COALVILLE
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COMMUNITY EYE
FREE MONTHLY LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, PUZZLES, COMPETITIONS & MORE
IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL
ISSUE 35 MARCH 2015
HOT CROSS BUNS Make The Perfect Bun
FANCY TAKING UP FOOTBALL?
Growing Tasty Herbs
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH ESNA & HAIRSPRAY
Coalville Town Football
COMPOSTING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
Award Winning Musical
Plus Composting Poster Competition Open To All Schools & Individuals
COALVILLE ADULT SCHOOL DRAMA GROUP
FRIENDS OF THRINGSTONE
Presents “Sailor Beware” A Northern Comedy
Win Keep Britain Tidy Big Tidy Up Award
HOME SWEET
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WELCOME TO YOUR MARCH COMMUNITY EYE MAGAZINE Hopefully the snow is behind us now and my poor garden has a chance to recover!
FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY:
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The snowdrops are up and flowering and hopefully the crocuses will follow soon. If you have some beautiful spring flowers in your garden do send me a photograph and we’ll try and print it in our next issue, it might even make the cover picture. If like me, you’re itching to get out and start making the garden look tidy again Bel’s article is sure to inspire. This
month she’s looking at herbs, it’s just a shame we don’t print our magazines with a scratch and sniff option! I hope you continue to enjoy our magazines and please do keep sending us your community articles. If you’d like to discuss joining our large group of advertisers and seeing how magazine advertising can boost your customer base, please contact Dawn and she’ll be happy to discuss this with you further.
STUDENTS AT NEWBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY ENDED LAST HALF TERM IN STYLE BY ARRANGING A VALENTINE’S DISCO A group of students in Year 9 were moved when they discovered a close friend was poorly. They wanted to take action and support their friend by raising money for charity.
thanks to Andy Watts who provided the music in the form of DJ on the evening. The music was a great mix of old and new that kept the evening on track with a fantastic atmosphere.
The group worked together and with their Year Head, Miss Richardson, to look into the ideas for fundraising events. They used their own time to plan and collectively decided it was a perfect opportunity for a Valentine’s Disco.
Miss Richardson said “It was fantastic to see everything come together. The groups’ achievements have been amazing. The evening was lovely, with a mix of emotions and empathy along with support and celebration. I am very proud of their achievements.” Mr Goacher said “the event has brought out the best in all those involved. Well done to the organisers and many thanks to all who attended.”
The team worked hard on advertising and promotion of the event, this ensured there was a great uptake for attendance. Their meticulous planning and preparation was a wonder to see. On top of promo, the students sourced all resources for the event - from DJ to shopping for provisions and refreshments, to setting up and manning a shop for the sale of sweets and goodies. The group tried their hand at baking for the event and the results were spectacular, Mary Berry would have been impressed with the skills demonstrated! They were also able to have a cake sale in school the following day to generate more funds for the charity. The evening of 13 February soon arrived; students and volunteer staff dusted off their glad rags for an evening of dancing, fun and a night to remember and treasure. We would like to thank all who have been involved, with special
The evening was a huge success and raised £401.63. All funds will be going to Bead of Courage the charity which offers support for children and teenagers undergoing serious illness and treatments. Ibstock Juniors Football Club use the 3G pitch to train at Newbridge and also wanted to contribute. Their players trained in onesies on the evening and donated £52.00, which will also be sent to the charity. The group would like to keep the momentum flowing and are now planning a pamper charity event for a date in March. The evening would like to see students bring their parents in for a pamper session, if you feel you can help in any way, please get in touch with the school.
SING LOUD BE PROUD
friendly and warmly welcome new members. Most people who try us out stay and thrive!
Sing Loud Be Proud Community Choir continues to grow. But we still need more members - the more the merrier!
If you would like to join us we meet on a Monday from 1.30-3pm at New Life Church, Margaret Street, Coalville. The cost is £3 which represents excellent value for a musical opportunity. Our leader is very friendly and easy going so come along and give us a try!
