January 2022 Your Local Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse & Woodhouse Eaves

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Anstey WI Celebrates 80th Birthday Anstey Town Charity Can We Help?

Support A Cough Naturally

Christmas Day For Those Alone 2021 Catered For 70 People Thank You To All Who Donated

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2021 Report For Thurcaston Brownies Article by Irene Snowy Owl

When our girls reach ten years old it is time to move on to Guides or other activities and so the Autumn term began with only five Brownies, not really a viable number. During the summer we had put up lots of posters and spread the word for our recruiting campaign and over the following weeks we increased in numbers such that we now have only a few spaces for newcomers.

This half term we tackled the Baking badge. At our first meeting we ‘baked’ bread fingers (or dampers) in the church grounds on instant BBQs and also used the hot embers to cook sausages and melt marsh mallows which were squashed between chocolate biscuits to make ‘smores’.

The following weeks we were back inside to use a conventional oven. We mastered different techniques in baking and produced chocolate Krispie cakes, fairy cakes, cookies and chocolate brownies.

As well as thinking abut feeding our tummies, we learned about Fair Trade and the lives of farmers who provide us with the cocoa beans (chocolate) and the sugar for our cakes. The eggs we used were from Free Range hens so we discussed the living conditions required for the Free Range title to be awarded. Red Tractor and Farm Assured conditions for the animals that give us milk and meat were also investigated.

When it was the Harvest Festival at Thurcaston Church, the girls used vegetables to create figures of animals and people for the display.

For the second half of the term we celebrated Bonfire night; hot chocolate and hot dogs kept us warm while we watched the fireworks and held sparklers donated by the Crisswells (Thank you) This time the marshmallows to melt were giant size.

Remembrance Sunday at the church saw our very young, brave Brownies give two readings, take part in a demonstration of ‘sharing’, lay a wreath and parade the Brownie flag to accompany the Union flag* carried by Brown Owl. Well done girls.

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For Christmas crafts we painted large card trees, candles and holly leaves to make an impressive decoration. Similar trees, and pretty boxes with gifts, all made by Barn Owl and Pat were in the ‘Prize Every Time’ game at the church’s Christmas Fete. Meanwhile, Snowy Owl was selling preserves and cakes for the RSPCA but had to protect the jars from being knocked over by the Teddies descending on the zip wire from the bell tower to the pulpit.

We will visit Aladdin, the pantomime at Loughborough Town Hall and finally finish the term with a Christmas party and traditional games.

We meet Wednesday in term time 6pm until 7.15pm in the Harrison room of All Saints Church, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Girls start at 7 years old and we have a few spaces remaining. More details from Brown Owl. 07711-422350 (Please avoid office hours ) Merry Christmas and Happy New year everyone from us all. Snowy Owl. * the Union flag is the correct name for the Union Jack

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Newtown Linford Choral Society Concert Article by Peter Sayer

At 7.30 pm on Saturday 29 January 2022 the Choral Society will be presenting a concert in Emmanuel Church, Forest Road, Loughborough. The Church is spacious, warm and comfortable, with good car parking facilities, and we hope that our concert of stirring and inspiring pieces of music will interest you in buying tickets. The choir will be accompanied by a chamber orchestra, and also featured will be the highly accomplished Fortissimo orchestral quartet, and talented soprano soloist, Ella McNamee.

Two of the pieces to be sung by the choir, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and the Pergolesi Magnificat, were composed in the eighteenth century, and much performed over the years since then. The choir will also sing two recent songs by the living Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo, which were included in his Winter Songs collection. In addition the Fortissimo Quartet will be playing the Bach Double Violin Concerto.

You can purchase tickets online at www.ticketsource.us/newtown-linfordchoral-society, or ring 01530 243822. The prices are £12 for adults, and £6 for under 18s and students.

Anstey WI 80th Birthday Article by Sheila Timms In December, Anstey WI’s meeting took the form of a Christmas/80th Birthday party.

Drinks and nibbles, organized

by Gill Bryce and several helpers, were served in the interval of the entertainment, which came courtesy of the Heart of England Barbershop Choir. They were a jolly group of singers, part of the choir which was the first such in England. The songs were interspersed with humorous introductions. The singing was of course a cappella, with just a note given on pitch pipes at the start of each song. A number of them were Christmas tunes.

After the performance, Santa arrived to distribute his secret gifts to much merriment.

For the 80th birthday aspect of the party, Sheila Price had put together a display of old photographs and scrapbooks, and Sheryl Bramley had made an impressive cake, which she cut and distributed at the end of the evening. All in all it was a most enjoyable festive occasion.

Shortly before the party, many of us had attended the funeral of Chris Figgins, a longstanding member highly valued for her service as president and programme secretary. Having enjoyed a new lease of life with her daughter in Turkey, Chris had arranged the funeral herself, choosing her favourite hymns and readings. She had written a poem urging everyone to wear bright colours, and to focus on positive memories rather than mourn.

It was a moving and uplifting occasion.

During the year we had a talk from a representative of Age UK Leicestershire, and on Saturday 11th December Anne Spanswick and Pauline Annis collected £73.10 for them over a 4 hour period, at the Co-op.

Together with a large number of Innocent Smoothie hats, we have made a good contribution to them in return for the talk.

On 9th January Sylvia Cole will speak about the Falkland Islands. The meeting will be in the Jubilee Hall at 7.30pm. Visitors are welcome.

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Protecting Your Family Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are in the vaccination program with second course completed. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually.

But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT).

A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries.

