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

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

THANK YOU AND ALL KEY WORKERS Please be reassured that Your Local and the businesses advertising within our magazine are following strict social distancing and sanitary measures where possible. We would like to kindly ask that all homeowners do the same, as working together we can help reduce the spread of the virus. Stay safe!

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Please help Marie Curie care for dying people at this unprecedented time of need.

At this time of national emergency, Marie Curie Nurses and frontline staff are needed more than ever as the NHS is put under ever greater strain. But our fundraising activities are grinding to a halt and we’re facing a devastating loss of funds.

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Articles

elcome to Junes ‘Bounce Back' edition of ‘Your Local’ magazine, firstly I hope you have all managed to stay safe and well in these very difficult times. There were no editions in April or May due to the Governments ‘Lockdown’ and the safety of our distributors.

Inside the magazine you will find lots of very helpful articles and advise in dealing with the latest Covid-19 situation, along with business advise from Charnwood Borough Council and your local Council and Councillors.

Advertising

Unfortunately many events planned for the summer months have been cancelled and many of the local groups and societies are closed until further notice, but hopefully in the coming months we will see a return to them in some form. Please keep sending in any news you have as its a great way to keep the community updated.

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Our staff and readers safety is our priority so we have put extra safety measures and guidance in place for your peace of mind.

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The businesses that are advertised within this magazine are duty bound to follow the Governments guidelines regarding working safely, social distancing and hygiene etc. relevant to their business type. They will need some extra help right now so please do continue to use and support them as life gets back to some kind of normality.

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Buying locally keeps money in the community and keeps businesses alive so please continue to support them even more during this ‘Bounce Back’ period.

You can find out more about our advertising plans, circulation, leaflet delivery, submit articles and bookings. www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

Many Thanks Andy and James

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OpenBox Promotions Ltd 42 Forest Rise Kirby Muxloe Leicestershire LE9 2HQ

Pulling Together For The Community

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Local businesses and partners have come together to help the community of Blaby District during the coronavirus outbreak.

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emh homes and Marks & Spencer have been the first to donate to Blaby District Council’s Community Hub scheme, which is helping the most vulnerable and isolated residents of the district. More contributions from businesses as expected to come as the Council responds to the coronavirus outbreak.

Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change without prior notice.

The Community Hub looks after anyone who needs help, prioritising those who have no one else to help them and who are the most vulnerable, including those aged over 70, residents with an underlying health condition and families struggling to cope.

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Article by Blaby District Council

Other voluntary groups that have been set up in villages across the district to help their neighbours will also be supported to make sure they can continue to offer help.

Marks & Spencer has donated two significant quantities of food, with hopefully more to come. The new partnership with the Fosse Park-based retailer will see the donated food going towards the packages for residents who are unable to pay for food or having difficulty getting hold of money to pay for food. emh homes have donated £1,250 to the Hub to supplement food donations and to ensure items can be bought over the coming weeks to support residents.

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Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the donations from both emh homes and Marks & Spencer. These are the first two donations and we’re hoping to have more to follow. We have been blown away by the community spirit across the whole district during this difficult period, including from our businesses who have stepped up to help those most in need. We will welcome any businesses who want to help residents and would encourage them to get in touch with us.”

Andrew Aveyard, Store Manager of M&S Fosse Park, said: “The Fosse Park team are committed to supporting our local community, and we are delighted to partner with Blaby Council to ensure vulnerable people across the local community are supported during these unprecedented times.”

Businesses can help the Community Hub in any way they can, from donations to staff volunteers helping across the district. Any businesses interested can email Blaby. districtCOVID19@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 275 0555.

Residents can volunteer to be part of the Community Hub or refer someone for assistance at www.blaby.gov.uk/community-hub.

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Business Hub To Support District Article by Blaby District Council

Blaby District Council has launched a new Business Hub as part of the authority’s commitment to supporting local business during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Business Hub is an opportunity to access advice and guidance on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. An online registration form is now available to fill in at www.blaby.gov.uk/business-hub.

From safely opening a business to applying for grants, the Hub’s wide-ranging support will be for both business owners and the self-employed. ‘Account Managers’ will be given to ensure a single point of contact to ensure a hassle-free process.

Employers will be able to get easy-to-understand details on their responsibilities for keeping staff safe, home working and sick pay. Sole traders and self-employed people can find out about working in people’s homes and negotiating mortgage holidays. Specialist information for food businesses and those in the tourism industry is also available.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing Strategy and Economic Development, said: “We are extremely pleased to offer the Business Hub to our local businesses. This is an incredibly tough time for so many hardworking business owners and we want to do all we can to help. Blaby District Council has a proud record of supporting and working with businesses in the district to help them thrive, and this is even more important during these unprecedented times. We would encourage those who need support to get in touch with the Hub to help you get the support you need. Together we can continue to build strong links with our local businesses and evolve the Business Hub to be an integral part of Blaby District’s future.”

For more information about the support and to register for the Business Hub visit www.blaby.gov.uk/business-hub

Town Centre Reopening Preparations Underway Article by Blaby District Council

Extensive work to ensure the next phase for the safe reopening of Blaby Town Centre from Monday 15 June is underway by Blaby District Council. The 15 June date will see many more retailers allowed to reopen their doors to customers for the first time since restrictions came into place. Stores are adapting to abide by government Covid-19 guidelines.

One of Blaby District Council’s priorities is to help Blaby Town Centre’s phased reopening following the coronavirus pandemic. To assist shoppers and retailers, social distancing markers will be in place to ensure that visitors stay as safe as possible whilst shopping local. An advisory one-way system will also be in place.

Shoppers will also be able to look out for friendly faces in and around the town centre, volunteering to help out during the initial reopening period.

Car parking charges will continue to be free for the first two weeks of the reopening, until Wednesday 01 July, in Blaby and Narborough. In Enderby Road and Johns Court car parks, some spaces will be removed to follow the social distancing guidelines. Changes will be made to the car park machines to ensure no-one paying for parking needs to enter any registration details. Plans are also in place to bring in Pay by Phone, with more information available soon. The public toilet in the town centre will remain closed.

The Council has been working with the local businesses in the town centre and Blaby Parish Council on the reopening plans. Further consultation will take place to ensure that appropriate guidelines and measures, which are being reviewed regularly, are in place over the coming weeks.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing Strategy, Economic Development Portfolio Holder, said: “We are excited to welcome shoppers back to Blaby Town Centre from next Monday. We have been working hard to ensure that the independent stores that can open are prepared, and our town centre is ready to follow the social distancing guidelines. These measures are for everyone’s safety and to enable the town centre to reopen. Blaby District Council is confident that people will be able to stay safe and shop local, as our communities and businesses start on the road to recovery from the pandemic.”

