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

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THE QUEEN'S

PLATINUM JUBILEE 1952 - 2022 70 Years of Service

Bank Holiday Weekend Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June

"I hope this Jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities."

Her Majesty The Queen

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PHOTO ABOVE: The existing structure looking towards the former Brush site and Loughborough

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Steel cross section design of new bridge

Concrete cross section design of new bridge

Great Central Railway Gives The Go Ahead For £1,000,000 Bridge Replacement Article by Michael Gough

The Great Central Railway PLC’s Board are pleased to announce that they have today given approval for the work on the replacement of Bridge 326 crossing the A60 adjacent to the former Brush Works in Loughborough to commence with immediate effect.

A purchase order has now been placed with VolkerLaser who are the preferred main contractors.

Fabrication of the two new steel and concrete U decks will commence as soon as the final design work is completed by HBPW Consulting of Retford and the steel (which has already been design-specified) arrives at the fabricators, Carver Steel in Harworth, Doncaster. Volker will be ready to demolish the old bridge deck and install the new twin decks from the 1st October, as well as making good the existing bridge abutments.

This will enable both the track to the midland mainline chord and the future line from GCR south to pass over the newly-constructed bridge. Two tracks over the bridge are essential to secure a future connection with the mainline.

This project represents the next major step in the reunification of the Great Central Railway Loughborough with the northern section which leads to Ruddington in Nottinghamshire.

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Work, in the first instance, to investigate a possible repair to the, more than 120 years old, deck rather than replacement proved that too much original section had been lost to corrosion and thus replacement proved to be the only financially viable option.

This major project will cost in excess of £1 million in total and is projected to complete at the end of October this year. The bridge replacement will be funded by supporters and the Railway’s charitable trust and will therefore be cost-neutral to the PLC. Commenting on the announcement, the Railway’s Managing Director, Michael Gough said; “This project represents another major step in the drive for reunification of the two GCR sections and in the return of the currently-disused northern section of line back to traffic. This is a 120-year old structure which is certainly life-expired and cannot be repaired and we are pleased once again to be able to work with the team at Volker who have proven to be trusted partners on two previous bridge projects for the Railway that have both gone incredibly well.

With only 4.3 metres from the underside of the deck to the road, the old bridge has frequently “seen action” in terms of bridge strikes from high-sided vehicles trying to pass underneath and we are designing the new structure to achieve maximum additional headroom as well as building collision protection measures into the new structure.”

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Newtown Linford Choral Society

Protecting Your Family Inheritance

In March the Choral Society presented a concert of classical and sacred pieces of music to a capacity audience in Loughborough, and received a very enthusiastic response.

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are fully vaccinated.

LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

Article by Peter Sayer

We are now busy rehearsing for our ever-popular Summer Concert, which will be held in Newtown Linford Village Hall on Friday 10th and Saturday 11th June. We will be performing a variety of light hearted songs to suit the summer season, including for example ’Under the Boardwalk’, ’What a Wonderful World’, and a medley of Broadway favourites from the past. We will also be celebrating the Platinum Jubilee by including some songs which are said the be favourites of the Queen. There will be a licensed bar. Tickets are available by ringing 01530 243822, and prices are £10 for adults, and £5 for students in full time education

Woodhouse Eaves Jubilee Street Party Street party with music taking place on Hastings Road cul-de-sac on Sunday 5th June in Woodhouse Eaves. Information provided by www.leicestershire.gov.uk

Anstey Gynsill Tennis Club Article by Yvonne Miles

Anstey Gynsill Tennis Club would like to thank Anstey Town Charity for their generous donation towards a Defibrillator. This has now been purchased and will be available from the Clubhouse for use by all members.

The Club is holding an Open Day on Saturday May 7th where everyone is welcome, any age, non-players, beginners to come along and hit a few balls, enjoy the BBQ or just watch.

Article by Klara Dixon

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.

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Social Events And Activities At All Saints’ Thurcaston In June Article by Jane Westby

It is so good to be able to think and plan ahead after such a difficult two years, so here are some dates for your diary. Do come along and join us Sunday 5th June 1pm to 3pm Platinum Jubilee Parish Picnic in the Church Garden. Bring your own picnic and join the celebrations for Our Queen’s 70 years of service. Patriotic music with our handbell ringers.

Saturday 11th June 1.30pm until 4.30pm All Saints’ Garden Fete in the Church, Churchyard and Harrison Room.

There will be zip wire teddies, various stalls including tombola, raffle, brica-brac & books. Plant stall with annuals, perennials, shrubs and vegetables.

Home make cakes and preserves. Then relax with tea and cake whilst listening to the Quorn Ukulele orchestra and the Marydene Guitar society.

Sunday 26th June 2pm to 6pm Open Gardens Weekend Thurcaston and Cropston The Church and Garden will be open just on the Sunday afternoon and offering refreshments.

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Anstey At The Beginning Of Queen Elizabeth II’s Reign 1950 To 1960

Saturday June 11th and Sunday June 12th 2022 10.00am to 4.00pm

The Church Rooms, Church Lane Anstey Refreshments Admission: Adults £1.00 50% will go to the Ukrainian Fund Come and view over 200 photos from the Anstey Millennium Collection.

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Anstey Parish Council Article by Megan Sutliffe

Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee The celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee begin next month starting with a four-day bank holiday. There has been a lot of uncertainty over whether the Council would hold an event, due to the plans for the extension of the Jubilee Hall. For this reason, the Council have decided not to hold an event but encourage you to enjoy your own parties over the Jubilee weekend 2nd – 5th June 2022.

The Parish Council would like to hear about any Anstey babies born this year, so that they can be given a commemorative coin. If you would like to get in touch by email, post or calling into the office please let us know the name of the new baby, along with the address and names of the parents. We will then be able to make sure that your baby receives one of these coins.

Bunting will be placed along the front of the Jubilee Hall, the Platinum Jubilee Logo will be placed on lamp posts and floral displays will be planted in Platinum Jubilee colours this year. We have included a copy of the official logo if you would like to cut it out and display in your window over the June weekend.

A Royal themed Treasure Hunt has been organised for children. To take part, follow the clues to Royal places around the village. Return your answers to the Parish Office at Jubilee Hall to collect your prize.

1

What are the 3 roads named after the Queen's 3 sons?

2

How many Royal Mail post boxes are there in Anstey?

3

What was built over the brook especially to get to Bradgate Park?

