Church Rooms. This has been installed by Anstey Parish Council and kindly donated by Ryan in memory of his grandfather David Bray.

Friday Night Films In Thurcaston

Article by Richard & Diana

“Mr Malcolm’s List” will be shown on April 14th and lasts 115 minutes.

Set in the nineteenth century, April’s film is a feel-good romantic comedy drama. Mysterious but handsome bachelor, Mr Malcom, has many lady followers. Exasperatingly, Julia discovers that he has an actual written list of qualities which he requires in a future wife. However, She resents being rejected and creates a plan ..... but will her plan work?

“Mrs Harris goes to Paris” will be shown on May 12th and lasts 115 minutes.

In our May life-affirming drama comedy, Oscar nominee, Lesley Manville, plays a widowed cleaning lady who, in the course of her duties, fixates on Lady Dant’s Christian Dior dress. After an unexpected windfall, Mrs Harris ventures to Paris to buy the luxurious dress of her dreams. This is a delightful “rags to regalia” tale that you should not miss.

“The Lost King” will be shown on June 9th.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5, which includes a lucky prize draw and refreshments during the interval. You can pay for tickets at the door, if there are any left or pay in advance from:

Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

whilst

Thurcaston And Cropston Gardening Club

Article by Richard Elks

The 12-Month Garden – Colour

All Year Round with Geoff Hodge

The March meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club coincided with the start of wintery weather, and with the promise of more to come! This prevented a number of members attending. But those who did venture out were treated to a very informative and humorous evenings talk.

Our speaker, Geoff Hodge, presented an excellent illustrated talk called ‘The 12-Month Garden – Colour All Year Round’. Geoff is a freelance garden writer and editor, and a very experienced speaker. He has written eight gardening books and he is one of the panel of “experts” for the gardening programmes on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. He appears on Q&A panels at flower shows across the country and gives lots of talks and demonstrations at garden shows and for gardening clubs.

Everyone wants a garden that looks absolutely fabulous 12 months of the year. But is that possible? Through the talk, Geoff looked at plants that will give you more ‘bang for your buck’ and help provide long-term interest. He also shared hints and tips on achieving a colourful oasis every day of the year.

Geoff provided a plant list split into different sections such as evergreen shrubs, deciduous shrubs with more than on season of interest, long flowering shrubs, herbaceous perennials, bulbs, and annuals. He selected plants from each section with good quality photos and gave tips on how to get the best from the plants in order to get year-round colour.

Geoff suggested that in spring and summer it should be easy to achieve a colourful garden, but that autumn and winter may be more tricky. But he warned us of rushing to garden centres in spring to buy plants without planning!

Having run a nursery, he warned that garden centre owners know all the tricks of displaying irresistible plants to encourage us to spend money. He also suggested that when you return to your garden, the first question you ask is ‘where am I going to plant it’! Therefore, before you go, work out what space you’ve got and what you want from a plant.

This talk was full of practical

tip and ideas. But in addition, Geoff made the audience laugh throughout the talk with many stories and humorous comments. His quality as a speaker showed and he was much appreciated be the members on a wintery evening.

Although members wouldn’t be able to find much colour in their gardens for a few days following the talk (as they were covered in snow!), it provided ideas and inspiration for the gardening year ahead.

The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall

Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it’s excellent value!! The membership fee is still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or £3.00 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try.

For more information about the Club, please contact Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116) 236 8313: cropston161@hotmail.co.uk

The next Club events are:-

Wed 12th April ‘Waving in the Wind’ – Gardening with Grasses Steve Lovell Texture, movement, and durability these plants have it all.

Steve will talk about the various groups of grasses and their required growing conditions. Care and pruning will also be covered.

This is an illustrated talk. Many of the images will show how grasses can be used in planting schemes with other plants.

Steve Lovell is a professionally qualified garden designer and soft landscaper with 30 years’ experience, specialising in gardens for wildlife.

Wed 10th May Plants for the Connoisseur Simon Gulliver

Simon is a Gardens & Parks Consultant for the National Trust, responsible for advising on the development of 20 historic gardens in West and North Midlands. Previously Simon also worked for NT Northwest Region covering gardens in the Lakes and Cheshire.

Simon trained at Pershore College and worked at the RHS Garden, Wisley for two years as the horticulturalist at Plant Heritage

Refreshments and toilets available at the Library

Anstey Wellbeing Walks

Free friendly weekly volunteer led walks Every Tuesday 10 15 for a start at 10 30am Walking & talking for around a hour.

Meet alongside the Library, off Paper Mill Cl, Anstey, LE7 7AU No need to pre-book, turn up and join in

*** Beginning 10th January 2023 ***

For more info: active charnwood@charnwood gov uk or 01509 63 2535

www.active-charnwood.org/guided-walks

(administering the National Plant Collections Scheme). He also trained in Biodiversity and worked for ten years at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and became the Horticultural Lecturer and Plant Collections Manager there.

Plants for the connoisseur is Simons favourite selection of beautiful plants that are a little different, interesting, unusual and/ or a bit more challenging to grow. It also covers how to grow them and enjoy them.

Another

tolerant

good ground cover

This is an Illustrated talk and there are plants for sale.

Ceanothus ‘Zanzibar’ – an evergreen shrub with variegated leaves.

evergreen shrub –Convolvulus cneorum. Drought

Leucothoe Scarletta ‘Zeblid’ – a colourful shrub that is good in deep sha

Spiraea japonica ‘Goldflame’ – a deciduous shrub with more than one season of interest

Lamium maculatum ‘White Nancy’ – provides

and we will get back to you asap.

Monday Club Cropston And Thurcaston

Article by Maja Tompkins

Cropston Evangelical Free Church

13th March 2023

Strong Men and Women of Belgrave

Mrs Sandra Moore has captivated us with her talks before, and she appeared in her period costume as the head teacher at Belgrave Church School, Miss Elizabeth Goodwin. This time she talked about Strong Men and Women of Belgrave, ably assisted by the “man on the magic lantern”, who showed us many interesting photographs of the people and places involved. In 1896, aged 27, Miss Goodwin was employed at the elementary school as a teacher. She had come from Nottinghamshire, and industrial Leicester was rather a shock to her system. At that time Belgrave still had a village atmosphere. We saw a large yew tree outside the Talbot Inn, where there was a tram terminus. A popular pastime after Sunday church was going for a stroll along the River Soar, and Mowmacre Hill proved a steep climb when you were wearing corsets! It was possible to walk to Birstall along Green Gate Lane. In 1911 Miss Goodwin became the Head Teacher at Belgrave School, with a roll call of 104 pupils; later she went to Meadow Street Board School, whose building had a rather forbidding appearance. The pupils tended to be undernourished, with ailments like rickets, nits, squint eyes and runny noses.

Unfortunately, Miss Goodwin became ill in July 1921, and she passed away the following January. She has a grave in a peaceful part of the cemetery.

Some people, Miss Goodwin had concluded, are strong in adversity, and some are strong all the time. We should respect and admire them. One man who was also lucky was Percival Keeling, born 1881 in Derbyshire. He married in 1903 and trained in hosiery, becoming a hosiery sorter around 1911 in Nottinghamshire, and his son was born in Loughborough. In 1912 his talents were recognised by a firm of dyers and finishers in Aberdeen, so the family moved there. During WWI he also did coastguard work in Aberdeen, which could be very dangerous. Later Wolsey offered him a position in the dyeing and finishing department. In 1930 the family managed a holiday in Bournemouth. Two years later, he predicted the first, second and third

winners in the Grand National race. The News of the World presented him with a cheque for 500 pounds, and he bought the house next door! He also won prizes with produce from his allotment, although somebody else did the hard manual work, as his own hands needed to be kept smooth to handle the delicate silk stockings in his trade. He died in February 1941 of pneumonia, a man who was clever, brave and lucky.

Another inhabitant of the cemetery is Ivy Beechey, born 1912, who was married twice, choosing gentle husbands each time. She became a shoe machinist, and her first husband became a master blacksmith who won a Gold Medal for the horseshoes he made. They managed to buy a home with some land, and their horse and trap won prizes too. He was always smiling, but died quite young, having the foresight to choose both his coffin and a suitable burial plot beforehand. Her second husband was Albert Ernest Beechey.