A toolkit for other retailers and village centres in the district and support with social distancing signage will be available on the website with lots of support and can be found at www.blaby.gov.uk/business-support.

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COVID-19 UPDATE - During this current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Kornerstone Legal Services are fully committed to ensuring all customers can still access our usual services as normal.

We fully insured and regulated will writing service and remain fully available for appointments and will do all the work for you by phone or video call. We have not ceased business travel and are still willing to meet our clients in the comfort of their homes by appointment only and are following guidance provided by the Government in regards to hygiene and safe distancing.

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

Kornerstone Legal Services remains here for you.

Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually.

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

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

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

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

Kornerstone Wealth Protection and Legal services will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protection for you, your family and your assets.

If you are OVER 60 it £75 will only COST YOU £75* to make or update your Will.

We are also Lasting Power of £95 Attorney Specialists - ONLY £95* each LPA if instructed during the Will appointment.

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Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Schools Reopening Leicestershire County Councils Response In the week before half term we had around 230 schools open each day. Numbers of pupils attending each day has risen to 3000 and the number of vulnerable children attending school has also increased to around 630 a day.

• 90% of primary schools across Leicestershire have indicated that they will be open for children in reception from 1st June; this rises to 95% from 8th June.

• 72% have indicated they will be opening for year 1 pupils from 1st June, rising to 80% from 8th June.

• 72% have indicated they will be open for year 6 from 1st June, rising to 73% from 8th June.

• Primary schools across Leicestershire have indicated that the take up of places at schools looks to be on average around 30% across all age groups.

• Secondary schools are being asked to open to increase the face to face delivery of education for year 10’s and year 12’s from 15th June, alongside the continuation of home education for this group.

• School transport is being arranged for reception, year 1 and 6 pupils when parents advise us they are sending their child to school and require transport. Our offer is a mileage allowance or, where this is unworkable, we will arrange traditional transport, although there are challenges with this due to social distancing.

• The lack of clarity around school reopening until the last few days has meant that we are only now in the position of parents requesting transport and it may be that for some families transport is not in place for the first day of a child returning to school. We are working hard to minimise such instances.

Statement From Ivan Ould Lead Member "We want children to go back to school as soon as it is safe to do so. In line with the DFE guidance, schools will make decisions on an individual basis, following a risk assessment, about how and when this will happen and the local authority will provide support and advice where needed."

"We know that a number of schools across Leicestershire are planning to open to wider groups of pupils from 1st June onwards, based on plans informed by risk assessments and when school leaders and governors are satisfied that all necessary steps have been taken to make them as safe as possible for children, families and staff. In line with the DFE guidance, the local authority will not commence attendance enforcement proceedings if parents elect for their children not to return to school during this period."

Sacheverell Way Street Lights I am extremely pleased and proud to announce that I have secured the total replacement of street lighting along Sacheverell Way. This is 2nd successful campaign that we have won, the first was retaining the Street lights on to the Part Night programme after the Council wanted to remove them in 2013. I want to pay thanks to residents for your support and for signing my petition and I would like to pay a special thanks to my Late wife Jenny who was a driving force supporting their replacement. I would just like to update residents that work will start on replacing all the street lighting along Sacheverell Way on Tuesday 26th May 2020. Due to social distancing the footpath along Sacheverell Way will need to be closed whilst the work is completed. Both myself and the County Council apologies for any inconvenience caused. This will happen in 3 stages over a 6 week period each section should take 2 weeks.

The footpath will be open in the evenings. The street light circuit has been designed to be more effective, all the lights will be located on the footpath side of the road except at the junctions.

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Photo: Cllr Nick Rushton Leader of the County Council with Ozzy.

Park And Rides Sites Partly Reopen The County Council have agreed with the City on reopening the Park & Ride service from 1 June. This will operate from Enderby and Meynells Gorse as the Birstall site is being used as a testing centre for CV19. The buses and staff from the Birstall site will be redeployed to the other 2 sites to enabled increased frequency of buses to cater for social distancing.

Seven County Council Waste Sites Have Opened The following selected sites will open seven days a week to county residents - with a booked appointment only - from Monday, 18th May. They are at Barwell, Lount, Market Harborough, Melton Mowbray, Mountsorrel, Oadby and Whetstone. Seven other sites at Bottesford, Coalville, Loughborough, Lutterworth, Kibworth, Shepshed and Somerby remain closed for the time being.

An online booking system is also available by visiting www. leicestershire.gov.uk/waste-bookings You can also ring to book an appointment on 0116 3050001 The council is anticipating there will be a high level of demand for bookings and is reassuring residents that more slots will be made available over the coming weeks. People are being asked to only bring what they cannot safely store at home for the time being, or if they cannot wait for their kerbside collection services, many of which are being reinstated by district councils Social distancing will be in operation at the sites, and plans will also include traffic management arrangements.

There will be parking restrictions in place around the immediate vicinity of the waste sites. There will also be restrictions on the type of items people will be able to bring to county locations - so some waste types will still have to wait.

Please do not visit our sites, unless waste is creating an issue at home that could cause injury or harm – you will need a confirmed booking to be allowed on to the site Residents will be able to register for an account. There will be a restriction on the number of visits to the sites, only one booking will be allowed over a 14-day Covid-19 Deaths The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data examining weekly counts of deaths from Covid-19 by location has been updated. The figures below give the most up to date picture for deaths occurring up to May 15th that were registered before May 23rd. They detail all deaths of Leicestershire residents, wherever they died and wherever those deaths were registered.

3

9

April

22

80

25

4

3

12

May

19

42

9

1

2

9

Total

59

134

48

11

8

30

Ratby

14

8

3

8

52

51.8

April

11

43

30

4

1

2

Charnwood

29

1

3

2

55

90

49.3

May

19

22

8

0

0

8

Total

45

78

52

12

4

18

Harborough

16

0

2

1

31

50

54.1

Hinckley and Bosworth

27

0

3

3

41

74

65.8

Melton

10

0

1

0

9

20

39.1

NWLeics

13

0

5

0

34

52

50.9

Oadby and Wigston

12

2

0

0

32

46

80.6

LEICESTERSHIRE

120

3

16

7

238

384

55.0

Rutland

1

0

2

1

7

11

27.7

Leicester City

46

9

6

1

159

221

62.2

LLR

167

12

24

9

404

616

56.3

Covid-19 Cases The total number of laboratory confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Leicestershire since the first one on March 6th has risen to 1272.

This represents a slight increase on the previous week’s figures.

The rate per 100,000 population in Leicestershire of 182.2 cases remains below the national and East Midlands averages.

‘Test and Trace’ - Local Outbreak Control Plans In addition to the standing up of the national contact tracing service as of Thursday 28th May, there is a requirement for all upper tier local authorities to develop and implement local outbreak management control plans in June (Update 18). Leicestershire with Leicester and Rutland are one of 11 ‘beacon’ sites to trial this and develop best practice.