4

Which Royal way would you come after going over the brook to get to Bradgate Park?

5

Where is the location of the bell re-cast for King Edward VIII?

6

Where is the close named after the Queen's headdress?

7

Which street is named after the first Stewart King of England?

8

Was Ed Sheeran singing about this country park fit for Kings and Queens?

9

Where can you get up close to the Queen's Sons & Grandsons?

10

Where would the Queen get a pint?

11

Where could the "Queen of Hearts" have bought her shoes?

12

Which street has the name of the Prince 3rd in line to the throne?

13

Which old cinema may the Queen have seen a movie at?

14

Find 2 war hero's who have the same name as the place where Richard III died in battle?

15

How many Jubilee flags are on Jubilee Hall?

16

Which Jubilee is celebrated on the gates to the Car Park of the Reccy?

17

How many union jack flags are there in the hanging baskets?

18

Find the hall celebrating the Queens reign and come and collect your prize

Casual Vacancy There is a casual vacancy for a councillor at Anstey PC. This is a great opportunity to become involved in local issues that affect the community.

If you would like to know more about the work do contact us at the parish office or come along to a parish meeting to observe the workings of the council. To become a local Councillor you need to confirm that you meet the following criteria: • You have not had a paid office with the Council (within the last year).

• You are not subject to bankruptcy regulations.

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• You have not within the past 5 years had a custodial sentence.

• You have not been convicted of corrupt or illegal practices.

• You have not been convicted for failure to register or declare disclosable interests, under the Localism Act 2011.

You will need to submit an introductory statement for the Council to consider any application saying why you are interested in the role and how you feel that you can contribute to the work of the parish council.

RVS Lunch Club The lunch club meets every Friday at the Jubilee Hall, from 11.45am – 1.30pm (approx.) All are welcome especially those who are socially isolated and would like some company. There is no specific age limit, but usually people aged 70 plus attend.

The cost of a meal is £6.60 plus transport of £5.00 if required.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact the Parish office or Elizabeth Jarvis on 0116 287 6110.

Parish Meeting The Parish Meeting will be held this year on the 21st June (Tuesday evening). This is a meeting of the electorate, you are invited to come along and take part.

Community Groups who would like to receive grant funding are invited. Each group will be given a table where they can display information about what the group does, given the opportunity to speak and encourage others to vote for their group.

All those who attend the meeting will be able to vote for their four favourite causes and those four groups with the most votes will be awarded a cash prize of £250.00 each.

To apply to take part and have the

opportunity to win one of the four cash prizes of 250.00, you can register your interest at the parish office. Spaces will be limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis. You will need to complete an application form www.ansteypc.org.uk/uploads/ grant-application-form-2020.docx and return it to the parish office by Friday the 17th June to be able to take part. If you would like more information or an informal chat do contact us by telephone (0116) 236 2646 Councillor Surgery The Councillor Surgery was held on 9th April 2022 at Jubilee Hall.

Councillor Ball and Peake were available to meet with residents of Anstey. Concerns were raised about highway issues.

Public Toilets at The Nook Due to vandalism the public toilets are currently locked in the evenings and weekends. There have been repeated attempts to enter the toilets whilst they are locked causing more damage. If anyone sees any damage being caused to the toilets, please report it to the Parish Office or the Police at 111 Wildflower Planting Wildflowers have been planted to encourage wildlife at the Top Green, Bottom Green and Millfield Play Area. You may have seen the notices around these areas, this is to ensure the grass does not get cut to allow the plants to get established over the summer.

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

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RVS Lunch Club - Anstey

Friday Film Presentations In Thurcaston

Article by Elizabeth Jarvis

This Lunch Club is held every Friday (apart from Good Friday and Christmas) at Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey. From 11.45am – 1.30pm (approx.)

We welcome people who are socially isolated and would like some company. There is no specific age limit, but usually people aged 70 plus attend.

Article by Richard & Diane The cost of a meal is £6.60 plus transport of £5.00 if required.

All are welcome but it is not a drop in service, as meals must be ordered in advance.

Please contact Elizabeth Jarvis on 0116 287 6110 if you or anyone you know maybe interested.

Events For Spring 2022

Article by Linda Tomalin Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month from January to May starting at 7.30pm.

Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free.

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood" is shown on May 13th and lasts 111 minutes.

May’s film, starring Tom Hanks, is a heart-warming story, based on a real magazine article about a beloved children’s television host, Fred Rogers. When the naturally cynical journalist finally meets Fred, he cannot believe that this host is so kind and selfless. However, we must ask ourselves two questions, “Will the journalist learn to face his traumatic past?” and “Will these two men ever become friends?”. Tom Hanks excels in this compassionate roll, for which he was nominated for a British Academy Award.

“The Colour Room” will be shown on June 10th and lasts 108 minutes.

Our U.K. June film tells the story of the determined working class Clarice Cliff, who overcomes all odds to become a ceramic artist, paving the way for other women, in the process. She revolutionises the workplace and becomes one of the most influential ceramicists of the twentieth century. Surely you have seen her exquisite pottery on an antiques show! Starring Phoebe Dynevor, this will be an inspirational film.

"Downton Abbey - A New Era" or "Belfast" will be shown on September 9th.

We will be keeping the hall well ventilated and there will be room for us to space out.

N.B. Talks will return to being online, should government advice change.

Wednesday 11th May at 7.30pm - A Wildlife Quiz for Everyone This quiz will be an entertaining, sociable evening with questions for everyone, whether or not you are a wildlife expert, or just enjoy natural history. Organise your own team beforehand, or join others in a team on the night. Bring your own drinks and nibbles to help the evening along.

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 or pay in advance from Richard 0116 2363 066 or Diana 0116 2362 619

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association Article by Graham Burton

The 10th May members will meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm.On the 18th members are going on a cruise then on to Camden market. Any persons interested in future events please contact Sheila Furniss on 01332 516744.

National Garden Charity Scheme Article by Jan Croft

As part of the National Garden Charity Scheme Bank Cottage 90 Main Street, Newtown Linford, LE6 0AF. Will be open from April 1st through until end of May 2022. Last year many people enjoyed ‘hiring’ (£3 per head) this garden for birthdays and garden parties. Jan provides and sets up for you linen, crockery, cutlery,table, chairs etc in the bottom garden overlooking fields and the river Lin - you just bring your own refreshments. Contact Jan for further details and to prebook or call on speck. 01530 244865 - 07429159910

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Anstey Local History Society Our next meeting will be held on: Wednesday May 18th 2022 at 7.30.p.m. at The Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road It will be a 1950’s evening to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Please bring an unnamed photo of yourself in the 1950’s (if you are old enough!), and any 1950’s articles you may have that we can display.

