May 2021 Your Local Ratby, Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forest East

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Can You Help Brookvale Groby Learning Campus Transform This Area Into A Peace Garden?

Give Hayfever The Heave-Ho

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BGLC Peace Garden – GoFundMe Project Please can you help Brookvale Groby Learning Campus to transform this area into a 'Peace Garden' for our Students?

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We have written to local businesses, but would also like to ask for help from our local community in making our plan of a 'Peace Garden' in time for Mental Health week in May (10th-16th) a reality.

After the uncertain and unprecedented year we’ve had looking after our mental health has never been more important. Students have shown resilience in such an unpredictable time and we would like to create a space to aid in well-being. The theme for this year's Mental Health week is Nature and what better way to celebrate this than by providing our students with a safe space to reflect in at social times.

It will also give students an opportunity to get involved in extracurricular activities such as a gardening club which will be helpful for their well-being.

In addition to creating a peaceful place for students to spend their break and lunch times we plan to have an area containing a bench and plaque to commemorate one of our students Taran Singh Gill, who sadly passed away 5 years ago. He was a bright, friendly and well-loved member of the community, therefore this space will hold sentimental value to a lot of our community.

We are reaching out to you to ask for donations towards our Peace Garden.

We have set up a GoFundMe page; https://gofund.me/d892d9bf but would also appreciate any physical donations.

Your donations, however big or small, will help us in achieving our goal to create a peaceful, safe and enriching environment for our students who thoroughly deserve it.

Yours Faithfully, Youth Wellbeing Team & BGLC Students Email: Youthwellbeing@brookvalegroby.com

County Council Election Results For Groby & Ratby

Party Votes Elected % ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ozzy O'Shea Conservative 2396 Yes 75.4 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Rebecca Louise Pawley Labour 357 No 11.2 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ted Hollick Liberal Democrats 280 No 8.81 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mark Wren Green Party 144 No 4.53 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Turnout: 33.92% Total no. of votes: 3177 Conservative candidate Ozzy O'Shea was elected.

Data from www.leicestershire.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/elections/election-2021/687

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Use this link: https://issuu.com/norwoodpress The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent OpenBox Promotions Ltd. OpenBox Promotions Ltd reserves the right to amend or refuse to publish articles or adverts submitted for publication. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, but no liability can be accepted for loss or inconvenience caused as a result of error or omission. To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpromotions.co.uk/terms Magazine printed by Norwood Press, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, Leicestershire, LE67 1EU

County Council Election Results For Glenfields, Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forests

Party Votes Elected % ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Lee Martin Breckon Conservative 2839 Yes 31.7 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nick Chapman Conservative 2827 Yes 31.6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Malcolm Francis Fox Labour 1153 No 12.9 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Tony Deakin Green Party 734 No 8.22 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bettina Jane Atkinson Green Party 596 No 6.67 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Helen Gambardella Liberal Democrats 495 No 5.54 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mat Mortel Liberal Democrats 285 No 3.19 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Turnout: 24.82% Total no. of votes: 8929 Conservative candidate Lee Martin Breckon was elected.

Conservative candidate Nick Chapman was elected.

Data from www.leicestershire.gov.uk/about-the-council/how-the-council-works/elections/election-2021/666

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Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are in the vaccination program with second course completed. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

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

Still Time To Apply For Your Donation Article by Norwood Press

After celebrating 70 years in business, local printers Norwood Press wanted to thank the local community for all their support and business over the years. They have decided to donate £700 to local groups and charities, with donations of between £50 and £250 available. If you are interested and would like to find out more send an email to info@norwoodpress.co.uk or call them on 01530 262020.

So far we have managed to help many groups and charities in the area.

We still have some funds left for anyone who needs any help in these challenging times.

Here are some of the groups we have helped so far: • Shepshed Litter Pickers - New equipment and Hi-Vis jackets • Ratby Band - New Junior / Beginner music • 1st Anstey Guides - Days Out and Camp • Passion Youth Project Shepshed - Contribution to a new waffle maker for their community cafe.

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.

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Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com County Council Election 6th May 2021 Groby, Ratby and Field Head Result.