The Directors of Public Health for the County (and Rutland) and the City will be responsible for defining these measures and producing the plan in line with a themed framework. There is a need to engage a range of partners, including the NHS and district councils, operationally and through a governance structure, but the immediate focus is on the preparation of the plan.

Shielding And Protecting Vulnerable People • Currently 23,734 Leicestershire residents identified as requiring shielding, which was a significant increase since the previous list (9th April - 14,837 people To date, 14,100 people on the Shielded List have registered for support, of whom 4,990 have registered for support in obtaining essential supplies and 1,090 with basic care needs.

• The County Council have made over 9,600 calls to people who have registered and district councils have contacted an additional 7,500 people (at 22nd May) of those responding to say that they had existing food networks, and no identified care needs.

• 5,000 people have received a Government food parcel, with over 260 County Council emergency food parcels delivered.

• 45 volunteers engaged by Voluntary Action Leicestershire (VAL) are undertaking activities including ‘safe and well checks’.

Hub Donations

13

Posting Mail

15

Phone Befriender

March

Shopping

Prescription Requests

36

Hub Donations

6

Posting Mail

14

Phone Befriender

Prescription Requests 12

Shopping

Care Package 18

Month March

Care Package

1

Rate per 100,000 pop’n

Hospice

2

Total

Home

0

Hospital

Elsewhere/ other communal establishment

13

Care Home

Blaby

Place of Death

Groby

Month

The data examining death occurrences shows: • There has been a total of 384 deaths in Leicestershire as of the 29th May. This has increased by 32 deaths compared to last week, a reduction in the ‘average’ of 50 a week in the previous month and the peak week of deaths, in mid-April, of 67.

• Of these total deaths involving Covid-19 in Leicestershire, 238 (62%) were in hospital and 120 (31%) were in care homes.

• The number of care home deaths in Leicestershire dropped to 7 in the last week compared to 22 in the previous week.

• There are no statistically significant differences in rates between districts, although the rate in Oadby and Wigston continues to be of interest.

Scam Telephone Calls For Extended Washing Machine Warranty I have had residents contact me concerning a company called Premier extended warranty cold calling residents offering them extended warranty on washing machines others callers purporting to be from Domestic and General which is a genuine extended warranty company Please be aware one resident got scammed luckily they cancelled their bank card and did not lose anything. I would suggest residents do not engage with cold callers and never pass your bank details to people you do not know.

Community Response Team Helping Both Groby And Ratby Residents Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped our community during lockdown operating out of St Phillips and St James Church Ratby. If you need help or in need of a care package please call 0116 2393760 or 07368213599. You an email cvresponsegrobyratby@gmail.com Outlook Email Scam

Tue 12/05/2020 14:12 To:XXXXXXXXXXXXX Dear Valued User, Please view below. we noticed that your Email was listed on blacklist on May 12th. kindly CANCEL/BLACKLIST-REQUEST. Thanks, Windows Outlook Team

Covid 19 Scam Phone Call Please be aware. Example Phone call where the recipient refused her Bank details and put the phone down and did the right thing.

These scammers will try anything praying on the vulnerable.

‘Good morning, I'm calling from the NHS track and trace service. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested postive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.'

'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?'

'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.'

'Right. Um... so ....'

'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?'

'Ok (gives address)' 'Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to you.'

'Sorry - a payment card? I though this was all free?'

'No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of £500 for the kit, and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.'

'No - that's not right. This is part of the NHS so there's no charge.'

'I'm afraid there is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.'

Puts phone down.

This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.

Don't fall for it...!

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

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Edward Argar Member of Parliament

T: 0116 269 3789 E: edward.argar.mp@parliament.uk While I, and my team, continue to work hard on local issues & individual pieces of casework for constituents, it will not surprise you to know that, as Minister of State for Health, much of my time recently, and for the coming weeks, is focussed on our national effort to tackle the coronavirus. For that reason, my contribution to the Kirby Muxloe, Ratby & Leicester Forest East ‘Your Local’ on this occasion is a little less local than on previous occasions.

As you will have heard my colleagues, the Prime Minister & Health Secretary, set out, the coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency in a generation, but it is one we are determined to meet & address. It calls for dramatic action, here and abroad, and will require us all to play our part, tackling the virus, from washing our hands more regularly, to measures that may disrupt the usual patterns of our lives, as well as supporting & being there for our vulnerable or elderly neighbours, following the appropriate guidance, to help them if they cannot get out to get vital supplies, or just need to call someone for a chat.

The objective is clear & simple: to protect life and to protect the NHS through the Government’s strategy of contain, delay, research & mitigate. Our clear action plan is based on the evidence and will be, led by the expert scientific and medical advice. As Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, has made clear we will do the right thing, at the right time, based on that science.

By acting to contain the spread of the virus early on, and having conducted some of the highest number of tests in Europe, we have been able to slow the spread down, avoiding adding additional pressure to the NHS during the busy winter season, and buying valuable time to prepare. We have seen a further step up in the actions we are taking, and the actions we are asking the public to take, and we will see further steps taken, based on the scientific advice, in the coming days and weeks.

The most up to date guidance can be found on www.gov.uk/ coronavirusand on www.nhs.uk. These are regularly updated where guidance changes or is added to, and sit alongside the extensive public information campaign being run. I would strongly encourage anyone with questions or concerns to refer to these as their starting point as it is the best, up to date, expert advice. We are also clear that some of these steps, while necessary, will entail real challenges for individuals and businesses so we are clear that we must support individuals and businesses to do the right thing, and that is why on 17th March, building on what he announced in the budget, the Chancellor set out a package of financial and practical measures to assist them and our economy. Again, full details can be found onwww.gov.uk/coronavirus. I am conscious that there may be some people who don’t have access to the internet, and the Government is working to ensure that all other information routes are also used.

As the Health Secretary wrote recently: “We must fight the disease to protect life. Everyone will be asked to make sacrifices, to protect themselves and others, especially those most vulnerable to this disease. With our clear action plan, listening to the advice of the best science, and taking the action we all must, I am sure we will rise to this challenge.” And I am sure Kirby Muxloe, Leicester Forest East, & indeed all the Charnwood constituency, will rise to this challenge, and we will all play our part in this national effort as a community. I conclude with a big thank you to all of NHS and social care staff, and everyone else who is working so hard to beat this virus and keep people safe and well.

As always, however busy I am as a Minister, should any Kirby Muxloe or LFE ‘Your Local’ reader wish to contact me as your local MP, I can be emailed at edward.argar.mp@parliament.uk or written to at Edward Argar MP, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA, and I will endeavour to assist you if I can.