We are very easy going and no musical knowledge or background is required. We sing a variety of different feel good songs with members able to request new songs! All songs are learnt by ear which makes it accessible for everyone. We are very relaxed and
For more information please contact Michele Crooks on 07477 593814. We look forward to seeing you!
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LOCAL NEWS
LRWT NORTH WEST GROUP MARCH 20TH DR JAMES ROBINSON HEAD OF NATURE POLICY RSPB SANDY
Will describe the many challenges to the conservation of raptors throughout the UK and will give an overview of raptor conservation illustrated by personal insights from his work on red kites and hen harriers in Northern Ireland.
APRIL 17TH ROGER BISGROVE OF SWANNINGTON HERITAGE TRUST
Describes the fascinating mosaic of the newly restored windmill at the Gorse Field nature reserve, the Califat archaeology ‘dig’ and the new Incline.
MAY 21ST MARTIN VAUGHAN LEADS US AROUND OAKTHORPE AND HICKS LODGE Area to see some of the spots that fired his imagination and enthusiasm for wildlife photography. Meet 7:00pm at entrance to former Oakthorpe pit, Ashby Road, Donisthorpe. GR 328143
GET IN TOUCH David Maltby on 01530 222934
Margaret Mabey on 01530 412410
DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH ESNA AND HAIRSPRAY The sweet sound of a musical gem is at Loughborough Town Hall this spring as the awardwinning ESNA Players present Hairspray.
When she wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, and meets a colourful array of characters. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. Hairspray has a sweet coating to a sharper inner core that deals with social injustice, racial issues and social prejudices and society's treatment of minority groups at the time. What Hairspray is so popular for is its magical score full of 1960s-style rhythm and blues and dance with songs like Good Morning Baltimore, The Nicest Kids in Town, Welcome To the 60s, Big, Blonde and Beautiful, Without Love and You Can't Stop The Beat. ESNA's production stars Emily Canham as Tracy with Liam Patrick as Link, Larkin Chris Wilson as Corney Collins, Robert. Bramley-
COMPOSTING POSTER COMPETITION: OPEN TO SCHOOLS AND INDIVIDUALS Master Composters are urging schools and individuals to channel their passion for compost into creativity and enter its poster competition for Compost Awareness Week May 2015. Schools and individuals are invited to create a poster to promote the benefits of composting to the environment and as a means of reducing waste sent to landfill. Within this broad remit any composting topic may be featured be it a
Fourteen unemployed young people started The Prince’s Trust Team programme at the Marlene Reid Centre, Belvoir Road, Coalville on Monday 26 January.
This award-laden musical was a massive hit on Broadway and the West End and ESNA are proud to be the first group to present the show in Loughborough. A winner of eight Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards, Hairspray is set in the 1960s and tells the story of plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream to dance on local TV dance programme, The Corny Collins Show.
composting bin, garden or food waste, people and general composting scenes. The Master Composters and the organisations supporting this event hope school classes, community groups, allotment associations as well as individuals will enter this, and our photographic, competition both of which are free to enter. Entries will be judges in 4 categories: 4-5 years, 6-8 years, 9 -12years and 13-17years with a certificate also be awarded for the school submitting the most and best entries. Further Information rules and entry forms are available at: www.carryoncomposting.com
PRINCE'S TRUST 12 WEEK PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Buhler as Edna Turnblad, Neil Ledward as Wilbur Turnblad, Rowan Beaumont as Penny Pingleton, Nicole Ray as Amber von Tussle, Nicola Scoggins as Velma von Tussle and Monique Henry as Motormouth Mabel. ESNA present Hairspray at Loughborough Town Hall from April 14-18 at 7.30pm each night, plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets priced £14 for Tuesday evening and the Saturday matinee and £15 for all other performances, are available from the Town Hall Box Office on 01509 231914 or box.office@charnwood.gov.uk or through the website at www.loughboroughtownhall.co.uk Find out more about ESNA by visiting their website at www.esna.co going to their Facebook page or following them on Twitter at @ESNAPlayers The ESNA players - award winning amateur musical theatre group in Loughborough, Leicestershire. esna.co
They have taken part in a challenging programme which began with team-building activities, including 3 nights at a residential activity centre, and included team-work on real projects in the local community (CEEP, Coleorton) as well as individual work placements. Team aims to increase confidence, motivation and skills and as a result enable unemployed Team members to move into employment or education/ training. It provides nationally recognised qualifications and other certificates for the skills development achieved. It culminates in the Team presenting its achievements on Wednesday 15 April at 2.30 pm at The Palace, Ibstock where Team members will receive their certificates. The Prince’s Trust Team programme is run and managed locally by partner organisations, referred to as Delivery Partners. In Leicester and Leicestershire it is Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service. For further information, please contact Sally McNaughton on 07966 111207.
