May 2014 - Coalville Community Eye

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COALVILLE

COMMUNITY EYE

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

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

Shady Garden Solutions

ISSUE 26 - MAY 2014

WE ARE NOT CLOSING DOWN

Ignore The Rumours About The Marlene Reid Centre

Spring Clean

Top Tips On How To Spring Clean Your Home

MICHAEL WYATT Update From Your Local Councillor

Snibston Museum

Find Out How To Have Your Say On The Proposed Changes

Bake With Fee

QUORN COUNTRY HOTEL COMPETITION

Coming Soon - Win A Wedding Reception Worth Over ÂŁ2,500 !

Lemon Fairy Cakes

HOME SWEET

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LOCAL ADVERTISERS

WELCOME

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! It’s such a pleasure to see green leaves on the trees and bluebells in the woodlands, it makes me realise how lucky I am to be back living in Leicestershire, such a picturesque county.

This month’s magazine has a spring feel and gives tips on cost effective spring cleaning as well as some lovely recipes! Children have the opportunity to win a personalised T-Shirt from Norwood Press.

This magazine also marks the arrival of our new printing press which has enabled us to print in full colour throughout. This new press also means we can be extremely competitive for all printing work!

We are so confident, that we think we can beat most business printing quotes! So if you have business cards, flyers, menus or community newspapers printed why not see if we can print it for less?

Many thanks again to all our lovely advertisers and contributors, we try to include as many community/school articles as possible so please keep sending them in.

I am personally unable to get out and about at present but if you contact 0800 6446 150 another member of the team will be able to assist you. I am still available on email and hope to be back out meeting with you and covering events after surgery in the summer.

Enjoy your latest Community Eye magazine and I look forward to bringing you your June issue.

Front Cover Photograph By: Bahman Farzad

EDITORIALS, ADVERTISING & LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Visit our website for advertising rates, circulation figures & more

SALES MANAGER - MIRIAM BENTLEY T: 0800 6446 150 M: 07454 779877 E: miriam@openboxpromotions.co.uk W: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

r, LE9 2HQ Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leiceste 20 366 073 No. ny Compa 28 VAT No. 105 4819

PRINTED BY NORWOOD PRESS ress.co.uk T: 01530 262020 - E: info@norwoodpress.co.uk - W: www.norwoodp 1EU LE67 n, Ellistow Estate, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial original advertisers & contributors The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the ns Ltd. Terms & Conditions Promotio Box Open or Eye ity Commun t represen ily and do not necessar erms s.co.uk/t omotion apply. To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpr

NEXT ISSUE OUT EDITORIAL & ADVERT DEADLINE DATE: 4th June 2014 DELIVERY DATE: 14th June 2014 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind.

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SEASONAL FEATURE

Spring Clean

I

t’s the time of year where the sun starts shining through the windows highlighting how much grime has built up over winter! If you’re anything like me you’ll have a bucket of various cleaning products all promising great results but I’ve been doing a little research and apparently I only need 3 things to bring my house back from the winter blues!

BICARBONATE OF SODA • Bicarb on a damp sponge removes grease easily from stove, back splash etc.

• Also works great for carpet deodorising, just sprinkle onto carpet before going to bed and vacuum in the morning.

• Better than any cleaner for cleaning baths and sinks.

• Also for keeping pipes clean under the sink - pour about one quarter cup of baking soda down the drain with about 1 cup of vinegar, this makes a chemical reaction, then pour some hot water down the drain.

• To minimise odours in your fridge, remove top from box of baking soda and place it on one of the shelves. From time to time stir contents.

• To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

WHITE VINEGAR (do not use on Marble and check on a small area out of sight first) • Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwavesafe bowl.

Bring it to a rolling boil

inside the microwave.

Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

• To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

• Get rid of lime deposits in a kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

• Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar.

Rinse clean.

• To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

stain fades. Can be left overnight, then rinsed well and dried.

• Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1 cup white distilled vinegar in a gallon of water and clean using newspaper. The ink from the print will give your windows a fantastic shine.

• Clean your microwave and remove odours. Place a cup 3/4 full of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave.

Heat to boiling. Don’t open the door for another 10 minutes. Then just wipe away food particles with a clean cloth and dry.

• To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

• To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

• Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

• Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

LEMONS

• Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.

• To remove a label, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

• Get rid of limescale deposits on taps/shower heads by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight. (I find lemon juice work just as well and makes the bathroom smell great too!)

• Spray shower doors with fullstrength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

When cleaning with lemons always rinse with warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth afterward.

One of the very few things you can’t clean with lemon juice is anything that is brass plated as the juice will damage the item. Aside from that, here is a list of items that can be cleaned with lemons.

• Use a half lemon and salt to clean even the most heavily discoloured brass (real brass, not brass plated).

Be careful with antiques. Always test a small spot before scrubbing away.

• The same method can be used for copper items such has copper bottoms of pots.

• You can also shine up your chrome taps or the chrome on older model cars with lemon and salt.

• Diluted lemon juice not only cleans stains from chopping boards, but helps kill germs as well. Rub the juice full strength onto the stain and let sit until the

• Use lemon juice and an old toothbrush to scrub grout.

• Put a dilute solution of lemon juice in a spray bottle to clean laminate counter tops. Rinse with water and dry afterward.

• Scrub grills and grates with lemon juice and salt.

• Soak plastic food storage containers in dilute lemon juice to remove stains and odours. Add baking soda and scrub, rinse and dry.

• Remove odours from your refrigerator with a half lemon on a saucer. Change once a week.

• Clean food preparation smells from your hands with a dilute solution of water and lemon juice.

• Clean hard water stains on glass shower doors with half a lemon.

• A dilute lemon juice rinse for your hair cuts soap residue and leaves hair softer and shinier.

• Lastly, apparently you can make a facial scrub of sugar and lemon juice for cleaner, softer skin! I haven’t tried this one!

LOCAL NEWS

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We Are Not Closing Down !

Despite the rumours going around, The Marlene Reid Centre is NOT closing down. So please do ignore the rumours, as we are still open for business.

OVER 50’S TABLE TENNIS CLUB AT MRC !

CUSTOMERS SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR MRC!

A

fter 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 some of their popular services.

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 many of the 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”

More recently funding cuts affected MRC’s much loved Big Blue Play Bus. Tracey from Ravenstone said “The Play bus has been operating for 30 years and I have used this service for 25 years as a parent and as a childminder. All the children have enjoyed the socialising, messy play, crafts and learning which have closely followed EYFS.” She added ”The staff have always been very welcoming to both children and their parents and carers – most children do not experience going on a bus and it will be very dearly missed”.

Another regular on the bus, Vicky from Oakthorpe said “I am extremely disappointed to hear that the bus has lost funding and will be ending. I have a toddler and a baby and having a play bus stop in our village has been a massive help for me.” Vicky added “My children get to play with other children and my son’s speech has developed as he can tell everyone what he has done. I shall be really sad to see it go!”

Bev added “The response has been amazing – everyone 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 from everyone to get us through the challenging and changing 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

A new table tennis club for the over 55’s has started at The Marlene Reid Centre in Coalville. If you fancy joining just come along on Wednesday afternoons between 2pm and 4pm. New members can enjoy playing doubles and singles and no experience is required! Refreshments will be served – a great opportunity to catch up with friends and meet new ones and improve your health! For more information call 01530 510515 or pop into Reception at The Marlene Reid Centre.