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Leicestershire Police - Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forest East Article by Calum Loades

Covid-19 Update Thank you to the majority of people following the government guidelines with this lockdown. As the government change the lockdown guidance and legislation make sure you keep up to date with what can and can’t be done. With each report we receive we do conduct a visit to the location and advise anyone at the location.

If you do wish to report a breach of guidelines to us please read the government guidance then report it to us via our website - www. leics.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breachcoronavirus-measures/ For the latest information on what the Police are doing in response to this please visit: www.leics.police.uk www.facebook.com/leicspolice Please ensure all you fact check all your information and obtain it from official government websites. There is some misinformation out there.

Crime Prevention and Update We have seen a small increase in reports of theft from motor vehicles across the beat over the last couple of weeks. Most of these incidents over-night. Please can you encourage neighbours to secure their vehicles and remove valuables out of sight. Please continue to report any suspicious activity either via 999 (for urgent reports - i.e. crime in progress) or tel. 101 / report on-line to make a report of an incident. www.leics. police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ On 22nd May we received a report of a person trying car doors on Leicester Forest East. Officers attended the area and found someone matching the description, checks revealed they were wanted and subsequently arrested.

Beat Surgeries All beat surgeries have been cancelled until further notice in line with Government advice please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates.

Useful Links Neighbourhood Link is our community messaging system. You will receive regular emails keeping you up to date about local policing issues, good news stories, crime prevention advice, witness appeals and local events. Register for free at www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk www.police.uk/leicestershire/NH22/ is a website that provides crime statistics where you live.

Further current news from Leicestershire Police can be viewed by visiting our website - www.leics.police.uk/news-appeals Follow us on Twitter @blabypolice or Facebook /blabypolice Email hinckleyandblaby.npa@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk We are always happy to hear from you. Please email us at hinckleyandblaby.npa@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk or call 101.

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Ozzy O’shea Borough Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Dear Residents, We know for all of you that this has been an horrendous time both locally and nationally due to Covid-19. Everyone that we have been in contact with have lost people or known people that have passed away but not necessarily because of this virus. Chris has lost 8 friends since December alone although none of these were due to the virus. We are all in this struggle together and we wanted , at this time , to reassure you that we are still working on your behalf on Council issues even though HBBC has only a skeleton staff present at the Hub in Hinckley , we are still able to contact officers

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

to discuss issues on your behalf should they arise. Obviously, things are quiet at the moment and this is the first time in 2 months that the magazine can go to print. For us, it is imperative that the lines of communication are open and again to reassure residents that we are both here for you as your Borough Councillors.

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

Regards Chris & Ozzy - Working for you

Poster Thanks For Bin Men Article by Blaby District Council

A picture with the thank you poster for residents Youngsters can now join in on passing their thanks to our bin crews by brightening up your front windows and bins with posters available to colour in.

The posters, one of which has been created by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, can be downloaded to show their support for the bin crews, who continue to collect thousands of bins per week from properties across the district.

Amazing support has already been received in all villages, including many thank you cards.

We’d love to see what you do with the posters. Email public.relations@blaby.gov.uk or send a picture on Blaby District Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

Colour the poster in below or download and print them off at: www.blaby.gov.uk/media/3839/thank-you-colouring-poster.pdf

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Our biggest support has been to those that are self-isolating, Spread The Word Not The Virus! we have supported our local Chemists in aiding them with the collection and delivery of standard prescriptions, whilst the The We Central Hubbeen Forable Thethe Spread wordthenot the Virus mployed. also have to expand types ofcontinued products thatthewe supply to drugs to Chemists to provide delivery of controlled Northern Parishes Of Hinckley all of thefruit residents. nts and can now provide frozen ready meals and fresh & vegetables. The support from And Bosworth The Hub is manned Volunteers – with a Hub as been invaluable to ensure that we have been able to support our localbycommunities.

Article by Angie Cain

Manager (Chris Boothby) and a Hub Co-ordinator

confirmed by theHub Prime Minister). was located in the Church Rooms in Ratby.

Due to theThe new requirement to the Hub hasby Subsequently relocated to St Philip and Hub is manned Volunteers – St Social Distance the Hub Church was James Ratby as we are working under the located inwith the Church Rooms in Church. (Chris Boothby) a Hub auspices ofManager the Ratby. Subsequently the Hub has relocated to St Philip and St James andas a (Angie Cain, As Hub you canCo-ordinator see under from the below [March and May Church Ratby we are working thegraph auspices of the Church. being part months] we have supported nearly 500 together with IngridRatby Jones and Valerieand residents in Groby since our inauguration As you can see from the graph belowand [March and May being part Some of the Central continue this support at leastinuntil Lockdown ends.

Pears) – onnearly site in residents Ratby, Monday months] we havewill supported 500 Groby and to

for Bagworth, Thornton and Stanton Under Bardon.

(Angie Cain, together with Ingrid Jones and Valerie THE CENTRAL FOR THE PARISHES OF HINCKLEY AND BOSWORTH support hasHUB been to NORTHERN those that are self-isolating, we have supported our local

ggestThe Central Hub was formed by Pears) – on site in Ratby, Monday to Friday from Ozzy O’Shea, Chris and The Central Hub wasBoothby formed by Ozzy O’Shea, Chrisand Boothby and Rev Drof standard 9am to 5pm (including bank holidays), sts in aiding them with the collection delivery prescriptions, whilst thealong RevBampton Dr Ed Bampton 17th2020 March March (before the lockdown was confirmed by Ed on 17th on with phone cover provided by a number of other sts continued provide the delivery of controlled of theHelen residents.

2020 (before theto lockdown wasnew the Prime Minister).

Due to the requirement to Social Distance the drugs to all volunteers.

Crouch is the Hub Co-ordinator

Neave checking freezer stock

Hub's supplies

Friday from 9am to 5pm (including bank holidays), along with phone provided by a number of other roby's Hub R ATcover BY & G R O BY M O N T H LY S U P P O R T DATA April Crouch May volunteers.March Helen is the Hub dinator 140 Co-ordinator for Bagworth, Thornton 120 123 anton100Under Bardon.

Ratby since our inauguration and will continue this support at the leastNorthern Parishes to ensure that We initially leafletted all the residents across until were Lockdown they awareends. of the Hub and the services that we could offer.

Our primary services are Essential Food/Care Packages, these are packages of primarily dried & tinned food and household items that originally The Central Hubstarted at Ratby is responsible for the day to day as amanagement 3-day supplyof tothe tideCare Packages, allocation of volunteers to 80 residents over until weensuring were that those who need it have the support various tasks and 60 ableof tothe go community shopping forat this unusual time. We have a team of Junior 55 40 them, however,in some of led by Reece Norton and Ellie Whaling, who 51 Volunteers Ratby, 20 33 these have now evolved into ensure that our Care Packages and delivery items are cleaned and 27 26 26 15 24 14 8 1 6 4 1 17 14 16 weekly care packages for are dispatched to any resident.