As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be particular interest to couples who have come together and have children with different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensuring that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property, they can still sell the property and the proceeds to be used to purchase a new property, the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

Anstey Local History Society Anstey Local history have concluded another successful year with a mixture of Zoom and face to face meetings.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support us, throughout what has been a very difficult year.

Out first meeting of the New Year will be the AGM, followed by a number of short talks by members, recounting what they have discovered whilst researching their family history.

The full programme for the first half of 2022 is below.

19th January: 16th February:

16th March:

20th April:

18th May: 15th June:

AGM followed by ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ The WWI Alexander Bedspread Speaker: Debbie Moxam Leicester Abbey Speaker: Peter Liddle Visit to the At Risk Memorial Project All Saints Church, Highcross Street, Leicester Queen Elizabeth 11 Platinum Anniversary Event TBA

We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, at the Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey at 7.30pm.

Members: free Non-members: £3.00 www.ansteyhistory.com TEL: 07870197958

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Anstey Parish Council Report Article by Liz Hawkes

Happy New Year We hope you have had a good Christmas and Peaceful new year.

As we welcome in the new year there remains uncertainty about the future restrictions that may disrupt our daily lives. We were pleased to welcome back Mandy & Richard Jordan into the UK at the end of December after their trip to South Africa which left them stranded due to the travel restrictions.

Looking ahead to 2022 the Council will be making decisions on the budget and awarding grants to local organisations. The first meeting of the Finance Committee will be held on Tuesday the 4th January 2022. Further information on the decisions made will be available at the end of January 2021.

Christmas Lights Competition Thank you to everyone who helped brighten up the long winter evenings with their Christmas lights throughout the village. The Parish Councillors have been judging the Christmas lights.

Once again there has been some wonderful displays. This year the winners are 32 Bradgate Rd, 51 Long Close and 100 Andrew Road please feel free to have a look, they are definitely worth a visit.

John Sutherington Sporting Award If you or anyone you know has achieved a sporting success or carried out an outstanding sporting activity in 2021, please get in touch with the Parish Office by 31st January 2022

The John Sutherington Award recognises the achievements of sports men and women and group activities. The award was set up in memory of John who was a Parish and Borough Councillor for many years and an avid supporter of local sports. There is a cash prize of £250.00 with this award along with recognition on a plaque installed at Jubilee Hall.

Over 90’s It was not possible to hold an event for the older residents this Christmas due to restrictions instead the Councillors have been busy delivering gifts to residents over the age of 90.

Extension to the Jubilee Hall During the planning stage of the project to extend the Jubilee Hall it has been discovered that there is a sewer pipe running 4.5 metres deep under the proposed extension site. This is delaying the project and the Parish Council will be considering new drawings and options at its meeting on the 11th January 2022.

Affordable Housing for Anstey The Parish Council are supporting the housing needs survey being carried out by the Midland Rural Housing. Your views on this are important and we encourage you to complete the survey when you receive it through your letterbox later on in January.

Parish Council Meeting will be held on the 11th January 2022, 1st February 2022 and then 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/councilmeetings.html all members of the public are welcome to these meetings.

Anstey Housing Needs Survey

‘Finding out the housing needs of all local people’ The Strategic & Private Sector Housing Service at Charnwood Borough Council, and your Parish Council would like your help to understand more about the type of housing that may be needed by local people in rural areas to influence the type and size of homes built in the future. The survey is being conducted on behalf of Charnwood Borough Council by Midlands Rural Housing, an independent organisation with expertise in this work.

At the beginning of February, you will receive a Housing Needs Survey questionnaire through your letterbox. It is important that as many households as possible complete and return the survey so the housing needs of the village can be assessed. There will be a FREEPOST return envelope and you will also have the option to complete the survey online.

Why is this survey happening?

Local Authorities are duty bound to gather information about the housing needs of their communities so that the requirements of all residents can be understood. The survey is not just looking to find out about affordable housing needs; all kinds of housing needs must be understood whether the need is to buy on the open market, part rent and part buy (shared ownership), or rent a home (either privately or through a Registered Provider such as a Housing Association).

What is the survey for?

The information from this kind of survey is used to ensure that any new homes built reflect what is needed by existing residents who have a connection to the village.

Why is it important to fill in the survey?

Rural areas are facing many challenges now. Major threats to shops, pubs, transport, services, and local facilities exist. There is an ageing population, jobs are limited, and there can be a loss of ‘community feel’ in a village.

Also, the costs of living and housing are causing problems for many. These pressures exist in villages across Leicestershire and beyond.

Places like Anstey need to have the right balance of housing to help provide a foundation for a vibrant community. Any new housing should be planned carefully to meet local needs if it is to have a positive impact on the area. This survey is the first step to ensuring this. By identifying the full range of housing needs for local people, future decisions and proactive action can be properly informed.

Are there plans to build new houses here?

Some development is already planned, but the housing needs still must be assessed so up to date local needs evidence is understood. The housing needs of all villages should be assessed every 5 years.

What if the survey finds that there is a housing need?

Charnwood Borough Council will work with the Parish Council, the local community and its housing and planning partners to see if there is a desire to meet any open market or affordable housing needs that may result from this survey. If any new homes are planned it is important that they are in keeping with the village and are built to a high standard of design.

Is the Parish Council aware of the survey?

Anstey Parish Council has been fully consulted over this survey and has been very helpful throughout the process. The Parish Council hope that as many households as possible complete the survey so a true picture of housing need can be established. The results will help them work with the community and the borough council to ensure that the future of Anstey is supported with the right kind of homes, if any are required.

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

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How can I get help with the survey or request a form for someone I know who is in housing need?

If you have any queries or concerns, or need any help completing the survey, please do not hesitate to contact Midlands Rural Housing on 0300 1234 009.