COMPOSTING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION A new competition for the best photograph of composting bins, techniques or any other activity promoting composting. This will be open to all ages. This free competition offers individuals, members of photographic societies, schools and gardeners the opportunity to celebrate Compost Awareness Week and to demonstrate their photographic skills. Photographs entered for the competition should help promote composting or show a composting topic. This could be people composting, composting in practice of a scene containing a composting bin or heap.
To enter, email Jpeg images to: carryoncomposting@ntlworld.com Entries will also be accepted by post and should be sent to: R Weston, 53 Station Road, Hugglescote, Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 2GB. Closing date for email and postal entries is 31st March. Sponsorship is being sought for prizes. The winners will also be displayed on www.carryoncomposting.com Further Information rules and entry forms are available at: www.carryoncomposting.com
LOCAL NEWS
FRIENDS OF THRINGSTONE
HOT CROSS BUNS
A local community’s environmental group picked up one of the top honours at Keep Britain Tidy’s Diamond Jubilee Awards Ceremony in Liverpool on 12 February 2015. Friends of Thringstone, Leicestershire, won the Keep Britain Tidy Big Tidy Up Award, sponsored by Waitrose. Beginning with litter picks, this group, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, has gone even far beyond litter. Whether it’s the members carrying out daily litter picks in the village or producing regular newsletters for every household, this group is an asset to Thringstone. The group also produce various local history booklets, so that people realise how the village has changed over the centuries, and can learn the stories of people and learn about local buildings and the community spirit which has kept the village thriving. The group works with local landowners, as well as schools, scouts, Air Cadets, Army Cadets and businesses. It raises its own funds and motivates the whole community, achieving excellent results for all the members’ hard work put in. Having collected more than 6,200 bags of litter from the village in ten years, the group was presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2011. The Big Tidy Up is England’s biggest-ever litter pick. Since 2008, more than half a million people in more than 25,000 groups have collected nearly 120,000 bags of rubbish. Friends of Thringstone were among the 11 winners whose achievements were recognised at the ceremony, in the presence of Environment Minister Dan
INGREDIENTS
Rogerson MP and Keep Britain Tidy’s Ambassador, TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp. The awards celebrated the exceptional contributions that Keep Britain Tidy’s partners and supporters have made to the local and global environment. Phil Barton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy, said “Congratulations to the Friends of Thringstone for winning the Keep Britain Tidy Big Tidy Up Award. It is fantastic that the group has dedicated the past decade to keeping their village clean, while working with local businesses and schools and securing sponsorship for equipment. Well done to all those involved.” Environment Minister Dan Rogerson said “Getting everyone involved in improving the environment and taking pride in their local area is vital if we’re going to stop people littering. The kind of innovation and creativity shown by the nominees and winners of these awards plays a huge role in inspiring this action and I congratulate them on their efforts to keep our neighbourhoods clean and tidy. I hope their success inspires more initiatives across the country to help manage waste and keep England litter-free.”
VALENTINE’S COMPETITION WINNER
Congratulations to Patricia Bown on winning her lovely flowers.
COLLEDGES FLORIST
We are selling Marie Curie Daffodils during March – all customers can add a pound to their order to have a daffodil.
