March 2022 Your Local Ratby, Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forest East

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'A January Walk In The Park'

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By David Schonveld

The Dictionary defines 'a walk in the park' as something very easy, uncomplicated.

It has a faintly derisory tone, as if 'easy' and 'uncomplicated' were not, really, the stuff of life: hard and complicated.

But, fortunately, life IS sometimes easy and uncomplicated. And we should be grateful for it.

'A January Walk in the Park.'

I leave the car at the end of the cul-de-sac, (Court Close).

I pass the tennis courts and the semi wild wood of mixed pine and white willow, now with its showy white catkins, heralding the approach of spring. It marks the eastern edge of Kirby Muxloe Memorial Park.

A bridge over the brook is flanked on one side by garden escapes, like lungwort (pulmonaria), which, quite soon, will show as a bank of delicate spotted white and purple flowers.

On the left, a pool of groundcover plants tips over into the steep sides of the brook,whilst a dense bed of violets, with their strong heart-shaped leaves and purple flowers get ready for sweethearts & St Valentines Day. The bridge is one of three over the brook, although the one at the top end of my walk, near the library, is closed off at the moment. An ominous sag suggests the reason!

Meanwhile, Lottie, my energetic spaniel, bounds off along the path and spashes in the brook, with a doggy friend. We meet other dogs and dog owners, & we have dog-conversations. It's something which bonds us together.

The brook broadens to the left, and swirls on towards its meeting, far off, with the Rotheley Brook. On the way it will fork,with one arm filling the moat round the fortified Mansion of the Hastings family (Kirby Castle) .It was never completely finished, because Lord Hastings, was executed by Richard III in 1483, just two years before the King lost his crown elsewhere in the county (Bosworth) But the moat is another walk. I turn right.

The path runs up to the Parish offices and the newish, elegant library, finished, just before the financial crisis of 2008 forced cuts which meant that it has now has to be staffed by volunteers.

Before that, my walk takes me alongside the brook, by an area which must have flooded annually. A small wetland area, later in the year, supports a thick growth of meadowsweet. Its bonewhite blooms will flood this little corner with a pungent fragrance. The sweetness owes its name to its use, strewn about the floors of Halls and more affluent medieval dwellings to combat the other crude odours of those days.

Much closer, a dense thicket of Blackthorn (sloe) with its banks of creamy white blossom in March stops even adventurous children with its long and potent thorns. But Lottie, the Spaniel, dives in, seemingly regardless.

A little later, I am flanked, on one side, by the Centenary Wood. Planted in 1994, to celebrate 100 years of parish councils and marked by a granite boulder at its further end. A plaque tells us that 'pupils of Kirby Muxloe Primary helped plant the trees for this wood.'

I wonder if any of them walk past these days and remember their work?

There were originally two separate copses, two woody 'islands' to Centenary Wood. But now they are almost joined by a growth of willows. These have grown up from a circle of willow trunks, originally laid in a rough circle.

When they were young, my grandsons used to see if they could walk round, balancing all the way,without falling down, into the crocodile infested waters below! So these became 'the

crocodile trees.' In this way children mark and name their home territory.

It's near here that our resident White or Little Heron lives. I've seen her over the past five years, a large exotic bird perched sometimes high up on nearby pine branches. Not as big as the Blue Heron (There's a resident one of these at the castle moat) but still big for a British lowland bird.

But it's near extinction by hunting, in the late nineteenth century led to the formation of the RSPB. Not a lot of people know that!

The Union of British Ornithologists (male only) membership refused to do anything about the situation. But Lucy Williamson was so horrid by the wholesale slaughter of White (or Snowy) Egrets, Grebes and Birds of Paradise that she began a (women only) campaign against the use of their feathers in womens' hats.

It led, eventually to the formation of RSPB and an act of Parliament in 1921 outlawed the trade.

The wall of Ash, Elder and Ivy by the brook protects me from the prevailing westerly. But now I feel it, as the path turns a little to the right,at the junction with the sturdy middle bridge. This leads to the Nursery School and Young Peoples' Basketball pitch. There's an airy 'shelter' too, dedicated to the memory (2005) of Kristopher Perkins and the work of P.C.Sutherley. It's a fitting place in a park which is dedicated to those who gave their lives to others The eastern half of the Park is one I know rather better. It is where we took our grandchildren after school. First to the childrens' playground swings and slides and merry-go-round, together with other parents and grandparents. Then, later, to sit on the comfortable green metal benches under the conkers trees, as the boys played football.

But I don't go over the middle bridge today and continue along the now tarmacadam path alongside the brook.

Until a fortnight ago there was still the odd white flower of the deadnettle (Lamium). A hardy plant, it will flower most months of the year,especially in a generous microclimate, such as here, in the lee of a hedge.

A small group of six or seven black birds are pecking away in the damp but unfrozen soil. Lottie runs at them. But they fly off at the last second.

Flying is an energy expensive activity. Blackbirds will usually hop away from danger, only flying when they have to. At some point the ancestors of birds were running, hopping reptiles. But they could climb trees and jump from bough to bough. Maybe, over an immense time, that's what's happening with Flying squirrels?

Now my attention is drawn to a large flock of seagulls slowly circling the playing fields. Maybe the pecking blackbirds have suggested that there will be grubs and other insect life here. Those midges that rose up around me, and danced right in my face awhile back? They must have larvae somewhere.

More evidence of the year past as I pick a stem of Ivy flowers (Hedera) from the riverine hedge. The ivy branches out from other plants and in winter, fills the gaps left by the fallen deciduous leaves.

The now out-of-action bridge used to lead to the Bowling Green, Parish Offices and Library. But its closed off now, just like the pond, a bit further along. Once a facility for the Primary school,within tadpoles newts and other pond dwellers, it now has boards preventing any close exploration adventure.

We live in times of climate crisis, financial cuts and rather less generous public services. And a fearful mindset which erects barriers.

So let's enjoy a bit of wildness while we can.

Lottie doesn't know or care about it. She's down in the brook again as I wheel round for the return journey. There are still sights to see as I retrace my steps. But I've walked the dog, and made contact with Nature, even though its just a walk in the park.