DAILY DIARY AT MRC

MONDAYS 9.00am - 5.30pm - Rethink (Good Thinking) 9.30am - 3.00pm - Little Dragon’s Den 10.15am - 1.45pm - West Leicestershire Mind 2.00pm - 4.00pm - Widows Group (Fortnightly) 2.15pm - 3.45pm - Healthy Living Group ENRYCH (Fortnightly) 7.15pm - 10.00pm - Coalville & District Photographic Society

TUESDAYS 10.00am - 12.00pm Coalville Stroke Club (Fortnightly) 10.30am -3.30pm -Vista Society For The Blind (1st Tuesday of each Month) 12.00pm - 2.00pm - Over 60’s Community Lunch 4.15pm - 6.45pm - Elle’s School of Dance 6.00pm - 7.00pm - Young Stars Singing Group 7.00pm - 9.00pm - Hugglescote & Coalville Women’s Institute

WEDNESDAYS 9.00am - 5.00pm - South Staffordshire Family Mediation 9.30am - 12.30pm - ADHD Solutions (1st Weds of the month) 9.45am - 12.15pm - Foster Carers Meeting (Monthly) 10.00am - 12.00pm - Aspiro (Fortnightly) 10.30am - 1.30pm - West Leicestershire Mind 1.30pm - 5.00pm - Rethink (Good Thinking) 8.00pm - 10.00pm - Alcoholics Anonymous visit their website for more info

THURSDAYS 9.30am - 11.30am - Weightwatchers 10.00am - 2.00pm - Support for Carers (1st Thurs each month) 1.00pm - 4.30pm - Coping With Cancer Drop In (1st & 3rd Thursday of Each Month) 5.00pm - 9.00pm - Slimming World 5.00pm - 9.00pm - Relate visit their website for more info 7.00pm - 9.00pm - Crafty Moments - Email for more info

FRIDAYS 10.00am - 11.00am - Active Lifestyle. Pilates Class Email for more info 10.00am - 3.00pm - Little Dragon’s Den Soft Play 1.30pm - 4.00pm - Senior Citizens Active Retirement Forum SCARF (Monthly)

SATURDAYS 9.00am - 12.00pm - NHS Stop Smoking Drop In Email for more info 9.30am - 1.00pm - Little Dragons Soft Play 2.00pm 5.00pm - MRC Children’s Parties

SUNDAYS 10.00am - 1.00pm - MRC Children’s Parties 2.00pm - 5.00pm - MRC Children’s Parties

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LOCAL NEWS

SWIFT FITTED FURNITURE CELEBRATE 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

FREE HEALTH CHECKS YOUR HEALTH MATTERS! Come along to Ashby Baptist Church, Brook Street, Ashby-de-laZouch on Tuesday 8 July 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, various advice agencies and much much more.

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 email julie.summerton@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Charnwood House, Leicester Road, Quorn, Leicestershire LE12 8BB Tel: 01509 415050 - sales@quorncountryhotel.co.uk www.quorncountryhotel.co.uk

This 4-star country retreat, perfectly situated on the banks of the River Soar in the charming village of Quorn, offers warm country house hospitality, personal and friendly service and award winning cuisine within a delightfully historical setting.

Proudly offering 36 spacious bedrooms including 11 executive rooms and 4 suites ideal for business or pleasure, guests can enjoy a meal in the AA Rosette Shires Restaurant, a scrumptious Sunday lunch or afternoon tea in the delightful Orangery. The comfortable lounge area, tastefully furnished with classic elegant décor, is the perfect retreat to relax and unwind.

Established in 1994 we are a small skilled six man team specialising in quality made to measure fitted furniture produced in our own local workshop and installed by our own fitting team. The majority of our business comes from the recommendations of satisfied customers, you can always expect a friendly service from first contact to completion.

All customers demand and expect a quality finish but at SWIFT, we believe in delivering the most complete service encompassing all the factors that we ourselves would want from a company working in our home: professionalism, friendliness, quality workmanship, flexibility and above all, a passion to surpass your expectations.

This is the ethos that the whole team works to everyday. We have dozens of impeccable references hand written by delighted customers which we are more than happy for you to read. Please read our testimonials on our web site: swiftfittedfurniture.com

Moving to our current factory unit and showroom in 2003, you can browse our displays showing various ranges, styles and colours, it is here that , if required, you will be given the assistance and knowledge of an experienced member of our team, they will be more than happy to answer any questions and offer advice. Please call Paul to book an appointment.

We will also be delighted to visit your home at a time convenient to you and your family to discuss what options are available. All of our quotations are free and there is no obligation to proceed.

Our workshop has an excellent balance of time served craftsmen and cutting edge machinery to ensure our work is not only competitive, but also of the highest quality with a 10 year guarantee giving you the customer, piece of mind. If you would like to visit our workshop, we would be pleased to show you around. Please call Paul to book an appointment.

CALL PAUL: 0116 246 0686

Unit B7, Troon Way Business Centre, Humberstone Lane, Leicester LE4 9HA

The convenient location of The Quorn Country Hotel, close to main transport connections in the Leicestershire countryside and East Midlands Airport, provides the perfect meeting and conference venue for up to 300 delegates with free Wi-Fi and car parking.

The Perfect Venue for your Perfect Day The Quorn Country Hotel provides the ideal romantic country house wedding setting and has made a name for itself as one of the top wedding venues in the county. The oak panelled reception hall, with its sweeping staircase and magnificent chandeliers, along with the riverside patio and exquisite gardens, offer a perfect and elegant back drop for your treasured photographs.

The hotel is registered for both civil ceremonies and civil partnerships and boasts three inspirational rooms for your ceremony, wedding breakfast and evening reception; the light and airy Orangery with hand painted mural walls, the charming Charnwood Suite and library and the magnificent Leicestershire Suite with its own marbled reception area and panelled décor.

Coming Soon…you can win your wedding reception with us!

The Quorn Country Hotel and Open Box Promotions are delighted to offer the readers of Your Local and Community Eye magazines the chance to win a wedding reception* worth over £2,500! Over the next three months, we’ll be running a very special competition; one lucky couple will win a free March 2015 Wedding Reception* at The Quorn Country Hotel.

Make sure you check the next edition of Your Local or Community Eye magazine for more information - * terms & conditions to apply

FOOD & DRINK

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e ll te a li g a T s u g a r a p s A & Salmon

INGREDIENTS: serves 2

• 100g asparagus spears • Olive Oil • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped • Large fresh salmon, fillet • 110g Tagliatelle • Salt, & Pepper to season • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • 100 g Soft Cheese • 1 teaspoon Freshly Chopped Dill • Freshly Grated Parmesan

METHOD:

• Snap off woody ends of asparagus (hold the asparagus at each end and bend to form an arch, where the asparagus snaps is where the woody end stops, throw away the bottom section), cut each stalk diagonally into 2.5cm (1 inch) pieces.

• In a non-stick frying pan heat a splash of olive oil over a medium high heat. Add the garlic and the salmon fillet and cook for 3 minutes on each side.

• Add the asparagus to the salmon and cook for 2 minutes.

• Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelle according to the instructions on the packet.

• Drain well, return to the saucepan and add lemon juice and low fat soft cheese. Stir over low heat for 1 minute.

• Separate salmon fillet into bite sized chunks, removing any skin and bones. Add to the pasta with the asparagus, toss gently, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve sprinkled with parmesan and dill.

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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Covering some of the most common repairs and all makes and models, here are some fixed price repair^ numbers:

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For more information or to book an appointment contact us today.

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Our Citroën fixed price servicing service and MOT start from £149* and our repairs offer genuine value and completely transparent pricing, so the price we quote is the price you pay.

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GET YOUR SERVICE, MOT AND REPAIRS SORTED FOR LESS BY THE EXPERTS

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£295 £399

CITROËN EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

^Luffield fixed repair prices include VAT and are for European approved Motaquip parts available for all manufacturer vehicles regardless of age and Citroën cars or vans 36 months and over. Savings are against Citroen ‘Originals’ parts, which are available for all Citroën cars and vans regardless of age. *Fixed Price Service from £115 relates to an interim service on a Citroen Xsara Picasso over 36 months old and under 2.0 litre engine size. Terms and conditions apply, offer may be withdrawn without prior notice, ask for full details.

