February 2023 Your Local Ratby, Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forest East

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Eighth

Changes For Wards And Councillors In

May Elections

Article by Karen Almond

Voters in this May’s Blaby District and Parish elections are being advised of changes to ward boundaries and the number of Councillors to be elected.

Some residents will be in a different ward with a different name and will be listed to vote at a different polling station.

Churches Together

In Ratby

Article by Joan Hawkins

Join us for a special worship service across all ages

Ratby Parish Church and the Methodist church are churches who wants to share God's love with others around us, to serve each other and to help those in need.

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The changes follow a review from the Local Government Boundary Commission – it’s first on the area for 20 years – which proposed a redraw of boundaries and the loss of three District Councillor seats.

The proposals, aimed at ensuring fairness with wards having roughly the same number of electors, went out for public consultation last year and were approved by Parliament in December.

They mean:

Blaby District will now have 36 councillors, three fewer than before Blaby District now has 17 wards, one fewer than before

Boundaries for 15 wards have changed, with two staying the same

There are 3 three-council wards

There are 13 two-councillor wards

There is one single-councillor ward

The changes ensure all wards have around 2,150 electors for each Councillor.

As ward boundaries have changed, so have ward names. Stanton and Flamville, Croft Hill and Normanton are now Fosse Highcross, Fosse Stoney Cove and Fosse Normanton. Saxondale ward is Glen Parva, with ward boundaries being redrawn to move residents of the ward who live in Blaby Parish into the newly created Blaby ward.

Leicester Forest East and New Lubbesthorpe join to become one ward, named Leicester Forest and Lubbesthorpe, with three councillors, while Muxloe and a small section of an area in Leicester Forest East combine to become Kirby Muxloe ward.

The Pastures ward in Narborough is mostly absorbed into the Narborough and Littlethorpe ward and a small section have moved to the Enderby ward. Braunstone Town has seen some changes, with Winstanley ward becoming Thorpe Astley and St Mary’s.

We are excited to announce that we will be holding a special service which is aimed at connecting young people from schools and youth organisations, with older people in our community.

Our first special service is to be held on Sunday 12th March at 10am

The aim of this service is to celebrate the long lives of our more elderly people by introducing our young people to them. The worship will be very interactive with both young and not so young participating. We aim to give each group an opportunity to talk to each other, compare life experiences and most important to worship together, sharing our favourite songs and more.

At the end of the worship together we will be serving refreshments. Come and join us to help us to be a more connected community.

Ratby Cinema Club For Senior Citizens

Venue Ratby Parish Church

Church Lane LE6 0JE

Film starts at 2pm

Doors open 1-15PM

10th March

21st April

19th May

9th June

7th July

18th August

15th September

13th October

10th November

8th December

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This ward has also taken on a small portion of an area in Leicester Forest East Parish to the north of Thorpe Astley. Ravenhurst and Fosse is now Braunstone Ravenhurst. A small number of polling station locations will alter due to the new situation – information on where to vote is always listed on the polling card.

For more details visit: Electoral Boundaries (blaby.gov.uk)

These changes run alongside the new nationally imposed rule to show an accepted form of photo ID to vote in person. More details on this can be found here: Voter Identification Requirements (blaby.gov.uk)

Refreshments available after the film

There is no formal cost for admission however we do hold a small raffle and all donations go towards our holiday at home week for senior citizens.

Due to our licencing restrictions, we are only allowed to advertise the film title in the church building.

For more information, please contact Joan Hawkins Tel: 07545909868

Prostate Enlargement, A Pressing Matter

Article by Gary Trickett

Prostate disorders affect many men as they get older, making their presence felt in around 50% of men in their 50s and almost all men over the age of eighty. The prostate is a walnutsized gland located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra which drains the bladder. With age the prostate gland starts to enlarge, slowly squashing the urethra and reducing the amount of space available for urine to pass through.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostate grows to an unhealthy size, causing difficulty and discomfort for men when urinating.

Symptoms of BPH are urinating frequently, difficulty in getting a urine stream going and feeling as if you are unable to empty your bladder properly.

See your doctor

Although not life-threatening in all but its most extreme stages, it’s not much fun. BUT, before you think about treatment you do need an official diagnosis from your doctor so as to rule out a more serious condition, such as prostate cancer, which is estimated to affect 1 in 8 men in the UK. Symptoms can also be confused with prostatitis, a simpler inflammation of the prostate, often caused by bacteria, and suitable for treatment with antibiotics.

Saw Palmetto and prostate health

Once prostate enlargement has been confirmed, you may wish to try a Saw Palmetto supplement. The berries of the Saw Palmetto plant have been used traditionally to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate. These berries contain specific types of plant sterols, including one known as -sistosterol.

Many doctors in Austria, Germany and Italy use Saw Palmetto as their first line of defence against prostate problems. Prostasan Saw Palmetto capsules from A. Vogel are indicated to relieve urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate in men with a confirmed diagnosis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Men taking prescribed medicines for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) or other hormonal imbalances should consult their GP before taking Saw Palmetto.

Do I have an enlarged prostate?

If you are unsure as to whether you have an enlarged prostate there is a simple test you can take based on the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). It consists of 7 questions and will give you a broad indication as to whether you are suffering from the problem and if so, how severe it is likely to be. To find out more about the prostate test or prostate health in general, visit Gary and his team at The Health Store, West Bridgford or call 0115 9814080.