• Ted Hollick Liberal Democrat 280 • Rebecca Pawley Labour 357 • Mark Wren Green Party 144 • Ozzy O’shea Conservative 2396 I am extremely humbled and grateful to the people of Groby, Ratby and Field Head for putting their faith and trust in me in. I will continue to do my very best for the community that I serve. I want to say thank you for your continued support.

Damage Ferndale Park and Taverner Drive Ratby.

I am sorry to have to report damage caused on Ferndale Park and Taverner Drive recreation area. Approximately 45 meters of post and rail fencing has been broken down on Ferndale Park. Then a few days later the kissing gate was attacked and smashed on Taverner Drive and the Walnut Tree on the Orchard Field was attacked. If anyone has any information please contact me or the Parish Council all these incidents have been reported to the police. This is going to cost a substantial amount of money, something the Parish Council can ill afford. We are all paying for this damage from our council tax.

Compost with the County Council Residents across the county are encouraged to take up composting this spring with cut-price compost bins, thanks to a Leicestershire County Council scheme Although it remains cold at the moment, many people will soon be starting to think about cutting their grass and pruning plants ready for new growth – and the best way to dispose of garden waste is to compost it at home.

Composting reduces the amount of food and garden waste sent to landfill, which cannot decompose properly without air and, instead, produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change Composting kitchen and garden waste is an excellent way that individuals can reduce the waste sent to landfill and pollution from bonfires.

Substituting homemade compost for shop bought peat-based compost not only saves money but also reduces environmental damage caused by digging peat.

Anyone can compost if they have an outdoor space and you do not need a large garden. Support and advice is available from the county council’s Master Composters and there are local demonstration sites which will be opening with advice and practical training once restrictions are lifted.

Compostable items include fruit and vegetable peelings, grass cuttings, coffee grounds, newspaper and cardboard which will all decompose in around a year. The resulting compost can then be dug back into the garden next spring to provide nutrient rich food for the garden.

Residents can buy a discounted compost bin from as little as £12, with a second one offered at half price. The bins are made from 100% recycled plastic and are available in two different sizes and colours to suit individual needs.

For more details or to order a compost bin, visit www.getcomposting. comOpens another website in new window FluBot' Text Malware Scam Delivery Message Watch out for scam package delivery messages containing dangerous 'FluBot' malware.

Affecting Android devices, these messages have been found to contain a dodgy link to download an app that can infect your phone with malware.

The malware can harvest passwords and other personal information, it also accesses contacts to send out further messages.

the message to 7726 - a free reporting service provided by phone operators.

If you've received this message and you've already downloaded the infected app then follow these steps: • Don't enter any passwords or log into any accounts.

• Perform a factory reset on your device.

• After resetting your device you may be prompted to restore from a backup, but do not restore any apps that you've accessed or downloaded since your device was compromised.

• Once you've restored your device you should change your passwords on your accounts to ensure they are secure What is a text or messaging scam?

Scammers are increasingly taking advantage of smartphones and are getting very clever with how they try to take your hard-earned money.

They can even make it look like a legitimate organisation is contacting you via text or a messaging app by using identity masking technology to change the name displayed as the sender. This is known as ‘number spoofing’.

If you get sent a scam message, it’s important you report it so others don’t fall victim. Reporting a scam message is free and it will help stop the spread of these messages. Fraudsters can use many different types of messaging systems and apps, like SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Viber, Skype, Google Hangouts, Snapchat and many other platforms to try scam you out of your money.

What does a text message scam look like?

While scammers are getting more cunning at making a scam message look like the real thing, there are some signs you can watch out for. Read our seven tips to avoid messaging scams.

1 Unexpected contact Think about how that organisation normally contacts you and if it isn't via a message, contact them directly to check it's legitimate.

A genuine organisation will never contact you out of the blue and ask you to verify your details, request personal or banking details or tell you to transfer money via a message.

If in doubt, contact the organisation using a number you've found independently of the message.

2 Check for spelling or grammar errors Genuine organisations will rarely, if ever, make glaring spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, and if so it will usually be an isolated incident.

If the message doesn't look professional, it's probably a scam and you should be suspicious of it.

3 Don't follow any links If you click the link in the message, it could send you to an imposter website set up to steal your money or personal data, or in some cases, it may infect your device with malware that can take over your phone.