NOW TAKING CARD PAYMENTS

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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Advertisement

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.’

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LOCAL NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN FOR ELLISTOWN AND BATTLEFLAT Ellistown and Battleflat Parish Council has taken the decision to undertake a Neighbourhood Plan, a process which will see the local community develop a range of planning policies to meet local need. North West Leicestershire District Council has formally designated the Parish as an approved area for neighbourhood planning purposes.

The plan is expected to take around 12 months to complete and is currently being funded through financial contributions from Leicestershire County Council’s Big Society funding and Locality the organisation through which government funding for Neighbourhood Plans is being channelled.

The plan will involve extensive community consultation and will look to make planning policies related to new housing development; protecting public open spaces (and local buildings); community facilities and transport issues. This will establish the vision for how Ellistown and Battleflat will look in the coming years and will set a framework within which the decisions on these important issues will be taken.

This is a really exciting initiative that follows the principles of the Localism Act and represents a transfer of planning policy powers from the District Council to the Parish Council.

Battleflat. The Localism Act has given us the opportunity to do this and we want to seize the initiative so that decisions on important planning matters are made based on the priorities of people that live in the area’.

Paul Goodman is the Parish Clerk.

He said “We are at the start of a long and important process.

Having become a designated body and secured the funding to progress the Plan, we are now making contact with everyone who lives in the Parish and with those who work here and have an

interest in the area. People will begin to see information coming out about the Neighbourhood Plan and at this stage we want as many people as possible to complete the questionnaire that we have drawn up and to let us know what it is that they like about living in the Parish, and what they think the issues are moving forward. After we collate the responses, we will invite everyone to open events where we can share and discuss ideas about how Ellistown and Battleflat will look in the future”

The Chair of the Parish Council, Paul Hyde, said ‘We want to have greater influence and control as a Parish Council over the important issues that affect people that live in the Parish of Ellistown and

LOCAL NURSERY GROUP LILLIPUT MONTESSORI

Have raised an amazing £1859.19 for local charity Wishes 4 Kids!

Wishes 4 Kids was created to grant wishes for children and youngsters in Leicestershire who are life limited, terminally ill, have experienced lifechanging physical or emotional traumas, have suffered major abuse or are diagnosed as HIV Positive. The Charity grants wishes for those of eighteen years and below and has already granted hundreds of wishes for local children.

Sam Graveling the Director of Lilliput Montessori, said ‘We chose Wishes 4 Kids for many reasons; not only has a member of our staff benefited from them but they are also a local charity who deliver a valuable service. We have chosen to continue supporting them and are planning more open days and BBQ’s with the possibility of a 3 legged parents race at Bradgate Park!’

Lilliput Montessori held open days, Christmas fetes, dress up and dress down days, cake sales and charged entry to their Christmas plays as well as using catalogue commission to reach this fantastic amount!

With the help of all the staff and children at Lilliput in Anstey, Glenfield, LFE, Whetstone and Coalville now even more children can have their wishes granted.

Congratulations Lilliput!

SCHOOL PUPILS HAVE THEIR SAY ON THE FUTURE OF SNIBSTON Brian Vollar, Chair of Friends of Snibston, was invited by Sarah Bailey, Key Stage 2 teacher at St Botolph’s C of E primary school in Shepshed on Thursday 10th April to collect 116 letters written by KS2 pupils in support of the campaign to save Snibston Discovery Museum from county council cuts. Each pupil has written impassioned ‘pursuasive’ letters as part of their National Curriculum literacy lessons. Four children were chosen to read our their letters to the whole year assembled in the hall.

Mr Vollar who took the letters away to send them on to Leicestershire County Council said “I am extremely impressed with the quality of the children’s writing and their logical persuasive arguments appealing to the county council to save Snibston Discovery Museum from closure. If the planned closure does go ahead it is children like this, who’s education and learning will be adversely affected. The proposed scaled

back new mining museum will not be able to accommodate over 14,000 school students who currently visit, significantly reducing their learning enhancement opportunities. With so many young people affected it is a shame that the consultation launched on the 14th April and continuing until the 7th July, in the form of an online survey, does not seem to provide the opportunity for schools and pupils to have their say.“ As well as St Botolph’s, Mr Vollar has also been given letters from pupils in two other schools in the county, Castle Rock High School in Coalville and Gilmorton Chandler C of E Primary School in Lutterworth. He would be very pleased to hear from other schools who also want to let its pupils have their say on Snibston’s future.

The online consultation survey is available from the Leicestershire County Council’s website and can be found on the following page: www.leics.gov.uk/haveyoursay/ futuresnibston Mr Vollar can be contacted via facebook or twitter. facebook.com/FriendsOfSnibston twitter.com/FSnibston

UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR

COUNCILLOR

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

EURO MEP VISITS COALVILLE Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat MEP for North West Leicestershire was in the Coalville Town Centre highlighting the real threat the Tories and UKIP pose to nearly 9000 jobs in North West Leicestershire due to their anti European policies.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “It’s really important local people understand the real threat UKIP and the Tories pose to thousands of local people who rely on Britain doing business with Europe.”

Bill Newton Dunn, local Liberal Democrat MEP said, “Pulling out of Europe will not only isolate Britain but it will also put thousands of local jobs under threat. That’s why we must be in Europe so we can make a real difference when decisions are taken.”

11

THE PICK AND SHOVEL IN COALVILLE, RENOVATE IT OR PULL IT DOWN SAYS WYATT Leading Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Michael Wyatt, and local businessman has written to the Leader of the Council urging him to authorise the Council officers to take enforcement action against the owners of the Pick & Shovel public House on the High Street in Coalville.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, "The pick and shovel is an embarrassment. Its been empty and falling into disrepair for nearly a decade. It's a real eye sore for local residents, and local traders who are working hard to improve our Town. The building gives a real negative impression to visitors to our Town.

The Council needs to take enforcement action against the owners of the Pick and Shovel.

Why should our Town continue to be blighted by this eye sore. If the Council are serious about wanting to help regenerate our Town then they will agree to take action. I along with many residents are sick and tired of our Town, which we are all proud to call home, which is being left to go to rack and ruin.

In my opinion there are only two options, renovate it or pull it down."

BILL NEWTON DUNN MEP AND WYATT AT SNIBSTON Cllr Michael Wyatt and Liberal Democrat Euro MP Bill Newton Dunn are calling on the County Council Tory Bosses to think again about the future of Snibston Museum.

Bill Newton Dunn said, "Closing down the Discovery Centre exhibits could cost the Council up to £730,000 in European funding and contingency liabilities, including repayment of grants.

This seems unnecessary when there are still other options that haven’t yet been considered. We’re still waiting for the Council’s

promised report on options for our museums, including Independent Trust Status. The consultation mustn’t go ahead without all options being on the table."

Cllr Michael Wyatt who's leading the campaign to give trust status to the Museum said, "The Council seem to be in a rush to sign the death warrant of the Museum.

Trust status is a serious option that must be considered."

CHERA VOCE

Liberal Democrats Advice surgery - A message from the Focus Team Liberal Democrat Councillors hold an advice surgery on the 1st Saturday of every month at Shepshed Town Council, Charnwood Rd, Shepshed, from 10am to 11am. Appointments are not necessary; for more information, Tel 01509 561458.

Several members of Chera Voce the vocal harmony singers from Shepshed - sang a programme of pieces from Broadway musicals, Gospel music and Opera chorus at HSBC bank in Loughborough on 17th April (Maundy Thursday). Singers, under the musical directorship of Marilyn Ashwell and accompanied by Shirley Lakin, were performing in aid of Loughborough HSBC's chosen charity for this year, The Matt Hampson Foundation.

Chera Voce would like to hear from singers interested in joining. For further information please contact 01509 561458 or 01509 505648.

