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

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Community Warm Spaces To Support Residents This Winter

Article by Karen Almond

Blaby District Council is teaming up with community partners to offer a host of ‘warm spaces’ for people who may be lonely, vulnerable or concerned about the cost of living.

The Council offices themselves on Desford Road, Narborough, will play host to a series of ‘warm space’ sessions in the Brooks Room starting on Wednesday 11 January from 9am to noon.

The Council has also provided grants to help neighbourhood organisations open up local centres as part of an initiative which will run throughout this winter.

Some organisations have used the money to buy new equipment to facilitate the extra opening such as kettles and urns, while others have put it towards the cost of food and beverages.

Currently the Council is aware of around 18 ‘warm spaces’ across the District but is keen to hear from any other groups or centres who could also provide the service and may need support.

Members of Braunstone Town Council were keen to get involved in the scheme and now run a dedicated ‘warm space’ at the Civic Centre each Tuesday.

something to look forward to.”

Blaby District Council has forged a strong relationship with locally-based retail giant Next to support the warm spaces.

The firm has been donating clothes, bedding and soft furnishings for the Council to distribute to families in need and to give away at warm spaces venues.

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a safe space.

She said: “I think it is a brilliant idea. People can come along and meet others, get a lovely bowl of soup to warm you up, it’s wonderful. I live by myself so it can get lonely but coming to the Civic Centre for things like the warm space has given me confidence. I’m sure there are lots of others out there in a similar situation who might be nervous about coming along but I’d say try it, there are some wonderful people here, it can really bring you out of your shell and give you

He said: “We know many of our residents are concerned about the rising cost of living and continued increases in energy bills. That’s one of the reasons why we wanted to help develop these warm spaces in locations throughout the District to provide a place for people to spend time without having to worry about their heating. But the warm spaces are much more than that, they provide an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy food and drink and meet others. In some of the spaces people can also talk to an expert about benefits or be signposted to other services. We continually strive to do our best for our residents given the challenging times we are living in and I would encourage people to use these warms spaces. I would also call on any other community organisations to come forward and work with us to provide more of these spaces.”

Since November Blaby District Council has funded eight groups to help them either set-up as a warm space or expand existing sessions to offer a warm space environment.

These are Blaby Baptist Church, Lubbesthorpe Hub, Kirby Muxloe Library and Community Hub, St Andrew’s Church, Countesthorpe (The Bridge), Leicester Forest East Community Library, Littlethorpe Village Hall, Braunstone Civic Centre and Cosby Community Library.

Funding is still available and groups can apply for up to £350 to cover running costs, refreshments or equipment purchase. For more details contact vcshub@blaby.gov.uk

Any residents wishing to pop along to a ‘warm space’ should check with the group or centre involved to find out more about days, times and facilities available.

Cheryl Taylor is a Braunstone Town resident who regularly attends and cannot praise the service highly enough, not only for providing food and warmth but also giving those who may be lonely or isolated a chance to meet new friends in

Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning Delivery and Enforcement and Corporate Transformation, visited the Civic Centre and was impressed by the work of the volunteers and how much the offering meant to those who attended.

Soothing A Sore Throat Naturally

Article by Gary Trickett

Nearly all of us will have experienced a sore throat at some point. There’s no mistaking that dry, scratchy tickle that heralds something painful is on its way. And once it has taken hold, sore throat symptoms can progress to nasal congestion, swollen glands, hoarseness and trouble swallowing.

Cold and flu viruses are the most common cause of a sore throat, but bacterial infections can also cause throat pain. Strep throat is one of the most common bacterial throat infections, affecting the back of the throat and the tonsils, and may require antibiotics to treat it.

A sore throat caused by a virus usually clears up on its own, but there are several natural remedies that can help with sore throat symptoms, and even speed its departure.

Echinacea purpurea is a powerful immune-supportive herb that works by improving the way the immune system responds to bugs, especially the common cold. Echinacea Sore Throat Spray contains sage, as well as Echinacea herb and root. Echinacea in spray form is great because it enables you to directly target the back of the throat and any irritated areas. As with other sore throat remedies, see your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms still persist after seven days.

Warm it up! Nothing soothes a sore throat quite like a warming drink. Echinaforce Hot Drink with fresh Echinacea extract and tart elderberries is a warming winter drink that can be used to relieve symptoms of cold and flu, or why not create your own?

Hot honey and lemon works wonders for a sore throat. Honey is recognised the world over for its antimicrobial, antiviral and antifungal properties, and lemons are a great source of vitamin C, plus they can provide pain relief and help to break up mucus. Simply mix two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice into a cup of warm or hot water.

For further information, visit Gary and his team at The Health Store, West Bridgford or call 0115 9814080.

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

Article by Graham Burton

On the 25th members are going on a trip to Marsh Farm shopping & having a meal there. Any new members who would like to join. Please get in touch with Anthony Norton on 01332 703996.

February events the walk & talk group will meet on the 7th.On the 12th members will be going on a rearranged visit to the Birmingham Military Tattoo. The 14th members meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm.New members will be made welcome to this event.

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.

CHRISTMAS DAY ALONE 2022 Little Markfield Farm - Markfield

Everyone who attended Christmas day for those alone in Markfield and the surrounding villages had a great day.

We had a wonderful meal, a present each and a goody bag with lots of yummy treats. But most importantly weren’t alone on what can be for some an even more lonely day than usual.