William Horner was born in 1882. He came from the Rudkin family who were builders, and who converted Old John into a hunting lodge. He became a waiter at the George Hotel in the Haymarket, and we saw a photograph of how smartly he was turned out. He married, and became the Head of Boots at the hotel. Unfortunately, he and the Second Boots were bored one evening just after Christmas 1911, and decided to have what was initially called a wrestling match in an empty room. William injured his ankle, and his wife called the doctor. Later he was taken to the hospital in great pain. Shortly afterwards he was taken to the asylum suffering from a “delirious mania”, where he died after a sudden fall in his blood pressure. There was an enquiry into his death, which was ruled to be an accident. It was strange, however, that the George Hotel had engaged a solicitor, and there is a suspicion that the management were keen to avoid speculation about the fighting having been bare-knuckle boxing, which was illegal by then. His poor widow was left with three small children to support.

There were two separate chapels built at the cemetery, as the consecrated ground was only for the Church of England graves, and another non-consecrated area was for the non-conformists, which included the Methodists and Quakers. The chapels were pulled down in the 1960s.

Arthur Southwold was born in 1872 and married when he was 20. He worked in the boot and shoe trade. He and his wife Ada

lost one son aged 19 in the Great War, and 1922 another son aged only 16 died of tuberculosis (TB), which was very prevalent. In only seven years, his wife lost four of her eight children and her husband as well. Ada herself was said to be a lovely lady, who died at 93 in 1962.

Another grave was for Arthur Harris, born in 1872. He became a railway driver in 1881, and then enlisted in the Royal Artillery, going off to fight in the Boer War. He was awarded the King’s Medal in 1902 but injured his foot. In 1903 he married and worked as a hosiery warehouseman, but he remained in the Army Reserves. In 1914 he was called for service in Belgium and France, and we saw a picture of a lovely Christmas card which he sent to his daughter in 1916. He obtained an honourable discharge in 1918, and died in 1940 aged 67. There is also a family plot for the Godsall family. May was a French polisher. After the war had ended in 1918, she was on a tram which was held up by a traffic accident. Getting off the tram, she was directed by bystanders who knew her towards two small children on the ground, which she realised with horror were two of her sons. A runaway horse and cart had badly injured them, one dying later in hospital. She was said to be a kind but determined person. Another son was once caned heavily at school, and she marched over to protest vehemently to the headmaster. She died in October 1939, and Fred died in 1944 in France.

William and Esther Savage were framework knitters. William was born in 1866 and became a hosiery hand, and by 1910 they had produced 13 children. One son became a well-known local singer. Another lived to be almost 94 years old. Esther was described as being larger than life; she died in 1953.

Born in 1903, Cissy White left school with a document saying that she could “read and write”. She worked in the spinning and dyeing industry, and married a van driver. She was obviously

a happy bride on her wedding day photograph. Remarkably, it was she who put down a deposit for their house, which cost 425 pounds, and paid the mortgage. She was physically brave, because she went on a flight in a bi-plane. Sadly, her husband died at only 28 of a heart attack. Cissy eventually became secretary to the directors at Burton & Sons. Having worked in the industry for about 50 years, she died in 1995, and her sister Grace’s ashes were laid with hers. Her handicapped brother also did something remarkable, in that he walked with a group of protesting unemployed men all the way from Leicester to London, and back.

One remarkable gravestone features a horse’s head inside a horseshoe. It commemorates William Elliott, known as Bill, whose business relied heavily on horses. One day Bill was out with his trusty horse and cart. By chance some family members happened to notice these parked in a lay-by, and they remember seeing Bill in his familiar brown smock striding across the nearby field to tend to his horses kept there. What they did not know was that Bill had actually had a heart attack whilst out that day, and that he had died by the time they saw him, so who could the person in the brown smock have been …? We shall probably never know.

After Mrs Moore had answered a few questions and we had enjoyed some refreshments, the meeting closed around 4 p.m.

Our meetings start at 2.15pm, normally on the second Monday of each month (but our next meeting will be delayed until Monday 17th April because of Easter). The April meeting will feature Mr Derek Holloway, who will tell us all about the Suffragettes. Annual membership is only 13 pounds, with an entrance fee of 2.00 pounds; and it is 4.00 pounds for visitors, to include tea / coffee and biscuits or cake. New members and visitors are always welcome to meetings – just turn up on the day.

Mrs Maja Tompkins

Contact mobile 07709 201881

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

Article by Graham Burton

April events on the 4th the walk & talk group meet. On the 11th members meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm. New members will be made most welcome to this event. The 19th members are going on a day trip to Bath. The coaches leave at 8:30am from Rolls-Royce Leisure.

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

Can YOU discover the missing words?

CORONATION KING

QUEEN CROWN

WESTMINSTER ABBEY ROYAL CELEBRATION WINDSOR

STREET PART Y CASTLE

BUCKINGHAM

CARRIAGE

THRONE

BUNTING PALACE

Solve the anagrams then put the words into the grid

When the coronation of King Charles III takes place on 6th May at Westminster Abbey, the ceremony – which will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury –will be rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry. However, it will also reflect the monarch’s role today, and look to the future.

Then and now

The Queen’s coronation on 2nd June 1953 was one of the greatest events of the twentieth century. More than 8,000 guests filled the abbey to witness the crowning of the young mother, while crowds lined the route that took her and the Duke of Edinburgh to and from the abbey. Millions more were lucky enough to watch the event on the still novel phenomenon of television, this being the first time the event had been televised.

It has been speculated that King Charles will have a toned-down affair with reduced costs, with suggestions of it lasting just one hour and with around 2,000 dignitaries in attendance.

Break with tradition

The date of 6th May was reportedly chosen in consultation with the government, the Church of England and the Royal Household. However, the date does have some symbolic references to family members:

• Firstly, the coronation of George VI, the King’s grandfather, was in May.

• 6th May is also the birthday of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Harrison MountbattenWindsor, the King’s grandson, who will be turning four on the day.

• It’s also the same date as the late Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, was married in 1960. During the ceremony the King will be anointed with holy oil, receive the orb, coronation ring and sceptre, and be blessed and then consecrated by the Archbishop. Monarchs traditionally sit in the fourteenth-century King Edward’s Chair, and Charles will be crowned with the St Edward’s crown, becoming the fortieth British monarch crowned at the Abbey since William the Conqueror in 1066.

Camilla, Queen Consort, will also be anointed and crowned, as was the Queen Mother when George VI was crowned in 1937.

Man and boy

Charles will be 74 at the time of the ceremony, the oldest ever new monarch. In 1953 the then-Prince Charles was just four years old when his mother was crowned.

As with royal ceremonies, there had been behind-thescenes preparation and practices in the lead up to the big day. Charles’ boyhood memories include how, the night before, the Queen came to say goodnight wearing the St Edward’s Crown as she was trying to get used to its 5lb weight. He also recalled being kept awake by the “thousands of people gathered in The Mall outside Buckingham Palace chanting: ‘We want the Queen’”. Royal author Robert Jobson says: “Charles has adapted to his new role very well and is out connecting with people, which sadly the late Queen wasn’t able to do towards the end of her life.”

Bring out the bunting and celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. These colourful homewares will help you mark the occasion – and will become mementoes to keep long afterwards.