Always look up an organisation's contact details independently and get in touch to verify the message.

4 Don't share any personal information If you think you've been targeted by a scam text message, don't share any personal information, banking details or Pin. Legitimate organisations, such as banks or HMRC, will never ask for your personal or banking details through a message or text.

Police Warning Regarding Pension Fraud Action Fraud is warning savers to remain vigilant and protect their pensions, as figures from the national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime reveal £1.8 million has already been lost to pension fraud this year.

Criminals are malicious and unapologetic when it comes to committing pension fraud. They are motivated by their own financial gain and lack any kind of empathy for their victims, who can often lose their whole life savings to these scams.

We know pension fraud can have a devastating impact, both financially and emotionally, but any one of us can fall victim to a fraud and it’s nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. It’s incredibly important that instances of pension fraud, and attempted scams, are reported to Action Fraud.

Always be wary of unsolicited texts, and think twice before you click on a link. If you think you've received a genuine delivery message, but you’re not certain, then contact the delivery company’s official customer service helpline to verify the message.

Every report helps police get that bit closer to the people committing these awful crimes. Reporting to Action Fraud also allows our specialist victimsupport advocates to provide people with important protection advice and signpost them to local support services.

If you've received a similar message and you think it’s a scam you can simply delete it. If you'd like to report it then you can do so by forwarding

Pension scams often include free pension reviews, “too good to be true” investment opportunities, or offers to help release money from your pension

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even though you’re under 55.

Sadly, the true scale of pension fraud is likely to be much higher than what is being reported, as victims often don’t realise they have been scammed until many years later.

Give Hayfever The Heave-Ho Article by Gary Trickett

Savers must be cautious about making decisions about money that may have taken a lifetime to build, as it can be snatched away in an instant.

How to protect yourself.

• Reject unexpected pension opportunities, such as free pension reviews or investment opportunities involving your pension, whether made via email, social media, text, or over the phone.

• Research who you’re dealing with before changing your pension arrangements – check the FCA Register, or call the FCA on 0800 111 6768 to see if the firm is authorised by the FCA. • Don’t be rushed or pressured into making any decision about your pension – consider getting impartial information and advice from a financial advisor authorised by the FCA to help you make the best decision for your own personal circumstances.

• Be suspicious if you are contacted out of the blue about an investment opportunity - seek advice from trusted friends, family members or an independent professional advice service before making a significant financial decision, especially when it involves your pension pot. Even genuine investment schemes can be high risk.

• Be ScamSmart and visit the ScamSmart website to learn how to protect yourself from pensions scams.

If you suspect a scam, report it If you think you’ve been a victim of pension fraud, contact your pension provider immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud. police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

You can also report an unauthorised firm or a scam to the FCA by using their reporting form or by calling 0800 111 6768.

Cold calls about your pension are illegal. You can report nuisance calls and messages to the Information Commissioner’s Office using their online reporting tool or by calling 0303 123 1113.

If you've agreed to transfer your pension and now suspect a scam, contact your pension provider straight away. They may be able to stop a transfer that hasn't taken place yet. If you are unsure of what to do contact the Pensions Advisory Service for help.

An allergic reaction such as hayfever can be explained as an excessive reaction to a normally harmless substance. The immune system identifies the harmless substance, in this instance pollen, as dangerous, and produces an antibody called IgE, which triggers the production of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, including a running nose and eyes, itching and burning in localised areas such as in the throat, nose and eyes, puffiness, swelling and mucus formation. Altogether, not much fun.

BUT if you are prone to hayfever, there are a number of measures you can take to stay one step ahead of your pollen-shaped foe.

Keep your body as toxin-free as possible by avoiding junk foods, caffeine and alcohol, and drink plenty of water.

Avoid dairy foods as they cause mucus formation that can exacerbate hayfever symptoms, and keep your intake of refined sugar low.

Do stock up on quercetin-rich foods. Found naturally in apples (with the skin on), red onions, capers and black tea, quercetin is well-documented for its antihistamine activity.

Please do not report crime via Neighbourhood Link as it is not monitored.

Report fraud directly to Action Fraud.

