March 2014 - Coalville Community Eye by OpenBox Promotions

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ISSUE 24 - MARCH 2014

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BRING THE GARDEN INDOORS WITH ACACIA BLINDS UPDATE FROM JAMIE MCMAHON NW LEICESTERSHIRE LABOUR CANDIDATE COALVILLE HERITAGE SOCIETY OLIVERS CROSSING FIND OUT WHAT IBSTOCK & IVANHOE COLLEGE HAVE BEEN UP TO

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WELCOME TO YOUR MARCH COALVILLE COMMUNITY EYE MAGAZINE! As the frosty mornings are slowly giving way to brighter more sunny starts, the spring bulbs in my garden have finally made it through the thick mud and pools of water from the terrible weather we have had. Let’s hope that this is the start of Spring and the worst of the rain is behind us now. Helping you to get your garden ready for Spring is Bel, our garden expert who is helping us to get our boarders ready for planting.

presents Rodgers’ & Hammerstein’s

Judy from Acacia Blind is also on hand to help if the weather doesn’t improve soon as she has tips on how to use floral and garden fabrics to bring the garden in doors. Our magazine is growing thanks to our lovely advertisers, this enables us to put even more community related articles and interesting pieces in for you to enjoy.

Tues. 13th to Sat. 17th MAY 2014

If you know of any businesses small or large who might like to advertise please let me know. We are also looking for companies to sponsor some of our pages to help us to bring you even more. Next month we have our Easter special which will feature recipes, crafts and competitions!

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CAN YOU HELP MRC TO HELP THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

So, if you are retired, unemployed or just have some free time on your hands your help would be appreciated. Volunteers would receive reimbursement for every mile they travel using their own car. Being a volunteer offers lots of flexibility – anyone can volunteer as much or as little time as they want, drive on a regular basis or be as flexible as they need to be; any time on any day of the week would be extremely helpful! A volunteer driver working with The Marlene Reid Centre explained “I love knowing I am helping someone and it makes me realise that I might need some help one day – each time I volunteer I go home thinking I did something good and that makes is really worthwhile. The people we help are so appreciative and would be lost without this service”.

MRC Community Action based at The Marlene Reid Centre is appealing for volunteer drivers in and around North West Leicestershire. The project provides door to door service taking people to important health related appointments. Passengers book their journey in advance and are collected and returned to their homes. The Community Transport project makes a real difference to the local community by providing a

service to those wanting to maintain their independence Nikki Warrilow, Community Transport Supervisor said “We are currently very short of volunteer car drivers to help local people get to important appointments, particularly in Ashby de la Zouch. The people using our service would really struggle without our help” Nikki added “Our transport helps people who do not have access to public transport or if they do they would find it difficult to use, volunteers are vital to the operation of these services”

Nikki added “Volunteering can be very rewarding – you get to meet lots of new people and if you enjoy driving it may be just what you are looking for to make the most of any free time you have” If you are interested in finding out more about becoming a volunteer driver call 01530 512457 or email nwarrilow@mrc. uk.net. You can also find out more about the work MRC Community Action are involved in by visiting www.mrc.uk

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COALVILLE HERITAGE SOCIETY OLIVER’S CROSSING

This photo shows the area as it looked in the late 1800s. The view was taken from Jackson Street and one of the crossing gates can be seen to the right. The chapel shown in the picture is the original Primitive Methodist Chapel which has since been redeveloped into the row of shops adjacent to the gate.

ONE OF COALVILLE’S OLD LANDMARKS. BY DENIS BAKER

ost older residents of Coalville will recall the days when the town became locked down by the closure of either or both of the railway crossings as trains of coal wagons were pulled fro the coal mines and shunted together to take the coal away to distant parts. The lesser of the two nuisances arose from the closure of the crossing of the branch line to Snibby pit, a hand operated system always known locally as Oliver’s crossing. The crossing was installed in the early days of Coalville, crossing what was then known as Hugglescote Lane and because it formed the main outlet for coal from Snibston Pit it was much used, interfering for many years only with limited traffic. The lane was initially very little developed with housing but, as the town grew in importance industrially, more permanent gates were needed, served by an attendant. An early local photo shows these gates alongside the Primitive Methodist chapel and school built in the 1860s. The identity of many of the early “gate minders” is not clear but by 1881 Oliver Robinson, aged 62, was described as such. It is understood that he suffered an accident in the pit in the 1870s and was given this duty in compensation. His family story, so typical of many in the working class of the time, makes interesting study. Like many other mining families Joseph and Catherine Robinson came from Cossall in Nottinghamshire in the 1830s, to seek better opportunities for their teenage children. It is probable that they settled in Swannington parish in one of the houses built on the north side of Ashby Road opposite the Snibston mine. Joseph

and sons Oliver, Solomon and Charles, aged 20, 15 and 15 respectively were all employed as miners. The men quickly settled into the area finding wives and having families if their own: Oliver married Hannah Curtis, a native of Lount, at Whitwick in April 1843 and by 1851 had acquired a family including Mary Ann, 7, and Harriett, 6, to which was added Lavinia in October 1853. At this time thy were accommodated in one of the six “Snibby Rows” but by 1861 they were back on the north side of Ashby Road where they remained until the mid 1870s, possibly when Oliver was injured at work. The change in fortune continued as they moved to Marshalls Row on Station Street (now High Street) where his wife died in May 1878. She was buried in London Road Cemetery. Oliver’s 29 year-old daughter Lavinia was married, in August 1880, to widower John Burton, a 29 year-old carpenter, and they were living with Oliver in Marshalls Row with John’s three children but bad fortune continued to dog the family for they lost five of their eight children in infancy before 1889: 8 months-old Harriett in September 1881; 6 months-old Oliver in April 1883; 1 month old John and 3 months old Lavinia in February 1884 and 2 months old John in May 1888. The family’s ill fortune is mirrored by a deterioration in their living accommodation as they went from Marshalls Row to a hovel in Red House yard and then back to Marshalls Row. The last child died in rooms at the rear of the Engine Inn. Only Joseph, aged 4; Catherine, aged 1; and Samuel, aged 1 month, survived to be

Photo by J. Edwards from the Coalville Heritage Archive

recorded in the 1891census after the family had moved to North Road, Hugglescote, a slightly healthier environment. After all these traumas Oliver died, aged 71 and was buried in Hugglescote cemetery in February 1892. His daughter Lavinia married again in October 1910 to 87 year-old John Vernon of Hugglescote. Oliver’s daughter Mary Ann Catherine married Snibston miner Samuel Peace in January 1862 at Coalville and by 1901 their family had settled in Hugglescote and Ellistown. His daughter Harriett, who suffered from a mental handicap from birth, was buried in May 1878 in London Road cemetery at the same time as his wife. Lavinia’s son Joseph married Jane Knapp in 1907 and his family settled in Thringstone. Oliver’s grand daughter, Catherine Burton married Thomas Orton Leeson of Peggs Green in September 1918 and their family initially settled in Thringstone.