Remember it is advisable to have your symptoms checked by a doctor, to rule out any underlying prostate conditions, including prostate cancer.

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

Article by Graham Burton

March events on the 7th members of the walk & talk group will meet. The 14th members will meet at Roll-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm New members will be made welcome to this event. On the 22nd members are going on a day trip to York.

Protecting Your Family Inheritance

Article by Klara Dixon

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are fully vaccinated. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

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 particular interest to couples who have come together and have children with different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensuring 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 to be used to purchase a new property, the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

Fancy A Nosey?

Article by

Steve

Hello, and welcome to LeiceExplore, my name is Steve, and I'm a lover of our abandoned and out of sorts industrial heritage in not only Leicestershire, but beyond as well. Join us on YouTube where you will regularly find not just myself, but also my buddies, Delighted Dave, IndiAndy Jones, Rare Rob and the walkabout Wazzock, battling the undergrowth in search of abandoned Railways, Canals, Watermills and so much more.

So head on over to YouTube, search for LeiceExplore and click the subscribe button!

www.youtube.com/@LeiceExplore

What are you waiting for!

Let's go for a Noseh!

You heard it here first!

Leicester Forest East Parish Council

Article by Holly Mann

Councillors Surgeries

Thank you to those who came to see members of the Parish Council, with various queries, at the surgery during the St. Andrew’s coffee morning on Saturday 28th January. A further Councillors’ Surgery will take place at the library’s coffee morning on Saturday 4th march, we would love to see you these!

Works to Either Side of the Parish Hall Gates

Works to improve the border either side of the gates to the Parish Hall car park are due to commence very soon. This will make the area much more aesthetically pleasing and easier to maintain in future. It will also result in a few more car parking spaces being added to the car park.

May 2023 Elections

The Parish Council will be holding elections in May and if you are interested in becoming a Parish Councillor, please contact the clerk on 0116 239 0039 or clerk@lfeparishcouncil.org.uk. Also, check out the new parish Councillor recruitment page for more information: www.lfeparishcouncil.org.uk/parishcouncillor-recruitment.html

10k Charity Swim At Bosworth Academy

Article by Adam Hodges

Olympic gold medallist swimmer Becky Adlington recently visited Bosworth Academy to cheer on former student, Rachel Tuckey, who completed a 10Km swim in aid of Leicester Hospitals Charity.

Rachel was inspired to take on a four-stage challenge to raise money for the charity after Leicester Hospitals took care of her four-year-old son, Oscar, when he was born with severe health problems.

“Oscar turned four in September, a milestone we didn't know we would meet; hence the four challenges. I knew I wanted to do four challenges, but I didn't really know where to start - I got the inspiration for the challenges from the four elements; Earth, Air, Water and Fire,” said Rachel.

The Water stage of the fundraising saw Rachel, along with five friends, swim 10 Km in Bosworth Academy’s swimming pool on Sunday 18 December 2022 and Becky Adlington was there to set the swimmers off.

Speaking to the Leicester Mercury before the swim, Becky Adlington said she was “keen” to support Rachel.

"Nothing is more traumatic to a parent than when your little one is sick… which is why I was so keen to show my support for Rachel," said Becky.

“As parents we are often so busy taking care of everyone else - we forget to check in on ourselves.

"It's great to hear Rachel has found swimming so therapeutic during her difficult time. It's such a great activity to switch off and focus on your breathing,” added Becky.

Representatives from Leicester Hospitals Charity, Total Swimming Academy and Bosworth Academy joined Rachel’s friends and family poolside to see Rachel complete the 10Km swim in 3 hours 39 minutes, ahead of her 4.5hour goal.

“The poolside atmosphere was brilliant and really got us through the swim. We all did far better than our targets which is fantastic and I am so proud of all of the swimmers,” said Rachel.

Bosworth Academy’s Post 16 Student Fundraising Team were in attendance to help run the concession stand.

“Helping out for the charity swim was really enjoyable, everyone was so kind and generous to help raise money for the charity,” said student Neely G.

“Meeting Becky Adlington was an honour, she was lovely and spoke to us about the fundraising that we were doing and was interested in finding out what we did before. The swim was a huge success in raising money for a well-deserved charity!”

An estimated £1,600 was raised from the swim with a current total of £7,982 from the three challenges. Rachel is hoping to go beyond her £8,000 target in time for her final challenge of a 10K Wolf Run on 23 April 2023. More details on how you can donate to the fundraiser can be found at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/4bigchallengesforthebig40

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Ratby Library Community Group

Article by Joan Burton Charity Commission Number 1164252

as 'Memoirs of a lucky lad', whilst it is in fact, 'Memoirs of a lucky life'. Sorry about that Neil.

The Forget-me-Not memory Cafe designed to be a social event for carers and individuals who may experience memory difficulties ran for four weeks with an offer of a free exercise class following it. Unfortunately the take-up has been extremely low and as a result the last one will be February 9th. If, in future, a group would like to get involved with co-ordinating and running it again, we'll be happy to work together in reinstating it.

Bake-off, Books and Bingo!

