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

YOUR LOCAL 6,800 COPIES DELIVERED EVERY MONTH - RATBY, KIRBY MUXLOE & LFE - NOVEMBER 2022

Our Mission To Find Ralph A Home This Christmas

Bridge Demolition Puts Railway Project On Track!

Ratby Snowman Festival 3rd & 4th December 10am - 4pm

The Ratby Co-Operative Band Christmas Brass & Voices Saturday 10th December 7.30pm

Christmas Fair LFE Community Library Saturday 26th November 11am - 2pm

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Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group

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Article by Robert A. Leake

Parkinson’s Disease has so many variations that no one can really predict the way it will progress or how long this will take. It sometimes seems that every person with Parkinson’s is really quite unique in their symptoms and conditions. What all realise is that every day has to be treasured and enjoyed as much as possible.

John Kavanagh was diagnosed with the condition in 2010. twelve years ago. He was later to join and become a valued member of the Hinckley Parkinson’s Group and as his condition deteriorated he persevered with all his activities and became an inspiration to our members and indeed anyone else who was to meet him.

Even when his body seemed as though it had let him down he was still able to smile, or have a twinkle in his eye to show appreciation of those around him.

John is standing on the right.

After 30 years with the police he retired in 1994 and undertook various roles, like fundraising for LOROS and becoming a tutor on drink-drive rehabilitation courses. Throughout his life he supported Leicester City and had a great love of nature.

His condition did worsen in the last few years but his mind remained active and fully functioning. Despite his difficulties, with the care of his wife Janet [the Chair of the Hinckley Group] and close family friend Rachel, he was able to remain feeling involved in so many activities – exercise and choir particularly. Just a few days before his sudden but peaceful death in hospital on August 26th, he was on the front row of ‘Half A Sixpence’ at the Kilworth House Theatre enjoying the musical. So many messages have been sent to both Janet and Rachel to show how much love and support he generated.

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John will be greatly missed obviously by his family and friends but also by the wider Parkinson’s Group, which had become an extended family for him. The inspiration he generated will continue and Janet is remaining as Chair to support and encourage all those with the illness together with their carers and families.

Much of this is achieved through the fellowship of group activities and support for one another.

No one needs to feel alone or isolated.

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Use this link: www.issuu.com/norwoodpress Janet & John celebrate a wedding anniversary earlier this year 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

Parkinson’s does not respect an individual’s life achievements. So many well known personalities are known to have the condition.

John, born in 1944, had grown up in Measham and had worked in the mines for five years before joining Leicestershire Police where he rose from a PC to Detective Superintendent.

Many perhaps will remember him from the 1980s in ‘Crimewatch Midlands’, hosting with Peter Purves.

The Hinckley Group, regularly attended by over 50 members, continues to offer monthly meetings [October 9 and November 13], a monthly informal tea at the Stapleton Dobbies [October 17, November 21], weekly exercise, dance and singing sessions and monthly Nordic Walking, as well as other extra activities planned throughout the year. For further information please contact Janet Kavanagh on 07932615233.

For Nordic Walking call Peter on 01455 636776.

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.

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‘Tis The Season To Be Jolly…

Article by Nicola Vincent

It’s almost time for ‘Kirby Muxloe’s Christmas Lights Switch On.’ So, get your woolly jumpers ready and come and join in the festive fun outside the Village Hall/Library on Saturday 26th November from 6:30–8:30pm.

The winners of the Christmas colouring competition organised by Kirby Muxloe Parish Council will have the honour of switching on the glittering tree lights at 7:15pm.

DJ Scott Bailye will host the evening of attractions which include Ratby Cooperative Mid-Band, Kirby Muxloe Primary School Choir, Santa Claus, Face Painting, Children’s Funfair Rides, Stalls, Refreshments and much more!

Any donations received on the evening will be donated to Menphys, who strive for a future full of equal choices and opportunities for disabled children, young people and their families, empowering them to live as ordinary lives as possible.

Please note that the car park by the Village Hall/Library will close at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday 26th November 2022 to enable the festive preparations to get underway.

SAVE THE DATES - SEPTEMBER 9TH AND 10TH 2023 NEXT YEAR'S SCARECROW FESTIVAL AND FUN DAY

Kirby Muxloe Advent Calendar Walk 2022 Article by Rosemary Stead

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association Article by Graham Burton

December events on the 7th members are having a Christmas lunch with entertainment at Rolls-Royce Leisure. The 13th members will meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm.

Ratby Parish Church Services & Events For December Article by Rev’d Dr Ed Bampton

Saturday 3rd December 10am-2pm Christmas Bazaar- Church Rooms and Parish Church Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th December Ratby Snowman Festival- St Philip and St James Church and Ratby Village Friday 9th December-2pm Seniors Cinema Club Christmas Special in Parish Church 6pm Community Cinema Christmas Special in Parish Church Saturday 10th December 3pm Messy Christmas Parish Church Sunday 11th December 10.00am- Christingle Parish Church 6.00pm Carols by Candlelight- Parish Church Saturday 17th December 2-4pm Light a Life Open space to light a candle and to sit and remember at Christmas those we have loved and lost. Parish Church Monday 19th December 7pm - Sing Christmas with BBC Radio LeicesterBulls Head Ratby Friday 24th December (Christmas Eve) 3pm Crib Service Parish Church 11-30pm Midnight Holy Communion Parish Church Sunday 25th December (Christmas Day) 10am Family Christmas Communion Parish Church 11-`15 am Telephone service for housebound people For more details about any of our services or events please contact Rev’d Dr Ed Bampton Ratby Parish Church, Church Lane Tel: 0116 239 6520 Email: revdredbampton@outlook.com

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Brightly coloured window displays have brightened up Kirby Muxloe during the lead up to Christmas in ‘20 and ‘21 so if you would like to be part of our Advent Calendar Walk this year – it’s easy!

