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

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

World War 2 Evacuees Arrive In Ratby

Rainbows Charity Trek In Memory Of Marcus Richmond Age 12

Sing Christmas 2020 Is On!

Will Dempsey Signs For Mansfield FC

Seasons Greetings From all the team at The Blacksmiths Deli Now open at The Forge, Glenfield

The Power Is In Your Hands The Local NHS Needs Your Help!

Seasons Greetings

From all the team at

The Blacksmiths Deli Now open at The Forge, Glenfield

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Deadline Date: Tuesday 22nd December Delivery Date: Monday 11th January

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The Village Writers

Article by The Village Writers Here's a poem to chew on!

We loved this as a group, but would like to know how it reads for others.

Its title is 'Deuteroprometheus' but there's fun in that, as well as in the poem itself! It will be worth a second reading.

Happy Xmas and (a rather better) New Year 2021 to all readers of 'Your Local'.

What's Happening At Ratby Parish Church

Article by Rev’d Dr Ed Bampton

We're looking for new members in the new year. No special standard needed.

But we operate via Emails. So you'd have to be online, until we can have physical meetings again. Contact David S (coordinator) with any enquiries. (aschons98@ gmail.com)

Ratby Parish Church, Church Lane Tel: 0116 239 6520 Email: revdredbampton@outlook.com

Deuteroprometheus Prometheus the Thief gave man War. Incineration. Libraries Put to the torch. Deviants Consumed, blackened, scattered by the wind and parched throats.

They look without looking at the smug and sliding Nile pointedly wiping them off the landscape.

Their backs Arch against the weight of cracked earth pots making off with the precious Lifecreating liquid.

What hope when the tug of the universe drags downwards ever downwards?

Until this little fellow, a stranger.

The look of a dreamer. Sometimes a glint as if bursting to share an open secret. They shared their crusts and their sour wine with him Knowing and willing him the bringer of tidings.

Day after day they watched, not hoping but hoping, Not knowing.

Until the day, it was the Feast of Ra, They awoke hearing a sound never heard, like a man choking no, like a man gasping for air. They shuddered, shook off the dust Peered out of their shacks, saw something terrible, something not of their world, Water ! struggling out of the bare earth in the yard. Surely the priests will punish us, they thought, and hid.

But there was no punishment. Ptolemy the Pharaoh Sent his vizir Not to punish: to see this wonder and To announce to the Regions that The Pharaoh, the Life-Giver would send them the tools to thrive.

They heard. But knew.

The little fellow said: See, brothers, No wonder here It’s just a screw: Turn it.

It wasn’t safe to shout So they whispered: The Great Engineer Archimedes

Monday - Wednesday at 9pm Compline (a short reflective service to bring peace at the end of the day)

Regular Online and Telephone Services Every Week Throughout December all accessible via www.facebook.com/ StPandStJ

Thursday 10am - Morning Prayer (a short service of prayer and praise) Sunday 10am - Morning Worship (our regular Sunday service) Sunday 11.15am - Telephone Church (especially for those without computer access, a short service over the phone - call 0333 0164757, then enter Room Number 10336316#, then pin number 1920#. Call charged at local rates and included in bundled minutes for landlines and mobiles) Online Special Services Sunday 13th December 6pm Online Carol Service via Facebook www.facebook.com/StPandStJ Special Services in Church (subject to government regulations) Thursday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion Friday 25th December (Christmas Day) 10am Family Christmas Communion For these services in church with current restrictions numbers will be limited and booking is essential (please contact Hayley in the office either on 0116 2393768 between 930-11.30am weekdays or office@bradgatechurches.org). If there is high demand we may attempt to put on additional services.

Please keep up to date via www.facebook. com/StPandStJ or www.achurchnearyou. com/church/5500/ or contact Rev’d Ed or Hayley in the office as.

We constantly review all we can do to serve our community in prayer and worship and may be able to add in other events.

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Sing Christmas 2020 Is On! Article by Joan Hawkins

This Christmas we won’t be able to sing carols all together in public.. but we can sing all together at home.. thanks to the magic of radio.

Sing Christmas this year will be on Tuesday 22nd December between 7 and 8pm.

Using carol recordings from previous “Sing Christmas” programmes, “Sing Christmas 2020” will be a live broadcast for you to sing along with wherever you are…. and as you sing, know that there are countless others around Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland doing likewise.

Rainbows Charity Trek In Memory Of Marcus Richmond Age 12 Article by Johanna Partridge

We lost Marcus in May 2018 he was diagnosed in August 2016 with a rare bone cancer called Osteosarcoma following a fall that broke his upper arm.

He then endured 18months of chemotherapy and in Jan 2018 had his right arm and shoulder amputated at Birmingham children's hospital in the knowledge his life and mobility would be improved.

He even managed a little time at school moving from Woolden Hill to Martin High. Marcus was a fighter, never moaning or complaining. He LOVED life and was fearless.

Through the generosity of so many Marcus had wonderful experiences including May 2108 flying a stunt plane , being driven around Silverstone race track by a racing driver in a Ferrari plus meeting TV car wrapper Yanni from Yannimize who proudly wrapped his coffin in Marcus's favourite blue vinyl wrap.

Then Rainbows came into our lives... not only do they support, care and are incredibly dedicated to terminally ill and short life children they look after parents and siblings too.

After Marcus pasted myself and Glenn Richmond (dad) were invited to a group counselling sessions over a 7 month period where we met other bereaved parents who had lost their children in 2018.

After completing the course the mum's came together and met socially.

One evening it was suggested we took up the Rainbows Snowdon Trek in September 2020, we all enthusiastically signed up and planned our event.

Sadly Covid 19 hit and Rainbows decided to postpone until September 2021 as did the other mums.

