December 2014 - Ashby & Packington Community Eye by OpenBox Promotions

ASHBY & PACKINGTON

COMMUNITY EYE

FREE MONTHLY LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, PUZZLES, COMPETITIONS & MORE

ISSUE 1 - DECEMBER 2014

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

AMAZON KINDLE FIRE HDX TABLET

Making Your Own Christmas Wreath

Find The Hidden Logo

ASHBY BATH GROUNDS

Great Funding News For Footpath Project

PANTO TICKETS TO CINDERELLA

ASHBY MUSEUM NEWS

At De Montfort Hall

MP Andrew Bridgen Donates An Encaustic Tile From St Stephen’s Hall In The Palace Of Westminster

Tropical, Pond, Marine, Coldwater Fish Dry & Frozen Goods • Lighting Tanks and Cabinets • Filters & Pumps Liners & Much Much More... UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT & UNDER CONSTANT VETERINARY SUPERVISION

THE ROTARY CLUB OF ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH CASTLE

CONKERS SUPPORT LOCAL ROTARY CLUB Mon - Sat 10:00am - 5:30pm Sun 10.00am - 4:00pm 2A North Avenue Coalville, LE67 3QX 01530814449 coalvilleaquatics@yahoo.co.uk www.coalvilleaquatics.com

COALVILLEAQUATICS

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

WE WILL BEAT ANY QUOTE

Established in...

Celebrating our 4th year in business going into 2015, Ashby Tile & Bathrooms has thrived on local support and continues to grow and expand with new ranges. Now in store and on display, we have the exquisite Imperial Bathroom range. Take advantage of our introductory offer in December and January 25% discount. Founded by husband and wife team Paula & Dan Whitworth, Ashby Tile & Bathrooms have grown with the help of Business Development Manager Daniel Cashmore.

Years of experience in the team... Situated on the corner of Market Street and Lower Church Street, Ashby Tile and Bathroom have over 25 years’ experience within the industry and will design, supply and fit a bathroom that you’ll love, suited to your budget. We offer a personalised 3D design service, lifetime guarantee and friendly advice and will beat any like for

like quotation or offer. In keeping with their company ethos fitting is undertaken using only established local tradespeople and their suppliers are all UK manufacturers. We are happy to offer help and advice to customers who are looking for supply only and for those who want the full service of planning, design, supply and installation they look to make sure that the customer is happy from the start right through to their beautiful new bathroom.

USP’s above any other tile and bathroom company...

The recently updated website at www. ashbytileandbathrooms.co.uk is a great starting point for your dream bathroom. This now contains links to all of their suppliers’ ranges so that customers can browse online at their leisure to see which designs they like best. There is also plenty of information about the company along with customer testimonials, a link to their Facebook page and a section where you can check out all the latest promotions.

If you are stuck for ideas, looking for inspiration, or wondering how to deal with an awkwardly shaped room then drop in to our showroom. There is always a good a range of fully tiled displays to view and we will be happy to give you helpful advice and help you plan your new bathroom. All our bathroom surveys and quotations are FREE OF CHARGE with no obligation.

Paula, Dan & Daniel Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

WELCOME

Welcome to your very first Ashby & Packington Community Eye magazine This is our eighth community magazine for Leicestershire and will be hand delivered to 7000 homes every month. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you!

FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:

Dan Belton © ____________________________________

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EDITOR

MIRIAM BENTLEY T: 0800 6446150 E: editor@openboxpromotions.co.uk

SALES TEAM

TERESA FREARSON M: 07429043217 E: teresa@openboxpromotions.co.uk DAWN HARRIS T: 0800 6446150 E: dawn@openboxpromotions.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

ANDREW LEWIS M: 07504634838 E: andy@openboxpromotions.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY OPEN BOX PROMOTIONS LTD

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Inside you’ll find a selection of community articles, interspersed with features, competitions, children’s pages and recipes. We are always on the lookout for new contributors so if you would like your community group featuring please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We would also like to thank our advertisers for continuing to see the great value in advertising with us and making this magazine a success. We offer a personal

service to our advertising clients from our free design service to our bespoke packages for our larger customers. If you are interested in advertising in future editions of this magazine, or any of our others please either visit our website for more information, or give us a call and we’ll do our best to help you. So why not enjoy the run up to Christmas with your new Community Eye magazine, from festive crafts, recipes and fantastic competitions, there’s lots to keep you away from the cold weather outside! I look forward to bringing you your January magazine in the new year and all of us at Open Box Promotions, home of your

WHAT A MONSTER WALK! A huge thank you to all who donated to our Monster Walk! It was a great success and James and Andy did a fabulous job scaring the locals on their way from Birstall to Loughborough. Thanks also to all the businesses who have had collection buckets on their premises and also to everyone who encouraged our monsters on their way round. So far we have raised £380.75 for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People, with more still to be counted! This money will make a difference to the 309 children and young people, 278 bereaved families, and 522 siblings they support. The hospice costs £4.5 million a year to run and provides, amongst other things; residential short breaks, end-of-life care, help with symptom control and palliative care, emergency care, preand post-bereavement support for all family members, advisory support

to families and professionals, highly specialised clinical care, enjoyable activities for the siblings of children being cared for, day care, telephone support, spiritual support, contact, or key worker support, family support, youth work, cultural link work, preschool family fun days, group work (bereavement, muscular dystrophy, Asian mums etc), therapies, physiotherapy, play, hydrotherapy, social activities, music, multi-sensory and complementary therapies (e.g. massage and aromatherapy).

CHRISTMAS AT HOUGH MILL ON SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER

Santa will be of particular interest to our younger visitors. To minimise queuing, it would be helpful if parents could pre-book a Santa slot by emailing chairman@ swannington-heritage.co.uk or telephoning 01530 222 833.

Although Hough Mill in Swannington is closed for the winter, our resident millers, Teddy and his family, will be welcoming visitors to Christmas at the Mill on Sunday 7th December from 2-4pm.

Swannington Heritage Trust volunteers will be helping Teddy Miller guide visitors around the mill, hand grind wheat into flour, use the sack scales and enjoy the models relating to Robert Stephenson’s 1832 Leicester and Swannington Railway.

For 2015 we are carrying on our fundraising and are asking for you to nominate a small local charity who could do with our support to raise awareness of them and vital funds for them. Please email your nominations to editor@openboxpromotions.co.uk or call Miriam on 0800 6446150.

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NEXT ISSUE OUT DEADLINE DATE: 14th January 2014 DELIVERY DATE: 21st January 2014 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind. ____________________________________ The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Community Eye or Open Box Promotions Ltd. Open Box Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/terms

Come and share the Christmas atmosphere with a decorated mill, carol singing, face painting, stalls, games, raffle and refreshments, plus free children’s craft activities and Santa visit. There will be fun for all ages!

For more details, and to see photographs of previous events, please look at our Hough Mill Facebook page.

Community Eye magazine, wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.

LOCAL NEWS

THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS TREES

he evergreen fir tree has traditionally been used to celebrate winter festivals (pagan and Christian) for thousands of years. Pagans used branches of it to decorate their homes during the winter solstice, as it made them think of the spring to come. The Romans used fir trees to decorate their temples at the festival of Saturnalia. Christians use it as a sign of everlasting life with God. Early Christmas Trees, across many parts of Northern Europe, were cherry or hawthorn plants (or a branch of the plant) that were put into pots and brought inside, so they would hopefully flower at Christmas time. If you couldn’t afford a real plant, people made pyramids of woods and they were decorated to look like a tree with paper, apples and candles. Sometimes they were carried around from house to house, rather than being displayed in a home.