Geary's Craft Bakeries are kindly sponsoring our first Ratby Bakeoff! Children and adults are invited to produce their masterpieces for the chance of winning Master Baker title. Cook at home and bring into the library for judging –you have until 4th March to find that perfect recipe.

Come in for a Cuppa soup and Hot Buttered Toast – Free on Friday Morning: our contribution to warm space provision in co-operation with HBCC.

Friday is our regular games morning so why not come in for the companionship too? See the photographs from this Friday showing crafters at work and games about to be set up. The pictures of Miss Ribby, from Beatrix Potter and the little Easter chicks are just examples of their art; the chicks, complete with hidden chocolate egg, are on sale for £1.50 but Miss Ribby will be part of our Easter raffle at 50p per ticket.

Regular events continue and are really popular; Yoga with Clara, for example, is every Tuesday morning 10.30-11.30. Using chairs as support but with other free movement, the participants move through a variety of yoga positions designed to improve core strength, increase suppleness and posture as well as relax and quieten the mind. Clara is always willing and able to adapt the poses to individual needs and has encouraged a diverse group of people to challenge themselves and reach for increased activity and strength.

Reading for pleasure. Never goes out of date!

We have a regular supply of brand new library stock, usually popular authors for both adults and children. Did you know that you can download e-books using the LCC library service? Knowing your PIN and having the internet at home is necessary but we also have audio books, recorded to a high standard, in the library on our shelves. Large print books for those with sight issues are in good supply and we have some excellent new fiction titles waiting for you. Donations of books from the public are always popular – pay what you can and keep or return once read. I bought 'The Stencil Book' recently and am enjoying a bit of painting at home. Thank you to the donor!

Bingo and quiz nights are occasions for a laugh and a bit of competition. We're moving bingo to Friday evening so there will be an event every month starting as shown– look out for details here, online and in the library. Quiz night dates are, again, monthly features. Our next brain teaser quiz is 7.30 pm, 17th February.

OOPS! Last month I described the great evening we had hosting a talk from local author, Neil Roberts. I must have enjoyed it so much that I gave the title of his autobiography

Thanks also go to those kind volunteers who have recently joined our team. The more we have the more we can offer, so if you can spare the time, we'd be delighted to welcome you.

Opening Hours:

Monday 10am – 12.30 & 2pm – 4.30pm

Tuesday 2pm – 4.30pm

Wednesday 2pm – 5pm

Thursday 2pm – 4.30pm

Friday 10.am –1pm & 2pm - 4.30pm

Saturday 10am – 12.30

Please look out for regular updates on social media and posters around the village.

DESIGNER BATHROOMS

Tel: 0116 251 0363 - sales@ designerbathroomsleicester.com

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Specialising in beautiful bespoke bathrooms and en-suites, specifically tailored to meet their customers’ requirements, they strive to create a bathing experience second to none. Just walking around their exquisite showroom, you have the opportunity to see a variety of over 35 room settings, each perfectly showcasing many industry top brands, as well as a taste of the Mediterranean with Italian and Spanish wall and floor tiles.

From speaking to the team at Designer Bathrooms it’s clear that they want everyone to be able to have a relaxing and inspiring bathing experience. As such they are proud of their quality of service, products and their single level showroom plus they also specialise in accessible

bathing. Their displays include walk in level floor showers, fold down shower seats, grab rails, digital push button showers, lever taps and comfort height toilets.

At Designer Bathrooms it is perfectly clear that they understand just how important it is to make the right choices, for what should be, one of the most relaxing rooms in your home. As such they listen to your requirements and will guide you through the entire process, from first thought to final tile.

So when you’re next considering a new bathroom or en-suite make over, why not pay Designer Bathrooms a visit? You’ll receive a warm welcome as well as expert advice.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm Private car park available

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Leicester Forest East Community Library

Article by Paul Turner

The Christmas 2022 Paper Quiz

Thank you to all who took part in our Christmas Quiz 2022. We raised £110 for the library funds which will help towards the increased running costs and the loss of the Leicestershire County Council grants in April.

Congratulations to the winner of the quiz Val Dixon. Here are all the answers for anyone to see what you got right!

Bingo Night 10th March – 7pm for 7.30pm

Bring your own snacks and nibbles for an exciting Bingo night on the 10th March. Hot and cold drinks will be available. Please get your tickets from the library. The cost is £6.00 per person and the fee includes 2 bingo books. Dibbers and additional books can be purchased.

Spring Fair – 13th May – SAVE THE DATE

Just a quick note to let you know about the Spring Fair which will be held on the 13th May running from 11:00 to 13:00. There will be a variety of stalls including a plant stall and a World Diversity display – More details in the next article.

Volunteers required – Are you one or do you know one?

The library is a community library run by the community and we are always looking for volunteers. This can be a regular slot or just helping out at odd events. If you want to commit some time to helping, then please drop into the library to see what is involved.

Don’t worry if you cannot get to the library as there are other background jobs that can be done at home (such as producing this article!). Please contact us using the QR code below if you are interested.

The library 100 Club

We realise that some of you are time deprived so another way of helping is to join the 100 Club. For £1 a month you are entered into a monthly draw with a cash prize for the first 3 numbers drawn out of the hat. Our first 100 Club draw of 2023 took place at the January coffee morning and we are pleased to announce the winners as follows:-

1st Prize No. 28 Teresa Robinson

2nd Prize No. 58 Supanna

3rd Prize No. 7 Joan Turner

If you would like to join the 100 Club which runs from January to December, the cost is just £12.00 per year, pro rota. If you want to be in the draw in March the cost will be just £10.00.