However, Glenn and I decided we would continue with our fundraising and one 26th September 2020 we set of up Mount Snowdon trekking up the Pyg Track descending down the Miners path.

The weather was fabulous, the scenery breath taking not a cloud or a drop of rain... perfect. We raised £3620.00. We Wanted To Say A Big Thank you For Everyone Who Supported Us.

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Since the venues for this year’s event are mostly going to be our own homes, there will be no registration.. but there will be plenty of interaction and shout outs on the night! “Sing Christmas” is traditionally BBC Radio Leicester’s busiest hour of social media interaction of the year. Let’s make that the case this year too!

For those that want to, we plan to sing the last carol, O Come All Ye Faithful, together on our doorsteps.

Join us for “Sing Christmas at Home” this December 2020! We all need a good sing.. let’s do it together and raise our roofs!

Carol sheets will be available nearer the time from the “Resource Downloads” section of this website. www.singchristmas.org.uk We'll also provide posters that you can stick in your front windows if you so wish.

Christmas Tree Of Remembrance Article by Joan Hawkins

Ratby Parish Church, Church Lane, Ratby, LE6 0JF. We invite you to visit our church for time to remember and pray and to have a message placed on our Tree of Remembrance. Christmas is a time when we miss those we’ve loved and lost the most. Their absence is strongly felt, and we wish we could speak to them one last time. People really do find it helpful to write a message to a loved one and it doesn’t matter how long ago they passed away – we always remember them. The church will be open on Saturday 19th December from 10am-3pm. All necessary Covid restrictions will be in place for everyone’s safety.

Ratby Surgery Patient Participation Group Article by Joan Hawkins

"The PPG and Ratby Surgery are really pleased to tell l patients they can book in for their free flu jab if they are aged between 50-64 and they are yet to receive one. You do not need to have a medical condition to have the flu jab if you are in this age group.

Please contact the surgery for more information as they are keen to vaccinate as many eligible patients as they can before Christmas so this does not interfere with coronavirus vaccinations.

Coronavirus vaccinations This will becoming available over the next few months, but this will be following government guidance and patients will be contacted by the national delivery group once they are eligible.

Unfortunately no GP practices will yet be able to give any information as to when a person will become eligible, but for the vast majority of people this will be in the New Year. There is more and more information becoming available in the national news and hopefully soon in the local news. Please continue to follow the national advice on social distancing and hand washing and thank you to everyone for supporting the NHS whilst it is trying to support you.

The PPG and the practice would like to thank all residents in Ratby and Kirby Muxloe who supported our planning application for a new medical centre. We all hope to hear soon as to whether we have been successful as this would make a great early Christmas present for both villages."

We wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas.

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Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Supporting Children and Families.

Leicestershire County Councils Cabinet resolved the following on the 20th November 2020 in order to provide Free School Meals during the Christmas Holidays and to support families.

At that meeting of the Cabinet it was resolved that: a. The provision of Free School Meal vouchers for school holidays as outlined in the report be confirmed; b. It be noted that the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Director of Corporate Resources, the Leader and the Cabinet Lead Member for Resources, has agreed the spend of £360,000 in relation to the provision of free school meals over the Christmas/New Year holiday period; c. Up to £1m in total be allocated for the provision of free school meal vouchers during the financial year 2020/21, noting that additional Government funding may reimburse the Council for a part or the whole of this sum.

During the Cabinet debate it was mentioned by the Director of Corporate Resources that discussions were taking place to support other groups eligible for this grant aid. Of the award of £1,462,162.43, at least £1,169,729.94 must be awarded to families with children for food, energy and utilities, and up £292,432.49 can be used to support other vulnerable families.

The main restrictions on the grant include: • It is not intended to cover payment of rent or other housing costs • It is not to be used for the provision of general advice on managing debt and/or financial hardship • A ‘child’ is defined as a person under 19 years of age on 31st March 2021 • Data returns to Government are required to ensure that locally authorities are directing the grant to meet the stated policy aims. 50% of the grant will be paid upfront and the remaining 50% in two instalments following satisfactory data returns. Any funds unspent or not committed by 31st March 2021 will need to be returned.

This grant aid scheme is part of a wider winter support package introduced by the Government for families and children, including: • Up to £220m to fund expansion of the Department for Education’s Holiday Activities and Food programme through grants to local authorities and will ensure provision for Easter, summer and Christmas in 2021.

• Increasing the value of the Department for Health and Social Care’s Healthy Start vouchers from £3.10 to £4.25 from April 2021. Healthy Start supports lower-income pregnant women and families with children under four years of age to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk and infant formula, providing an important nutritional safety net.

• The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will provide further funding for local charities through well-established networks to provide immediate support to front-line food aid charities, including food banks, who are supporting those most vulnerable due to the economic impacts of Covid-19.

The Leader agreed that the grant be allocated to meet the policy aims of the scheme as shown in the following table: Project

Cost

Vouchers for families with pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) for 5 weeks of school holiday

£900,000

Food Vouchers for pupils attending independent school provision who are eligible for FSM for 5 weeks holiday

£15,000

Food vouchers for vulnerable families with children aged 0-5

£153,600

Support to Vulnerable Adults

£150,000

Support for heating costs

£20,000

Multi Agency Traveller Unit (MATU)

£20,000

Sub total

£1,258,600

Administration costs (estimate)

£30,000

Contingency

£173,000

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The County’s Trading Standards department are working to Protect our Community. Enforcement.