Teresa’s Turkey & Apricot Pie INGREDIENTS

500g puff pastry 2 tbsp oil 1 large onion, chopped finely 225g mushrooms sliced 1 tbsp fresh lemon thyme, chopped finely 85g butter 85g plain flour 425ml turkey stock Salt & freshly ground black pepper 675g cooked turkey, shredded 170g dried apricots, sliced Beaten egg

METHOD

Preheat the oven 200c/400f/gas mark 6 On a floured board, roll the pastry so that it is about 3in/7 ½ cm larger than a 4pt/2.2 litre oval or round pie dish. Making sure you reserve some pastry for the lid. Cut off a band of pastry about 1in/22.5 cm wide. Wet the lip to the dish and press the band on to it. Cut out some leaves for decoration from the pastry trimmings. Put on to a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate. Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan, add the onion and sweat until soft but not coloured. Add the mushrooms and cook until soft and any water has been driven off. Add the thyme and set aside. In a separate pan, melt the butter, add the flour and stir over the heat for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add the milk, a little at a time, stirring well. Return to the heat and bring

The first documented use of a tree for Christmas and New Year celebrations, is in the town square of Riga, the capital of Latvia, in the year 1510. In 1584, the historian Balthasar Russow wrote about a tradition, in Riga, of a decorated fir tree in the market square where the young men “went with a flock of maidens and women, first sang and danced there and then set the tree aflame”. There’s also a record of a small tree in Breman, Germany from 1570. It is described as a tree decorated with “apples, nuts, dates, pretzels and paper flowers”. It was displayed in a ‘guildhouse’ (the meeting place for a society of business men in the city). In Germany, the first Christmas Trees were decorated with edible things, such as gingerbread and gold covered apples. Then glass makers made special small ornaments similar to some of the decorations used today. In 1605 an unknown German wrote: “At Christmas

up to the boil, add the stock and stir. Simmer for 2-3 minutes and season with salt and pepper Stir the mushroom mixture into the sauce and add the turkey and apricots stir well, season to taste and transfer into the 4pt/2.2 litre oven-proof pie dish or casserole. Brush the pastry lip with a little beaten egg. Roll out and place the pastry lid on top, press to join the edges and trim off excess. Make a hole or a couple of slits in the top. Brush the pastry with the egg. Knock up the edges of the pastry with the back of a knife. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 3040 minutes or until the pastry is goldenbrown and the filling piping hot. Note: To plan ahead, make sure that the sauce is completely cold before adding the other ingredients, allow to cool completely before assembling. Then keep in the refrigerator until ready to bake – up to 12 hours.

they set up fir trees in the parlours of Strasbourg and hang thereon roses cut out of many-coloured paper, apples, wafers, gold foil, sweets, etc.” The first Christmas Trees came to Britain sometime in the 1800s. They became very popular in 1841, when Prince Albert (Queen Victoria’s German husband) had a Christmas Tree set up in Windsor Castle. In 1848 a drawing of “The Queen’s Christmas tree at Windsor Castle” was published in the Illustrated London News, 1848. The drawing was republished in Godey’s Lady’s Book, Philadelphia in December 1850 (but they removed the Queen’s crown and Prince Albert’s moustache to make it look ‘American’!). In Victorian times, the tree would have been decorated with candles to represent stars. In many parts of Europe, candles are still widely used to decorate Christmas trees. Tinsel

Miriam’s Mulled Wine INGREDIENTS

1 bottle red wine 60g/2oz Demerara sugar 1 cinnamon stick Grated nutmeg 1 orange, halved 1 dried bay leaf 60ml/2fl oz sloe or damson gin

METHOD

Put the wine in a saucepan with the orange, sugar, bayleaf and the spices. Heat gently until the sugar has dissolved. Taste to see if you want the wine sweeter, and add more sugar to taste. Off the heat, stir in the sloe or damson gin if you are using it. Strain into heatproof glasses and serve at once.

was also created in Germany, where it was originally made from thin strips of beaten silver. But when plastic/man made tinsel was invented it became very popular as it was much cheaper than real silver and also lighter to go on the tree! Many towns and villages have their own Christmas Trees. One of the most famous, is the tree in Trafalgar Square in London, which is given to the UK by Norway every year as a ‘thank you’ present for the help the UK gave Norway in World War II. Artificial Christmas Trees really started becoming popular in the early 20th century. In the Edwardian period Christmas Trees made from coloured ostrich feathers were popular at ‘fashionable’ parties. Around 1900 there was even a short fashion for white trees - so if you thought coloured trees are a new invention they’re not!

Ryan’s Mince Pies INGREDIENTS

225g cold butter, diced 350g plain flour 100g golden caster sugar 280g mincemeat 1 small egg Icing sugar, to dust

METHOD

To make the pastry, rub 225g cold, diced butter into 350g plain flour, then mix in 100g golden caster sugar and a pinch of salt. Combine the pastry into a ball – don’t add liquid – and knead it briefly. The dough will be fairly firm, like shortbread dough. Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6/fan 180C. Line 18 holes of two 12-hole patty tins, by pressing small walnutsized balls of pastry into each hole. Spoon 280g mincemeat into the pies. Take slightly smaller balls of pastry than before and pat them out between your hands to make round lids, big enough to cover the pies. Top the pies with their lids, pressing the edges gently together to seal – you don’t need to seal them with milk or egg as they will stick on their own. Beat 1 small egg and brush the tops of the pies. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Leave to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. To serve, lightly dust with icing sugar.

LOCAL NEWS

FRIENDS OF THE ASHBY BATH GROUNDS

The Bath Grounds is used for informal recreation, games and picnics as well as more formal sports and events. From dog walkers early in the morning to students celebrating the end of exams in the summer months, the Bath Grounds are well used by all sections of the community. The Hastings Cricket Club’s main ground and pavilion are on the Bath Grounds and these are regularly used during the summer. Ashby Bowling Club, which celebrated its 125th Anniversary this year, also has its ground and pavilion on the Grounds.

The Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds are a non-political, community group of individuals seeking to work and campaign to protect and improve the Bath Grounds in Ashby de la Zouch, as a free, public access park and recreational facility for the benefit of the whole community. The Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds were formed in January 2014. The group has a constitution, 65 members and held its first Annual General Meeting in April 2014. In particular the group supports; enhancement of the Bath Grounds for the benefit of public enjoyment and sporting use, community ownership of the Bath Grounds and opposes the use of any part of the Bath Grounds to build houses or any other nonrecreational or non-sporting use. We believe that much more could be done to improve the care and attention given to the Bath Grounds - the landscaping, the planting and facilities for young and old. “The Bath Grounds are a precious resource for the people of the town, well used and regarded as a beauty spot right in the heart of the town centre. Other towns envy what we have here in Ashby. They should be treasured.” said Clare Birch, the secretary of the Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds. As well as the Grade I listed Ashby Castle, the Bath Grounds are surrounded by Grade II* listed buildings. The Bath Grounds takes its name and origin from the Ivanhoe Baths that were built by the 1st Marquis of Hastings in 1822, and which stood on the raised area of land behind the Royal Hotel until declared unsafe and demolished in 1962. The Bath Grounds are currently designated as a Sensitive Area and Protected Open Space. The planning presumption is that development would not normally be allowed on such areas. The Grounds are also within the Ashby de la Zouch Conservation Area. Recently the Bath Grounds achieved Community Asset Status

Various events are held on the Bath Grounds – The Fake Festival, The Ashby 20 Run, The Gusto Food Festival and Jim’s Tractor Run. The Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds raised public awareness of a planning application, submitted in February 2014, to build houses on the Bath Grounds by Oakland Hotels Ltd. Over 3000 petition signatures and over 600 individual letters of objection were collected and delivered to the District Council in April 2014. This pressure from Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds and Ashby residents resulted in the withdrawal of the planning application in August 2014. Since April the Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds have been raising the profile of the Bath Grounds to improve civic pride with Fundraising quizzes, a pitch at the Food gusto fair and Jim’s Tractor Run, adoption of the Bath Grounds flowerbed and working with the police to address ASB on the Bath Grounds.