Busy Bee

Busy Bee is an activity session for toddlers or pre-school age children in the library on Fridays. Take part in our craft activities in a warm, safe environment with tea and coffee for the adults available to purchase during the break. There will be different activities every week so pop along and see what is happening. All activities are free but a donation towards the running costs of the library would be appreciated.

Opening times and QR Code to contact us

Opening Hours

Mon 2pm - 5pm Tue Closed Wed 10am – 4:30pm 6pm - 8pm Thurs 10am - noon 2pm - 4pm Fri 2pm - 5pm Sat* 10am - noon * 1st Saturday of the month coffee morning 10am - 1pm

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

On Tuesday 21st March, we will be welcoming back Steve Allen, a singer and guitarist who visited us around two years ago when he gave part 1 of his musical tour. This time he will be performing “A Folk Music Trip through History – part 2”. The evening will be accompanied by a meal of fish and chips with wine or a soft drink. Tickets are on sale and can be obtained from either Judith on 01162393767 or Val on 01162394476. The price is £13:00 for members and £15 for visitors. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Full yearly membership is £10, plus an entrance fee of £2 paid at each visit. For visitors, the entrance fee is £5 for each visit.

Keep it clean- doing the laundry with Jan Timson and Joan Bloomfield

On a wintery afternoon last December, after collecting Jan Timson from her bungalow, we arrived at Carey Gardens on Main Street, in order to visit Joan Bloomfield. Joan has lived in Carey Gardens for around one year and is extremely comfortable there. Her flat is warm and a good size for one person and when Joan required extra care it seemed the right place to go. She says that she is very happy there and I can understand why. After we had negotiated the stair lift, it was easy enough to strap Jan into the chair, but how did it work? Eventually we managed it and up the stairs went Jan, followed by me in hot pursuit. We arrived at Joan’s flat and were warmly invited in.

We had decided to talk about washing, a subject many would find unlikely, but it was very interesting indeed. Jan began, telling us about her grandmother’s house in the Highfields area of Leicester. Her grandparents kept a greengrocery shop in a three-storey house. The only power was gas light and the only running water was a cold tap in the scullery, over the stone sink. The toilet was in a shed across the brick-paved yard and next to the toilet was a covered area, where her grandfather stored his hand-cart, on which he collected vegetables and fruit from the wholesale market in Halford Street, Leicester. The heavy mangle was also stored in the area. Jan thinks the space may once have been stables, as at that time many of the houses in Highfields had them. Toilet paper was newspaper cut into squares and threaded on to a loop of string and hung next to the toilet. Jan and family were very lucky as most of the fruit purchased by her grandfather was wrapped individually in tissue paper. After displaying the fruit in his shop, her grandfather then threaded the tissue onto a string and this gave the ladies of the house some “luxury” toilet paper!

Jan remembers that in the scullery there was a round brick-built structure with a copper lining and a wooden lid – this was the copper. She remembers that it had a small metal door in the base and thinks that was the access to the fire that heated the copper. Jan couldn’t recall how the fire was lit, but Joan was on hand to describe the process. She said that the fire was usually lit with sticks and paper to get it going and then was stoked with coal in the early days, to be followed later by using coke. Although Joan couldn’t recall seeing her mother using the copper to wash clothes, she does remember when the Christmas pudding, in a white basin, which was then covered in a white cloth and tied up with string, was put into the copper to boil. Jan has very similar memories. The copper was then emptied by ladling the water back into the sink.

Following the coal driven boiler came the “gas” boiler. This was an enamel cylinder with a lid that was filled with cold water by using a hose pipe connected to the kitchen tap. There was a tap at the base, which made emptying so much easier. The water was boiled up using the gas light at the bottom and then washing was immersed, before being pummelled by the “dolly”. The dolly was a colander-shaped metal article with a wooden handle attached. Joan’s mother had a “posser” and a “puncher”, both similar to a dolly. There was also a stick, wider at the bottom than the top, which was used for lifting the wet clothes out of the boiler into the sink, where it was rinsed (I seem to remember wooden tongs - J.U.) Last of all came the mangle – a large, heavy instrument into which the clothing was fed at one end and all the water was squeezed out, leaving some very flat items to be shaken out before pegging them on the clothes line. Clothes lines were made of rope not plastic and had to be taken in every day as otherwise they

would soon rot. There were so many memories from Jan and Joan relating to washing day. Joan tells us that when she was at school, she remembers coming home at the end of the school day and seeing her mum still washing clothes. There were memories of the washing line breaking and all the washing ending up on the muddy ground, with the process then starting all over again. Memories of walking into the line prop – Joan still has the scar on her eyebrow. Jan recalls that when living on Main Street if the washing was not on the line by 10am the neighbours on Desford road would think something was wrong and come to inquire if all was o.k. (at that time the gardens of many of the houses on Main Street backed up to the gardens on Desford road). They both spoke of the pleasure in seeing a line full of pristine white nappies, blowing in the wind. If nappies were stained, they were dried in a secluded area where they were not visible to the neighbours. Many houses had a wooden drying rack hanging from the kitchen ceiling and let down by a pully for access. This was used for drying “smalls” and airing other clothing. Everyone had a “clothes horse” usually made of wood and if turned onto one side and covered with a sheet made a wonderful tent (I recall many happy hours spent playing in my clothes horse tent - J.U.)

