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Church Of Christ, Shepshed Article by Stephen Woodcock
During these difficult times we need our relationships to provide strength and encouragement. God is with us and He graciously offers us His strength and love. We are a non-denominational, independent group of Christians who simply want to honour Jesus by following His teachings as found in the Bible. We invite you to join us in worship and the study of His word via Zoom: • Sundays - Worship, Communion and Bible Class, 11am. • Thursdays - Bible Study, 7pm. • ZOOM LINK - 418 223 2586 • Email - info@shepshedchurchofchrist.co.uk
Charnwood Probus Club Article by Ian Hamilton Smith
It gives me a great amount of pleasure to announce that the first informal lunch has passed by and was a resounding success. It was held at our normal venue on the 17th September 2020 where only six members enjoyed a most delightful lunch (Paul’s normal) all sat at one very large table which allowed ample social distancing and at the same time the opportunity for a great deal of most convivial chat amongst friends. The lunch menu began with a very nice Pate and Melba toast garnished with salad to be followed by a really scrummy individual fish pie, sweet potato chips and vegetables. In line with Covid-19 recommendations instead of the table having self service vegetables to plates were served fully loaded. For sweet we had warmed Maranello cherries served in a glass with custard and vanilla ice-cream and delightful it was.
Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2020
Article by Brenda Snape
Due to Covid 19 restrictions this year, we are unable to hold the usual Remembrance Parade and Service in Glenmore Park, therefore, this year the following arrangements are currently being made (subject to change, depending on Government Covid 19 Guidelines) Glenmore Park gates will be closed from 2.30 pm – 3.30 pm on Sunday 8th November – Wreath laying will take place at 3.00 pm by invitation only, due to social distancing. It would, therefore, be greatly appreciated if you will respect this arrangement and keep you distance from the Park for this short while. The War Memorial Gates will be open (7.30 am – 3.30pm) for the week after Remembrance Sunday for anyone who wishes to visit. If you should require any further information or clarification please telephone 01509 508872 or email contact@shepshedtowncouncil.org
I am confident that we will be having a second informal lunch instead of our normal October meeting and it would be nice to see a few more members this time. The social distancing efforts put in by the whole of Longcliffe Golf Club are excellent and I could see nothing that required improvement and on a personal note I felt very safe indeed.
Not got a QR scanner or not working? 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
The Rotary Club Of Shepshed Christmas Tree Festival 2020
Macmillan Cancer Care Article by Maureen Walbey
Article by Anne Collier
It is with great regret that we have to cancel the festival this year. We cannot hold the usual celebration of the season due to the constraints of Coronavirus making it difficult to ensure that everyone, groups submitting trees and visitors to St Botolph’s Church, are able to view the trees safely. However, we are planning an alternative activity, so please expect more details soon.
Charnwood Road Baptist Church were of course unable to hold their annual Macmillan Coffee Morning but instead we held a cake and craft stall outside the church. Many people supported this event with donations of cakes, money and crafts and a good number of people came to buy. We were able to send £363 to Macmillan and many thanks go to everyone, however they were involved. We look forward to the day when we can again hold a coffee morning.
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Hathern Based Anchor Online Designs Gets A Twitter Boost From Theo Paphitis Article by Laura Goodsell A Hathern based solopreneur has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Laura Goodsell, owner of Anchor Online Designs graphic and web design - tweeted Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly winners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 2500 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK. Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo retweeted Laura’s message to his almost 500,000 followers, They are also profiled on the #SBS website (www.theopaphitissbs. com) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners. Laura said, "It has been a very strange year for many businesses, so to have Theo recognise my hard work and dedication has helped spread the word about my business to his following and will in turn mean I can reach more small business owners who require help and support with their own Social media, Graphics and Web design”
Small business champion and Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Chairman, Theo Paphitis, said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK. My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Anchor Online Designs every success.” Anyone looking for a retweet from Theo should tweet him about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are retweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the new website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities. For further information or quotes for graphic and web design please contact Laura at Anchor Online Designs on laura@anchoronline. co.uk For further information about Small Business Sunday please visit www.theopaphitissbs.com
Spotlight on Iveshead
November 2020
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Archaeology students identifying the sex of a skeleton by its skull
We will work with you, our customers and partners, and respect their wishes on preferred means of contact, following good hygiene and safe distancing. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you. (previously Kornerstone Legal Services)
ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME Year 7 and 8 pupils have the opportunity to take part in Enrichment activities on Friday afternoons. They can choose from a wide variety of different subjects that wouldn’t normally be offered as part of their curriculum. Some of the courses on offer include Ancient Greece, Latin, Musical Theatre and Archaeology. The pupils have all chosen three courses to complete throughout the year. These courses are designed to boost pupils’ knowledge and skills by offering them the opportunity to do something new. All of the courses have a literacy aspect to support the development of these crucial skills. This is the second year that Iveshead has run the Enrichment programme and pupils from the last cohort felt that taking part in the courses really helped to broaden their horizons. The pupils were surveyed about the courses last year and they were overwhelmingly positive about the experience. 91.8% of the pupils who responded to the survey said that their enrichment experience had either definitely or to some extent supported their communication skills across a whole range of different areas. We are really pleased to be offering Iveshead pupils this chance once again to have some more choice over their education.