A very grateful thanks to the companies etc. who support us – Bowns hardware, Bradgate Rotary club, Charnwood Brewery, Co-Op, GTS security, MB signs, Next, Oooh-fudge. com, Pladis, Roy Greens, Tesco

Many thanks to all the individuals who have donated whatever they can and taken them to the donation hubs, everything helps small or large and all donations have helped make the day very special.

Thanks to all the volunteers on the day, who worked really well as a fantastic team.

Last but not least – thankyou to all at Little Markfield Farm, without whom this could not have taken place. The barn looked so wonderful, and the meal was absolutely delicious.

Thanks for reading and a happy New Year.

Kerry Sharpe

Birstall And District Art Society (BADAS)

Article by Meg Grant

On 14 February we welcome Graham Short for our first ‘demo evening’ of the year. Graham will provide an illustrated talk on the subject of ‘My Life as a Micro Artist’. You can find more information about Graham on his website: www.graham-short.com

Our March demo evening held on 9 March will be an appraisal of members’ paintings. Artist Amanda Jackson will conduct a (kind) critique of work, providing a fascinating insight about works well and what could be done to improve a painting, from the point of view of composition, technique, and other factors.

On 11 April, Sallyann Brackett makes a welcome return to us. Her subject will be British wildlife, using a ‘tissage’ technique.

Local artist Lesley Brooks will demonstrate a landscape in acrylic, the Norfolk Broads on 9 May.

Our demo evenings are held at the Tara Palmer Tomkinson Centre at the Cedars Academy Birstall. They are held on the second Tuesday of the month, starting promptly at 7pm. The charge for non-members is £4.

This year, we are trialling a new Wednesday evening meeting from 6.30pm until 8.30pm at Wanlip Hall. This is not a teaching class, but a chance to get together to paint or draw in your own style and medium at your own pace. Sessions are open to members and those who are considering membership, particularly those that are unable to come along to our daytime sessions. Although mainly intended for adults, under-18s may attend if they are accompanied by a responsible adult. There is a charge of £3 per session, which includes refreshments. No booking is required.

Ratby Cinema Club For Senior Citizens

Venue Ratby Parish Church Church Lane LE6 0JE

Film starts at 2pm Doors open 1-15PM

10th February 10th March 21st April 19th May 9th June 7th July 18th August 15th September 13th October 10th November 8th December

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

Ratby Library Community Group

Article by Joan Burton

All of us here in the library would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year.

SAVE

OUR LIBRARY CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

Become a volunteer and make a difference. As Americans would say, 'Of the people for the people'! It's the volunteers who keep our library and community group running for the people of Ratby, but there aren't enough of them to consolidate all we've done in the past year to stay open. With your help, we will continue to grow and thrive. One shift a week by a handful of extra villagers, would make a difference Give it a go and see how much your contribution can do!

Last autumn saw an event packed schedule. Ratby Snowman Festival December 3 &4 th December.

Sponsored by Anderson Briggs Estate Agent

This joint venture with the church was a special time in the village: lights up, houses with 49 snowmen decorating drives, trees and windows as well as Christmas fairs at the church and library. Our share of the event was £462.70 as well as around £60 made on cafe sales over the two days and fees from stall holders. We welcomed Bradgate Rotary Club's Santa Claus and a number of elves and had a very jolly time.

Our volunteer Lynne has been crowned the Queen of Hot Dogs following her day long effort!

We were happy to host Neil Roberts, village resident and author to a discussion of his book, 'Memoir of a lucky lad' over wine and laughter. Evoking growing up in wartime Britain, where bombs and shrapnel were nuisances (!) and sweets were treasures, Neil took us through an entertaining jaunt across the decades. His audience certainly enjoyed sharing the tales with him.

On Remembrance Sunday we opened early to offer hot drinks etc to the many who attend this special village event. A small action but it reflected our determination to support village life.

As well as our fun Halloween Craft afternoon for children, the library ran two toy sales where many found excellent bargains for family and friends. One delighted gentleman found the very action figure he'd been searching for and left with a real gleam in his eye. Stall holders were also pleased with their morning's work so do look out for our future sales times. We advertise on Facebook and social media as well as around the village.

Regular events continue and are really popular; We're planning on a monthly Saturday sale each one selling different items. Our next is a children's clothing and school uniform sale on 14th January from 10-1pm.

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 two weeks starting as shown– look out for details here, online and in the library.

I couldn't resist adding the photograph of Warwick, the adorable life model dog for

Kathryn's Monday evening art and craft class: he was wonderfully behaved and his portraits reflected his charm! Oh, and his equally charming owner Megan, of course!

Working in conjunction with local advisors, the library is piloting a new venture, The Forget-me-Not memory Cafe designed to be a social event for carers and individuals who may experience memory difficulties. It will be followed by a new chair-based exercise and mental stimulation session, designed to promote calm and improved memory.

The cafe opens at 11 am until 12.30. Exercise, Love to Move, starts 12.451.45. First session began on Wednesday January 4th 2023. These exercise classes will run for twelve weeks in the first instance. No charge is made for the exercise class. The memory cafe offers refreshments such as cake and coffee for £3.50 with complimentary offers for carers.

Another venture is our contribution to warm space provision in cooperation with HBCC. We are opening extra hours at lunch time; as yet we can only offer Monday and Friday but it does depend on having sufficient volunteers to cover shifts... The more hands the more we can offer.