Similarly, if you have another person in your household who is in housing need or know of someone who has moved away and would like to return, please contact Midlands Rural Housing and request an additional survey form.

Thank you, in advance, for your help with this survey – your views on housing needs will really help and could lead to making sure local people get the right housing at the right time and in the right place.

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Thurcaston And Cropston Gardening Club 2022 Programme Of Events Article by Richard Elks

The Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club is pleased to publish its Programme of Events for 2022, after two difficult years.

A great start to 2020 was sadly cut short as we became a casualty of the lockdown. Three top quality speakers gave us terrific meetings and we were off to a ‘flyer’. Fourteen months later we slowly came out of our enforced hibernation with a successful Garden Social Event in May. We ended 2021 with five meetings which included our delayed coach trip to the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show and a return to the village hall where quality visiting speakers informed entertained us.

Article

by LizandTwitchell

Anstey United Reformed Church Update Article by Heather Marston

Following the sad closure of Anstey United Reformed Church (as reported in November’s ‘Your Local’) the last service was held there on Sunday Oct 31st. A collection was taken which raised £275 which has been donated to the Woodland Trust as a small contribution towards a better future hopefully for our children, grandchildren and the planet.

We Want You, We Want You, We Want You As A New Recruit!

Film Presentations Thurcaston and Cropston And Cropston Parish Parish Council Council

After this creditable endback to 2021, given in theperson currentafter circumstances, we now Charnwood Voices are rehearsing a long 18+ months have everymany reason to be optimistic for which our 2022 involving practices over Zoom, we Programme. were very grateful for, but in no hurry to return to!

2022 will start with a return to the Club by Steve Budding (ex-Brookside Nurseries) with thesinger? most intriguing ofthe titles to his talk - “Sell Spade!

I Are you a lapsed A singer in shower?

Have you my always wanted Wouldn’t Dare”.

One not to miss. to sing but never joined a choir and experienced the joy of making music

We are havepleased been delighted to resume showing monthly In January, We to welcome back film presentations to films.

Thurcaston, on the the trueFriday story of “Fisherman’s wasyou funny and yet as valid. we second each month. TheFriends” tickets that bought last dramatic, year will be watched the determination of the record producer, when he realised exactly why the village pubwill hadbe toshown remainon open.

“Downton Abbey” November 12th and lasts 122 minutes.

with others? Well now's the time to give it a go! We are looking for new July sees our outing of you the year to the marvellous in members andfirst would love to come along and tryWaterperry us for size. Gardens We Oxfordshire, a place with so muchHall to see and do. members from all around rehearse weekly in Belton Village and have the Charnwood area. Take a look at our websitewww.charnwoodvoices.

Once again, ourinformation list of speakers contains someand topemail namesVanessa and their subjects org.ukfor more about the choir our will include – ‘Brightening up Shady’, ‘Propagation’, ‘The History of chairchairman@charnwoodvoices.org.ukto express‘Hosta’, your interest.

We look the Allotment’ and ‘Gardening forward to welcoming you. with Ferns’. In August we will welcome the renowned Jonathan Moseley with ‘The Cut Flower Garden’ - one not to miss.

We look forward to 2022 with a lot of optimism. We certainly have a lot to offer to all new gardeners and to the more experienced amongst you. Come along and give us a try!

The annual membership fee is still only £12 (£3) for visitors. Fees are on a pro rata basis after the first 3 months. And, if you would like to come as a visitor and then you decide to join, your visitor fee will be refunded!!

So, if you are interested in gardening - come along and give the Club a try.

For more information, and for a copy of our eye-catching poster of the 2022 Programme of Events, please contact Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116 236 8313): cropston161@hotmail.co.uk 12 Jan

Sell My Spade? I Wouldn’t Dare Steve Budding

9 Feb

The Social History of the Allotment Twigs Way

Anstey WI

Propagation Philip Aubrey

9 Mar Article by Sheila Timms

Gardening with Ferns Members of Anstey WI were saddened by the death of Gill Jones, a very long 13 Apr Heather Godard-Key standing and valued member who had served on the committee more than (Preceded by short AGM) once, and had been our sick visitor for many years. She will be much missed.

Hostas 11 May Kaye Hall had organised a shared picnic for a number of Barlow members Robert at Brinklow Marina, where she has a canal boat. The weather was Dark and Desirable exceptionally good for October and an enjoyable time was had by all.

8 June Paul Green The October 8meeting saw Felicity AustinClub speaking about “Life in the July Friday Outing – Waterperry Gardens Swinging Sixties.” Both Felicity and Angela Rossa, our programme secretary, Themost Cut of Flower Garden dressed in sixties for the occasion. For us this entertaining 10fashions Aug Jonathan Moseley talk involves wallowing in nostalgia, and we joined in singing some of the hits of the time with gusto. The time flew past as we heard about outstanding Sept To Be Confirmed events of the decade, fashions, and what Leicester was like in those days.

The competition, for a memento of the sixties, was won by Marian Driver, Running a Nursery 12 Oct who brought her original mini skirt.

Vince Edwards 9 Nov

Brighten Up the Shade Jeanette Merilion

14 Dec Councillor Vacancy

Article by Marianne Lane

Festive Evening

Meetings are held at the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall and start at 7.45 pm on the second Wednesday of each month (unless otherwise stated).