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da Vinci’s restaurant has been encouraged to develop an alfresco seating area for their customers to enjoy their coffee and snacks. This is sited behind the closed crossing gate which separates the customers from traffic and adjacent to an access point, from Margaret St, to the new rail platform serving shuttle trains running to and from Snibston Museum. Oliver’s hut has been refurbished and the whole site now looks more attractive- a suitable memorial to the mass of unrecognised workers of the Coalville community. Coalville Heritage Society was developed from the Coalville 150 Group, which was set up to celebrate the town’s 150th birthday in 1983 and Coalville Local History Society. It now has an archive of over 2000 photographs and publishes books about Coalville’s Heritage. FIND OUT MORE www.coalville-heritage.info GET IN TOUCH info@coalville-heritage.info

NEW CARDBOARD BANKS LAUNCHED ACROSS THE DISTRICT North West Leicestershire residents now have extra recycling facilities; with the introduction of cardboard banks at recycling bring sites.

Wed 19th March Tea Dance - Ibstock Palace Wed 19th March The Archaeology of Medieval Leicestershire and Rutland

North West Leicestershire District Council has installed cardboard recycling banks at:

Thu 20th March Hanson’s Auctioneers Valuation Day, Whitwick

. Morrisons in Coalville

Thu 20th March Learn How to Make Money Saving Meals, Coalville

. Co-op in Castle Donington . Co-op in Ashby . Ibstock High Street Car Park . Belvoir Shopping Centre car park . Measham Library car park. This is in addition to existing facilities on the sites, where paper, glass, textiles, tins and cans can also be recycled. Currently, residents can use their yellow bags to recycle cardboard at home. However, recycling banks allow a larger amount of cardboard to be recycled.

WHAT’S ON

Cardboard collected from the banks is sold to a recycling reprocessing company, where it is processed into new cardboard products, such as boxes. If the new recycling sites are well used, the council may look to increase the number of sites where cardboard can be collected. Councillor Alison Smith, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said; "A number of residents told us that they would like to be able to recycle their cardboard at bring sites.

Already these banks are proving popular with residents, and this is great for our recycling rate which is currently an impressive 46 percent. The amount of recycling is worth a lot of money to the Council so anything we can do to help increase recycling rates has a direct financial benefit too. We hope that these extra facilities will help to drive up the amount of recycling collected." For more information on recycling in North West Leicestershire please visit: www.nwleics.gov.uk/recycling

Fri 21st March “The Wildlife of Grace Dieu” Ashby De La Zouch Sat 22nd March Eaga Gospelchoir - Whitwick Sat 22nd - Sun 23rd March Bosworth Batttlefield Guided Walk Sun 23rd March, 2014 Wartime Leicestershire at Beaumanor Hall

FIND OUT MORE CALL 01530 454545

Ryan Flamson owner of One Stop Shoe Repairs 14 High street took some time to tell us about some of the services he provides. As well as being a Key cutter & Shoe repairer Ryan also fits watch batteries, watch straps, link removal and alterations as well as also selling watches . We have also have added a range of ladies shopping trolleys, purses , wallets and belts. But he mainly wanted to talk about Engraving. Engraving is something he has done for 15 years. “ I have been through the generations of engraving from the hand engraver, to the pantograph ( stencil engraving) and in 2003 I made the jump to Computerised Engraving which really raises the standard in terms of quality and speed”. My current system has over 300 individual styles of writing and is perfect for pet disc’s, hip flasks, jewellery, lighters, trophy plaques, brass plaques and much more all engraved WHILE YOU WAIT!. Cut out the voucher at the bottom to be used at the shop.

Also we are now stocking a very large range of winter essential shoe care products, we have extreme water proofers, dubbin, polish,creams,dyes, protectors, cleaners plus much more, so pop in for our opinion on what is best for your boots or shoes. Don’t forget to look out for the screening of ‘the Wrong Floor’ feature film showing soon at century theatre snibston. Tickets on sale July The Wrong Floor was shot on location in New York, Spain, Peru and Coalville. For more info visit www.thewrongfloor.com or find us on Facebook.

PETROL LIGHTER + ENGRAVING ONLY £10 KEY CUT £2.50 - LADIES HEELS £5.00 WATCH BATTERY FITTED £2.50 *ONE VOUCHER PER CUSTOMER

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JAMIE MCMAHON | LABOUR PARTY NW LEICESTERSHIRE Tel: 01530 277825 - Email: jamie@labournwl.org.uk

NEED FOR MORE ACTION ON APPRENTICESHIPS

March 3rd represented the start of National Apprenticeship week and as Labour’s Parliamentary candidate I’m taking the opportunity to highlight the enormous benefit and importance of apprenticeships. Not only for each apprentice but also for the businesses training them, they can fill a skills gap and allow businesses the opportunity to tailor their workforce around their specific needs. They also offer real returns to businesses through increased productivity and competitiveness. And for apprentices there is the opportunity to learn on the job, build up

knowledge and skills, gain qualiﬁcations and earn money all at the same time. They also gain excellent prospects for the future because they have the knowledge and experience that employers really value. The Government isn’t doing enough to create quality apprenticeships for young people. Under the Tories more than 900,000 young people are now out of work and there are 25,000 fewer apprentices starting than there were last year. The Tories and their Lib Dem allies aren’t doing enough to create the apprenticeships that Britain and Coalville badly needs. A Labour Government will put this right. We will create a new universal standard for

apprenticeships so they are qualifications that employers and young people can trust. We’ve also called on the Government to use the billions spent through public procurement to boost apprenticeship opportunities – we would require all companies bidding for contracts worth over £1 million to offer apprenticeships. Investing in apprenticeships is an integral part of creating a better economy that works for everyone instead of just a few. Young people in Coalville are amongst those who stand to benefit, but only if the Tory-led Government steps up to provide the apprenticeships we need.

TORIES VOTE TO CLOSE SNIBSTON MUSEUM, BUT THE FIGHT ISN’T OVER Despite Labour opposition at County Hall the Tories have ignored the calls of local residents to save Snibston Museum from proposed cuts. However, the battle to save Snibston isn’t over. Protecting Snibston is vital for Coalville. We need to increase the numbers of people coming to Coalville and losing one of the attractions of the town will only hurt. I’m outraged that the Tories have chose to ignore the Friends of Snibston petition of over 8,000 people and the massive impact closing Snibston will have on Coalville.

FANTASTIC RESPONSE TO LISTENING SURVEY

I’m delighted that the Friends of Snibston intend to keep up the campaign to save the site, and I’m right behind them. The campaign to save Snibston is bringing together local residents, Councillors and businesses – all of whom see just how vital an improved attraction can be for Coalville. While the Tories may have earmarked the site for closure in their budget the final decision won’t be taken until the autumn, plenty of time for us to shout load and make the case for Snibston. Get in touch to more information or join the campaign to save Snibston.