Luffa operculata taken twice daily two weeks before your usual symptoms begin can help with sneezing, blocked and runny noses. It is usually teamed with Galphimia glauca, which can be especially useful for reducing eye irritation. Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets from A.Vogel contain both and are non-drowsy so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery. A nasal spray is also available for immediate relief. If your eyes are particularly sensitive, Euphrasia (in the form of eye drops) can help.

Rebecca Spilane Fraud Vulnerability Officer Leicestershire Police

Check prevailing winds and pollen counts before venturing out, and remember that wind dried clothes can become pollen catchers; hang them inside instead.

Local policing update.

I have had it confirmed that Pc 41 Gregory Rawisinski and PCSO 6073 Simon Stevenson are now permanently responsible for Ratby, Groby and Markfield. Its wonderful to have local officers dedicated to our area. I have been asking for this since we lost our local officer over 3 years ago.

Welcome both, the community will soon get to know you.

Finally, treat yourself to a pot of local honey. It’s not a solution that works for everyone but many people swear by it, the theory being that the pollen that is naturally present has a desensitising effect.

I would like to thank residents and councillors for your continued support.

Should you need my help or advice on any matter or issue please contact me. I pride myself on always making myself available to residents and councillors and getting straight back to you.

Remember I am only a phone call or email away.

Kind Regards Ozzy O’shea.

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For further information visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester.

Afternoon Tea At Ratby Church Rooms Garden Saturday 29th May 2.00pm

'Rocket Around Ratby is an event being held in our village during the May Bank Holiday The event is being held to raise much needed funds for LOROS. As a church we are taking part in this event by hosting afternoon tea. The cost to attend this event is £6 for which you will be served with a selection of sandwiches, scone with jam and cream and delicious cakes.

Due to covid restrictions the numbers are restricted to 30 and so you will need to book a place. Alternatively you can pre -order a takeaway cream tea for £5 and pick up from the church rooms between 2 and 4pm or Local delivery if required. If you wish to order a cream tea or book a place please contact Joan Hawkins tel:07545909868

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Ratby Church Parish Giving Scheme Article by Joan Hawkins

Thank you from Ratby Church to all who take part in the Parish Giving Scheme which has meant that over the time the church has been unable to open for worship we continue to receive monies directly into our bank account which has proved to be an excellent system, and has helped us keep going to continue as a very busy church during this difficult time As well as the community hub enabling us to offer community service to people in Ratby and Groby ,our wider contact with our children and schools (and their families) has continued via our weekly video assemblies produced either through the Open the Book Team or by Rev Ed or Rev Judith Lincoln.

These have been very much appreciated and we were also able to give every child in the school an Easter booklet retelling the Easter story in rhyme in a similar way to the one we did at Christmas and this was enthusiastically and gratefully received.

What is the Parish Giving Scheme?

The Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) is an established service for managing Direct Debit donations, designed to support churches to fund their mission and ministry. It reduces the burden of work on church volunteers and provides a simple and secure service to donors.

If you are interested in making a regular donation to help Ratby Church keep going you can: • Donate monthly, quarterly or annually by Direct Debit • Sign up to inflation-linked giving annually • Enhance your gift to your church by having Gift Aid at 25% added to your giving • Give securely and donate anonymously, if you prefer If you would like further information about the Parish giving scheme please contact Rev Dr Ed Bampton tel:0116 2396520 or Jim Milner 0116 2386334

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Rev Ed To Walk 300,000 Steps To Help Tackle Global Threats Of Covid-19 And Climate Crisis Article by Rev Ed

Ratby and Groby minister the Rev. Ed Bampton is stepping out in May to help some of the world’s poorest communities protect themselves from the twin threats of Covid-19 and the climate crisis.

In the year when world leaders will meet in the UK to thrash out plans to tackle both global crises Rev Ed along with Rev Noel Colley from Groby and a small team have pledged to walk 300,000 steps EACH in May in solidarity with all those forced to walk long distances to collect water for their families.

Handwashing in our homes, a key line of defence against coronavirus, is not an option for the world’s 3 billion people who do not have access to soap and water at home. Across the globe, water shortages triggered by erratic weather are pushing families into extreme poverty as crops fail.

The sponsored walking challenge will form part of the events for Christian Aid Week (10-16 May).