FOOTPATH PROJECT 2014

This year we have launched our Footpath Project. The footpath will run from the South Street entrance, behind the Bowls Club to Prior Park Road. A well designed, all weather, pedestrian and wheelchair friendly link through the Bath Grounds will increase use by the community and that increased usage will discourage anti-social behaviour. The Town Council has given its support to the Project and has agreed to adopt and maintain the path once completed. This footpath will be the first step towards achieving our vision for Bath Grounds as a “vibrant, well maintained park and recreation ground which Ashby can be truly proud of." If you would like to find out more about the Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds or are interested in becoming a member then please contact C. Birch by email bathgroundsfriends@gmail.com or request a Membership Form from D.Bigby, Treasurer, 16 Tower Gardens, Ashby de la Zouch, LE65 1EX Also check out our web page: www.bathgroundsfriends.webs.com and follow us on Face book and Twitter to find out latest news!

t the AGM of Ashby Museum, Andrew Bridgen, M.P. for North West Leicestershire, donated an encaustic tile from St. Stephen's Hall in the Palace of Westminster. The tile was an example of those designed by Augustus Welby Pugin, between 1846 and 1852, and was originally produced by Herbert Minton of Stoke on Trent. It was removed from St. Stephen's Hall in 2013, and is part of a limited release from the conservation project at the Houses of Parliament. Mr. Bridgen congratulated the Museum on another successful year and commented on the project to ensure Lt. Col. Philip Bent VC was remembered by a commemorative paving slab, soon to be placed in the garden behind the Market Street War Memorial. NWLDC Chairman, Councillor Graham Allman, also gave a short speech of support from both the District Council and Ashby Town Council. The Mayor of the Town Council, Andrew Badger, was also present. Brian Berry, Chairman of Trustees, led the proceedings and thanked all councils and Mr. Bridgen for their unwavering and invaluable support. He reviewed the year, which had seen an increase in visitors and some excellent temporary exhibitions. The present one, on the Great War and the area's Fallen, will end on 1st March. The Museum paid host to Vernon Coaker , the M.P. for Gedling and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, on Saturday afternoon. He was accompanied by Jamie McMahon, Labour's candidate for the North West Leicestershire constituency. They were welcomed by Brian Berry, Chairman of Trustees, and Kenneth Hillier, Vice Chairman. They spent over an hour at the Museum, concentrating in particular on the moving display in the Loudoun Gallery on the Fallen of the Great War. They then toured the main Zouche Gallery and the Archive Room upstairs. Mr Coaker was presented with a copy of the recently published book, 'Lest We Forget', which details the backgrounds and military careers of those local men who made the supreme sacrifice in the conflict a

century ago. Mr Coaker later emailed to say "Wonderful exhibition and museum...all the best with your important work". The next Kids' Club will be on the 6th December from 11am till 2pm. There will be many activities including designing your own history poster and dressing up in 17th century costumes. Free entry and all the family are welcome. On November 5th our World War 1 exhibition was visited by more than ninety year 5 and 6 pupils from Burton Road School who came to enrich their learning experience. Following the celebration of 300 years of Ravenstone Hospital, a splendid book has been published to give the history from foundation to today. Copies are on sale at the Museum and would make a good Christmas present.

FRIENDS OF ASHBY MUSEUM

Thanks to those who came to our AGM. We are planning a full programme of events to support the museum next year. The first of these will be a Folk Entertainment evening at Packington Memorial Hall on Saturday 14th February at 7.30. More details in January.

Do you have an article that you would like to appear in this magazine ? Please send to communityeye@openboxpromotions.co.uk Or call 0800 6446150

LOCAL NEWS

IVANHOE COLLEGE CELEBRATES IT’S 60TH BIRTHDAY Ivanhoe College, a Specialist Technology Academy in Ashby-de-laZouch, celebrated its 60th birthday this week. Staff embraced the spirit of celebration by dressing up to represent styles from the past 60 years. The catering team also baked a huge cake. Students enjoyed a street party styled picnic and 60 balloons were released to commemorate 60 years. Ivanhoe opened its doors back in 1954 by Mr. A. H. Smith, Warden of New College, Oxford. It was named after Sir Walter Scott’s novel “Ivanhoe” published in 1820 and set in 12th century England. Whilst there have been many changes to the school day over the years, we can be sure that a fantastic level of education has always been delivered at Ivanhoe.

THE SCHOOL DAY

Classes back in the 1950s were considerably bigger than those today and students worked from ‘lidded’ desks and had to write with an ink pen. Subjects were separated into boys and girls classes. Metalwork and woodwork were only available to boys whilst cookery and needlework were reserved for girls. Today students are taught in mixed sex classes and learn from a wide and varied curriculum. Due to this, Ivanhoe can be proud of the excellent level of education that has been delivered over the past 60 years.

of time, the college has developed ICT from a handful of computers in the library to an environment with in excess of 700 ICT devices.”

EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY

When Ivanhoe was opened in 1954, there was a big focus of making the college the heart of the community. There were as many students by night as there were by day. Heather Chandler, former Link Governor for the Ashby Family of Schools, remarked “The lights never went out at Ivanhoe. At one point there were 91 clubs and societies registered with the community association at Ivanhoe. Back in the day Ivanhoe Community College really was at the

centre of the community. There was always a rush to find out what the latest courses were here at Ivanhoe.’ Today Ivanhoe continues to provide excellent facilities and is home to many clubs and organisations outside of school hours. To find out more about venue hire please visit www.ivanhoe. co.uk/venue.

FAMOUS VISITORS

Many famous visitors have willingly given of their time to inspire Ivanhoe students. Ivanhoe has also attracted royalty most recently in 2007 when the school received a visit from Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. Kristian Thomas, Olympic British Gymnast, visited the school in 2013.

Nadia Beech, a former Student at Ivanhoe College 1958 – 1961, said “I remember [my first day at school] well, the feeling of excitement and nerves. I was soon made welcome by fantastic teachers at a brilliant school.”

Ibstock Community College is ‘a good school’ where students make progress which is above the national average, according to Ofsted inspectors who visited the college last month. In Ofsted’s report published this week, the college was awarded ‘good’ in all four categories, covering leadership and management, behaviour and safety of pupils, quality of teaching and student achievement. Inspectors praised the college for creating ‘a positive attitude for learning’ and said that teaching was good in all subjects. Students’ ‘behaviour and attitudes to learning’ were also good. Students were described as being ‘welcoming, friendly and courteous to each other, staff and visitors.’

PHOTO: Principal David Phillips with students (left to right) Esther Robinson, Charlie Kilfeather, Isobel Armstrong and Chung Ng, all aged 13.

PRINCIPALS

Ivanhoe has had 5 principals. Mr. Stanley C. Western 1954-1969, Mr. Cyril F. Smith 1969-1974, Mr. David D. Killick 1975-1996, Mr Alan G. Hutchinson 1996-2009 and Mrs AnneMarie Blewitt 2009-Present. Anne-Marie, Principal of Ivanhoe, said “In 2014, Ivanhoe still sits very much at the heart of the local community and is ambitious for all our students. Our vision statement describes us as being on a ‘Journey to excellence’ and we work hard to achieve this for everyone here. We have a dedicated staff team who consider it a basic right that all our students fulfil their potential and leave Ivanhoe as confident and articulate young people, well equipped to meet the challenges they will face in their continuing education. We place a very high value on creating a caring community in which everyone feels confident and valued.” This week’s celebrations have given students, staff and local residents the opportunity to reflect on their memories of Ivanhoe whilst also learning what school life was like 60 years ago. One thing is sure: Ivanhoe always has, and always will, play a central role in the lives of many living in Ashby and its surrounding areas.

Craig Wardle, former Student at Ivanhoe College 1996-1999 and current Network Manager said “The development of ICT technologies is the biggest change I’ve seen since I was a student. Over a relatively short space

OFSTED VERDICT: IT’S ALL GOOD AT IBSTOCK

He said “The 2012 Olympics was all about inspiring a generation. For me, and other athletes, we feel it is our duty to come into schools and to inspire students.”