We briefly discussed the hand-operated washing machine and then went on to talk about the advent of the spin dryer and how it used to “walk” across the floor. It has been said that sitting on the top of the spinner to stop it moving was almost like going for a workout in the gym. Next, the “twin tub”, which was followed by the more modern washing machines of today. We talked about Rekkit’s Blue, the little blue tablet enclosed in a white bag, twisted around at the top. These were added to the rinsing water and swished around to make the water blue. They made the white clothes appear to be whiter than white. They can still be purchased today. Soap powder for the washing machine was remembered as Omo, Persil, Surf, Daz, Rinso and Tide. Some of these are still around today but with improved formulae and often in liquid or sachet form.

Pegs – both Jan and Joan remember the dolly pegs. Although they were invented in the Victorian times, they became more prominent during WWI. As many of us will remember, dolly pegs were made of wood with a split and a round knob on top. During wartime when money was very short, most toys were handmade at home. The dolly peg was the ideal base for a doll. The round knob was painted with a doll’s face and clothes were made out of scraps of material – a very well received gift in wartime England. The pegs were originally made by gypsies and sold door to door. Later they were sold in shops. Dolly pegs were followed by the wooden sprung peg – these often fell apart when the spring became weak. Plastic sprung pegs followed and now plastic “cushion” pegs.

Many thanks to Jan and Joan for a very enjoyable afternoon. There are so many more memories to share. In a few months, we will visit their memory box again to talk about bath time, peg rugs, the coalman and much more.

The conversation then turned to bath time. Both Jan and Joan recall the pleasure of taking a bath! The tin bath was brought in to the kitchen, hot water from the copper was ladled into the bath and then one by one everyone took a bath. Jan’s was perhaps a more civilised affair as she was the only child in the family. Joan was the eldest of four siblings and so when it was bath night-usually on a Friday, the youngest went into the bath first, followed by the next in age, Joan was the last child followed by her mother. At this time her father was away on active duty in WWII. When it was time to empty the bath water, it was ladled back into the sink. Finally, the upstairs wash stand. Both ladies recalled having a wash. Each bedroom had a washstand with a large jug and basin and a soap dish, often all matching. Hot water was carried upstairs and poured into the basin ready for a wash, afterwards the water was poured back into the jug and taken downstairs to be tipped away down the kitchen sink.

Jan Timson

Joan Bloomfield

Ozzy O’shea

County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825

E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Severn Trent Water Repair Chapel Lane, Ratby.

Residents have contacted me over the weekend 4th February, concerned about a letter they had received from Severn Trent Water regarding a water mains repair scheduled for Monday 6th February. I was concerned that the map was showing an exit from Chapel Lane onto Berry’s Lane. As residents we all know Berry’s Lane, Ratby is not a through road. I contacted the assistant director of Highways and also Network Management at the County Council raising both mine and resident’s concerns. The work was then cancelled for today 6th February. I am pleased to say after negotiation with Severn Trent Water, Highways and myself it was agreed that the work would now take place on a Saturday. This would mean that the nursery located in the church rooms on church lane, would be closed when the work was being carried out reducing the through traffic element. Highways insisted that reinstatement would have to be completed on the same day. I am waiting for a new date when they can return to complete the work, they are currently looking for a contractor who can reinstate and complete all the work in the same day. Severn Trent will update residents on Church Lane and Chapel Lane when they intend to do the work. I have also been updated that other works will be required to this water main at a later date.

The Coronation of His Majesty The King. Planning a street party to celebrate the event

If you're planning a street party or any other event on the public highway you will need to notify us, and where applicable, apply for a road closure order:

What you need to do

To close a street or road, you must make a formal application and receive approval from us at Leicestershire County Council. Normally, a street party road closure would be subject to an administration fee. However, we have decided to waive the fee for the Coronation of His Majesty The King.

The deadline to submit your application is Friday 31 March 2023.

Apply to close a street or road

Your event information will

be shared with the emergency services so they can put their own plans and resources in place. You should register your event as soon as you can. Submitting draft plans is better than doing nothing at all.

Apply by typing in the below County Council link. (2) Then search Coronation. Which will then take to the Coronation to open the application

www.leicestershire.gov.uk

Signs and cones

You can make an application to borrow signs and cones (see section 5 within the document above). Signs and cones must be collected from, and returned to the Mountsorrel Highways Depot.

Collection arrangements will need to be made or a quote for delivery can be requested. After making the application, you will receive a confirmation email and you will be given a time slot for collection. The deadline to submit your application is Friday 31 March 2023.

Council owned land and licences

Get in touch with your local district or parish council for information about organising an event on council owned land or green spaces, and information about licensable activities such as selling food and drink or playing music.

Contact us about planning a street party to celebrate the event For further information and advice email: eventsnetworkmanagement@leics. gov.uk or telephone 0116 305 7239.

HMRC Scams. Please Don’t Be Caught Out.