Rev Ed and the team see Christian Aid Week as an opportunity to make a difference and to walk in solidarity with those who are suffering, so they can build resilient futures for their families. By building water dams or rock catchments near their homes, women and children can be spared the long and often hazardous walk to collect water and give their families an accessible water supply for their crops and livestock.

‘Trevor, team member from Groby URC says ‘I like to walk, but reaching the 300,000 mark is going to be a real challenge. We’re aiming to raise £3,000 so hopefully that will keep me going – all donations will be welcome, however small.

To support Rev Ed and the team visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ ctgchristianaidweek2021£5 could buy a shovel to build a dam, £10 could buy a pair of taps at a water point and £42 could buy 350kg of cement to build an earth dam.

'If anyone else would like to join the team across our villages, just let Rev'd Ed know and we'll post a note on Facebook so we know everyone who is taking part. You can sign up at www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/keyappeals/christian-aid-week/challenge-yourself Rev Ed can be contact on 01162396520 MAY 2nd May 8am at Ratby 10am Online 10am at Groby 11.15 Telephone Church

9th May 10am at Ratby 10am Online 11.15 Telephone Church 6pm at Groby

16th May 8am at Ratby 10am Online 10am in Groby (+APCM) 11.15 Telephone Church 4pm Chattabox

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30th May 8am at Ratby 10am Online 11.15 Telephone Church 6pm at Groby

Service Lead Sideperson Reader Rev'd Ed See separate rota from Jim LIVE STREAM FROM CHURCH All Age Team Chris Davies All Age Team Joan Hawkins Joan Hawkins

Preaching Rev'd Ed

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Service Lead Sideperson Reader Rev'd Ed See separate rota from Jim LIVE STREAM FROM CHURCH Rev'd Noel Rev'd Noel Rev'd Noel Brian Williams Gill / Alan Tyler

Preaching Rev'd Ed

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Rev'd Noel Rev'd Noel

Rev'd Noel Rev Noel

Service Lead Sideperson Reader Rev'd Noel See separate rota from Jim LIVE STREAM FROM CHURCH Kathy Griffiths Rev'd Ed Mark Cowling Joan Hawkins Joan Hawkins Joan Hawkins Ruth Scott/Jane Cox

Preaching Rev'd Noel

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All Age Team All Age Team Joan Hawkins Joan Hawkins

Ruth Mwenya Rev'd Ed Joan Hawkins Joan Hawkins

Service Lead Sideperson Reader Rev'd Noel See separate rota from Jim LIVE STREAM FROM CHURCH Ruth Scott Ruth Scott Rev'd Ed Brian Williams Lynda Hawkes

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Ruth Scott Rev'd Ed

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Ratby Community Library Article by Joan Burton

The winds of change.

Having opened up as soon as we were allowed to last month, the volunteers of Ratby Library have been busy: we've processed the many returned books (no late fines, obviously for a while!), we've re-organized the shelves to make browsing easier and we've welcomed a number of new books to our stock. Notice boards have also been stripped down and made neater in order for visitors to stay updated on local issues.

Not just books.

Our greatest change, however, is in the re-fitting and upgrading of the Library cafe kitchen and storage areas. We have had industrial style kitchen units fitted with a close eye on all hygiene demands and obligations.

When the government roadmap opens up further, we plan on serving new additions to our popular offerings such as a wider range of beverages and snacks. Our seating area must also be organized according to the need to socially distance different parties of visitors so tables etc are more widely spaced and easy to clean down after every changeover – we are always as careful of your safety as we would wish to be of our own.

Facilities.

The library has a sophisticated colour photocopier and printer at reasonable cost to users (if homework is involved the first five pages of printout are free). An aspect of the library many welcome is that our building is wheelchair friendly: no steps, decent spaces for turning and the large W.C is fully equipped to provide visitors with easy access. Parents might also welcome our baby-changing pod – often a worry if out with little ones.

Return without worries.

It may be that, like me, you have library books or Audio books due back a while ago but don't worry, there will be a period of no penalty late return so don't let that stop you from returning them. All books are quarantined before being returned to the shelves and our well-established hygiene practices are there to make us a Covid-clever building.

Every effort is being made to provide the Ratby community with a friendly, comfortable and efficient library space with lots of access hours, facilities and helpful staff. If you too would like to be a member of our volunteer team, why not drop in for a chat and application form? We're opening six days a week so drop in as often as you like.