50’s food will be served 50’s dress optional Members: Free Non-members: £3.00 www.ansteyhistory.com Tel: 07870197958

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Anstey And Glenfield Cricket Club 2022 Season Preview

By Phil Vose, Vice Chairman

Anstey and Glenfield Cricket Club are looking forward to starting the new cricket season in April in the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League. The first team will be playing in Division 4 West and the second team will be participating in Division 6 West.

Dancing With Thurcaston Brownies

Article by Irene Marriott With the expertise of Brown Owl and Barn Owl, the Brownies have been trying out different dances and Snowy Owl had been researching their history and culture. We started with ‘Action Dances’ and enjoyed the Macarane and the ever popular, Chicken Dance. We celebrated Burns Night in January by wearing something tartan and learning the Gay Gordons dance and the significance of the poet Rabbie Burns to the Scottish and their fight for Independence.

At this time, the famous ballroom in Blackpool tower, used for Strictly Come Dancing Finals, was being renewed so we learned a little science of dance floor construction.

The floors are springy to save injury to the joints of dancers.

Waitangi Day in New Zealand is in early February and we learned about the Treaty between the native people and the colonial British. The aggressive Haka dance and words (performed before NZ Rugby matches) was not easy to learn, but fun to pull faces, stick out your tongue and pretend to be frightening.

February 22nd is Thinking Day and we celebrated the joint birthday of Lord and Lady Baden Powell, who founded the Scout and Guide Movement, with a candle lit ceremony.

Pancake Day races took place in March using pretend pancakes.

Our dance task that evening was to learn the basic positions in ballet and use them in our own routines.

Brown Owl demonstrated ballet and tap shoes. Barn Owl has recently taken up clog dancing but has only had 2 lessons so far. She brought the clogs for us to inspect.

men. It was fun to ‘paint the floor, knee bend, lunge, flick the head’ and the Fernando’s Hideaway music was in my head for the rest of the week!!

‘Wear something green for St Patrick’s Day’ and we tried the Irish jig, learned of the defiance to keep the Irish culture and language (Gaelic) alive, the worldwide exodus of the Irish in the face of famine and the phenomenon that was Michael Flatley’s Riverdance.

Most of our evening meetings had finished with the favourite game of ‘Wriggly Worms’ or ‘Torch Game’ involving crawling about in the dark without being spotted in the searchlight of a torch. We have also been under and over skipping.

We had now earned our Brownie Dancing Badge and turned our thoughts to Mother’s Day. We made pretty cards looked like baskets of flowers. Thanks to Pat, our helper, ably assisted by Barn Owl. Egg rolling is an old tradition.

The Brownies decorated hard boiled eggs then wrapped them in measured amounts of cotton wool, sellotape and aluminium foil. Everything had to be equal and fair. The following week the weather was heavy showers but the brave Brownies, including 8 year old birthday girl, leaders and some parents/ grandparents climbed up to Old John. Eggs bumped downhill along the track chased by Brownies to the far away finish line. Who would be first? Would the eggs be cracked?

Little chocolate Easter eggs were awarded to all and extra eggs and chocolate coins to the winners.

Time to hurry back out of the cold, damp weather.

We meet on Wednesday evenings 6 -7.15pm in the Harrison Room, All Saints church, Anstey Lane. Thurcaston. Girls can start Brownies at age 7. Please contact Brown Owl. (Louise Keran) mobile 07711 422350 but avoid work hours if possible.

For Ballroom dancing we tried the Tango . This dance was invented by slaves from the silver mines near the River Plate between Argentina and Uruguay. Tango means ‘a place where slaves meet’ and was originally a dance just for

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Sunny Singh will again skipper the first team following a successful 2021 season. They finished in third place last year narrowing missing out on promotion to Division 3 and they will be welcoming teams like Quorn, Narborough & Littlethorpe and Long Whatton down at the Gynsill Lane ground. The first team start their 2022 season at home to Kegworth Town 2 on Saturday 23rd April – everyone is welcome to come down and see what we are about and there will be a warm welcome for any visitors greeted with a cup of tea.

Ranjeeva Fernando returns as second team captain. The second team will be wanting to improve on last year’s campaign when they finished sixth in Division 6 West. Teams to look forward to playing this season include matches against County Officers, Sapcote and Hinckley Town. The second XI commence their matches with an away match against Loughborough Carillion 2 on Saturday 23rd April.

Both teams will be hoping to have a successful season. In addition, the club have also entered a local cup competition and there will be the occasional Sunday friendly.

The club have registered to take part in the All-Stars cricket initiative following the success of this programme in the last few years. This is a great opportunity for 5 to 8 year old’s to be introduced to cricket and it all starts on Saturday 21st May down at the ground. All children receive a backpack full of goodies. Please the poster for more details or visit www.ecb.co.uk/ play/all-stars and register your interest.

During the winter, the players have been attending nets at City Cricket Academy and some of the club members have been working down at the ground helping to prepare it for the new season. We have fantastic facilities down at the ground and we are extremely thankful to everyone involved for all their hard work. The club also have an excellent working committee who ensure that the club is moving forward.

We are actively looking for new players of any age or ability, so if you are interested in joining the club, please email our secretary Amanda Wilkes. Amanda’s email address is amandaandcharlie@btinternet.com.

We will be hosting weekly evening training sessions at the Gynsill Lane ground during the season, so if you are interested in playing for the club, why not come down and practice. Please also visit our website at http:// ansteyandglenfield.play-cricket.com or our Facebook site for regular updates, results and news throughout the season.

Loughborough Flower Lovers’ Club Summer Open Meeting To continue its 70th Anniversary celebrations, Loughborough Flower Lovers' Club will be holding a special Summer Open Meeting on Thursday,16 June, when members of the public are invited to see Tony Brown, the celebrated NAFAS National Demonstrator, with his floral designs entitled ‘For the Love of Flowers'.

Anyone who loves flowers or would just like an entertaining evening watching an expert flower arranger is welcome to come along to the friendly club. There's no audience participation, just sit back, relax, and be entertained.