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Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling
Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually. But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren of the deceased. The surviving partner, under the terms of the trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children’s inheritance is protected. This last point can be 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.
Do You Feel Isolated Or Lonely? Article by Julie Watson
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Keith Harris Borough Councillor for Hathern
T: 01509 557701 E: cllr.keith.harris@charnwood.gov.uk As I write on October 25th, Charnwood is still in Covid Tier 1. Borough councillors had a virtual briefing from the Leader and the Chief Executive last week, in which we were told to urge our residents to follow the government guidelines as a matter of extreme importance in order to limit transmission of the virus. Please stick to the rule of 6. Two households can meet indoors or outdoors. Please wash, maintain distance and wear a mask. By the time you read this, we could have been moved into Tier 2 and we would no longer be able to mix households indoors. If this does happen, following the guidelines becomes even more imperative, as it appears that moving into Tier 3 is easier than into 2 from 1. We really don’t want to go from very mild restrictions a few weeks ago due to our very low number of cases and deaths to the heavy conditions of Tier 3, which would put huge strain on our already stretched health service. We have had our number of cases increased considerably by the influx of students into Loughborough, but this alone has not led to Tier 2 looming over us. There has also been far too much transmission between households in the wider community. WASH YOUR HANDS. MAINTAIN 2 METRES’ DISTANCE. WEAR A MASK. On a much happier note, Hathern library has had new heating installed which has made such a difference for customers and for us staff. The building will now be very cosy during the coming winter months. Because some of the shelves had to be removed to accommodate the heating, there is temporarily less space for books. But the resourceful trustees had a brainwave. They approached one of their borough councillors and enquired about a member grant. They put in an application for £500 to buy new movable shelving and I received it from the borough officers last week and sent it back approved. They should be able to acquire the shelves very soon. Opening times are Tuesday to Thursday 3-5 and Friday and Saturday 10-12. Please feel safe to come along. We are cleaning all the time, have a mask policy inside the building and a one household at a time policy to keep everyone safe. You can make an appointment or just turn up. If there is someone in when you arrive, you will only have to wait a short time. And we even have a brolly for if it’s raining! Last week we discussed the possibility of setting up a delivery service for residents who can’t go to the library during the pandemic. Anyone shielding because of age or underlying conditions or for any other valid reason will be able to ask for home delivery. A designated staff member would be allotted to each such resident and would deliver and pick up books. We are trying to find out if there is a need. If you think you require such a service, please contact us. Tel : +44 116 305 3605 email : andybranch98@aol.com. More good news is that the county library service is talking about reintroducing the book distribution system, whereby you can put a hold on a book for a pound (some categories don’t pay) and have it delivered to Hathern. They are still working out problems caused by Covid but it could be back sometime soon. The next stage in the Hathern Wood story was that Matt Bradford, the Head of Open Spaces at the borough, was going to apply for funding to the Forestry Commission. He hasn’t given me any update yet, so we are still waiting with bated breath for a successful outcome. A Shepshed resident, David Heskin, has done an enormous amount of research and collated many incidents of swans being attacked by dogs and poisoned or maimed by fishing tackle left around at Dishley Pool, frequented by many Hatherners) and Stonebow Washlands. The number of swans affected is very disturbing. He has a paper petition with over 400 signatures asking the council to introduce measures to prevent these atrocities. On the advice of my fellow councillor, Emma Ward, he has now set up an e-petition and I am trying to spread this around social media. Please have a look at what he is proposing and sign the petition if you feel that these incidents should not happen. https://charnwood.moderngov.co.uk/ mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?id=9 It is not an anti-dog initiative. I would be run out of town (village) in Hathern if it were! We would simply like dogs to be properly controlled in these areas where wildlife make their home and are so vulnerable. Some residents have complained that the dog bin at the bus stop on the A6 southbound at the junction with Narrow Lane is a bit too close for comfort. I have asked for it to be relocated. Serco moved one last year away from the library steps. We have got a sort of schedule from William Davis for the completion of works required before adoption by the parish council. It didn’t contain a date for starting the planting of tress. I have written to WD to ask when they plan to start planting as we are now in the planting season and the recent deluges will make it perfect for new trees to settle in. The next parish council meeting is on December 7th at 19.30. Residents are given a period of public participation near the beginning of the meeting, where they can raise issues and are allowed to comment and ask questions at later stages. Zoom ID and password are on the website.