LATEST TWEET @JamieSMcMahon

In order to be an effective representative of local people I have to listen. Volunteers have been delivering thousands of letters across Coalville as part of our ‘Let’s Talk about North West Leicestershire’ campaign and the response has been amazing. Hundreds of people have completed my survey to tell me their top priorities for Coalville and their biggest concerns. If you haven’t taken the time to return our survey please do. I’m committed to standing up for local people and prioritising the issues that matter to you.

Hitting the streets again for @EastMidsLabour big team out with @Rory_Palmer #Labourdoorstep

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LIVING WAGE At the Council meeting of 25th February it was announced that North West Leicestershire District Council is now committed to paying their employees the “Living Wage”. However, although the Labour Group at the Council welcomes the announcement, they believe the Council could do more to promote the Living Wage. The Council could seek to ensure contractors and suppliers of goods to the Council also introduce a Living Wage amongst their employees and encourage employers within the District do the same. With this in mind the Group submitted a motion asking for this further commitment from the Council. The Living Wage is an hourly rate of pay set by an independent body and is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK, currently it is £7.65 per hour nationally and £8.80 in London. It has been proven to have a significant impact on recruitment and retention within companies who pay it, along with improving other performance measures. Councillor Nick Clarke, who submitted the motion said “The Living Wage can help lift the low paid off benefits and help the local economy by giving people a little more spending power. Many workers, often part time, find themselves having also to claim

some form of benefit in order to make ends meet because their salary simply doesn’t cover the cost of living. Many local authorities are now supporting the “Living Wage” campaign and recognise the positive impact it can have on the local economy.” Jamie McMahon, the Labour Party Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for North West Leicestershire added “Britain is suffering from a cost of living crisis. That’s why if Labour are elected to Government in 2015 we have committed to promote the Living Wage by giving a tax rebate to firms which sign up to paying the Living Wage. Labour and I understand the importance of increasing the pay of our lowest paid workers with the Living Wage and I’m delighted the Labour Group at North West Leicestershire District Council are taking the lead on promoting this issue.” After a lengthy debate, the motion was put to the vote. The Tories and single Lib Dem Councillor voted against the motion and it was lost. Cllr Nick Clarke said “We have been putting pressure on the Tory administration to adopt the Living Wage and are delighted that they have committed to introduce it

DISTRICT COUNCILLOR GIVES A CAUTIOUS WELCOME TO NEW CYCLE PATH Leicestershire County Council is proposing to install a cycle path along the old mineral line from the A511 through to Hall Lane in Whitwick. The new cycle path would cut through Sharpley Avenue playing field which is of concern to some local residents who believe it puts the safety of children using the park at risk. Local District Councillor Nick Clarke said “Ideally it would have been best to use the old railway line for the full length of the new cycle path, but at Sharpley Park the line is extremely overgrown and new trees have been planted. Obviously, a lot of wildlife is attracted to that area and cutting this back to install a new path was seen to be detrimental from an ecology point of view. Cutting back these trees could also result in increasing

the amount of disturbance to nearby residents from the adjacent Coalville Rugby Club.” The County Council have carefully considered all possible alternatives and the preferred option will use some of the existing paths at Sharpley Park and follow the already established walking route towards Perran Avenue. Councillor Clarke went on to say “In my opinion the benefits to the community of the proposed new cycle path outweigh any possible safety issues raised at Sharpley Avenue Playing Field. Cyclists will be able to cycle over Stephenson Way through to Hall Lane on a dedicated path without using any major road. Surely, the improvement to safety for these cyclists needs to be put into the equation as well.”

for their employees, but it is disappointing that the Tory administration and the Liberal Democrat could not be persuaded to support the further commitments asked of the Council in our motion.” After the meeting the Labour group leader Cllr Tom Neilson stated “Being a living wage employer is something to be proud of and I am delighted that we have finally committed to ensure that no one employed by the Council is paid less than the independently set living wage. The challenge now is to encourage other local employers to start paying their lowest paid workers more and accept this as the level of income which has been assessed as the very minimum required to sustain an acceptable quality of life.”

LABOUR COUNCILLORS CALL PUBLIC MEETING Two local Councillors, Ron Adams and Nick Clarke are to hold a Public meeting after recent speculation about a possible housing development on land adjacent to Greenhill Road Coalville. There is also a planning application, currently under consideration by North West Leicestershire District Council which has been submitted by David Wilson Homes for 79 homes on the opposite side of Greenhill Road. Councillor Ron Adams said “As Ward Councillors we believe it is important to get a real understanding of how local residents feel about both possible developments, and holding a meeting is a good way to do that.” Councillor Nick Clarke added “We will be providing information about the planning process, answering questions

and taking on board all views and comments made; anybody interested in coming will be more than welcome to attend.” The meeting will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 18th March at Warren Hills County Primary School. For more information contact Nick Clarke on 07891073391 or nickclarke795@gmail.com

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Cloudy2Clear Windows – Service With A Smile! It’s been a crazy few months for Cloudy2Clear Windows. The company which specialises in repairing windows which are steamed up, broken or damaged by replacing the panes – not the frames has grown rapidly as homeowners take advantage of their services. Managing Director Martyn Kemp feels that it’s all about service. ‘Our product is simple. If your double

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

that I get from doing a good job but also it makes good business sense. I get a huge amount of business from friends and family of people I’ve done work for, which just goes to show how much a little bit of effort is appreciated.’ So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Martyn a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118 and he’ll be happy to help!

STEAMED UP DOUBLE GLAZING? Don’t replace the Frames... just the Panes!

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0800 61 21118 www.cloudy2clear.com ...we make saving money perfectly clear...

BRING THE GARDEN INDOORS It’s easy to create a fresh new look by bringing a touch of floral elegance to your home with the new collections from Prestigious Textiles. The ' Italian Garden' range of fabrics combine delicate flower prints with watercolour stripes brought right up to date with zesty colour ways. Or, why not consider the 'Wild Garden' range from Clarke and Clarke. Inspired by the countryside you can have delicate embroidered foxgloves and cowslips on soft linens or a contemporary block printed fern design as a complete contrast. Colours range from fresh lime green to soft grey blue. All of these fabrics are perfect as curtains, blinds and cushions and we can supply a range of matching tiebacks, trimmings and poles for that finishing touch. They are also suitable for upholstery and can be ordered by the metre. Simply call us for a no obligation quotation in the comfort of your own home and let Acacia bring a fresh new look to your windows this Spring. Acacia Curtains and Blinds Tel 01509 650832

TEL 0800 6446150 - EMAIL info@communityeye.net - WEB www.communityeye.net

On Friday 14th February Andy from Open Box Promotions did a sponsored walk from Leicester Forest East to Coalville to raise much needed funds for Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance service. As you are aware Open Box Promotions, home of Your Local and Community Eye magazines, have been taking part in the Big Business Challenge and was competing against other business’ to try and raise as much money as possible for DLR Air Ambulance in just a few weeks! In addition to our ‘Wear it Yellow’ day, Andy dressed up as a duck to help us to raise even more money.