• 450g/1lb strong white bread flour • 7g/½ oz dried yeast • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp allspice • 100g/3½oz raisins • 1 orange, zest only • 100g/3½oz sugar • 50g/1¾oz butter • 250ml/9fl oz milk • 1 free-range egg
FOR THE CROSS • 75g/2¾oz flour • 4 tsp caster sugar • 4 tbsp water
FOR THE GLAZE
• 1 tbsp smooth marmalade • 1 tbsp soft dark brown sugar • 2 tbsp water • butter, to serve
METHOD
Preparation method For the dough, sift the flour, dried yeast, cinnamon, allspice, raisins, orange zest and sugar into a bowl. Warm the butter and milk together in a saucepan until the butter has melted. Remove from the heat and whisk in the egg.
Fold the milk mixture into the flour mixture to form a dough. Tip the dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Divide the dough into 1 or 2 pieces, shape into balls and cover with a damp cloth. Set aside for 12 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4. Meanwhile, for the cross, mix the flour, sugar and water together in a bowl and spoon into a piping bag with a plain nozzle. Place the buns onto a baking tray and pipe a cross onto each bun. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Meanwhile, for the glaze, heat the glaze ingredients in a pan until the sugar has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the buns from the oven and immediately brush each bun with the glaze. Set aside to cool. Serve the hot cross buns warm with butter.
BENEATH THE LIGHTS
DOWNLOAD LATEST SINGLE ON SPOTIFY, ITUNES & BANDCAMP
14th March ‘OBS Heats @ the Musician’ Leicester 24th April “Whitwick constitutional Club”
22nd to 24th May “Glastonbudget 2015”
6th June Barlestone St Giles Social Club 9.15pm
4th July “Music in the Mead” Hinckley 1pm – 3pm 15th August Hathernfest
30th August “Burton Music Festival” 1pm For more details on times, additional gigs or venue updates visit our Facebook page.
www.facebook.com/beneaththelights www.twitter.com/BTLBand1
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LOCAL ADVERTISERS
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MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT VACANCY Full/part time £13,000 - £16,500 dependant on experience and qualifications Applicant must understand double entry and accounts, must have good understanding of VAT up to trial balance, Must have practice experience. Please email CV to: marcus@smart-accounts.co.uk Closing date - 31/3/15 5 Enterprise House, Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LA
LOCAL ADVERTISERS
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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!
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Rothley House Coalville Business Park Jackson Street Coalville, LE67 3NR Call at any time on 01530 519664 www.austinben.co.uk
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LOCAL ADVERTISERS
ONE STOP SHOE REPAIRS 14 High Street, Coalville - Tel 01530 251452 2015 AT ONE STOP SHOE REPAIRS
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This past month at One Stop we have brought in a range of E-cigs at very competitive prices, E-cigs do not smell, and can be smoked in doors and are a fantastic way to help quit smoking. Starter kits are £14.99 and come with a charger, E-Cig , Manual and one FREE E-Liquid. All E- Liquids £2.99 or 2 for £5 and we have a great range of flavours . We also added a range of Hi Tec and Bordeline back packs with the whole Borderline range being only £5. And as always we are still providing Key Cutting with Yale Keys still only £3.25 , Shoe Repairs , Engraving and Watch Batteries & Straps.
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LOCAL ADVERTISERS
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WINDOW DRESSING
Love Your Feet! Raynauds
Submitted by Sally Prytherch Hinds Feet Foot Care T: 07806786616 E: hindsfeetfootcare@gmail.com W: www.hindsfeetfootcare.co.uk Raynaud’s disease is a condition found in the hands and feet thought to be triggered by exposure to cold or emotional stress. The small blood vessels in the fingers and toes constrict and go into spasm restricting the flow of blood. It is most common in hands but is also seen in the feet and is characterised by fingers and toes becoming white and cold as the small blood vessels narrow. They can then become blue or purple followed by bright redness as the vessels open again. The return of the blood flow causes throbbing, tingling and pain with symptoms lasting from a few minutes to several hours. There is no known cause in most cases (Primary Raynauds) just an increased sensitivity to cool temperatures. Women tend to be affected more often than men and it usually develops before the age of 30.