THE VILLAGE WRITERS meets first and third Wednesdays via ZOOM. Anyone who writes and would like to get better at it, is invited to join.

There is no set standard and, currently, no cost. Just contact David on 07552 107461 (text or phone)

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An Update From Kirby Muxloe Parish Council Article by Rachel Atkinson

We at the Parish Council sincerely hope that 2022 has started on a brighter and more positive note for the residents of Kirby Muxloe. We continue to work hard on your behalf, both ensuring the smooth-running of Parish Council services and embarking upon some new and exciting projects.

Parish Precept (Council Tax) We are acutely aware of mounting pressures on household budgets and for this reason the Parish Council are supporting the Parish Precept by utilising 6,200 of the Reserves. This will result in the Parish Precept increasing by 2.85 on a Band D property (From 93.42 to 96.27) for 2022-23. We hope that this is acceptable to the residents of Kirby Muxloe.

Wildflower Verge Kirby Muxloe has a new designated "Wildflower Verge" which is located on Glenfield Lane just before the turn-off to Primrose Way. As the proposed verge is fairly wide, we intend to mow to a narrow strip around the edge, so that it doesn't look as if the area has simply been abandoned.

We hope that, in the fullness of time, this verge will provide an attractive and eye-catching natural asset to the village. As you may know, we are living at a time when populations of many pollinating insects and butterflies are in free-fall, due to lack of available forage. We hope that the wildflower verge will go some way to addressing that issue. It may also be worth mentioning that converting a regular grass verge to a wildflower verge is not an instant process. It may take 2 or more years for the wildflowers to become truly established. We will also be seeking volunteers within the community to carry out maintenance of the wildflower verge, which entails mowing on an annual basis and removing all grass clippings (to reduce the fertility of the ground).

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you are interested in getting involved in this process, as any help would be very welcome. To help with the wildflower verge, please contact the Parish Council Office admin@kirbymuxloeparishcouncil.org.uk or Councillor Bettina Atkinson bjatkins@hotmail.co.uk Forest House Medical Centre Many of you are probably aware that Forest House Medical Centre is scheduled to close in the near future. As part of the Lubbesthorpe development, a new Lubbesthorpe Health Centre is to open on Tay Road, Lubbesthorpe sometime in 2023 and patients from Forest House will be automatically transferred to the new surgery. On the positive side, the new facility is to be a "Medical Centre" as opposed to a "Doctors' Surgery" and will offer a broader range of facilities, including various clinics. This will make accessing healthcare more convenient for many people and avoid the necessity of trips to the LRI, the General and the Glenfield Hospitals.

However, there is a problem for residents of Kirby Muxloe, in that the new Health Centre will not be easily accessible by public transport; members of our community who do not have access to a car are going to be at a disadvantage and this issue therefore needs addressing. Forest House Surgery has established a: "Forest House Relocation Steering Group”; they are inviting the participation of patients, carers, staff and other stakeholders, to help smooth the transition to the new premises.

Tennis Courts The tennis courts have been cleaned and they are looking really great. Here's calling all budding Emma Raducanu’s and Andy Murray’s in Kirby Muxloe!

Alternatively, if you just want to have a fun knock-about with your kids or your mates - you're just as welcome. The Parish Council would like to point out that these courts are a free facility for members of the community and to be shared equitably. We would ask people to show consideration to those waiting to play and not to hog the courts for hours on end.

Dog Waste Bin at Station Drive / Kirby Meadows While we try to resolve the dog waste bin issue at the Station Drive end, so dog owners continue to be well catered for, can we please ask for residents' forbearance and politely request that people do not leave dog poo bags on the ground.

Money raised for Rainbows' Hospice We would like to announce that the Christmas Lights Switch-On event raised a grand total of £435.47 to support Rainbows Hospice for children and young people. We would like to thank all those who contributed, for their generosity; it is much appreciated by this very worthwhile organisation.

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Hinckley And District Parkinson’s Group

a loved one who is, please consider following my example and join this wonderful group. It could make your life happier and less lonely.”

Article by Robert Leake To Join A Group Or Not To Join?

I am very much aware that some people with Parkinson’s feel that joining a group is not for them for various reasons. With that in mind I wanted this month to share with you a letter received in February by the Hinckley Parkinson’s Group.

It read, “I had been feeling a bit odd for quite a while, mainly noticing a tremor in my hand. This was not a good trait for a person in my profession – a dentist. It would not instil patient confidence. Then in 2016 at the age of 63 I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease [PD] and I promptly retired. [This was in Adelaide, Australia].

Figuring that I would like to meet others in the same situation I attended a local PD group meeting. It was not a good experience, miserable people complaining about their lot in life.

I felt that I was looking into a very bleak future.

Due to family circumstances I came over to the UK with my ever supportive wife, amid all the Covid restrictions. My PD has advanced slowly but relentlessly despite my efforts to stave it off. “Why don’t you join the Hinckley PD Group?” said ‘she who must be obeyed’ after reading an article like this one.

“Not on your life. Been there, done that” I responded. A week later, though, kicking and screaming, I found myself at their monthly meeting. Well, what a revelation! Nice people, positive and friendly. Everyone was welcoming and smiling.

We joined the exercise class, the Nordic Walking Group, the dance group and to top off my portfolio, the singing group. Although dancing and singing are not my strong suit I realised that it did not matter – nobody actually cares if you are good bad or indifferent!

They just have fun.

We attended a Magic Night with the Group – dinner and drinks.

We had a Christmas Lunch and went to the local pantomime with our new found friends, both PD sufferers and their spouses or carers. I felt comfortable and happy in their company. As I write this letter my phone keeps pinging with birthday wishes from them.

If you are a PD sufferer or have

Farewell to our Australian members at the Dance Session before they flew home.

Perhaps that will make you consider joining the group like so many others over the last year.