Message rrmrsteady@aol.com for more details and you will be allocated a number from 1-24 – that is the latest date in December by which you need to put up your window display. Details of the various window locations will be publicised at the beginning of December. I look forward to hearing from you.

Call us now for a friendly chat on: 01163 191123

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Save Our Library Campaign On the 17th October 2022 the Chair of Trustees of Ratby Community Library received an email from Leicestershire County Council containing these magic words 'I am pleased to confirm that the County Council is happy to support your request (to retain our lease) and we will now remove the termination notice.'

Ongoing Sessions Proving As Popular As Ever.

Quiz Night: 18th November at 7.30 pm.

Bingo: 9th & 23rd November at 7.30 pm.

Weekly: Monday: Ratby Craft Club 7.30 – 9 pm.

Tuesday: Chair Yoga 10.30 am – 11.30 am.

Thursday: Wriggly Readers 10.30 am – 12pm Friday: Games – board and others of choice 10 am – 12.30 pm Library services available.

The email went on to say that it was ' clear that the Group had taken significant steps to improve the sustainability of the library.' Finally, 'we are encouraged that the Ratby CML Group are now in a strong position to continue their excellent work providing a valued community asset for the people of Ratby.'

This decision means that, as long as we can sustain the current progress we have made in revitalizing the finances of the library following the end of all Council financial support,because of the work of the volunteers, the generous aid from local people and businesses WE ARE STAYING OPEN! One Of Our Benefactors: Ratby Community Group's Very First Ratby Scarecrow Festival.

The Community group, a new and hugely enthusiastic village charity group worked tirelessly to organise and produce Ratby's full weekend of scarecrow activities! There were amazing prizes, loads of food and drink available at the library and elsewhere, as well as market stalls in the Village Hall and Church. Hot dogs, takeaway and sit in, coffee and cake were all set up to go in the library cafe over the two days of the event. Such was the success of the event that over £1,400 was raised for the library! Absolutely fabulous result and we thank the group for all their effort and imagination. Sponsored

by Anderson Briggs Estate Agent. Many thanks to Ratby Co-op for their super raffle prize.

New Events Coming Soon Special opening of the library.

On the morning of Remembrance Sunday the library cafe will be open from 9.30 am -12.30 pm for those who are attending the Ratby Remembrance parade and War Memorial service. Warm food, drink and welcome all available.

Halloween Children's Craft Event -Spooky Fun and Games!

Over 40 children enjoyed a super variety of crafts and messy play, stories and songs at this Halloween themed afternoon. Just like last year, painting, food decorating and messy play were all available but the addition of face painting meant plenty of smiling spidery faces went home. Special thanks go to Rosie Robinson, our very talented and hard-working events manager, story-teller, dresser-upper and all round children's spook specialist!

Love to Move starts Wednesday January 4th 2023 from 12.45-1.45. This will be a class aimed at gentle exercise and mental and physical activities designed to promote calm and improved memory.

Local author Neil Roberts will be talking about his fascinating memoirs in a convivial evening of talking and listening.

Toy Sale 19th November 10am – 12.30pm. Following the success of last month's sale, we are holding another by popular request. Never too early for Christmas shopping!

Ratby Snowman Festival December 3 &4 th December.

Entry forms for this hugely entertaining event from the library, church and elsewhere in the village but be quick; closing date for your snowman entry is 21st November. Prizes galore. As part of the festival the library will be hosting Bradgate Rotary Club's Santa's Sleigh on the 4th December – further details to be advertized online and in the library. Sponsored by Anderson Briggs Estate Agent.

Party Hire With a Difference At £12.50 an hour to hire, the library makes an unusual but really fun party venue! The kitchen, the space, the facilities are all convenient and in excellent order. Come and see for yourself!

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

If you are able to make a regular monthly contribution, no matter how small (though big is nice...) you will be helping to make our library a stable, sustainable, community hub. A monthly draw will mean coffee or tea and cake for two in the library cafe; a sweet reward for being generous!

Forms are in the library with our bank details.

We're recruiting! One donation that doesn't cost cash is of your time. If we have more helpers we can run more sessions and more sessions means staying open for more people. Please call in and see what helping out can mean to Ratby.

Opening Hours: Monday 10am – 12.30 Tuesday Wednesday

Thursday Friday 10.am – 12.30 Saturday 10am – 12.30

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Join A Guided Walk In Kirby Muxloe Article by Ian Cockerill

Are you looking for a regular weekly walk? Blaby District Council holds a FREE weekly guided walk through Kirby Muxloe.

Join like-minded people looking for a bit of exercise on a guided walk and a chat. The walk leaves from Kirby Muxloe Library every Monday at 11am and a trained guide will accompany you around the route.