0 disinfected before they Care Package Prescription Shopping Phone Posting Mail Hub those who have fallen Requests Befriender Donations through the We have over 100 volunteers Government’s support system or are now waiting for the Self-employed who we can call on to do government assistance come into effect.

We initially leafletted alltothe residents across the Northern Parishes anything from delivering Care to ensure that they were aware of the Hub and the services that we Packages, collecting and delivering Initially, we were supported by donations of tinned foods. dried goods and toiletry could offer. prescriptions, dog walking, items by local residents which enabled us to provide posting mail and any shopping Care Packages to only those that were self-isolating or Our primary services requirements, particularly for any in the At Risk groups. We then applied, and received, a are Essential Food/ essentials we cannot supply.

Funding Grant from the Leicestershire County Council Care Packages, We have a phone befriending service for those who are feeling (LCC) Communities Fund which has enabled us to A prescription these are packages particularly lonely and just need a friendly voice at the end of delivery expand our offering not only to those that were selfHub Manager briefing the of The primarily dried the phone. We have had a few strange requests from people, for isolating but to single parent families and those that are & tinned volunteers food and example, could we collect a delivery of women’s underwear from household items that M&S, collecting and delivering samples to Doctors … which our originally started as a volunteers have done without hesitation.

3-day supply to tide residents over until we were able to go shopping for them, however, Our volunteers recently delivered a new leaflet to all the residents some of these have now evolved into weekly care packages for in Ratby and Groby. Without our team of dedicated volunteers those who have fallen through the Government’s support system we would not be able to continue swering or a arecall now waiting for the Self-employed government assistance to to give the support that our most come into effect. vulnerable residents have needed and will continue to need during Initially, we were supported by donations of tinned foods, dried these exceptional circumstances.

A care package ready to go out goods and toiletry items by local residents which enabled us to provide Care Packages to only those that were self-isolating or in the At Risk groups. We then applied, and received, a Funding Grant from the Leicestershire County Council (LCC) Communities Fund which has enabled us to expand our offering not only to those that were self-isolating but to single parent families and those that are self-employed. We also have been able to expand the types of products that we supply to residents and can now provide frozen ready meals and fresh fruit & vegetables. The support from LCC has been invaluable to ensure that we have been able to support our local communities.

entral Hub at Ratby is responsible for the day to day management of the Care Packages, on of volunteers to various tasks and ensuring that those who need it have the support of mmunity at this unusual time. We have a team of Junior Volunteers in Ratby, led by Reece and Ellie Whaling, who ensure that our Care Packages and delivery items are cleaned and cted before they are dispatched to any resident.

We have over 100 volunteers who we can call on to do anything from delivering Care Packages, collecting and delivering prescriptions, dog walking, posting mail and any shopping requirements, particularly for any essentials we cannot supply.

We have a phone befriending service for those who are feeling particularly lonely and just need a friendly voice at the end of the phone.

We have had a few strange requests from , for example, could we collect a delivery of women’s wear from M&S, collecting and delivering samples to s … which our volunteers have done without hesitation.

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Our volunteers recently delivered a new leaflet to all the residents in Ratby and Groby. Without our team of dedicated volunteers we would not be able to continue to give the support that our most vulnerable residents have needed and will continue to need during these www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/news exceptional circumstances.

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Message From HATS Article by Sue Withers

HATS just wanted to say hello to everyone. Our main message is that we hope you are all managing as well as you can under the very difficult circumstances.

We were sorry to have had to cancel our Spring Play, “Penny Black”, after everyone put so much work and effort into creating another fabulous production for you all to enjoy. However, the good news is that we plan to go ahead with this production for our Spring Play 2021, so watch this space for further details. Clearly this will depend on any guidelines given out by the Government at this time.

In the meantime we are looking at our Panto production, which hopefully will take place in November 2020, again this will be dependent on any guidelines given out by the government. We will keep you updated and hopefully see you soon.

We want to make sure we produce something special for you, and for ourselves.

This will be in recognition of HATS celebrating 30 years in October since the group was established. Yes 30 years! We are proud to say that we are the oldest, well established and well respected Amateur Dramatics Society in Birstall, and we will endeavour to ensure that we continue to produce quality enjoyable performances for you all for many more years. Please take care and look after yourselves and each other.

The Charnwood Gardener Article by Peter Flood

Three Simple Ways To Improve Your Outdoor Space Chances are you’re spending a bit more time in the garden than usual.

Aren’t we all? But maybe, despite your best efforts, it’s just not the garden you wish it was. It might be a bit of an uncertain time for spending money on a total overhaul, but there are some easy steps you can take to improve what’s already there.

Hedges & Edges The old gardener’s adage rings true here – it’s all about hedges and edges.

Put simply, a few weeds won’t matter so much if there’s a sense of order and unity about the place. Give the hedge a good cut. Define what’s a flower bed and what’s a lawn. Clean the patio.

Think of the bigger picture and keep on top of the essential jobs.

LFE Film Evenings Coronavirus Pandemic Article by Pail Linnett

In line with the recommendations from the UK Government regarding gatherings in public places such as theatres, we regret to announce that our viewings will be cancelled until further notice.

These are unusual and difficult times, and we feel it is in the interests of our clientele to follow the guidelines in order to help keep them safe and well.

Hopefully we can resume our viewings in the not too distant future.

As we do not keep a record of our regular clientele, we have no means of informing them personally.

Therefore it would be helpful if readers of this notice could make this known to anybody you know who attends our monthly community cinema event.

The organisers, Parish Hall, Kings Drive, LFE, LE3 3JE.

Visit To The Pet Shop Article By Kirby Lad

It's sometimes said, by folks who know That dealing with life’s ebb and flow Can be made easier, you can bet By sharing your home with a pet The question with which you must wrest Is how to choose the beast that’s best

Persicaria Bistorta Superba

Colour It In The right plants can transform the most basic of spaces - but which to choose? A useful way to get started is to decide on a colour palette. Maybe a cool, contemporary combo of green and white, utilising Buxus balls, shuttlecock ferns and tall Alliums. Or, if you’re an old romantic and you fancy a cottage garden feel, try the soft pinks, purples and yellows from Persicaria bistorta ‘Superba’, Lavandula ‘Hidcote’ and Achillea ‘Moonshine’.

Keep Yourself Interested You know those green-fingered strangers with beautiful gardens? They’re just like you, but they love gardening. Try some new things to see if you get the bug - if you do, you’ll be out there all the time. Grow some strawberries.

Make a cut flower bed. Experiment with hügelkultur (or at least google it).