Meetings are held at the Amherst School, Gray Street, Loughborough LE11 2DZ from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. Doors open at 7 pm to enable members and visitors to check in and, if they wish, buy raffle tickets for the floral displays produced during the evening. The venue is spacious and airy. There is parking within the school grounds, and new members and visitors can always be assured of a very warm welcome.

Tickets for visitors priced £5 are now available from 01509 880099, 01509 842334, 01509 853740, or on the door.

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Monday Club Cropston And Thurcaston Cropston Evangelical Free Church Article by Maja Tompkins Alternative Therapies for Health Our Leader, Jenny Kennington, began by outlining the programme or the rest of the year. The lunch is booked at Ulverscroft on 9th May, and members are asked to pay on the day. Menus had been handed round at the last meeting, and there was a good range of choices, which will be notified to the venue. On 13th June we shall have a speaker from a charity supporting families of premature babies. In July, the Strawberry Tea has been booked at the Bluebell Inn at Rothley, where we have enjoyed a lovely spread before.

We hope to confirm / update regarding speakers and activities for the rest of the year at our meeting in June, when bookings and payments for the Strawberry Tea will also be taken.

Our usual Harvest Festival is planned for September, and members will be asked to bring a contribution of some kind which can be sold at the meeting, with the proceeds going to a local charity. We have also made a provisional booking for a pre-Christmas lunch at the Birstall Golf Club, who have put on a good spread for us in the past. Friends and family are also welcome to join us for this.

Then Jenny handed the floor to one of our regular members, our Speaker on the subject of alternate therapies such as Indian head massage, based on practices from the Ayurveda, and Reiki. She also mentioned crystal therapy, visualisation and reflexology. Many treatments are offered in places open to the public such as salons, hotels, shops and on the beach. They can be very helpful for certain medical problems, and do not require clothing to be removed. Some people use oils for massage, and acupuncture which was developed in ancient China can be carried out either with or without oils.

Reflexology is a treatment on feet and hands, which can help overcome depression and anxiety.

Reiki is almost modern by comparison. It was developed in Japan in the 1920s, by a gentleman who went to a Buddhist temple for spiritual healing.

Everyone has something called "chi" energy in their body. There are seven chakras relating to the different parts of the body, going downwards from the head to the toes, and each problem like a sore throat can be treated with different elements. Laying on of hands whilst the patient is sitting or lying down can certainly help them, even if it cannot cure them.

Lavender and camphor can help with improving your sleep, and smoky quartz can increase your confidence, whilst wearing an amethyst is good for rheumatism. The ancient Egyptians used carnelians during burials, and Cleopatra wore them to make her look youthful. In this modern day, black tourmaline can be placed beside your TV, as it is believed to combat negative energy and increase one’s feeling of security. More information can be found on the Internet. Care must be taken when using certain oils based on nuts, because some people may have a nut allergy. Orange oil or lavender can be bought as body lotion from places like the Body Shop; simply put onto your hands and rub on your shoulders for a good sleep.

Lavender or tea tree is good for your knees, and lemon grass can act as an insect repellent!

The Speaker answered various questions about the meanings and uses of some of the crystals and essential oils she had mentioned. We then had a cup of tea or coffee, and a selection of biscuits. One member had also brought a very large cake, which was sliced and shared out. The meeting closed just after 4 p.m.

Our meetings start at 2.15pm on the second Monday of each month. New members and visitors are always welcome to meetings - just turn up on the day. Mrs Maja Tompkins Contact mobile 07709 201881.

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Just A Cup Final And President’s Day Remaining After Anstey RFC Win Their League Article by Chris Apperley

in the olden days before Covid.

The Easter break obviously done our squad a power of good with the bounce back at home to Belgrave.

The last Saturday in March we should have been hosting Castle Donnington, but unfortunately they pulled out at the last minute.

Coming up on the Sunday 1st of May is the President’s Cup Final being played at Oakham, meaning our End of Season Bash (President’s Day) has now been moved to Saturday 7th May.

On the windy afternoon of 23rd April Anstey Rugby Club completed the league season with a handsome 69-5 Win against local rivals Belgrave.

On Friday 22nd April the Leicestershire Society of Rugby Union Referees held their 125th Anniversary dinner at Leicester Tigers where Anstey RFC were in attendance with our own table of 10.

A match that almost got cancelled due to the shortage of a referee.

Perhaps he hadn’t yet left the 125th Anniversary Dinner the night before!

Guest speakers were Andy Powell and Nigel Owen. Nigel certainly had some good tales to tell.

A Big Thank You to Greg Garner for standing in at very short notice to referee our game.

The result means Anstey finished the season top of the League, Merit Table C in the Leicestershire Leagues.

The result was welcome after a very unusual heavy loss 64-14 at Vipers a couple of weeks before.

Matches against Vipers have always been interesting, particularly as at the last meetings of the Clubs Anstey had secured narrow wins. (even though the Blaby Club always put out large strong squads when they see Anstey coming) The last time we lost to Vipers was

A good evening was had by all.

Anstey RFC’s AGM is on Sunday 19th June.at 11am, Coach & Horses. It would be great to see a good turn out . All members, Life Members included are invited The full season 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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David Snartt Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate T: 01530 244804 E: cllr.david.snartt@charnwood.gov.uk

Planning Matters.

I was pleased to see residents from the villages have had their say during the consultation, objecting to the proposed developments in Anstey, making it clear the negative impact this will have on village life. I have also written to the Local Highway Authority asking them to take all of the development in Anstey together when making decisions on highway matters. In my view, 920 extra dwellings will make an enormous difference to the already severe levels of traffic we see at peak times of the day. I have also alerted our MP Edward Argar about my concerns. If you would still like to have your say on these planning applications, e-mail development.control@charnwood.gov. uk including the application numbers P/21/2358/2 and P/21/2359/2.

Residents living on Markfield Lane, Newtown Linford, near to Field Head have received a leaflet about possible development at the rear of the houses on the left hand side going towards Field Head. This land was put forward to Charnwood Borough Council to be included in the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA). This land has not been included in the Charnwood Draft Local Plan which is now in the examination stage of the process. Details of the Draft Local Plan can be found on the Council’s website.

I now understand, following the publication of the pre-submission Charnwood Draft Local Plan, the council received representations from Pegasus Group on behalf of clients regarding land in this area. These representations have been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and may be considered by the Inspectors during the examination in public.

This information can be found by going to www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/ lp_representations these representations are 619 and 622.