Opening Hours:

Monday 10am – 4.30pm (volunteer dependent)

Tuesday 2pm – 4.30pm

Wednesday 2pm – 5pm

Thursday 2pm – 4.30pm

Friday 10.am – 4.30pm (volunteer dependent)

Saturday 10am – 12.30

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

Introducing the new Friend of Ratby Library and Community Group Support Scheme!

At our open meeting last year, this form of financial support was brought to our attention and after some discussion and modification we hope residents will be able to give support.

If you are able to make a regular monthly contribution, no matter how small (though big is nice...) you will be helping to make our library a stable, sustainable, community hub. A monthly draw will mean coffee or tea and cake for two in the library cafe; a sweet reward for being generous! Forms are in the library with our bank details. I personally have the library named on my Smile Amazon account – all you need is our name which is given at the top of the page. Thank you all and happy reading, playing and visiting in 2023!

Tel: 0116 251 0363 - sales@ designerbathroomsleicester.com www.designerbathroomsleicester.com - 74 Bradgate Street, Leicester, LE4 0AW

With an in-house team of experts who are all fully trained and qualified to the highest standard, Designer Bathrooms can ensure total customer satisfaction.

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

They look forward to welcoming you soon….

Designer Bathrooms are a family business with two generations of experience based in the heart of Leicestershire.

Article by Holly Mann

Christmas Lights

Parish Councillor Recruitment and Councillor Surgeries

This year is an election year for Leicester Forest East Parish Council. As such, the Parish Council are very interested to hear from anyone who would like to stand as a Parish Councillor; the Parish Council will do all it can to support you in standing. More information can be found at: www.lfeparishcouncil.org.uk/parish-councillor-recruitment.html

Additionally, if you would like to speak with a Councillor face to face about becoming a Parish Councillor, or if you have any other Parish issues you wish to raise, please come along to one of the Councillor surgeries:

• Saturday 28th January 2023 at the St. Andrew’s Church coffee morning (between 10am and 12noon); or

• Saturday 4th March at the library’s coffee morning.

Ratby Snowman Festival

Article by Justin

Ratby’s first ever snowman festival was a huge success! The festival ran over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th of December and was a fantastic community event with 47 households, businesses and community groups building some amazing snowmen and displays. It was great to see so many people following the snowman trail around the village, despite the drizzle!

We would like to thank the wonderful businesses in Ratby who supported the prizes for the festival.

Announcing the winners Best in Snow - Sponsored by Anderson Briggs

1st Prize - Ratby Snowband (Ratby Band)

2nd Prize - Mr Buttons

3rd Prize - A Wheely Good Snowman

Funniest Snowman - Sponsored by The Bulls Head

The New Prime Minister Best Business / Organisation

Display – Sponsored by Tudor Franklin IA.

Chilling by the Fire (Porters Carpets)

Best Children’s DisplaySponsored by Venture Studios Olaf’s Minion Christmas Party

Best Street - Sponsored by Porters Carpets Markfield Road

The Snowman Festival raised over £950 which was shared between the Parish Church and Community Library.

We would like to say a massive thank you to all of the families, business and organisations that took part, to the businesses that donated prizes for the event and the raffle and to all those who helped out over the weekend. Special thanks to Rosie from Ratby Community Library who came on board and helped to organise the festival.

We hope this has encouraged you to take part or visit this year!

Justin and Serena (Ratby Snowman Festival Team).

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

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday 17th January 2023 at 7pm in St Bart’s Church Hall. Our speaker Nigel Bruen will talk about the “English Civil War” – we are reliably informed that he will be appearing in costume! Then 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 one 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 with wine or soft drink. Details to be announced later. Tickets will be on sale at our meeting in January. 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.

Kirby Muxloe Castle – the last 100 years

A few weeks ago, at our Local History Group meeting, Val Knott and I gave a presentation entitled K.M. Castle, the last 100 years. We realised that although many local people have a good idea of the origin of the Castle, its more recent history is less well known. Briefly, for anyone who is not conversant with its early history, I’ll start with a summary:

Kirby Muxloe Castle was built for Lord William Hastings of Hastings, in 1481. The castle stood on the site of an earlier stone-built manor house named Pakeman Place. Hastings was a favourite of Edward IV and the owner of many houses and land, including Ashby de la Zouch Castle. However, after Edward died, Hastings fell out of favour with Edward’s wife, Elizabeth Woodville, and the young King Edward V, preferring instead to support Richard Duke of Gloucester. However, in 1483, he was summoned to a Council meeting at the Tower of London and accused by Richard of treason. He was summarily executed without, as far as we can tell, any trial. The castle building was not yet complete and although some work continued in the year after his death, it soon fell into disrepair. Over the next 400 years, there were several owners and by 1912, it was in such a bad state of repair that the then owner, Major Richard Winstanley of Braunstone Hall, passed the guardianship of the castle into the hands of the Ministry of Works.