Visit www.activeblaby.org.uk/healthwalks or call us on 0116 272 7703 to register.

Healthcare Course Provider Hires New Trainer

By Scarlet Lewitt

Meduc8ion, a healthcare course provider, is pleased to announce the hire of Heidi Tanton as their latest course trainer.

Heidi will be working from both of Meduc8ion’s training centres, based in Hinckley and Leicester, training individuals in ear anatomy, otoscopy, and earwax removal. She will be delivering courses for Meduc8ion fortnightly and spending the rest of her time fulfilling her duties as an audiologist.

“I feel very strongly about teaching individuals how to deliver safe and efficient hearing care. It is something that I’ve always taken an interest in, but I didn’t want to stop being an audiologist,” Heidi said. “The role that I have undertaken with Meduc8ion is ideal because it will allow me to explore more of the training side to audiology, while spending the rest of my time in clinic as an audiologist. It is my aim to be the change that I want to see in the world, and I’m looking forward to bringing my expertise and clinical knowledge to Meduc8ion.”

Heidi comes to Meduc8ion with a strong background in audiology. She acquired a first-class degree in BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology) from the University of Leeds and has spent the best part of several years advising and assisting patients in need of hearing care. She spent two years working for the pharmaceutical giant, Boots, as a Hearing Aid Dispenser (HAD) before moving to Novus Health Ltd as a Senior Clinical Audiologist.

During her time at Novus, Heidi worked for the Any Quality Provider (AQP) scheme; a type of NHS contract which allows non-NHS organisations to provide NHS services. She recently set up her own business for hearing aid dispensing and helps the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) sector on the weekends.

Santas Grotto In the Church

Snowman Trail Maps available in Church

Meduc8ion was established as a professional training course provider in early 2021. Aside from Earwax Removal and Ear Anatomy & Otoscopy, Meduc8ion also offers courses in Occupational Health Technician Training and Drug & Alcohol Testing. They are also looking to implement courses in Tympanometry, Aural Swabbing and Mental Health Awareness in 2023.

All proceeds to Church Funds

To find out more about Meduc8ion, visit www.meduc8ion.co.uk

Ratby Snowman Festival

Visit our Facebook page here….

Raising funds for Ratby Parish Church & Ratby Community Library.

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£3 Maps available from Ratby parish church bazaar (LE6 0JE) (Sat only) & Ratby Community library (LE6 0LN) (Sat/Sun)

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Our Mission To Find Ralph A Home This Christmas Article by Lucy Connor Article by Liz Collinson

How the days are drawing in now, and the trees looking somewhat bereft, poor things. We hope that you are all managing with the colder weather and the need to be careful about putting the heating on. It all reminds us of days long gone – just hope we don’t get those icy patterns on the insides of the windows – some of you will remember those days. Magical when we were kids, not quite so magical now!

Don’t forget that the Library is offering itself as a warm space for you to be if it’s all getting too much. Just drop in when you feel like it. You will be made very welcome and won’t have to do a thing other than keep warm.

Refreshments are available with free top-ups. There’s company if you want it, or you can just sit quietly by yourself – you decision, no questions asked.

Here at Leicester Animal Aid we have a few animals that have longer stays than others, and Ralph here is one of them.

He is a loveable 9-year-old Husky, and has been with us now since June. Even Santa has been helping us in our search for his furrever home and called in to visit recently!

Ralph is a clever boy, and very talkative.

He needs a secure garden with a high fence as he likes to jump and will need a strong walker. He is a handsome boy, and you might notice that he has different coloured eyes – a condition called heterochromia which is common in certain breeds including Huskies. We think it makes him even more special and we are hoping to find him a responsible and loving home really soon.

If Ralph doesn’t find his home in time for the big day, then he and all the other animals in our care over the Christmas period will receive a gift which will be thanks to generous members of the public who donate to our Christmas Appeal. If you would like to help, then please visit the LAA website and click ‘donate now’.

Leicester Animal Aid is a rescue and rehoming centre for dogs and cats.

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

N’UKES GIG What a great evening, thoroughly enjoyable. The N’Ukes gave a highly professional performance – sound, lights, excellent virtuosity, a great selection of music setting people dancing, all topped off by ploughman’s suppers and puddings – absolutely everything went! Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped out (especially with the washing up the next morning!), and to the Parish Council for the loan of chairs. And of course most especial thanks to the N’Ukes themselves, who gave their services as a gift to the Charity. There will be a repeat performance before too long!

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

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

ROGER AND ROSEMARY QUIZ A reminder to set aside the date for our next quiz – Saturday 4th February starting at 7.30. Tickets will go on sale in the Library from December and will include supper. It will again be a case of bringing your own drinks and glasses.

PROGRESS ON THE LIBRARY’S SENSORY GARDEN We are beginning t make some progress on this. We have had a professional garden designer to draw up plans, and very elegant they are too, really lovely. It is planned for the larger of the two areas to be for families, with the smaller (to the left) as a restful place for adults and older people to relax, chat and enjoy the sensory experience (though these are not of course mutually exclusive!). We are currently finalising the plans and getting quotations for the work. At that point, we will hold an open event for the community to see the plans and make comments. It goes almost without saying that this will be an expensive venture for us, and we will be reliant on grants and donations from the community. We think this will be a huge asset to the community, and we want it to be an area that we can all feel proud of. We will keep you informed of developments.