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council has a Councillor Vacancy in Cropston Ward and is looking for an enthusiastic resident to fill the 8 vacancy. | www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/news

Diana Green Article by Diane

We are showing the latest British drama from Lord Julian Fellowes. This film “Judy” the willmuch be shown on January 14th 2022 and lastsAbbey, 118 minutes. shows anticipated happenings at Downton starring Dame Judy Garland had a long and distinguished career on stage and screen, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton CBE and Hugh Bonneville. We see the highlighted by playing Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz”. At the famous Talk of exciting preparations for the success of a visit by royalty, King George V and the Town in 1968 London, Judy’s spirit had dimmed to a rather tragic figure.

Queen Mary to the country mansion of Lord and Lady Grantham.

However, her old spirit and personality did flicker back to life. Our January film shows Renée Zellweger give the performance of her life in a powerful “Fisherman’s Friends” will be shown on December 10th and lasts 112 minutes. and moving portrayal of Judy in London.

We are showing this incredible British true story as our film leading up to Christmas.

Ten will Cornish men were signed to11th Universal Records “Nomadland” be shown on February 2022 and lasts and 108 achieved minutes. aWe topwill tenbe hitpleased with their traditionaltofolk songs andwhich sea shanties.

They were in February, show a film won BAFTA’s and bound together lifelong friendships and forty yearsActress. shared In experience, three Oscars forby Best Picture, Best Director and Best the drama beginning onFern’s the harbour wall of and theirshe fishing Tuppence Nomadland, husband dies losesvillage. her job.Starring After losing her Middleton, this biographical drama won the prestigiousroads.

Good Chloe house, she remains positive incomedy her rusty van along snowy-laden Tradition Award Zhang is the firstfrom Asianthe to BBC. become Best Director, as she encourages, in Fern, the enduring power of the human spirit.

"Judy" may be shown on January 14th 2022.

"2017" be shown March We willwill be keeping theonhall well11th ventilated and there will be room for us to We will be keeping the hall well ventilated and there will be room for us to space out. space out.

We would like to be cautious at this point and make sure that everyone feels We would likeCould to remain cautiousthat at this thatmoving everyone comfortable. we suggest you point wear and facemake maskssure whilst feels comfortable.

Couldseated, we suggest that you the wear face masks around the hall? Once we will leave choice to you.whilst moving around the hall? Once seated, we will leave the choice to you.

I'm sure that you will all welcome the chance to see other film-goers again.

Thurcaston and and Cropston Cropston Parish ParishCouncil Councilwill willbe beshowing showingthese thesefilms filmsatat Thurcaston Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

Film tickets will costthe theusual Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost usual £5, includes which includes luckydraw prize draw the during the interval.

There £5 which a luckyaprize during interval.

We ask you to may pay be refreshments. We ask you to pay for tickets in advance from for tickets in advance from Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362619 Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362619

Anstey Town Charity Can We Help?

Is your group just restarting after the pandemic?

Do you need financial help to get projects off the ground?

Anstey Town Charity is able to offer financial help to local groups.

Our deadline for grant applications is 31st January 2022 Anstey Town Charity, Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey LE7 7AY. For further details ring Vicky Ball 2125315

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How to Get Boosted

Every adult needs to get a Covid-19 booster vaccine because two doses does not give you enough protection against catching the Omicron variant.

The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has increased its vaccine capacity to support the Omicron Emergency so you can get vaxxed as quickly as possible.

There are three ways to get your jab 1. You can book your appointment in advance using the National Booking Service. You can either book online by visiting nhs.uk/covidvaccination or you can call 119.

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Deborah Taylor

County Councillor for Bradgate Division T: 0116 2350126 E: deborah.taylor@leics.gov.uk I would like to wish you a very Happy New Year. I hope you had a nice Christmas and managed to find time to rest and spend time with family and friends.

As I write my report, we have all been advised that the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus is spreading more rapidly than previous variants. Residents are being advised to ensure that you take the two vaccines and the booster jab, when offered. You can book either of your vaccines or booster vaccine through this website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirusvaccination/ or via the telephone on 119.

The vaccine can help prevent serious illness.

Mandatory mask wearing in public spaces is in force and the guidance is not due to be revised until the 5th January 2022. Please ensure you minimise your contact with other people and isolate if you feel unwell and book a Covid test: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test Our website has up to date information on dealing with Coronavirus.

Woodland Trust online shop - https://shop.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees Further information about the QGC is available: www.queensgreencanopy.org Consultations Strategic Plan A consultation has been launched, enabling residents to give their views on a major blueprint for council services. From tackling climate change to conserving our heritage and keeping people safe, Leicestershire County Council is encouraging residents to have their say on its aims for the next four years.

Creating jobs, celebrating diverse communities, improving transport and supporting children to thrive, and lots more, are also set out in the authority’s refreshed ‘strategic plan’.

The consultation is open until 21st January 2022 and can be found at: www. leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/current-engagement/leicestershirecounty-council%E2%80%99s-strategic-plan-2022 Budget Leicestershire County Council has unveiled its latest budget proposals as it continues to press the case for the levelling up of local government finances.

F20 Leaders from the 20 lowest funded county councils in England have written to the Secretary of State proposing a short-term fix. A cross-party group of the lowest funded councils across the country have called for a £300 million temporary fix to level up local government finance.

The authority has warned that the cost of looking after vulnerable children and adults is stretching its finances to unprecedented levels and it remains uncertain whether government social care reforms, as recently set out, will provide enough financial support to meet the demand.

Leicestershire County Council is leading the campaign calling on the Department for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities (DLUHC) to inject the extra money to support the very lowest funded authorities in the country.

Leicestershire leader, Nick Rushton, and the leaders of the lowest funded councils – known as F20 - have written to the DLUHC Secretary of State, Michael Gove, setting out why the additional funding is needed.