Meetings at the Mary Forryan Centre on Leicester Road, Hinckley, are once a month on the second Sunday afternoon at 2.30. Sunday, March 13th is the next meeting – an Open Meeting for anyone to come along and check out the group, with plenty of tea and biscuits of course.. Every Tuesday at the St. Francis Centre on Tudor Road, Hinckley there is a weekly exercise class [‘Challenge PD’] at 3.00, then on Fridays there are dance sessions at Elmesthorpe Village Hall from 2.00 until 4.00. and at 4.00 there is an hour of singing with the informal ‘A-Choir’d Taste’. Many stay for both activities but you don’t have to.

Don’t forget also a monthly informal ‘Drop In’ for tea at Dobbies at Stapleton [March 21 2.00 – 4.00 is the next], and Nordic walking will be on Thursday March 17. On this occasion the meeting is indoors at the Mary Forryan Centre for special limited-space sessions explaining how to benefit from an improved pole walking technique. Amanda Howe, a qualified instructor, is offering two hour-long training sessions either at 12.00 or 1.00pm, but you must book in advance. Please contact Peter Abraham on peter@ theabrahamfamily.co.uk with your telephone number to secure a place. He can also be contacted on 01455 636776.

For further information on any of our activities please contact Janet Kavanagh of the Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group on 07932615233.

So don’t let Parkinson’s dictate how you live your life, come along and join the Hinckley Group and see the benefits for yourself.

Call us now for a friendly chat on: 01163 191123

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Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com County Council Tax Rise 3% From April 2022.

As I reported in my January report, the County Council is facing extremely difficult pressures in preparing a balance budget. We have faced increased pressures over the past two years with the Covid pandemic. That is on top of the significant financial challenges that we have faced for more than a decade now, dealing first with austerity. Throughout this uncertain period, we have managed taxpayers’ money prudently, making savings to see off potential financial crises, while protecting the frontline services we know really matter to the people of Leicestershire.

I fully understand the pressure on families with inflation running at almost 7% and the rising cost of Gas and electricity supplies.

However the councils situation remains hugely difficult, and again we are in a position where we had to consider raising council tax to not only maintain those vital services – including adult and children’s social care to look after the most vulnerable among us but also to tackle unprecedented rising demand for them.

We can balance our books in the next financial year but thereafter the gap between the council’s income and what we will have to spend becomes increasingly difficult to manage.

However we are not sitting and waiting for the worst-case scenario to engulf us.

We are working to fix the broken system of local government finance which unfairly places us among the lowest funded councils in England.

In the longer term we are pressing the Government for a County Deal to bring greater devolved powers to Leicestershire and significant funding to back them.

Our 2022-26 budget at a glance: • Balanced budget for 2022-23 • £230m savings since 2010 • £514m capital pot for new roads, schools and more • £60m more for children and family services and adult social care • £100m of savings needed by 2025/26 • Approved 3 per cent rise in precept from April 2022

What services county council provides We're responsible for delivering a wide range of services including adult social care, children's social care, public health, transport, education, planning, road maintenance, libraries, waste management and trading standards. These are funded by Council Tax, business rates and Government grants.

The council's projected expenditure versus income shows a £46 million gap in 2025/26.

Budget in more detail Rising costs Growing demand for services is expected to increase costs by £88m, including: • Children and Family Services (£25m) - this is mainly due to pressures on the budget for social care places, a rising number of looked after children and growing social worker caseloads • Adult Social Care (£35m) - this is largely the result of an ageing population with increasing care needs and a growing number of people with learning disabilities.

• Environment and Transport (£6m) - this mainly relates to more for pupils with special educations needs and disabilities.

Savings The council’s medium-term financial strategy (MTFS) sets out the need to save £100m by 2025/26 with more than £46m of that sum yet to be identified.

Council Tax The Council Tax increase of 3 per cent was agreed at the County Council meeting held on the 23rd February 2022. (Which included the 1 per cent adult social care levy) and equates to £42.30 a year for a band D house.

Council Tax is the only significant lever available to the County Council to raise additional money to fund vital services whilst balancing the budget.

Arriva 27 Route Proposed Time Table Change.

I have recently had a meeting with Toby France, one of the managers at Arriva bus. He informed me that due to their low passenger numbers, which simply have not increased to anywhere near precovid levels, they will need to cut

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the bus service on the 27 Ratby route. He informed me, they have had to take a commercial decision to move from a half hourly service to an hourly service on this route.

I have asked for assurances that, should the numbers increase they would look to going back to a half hourly service. This service is a commercial service and as such, even though I have objected the county Council have no power to stop their request to the traffic commissioners for a service amendment. I have however asked officers to look into their time table and their proposed earlier evening finishes.

I have also written to Arriva to complain on this point on behalf of residents. The buses will still go around Whittington Drive, Ratby.

You can view a copy of their proposed time table via this link: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/ arriva27 .Residents are welcome to contact Arriva to complain also regarding the changes.

Advance Notice of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order.

A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order (TTRO) is to be made for the following location: From Groby Road to Ratby Road, Groby (see weblink below).The purpose of the TTRO is to allow Leicestershire County Council to facilitate drainage investigation work and repairs, and any other associated work to the highway. The TTRO will incorporate a temporary road closure and parking restrictions.

The duration of the restriction is not anticipated to exceed a period of 4 days commencing on the 4th April 2022.

friendship and even romance at this time of year, fraudsters will be spending weeks researching and looking for targets before taking the time to gain their victim’s trust, to eventually ask for money.

It is important that no matter how long you’ve been speaking to someone online and how much you think you trust them, if you have not met them in person, it’s important that you do not: • Send them any money • Allow them access to your bank account • Transfer money on their behalf • Take a loan out for them • Provide copies of your personal documents such as passports or driving licenses • Invest your own money on their behalf or on their advice • Purchase and send the codes on gift cards from Amazon, iTunes or Google Play • Agree to receive or send parcels on their behalf (laptops, mobile phones etc.)

You can report suspicious dating or social media profiles, as the criminals behind them might not just be conning one person. Your report could help protect others.

If you think you have been a victim of a romance scam, do not feel ashamed or embarrassed - you are not alone. Contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 For further information you can go to: www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-zof-fraud/dating-fraud

Weblinks: https://one. network/?tm=GB127836821 https://one. network/?tm=GB127837099 Road Marking Ratby.