The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No 4) Regulations 2020 came into force on 5th November. The Secretary of State has enabled all local authorities in England to enforce Part 4 of the Regulations which deals with closure of and restrictions on businesses. The enforcement tools available to local authorities include prohibition notices, fixed penalty notices and when appropriate criminal proceedings may be instituted for serious breaches of the Regulations. The Police continue to lead on enforcement for breaches of the requirements placed on individuals and gatherings and both upper and lower tier local authorities continue to lead in relation to the obligations placed on businesses. However, it is recognised that there are inextricably linked incidents crossing all the regulatory requirements. In response, the Local Resilience Forum has established a Covid Compliance Enforcement Cell. A memorandum of understanding is in place to enable all agencies to share information to deliver a more collaborative, intelligence led enforcement response, with all partners adopting 'the 4 Es': Engage. Explain. Encourage. Enforce.

Due to non-compliances prior to the current lockdown, the County Council had placed a number of hospitality premises under restrictions to ensure adequate social distancing protocols were maintained, with one premises remaining closed to the public. These directions are now revoked. However, as we approach the automatic lifting of restrictions, Trading Standards officers will be engaging with these and other businesses to ensure appropriate measures are in place, in readiness for a reopening of businesses across the County when the lockdown is lifted.

The Trading Standards Service is seeking to improve the quality of the data obtained from the district councils. The easing of the restrictions should coincide with the busiest trading period of the year as we approach the festive period. The Trading Standards Service will seek to deploy its enforcement resources, based on the evidence captured within the data, to ensure there is a focus on bringing the higher risk premises into compliance.

Leicestershire to trial lateral Covid flow tests.

Leicestershire County Council are to receive up to 80,000 kits a week Test kits will be sent to Leicestershire after the county was added to the list of trial areas.

The move follows productive discussions between Leicestershire County Council and the Department of Health and Social Care.

It means that the Government will send the council up to 80,000 kits a week as part of its plan to expand asymptomatic testing across the country.

Nick Rushton the Council Leader Said “This is good news. We’ve had a productive conversation with Government leads and are pleased to be included on the list. I’m grateful to those MPs who supported our case.

Like other areas, we want to try every means possible to defeat the virus and enable life to become more normal.

Given our early application and rates, it was surprising we weren’t named initially but this is a helpful outcome and means we can roll out the tests in hot spot areas” The council can draw down from the national supply as needed but is looking to have a stock of 10,000 kits at any one time to deploy rapidly.

Leicestershire Healthy Weight Strategy.

We are consulting on the proposed new Healthy Weight Strategy for Leicestershire 2021-2026. The consultation closes at midnight on the 27th December 2020.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall wellbeing. More than half (61%) of adults and a third (30%) of year 6 primary school children living in Leicestershire are overweight or obese. This increases their risk of having long-term conditions like type 2 diabetes and reduces expected lifespan. There is also emerging evidence that being obese increases the risk of developing complications of Covid-19.

This strategy is our commitment to work together with Leicestershire residents and a range of sectors, including food, health, education, planning, transport, sport and leisure, and economic development. To share an understanding of the issues, agree actions and create an environment that encourages people to make healthy choices and supports our communities to live and age well.

To take part go to the Leicestershire County Councils website or use the following link: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/have-your-say/currentconsultations/leicestershire-healthy-weight-strategy Please read the relevant documents provided, then continue to the online questionnaire to provide your feedback.

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Coronavirus.

Your experiences during the current Coronavirus pandemic will have inevitably affected how you view the world; the importance of family and friends, and how we connect to one another, often through food and physical activity. It is important that you use these experiences to inform your consultation responses. However, since the strategy will cover the period 2021-2026, we also want you to think about what Leicestershire might look like in the future.

If you need help to complete the questionnaire, or have any questions about the consultation, please email HealthyWeight@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 0705 If you require this information in a printed or alternative format, please call 0116 305 0705.

Working with Leicestershire Police I am pleased to put out their following message. Criminals are using children all across the UK. Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) is a term used to describe when children and young people are manipulated or coerced into committing crimes.

Criminals groom boys and girls to carry out illegal activity on their behalf – such as selling and storing drugs, carrying weapons and committing burglary, robbery or theft.

Currently across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland we are seeing children and young people between the ages of nine and 17 being used by criminals.

The most common type of crimes they are becoming involved in is activity known as ‘County Lines’.

Children and young people caught up in CCE won’t always act like victims because they don’t often see themselves as victims.

This is because individuals or gangs who target children will often make them feel respected, important and protected.

Some children are also made to feel like they have no choice and will be scared to speak out about what is happening.

It is important we all remember children are often preyed on because they are vulnerable.

We must all work together to help put an end to this abuse.

The police, education, local councils and health organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland all have an important part to play in preventing children being exploited and deal with those responsible.

We also need your help to look after the children in your life. To know the signs and to act if you suspect a child is in danger.

Are you listening?

Funded by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s Violence Reduction Network, a new film entitled ‘Are you listening’ aims to raise awareness of the issue of CCE, some of the signs that could indicate a child is in danger and where you can go for help and support. It is important we all play an active role in tackling this issue.

The film focuses on four stories, which although fictional, are typical of the types of criminality children do become involved in.

You can view the film by going to the following link www.leics.police.uk/areyoulistening Children won’t often just tell you if they are in trouble but there are often some obvious signs that could indicate they might need help.

The most obvious sign is a change in a child or young person’s behaviour from what is considered ‘normal’ for them.

Other signs include: • Withdrawal from usual group of friends and a mention of older or new friends • Having gifts, a new phone or money that can’t be accounted for • Becoming withdrawn or secretive • Receiving a large number of calls or messages to their phone or being worried about being away from their phone • A drop in grades or performance, as well as suspension or exclusion from school • Going missing from home or not showing up to school or regular afterschool groups or clubs • Become involved in low level criminality such as antisocial behaviour • If you suspect a child is being exploited try to talk to them. Children are more likely to open up to an adult they have an existing and trusting relationship with.