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NOVEMBER COFFEE AND CAKES MORNING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER IN THE LIBRARY.

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The Christmas Light Switch On will be on the same day, so loads of cakes will be on offer!

LET OUR FAMILY LOOK AFTER YOUR FAMILY FOR FREE ADVICE AND GUIDANCE

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Leicester Forest East Community Library Article by Paul Turner

The library is available for hire The library is available for hire with a space that can hold up to 60 people for events, meetings and parties. Please see www.lfelibrary.org/ hiring-the-library for the hiring costs.

Quality Fitted Kitchens, Bedrooms and Home Studies Local Family Run Business

Plantation Window Shutters Now Available

Auditor required – Are you one or do you know one?

The library is a registered charity and as such the accounts need to be audited by a qualified auditor. Unfortunately, our current auditor cannot continue and we require a new one. If you are or know someone who could do the task then please let us know by contacting us using the QR code below. There is a small amount of remuneration for the volunteer.

Change in the Opening Hours and the closure of the Tea and Toast We had been running a Tea and Toast session since September 2021 on Wednesday mornings to offer the Stafford Leys School parents to drop in after dropping off their kids at the school (which is next to the library).

While we have had some people come in in the uptake has been very low.

The trustees have now decided to change the opening hours to have a long daytime opening over the winter to help with the warm haven, starting with the coffee club at 10:00. Please feel free to drop in.

Christmas Fair – 26th November, 11am to 2pm The Christmas fair is on Saturday 26th November with a wide range of stalls and activities. You will also be able to buy books and jigsaws at the event Future Events We can also loan out books, but please remember the Coffee Mornings on the 1st Saturday of the month (10:00 – 13:00). Please make a note of the future events and contact us if you are interested or want to purchase tickets by using the QR code below.

Christmas Closures The library will be closed from the Saturday 24th December to Wednesday 4th January 2023.

Opening times and QR Code to contact us New Opening Hours from 1st Nov 22 Mon 2pm - 5pm Tue Closed Wed 10am – 4:30pm 6pm - 8pm Thurs 10am - noon 2pm - 4pm Fri 2pm - 5pm Sat* 10am - noon * 1st Saturday of the month coffee morning 10am - 1pm

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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.

“Memories” meetings unfortunately remain suspended, we are hoping to start them in the new year.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 15th November at 7:30pm.

Unfortunately, Felicity Austin, our speaker for the November meeting, has needed to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances. We have decided to put together some very interesting facts about Kirby Muxloe Castle. Most people are aware of the story of Lord Hastings and Richard III, but do not know much about the castle over the last 100 years. Val, the village archaeology warden and co-chair has access to all the artifacts which were found in the moat when it was drained in 1912. Come along and learn about what was found, the pageant of 1953 held in the castle grounds and more!

Visitors are always most welcome. Full yearly membership £10, plus an entrance fee of £2 paid at each visit. Visitors £5 entrance for each single session.

Talking to Jill Hurd née Pearson and her husband Derry.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of going down to Ratby to visit Jill and her husband Derry. Jill and I immediately realised that we knew each other from 50/60 years ago when we were both young and living in Ratby.

Jill wanted to tell me about her father Joe, who was a member of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. We talked about her father’s work which was very interesting and I was amazed at the number of cups and trophies on display – all won by her father in various competitions. After talking about Joe, we eventually started to reminisce about life in Ratby years ago.

Firstly Joe. Joe Pearson was born in Ratby in 1907. His family at the time lived in the Stamford Arms Yard. Years ago, there was a public house named the Earl of Stamford Arms which was in a house just past the present fish and chip shop. There was an entrance to the yard between the pub and the next house and Joe’s father’s family lived up there. They then moved to a little row of terraced houses, opposite Porter’s Carpets on Station Road. Joe had two brothers and a sister and they lived with their mum and dad in a two up, two down; that’s how many people lived in those days. Joe was too young to fight in WWI and when WWII came around, he was too old to fight and so at that time, he joined the Home Guard. In around 1950, he joined the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade. His interest in the St John’s goes back to the time when the family were in Mablethorpe, enjoying a well-earned holiday. Joe’s wife tripped on a slab that was sticking up from the ground and cut her knee. They didn’t know what to do until a kind person brought over a cloth to try to stem the bleeding; this made Joe realise that it would have been much less traumatic if he had known what to do. From that day, he decided he would join the St John’s.

Joe joined St John’s in 1950 and loved every minute of his time there. As a service member, he went on numerous displays and in 1956 he went to Hyde Park in London, for the Queen’s inspection. All the St John’s men stood in rank and the Queen went around them standing up in the back of a Land Rover. On becoming a Superintendent, he was presented with a special medal, but as he was not one for showing off, when a photographer arrived to take his photo for the Tubes magazine (where he worked for many years), he didn’t want to wear the medal. Jill persuaded him by telling him that he really did have to put on his uniform and medal, it was expected, so eventually he did! He was also a member of the Leicestershire Yeomanry and in 1924 was present when the War Memorial on Old John, near to the Old John Tower in Bradgate Park was unveiled. The memorial was built to commemorate the members of the Leicestershire Yeomanry who fell in the Boer War and also WWI. Another memorial plaque was added after WWII. The memorial became a statutory listed building in 1984 and is Grade II listed.

