August 2020 - Your Local Ratby, Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forest East

YOUR LOCAL 6,800 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH - RATBY, KIRBY MUXLOE & LFE - AUGUST 2020

Protecting Your Family's Inheritance

smARTsy The Art Of Glass Fusion

VE Day & VJ Day Kirby Muxloe Local History Group

A Big Thank You To The Local Community Leicester Animal Aid

The Charnwood Gardener Lessons From A Locked-Down Allotment Using Pure Water, We Clean: Gutters and Fascias, Barge Boards, Windows & Conservatories, PV Panels

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Articles

Produced by the VILLAGE WRITERS. We aren't meeting in the flesh, because of Covid19, But WE ARE STILL WRITING & sending our work to each other (by Email) every fortnight, for review and helpful feedback.

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UP BLOOD HILL

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I don't know why it's called Blood Hill.

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Deadline Date: Saturday 5th September Delivery Date: Friday 11th September

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Article by Village Writers

No battles were fought here, despite the nearby late-medieval castle. Perhaps it's the steepness of the climb (for the Midlands) that sends the blood pounding?

Now in my eighties, I can, just about, climb it without a break for catching my breath.

But, then, I'm from Norfolk. What would I know?

Its an attractive walk, even without a dog.

This huge expanse hasn't been farmed for some time, and has gone back to a flowerrich grassland, Nothing growing much over a foot high; a broad, rising curve of field.

You climb out of the Kirby Brook Valley from the Village Park. Then there's a choice of two paths. One either side of a tall and ancient, hawthorn hedge, punctuated with Ash, Bramble and the occasional Briar Rose: A thorny and impassable barrier.

The further path lies alongside a ploughed field and is shaded by the hedge for much of the day, with views of fields with horses, to the North, and the Motorway beyond.

The nearer path, alongside Blood Hill itself, is open to the sun and, from the bottom looks remarkably like Monet's painting 'Poppies, ' with its children trooping down a path across the field, in summery, Victorian dress - without the poppies, but with a similar line of trees at the top.

As a result of the Pandemic, more local people are using it, but it is still a place of quiet beauty. The level of quiet depends on whether the wind is blowing from the motorway. But if it is, I, at least, can remove my hearing aids to restore peace!

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Perhaps because of the Pandemic, people are using and noticing the countryside more. Certainly, I've not seen such a vibrant spring and early summer like it, especially for birds and birdsong. We've even been gifted, for two years now, with a marvellously exotic white egret. But the birds are found more along the heavily wooded Valley bottom than the open grassland of the field.

The wide open curve of Blood Hill, and the sheltered sunny side of the field margin, have celebrated a continuous display and flowering of many different species

this year. From the creamy snowdrifts of the blackthorn sloe, in February, to the heavenly blue of the wild chicory (pictured) in July, there has been a dazzling succession of colour.

In between, there have been the fluttery, delicate white of wild cherry tree flowers and the heady, fragrant flowers of the May (Hawthorn). Whilst down at ground level, lots of little jewel-like flowers: clovers of all shades between Ruby red and ivory white; daisies - little white stars in among the feathery grasses, and tall stemmed Marguerite, big, daisy like flowers, floating two feet above them; gleaming yellow buttercups, and little sunbursts of dandelion blooms.

Of course there are many, less showy plants: so many different grasses, feathery, hairy, spikey; leaves like daggers, like spears, like arrows; feathery whorls and coronas of seed vessels. It's a botanist's paradise.

So much differentiation of species, shape and size and colour!

People have made paths across the field, leading, eventually to Station Road.You could make a circuit of the whole massive field, and arrive back down in Kirby Park via a (usually) dry ditch on its northern border.

But other walks continue up the hill.

Beyond the point where the two paths on either side of the hedge converge, you can follow the narrow track that eventually comes out onto Ratby Lane.

Because it's uphill, and held together with plant growth, the path is usually firm, not muddy. So this walk is available and right in our backyard throughout the year!

And if it's paradise for Botanists, it's wonderful for dogs, and really quite special for ordinary humans!

Go and see!

DIRECTIONS Park in Kirby library car park and walk down to the Court Close end of park.

Continue over the wooden bridge, up the earth steps, then turn right over metal mesh(which has been flattened) into the field. Continue walk up the LEFT side of Blood Hill, along field margin. You decide where to turn round and return. But a there-and-back distance about 1 mile+ will show you the best variety and the best views over Kirby Muxloe.

JOIN US? Anyone interested in joining the VILLAGE WRITERS, to have a responsive audience for ALL sorts of writing, contact David S aschons98@gmail.com or 01162393380.

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Bobbin Lace

Article by Susan Marlow Bobbin lace is a craft that is slowly seeing a revival along with other crafts such as knitting and dressmaking. As with most crafts, having someone to help you with the basics is a big help.