In English and Maths, inspectors found that students made above average progress. As Ofsted discovered, most students arrive at ICC with average levels of attainment in Year 7 but have surpassed national expectations when

they leave at the end of Year 9. There was also positive recognition for the college’s wide variety of extra curricular activities. The report found that ‘Activities at lunchtime and after college allow students to develop their social and teamwork skills and experience further …They take pride in a range of activities’, concluding that ‘Students are well prepared to live and work in a democratic Britain.’ New Principal David Phillips said: “There is much to be pleased about in the report, but especially the fact that the OFSTED judgement matches the college’s own evaluation of where we are currently. We are looking forward to building on our already strong position to ensure that all who pass through the doors of Ibstock Community College can enjoy the best learning experience possible.”

LOCAL NEWS

IVANHOE RAISES £950 FOR BREAST CANCER AND DONATES TO ASHBY FOOD BANK On Friday 10th October, Ivanhoe College in Ashbyde-la-Zouch, held a ‘Pink Friday’ to raise an amazing £950 for breast cancer. Students were encouraged to wear a pink item of clothing, to donate £1 and to buy cakes to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer in the UK and during the month of October (breast cancer awareness month) people all over the UK are encouraged to hold ‘Pink Fridays’ to raise money for this cause. Cancer Research UK states that on average more than 130 women are diagnosed and around 32 die each day from breast cancer. In 2011, 350 men were also diagnosed with breast cancer. Ivanhoe College also took the opportunity to collect items for the Ashby Food Bank. Within a year of being established the food bank has provided over 6,500 meals for individuals and families who are going through hard times in and around Ashby-dela-Zouch. If you would like more information on how you can help the Ashby Food Bank please visit www.ashbyfoodbank.org.uk Jean Harrison from the Ashby Food Bank said “We are delighted that everybody connected with Ivanhoe has supported us so generously this harvest. We are sure that those who come to the food bank for help will appreciate all these gifts.” Anne-Marie Blewitt, Principal, said “We are very proud of our students here at Ivanhoe for rising to the challenge and raising awareness for breast cancer. Also, a big thank you to all parents and carers who have offered their support in donating items for the Ashby Food Bank and baking cakes. Ivanhoe College is keen to raise money for charities and support those that need help in our local community.”

IVANHOE STUDENTS COMPLETE MINI MARATHON

world for people with autism. All work is reliant on fundraisers like Josh. For more information please visit www.autism.org.uk.

On Sunday 28th September Josh Roberts and Alicia Farmer, both year 7 students at Ivanhoe College in Ashbyde-la-Zouch, completed the 1.5 mile Ikano Robin Hood Mini Marathon in Nottingham. There were a total of 2303 people who ran the mini marathon. Josh completed the marathon in 12 minutes and 16 seconds putting him 402nd. Alicia completed it in 12 minutes and 47 seconds putting here 510th.

Adam Perkins, PE Subject Leader, said “What a fantastic achievement by both Josh and Alicia. A massive well done from all at Ivanhoe.”

Josh said “I’ve ran the marathon for a few years now but this is by far my best time.” He chose to raise money for The National Autistic Society, and successfully did so when he raised almost £200. The society provides information, support and pioneering services, and campaign for a better

Alicia hopes to compete in the Edinburgh Mini Marathon in May where she plans to raise money for charity.

Love Your Feet! Nail Reconstruction

Submitted by Sally Prytherch Hinds Feet Foot Care T: 07806786616 E: hindsfeetfootcare@gmail.com W: www.hindsfeetfootcare.co.uk Nail reconstruction is a method of creating a false toenail, usually for cosmetic reasons, where the nail is diseased or has been damaged. For some people self esteem can be greatly reduced by what is perceived to be an abnormal appearance of the nails. This can lead to reluctance to wear sandals in the summer or to appear barefoot, restricting some sports or social activities. A new nail or set of nails can enhance the appearance and increase self confidence. After preparation of the remaining nail, acrylic gel or polymer resin is applied in stages and cured (hardened) using an ultra violet light. The nail can be re-built if there is some remaining nail to anchor the new nail to, and can last up to ten or even twelve weeks depending on client needs and rate of nail growth. If the natural nail has been totally removed it is still possible to create a prosthetic nail but this will only last for a short time, maybe over a weekend due to an absence of nail to anchor it to. However, a prosthetic

nail for special occasions such as a wedding can enable the wearing of sandals or open toe shoes and can make a special day extra special! Fungal nail infection can still be treated if an acrylic nail has been created. A small area around the cuticle can be left free of gel, and treatment applied to the area as normal while the diseased nail grows out. Other acrylic gel products have a base layer containing silver and claim to treat fungal nail. The final result usually feels completely natural as well as being cosmetically pleasing to the eye, and nail varnish can be applied and removed as with natural nails.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

www.nhs.uk - www.patient.co.uk - www.foot.com/site/professional/foot-facts

Submitted by Bonita Irish FBDO Hallcroft Opticians T: 01509 650666 E: info@hallcroftopticians.co.uk W: www.hallcroftopticians.co.uk

“ALL THAT SQUINTING IS BAD FOR YOUR VISION,” You’re probably familiar with these words of wisdom: “Don’t sit too close to the TV; it’s bad for your eyes,” or “All that squinting is bad for your vision,” and even “If you cross your eyes, they’ll stay that way!” You might not be too surprised to learn these motherly statements aren’t completely true—read below for some more common eye health myths. • Squinting– bad for vision – Squinting won’t hurt your eyes; it actually enhances your focus as your pupil gets smaller with the decreased amount of light. However, if you find yourself squinting frequently, it might be a sign that you need glasses or contacts to correct a refractive error (such as near-sightedness or far-sightedness).

• Sitting too close to the TV – There’s no evidence that sitting too close to the TV will damage the eyes; however, it may be a sign of nearsightedness. • If you cross your eyes, they’ll stay that way – Contrary to the old saying, your eyes will not stay that way if you cross them. If you or your child can’t control an eye from crossing, schedule an examination with an optician. • UV rays are only harmful in the summer sun – This is an important myth to bust! Radiation from the sun beams down regardless of the weather, and your eyes are exposed to UV rays 365 days a year. Keep your eyes protected with glasses that block UV. • I only need to visit my eye optician if something seems wrong – You should have a comprehensive eye examination every 2 years, even if your eyes feel fine and you think you can see clearly. Eye examinations help protect your vision and provide insight into overall health. Diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes and multiple sclerosis can be discovered during an eye exam. People with some medical conditions are recommend to have an eye examination annually.

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‘17 years of experience’ Katy has worked in the industry for 17 years and has a wealth of experience relating to property management and sales, including landlord and tenant liaison. During the last few years Katy has built her own portfolio of properties and as such it is clear speaking to Katy that she is very knowledgeable and passionate about her new venture. ‘My main aim is to offer a service to tenants who respect their landlord’s assets and landlords who recognise that their property is also a home. Too many times I’ve seen property issues that tenants have raised not be passed on to the landlord, that’s when relationships breakdown all through lack of communication.’

Katy already covers a wide area including North West Leicestershire and Melton Mowbray and as word is spreading landlords are choosing to leave their current agents and opt for a more personal touch. Reddington Homes have a reliable workforce of trusted contractors to ensure high property standards are maintained for all their properties.

‘reliable workforce’ So what can you expect if you choose to let your home through Reddington Homes? Katy is the first and last point of call for her clients, no more waiting for messages to be passed on, you will also be reassured to know tenants are selected to ensure they will respect your property. As a member of Let Alliance, Reddington Homes also offer a bespoke range of insurance services including nil excess, malicious damage cover and legal liability cover up to £5 million as well as 90 days unoccupancy cover. And for tenants, if you choose to rent a property

through Reddington Homes, you can be assured of a first class service including a home demonstration when you receive your keys and no more wondering which number to call to report an issue as Katy is your contact who will deal with all issues promptly. You’ll also immediately notice that her landlords appreciate that their property is also your home.