From 17th May our revised opening hours are: Monday 10am – 12 Tuesday 2pm – 4pm Wednesday 2pm – 4pm Thursday 2pm – 4pm Friday 2pm – 4pm Saturday 10am – 12 Our volunteers are waiting to welcome you!

Ratby Churches Together Christian Aid Week 9th-16th May Despite the limitations that the covid19 restrictions are placing on us The Christian Aid team from the parish Church and the Methodist church are still planning to deliver Christian aid envelopes through everyone front door during Christian aid week.

This money is urgently need to help people living in poverty especially through this pandemic but also to help them to cope with the issues that climate change has thrown at them This climate crisis hurts us all. But people living in poverty fight the worst of it every day. From drought to flooding, climate change robs people of control over their lives. Extreme weather means people are struggling to survive without a reliable source of water. Your gift could help a community build an earth dam, so when the rains do come, they will have the water they need to live. A reliable source of water will help families withstand long drought or relentless rainstorms. The envelope will give you instructions as to where you can drop it off Please help us to help people desperately in need.

On 22nd May there will be a coffee morning in the church room gardens and although we are limited to 30 places you could still order a takeaway coffee and even a bacon or sausage cob or a box of cakes.

If you would like to book a takeaway drink etc please contact Joan Hawkins 07545909868

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RATBY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Allotment Year 5 have started our new topic 'Allotment'. We have started to take control of the raised beds on the top field. There was a lot of weeding to do! Happily, we found some plants were still there from when the Year 5's did some gardening a couple of years ago! We have received some plant donations and lots of seeds. We are using our classroom as a greenhouse! As a year group, we are looking forward to planting and tasting the fruits and vegetables that we are hoping to grow. If anyone has any top tips, let us know!

Red Nose Day Ratby Primary School celebrated Red Nose Day on Friday 19th March 2021 to raise money for Comic Relief. It was a welcomed opportunity to celebrate being back at school after lockdown and to raise some much needed money for a great cause. Children were very creative and dressed in red clothing, wore red face paint and deely bopper headbands and some even painted on red noses to ensure we were as safe as we could be.

We learnt all about how our donations can be used to help young people all around the world. We were able to raise a fantastic £314.00 which was donated via our JustGiving page.

The enthusiasm and creativity displayed by all year groups was incredible and we would like to thank everyone involved in donating to this fantastic cause!

In The Foundation Stage We Have Made Friends With A Giant!

We followed a map to find the Giant’s castle so that we could return the golden egg that Jack stole. Luckily he wasn’t at home but we saw his enormous teddy bear. He had been reading a big book and had eaten a huge packet of crisps. We saw that he had been writing in a big book with a really long pencil.

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We wrote a note to say sorry to the Giant and he wrote back! He’s not a huge angry Giant after all – he is just a bit lonely and would like to be friends with us. Over the next few weeks we are going to write back to him and we hope that he will reply to our letters!

We have solved lots of number problems involving eggs and magic beans.

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Start Of A New Day Poem by Kirby Lad

So, where to start, perhaps with the most troubling of dreams The sort when neighbours down your street are wakened by your screams Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t one with lots of blood and gore Just one of those disturbing things that happen more and more A lapse in memory, nothing much, but always unexpected I logged on to my laptop and read PASSWORD NOT ACCEPTED The error message served to send me straightways into shock Resulting in a panic which at once my thoughts did block But then almost immediately, quite thankfully I’d say I woke and found myself quite safe and in the light of day We’re now well into Springtime and the mornings aren’t so dark Today’s a day for working, I should be up with the lark Right then where are my spectacles, lets see what time it says With bleary eyes I turn my head, my brain still in a haze Oh no its eight fifteen which means that I'll be late for work Thats twice this week, my boss is going to think that I’m a jerk How could it be that my alarm clock’s left me up the creek?