Six individual pennants of hand-embroidered pure wool depict the King’s CR insignia, the Crown and the Union Jack, joined to form a beautiful piece of commemorative coronation bunting. Coronation bunting in navy, £125, janconstantine.com

This tea cosy is made from a heavy, goldenyellow cotton drill with a striped lining and a design in freestyle machine embroidery. Coronation tea cosy, £75, poppytreffry.co.uk

Add a royal touch to any dining occasion with this limited-edition printed tray, made from birch, dishwashersafe and suitable for use with food. King’s Coronation tray, £22.50, sophieallport.com

Hang it on your Christmas tree when the time comes, or use it to embellish your party atmosphere –this elegant decoration combines pearls, glass beads and gold embroidery. Coronation orb decoration, £12.95, shop. westminster-abbey.org

Made from pure wool felt, this hand-embroidered pennant is appliquéd with His Majesty the King’s insignia and the royal crown, and is stitched with antique gold thread. Coronation pennant in duck-egg blue, £65, janconstantine.com

Designed and made in the UK, this quirky cushion is based on artist Catriona Hall’s paintings and features His Highness’s beloved Jack Russells, Beth and Bluebell, within the royal coat of arms. Commemorative cushion, £70, doganddome.com

By Katherine Sorrell

This new range of commemorative homewares from Emma Bridgewater includes several different mug designs as well as plates, teapots, tea towels and more. Prices start at £10. emmabridgewater.co.uk

Use a smart set of napkins and add a touch of class to your teatime. Coronation napkin set, £29 for a set of four, nologo-chic.co.uk

ANDY’S Fundraising Walk

WELL DONE ANDY On completing your 'landmarks of Leicester' charity walk HAS RAISED

£1,003 IN AID OF Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (LAMP)

Background artwork by Barbara Bagley Art © www.barbarabagley.co.uk

Andy will be familiar to you as he has been delivering the Your Local magazine single-handedly every month for many years. He completed his fundraising challenge which took place on Saturday 25th March, which was in aid of Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (LAMP).

Starting with the Braunstone Park Run, he then walked to Fosse Park, Everards Meadow, The Black Horse in Aylestone via the Great Central Way. Then he adventured off to Grace Road, King Power Stadium and Welford Road Stadium before crossing Victoria Park to take in some culture at the De Montfort Hall, New Walk Museum, Curve and Phoenix. To finish the walk he headed off to the home of more Leicester sporting heroes at the Morningside Arena, before gently strolling around Abbey Park and eventually ending up at Jubilee Square. A huge well done to Andy from us all.

Get Your Lawn Ready For Summer

Article by Ian Walker

With warmer, longer days on the horizon, the beautiful bright colours of your garden are best enjoyed alongside a lush, green lawn. As the centrepiece of your garden, GreenThumb Lawn Treatment Service will ensure your lawn reaches its full potential as a weed-free, healthy, and well-loved lawn.

Our ‘Summer Ready’ Treatment is applied between April and June and features a fully coated fertiliser designed to give your lawn a timed release of nutrition over several months, feeding your grass and stimulating growth. This sophisticated treatment also includes a weed control to help eradicate those which are unwelcome on your lawn, keeping your lawn looking its best ready for summer.

An added benefit of our ‘Summer Ready’ Treatment is that you’ll also receive an application of our fantastic water conserver,

Newtown Linford Gardening Club

Article by Anne and David Couling

www.newtownlinford.org.uk/ gardening-club.html

What is it like to be in charge of some of the most prestigious gardens in the country? To be Head Gardener of the Royal Parks must be one of the most wonderful jobs in the horticultural world. That role was held by Jim Buttress, who is coming to Newtown Linford to tell us all about it. We feel very privileged to be able to welcome such an important and celebrated gardener to our village.

After training at Wisley and working in London he moved to garden design. During his career he won no fewer than 8 gold medals at Chelsea.

The main part of his career was spent managing the Royal Parks in London. At various times he was responsible for Hyde Park, St, James’s Park and Greenwich Park along with the gardens at Clarence House and Buckingham Palace.

He appeared on television as a judge of the Big Allotment

Oasis. Now is the perfect time for an Oasis Treatment as it helps your soil to make the best use of any available moisture, meaning you’ll need to water up to 80% less. Our popular Oasis Treatment now features an innovative, highly concentrated seaweed extract which has proven to have an almost immediate visual effect on the colour of your lawn.

At this time of year, we also recommend implementing a regular mowing regime to help your lawn be the best it can be. Dry, sunny days are the best conditions for mowing, however it’s important that your mower blades are kept sharp or replaced when needed to avoid causing damage to the grass plant. It is also important, especially during the summer months, that your grass isn’t cut too short as this will weaken it, attracting unwanted weeds. When dry, we advise raising the height of your cut from 1” up to 2” and give it a good drink the day after mowing.

Let’s create the lawn we both love.

Contact your local GreenThumb branch today 0116 269 4019 or email leicestershirewest@ greenthumb.co.uk

Challenge and he also judges at RHS shows.

He is a holder of the Victoria Medal of Honour, the highest award in the world of horticulture and limited, at any one time, to only 65 people.

He comes to the Village Hall in Newtown Linford on Tuesday April 25th at 7.30pm and will be talking about the Royal Parks in which he worked. We will be pleased to welcome any visitors to this occasion because we feel there are people outside our membership who would be interested in hearing him speak. We charge only £3 for visitors for such an event and, if you are interested, please give us a ring.

More details of our club can be found on the internet or by contacting us on 01530 242452.

Anne and David Couling

Anstey Parish Council

Article by Liz Hawkes

Allotment Site – Groby Road

Saturday the 21st January 2023 saw the official opening of the long-awaited allotment site at Groby Road. The land to provide this site was given to the

The new defibrillator has been fitted to the front of the St. Mary’s Church Rooms, so there is access for people to pull up outside anytime and pick up the device.

London Hearts supplied the Defibrillator and have provided online training, please see the following link to access it. https://vimeo.com/557677120/ e7524918c5 . If you are interested in receiving further training please

exercise and enjoy this facility. From Davidsons Homes Helen Prangley, Tom Ford and Ed Ryans attended who have each been helpful in finalising the arrangement for the land transfer.

CPC Civils have donated a kiosk to the parish council and this has been placed on the allotment site. The end use for this is yet to be decided but it is hoped that it can provide a communal facility for the site.

The event also gave the opportunity to unveil the recently installed public art at the Green on Summerfield Drive. This artwork was made by award

Anstey Parish Council have engaged the help of The Conservation Volunteers to manage the small wooded copse near Holgate Close and Link Road playing field (the rugby pitch). Over the years this area has become overgrown. Now there is a new footpath that links the new housing development on Cropston Road, the area has been cleared to create a walkway through the woods, whilst still leaving a natural habitat for wildlife. The area has become a place for people and wildlife to enjoy. The Parish Council would like to thank all of The Conservation Volunteers for their hard work

Pump Track for Anstey

Anstey PC have been looking into the possibility of having a pump track for Anstey. There is a small amount of skatepark equipment at the recreation ground but we want to provide a high quality facility that can be used by BMX bikers, scooter users, roller bladers and skateboarders. Previous consultation carried out by the parish council has identified that a larger skatepark is required and further requests have come forward since Harry Donald won the John Sutherington Award for his BMX biking achievements.

Anstey PC have been working with a contractor to come up with a design and location for a pump track and the favoured option is Millfield Playing field. This has the most available space and offers a clear line of site between the existing playground which is perfect for parents to watch their children enjoying both of these facilities safely.

If you have any views on these plans’ we would like to hear them, do contact the parish office.

John Sutherington Sporting Award

This year sadly marks five years since John Sutherington passed away. John was a keen sportsman and supported many of the sports clubs in and around Anstey. John’s family have very generously offered to match the £250.00 prize money this year, which means the Parish Council has had the opportunity to present the award to two people:

Holly Hinson Yates – Holly came 1st in the Tang Soo Do Regional Champion at the Nationals held in Wales, in October this year. She is also a keen dancer and gymnast. She has been dedicated since the age of 3 years old to ballet, tap and acro dance, performing in shows annually at the Sue Townsend Theatre in Leicester. Holly is an inspiration and role model for all young girls wanting to get involved in sport and martial arts.

Throughout his life, David was close to St. Mary’s Church and was the editor for their magazine for over 15 years, which he started to do as a hobby following two consecutive heart attacks.

In later life, David continued to struggle with his heart and was diagnosed with heart failure, which led to his passing. His family decided it would be fitting to raise money in his memory for a new defibrillator, which raised £1,236!

Currently, Anstey has several defibrillators but the only one accessible 24-hours a day, seven-days a week to the public is located at the Parish Council.

Amelia Naylor – When Amelia was 10 years old she was competing in school cross country event when she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, she received CPR (from her mother) for twenty minutes until the air ambulance arrived who administered a shock to reinstate a heart rhythm. Since this event she has undergone open heart surgery and fought her way back to physical and mental fitness which has allowed her to restart her sports journey.