12

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GARDENING

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he days are getting longer and the sunshine warmer so the plants in my garden are shooting up. Like most gardeners I know I have shady areas in the garden to contend with. These patches receive little direct sunlight due to the trees and conifers which overhang the area and their roots dry the soil out too. Despite these less than ideal conditions, there are plants that will happily thrive given the right initial care and attention.

If you have a shady area to tackle its worth considering just how shady it is and what the soil is like before visiting a garden centre or nursery for plants, that way you’ll be able to choose the right plant for the right place.

Part Shade: - If you have a border that has restricted direct sunlight for part of the day due to a garden fence or low building, then you’ll find that most plants will survive if the area is open to the sky & not gloomy.

Dappled Shade: - If you have trees that lose their leaves in winter (deciduous) which overhang the area reducing the sunlight to dappled rays in springsummer, then you will find that the best plants will be those that flourish in the spring before the trees leaf up.

Deep Shade: - If you are afflicted by mature conifers, hedges or overshadowing buildings you’ll find that the palette you have to choose from won’t be a gloriously colourful one but there will be plants available that will brighten the area and add interest throughout the year.

Establishing the soil condition is important too. Most shady areas suffer with dry soil as the rain can’t penetrate the canopy above or the existing mature plants suck out all moisture from the ground. Conversely some shady areas will have constantly moist soil. The plants that will be happy in moist conditions will be very different from those happy in dry soil.

Bel Grierson

Garden Designer & Plantswoman

Whatever the level of shade or the soil condition, it’s vital that the soil is weed-free; this may mean a dose of a systemic weed killer is in order prior to planting. It is then worth adding plenty of compost or manure and a balanced fertiliser like Growmore.

15

If you have a troublesome shady area you need help with or you are looking for design ideas, a Consultation or Planting Plan may be just what you need. Take a look at my website for details of the services I offer www.belgrierson.co.uk or call me on 07506 750250.

With the soil ready it’s time to choose the plants. Many of our local garden centres and nurseries now stock plants specially selected for shady conditions, so go along and look for the plants which will best suit the level of shade and soil conditions in your patch.

Particular favourites of mine are as follows: Dappled Shade: Hardy Geraniums, Anemone, Pulmonaria, Heuchera, Bluebells, Foxgloves, Aquilegia.

Deep Shade: Euphorbia robbiae, Cotoneaster, Box, Aucuba, Mahonia, Sarcococca, Hellebore, Bergenia.

Dry Shade: Euphorbia robbiae, Bergenia, Hellebores, Dryopteris fern, Symphytum (Comfrey), Vinca (Periwinckle) Moist Shade: Mecanopsis, Astilbe, Aruncus, Astrantia, Primula, Ligularia.

It’s vital that new plants in shady areas are watered well until they have established new roots and can fend for themselves– this could be for several months. In dry areas a good soak once a week with a hose will allow the water to penetrate down to the roots.

It’s also good to add a layer of mulch to reduce the moisture loss from the surface of the soil. With the right initial care and the best plant for the site and soil conditions, a dull lifeless shady area can be transformed in to a verdant oasis.

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16

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

SCHOOL NEWS

17

IBSTOCK IS A HEALTHY SCHOOL RESIDENTIAL

TRIP IS A REAL ADVENTURE More than 50 students from Ibstock Community College took part in a packed programme of outdoor activities during a five-day residential visit to Shropshire.

The students took on a range of challenges from abseiling and climbing to archery and assault courses – and got very muddy in the process.

Ibstock Community College is a healthy school – and that’s official!

The college has successfully renewed its Healthy Schools status, after meeting all 41 of the criteria to promote student health and wellbeing, including healthy eating, physical exercise, and students’ emotional well being.

Students at Ibstock are encouraged to eat healthily, not only by nutritious menu options in the college restaurant, but by the focus on healthy eating in Year 7 and 9 Food Technology.

There are numerous opportunities to be active, including PE lessons, after school and lunchtime clubs, the sports leaders’ programme, activity trips and sporting competitions.

The Healthy Schools award also recognises the college’s involvement in the community.

At Ibstock, students are active participants in the community garden, regularly work with local primary school children, and host events for local people, such as concerts and the Christmas meal.

Linda Higginson, coordinator of the Healthy Schools programme at Ibstock, said “The Healthy Schools award is about so much more than healthy eating and keeping fit. It is about supporting students’ physical and mental development, and creating happy and healthy children who ultimately do better in learning and in life.”

The trip tested students’ resilience, tenacity, competitive spirit and team working skills.

Lots of new friendships were forged during the week.

Teacher Ben Hemmerman, who accompanied the students, said “It was a very rewarding - but very tiring - week! We really encouraged the students to challenge themselves and not to give up. At the beginning, for instance, there were some students who really didn’t want to try

abseiling. But, once they’d tried it, they wanted to do it again! There was a real sense of achievement at the end of it all.”

This was the second year that the college had taken Year 7 students on the residential trip to Shropshire. This time the visit was extended from four days to five.

NEWBRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL OPENS THEIR NEWLY REFURBISHED LIBRARY Tuesday 29th April saw Newbridge High School open its fabulous refurbished library. The school has used its own finances to totally revamp the room making it much more pupil friendly and adding some unique design features to encourage pupils to read more books.

Mr Goacher, Head Teacher, gave a wonderful speech thanking librarian Surenne Zake for all the time and effort she has put in to make the library re design such a success. He also thanked site staff and IT staff for all their support too and it is clear it has been a large team effort with outstanding results.

Surenne visited various libraries in the area to work out the a design that would suit Newbridge pupils needs and the result is a bright, modern space with plenty of

informal seating as well as desk space for homework clubs and English lessons. Surenne, who started off life at Newbridge as a Midday supervisor 7 years ago became the librarian after also working as a member of teaching support staff. Her dedication to the school is obvious and the care taken with the renovation of the library is testament to that.

Surenne explained one of the new key features to me; that the fiction books are not ordered by author but by genre allowing pupils to discover new authors of books they enjoy more easily. Each area has an illustration above it depicting that genre. Another great feature designed by Surenne is the splitting of the nonfiction shelves with a fixed divider to stop the heavy books all leaning on each other making it hard to pull books out.

But as with all modern libraries’ books aren’t the only available reading matter with half of the room being full of 16 new computers and 16 new iPad! A total of 2000 eBooks are available for pupils and these are also accessible from pupil’s homes on their own devices.

the positions and could only take them subject to good behaviour.

They help Surenne by putting returned books back and checking all they books are in the right order on the shelves. They love the new layout of the library and have a very obvious love of their school and of the library itself.

Surenne has had some help though in the form of junior librarians Josh Waterfield and Gabby Walker both in year 8. They explained to me how they had to be interviewed for

All that’s left is for us to ensure some copies of the Coalville Eye are delivered to them every month to offer some local reading to the students!

18

UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL LABOUR PARTY

NWL LABOUR CANDIDATE

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

EUROPEAN ELECTIONS ON MAY 22ND – HAVE YOUR SAY! On May 22nd this year we have European Elections locally.

European Elections are an opportunity to decide who should be representing you in the European Parliament but it’s also a great opportunity to send a message to the Tories and Lib Dems in Government about Britain’s cost of living crisis.

Labour’s team for the European elections is once again headed

by Labour MEP and North West Leicestershire resident Glenis Willmott.

Hardworking families in Britain are worse off under David Cameron. The Tories and Lib Dems claim they’ve fixed the economy – but the truth is wages are down £1,600 a year since the election. Only voting Labour can send a message to this Tory-led Government to put hardworking families first, not a privileged few.

Only Labour can make Britain better off.

This Tory-led Government is claiming that people are better off. But David Cameron, George Osborne and Nick Clegg simply don’t understand the cost of living crisis facing hardworking families in Britain.

companies, to the banks, and fighting for the NHS, not worse off with the Tories who will fight for bankers’ bonuses and stand up for big tobacco firms.