Make your garden a place you can’t wait to get out to.

As a small attempt to help during these past few uncertain months, I’ve been offering completely free gardening advice to anyone who needs it. Send your questions my way via Twitter - @PeterFlood - and I’ll gladly answer them.

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Perhaps a dog would fit the bill It does sound tempting yes, but still Should I opt for some giant hound?

Who ‘cross my furniture would bound Or maybe yet some smaller breed Somewhat more suited to my need The second favourite is a cat (Much better than a mouse or rat) Much more refined and full of grace An honoured guest to share my space Why not some birds, like budgies, parrots?

A rabbit which could share my carrots But no they just won’t do for me Not guinea pigs, goldfish or fleas It's strange that when you stop and listen You notice something you’ve been missin Just in the corner I sense motion I tell the shopkeeper, ‘I've chosen’ ‘I’ve thought it through, I’m going to buy, a wasp’, the doubt showed in her eyes She pursed her lips then spoke these words We don’t sell wasps, that’s just absurd Hold on I say, that can't be true ‘cause in your window, you’ve got two

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Leicester Animal Aid (LAA) Update Article by Jane Walters

‘Caring Is Sharing’ And Our Medical Foster Scheme Like everyone, Leicester Animal Aid (LAA), has been adapting to the challenges and difficulties that the pandemic has presented.

It’s brought in different processes to comply with DEFRA guidelines in accepting new animals in and re-homing existing residents. And we’ve had to carry on without the support of LAA’s amazing volunteers.

‘Caring Is Sharing’ As visitors and volunteers can’t currently come to the Huncote Centre, a campaign ‘Caring is Sharing’ was launched to keep everyone connected - it encourages sharing photographs of pets to put a smile on people’s faces as well as sharing LAA animals that are looking for a forever home. Not to be put off by the fact that all our ‘live’ events had to be cancelled, LAA held a virtual online ‘Pawsome Pet Show’. Whilst it was free to enter, donations were gratefully accepted to help support LAA’s Medical Foster Scheme.

The LAA Medical Foster Scheme - For Dogs And Cats With Existing Medical Conditions It can be extremely difficult for dogs and cats with a known medical condition to find a new home and these can be the animals most in need. Potential new owners can be put off by the expense of an ongoing medical condition and the worry of having an animal that has one. The Scheme pays the veterinary costs for dogs and cats that leave the Centre with a known medical condition and provides ongoing support and advice.

Bertie, a grey miniature Poodle, came into the Centre after both of his owners had passed away.

He was 12 and had been with them since being a puppy and was understandably confused and upset. He had several medical conditions that required medication, including a heart murmur. He needed to be found a home urgently, so his health didn’t deteriorate further due to stress. Thanks to the Medical Foster Scheme he was re-homed within two weeks, and will soon be celebrating his 15th birthday.

Honey, a 9 year old Tabby cat, was returned to LAA in October as she was urinating in the house because of recurring cystitis. It was decided that she would go onto the Medical Foster Scheme and LAA would cover the costs of any consultations needed for her urinary issues. She is now settled into her lovely new home and loving life.

Could You Help Support Our Medical Foster Scheme?

The Scheme pays the veterinary costs for dogs and cats that leave the Centre with a known medical condition. LAA is currently helping around 45 dogs and cats to live in homes for life, because of the scheme. The Scheme costs thousands of pounds a year and relies on donations.

If you’d like to make a donation you can do so through our Just Giving Medical Foster Scheme page. Or please contact the Huncote Centre. www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk Tel: 01455 888 257

16 | www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/news

Mosaic Shoes Reopens Their Doors Once Again Mosaic Shoes are delighted to be able to open their doors once again in our rural village of Barlestone (currently by appointment only).

Located in a barn off the road and with ample private parking and easy access particularly for those visitors with reduced mobility, Mosaic Shoes have been offering a free and full fitting service for many years. For Children we can offer key brands such as STARTRITE, GEOX, SKECHERS, SALAMANDER and many more and we are happy to offer advice on first shoes too.

A large school shoe range is available all year round including wide fitting designs.

For adults, comfort is our key word. Our expert fitting service covers an ever wider range of styles and fittings from EE to 6V and we have also successfully introduced the DB Wide Fit range and Waldlaufer from Germany.

We aim to provide an extremely warm and friendly shopping experience that only a family-run business can offer.

MOSAIC SHOES are open from 9.00am to 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday. To book an appointment. Please call us on 01455 290559 We look forward to meeting you soon.

Kirby Muxloe Library Article by Liz Collinson

Hello again from Kirby Muxloe Library and Community Hub! It’s lovely to be back in touch - you have no idea how much we have missed you all. Not surprisingly perhaps, this enforced closure has brought home to us how much we have invested in the Library for mutual support, good friendships, many laughs, and a real sense of feeling that we are doing something good and worthwhile together. We have been checking the Library out every week to make sure that all is well and ready for action, but it does seem quite a sad and lonely place without all of you around.

You will be glad to know that we have been looking forward to re-opening when the time is right and we are allowed to do so - perhaps in July? We have been thinking about ways in which we can operate safely, perhaps with restricted hours, and with proper distancing arrangements in place, to keep us all safe.

This has given us something to look forward to and is currently occupying our minds.

We very much hope that the lockdown has not been too stressful for you and that you have all kept safe, well and busy - gleaming houses, gleaming cars and beautiful gardens! At least the weather has been kind to us - imagine how much worse it would have been if it had been cold, wet and windy. We send special good wishes to our Local History Café members and want to assure you that we shall be up and running again as soon as humanly possible - we might have to change the format a bit but we have every intention of finding a way to carry on.

So here’s to a safe and happier future - we raise a collective pint of beer or glass of wine (or cup of coffee) to you all. See you soon, we hope!

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The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group Article by Judith Upton

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

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

Kirby Muxloe Railway Station If you have lived in Kirby Muxloe or the surrounding villages since you were young, you will have no doubt missed the last bus home, after attending some late night happening in Leicester. For me, it was usually a concert at De Montfort Hall, the bus had long departed and so it was time to take the train. After walking down to the station, a group of us clambered onto the train and off we went to Kirby Muxloe. Once there, we spilled out onto the platform and then made our way home on foot, either to parts of Kirby, or indeed Ratby.

Kirby Muxloe Railway Station c.1910 - courtesy of Bryan Clarke Kirby Muxloe Station opened on November 1st, 1850. It was originally named “Braunstone” and was sited on the land where the old Blue Potts farm house and alehouse had originally stood (in the area at the end of Tower’s Close). By 1858, it had been resited more than a hundred yards to the north (at the end of Station Close) and rebuilt. The new station was officially opened in July 1859 and renamed “Kirby Muxloe”. It is said that it was a beautiful station, with pots full of flowers in the summer months, highly polished door knobs and officials wearing smart station uniforms, which included a peaked hat. Behind the station, the large gothic building of the Towers could be seen in all its splendour, with turrets and towers and stained-glass windows. The owner of the Towers at the time was Mr Harding and he had his own access to the train platform, by the use of a specially built gate, which took him from his land straight onto the platform. The original gate posts can still be seen in a garden on Station Drive.