I have put my name forward to speak at the hearings which should be taking place during June/July.

Update on Council Tax Rebate.

Council Tax rebates to help with energy bills will start to be paid to Charnwood residents who pay by Direct Debit in May 2022. The Government announced a £150 council tax rebate payment to households in council tax bands A-D to help with rising energy bills.

Charnwood Borough Council will confirm details soon about how residents who do not pay their council tax by Direct Debit will receive their payment.

Residents are urged to keep an eye on the Council’s council tax rebate webpage, which is regularly updated. For those who receive Housing Benefit, Universal Credit or Council Tax Support, the rebate will not affect your entitlement to these benefits.

The Council will also be launching a discretionary scheme for vulnerable households who may not qualify for council tax rebate. Further details will be announced shortly. If you are unsure on which council tax band you are in, you can find out by visiting My Charnwood. To find more details on the council tax rebate, visit the webpage where there is further information and frequently asked questions.

Johnsons’ Meadows.

I was pleased to be invited to see the two newly installed interpretation boards at Johnsons’ Meadows, a site of Special Scientific Interest within the Parish of Woodhouse.

The family have been working closely in partnership with Natural England to make sure there is a better understanding of the importance of these meadows.

These meadows support a diverse range of wild flowers and grasses associated with a neutral meadow habitat. Important grasses including crested dog’s tail and cock’s foot, whilst flowers such as common knapweed and bird’s-foot trefoil give the

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meadows an abundance of colour. A large colony of southern marsh orchids provide a striking display of flowering spikes during early summer. All this provides fantastic habitat for invertebrates which you can no doubt hear if you visit the meadows during the summer months.

The mature and species rich hedgerows lining the boundaries provide valuable nesting, feeding and sheltering habitat for birds, mammals, herptiles and invertebrates.

For me, this was a trip back down memory lane, when I was a young lad living on the farm in Newtown Linford. Father had a meadow just like these, full of things I have just described. In my view, we are so lucky to have these meadows in the local area. I am hopeful that the new interpretation boards will help to understand and inform people about the traditional hay meadow management and of their historic importance.

Need a Dog Boarder?

I have received this information from Charnwood Borough Council. Going on holiday or returning to work? If you are having to leave your dog whilst at work or overnight, please make sure you use a licensed boarder. Anyone who carries out a business of boarding dogs in Charnwood must have a licence from Charnwood Borough Council, and therefore if you are paying someone to look after a dog then they need to be licensed.

Licensed dog boarders are assessed against minimum standards and the majority also comply with optional higher standards to ensure the welfare of your dog. Full information and regularly updated lists of current animal activity licences is available on the Council’s website at www.charnwood. gov.uk/animalwelfare If you are interested in running a licensable animal activity, please contact the Council on 01509 634628 or e-mail env.health@ charnwood.gov.uk Outwoods Visitor Centre and Café.

I attend an event at the Outwoods to unveil a plaque dedicating the Outwoods Visitor Centre and Café in memory of David Slater, former leader of Charnwood Borough Council. David was a good friend and colleague at the Council. Therefore, I believe this was a fitting tribute to recognise his achievements whilst leader of the Council.

Last year, the Council invested in this project to convert the former ranger’s cottage into a visitor centre and café. The café is being operated by popular Loughborough business Olivia’s Coffee and Bakery which will be known to many local residents. I know by talking to people this café has already become a place to visit whilst enjoying one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. It will soon be time again to visit the Outwoods to see the wonderful display of bluebells in this 110 acres of ancient woodland.

Tenant Garden Competition.

Charnwood Borough Council tenants are being encouraged to enter an annual gardening competition. The event is run by the Council and is open to its nearly 5,600 tenants who are being urged to show off their greenfingered skills. There are six categories to enter including: fruit or vegetable garden, hanging basket, window box and balcony and house or flat garden.

Due to the changes in weather throughout the year and the effect that this can have on gardens, applicants can also submit pictures of their gardens between now and the judging dates to ensure that they are being judged at their very best.

Entries for the tenants garden competition need to be submitted by Friday, 3rd June and judging will take place between 11th-15th July. The winners and runners-up will receive high street shopping vouchers as prizes. To enter, tenants can call the customer engagement team on 01509 634955 or e-mail involvement@charnwood.gov.uk. Alternatively, download an entry form via www.charnwood.gov.uk/gardens Charnwood Community Grants.

Applications are now open for the new rounds of Charnwood Community Grants. Community groups and voluntary organisations in Charnwood are being invited to apply for grant funding. Applications are also open for the Members Grant scheme which enables local groups to apply to their local Borough Councillor for up to £500 in funding. Over the past few years I have been able to help local groups with funding through this scheme. These include Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Good Neighbours scheme, Newtown Linford Tennis Club, Newtown Linford Brownies and Woodhouse WW2 Aircrew Memorial Project.

Deadline for applications for the Charnwood Community Grant and the Community Facilities Grant is 5pm Friday 13th May 2022. Member Grants applications close on Tuesday 31st January 2023. Application Forms and more information about the grants is available at www.charnwood.gov.uk/ grants e-mail grants@charnwood.gov.uk or call 01509 634730.

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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Deborah Taylor Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 0116 2350126 E: cllr.deborah.taylor@charnwood.gov.uk Callingtons, Anstey Lane This planning application was heard at the plans committee on Thursday 21st April. Deborah and Paul both attended, along with the Chairman of Anstey Parish Council, to speak on behalf of our residents against this site continuing. Deborah - on behalf of her and Paul- raised the issues of the large HGVs using the local roads and The Nook and the loss of the green wedges, areas of separation and the loss of biodiversity. Unfortunately, the committee voted 6-4 in favour of approving the retrospective planning permission, though this does require Callingtons to pay circa £138k to support biodiversity projects and there will be certain conditions attached. The agenda is outlined here with the minutes of the meeting added in due course: https://charnwood.moderngov. co.uk/ieListDocuments. aspx?CId=152&MId=704&Ver=4 Planning Applications The deadline for comments for all five major planning applications for Anstey has now passed but in general you are able to submit comments up until the applications are decided. Please continue to submit your comments for all the applications. The reference numbers are all here as a reminder. Please quote all five reference numbers when you send in your comments: • P/20/2252/2 - Land off Bradgate Road • P/20/2251/2 - Land off Bradgate Road • P/21/2668/2 - Land off Groby Road • P/21/2358/2 - Land off Groby Road • P/21/2359/2 - Land off Groby Road We have had encouraging support so far, but we need many more comments to be submitted to show that we have the support of the village behind us as we try to stop this over development of Anstey.