I have arranged for the road marking to be repainted both entering and through the main roads of the village. If you know of any junctions that need remarking please let me know.

Trading Standards Update.

I work closely with our trading standards department and below is their latest edition of the Leicestershire Trading Standards Service scams newsletter. Here you will find details of the latest scams and information about how to protect yourself and report a scam.

Romance Scams As more people will be looking for

Social Media Quizzes A fun quiz pops up on your Facebook feed or another social media platform. A few questions are answered to prove how well you know a friend. Or a short personality test is offered to match with a character from a favourite TV show.

These quizzes appear to be meaningless, but the intent behind them is to collect information.

Beware of questions like: "What was the first car you owned?"

“What is your mother's maiden name?”. These are common security questions for insurance, banking, and credit card accounts.

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Sharing this information can lead to accounts being hacked, and personal and financial information being stolen.

network provider by forwarding the text message to 7726.

This harmless quiz could let scammers crack your password and security questions and put you at risk of identity theft.

To find out how to further protect yourself go to: www.actionfraud. police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/identityfraud-and-identity-theft

Suspicious Calls Received a suspected spam text or call? All mobile customers using UK networks can report unwanted SMS messages or mobile phone calls to “7726”. The number is easy to remember as it spells “SPAM” on an alphanumeric phone keypad. This will allow your mobile provider to investigate the number and potentially block it, if it’s found to be fraudulent.

These scams are usually aimed at encouraging you to hand over money, or your personal or financial information.

It can be hard to tell if a spam text or call is from a legitimate company or a scammer. Scammers could pretend to be from your bank or building society, or they might claim to be from your phone or broadband company.

The second message tells you that there has been suspicious attempt to add a new recipient on your account. Once again, the links take you to a site that’s nothing to do with Santander.

Always remember: • Scammers can make a text message appear in a thread of genuine messages from Santander, such as previously sent One Time Passcode (OTP) numbers. This is easily faked and isn’t proof that it’s from Santander • Do not click on any links included in text messages or emails – instead contact your bank directly using the number on the back of your bank card, or through the 159 Stop Scams number.

• If you do click on a link do not provide bank or security details and never download software on to your device.

• You can report any suspicious text messages to your mobile

Other examples include criminals claiming to represent HMRC, the NHS and delivery companies.

Kirby Muxloe Library

Scam Alert: fake Santander ‘new payee’ texts Fake texts claiming to be from Santander are circulating, suggesting that suspicious ‘new payees’ have been set up on your account.

If You are thinking

The first message tells the recipient that a ‘new direct debit’ has been established to a ‘Ruby Davies’ based in Glasgow. This name has presumably been made up entirely – the recipient had never heard of them, and the link is nothing to do with Santander.

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If you think you may have fallen victim to a fake text message, let your bank know via its genuine channels as soon as possible.

Text messages and the formats used by banks are notoriously easy to clone, so these messages could be purporting to be from any bank.

Out & About…

Our Scams Liaison Officer has been out in the community to deliver scams awareness sessions to local groups. It’s great to be able to go out and about again to meet the public in a Covid secure way. Scams talks mean we can offer face to face support again and to provide no cold calling door stickers and scams advice cards as well as giving residents

the opportunity to pick up vital information about how to keep safe from scams.

If you would like to request a scams awareness talk for your local community group, you can get in touch via email at tradingstandards@leics.gov.uk 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.

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The Trees Of Harford Hills

A Memoir produced for 'The Village Writers' Article by Liz Collinson

It’s hard to find much to cheer about with all that’s happening in the world at the moment – but – captivating croci, dancing daffodils and stunning snowdrops must give us hope that all is not lost. Whilst in no way diminishing the concern and compassion we feel for our fellow human beings, perhaps we need to remind ourselves occasionally that good things are still happening. What more so than the coming of Spring?

And so to our Library! What good things have been happening with us?

NEW MEMBERS OF OUR STEERING GROUP Following the resignations of three of our long-standing members, we advertised for new members and, to our surprise and delight, we had six applications – pretty well unheard of. We guess therefore that, somewhere in our youth or childhood, we must have done something good. What a great tribute to the sense of community this village has!

We thought you might like to know who the members of our Steering Group are: Helena Abbey, Sue Clodd, Liz Collinson, Tony Deakin, Barbara Hodson, Shilpa Modi, Leigh Picciano Moss, Lindsay Prince, Mark Riley, Roger Stead, Rosemary Stead, Patrician Wallen, Tom Wright and Penny Wright.

It’s good to have new members join us to bring new ideas and a fresh perspective. It will give us renewed impetus to develop the community side of our enterprise, so watch this space!

COMMUNITY ROOM You may or may not know that we have in the Library a separate room for community usage. It is a large room which will hold 12 people comfortably seated, more at a push.

There are chairs and tables, tea and coffee making facilities whiteboards for meetings and so on. We hire this room out at a rate of £5.00er hour for non-profit-making groups, or £8.00 per hour for business groups. If you need a break during a meeting, you can just pop through to the Library for a range of coffees and teas, plus snacks. It is a very pleasant, well-located environment, with a large car park.

very good rates and in comfortable surroundings, contact us at the Library or drop in and have a look for yourself. Alternatively, if you are working from home and need a break, come along to our very attractive café in pleasant surroundings. Or, if you are working from home but need a place for a group meeting, again contact us.

Nothing is too much trouble!

We can accommodate your needs inside or outside of Library working hours or in the evenings, whenever you prefer.

A LEVEL TUITION The Community Hub is offering A Level tutorials in the week before Easter in Chemistry and Physics, and possibly other subjects such as English language and Literature, Economics and French There tutorials are directed towards our younger readers who will be taking their A levels in the summer term.

At present they will take the form of two three-hour sessions each in Chemistry and Physics over two days. The others will be according to demand. They will not be lectures, but tutorials just dealing with your questions and concerns.