The coming of the train changed the face of the village. Before the train arrived, the village was mainly a farming community, centred around Main Street, known then as Village Street, with a few buildings on Back Lane (Desford Lane/Road) and other occasional

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buildings here and there. At the time, many of the manufacturing businesses in Leicester were owned by people living in and around the Stoneygate area. For some time, there had been a problem with fog on and around Victoria Park and these wealthy families were looking to move to greener pastures. However, it was important that they had an easy and convenient way to reach Leicester, where their factories were situated.

In the early 1870’s, the only large house and land in the area now known as Kirby Fields was a Georgian farmhouse, itself named “Kirby Fields”. The owner decided to sell off much of the surrounding land and so by 1877, 41 lots had been sectioned off for building land, the only stipulation being that there was to be only one house on each plot. The land was soon snapped up by the Stoneygate businessmen and by 1885, many of the houses had been built. In fact, by 1905, the building work was almost complete, although work carried on until around 1920. Many of these large houses employed women from the village as maids, servants, cooks and housekeepers. They also gave employment to men as chauffeurs and gardeners. Tales have been told of a business man running down Stamford Road in his slippers, so as not to miss his train, followed by his maid carrying his highly polished shoes, in hot pursuit. One late resident of Main Street often treated her two boys to a ride on the train. After walking across the fields, they caught the train, often travelling in the guard’s van, as one of the children was still in a pram. They alighted at Desford, where they would sit around and play on the platform until the train arrived to take them back to Kirby! Other stories survive. In the 1920’s, Leslie Stafford was the signalman. He often put up the signal rather early in order to make his friends Dorrie Glover and her sisters, Lillian and Violet, run for the train. He was often heard to say “here come the Glover girls” and raise the signal at the same time. In later years, Leslie married Lillian Glover and they were parents to Pam Cooper.

Another story from long ago involves the chocolate machine at the station. We are told by Peter Cooper that it dispensed 1 penny Nestle’s chocolate bars. Sometimes the machine didn’t work properly and the disgruntled traveller had to leave to catch his train. A number of school boys were often hanging around the station and occasionally the machine disgorged a chocolate bar, much to their delight, with no payment needed. However, there were other occasions when the boys fed the machine with washers, buttons, small coins or anything else at hand, trying to gain access to a choc bar. We are told it never worked! After the train passed Kirby Muxloe, the next manned level crossing was at Ben’s Hut. The building was indeed a hut, but with a very tall chimney. It was situated in the area on Desford Road, just by the right turn to Ratby, approximately where the caravans are now sited. In the 1930’s, Mr Hague was the level crossing keeper and spent his days opening and closing the level crossing gates to allow people to cross the track in safety.

At its peak in 1907, the Leicester to Burton line carried more than 28,000 people a year. However, with the coming of the motor car and better bus services, and as a result of the Beeching Report, the station was closed on 7th September 1964. This was the same year that K.M. station featured in the Flanders and Swann song “The Slow Train”, written to lament the closing of many of the smaller train stations. The station buildings were demolished in the following year. By 1970, the second track on the line had been dismantled, leaving just a single track, which is still used to this day for the transport of freight. In the 1990’s, plans were in motion to reopen the passenger line but they did not succeed. Plans are afoot once more, but whether the opening of this, the Ivanhoe Line, for passengers ever happens remains to be seen.

Some of the information in this article is taken from “Old Kirby (Muxloe)” by the late Jonathan Wilshere. Thanks also to Peter and Pam Cooper.

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Kevin Ryan - Charnwood Arts Article by Terry

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Kevin Ryan, the much loved and respected CEO of Charnwood Arts. He died on 22nd April 2020 after some months of illness with asbestos-related lung cancer.

He passed away peacefully and without pain.

Kevin was a photographer, a familiar local presence who was always seen with a camera at hand ready to capture big and small moments at festivals and events. His photographic achievements were outstanding, his stunning images forming the backbone of publications produced by Charnwood Arts over many years, as well as exhibitions here and around the world. He leaves a substantial legacy of photographs.

Kevin was devoted to his talented and creative family of musicians, artists, and public servants. We remember Kevin as a Community Arts Development worker who homeschooled his children, a busy young dad, with push chair and baby paraphernalia.

Staff and Trustees of Charnwood Arts are grieving the loss of our funny, clever, energetic, and creative friend and colleague. He was an inspiring presence in all our lives: he made a difference, to us personally, and to local people, in a multitude of ways.

He organised, maintained, and supported Picnic in the Park (40 years old!), Loughborough Mela, and countless other projects.

He worked with schools and with young people excluded from school, with young offenders, local community groups, and individuals from many backgrounds.

He contributed to major schemes such as Sidings Park and Charnwood Forest, as well as to more modest workshops and groups for drawing, painting, photography, dancing, singing, and drama. He brought people together to showcase their creative brilliance in books, performances, and a series of events to commemorate the centenary of WW1.

Charnwood Arts is proud to have published Kevin’s magazine ‘The Heart of Three Cities’, which celebrated Loughborough’s achievements. Kevin always sought to engage the people of Loughborough and Charnwood Borough in arts projects which enhanced and enriched our lives, broke down prejudice, and created cohesion and fellowship.

He wrote about, spoke about, and most importantly lived these values in his life and in his work.

Kevin’s spirit of cooperation extended outwards: to regional support for participatory and community arts; to international festivals and colloquiums; and, to a unique and inspiring association with artists in Taiwan.

His life was dedicated to his belief in access to, and engagement with, great art for everyone, and to participatory art as a creative and democratic space in which people can explore and share their experiences and understanding.

We will miss him deeply.

Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family: his wife, Frances; his four children Charlotte, Miffy, Osh and Brendan; and, his four grandchildren.

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Great Central Reunification Appeal Reaches One Hundred And Fofty Thousand Pounds Article by Andy Fillingham

Chairman of railway supporters club thanks donors for ‘incredible’ generosity’ in difficult times.

The latest phase of the Great Central Railway’s Reunification appeal has reached one hundred and fifty thousand pounds. The award winning Leicestershire heritage line is raising millions of pounds to re-connect with its sister railway in Nottinghamshire and create an eighteen mile route across the East Midlands.