The St John’s Ambulance Brigade held many competitions and at competition time, the whole group travelled up to London and competed with teams from all over the U.K. They were taken into a special room, group by group, and presented with a mock-up accident, together with patients covered in fake blood. The team had to take charge, calling for ambulances, take care of the injured and deal with passers-by and witnesses. They were marked according to their performance. Joe’s team won many plaques and trophies, which are now on display in Jill’s house. As Joe was superintendent, he was allowed to keep them all. Jill

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remembers that a man from Kirby often came down to Ratby to act as “the patient”; she thinks it was one of the Bosworth brothers. The pretend patient was frequently covered in fake blood!

Joe worked at TI Tubes at Desford, but before that he had been employed at Desford Aerodrome. Joe met Joe Pearson at work in the medical Amy Johnson, who in 1933, room at TI Tubes, Desford accompanied by her husband, was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. This was a particularly dangerous flight as for most of the time they were very far from any landmass. As Joe was working at the Aerodrome at the time, he was able to gain her autograph when she landed at Desford. Joe then went on to work at TI Tubes Desford, which he joined on 6th October 1941 and was their first employee. Initially he worked as a store keeper, then in 1947 he moved on to become transport manager. Eventually, in 1955, when it became evident that he was a very experienced St John’s Ambulance Brigade Joe Pearson, member, he started to work in wearing his TI Tubes works surgery. Joe medal when worked nights and was in made a charge of the medical room, Superintendent always patching someone up in the St John’s who had injured themselves Ambulance whilst working. Once, he Brigade. almost delivered a baby, but Courtesy of Jill the ambulance arrived just in Hurd time! Joe never had a car and cycled to work every day.

Jill was born in 1942, when Joe and the family moved to a house near to “Sunny Row”. I had never heard of this name, but Jill told me that if you start off at the off-licence on Station Road and turn right to go down the road, there is a house adjoining the off-licence and another house standing at an angle; there used to be a wide entry way there that led to Sunny Row. She remembers the Foggin family and Aggy Dean, who was the wife of the rag and bone man, who used to go around pushing a baby’s pram collecting old rags; they all lived on Sunny Row. As people got to know that Joe was in the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, when a child had fallen over or been hurt in some way, there would be a knock at the front door, with someone asking for Mr Pearson and could he just look at their injured child. He had a cupboard in the house that was full of all sorts of bandages. In 1976, Joe was made a “serving brother” of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade. He went up to London and was presented with his medal by Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester. There is so much more to say about Joe Pearson – he smoked a pipe, he loved gardening and loved going to the Railway pub with his friends on a Friday night, I could go on a lot longer.

Lastly, Jill and her husband talked about life years ago in Ratby. Jill remembered going with her parents to the Bull’s Head and always sitting in the rear conservatory, which is where people sat if they had children with them. Mr Shipman (Alan) used to come out to have a chat with Joe and give Jill a silver threepenny piece for her money box. She still has them today. Derry and Jill remembered the night of “terror”, when the Teddy boys from Anstey arrived at the Majestic Cinema. All the girls were so frightened that they hid in the toilets. It appears that the Teddy boys almost caused a riot, running round and round the cinema followed by Sid Deveraux, the Special Policeman! Derry said that poor Len Crump, the manager, didn’t know what to do! They remembered that sometimes men used to try to swing the lead and attempt to obtain a sick note from the doctor. However, it only worked if Dr Jones was on duty; Dr Alexander could see what they were up to immediately! So many memories, the slaughter house next to the butcher’s shop with water running down the road when the premises were being swilled out, the cows driven down Main Street at milking time. Girls putting on lipstick after they left home and rubbing it off before returning. Going to the Church or the Chapel on a Sunday evening and meeting up afterwards, either in one of the houses for coffee or occasionally going to Banners Café at the top of London Road, Leicester, for more coffee. When that happened, they either piled into Martin Brooks’ van, where sheep and hay had been hastily swept out, or occasionally in a car belonging to Trevor Grewcock’s uncle, who lived in Kirby. It was all so innocent and just good fun – what a life to look back upon.

Thank you so much Jill and Derry, I thoroughly enjoyed visiting your home and listening to your memories. Their full interview can be seen on the Kirby Muxloe Local History Group’s website, address at the top of the page.

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Ozzy O’shea County Councillor

T: 0116 2394336 M: 07808585825 E: ozzyoshea@hotmail.com An extra £3.6m of Government cash is enabling Leicestershire County Council to step up the support it’s providing this winter as cost of living pressures bite.

Under proposals published on Monday (17 Oct), the money will be used to offer £1.5m emergency food and fuel support – triple the amount allocated last year – and will ensure 14,000 children across the county have free school meal vouchers during the Christmas, February half term and Easter holidays.

The national funding takes the council’s wide-ranging support package to £14.8m and is on top of community fridges, innovative ‘green homes’ schemes, energy efficiency advice and help for foodbanks and charities, all of which is helping to bring down household bills.

October and the National offer date is 1 March (or next working day).

Parents and carers: to maximise your opportunities, apply for three schools including the catchment school(s). It is never advised to only apply for one school, as this increases the risk of disappointment, resulting in upset and having to accept a school much further away.