£243.73 - Bucket Collection | £45.00 - Online Donations 10 FACEBOOK facebook.com/communityeye - TWITTER twitter.com/community_eye

THRINGSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL RAISED £167.30

If there’s a job that needs doing around your home or office ring the man who can!

We can fix practically anything from putting up a picture, changing a tap or installing patio decking, you make the list & we’ll sort it out. Simple! We have a clear pricing policy based on competitive hourly rates, without callout charges, plus free advice & estimates. So give us a call 07788 542103 (Evenings) Ibstock 01530 262446

Mr Oddjob offers a quick response to Domestic & Commercial customers with services ranging from... Carpentry & Joinery Decorating Basic Electrical General External Basic Plumbing Special Services & Rates for OAP’s

On Friday 14th February, Thringstone Primary School took part in the ‘Wear it Yellow’ day to help raise funds for the DLR Air Ambulance Service, which was a part of the Open Box Promotions, Big Business Challenge. There is still time to support us by donating either online at www.justgiving.com/openboxpromotions or by texting OPEN64 and the amount to wish to donate (eg £2, £5 etc) to 70070.

TEXT OPEN64 £2/£5/£10 TO 70070 WWW.JUSTGIVING.COM/OPENBOXPROMOTIONS

TEL 0800 6446150 - EMAIL info@communityeye.net - WEB www.communityeye.net

MRC CUSTOMERS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT IN RECENT SURVEY After recent funding cuts MRC Community Action based at The Marlene Reid Centre in Coalville took positive action and circulated a customer feedback questionnaire to users of one of their popular services, Community Transport and Room Hire. More than 150 questionnaires were distributed and within two weeks 85% of them had been returned packed with positive comments and feedback about the services they provide as well as its staff and volunteers. Bev Cowley, Sales & Marketing

Officer said “We were shocked to have so many of the questionnaires returned so quickly and the feedback we have had is incredibly supportive and positive” Bev added “It is nice to know we play a major part in this community and it is obvious from the feedback that our services are very much needed”. Funding cuts in September 2013 resulted in concessionary bus fares being cut but from the survey results it is obvious that the community still rely heavily on the door-to-door services offered by MRC Community Action. Mrs Weston, a regular user of their transport referred to the service as her ‘lifeline to

the outside world’ and another user, Mrs Sheldon added “This service enables me to meet new people, without it I would stay at home and feel very isolated”. The centre has a wide range of activities running seven days a week and one room user Peter Dargue said “I have nothing but praise for the thoughtful and hardworking staff who keep the facility running” and Ena Illidge who runs the Coalville Stroke Club said “Finding facilities like these would be extremely difficult – our members are comfortable here and are used to the staff” Bev added “The response has been amazing – everyone who completed the questionnaires

really values the work we do and the services we provide” She added “The Marlene Reid Centre was described as a ‘vital commodity’ in this community and it’s good to know that we have such fantastic support to hopefully get us through the difficult times ahead” If you want to have your say contact Bev at The Marlene Reid Centre and she can email or post a questionnaire out to you. Alternatively visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/ GMCSCHW to complete the survey online or follow the link from the MRC website. For more information about the services MRC provide visit www.mrc.uk.net

IS YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL A SCORE SCHOOL? GET PRACTICAL SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE ON ENERGY EFFICIENCY FROM LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. The Schools Collaboration on Resource Efficiency (SCoRE) is a 12 month practical programme which helps schools reduce energy bills and save money. Advice and guidance is given on energy efficiency, including adjusting boiler times and temperatures, switching off lighting and electrical equipment and draft proofing. SCoRE supports many aspects of the curriculum including geography, science, maths, design and citizenship. Students are encouraged to be part of the programme and work with staff to achieve the best savings. Brockington College, Enderby joined the SCoRE programme in 2012 and saved an outstanding £12,576 in their first year. An energy survey was conducted and the heating and cooling throughout the building was altered, including server rooms. Students collected energy usage data and learned about the college Energy Management system. Nichole Browne, School Environment Officer, Leicestershire County Council, said “Applications for the next phase of the SCoRE programme are being taken now, and we look forward to working with a new set of schools. Schools can make significant savings on their energy use. They achieve real energy efficiencies when the plan is embedded throughout the whole school.” Interested schools should apply before Friday 25th April 2014 to be part of the next SCoRE programme by calling Nichole Browne 0116 305 5593, Nichole.Browne@leics.gov.uk

Travel for

50p

Spring Savers Between

Vouchers for use on services: You can request a voucher leaflet by calling the helpline on 0116 305 0002, emailing stg@leics.gov.uk or visiting www.leics.gov.uk/transport_ promotions

or Travel f

50p

VOUCHER Valid on services: 27 & 120 Roberts Coaches 24th March to 19th April 2014

3 & 13 Paul S Winson • 8 Centrebus

Travelling on service: ❏ 3 ❏ 8 ❏ 13 ❏ 27 ❏ 120 How often do you use this service? ❏ Every weekday ❏ At weekends ❏ More than once a week ❏ A few times a month

SS14014

Only valid if all fields are complete*

❏ Less than once a month ❏ Only with vouchers

24th March and 19th April 2014

27 & 120 Roberts Coaches 3 & 13 Paul S Winson • 8 Centrebus

Get detailed service timetables and sign up to our e-mailing list at www.leics.gov.uk/transport_downloads Simply complete and cut out the vouchers below. Voucher leaflets are also available from local libraries, service shops and selected post offices.

or Travel f

50p

VOUCHER Valid on services: 27 & 120 Roberts Coaches 24th March to 19th April 2014

3 & 13 Paul S Winson • 8 Centrebus

Travelling on service: ❏ 3 ❏ 8 ❏ 13 ❏ 27 ❏ 120 How often do you use this service? ❏ Every weekday ❏ At weekends ❏ More than once a week ❏ A few times a month

SS14014

Only valid if all fields are complete*

❏ Less than once a month ❏ Only with vouchers

Name............................................................... House No......... Postcode...............................