• Next steps • If you think a child could be involved in this type of activity, you can

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contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or online. If you suspect a child is in immediate danger always call 999.

• You can also call your local council children’s team for advice.

• Leicester City Council 0116 4541004 • Leicestershire County Council 0116 3059521 • Rutland County Council 01572 758407 or their out of hours number is 0116 305 0005 • Children’s charities such as the Children’s Society and the NSPCC also have information and support which can help.

Stay Safe When Shopping On Line is the Police Message.

With the current Covid restrictions in place regarding non-essential shops being closed, we are aware that many more people have taken to shopping online this year.

I wanted to share the below information to help you bag a bargain, rather than it cost you more than you might think!

Before you start shopping, please ensure that your devices are up date, as this is your first line of defence! And ensure that #passwords are unique, don’t reuse the same password on different sites!

• Rule Number One – if the offer sounds too good to be true, it more than likely is! Goods may not exist, or they may be counterfeit - which could mean they are dangerous!

• To AVOID fake pages, DON’T click on pop up ads or links in emails or messages with offers – Search for the offer yourself on a browser – that way you won’t end up on a scam fake page • Stick to names that you’re familiar with to avoid the fraudulent ones, and make sure you do some research first, check reviews etc.

• Don’t make purchases on public #WiFi – it’s often insecure and your details could potentially be intercepted. Use your mobile data instead or wait until you are connected to a safe connection.

• REMEMBER the green padlock and ‘https’ DOES NOT mean that the site is legitimate, just that data is securely transmitted – fraudsters use this to make you think the page is legit!

• When you’re ready complete your purchase, that’s when to double check for the green padlock and ‘https’ when checking out – this means that your data being transmitted is encrypted.

• #Payments – use trusted payment methods such as PayPal – remember to check you are paying “Goods and Services” – if you change to “Friends and Family” you LOSE your PayPal Protection! Often, you have far more protection if you pay by Credit Card. If you are asked to pay by bank transfer instead, be very wary, as you have no protection at all!

• Beware of #phishing emails – these could be fake offers taking you to fake pages, or they may be regarding a purchase or delivery.

• Make it a rule, NEVER log in to any account via a shortcut or link in an email or a text – log in the way you normally would! If you receive a suspicious email, don’t forget you can report it by forwarding to report@ phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages can be reported by forwarding to 7726 • Watch out for those great offers posted on social media – fraudsters use social media to post very enticing offers, via fake websites, but these offers don’t exist! Your money will be paid, but your goods might never arrive. Be aware that just because a page is “sponsored” on Facebook, does NOT mean that it’s legitimate, they do not carry out checks!

For user friend, non technical cyber advice why not give us a follow on Facebook - Leicestershire Police Cyber Aware For more info on online shopping and staying safe, please visit : www.ncsc.gov.uk/news/black-friday-online-sales-advice www.getsafeonline.org/safechristmas If you have unfortunately experienced fraud or online crime, please report to Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 I would like to take this opportunity to thank residents for your continued support, Remember I am only an Email or a phone call away. Finally I would like to wish all residents and councillors a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a very Happy, Healthy and prosperous New Year.

Kind Regards Ozzy O’shea.

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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 20/00462/FUL 90 Houses Land South Of Markfield Road Ratby.

On Tuesday 10th November the above application was heard by the Borough Councils planning committee. Planning officers has recommended the committee grant permission even though the Borough Council has a 5 year housing supply and a similar application for 158 houses was refused by the committee in November 2014. A similar approach was turned down by the planning manager two years ago so what has changed? Nothing in the communities opinion as we have just had forced upon us 168 houses further down Markfield Road. Local resident Krystina Mason spoke eloquently from the heart against this application putting forward various planning reasons why this application should be refused to the committee. John Cawrey spoke in favour of his application saying there was a need for more housing in Ratby. I asked John if this was the same piece of land that was turned down by the planning committee in November 2014 John confirmed it was. I then asked why when we had refused a similar application and was then supported by a planning Inspector on appeal who agreed that the intrinsic Character of this area of the Countryside needed protecting.

Furthermore I said that a legal precedent had been set by a High Court judge who agreed with the planning Inspectors finding and dismissed a Judicial Review submitted by Cawrey Ltd against the Planning inspector’s decision.

Both I and Chris strongly spoke against this application and highlighted that children from these houses would have to travel to Martinshaw Primary School in Groby as Ratby Primary school would be well over subscribed by the previous 168 houses granted on Markfield Road. We also pointed out the addition traffic that would be put on our road and a minimum 180 journey’s a day. All that fell on deaf ears there was little debate and the ruling liberal democrat administration passed the application just as they did with the 168 houses on Markfield Road in March this year. The vote was lost 9 to 7 in favour.

168 houses Granted On Land Rear of Markfield Road Springfield Riding School Ratby.

Ozzy has had several complaints regarding Miller homes using the entrance to the previous riding school of Groby Road. They should not be using this entrance and he has arranged for planning enforcement to visit.

Enforcement have agreed that Miller homes can use this entrance for a week. Ozzy has again contacted enforcement and requested that no access be allowed during peak hours and school times as Groby Road is a busy road during peak time and is very heavily used by school children attending local primary and secondary schools. Hinckley and Bosworth Planning Enforcement officers spoke with the planning director of Miller Homes who stated they needed to use the Groby Road access to build the access road on Markfield Road and would be using it between 8 and 12 weeks whilst this work was committed both Ozzy and Chris have raised serious objections to the use of this access as traffic is being stopped to allow HGV’S to be reversed onto the site during busy peak and school times.

