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

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Hinckley & District Parkinson's Group

Article by Robert Leake

Speech and communication problems are common for people with Parkinson's. They can include problems with your voice, body language, making conversations and small handwriting. With the right help and support however there are lots of ways you can improve any symptoms.

The photograph, taken on the Friday afternoon just before the Coronation, shows some of the members of the Hinckley Group involved in the ‘Singing for Fun’ and ‘Movement to Music’ sessions.

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Many people with Parkinson’s speak quietly and in one tone; often not conveying much emotion. Sometimes speech sounds breathy or hoarse. Words might be slurred or mumbled, perhaps trailing off at the end of a sentence. Some can speak rapidly, but some slowly, even stuttering or stammering.

Using the voice as much as possible is so important to keep those muscles working. Joining in a song on the radio or in a group is so helpful. I know that some reading this will be saying that they cannot sing or hold a note – but everyone can actually sing in some way! Everyone will be welcomed.

I am reminded about what Gyles Brandreth said about the importance of vocal exercises. He explained that the famous actor Sir Donald Sinden, had given him a master-class on elocution, explaining that it was your vowels that give you volume and consonants that give you clarity. His advice was to repeat a particular sentence: ““Hip bath, hip bath, lavatory, lavatory, bidet, bidet, douche!”. Gyles has always followed this advice.

You may not wish to recite that particular sentence but exercising your voice is so important whenever you can!

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For further information on any of our activities please contact Janet Kavanagh on 07932615233. For Nordic Walking call Peter on 01455 636776.

Christian Aid Tea Party Raises

£733.45

Article by Gillian Wisdish

Our monthly meetings continue on the second Sunday at 2.30 on June 11th and July 9th [Summer Social] at the Mary Forryan Centre; our ‘Challenge Parkinson’s’ weekly exercises at 3.00 at the St. Francis Centre, Tudor Road, Hinckley; 'Movement to Music' [2.30pm] and 'Singing for Fun' [4.00pm] at Elmesthorpe Village Hall every Friday afternoon; our monthly ‘get togethers’ at Dobbies at Stapleton on the third Monday of the month [June 19, July 17] from 2.00 in the Restaurant Conservatory; and our Nordic Walking on the third Thursday of the month at 11.00 from Acorns Café at Burbage Common. A few summer activities are also planned and we have a monthly Carers Group on the third Tuesday each month at the same time as the exercise class [June 20, July 18].

The recent Christian Aid tea party held at St Barts church, Kirby Muxloe raised the grand total of £733.45 with still more monies coming in! Thanks to all who supported this vital work overseas. Gillian Wisdish on behalf of the Christian Aid group in Kirby / LFE.

Kirby Muxloe Village Show

Article by Isabel Hamilton Ward

Thank you to everyone who came last year. We raised over £1,000. Donations were made to the Village Library and Kirby Muxloe Primary School.

2022 Last years Cup winners could you please make sure Trophies are cleaned and returned 2 weeks. LATEST to the date to…. The Royal Oak, Main Street, Kirby Muxloe, much appreciated. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again

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.

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

Article by Graham Burton

On the 25th June members are going on a five day break to Northern Ireland.

July 4th our walk & talk group will meet.

The 11th July members will meet at RollsRoyce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm. New members will be made most welcome to this event.

Wednesday the 19th July members are going on a day trip to Whitby.

Anthony Norton

01332 703996

Email: anthonynorton@outlook.com

Graham Askew

Email: hazelburton44@gmail.com

Village Library

Kirby Muxloe Primary School

only COST YOU £105* to make or update your Will.

are also Lasting Power of Attorney Specialists - ONLY £119* each LPA if instructed during the Will appointment.

* Standard Prices: Will £145, LPA £175 each. Prices do not include registration fees. 33 Colgrove Road, Loughborough LE11 3NL

Ratby Library Community Group

Article by Robin O’Brien

Charity Commission Number 1164252

Café Garden update

All the hardscaping has been completed and the planting is now ongoing. Joan and Mick Burton have generously donated perennials and spent an afternoon setting them in the pollination area. Thanks both! When this issue of the Local lands on your doormat, the wheelchair accessible garden will already be open and ready for our customers just in time for summer! Order at the counter and you can be sitting in the sunshine with a slice of our lemon drizzle cake and a cuppa brought to you in two minutes. Perfect!

Remember, our library is available to hire for meetings and family celebrations. The new garden is an addition that can only enhance the atmosphere of your party. Please contact us for more details.

The Little Shop

Are you stuck for ideas for a little birthday or thank you present for someone? Look no further than our Little Shop in the library for giftshandmade and donated - by our volunteers and friends. Jewellery, candles, dreamcatchers, travel cups and numerous other gifts at unbelievable bargain prices!

New Blinds

We have to say a massive thank you to Gary of Brookvale Blinds for generously replacing our broken blinds on the large picture windows at the front of the library free of charge. It has made such a difference to the look of the room.

Volunteer In The Spotlight

I'm Samantha, was born and raised in Hong Kong but moved to Ratby 1 year ago. Hong Kong is a beautiful city, it is most spectacular when the sun goes down, the skyscrapers begin to illuminate the harbour, absolutely breathtaking.

I'm a cellist, passionate about music. I love working with students and helping them reach their full potential and enjoy the music. I'm a tooter in Ratby Co-Operative Band and a soprano in Groby Sings. I spend time volunteering at the Ratby library, which is one of my life’s most rewarding experiences. There’s always something new to discover, beautiful and full of sparkle, friendly neighbourhoods and warm welcomes in Ratby. How wonderful my new chapter started in the UK.

I speak Cantonese and Mandarin and play mah-jong as well. Please head to library for a cuppa and catch up, and cultural exchanges.

(If on Friday board games morning, Samantha or her husband Martin happen to be in, ask if they could show you how to play mah-jong)

This Month’s New Books

We regularly receive new books from the library hub – if you can’t find what you’re looking for, place an order at the desk. Please come in and check them out; here are a small selection.

With the cost-of-living crisis still ongoing, many families are looking for ways to cut down on the cost of their summer holidays. A book for parents by Claire Balkind, ‘Great Family Days In’, has 75 ideas to entertain and keep your children occupied in the weeks ahead, using resources often already to hand. Homemade sports day requires eggs, spoons, a football, buckets, tin cans and sponges. Dandelion honey is a fun recipe the kids might like to make. Claire explains how the dandelion got its name (from the French ‘dent de lion’ meaning lion’s tooth). The ingredients are simple: dandelion, water, sugar, and lemon. There are lots of inventive ideas, easy to set up.