Entitles one passenger to travel for 50p on a single ticket on one of the five promotional routes between 24th March and 19th April 2014. Additional passengers will be charged at the normal fare. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Voucher to be retained by driver. *Information provided on this voucher will be used for monitoring purposes only. Following monitoring, this information will be destroyed. SS14005

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pring is on its way and hopefully the rain will abate soon, giving us all a chance to get out into our gardens. My mission for the spring is to create new planting areas in my own garden and reinvigorate the tired borders in my client’s gardens. I took on my current garden a year ago when we bought an old house in need of renovation. It’s very traditional - long and narrow with a lawn, gravelled areas and a veg patch, flanked by neat Privet hedges. The formal layout is practical but it lacks style and is crying out for a vibrant injection of colour. Skinny little borders rarely offer enough space for a good range of plants, there fine if all you want is a lavender hedge but to create a dramatic planting scheme I recommend a minimum depth of 1.2m. They don’t have to be long & straight, curved island borders work well too. Mine will be contemporary geometric blocks to work with the existing layout of the paths. Whether I’m creating new borders or reinvigorating an existing one, I dig over the soil adding plenty of compost and fertiliser (such as Growmore) to loosen up the compacted ground, improve

drainage and feed the soil. It must be weed free too, otherwise within a season or two the border will be a tangled mess. A systemic weed killer (containing Glyphosate) can be used to kill persistent weeds like bind weed and brambles. In low maintenance gardens, I discourage future weed growth by laying membrane on the soil surface. A mulch of gravel or bark covers the unsightly membrane when complete. With the hard work done I’ll progress to the exciting bit – choosing the plants. Perennials and grasses are my passion. I’ve been collecting and growing unusual varieties for years. I’m always tempted by something when I visit a nursery and working as a professional grower, producing tens of thousands of plants each year, I’m constantly tempted to add to my collection! I’m not unique; many of us are seduced by plants that are looking at their best, generally in the spring and summer. The down side of this is that the garden can be devoid of colour for the other 6 months of the year! It can also create a very messy patchwork of colour and shape with lots of mismatched individual plants all muddled up together. Visiting

a garden centre or nursery regularly and purchasing a few at a time will help to build up a good year-round palette of plants. Whilst planting in blocks of 3-5 of the same plant will give a more cohesive and stylish look. So with that in mind, which plants to choose? Well to start off with, all borders need some structural planting to act as the backbone of the border. I do this by selecting key shrubs like Viburnum ‘Eve Price’, Choisya ‘White Dazzler’ or Box balls (see more examples below). These are evergreen so will look good even in the depths of winter. Once these are in I add the vibrant colour by Inter-planting with bulbs, perennials, flowering shrubs and ornamental grasses. You can find examples of planting schemes on at www.belgrierson.co.uk/inspiration If your garden is lacking colour and drama follow my lead and try refreshing an existing border or create a new one. Get the labour intensive work done on a sunny spring day then visit your local garden centre or nursery to select a few structural shrubs. Next month I’ll be looking at the perennials, shrubs and grasses you can add for spring & early summer colour.

What to Look out for in your local Nursery, Garden Centre & Florist in March For the structural plants look for shrubs like; Topiary Box Balls; Viburnum ‘Eve Price’ a low maintenance winter flowerer; Choisya; Hebes; Phormium; Escallonia or for acidic soils try Skimmia, Pieris, Rhododendrons & Azaleas. There are bright and cheery pots of spring bulbs, ideal for adding early season colour amongst the shrubs or in pots. Look for Narcissus, Muscari, Iris, Crocus and Tulips.

TEL 0800 6446150 - EMAIL info@communityeye.net - WEB www.communityeye.net

PLASTIC FANTASTIC WEBSITE UPDATED!! Plastic fantastic are proud to announce that their new enhanced website www.plasticfantastic.info is available for anyone looking for a specialist cleaning service for their home or business. www.plasticfantasic.info - 0116 2106421 - 07762277444 SPECIALIST IN CLEANING Gutter Clearance • Conservatories Solar Panels • Windows • Cladding • Upvc Detailed price list on our website

Latest Technology Used • Fully Insured Commerical & Domestic • 100s of Satisfied Customers

Selling your house? First impressions matter!

Plastic Fantastic offer a professional cleaning service using the latest technology for cleaning UPVC, including soffits and fascia boards, window frames, conservatory deep cleans, solar panels, gutter clearance and cladding cleaning without the use of ladders. The website shows the amazing results that plastic fantastic can achieve. Ryan Powley from Plastic fantastic explains."This is a huge demand for the services we offer and after conducting market research and listening to our customers we have developed our website to be clean, visual, easy to navigate and to clearly explain everything that potential customers would need to know so that people can make an informed choice in complete confidence. Over the last few years we have perfected our modern cleaning system to get the best results possible, but from the safety of the ground. We have been cleaning UPVC to very high standards for years, but with health and safety issues and being part of the nationally recognised 'Worksafe contractor approved' scheme we understood it was vital to have a cleaning system that works without ladders. We use equipment from both the USA and UK and have worked alongside engineers to create a top quality cleaning system that is unique. Together with using chemicals that are noncaustic, bio degradable and environmentally friendly, yet clean with maximum impact we have the ability to remove all that grime, dirt and staining to leave your UPVC looking as good as new. This means we have the expertise to produce amazing results but in a way that is effective, efficient, safe and is most importantly a cost effective solution to our customers. Our brand is Plastic fantastic and that is exactly what we deliver. We deliver amazing results at competitive prices!!" The website is really user friendly and includes a video, customer feedback and a structured price list so everyone can see how much each service will cost with no hidden extras. Plastic fantastic currently have 5 special offers on their website, which can be clearly seen. They also offer discounts for multiple bookings and a 'Yearly maintenance package'. If you need any advice or would like to speak with an expert, you can visit the website at www.plasticfantastic.info or call 01162106421

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INVITATION TO GARDENERS Come and buy some reasonably priced plants or swap some of your spare seedlings for different varieties. There will be a Plant Sale and Seed Swap on Saturday 10th May from 11.00am to 1.00pm in the Wesleyan Reform Chapel, Whitehill Road, Ellistown LE67 1EP. This will be the seventh annual sale held by Ellistown Allotment Garden Society.

SATURDAY 15TH MARCH 2014 Family Disco Start Time: 8:00pm

EAGS Secretary Barbara Weston said that “We usually have flowers such as dahlias and cosmos alongside strawberry plants, perennial herbs and possibly some rhubarb crowns. We try to encourage local gardeners to try some different vegetables by offering unusual varieties of tomatoes and squashes. We never know exactly what we will have. Gardeners can bring along their own surplus young plants and seeds and save money by swapping; or they can buy young plants which should help give an early start to vegetable plants. This year we will also have a table for the sale of second hand gardening books.”

SATURDAY 22ND MARCH 2014 King Of The Road Karaoke Start Time: 8:30pm Keep Calm & Sing

SATURDAY 29TH MARCH 2014 John Stacey Male Artist Start Time: 8:45pm

Mrs Weston explained that Ellistown is one of the few villages where new allotment plots are being created. She said “the Parish Council is supporting us in creating new plots on the allotment site on Midland Road, and if anyone is interested in having a plot to grow their own vegetables there will be people on hand at the Plant Sale to give advice. This is an especially good time to start when prices for fresh vegetables are set to go up in the coming months.”