Infant to Junior transfers: The application window to transfer from Infant to Junior school is now open. Parents and carers will receive a letter inviting them to apply to transfer for entry 2023. Always apply for the linked Junior school to maximise likelihood of success. The closing date for infant to junior transfer is 15 January, the national offer date is 16 April (or next working day). Applications for a year-three place in a primary school will not be processed until late summer term, for entry 2023, as it will be considered a mid-term transfer.

What issues are driving budget pressures?

Global events, rising inflation, surging demand for services and the continued impact of Covid, mean costs are increasing at an unprecedented rate.

Service demand is unrelenting and expected to go up by £18m every year, excluding the impact of inflation. Capital costs – for building roads, schools and other one-off projects – could grow by £45m if infrastructure price rises don’t reverse.

With energy, food and other prices soaring, people across Leicestershire are clearly having their wallets severely squeezed.

Budget pressures – find out more The financial pressures impacting local government mean that we’re in new territory. And this means that we can’t balance the books without impacting front line services. Find out more below.

Although we’re not in position to control the major economic factors driving costs, we can help provide important support and are committed to doing so.

How do these affect the council's budget?

The extra costs are set out below.

Government changes mean we now have more freedom about how we spend the money which means we can do even more to get it to households most in need of help.

Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing Our vital support includes: Energy efficiency grants and advice - through the council’s Warm Homes scheme.

A £4m Greener Living Leicestershire project - helping to cut household bills by fully-funded home improvements including loft and wall insulation, solar panels, heat pumps and new efficient windows and doors £15 free school meal vouchers for 14,000 children across Leicestershire also benefiting families during half term this week Voluntary groups, charities, public sector organisations and others can refer people for support from the £1.5m emergency food and fuel support pot – any organisations wanting to register should email: householdsupportfund@ leics.gov.uk Find out more about the support available at: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/ cost-of-living The Government’s Household Support Fund is given to county and unitary councils to support people with cost of living increases and comes from the Department for Work and Pensions.

School admissions update The School Admissions Office Team will be available to parents Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am - 4pm. The team will be offline to parents on Tuesdays and Thursdays to focus on applications received.

Parents and carers are reminded that the School Admissions Service is extremely busy and contacting the service at peak times may be difficult. We are sorry for any delays you may have experienced - we are working with schools to establish availability of spaces and are processing applications as quickly as possible.

Current open applications First Time Admissions (FTA): The application window for children seeking to start school for the first time from autumn 2023 is now open until national closing date 15 January. National offer date for FTA entry 2023 is 16 April (or next working day).

Secondary Transfer (Year 6 to Year 7): The application window to apply for Year 7 entry 2023 is now open. Parents and carers will have received an invitation to apply. The National closing date for Year 7 transfers is 31

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What is the expected impact?

Latest figures show that our budget gap is set to grow from £8m to £28m next year – and could even top £140m by 2026.

What action are you taking?

We’ve published an update on our budget situation, which council leader, Nick Rushton, has called ‘frightening’. Although there are no proposals at this stage, services including gritting, parks, bus subsidies, projects reducing smoking and boosting health, Beaumanor Hall and planned big road schemes could be considered for possible changes or reduction. Find out more about our service costs: We’re continuing to press our MPs and the new Government for a better deal for our tax payers and to reform special educational needs and disability support.

How is it spent?

Service Budget.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Older People Children’s Social Care Learning Disabilities Waste Management.

Healthy Living Highways Physical Disabilities Family Support Public and School Transport.

Mental Health.

Libraries Culture and Leisure Adult Learning.

Economic Growth and Grant Aid Regulatory and Planning.

£113m £78m £80m £59m £35m £26m £14m £15m £12m £13m £19m £6m £5m £3m £3m

How does Leicestershire compare to other councils?

We are the lowest funded county council under the Government’s funding system so will always be sensitive to financial shocks. The challenge currently being faced will put even the best funded local authorities under pressure.

What can I do?

Read our webpage, by following the below link. Then tell your friends and family – and sign up to take part in our budget consultation this winter. It’s at this stage we’ll want your views on firm proposals.

By submitting the sign up form on the web page, you will be added to our mailing list and will receive information about our budget consultation this winter. We will only use your details to send you the budget consultation.

Follow this web link and take part www.leicestershire.gov.uk/budget Energy Bills Support Scam.

Action Fraud has received 139 crime reports relating to fake text messages purporting to be from the UK government. The texts state that the recipient is “owed” or “eligible” for an energy bill discount as part of the Energy Bill Support Scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

How to protect yourself Energy Bill Discount: £400 off energy bills for households in Great Britain from October 2022. You do not need to apply for the scheme and you will not be asked for your bank details.

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Talbott House, Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, Leicestershire LE7 7AT Email: talbotthouse@ansteyfunerals.com Website: www.ansteyfunerals.com Scam Text Messages I received this week.

GOV-UK: You can now check your eligibility for the new government Energy Bills Support Scheme. Please visit: https://energysave-scheme.com GOV−UK: Your tax refund is ready to claim now. Your reference no. is 78430, to claim this please fill out the form via: mytax-claim-application.com PO: Your parcel has been held at our shipping center due to a unpaid delivery fee. Please complete the payment & track your parcel via: https:// postoffice-track-parcel.com

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Note the Spelling of Centre. Please do not follow links and do not pass your details to anyone. Stay Safe.