Jess Butterworth’s book ’Lost on Gibbon Island’ is written for children around 12 years old. Jess was inspired to write this book by a trip to Cambodia. The Guardian praises the book as ‘A story relevant to the world we live in today’. Told in diary form, a girl tells of her experiences of being shipwrecked and the friendship she forms with a baby gibbon. The book relates a bigger message about animal smuggling and pollution of our oceans. A five- star read.

Young nature-loving enthusiasts will enjoy this accessible introduction to the life of Sir David Attenborough for children aged 9 and over. Packed with numerous facts about his career and involvement with animals, climate change, and pollution, learn all about this national treasure!

Finally

Our regular dates are as follows: Ratby Craft club - Monday evenings, Chair yoga - Tuesday mornings, Wriggly Readers - Thursday mornings, Board games – Friday mornings. Our next quiz night will be June 16th.

Tuesday Chair yoga 2-4.30

Wednesday 10-12.30 2-5

Thursday Wriggly Readers 2-4.30

Friday 10-12.30

Boardgames 2-4.30

Saturday 10-12.30

Article by Penny Wright

Ready, Set, Read , this Summer’s Reading Challenge will once again be taking place in the library during the summer holiday starting on Saturday, July 1st. More information will be available soon via your Primary School and your local Library. Anyone aged 4-12 (as of the 31st August) can take part.

Holiday Reading

A good source of adult holiday reading is from our sale table of miscellaneous paperback fiction which is constantly topped up from new donations.

Lapsed and New Members Our library loans continue to rise as do the numbers of new members. If you’re not in the habit of visiting the library why not drop by and try us out. Many newly published books are available to borrow from the shelves for free or can be ordered in for just £1. And we are a very sociable meeting spot too, with a popular café.

Getting together at the library

We like to think of our library hub as a good village meeting spot. We have a Meeting Room (with a kettle and washing up facilities) available for a very reasonable £8 per hour.

LIBRARY GARDEN

Our tea garden is equipped with tables and chairs.

On the other side of the library we have another sizeable lawn and have recently installed a bench seat here. This space might be just what you need for a toddler tea party. No charge!

Both lawns are safe spaces for little ones to run about in while grown-ups can meet with friends in the sunshine and enjoy a coffee and snacks.

CAFÉ

On June 24th our popular home-made cakes will be on sale at the Coffee Morning. This is held every 4th Saturday in the month.

Cold drinks and ice creams are always available.

Cream Teas

Scones served with Rodda’s clotted cream and strawberry jam

24th June 2.00 - 4.00pm

Part of the Midsummer Festival

Ratby Cinema Club For Senior Citizens

Article by Joan Hawkins Ratby Parish Church Church Lane

LE6 0JE

Film starts at 2.00pm Doors open 1:15pm

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

Kirby Muxloe Free Church Holiday At Home 2023

Article by Paul Wisdish

June 27th -29th, Celebrating 'Gardens'

Arranged by Kirby Muxloe Free Church, Main Street, Kirby Muxloe, LE9 2AN.

An opportunity for fun, fellowship, games, quizzes, entertainment, lunches, a day out, and much more. All welcome. Places are limited. Primarily for senior citizens.

Application forms are now available from Kirby Muxloe Free Church office.

E-mail: admin@kirbyfree.org

Tel: 0116 2393173

Find A New Friend In An Older Cat

Article by Grace Fletcher

Leicester Animal Aid is on the lookout for potential owners for their two longest staying cats, Jasper and Simba. They are two of the more senior residents at the Centre, Jasper being 10 years old and Simba at 16. The Leicestershire-based Charity knows that both would make fantastic pets for the right owners. Both cats have had previous interests but have not yet met their perfect match. As much as the staff at L.A.A. adore them, they would love to see them go home to a new family to call their own. Why not make a new friend in an older cat who needs a home?

Jasper, a cheeky and affectionate chap, has grown in confidence by leaps and bounds since he was abandoned at the Centre gates in Huncote five months ago. At first a very nervous boy, Jasper spent a lot of time hiding away and feeling unsure of his new environment. After getting to know Cattery staff, he now loves some fuss and always looks forward to their visits to the Purrfect Palace (a cat sanctuary facility at Leicester Animal Aid, used for nervous cats who may need a bit more space to themselves). Jasper is searching for an experienced cat owner in an adult-only home with no other pets, and plenty of space to relax in. Could you welcome him as your newest family member?

Simba has been staying at Leicester Animal Aid for over six months now, with no current interest on the horizon. She is searching for a quiet, adult-only home to call her own with no other pets, somewhere she can relax and be comfortable. This tabby cat does enjoy some fuss, though she is quite an independent lady and likes her space. Her real love, though, is the sun – at any opportunity, she is soaking up rays of sunshine ‘everywhere the light touches’, and that’s where she is happiest. Are you open to offering a home to this sweet older lady?

If you are interested in making one of these cats your feline friend, please get in touch with Leicester Animal Aid on 01455 888257 or complete an interested parties form on their website: www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/re-home-apet/interested-parties-form/cat

Charnwood Forest Geopark

Article by Jack Matthews

Join us for an introduction to geoconservation volunteering, and learn how YOU could help conserve some of Charnwood Forest's most important sites.

6pm Thursday 22 June. At Morley Quarry

For more info, and to reserve your place go to eventbrite.co.uk/e/647031768437

Glenfield Gardeners’ Association Annual Show

Article by Alison Robinson St. Peter’s Church Centre Church Road, Glenfield Saturday 19th August 2023

2.15 pm

OPEN TO ALL - You don’t have to live in Glenfield to enter, everyone is welcome.

More information contact... Tel: 0116 2321120

Email: glenfieldgardeners@ gmail.com

Ratby Village Hall In Main Street

Article by Elaine Sharp

The hall is run by a small committee and is self supporting. The building was erected in the 1950's and used for various purposes over the years.

At present we offer the hall for hire to a number of groups, including a Dance Academy for children, exercise classes and an art group. We class these as our "regulars".

Children’s parties are also popular. Ratby Rascals is a group for younger children and takes place on Monday mornings.

Our Evergreen Club (open to seniors) is also popular. Arranging day trips and short break holidays, pick up points in the village is a real plus.

Bingo is played twice a week and of course they often celebrate birthdays and other special occasions.

Another popular event is our Thursday morning "Drop In" and has been running for over 20 years. The "Drop In" is open to everyone. Coffee, tea is £1 and a warm welcome is extended to everyone.