This is where our story starts: In the same year (1912), the Ministry embarked on a substantial program of works. By this time, the building was covered in ivy with trees sprouting from the top of one of the towers. Sheep and goats were roaming freely in the grounds. Much of the brickwork was crumbling due to years of neglect and the moat was so full of rubbish and silt that it was almost like solid ground. Workers, trucks, rails and scaffolding were despatched and work started on the reclamation. Firstly, they needed to drain the moat. By using a system of trucks mounted on wheels and running along a makeshift railway track, they managed to empty the moat and then cart the contents away. Many artefacts were found in the moat, and these are now stored at the main depository for archaeological artefacts in Leicestershire at County Hall. There were many clay pipes, Cistercian-ware drinking vessels, a high-status, copper alloy candlestick, decorative floor tiles and much more. The workers expected to find a large quantity of bricks, as by this time the north tower had fallen down. In previous years, when the castle had been owned by the Winstanley family, Major Winstanley had wanted to demolish the north tower and use the bricks to build a barn. Fortunately, his son had persuaded him not to do so, but although some repairs were made, the tower soon fell into disrepair once more.

After draining the moat, they found the wooden remnants of what was thought to be the original bridge. The water had helped to preserve the wood from total decay. Surprisingly, there were no bricks or even stones from Pakeman Place in the moat, so where had they gone? It is recorded that in the past 200 years, many villagers plundered the site and removed bricks, stones and wooden beams. These were used to supplement the building materials for their own houses. When we look down Main Street in the village and study the brickwork on the older houses, one thing becomes apparent. There are many bricks in a variety of village houses which are older

than the houses themselves. The castle bricks are easily distinguishable, since bricks fired in the 15th century are smaller. It is known that the Castle Farmhouse (now the Castle Hotel) was rebuilt in the 1600’s. If you look at the front and side of the building, the smaller sized bricks are there to see. Ivy Cottage on Main Street has smaller, older bricks on the front of the building but larger Victorian bricks to the rear. It is known that the cottage was extended in Victorian times and the well, which would have been in the rear yard, is now under the kitchen floor. Moore’s floristry shop appears to have many old bricks and beams in its structure. The rear part (recently exposed) is built of stone. Did the stone come from Pakeman Place? Woodlands and Woodlands Cottage on Woodlands Lane also display 15th century bricks and large pieces of stone in their structure.

Fast forward to 1941, when the moat was drained once more. Who did this work in the middle of WWII? Surely all able men were supporting the war effort. A dependable eyewitness tells us that Italian prisoners of war were seen cleaning out the stream that feeds the moat, so maybe they cleaned out the moat too. The Council minutes of 1941 state “empty moat”. It appears that when the sluice gate was opened, fish were seen jumping over it, into the stream. Another reliable witness told us that years before, when there was heavy rainfall, the level of the moat became too high, enabling the fish to jump over the sluice gate into the stream. They followed the stream down to the watersplash at the bottom of Blood’s Hill and became stranded in shallow water. Enterprising young lads collected up the fish and sold them in the village for one shilling each!

Finally, to the present day. By 2014, once again the castle was deteriorating, including the bridge, which having had many repairs, was no longer safe. English Heritage (now in charge of the Castle) made the decision to spend £490,000 to restore the castle, enabling it to be safe for visitors and to preserve this Grade I listed building. Brickwork was repaired or replaced, using 15,000 bricks to complete the work. The moat was drained and cleaned and a new bridge was constructed at a cost of £44,000. Kirby Castle is said to be “a spectacular example of a late medieval quadrangular castle of the highest status”.

The castle will re-open for visitors in May 2023.

Many thanks to Bryan Clarke, Peter Cooper, Ron Webster and Jan Timson for their memories.

Medieval copper-alloy candlestick 1450-1600, found in the moat in 1912. Courtesy of Leicestershire Archaeological Services.

Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825

E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

• The Autumn Statement has dialled down the immediate pressure – and shifted an impossible situation for local government to a very difficult one

• Our plan protects public services, as much as possible, during tough economic times - through Council Tax, driving efficiencies and service cuts, so that we can balance the books next year

• We’ve earmarked an extra £16m to pay for care services - our priority is to ensure vulnerable people continue to receive services they depend on, despite soaring year-onyear demand

• No one wants to ask residents to pay more, especially during a cost-of-living crisis – but inflation is driving up our costs and a Council Tax rise significantly reduces the impact on front line services

• The National Living Wage increase costs £18m – this alone is the equivalent of a five per cent rise in Council Tax

• Funding all the big capital schemes required for a growing county would impact on core services, unless new funding is made available

• We pride ourselves on doing the best we can with the money we have – all councils face tough decisions but we continue to be the lowest funded

• If we are to continue to protect the most vulnerable in society difficult decisions lie aheadour budget gap is set to rise to over £90m by 2026

• Your views will help shape key decisions - we’re being upfront about the uncertainty in our future financial position as it’s clear that significant financial problems loom large

County Councils Budget proposals 2023 – 2027.

Have your say.

Our budget

Please follow the link below to view our income and expenditure chart and take the survey www.leicestershire.gov.uk/haveyour-say/current-engagement/ budget-proposals-2023-2027

How much is the council’s budget?

Our budget for next year is £504m. Our income is mainly from Council Tax, as well as government grants for specific projects.

What period do your budget proposals cover?

We publish a four-year budget plan every year, known as the medium term financial strategy. It includes areas where investment is planned to meet increased demand – known as growth – and

areas earmarked for savings.

How much is spent on different services?

The chart breaks down spend and income over the next four years. The financial outlook remains extremely tough with our budget gap set to rise to over £90m by 2026.

What are the proposals?

At a glance: £57m more to support vulnerable people - to pay for more home and residential care, and support people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health needs. The number of home care users has increased by 600 since January 2020.