The tutorials are offered on the basis that students will identify in advance the subject topis they want to discuss. It is very much about your needs and dealing with any questions you may have about any issues at all in your subject.

We understand that our younger readers have had a really tough time over the last 2 years with the effects of Covid. If you think you would like some extra help as you approach the exams, the tutors would love to see you.

We will be running morning and afternoon sessions. The tutors will not be charging for their services.

The cost will be £5.00 per session to cover room hire charges, tea/coffee and biscuits.

If you would like to take advantage of this, drop into the Library, email secretary@kirbymuxloelibrary. org or ring Liz Collinson on 0116 2393332.

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When I was a child, in wartime Britain, my father leased a big old house called 'Harford Hills.' It came with extensive grounds. So big, in fact, that my father was able to run a smallholding, supplying the market with vegetables. This was part of the 'Dig for Victory' campaign, the effort to grow more food in Britain, to replace pre-war imports lost to Nazi Europe.

But we kids weren't interested in potatoes, carrots or cabbages. And I remember feeling embarrassed when my mother asked me to go down to the big hut where the 'land-girls' were having a break.

I asked, as my mother had told me, for a cabbage "and make sure it's got a good, hard heart!" she had impressed on my six year old mind.

I couldn't understand the merriment and laughter which greeted my announcement.

Then the foreman said,"we've got some right cruel cabbages here.

Hearts of stone, I should think."

More laughter, and confusion in me.

I think my understanding of metaphor, and its widespread use in English began at that moment.

But we kids WERE interested in trees! There were a good many, and many varieties of tree in the grounds, which had been planted there by a wealthy solicitor forty years previously, and were now grown and mature.

Naturally enough, we decided that each of us would have our own special tree, a kind of 'Base Headquarters,' since military words were so much in general talk and use at that time. Nobody but the 'owner' of the tree was allowed to climb it. For this reason it was also safe against the attacks by the other two.

This happened frequently enough.

I remember being pelted with snowballs by my bother and sister, and running for my headquarters tree for safety. It didn’t stop the snowballs, but it made them harder to throw upwards at me,crouched and panting above them Nor, I now remember with some shame, did it stop my sister, Rachel, and I from tying my brother to his Beech tree and putting a teaspoon of salt in his mouth.

With us, it was a bit like the power-blocs in George Orwell's dystopia '1984' Oceania, Eurasia and Eastasia were always at war. But they

would be allied with one of the others, whist at war with the third.

My sister, Rachel, had chosen an old but sturdy Lilac tree. Not a very good tree for climbing, but my sister said that its blooms had the scent of heaven, which indeed they have..And there was a whole row of lilacs lining 'The Black Path,' a carriageway from Marston Lane to the Land Army's hut. You could clamber the full length of the row by scrambling from one tree to the next.

My own HQ was in the branches of a flowering cherry. Its old trunk split into two stout branches about six or seven feet off the ground, and, whether it was grown like that or it was natural, the two branches ran almost horizontally.

This made it excellent for sitting on, and, when the profuse double flowers massed in springtime, you could hardly tell if anyone was up there. Naturally enough, I called it 'The White Castle.'

There were many other trees, but only our 'special' trees were meant to offer sanctuary.

There was a Sequoia(Redwood) a towering giant, 60feet high, its soft red outer bark easily pulled off and used for imagined boats on the imagined sea of the big pond.

There was a copse in the middle of our field which normally grew barley. In the middle there were two very tall trees which attracted our notice, despite the brambles and nettles growing abundantly around them. One was a Cypress, like the trees with which King Solomon was said to have built the Temple in Jerusalem. A beautiful tree. It was left when the rest of the copse was cleared for cereal crops.

Nowadays it might not be left.

The other was a Horse Chestnut. At the right time of year, it produced thousands of conkers, that hard fruit whose glossy, swirling surfaces of brown still make my heart beat faster and my head whirl with wonder at such beauty.

There was also a whole line of six mature beech trees, into which an Austrian refugee child who stayed with us, just after the war, carved his name.

We were shocked! This was a sacrilege too far for us. I regularly checked those wounded giants for evidence that the abomination was gradually being masked by new growth, right up to my leaving ,90for college,and for good.

Just as now I will buy a flowering perenniel because it grew in that garden. Still,today, I will note that a particular tree was like the one of its kind that there was in Harford Hills.

My childhood was not a happy one.

But, for me, that garden was Eden.

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Mid-day Or Midnight?

Article by Val Pears and Rev Dr Ed Bampton You may have noticed the Ratby Church tower clock is showing 12o’clock. Once again we have a poorly clock. Last September the suspension spring snapped and the pendulum dropped dramatically to the floor causing a little damage to the wooden floor but fortunately none to the pendulum.

We contacted S. Michlmayr & Co. Ltd., who service the clock annually for us, and Simon talked Alan through how to remove the broken part and we sent it to them to make a new one. This was done and installed by Simon Michlmayr, (with a little help from Alan as the pendulum weighs over 4st/25kg!), and off the clock went again.

Enlarged view of suspension spring

Broken suspension spring after other parts removed

Clock mechanism reassembled and working

Simon did tell us it would take a little time for the pendulum to settle down into reasonable time keeping. This repair cost around 430 – see pictures below of finished assembly with an arrow pointing to the replaced suspension spring in both the main picture and the enlarged view.

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In no time at all [no pun intended] the clock was misbehaving again – this time it would only run for a day or so and then stop. The clock is wound in 2 places [‘winding arbours’ – see picture below] on a weekly basis so this was another issue that needed attending to. Michlmayrs came and looked at all the workings and basically found the drive mechanism on the South Clock Face is seizing up. They also stripped out the clock mechanism for a full clean, examination & service. The next picture shows the mechanism stripped out – can you spot the differences?

Michlmayrs have reported that these parts are all ok and will return to re-fit in due course.

When they return they will abseil down the south wall to the centre of the clock face to remove and service the various external parts.