It’s that time of year again when tax returns have to be submitted. HMRC acknowledged more than180,000 public reports of potential HMRC scams in the 12 months to August 2022, with most being from fraudsters offering fake tax rebates.

What's more, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recently revealed that HMRC scams were the third most-reported email impersonation scams via its Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS).

Here, I can reveal some of the most common HMRC impersonation scams and how to report scam communications.

Text Scams

Scam texts offering you a tax refund from HMRC may be particularly attractive at a time when household budgets are being squeezed because of the cost of living crisis - but any links in the texts will usually send you to a dodgy website that’s geared up to steal your details. Some refer to the Covid-19 pandemic and offer a tax refund in relation to this.

HMRC will never ask you for financial or personal details via text. HMRC also advises that it will never use WhatsApp to contact customers about tax refunds.

Email scams to watch out for. Various email scams impersonating HMRC have been circulating. Examples we've heard about include emails telling you to update your details, emails to say your details have already been changed, and notifications requesting you to pay customs duty to receive a non-existent valuable parcel - this is also being sent via text.

These emails use HMRC branding to appear genuine - fraudsters can also spoof email addresses, making it difficult to tell if it's a scam. They'll usually include links to phoney websites where scammers will be aiming to get your personal and financial information.

Update, Last month I reported the following Scam.

Police Barclays Bank Scam Attempt On Groby Resident. This Scam was featured on BBC East Midland News on Wednesday 1st February. Several vulnerable victims have fallen to this scam, one loosing £24k. Nottinghamshire police said that local victims of this scam have lost over £70k over the past month. Please remain alert to such scams, the callers are very convincing they purport to be police officers.

Finally, I would like 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 Locally

Film Evenings

Parish Hall, Leicester Forest East

Our community cinema is FREE to all residents of L.F.E. and surrounding areas

When: The first Thursday of every month (except July and August )

Where: The Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LE3 3JE. Time: 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm prompt.

Cost: FREE

Film: You can find our next planned film by:

 Joining our emailing list for early advice (forms available on the evening) ;

 Telephoning 0116 239 4983.

A free hot drink and biscuit are provided. As we have no licence, please feel free to BYO drinks.

Kirby Muxloe Podiatry Practice

TEL: 0116 2392024

Just cal our small, friendly firm - whether it’s one window or a full house - with approximate sizes, and we’ll give you a price OVER THE PHONE or a free call out if you prefer.

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825

ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Lagan Homes.

We now have a further application going to Planning Committee on the 14th of February by Lagan Homes for 75 Dwellings on land north of Markfield Rd Application Number 22/00648/OUT.

Whilst this application is for access only with all other matters reserved, we both feel that this is a further intrusion into open countryside and will have a devastating impact on the road network and local infrastructure of Ratby. We have a saved Policy DM4 which prohibits development in the open countryside but without a 5year Housing Supply and a Local Plan which the current LibDem run Authority has consistently failed to deliver, we are at severe risk of this being passed. You can, if you so wish , to object by going on the Planning Portal at HBBC and put in the above planning reference number.

We both will be attending the Planning Meeting.

Election 2023.

We both are pleased to announce that we are both standing in the Borough Elections on the 4th May 2023. Chris has been your Councillor since 2003 and Ozzy since 2007. We have both served this village tirelessly in all this time and are seeking your vote again. However, this time, to avoid electoral fraud, those residents wishing to go and vote in person at the Church Rooms in Ratby, you will need to provide photo ID.

Such as a passport or driving licence.

We Need Volunteers!

Leicester’s Life Skills Charity Helps Children

Make Safer Choices, Join Us And Help Make A Difference In Your Community

Article by Sara Shaw

At Warning Zone children hear real life stories and experience learning through interactive zones led by our volunteer guides. The centre is split into two. There is a general safety zone –fire, arson, railways, personal safety, water, electricity, road safety to name a few! And E-Safety - topics include online phishing, cyber bullying, sharing and use of inappropriate images, online grooming and more. Both areas explore themes such as peer pressure, criminal responsibility and consequences, the importance of talking to a trusted adult, being a good friend, and mental health and wellbeing.

Warning Zone wouldn't function without the generosity of our wonderful team of volunteers who deliver lessons and experiences to the children from Monday to Friday throughout the academic year. Each day is split into a morning and afternoon session. This equates to 10 sessions a week that we require volunteers. Each session needs approximately 10 volunteers, so that is around 100 volunteers a week! Some of the volunteers stay for the day, while others just come for a morning or afternoon session.

There is a free form of Voter ID that has been introduced alongside the requirement to show photo ID in the polling station. This form of ID is called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’ and is valid for elections only.

You can find out about how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on our website here: www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/info/200172/how_to_ vote/454/voting_at_the_polling_station_by_post_and_by_proxy as well as access the full list of ID that can be accepted. ID can be expired, but the likeness should still be good.

If electors are unable to complete the online application, officers are more than happy to post a hard copy form out. If they need assistance taking a photograph, we can arrange an appointment for them and we can complete the whole process there and then.

Please Contact Electoral Services at HBBC. 01455 238141

Your vote is very important to us to enable us to continue representing you and to help you with your needs.

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

Chris & Ozzy. Working for you.

The minimum requirement is just 5 hours per month (2 sessions).