USEFUL WEBSITES:
Less commonly it can be a symptom of other underlying conditions such as scleroderma, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis (Secondary Raynauds). Chemicals in tobacco can cause the small blood vessels to narrow and giving up smoking can be helpful. Some medications can cause symptoms or make them worse and a medication review with the GP is advisable if this is suspected. Caffeine has been known to increase symptoms in some people. The aim of treatment is to keep the core of the body and the hands and feet warm. Medication, such as nifedipine can be used to open up the blood vessels in some cases and exercise can help improve circulation. “The Raynaud’s and Scleroderma Association” has a list of suppliers of heat devices to help with keeping hands and feet warm as well as other useful information and support.
www.nhs.uk - www.patient.co.uk - www.foot.com/site/professional/foot-facts
GARDENING
GROWING TASTY HERBS
S
pring is just around the corner & already I’ve spotted new shoots appearing in the garden and the bulbs are poking their noses through the earth. It’s so satisfying to see plants I’ve raised emerging from their winter slumber and it’s even better when I know that I’ll get to eat them soon too! I’ve a little herb bed near the kitchen door which slopes slightly and faces south so that it basks in the summer sun. I love cooking and so my herb patch is important to me, I can pop out and pick something to flavour a casserole, curry or sauce throughout the whole year. The softer & more tender herbs like Basil and coriander will give me fresh tasty leaves in the summer months.
Chives
Many of the culinary herbs we use come from warmer climes so they need some loving care if they are going to survive and thrive in our cooler and wetter environment. Most like a sunny spot with free draining soil. I added some horticultural grit to my clay-loam soil when I first prepared the patch to help rain water drain through and avoid root rot. Growing in terracotta pots can also be very successful as they naturally drain well and can be filled with suitable free draining compost too.
Mint
SHRUBBY HERBS e.g. Bay, Rosemary, Sage & Thyme. These I grow in containers so I can control their growth and give them really free draining soil. I tend to grow a Rosemary & Sage plant for about 3-4 years until it gets really woody then I start again with a fresh plant. These bushy herbs are perfect for slow cooked dishes like stews and roasted vegetables. HARDY PERENNIAL HERBS Chives, Mint, Tarragon & Oregano for example will happily reappear each spring and provide handfuls of tasty soft leaves through until autumn. These are the herbs I use to flavour a dish towards the end of cooking to give a fresh zingy lift to the dish. They grow happily in my heavy soil, with a trim back & a handful of fertiliser in spring. Every few years a lift and split them during spring, dividing them with a spade & replanting the fresh vigorous pieces. HARDY ANNUAL HERBS Coriander, Rocket & Parsley are sown from seed in pots during the spring (or bought ready grown) & can then be planted in the herb bed alongside the perennials as long as they have a drink occasionally in the hottest summer months. Although Parsley is actually a perennial I tend to start with new plants each year as they
are prone to going to seed in their second year. With their tender leaves these annual herbs are best raw or added just before serving to preserve their flavour. TENDER HERBS Basil is wonderful with its hit of aniseed and is delicious with pasta or salad. I grow this from seed alongside my tomatoes in the green house so that it benefits from the heat of the greenhouse. Lemon verbena is a slightly tender shrubby herb which smells amazing. The intense lemony fragrance is wonderful in a summer punch with strawberries. I grow it in a terracotta pot on the patio and then move the pot in to the greenhouse for the winter. With all that said, I’m off to split my chives, trim back the mint and sow some parsley and basil. Next month I’ll be looking at Alpine plants which are great for containers & gravel gardens. They’ll soon be gracing the garden centres and nurseries with a much needed splash of colour after the winter. Whether you need help creating a herb garden, your garden needs a revamp, or you’re faced with a blank canvas, I offer a tailor made service from consultations to full garden rejuvenation projects.
Bel Grierson
Garden Designer & Plantswoman
Sage
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If there’s a job that needs doing around your home or office ring the man who can!