To help it balance the books, the council is proposing to increase its share of residents’ council tax bills by 3% from April 2022 - a 2% rise in the basic levy and 1% ringfenced to contribute towards adult social care. For every 1% increase in Council Tax, this provides an additional £3.4m (per year) to the County Council and costs each household in a band D property an additional £14.10 per year.

The letter, also sent to the Minister for Levelling Up and Communities, Kemi Badenoch, follows a meeting earlier this month of the leaders of this new cross-party grouping of the very lowest funded councils, including York, Bath and NE Somerset, Luton, Warrington and Hampshire, who all agreed to put their weight behind the campaign.

The council’s proposals set out plans for the next financial year but also looks forward to 2025/26. Although austerity may have ended, funding available to the council is not keeping up with the level of service growth required.

You can read more details on Fairer Funding by reading the UK Onward Report: www.ukonward.com/reports/fair-funding/ Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) New restrictions have come into force after a case of avian influenza (bird flu) was confirmed in chickens at a poultry farm near Barrow-upon-Soar in Charnwood.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has now put 3km and 10km Temporary Control Zones in place surrounding the infected premises to limit the risk of the disease spreading, which means it is a legal requirement for all bird-keepers in the affected area to follow increased biosecurity measures.

Movement of domestic poultry and other captive birds is not allowed, and all birds kept by people living within the control zone must be housed in enclosures which do not allow birds to fly in and out or have any contact with wild birds.

More information, including a map of the zones and details of the restrictions, can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flucases-and-disease-control-zones-in-england Queen’s Green Canopy Organisations and individuals across the county are being invited to ‘plant a tree for the jubilee’ to mark next years’ Platinum Jubilee. The tree will form part of the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

Anyone wishing to plant their own tree for the Jubilee, can access trees through free and affordable tree schemes offered by the Woodland Trust.

If you are a landowner, visit Leicestershire County Council’s website and search ‘Free trees’. Single trees can also be purchased at low cost from the

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That, coupled with the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, has led to additional costs, and means that the authority is left in an extremely challenging financial position. The council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) sets out the need to save £100 million by 2025/26 with more than £46 million of that sum yet to be identified. The council’s cabinet approved a two-month public consultation on its MTFS when it met on Tuesday 14th December and can be found here: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/ current-engagement/budget-proposals-2022-26 The consultation is open until 16th January 2022.

The proposals will also be debated by councillors through the scrutiny process before being voted on by the full council, on 23rd February 2022, after the views of the public, businesses and councillors have been discussed.

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Deborah Taylor Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 0116 2350126 E: cllr.deborah.taylor@charnwood.gov.uk A very Happy New Year to you all. We hope you all had a lovely Christmas and found time to have some rest and enjoy the festivities with family and friends.

We both enjoyed some time away from official meetings as they are not held over the Christmas period. This enables the staff at Charnwood to take some leave with a skeleton staff remaining on duty for on-call services.

In addition to our normal working duties, we have continued to work on local issues and individual casework. Here is a short summary of some of the work that we have been doing: • We have been working on some boundary issues on the Barwood Brookside development site and are supporting the residents in discussions with planning enforcement at Charnwood.

• We have made representations for concerned residents to the Plans Committee on an application to extend the use of the beer garden until 9pm at the Mash and Press pub on Albion Street. Residents were concerned about the noise from the beer garden in this very built-up area. The planning application conditions were updated to allow the beer garden to remain open until 9pm on Friday and Saturday evenings only.

Charnwood Local Plan The Council has submitted the Charnwood Local Plan 2021-2037 and supporting documents to Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities. This marks the start of the formal examination of the Local Plan which will be carried out by the Planning Inspectorate to assess whether the Local Plan meets the tests of soundness’ and legal tests set out in legislation and the National Planning Policy Framework.

The Local Plan sets out where the housing developments will go in the borough up to 2037 and the policies that shape what the housing will look like. There is a lot more information about the Local Plan here: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/examination Budget Charnwood Borough Council has produced a draft budget for 2022/23 which was considered by Cabinet on 9th December 2021. The Council’s overall draft budget for 2022/23 is £17.6 million. The Council is proposing to make around £600,000 of savings and generate additional income of around £400,000 through some increased charges. It is proposed to increase the Charnwood element of Council Tax by £5 on an average Band D property per year.

Summary of budget proposals • It is proposed to amend the opening hours of the Council’s reception and the telephone contact centre to reflect the changing habits of customers and the move to the use of more online services. The reception has been appointment-only since the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic and the Council still sees people in emergency situations and operates an out-ofhours service.

• It is proposed that the Shopmobility scheme in Loughborough town centre not be reintroduced. The scheme was paused in March 2020 due to the pandemic. It had low usage before that and was down to around 13 bookings a week and nine regular users a month. It would also have needed further investment before it could reopen. Parking spaces used by the scheme will be retained for people to book. The proposal will save £34,000 a year.

• It is proposed to increase the charge of the Garden Waste Service by £9 to £50 per bin, per year (if paid by direct debit) from April 2022. It means the cost is rising from around £1.64 per emptied bin every fortnight to £2 which the Council feels is still very good value for money. The garden waste service is discretionary, and residents can choose to compost instead. Other authorities in the area charge more for a similar service.

• It is proposed to raise the charge to collect bulky waste items from £20 to £25. The charge is comparable with other councils and it is a discretionary service. Residents can choose to take their items to the tip or use a similar service from other providers. The fee can be waived for people who can prove exceptional hardship.

Christmas Waste Collections The Christmas period will see NO CHANGES to waste and recycling

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Paul Baines

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 07977 178869 E: cllr.paul.baines@charnwood.gov.uk collections this year.