Bobbin lace classes are being held at Groby Village Hall, Leicester Road, Groby, LE6 0DQ on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings. They are suitable for beginners and those with some knowledge.

Equipment can be borrowed for a short period to see if bobbin lace is for them and the first week is free as a taster session.

A beginners bobbin lace kit is available for purchase from the tutor as it is difficult to purchase from Leicester shops.

The cost of each session works out at £3.70p per week for 30 weeks.

For further information, email susanmarlow47@btinternet.com or phone 0116 2365789.

The Charnwood Gardener Article by Peter Flood

Lessons From A LockedDown Allotment Leicester’s return to stricter lockdown measures created a unique situation for me and Mrs Charnwood Gardener.

Our allotment was inside the restricted zone, but we were outside.

A surprise Salvia viridis at our plot As much as we might have felt otherwise, we couldn’t really justify going there as essential travel, so we bit the bullet and left it to fend for itself.

Although the outer area of Leicester had restrictions lifted earlier than other parts, by the time I finally made my way there it had been close to four weeks. As I pulled in through the gates and made my way down the grassy path, I was expecting to come across a jungle of weeds and spoiled produce; a ruinous wasteland of neglect. But when I reached our plot, I was shocked.

Rather than brambles and nettles, dozens of flowers had popped up. Annuals that we’d grown last year for our wedding had self-sown everywhere and, having escaped my over-zealous hoeing, managed to flower. Not only that, but our veg was thriving – tomatoes, squash and courgettes were all benefitting from the influx of pollinators attracted by the colourful volunteers.

It was something to behold. A happy accident created by unhappy circumstances – a thriving, colourful plot with a lovely nostalgic twist.

Nature is quite the garden designer – sometimes I think we should give up and leave her to it.

AUGUST TIP: This month’s tip is inspired by my allotment experience. If you’re fortunate enough to garden the same space for several years, you can gradually alter the resident flora, and by doing so almost remove the need to weed. Initially, be sure to remove all weeds regularly, before they flower.

Over time, these will become less and less prolific as the seed burden in the soil is depleted. Meanwhile, introduce garden plants that will happily selfseed, like hellebores, geraniums and foxgloves. Over time, the only ‘weeds’ you’ll get will be beautiful ornamentals.

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We remain fully available for appointments via face to face, telephone, email and now by post if required. We are still willing to meet our clients in the comfort of their homes by appointment only and are following guidance provided by the Government in regards to hygiene and safe distancing.

We will of course work with you, our customers and partners, and respect their wishes on preferred means of contract.

Kornerstone Legal Services remains here for you.

Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually.

But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT).

A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren of the deceased.

The surviving partner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased's share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children's inheritance is protected. This last point can be of particular interest to couples who have come together and have children from different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

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Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Covid 19 Latest Changes in Restrictions Proposed From 1st August.

Residents will be aware, the Prime Minister made a statement at lunchtime today (www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-ministersstatement-on-coronavirus-covid-19-31-july-2020) In respect of changes to re-openings which had been planned from 1st August, the Prime Minister said: On Saturday 1 August, you’ll remember, we had hoped to reopen in England a number of higher risk settings that had remained closed. Today, I am afraid we are postponing these changes for at least a fortnight.

That means that, until 15th August at the earliest: Casinos, bowling alleys, and skating rinks are remaining closed contact services must remain closed. Indoor performances will not resume.

Pilots of larger crowds in sports venues and conference centres will not take place.

Wedding receptions of up to 30 people will not be permitted, but ceremonies can continue to take place, in line with COVID-Secure guidelines.

I know that the steps we are taking will be a heavy blow to many people – to everyone whose wedding plans have been disrupted, or who now cannot celebrate Eid in the way they would wish, I am really, really sorry about that. But we simply cannot take the risk.”

The County Council will of course study the data carefully and move forward with their intentions to open up as soon as they possibly can.

The Government is also extending the requirement to wear a face covering to other indoor settings where you are likely to come into contact with people you do not normally meet, such as museums, galleries, cinemas and places of worship. They have now recommend face coverings are worn in these settings, and this will become enforceable in law from 8 August.”

Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund.

Leicestershire County Council has launched a brand-new fund to help businesses get back on their feet. The £750,000 Leicestershire Business Recovery Fund is aimed at small businesses within the county to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Applications can be made for grants between £2,000 and £10,000 (excluding VAT). The scheme will provide 50% grant support with the applicant providing the other 50% as match funding. The funding scheme is managed by the Economic Growth Team at Leicestershire County Council and funded through the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership Business Rate Pooling Funding.

All small businesses from every sector are encouraged to apply including independent retail businesses and those from the tourism, retail, agriculture, and creative sector. Businesses who apply will initially talk through their business plans with an advisor who will be able to assist with their application. Businesses should apply as soon as possible as funding will be allocated at a first come first served basis.