• Better off with a Labour government, freezing energy prices, fighting for the NHS, getting young people back to work, and balancing the books in a fair way. We’ll cut taxes for 24 million working people to make work.

Are you thinking of voting UKIP this month?...

If you’re thinking of voting UKIP at this election I just want you to remember that UKIP don’t share your values. The truth is they are even more right wing than the Tories. In April this year Nigel Farage said ‘‘I’m the only politician keeping the flame of Thatcherism alive” (The Sun, 14 April, 2014). Voting UKIP may seem an attractive protest vote but do you know what UKIP stand for aside from Europe and immigration?

A vote for UKIP is a vote for:

The truth is that hardworking people are £1,600 a year worse off under David Cameron.

Britain is facing a cost of living crisis in rising prices, stagnant wages, long hours, falling living standards, and declining opportunities for their kids.

• Higher taxes for working families, as they introduce a flat rate of tax meaning we all pay more.

These elections are your chance to tell this Tory-led Government to put hardworking people first and take real action to tackle the cost of living crisis.

• Charges to see your GP, as part of their plans to privatisation our NHS.

Hardworking people will be better off with Labour: • Better off in Europe, with Labour standing up to the energy

• Huge tax giveaways for the rich • Even deeper cuts to the public services you rely on

• Scrapping your rights as a worker, including parental leave, maternity pay, holiday pay, sick pay, and even redundancy pay.

Jamie McMahon

ONLY LABOUR WILL CHANGE THE LAW TO MAKE RENTING FAIRER In England nine million people are living in rented homes today, over a million families, and over two million children. The figure in North West Leicestershire has more than doubled in the last 10 years. They are now paying on average £1020 a year more in rent than they did in 2010.

They face rip-off charges by letting agents, unpredictable jumps in their rent and insecure tenancies. These problems affect too many people.

That’s why we need to take action to reform the private rented sector so tenants and landlords can both get a fair deal.

The next Labour government will change the law to make three-year tenancies the norm and protect against excessive rent increases to give tenants the stability they deserve. And also take action to ban unfair letting agents’ fees for tenants, saving renters an average of £350 in costs.

The private rental market has changed and now the law has to as well.

We won’t get the change we need under the Tories. Only Labour will improve the private rented sector to end the unfairness and make it work for working people in Coalville.

Leicestershire’s future The plan for change

Have your say on proposed changes to Snibston Museum Have your say www.leics.gov.uk/ haveyoursay/futuresnibston For enquiries phone 0116 305 7034 or email future@leics.gov.uk Public consultation: Submit your views by noon on 7 July 2014

UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

19

ANDREW BRIDGEN MP HAS GREAT CHEMISTRY WITH SCIENTISTS IN PARLIAMENT

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

ANDREW BRIDGEN T: 01530 417736 E: andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk

I

have always been clear that a strong local economy is one of my top priorities as a Member of Parliament. As someone who has run a local business and employed many hundreds of local people, I know the value of employment. That is why I was delighted to host by own Jobs Fair at Snibston Discovery Park last month. It was great to be able to bring together employers and jobseekers and the feedback has been extremely encouraging, indeed some of the exhibitors have been in touch with me to report that they directly employed people from the fair which is a source of great satisfaction.

Indeed the latest employment figures for the District continue to be encouraging. Since the start of last year unemployment in the District has fallen from 1729 to 1099. That means 630 people in North West Leicestershire are now no longer claiming benefit but are in work and paying taxes.

Most encouragingly of all, 190 of those were aged between 18 and 24. With the IMF upgrading the UK growth forecast to 2.9% for this year, higher than the USA, Germany and nearly 3 times the rate of France under the socialist President Francois Hollande.

An issue that I will be pursuing in Parliament over the coming weeks is the sentencing of those who cause death by dangerous driving.

A car is a lethal weapon and trust be treated as such. If you get into your car when you are over the

drink drive limit or have taken drugs, you know your actions can result in injury to others. This currently carries a maximum sentence of 14 years although that sentence seems to be rarely handed out. It is my belief the maximum sentence should be increased if someone has wilfully claimed someone’s life through dangerous driving. I will be looking to meet the Justice Secretary to discuss this in greater depth and I know from a debate on the issue earlier in the year which I spoke in, that there is a feeling amongst my colleagues that this matter needs addressing.

At the end of last month, I actively opposed the HS2 Hybrid Bill which would bring no benefit to North West Leicestershire.

Unfortunately the project continues to attract cross party support but I and many colleagues will continue to fight against the scheme. I will also be tackling the County Council this month on the issue of Snibston Discovery Park, and requesting that they look seriously at the proposals being made to keep the centre open. Snibston is a great asset for our District and County and we must look at every way it can be retained. The County Council are running a consultation into the future of Snibston at the moment and I would urge everyone with an interest to respond to it.

Andrew Bridgen

North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen met the first scientist ever to be allowed to carry out explosive chemistry experiments in the House of Commons at an event held by the Royal Society of Chemistry in Parliament on Wednesday 30 April.

He met with representatives from the learned society to talk about the importance of scientific research to the UK economy and North West Leicestershire and take part in some loud and colourful chemistry experiments performed by Dr Hal Sosabowski from the University of Brighton.

TV scientist Dr Sosabowski launched UNESCO’s International Year of Chemistry at the Houses of Parliament with a show of chemistry demonstrations in 2011.

Andrew Bridgen witnessed the whizzes and bangs of chemistry first-hand as Dr Sosabowski showed off the science behind glow sticks, a liquid nitrogen shower and a flaming methane mamba of soap bubbles. But

behind the colourful chemicals and exciting explosions the event was an opportunity to discuss the need for a long-term strategy for UK science funding to drive economic growth and create jobs.

Andrew Bridgen MP said “The chemistry demonstrations were very impressive – lots of different colours, flames and clouds of liquid nitrogen. It was really interesting to hear about how science can help our economic recovery and create jobs.”

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s President, Professor Lesley Yellowlees, said “Britain is a world leader in science. The chemical sector alone sustains 500,000 jobs across the country.

But over the last decades public investment in scientific research has fallen behind our international competitors. We want to see a commitment from all sides of the debate to increase total government investment in research in the long-term to set Britain back on the path to science-fuelled growth.”

ANDREW BRIDGEN MP SUPPORTS COALVILLE BHF SHOP Mr Andrew Bridgen MP for the North West Leicestershire visited the British Heart Foundation (BHF) shop on Friday 4th April 2014. Every penny of profit raised in the BHF shop goes on to fund vital, life-saving research into heart disease. Mr Bridgen joined shop staff and volunteers and spent a few hours in the Coalville BHF shop to meet and greet customers. The Coalville BHF shop is always looking for volunteers and stock donations, just pop in to find out more or drop your unwanted items off. Andrew Bridgen MP for North West Leicestershire said “The BHF is such a fantastic cause and the work they do is vital in the fight against heart disease. Meeting all the staff and volunteers was fantastic, I’d urge locals to have a clear out and donate any unwanted items.”

Amanda Simpson, BHF Area Manager, said “We’re really grateful to Mr Bridgen for coming in, visiting our shop and donating to us. Stock donations are absolutely essential to the success of the charity, and play a vital part in fighting coronary heart disease, the UK’s single biggest killer. We’re also always looking for more volunteers, so even if you can only spare an hour, pop to find out more information.” Coalville BHF shop is always looking for unwanted items such as clothes, shoes, accessories, books, DVDs etc. 100% of the profits raised from donations will go into the fight against heart disease and fund the BHF’s life-saving research. The shop offers a free collection service, just call 01530 813162 to book.

20

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HEALTH & WELLBEING

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE Osteoarthritis of the knee is the result of wear and tear and general aging. Some people are more prone to early osteoarthritis. The joints are covered with articular cartilage which allows the joint to glide smoothly; this becomes worn with osteoarthritis, causing the bone underneath to become exposed, and involved in the actual joint function.