£59m of efficiency savingsreducing back-office costs by maximising digital technology, simplifying processes and providing the right level of support to residents

A five per cent Council Tax rise for 2023/24 - this equates to £1.39 a week for a Band D home and generates £17.7m for front line services

£508m four-year capital pot - for the cost of building roads, schools and other one-off projects

Have your say We’re seeking views from residents, businesses, organisations and staff on what they think about our budget proposals, which will help shape the final proposals.

Share your views by midnight on Sunday 15 January: Complete the online survey. Please follow this link to view and take the survey www.leicestershire.gov.uk/haveyour-say/current-engagement/ budget-proposals-2023-2027

If you're able to, please complete this survey online using the link above. For paper copies of the survey or any other questions, please email resources@leics.gov. uk or call 0116 305 5800.

What happens next?

Following the consultation, our cabinet will agree final proposals before the budget is agreed at a meeting of the county council on 22 February 2023.

Consultations setting out more details about any specific service reductions would run before any changes are made.

The Leicestershire County Council Temporary Traffic Order. Markfield Road Service Road, Ratby.

Markfield Road service road numbers 39 to 127. Markfield Road, Whittington Drive, Ratby. Temporary prohibition of through traffic, temporary prohibition of waiting at any time. Temporary prohibition of loading at any time order 2023

Notice is hereby given that the Leicestershire County Council intends not less than 7 days from the date of this Notice to make an Order under Section 14(1) of the Road Traffic Act 1984. It is expected that the Order will come into force on 16th January 2023 and have a maximum duration of 12 months.

The Temporary Traffic Regulation Order is being enforced for public safety to allow Cadent Gas Ltd and their contractors to undertake the installation of new gas mains.

The proposed diversion route will be via: Markfield Road and vice versa.

Schedule 1

Temporary prohibition of through traffic

Markfield Road Service Road for Numbers 39 To 127, Ratby for its entire length.

Schedule 2

Temporary prohibition of waiting at any time

Markfield Road Service Road for Numbers 39 To 127, Ratby for 20m from junction with Whittington Drive, Ratby on both sides of the carriageway. Markfield Road, Ratby between property numbered 98 Markfield Road and the junction with Harwood Close, Ratby on both sides of the carriageway. Whittington Drive, Ratby between the junction with Markfield Road and East Walk, Ratby on both sides of the carriageway.

Schedule 3

Temporary prohibition of loading at any time

As specified in Schedule 2. Any existing waiting restrictions imposed on those lengths of roads as specified in schedule 2 and 3 to this order are hereby suspended temporarily for the duration of the works.

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Police Barclays Bank Scam Attempt On Groby Resident.

I want to draw residents’ attention to a recent Scam that was attempted on an elderly vulnerable resident in Groby. The resident received a phone call from a male purporting to be a police officer from the Met Police. He gave his warrant card number and collar number to her and said that her account had been compromised. He told her they had one person in custody that had attempted fraud on her account. He went on to say they were still looking for two other suspects. They needed to make sure her account with Barclays was safe. He informed her that the nearest Barclays branch was in Birstall and that she needed to go there and meet an officer. She told him that she could not drive and that she was infirm and could not get there. However, the caller was insistent saying she needed to attend for the account safety and they would arrange a for a taxi to pick her up in 15 minutes.

He told her that she needed to make a withdrawal of £16000 and give to the officer to protect the account and she would get back. He said they needed it as evidence. Fortunately, this resident was switched on told them it was a scam and put the phone down. The resident contacted me and I immediately contacted Trading Standards who contacted the resident and also the police. This scam has been used numerous times and they are very convincing. Unfortunately, not everyone is so well switch on. Several vulnerable people have fallen victim to this scam.

I would like to wish all Councillors and Residents, a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

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

Ozzy O’shea

Borough Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825

E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

Welcome to 2023 and we hope you all had a very nice Christmas and now we all look forward to a happy new year.

Planning Department at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. Once again, Planning Issues continue to be the main talking point with villages such as Ratby under threat of yet more development that will impact hugely on our infrastructure.

The ruling Administration have now put back the Local Plan from 2039 to 2041 as they are so far behind. They have simply failed residents with still No Local Plan in place.

Shown right is a letter from the Rt Hon. Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Housing and Planning.

You can read the full letter here: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/ DLUHCletter

New Cafe Operator for Ratby. We both welcome new businesses to the village and as Dawn's

Delights have moved on to Newbold Verdon, Meg Clarke from the Railway Pub will be opening a new Cafe and a cake making facility. Meg is a very talented cake maker and we are sure that Ratby will support her new venture. We wish her every success.

We would like to wish all Councillors and Residents, a Very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Finally, we would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, we are only a phone call or email away.

Once again, we take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and remember we are only a phone call away. We would like to wish all residents a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

Regards

Chris & Ozzy. Working for you.

To: all MPs

ChrisBoroughBoothby Councillor

T: 0116 2912796 M: 07306 390543

E: chris.boothby@hotmail.com

Kirby Open Gardens 2023

Article by Leigh Picciano Moss

Spurred on by the success of The Scarecrow Festival and Apple Pressing Days, The Friends of Kirby Hub are busy organising Kirby Open Gardens 2023, but we can’t do it without you!