Ozzy has also contacted the County Councils Highway Authority in relation to this as a main access was not approved from Groby Road. Planning Enforcement have said they are not prepared to take any action as this is already an approved access. Clearly this issue was missed by the planning department and the Liberal Democrat controlled planning committee when they passed this application against both ours and the community’s objections. We were assured this entrance would be a pedestrian and emergency services access only. That was what was granted on the planning permission. The trouble is that the planning department did not put a condition on the application that this entrance should not be used as part of the development. It’s clear that Miller Homes all along planned to use this entrance to receive its deliveries and material to build the access road from Markfield Road. Miller Homes have craftily run rings around the planning department to the detriment and safety of the residents of Ratby. Yet again Ratby has been let down by the Borough Council.

Poppy Appeal.

We would like to take this time to congratulate the residents of Ratby who have yet again donated to the British Legion Poppy Appeal by buying poppies in various stores and pubs to remember. The total collected was £1,252.37.

Chris, as the village Parade Marshal, would like to ask if there is anyone in the village who would be interested in becoming the local organiser as the present but new organiser lives in Ibstock and finds it hard to get over to the village. Obviously, this would only be once a year and would entail taking delivery of poppy boxes and collection tins to distribute to shops and pubs

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T: 0116 2912796 M: 07306 390543 E: chris.boothby@hotmail.com

and the collecting them back in. Once done, they would be collected from you. Please call Chris if you are interested on 07306 390543.

Christmas and New Year arrangements.

THE following opening times during the Christmas and New Year period have been announced by the Borough Council, together with the arrangements that have been made for various council services: Council office closing times.

Borough Council services at the Hinckley Hub will close at 5pm on Thursday 24 December and re-open at 8.30am on Monday 4 January 2021.

In an emergency call 01455 251137.

Refuse & recycling arrangements.

There will be alternate arrangements for collections due on Friday 25 December, Monday 28 December and Friday 1 January. All other refuse and recycling collections will continue as usual during the Christmas and New Year period. However, the garden waste (brown bin) collection service will be suspended for two weeks during the Christmas and New Year period (last collection Tuesday 22 December and collections starting again Monday 4 January 2021). There will also be no collections of large items (bulky waste) during the same dates.

Alternate arrangements for refuse (black bin) and recycling (blue-lid bin) collections due on Friday 25 December, Monday 28 December and Friday 1 January are as follows: • Refuse (black bin) on Friday 25 December will be collected on Thursday 24 December • Recycling (blue-lid) due on Friday 25 December will be collected on Wednesday 23 December • Refuse due on Monday 28 December will be collected on Tuesday 29 December • Recycling (blue-lid) due on Monday 28 December will be collected on Wednesday 30 December • Refuse due on Friday 1 January will be collected on Thursday 31 December • Recycling (blue-lid) due on Wednesday 1 January will be collected on Monday 4 January For residents living in rural west areas of the borough who usually have garden and refuse bins collected on the same day please check your calendar or visit the online bin checker www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/collections Free Parking on Saturdays in Hinckley.

Customers are reminded that Christmas shopping in Hinckley will be given a boost this year with free car parking in selected town centre car parks on Saturdays in the run-up to Christmas.

Shoppers will be able to park for free in St Mary’s, Church Walk, Castle, Lower Bond Street and Trinity Lane East car parks in the final two Saturdays (12 and 19 December) before Christmas. Parking is also free after 3pm every day in Trinity Lane East, Castle and Lower Bond Street car parks as well in all council run car parks on Sundays throughout the year.

Additionally, shoppers will also be able to park for free in North Warwickshire and Hinckley College (NWHC) car park in the two Saturdays (12 and 19 December) before Christmas. The car park, which is directly behind the Atkins Building, can be accessed from Druid Street.

And finally 2020 has been, to say the least, a horrible year for all of us and we have our own stories to tell and it seems we are not out of the woods yet.

We both, as your Borough Councillors, are extremely proud of how you, the residents of Ratby, have come together to help one another during this time.

We have had lockdown, Covid infections, pubs and shops closed for long periods. On the bright side, we had the Community Response Team and even managed a Remembrance event albeit virtual.

We would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a better and Happy and Healthy New Year.

Regards Chris & Ozzy.

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Ratby Band Still In Lockdown Article by Steve Plant

AT HOME We’re extremely pleased to announce the release of our new CD. All the tracks were recorded individually at home over the summer and brought together by the talented Steve Bland. A great Christmas present for the one you love. Please see the advert poster in this issue of the Local Magazine.

During the early part of September we were able to resume playing in groups of 6, socially distanced, outside. The band met under the cover of our marquee.

All Covid secure measures were put in place for our musicians to meet inside our own bandroom and you can see from the pictures below how the groups were set out and some of our juniors enjoying their music making.

TUITION Our younger members have been able to meet up each week with the conductors and play together via Zoom. The beginners group have received on-line lessons which we hope has helped to keep up their enthusiasm to want to play.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY This year was unique in that although there was no village parade or normal church service, thanks to technology we were able to participate in the Ratby and Groby on-line church services. A group of our members were able to record background music in addition to some of the hymns together with our Principle Cornetist, Keir Luc, performing the Last Post and Reveille.

CHRISTMAS 2020 As with everyone else out there the band’s Christmas will be very different this year. By now we would already have embarked on some ‘carolling; either by formal concerts, playing around Christmas trees, lights switch on, private parties, around the streets or local supermarkets. The rules on meeting up are such that we are unable to do our ‘normal’ thing. Having said that, we can do a limited amount of carol playing so if you do see us out there in small groups, socially distanced with instruments all have “moisture guards” in place do support us by popping a donation in the bucket or making a contactless donation.

200 CLUB We are pleased to confirm the recent winners of our monthly 200 club draw MONTH

PRIZE

NO.