At this time they will also examine the clock faces and mechanisms on the West and North faces. Only then will they be able to quote for the amount of work needed and get the clock working again. At present they estimate the work is going to cost around 2,000 to 3,500! As this is an unexpected cost and we are currently planning other essential works to the church building [the scaffolding will be going up soon!] meaning we cannot fund this yet. We’d very much appreciate any donations that could be given to help us get this work done. You can do this online at https://gofund.me/a2a2f851 or drop donations through the letterbox at the Parish Office, Church Lane, Ratby, LE6 0JF, labelled Clock Fund. We are grateful for any amount you can give … thank you. You might also be interested in seeing where our tower clock mechanism powers the hands in the clock faces. The next picture shows a view looking up to the ceiling within the ‘Clock Chamber’ where you can see [a] the 3 drive boxes on the walls = South, West & North (we don’t have a clock face on the East side of our tower), [b] the 8 bell ropes that pass from the belfry down to the ringing chamber and [c] the ladder for access up to

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4 – partlyencased to protect clock cupboard

1 (Treble)

SOUTH FACE

NORTH FACE 5

8 (Tenor) 6

7 WEST FACE

containing drive mechanism to relevant clock face and ropes associated with relevant bell numbers Boxes Boxes containing drive mechanism to relevant clock face and ropes

These 2 plaques are on associated the Clock cupboard:with relevant bell numbers.

the belfry and the tower roof – where we get wonderful views of the village and surrounding areas.

These 2 plaques are on the Clock cupboard:

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News From The Band Room Article by Steve Plant

Wow what a memorable day for the Ratby Organisation! Sunday 27th February saw the Mid and Senior Bands competing in the 2022 Midlands Regional Championships. The competition took place in the Core Theatre, The Cube, Corby.

being a day off work) to several in their 70’s! The wealth of experience was also a revelation in that as a collective the 31 ‘banders’ had given over 1,600 years to the brass band movement! The 2 hour rehearsal literally flew by so roll on next week when we look forward to our next rehearsal.

Not to be outdone the trustees also recognised the niche of several younger members who formed the “Youth Group”. Led by Sheila Allen this talented group of youngsters met for the first time to play challenging music tailored to assist with their personal development.

These musical groups add to the Senior and Mid Bands who are working very hard in the lead up to the Midlands Regional Championships later this month. Not forgetting our Junior Band and Beginner “Tooters” who also meet on a weekly basis.

What a wonderful achievement to have two new bands starting in the organisation in the same week.

200 Club Winners

Both bands had been working extremely hard in the lead up to the competition and the hard work certainly paid off. The Mid Band competed in a field of 17 bands and were awarded first prize by the two judges commenting that the mature sounds made their job very easy on the day and in their eyes were clear winners. Musical Director Gary Perrin and the players can now look forward to a trip to the Centaur, Cheltenham, for the finals in September.

2021

Prize

No.

Name

September

£50

56

Graham Aucott

October

£50

92

Marc Finnegan

November

£50

6

Kirk Turner

Prize

No.

Name

1st prize

£500

188

John Cawrey

2nd prize

£200

111

Dorothy Horsewood

3rd prize

£100

144

Graham Hutchinson

4th prize

£50

10

Mike Loasby

5th prize

£25

25

Sheralyn Newman

6th prize

£25

96

Graham Aucott

7th prize

£25

56

Graham Aucott

8th prize

£25

61

Sam Palmer

2022

Prize

No.

Name

January

£50

141

John Cawrey

February

£50

200

Mr J. Verity

Christmas 2021 Draw

As for the Senior Band the band were privileged to accept a late invite to the Royal Albert Hall last October when competing in the 2021 finals. We were thrilled to go one better this time beating 11 other challengers to finish runner up in the Championship Section and so automatically qualifying for a return to the Royal Albert Hall. The band were winning after playing rendition of the test piece before being just pipped to the title by the final band. Huge credit must go the Musical Director Dave Purkiss for his direction and Ian Porthouse, professional conductor on the day. (Ian has been travelling up from Wales to Ratby for rehearsals).

History has been made! Each band achieving respectively their highest placings ever at the Regional Contests.

INITIATIVES AS WE ADD THE OLD AND THE NEW The Ratby Day Time Band held its inaugural rehearsal on Wednesday 9th February at the Ratby bandroom. The trustees of the organisation recognized the benefits for meeting up and doing what bandsmen do well and that’s play together. Overwhelmed by the turnout, 28 brass players and 2 percussionists were eagerly seated for baton down at 12.30 led by conductor Ian Bartram.

The community spirit was to the forefront as players came from sixteen bands. Some living on the doorstep whilst others were welcomed from farther afield, one travelled 44 miles to attend.

Ian made a welcomed return after 28 years to conduct in the bandroom having been Musical Director at Ratby back in the early 1990’s.

The age range for a ‘new’ band is something of a milestone in that the age range of the players was so diverse ranging from early 20’s (Wednesday

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ChrisBorough Boothby Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com Budget Meeting.

At the Borough’s full council meeting in February, the administration proposed several increases to charges that the council makes for their services. The Conservative group did not support the increases however the Liberal Democrat Administration passed them. One was raised by 50%.

Collection of White goods/bulky items - 3 items or less, up from £20 to £30 a 50% rise.

Collection of White goods/bulky items – 5 items, up from £33 to £44.50 a 38.85% rise.

Each additional white or bulky item up from £6.50 to £8.80 a 35.38% rise.

Garden waste collection up from £30 to £35 a 16.67% rise. The garden waste collection has risen from the £24 cost that was in place when the Liberals took over the council. We remember their promise saying that they would do away with the brown bin charge, as part of their manifesto.

Instead it has gone up over 50%.

The Council Tax Rise.

The approved Council Tax rise, has resulted in an average increase of 4.15%

by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

The following are the Council Tax Bands for 2022/2023 for Ratby.

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

Band A

Band B

Band C

Band D

Band E

Band F

Band G

Band H

1,328.28 1,549.66 1,771.05 1,992.42 2,435.17 2,877.94 3,320.70 3,984.83

The Borough Council are starting to get a number of people making contact with offers of accommodation for people coming from Ukraine and enquires from people on how to get family members over here.