The event will be held on the afternoons of Saturday 24th June and Sunday 25th June and all money raised will be split equally between Kirby Muxloe Library and LOROS. Would you be willing to open your garden for a good cause, on one or both of the days? It doesn’t have to be large or a horticultural masterpiece; there just needs to be something of interest for people to see. If you live in the village and are proud of your pond, mesmerised by your meadow, riveted by your roses or simply in love with your lawn, maybe you’ll consider getting in touch. We will also be looking for donations for our plant, garden bric-a-brac and pre-loved gardening books stalls.

If you think you can help us, please let us know by February 21st 2023 by contacting Lesley on 07526 129284 or Leigh on 07833 735254. Thank you!

Dear Colleague LEVELLING UP & REGENERATION BILL:

We are committed to ensuring that the planning system creates more beautiful and sustainable

buildings. Through the Bill we are seeking to introduce a duty for all local councils to produce a

design code covering the same area as the local plan, which will set simple clear minimum standards

on development in that area – such as height, form and density. This measure will empower

communities, working with local councils, to have a say on what their area will look like by setting

clear standards for new development. I will announce more details shortly about how the Office for

PLANNING AND LOCAL CONTROL IN ENGLAND

Place – which will be established to champion beautiful, popular and enduring design – will support

I am writing to set out the further changes I will be making to the planning system, alongside the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. They will place local communities at the heart of the planning system.

local authorities and communities in this important work. The input of colleagues in further

developing this approach will be most welcome. As the Prime Minister committed in the Summer, I will also review how the ‘soundness’ test for

reviewing plans at examination is operated by the Planning Inspectorate. I will ensure that plans no

will no longer have to provide disproportionate amounts of evidence to argue their case.

longer have to be ‘justified’, meaning that there will be a lower bar for assessment, and authorities

I will set out the following approach in the upcoming National Planning Policy Framework prospectus, which will be put out for consultation by Christmas.

The effect of these changes will be to make absolutely clear that Local Housing Need should

always be a starting point – but no more than that – and importantly, that areas will not be

COMMUNITY CONTROL First, while I will retain a method for calculating local housing need figures, I will consult on changes.

expected to meet this need where they are subject to genuine constraints Inspectors will

I recognise that there is no truly ‘objective’ way of calculating how many homes are needed in an area, but I do believe that the plan-making process for housing has to start with a number. This number should, however, be an advisory starting point, a guide that is not mandatory. It will be up to local authorities, working with their communities, to determine how many homes can actually be built, taking into account what should be protected in each area - be that our precious Green Belt or national parks, the character or an area, or heritage assets. It will also be up to them to increase the proportion of affordable housing if they wish.

therefore be required to take a more reasonable approach to authorities that have come forward

with plans that take account of the concerns of the local community, by taking a more pragmatic

approach at examination which fully reflects this updated policy. For those areas that would like to

bring forward their own method for assessing housing needs, I will be clear on the exceptional

circumstances under which they may do so, for example where a case can be made for unusual

My changes will instruct the Planning Inspectorate that they should no longer override sensible local decision making, which is sensitive to and reflects local constraints and concerns. Overall this amounts to a rebalancing of the relationship between local councils and the Planning Inspectorate, and will give local communities a greater say in what is built in their neighbourhood. For example, when assessing a local plan, the following will have to be taken into account:

demographic and geographic factors. This will be made clear in an updated National Planning Policy

Framework and guidance to the Planning Inspector. LOCAL PLANS I want to change the system on the rolling five-year land supply. We will end the obligation on local

authorities to maintain a rolling five-year supply of land for housing where their plans are up-to-date.

Therefore for authorities with a local plan, or where authorities are benefitting from transitional

arrangements, the presumption in favour of sustainable development and the ‘tilted balance’ will

• Genuine constraints: local planning authorities will be able to plan for fewer houses if building is constrained by important factors such as national parks, heritage restrictions, and areas of high flood risk. Green Belt: further clarifying our approach to date in the National Planning Policy Framework and the Localism Act, we will be clear that local planning authorities are not expected to review the Green Belt to deliver housing. This is in line with commitments made by the Prime Minister in the Summer.

typically not apply in relation to issues affecting land supply. I also want to consult on dropping the

requirement for a 20% buffer to be added for both plan making and decision making – which

otherwise effectively means that local authorities need to identify six years of supply rather than five.

In addition, I want to recognise that some areas have historically overdelivered on housing - but they

account when preparing a new local plan, lowering the number of houses they need to plan for.

are not rewarded for this. My plan will therefore allow local planning authorities to take this into

Places with existing plans will benefit from the changes above, as they will be free of five-year land

• Character: local authorities will not be expected to build developments at densities that would be wholly out of character with existing areas or which would lead to a significant change of character, for example, new blocks of high-rise flats which are entirely inappropriate in a low-rise neighbourhood. While more homes are needed in many existing urban areas, we must pursue ‘gentle densities’ as championed by the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission. The Bill’s provisions for mandatory design codes, which will have the same legal force as the local plan, will give authorities a powerful tool to guide the forms of development that communities wish to see.

supply obligations provided that plan is up to date. However, I am aware that those with local plans

at an advanced stage of preparation will not benefit from these changes so I will also put in place

transitional arrangements. Where authorities are well-advanced in producing a new plan, but the

constraints which I have outlined mean that the amount of land to be released needs to be

reassessed, I will give those places a two year period to revise their plan against the changes we

places are less at risk from speculative development, by reducing the amount of land which they

propose and to get it adopted. And while they are doing this, we will also make sure that these

need to show is available on a rolling basis (from the current five years to four).