In 2022 Amelia competed in the Mallory youth series cycling events and starting training as a Track Cyclist at Derby velodrome. Amelia will be putting the prize money

towards her track accreditation at Derby velodrome and training to become a British Cycling coach with a local cycling club.

Parish Councillor Elections- 4th May

2023

The Parish Council Elections will be taking place on 4th May 2023. We need people from all backgrounds and experiences who reflect the communities they serve to put themselves forward for election. Councillors make a huge difference to the quality of life of local people and how local issues are dealt with.

If you are passionate about your local community, and are considering becoming a councillor, you will find everything you need to know to make your decision at www.local.gov.uk/ be-councillor. It explains what councils and councillors do, what you will need to do to take your first steps and information about the role and the support you can expect.

If you would like further information on how to become a Parish Councillor, please contact the Parish Office.

Polling Stations

At the upcoming elections there will be two polling stations in Anstey, one at Jubilee Hall and one at Woolden Hill Primary School. Your polling card will show which polling station you need to attend to vote

Upcoming Events

Easter Hunt 7th April 2023

Please come down to the recreational ground between Good Friday and Easter Monday to hunt for Easter eggs and solve the Easter puzzle. Prizes will be available at Jubilee Hall from Tuesday 11th April 2023

Annual Parish Meeting 11th April 2023

This is a meeting for the Parishioners of Anstey to come along to meet the Councillors and find out what is happening within the Parish Council. Community Groups will be invited along to talk about their activities and how they have used the grants they received from the Parish Council. The Parish meeting will be held on Tuesday 11th April at 7pm at Jubilee Hall, Stadon Rd, Anstey

BlossomFest - 22nd April 2023

A spring Blossomfest event is being held at the Community Orchard at the Link Road Playing field. All are welcome to come down and take part in many activities including, creating a blossom arch, storytelling, and nature walks. We will also be unveiling the community information boards supplied by The National Forest.

King Charles III Coronation 6th May 2023

Come along to the recreational Ground at Stadon Road and watch the Kings Coronation live outside on the BIG screen. Bring a picnic, have a drink at the bar or get a cream tea and enjoy entertainment of live music, Morris Dancers, bouncy castle, facepainting and royal crafts. Live coverage will begin at 11am – 3pm.

Parish Council Meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Jubilee Hall starting at 7.30pm.

Details of meeting are shown on the website, the agendas for meetings are published on the website at; www.ansteypc.org.uk/ council-meetings.html

all members of the public are welcome to these meetings.

Your Councillors

Your Councillors can be contacted through the Parish Council Office: Tel: 0116 2362646

Mobile: 07458 305025

Email: clerk@ansteypc.org

Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AY

David Snartt

Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate

T: 01530 244804

E: cllr.david.snartt@charnwood.gov.uk

Update Charnwood Local Plan. I just wanted to let you know that the public hearings which have been held as part of the examination process of the draft Charnwood Local Plan2021-37 have now concluded. The hearings at the Town Hall started in June last year and were put on hold by the Inspectors to consider how the Local Plan proposes to manage issues relating to Leicester’s unmet housing and employment need.

The Inspectors reconvened in October before the final set of hearings that have just concluded during February.

I did attend the latest hearing sessions on the 14th and 15th February. Although I had already sent my written representations to the Inspectors about my concerns in areas that affected my Forest Bradgate Council Ward. I was keen to understand how the examination was moving forward, especially in the areas of the plan I had already raised with the Inspectors.

Next Steps: The Planning Inspectors will now consider everything that has been put before them and will send a letter to the Council in the next couple of months outlining the timetable for public consultation on the main modifications necessary to make the local plan sound.

The consultation on the main modifications will be for at least six weeks and is expected to commence in the early summer. Responses are made to the Inspectors for them to consider when writing their final report on the Local Plan. Once the final Inspectors’ report is received , the Council can then consider adopting the Local Plan in the autumn. When it is adopted, it will replace the current Core Strategy and the Borough of Charnwood Local Plan and it will be the starting point for all planning decisions going forward.

Council Approves Budget For

2023/24.

Charnwood Borough Council approved its budget for 2023/24 at a meeting on Monday February 27th 2023. The budget sets out the Council’s spending plans for services in the coming council year.

The Borough Council Tax remains one of the lowest in the Country and is only a small part of residents’ overall Council Tax bill. The budget sees the Charnwood

element of an average Band D property rise by £4.78p (3.52 per cent) to £140.47p for the year. People on low incomes can apply for Local Council Tax Support, this gives up to 85 per cent reduction on the whole Council Tax bill.

The Council’s budget for 2023/24 looks to spend around £20 million on services for the Borough. The Council is responsible for a wide range of services which include: Collecting recycling and refuse from more than 70,000 homes in the Borough: Supporting homeless people: Managing open spaces including the Outwoods: Emptying bins, litter bins and street cleaning: Food safety inspections: Licensing of pubs, clubs and taxis: Handling planning applications and strategic planning.

Action to Tackle Fly Tipping/Poor Dog Control.

Nine fines totalling £3,000 have been handed out following reports of fly tipping, dog fouling and poor dog control in Charnwood over the last 3 months. Charnwood Borough Council has taken action as part of its ongoing commitment to look after the local environment and crackdown on those who show a disregard for the area.

If you see any fly-tips across Charnwood or dog problems, you are encouraged to report it directly to the Council by visiting the Council’s website; report something to us.

Residents are reminded to only use authorised waste carriers to dispose of their waste and make sure the carrier has a license from the Environment Agency.

Have Your Say.

Charnwood residents have until midnight on Monday April 17th to register to vote in the local elections in May. Charnwood

Borough Council has 52 Councillors across 24 Wards with all seats up for election on Thursday May 4th 2023. Most residents are currently registered with over 130,000 people on the electoral register in Charnwood.

I have previously stated, for the first time photo ID will be required when you visit a polling station to vote. This new requirement has been introduced by the UK Government. It means voters across England will be required to show an acceptable form of photo ID when voting at a polling station. I am hopeful with the amount of different acceptable

forms of ID, most voters will be able to vote without applying for a free voter ID. All the information about voting in the May 4th elections, including details of acceptable forms of photo ID and postal voting can be found by visiting www.charnwood.gov. uk/pages/electoralservices or for further help and advice telephone 01509 634546

Appeal Decision.

I recently received disappointing news from the Planning Inspectorate. Following the appeal hearing that I attended at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (HBBC) about the development of 93 dwellings on land north east of Ashby Road, Markfield, the Inspector allowed the appeal. Therefore, planning permission is granted for this residential development on this site.

The Inspector states in his decision notice that consideration of this appeal is limited to the impact of the development on the land within HBBC administrative area. Although it results in a failure to accord with policy DH4 and policy M1 of the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan, there would be no substantial harm caused as a result. The development would not therefore undermine the aims of those policies, both of which seek to protect the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside.

In my view, after reading the decision notice, it seems that because Charnwood Borough Council (CBC) granted planning permission this was a factor in the decision making process. Noting all the dwellings will be within CBC administrative area, with only land within HBBC being a narrow strip alongside the road containing the proposed main access and a tree belt. This makes the land split of approximately 7% in HBBC and 93% in CBC administrative area.

At the hearing I did raise my objections to this proposal, especially that in my opinion, the development didn’t fit with the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan policies and the impact this would have on the services and facilities of the village. After receiving the decision, I did write to the Inspectorate to try and find out more about the decision making process. The information I received back was: Unfortunately I am not able to add anything further to this as the Inspector is not able to further comment or explanation of the decision once it has been issued.

The Hope Bell is Cast. I thought I would give an update on the previous information about the Hope Bell. You may recall the Hope Bell will remember those lives lost in the Covid-19 pandemic, also pay tribute to the NHS and key workers while being a beacon of hope for the future and a reminder of how communities came together to support each other in challenging times.

On March 16th 2023 the Hope Bell was cast at John Taylor & Co in Loughborough, the last major bell foundry in the UK. Over one tonne of molten bell metal was poured into a mould for the Hope Bell.

It is anticipated the Hope Bell will be installed in Queens Park, Loughborough in 2024, the structure standing around seven and a half metres high. It will be a clock chime installation with five bells. The main Hope Bell will sound the hour and the Quarter Bells on the quarter hours.