However, there are important dates to remember in relation to other waste collection services - including garden, bulky items, clinical and commercial/ trade.

Please continue to ensure your bin is out by 6am on your collection day.

Real Christmas Tree Collections Charnwood will collect real trees from subscribers to their garden waste service. Residents with a garden waste bin can present the tree at the side of the bin and it will be taken. Trees should be no bigger than 6ft and placed next to the bins at the edge of the property for 6am on collection day.

Collection dates will be between Monday 10th January to Friday 21st January 2022.

More information on how to dispose of real Christmas trees can be found at www.charnwood.gov.uk/christmas_tree_collections.

More information on what can and cannot be recycled can be found here: www.lesswaste.org.uk/recycle/items-accepted-for-recycling-atcasepak/#Items%20accepted%20for%20recycling%20at%20Casepak Mayoral News This month, the Mayor and Mayoress attended: 1. The Royal British Legion’s Quorn Poppy Concert - where we were treated to performances by the Quorn Ukelele Orchestra (http://thequo.org/), Suzanne and Friends, and the Leicestershire and Rutland County Pipe Band www.lrcpipeband.co.uk All three sets of performers were brilliant, as was compère, Reverend Howard Ketton!

2. The Leicestershire and Rutland Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) President’s Luncheon at the Leicestershire County Cricket Club hosted by Chairman, Lady Gretton.

3. The Lougborough Christmas lights switch-on – where the Mayor was forced to do an impromptu sing-along with the cast of Aladdin!

4. The Panto Gala night at Loughborough Town Hall – Aladdin was the panto and what fun it was. ‘He’s behind you! No he’s not! Yes, he is!’ etc. For a list of other excellent events on at Loughborough Town Hall, see: https:// www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk/events 5. Shepshed Christmas Lights Switch On & Market – this charming little market, organised by Gary Willis and Lou Cavner, was complete with a DJ, a band, and (very competent) local singers knocking out Christmas numbers. With the local café selling fabulous turkey and stuffing sandwiches, and the local pub offering mulled wine at one of the stalls, this all made for a really enjoyable afternoon.

6. 45th Anniversary Living Without Abuse (LWA) Winter Ball – we encouraged an extra 30 people to sign up for this event at the Leicester Marriott, raising an extra £1,200 for the charity by the time ticket sales closed, and another £400 in extra donations as well as donations and raffle sales on the night.

7. Mountsorrel Christmas Lights Switch-on at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre (this time with the cast from Cinderella!) – it was great to see the crowd all ready for Christmas, and the kids loved the countdown.

There is a fantastic line-up of events at this busy venue. See: www. mountsorrelmemorialcentre.co.uk/upcoming-events 8. The Carol Service at Loughborough University – in what must have been freezing weather, with the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Jennings CB and his partner, and colleagues.

The Mayor also: attended the Loughborough Student Union international day to celebrate the cultures and cuisines of the University’s new student intake, with about 27 countries represented; delivered a presentation with Charnwood Borough Council Civic Officer, Carol Hardy, to the 6th Loughborough Brownies (and faced being asked some of the most challenging and intelligent questions ever devised); attended the Gordon Hallam Tote Draw in Queniborough to support their charitable events; attended ABF The Soldier’s Charity Christmas Curry Luncheon (with Cllr Taylor), attended the formal opening of the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre, and attended the virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Citizens Advice Charnwood.

The next Mayoral charity event will be a Burns Night Supper at The Swan

in the Rushes in Loughborough for a three course meal for £28 per person on 22nd January 2022. Please book early to secure your place and avoid disappointment: https://lwa.enthuse.com/cf/lwa-burns-night-supper If you would like to donate to one of the two Mayoral charities this year, Living Without Abuse or Marie Curie, please donate in the following ways to your preferred choice of charity: • Living Without Abuse: Donate via the webpage: https://lwa.enthuse.com/ pf/paul-baines • Marie Curie: Donate via the webpage: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ paul-baines9 Alternatively, you can donate via BACS to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal 20212022 using the following details and the funds will be divided equally or as specified by the donor: Account name: Borough of Charnwood Bank name: HSBC Bank address: 41 Market Place, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3EJ Sort code: 40-30-24 Account number: 61820559 Reference: Please add in ‘Mayor’s Charity’.

Or send a cheque made payable to ‘Charnwood Borough Council Mayor’s Charity’ to: The Mayor’s Office, Charnwood Borough Council, Southfield Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 2TX. More details about the Mayor’s Charity Appeal are here: www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/ currentcharityappeal Please do consider giving generously.

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David Snartt Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate T: 01530 244804 E: cllr.david.snartt@charnwood.gov.uk Happy New Year.

Charnwood Local Plan.

Charnwood Borough Council has submitted its Local Plan and vision for the area to Government. The Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37 is a key document for supporting future growth. The Local Plan has been developed following four public consultations, including the latest one in the summer when there were over 700 representations.

The submission to the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities marks the start of the formal examination of the Local Plan which will be carried out by an independent Inspector nominated by the Planning Inspectorate.

What happens next: The Inspector will assess whether the plan has been prepared in accordance with legal and procedural requirements and if it is sound. The four tests of soundness are set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The Inspector will consider the evidence provided

by Charnwood Borough Council to support the plan and any representations which have been put forward by local people and other interested parties. In most cases the examination will include hearing sessions which are held in public. For the current Local Plan, the hearings were held at Loughborough Town Hall.