‘high property standards’ More information regarding all aspects of Reddington Homes for landlords and tenants can be found on their website. For any further information please give Katy a call.

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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glazing is misted up we can replace the glass at a fraction of the cost of a new window, in any type of frame, and with a new 5 year guarantee. But it’s not just about saving people money, although that obviously helps. Many tradespeople have struggled since last year and I honestly feel that during the good times a minority perhaps didn’t focus on customer care as much as they should have done. We make sure we turn up

when we say we will, do the job the customer requires and leave their house as clean as a whistle. I often get comments back from customers on how they really didn’t expect that sort of service which, in a way, is very sad for the service industry as a whole.’ Cloudy2Clear service Coalville and the surrounding area and Martyn is finding that his approach is a major factor in his success. ‘The truth is that it’s not just the personal satisfaction

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GARDENING

MAKING YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS WREATH

hristmas is on the way so for me it’s time to gather foliage, cones & berries from my garden to decorate the house during the festive season. I have made thousands of Christmas decorations in my time, using foliage foraged from gardens or sourced from florists to create basic holly rings, traditional door wreaths, decorative mantle piece swags and bespoke church alter pieces.

Gathering Foliage

They are lovely things to create and they’re cheap too if you use foliage from the garden or those of friends and family along with a few pounds worth of materials from the florist or craft shop. Christmas has officially arrived in my home when my homemade wreath is hung at the front door. I urge you to have a go at making your own.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS FOR A TRADITIONAL DOOR WREATH The wreath base – Wreath rings made of metal wire are available in various sizes from florists and craft shops. I also create my own wire shapes & sizes for bespoke commissions.

Base and Material

Foliage- Evergreens are used as the primary foliage to cover the base and to give a traditional look. My favourites are Pine, Leylandii and Holly. A deep green foliage base can be enhanced with accents of variegated foliage like Holly, Euonymous and Pittosporum. Stems of Rosemary, Viburnum and Sarcococca will add fragrance from their flowers or foliage. The foliage pieces need to be about 20cm long to give sufficient length attach and to give a lush look.

Embellishments – traditionally clusters of cones are used to give a natural look which I love. Holly berries are a must if the birds have left any. I also use Rosehips, Rowan berries and Crabapples too. For a more country styles I use bundles of Dogwood or Willow stems to add a splash of colour and a naturalistic touch. Tools and materials – Moss or hay can be used to add shape to the wreath base before the foliage. Florists wire on a reel will help to bind the foliage to the base and stub wire is used to attach the embellishments. These are available from craft stores. Pliers, scissors and a pair of good gardening gloves are needed to protect your hands. There’s been many a Christmas where I’ve spent the holidays with hands red raw from holly prickles!

HOW TO CONSTRUCT A DOOR WREATH Attach the loose end of the wire reel to the base ensuring it is secure and won’t unravel. Place a handful of hay or moss on the top of the base and wrap the wire around once or twice to secure. Work around the base trying to keep the edges smooth and limit stray tufts. Once complete tie off the wire end and give it a little trim with scissors if it is a bit shaggy.

other and wrapping securely. Tie off the end of the wire again and create a loop to hang the wreath. To add embellishments like cones or accent foliage, wrap a piece of stub wire securely around the base and twist to create a stalk. Push the stalk through the base and secure at the back. Clusters look better than singles. With the embellishments added, complete with a ribbon bow and Voila! You have a Christmas wreath to decorate your front door. I’d love to see your homemade wreaths, so share them with me by email or on my Facebook page. With Christmas festivities out of the way the New Year brings with it time to reflect on 2014. If your garden has looked tired and lacked colour and interest, then next month I’ll be looking at how I can help you to rejuvenate your space. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas If your borders need rejuvenating, your garden needs a fresh new look or you are looking for design ideas, a Consultation or Planting Plan may be just what you need. Take a look at my website for details of the services I offer www.belgrierson.co.uk or call me on 07506 750250.

Time for the foliage. Attach the wire reel securely. Using 2-3 pieces of primary foliage at a time place the first bundle on to the base and wrap the wire tightly around to tie the bundle to the base. Working around the base, add bundles laying each on top of the

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A finished Wreath

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LOCAL NEWS

NWL LABOUR CANDIDATE

JAMIE MCMAHON T: 01530 277825 E: jamie@labournwl.org.uk

MY CALL FOR LOCAL TORY MP TO BACK NHS BILL This month I have written to North West Leicestershire’s Tory MP Andrew Bridgen calling on him to back a Bill that would protect the NHS from the Government’s rapid privatisation. The Health & Social Care Act 2012 requires mandatory tendering of services and gives a role in the NHS to the competition authorities for the first time. It also allows NHS hospitals to earn up to half their income from treating private patients. On November 21st a Bill introduced by Labour MP Clive Efford will have its 2nd Reading in Parliament. The National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill repeals the regulations which mandate tendering of services and restores the Private Patient Income cap to levels similar to those that existed in 2010. In short, it would stop the sell-off and restore the right values to the heart of the NHS. At the General Election in 2010, the Tories stood before the voters of North West Leicestershire on a clear commitment of ‘no top-down

Helen Goodman MP, Labour’s Shadow Museum Minister, toured Snibston with Brian Hallam and held a meeting the Friends of Snibston Chair Brian Vollar and Secretary Terry Williamson to discuss their campaign to save Snibston from Tory County Council cuts. Helen gave her support to the campaign to save Snibston. The fight to save Snibston Discovery Museum is one of my top priorities and I’m delighted the Shadow Minister has joined up to see what a great attraction Snibston is and lend her support to the Friends of Snibston campaign.

WOMEN LOSE ANOTHER 3 DAYS THIS YEAR In the month of Equal Pay Day new figures reveal women locally earn over 20% less per hour than men.

reorganisation of the NHS’. Shortly after, this promise was carried into the Coalition Agreement with the Lib Dems. However, within weeks of it being signed, the Tories and Lib Dems in Government brought forward the biggest reorganisation of the NHS in its history, despite huge opposition from patients and health professionals. A reorganisation that placed market forces at the heart of the NHS. Over £10 billion of the NHS budget is now in the hands of private and others providers and a further £5.6 billion of NHS work is out to tender. Four years on people are struggling to get GP appointments, waiting lists are at a six-year high and the NHS recently missed the cancer treatment standard for the first time ever. I do not believe that our Tory MP or David Cameron were even given a mandate from the people of North West Leicestershire to put the NHS up for sale. I want North West Leicestershire’s local Tory MP to take this opportunity and correct this mistake by backing a Bill that will protect the NHS from privatisation.

Jamie McMahon

JAMIE WELCOMES SHADOW MUSEUM MINISTER TO SNIBSTON

I was delighted to host Shadow Museum Minister Helen Goodman MP to Snibston last month.

EQUAL PAY DAY

Protecting our heritage is vitally important. Snibston also contributes £4m to the Coalville economy; we cannot afford to lose it. The Friends of Snibston campaign is going fantastically well, I’m proud to be part of the committee, and now to receive the support of the Museum Minister under the next Labour Government is great. Helen Goodman MP said “Snibston is a fantastic attraction and the passion of the Friends of Snibston was great to see. Labour is committed to redistributing heritage spend away from London to places like Coalville and that’s why I was delighted to join Labour parliamentary candidate Jamie McMahon at Snibston today.”

Equal Pay Day – the day women effectively start working for free because they are still paid less than men – falls on 4 November this year, 3 days earlier than in 2013 because of the rising pay gap. Labour have pledged to take action to deliver equal pay by requiring companies with more than 250 workers will to publish their hourly pay gap in their annual report. For the first time employees will be able to see if discrimination exists and whether all the top jobs are still dominated by men. Equal pay is long overdue. Under David Cameron and Nick Clegg the pay gap is back on the rise after years of progress, as families are struggling with rising prices. A Labour Government will take action by asking employers to publish their pay gap be. Women in North West Leicestershire will effectively be working for free from this week until the New Year due to the pay gap. Women today still earn just 80p for every male-earned pound. In Government Labour closed the pay gap by almost 1/3rd and closed the gap almost entirely for women under 40, however under the Tories and Lib Dems in Government the pay gap is widening.