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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.

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Through The Seasons Article by June Ward

Come and support your community choir in concert, featuring singers of all ages from Groby, surrounding villages and from many other areas of Leicestershire too!

WHEN?

Saturday 26th November 7.00pm Sunday 27th November 3.00pm WHERE? New College Leicester, Glenfield Road, LE3 6DN Note new venue - easy to find with plenty of parking and disabled access TICKETS? Only £5. Available from any Choir member, at Wednesday rehearsals (1.30-3.00pm, 3.40-4.40pm, 7.30-9.00pm at Groby Club) or Groby Library (Saturday mornings only) Why not support the library too? Enjoy a cuppa, piece of cake and borrow a book while you’re there! Groby Sings is a registered charity no. 1180490. All enquiries to www.grobysings.org

Neverland (Peter Pan Reimagined) Article by Deeg D’Acinto

Kirby Muxloe Free Church are pleased to once again be hosting the Saltmine Theatre Company and this year their Christmas show is:

Neverland (Peter Pan Reimagined) Thursday 15th December 2022 at 6.30pm Wendy and her talented but struggling mum are stuck. Stuck for money, stuck in a tiny flat, and worst of all, stuck for ideas. Overlooked and unnoticed, they’re desperate – until one night, a mysterious boy flies right out of his story and into theirs. And he needs their help.

Wreaking havoc on Neverland is one person who will do anything to make sure things go his way. Nefarious pirate Captain J.A.S Hook has been Peter Pan’s enemy for as long as either of them can remember – and Neverland isn’t big enough for the both of them.

Who will win the happy ever after? And what if everyone loses? With original music and a big pinch of fairy dust, fly with Peter, Wendy, and Tinkerbell as they discover a story that’s big enough for everyone to play a part, and where no one is written out.

Tickets cost Adults - £8, Children under 12 - £5, Family (2 adults, 2 children) - £25.00. To book your tickets please call 0116 239 3173 or email tickets@ kirbyfree.org.uk Payment can be made by Cash, Cheque (payable to Kirby Muxloe Free Church) or via BACS A/C Name: Kirby Muxloe Free Church, A/C No.: 65314391, Sort Code: 08 92 99 Reference: Your ‘surname-Panto’

Bridge Demolition Puts Railway Project On Track!

Andy Fillingham

Latest phase of ambitious railway connection project to create 18mile heritage line across the East Midlands.

A railway bridge which has been a landmark in Loughborough for well over a century has been demolished. It is part of an ambitious scheme to create an eighteen-mile heritage railway attraction and take lorries off the roads at the same time.

The original Great Central Railway bridge over the A60 Nottingham Road, in the northeast corner of the town was 125 years old and was clearly showing signs of old age! It has also been struck by careless lorry drivers many times. The modern day Great Central heritage Railway based in Leicestershire is working on a multimillion-pound project to ‘Reunify’ two halves of the line which were separated by British Railways in the 1970s. The bridge over the A60 is key to the project.

However, it was beyond economic repair, so the difficult decision was made to remove the old bridge and replace it with a brand-new structure capable of carrying modern freight trains and heritage railway passenger services.

Work began on Saturday 1st of October in the early hours of the

morning with ‘VolkerLaser’ as the lead contractor. The project has been championed by Friends of the Great Central Main Line, who have also helped co-ordinate the fundraising with The David Clarke Railway Trust, the Great Central Railway’s charitable partner.

The new bridge will be carry two railway tracks. One will take trains to and from the national railway network, which could lead to heavy freight trains using it to access local businesses, removing traffic from the roads and delivering sustainable transport. The other track will carry the new connecting lines between the two halves of the Great Central Railway creating a heritage passenger line across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire promoting sustainable tourism.

The Great Central Railway placed the order in April, to beat rapidly rising costs but is still seeking to raise further funds to finish this part of Reunification and commit to future phases of the scheme.

Donations can be made at www. gcrailway.co.uk/unify where there’s more information about the Reunification project and the work being carried out.

Christmas Concert Saturday 3rd December at 6pm Mountsorrel Memorial Centre, 105 Leicester Road, Mountsorrel, Leicester, LE12 7DB Featuring ALL the Ratby Bands Tickets £10, Concessions £8, Children Under 12 Free For Tickets call Steve Plant on 0116 431 4511

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'My Family'

By Cherryl Reid

It was our Danny’s social worker that got me thinking about our family.

She called to see Danny but, of course, he was in bed. Well, it was only 11 o’clock and he rarely gets up before 2. I asked her to come in and would she like a cup of tea while I woke our Danny up. I wanted her to know that we are a good family, not like some of the rough lot that live around here.

Fat chance of Danny getting up, I thought, but what else could I do? The poor woman had come all that way, though she has a lovely car. (I wouldn’t mind driving round all day in a lovely car like that and chatting to people.)

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Suppose I could look younger with a nice hairdo and some make-up. I don’t bother though, because I never go anywhere. And he’s always out. Usually down the pub with his cronies. Well, I have to stay here to make sure the kids are alright. That’s my job.