Leading to pain and swelling. In response, the joint produces extra bone around the edge of the joint called osteophytes increasing the size of the joint.

How does exercise help Osteoarthritis?

It is a common misconception that exercise will make arthritis worse, and aggravate the joint, causing more injury. However, appropriate exercise actually has many benefits for people with arthritis: • Provides strength and support to a joint, making it more stable • Eases stiffness and pain • Prevents muscles from losing length • Maintains the range of movement within joints • Improves general fitness and bone density • Helps you lose weight, reducing strain on the hips and knees • General exercise releases endorphins - making you feel good!

Exercises for arthritis of the knee include; gentle stretches for the calves, hamstrings and hips and specific power exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings and gluteal muscles.

GLAUCOMA SO WHAT IS GLAUCOMA AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOUR EYES? The Glaucoma’s are a group of eye conditions which can affect your vision, and if left untreated, can lead to permanent loss of vision. The most common type of glaucoma is primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Primary open angle glaucoma usually develops slowly (over a period of years rather than weeks or months). It is asymptomatic (no noticeable symptoms) and because the peripheral vision is affected first, can go unnoticed by the sufferer until the disease is quite advanced. Having regular eye

21

Love Your Feet!

ATHLETES FOOT

Submitted by Sally Pry Hinds Feet Foot Care T: 07806786616 E: hindsfeetfootcare@gmail.com W: www.hindsfeetfootcare.co.uk

General exercise improves your cardio-vascular fitness and joint mobility; non-weightbearing activities such as swimming and cycling are highly beneficial as they impose minimal impact to the knee joint.

Exercise should be achievable and regular, aim to do 20 minutes each day - this can be split up into separate sessions throughout the day.

To improve your general fitness you should be slightly out of breath during exercise.

Try to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Joining a group, or getting fit with friends, can make exercise more fun! You should wear comfortable, wide fitting shoes with cushioned soles to provide shock absorbency.

Build up your pace gradually, whilst increasing how much you do - you may need to step the pace down again if you have break from your daily routine. Most injuries occur after a break or increasing the pace too quickly.

Submitted by Angie Robinson Physiotherapy Clinics 01509 816 673 physiotherapists-in-leicester.co.uk

examinations increases the chances that this condition is detected in its early stages so that appropriate treatment can be given before and loss of vision is minimised. It is a slow developing form of the condition, which occurs when fluid doesn’t drain properly from the eye causing a build up of pressure, which damages the optic nerve.

The good news is that by having regular eye examinations this condition can be detected in its early stages, before the build up of pressure begins to effect sight.

Over 480,000 people in England have been diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma, although the International Glaucoma Association estimates that the number of people with this condition is significantly higher.

Athletes Foot or ‘Tinea Pedis’ afflicts many people particularly as spring and summer bring the warmer weather, and you don’t have to be athletic for it to choose your feet as a home! It is a fungal infection characterised by itchy, sore, red, flaky skin.

If untreated it can develop into painful, deep cracks which are often first symptom to be noticed. It usually starts in-between the fourth and fifth (little) toes and there may be a slight ‘cheesy’ odour.

Athletes foot can be more of a problem during spring and summer as, like bacteria, fungus thrives in warm, moist, dark conditions, so where better to make its home than a nice sweaty shoe, trainer, sandal or work boot. Apparently, sweat glands in the feet can produce up to half a pint of sweat a daily!

HOW DO YOU PREVENT GLAUCOMA? Unfortunately you cannot take actions to prevent glaucoma.

The problem with POAG is that because it can be asymptomatic in the early stages, many sufferers do not realise that they have it and by the time it is detected, the vision has already been damaged. Early diagnosis and management is vital and the best way to ensure that the condition is diagnosed early is to have regular eye examinations.

If you are diagnosed with the condition it can be managed, the aim being to preserve vision treated to prevent it from worsening. The most common treatment is eye drops, although other treatments including betablockers and surgery can be used.

The NHS Choices website explains “Attending regular optician appointments will help to ensure that any signs of glaucoma can be detected early and allow treatment to begin.” You should also inform your Optometrist if you have a family history of glaucoma or related illnesses.

Washing and thoroughly drying feet during the warmer weather is really important.

Socks and footwear should be changed regularly and sharing towels should be avoided as it can spread from person to person. A good athlete’s foot cream available from any local pharmacy will usually treat the condition and it can be kept away using a small amount of athlete’s foot powder after showering.

If the problem persists consult your the GP. Children and pregnant women should always consult the pharmacy or GP before using products.

USEFUL WEBSITES: www.nhs.uk www.patient.co.uk www.foot.com/site/professional/ foot-facts WHAT NEXT? If you haven’t been for an eye examination within the past 2 years the next step should be to book one as soon as you conveniently can. Hallcroft Opticians offer free NHS eye examinations to anyone with glaucoma, also to people over 40 with a family member (mother, father, child, brother or sister) with glaucoma.

Submitted by Bonita Irish FBDO Hallcroft Opticians 01509 650666 www.hallcroftopticians.co.uk

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22

WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH SUN 18TH MAY The Second Minute, Centre Stage, Coalville

MAY

FRI 16TH MAY, 2014 Whitwick & District U3a Agm FRI 16TH MAY Mark Steel’s Back in Town, Coalville SAT 17TH MAY Hats Off to Led Zepplin, Century Theatre, Coalville SAT 17TH MAY Ashby Concert Band Plays Johan Strauss, Ashby Arts Festival SAT 17TH MAY The Monkey Puzzle Obstacle, Game Breedon on the Hill SAT 17TH - SUN 18TH MAY Classic & Vintage Vehicle Fest, Great Central Railway SUN 18TH MAY Guided Walk - Grace Dieu Priory, Thringstone

FRI 23RD MAY Lest We Forget, WW1 Exhibition, Ibstock FRI 23RD MAY 12 Years a Slave (15), Century Cinema, Coalville SUN 25TH - MON 26TH MAY Conflict 1485, Living History Weekend, Bosworth Battlefield MON 26TH - THU 29TH MAY May Half Term Train Rides at Snibston, Coalville THU 29TH MAY Hanson’s Auctioneers Valuation Day, Whitwick FRI 30TH MAY A New York Winters Tale (12a) Century Cinema, Coalville

GET IN TOUCH 01530 454545

customer.services@nwleicestershire.gov.uk www.nwleics.gov.uk/pages/whats_on

BENEATH THE LIGHTS DOWNLOAD NEW SINGLE www.beneaththelights.bandcamp.com 17th May ‘Original Band Showcase Final’ At Musician Leicester 23rd May ‘Glastonbudget 2014’ 3.15pm The Big Top Stage 30th May ‘Glenfield Social Club’ 9.15pm 6th June ‘Heroes Past and Present’ Charity Night At Hugglescote Social Club 14th June ‘Local Band Showcase’ 7.30 pm start At Hugglescote Social Club With ‘Lil Revolution’ The Bench That Rocked’ ‘Kane Harlow’ ‘BTL’

WITH A VOICE FOR SINGING, COALVILLE MALE VOICE CELEBRATES 70 YEARS WITH RECRUITMENT OPEN EVENING 2014 see’s Coalville Male Voice Choir celebrate its 70th Anniversary year. The birthday year started with grandness with a formal Dinner held at the Lyric Rooms, Ashby. Brenda Wilkinson from The National Association of Choirs toasted the Choir and congratulated them on all their hard work. In his reply, the Chairman Mr Brian Wardle read out a letter from The Chief Clerk to The Queen. The Queen thanked the Members of the Choir for their kind letter of loyalty and their continued fundraising efforts. In return, Her Majesty sent her best wishes and congratulations to all concerned as the Choir celebrates this special anniversary.