The totals so far up to 13th April 2022 are: • 386 comments submitted for the three Groby Road applications • 441 comments submitted for the two Bradgate Road applications.

Once the traffic assessments have been submitted for all the five applications, we are planning to put out further information and to hold some public events.

Scan here regularly for further details as we update our website as soon as we have more information:

Post Office It was a great loss to the village and surrounding villages when the Post Office closed suddenly in March. We kept pressure on Post Office Counters Ltd to actively look for a new location for a Post Office in Anstey and a new Sub-Postmaster. We are delighted to hear that Balu and his team at Londis in The Nook, have been approved for the new Post Office location. They have experience of running a Post Office before and they are right in the centre of the village with parking. We are still waiting for the opening date, but we wish Balu and his team the very best of luck and thank them for stepping up for the village and providing a much needed service.

Please support them!

The Nook Deborah has been asking for a review of the traffic flows in and around The Nook since the layout was changed a few years ago. Due to the pandemic these surveys have been delayed but they have now been completed and the data is being analysed. The traffic has been building up in the area, as the Covid restrictions were removed, and it is again very busy in the area. Deborah is hoping that she will be advised of the results in a few weeks, and we are interested to see how The Nook is actually operating at the moment. This data will also be useful to feed into the five current main proposed planning applications. As soon as we have some more information that we can share, it will be on our website, and we will include it in our monthly reports.

Cropston Road We have been working on the crossing, or lack of crossing on Cropston Road for a while now.

You may have seen the new ‘Children Crossing’ signs that are now in place. There have been further traffic surveys carried out in the area to assess the level of traffic to understand if a more

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Paul Baines

Borough Councillor for Anstey

T: 07977 178869 E: cllr.paul.baines@charnwood.gov.uk substantial crossing is needed.

The data will also be assessed to see if there is a need for a School Crossing Patrol. We are hoping to receive the results in a few weeks and again, we will share on our website, and we will include in our monthly reports.

Bus Stop Relocation Deborah had a catch-up meeting with highways engineers on Thursday 14th April to discuss the works planned. We are very happy to hear that everything is in place for the work to commence.

They plan to carry out the works on Sundays over a month to keep disruptions to a minimum and use traffic light controls. They are now in the process of booking the works in and we have been given a timeline of ‘within the next couple of months’.

Council Tax Rebates Council tax rebates to help with your energy bills will start to be paid to Charnwood Borough Council residents who pay by Direct Debit in May 2022.

The Government announced a £150 council tax rebate payment to all households in council tax bands A-D to help with rising energy bills. For those who receive Housing Benefits, Universal Credit or Council Tax Support, the rebate will not affect your entitlement to these benefits.

Charnwood Borough Council will confirm details soon about how residents who do not pay their council tax by Direct Debit will receive their payment. Please keep an eye on the website for further details: www.charnwood.gov.uk/ pages/ctenergyrebate The Council will also be launching a discretionary scheme for vulnerable households who may not qualify for the council tax rebate. Further details will be announced shortly.

Tourism Website Launched A website to promote Charnwood’s tourism offer to visitors has been launched.

‘Discover Charnwood’ has been developed by the Borough Council to showcase the area’s unique story along with its attractions and vibrant towns and villages.

Charnwood’s landscape was sculpted by the forces of nature nearly 600 million years ago and its unique geological history is of

global importance. At the heart of the borough is Loughborough, home to the last working bell foundry in the UK, 800-year-old markets and fairs, Great Central Railway, and the renowned Loughborough University. The borough is also home to the stunning landscapes of Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and the Outwoods plus many hidden gems like Morley Quarry at Shepshed.

A leaflet to celebrate the area’s heritage is also being developed and it will be launched in the next few weeks.

To find out more, visit www. discovercharnwood.co.uk You can also follow @ DiscoverCharn on Twitter and if you want to share your pictures of the area, use the hashtag #DiscoverCharnwood.

Tenant’s Garden Competition Council tenants are being encouraged to enter an annual garden competition.

The event is run by Charnwood Borough Council and is open to its nearly 5,600 tenants who are being urged to show off their green-fingered skills.

There are six categories to enter: • Best newcomer • Fruit or vegetable garden • Hanging basket, window box and balcony • Sheltered court garden • Communal or shared garden • House or flat garden Entries for the tenant garden competition need to be submitted

by Friday 3rd June and judging will take place between 11th -15th July. The winners and runners-up will receive high street shopping vouchers as prizes.

Due to the changes in weather throughout the year and the effect that this can have on gardens, applicants can also submit pictures of their gardens between now and the judging dates to ensure that they are being judged at their very best.

To enter, tenants can call the customer engagement team

on 01509 634955 or email involvement@charnwood.gov.uk for an application form.

Alternatively, download an entry form via www.charnwood.gov.uk/ gardens.

Charnwood Community Grants Community groups and voluntary organisations in Charnwood are being invited to apply for grant funding. Charnwood Borough Council has launched its first round of the 2022/23 Charnwood Community Grant schemes which help local organisations, charities, and community-led projects access funding support.

Applications are also open for the Members Grant scheme which enables local groups to apply to their local councillor for up to £500 in funding.

Charnwood Community Grant – Round 1 deadline Friday 13th May 2022, 5pm These grants can provide up to £5,000 for organisations currently running projects with community benefit in Charnwood, including organisational running costs (for up to one year), environmental projects and one-off contributions for equipment costs.

The maximum amount of grant that can be applied for in one year is £5,000. Applications can be made in both rounds to a maximum combined total of £5,000.

Community Facilities Grant – Round 1 deadline Friday 13th May 2022, 5pm The community facilities grant scheme can award funding of up to £20,000, to a maximum of 50% of the cost of a project which assists with the renovation, improvement and provision of community buildings, including fitting out and provision of facilities for people with disabilities.

Member Grants – Applications close on Tuesday 31st January 2023 These grants give each borough councillor the opportunity to award up to £500 to projects which bring benefits to their ward each year.

Application forms and more information is available at: www. charnwood.gov.uk/grants, email: grants@charnwood.gov.uk or call 01509 634730.