At the end of the examination the Inspector will send a report to the Council recommending whether or not they can adopt the plan. In most cases the report will recommend some changes that are necessary to allow the plan to be adopted. These are known as ‘main modifications’. In carrying out the examination, the Inspector will be conscious of the benefits of having a robust and up to date plan adopted as quickly as possible and will apply the principles of openness, fairness and impartiality.

How long will this take: The aim is to adopt the local plan towards the end of 2022. The Council are awaiting details of when the examination hearings will be. More details about the timetable will be published on the examination website. www.charnwood.gov.uk/examination During the last consultation I responded with my concerns about proposals within the Draft Local Plan. I highlighted four areas that I believe would have an impact on residents living in my Forest Bradgate Ward.

1. Not compliant with Leicester and Leicestershire 2050 Our Vision for Growth, Strategic Growth Plan.

2. Protecting the Borough’s soil resources.

3. The use of greenfield sites.

4. Impact on transport and highways.

These four areas were in response to the large development that encroaches into the Woodhouse Parish and the large number of dwellings allocated to the village of Anstey. Hopefully I will be able to expand on my concerns when the hearing sessions take place.

Budget for 2022/23.

The Cabinet at Charnwood Borough Council endorsed the Draft Budget for 2022/23 at its meeting on December 9th 2021. The Budget is still in draft form, the Council are waiting for an update on the amount of Government funding they will receive. The Council’s overall Draft Budget for 2022/23 is £17.6 million, they are proposing to make around £600,000 of savings, and generate income of around £400,000 through some increased charges. It is proposed to increase the Charnwood element of Council Tax by £5 on an average D property per year. The Council is still planning to use £200,000 from reserves and depending upon the Government’s Financial Settlement, it may have to make further savings Two of the proposed increases in charges are: The garden waste service which will see an increase of £9 per bin, per year (if paid by direct debit) from April 2022 and the bulky waste collection of items, proposed to raise the charge from £20 to £25. This fee can be waived for people who can prove exceptional hardship.

For more information on the Draft Budget proposals please go to the Council’s website where you will find the Budget summary and Cabinet report.

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Planning Application.

I attended a Planning Committee meeting at Charnwood Borough Council to register my concerns about a planning application for a residential development of up to 93 dwellings on land adjacent to Ashby Road, Markfield. Although this land is close to Markfield village, the site is situated within Newtown Linford Parish. Only the access arrangements are to be agreed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

I registered my dismay about the number of dwellings being approved in locations that do not fit with the Local Plan, remembering the 36 dwellings recently approved on appeal at Woodhouse Eaves. I am a big supporter of Neighbourhood Plans. My main concern was that it seems very little weight, if any, had been given to the Markfield Neighbourhood Plan in the committee report. I also stated, in my view, the current planning legislation is letting communities like the ones in my Council Ward and beyond down, impacting on the lives of residents for generations to come. The application was granted planning permission subject to conditions. It seems that because Charnwood Borough Council cannot demonstrate a five year housing land supply the majority of planning applications are being granted with less weight given to the Local Plan. Remembering, both Newtown Linford Parish and Woodhouse Eaves Parish are in the Local Plan hierarchy as ‘Other Settlements’ stating: These villages may be suitable for some small scale infill development to meet local need. Any development that increases the need to travel by car will not be considered to be acceptable small-scale development.

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.

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Anstey Chess Club

Supporting A Cough Naturally

Venue: Anstey Methodist Church

A cough is the body’s protective reflex, an attempt to eliminate foreign objects from the respiratory tract. It is quite common for a cough to accompany or follow a cold or flu.

Article by Ben Vaughan

When: Thursday evenings from 7pm League Chess Results We have had some mixed results again in our recent games: 25/11/21 - Anstey 1 6-2 Kirby Muxloe 2 An 8 board extravaganza took place and after some hard fought matches, we came out on top by 6 points to 2. Good wins for Leo, Alan, Mick, Hal, Julian and John. A welcome return from Rudy as well but he finished second his game, like I did. Good to see Rudy back at the club though.

2/12/21 - Anstey 2 1.5-2.5 Wigston 4 A narrow loss at home for the second team against a strong Wigston side.

Along with Marjet Harborough 3, they should top the league this year. A good draw for Hal on board 2 and an excellent win for Oskar on board 4 in a very well played endgame. Losses for Mike and Leo this time.

9/12/21 - Ashby 2 3-1 Anstey Another defeat for the first team but the games were much closer than it would appear. Losses for myself and Mick with Julian and John drawing their games.

Venue We are now playing at the Methodist Church in Anstey, on Cropston Road near the pedestrian lights. We have had to hire this spacious playing room and we have received some excellent financial support so far from our members and a very kind donation of £200 from The Anstey Town Charity - an organisation which helps local clubs/organisations in Anstey with funding.

We also have a grant application in with the Parish Council for further funding to help us with the running costs of the club.

Why not visit us?

We have the use of the room at the Methodist Church until June next year (a 40 week hire) so we would love to fill the room every week with new and old chess players.

For player safety, hand sanitiser is available at all times. Due to the Government rule changes regarding places of Worship, we are now required to wear masks whilst at the venue. The Church have said that they will leave it to us but members generally feel that masks should be worn given the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

Junior Coaching/Lessons I am delighted to announce that in partnership with Beanies Soft Play (top floor above Potters Carpets) in Anstey, we are now putting on Junior chess sessions for children of all ages and abilities.

Beanies has a wonderful clean and spacious soft play area (my 4-year-old girl loves it there!) so if you have a child interested in chess but you have a sibling that isn't interested in chess, then Beanies is the perfect solution!

There is an excellent choice of food and drink to please all tastes in the cafe area too.