SAD ASHBY HOSPITAL CLOSURE PROGRESS REPORT The closure of Ashby Hospital has been met by much sadness locally. As soon as I heard the Hospital was earmarked for closure I launched a campaign locally. I tried to use experience working for a disabled children’s charity to get the best deal for Ashby residents. I said the NHS needed to provide: 1. More reassurance that services such as physiotherapy and outpatients currently provided at Ashby Hospital will remain well provided for in Ashby, with no gaps in provision. 2. More proof that the alternative idea of more care in people’s homes works. 3. Better information on the future of the building and the development of a new Health Centre. Last month Leicestershire Partnership Trust (LPT) released a new report on the future of local services. The report sets out the options being considered for future services and the NHS is looking at a number of options but the location of these services in Ashby is most important. I’m delighted the NHS is also looking at potential new clinics, including ophthalmology, dermatology, cardiology and ear, nose and throat that could be delivered in Ashby from April. However, the LPT report delays until November a final decision on where services will be provided and also provides no update on the future of the Ashby District Hospital site. I’m disappointed in the delay and believe local people need to know the future of health services urgently.

SHADOW DEFENCE SECRETARY JOINS WW1 TRIBUTES

Following the report’s release I have raised his concerns directly with the NHS and will continue his fight to ensure local people get the best possible NHS care in Ashby.

Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker MP joined me as Labour parliamentary candidate at the beginning of November to pay tribute to those who died serving our country in World War One.

tributes. The Fifty Trees for Fifty Soliders event in Hugglescote was a poignant commemoration to those brave young men who went off to fight from the village and it was great to join in the event.

Vernon visited Ashby Museum’s World War One display and also released pigeons at a Fifty Trees for Fifty Soliders event. 100 years on from the First World War it’s important we all pay tribute to those who died serving our country. It was an honour to be joined by Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker as part of North West Leicestershire’s

Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker said “To pay tribute to those who fell during the First World War is one of the greatest parts of my role as Shadow Defence Secretary. On Saturday I got to see the fantastic display on show at Ashby Museum. To meet the Museum volunteers was great, they have a fantastic display and their passion to pay respect to the people of Ashby who fought was heartwarming – I urge all to visit”

LOCAL NEWS

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

ANDREW BRIDGEN T: 01530 417736 E: andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk During my time as first candidate and then MP for North West Leicestershire, Immigration is an issue which has been a constant theme when I speak to constituents. In my time in office, I have done what I can to represent the views that many people in North West Leicestershire have, and that is the net immigration number since 1997 have been too high to be sustainable. Before Tony Blair came to office, net immigration rarely hit significant levels and was certainly measured in the tens rather than the hundreds of thousands. From 1997 onwards there was an explosion in net immigration with numbers not only exceeding six figures but consistently reaching figures well in excess of 250,000 a year. In the early years of this Government, Immigration started to come down and at one stage was down by a third compared to the levels under Labour. However it is no coincidence that in recent months, net immigration figures have picked up again as the UK economy booms and the Eurozone slips back into recession. The fact that immigration figures are so high whilst net immigration from outside the EU has been cut by more than 50,000 and is at its lowest levels since the 1990’s clearly indicates that whilst we have free movement of Labour and a booming

economy, there is nothing we can do to reduce our immigration numbers. This has several effects, at the same time net immigration has averaged over 200,000, millions of workers has seen their pay at a standstill and are looking for reasons why. The fact is the UK is booming and unemployment is falling. Presently I believe North West Leicestershire is one of the fastest growing Districts in the Country with the County of Leicestershire set to grow by 3.4% this year. As this continues, businesses will need to recruit more staff. As we reach the point where those who are unemployed have been unemployed on a long term basis, it is the best opportunity we will have to return them back to work. Employers would prefer a new wave of immigrants to fill the jobs they are creating but that will be no help to those left unemployed and the Government’s welfare budget. I am therefore asking the Prime Minister for a commitment that we apply the same criteria to those wanting to migrate from within the EU to those wanting to migrate from outside the EU. We should be looking to bring in the brightest and the best and it makes no sense that we reject migrants from outside the EU who would make a significant contribution to this Country whilst at the same time having an open door for anyone inside the EU to work

COUNCILLOR

MICHAEL WYATT M: 07773 341531 E: mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

in the UK. A points based immigration system applied to all potential migrants is the only way this Country will cut its net migration figures to the levels we had before the last Labour Government. On local issues, I have requested that the Leicestershire Partnership Trust do not dispose of Ashby Hospital for a period of at least 6 months whilst they demonstrate the effectiveness of the Better Care Together programme. The

public must have confidence in the new methods of delivering treatment. I will also be actively campaigning against developers who despite High Court judgements and the feelings of local residents, continue to try and develop parts of the Green Wedge.

Andrew Bridgen

ANDREW BRIDGEN MP VISITS MTEX TECHNOLOGIES

A MONTH INTO THE COMPANY OPENING IN NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE MTEX Technologies officially launched its first UK branch of MTEX Solutions on the 15th October 2014 at Rawdon Business Park in Moira. The North West Leicestershire Member of Parliament, Andrew Bridgen, visited the company a month after its official opening to see just how business is progressing and to meet the local MTEX team. MTEX Solutions is a Portuguese printing business which manufactures digital printing machines for textiles. Andrew Bridgen MP said “It was a pleasure to visit MTEX Technologies in Moira to not only witness the output of the business but to also discuss the industry in general with Stewart and his team. It is fantastic to see international businesses locating to North West Leicestershire, it brings a lot into the District by creating jobs and contributing to our economy. The team at MTEX offer a range of exciting products produced by state of the art machines.” Stewart Bell, MD said “We set up in North West Leicestershire to gain a stronger presence in the United Kingdom and to help drive UK sales. Moira has great communication links across the country and we feel that we are well placed to now help smaller companies and design houses move into the fashion and clothing industry using our digital textile printing solutions, as well as maintaining our position as a market leader in the sign and display graphics market.”

WYATT TRAVELS TO LONDON TO LOBBY LEICS MPS OVER FIRE AUTHORITY FUNDING

WYATT WELCOMES COUNCILS DECISION TO LOOK AT BUILDING MORE COUNCIL HOUSES Liberal Democrat Councillor Michael Wyatt has always supported the idea of local Council’s being able to build their own Council houses again. Michael has spent nearly all of his political career passionately defending the rights of council tenants, and their right to a good quality service when it comes to repairs. Cllr Wyatt has recently met with Senior Council official's and the Chief Executive urging them to once again look at the idea of building more rented accommodation in area’s where there is a need. Michael said, "I know that many people are stuck in rented council property which they no longer wish to stay in. It’s not rocket science to work out that you need the right sort of rented properties if you want to help free up council properties which are currently rented by one person who is living in a three or four bedroom house. The only way to solve this problem is for the Council to build their own on land available in the local area.

I am delighted to see after many years of highlighting this problem that they have finally agreed to look at the idea of building more suitable council properties in the local area." Cllr Wyatt will be continuing to push hard to get the Council to build their own rented properties in the Greenhill and other area's on land they already own, and where people need them most. Michael will also be asking the Council to make sure that local people on the waiting list or those wishing to downsize are given priority. Extra bungalows and some one bedroom flats must be our priority if we are to free up the one’s being rented by larger properties currently being rented by single people.

Local Liberal Democrat County Councillor Michael Wyatt travelled to London with a delegation from all Parties to lobby Leicestershire MP’s over the funding of the Fire Authority, which is struggling to find the funds to continue financing the current level of service provided by the Leicestershire Fire Authority for the people of Leicestershire. Cllr Michael Wyatt, Liberal Democrat group Leader on the Fire Authority said, “The fire authority is currently having to find substantial savings, which could potentially impact on frontline services. We travelled to London to speak to local MP’s about the funding concerns we are facing.