Businesses can use the money to ensure their survival by, for instance, developing online selling and diversify into new product areas.

For more information including guidance notes and how to apply, please refer to the Oakleaves website: www.oakleaves.org.uk/leicestershire-business-recovery-fund.html More council services back in business.

Six more recycling and household waste sites in Leicestershire will start to re-open Bottesford, near Melton Mowbray, will be the first of those, on Thursday (30 July), with time slots now available to book online.

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Glenfield and Birstall libraries are also offering a ‘click and collect’ service after the lockdown boundary was reduced, ahead of most town centre libraries set to re-open from Monday, 3rd August for browsing, borrowing and returning items only, also through booking a time slot.

Although most of Leicestershire is now in line with national restrictions, residents are urged to keep on observing social distancing, get a test if they have symptoms, wear a face covering where required and wash their hands regularly.

Devolution and Recovery Residents may or may not be aware, The Governments is drawing up a draft Devolution and Recovery White Paper it is expected in the coming months. This is expected to include: • Focus on economic growth and the Governments levelling up agenda.

• It will feature the creation of more Combined Authorities like those in the West Midlands and Manchester.

• Devolution Deals - Devolution is the process whereby powers and funding are passed from Westminster to local Mayors. This could provide an opportunity for the region to increase investment in infrastructure and economic growth.

• An indication that the Government could be open to Unitary authorities.

Permissive Footpath between Sacheverell way Groby to the Ivanhoe Trail running between ratby and Glenfield.

I have been in discussions with the management company who are responsible for maintaining the footpath. They have now repaired the path that was severely damaged and washed away by the heavy rain last month. They are also in the process of cutting the weeds and nettles back either side. Unfortunately this will happen again when we have another heavy storm. The developer did not want the cost of putting a long lasting footpath surface in.

Roadside Drains.

I regularly receive call regarding blocked drains. The County Council is responsible for keeping all roadside drains (also known as gullies), clean and fully operational and a programme of cyclical gulley cleansing runs throughout the year.

You can contact us to report a blocked drain or gulley. We'll need to know: • a description of the problem, eg blocked drain, whether the area is flooded and whether there is any odour • the location of the problem • if the area is flooded, a description of the flood, e.g. area, depth, whether properties or gardens are at risk • any problems, hazards or congestion it is causing • what is causing the blockage Don’t worry if you can’t provide all of this information, we will inspect the drain after we receive the report Please visit the County Councils website or type in the following link. www.leicestershire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/road-maintenance/roadsidedrains What happens after a blocked drain/gulley is reported If there is no immediate risk of flooding to nearby properties, we will check our programme and if the area is due to be cleansed within 90 calendar days, we will not raise a specific request to the operational Highways team.

If the blockage is causing an immediate risk, or the timescale is significantly outside 90 calendar days, the Highways team will carry out an investigation, and if necessary do an intermediate cleansing to clear the problem.

Microsoft Scam.

MSN Service <sjvanzan@outlook.com> Thu 16/07/2020 20:04 Dear Outlook User, We are upgrading our E-MAIL database at the moment so you are required to Upgrade your account as soon as possible in order to get the New Mail Features because you are using the old version of Outlook which will be Disabled in 24HRS. CLICK HERE TO UPGRADE TO THE NEW VERSION NOW All upgraded users will have an addition of 10GB to enjoy the new service NB: FAILURE TO UPGRADE ONCE YOU RECEIVE THIS MAIL WILL

LEAD TO EMAIL DE-ACTIVATION AND IT TAKES FEW HOURS TO GET THE UPGRADE COMPLETED. THANKS. OUTLOOK TEAM British Gas Scam.

The below email scam is asking you to click to check your account.

May-June energy statement Your Invoice is still overdue: GBR-I25079 Hello xxxx.xxxxx@hotmail.co.uk We sent you a gas bill for £3.71, and we still haven't received payment.

If you've paid it in the last five days, please ignore this email. To see if your payment has cleared you can Check your account.

Nextsteps If we do not receive a payment or hear from you in the next two days and we have to contact you again, you will be charged £136 to cover our reasonable costs.

If we have to visit your property to collect this debt you will be charged £476.

If the debt remains unpaid we plan to obtain a court warrant to visit your home and either replace your gas meter with a pay as you go meter or disconnect your gas supply this could result in additional charges of up to £357.

If your gas supply is disconnected we will charge you £638 to reconnect your supply.

Pay your bill Now A message from the Police and Action Fraud, Have you bought anything online recently?…

Almost 34% of all retail sales during May 2020 were carried out online, and new research suggests that only 16% of UK consumers intend to return to their old shopping habits post-lockdown.

Online shopping fraud during lockdown.

Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, received over 16,000 reports relating to online shopping and auction fraud during the lockdown, with losses totalling over £16m.

Members of the public have reported buying mobile phones (19%), vehicles (22%), electronics (10%) such as games consoles, AirPods and MacBooks , and footwear (4%) on sites such as eBay (18%), Facebook (18%), Gumtree (10%) and Depop (6%), only to have the items never arrive.

contact your bank to seek advice.

Whether you've been a victim of fraud will depend on how much information you’ve provided to the website, so keep an eye on your bank transactions, if you can. Contact your bank immediately about anything that you don’t recognise, even small amounts.

For more information about how to stay safe online, please visit www. actionfraud.police.uk/cybercrime Finally I want to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents. Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Ozzy O’shea.

Always Working for you.

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Top tips for shopping online securely: Choosing where to shop: If you’re making a purchase from a company or seller you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first. For example, by checking to see if others have used the site and what their experience was.

Email accounts: Use a strong, separate password for your email account. Criminals can use your email to access other online accounts, such as those you use for online shopping.

Scam messages: Some of the emails or texts you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. Not all links are bad, but if you’re unsure don't use the link, go separately to the website. And remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Payment method: If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one as other payment providers may not provide the same protection.

What to do if you’ve fallen victim to online shopping fraud We all make mistakes and these days the scams can be incredibly convincing.

If you think you’ve visited, or made a purchase on, a bogus website, you should first, take a note of the website's address, then close down your internet browser. You should then report the details to Action Fraud and

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Ratby Community Library Article by Joan Burton

We're Back! We kick off at 2pm 11th August.

After the long pause in opening, it really is a pleasure to say that our local library and community hub is re-opening at last. Of course, this is subject to local and national conditions and may change accordingly but it is our intention to do everything in our power to welcome visitors and offer as much of the old services, as possible. Our volunteers have all received advice on how to interact with the public in order to maintain social distance yet remain effective and active.

smARTsy The Art Of Glass Fusion Article by Ali Groschl

Did you know that there is a thriving glass fusion business in the heart of Ratby? Run by ex-teacher Ali Groschl, family business ‘smARTsy’ began five years ago, when Ali identified a lack of arts and crafts provision in the area.

Initially working with local primary schools in Kirby Muxloe, Groby, and Ratby, Ali ran after school art clubs, as well as setting up a Saturday Art School at her Ratby home. In addition, classes for adults were offered in the evenings. Most new businesses evolve over time, and now smARTsy is best known for offering affordable and friendly glass fusion workshops to a wide range of people including schools, families, scouting and guiding groups, WI groups and corporate organisations.

Recognition of Ali’s entrepreneurial skills came recently when she was chosen to be one of 365 U.K. women to feature in a book SHECAN#365, which ironically arrived during lockdown.

The instant closure of workshops in March and the loss of 50 customers making their own glass every week meant that Ali had to diversify. Since lockdown, Ali has given her time for free to make over 700 rainbow arches for NHS and key workers but an income needed to be made too, so glass fusion kits to make at home are available to hire, plus glass art is available to buy and commissions welcomed.

Ali has also welcomed the chance to focus on developing a new side to the business which focuses on affordable and very personal fused glass memorials. Along with her daughter, May, Ali has perfected the art of incorporating ashes into glass, and so far between them have made some beautifully bespoke pieces that include the ashes of people and of pets.

All small businesses rely on the support of their local community so please take a look at both smARTsy on Facebook, and the sister page Forget Me Not Fused Glass Memorials.

If you are interested in making your own glass items, have a look at the website www.smartsy.co.uk, or email Ali at smartsy@hotmail.co.uk (Please refer to our website www.smartsy.co.uk for dates with spaces.

The symbols represent how many spaces are available.

When you have chosen your date, please either use ‘InstantBook’ on the website to book with PayPal, or email to arrange a bank transfer or cheque.

There is an ‘essential reading’ section that we ask you to read prior to booking please.)

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The library has had a deep clean and its shelves rearranged in order to allow for social distancing and one-way traffic. As matters stand we are planning for a staged return to 'normal' with limited opening days and times and a pause on our popular Crow Pie Cafe. At this time it was felt that a cautious re-opening would mean not providing our usual refreshments in our cafe or seating area, although it is hoped we are able to do so as soon as possible – safety first never made more sense! Tables and seating have had to be cordoned off to allow for better use of space but as times change, we hope to be able to restore drinks etc to our visitors.

So, the plan is: Opening Hours : 2pm – 4pm Tuesdays and 10am – 12 Saturdays (From 11th August & 15th August) On entry visitors will be offered hand sanitizer fluid, and, like the volunteer staff, will be asked to wear a face covering whilst in the building. If too many people want to enter than we may have to ask you to wait a little while (luckily we Brits have always been good at queueing.)