Mayoral Unfortunately, the Mayor contracted COVID for the second time in March, meaning he was out of action on the Mayoral front for 2 weeks. He also sadly lost his Uncle Ron to a stroke and COVID

too and attended a family funeral in North Yorkshire. He attended the funeral too of Mavis Mason, a former Mayor of Charnwood at All Saints Church. That was a wonderful celebration of the life of a remarkably strong woman with speeches from her son Daniel, daughter Sam, grandchildren and close friends.

The Mayor supported the KFC's British Spring Clean effort with two hours of litter picking in Loughborough followed by a team lunch. This effort yielded many rubbish bags full of everything from cigarette ends to bottle tops, to pieces of carpet, and even a shopping trolley.

As ever, the Mayor supported a number of charity dinners including: the annual dinner for the Loughborough Boat Club (a really brilliant group of people resplendent in their club ties and blazers); the National Association for the Prosecution of Felons dinner at the Longcliffe Golf Club; and the 70th birthday party celebration of Age UK supported

by Pukka Pies and Morrisons, who supplied the pies and mash respectively, to over 100 retiree guests. Meggitt, the engineering and catering firm also provided support.

Finally, the mayor was also proud to attend the Loughborough Town Hall to raise the Vaisakhi flag, commemorating the Sikh spring festival.

Scan here for updates: -

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Deborah Taylor

County Councillor for Bradgate Division T: 0116 2350126 E: deborah.taylor@leics.gov.uk Spring finally feels like it is here, and I am looking forward to a mini break over Easter. I have also been able to attend more events and get out and about a bit more.

I had a lovely visit to Redmoor Academy in Hinckley to hear about their ‘Mentors in Violence Prevention Program’ (MVP) that they are running with support and funding from the Violence Reduction Network (VRN) www. violencereductionnetwork.co.uk MVP is a peer mentoring programme that gives young people the chance to explore and challenge the attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms that underpin gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of violence.

It helps address a range of behaviours including name-calling, sexting, controlling behaviour and harassment, and uses a 'by-stander' approach where individuals are not looked on as potential victims or perpetrators but as empowered and active bystanders with the ability to support and challenge their peers in a safe way.

I also visited the new location for St Botolph’s Primary School in Shepshed.

They have moved into the former high school building on the Iveshead Campus. The school is now able to accommodate up to 620 children and will slowly increase their numbers as housing development continues in the area. I also took part in my first Facebook Live video, which was great fun but a little bit scary.

I managed to attend a two-day course at Warwick University in mid-March, to continue with my councillor training. This was my first face to face training event since the pandemic started and it was great to meet up with councillors from around the country and hear about how their councils were recovering from the global pandemic.

servant whose mission in life was dedicated to making our communities stronger and safer. My thoughts are with Simon’s family, colleagues and the whole community who worked with Simon. I was personally looking forward to continuing working with Simon in another role as I am sure he would have taken up a new role after a period of deserved rest in retirement.

There is no information on Simon’s funeral as we go to print but there is an online book of condolence on Leicestershire Police website if anyone would like to send in their memories of Simon or messages of support for the family: www.leics.police.uk Ukraine A new team has been set up by Leicestershire County Council to lead the effort to provide vital support for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The team will work closely with a range of partner agencies helping to make sure refugees have access to vital services and support including accommodation, safeguarding, healthcare, education, translation, and employment.

The council also chairs a Local Resilience Forum (LRF) www.llrprepared.org.uk Ukrainian Refugees Group which provides a forum for agencies across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to co-ordinate their work on this critical issue.

Further information about those schemes is available on the county council’s website: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/support-for-ukraine The council is also hosting a welcome desk at East Midlands Airport which will provide initial advice, information and humanitarian support to arrivals from Ukraine as soon as they land in the UK. The welcome desk is manned from 8am until 2am by staff from the council. On Tuesday 12th April I visited the airport and spoke to the staff about the support they are providing for arriving refugees. I also recorded a piece to camera for BBC East Midlands TV and a live radio interview with Ben Jackson on Radio Leicester.

The welcome desk is one of 30 set up around the country and is a safe place for Ukrainians arriving here from their war-torn country.

On a lovely sunny afternoon on 1st April, I enjoyed a visit to Mountsorrel Quarry.

I heard about their plans for the future and how they manage the quarry. We were then bused down to the quarry, and I was amazed at how deep it was. I certainly learnt a vast amount about quarrying in such a short space of time.

On Saturday 2nd April I was invited to the launch of ‘My Books, My Story’ pop-up gallery in the Highcross Leicester.

This exhibition included a vast array of different artwork from our Leicestershire Children in Care. The year long project, led by our Participation team, worked with all the children to inspire them to create a piece of art from their favourite book. I then headed to the Holy Trinity church in Leicester to listen to an afternoon concert by ‘Leicestershire Music Hub’. Leicestershire Music Hub is one of 120 national Music Education Hubs that were set up in 2012 to enable more children to experience a combination of classroom teaching, instrumental and vocal tuition, opportunities to play in ensembles and the chance to learn from professional musicians. Hubs provide opportunities that reach beyond school boundaries and draw-in the expertise of a range of education and arts partners.

Simon Cole I offer my sincere condolences to the family of the late Simon Cole, retired Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police. Simon was sadly found dead at his home on Wednesday 30th March. We have lost an outstanding public

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Beacon Hill Steps taken last year to protect a small section of a Leicestershire beauty spot are starting to produce an ecological boost.

Last year, the county council temporarily closed Jewels’ Hill in Beacon Hill Country Park – a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) - to help replenish the heathland and protect wildlife that uses it as a habitat.

Ecologists subsequently found that, when undisturbed, the land – with grass and vegetation of varying heights – was creating small micro-climates which are ideal for insects, birds, lizards and plant growth.

A similar closure is now being put into place this year at the same location, which amounts to 3% of the total area of the country park – with restricted access from 1st April to 1st August 2022.

Beacon Hill, which is run by Leicestershire County Council has hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and the park’s team wish to conserve the wildness and wildlife that attracts so many throughout the seasons.

Please respect the closure period and follow the signed alternative diversion routes.

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

Deborah

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Anstey Chess Club

Article by Ben Vaughan Venue: Anstey Methodist Church, Cropston Road When: Thursday evenings from 7pm Web: www.ansteychessclub.co.uk

Staying One Step Ahead Of Hayfever Article by Gary Trickett

We all look forward to the warmer spring and summer months, but if you’re one of the many people in the UK affected by hayfever – as many as 20% of us are, you won’t want to hang up your hanky just yet.

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.