TRADE PAINT SUPPLIES • TO THE PUBLIC AND TRADE •
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LOCAL NEWS
LABOUR CANDIDATE
Fly Me to the Moon
JAMIE MCMAHON M: 01530 277825 E: jamie@labournwl.org.uk
with the Leicestershire Co-op Band at
St Johns Church Hugglescote on Saturday
FANTASTIC TURNOUT FOR SNIBSTON PROTEST The turnout of local people to County Hall for the Friends of Snibston protest last month was fantastic. Young and old stood together ahead of the Council meeting to make their views on Snibston clear and I was delighted to join them. Sadly the motion to keep Snibston open was defeated. I’m proud
to say that all Labour Councillors voted to defend Snibston.
18th April 2015; 7.30pm Tickets from Sarah : 07935 263988 (Tickets £8, Concessions £6)
Snibston is a long running issue. The closure will do a great deal of damage to Coalville. It brings £4.2m to the local economy and is a fantastic reminder of our heritage locally. I’ve been honoured to work hand in hand with local people round the Friends of Snibston table.
Incorporating the award winning production
‘Salute to Sinatra’ in recognition of his 100th Birthday
What is clear after the Council meeting is that The Friends of Snibston campaign will not end here. I, like so many local people, are determined to keep up the fight until the very end.
Fly Me to the Moon Music from Apollo 13 Moon River Many more of your Sinatra favourites
VISIT TO IBSTOCK FOODBANK
I recently joined Ibstock District Councillors Janet Ruff and Dave De Lacy to visit Ibstock’s foodbank. We had been invited by the local community and the Church Reverend to see the work of volunteers and talk to users at the foodbank.
Ibstock foodbank is now supporting over 50 people a week and is run entirely by volunteers. The foodbank is based at Ibstock Baptist Church, Chapel Street and supported by the community shop. Visiting Ibstock foodbank was a sad reminder that many people are struggling under Britain’s Cost of Living crisis. So many
SELLING YOUR HOUSE? FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
foodbanks right across North West Leicestershire was the stuff of nightmares on a few years ago, now over 50 people use Ibstock alone foodbank every week. The work of the local volunteers is fantastic, they’re so committed to helping their local community but we have to end this crisis. I spoke to families in work but still struggling to put food on the table.
COALVILLE ADULT SCHOOL DRAMA GROUP Presents “Sailor Beware” A Northern Comedy Wednesday 24th to Saturday 28th March The Adult School Hall, Bridge Road, Coalville, LE67 3PW Tickets £8 - Concessions £6 (Wed & Thurs) The Hermitage FM Coffee Lounge, Hotel Street, Coalville T: 01530 460992 The Ashby-de-la-Zouch Tourist Information Office,North Street T: 01530 411767
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LOCAL NEWS
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
COUNCILLOR
M: 01530 417736 E: andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk
M: 07773 341531 E: mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk
ANDREW BRIDGEN
A
s this Parliament draws to a close, it has been a very busy few weeks both in parliament and in the Constituency. A couple of weeks ago, DHL based at the Airport in Castle Donington received a visit from the Chancellor George Osborne. I was delighted to tell George of the contribution we in North West Leicestershire are making to the Government’s longterm economic plan delivering one of the highest economic growth rates in the Country. DHL is one of our biggest employers in NW Leics and I am pleased that the Chancellor took the time to listen to what they have to say and their future expansion plans which will mean more jobs for us in NW Leics. The investment announced last year of over £90 million demonstrates the belief DHL has in the UK and as George remarked, The new investment is further evidence that our long-term economic plan is working and Britain is coming back. However the job is not yet done and we must make sure the world’s largest companies maintain the confidence they have re-gained in the UK if we are to build a resilient economy. Continuing the Business theme, I was also delighted to attend and speak at the Love Business Event at Donington Park organised by Whitwick based company Quiet Storm. I have attended for the past few years and the event has gone from strength to strength and this year was 6 times the size as the year before. This reflects the fact that business confidence is at its highest level since 1992. All of which creates more jobs and a higher tax take to fund our public services. As a former Chairman of the Institute of Directors, I know the importance of sentiment in business and why I powerfully fight anti-business sentiment as without a strong private and business sector, you cannot have strong public services.