The library volunteers will assist with the return of books and, really importantly, borrowing from the well-stocked shelves. All returned stock will go into quarantine for 72 hours before being returned to the shelves. Children's and adult books can be borrowed for three weeks. We also have audio fiction and non-fiction books which are very popular, not forgetting our local history corner. Laptop computers are not available until further notice.

Parents may sad to see that, until further notice, we will not be hosting the incredibly popular Wriggly readers sessions but watch this space for updates.

Parking in the library is free to users as are the majority of the facilities but casual use of the lavatories by non-library visitors will not be allowed. Our cleaning standards are high but we aim to be careful, cautious and Covid clever!

You can see regular Library updates on Facebook's Spotted Ratby page.

Hope to see all our valued users of the library very soon.

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Ozzy O’shea Borough Councillor

ChrisBorough Boothby Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Cawrey Ltd Planning Application 90 Houses Land South Of Markfield Road Ratby.

Application Number 20/00462/FUL Planning History In November 2014 Cawrey Ltd had his application for 158 houses turned down by the Borough Councils Planning Committee.

Following that Cawrey Ltd Appealed the decision. A planning Appeal Inspector who heard the Appeal in September 2015 Dismissed the Appeal on the 9th October 2015. Not content with that Cawrey Ltd Appealed the Inspectors decision under a Judicial Review at the High Court. The Judge ruled in favour of Planning Inspector and upheld the decision to refuse the application. Officers were approached in November 2018 by Cawrey Ltd regarding a further application and were told that officers would not support it.

However Cawrey Ltd have decided to put in their application on a smaller scale. We are not allowed to hold a village meeting to discuss this application, like we did for their last application due to the ongoing pandemic.

We have just recently had the Borough Councils planning committee grant Permission for 168 houses on Markfield Road and it’s hard to believe that Cawrey Ltd would want to put further stain on our village that lacks the infrastructure for the 168 houses already granted. There again it seems profits are put before our community. Our village struggles every morning with queuing traffic trying to get out of our village. Ratby seems to be the cog in the centre of the villages that form the northern parishes with traffic passing through Ratby to get access to the A50/A46/A47 and M1.

Not to mention the school places at the present time the children from the previous application will have to travel to Martinshaw Primary School in Groby. Ratby Primary school cannot be extended as John knows first-hand.

Since last month’s article we have been made aware the Borough Council now has a 5 year housing supply.

So what is Cawrey Ltd Applying for?

This is a full planning application for 88 houses and 2 bungalows.

36 properties will be affordable homes (40%) and 54 will be open market houses. A vehicular access will be created from Markfield Road. Public open space will be provided within the site along with the retention of hedgerows and a surface water balancing pond. A section of the footpath Route N63 will be rerouted.

T: 0116 2161461 M: 07880711222 E: chris.boothby@hotmail.co.uk

layout, density, mass, design, materials and architectural features.

Policy DM11 Protecting and Enhancing the Historic Environment E.g. Fields with Ridge and Furrow Policy DM13 Preserving the Boroughs Archaeology.

E.g. Fields with Ridge and Furrow Policy DM17 Highways and Transportation.

The Borough Council now has a 5 year housing supply E.g. Ratby suffers from heavy traffic and queuing through the village at both peak times and school times.

Further objections can be made in relation to school places Ratby Primary school will be full after the granting of planning permission for the 168 houses earlier this year and children from those houses will have to travel to Groby and there was only one school that had vacancies when that application was herd. Is it fair to make young children walk to Groby? We suspect parent’s will no doubt drive their children to school in the winter at a time we are trying to reduce our carbon footprint.

Ratby Village Hall.

A message from Elaine Sharpe the Secretary of the Ratby Senior Citizens Association which is based at the village hall situated on Main St, Ratby next to the Bulls Head pub.

The association is run by a committee, who would welcome anyone who would like join us to help with this important work.

The hall is let out to various organisations from a Toddlers group, Dance School and two senior citizens group’s children’s parties can be accommodated, the hiring fees are very affordable.

The committee meetings are held monthly in the evening and last for approximately one and half hours. If you could spare that amount of time each month we would dearly appreciate your help we run and operate for the benefit of our local community.

For further information please contact. Elaine Sharp, Secretary Telephone 0116 2387193.

Once again, we take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and remember we are only a phone call away.

Regards

Objections can be sent to.

Sharron Wilkinson. The Planning Department, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire. LE10 0FR. Email. Sharron.Wilkinson@hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk Please do not forget to include the Planning Application number 20/00462/FUL The application land is clearly Part of the Burroughs and if granted will be the start of the loss of Ratby’s jewel in the crown You can object on planning reasons.

Policy DM4 Safeguarding the Countryside and Settlement Separation E.g. The application site is outside the village boundary.

DM4 requires that development in the Countryside does not have an adverse effect on the intrinsic value, beauty, open character and landscape character of the Countryside.