Communities will therefore have a much more powerful incentive to get involved in drawing up local

plans. Only four-in-ten local authorities have up to date local plans and I am determined to change

this. They can protect the important landscapes they cherish, direct homes to the places they want,

changes mean that they will no longer be exposed to speculative developments on which they have

less of a say.

and adopt design codes to secure the houses they want to see. Once a plan is in place, these

A Written Ministerial Statement regarding all of these changes will be made in Parliament tomorrow.

2

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP Secretary of State for Levelling up Housing & Communities Minister for Intergovernmental Relations 2 Marsham Street London SW1P 4DF

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP Secretary of State for Levelling Up Housing & Communities Minister for Intergovernmental Relations

EVERY BODY CAN BENEFIT FROM PILATES

There is currently a renewed interest in exercise techniques that also acknowledge the power of the mind, Pilates, like the Alexander technique and yoga falls under this mind-body umbrella, but…

What is Pilates? Pilates is unique in that it systematically exercises all the muscle groups in your body, both the weak and the strong. It combines the focus of suppleness and flexibility found in yoga with the emphasis on building muscular strength and endurance found in a gym workout. Joseph Pilates who formulated the exercise back in the 1920’s, said that “Pilates is the complete coordination of body, spirit and mind.”

Why should I give Pilates a go? Pilates offers a different way of thinking about your body. Through practising Pilates, you will become more self-aware and better able to take control of your body’s movements. It will help improve your flexibility and increase muscle strength and tone particularly of your abdominal muscles, lower back, hips and buttocks (the 'core muscles' of your body). Whether you are male or female, young or old, a total beginner or an elite athlete! –Pilates will help you strengthen your body whilst keeping you flexible and improving your mobility.

Michelle Scott-Worthington, instructor for Synergy Proactive Exercise Ltd, has been teaching Pilates since 2007 and is also the creator of ‘In the Pink’ a free Pilates based Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Programme delivered across Leicestershire. You can join Michelle and learn more about Pilates and its benefits in the classes now available in Leicester Forest East.

Educating & Motivating People to be Healthy, Well & Inspired

Good Grief Is Good Growth

Article by Alan Chapman

Grief is not commonly taught. It is taboo and misunderstood. Same for recovery, as part of our natural healing. Grief is whenever we feel a loss; when we face a life-change; and when we let go of a part of ourselves. Grief is much more nuanced, and part of human experiences, than simply when a loved one dies.

Many things can cause us to feel grief, for example:

• Bereavement.

• Caring for someone who's ill.

• Relationship break-up.

• Loss of a job or business.

• Moving house.

• Children leaving home.

• Post-traumatic stress and recovery.

• Emotional trauma, abuse and recovery.

• Life-stage change/transition.

• Illness or injury and recovery.

• Addictions and recovery.

Recovery is naturally part of grief, because when we recover we are in some ways being 'reborn'. We are growing emotionally, letting go of who we used to be, and embracing the new person we're becoming, and starting a new life-phase. We are evolved and designed this way over many thousands of years.

Grief is our natural positive growth process. Understanding this helps our coping and recovering more easily.

Most GPs and psychiatrists tend to prescribe drugs for grief, because grief often produces symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, poor sleep, weight-gain or loss, and even physical pain or discomfort. Much of this relates to inflammation - brain and body. GPs are not trained in nutrition; nor in lifestyle, nor in inflammation. Generally GPs are trained to diagnose 'illness', to prescribe drugs and to 'treat' our mind (brain and emotions) as if our mind is not connected with our body (physical, activity) nor our external environment.

Of course, our mind and body are very much connected, and with

everything around us too!

The expression, "mind, body and soul," is a simple timeless reminder that each of us is part of the inifinite miracle of human existence, consciousness, and what we imagine to be our universe - or universes!

We are each part of this magical cycle of life. And so, GRIEF IS NOT AN ILLNESS. Grief is a natural part of life, and thrillingly, GRIEF IS HOW WE GROW; to be increasingly emotionally mature and resilient.

And so how can we more easily transition through grief to recovery and life-change, and ultimately to finding our own peace?

Here is some information from our own (LiveWildLiveFree.org) lived experience, training and work:

1. NUTRITION - what and when we eat and drink - are all hugely significant.

2. Good NUTRITION helps us to SLEEP, and SLEEP helps us to HEAL.

3. LIFESTYLE - especially daylight, sunshine, fresh air, exercise, walking in nature, companionship, laughter, creative arts, moving/using our bodies, breathing properly, and reducing technology/ screen/computer time - are all hugely significant too.

4. Good LIFESTYLE helps heal our emotional wounds, because our minds and bodies are one whole connected system, connected with nature, including other people, with animals, plants and trees, rivers, lakes, the seaside, moon and stars.... everything!

5. And while each of us is different, we all share deep connectedness in our own ways with our natural world and cosmos/universe(s).

6. Know that grief is a natural human experience, and we are designed and evolved to transition through grief (loss and letting go) towards becoming a stronger person.

Charnwood Group Spring 2023

An interesting programme of events is being planned for Spring 2023. Please come along and support your local Wildlife Trust.

Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month from September to May starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £2.50 for LRWT members, £3 for visitors, children free.