The council is still waiting for details of the government sponsorship scheme. If a Ukrainian living in the borough has settled status in this country and wants to bring a family member over it may be covered by the Ukrainian Family Scheme and the following link www.gov.uk/guidance/support-for-family-members-of-british-nationals-inukraine-and-ukrainian-nationals-in-ukraine-and-the-uk The council are starting to keep a central record of people who are offering help. If any resident wants to offer help and assistance, please forward your details to us and we will register them with the council. The council will start to keep a central list for once further details emerge.

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

Regards Chris & Ozzy.

Working for you.

RATBY PRIMARY SCHOOL Year 5 – Off With Her Head!

In Year 5, we have been learning about the Tudor Period. We’ve learnt about King Henry V111 and his six wives, including how two were beheaded. He had three children: Edward V1, Mary 1, and Elizabeth 1; all of them became Tudor monarchs. Eventually, the Tudor period ended after Elizabeth refused to marry, therefore leaving no heir to the throne.

We have been getting artistic, by sketching Hans Holbein style portraits. Some of us painted miniatures of Ann of Cleves, Catherine Howard and many other Tudor people; some, drew full size portraits of Henry V111.

Year 1 – Bright Lights and City In Year 1 our topic this half term is Bright Lights and City. To start the topic off we had a great day, doing various activities, like learning the National Anthem, sketching Big Ben and making jam sandwiches by following instructions, for the Queen’s tea party. We were especially privileged to have her Majesty visit us at Ratby Primary School. It was a wonderful opportunity to ask the Queen lots of questions about her life and what it is like to be Queen.

We have continued our topic by learning about the Great Fire of London and facts about London then and now. In Science we have looked at what is the best waterproof material to help the Queen with her leaking roof at Buckingham Palace. In Art we have appreciated and drawn in the style of Tinga Tinga. It has been a busy half term and a very enjoyable one.

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We have also discovered that Lady Jayne Grey, one of England’s rulers and known as the Nine Day’s Queen, lived locally in Bradgate Park.

Our topic is extremely interesting and we are excited to learn more!

Year 5 Class

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admin@kirbyfree.co.uk Spring Festival Report The coffee morning last month on the 5th February included a Spring Festival Celebration. There was a lively atmosphere that built up over the course of the morning.

Fancy a treat?

Many of the cakes and snacks we had to offer were homemade, featuring coffee and walnut cake, chocolate cookies and more!

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Ratby Community Library And Crow Pie Cafe Article by Joan Burton

March in the library and we're welcoming Spring.

Last month a tiger came to tea; this month it was Maid Marion and Baby Ada! Wriggly Readers, our weekly children's session celebrated World Book Day with songs and stories. Dressing up as their favourite story book character we had lots of babies and toddlers, as well as older pre-schoolers, really enjoying themselves as Rosie and Emma led them in action songs and games. They say that a regular reader at ten can go to secondary school with a million more words read than a reluctant one; we're here to help all children reach that stage and the younger they start...

Crafty Corner knit and stitch group: next meeting 5th April Jane Hewison, textile artist invites any knitters, stitchers or other craft workers to meet with her on the first Tuesday of every month in the library. This month the group discussed and showed, their own work and gradually a real sense of enjoyment and togetherness is developing. For the next meeting Jane is offering a mask making session but of course, it's the crafters who decide what they want to focus on each time; Jane is happy to work beside or with you all. (We also had two assistance dogs with us this month- very waggy they were too).

But it's not just the adults who enjoyed craft in the library.

On the 14th February we had a special Valentine's Day craft session for children which was extremely well attended and enjoyed by so many of our local families. Activities included messy play crafts, card making and stories. A raffle meant chocolates, a bottle of fizz and a brand new children's book from Usborne Books were happily received. The cafe kept adults well catered for and as our seating area is so comfortable, it was easy to see why we're a popular venue...

Special Quiz Night in aid of MacMillan Nurses.

This was a very special charity event in memory of Dilys Osborne. The organizer and quiz master was Marc Pateman and its attendees between them raised £151, to go as a donation to Macmillan Nurses. The Chiff Chaff Cup was won

by The Foodies for the third year in a row. This private evening event was one the library was very privileged to accommodate.

Quiz Night with Steve Roche as question master every month.

Steve has all his dates arranged for 2022, but his next challenge is March 18th . All our monthly Friday night quizzes start at 7.30. There's no need to book places, just turn up! The cafe is open and quizzers are welcome to bring their own bottle of refreshment if they wish.

Rosie Robinson's Book Club met for the first time on 24th February at 7.30pm.

Their book choice was 'Beauty Sleep' by Kathryn Evans and Rosie can be contacted in the library for details of the next meeting and book selection. A very popular event by all accounts.

Coming Up: Mother's Day Craft and Coffee Morning on Saturday 26th March. Card making chidren's session and pop-up market (tbc) for last minute gifts.

Crow Pie Cafe open every session for delicious coffee and teas, cakes and savoury snacks at very fair prices!

The cafe is the main source of income for the library. We are rapidly developing as a community hub but we need your support to keep us going.

This can be done via visiting the cafe, making donations to the library or

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even, if you're a local business, offering to support us in other ways. There is no more County grant – we're on our own. Our volunteers have created a fund-raising committee for future income sources and we are working hard to ensure Ratby Community Library is there to serve you.

Advance Warning AGM of Ratby Community Library 27th April 6pm in the library Agenda to be set and displayed in the library and online.

Volunteers Needed to Support Each Opening Session Just one a week makes a difference!

Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

10am – 12.30 & 2pm – 4.30pm 2pm – 4.30pm 2pm – 4.30pm 2pm – 4.30pm 2pm – 4.30pm 10am – 12.30

Community and business use. We have free time available in the library on several mornings a week. We offer a comfortable space to meet, discuss, work, with wi-fi connection and printer/photo-copying. Why not call in and we can discuss your needs? Hire of the library for business use is only £10 per hour. (Evenings by arrangement)

Kirby Muxloe Local Committee For Cancer Research UK Article by Penny Rundle

We’re delighted to be able to report, that our latest fundraising event, at the Chef and Spice Restaurant, made well over £1500! The superb buffet meal was once again excellent value for money, with the £15 ticket covering all the food you could eat.