For more information please contact Elaine Sharp Tel 0116 2387193

MIDLANDS LARGEST DISPLAY OF FIRES, STOVES AND FIREPLACES

Warm up your living area with a beautiful fireplace or wood burning stove. Over 50 years experience and a full installation service on hand to guarantee your project runs smoothly.

The Ravel 800 High Efficiency gas fire features the latest in under-log burner technology and is sure to impress with it’s stunning fuel bed layout. The unique burner system allows the fire to be turned to low whilst still retaining an impressive flame picture. Shown here in the Asti Limestone surround.

Ratby Surgery Patient Participation Group Newsletter

Article by Joan Hawkins

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP?

The patient participation group consists of patients who wish to be involved in the local practice whilst taking an active role in developing local health services.

The purpose of the group is to facilitate patients and the practice staff working together to share ideas to help improve the services offered at the practice in addition to sourcing out any local community services that would help enhance aspects of the patient's lives.

The group will also have the responsibility of helping patients to take more responsibility for their own health, the group also offers an avenue for patients to have a say in how services are planned, developed and evaluated to foster a good working relationship with the practice staff and GP's.

WHAT DOES A PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP DO?

• Help improve on the experience of attending the surgery

• Help the practice decide on overall service priorities

• Helps bring the attention of practice staff, the practice perspective of the level and standard of the services provided.

• Acts as a channel is communicating to patients.

• Provides Information on the help available, support groups and networks.

• Helps patients understand more about the medical conditions/ problems

• Helps improve patients overall experience of the practice

WHY SET UP A PPG?

Research tells us that effective engagement with patients;

• Improves quality of care and patient satisfaction

• Encourages patients as proactive partners rather than passive recipients of care.

• Improves health outcomes.

• Informs effective targeting of resources, saving time and money.

WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP?

The group will comprise of:

• Group members (patients and carers from across the surgery representing the practice population)

• GP

• Practice Manager

We are also hoping to set up a virtual group

WHAT THE PATIENT PARTICIPATION GROUP IS NOT ABOUT

The group will not deal with personal medical issues of individual patient complaints as there is already an existing practice procedure to handle such matters.

JOINING AND REGISTERING WITH THE PPG

We aim to gather a broad a spectrum as possible to get a true representative sample. We need young people, workers, retirees, people with long-term conditions and people from non-British Ethnic groups.

PEOPLE LIKE YOU!!!

Please contact Sheila Adcock Strategy Manager at Ratby Surgery for application form Sheila.adcock@nhs.net

Update on new build

The PPG have been informed that the new build will be completed by Autumn needless to say we are all looking forward to this event More information should be available for next newsletter.

Spring Covid Booster Vaccine

We have been advised that the uptake for the booster for vulnerable patients including those over 75 years has had a poor response. There is still the opportunity for you to receive this protection Patients should be reminded that this can be still a serious illness for those with underlying health problems Please ring the surgery to make an appointment.

Joining up peoples NHS and social care records.

A new programme that is joining up people’s NHS and social care records in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) is beginning to see the benefits. This can be accessed by different people who are directly involved in their care to move aware from different services having separate records – the LLR Care Record means that data will be seen in one place.

Pilot projects for the LLR Care Record have been held in primary care, community, hospital, hospice and local authority setting with positive results. For further information about this programme the website address is below www.leicestershire.gov.uk/news/joining-up-peoples-nhs-andsocial-care-records

See page 15 for answers

Rooting For Ratby Announces Dates For 2023 Scarecrow Festival (30th September - 1st October)

Article by Megan

After the success of our last event, the Scarecrow Festival is back, taking place from Saturday 30th of September to Sunday 1st of October 2023! Our theme is ‘Myths & Fairytales’, so parents and children alike can get involved in the festivities. We cannot wait to see the streets of Ratby adorned with princesses, dragons, monsters and more!

Like last year’s event, we need volunteers and local businesses to get involved. With more feet on the ground and sponsorships from Ratby businesses, this year will be even bigger and better than our inaugural event. The community group also wants to raise money for local organisations through the festival. Last year we raised over £1,400 - let’s see if we can set a new record this year!

We look forward to releasing more information about Ratby’s 2023 Scarecrow Festival. Make sure to follow us on social media (@rootingforratby) to find out more and email rootingforatby@ gmail.com to get involved. We are looking for volunteers and local businesses who wish to support the event in any capacity. In the meantime, put the 30th of September and 1st of October in your diaries!

Ratby Celebrations & Crow Pie

Article by Michael Ball and Sue Boud

The Coronation events described in the last issue of The Local were just a few of the many celebrations in Ratby during the Victorian era and beyond. Few of these events were recorded, but the village occasionally made local newspaper headlines.

One national event celebrated widely in the country was the relief of the town of Mafeking at the end of Britain’s last Colonial War that we know today as the Boer War. Lieutenant Baden Powell was in charge of the defence in the besieged town, and he later went on to found the Scout Movement.

Both Ratby and Kirby Muxloe had been affected by the war, and wanted to mark its ending. In Kirby the local Land Society proposed that four roads be named in celebration. Ladysmith Road and Pretoria Road were the outcome of this plan.

Ratby villagers were overjoyed to hear that seven Ratby men had survived the siege. The Reverend Whittingham Ingram arranged a great celebration feast and village bonfire. The bonfire and fireworks were held on Woodmen Hill and so were also visible in Kirby and Glenfield.

Crow Pie

Newcomers to Ratby may be unaware that ‘Crow Pie’ was once a nickname for the village, celebrating the crow pies that were eaten at the May hiring fairs, or Statute Fairs. These were held close to the Plough Inn, hence the name of the footpath ‘The Stattie’ or Statute path.

The Crow Pie Festival was held for many years following a revival after the end of the First World War. The Crow Pie Carnival featured decorated floats created by village organisations on parade through the village, led by our very own Ratby Band.

During the 1930s one man set out to record these events. His name was George Weston. He and his father were modern day entrepreneurs, having established the Majestic Cinema and Dance Hall in the village. On Saturday nights Ratby folk were treated to two houses of the current top films of the day. At the neighbouring Dance Hall music was often provided by the owner of the village newsagents, Winston Stevenson, with his band The Melody Boys.

George Weston recorded the Crow Pie Carnivals with his cine camera. Many of these films are archived at the Record Office in Wigston. He also recorded events in Markfield, and these can be viewed on that village’s Local History Website.