WINNER

July

£50

62

Sally Ann Sephton

August

£50

162

Jan Smith

September

£50

92

Dave Finnegan

October

£50

165

Sandra Clements

November

£50

136

Steve James

Annual Christmas Draw Normally this would take place at the band’s annual Christmas Concert but unfortunately this has had to be cancelled this year. So instead the draw will be taking place at one of our Zoom get togethers and the lucky winners will be notified. A full list will appear in the next issued of The Local Magazine Have a look at our facebook page, Ratby Co-operative Band Organisation and you can see posts of what we have been up to.

We keep monitoring the news bulletins hoping for good news as to when we can resume but it isn’t likely to be anytime soon. Take care, keep safe and a Merry Christmas to all from everyone at Ratby Co-operative Band.

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A Taste Of Winter Article by Kirby Lad Icy needles of winter winds cutting to the bone Fences creak as nature’s force tries hard to bring them down The mice are rustling round inside the shell of the old shed Squirrels are busy stealing spring bulbs out of the flower bed The dazzling red and yellow blooms reduced to dismal brown The blackened leaves of regal dahlias now droop to the ground Carpets of fading leaves blow aimlessly around the lawn Warm coats drawn tight around us all against the coming storm The wind’s tuneless whistling through the cracks around the door The curtains tightly pulled, the blazing fire begins to roar Tiles rattling on the roof, loose teeth in need of dentistry The sounds combined evoke the image of some fearsome entity Spectral figures drift through morning mists across the park Their bouncing dogs almost unseen but present by their bark Thick layers of dew lie heavy on the rich green pasture grass Car windows blinded by a watery film all across the glass Bamboo rising like ghostly fingers into the dismal sky Crows gather on twisted skeletons of giant trees nearby Hard glistening frosts will soon begin to coat the streets Perhaps a gentle coat of snow scattered round our feet

What is a Celebrant?

Article by Amy Perkins

An independent celebrant is someone who is trained to preside over civil services such as wedding celebrations, baby namings and funerals.

Unlike a church service or a humanist (atheist) service, an independent celebrant can offer services with some religious or spiritual elements – or none.

Amy Perkins of Anstey, who trained as a funeral celebrant with the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants, recognises that for many people religion does not play a major part in their lives and so they would not choose a church for their funeral but they would still wish for a service full of dignity.

Amy said, “As an independent celebrant, I can provide a unique, personalised funeral or memorial service that reflects the personality and life of the deceased. This can include music or songs, poems and readings, or hymns and prayers – just as the family and the deceased would wish. Their values, needs and wishes are paramount. A funeral service should be uplifting – a time to celebrate and honour the life of a loved one and to cherish their memories, and also a time to share grief and to say goodbye.”

An independent celebrant will spend time with the bereaved family collecting memories and will involve family and friends as much as possible in the creation of the service. The celebrant will then write a personalised tribute to the deceased that reflects their personality with warmth and sensitivity and will lead the service on the day of the funeral.

“It is an honour to be able to help a family through a difficult time by providing a special, meaningful service in memory of a loved one.”

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RATBY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Remembrance Day Ratby Primary School have learnt all about the importance of Remembrance day during the month of November. To show our recognition, we used our art and craft skills to decorate our own poppies across the school.

Red poppies are shown to remember all of the fallen soldiers.

Purple poppies are for the animals that served during wartime.

Black poppies are to remember the Black, African and Caribbean communities’ contributions to the war and white poppies show our remembrance for people who died in conflict and to promote peace.

Altogether, the display showcases our fantastic learning around Remembrance day and the children are very proud of their work!

Diwali Celebrations

Year 2

Diwali, the Festival of Light was celebrated during November by many religions and children have been learning about some of the important traditions that take place during this festival. Classes in school enjoyed making diva lamps, designing rangoli patterns and wearing traditional dress along with the studying the story of Rama and Sita. The children have thoroughly enjoyed celebrating.

The children have enjoyed the first part of their new topic ‘Beat Band Boogie.’ So far they have looked at and listened to different musical instruments. In Science, the children have been listening to the sounds around them and they have investigated how to make sounds with different materials. In Design and Technology, the children have designed and made their own musical instruments.

World War 2 Evacuees Arrive In Ratby

Children In Need 2020

Year 6 launched their new topic of ‘A Child’s War’ with a day devoted to learning about World War 2 evacuees. The children and staff all dressed up for the day and shared stories about how children in dangerous areas of the United Kingdom were evacuated to the countryside, leaving their loved ones behind. We were very impressed with the empathy and understanding shown by all of the children.

The children and staff at Ratby Primary school had a fabulous time raising money for Children in Need this year. During the week, all of the classes enjoyed taking part in the Children in Need ‘Five to Thrive’ wellbeing activities. These activities, alongside the Joe Wicks morning energiser workouts, really helped to start the days with a smile. The highlight of the week was wearing pyjamas to school on the final day, which raised a fantastic £625.

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Remembrance Day 2020 On the 11th November BGLC students who are part of uniformed organisations, took part in 'Act of Remembrance' in the run up to the national two minutes silence at 11.00am.

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Lord Lieutenant’s Award Congratulations goes to former BGLC Post 16 Head Student Kiera McCourt, as she was selected as a FINALIST for the Lord Lieutenant’s Awards 2020! Kiera is a finalist in the ‘Young Leader’ category, which is a brand new category for this year. The virtual awards ceremony was streamed live on Tuesday 17th November. Kiera did not win her category, but what a fantastic achievement in recognition for all Kiera’s fundraising activities here at BGLC. WELL DONE Kiera!