A well supported raffle with some super prizes, plus many donations, helped us exceed the target we hoped to reach. A huge thanks must go to the management and staff of the Chef and Spice for holding these charity nights in their restaurant and to Jenny Vincent, our Committee Treasurer for organising the event, together with the sale of tickets and the raffle.

Now to our next event. This will be an an Easter Afternoon Tea, to be held at the K.M. Golf Club on Thursday April 7th. Starting at 1.30 pm for 2 and finishing around 4 pm, guests will be entertained by the “Singing Major” Keith Tomlinson. Tickets at £18 are available from committee members, or telephone Glen Graham on 2388108, or Jenny Vincent on 2387842.

It may be possible for transport to be arranged for people if they have difficulty travelling to the venue. If you are attending and have any dietary requirements, please let us know, so that we can inform the catering team.

Unfortunately , our Spring Fayre in May has now been postponed and rescheduled for Saturday October 1st. A new date for your diaries!

We look forward to seeing you on April 7th for another great event.

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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.

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 Covid precautions according to government guidelines will apply. For further details, please see our website. Our new “Memories” meetings unfortunately remain suspended, pending our assessment of the effectiveness of our new anti-virus procedures.

Our next meeting will take place on Tuesday 15th March at 7:30pm. A speaker from Swannington Heritage Trust will talk about “Leicestershire Industrialists and their Non-Industrial Legacy”. The following meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th May 2022. A talk on “The Vikings in Leicestershire, History and Archaeology” by Peter Liddle, M.B.E. followed by a short A.G.M. Covid precautions will apply as applicable.

The Wilshere family of Kirby Muxloe – continued

Jonathan is the most well- known member of the Wilshere family, as he was a celebrated local historian and the author of many books on our village and the surrounding area. Jonathan was born in 1936 and was educated at Rugby School. After a number of years working in the insurance industry, in 1970, he took over Chamberlain’s music shop on London Road, Leicester.

Many of us will recall visiting the shop to purchase sheet music, often for our children who were taking lessons for various musical instruments. K. M. Primary School had, at the time, a thriving music department with many visiting peripatetic music teachers attending on a weekly basis. Jonathan also became known as Leicester’s “weather man” and for many years his weather predictions appeared in the Leicester Mercury. He was an avid researcher, spending hours in Leicestershire Record Office, reading very old and intricate documents. These were the days before the internet, before Ancestry and all the other family history websites. Jonathan’s research included travelling far and wide to research his family tree, or else commissioning research from solicitors and other professionals. He also turned his research experience to penning many books, which are now available on the internet at www.andrewwilshere/jeow. Many of the books can still be purchased through Heart of Albion Press. Around 1970, Jonathan formed Leicestershire Research Services and in 1974, became a founder member of Leicestershire and Rutland Family History Society.

He worked on his research in his small upstairs office in Rutland Street, Leicester, until his sudden death on 17th September 1995. He left a wife, Daphne and two sons, Andrew and Nicholas.

The Wilshere family house on Gullet Lane K.M., an example of a fine Arts and Crafts building. Demolished to make way for Abbots Close.

1816. Subsequently, this helped him to sort out a problem in researching his own family tree. After we had read the books and checked that the Record Office already had a copy of each, Miss Armitage asked us to pass them on to Roger Hardy of Anstey, a direct descendant of the original Thomas Hardy. Roger was delighted, as there are only a few copies of the books surviving.

As we became more comfortable with each other, Rosamond allowed me to look at the vast collection of family memorabilia stored at her home. This included much of her late brother’s research work, including many pictures and information relating to Kirby Muxloe. In 2012, Rosamond allowed us to copy all the Wilshere Collection and in return we, K.M. Local History Group, catalogued all the items for her, recording them on a CD. Rosamond was surprisingly modern in her views and is greatly missed.

Film Evenings

Parish Hall, Leicester Forest East

LFE Film Evenings on Thursday 7 April will feature “Six Minutes to Midnight”.

Elsie Rosamond Wilshere we initially educated in a small school which was held in the “Little House” on Gullet Lane, almost opposite the family home.

Rosamond had fond memories of the school and the teacher, Miss Langton.

Rosamond said that her teacher was “most encouraging” and everything was wonderful, but sadly Miss Langton died not long after Rosamond joined the school. In later years, she was educated at boarding school, before joining the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford and training to be a physiotherapist.

During her long tenure at Oxford, she wrote a series of books for the disabled, including “Equipment for the Disabled” (1973) and “Gardening for People with Disabilities” (1983). After retirement, Rosamond returned to live in Evington, and passed away in 2018, at the age of 89.

During the last ten years of her life, I was very privileged to meet her and over the years become a good friend (I hope that’s what she felt). I used to visit her regularly and talk about her life as a young girl in Kirby Muxloe and also discuss the antics of “Hop”, her friendly pigeon who lived in her garden. We also embarked on a few excursions, once to a shoe shop and another to visit her cousin Drucilla Armitage in Earl Shilton, whom she had not seen for many years. The agreement was that we would stay for one hour only, as she felt that would be sufficient time. However, she actually enjoyed herself so much that when I suggested it was time to depart, she suggested we remain for another half an hour. One interesting thing that came out of that visit and subsequent visits to Miss Armitage was that at one time, she produced two books that contained a collection of letters written by Thomas Hardy, of Kirby Muxloe. Hardy was born in a framework knitters’ cottage on Blood’s Hill and became a preacher of some repute. On reading the books, Mike Gould, our chairman, found letters written to one of his ancestors, who had walked from Loughborough to Tiverton after the Heathcoat lace factory in Loughborough had been attacked by Luddites in

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In the summer of 1939, influential families in Nazi Germany have sent their daughters to a finishing school in an English seaside town to learn the language and be ambassadors for a future looking National Socialist. A teacher there sees what is coming and is trying to raise the alarm, but the authorities believe he is the problem. The cast includes Judi Dench, Eddie Izzard Carla Juri and Jim Broadbent.

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