Policy DM10 Development and Design E.g. Seeks to ensure that new development should complement or enhance the character of the surrounding area with regard to scale,

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A Big 'Thank You' To The Local Community - From Leicester Animal Aid (LAA), Huncote Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid (LAA), Huncote, would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all the wonderful people in our surrounding communities who have been supporting us throughout the Covid crisis. It has been, and still is, a challenging time for all of us and we are touched by the messages of support that we have received.

We would like to say a special thank you to the local children who have been raising funds for our animals. There have been some really inspiring efforts, from socially-distanced yard sales to mask making, and even using money earned through good behaviour and helping with chores to buy treats for our animals. For any young people who enjoy helping and learning about animals, we do have a special Club that meets four times a year called the Huncote Hound Club. If you know any children under 14 who love animals and would like to support LAA by becoming a member of the 'Huncote Hound Club', please read about it at: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/huncote-hound-club/huncotehound-club We look forward to welcoming them when circumstances permit.

As at the time of writing (21st July), LAA Huncote is still able to both take in, and to re-home, cats and dogs. For more details on our new re-homing procedures, please go to: www.leicesteranimalaid. org.uk/news/news/post/256-update-rescue-and-rehoming

How to Adopt a Pet If you are considering adopting a pet, and you could offer a home for life to a cat or dog from Leicester Animal Aid, please do get in touch by phone or email. We'll talk you through the process.

Telephone: 01455 888 257 Email: info@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Visitors We are not yet able to accommodate visitors who wish to walk around our Centre and view the dogs and cats personally. Our kennels and cattery can only be accessed by our staff, but please do keep looking at our Website and Facebook page for regular updates.

Article by Helen Wilber & Jane Walters

Helen Wilber and Jane Walters Telephone: 01455 888 257 Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid Association (LAA) Elmwood Farm, Forest Road, Huncote, Leicestershire LE9 3LE Photos above of two of our current residents, Buttons and Percy.

If you are interested in adopting any of the animals on our website, or on our Facebook page, please visit our website: www. leicesteranimalaid.org.uk and complete an Interested Parties Form or, alternatively, telephone our Centre.

Note! Motorway users please exit the M69 at Junction 3, or the M1 at Junction 21, and then follow the signs for Narborough and Huncote (Pavilion).

Many members of our local community have contacted us to ask if they can help with dog walking. Unfortunately, due to social distancing, we are unable to accept these kind offers at this time.

However, the support of our local community has made a real difference (and will continue to do so) in the following ways: • Coming forward to become Members of Leicester Animal Aid • Using our Amazon 'Wish-List' when you shop online • Individual donations of money and pet food • Corporate donations of food • Participation in our Pawsome Online Pet Show • Face-mask making (by children and adults) and selling handmade craft items to raise funds • Using our charity shop onsite in Huncote (open from 10am until 2pm • Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 11am until 2pm on Thursdays)

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G E GAMBLE & SONS INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS —–––––––––– ESTABLISHED 1830 —–––––––––-

Here we are in August, a much-anticipated month for us. Reopening - even if it is only partial. We have been closed for the better part of five months creating a big hole in the lives of our volunteers and perhaps you too. But now we’re off again, albeit in a very modest and cautious way to start with. We have been busy re-arranging the Library, moving a lot of stuff out and creating space so that proper distancing can be maintained. It looks and feels a bit different, and we can’t wait to get back to our normal busy and cheerful ways. Baby steps at the moment, though.

So - the arrangements are as follows, but as ever subject to change as circumstances and advice/guidance changes.

Our opening date is Tuesday August 4th. In order to allow adequate time for the quarantining of books before they can be put back on the shelves – 72 hours - we shall only be opening twice a week at present, on Tuesday afternoons, 2.00 - 5.00 and Saturday mornings, 10.00 – 1.00.

For the first two weeks, we shall only be dealing with returns. So bring back any Library books that you have, remembering that there will be no fines. We will have a table placed outside the Library for you to put down your returned books. This service will run for two weeks from Tuesday August 4th, on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

In the two weeks commencing on Tuesday 18th August, we will be running a Click and Collect service. You will need to let us have the details of any books that you would like to have, giving us the title of the book, the name of the author, your Library card number, and your name and telephone number. You can start ordering books any time from now, but they will not be available for collection until 18th August at the earliest. You can do this in one of two ways:

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Either – text or telephone 0743 4637 745 with the book title, author and your Library card number - or - Email the same information to clickandcollect@kirbymuxloelibrary.org Our volunteers will process your orders. Books ordered by Tuesday can be collected on Saturday, and those ordered by Saturday can be collected on Tuesday.