The Leicester Mercury and Chronicle of Saturday 13th May 1876 described a Crow Pie Feast in Ratby which was held on the previous Monday, and was well attended:

‘The Sober Men’s Sick Club held their anniversary at Mr Simpson’s Bull’s Head and proceeded to the Church where an appropriate sermon was preached by Rev’d Wyggestone Howard. They then returned to the Inn when upwards of 120 sat down to a most excellent dinner presided over by the Curate who was supported by Mr Wright, Markfield and several of the principal farmers in the neighbourhood.’

We are not told whether they actually ate crow pie! As always we welcome your memories and recollections of Crow Pie Carnivals and the Ratby fairs. We want to hear your stories as we will return to this topic in a future article.

Michael Ball and Sue Boud. ( Ratby Local History research group ) sueboud@hotmail.com 0116 2394873

such thing as a good tax: Churchill

Hidden phrase: There is no

Wordsearch

10. Far side of male firefighter helmet missing

9. Hi-vis section on male firefighter leg missing

8. Kneepad on female firefighter missing

7. Female firefighter makeup different colour

6. Torch on male firefighter chest missing

5. Triangle on male firefighter helmet missing

4. Hose different colour

3. Small smoke cloud missing

2. Different mouth on male firefighter

1. Male firefighter hand missing

Spot The Difference

3. Different strokes for different folks

2. Poles apart

1. Turn over a new leaf

Pictogram

Woody, 22 Quill, 23 Tudor.

Boa, 15 Yak, 19 Utopia, 21

cubes, 7 Tortoise, 12 Republic, 13 Milliner, 14

Down: 1 Huron, 2 Berth, 3 Ascot, 4 Plasma, 6 Ice

Accra.

Clone, 26 Vindaloo, 27

Bugle, 24 Honolulu, 25

Across: 5 Pinto, 8 Utensils, 9 Beard, 10 Outhouse, 11 Luxor, 14 Bay, 16 Merino, 17 Ageism, 18 Auk, 20

General Knowledge

Answers

Due to popular demand, Kirby Muxloe’s antique roadshow returns!

Don’t miss the chance to discover if you have treasure in the attic...

From Coventry to Cape Town, antiques expert Andy Elton has been putting a price on family heirlooms and forgotten relics for over 40 years...and now he’s coming to Kirby Muxloe.

The founder of Bentley’s UK - is just the man to make your dreams come true - or let you down gently.

“A lot of people are very unsure as to the worth of their items, which may have been stored for years in cupboards, lofts, garages and even garden sheds,” says Andy. “Others are convinced they’re bringing something that’s worth a fortune.

“You can open a box and know you’re not going to find anything of value. But they’re showing you something that is part of their heritage - you’ve got to be diplomatic.”

On the other hand, Andy is in a position to break some very welcome news: “One gentleman has a Rolex Submariner watch, which had laid unworn in a cupboard since it was given to him by his uncle. He was amazed when I offered him £4,000.

“Then there was the time in Nottingham when someone came along with a dusty bronze which turned out to be a rare work by sculptor Anton Van Wouw - I valued that at £5,000.”

Andy prides himself on offering a fair price” “I treat people as I would want to be treated myself,” he says.

“Everyone wants to make a profit, but you’ve got to be honest.

Recent testimonials

“I’ve got customers who have been coming to me for 15 years and others who have been referred to me by family and friends, I think that speaks for itself.”

He’s always been interested in antiques and jewellery and has worked with two of the major auction houses in London and another in Nottingham. But he prefers to be his own boss.

“I’ve travelled all over the UK and I regularly go to South Africa, meeting thousands of people along the way,” he says

“You come across some wonderful stories; I love hearing about how grandad got his medals.

“You never know what the day will bring - that’s why it’s such a lovely job, I’m a very lucky man. Hopefully he will make someone in Kirby Muxloe very happy!”

The Bentley’s UK valuation and purchasing day runs at

Kirby Muxloe Village Hall, Station Road, Kirby Muxloe

Thursday 22nd June 10am until 2pm

Thank you for your integrity and professionalism - much appreciated, kind regards, Pamela

“Good evening Andy I just wanted to say thank you for the professional service I received from you today. I was very nervous about the process and you were just awesome.”

SPECIAL VALUATION AND PURCHASING DAY

Bentleys UK have been in business since 1980: we pride ourselves on our honesty & integrity

Kirby Muxloe Village Hall, Station Road, Kirby Muxloe

Thursday 22nd June 10am until 2pm

Any gent’s mechanical Omega wristwatches, we will pay you a minimum of £100 (In any condition)

We will pay you a minimum of £2,500

(Even if not working)

Medals, over the last few years, have increased dramatically in value. Also required are any First or Second World War groups, campaign medals, cap badges or any thing relating to wars or militaria. (Please don’t clean your medals)

We buy broken gold in any form: Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, dental...& any thing un-hallmarked, Gold in all forms

Sovereigns:

we pay a minimum of £250

we also buy any gold coins

Swords, daggers, cap badges... Any items connected with wars are extremely sought after.

Re-saleable silver items required e.g. tea services, trays, picture frames etc. (We also purchase any broken silver items)

Amber beads, as pictured: we will offer you a minimum of £50

Bring them along and let us surprise you!

Wanted: Boxed Dinky, Corgi, Matchbox; Britains, Diecast toys.

Look in your cupboards and drawers for any old fountain pens – we have a database of collectors waiting.

We are also now purchasing old costume jewellery

Old jewellery is extremely sought after at the moment – and we pay a large premium for any re-saleable items.

We guarantee to give you a true valuation. Immediate cash payment. If it’s just a valuation you want, please visit us. However, if that’s not possible, we are happy to visit you – just call us on the number below. Please visit our website www.bentleysuk.com and read the testimonials.

Gold Coins (GB & world, sovereigns, Krugerrands,Royal Mint proof sets), antiques, wristwatches, pocket watches, gold (English & foreign), silver, re-saleable jewellery items, amber, jade, any articles by Cartier, Tiffany, Aspreys, etc. Boxed Dinky & Corgi toys, Moorcroft & Clarice Cliff medals & militaria, swords & bayonets.

For any other information or home visits call: 077 6851 3132

Andy Elton is a fully licensed buyer and valuer

The experts of Bentley’s UK will be present, cash purchase offers will be available, no obligation, no appointment necessary.

WANTED: wristwatches including – Rolex, Omega, Jaeger, Breitling, Universal, IWC, Patek, military watches, Tissot, Seiko...in fact most makes, any condition.

Rolex Submariners & GMT Master.