Volunteers range from 16 to 80+ years old, from all walks of life. The day at Warning Zone is ideal for parents with children at school, fitting in with school drop off and pickups. It’s also great for people that have retired and are looking for a way to use their extensive, valuable skills and experience. It really is a rewarding volunteering opportunity and a great way to give back to the community. There is a dedicated space for volunteers where appreciation is shown from biscuits to days out and achievements are celebrated with certificates at various stages.

We warmly invite you to visit us to find out more about what we do and to shadow an experienced volunteer. To book a visit or request more information email volunteer@ warningzone.org.uk visit www.warningzone. org.uk or call 0116 262 9739. We would love to meet you and show you the fabulous work of our charity.

“I like being able to use my existing skills and love the enthusiasm and interest of the children. Volunteering at Warning Zone is very flexible and allows me to give my time while still being able to engage in other activities.” A Warning Zone Volunteer explains why they got involved with the charity.

Article by Penny Wright

The Kirby Muxloe Library is designated a Warm Haven for anyone seeking a cosy spot and some company. Games are available and our computers are equipped with programmes for family history research.

We welcome social or business meetings. Our meeting room is for hire at a very reasonable rate (£8 per hour, £5 for charities).

The Library Book Group meets on various Tuesdays each month from 2.15 to 3.30 . Please contact 07758595366 for further details.

Glenfield U3A groups also meet at the library. The Writers Group (07854255309) the Mahjong and Bridge Groups (07759914863) are all seeking new members.

Display of Common British Birds.

To coincide with the children’s half term we are creating a board for listing our local birds. We want input from the public please. Come and place a tick by the named birds you have seen in this area. If you see something not listed, write it down with the date you spotted it. You could draw a picture for our board too. The display will be in place by mid-February.

Also over half term , Feb 18th – 25th, we hope to run an informative and interactive display asking ‘What is your carbon footprint?’

Which genre of fiction book is your

Over the last few months we have received loads of good condition books from generous donors. To clear our storage space we are holding a pop-up sale of Crime Thrillers throughout March.

New Fundraising & Events Committee In Ratby Wants To Invest In Local Community… And They Need Volunteers

Article

by Megan Lupton

Off the back of their success with Ratby’s first Scarecrow Festival in 2022, Rooting for Ratby is looking forward to a new year of exciting events - and they need volunteers. The committee, which is made up of passionate, local people with a shared interest in their village, hopes to raise money for community groups and organisations through exciting annual events, with the help of local volunteers.

Rooting for Ratby was responsible for Ratby’s inaugural Scarecrow Festival, an event that raised

£1,420.59 for Ratby Library. The library, which was in financial trouble, benefitted from the combined community effort and today, the library continues to serve the people of Ratby. Rooting for Ratby’s core mission is to carry this energy on to other groups and organisations in the village.

The committee has multiple events lined up for 2023. Due to the scale of their events, Rooting for Ratby relies on volunteers. From catering to event management, stall holders and more, there are several roles that the committee has available for their upcoming events. You will get to work with a friendly committee of people who share your passions for your village; your time and energy will make a tangible difference.

Rooting for Ratby is a small, friendly group of Ratby-locals looking for volunteers for their upcoming events in 2023. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Rooting for Ratby, please contact rootingforratby@ gmail.com

January 28th 10.30 – 1.00 homemade cakes children’s crafts

Scarecrow Festival And Fun Day 2023

OPEN MEETING

Wednesday 15th February 7pm at the Library

ALL WELCOME

Please come along to share any ideas you may have to make this year’s September weekend (9th/10th) even better than last! If you are interested in joining our committee, have any ideas or skills but cannot make this date please contact Roger 07920 32 99 44.

Otherwise… see you there!

The Baedeker Raids And Me (1942)

By David Schonveld (Village Writers)

It was a bright, cold day in April. I was in my dad's storage barn, with Len, my dad's lanky storeman, in his check shirt, under rather grubby dungarees. The distant bell of the Church was tolling midday, the sound flowing over the Yare marshes.

Len was telling me about German bomber planes.

"They come in from the East, they dew. Oover Yarmuth they dew. And when they come, yew'd better get under that Morrison Shelter in your dad's orffice, double quick! "

He took a deep drag on his cigarette and spun the butt away with a deft flick of his wrist. A space. Then, with finality,

"Then all yew have t'dew, is to remember th Nawfuk moh' o!" (Motto) He paused and I wondered what he was going to say next.

"Jes' you remember, 'bor, yer young bob!" said Len, " the Nawfuk moh'o! " He seemed to think I wouldn't know it, but I did:

"Dew it rain or dew it shine, keep yew agoowen!" I said triumphantly! I was only five.

"Well, bugger me! Who taught you that?"

"My dad," I said, proudly, though I was rather shocked at the 'bugger me!" I'd been told about bad words.

"Now goo yoo orf hoam, elss your mother'll be getting onter me!"

I knew better than to argue with Len. He had a bad limp, which meant he would never be a soldier again. But he was a man you didn't cross, if you didn't want a 'clip over the ear,' or anywhere else!

My dad, I mean my father, was also someone you had to watch.