I was delighted to see our local MP for North West Leicestershire Andrew Bridgen, and Nicky Morgan the MP for Loughborough agreeing with us that we need to seriously look at the funding problem. I must say though I was very disappointing that not one Labour MP from Leicestershire could find the time to meet us so we could share our concerns with them. Clearly they must feel its acceptable the fire authority is to find over £7 million of savings. Hopefully by travelling to London and showing a united stance the MP’s who took the time to meet us will fight our corner when speaking to the Minister in charge.”

LOCAL NEWS

KING EDWARD V11 GRAMMAR SCHOOL REUNION Saturday October 18th 2014 saw the latest successful reunion of Staff and Scholars Of King Edward V11 Grammar School Coalville. They returned to Coalville from all over the UK to the site of the former school on Forest Road (now Newbridge High School) to reminisce and celebrate memories of school days. Everyone crowded into the Hall to be welcomed by Mr. John Coulton, Chairman of the reunion committee and to view the vast collection of memorabilia , collected over the years, the lovely oak lectern, school cups, uniform (boy’s and girl’s) and satchels, school badges and many photographs going back to the 1920’s,all recalling memories and prompting conversation and much laughter. Over 200 students came, from the 1930s onwards to the 1970s.Mr.M. Kirby was present and Miss Kath Bevan who was at school in the 1930s took the title of the oldest student with us on the day. Her vitality was amazing. One brave student came wearing an old school tie! Professor Peter Odell (at school in the 40s) presented us with copies of his books “, An Energetic Life” (the story of his life so far) and his publication “ Why Carbon Fuels will dominate the 21st Century’s Global Energy Economy”.

making new friends. Some memories were understandably sad as we heard of friends who were no longer with us, or who were unable to travel due to illness or advancing age, but there was a great deal of laughter and delight at recalling days at the old school. Most people were asking when the next reunion would be and urging us not to leave it so long until the next time, two to three years being the most popular suggestion.. We would like to develop a data base of email address and contact details so that we eliminate the huge costs of postage. This would all be confidential. If you feel you would like to keep the memories of The Grammar school alive, and join us at the next reunion of scholars, then please add your name and address or email details to our data base so that we are able to contact you. The present committee of four people would also like to appeal for help in planning and organising any future event. Any help would be welcome. You can contact any member of the reunion committee- Mr. John Coulton Chairman, Mr Allan Sutton Treasurer, Mrs Maureen Partridge Memorabilia and Mrs Elizabeth Riding Administration. Tel Number 01530 812500, elizabethriding789@ btinternet.com.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the day, there were groups of people talking and smiling, listening to anecdotes of school days , swapping addresses and

Many congratulations to our Wedding Competition winners Jon and Claire. Jon wrote a beautiful entry and once you read it I’m sure you can see why they were chosen. Joining in with the pre wedding excitement is Claire’s wonderful son Max who I’m sure will be helping with the planning! Congratulations once again and we will catch up with them in 2015.

first saw Claire across a crowded canteen at Burton College May 2010. Claire was working as a lecturer in Uniformed Services and I had gone in as a guest speaker with the Motor Vehicle department to tell students about my work within the motor racing industry. I saw Claire rush across the canteen to get a bottle of water she was dressed in tracksuit bottoms, a polo shirt, hair tied back and no make up but I thought she looked so vibrant and alive. I watched three of her students talking to her and I watched the way she interacted with them, it was that instant that I fell in love with her. I asked the lecturer I was with about Claire and he introduced us, I instantly felt a connection. I couldn't get her out of my head so a month later I emailed her at work and asked if she would meet me for a drink. On our

first date Claire told me about her little boy Max who she adored and the passion for her job teaching. I told her about my love for motorracing, we chatted non stop for three hours.

thrilled Max had helped and that I had asked him if I could marry his Mommy. I had planned on proposing at Christmas but at that precise moment on that day it felt like the best time in the world ask her.

Fast forward to July 2013:

So why do we want to spend the rest of our lives together?

Claire and her gorgeous Son Max moved from Derbyshire to Leicestershire to live with me. October 2013 proved to be a stressful month as Claire had suffered a few health complaints and after a particularly stressful day Claire grabbed hold of me, held me and cried on my shoulder telling me how thankful she was that I was there for her and Max and how much they both loved me. I told Claire I was going to get her a tissue but instead I returned with a tissue, Max and a ring box. I got down on one knee and asked Claire if she would marry me and allow me to always be there for her and Max. Needless to say she cried some more!!!! Max then told his Mom how him and I had chose the ring a few weeks ago. Claire was

Claire tells everyone I am everything she is not, we are opposites in many ways but alike in others but it is our differences that makes us work. Claire grabs life and runs with it, I am quieter more cautious and methodical but it works so well. We would love a huge family so have started the adoption process to build our family as Claire is unable to have more children. I would love for you to consider us for this wonderful prize so I can surprise my amazing hard working Fiancee. (word count 497!!! And boy was that tough to get in under 500!!)

LOCAL NEWS

THE ROTARY CLUB OF ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH CASTLE

ASHBY BIG BAND 2015 not only marks the 70th Anniversary of the end of WW2 but also the 10th Anniversary of the formation of the Ashby Big Band. The band perform as a 16 piece Glenn Miller style Big Band or an 8 piece "little" Big Band at around 70 dances, parties, weddings and vintage events throughout the country each year. To mark both the 10th Anniversary of the Ashby Big Band and the 70th Anniversary of the liberation of Guernsey the band have been invited to play at the Guernsey Liberation Ball which is held on the Island each year. In addition to the Guernsey event the band will also be helping Ramsgate

CONKERS SUPPORT LOCAL ROTARY CLUB celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo as well as playing at the premier 1940s war weekends. The band play a number of public dances in the Midlands and are available for private hire. Check out their website www.ashbybigband.com Band Leader and Trumpeter David Bradford commented "We started out rehearsing once a month in local pub. You could never have predicted the journey that we have been on. We play at some of the biggest 40s and vintage festivals in the Country. We are a professional standard band, but made up mainly of local musicians who choose to pay the mortgage by other means. There are Lecturers, Teachers, Engineers, a Farmer, Hairdresser and even a Pilot in our ranks."

GREAT FUNDING NEWS FOR ASHBY BATH GROUNDS FOOTPATH PROJECT The Friends of Ashby Bath Grounds were delighted with the news that their application for a £20,000 grant towards their Bath Grounds Footpath Project has been supported “in principle” by North West Leicestershire District Council. Spokesman and Friend’s Treasurer, Dave Bigby, said, “It’s brilliant news for everyone who has worked so hard to launch this Project which is aimed at getting more people to use the Bath Grounds, particularly the elderly, disabled and parents with push chairs. But we still can’t assume we will automatically be awarded the grant, even though this is the only Project for the Ashby area to progress to the second stage of the District Council’s £20k for 7 competition. We need everyone who wants to see a decent all-weather footpath around the Bath Grounds between the South Street and Prior Park Road entrances to vote

for the Project on the Council website at www.nwleics.gov.uk/247vote. This has full details of the Project and links to the Friends’ website with more information on our activities. Voting for the Bath Grounds Footpath Project will prove to the Council that it commands a high level of community support and ensure that they release the grant. A good vote will also help our case with the other funders we have applied to for the further £25,000 we need to make this path a reality. We are grateful to Ashby Town Council for their commitment to Project manage the work and maintain the path once built and to Oakland Hotels for permitting the work. This footpath will be the first step towards achieving our long term vision for the historic Bath Grounds as a vibrant, well maintained park and recreation ground which Ashby can be truly proud of.”