The chairman of The Friends of The Great Central Main Line Andy Fillingham explained, “Our Reunification project is one of the biggest schemes on any heritage railway in the UK. We’ve already raised millions of pounds towards it which delivered one brand new bridge and paid for another to be fully overhauled. In early March we set out to fundraise for the next stage which will see another two new bridges built. It’s going to cost around three million pounds. We began with a small sum left over from the Canal Bridge restoration, but thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters around the country we’ve reached one hundred and fifty thousand pounds.”

The project - particularly the construction of the brand new bridge - has captured the imagination the world over and drawn plenty of support from local stakeholders.

Andy continued, “We’re living in difficult and extraordinary times.

Even though we can’t meet our supporters face to face, we’re doing our best to keep in touch on social media, including premiering a brand new film all about the Reunification project on YouTube.

We are absolutely delighted that our friends are still supporting the appeal even when priorities are changing on a daily basis. We’re determined to remain on the front foot and look to the future. As soon as we have the majority of funds for the next phase of the project to hand, we will begin construction.”

You can find out more about the project and how to donate at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify

Great Central Railway PLC Announces The Appointment Of The Rt. Honourable, The Baroness Morgan As A Director Article by Michael Stokes

The Board of Great Central Railway are delighted to announce the appointment of The Rt. Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes (Nicky Morgan) to the GCR Board as a non-executive director Baroness Morgan, formerly Loughborough’s Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and now a Member of the House of Lords has already been a strong supporter and friend to the Railway for many years. She taken up the directorship on the 1st June.

Commenting on the news, GCR’s Managing Director, Michael Gough said; “I am so very proud that Nicky has accepted this position - she will bring an entire new level of advice and gravitas to our corporate governance. As the Railway grows in popularity and strength, it will be so useful to have her massive experience and knowledge to hand” Nicky said “I am very excited to be joining the GCR Board. The GCR has a very special place in the hearts of Leicestershire residents and beyond. I’ve worked with and enjoyed the Railway as their MP, as the founding Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail and also as an enthusiastic GCR local member for over 15 years now. I look forward to supporting the Railway’s exciting future and working with all GCR employees and volunteers.”

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Keeping The Spirit Of Volunteering Alive Article by Colin Grimes Syston and District Volunteer Centre, far from dormant over the past three months of “lockdown”, is now actively planning to meet future needs of the lonely and isolated within our local community.

Taking full advantage of enforced closure, with staff working from home or on furlough, the office has undergone a major internal makeover. As the picture shows, staff now have much more working space and the visitor experience will be much more comfortable, friendly and welcoming. The Centre is grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for a grant of £24,000 which has enabled the work to be completed.

A Favourite Walk

Article by Sue Wainwright Beside the Lin, beneath the trees that Lady Jane once knew, As autumn leaves begin to turn, her house comes into view.

Near the weir a group of swans sits preening in the sun.

Across the path, among the rocks, children climb in fun.

Ducks dabble in the stream, a moorhen, sleek, strides by, And somewhere up and out of sight a lark sings in the sky.

A sudden movement up ahead catches quick my eye Half a dozen fallow deer are grazing just nearby.

I stand to watch in silence, amazed at this rare sight; Then a stately stag appears and joins them as his right.

As I head towards Jane’s home and a welcome cup of tea, I always thank Charles Bennion for the joy he’s given me.

Satisfied and greatly blessed I walk back past the deer, Back into the bustling world - but I’ll return next year.

Individual support services to those in need are being successfully sustained throughout the whole period. Sincere thanks are due to all those volunteers whose dedication and commitment have enabled us to continue our operations - both in transport and other personal support services.

(Leicestershire & Rutland Women’s Institute 2020 competition entry

by Sue Wainwright. It won 1st prize. The walk was on Sept.29th 2019 in Bradgate Park.)

However, until the requirements of social distancing are relaxed and venues are once again operative, Group trips and excursions have been - and will unfortunately remain - suspended.

Article by Gary Trickett

Looking ahead, it is now clear that, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased, the Centre will face an immediate increase in demand – particularly for transport services. At the same time as the NHS turns attention to tackling the backlog of outpatient appointments, individuals will also seek to rapidly re-establish contact with families and friends and begin, once again, to manage their own shopping and social contacts held in abeyance for so long. To maintain any sense of credibility, it is vital that the Centre should be in a position to provide a positive response.

Trustee Board Chairman, Paul Lomas, says: “Unfortunately, at this critical time we will lose the support of those volunteers who will be returning to work at the end of their furlough arrangements. As a result, we anticipate a serious struggle to find enough volunteers to meet this surge in demand. We are therefore appealing to all those who, perhaps for the first time, have been volunteering over the past few months, to seriously consider sustaining their support in the months ahead."

"While volunteer drivers remain our primary concern, through the Centre we need to respond to a wide range of requests for additional assistance and support – shopping, befriending, gardening, DIY are all in demand. Our hard-pressed staff could also use some in-house support with their office duties. If you are able to lend a few hours per week, at times to suit yourself, to offer voluntary support to those in need – whatever your skills, talents or interests - please contact the Centre Manager, Andy Shelton (0116 2607 888) to arrange a discussion on how best you might serve."

"In the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis we will undoubtedly identify a whole new range of challenges created by months of enforced isolation. Let us join together to sustain this new-found enthusiasm for the mutually rewarding practice of voluntary community service. Let the Centre harness the range of talents which have been released during these difficult past months to ensure that any potentially lasting damage to those in need is minimised.”

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Staying Safe, Calm And Connected We are living in unprecedented times, and one thing to remind ourselves is that anxiety or mood problems are perfectly normal right now. The current climate would test anyone.

Acknowledge emotions and fears and try to share these with a loved one or friend.

To help manage uneasiness, try to keep to a routine. Our bodies operate on a series of cycles. Having a regular time for getting up, eating meals, going outdoors for exercise, and going to bed will help reassure your body on a subtle but important level, as well as assisting your circadian rhythm to settle.

Herbals can also help. Passiflora has been used for centuries as a mild sedative and is particularly beneficial when mixed with other restorative herbs such as Avena sativa. Together they help to combat both the physical and mental symptoms of stress, helping to prolong sleep time, relieve muscle tension and alleviate mild anxiety.

If anxiety is having a knock-on effect on your sleep, try Valerian; it is recognised for its calming action and is thought to inhibit the breakdown of GABA, a chemical transmitter that enables you to ‘cross over’ into sleep. A perfect partner to Valerian is Hops, as it exerts a gentle sedative action on the nervous system.

You may also wish to try Jan de Vries Emergency Essence, which uses a variety of flower extracts to help bring the emotions back to a balanced state.

Finally, try to remain grounded. This is a period in time; there will come a time when we look back and reflect upon how a nation pulled together during a difficult period in history. It won’t be like this forever and we will get through this.

For further advice visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester or call 0116 253 9097.

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