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FREDERIC CHOPIN

Get Your Lawn Ready For Summer

Article by Ian Walker

With warmer, longer days on the horizon, the beautiful bright colours of your garden are best enjoyed alongside a lush, green lawn. As the centrepiece of your garden, GreenThumb Lawn Treatment Service will ensure your lawn reaches its full potential as a weed-free, healthy, and well-loved lawn.

Our ‘Summer Ready’ Treatment is applied between April and June and features a fully coated fertiliser designed to give your lawn a timed release of nutrition over several months, feeding your grass and stimulating growth. This sophisticated treatment also includes a weed control to help eradicate those which are unwelcome on your lawn, keeping your lawn looking its best ready for summer.

An added benefit of our ‘Summer Ready’ Treatment is that you’ll also receive an application of our fantastic water conserver, Oasis. Now is the perfect time for an Oasis Treatment as it helps your soil to make the best use of any available moisture, meaning you’ll need to water up to 80% less. Our popular Oasis Treatment now features an innovative, highly concentrated seaweed extract which has proven to have an almost immediate visual effect on the colour of your lawn.

See page 15 for answers

At this time of year, we also recommend implementing a regular mowing regime to help your lawn be the best it can be. Dry, sunny days are the best conditions for mowing, however it’s important that your mower blades are kept sharp or replaced when needed to avoid causing damage to the grass plant. It is also important, especially during the summer months, that your grass isn’t cut too short as this will weaken it, attracting unwanted weeds. When dry, we advise raising the height of your cut from 1” up to 2” and give it a good drink the day after mowing.

Let’s create the lawn we both love.

Contact your local GreenThumb branch today 0116 269 4019 or email leicestershirewest@greenthumb.co.uk

The Village Writers

Article by David Schonveld

The VILLAGE WRITERS group is looking for one or two new writers. At the moment we meet via Zoom twice a month.1st & 3rd Wednesdays@7pm. (Members are sent a link)

You don't have to have any standard of writing. Anyone who writes, enjoys writing, or who wants to get better at it is eligible. We read the writing we've done as homework & get helpful, creative 'feedback' from our friendly others.

The Writers'WORKSHOP group is also looking for one or two members. It's an in-person group, and focusses directly on the many techniques of writing.(eg.description, dialogue, short story,memoir etc) All writing is done at the meeting. Find out more about either group: text or email David: 07552107461 or aschons98@gmail com

The Story of Ann Waldron

Article by Val Knott

Some weeks ago, we received an email from Jane Noll who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. She contacted us on behalf of her mother Ann Glover, née Waldron. Ann has lived in Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. for many years and until recently had contact with Kirby Muxloe through her long-time friend Betty Poyner, who sadly passed away a few months ago. The initial conversation was a request from Jane to ask if we had any information about the death of Ann’s brother John Waldron, who had died in a motor cycle accident in 1952, at the age of 22 years. Jane and her family had found it very difficult to find any information about the accident. Fortunately, one of our committee members had a subscription to the Newspaper archive and proceeded to investigate. The accident happened in Bath and although it didn’t seem to reported in the newspaper of the time in Bath, it was reported quite extensively in the Leicester Mercury. As we were able to pinpoint the exact date, an article relating to the subject was fairly easy to find. Although a very sad enquiry it was one that we felt would give some peace of mind to Ann.

After the initial conversation our exchange of emails continued. Ann and her family lived on Desford Road, Kirby Muxloe and she attended K.M. Primary School. Ann remembered Janis Clarke (Jan Timson) and also Peter and Pam Cooper. They, in turn remembered Ann. It appears that Jan had been receiving news regarding Ann from Betty Poyner, and was very sorry when the link came to an end. Ann has memories of Jan’s Labrador and also remembers camping in a tent in Jan’s back garden. I mentioned to Jane that we were about to attend a History Fair at Beaumanor Hall and this led to another interesting discovery. It appears that Jane’s own husband, is an ancestor of the owners of Beaumanor Hall, near Loughborough. The link coming from his grandmother’s side of the family. When Jane and her husband visited the Hall a few years ago, her husband was invited to sign the family book. Jane and her husband do have a few items which originally came from Beaumanor and have been passed down through the family. Lastly, Jane told me that some years ago her mother had written down her life memoir and that there a was a large section on living in Kirby Muxloe. Would we like a copy? Well, yes please, was the reply! The following story has been checked by Ann and Jane and they are happy for this to be reproduced.

Ann’s Story- Part One This is such an excellent account of growing up in the 1950’s it may be necessary to split it into two parts. This will invoke many memories.

“I think we arrived in Kirby Muxloe late afternoon or evening for when I woke up the next day I ran and jumped on my parents’ bed. On looking out of the window (at the front of the house) all I saw were fields and bemoaned the fact that there would be no one to play with. Daddy told us to go to the next road at the back of the house (Main Street) and we would find plenty of playmates. I was five years old at the time. We lived on Desford Lane (now Road), then known as “Back Lane”, facing the fields all the way to the little village of Ratby. We were one house (now two) from the church which was next to a farm. Many times, farm animals were herded along the road to another field and one time my mother and I were coming out of the churchyard (we used to cut through to Main Street) and Brutus the bull came out of the farmyard. We ran back into the churchyard and when the farmer, Mr Ashmore, eventually showed himself, looking to Brutus, he laughed at us and said “You know Brutus wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Well mummy and I weren’t going to risk it -he was a very big bull! We would get animals in our garden too, if our gate had been left open. At one time, Daddy went to shoo a big ram off the top lawn and it charged him, and had its head between my father’s knees! When my mother went to make tea one morning a cow put her head through the window.

We kept hens at the top of the garden. We never ate them. They died of old age and were buried with ceremony in the garden. I remember Polly, Clara and Tiny. My father built a hen house (of asbestos) and we really enjoyed the eggs. Eggs

were not de-rationed until 1953 when sugar and tea were also unrestricted. We were only allowed ¾ pound of sweets per month and very little of anything else. We had 48-66 clothing coupons annually. My mother made wonderful jam-using the red and black currant bushes in the garden. We also had lots of home- grown vegetables. I remember Robertson’s marmalade that had a golliwog on the label… Shippam’s Paste, meat or fish spread in small glass jars with lids with circular metal strips which were difficult to open. I had some years later and it tasted awful! Tate and Lyle’s Golden Syrup- we used it to sweeten things as we were short of sugar. Toad in the Hole and Spotted Dick, all firm favourites. We even ate salt and pepper on bread for sandwiches. In the war butter and margarine were rationed. If one was lucky enough to have any bacon grease one spread it on bread or toast. In my younger days and even later, no child called an adult by his or her Christian name- if they were close friends of one’s parents it was “Auntie” or “Uncle” or “Mr. and Mrs.” At school it was “Sir” for males and “Miss or Mrs” and their surnames for the females. In nursing (Ann became a nurse) it was “Sir” for medical doctors an “Mr” for surgeons. Manners in our family were very important-“Please” and “Thank you”, no elbows on the table, no feet on ledges under the table , no sitting on arms of chairs, no interrupting adults. Children were expected to be seen and not heard! We were certainly not given a choice or asked our opinion. My father never allowed us to chew gum and we would quickly remove it and hide it if he came into the room.