If you need to contact me on any issues, please write to 10 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford, Leicester. LE6 0HH e-mail cllr.david.snartt@ charnwood.gov.uk or telephone 01530 244804.

Charnwood Group Spring 2023

An interesting programme of events is being planned for Spring 2023. Please come along and support your local Wildlife Trust.

Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month from September to May starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free.

Wednesday 12th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Cone Shells - Killers or Curers

Brian Hammond has collected shells all his life and the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow now houses around 10000 specimens from his unique collection. This talk is about these fascinating molluscs in the family "Conidae". These venomous & carnivorous snails hunt their prey, including fish, and some species have been known to kill humans. Their venom is very complex and is used extensively in drug research.

You’ll get value for money because our pricing is competitive

Returning Customers account for 74% of our work - that says it all about the quality of our work and the friendliness in our service

We give you five years guarantee on our labour

We’re NICEIC registered - so we’re assessed on a regular basis to ensure the highest standard of care are always met

Always leave things clean and tidy

All our team are smartly uniformed and we train them to always be prompt, polite and professional (and they smile a lot)

We’ll turn up when we say we will

see what you want here we’ll probably do it – just ask”

Deborah Taylor

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 0116 2350126

E: cllr.deborah.taylor@charnwood.gov.uk

Electoral Commission

We are reminding all our residents again to check if you have an accepted form of photo ID ahead of this year’s local elections on Thursday, May 4th 2023. Elections are being held in Charnwood for the borough council as well as some town and parish councils.

The new requirement of showing photo ID at polling stations is being introduced by the UK Government and comes into effect for the first time this May. Voters across England will be required to show an accepted form of photo ID when voting at polling stations for local elections.

Residents without one of the suitable forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ which can only be used for elections. Applications can be made online through the GOV.UK website or by completing a paper form. A paper form is available to download and print from the Charnwood Borough Council website. Alternatively, residents can request that the form be sent to them via post by contacting the elections team at electoral.services@ charnwood.gov.uk or by calling 01509 634546.

If you require a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ you have until 5pm on Tuesday April 25th 2023. You should first make sure you are registered to vote before applying.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a UK, EEA, or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

Residents are recommended to check the list of accepted ID carefully as some forms of photo ID, such as security passes issued by employers, will not be accepted.

A list of accepted ID is available on the Council’s website, along with more information about the new requirement, frequently asked questions, and details of how to apply for the free ID. For

more information, visit www. charnwood.gov.uk/VoterID

If you prefer not to vote at a polling station, there is still time to request a postal vote. This is sent to your home, you fill in the voting form, and you post the voting form back to Charnwood Borough Council to arrive in good time ahead of the elections on May 4th.

If you would like to apply for a postal vote, all the forms and information are on our website: www.bradgateconservatives.org. uk/how-register-postal-voting

If you are likely to be away on election day, you can also apply for a proxy vote. This means you can authorise a trusted individual to vote on your behalf. You will need to do this in advance and all the details on how to do this can be found here: www.charnwood. gov.uk/pages/vote_by_proxy

If you need any help or support, please contact us.

Polling Stations

Another reminder about the changes in Anstey for the local elections being held on 4th May 2023, Anstey has now been split into two polling districts and therefore Anstey will now have two polling stations.

The map below, shows the boundaries of the two areas, CA1 and CA2 with the blue line on the map, separating Anstey in two.

Paul Baines

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 07977 178869

E: cllr.paul.baines@charnwood.gov.uk

visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/ pages/dog_waste

If you ever see any fly-tips across Charnwood or any fly-tipping taking place, you are encouraged to report it directly to the Council by visiting their website: www. charnwood.gov.uk/pages/flytipping

Working for the Council

YOU WILL NEED YOUR VOTER ID SO THAT YOU CAN VOTE

Littering

Anstey suffers from litter across our village. Our mail boxes are regularly full of concerns about fly tipping, littering and dog fouling. The Borough Council has taken action as part of its ongoing commitment to look after the local environment and crackdown on those who show a disregard for the area.

Nine fines totalling over £3,000 have been handed out recently following reports of fly-tipping, dog fouling and poor dog control in Charnwood over the last three months. Seven people have been handed £400 fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping.

Recently a member of the public contacted the council about a dog not being controlled at Dishley Pool, a £100 fine was handed to the owner, and a £100 fixed penalty notice was also handed out to a dog owner following a report from a member of the public about persistent dog fouling in Hathern.

The Council is requesting that residents continue to report issues of littering, dog control, and dog fouling. To report issues with dog control and dog fouling, please

Are you looking for work?

Charnwood Borough Council have a few job vacancies at the moment, and one of them may be perfect for you.

The team at Charnwood have simple goals. They want to make Charnwood the best place to live, work and visit. They want to protect the environment, create healthy communities and support a thriving economy.

A few of the current vacancies on offer are Planning Officers, Housing Needs Manager, and a Mobile Warden. All the details and job opportunities are on the website below: www.charnwood. gov.uk/pages/working_with_us

If you have any issues or concerns, we are here to help.

Deborah and Paul

Scan here for updated news:

Art Group In Anstey

Article by John Morfey

The locations of the different polling stations are listed below: CA1 will be at Anstey Parish Council Offices, Stadon Road CA2 will be at Woolden Hill Primary School, Netherfield Road You will only be able to vote at your allocated Polling Station, so please make sure that you check your polling card as to what polling station you are listed under.

Check where your polling station is by scanning the QR code:

We are a small, friendly group who have different interests: drawing, lino-cutting, 3D paper pictures, painting…

We each do our own thing, and support and encourage each other. We meet every Tuesday from 1-3pm, and we use the upstairs room at the Methodist Church in Anstey. It’s a large airy room with lots of space for social distancing.

If you want to make a bit of time for something (anything!) creative, you’d be welcome to come and have a cup of tea and meet us. Or contact John on 07808143772 or jandbmorfey@hotmail.com

Deborah Taylor

County Councillor for Bradgate Division

T:

0116 2350126

E: deborah.taylor@leics.gov.uk

In addition to my regular duties, my diary has been very full this month! On Tuesday 21st February, I welcomed some of our guests from Ukraine and their hosts to County Hall to mark the one-year anniversary of the war in Ukraine. A new oak tree was planted on the grounds of County Hall as a mark of solidarity with Ukraine and the families that are now living within our communities.

remainder being funded by the County Council and private investors. It was the day we were covered in snow, and it was freezing and very muddy on site!

to sign up now for free holiday activity clubs running across Leicestershire over the Easter break.

Bookings are now open for the sessions, including arts and crafts, sports, dance, games, and music activities. A free nutritious meal is offered at each session.

The school is set to be built on county council-owned land off Farley Way, Quorn, close to the A6, and will serve both the local community as well as the neighbouring Melton and NorthWest Leicestershire areas.

The following day was the annual budget meeting for the County Council. I spoke at the meeting about the difficult choices we are having to make to ensure our most vulnerable residents are looked after. I also explained all the work I am doing within my own Children and Families Department, and the need for more funding from the government to support all our children and families that are struggling.

On Friday 24th February, I was over in Hinckley to attend the Conservative Councillors Association Conference. There were many senior members of the government there, including the Secretary of State for Local Government, Michael Gove MP. I was able to speak personally to Mr Gove, about how he is going to support Leicestershire with its funding gap. Mr Gove is very aware of our issues as the lowestfunded county council in the country, and he took on board the issues that I raised. I will continue to lobby the government for fairer funding. As we go to print, I will be heading down to 11 Downing Street in April to meet with the Chancellor and his team, to present to the Chancellor a shortterm solution for our low-funding position.

During the last month, I have also attended a regional ‘Prevent and Counter Terrorism’ conference and chaired two ‘confirmation of appointment’ hearings as chair of the Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Police and Crime Panel.