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Fun Quiz Start Time: 9:00pm Free Entry Higher & Lower, Food Available Round Of Drinks To The Winners

CASH BINGO

There is no entry fee and light refreshments will be available. Parking is limited. For more information contact Barbara Weston (01530 456071) or have a look at EAGS website: www. ellistownallotments.com

Friday & Saturday Nights Start Time: 9:00pm Non Members Welcome

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Slimming World

Join a warm and friendly group today…

NEW GROUP OPENING 26TH FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY 9.30am Ellistown Ellistown Working Mens Club Whitehill Road car parking available at rear via Parker Drive Tel: Kristy 07931 568396 MONDAY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Whitwick Hall Lane Methodist Church by Tressall Road Tel: Sharon 07855 250017

WEDNESDAY 5.30pm & 7.15pm Ellistown Ellistown Working Mens Club Whitehill Road car parking available at rear via Parker Drive Tel Kristy: 07931 568396 THURSDAY 5.30pm & 7.15pm Coalville Marlene Reid Centre Belvoir Road on corner of Melbourne Street Tel: Sharon 07855250017

save £5 – half

scan here or visit the website to read Alix ’ s story

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Just £9.95 on you r first night then £4.95 a week. See website for details.

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HALL COMPUTING |

SERVICES

ALL TYPES OF BLADE SHARPENING LAWN MOWERS, KNIFES, SCISSORS, CHAINSAWS

Hall Computing services are based in the heart of Coalville. We are a small computer maintenance and website development business that aims to support business and domestic users. It does not matter if you are a small or large business and you need new computer systems, or a start up or upgrade of your current website, we will accommodate you. Even if you are a home user just needing advice and support or even just to buy the computing essentials: inks, cd’s, dvd’s, flash drives etc, we are here to help.

ALL TYPES OF GARDEN MACHINERY SERVICED AND REPAIRED

WHAT WE DO

GARDENING TOOL SHAFTS REPLACED

COMPUTING REPAIRS

WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT INKS & MEDIA

FREE DIAGNOSTICS

Ladies & Gents

INSTALLATION & TUTORIALS

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OLD VICARAGE WHITWICK AND WHO OWNS IT NOW? THE STORY OF SILVER OAKS…

SYSTEM BUILDING

LAPTOPS, DESKTOPS & TABLETS

The short answer is a young chap called Mark Booth, a young business man who saw the potential in such a beautiful building and wanted to create a pioneering care home that sets the benchmark for the way Mon/Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 7am - 4pm care should and can be delivered in Leicestershire.

Open 7 Days A Week

COPYING, PRINTING & SCANNING

01530 888 411

FIND US ON FACEBOOK: Hall Computing Services TWITTER: @HallComputing NWL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER T: 01530 277819 M: 07918 845277 E: info@hallcomputingservices.co.uk Mark Booth W:Silver www.hallcomputingservices.co.uk Oaks Owner

Sun 10am - 2pm

Back in July 2011 Mark went to visit what was then the old vicarage OPENING TIMES residential care home. It was being closed down by the local authorities Mon: 08:30 - 11:30 and could no longer operate as a business.

Wed: 08:30 - 16:30 93 Belvoir Road, Coalville, Leics, LE67 9PH Mark then- the potential of the building and knew that with some Fri: saw 08:30 11:30

www.barbershopcoalville.co.uk

loving care and attention and a great team of people it could be a great home for the elderly.

TheAs Springboard Centreinto a private sale agreement for the building such Mark entered Mantle only Lane and then spent 6 months on renovation and recruiting a strong Coalville team, finally opening it’s doors in early February 2012 as Silver Oaks Residential LE67 3DW Care Home - A 19 bed home which cares for the elderly

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OLD VICARAGE WHITWICK AND WHO OWNS IT NOW? THE STORY OF SILVER OAKS… The short answer is a young chap called Mark Booth, a young business man who saw the potential in such a beautiful building and wanted to create a pioneering care home that sets the benchmark for the way care should and can be delivered in Leicestershire. Back in July 2011 Mark went to visit what was then the old vicarage residential care home. It was being closed down by the local authorities and could no longer operate as a business. Mark saw then the potential of the building and knew that with some loving care and attention and a great team of people it could be a great home for the elderly.

and people who have early onset dementia.

Barber Shop

After 2 years of trading you can really see the progress that Mark and his team have made. His mission now with his team is to make the home part of the community once again and for people to come and visit.

As such Mark entered into a private sale

“THE ONLY WAY WE CAN CHANGE

it’s doors in early February 2012 as Silver

TO HOLD OR A 5 MINUTE CHAT CAN – PLEASE

people who have early onset dementia. After 2 years of trading you can really see the progress that Mark and his team have made. His mission now with his team is to make the home part of the community once again and for people to come and visit.

Mark Booth - Silver Oaks owner.

“THE ONLY WAY WE CAN CHANGE THE WAY WE CARE FOR OUR agreement for the AS building only and THE WAY WE CARE FOR OUR ELDERLY ELDERLY IS BY WORKING A COMMUNITY AND OFFERING then spent 6 months renovation andCANIS BYAWORKING AS A COMMUNITY OUR TIME, A HAND TO HOLD on OR A 5 MINUTE CHAT MAKE HUGE DIFFERENCE – PLEASE AND VOLUNTEER ” Mark recruiting a strong team,COME finally opening AND OFFERING OUR TIME, A HAND Booth - Silver Oaks owner.

Oaks Residential Care Home - A a19 To enquire about volunteering give the home callbed on 01530MAKE 815665A HUGE DIFFERENCE andhome give something to the today. and which back cares forcommunity the elderly COME AND VOLUNTEER ”

To enquire about volunteering give the home a call on 01530 815665 and give something back to the community today.

SILVER OAKS RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME “ A historic and loving care home in Whitwick” 11 Silver Street, Whitwick, Coalville LE67 5EW, Tel: 01530 815665

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MARK RADFORD SENTENCED TO 12 MONTHS IN JAIL The director of a Coalville publishing company has been sentenced to jail after pleading guilty to manufacturing, importing and selling counterfeit goods. Mark Alan Radford (49), of Vaughan Street, Coalville, a director of Charnwood Publishing Company Ltd, which also trades as Atlantis Classics of Coalville, was given a 12-month prison sentence at Leicester Crown Court. Officers from Leicestershire County Council's Trading Standards service executed warrants at three premises linked to the company in March 2012 with approximately 38,000 items being seized. This was the largest seizure of any kind that the service has undertaken and included a range of memorabilia items such as metal badges, embroidered patches, wallets, key rings and clothing. A wide range of brands were being faked including Ford, Jaguar, Triumph, BMW, Harry Potter and Guinness. The court heard that, although Charnwood Publishing Company Ltd did supply legitimate items such as stationery, a large proportion of the business was found to be linked to counterfeit items which were being imported, manufactured and sold by the business.