I really don’t know what happened with our Danny. Just got in with the wrong crowd, I suppose. I’m hoping it’s just a blip and he sorts himself out.

He’s the eldest, though he’s not mine. Well, not technically. No, he’s his and his first wife’s. I didn’t know he was married. First I knew was when she came round to my mam’s and left the two kids on the doorstep and black a bin liner with their clothes in. Right tatty stuff – wouldn’t give it houseroom! Danny was only one and such a cute baby, with curly blond hair and saucer eyes. His sister, Letisha-Mai (we call her Tish, it suits her much better) was just coming up to three and she was just as cute. Her mam came back for her after a week, but she didn’t want Danny. That made me love him more – poor little mite. We still see Tish – she loves coming here, she does, and she and Danny think the world of one another. ‘Course, they’re proper brother and sister and it does make a difference. They think the world of their dad too – though he could do more. Then there’s our five. Ben, Jessica and Joanne – twins number one and Thomas and Toby – twins number two.

Well they’re all ours really – I’m just explaining. Then there’s Aaron – he’s only one and he is Thomas’ son, but Thomas is only seventeen now and his girlfriend was only fifteen when Aaron was born, so what was I to do? You can’t expect a girl of fifteen to bring up a baby! And her parents …. Well!

She and Thomas don’t see one another now but Aaron can’t help that, can he? He’s absolutely gorgeous and such a good baby. He’s got lovely mocha skin, the biggest brown eyes and the widest smile showing his two baby teeth. His hair is proper Jamaican, like his mum’s family – though I doubt he will ever see them.

The Social Worker called us a ‘blended’ family. Apparently, that’s the word for families like ours. I wasn’t sure whether she was being insulting. We’ve been called a lot of things! But, I looked it up – blended, I mean, and one of the things it said was “go well together; harmanize.”

I’ll take that.

'The Village Writers' Article by David Schonveld

The VILLAGE WRITERS group is looking for one or two new writers.

At the moment we meet via Zoom twice a month.1st & 3rd Wednesdays@7pm. (Members are sent a link) You don't have to have any standard of writing.

Anyone who writes, enjoys writing, or who wants to get better at it is eligible. We read the writing we've done as homework & get helpful, creative 'feedback' from our friendly others.

The Writers'WORKSHOP group is also looking for one or two members. It's an in-person group, and focusses directly on the many techniques of writing.(eg.description, dialogue, short story,memoir etc) All writing is done at the meeting.

Find out more about either group: text or email David: 07552107461 or aschons98@gmail com

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News From The Band Room Article by Steve Plant

Senior Band A fabulous return to perform at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain where the band performed at the Royal Albert Hall and were awarded the accolade of 17th best band in the UK.

DON’T BE ALONE CHRISTMAS DAY Come and Join us at

Our next competition will be the Leicestershire Brass Band Association Championships taking place at the end of November where we hope to retain our title as Champions.

Little Markfield Farm MARKFIELD

Mid Band – Triumph At Pershore The Mid Band had an excellent day contesting on October 29th where the band did the Ratby Organisation proud by taking first place at the prestigious Wychavon Festival beating off 11 other bands. In addition the percussion team were adjudicated to be the best in the contest picking up another award.

For people who would otherwise be on their own, aged over 70 in Markfield and surrounding villages TRANSPORT CAN BE ARRANGED

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE PLEASE RING

07979 607099-Kerry Sharpe

There is no charge for the day, we just want everyone to have the opportunity of being with others on what can be a lonely day

Not to be outdone the Mid Band gave a reprise of their 20 minute programme in the Second Section and were placed a creditable 5th out of 11 competitors.

Christmas Concerts Not To Be Missed The whole organisation of the Ratby Co-operative will be presenting their annual Christmas Concert on Saturday 3rd December at the Mountsorrel Memorial Centre. The first half of the concert will include performances by the Tooters, Crescendos, Mid and Senior Bands. The second half all players will be on stage performing together as one massed band. For tickets please ring 0116 431 4511.

If anyone would like to make a donation of chocolates/biscuits/sweets please kindly drop at below where possible or give me a call Roy Greens, The Nook, Anstey BOWNS HARDWARE on Main Street, Markfield

St. James The Greater, Leicester A special night ahead as the band team up with the talented Fosse Singers Choir to present a concert of Christmas favourites on Saturday 10th December.

For tickets please ring 0116 431 4511.

Fancy A “Sing-A-Long?”

If you would like to sing along to the band why not join us for the concert at Braunstone Civic Centre on Saturday 17th December. The hall will be set out cabaret style and the audience is invited to join with the band in a “singa-long” of festive carols and music.

The band is now preparing for the Christmas season, and beyond, with many carolling engagements, by appearing at supermarkets and garden centres.

We will also be out playing around Ratby village over two weekends as the village is now too large to cover on one day!

Ratby Tooters Ratby Tooters will be taking in its next group of beginners starting in January 2023. You are welcome to come along if you have been playing a brass instrument in your class at school or you think you’d like to have a go at playing a brass instrument from scratch. Or you already had a go at playing a while back but want to give it another go.

You can be any age – yes, that includes adults too – come and learn alongside your children. For the first year you can come along for free. You will be provided with everything you need, including an instrument.

To book your place call John Hauton on 07792 783426 or email john. hauton@cpwp.com

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