Sessions are on Saturday mornings from 9-11am and will cost £3 per session per child for chess (payable directly to Beanies) and this will include some juice for the little ones.

Note: Additional costs will apply for soft play area and refreshments Hope to see you soon

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Article by Gary Trickett

Cough remedies are amongst our oldest medicines, but first you need to identify what type of cough you have.

A cough can be productive or non-productive – a polite turn of phrase that describes how much or little mucus you bring up when you cough. A dry cough is a type of cough that produces little or no mucus or phlegm, it is therefore referred to as non-productive.

A productive cough on the other hand, produces plenty of runny stuff.

Chesty coughs, also referred to as mucus coughs, are characterised by the amount of mucus they produce. Your natural reflex is to cough up or ‘expectorate’ this mucus to help clear your chest.

Generally speaking, a cough suppressant will help to dampen down the irritation of a dry and tickly, non-productive cough. They work by soothing and reducing the urge to cough. A favourite herb for dry coughs is spruce or pine. Try A.Vogel Bronchosan Pine Cough Syrup or Santasapina Cough Lozenges. Made from extracts of freshly harvested pine shoots, either can be used to relieve dry, tickly and irritating coughs. They also contain honey, which is naturally soothing.

If your cough is productive, you will need an expectorant to help bring up the excess mucus in your airways. Expectorants thin and loosen mucus from the respiratory tract, encouraging its expulsion. Bronchoforce Chesty Cough combines Ivy, Thyme and liquorice to help relieve chesty coughs resulting from excess mucus or catarrh in the respiratory tract.

Whether your cough is productive or non-productive, staying properly hydrated will help to speed your recovery, and if your cough is worse at night, use extra pillows to help to prevent any mucus from collecting at the back of your throat and triggering your coughing reflex.

If symptoms persist or you cough up blood, do consult your healthcare professional or GP. For further information, visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester.

Christmas Day For Those Alone 2021

Article by Kerry Sharpe Last year it was an extremely difficult decision as to whether to go ahead or not re Covid and meant a lot of worrying and sleepless nights!

I decided to go ahead as some folks really don’t go out much at all and this is a lifeline for them, we do have to look after people’s mental health too and I believe if we had cancelled to would have been too much for some of our guests.

Re Covid, I decided to change our venue as the Church rooms where we normally hold this cannot be ventilated easily, so we joined forces with Brenda at Little Markfield farm in their barn which is set up for events and has natural ventilation but a lovely big log fire and other heaters which meant we had a ventilated but warm room!

We of course also did everything we could to be as safe as possible.

Volunteers and guests were asked to do lateral flows, we had hand sanitisers as folks arrived and each

table, everyone wore masks when moving about the room etc…. so, we couldn’t have done any more.

We catered for 70 people, and everyone had a wonderful time with a fantastic meal cooked by Brenda and Coralie, a present, goody bag, and a gift of fudge each, but most importantly company!

Many thanks for course to Brenda, David and Coralie at Little Markfield Farm for letting us all join you.

Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers, to folks of Anstey, Markfield and surrounding villages for all their donations made to our donation hubs, my friends, and colleagues and all who have donated.

Thanks to Markfield Community Centre and Roy Greens in Anstey for being donation hubs Thanks to all the companies who donated goods or money………

Next, Tesco (Fosse Road North), Morrisons (Glenfield), Langtons Butchers (Glenfield), Pladis (prev Jacobs), Oooh fudge, Charnwood brewery, Co-Op, GTS security (Anstey), Whitfields grocers (Anstey)

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Anstey RFC Onwards And Upwards Towards 2022 Article by Chris Apperley

On the last Saturday in November it was time to host Vipers from Blaby for a league game at our Link Road ground. On a bitterly cold day with the classic biting wind coming across from Bradgate Park and beyond, a bare 15 Anstey players got ready to host a Vipers side who arrived with replacements and a determination to overturn the result the last time the clubs met in May. Anstey played downhill in the first half (not the usual preferred option) Early on Anstey did get on the scoreboard with the first try of the game.

Given the conditions it was no surprise that the conversion was missed!

After another 20 minutes a great run by our Chairman, Shane Frear resulted in try number two. Conversion missed again. After a hard fought First Half the break was welcome. Now to defend that lead uphill against the wind.

Not long before our defence was breached by a Vipers First team player, so 10-5. Then the Anstey defence showed its strength and determination with Vipers camped near our line for an absolute age before finally getting through to make it 10-10

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For another half hour this is how the score remained, so we are looking like getting a Draw against a very strong Vipers Team. But this is the Team of 2021, so a draw was not good enough. In the final few minutes it was Andrew Pollock who scored the third Try for Anstey. A hard fought win leaving many Anstey players battered and bruised. A week on we were looking forward to our first Cup game of the season when we were due to host Quorn. But unfortunately our opposition were not able to put together a strong enough team, so we have a bye into the next round.

11th December and the last league game of 2021 at Cosby where Anstey came away 63-5 winners cementing our place at the top of the table.

18th December looking forward to an away trip to Newark, but it was not to be as one way or another Omicron got in the way.

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day off, so the next scheduled outing is Oadby Wyggs Away on 8th January.

A full fixture list is in place right round until the first weekend in May when it will be President’s Day followed by our 40th/42nd Dinner in June and the AGM in the same month.

The full 2021/22 Updated fixture list is on our website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/anstey/teams/41334/fixtures-results If you would like to get involved and start playing rugby, contact either our Chairman Shane Frear on 07725 642525 or Captain Graham Waring on 07764 461961 Visit www.pitchhero.com/clubs/anstey or our Facebook Group Page at www. facebook.com/groups/20694012567 for updated information.

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