Another vital component to a strong economy in an adequate infrastructure. I think there is a room for a great deal of improvement for our infrastructure in North West Leicestershire. We are blessed to have the A42 which gives us great connectivity however some of our road links are going to get more congested at the economy continues to grow. I am meeting with the County Council during March to discuss this and specifically the proposals regarding the Hugglescote Crossroads. There is clearly a lot of concern regarding what is being proposed and I want to discuss the alternatives to such drastic action. I will also be talking about the Burton to Leicester railway line which should be named the National Forest Line. I believe support in building for this and I have spoken to all of the Council’s on the route who are very supportive. I have also discussed the proposal with the new Chief Executive of the National Forest and it is clear it would be a significant boost for the Forest. I have also recently visited the 3000th home renovated under the Council’s Decent Homes programme with finance I secured from the Housing Minister. I remember visiting some of the Council Housing prior to my election and I was shocked at the conditions people were having to live in. Many homes were totally unacceptable and I am proud that we have not only secured the finance to make some of the worst council housing stock in the Country up to the best but that has been achieved whilst freezing Council tax for 5 years. It is essential that these Homes remain maintained to a high standard so we are never left in the position that we were when the Conservatives came to office. As the election campaign gets into full swing, I look forward to meeting many of you on the doorsteps.
Andrew Bridgen
COALVILLE TOWN FOOTBALL
Fancy taking up football?
We are looking for players who are in year 3 and interested in playing football then give us a call. We have two FA Level Coaches and an Academy player who is available to train anyone interested in taking part. If you are interested in taking part please contact Lee on his mobile 07788136265 or Neil on 07967137385
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MICHAEL WYATT
WYATT WELCOMES DECISION TO SUPPORT REOPENING OF IVANHOE LINE
Local Councillor and businessman Michael Wyatt has welcomed the County Council’s decision to back plans to run a new feasibility study on reinstating passenger trains on the Ivanhoe Line.
At a recent County Council cabinet meeting the Council gave its support to a set of proposals by the East Midlands Councils to improve infrastructure in Leicestershire. Included amongst the proposals were plans to look into reinstating passenger services on the Ivanhoe Line, which would connect areas in the Northwest including Coalville and Ashby to the national rail network. The report claims that recent growth and the prospect of HS2 having a station in the Northwest has made such an investment viable. Michael said, “I am absolutely delighted to see this finally being given the green light. I have long been publically campaigning, and working with consultants to push the case for a new feasibility study for the Ivanhoe Line. I’m extremely happy to see progress being made on this issue.
Reopening the Ivanhoe line will have a massive positive affect on local businesses, local residents and help to attract much needed investment to finally help regenerate our Town, which is so desperately needed. Since the last study there has been a huge amount of development in Coalville, and an investment of this kind can only be a good thing for everyone.”
WYATT WELCOMES MARK ARGENT AS LIBERAL DEMOCRAT PROSPECTIVE PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE FOR NW LEICESTERSHIRE Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “I'm absolutely delighted to welcome Mark to our Lib Dem Team in North West Leics. I'm sure he will be a great asset, and like me he's determined to make sure people are given a real choice of who will represent North West Leicestershire in Westminster. Locally we are known to work extremely hard in representing our electorate, but at a National level we are in desperate need of someone to speak up for our local area, and someone who is not tied to trade unions or big business like other Party Candidates.” Mark Argent Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for North West Leics said, “I'm honoured that I have been chosen to stand for North West Leicestershire. I have met many local people and the majority have made it
clear that they want a full time MP fighting for a better deal for this constituency. I am proud of the Liberal Democrat record in government and look forward to representing the people of NorthWest Leicestershire in Westminster, standing up for those who are feeling let down and neglected by the other Parties who simply don't understand what the people of this constituency want from their elected government.”
LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
For advice where Liberal Democrat Councillors may help you with a problem contact 07773341531.
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Leicestershire’s future The plan for change
Have your say on proposed changes to recycling and household waste sites and recycling credits Online at: www.leics.gov.uk/futurewastemanagement For general enquiries please call 0116 305 0001 or email Waste.Projects@leics.gov.uk Public consultation: Submit your views by 26 April 2015
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