I welcomed the Roads and Transport Minister, Richard Holden MP to Melton Mowbray on Thursday 9th March. The Department of Transport has approved the county’s full business case for the Melton Mowbray distributor road and has awarded the County Council just under £50 million to fund approximately 50% of the new road, with the

I attended the Mayor of Charnwood Civic Service on Sunday 12th March, visited the new tree planting area in Swithland Woods, and watched the casting of the Hope Bell at Taylor & Co. Bell Foundry in Loughborough. The Hope Bell will be a lasting memorial to all those in Charnwood who lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic as well as a tribute to NHS and key workers. I then joined the Police and Crime Commissioner on a patch walk in Loughborough Town Centre.

Bus Stop Re-Location

You will have noticed that the bus stop re-location has now been completed in Anstey. Further work is still needed, including erecting the bus shelter, replacement bin, and the real-time signage. This is planned to be completed in April.

The old bus stop on Leicester Road is now not in use and you should use the new Stadon Road bus stop or the current Cropston Road bus stop (outside the café) to head into Leicester.

I have received some comments from residents about the location of the new bus stop, some good and some not so good. Some residents are concerned about the location of the bus stop on Stadon Road due to highway safety, but this was the only reasonable place near to The Nook that it could be moved to. There is much less traffic on Stadon Road, compared to all the other roads off The Nook and any other location would have resulted in more traffic congestion or the removal of valuable onstreet car parking spaces.

There will be a third road safety audit conducted shortly, following this change, and if there are any issues raised, these will be dealt with.

I have noticed already that the traffic is moving more quickly through The Nook, especially Cropston Road, and therefore we will be reducing the air pollution in the busiest area of the village.

Easter Holidays

Families are being encouraged

The holiday activity clubs are available for children aged 5 to 16 who are receiving benefits-related free school meals. Leicestershire County Council is working with ‘Active Together’ to deliver the scheme, which is being held at various venues around the county by schools, voluntary and community organisations, childcare providers, and sports clubs.

The free sessions are being offered as part of ‘Leicestershire Holidays Together’ - a Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme funded by the Department for Education. For a full list please visit the council’s website and search for ‘Free Holiday Clubs’: www. leicestershire.gov.uk

The Green Agenda

Leicestershire County Council has teamed up with key partners and stakeholders from leading organisations to draw up an ambitious set of principles setting out Leicestershire’s commitment to tackle climate change, nature decline and carbon reduction.

‘The Leicestershire Climate and Nature Pact’ is based on the principles of the Glasgow Climate Pact, signed by the UK government in November 2021. It supports national and international efforts to tackle climate change by bringing together the businesses and private sector, voluntary, community and social enterprises, universities, the education and research sector, the public sector and the people and communities of Leicestershire, to drive local action and work towards a number of shared environmental aims.

The county council is now calling upon other organisations and groups across the county to sign up to the Pact and play their part in combating climate change and nature decline. Contact netzero@leics.gov.uk to find out more.

New School

The Department of Education (DfE) has approved the County Council’s application for a 90-place school for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), in Quorn.

Set against the backdrop of increasing demand in the county for SEND school places, the county council has been successful in its bid for funding from the DfE’s Special Free School programme.

When opened, the school will have pupils from Key Stages 2-4 on its roll, specialising in helping to meet the communication and interaction needs of the children.

It is also planned that the school will support pupils into post-16 progression.

Tree Nursery

A new tree nursery is being developed by Leicestershire County Council in partnership with the National Forest Company (NFC). The project is to develop a new community-focused nursery involving local groups and organisations to help collect seeds and grow new trees to plant across Leicestershire and the National Forest.

The project – which aims to produce around 20,000 trees per year - will be trialled for four years with ambitions to inspire other communities to start up tree nurseries.

Work on the site located in the heart of the National Forest in Moira is due to start soon, with phase one of the project involving the development of the site, access, infrastructure, polytunnels and growing beds.

The nursery will also supply the NFC and potentially other local authorities – although most of the trees grown at the site will be planted within the county. The development of the nursery will help to safeguard against national shortages of key tree species such as oak, increase biosecurity and cut the risk of disease by reducing the transportation of trees around the country and reducing carbon emissions.

While the National Forest has trebled forest cover over the last 30 years, Leicestershire is still one of the least wooded areas in the country with currently around six% woodland – well below the national average of 10%.

Trees play an important part in providing clean air, improving soil quality, reducing flooding, storing carbon, and supporting wildlife, so increasing woodlands can significantly improve quality of life.

If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.

Deborah

For updated news scan here

DESIGNER BATHROOMS

Tel: 0116 251 0363 - sales@ designerbathroomsleicester.com

www.designerbathroomsleicester.com - 74 Bradgate Street, Leicester, LE4 0AW

With an in-house team of experts who are all fully trained and qualified to the highest standard, Designer Bathrooms can ensure total customer satisfaction.

Specialising in beautiful bespoke bathrooms and en-suites, specifically tailored to meet their customers’ requirements, they strive to create a bathing experience second to none. Just walking around their exquisite showroom, you have the opportunity to see a variety of over 35 room settings, each perfectly showcasing many industry top brands, as well as a taste of the Mediterranean with Italian and Spanish wall and floor tiles.

From speaking to the team at Designer Bathrooms it’s clear that they want everyone to be able to have a relaxing and inspiring bathing experience. As such they are proud of their quality of service, products and their single level showroom plus they also specialise in accessible

bathing. Their displays include walk in level floor showers, fold down shower seats, grab rails, digital push button showers, lever taps and comfort height toilets.

At Designer Bathrooms it is perfectly clear that they understand just how important it is to make the right choices, for what should be, one of the most relaxing rooms in your home. As such they listen to your requirements and will guide you through the entire process, from first thought to final tile.

So when you’re next considering a new bathroom or en-suite make over, why not pay Designer Bathrooms a visit? You’ll receive a warm welcome as well as expert advice.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm Private car park available

They look forward to welcoming you soon….

from first thought to final tile

NEW EXTENDED SHOWROOM - OVER 35 ROOM SETTINGS TO VIEW

NEW EXTENDED SHOWROOM - OVER 35 ROOM SETTINGS TO VIEW

Designer Bathrooms are a family business with two generations of experience based in the heart of Leicestershire.

National Garden Scheme Leicestershire Open Gardens April 2023

Article by Carol Bartlett

In April we have 4 gardens opening to visitors with a great display of spring bulbs and early colour.

Over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd April, Oak Cottage near Blackfordby Swadlincote DE11 8AG is open from 10-4pm. A beautiful ½ acre garden attached to a 300 year old thatched cottage. There is a large selection of mature trees, specimen trees, several ponds, a waterfall combined with over 3 acres of paddocks with Hellebores, Snakes Heads Fritillary, and mature Magnolias.

On Sunday 2nd April from 2-5pm, a fabulous spring garden with hosts of daffodils opens at Stoke Albany House, Desborough Road, Stoke Albany, Market Harborough, LE16 8PT. This is a mature 4 acre country house garden which has been carefully and loving developed by the owner, Anna Vinton, for over 40 years. All around the garden there are swathes of different types daffodils flowering for weeks on end. Planted in among the daffodils are spring flowering shrubs. There are also many beautiful Japanese flowering cherry trees planted all around the garden including a group of 7 Yoshino cherry trees creating clouds of spring blossom. The garden also features spring flowering Magnolias and silver birch trees with their attractive ghostly white trunks. This is a fantastic spring garden to visit and has been featured in this year’s March edition of The English Garden and it’s here on our doorstep to explore.

At the end of April on Sunday the 30th Tresillian House will open from 11pm -4pm. There is always something interesting to see in this pretty garden waking up for spring with crocus and spring bulbs emerging along with Hellebores and early spring flowers.

On the same Sunday, Westbrooke House Little Bowden Market Harborough, LE16 8AXt opens all day from 10.00 – 4.30. Westbrook is a late Victorian house surrounded by 6 acres of garden with lots of different features including a walled flower garden, walled kitchen garden, fernery, lower garden, wildlife pond, spring garden, lawns, woodland paths and a meadow with a wildflower area, ha-ha and hornbeam avenue. In late April the outstanding feature is the tulip display with over 10,000 bulbs for a brilliant display of colour.

Enjoy visiting one of our gardens knowing that at the same time you are also donating to nursing and cancer charities. In 2022, thanks to the generosity of garden owners, our volunteers and garden visitors The National Garden Scheme donated over £3.11 million to our best loved charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and The Queen’s Nursing Institute.