If my mum said "wait 'til your father gets home!" because I'd hit my brother Victor, or something else as bad, It might mean I was in for a 'hiding:' That's heavy smacks of his big, pudgy hand, or else with a stick or hairbrush. Whatever was to hand. Not every time. But I never knew when if was going to happen or not

I'd been listening to Uncle Mac on Children's Hour later on that day, sitting in my jarmies by the big radiogram in the corner of the living room. Uncle Mac has a lovely,warm, reassuring voice, and it is like he was telling the story, just to you.

He's telling the story of two Inuit children, lost in a merciless Arctic winter, trying to stay alive.

" So.We shall both go to Sedna together!" says the older sister, in that story. I knew that meant they were going to die. And Uncle Mac's voice told you he knew that too, but, somehow, it was all right. Because it was Uncle Mac. He's the sort of man I want to be when I grow up.

It is getting dark outside. I am sitting near the coal burner, with its fire glowing orangey- yellow flames behind its mica windows.I'm sitting on the big camel leather pouffe.

It's very comfy. But it smells a bit

From the gathering dark, the rising and falling of the siren's warning cry seems to tremble like someone frightened.

And, behind Uncle Mac's voice, another sound; first a distant drone.A loud humming.Then a menacing, steadily increasing roar of aircraft, flying low, pulsing as each new wave of bombers crosses the air above us.

"Time to go and meet dad."says my older sister, Rachel.

"But Uncle Mac's story! It isn't finished!"

"I'll read it to you later."

"But it's Uncle Mac's story!"I wail.

"No it isn't. He's just reading it. It's a story from a book of stories. It's called 'Quiquern' by a man called Rudyard Kipling."

I'm amazed at my sister.

She seems to know everything.

But I grumble as I put on my coat over my pyjamas, and my shoes over my socks.

I had just learned to tie my own laces.

Outside the sky is mostly hidden, the lane sunk between walls of big trees. We live just outside the city. But the sky we see was different, frightening, exciting: a darkening sky with a few bright stars. Clouds under-lit by a dirty orange red. As we walked up the lane, bright flashes of siver-white flickered, followed by heavy thumps of sound.

Beyond the white palings, which Rachel said were all that remained of a Toll house, my father loomed up, in his ARP uniform and carrying a blackout lantern.

"Get back inside!" He said. "The city is on fire!"

Almost immediately, a series of immense flashes of light reflected off the clouds.

Earth and air crumpled and shook.

An acrid breeze blew, as we turned round to go back down the lane. In the distance a steady cascade of fiercely burning flares fell slowly, like curtains of fire over the river marshes. White searchlight beams stabbed and criss-crossed the dark between the clouds.

Up above the roundabout, on the way into town, the big silver-grey barrage balloon, like a huge elephant, must be riding up in the night sky. But we couldn't see it from our lane.

"Don't stand there gawping! "My father barked. "Straight into the house! Straight under the Morrison shelter!"

My mother greeted us at the door, little Victor holding her hand.

It was now well past bedtime. We hung our coats and kicked off our shoes, before climbing in, under the shelter.

The massive steel air raid shelter took up most of the room we called 'the office.' We lay together like those little silver fish in tins you could get sometimes without ration books.

We were just settling, with me squashed up against the steel lattice of one of the sides, when a knocking came: a moment of silence, then a hammering at the back door.

Was someone trying to break in?

My father, on the opposite side of the shelter, switched on a torch. "Who could it be!?" said my mother.

"I'll see to it, Bet!"

I could see various bits of room, lit up as he put on his dressing gown. The knocking came again.

I felt the air, cool on my face as the back door was opened.

"Mr Kellner?" said a voice I knew. It was Sergent Wilkins, the local Bobby. "You're showing a light, upstairs!"

My father said something I couldn't make out, but I guess he was apologising.

It was strange to hear him being told off.

I knew it was a very bad thing to show a light during an air raid. In any case, I was now struck with a sudden guilt and anxiety.

It was ME! I'd left the curtains open, to see if I could see any more planes. I'd left the light, after going to the toilet. Now the Germans would see it!

My father returned to the shelter. I waited to hear his angry voice, wanting to know who had left the light on.But he just muttered something to my mother that I couldn't quite catch.

We lay in the dark under the shelter for a long time listening to the muffled thump of the explosions outside.

No one said anything. A long silence.

Then, at last, the cheerful 'All Clear' siren sounded. And we climbed out of the shelter to go to our proper beds.

At the top of the stairs, my father had still said nothing. But as I turned left to go to my room, at the end of the corridor, he touched my shoulder and said, gruffly.

"It's all right son. Just a simple mistake. People make mistakes, even in wartime."

It felt like the nicest thing he had ever said to me. And I began to wonder, as I walked down the corridor, if his voice wasn't just a bit like Uncle Mac's

The Village Writers

Article by David Schonveld

The VILLAGE WRITERS group is looking for one or two new writers.

At the moment we meet via Zoom twice a month.1st & 3rd Wednesdays@7pm. (Members are sent a link)

You don't have to have any standard of writing.

Anyone who writes, enjoys writing, or who wants to get better at it is eligible. We read the writing we've done as homework & get helpful, creative 'feedback' from our friendly others.

The Writers'WORKSHOP group is also looking for one or two members. It's an in-person group, and focusses directly on the many techniques of writing.(eg.description, dialogue, short story,memoir etc)

All writing is done at the meeting.

Find out more about either group: text or email David: 07552107461 or aschons98@gmail com