We have changed the arrangements for coming to the Library in subsequent weeks. You will not need to book a place. Instead, you can come into the Library from Tuesday 1st September, though just 6 people at a time (excluding volunteers). You will need to sanitise your hands on entering and leaving (sanitiser provided) and wear a face covering. Social distancing will need to be observed – there are signs all over the place! Any books that you browse but do not take out must be put into the available boxes for subsequent quarantine. Parents of young children will need to take responsibility for ensuring that this requirement is carried out.

Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian. All people coming into the Library will need to complete a Track and Trace form with their name and contact details. That information will be destroyed after 21 days.

We are sorry if that all sounds a bit complicated. That’s because we are proceeding with caution, for the safety of everybody. As and when things change, we will keep you informed.

There are three things we cannot do – yet. Public computers and photocopying facilities will not be available for use. We will not be able to serve refreshments. And thirdly, the toilet will not be available for public use, except in genuine emergencies.

Oh dear! Such complications. Trust us that we have given this a great deal of thought, and that we are as anxious as everyone else to get back to normality. Let’s hope that that is not too far away.

We genuinely look forward to welcoming you as from 4th August.

Can’t wait!

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The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group Article by Judith Upton

The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group generally meets 6 times a year, and membership is open to all. Visitors are always welcome to all our meetings, which usually take place in St. Bartholomew’s Church Hall, Main St., Kirby Muxloe and start at 7.30 pm.

Details of the dates of meetings, together with the topics that will be covered, are shown on the notice board in Kirby Muxloe Library and on our website, which is www.kirbymuxloelocalhistorygroup.org Unfortunately, due to the Corona virus (Covid-19), all our meetings are cancelled until further notice. This includes our new “Memories” meetings, held at the Library meeting room each month. We will continue to support “Your Local” magazine with our monthly articles. Stay safe, follow government advice and if you are out and about, practice social distancing. For the latest details about meetings, see our website.

V.E. Day" tea party in the school yard - May 1945. Courtesy of Stan Garner and Norman Lally. 4Best wishes “V.E.” Day (Victory in Europe) and “V.J.” Day (Victory over Japan) As “Your Local” magazine was not published in April and May, due to the Covid 19 pandemic restrictions, our articles passed by the celebrations that were due to take place to celebrate and commemorate “VE” Day (May 8th). In Kirby Muxloe, so many activities had been planned. Our library had been working so hard to put together an enjoyable afternoon for Saturday May 9th. There was to be an afternoon tea, accompanied by soft jazz music and displays of photographs and memorabilia from our History Group.

The Village Hall was due to be open on the same day with games, dancing and an opportunity to arrive with your own picnic and to eat it whilst enjoying the various activities going on in the Hall. I would suspect that Ratby had similar plans, but unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we were all staying at home trying to keep well and protected from this unfortunate virus.

On Monday 7th May 1945, at 2:41 in the afternoon, Germany’s unconditional surrender was signed at Rheims, France. At 3:00 on May 8th 1945, Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister, delivered a message to the nation by radio. The war in Europe was over. “V.E. Day” was truly celebrated in Kirby Muxloe as it was in the whole of the U.K. There was a huge celebration in the village that night, one eye witness, a teenager at the time, remembers groups of young men, holding hands and dancing around the lamp posts at the end of Main Street. Another witness, aged about five years at the time, recalls hearing lots of banging and the sound of horns blowing, so she asked her mother “What’s going on”? The reply was – “Oh, it’s the end of the war”. Her mother was not so excited, as her husband

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had yet to return home. Thankfully, a few days later, he walked through the door, although his young daughter did not recognise him at all. That evening and over the course of the next day, the village sprang into action. A door to door collection was made, asking for anything to contribute to a tea party for the children of the village, which was to be held in the school yard. Rationing was still in full force but everyone pulled together and donated whatever they could. Fruit was very scarce and everyone was still surviving on their weekly rations from the local shops, supplemented by eggs from their own chickens living at the bottom of many gardens and vegetables grown in gardens and on the allotments. Arrowroot or cornflour was mixed with a little butter or margarine to make a “spread”. Sandwiches and cakes were laid out on blue and white table cloths ready for the children to devour. The tables were set out in the shape of a large “V”.

Now as we come into August, we arrive at another very significant date. “V.J. Day” on August 15th, 1945 was the final ending of WWII. Although at the time there were massive celebrations for “V.E. Day” in May, for some people in this village and all over the world, this was not the end of their war. They still had friends and relatives fighting in Japan and all over the Pacific and did not know when or if they would return. Many soldiers from the U.K., the U.S.A. and other allies were still far away, enduring dreadful conditions. A few months later, the end finally came. On 6th August 1945, the U.S.A. dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, to be followed by a second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki on 9th August. The bombs caused huge devastation and resulted in the deaths of more than 200,000 people. On 8th August, the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. These acts signified the end to the war. On 15th August 1945, Japan finally announced its intent to end the conflict, with Emperor Hirohito speaking to the Japanese nation by radio. At the time, Emperor Hirohito would still not use the word “surrender”. In the U.K. the 15th August 1945 ” is remembered as “V. J. Day” (Victory over Japan). However, in the U.S.A. it is remembered on the 2nd September, as it was not until that date that the actual surrender documents were signed.