In mitigation, Mr Radford explained that he had been in business for 25 years and it was not fraudulent from the outset. He explained that he did hold some licences with a few companies, however, these had elapsed. Recorder William Harbage QC said that Mr Radford had full knowledge of licensing as he had held licences previously. He had been given a warning by Ford about misuse of their logos which should have put his mind on alert to having suitable licences. Trading Standards head David Bull said "We are keen to protect consumers from buying cheap, inferior and sometimes unsafe counterfeit goods, at the same time as protecting legitimate businesses and the jobs of their employees." Pam Posnett, the county council's Cabinet member for trading standards, said "This was a large commercial organisation. He could have traded legitimately yet instead he chose to expand his business by dealing in counterfeit goods." If you have information about someone selling counterfeit goods email: telltradingstandards@leics.gov.uk Or contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 040506

THRINGSTONE PREPARED TO REMEMBER THEM Thringstone House Community Centre, together with Friends of Thringstone and other groups and agencies locally are preparing to remember the fallen of the Great War with an exhibition, films, music and artifacts of The Great War. This event is not planned as a celebration of the event, but more of a chance to acknowledge and reflect on the sacrifices made by local people during this period in our history. The event will take place at Thringstone House Community Centre, The Green, Thringstone on 4, 5 and 6 July, and it is hoped to include information on those from the village who went to war and did not return, as well as information on the impact of the war on lives in the village, which was quite considerable since Thringstone school's headmaster, Theophilus Jones, was the first soldier to die on British soil as a result of the bombing of Hartlepool, his home town. If anybody has information, pictures or family articles from the Great War that they might be willing to share, they are asked to contact Friends of Thringstone on 223434.

LOCAL'S JOIN CLLR MICHAEL WYATT'S CAMPAIGN TO SAVE OUR LOCAL GREEN FIELDS

BENEATH THE LIGHTS DOWNLOAD NEW SINGLE www.beneaththelights.bandcamp.com 29th MARCH ‘THE SHED, LEICESTER 8 MILES HIGH Album Launch 19th APRIL ‘ANCHOR INN’, SWADLINCOTE 4th MAY WHITWICK CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB The Bench That Rocked 1st Anniversary 23rd – 25th MAY ‘GLASTONBUDGET 2014’ Date confirmation and times tbc 6th JUNE ‘HUGGLESCOTE SOCIAL CLUB’ ‘Heroes Past and Present’ 14th JUNE ‘HUGGLESCOTE SOCIAL CLUB’ With ‘Lil Revolution’ The Bench That Rocked’ ‘Explicit Youth’ BTL For more details on times, additional gigs or venue updates please see our Facebook page. www.facebook.com/beneaththelights

Cllr Michael Wyatt was joined by over 50 local residents on Saturday 1st March, protesting against a developer from Cheshire who’s proposing to build 180 houses off Greenhill Rd in Coalville. Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “We feel this land must be saved from development. The developers need to understand that we are not prepared to sit back and allow our open countryside to be destroyed. The knock on affects of building on this land will lead to massive increases in traffic on our local roads, and increase the risk of localised flooding, which as affected residents in the past.”I would like to thank everyone who turned out on Saturday to show the developers, and the local Council that we are united against any development of this important site.” Tim Sporne a local resident said, "it's important we fight this proposal. We are determined to save this open countryside from being developed. On behalf of the local residents I would like to thank Cllr Wyatt for his support, and putting our needs first."

TEL 0800 6446150 - EMAIL info@communityeye.net - WEB www.communityeye.net

CATERING QUALIFICATION FOR COALVILLE AIR CADET Cadet Corporal Max Hart is the first Coalville Cadet to be awarded his food hygiene awareness certificate. Cadet Corporal Max Hart has been studying for his level 1 award in food safety awareness online with high speed training. He has completed the syllabus in 3 two-hour sessions. The course covers...

INTRODUCTION TO FOOD SAFETY - food poisoning and its symptoms and food hazards

FOOD SAFETY LAW - HACCP, responsibilities of a food business, who enforces the law, penalties for committing a food safety offence and your part in food safety FOOD SAFETY HAZARDS - where bacteria are found, harmful bacteria, conditions for growth, high and low risk foods and cross contamination GENERAL FOOD SAFETY CONTROLS food deliveries, temperature control, fridges and freezers, food preparation, reheating food and pest control. CLEANING AND DISINFECTION - what are disinfectants and sanitizers? When to clean and disinfect, clean as you go and scheduled cleaning, cleaning equipment and dealing with rubbish PERSONAL HYGIENE - the importance of personal hygiene, hand washing, protective clothing and illness

Other members of the squadron are also studying for their qualifications, they are being assisted by Sergeant Simon Webster who works as a chef as well as being an adult volunteer with the Air Training Corps. Corporal Max Hart said ”I am really pleased to be the first to get my certificate, I am sure the qualification will be useful”. Flying Officer Rebekah Harrison RAF VR(T), said ”I am really pleased for Corporal Max Hart. It will be a valuable addition to his CV. It is just one of the many qualifications cadets can achieve through the Air Training Corps. There are also opportunities to study for first aid certificates, Btec’s, leadership awards and the Duke of Edinburgh award. Today young people need to make sure their CV stands out from the crowd and the extra qualifications are really valuable”. 1188 (Coalville) Squadron is currently recruiting cadets both male and female. If you are aged 13 - 18 and would like to join the local air cadets they meet in the headquarters on Forest Road in Coalville on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.15pm until 9.30pm. If you are interested in joining please visit the Squadron and speak to the Officer in charge or visit the squadron website. www.1188squadron.co.uk

JOIN COALVILLE AIR CADETS TODAY!

Find out more visit: www.1188squadron.co.uk

STUDENTS PERFORM PRIZE - WINNING PUPPET SHOW Two prize-winning puppeteers from Ibstock Community College entertained fellow students with a special performance in assembly.

Kizzie Webster, 13, and Jamie Billington, 11, both from Ibstock, were joined on stage by three of their friends to give a performance of ‘The Fellowship of the Puppets’. Last year, the performance earned them second place at the European Puppet Ministry Festival. The five first started working with puppets 18 months ago when Pastor Paul Busby at the Moira Wesleyan Reform Chapel challenged them to

have a go. Since then, they have entertained audiences at various local events, including Moira Canal Festival and the Heart of the Forest Festival at Measham. They are already lined up to perform at more events this Summer. Enquiries from people interested in booking the group have come from as far away as Cornwall. Kizzie said: “We do the puppet shows for fun because we enjoy it. We practised at my grandma’s house first and then we started performing at the chapel. We have to work together and we do lots of good tricks with the puppets now.”

Kizzie’s mum, Caroline Webster, said: “It is something that Kizzie and the others are so proud of. She wanted everybody at school to see what they could do.”