It's always been reliable, even though it's quite antique What with bad dreams and now this sudden failure of my clock My confidence and self belief have taken quite a knock Set all of that upon one side, I need to get a grip I need to organise my thoughts, to steady up the ship I’ll miss my first appointment, valued clients there to meet Quick out of bed, get showered and dressed, there’ll be no time to eat Lock up the house, jump in the car, the engine starts first time Pull out the drive and down the road, rev counter starts to climb Its ghostly quiet, no other cars, the truth is slowly dawning I stop the car, and check my phone, and see its Sunday morning

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Great Central Railway Back On Track Article by Michael Stokes The Great Central Railway, one of Leicestershire’s most treasured and popular tourist attractions restarted steam train services on the 17th April and has already welcomed more than a thousand visitors in the two weekends since reopening. Their picturesque trackside cafes at Rothley and Quorn have also reopened for takeaway and patio service at the weekends.

The Railway is now looking forward to the next phase of recovery from Covid measures which is the 21st May when first class dining services, on train afternoon teas and fish and chip trains can be re-started as well as the cafés opened for full service and to the 25th May when the summer midweek timetable recommences.

Commenting on the re-opening steps, the Railway’s Michael Gough said “We are so delighted to be running again and welcoming back our visitors.

Inevitably, ongoing restrictions and rules surrounding the pandemic continue to restrict the extent of our activities but these are the first few small steps to recovery and one thing that the pandemic has taught us, is to be grateful for “little wins”. Throughout the Summer we have a number of events planned including our post-lockdown steam gala in June, our Beer Festival and Vintage Fair in July, Villains and Superheroes and Animal Fun in August and our hugely-popular War Weekend in September.”

Pictured below is the Loughborough Member of Parliament, Jane Hunt unveiling their new welcome sign on the A6 approach road to Loughborough accompanied by the Railway’s Managing Director Michael Gough.

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The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group Article by Judith Upton

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

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

Memories of the Fair in Kirby Muxloe Here in Kirby Muxloe we are very fortunate, as over the years, we have been able to talk to and interview a large number of people, many of whom have lived in the village all their lives. We record memories from people who are still in the village, but lately we have been contacted by several people who, although they were brought up in the village, no longer live here. It is amazing that there are so many reminiscences so clearly remembered after many years. Here are some memories of the Fair.

Kirby Muxloe always had a “Fair”, whereas Ratby had a “Wake”. In actual fact, the very early “fairs” in Kirby Muxloe were called “The Wake”, but we have to go back to records of 1743 or earlier to find these occasions. Until the middle of the eighteenth century, the fair was always held on the day nearest to St. Bartholomew’s Day, which is August 24th, but with changes to the calendar, the fair in Kirby latterly took place on the first Sunday after September 4th.

There are so many memories, so where do we start? As far as is remembered by most, the village has always been home to “Hollands” fair, although according to one of our older residents, Furborough’s fair came here for a few years before Hollands came along. Holland’s fair has been a going concern, travelling around villages, since 1902. Originally, it was held in the Castle field, but in living memory, it has always been held in the field next to the Royal Oak, which at the time, before the Keep and the Castle Estate were built in the early ‘60’s, stretched from the Royal Oak right up to the Old Forge. The late Charlie Moore remembered that when the fair was due to arrive, he and his Uncle Tom (Moore) had to remove all the railings at the side of the field, so that the caravans and trailers could gain access.

The arrival of the fair was eagerly anticipated, especially by the children of the village. The fair often came in to the village via Blood’s Hill, with many children providing a bicycle escort down to Main Street of the trailers, traction engines and caravans, sometimes drawn by horses. Memories differ, and some people remember it arriving from the Hinckley Road and travelling down Kirby Lane to reach Main Street.

As soon as they arrived, the fair owners and their men and women would work hard to set up the stalls and rides. The magnificent lights, music and rides were all powered by two mighty traction engines with the names of “Victory” and “The Prince of Wales”. Boys were often to be seen tracing the cables from the traction engines back to the rides, to see which cable powered each ride. The fair lasted for three days. The late Violet Thirlwell, who lived at the Old Forge, remembered that every year, Mrs Holland would back her caravan up to the side of the house and pass a cable through the Thirwell’s window, for Violet to plug the cable into a socket. This enabled Mrs Holland to watch her television. On the Sunday evening, there was always a United Church Service on the dodgem site. The dodgems were pushed back to allow space for the officiating minister and the choir to congregate on the dodgem stand. Everyone took part. Families arrived with their relatives from other villages and children soon conveniently “lost” their parents in order to join up with their friends.