For further details of our open gardens, accessibility, directions and admission details visit www.ngs.org.uk

Anstey Nomads

Article by James West

First team home fixtures for April

Saturday 1st April v Belper 3pm

Monday 10th April v Quorn 3pm

Wednesday 12th April v Kimberley Miners Welfare 7:45pm

Wednesday 18th April v Sleaford Town 7:45pm

Saturday 22nd April v Heather St. Johns 3pm

Get down to the Callingtons Community Complex and support your local club

All junior members gain free match day entry.

Includes 2 adults for all first team, reserves & womens league fixtures. Junior can must be shown on entry.

The club were please to welcome Ady Dayman from BBC Radio Leicester currently to chat to him about Anstey Nomads and how well the club is doing in offering football to the whole community.

With over 50 teams at all age groups, boys, girls, women and Men’s football is all available at Anstey Nomads.

There’s also Mini Dribblers Mini dribblers is a fun introduction into football for boys & girls aged 4-6 years old. Join the mini dribblers for fun football sessions every week to introduce youngster to football and Anstey Nomads Football Club. A pathway is open to the join Under 7 football teams with there being a minimum of 4 U7 teams for the 2023/24 season.

Wednesday nights 5pm-6pm @ DMU

Beaumont Park

Saturday 9:30am10:30am

Anstey Recreation Ground.

For more information call 07958 530 697

They also have the wild cards for girls aged 5-11 years old to get involved with football.

Weetabix wildcats is a national initiative for young girls to enjoy playing football in a safe environment.

Join Anstey Nomads Wildcats Wednesdays 5pm-6pm @ DMU Beaumont Park. Bennion Road. LE4 1DS.

Find out more by emailing coach@ansteynomads.com

Anstey nomads are always open to new members for girls and boys aged 4 upwards.

With many teams at each age group. Join your fun local football club which is the fastest growing in the county with 50+ teams for the 2023/24 season.

Boys and girls welcome as well as adult football for men and women. Football for all.

Get in touch today with coach@ ansteynomads.com to find out more

With planning continuing for a new club house, now is the most exciting time to get involved with your local football club.

Free Board Games Night at

The Stadon Club, Bradgate Road, Anstey, Leicester

Thursday 6pm - 8pm 13th April and 27th April

Come along and join in or bring your own games, all are welcome.

Daffodils in flower at Stoke Albany House

And Cropston Local History Society

Article by Peter Smith

February Meeting: Excavating the Rutland Roman Villa

As expected, this talk attracted a large audience. They were not disappointed! Peter Smith, the Society’s secretary, brought to the evening, not only his knowledge of Roman history and legend, but also his personal experience of working as a volunteer, on the excavation of the Roman Villa in the summer of 2022.

Many of the audience might have forgotten much of what they learned about the Siege of Troy and the intrigues which led up to it. So, in the first part of his talk, Peter reminded us of Erie, the goddess of discord who, in a peevish moment, set up a beauty contest among three contestants. This resulted in the judge, Paris, a young prince of the city of Troy, selecting Aphrodite. All three contestants had set out to tempt Paris but Aphrodite had offered him the best gift of all - ‘the love of any woman he desired’.

Peter reminded his audience that the most beautiful woman in the world was Helen, so Paris travelled to Sparta in Greece, took Helen away from her husband, the King, and returned to Troy! As a result, the Greeks launched a massive fleet of ships to retrieve her. Thus began the 10year Siege of Troy.

Hector, the son of King Priam, was the Trojan hero. Achilles was the Greek hero. Achilles (apart from his heel!) was invincible and, finally, he killed Hector but, as was normal custom, he refused to accept a ransom for Hector’s body which his grieving father wanted to pay, in order to give his son a hero’s funeral. Instead, Achilles drove round and round the city walls, dragging the increasingly maimed body of Hector behind his chariot. After the gods intervened, the corpse was handed back to King Priam in return for an ‘enormous treasure’.

The days were numbered for the City of Troy and the siege was finally ended by a trick involving a wooden horse filled with Greek soldiers!! One survivor was Aeneas, who, with a few followers, wandered the Mediterranean for many years. It is claimed that his descendants later founded Rome.

By the 4th Century AD, that small settlement of Rome had

grown into a massive prosperous empire. Part of that empire was Britannia, which had been under Roman rule for almost 300 years. This is where the Villa in Rutland enters the story. The Romans had built a great road, an important road, between London and the north. Just off the road was built a beautiful villa, probably by a wealthy Roman or a rich, British, nobleman and the owner decided to decorate the huge floor of his dining room with a beautiful mosaic. This would impress his visitors and friends. The Siege of Troy had taken place 1600 years earlier but the battle between Achilles and Hector was obviously still well known.

Peter moved on and reminded us that in the year 2020, 1600 years later, “The Villa has now disappeared, and the land where it once stood is part of an arable farm in the small county of Rutland”. Covid has swept through the world, and many people’s places of employment are closed. Jim Irving, the son of a farmer moves back to his family farm to help his father, and, whilst wandering the fields, finds pieces of pottery. On the internet, he finds aerial views of the farm and notices what appear to be the outlines of buildings. After Jim and his dad dig a hole, they find part of a mosaic! Fortunately, Jim’s interest in archaeology prompts him to seek expert help at this point and, after advice from the County’s Senior Archaeologist, Historic England commission an excavation led by the University of Leicester Archaeological Services.

After identifying the subject matter of the Mosaic as the battle between Achilles and Hector, the dig team, then covered it to protect it over the winter. Alongside this, towards the end of 2020, a couple of geophysical surveys of the area were carried out. These revealed amazing results in terms of possible walls, columns, and posts underground. Another survey revealed a circuit of ditches and walls and buildings in a central area. This caused great excitement, as finding such a well preserved villa was very rare.

In 2021, the excavation continued when students from the University worked there on a field study and the site was identified as having been in use late in the Roman occupation at a date between the third and fourth centuries, A.D. It appeared to have been in a large room with an apse. at the north end. On very informative photographs and plans, Peter identified columns and posts with might have supported a vaulted roof. There was also evidence of underfloor heating from the hypocaust system, and a highly

decorated mosaic was found in the main area. Sadly there were signs of damage to the mosaic from later burning by occupants who used the room for other purposes. It appears that the mosaic rectangular and divided into four panels. Three panels depicted the Hector/ Achilles battle whilst was the fourth one was undecorated.

Peter interpreted the panels and showed photographs of each one in detail. The mosaic. One panel shows the battle on chariots between Achilles and Hector. Achilles is naked; Hector is wearing a tunic. The horses pulling the chariot are surprisingly detailed.

Pane Two is extensively damaged, but it shows Achilles driving his chariot and pulling Hectors body behind it, around the walls of Troy. A dejected figure to the side of this scene shows King Priam, Hector‘s father, pleading for the return of his son’s body.

The final panel is very badly burnt on one side, but it shows Achilles triumphantly surrounded by the armour he has taken from Hector. King Priam stands to one side carrying a huge pair of scales. In one pan is Hector’s body; the other pan is empty, waiting for Priam to fill it with Hector’s body weight in gold. There are other versions of this legend but the Villa owner obviously had his own ideas!

In British terms the standard of the mosaic is high and it was recorded as being the “most important mosaic to be discovered in Britain in the last 100 years”. The finds were impressive with pottery, artefacts, roof tiles, cooking vessels, animal bones, oyster shells(!), jewellery, a two-person grave, (probably) a well, the walls of innumerable other buildings, an apse, and even a bronze Roman stylus. All portable findings were

carefully, tabulated, preserved and are now being examined. The find made international news after a press release in 25th November 2021. Up until then it had been guarded and kept secret to preserve it from ‘visitors’ and others. It also featured on television in “Digging for Britain”.

When a call went out for volunteers in 2022, Peter Smith responded and, over a oneweek period in August, joined professional and volunteer archaeologists at the site near Ketton in Rutland. His ‘homework’ beforehand included familiarising himself with 11 substantial documents and a lengthy ‘Recording Manual’, advising on what to look for, how to record one’s finds and, very importantly, where any object was found, using site coordinates. Personal photography was discouraged but we were shown some excellent, official photographs of the site, of the site’s layout, the “well” area on which Peter had worked, and, of course, the wonderful mosaics.