Other puppet group are Kizzie’s cousins: Barney Ferguson, 15, of Overseal, Jess Middlemiss, 13, of Woodville, and Charlotte Foster, 8, of Overseal.

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IVANHOE GROW WELCOMES ORCHARD Ivanhoe College welcomed an orchard this week as part of Ivanhoe Grow. Ivanhoe Grow is a school club that is student lead with teacher support. The aim of the club is to make students and staff aware of how food is grown and where food is from. It also promotes eating good food as part of a healthy lifestyle. The group eagerly meets every week and have already realised a huge amount of work. A chicken coup and pen has been built awaiting the arrival of 5 chickens on 1st March. Each of the 4 school houses will be assigned a chicken with the last representing the Ivanhoe Under 5s.

Hard work has been carried out on preparing the veg beds and a planting schedule has been created. Weekly recycling also takes place throughout the school to make sure that waste is being reduced. Tom Genders, who oversees Ivanhoe Grow, said “Everybody here at Ivanhoe would like to thank North West Leicestershire District Council and their ‘Orchards in Your Community’ project for the donation of 20 fruit trees this week. We would also like to thank everybody else that has donated including Wicks, a local allotment group and a governor." If you would like to donate to the Ivanhoe Grow project please contact Tom Genders: t.genders@ivanhoe.co.uk

INSPECTORS GIVE HIGH PRAISE TO GRACE DIEU

The recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate has highlighted just what a remarkable place Grace Dieu Manor School is for children to begin their educational journey. The Inspectors remarked on the good progress pupils make, and the high standards that pupils reach due to the 'effective teaching'. They reported that 'attainment is high' and that pupils' successful admission to selective senior schools was evidence of this. In relation to the teaching at Grace Dieu, the report referred to 'brisk pace, excellent subject knowledge and clear learning objectives that enable pupils of all abilities to acquire new knowledge and make rapid progress'. Parents were said to be 'very happy with the quality of teaching and enthusiastic about the quality of education on offer.' Pastoral care was rated as 'excellent' & 'there is a very happy, friendly, family feel throughout the school. Every individual is well-respected and treated with great courtesy & care.'

The report comments that 'pupils speak with considerable maturity for their age and develop very strong selfawareness and confidence because they are given excellent pastoral care.' The school is proud that pupils show 'great empathy and consideration for one another' and 'appreciate and respect each other's differences.' It was pleasing that the inspectors noted the school's focus on values and they commented that 'pupils have a fully developed sense of right and wrong which is developed from the earliest age in the Early Years Foundation Stage.' What happens outside the classroom is also vital and the inspectors wrote, 'the emphasis that the school places on developing pupils' confidence and self-esteem has led to pupils of all abilities achieving well in a range of sports and aesthetic activities such as art, music and drama.' And again, 'awards to senior schools show that music and sports are strong', and reference is made to 'the vibrant choral, instrumental and performing arts tradition' that clearly inspires the pupils.'

As for the Early Years Foundation Stage, the youngest pupils at Grace Dieu (3+ and 4+) were described as 'active learners, enjoying all they do. The teaching by wellqualified staff is engaging and motivating, meeting the needs of all the children well, and promoting an environment in which pastoral and academic development is nurtured. In

the Early Years, the youngest children respond fully to school life with great enthusiasm and enjoyment.' If you would like to find out more about Grace Dieu, please visit the website www. gracedieu.com and make an appointment to view the school via 01530 222276 or registrar@ gracedieu.com

FREE HEALTH CHECKS YOUR HEALTH MATTERS! Come along to Whitwick Methodist Church, (near Market Place) Hall Lane, Whitwick on 8th April 2014 between 2pm and 6pm and you will be able to get your FREE cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index screenings. No appointment necessary just come along. These successful clinics offer a range of health and well-being advice, including the new Posture Analysis screening, advice on how to stop smoking, diet and nutrition, back to basics cookery and much more. There are fun exercise challenges with prizes for all ages, fun activities for children and fruit juices to try during the afternoon. Organised by the Council, the clinics can help you make positive changes to your lifestyle. We hope that by offering this service, people will come along and get their free checks and find out how they can improve their health and well-being. For further information contact Julie Summerton 01530 454541 or e mail julie.summerton@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

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IVANHOE COLLEGE RAISES OVER £700 FOR CHARITY

Ivanhoe College held a ‘wear red’ non-uniform day on Friday which raised over £700 for charity. Cakes were also on sale at lunch. Two students, Euan and Alex, were responsible for organising the event. Half the money raised will go to RedR. This is an international disaster relief charity that helps to save lives around the world. They do this by training aid workers and providing skilled professionals to humanitarian programmes worldwide. The remaining money will go towards funding Euan and Alex’s trip to the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Japan on 28th July to 8th August. 3,500

scouts in the UK have been selected to attend and we wish Euan and Alex all the best in raising the remainder of the money. Many donations were also made to the Ashby Food Bank which will go towards supporting those who need food in the local area. Anne-Marie Blewitt, Principal, said “We’re very proud of our students, especially Euan and Alex, who have taken the initiative to organise today. Alongside providing the highest standards of education Ivanhoe College is keen to raise money for charities and support those that need help in our local community.”

MILITARY PERSONNEL BOOST STUDENTS’ SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE

PANCAKE RACE IS PAN-TASTIC

Young cooks at Ibstock Community College made the most of Pancake Day by cooking and racing with their own pancakes.

Twenty Year 9 students mixed and cooked a batch of delicious pancakes to mark Shrove Tuesday – and then made one extra to be their ‘race pancake’. Competing in teams of four, the students took on the pancake relay challenge in the college’s central courtyard. All runners were required to toss the pancake at least once during their leg of the relay. Teacher Linda Higginson said: “The pancake race was a really fun way to end our cooking session – although we weren’t quite sure who had run the race! I guess you could say it was a toss up! Luckily, the students did make enough pancakes to eat one or two, as a few of the race pancakes ended up on the floor!” All the students involved had chosen the college’s Cook It course as their Year 9 specialism subject.

Students at Ibstock Community College have been working with ex-military personnel to boost their team working and citizenship skills. The 11 students have been working with two instructors from educational charity CVQO every Friday, on a variety of projects from raft making to building their own camp fires. They have also helped out in Ibstock’s community garden. Later this month, they will take part in a Fire Fit course, run by Leicestershire Fire Service.

in Teamwork, Personal Skills and Citizenship. The course is based on military core values and standards, such as self discipline and team work, helping students to develop vocational skills and improve their career prospects.

At the end of the 12-week course, they will receive a recognised BTEC qualification

The college is hoping to run the course for another group of students after Easter.

Chris Bates, who works at Ibstock Community College, said “The students have learned so much – about themselves and about new skills –from the ex-military instructors. It has been brilliant.”

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