The Choir, currently based at Marlborough Square Church is now looking for new members, patrons and sponsors to swell the choir and keep the joy of singing in Coalville. The Choir are holding an Open Evening on Thursday 22nd May from 7:00pm to 9:00pm at The Brass House, Albert Road,

Coalville LE67 3FA. Opposite The Hermitage Hotel. A warm welcome will be guaranteed.

Recent research has highlighted the health benefits from singing.

Through learning breathing techniques associated with singing this help’s with relaxation but help to restore and repair the body. One thing that the choir has always managed is to produce a very high standard of singing along with a warm and friendly atmosphere.

The Choir has a varied repertoire including Traditional Male Voice Choral Pieces, Show music such as Les Miserables and Gilbert & Sullivan right through to Folk Songs and popular songs. Come and be a part of something special.

For further information please contact Mr Neil Laws Public Relations Officer on 01530 460167, email pr@coalvillemvc. co.uk. Details of all the Choir’s concerts is available on their website www.coalvillemvc.co.uk

BARGAIN BOOK SALE AT IBSTOCK LIBRARY Looking for a bargain?

Pop into Ibstock Library and bag some books!

There will be a sale of second hand books for bargain prices at Ibstock Library from 10th – 31st May 2014.

12th July ‘Barlestone St Giles Social Club’ 18th July ‘Anchor Inn’ Newhall 9.15pm 19th July ‘SUMO’ Leicester 26th July ‘Heather Music Festival’ Crown Inn 6pm 16th August ‘Woodstock in Whitwick’ At Coalville Rugby Club 30th August ‘Ravefest’ Ravenstone For more details on times, additional gigs or venue updates visit our Facebook page.

www.facebook.com/beneaththelights

GREAT NEWS FOR BENEATH THE LIGHTS Semi finals of the Original Bands Showcase at The Musician, Leicester on Saturday night and are pleased to announce that they were successfully voted into the GRAND FINAL by the judges, which is on Saturday 17 May at The Musician. There will be a coach picking up/dropping off from a few pick up points locally. If interested in booking a seat on the coach, please let a member of the band know www.facebook.com/beneaththelights. Also if you would like to be included on the Guest List for cheaper entry, please also let the band know. This will be a great night of music, so come along and support a local band and help them to win the Final!

WHAT’S ON THIS MONTH

T

he successful Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride returns for its 4th year! Due to popular demand, the Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride is back again for its 4th year running. With up to 100 cyclists taking part each year, the organisers at Alex’s Wish and sponsors Nisa (Bradley’s) and The Woodies Pub both from Rothley is pleased to announce it will be taking place on Sunday, 22nd June.

The route is all on open roads and is well signposted with marshal points at every junction. The circular route starts and finishes in Rothley village and has been carefully chosen to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment.

At the end, you’ll be treated to complimentary yummy home cake cakes and refreshments – a perfect thought to get you through the ride.

This is a sponsored ride in aid of Alex’s Wish, a registered charity set-up to raise vital funds for an incurable childhood muscle wasting disease called Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Alex is an 8 years old boy from Rothley who was diagnosed with this devastating condition in 2010.

Alex’s Wish are investing in innovative medical breakthroughs to help all children lead a longer and more fulfilled life with the

Please come and join in… you’ll get your healthy dose of fresh air, enjoy spectacular views around the stunning Charnwood Forest whilst cycling for an incredibly worthwhile cause. It’s a fabulous opportunity to get back into cycling again after the winter months, so whether or not you are a keen cyclist, there’s never been a better time to dust of your bike in time for the summer months.

Saturday 8th March Sheena McHugh Female Vocalist X-Factor Contestant Start Time: 8:45pm Saturday 15th March Family Disco Start Time: 8:00pm

23

aim to finding a cure.

All money that is raised through registration fees and sponsorship goes direct to this fantastic cause.

The event organisers would also welcome volunteers to marshal and help out with refreshments on the day. If you are unable to ride but would like to help, please get in touch.

To register for this fantastic and worthwhile cause, a discounted early-bird entry fee is £20 (this fee includes our participating in this organised event, an event pack with your sponsorship form and top tips, a complementary t-shirt to wear on the day, refreshments on the day and home cakes at the end of the ride) or a late-entry fee of £25 will apply if you register on

the day, we will then send out an event pack with your rider number and sponsorship form.

The easier and quickest way to register or to download the registration form is to visit the event website at www. charnwoodforestcycleride.co.uk you can also pick up a registration form at your local post office or email kim@alexswish.co.uk requesting one be posted out to you.

Alex’s Wish is a registered charity no: 1148845.

Saturday 22nd March King Of The Road Karaoke Start Time: 8:30pm Keep Calm & Sing

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

Saturday 29th March John Stacey Male Artist Start Time: 8:45pm

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

www.hugglescotesocialclub.co.uk - www.twitter.com/HugglescoteSC

FREE TRIAL FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS!

Venue: Bridge Road, Coalville, Leicester, LE67 3PW - Teachers: Ariel Rios, Helen Walsh, Cuba Linda Team & Havana Gav, Monthly Salsa Party 7pm Beginners/Improvers (1hr class) - 8.10pm Intermediates (1hr class) - 9.15pm Advanced (30 mins)

Anyone booking Int/Adv course or Int/Adv PAYG is welcome to join the Beginners Class Followed freestyle dancing!! A good chance to practice your new moves and improve your dance styling!

For more info: Facebook Cuba Linda Leicester - Call/txt 07944338979 - ariel@afrofusiondance.com

24

KIDS ZONE

B

Clever Daniel and the sunflower seeds

ethany was a bird, and her favourite things in the world to eat were sun flower seeds! She had a big pile of them that she used to nibble on as a treat. Occasionally she would share them with her friends Christie Cat and Daniel Dog.

Bethany loves them so much that for her birthday last year Christie Cat baked her a sun flower seed birthday cake and it was the most wonderful thing she had ever tasted!

‘I’ve tried eating sun flowers and they taste very, very, nasty!’ said Bethany grumpily.

‘No’ laughed Daniel Dog, ‘you can’t eat the flowers! After the flowers die they turn in to seed heads and each head has hundreds of seeds on’ ‘Oh I like the sound of that’ replied Bethany So Bethany Bird gave Daniel Dog 5 of her seeds, keeping a few for her to eat whilst she waited for the seeds to grow. All through the summer Bethany waited sometimes, not very patiently but Daniel reassured her it would be worth the wait.

One day, just like every day before, Bethany went to get some sunflower seeds to nibble on, but when she looked she saw she only had a few left.

So she went to Daniel Dog to see if he had any in his garden.

‘Hello Bethany’ said Daniel Dog,

She watered them and looked after them and soon enough they each had a huge yellow flower on them. Whilst everyone else was enjoying looking at the flowers she was waiting for them to die so she could have the seeds.

‘Hello Daniel, I’m wondering if you have any sunflower seeds in your garden as I’ve almost run out?’

‘I’m afraid I haven’t Bethany but I may know how to turn the few you have got in to lots more?’ Said Daniel.

At the end of the summer she went out with Daniel and just as he’d said, each head had hundreds of seeds on it. Bethany and Daniel harvested the seeds. Bethany took most of them home to eat over the next year but Daniel kept some in his pocket so he could plant more in the spring as a surprise for Bethany.

‘Turn a few in to more? How can you possibly do that?’ asked a confused Bethany.

‘We will plant them in my garden.’ Said Daniel, ‘When they grow each seed will grow in to a beautiful yellow flower’.

Q. When do monkeys fall from the sky?

A. During Ape-ril showers!

Q: Why is everyone so tired on April 1?

A: Because they’ve just finished a long, 31 day March!

What a clever Dog Daniel was!

Q: What flowers grow on faces?

A: Tulips (Two-lips)!

Q: Why is the letter A like a flower?

A: A bee (B) comes after it!

Q: What do you call a girl with a frog on her head?