Peter was obviously impressed by the site chosen by the Villa owner, near a river, close to Ermine Street (today’s A1 trunk road) and the town of Great Carterton.

Our speaker’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge were apparent throughout his talk. He described how the site and the excavation were managed and stressed the great support and camaraderie within the team. He summed up his colleagues as a diverse group, some talkative, some quite reserved. He had joined in interesting personal and archaeological debates and urged his audience to take up such an opportunity if it ever came their way. He had been present at a moment in history and, for one hour, we, as the audience, felt part of it as well!! Thank you, Peter.

Conscientious Objectors And The Peace Campaign In Leicestershire

Article by Jess Jenkins

At the March 2023 meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston local history society, we were privileged to listen to a talk on Conscientious Objectors and the Peace Campaign in Leicestershire given by Jess Jenkins, supported by her husband Robin, both of whom were, until recently, members of the leadership team at the Leicestershire Record Office. Jess has a particular interest in the history of protest. She is also the author of ‘The Burning Question: the Struggle for Women’s Suffrage in Leicestershire’ which I am looking forward to reading, and of “Nursing in Serbia with Lady Paget in 1915”, an account of Flora Scott, a Leicester nurse, who volunteered overseas during the First World War.

Jess began her talk by referring to the fact some religious leaders headed up the protests to Britain engaging in World War 1 from 1908, but others encouraged the recruiting of supporters, including a Dr Freeman who ‘demolished with sledge hammer blows’ government members such as Ramsey Macdonald who were opposed to the war. Jess praised Emmeline Pankhurst and others who said that militant women had the right to go out and fight.

Despite public opposition to war, there were anti-German riots across Britain, Britain declared war on Germany on 4 August 1914. The sinking of the Lusitania in 1915 was a key factor in American support of Britain’s engagement in World War One. 1915 saw a big recruiting campaign to our army but it wasn’t until 1916 that British men were conscripted into the armed forces, despite opposition. There was a national movement against conscription including Leicestershire locals Joseph Poole, Frederick Floode, Charles Kitchen, Edwin Walker, and many Christians, who insisted that human life was sacred. An anti-war fellowship was set up in Leicester, leading to some mob violence. Many of those who refused to serve were imprisoned, some not being released until 1919. Local Quakers joined the Friends’ Ambulance Unit. The Armistice of 11 November 1918 finally brought the fighting to a close.

Of particular interest were Jess’ stories of local Leicestershire men who were either conscripted or imprisoned because they refused to serve in the armed forces. Her talk engaged us all. Family memories still run deep!

The Society does not meet in April but we hope you will be able to join us on 16th May for a return visit from Mick Rawle, who will tell us about the history of Melton Mowbray. www.thurcastoncropstonhistory.org.uk

Loros Ladies’ Singers Fundraising

Raises £30.000 For The Hospice

Article by Judy Dodd

We are a small lady’s choir which has been in existence since 2005 We originally consisted of staff, volunteers, and friends. Staff started to leave or retire, and now it consists of former staff, volunteers and friends’ staff and volunteers. We liaise with LOROS fundraisers and have raised over thirty thousand pounds since 2005

We have sung at over 140 events singing for LOROS on many occasions, including on the ward, in Day Therapy, at volunteers’ parties, the 25th anniversary picnic, LOROS shop opening.

• We have sung at many concerts and fundraising events, also weddings and funerals and in various settings including churches, halls, care homes,

Birstall and District Art Society

Article by Elaine Wise

Our Early Evening Art Sessions are now up and running at Wanlip Village Hall on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

They are an informal get together, in a friendly atmosphere for anyone to come along and paint or draw in their own style and medium, at their own pace. Although it is not a teaching class, it is hoped to have some workshop sessions from time to time.

The cost is £3.00 per session (to cover the hall hire costs and refreshments).

No booking is required – Just turn up. You really will be most welcome.

In addition to the Wednesday evening sessions, members can meet every Friday morning from 9:30 to 12:00 at Birstall Co-op Sports & Social Club, for an informal painting / drawing session. No booking is required – Just turn up. You really will be most welcome.

Anyone wanting to see if our art sessions (Wednesdays and Fridays) are what they are looking for, can come for up to three weeks for just the £3:00 session fee. After that they would need to join the society to be able to continue

hospital ward, pubs, gardens, parties, shops

• Our singing services have been a prize at fundraising auctions

We have made a CD to help raise funds

We have sung on BBC Radio Leicester We have sung at De Montfort Hall

Until the pandemic we rehearsed weekly at LOROS, where patients and families would sometimes come to listen.

Now due to LOROS covid restrictions we have moved and rehearse most Wednesdays at 5.0pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, Western Park.

If you would be interested in joining our choir, you would be most welcome We sing a variety of different music or if you are thinking of doing a fund raising event for LOROS and would be interested in booking our choir please contact Judy Dodd (music director 0116 285 6217)

Our next fundraising concert is on Saturday April 15th at 3pm at St Annes Church Hall Letchworth Road LE3 6FN

coming. Our members can be any age, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied to meetings by a responsible adult.

We hold evening, Live Art Demonstrations once a month and full details are on our website www.badas.uk The next one, which will be on 11th April, is by Sallyann Brackett, making a welcome return to us. Her subject will be British wildlife. She employs a technique that uses pen & ink on tissue paper which is then collaged onto a background canvas. Old maps and book pages can be used in the background. Highlights and hints of colour are added afterwards using watercolours and acrylics.

The demonstration evenings are held at the Tara Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at the Cedars Academy Birstall. The charge for nonmembers is £4. They start promptly at 7:00pm and finish at 9:00pm.

On the 9th of May, it will be a local artist, Lesley Brookes, providing the live art demonstration. She will be producing a landscape in acrylic and the subject will be the Norfolk Broads.

We also run a few series of art classes during the year as well as one day art workshops.

Although our name is Birstall and District Art Society, our members come from all areas of Leicestershire, including Rothley, Syston, Thrussington, East Goscote, Groby, Quorn

Royal Voluntary Service Groups

Article by Helen Wright

Monday 10am -12pm Gorse Covert Community Centre Maxwell Drive

Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 4RZ

Tuesday 10.30am-12.30pm Smisby Village Hall

1-4 Main Street Smisby Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2TY

Thursday 2pm-4pm Jubilee Village Hall Stadon Rd, Anstey, LE7 7AY

From Tuesday 28th February 1.30pm-3.30pm Jubilee Village Hall, Stadon Rd, Anstey, LE7 7AY

Referrals to our Remember Me Café can be made via : Tel: 07815515227, 07815462007 or 07977837964

Email:leicestershiredementiasupport@royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk

Anstey BlossomFest

Article by Alison Brand-Barker

Saturday 22 April, 12noon – 2pm at Anstey RFC, Link Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7EB

Anstey Parish Council and the Charnwood Forest Geopark are working together to celebrate the springtime awakening of Anstey community orchard. Join artist Kate May Griffiths to make a blossom flower and add it to our willow arch, listen to the Great Central Strummers ukelele music, hear springtime songs from Woolden Hill Primary School and much more. Follow the family trail and learn all about orchards and the fruit that grow in them.

Please bear in mind there are no toilet facilities on site and that access is via a slightly bumpy 200m long footpath and across a rugby pitch. It is an outdoor event held on grass, so please come dressed for the weather and terrain. Attendance is free thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, though please reserve

your places in advance because of our capacity: https://bit.ly/ ansteyblossomfest

Top Tips

1. If you can, please walk or cycle to the event. The event is in a residential area and there are no public car parks available.

2. You may like to bring some snacks as there are no refreshments on site. Please help us by taking your litter home with you.

3. There are no toilet facilities on site.

4. Celebrate and take pictures, but no recordings please.

5. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.

For more information about the event, please contact abrandbarker@nationalforest.org.

This event has been presented by the Charnwood Forest Geopark as part of our ongoing work to connect and engage the Charnwood Forest community with the forest and its unique heritage. We are supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. To find out more please visit www.facebook.com/ CharnwoodForestGeopark/