There was a rocket train or moon rocket. We are told that this would carry around 50 to 70 people, who were whizzed around at high speed, with horrendous screams being the result! There were swinging boats, a carousel with painted horses going up and down (this was slightly more sedate), the cake-walk, which involved walking along a shaking floor, the coconut shy and more. One of our interviewees remembered the “roll a penny “ in great detail. So, rolling a penny and trying to land in a 4d, 6d or shilling square caused great excitement, especially if the penny landed on the shilling

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A Traction Engine similar to the "Victory" and the "Prince of Wales" square. With rides costing around 6d, that set them up for more rides. Also remembered is the “Test Your Strength” game, where, by hitting a piece of wood with a large mallet, you could win a small prize if you rang a bell.

Last, but by no means least, were the dodgems. The idea, as we all know, was that you drove around the floor and tried not to hit your friends, who were in other cars. Of course, what did everyone do? They tried very hard to hit their friends’ cars as much as possible. Many people also remember the shooting games and, at one time, there was even a fortune teller in an old gipsy caravan.There were toffee apples, ginger snap and candy floss to eat – altogether an enormous treat!

After the Castle estate was built, the Fair moved to Back Lane (Desford Road) but, for some reason, the atmostphere was never the same. Maybe it was because the original site was in the centre of the village and next to the Royal Oak. After an unsuccessful year on Back Lane, the fair did not return.

Many thanks to Tony Ball, Peter Cooper, John Cowling, Joy Hawke, Norman Lally, Jan Timson, the late Charlie Moore and the late Violet Thirlwell. Thank you all so much – without your memories, this article would not exist.

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G E GAMBLE & SONS INDEPENDENT FAMILY FUNERAL DIRECTORS —–––––––––– ESTABLISHED 1830 —–––––––––-

This is to let you know that we are OPEN FOR BUSINESS! Because of both Government and LCC regulations, we are still limited in the times and range of services that we can offer, but things are definitely moving in the right direction. We are very happy to be back and judging from all that we have seen so far, our customers are equally happy, and that’s lovely to see. It’s particularly nice to hear children’s chatter once again.

We need to remind you that we are currently open three times a week: • Tuesdays 2.00 – 4.00 • Thursdays 2.00 – 4.00 • Saturdays 10.00 - 12.00 We will increase these hours as restrictions are lifted. As before, you will need to wear a mask, sanitise your hands, keep a safe distance from other people and sign in for track and trace. We are selling ice creams and snacks, and takeaway drinks, but no sit-down facilities as yet. As of 17th May, we will be opening up two of the public computers for use.

At the moment, the Library is stocked to the rafters, including lots and lots of brand new books. So much so that we have very little space left on the shelves! You should know that, due to Library computer problems, returned books have not been consistently registered, and hence fines have built up.

Do not be alarmed! Due to these problems, fines are not being charged, so this is a good time to return your borrowed books without having to worry about fines. We are gradually clearing these problems up and hope to get back to normal as soon as we can.

MENTAL HEALTH COLLECTION We are aware that many people have suffered from mental health issues during this prolonged lockdown and associated problems with anxiety, depression and loneliness. To help with this, LCC Libraries have bought a collection of selfhelp books on mental health. We will shortly have 82 such books available for both adults and young people, in a special section of the Library. If you feel that this would be helpful to you, you are very welcome to browse and borrow.

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A Whirlwind Affair - With Aviation - A New Book By Ron Webster Article by Ron Webster

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Using our wealth of knowledge and expertise, we conduct MOTs, Servicing, Diagnostics and carry out in-house repairs on Cambelts, Clutches, Tyres, Engines, Exhausts, Brakes, Suspension and much more...

Each job is completed to the highest standard, but comes at a very competitive price, offering real value for money.

GIVE US A CALL TODAY 01455 822 002 Email: info@foresthillautocentre.co.uk - www.foresthillautocentre.co.uk Forest Hill Auto Centre Unit 3 Sparkenhoe Works Desford Lane Kirby Muxloe Leicestershire LE9 2BF

Forest Hill Golf & Conference Centre

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Ratby

Botcheston

Newtown Unthank

Sparkenhoe Works

Kirby Muxloe Desford