A: Lily!

Q: What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

A: Spring-time!

Well done to Keeley Bennett winning the kids competition and Terry Bexley winning the adults competition

THESE MUMMY’S HAVE LOST THEIR BABIES, CAN YOU MATCH THEM UP? Win A Kids Personalised T-Shirt!

NAME:

ADDRESS:

Kids’ Competition

These mummy’s have lost their babies, can you match them up?

Foal Lamb

Foal

Lamb

Tadpole

Tadpole

TEL: EMAIL:

Send To: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ Closing date noon 23rd May

Kitten

Kitten

Gosling

Gosling

pup

Pup

TAKE 5

QUICK CRAFT,

25

An English Garden

MAKE AN EGG SHELL GARDEN YOU WILL NEED:

• An egg box with a dozen egg shells (rinsed) • Some potting compost • A Plastic spoon • Seed (cress for quick growing or sunflowers, herbs, beans etc for potting on into the garden)

HOW YOU DO IT:

• Place the rinsed out egg shells in to the egg box (if you want to draw faces on your shells the growing seeds can look like hair!)

• Using the plastic spoon ¾ fill the shells with potting compost.

• If you are using cress seeds, lightly sprinkle a pinch of seeds on to the top of the compost in each shell. For larger seeds, push the seed gently in to the compost and cover it over with a light dusting of more compost.

• Water well and place on a sunny windowsill.

• Remember to keep the compost damp.

• Watch and wait!

• When the cress is about 2cm high it’s ready for cutting and eating!

• For other seeds, keep them inside until the risk of frost has past and then plant them in the shell in your garden (Egg shells are biodegradable so no need to remove the plant from them).

Send us some pictures of you with your egg shell garden and we’ll print our favourites in the next edition!

The magic of that dull, brown earth is very clear.

Spring will work yearly miracle, never fear.

Fresh green shoots give way to summer blooms.

Gather your rose buds, brighten up your rooms.

As one with the earth, I think that’s what they say.

My favourite month? I suppose that must be May Apple blossom, pink confetti decks the trees.

Swirling through the air on every gentle breeze.

Fuchsia’s ruby droplets fill our hearts with gladness.

Pinks with their gentle fragrance will dispel all sadness.

Delphiniums, tall and stately, every shade of blue.

Queen of the herbaceous border, yes that’s very true.

Bumble bees, all pollen dusted, droning past.

They tell us that high summer must be here at last.

Butterflies like flying jewels they set the scene.

Sweet pea, clematis yes and even runner bean.

Their garden, like an orchestra that’s well in harmony.

So gardener, take your baton maestro, let there beauty be.

By Chris Rose

Word Sudoku Bake With Fee Win A Personalised Printed Mug *

*Printed with either a name or photo on.

A U L Y T G I L

NAME: ADDRESS:

TEL: EMAIL:

T

F

T

G

I Y L R F T

A

L

U

Y

R

T I

U F L A Y

Fill in each 3x3 block using the letters Frugality so there are no repeats in any block, horizontal or vertical line.

Send To: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ Closing date noon 23rd May 2014

Lemon Fairy Cakes

The cake: 110g caster sugar 110g softened butter 2 eggs 1 juice and zest of lemon 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 tbsp milk 1/2 tsp baking powder 170g self raising flour The icing: 220g icing sugar 2 tbsp softened butter 1 juice and zest of lemon • Preheat oven to 170C fan.

• Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time to prevent curdling.

• Add remaining wet ingredients and beat.

• Fold in sifted flour and baking powder until you have a smooth mixture.

• Fill 12 fairy cake cases with a generous dessert spoonful of mixture.

• Bake in middle of oven for approx.

15 minutes.

• Leave cakes to cool and mix butter and icing sugar - it takes some time, keep at it! When you have a thick paste add lemon juice and beat. Add water to loosen if necessary. Slather icing over each cake and enjoy!!

26

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Representative finance available on selected Citroën C range and DS Line models

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*Prices & offers apply to retail sales of qualifying Citroën models ordered & delivered 01/04-30/06/14 & include VAT, delivery to dealer & number plates, Government Registration Fee & 12 months' graduated vehicle excise duty. Black/ metallic/pearlescent paint optional at extra cost. From prices shown: New C4 Picasso HDi 90 manual VTR, C1 1.0i 68 manual 3-door VT, C3 VTi 68 manual VT and DS3 1.6VTi DStyle+. †4 years’ 0% APR Representative Conditional Sale with no deposit available on C1 VTR 5-door & VTR+ 5-door, C4 (excl. VTi 95 manual VTR), C5 & DS5 models & with a minimum 30% customer deposit on C3 (excl. VTi 68 manual VT), C3 Picasso (excl. VTi 95 manual VT), & Berlingo Multispace (excl. VT). Finance subject to status. A guarantee may be required. Over 18s only. Written quotations available on request from Citroën Financial Services, Quadrant House, Princess Way, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1QA, UK. Finance offers apply to UK only. *One bulk advance rental will be required, followed by 46 monthly rentals at the rates shown & an optional final rental. Excess mileage charges may apply if the agreed annual mileage is exceeded. Payment of the optional final rental extends the rental term (this does not transfer title of the vehicle) & requires an annual rental equivalent to one month's rental. ^Two years’ free insurance is only available on Citroën C3 VTR+ models purchased with Elect 3 finance. Not available to cash buyers. Policyholders must be aged 25- 75, with a minimum of 2 years’ NCD to use on the vehicle. All drivers must have held a full UK licence for a minimum of 2 years. One year’s free insurance is only available on Citroën DS3 DStyle, Citroën DS3 Cabrio DStyle, and Citroën C1 Edition in UK mainland on Elect 4 Personal Finance Lease & Elect 3 if car ownership is required. Ask for details. Citroën DS3 DStyle & New Citroën DS3 Cabrio DStyle policyholders must be aged 21-75 years (25-75 for DS3 Cabrio models). DRIVERS AGED 21–24 YEARS ARE REQUIRED TO ACTIVATE THE TELEMATICS BOX & CONSENT TO DATA CAPTURE & TRANSMISSION TO QUALIFY FOR FREE INSURANCE. INSURANCE COVER IS SUBJECT TO CANCELLATION IF YOU RECEIVE FOUR WARNINGS FOR POOR DRIVING. All drivers must hold a full UK licence. Citroën C1 Edition policyholders must be aged 21-75, with a minimum of two years’ NCD to use on the vehicle. Drivers must have held a full UK licence for a minimum of two years. All drivers must also meet eligibility criteria, including limits on driving convictions and claims. Excesses apply. Citroën Motor Insurance will be provided & underwritten by U K Insurance Limited. Free Insurance excludes Northern Ireland. #Applies to all retail & small business customers of C Range, DS3, DS3 Cabrio, DS4 & DS5 models. Includes: Scheduled servicing, annual service (for vehicles on 2 year cycle, where needed) & brake fluid. Expires at 36 months or 35,000 miles (whichever occurs sooner). Offers, prices & specification correct at time of going to press from participating Dealers. Terms & conditions apply. Please ask us for details. Subject to stock availability.

Official Government Fuel Consumption Figures (Range) Urban Cycle, Extra Urban, Combined (litres per 100km/mpg) & CO2 emissions (g/km); Highest: Dispatch Combi HDi 160 6-speed automatic L1H1: Urban 9.0/31.4, Extra Urban 6.8/41.5, Combined 7.6/37.2, CO2 199g. Lowest: Citroën C3 e-HDi 70 Airdream EGS: Urban 3.6/78.5, Extra Urban 3.2/88.3, Combined 3.4/83.1, CO2: 87g. £0 Road Tax applies to the first year only. Fuel consumption figures quoted on this site are achieved under official EU test conditions. Intended as a guide for comparative purposes only. Figures may not be reflected in actual on-the-road driving conditions.