Will Dempsey Signs For Mansfield FC BGLC Year 8 Will Dempsey played for the local team Groby Juniors when he was younger, then he moved to Kirby 88’s U12’s. He had an amazing season with them and they were top of their league, County Cup Finalists and they had invited to attend the ACES tournament in Nottingham.

Unfortunately COVID hit and they never got to finish the season off. Will worked so hard during lockdown practising his football, working on his fitness and in August his hard work paid off and he got offered a 2 year contract with Mansfield FC! His Mum says it’s still early days for Will but he is really enjoying the challenge. WELL DONE WILL!

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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.

To start the wheel, an elm hub was delivered from a woodyard in Leicester, together with the ash meade to make the spokes. The spokes had been carefully fashioned and made to fit tightly into the elm hub. There were eight spokes in all. The ash was also used to create the felloe (the outside circumference section of the wheel).

The felloes were shaped, leaving a sufficient gap to be taken up when the final iron tyre was applied and to allow contraction when the wheel was doused with cold water.

The next step was where the village blacksmith became involved.

Having already measured the circumference of the wheel and made an iron tyre to fit, the wood chips from making the wheel were all swept into a pile in the yard. A fire was lighted and when the heat was sufficient, the iron tyre was placed into the fire and left there until it was red hot! Then, at a given moment, the three people working on the wheel would use steel prongs to grasp the red-hot tyre and lift it onto the wooden wheel, which was already sitting on a trestle table. With lightening speed and great precision and skill, they dropped the metal tyre onto the wheel. Having already filled buckets with cold water from the well in the yard, they then threw the water onto the wheel so that it contracted immediately, pulling all the joints together. This whole process had to be achieved at record speed before the tyre burnt the woodwork away! If the tyre dropped off the other side the whole operation was a total loss.

Having watched this operation, my small part came when the cart was completed and painted in county colours. I was then asked to use my lettering skills which I had acquired attending Leicester College of Technology to finish lining and signwriting the farmer’s name on the side of the cart.

The craftmanship applied to finishing the cart by Chesterton’s, the blacksmiths was amazing. They produced all the iron metalwork on the cart, which when completed was painted black. This ironwork was then attached to the stone coloured cart. To finish, the wheels were painted in red, the final effect was stunning!

So ends my story and the small part that I played in the making of past history of craftsmanship in Kirby Muxloe.

A Leicestershire Farm Cart, illustration by Peter Cooper

The Story of the Farm Cart This month was are including a piece written by Peter Cooper. Peter was born and has lived in the village all his life and is now 93 years old. He is still full of energy and vigour, full of enthusiasm and a joy to sit with and chat about old times, together with his wife Pam. Over the years I have visited them many times, always given the same fantastic welcome and sat listening to their stories about life in Kirby Muxloe. Peter is a talented artist and I love nothing more than to study his paintings - new ones are still produced all the time. He seems to be able to turn his hand to anything, a new font for St Bart’s, a flower display stand for the Free Church, a new gate for the church, a puppy pen and numerous other things, far too many to mention.

Peter writes: As I am the oldest native of Kirby Muxloe, people often tell me that I should write about some of the skilled activities of the craftsmen in the village during my early life: the two major trades in Main Street during my growing up years and the small part I played in them!

My main fascination was watching the start and then the ultimate final completion of the farm carts at Tom Moore’s workshop in Main Street. I spent many hours sitting and watching Mr Moore start, and weeks later complete, the making of a beautiful Leicestershire cart.

Each county had its own style and colour scheme.

Having first completed the main bodywork of the cart, then came the main fascination for me, of watching the making and final construction of the wheels, which also involved Mr Chesterton (both father and son) the blacksmith, who also lived and worked on Main Street.

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Actress Martine McCutcheon plays

Ladies Dancing

to me nine...' what?

Christmas, '...my true love brought

In the song The Twelve Days of

L

O

C

A

L

4. 1972 - Present

Eastenders -

Emmerdale -

Blue Peter -

Coronation Street -

Match Of The Day -

on page 24

All the answers

5. 1982 - Present

6. 1985 - Present

Countdown -

Bonus points if you can name the year.

1. 1958 - Present

2. 1960 - Present

3. 1964 - Present

Can you put these TV programmes in the order they first appeared on our TV screens.

R

F S O C A M C H L O E T E S I

U T U R K E Y H C I F C N A Y

A O T F E B U E R U R O C N T

Y C S M I N C E P I E S P T K

L K E L R O S A P R S T F A O

S I I T U E Y F T S F T A E S

R N C E C D I O R A Y O M R A

M G O N A T R N U L C L I A M

O T M W R E I B D N H E L I S

A Y A T L S K R F L E D T R Z

N P R E S E N T S V R R N E O

S D T C H F E L E E J X I E X

Z B S O L K U T N S O T K M F CaroLs

santa

eLVes

reindeer

stoCKinG

snow

minCe Pies

turKey

famiLy

tree

Presents

Christmas

Christmas words

Can you find the 12

• Satellite Dishes Fitted

U

D C P I O O C M I E P A Y T J

3

1 9 4 2 3 7 5 6 9 4 1 8 3 9 5 1 7 8 4 3 5 6 7 2

Want to know the good news? We're open again!

O

7 9

4 2

7

3 2 5

9 6 8 4 2

7 8 6

4 3 2 5 2 8 3 7 9 4 5 1 1 2 7 3 3 5 9 6 6 7 8 2 5 1 6 9 8 9 1 4

9 7 6 4 8 1

1 5 6 8

• TV & Radio Aerials

Y

C M P R S I F P R D H P R L A

8

9 6 3 1 7 5

1 2 4 8 6 7 2 3 9 1 5 6 8 4 3 5

and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 without repeats.