Back in Kirby Muxloe, there are few memories of “V.J. Day” apart from evidence of another slightly small tea party in the school yard.

The one lasting memory came from the late Maisie Toon back in 2012. This was not concerning “V.J. Day” but was a very poignant memory, never to be forgotten. Maisie said that she remembered Tom Taylor, returning from Japan where he had been a P.O.W. Tom lived at 54, Main Street and was paraded around the village on the back of a lorry. She said he was very thin but seemed to recover quite well. Maybe Tom was one of the lucky ones, if he did indeed recover from his ordeal. Many of the men who returned from Japan or earlier from Europe, South Africa or Egypt never really recovered.

The majority didn’t talk about their experiences, especially those interned in prisoner of war camps.

After the Covid 19 pandemic has been brought under control, there will be a time to re-visit these memories and to try to record more if they still exist.

One final thing to mention is that we do have large, blown-up photographs of the children at both tea parties. By using the help and assistance of the people who have been attending our monthly “memories” meetings, held in the library, we have now managed to name almost all of the 100 children attending the parties. The pictures will be on display in the Church Hall and the Library in the village when they eventually open their doors.

K.M. Station article-many thanks to Robert for pointing out that Ben’s hut was at the level crossing where stated but was on the Swannington Line and not the Ivanhoe line. Therefore the train from Kirby Muxloe to Desford did not cross the road at the Newbridge level crossing (where Ben’s hut was to be found) but went straight on to Desford.

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St Philip & St James Churches (Ratby & Groby) Article by Joan Hawkins Dear Friends, During these very strange and difficult times our churches are endeavouring to do all we can for those of you who would like the opportunity for worship.

We are striving to make our churches as welcoming as possible to absolutely everyone. There are obviously challenges and constraints so that we can do all we can to ensure the safety of everyone who wishes to worship and so we have been trying new ways to worship.

For people who would like to worship in church • We have opened our churches in both Ratby (8am) and Groby (6pm) for worship.

• Groby (Saturday 10am-12pm) and Ratby (Saturday 2-4pm) will also be open for private prayer.

Please be aware numbers in church will be limited by 2m distancing requirements in both churches - exact numbers will depend on whether there are households who can sit together, but singly we can manage about 22 in each church. Full details can be found on our ‘A Church Near You’ web pages (search for Ratby or Groby).

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Services online Every Sunday at 10am via Facebook we have a live service Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 9pm Compline (Night Prayer) Every Thursday at 10am Morning prayer All available via the GrobyRatby Rector Facebook page and Sunday services posted to the benefice Facebook page @StPandStJ and YouTube (Search for Ed Bampton) Telephone Church Alongside this, for those who are unable to access our services online, we are also doing 'Telephone Church' on Sunday at 11.15am (the calls are at normal call rates and are included in any bundled minutes on your landline or mobile). Basically it is a form of conference call which means that all "attending" have the opportunity to talk to each other as well as listen to a very short service led by one of our ministry team.

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Our Chimney Sweeping Services: Power & Traditional Brush Sweeping, Stove Cleaning & Servicing, Door Seal & Rope Replacement, Smoke Testing, Cowl Fitment Using Pure Water, We Clean: Gutters and Fascias, Barge Boards, Windows & Conservatories, PV Panels

JET WASHING - PATIOS - DRIVEWAYS To make your booking or for more information, please call:

T: 01530 510833 - M: 07572122236 www.5starguttercleaning.co.uk 5 Star Gutter Cleaning Services Ltd

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YOUR LOCAL GARAGE

Ask us about our incredible 0% interest no credit check 4 month payment plan

BRAKES

SUSPENSION

TYRES

MOT

SERVICING

DIAGNOSTICS

Using our wealth of knowledge and expertise, we conduct MOTs, Servicing, Diagnostics and carry out in-house repairs on Cambelts, Clutches, Tyres, Engines, Exhausts, Brakes, Suspension and much more...

Each job is completed to the highest standard, but comes at a very competitive price, offering real value for money.

GIVE US A CALL TODAY 01455 822002 Email: info@foresthillautocentre.com - www.foresthillautocentre.com Forest Hill Auto Centre Unit 3 Sparkenhoe Works Desford Lane Kirby Muxloe Leicestershire LE9 2BF

Forest Hill Golf & Conference Centre

FIND US HERE

Ratby

Botcheston

Newtown Unthank

Sparkenhoe Works

Kirby Muxloe Desford