Next time Ann talks about WWII, school and much more.

Thank you, Ann for your wonderful memories

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

We now take a break until our next meeting which will be on Tuesday 19th September, 2023 when our speaker will be John Thomas from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services. John will talk about “The Rutland Roman Villa”, the discovery and finds buried in a Rutland field. Our fees stay the same as last year with yearly membership £10 with a £2 fee for each meeting. Visitors £5 per meeting. We now have a new concessionary fee of £5 for membership plus the normal £2 per meeting for students. As always, visitors are most welcome, we are a very friendly group and open to all.

Dear Residents,

As we have moved on from the Local Elections in May , we now need to get down to business and once again, Planning dominates the Local scene. Since the Rt Hon Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Housing, Community and Levelling Up, published a letter that was sent to the Chief Executive Officer at HBBC detailing that our Council is one of 10 that his department is looking at in terms of designation which is one step away from being taken into Special Measures which means that all planning applications could go straight to the inspectorate for determination and local councillors would have no say or vote that sit on the Planning Committee at HBBC.

This letter details that 10 Councils are being looked at and right now, we are bottom of that list. Planning Authorities need to determine minor applications at a rate of 70% but we are currently at 46% . Some 453 applications are still yet to be determined as of January 2023. HBBC are denying this stating they are currently at 80% so that begs the question, why was the letter sent ? Still no mention of major applications or whether our saved policies are in date or not under our Core Strategy which is all we have right now due to a lack of a 5 year housing supply or a local plan under the continuing Libdem Administration.

On a happier note, we both want to welcome Stanley to Ratby who has opened a new hardware shop that used to be Pabari's News. This is a very welcome addition to the village and we wish him every success !

Best Regards

Chris and Ozzy

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Policing.

Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825

E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com

On Tuesday 16th May I met Police Insp Steve Palmer at County Hall to discuss issues within my ward. We discussed burglaries which had occurred mainly in Groby and he assured me that extra resources had been put in place and an arrest had been made. However, there is an ongoing issue in Ratby with shed and garage breaks, where pedal cycles are being taken and recently a motor cycle. They have mainly occurred in the early hours over weekends. I am pleased to say, the police have been passed details of possible suspects for these offences. I would urge all residents to make sure that their sheds and garages are locked securely. We discussed the ongoing incidents of ASB in Ratby and the police response. Another of the issues I raised was the increased number of electric scooters in both Ratby and Groby. Police staffing update, I am pleased to report that we have been allocated another police officer Pc Amy Cunningham, Amy replaces Pc Greg Rawisinski on the beat team. We have also been allocated further PCSO, Pcso Grace Muldoon. Two excellent officers. Residents know that I work closely with the police team and will do my best to keep you updated on current issues. I would like to welcome Amy and Grace to the team.

Arrive Bus Service Ratby.

I have received numerous complaints from residents from both Ratby and Groby regarding the Arriva 27 Bus Service to Ratby. As a result, I have written to Andrew Godley the Commercial Director of Arriva based at the Arriva Deport, 4 Westmorland Ave, Thurmaston. I have expressed resident’s concerns regarding the 27 Ratby Service and the 26 Service. I informed him that resident’s have genuine complaints that the 27 Service is very unreliable turning up some 40 minutes late and also on some occasions the bus is often cancelled with residents left waiting at bus stops. I have witnessed this myself whilst standing with other residents waiting for the 27 bus that then arrived 25 minutes late. Residents tell me that this is happening all to regularly. I appreciate that these are all commercial routes, but I have asked why this happening so often. Especially as Arriva has cut the 27 service from a half hourly to hourly. I have also asked our transport team at County Hall to raise this with Arriva.

B&Q Scam Email.

Fraudsters are impersonating B&Q in dodgy emails which promise free products in exchange for filling out a survey. Their aim is to obtain your details. If its too good to be true it usually is.

These scam emails offer recipients the chance to ‘participate in a loyalty program’ with B&Q. They claim that in exchange for ‘less than a minute of your time’, you can get a free Dewalt Power Station or 170-piece Stanley tool set.

The emails mimic B&Q branding to appear genuine, but are sent from seemingly random email addresses. The emails themselves also contain spelling errors - another giveaway that they’re sent by fraudsters.

Dodgy B&Q emails

Scam Microsoft Email with attachment.

The below scam email is circulating with an attachment that contains a virus please do not open just delete.

Security Support <Felicityj_22@hotmail.com>

To: xxxxxxxxx

We noticed you have been ignoring all our verification messages sent to your Microsoft account.

We hereby inform you that your xxxxxx@hotmail.comaccount will be closed " Thursday, May 04, 2023, 10:25:16 AM." , If you fail to update your email account with the Microsoft Account attached file.

Note: In 24 hours, we will deactivate all inactive email accounts.

We respects your privacy. Read our privacy policy for more information.

Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft Outlook.com ©2023

Finally, I would like to thank you all for your continued support and remind you that should you need my help or advice, I always pride myself on making myself available to residents. Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Ozzy O’shea. Always Working for you Locally.

Leicester Forest East Community Library

Article by Paul Turner

May Fair

Many thanks to those stallholders and visitors to the May Fair which raised £475.59 for the library funds which will keep the library running. A few of the stalls are shown below

Updated grounds and raised garden

You may have noticed that we have had the gardeners in to update the planted areas around the car park which were getting scruffy and could not be easily tended. We have included raised beds and a seating area for tables and chairs so that during the warm weather visitors can sit outside having their coffee and cakes. The funding has been obtained from grants from the LFE Parish Council and the S106 monies available to us that must be used on making improvements to the building and grounds.

If you are green fingered then we would like your help in maintaining the area then please let us know.

Quiz Night - June 16th or 23rd July POSTPONED

The quiz night has been postponed. In order to run events such as this we need more volunteers for running such events as well as you volunteering a couple of hours a week (or month) to tidy shelves, make drinks or become a librarian issuing books. Full training will be given. If you can help then please pop into the library or use the QR code below and fill in the volunteer form.