Wednesday 8th February 2023 at 7.30pm

Discovery of the Rutland Sea Dragon

Joe Davis, Reserve Manager, Rutland Water Nature Reserve, will talk about finding one of Britain’s most significant Palaeontological finds.

Wednesday 8th March 2023 at 7.30pm

AGM followed by A presentation by Mat Carter, CEO, Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust. Details to follow

Wednesday 12th April 2023 at 7.30pm

Cone Shells - Killers or Curers

Brian Hammond has collected shells all his life and the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow now houses around 10000 specimens from his unique collection. This talk is about these fascinating molluscs in the family "Conidae". These venomous & carnivorous snails hunt their prey, including fish, and some species have been known to kill humans. Their venom is very complex and is used extensively in drug research.

NATURALLY. We grow as we experience the ups and downs of life. It's natural.

7. Time heals, especially when you help it with good nutrition, lifestyle and sleep, rather than prescribed drugs, which really are only designed to make money for the big pharmaceutical companies, the bankers and their political friends.

8. Thoughts become things. Choose the good ones. Positive mantras, vibrations and energies of our consciousness are magically powerful.

9. Live in the now: the present. It's all we ever really have. Love the ups and downs and the joyful perspectives - the light from the dark.

10. Perhaps above all - always be kind and gentle and loving towards yourself!

See LiveWildLiveFree.org, PublicHealthCollaboration.org, and LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk (esp the free app).

We are PHC (Public Health Collaboration) Ambassadors,

HealthResults.com Practitioners, Nutrition-Network.org Advisors, and Practitioners for The-PHA.org (The People's Health Alliance). We guide individuals and employers in nutrition, natural healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and healing.

It's MUCH easier than you imagine! And the online nutrition/ lifestyle/wellbeing training information is all FREE!

This content is information not clinical diagnosis. Reference sources:

PublicHealthCollaboration. org, LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk, HealthResults.com, NutritionNetwork.org, and other highly qualified NHS practising GPs and dietary professionals, especially in successfully treating obesity, diabetes and other chronic illnesses including depression. If you are under treatment/on medication, show your doctor the resources here, especially LowCarbFreshwell.co.uk and PHCuk.org.

Alan Chapman has particular experience in suicide grief and recovery and suicide prevention. See AlanChapman.com

2 Triumph Road, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8FR

Local Charity Helping Older People To Save Money On Their Energy Bills This Winter

Article by Age UK Leicestershire

As the winter days get darker and colder, many people are seeing the stark reality of the impact of the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy bill. Many people are having to make drastic cutbacks, even making the tough decision between ‘heating or eating’ which, particularly for older and vulnerable people, can have a detrimental affect on their physical and mental health.

New Age UK analysis has found that 2.8m older households are living in fuel poverty this winter – despite the Government freezing the energy price cap*.

In a bid to help older people in the local community be warmer and wiser about their energy usage, as well help them save money on their energy bills, local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is providing free home energy checks. They will assess energy usage in your home advising on how you can stay warm for less money, any grants you may be entitled to, supply and fit free energy saving products such as draught excluders, timers, and light bulbs. These measures can help reduce energy bills and keep warm for less money, and are available to people aged over 50 years.

Age UK Leicester, Shire & Rutland is committed to supporting older people during this cost-of-living crisis by providing a range of support services to help older people to keep energy bills down and stay warm and well this winter. This includes free benefit checks and applying for benefits you may be entitled to and support to keep warm via a free home energy check.

To book your free Home Energy Check, please call 0116 2992266 or e-mail homecare@ageukleics.org.uk

*Source: Age UK - www.ageuk.org.uk/latest-press/articles/2022/2.8m-older-householdswill-still-be-living-in-fuel-poverty-this-winter---despite-the-government-freezing-theenergy-price-cap

Leicester Animal Aid New Year Update

Article by Lucy Connor

You might remember that we were hoping to find Ralph the Husky a home by Christmas, and even roped in Santa to help with some Christmas Magic – well it worked! Ralph went home in time for Christmas and is settling in well to his new home. Any animals that didn’t find their homes yet will have received a gift thanks to the generosity of everyone who helped with our Christmas Appeal, and we are hopeful of finding them all responsible and loving homes this new year.

We are busy planning the year ahead here at LAA, and we thought we would let you know about our on-site charity shops. Perhaps you are thinking of having a clear-out at home and are looking for somewhere to donate items? Please consider us if you have items that you no longer need but that could be sold to help raise much-needed-funds for our animals. We accept good quality clothing, homewares and children’s toys. You can find the full list of items on our website. You may even like to pop in and have a look round. Our shops are open from 10am-2pm Tuesday through to Saturday. We also have a pop-up coffee shop and sale, where there are some great bargains to be had, this takes place on the first Saturday of each month.

If you are thinking of adopting an animal you can find all the relevant information, including the profiles of our current cats and dogs on our website, and we are open for people to look round the Centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm for the Kennels, and 11am to 2pm for the Cattery.

Leicester Animal Aid is a rehoming centre for dogs and cats. Every year, we care for more than 300 dogs and cats who are lost, abandoned, neglected, unwanted or relinquished because their owners can no longer look after them.

We rely on the generosity of people like you to keep our doors open to the hundreds of animals who need our help.

You can find more information on the Leicester Animal Aid website, including the shop details and items that we accept for donations: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/charity-shop/charity-shop

Lumiere Photography