Grass pollen is by far the biggest trigger, affecting up to 95% of hayfever sufferers.

Happily there are a number of measures you can take to stay one step ahead.

Keep your body as toxin-free as possible by avoiding junk foods, caffeine and alcohol, and drink plenty of water.

Avoid dairy foods as they cause mucus formation that can

exacerbate hayfever symptoms, and keep your intake of refined sugar low.

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.

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. A nasal spray is also available for immediate relief.

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, burning, itchy eyes as a result of hayfever-causing allergens, and can be used with contact lenses and glasses.

Finally, a bit of detective work will also help you to outsmart your pollen-shaped foe. Stay up to date with the latest pollen information in your local area by checking your 5-day pollen forecast.

For further information, visit Gary and his team at The Health Store, West Bridgford or call 0115 9814080.

League Chess Results 24/3/22 - Wigston 3 1-5 Anstey 2 A superb away win for the second team. Wins for Mick Sandham (in a handful of moves!), Matt Connor, Mike Griffiths, Young Leo and captain Oskar. The only loss was for Hal. 31/3/22 - Anstey 1 3-1 Ashby 2 A good win at home for the first team. Draws for John Robinson and Mick and wins for Julian Tarwid and Matt. Julian's win in particular was a masterpiece of a forced checkmate.

7/4/22 Anstey 2 2-2 Braunstone 2 A very good result at home for the second team against high fliers Braunstone 2. Outgraded on every board there were wins for Boris and Mike in superb style and losses for Mick and Oskar in very close games.

We are also delighted to let you all know that we have extended our hire of the Church to cover the summer months and off the back of this, we have now entered the League's Summer tournaments so I will keep you all updated with our progress. There will be plenty of chess over the summer so please do come down and join us!

Ladies in Chess Deepa - the first Female to represent the club - made her debut for us back in February. I am wondering how many Ladies amongst our army of readers out there might be interested in chess but perhaps don't have the confidence to learn or to join a chess club. If you are a Lady that is interested in playing chess, get in touch. I am proposing a Ladies only evening post-season where I will be the only male in attendance and all abilities would be welcome.

Details to be confirmed if/when I receive some interest.

Equipment Whilst looking for funding, somebody suggested contacting Charnwood Borough Council for funding because our equipment is getting a bit tired and worn out. After a lengthy process I am absolutely humbled and delighted to have received funding from Councillors Deborah Taylor and Paul Baines (articles in very magazine!) to fund some new boards, sets and clock storage boxes at the club. Keep an eye on our website because we will be inviting Councillors Taylor and Baines for some games of chess to present the new equipment to us - exceptionally exciting times for the club.

Venue We are very grateful to or members and the below organisations in helping us to fund the chess this year: The Anstey Town Charity - an organisation which helps local clubs/ organisations in Anstey with funding for £200.

Anstey Parish Council - they have donated £250 to the club, received with humble thanks from all at the club.

We wish to place on record our thanks as a club for these donations to help us with keeping the club running.

Junior Coaching/Lessons The junior coaching sessions will now be taking a Summer break due to me playing cricket during the Summer months. I will be part of the All-Stars Cricket programme at Anstey & Glenfield Cricket Club - a wonderful chance to engage with the sport of cricket if your youngster may be interested.

I am extremely grateful to Kellie and the staff at Beanies Soft Play for hosting us and accommodating us over the past few months. We will be back in September - keep an eye on this article for updates!

Ben Vaughan Anstey Chess Club ansteychess@hotmail.com 07469 207548

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Thurcaston And Cropston Gardening Club Article by Richard

Gardening with Ferns The Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club welcomed Heather GodardKey to talk about ‘Gardening with Ferns.’ Heather is from Fibrex Nurseries, which hold the National collection of Pelargonium and Hedera. They also grow and sell a huge variety of Ferns.

Fibrex Nurseries was established 65 years ago by Heather’s mother-in-law who had a passion for Pelargonium. For years they attended RHS Shows (being at Chelsea for 35 years).

The number and variety of ferns is vast and can be bewildering. As a plant family, ferns are ancient, being some of the first living plants on the planet.

They have been on the planet for 350 million years (a one hundred million years before dinosaurs!).

Ferns do not flower; they propagate by spores. The process of germination is very complicated and can takes months, and in some cases years. In earlier times when people first became interested in ferns, they knew very little about them and all sorts of myths grew up. In Victorian times, a fern society was formed which helped to research and protect them. Some ferns were named after some of these early botanists, a reminder today of what we owe to these plant pioneers.

There are ferns that like either damp shade, dry shade, or sun. Heather made the point that ferns will grow where ‘they’ want to rather then where a gardener wants them to! Many ferns prefer dry shade, and these are mostly evergreen. There are a group of ferns that grow well in damp shade. Their growing habit is to disappear away to nothing in winter and reappear the following Spring.

When gardening with ferns, Heather recommended having different varieties of fern in a group to ‘set each other off.’ Although they are all green, there is a wide variety of shades, and textures readily available. In fact, humans have evolved to be able to identify more shades of green than any other colour.

Heather’s talk was brilliant and very well received. Although the world of ferns is difficult to understand and the names of different varieties of ferns are almost impossible to remember (unless one is a fern fanatic); Heather provided a very entertaining evening. She bought a wide selection of ferns to demonstrate key points in her talk. She passed plants round so Club members could see close-up of the details she was describing. At the end of the talk, Club members were delighted to buy many of her specimens.

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 is 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 call 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 11th May, 7.45 pm Hostas Robert Barlow 'Hostas, The Versatile Herbaceous Perennial'. The talk provides details of the history and development of Hosta worldwide. The diversity of varieties now available. How to care for care for your Hosta plants. Propagation techniques and how to split them. Pests and diseases and protection of your Hosta plants. Plants are to be provided as an aid to the talk and are available for purchase during the meeting. During June 2018 North Staffordshire Hostas was awarded National Collection Status by the Plant Heritage Society for our Hosta collection ‘British Introductions. Plants for sale.

Wed 8th June, 7.45 pm Dark and Desirable Paul Green This talk covers dark leaves, flowers & stems - there are plenty to choose from now as they have become very fashionable. The common misconception that darks plants are boring will be blown away. Add some drama to your garden! Paul Green trained at Pershore College and has worked in horticulture over the last 30 years. His current venture ‘Green’s Leaves’ started as a small “hobby” nursery in 1994 – and has grown in size and range. There will be plants for sale at the talk.

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