Future events for your diary

18th August

Family Bingo Night - 7pm

16th September

Autumn Fair - 11am to 2pm - £15.00 per stall

4th November

Diwali Celebration

18th November

Christmas Fair

Opening Hours

Mon 2pm - 5pm

Tue Closed

Wed 10am – 4:00pm 6pm - 8pm

Thurs 10am - noon 2pm - 4pm

Fri 2pm - 5pm

Sat* 10am - 1pm

* 1st Saturday of the month coffee morning 10am - 1pm

Regular Groups

Just a reminder of the regular groups that are meeting in the library.

Monday 7pm to 9pm – LFE Stitchers

Tuesday Teapot Club

2pm to 4pm – 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the Month

Wednesday 10am to Noon – Coffee & Chat – all ages welcome

Wednesday 6pm to 8pm – Craft Group

Thursday 10am to Noon – Baby & Toddler Meet Up Group (up to 2 years)

Thursday 3rd Thursday of the Month 7pm to 9pm – The LE3 Ladies Group

Friday 2.30pm to 3pm & 3.15pm to 4pm – Busy Bees

If you are interested in any group then please view the website or Facebook for details.

Stay Active This Summer

Article by Raj Sheladiya

With the promise of warmer weather just around the corner, thoughts turn to outdoor activities again. But for those of us with some form of arthritis, pottering in the garden may not be as enjoyable as it once was.

Arthritis literally means ‘inflammation of the joints’. As you grow older your body is often unable to replace new cartilage to counteract any loss, allowing insufficiently cushioned bones to rub together causing inflammation, pain and stiffness.

There are things you can do though to that can help.

Diet is important. Eating less of the foods that can increase inflammation and lots more of the anti-inflammatory foods that can help to reduce it, can help: reduce your intake of coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks and foods made from refined white flour and white sugar, as these foods are known to promote unhealthy levels of inflammation.

Do eat lots of oily fish or plant oils, nuts and seeds, and plenty of fresh vegetables and berries; they are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation. Replace refined foods with brown rice, millet, barley, quinoa or buckwheat and spice things up! Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that are known to help relieve muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, headaches and arthritis. Turmeric also has heaps of antiinflammatory potential.

Another popular choice for muscle and joint pain is Devil’s Claw, a plant only found in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. It has been used for many years to help reduce rheumatic, muscle and joint pain and studies suggest that long-term use of Devil’s Claw is not only safe, but may also lead to improvements in those with chronic lower back pain. Try A. Vogel’s Atrosan Devil’s Claw tablets.

For topical relief from inflammation you may wish to try Arnica. It’s well-known for its homeopathic use for bumps and bruises, but when used in its herbal form it can also help with pain and stiffness in joints and muscles, with research showing it may be just as effective as ibuprofen at reducing pain and stiffness in the fingers of osteoarthritis patients. Atrogel Arnica Gel contains herbal extracts of Arnica flowers and can help with muscular aches, pains and stiffness, sprains and bruising.

Finally, stay active. Regular, gentle exercise will help you maintain a healthy weight, which in turn lessens the stress you place on joints, helping to improve the pain of arthritis.

For further information contact Raj Sheladiya and his team at Health & Glamour, 17 Leicester Road, Wigston, LE18 1NR or call 0116 288 9424.

General Knowledge

Life And Times Of A Village School A Brief History Of Ratby School

From 1873 To 1900

By Michael Ball (Michael was a former pupil of Ratby School and Chair of Governors for several years , during which the school encountered its first Ofsted Inspection)

Ratby School will be celebrating its 150th birthday this July. So this story begins in July 1873. It covers some of the experiences of both teaching staff, the children, and their parents, drawing on information contained in the daily log books of the first three head teachers, Abraham Forrayan , (previously a master at Groby school) Francis Pitman and finally Diggory Nicholas.

Prior to 1873 there was no formal education for the large majority of Ratby children. However it’s evident from the Groby Head Teacher’s logbook that some children from Ratby had been attending the church run school there.

Across

5. Spotted or calico horse (5)

8. Implements for practical use, tools (8)

9. Hair on the chin (5)

10. Building near to or up against a main building (8)

11. City in central Egypt on the east bank of the Nile (5)

14. Evergreen tree with small berries and glossy aromatic leaves (3)

16. White sheep originating in Spain (6)

17. Discrimination against a person in the latter part of life (6)

18. Diving bird of northern seas (3)

20. Brass instrument without valves (5)

24. Capital of Hawaii (8)

25. Genetic copy (5)

26. Type of very hot Indian curry (8)

27. Capital of Ghana (5)

Down

1. Second largest of the Great Lakes (5)

2. Mooring (5)

3. Berkshire town, famous for its racecourse (5)

4. Colourless watery fluid of blood (6)

6. Lumps of frozen water, usually with six sides (3,5)

7. Herbivorous land turtle (8)

12. Government whose head of state is not a monarch (8)

13. Merchant who designs and sells hats (8)

14. Fluffy scarf of feathers (3)

15. Ox from Tibet (3)

19. Imaginary place considered perfect (6)

21. ___ Allen, US filmmaker and comic actor (5)

22. Pen made from a bird’s feather (5)

23. Royal house of which Elizabeth I was a member (5)

See page 15 for answers

An article in the Leicester Chronicle of 1873 records that the architect for the school was a Mr Goodacre of Leicester, and the builder Mr Wigglesworth, (a Canadian) of Ratby. The cost of the school building and Head Teacher’s house was £1515. For the vast majority of Ratby children and indeed their parents, this was a new experience. The introduction of formal attendance at school was a shock to the normal day to day rhythms of village life. Ratby in those days was a mixed rural community consisting of several large farms. The village also had a substantial number of families working in the hosiery trade.

Child labour on the village farms was common place A typical example of this is recorded in the Head teacher’s daily log book;

June 27th 1874. Average attendance this week nearly 90, though the attendance was not regular, especially at the former part of the week many children being in the hayfield.

On some occasions large numbers of children would absent themselves

July 11th 1874 Attendance somewhat spoiled by a Circus at Leicester on Monday which drew great numbers. Several absent the whole week owing to this, and the hay harvest.

July 18th 1874 Obliged to give a holiday at 12 o’clock on Monday as the Children attending the Primitive Methodist Sunday School had an Annual treat in the afternoon.

Sometimes the log book entries read like episodes from Downton Abbey. Until 1925 Ratby was essentially a Manorial village The Earl of Stamford, the Lord of the Manor would take several of the older children out for several days each November to act as beaters for the annual pheasant shoots, much to the annoyance of the Head Teacher.