Christmas Wordsearch

1 9 8 5 4 2 7 1 9 6 2 8 3 4

6 7 2

6 7 8 9 1 9 5 3 3 4 2 5 7 6 1 4 8 5 3 7 9 2 4 8 5 3 7 2 4 1 9 6 2 8 6 1

Enter numbers into the blank spaces so that each row, column

Rick Stein

Delia Smith

Paul Hollywood

Mud

Shakin Stevens

Ratby Community Library Wishes You Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

Bonus Point if you can guess the anagram using the first letter of each answer.

5

4

3

2

buttercream and made to look like

5 3 4

Sudoku

KIRC NITES -

ALIED STIMH -

LAPU ODLOWYOLH -

Bony M Band Aid

Here's hoping that 2021 brings us peace, prosperity and good health!

filled sponge, frosted with chocolate

Nigella Lawson

LEGALIN OWSLAN Jamie Oliver

Gordon Ramsay

DROGON MARASY -

MEJAI RIVOLE -

1974 Lonely this Christmas -

1985 Merry Christmas Everyone -

1984 Do they know its Christmas -

1978 Mary’s Boy Child - Oh My Lord -

On re-opening please be assured that all Covid-19 regulations will be followed assiduously and, as ever, the volunteers will be happy to assist with helping visitors find just what they're looking for.

were born on Christmas Day?

East 17

Cliff Richard

Shane Ward

Spice Girls

Can you work out the name of the famous chefs...

1994 Stay Another Day -

1990 Saviour’s Day -

2005 That's My Goal -

1996 2 Become 1 -

Exciting news is that during our enforced closure contractors have been in to refit the Library kitchen; they're still working hard so advance warning that next month's article will be full of photographs and descriptions of what will be on offer at the Crow Pie Cafe. At the moment, due to the ongoing work, we can't provide even our takeaway drinks but just wait until the New Year!

Capricorn

What cake consisting of a rolled,

Home ALone

We will close over the Christmas period from 4pm. 22nd December until we re-open on Tuesday 5th January at 2pm.

6

Miricale on 34th Street

The Snowman

10am - 12 Wednesday, Saturday.

2pm - 4pm Tuesday, Thursday.

Closed Monday, Friday and Sunday.

What star sign would you be if you

Love Actually

Polar Express

Below is a list of eight Christmas number ones, can you name the artist/band

Elf

The Grinch

Can you name the seven classic Christmas movies

Four pages of fun and trivia to help keep you entertained.

Christmas Quiz Book

After Lockdown 2 our opening hours, starting Tuesday 8th December will be:

1

4

5

2

1

3

We can't tell how good it is to know that it is safe to open the library again and start greeting all our friends and visitors. We see many different visitors over the week: regular borrowers, the local school children, parents and carers of younger children and of course, those who volunteer to collect and return books for their neighbours who can't get out as much as they used to. So welcome back, all of you.

Christmas Quiz

CHRISTMAS QUIZ 4PP ANSWERS.qxp_Layout 1 26/11/2020 08:11 Page 2

Name:

Merry Christmas

Christmas Colouring, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, LE9 2HQ

magazine. Entries Close Friday 18th December 2020. Send your entries to:

giving away. Plus we will print a selection of your pictures in our January

Send in your Christmas colouring and you might win one of 25 selection boxes we are

each house.

number of trees for

road and write the

snowman follow the

Can you help the

How Many

picture on the left.

differences in the

Can you spot the six

Difference

CHRISTMAS QUIZ 4PP ANSWERS.qxp_Layout 1 26/11/2020 08:11 Page 1

Ratby Community Library

Article by Joan Burton

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The Power Is In Your Hands: The Local NHS Needs Your Help LIBRARY RE-OPENING We have re-opened! For the time being at least, we are keeping our opening hours as they were before the latest lockdown: Tuesdays 2.00 – 4.00 Thursdays 2.00 – 4.00 Saturdays 10.00 – 12.00 You will be glad to know that we have masses of new books in stock, so do pop in if you are able. The Covid restrictions remain in place (Track & Trace, wearing masks, sanitising hands, maintaining a social distance and so on) but we are pretty well used to these now and they seem to be working well. We had lots of visitors on our opening Saturday. The Library is decorated for Christmas and there is a particularly gorgeous window display. Sadly, still no home-made cakes, but we can do takeaway drinks and a range of snacks. So do drop in and see us.

CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS Given all the peculiarities of this year, we have decided to close the Library over the Christmas/New Year period. So our last date for opening before Christmas will be Tuesday 22nd December, 2.00 – 4.00, and we will re-open on Saturday 2nd January, 10.00 -12.00.

WINTER MINI CHALLENGE If your children are at a loose end over the Christmas holidays, they may like to take part in the Winter Mini Challenge offered by the Reading Agency. This will be open between 1st December and 15th January. Children of any age just need to sign up at www. wintermini.org.uk and read or share three or more books of their own choice. There are a whole host of fun activities and they can unlock a virtual badge and print off a special certificate. The theme is Everyone is a Hero and children can nominate their favourite reading hero.

Sounds like quite a fun thing to do!

HAVE A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR! What a strange and difficult year this has been. We have all battled through with courage and determination and it looks as though a better future may be on the horizon. So we wish all our Library users and volunteers well. Have a lovely time, come and see us when you can, and above all take care and stay safe.

With luck, care and a following wind, we should be back to normal some time in 2021, a little older, a lot wiser and raring to go!

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Please read their letter and, most importantly, fill in the questionnaire by 21st December. www.betterhospitalsleicester.nhs.uk/news-and-media-centre/news/ To request a copy of the questionnaire to complete at home and information in different formats, please contact 0116 295 0750 or email beinvolved@leicestercityccg.nhs.uk To find out more about the proposals and upcoming events, please visit www.betterhospitalsleicester.nhs.uk

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