PHOTO: from left to right are: Katie Salmond (Conkers), Chris Sturdy (Conkers) and Sean Sadler (Ashby Castle Rotary Club President) Following the hugely successful fireworks display at Conkers on 8th November, members of the Conkers management team attended the weekly breakfast meeting of the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle on the 18th November to thank them for supporting their annual event. Twenty Five members of the club provided their services on the night to tackle the tricky issue of parking around the main site and the overflow grass parking. It’s always a difficult task with thousands of people attending this event, made all the more tricky with the poor weather in the run up to it. As a thank you to the club for their support, Regional General Manager Chris Sturdy and Katie Salmond from Conkers were delighted to hand over a cheque for £1250 to the Rotary Club to use on some of their upcoming charity and community projects.

Chris said “We extend our thanks to Ashby Castle Rotary Club for the assistance provided with the car parking in what were difficult weather conditions. We had a great night and people don’t always realise that Conkers is a charity itself and events like these enable us to be self sufficient. We are one of the remaining few Millenium projects still going strong.” Sean Sadler, President of Ashby Castle Rotary Club said “We were happy to be asked to help with such a popular event in the local community and were delighted to receive the donation of £1,250 from Chris. The money will be used to help charities supported by Rotary during the 2014-15 year” Interested in finding out more about Rotary? If you would like to come along to the Rotary Club of Ashby de la Zouch Castle please contact our secretary Chris Knight at cjcjknight@ supanet.com or visit www.ribi.org

Somewhere hidden inside this magazine is the Open Box Promotions logo as shown right. Excluding the logo on pages 14 & 23

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The hidden logo is on page... NAME: ADDRESS:

TEL: EMAIL: SEND ENTRY TO: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ - Closing date 14th December 2014

KIDS ZONE

The Christmas Wish

Flo was heading over to Christie cats house for a cup of tea and a chat just like she always did when Christie was busy baking. It was a cold and wet December day and Flo did not like the damp and wet at all. Christie’s house was all warm and snuggly and Flo soon dried out and felt much better. Christie was busy mixing her Christmas cake so the house smelt beautiful. “I hate it when it’s all damp and muddy outside Christie, when are we going to have snow? I like the snow, it’s all cold and crisp and it makes me feel happy.” “I don’t know” said Christie, “it’s nearly Christmas and there’s no sign of any snow, some years we don’t get any at all”. Flo didn’t look happy “I wish it would snow so we can go out and build a snowman” “Ah well if it’s a Christmas wish you’re after come here and give the cake mix a stir” said Christie, “Stir a cake!” replied Flo looking confused “and exactly how is that going to help?” “Everyone knows that wishes that get stirred into a Christmas cake come true! Come here and try, all you have to do is to give the mixture a big stir whilst you close your eyes and make your wish”. Flo decided that it was worth giving it a go, after all she had nothing to lose. So Flo made her wish and then helped Christie pour the mixture into a tin and pop it in the oven. After that the friends sat and had a cup of tea together.

Ho, ho, ho! Soon you will be visited by a gentleman in red. He’ll arrive on Christmas Eve while you’re asleep in bed. To the sound of distant sleigh bells he’ll be here. If you’ve been good he won’t forget you, never fear. Through the heaven’s whirling snowflakes he’ll arrive. Then down upon your very rooftop silently he’ll dive. As if by magic, down the chimney makes his entry. His sack so stuffed with toys and goodies, there are plenty. Come light of day on Christmas morn, his mission done. Delivered all the presents, every single one. That’s all finished now and he has done his very best. Back to his arctic hideaway and a well-earned rest. By Chris Rose

QUICK CRAFT Paper Snowmen

After they had finished their tea, the sun started to fade and Flo decided she had better go home before it got too dark. “Thank you for the tea Christie, I hope I can come and try the cake when it’s baked?” said Flo “Of course Flo, I’m going to invite Daniel round too and we can enjoy it together” Christie opened the door to let her friend out when all of a sudden a single, lonely white snowflake danced through the air and landed on Flo’s beak. “Did you see that Christie?” Then another flake danced round and landed on Christie’s ear. “Yes Flo! It’s snowing!” and sure enough one by one, more tiny little pure white flakes danced through the sky and landed on the friends and around their feet.

HOW TO DO IT: Cut the snowman template out but make sure everyone’s finished reading the magazine first! Cut a strip of paper or wrapping paper the height of the snowman. Fold the strip in a concertina /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ making sure it is the width of the snowman. Place the snowman on the paper (making sure the orange sides are where the folds in the paper are) and draw round it.

“See” said Christie, “Christmas wishes do come true!”

Cut round the snow man out making sure you DON’T cut the orange side sections that are straight.

And it seems like they do! The friends arranged to meet up the next morning with Daniel and build a snowman just like Flo had wished for.

Unfold your snowman carefully and find somewhere nice to display them.

Do you have a Christmas wish?

You can make the chain longer by using a longer strip of paper.

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NAME: ADDRESS: TEL:

EMAIL: SEND ENTRY TO: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ - Closing date 14th December 2014

100g softened butter 100g caster sugar 1 egg ½ tsp mixed spice 225g plain flour Boiled sweets In a mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg. Sift the flour and mixed spice into the bowl then combine with your hands, making a smooth dough. Wrap and put in the fridge to cool for 20 mins. Pre-heat the oven 180°C. Roll out the dough and using festive cookie cutters cut out a lovely array of biscuits. Place on a lined baking tray. Use a smallish round cutter to cut out a hole in each biscuit. I used a straw to cut out a hole at the top for ribbon to be thread. Put half a boiled sweet in the larger hole. Bake in the oven for approximately 10-15 mins or until golden. Remove and leave to cool before removing from the baking tray. Thread ribbon through the top of each and hang on your tree! Merry Christmas!

PANTO TICKETS TO CINDERELLA

ON SUNDAY 21ST DECEMBER AT 1PM AT DE MONTFORT HALL What does the fairy godmother turn into a coach for Cinderella? Panto is back – and it is bigger and better than before with the spectacle that is Cinderella. Come and enjoy a proper, traditional family panto and relive this magical fairytale on stage – brought to life for the 21st century. Exclusively written and directed for us by Leicester’s Susie McKenna – Artistic Director at Hackney Empire – this show will be packed full of singing, laughter, silliness and a bit of romance – and all, of course, with a unique Lest-ah take on life. We are delighted to announce a fairytale line-up for this year’s spectacular family pantomime. CBeebies’ presenter Alex Winters appears as the loveable Buttons, Goodness Gracious Me’s Kulvinder Ghir stars as Baron Hardup, back following her hilarious role as Spirit of the Ring in last year’s panto Aladdin, Rina Fatania makes a welcome return as the Wicked Stepmother, whilst Tony Whittle dons a frock once more as one of the Ugly Sisters. Carly Thoms plays the title role of Cinderella, with Tania Mathurin as her Fairy Godmother, Oliver Brenin as the Prince and Eddie Elliott as Dandini. With pumpkins galore, fantastic costumes, slapstick and lots of audience participation – come and celebrate the festive season this year at De Montfort Hall. There are some fantastic group offers available – the bigger the group you come with, the more you can save. Or why not hold your staff Christmas do here we have lots of hospitality packages available.

NAME: ADDRESS:

TEL: EMAIL: SEND ENTRY TO: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ - Closing date 14th December 2014 For prices, dates and other information please visit website for details www.demontforthall.co.uk or call 0116 233 3111. * Tickets are non transferable

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Quality Flooring Solutions for Domestic & Trade Established in 1988 by Rob and Marie Eccleston this family run business has seen 26 years of trade and has just been passed over to their second generation of owner. They were originally based in Ellistown, trading as ‘Carpet Warehouse’ but after 2 years moved to Ashby for larger premises. Now ‘Ashby Carpet Centre’ based on Market Street, the successful business eventually moved to the present location just out of the town centre. Rob and Marie’s son, Joe, who had worked his way through the business starting as a labourer, gained work experience from his father Rob and showed a strong interest in the business. He worked his way up to take over in 2013 when after 25 years, Rob and Marie retired. Ashby Carpets have a full showroom with parking for customers to the rear. Why not pop in and speak to one of the helpful members of staff to discuss your requirements fully over a coffee. We have a small selection of toys for children too!

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