Other distractions from daily life of the school were caused by parents involved in the hosiery trade taking their daughters out of school on Fridays to assist their mother in seaming hosiery prior to the Saturday morning collection by the Hosier at the Plough Inn. One feature of the Foster Education Act of 1870 was that education of the children was essentially free, but parents were required to pay 2 pence per child per week. (equal to about 52p nowadays) Problems with payments were frequent entries in the Head’s Logbook

On the 26th September 1874 the Headteacher writes; Having had considerable difficulty several times with Mrs Harris regarding her Grandchildren’s School pence I sent the boy home on Tuesday when he came without the full amount. He came back again saying his grandmother would send it next Monday, but as I had been repeatedly deceived by that promise before, I decided to send him away till the full amount should come.

Problems with pupil attendance finally came to a head when the Leicestershire County Education Committee introduced School Attendance officers .We see for the first time reports in

the newspapers of several Ratby Parents appearing at the Market Bosworth petty sessions charged with the offence that they had persistently failed to send their children to school.

The first ten years were a learning curve for teachers, pupils, and their parents. Following the arrival of Head Teacher Diggory Nicholas the daily logs are filled with records of scholastic achievements. However he did also encounter problems.

In the winter months keeping the school warm was often a problem The classrooms were in those days heated by means of cast iron pot-bellied stoves. In exceptionally cold weather the stoves failed to keep the children warm. Consequently Mr Nicholas was forced to ask permission from County Education officials to close the school for three days.

We have all experienced the recent problems with the Covid Pandemic The later years of the 19thcentury was also a period when the school encountered two major infections which were fatal to children. Both Measles and Scarlet fever were a problem for the school.

Scarlet fever closed the school for several weeks in 1893. On Nov 13 Mr Nicholas notes ‘The School Board on the advice of Dr Wright have decided to close for four weeks as the village is now full of Scarlet Fever.’

Mr Nicholas continued in post until 1911 when he became seriously ill. On the 3rd of July 1912 the School log records; ‘we regret to have to record the death of Mr Nicholas took place this morning.’

The penultimate page of this school log book reported that ‘on July 5thThe Funeral of Mr Nicholas has taken place today. The Children assembled in the yard to pay their last tribute of respect to much loved Headteacher.’

(Residents of Nicholas Drive in Ratby may like to know that this road was named after him.)

Michael Ball and Sue Boud. ( Ratby Local History research group ) sueboud@hotmail.com 0116 2394873

Ratby Parish Council

Article by Merle B Joyce

THERE ARE 3 VACANCIES FOR COUNCILLORS AT THIS PARISH. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, PLEASE SEND A LETTER OR EMAIL STATING WHAT SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU COULD BRING TO THIS ROLE.

The Annual Parish Meeting was held on Wednesday 24th May and the Chairman's Report is as follows:

The Parish Council has had another busy year working on behalf of residents to provide amenities and facilities for the community.

Grass Cutting

The Council is still undertaking grass cutting formerly carried out by Leicestershire County Council. Safety is always a priority and Council would ask that if cutting of grass is taking place in large areas i.e., Ferndale Park and Burroughs Recreation Ground, if dog owners are present at that time would they please keep their animals under control and out of the way of the mowers.

Dog Fouling

The amount of dog fouling on play areas has increased dramatically and the Parish Council has made the decision to put notices in the parks to ask that dog owners keep their animals on the lead and not allow them to run free unattended.

Dog Waste Service

Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council still carries out the emptying of the dog waste bins. However, there have been several incidents of the dog waste bins being vandalised, particularly along the Ivanhoe Trail.

New Play Equipment

The Sputnick and the See-saw at Ferndale Park have been replaced with new equipment. It will also be noted that two Monkey Challenge pieces have been installed- one at Ferndale Park and the other at Burroughs Recreation Ground.

Burroughs Recreation Ground

The Parish Council does not own this land, which is leased to Council by Lagan Homes. Lagan Homes very kindly waived the fee which was previously paid by the Parish Council. However, the Junior swings have been replaced. The reason for not putting too much play equipment at Burroughs is because the current lease allows the owner to give 12 months' notice to the Council to vacate the area. Replacement of the roundabout surfacing is in hand and will be carried out as soon as possible.

Ferndale Park

The teen Tower platform had to be replaced during the last year since a fire was lit on it. This was an expensive repair. As already mentioned both the Sputnick and See-saw have been replaced.

Remembrance Day

The Remembrance Day Service was again held at the War Memorial site with a shorter parade taking place. The Parish Council would like to thank all those involved,.

Flower Baskets

Hinckley & Borough Council have again been asked to provide the floral display for the village. The remaining containers will be planted in-house.

Village Wardens

The Council's grateful thanks must be extended to:

Neil Glenister Archaeology

Jean Harrison Badgers

Iris Hannaford & Neil Harris Trees

The Parish Council is still without Footpath Wardens and a Flood Warden. Anyone interested undertaking these roles please contact the Parish Council Office - Tel: 0116 23 9 0167 or Email: ratbypcouncil@btconnect.com

Ratby Library

Ratby Library is still serving the residents of the village and the Council's thanks to the volunteers should be noted.

The Village Sign

The village sign has been taken down for health & safety reasons. A new sign will be erected and it is the Council's intention to incorporate as much of the original design as possible.

Rooting for Ratby

This new community group is a very welcome addition to the village and to-date has held several successful events. The Council's grateful thanks should also be given to those residents who regularly litter pick the village, helping to keep it looking clean and tidy.

Two new businesses in Ratby

MEG-A-CAKES on Main Street-lots of residents may know Megan from the Railway Inn - the cakes all look delicious!

STANLEY - has recently rented the ground floor of Pabaris Newsagents and opened a small Hardware Store. The Council wishes every success to these new enterprises. Please Note: future Parish Council meetings will take place at the Library, Main Street at 7pm on the second Tuesday of each month.

Parish Councillor Vacancies

There are at present 3 vacancies for Councillors. Anyone interested in taking on a Parish Councillor's role should write to the Parish Council office, or email, detailing their experience and stating what skills etc., they could bring to the organisation.

Finally, the Parish Council appreciates your support and will continue to work on your behalf to make Ratby a village to be proud of.

Merle B Joyce

Chairman- Ratby Parish Council

Ratby Parish Council, 13 Station Road, Ratby, Leicestershire LE6 0JQ Tel: 01162 239 0167 Email: ratbypcouncil@btconnect.com