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Jane Hunt Member of Parliament
T: 01509 262723 E: jane.hunt.mp@parliament.uk I would like to start this month’s column with a ‘thank you’. Thank you for continuing to follow the public health advice and for staying the course. You have been following the rules since restrictions started since back in March; and by doing this you have avoided a public health crisis occurring. I am aware, of course, that cases are currently on the rise, so it is as important as ever that we keep on the right path. By doing this, the more likely it is that we can enjoy Christmas without the strictest conditions in place. And whilst we are all doing our bit, the scientists are doing theirs; working hard to develop a vaccine. Recently, there have been some positive steps forward in this area and I am hopeful for a brighter year in 2021. In November, we pause to reflect those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts past and present. Of course, as with all other aspects in our lives, usual activities have had to change this year. In ordinary times, our local services of remembrance are usually popular events, with many hundreds of people in attendance. Sadly, this year, it has not been possible to do this. However there are several other ways to remember those brave men and women who have sadly lost their lives. Do have a look at Charnwood Borough’s dedicated webpage to see how you can get involved: www. charnwood.gov.uk/pages/remembrance2020 Covid-19 has also meant that the Royal British Legion’s 2020 Poppy Appeal has been affected, but residents can still get involved by downloading and colouring in a Remembrance poppy to display in their window as a show of support. You can download your poppy here: www.britishlegion.org.uk/getinvolved/ways-to-give. The Royal British Legion’s usual army of poppy sellers have been unable to do their usual volunteer work due to the pandemic, but you can still buy your poppy online or donate via the Royal British Legion’s website. Our armed forces have done so much for us during the pandemic, from setting up the Nightingale hospitals to manning the testing stations. It would be great if we can show our support to armed forces this Remembrance Sunday. Finally, as we approach Christmas, I would like to encourage everyone to shop locally. Many of local retailers have had a tough year, so it is vital that they continue to have a place within our communities. They are the backbone of our high streets and they are what makes our towns and villages distinctive. Let’s see if we can support them as we approach the festive season. As ever, please do contact me if you require my help or assistance.
Hathern Parish Council Next Virtual Meeting via Zoom Monday 7th December 2020, 19:30 Meeting joining notes can be obtained by either emailing the clerk, or by visiting www.hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Once again, we encourage residents with any queries or comments to log on and ask them during the Public Participation section. Clerk: Maureen Spencer Tel: 01509 842813 Email: clerk@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk www.hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Like us on Facebook: @hathernparish Councillor: Roy Dann rdann@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Peter Swift pswift@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: John Boyes jboyes@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Ben Murdoch bmurdoch@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Martin Clayton mclayton@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk
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Christine Radford Borough Councillor for Shepshed
before the January cabinet when the final version of local plan will be presented. Cllrs will have an opportunity to learn more about the sites in the plan and their infrastructure requirements.
T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com
Loughborough College Kickstart scheme Loughborough College issued the following press release, which may be of interest to you.
We hope that this finds you well and safe, we are still dealing with Charnwood matters as your Borough Councillors. Housing problems, (such as trying to move house, unsatisfactory improvement work being carried out on your Council property) problems with neighbours, Anti-Social Behaviour, whether or not you live in a Council property or a privately owned property. We also deal with planning and Environmental Health issues. We have also managed to visit residents with concerns.
Loughborough College will play a central role in supporting at least 100 people into jobs throughout Charnwood as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.
Virtual Meetings During the lock down Charnwood have still been holding planning committees virtually and having regular meetings to enable Councillors to be kept up to date with ongoing issues and information. Below is a list of planning applications and planning applications which have been approved. In some cases approvals are issued within days, hence in some cases they are in both lists. Planning P/20/1547/2 – Workshop 24 Loughborough Road – Erection of replacement Vehicle Workshop unit with storage unit to rear and erection of 2-storey extension to side, including internal re-arrangement of office/staff facilities on first floor. P/20/1667/2 – 64 Iveshead Road – Non-material minor amendment to P/20/0816/2 relating to design of chimney breast. P/20/1667/2 – 22 Leicester Road – erection of detached two storey dwelling and formation of car parking area to frontage without compliance with condition No 2 of planning permission reference P/19/0468/2 relating to the design and siting of proposed dwelling. P/20/1602/2 – land off Tickow Lane – non-material amendment to reserved matters approval P/19/03522 in respect of the handing of plots 467-470 and 478-481 P/20/1726/2 – 16 Beaumaris Crescent – proposed single storey conservatory to rear of existing dwelling P/20/1820/2 – 9 Chiltern Ave – First floor rear extension Planning applications approved – with conditions P/20/0864/2 – 66 Countrymans Way – Alterations to ground levels of rear garden including installation of raised patio areas and the erection of timber fencing P/20/1426/2 – 11 Garendon Road – proposed single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/20/1194/2 – 42 Brook Street – Change of use of ground floor only – from hairdressers (Use Class E) to hot food takeaway (Sui Generis) together with the installation of extraction flue to rear of premises P/20/1105/2 – 30 Hall Croft – change of Use of Retail premises (Use class: A1) to a Foot Health Clinic (use class D1) Applications refused P/20/1280/2 – 63 Iveshead Road – Construction of front porch and installation of 2 dormer extensions to the front, including render of dwelling Land West of Tickow Lane Some of you may have red on FACEBOOK regarding the land West of Tickow Lane up to the Black Brook. This area of land has been identified in the SHLAA and in the Draft Local Plan (site HS41) for housing development. It is being promoted for c370 homes by William Davis and they are proposing to include an area of land for a primary school. Your County Cllr Christine Radford has been asking for an additional primary school in this area of Shepshed for well over 3 years now. A request was received on 19th October for an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion from William Davis. The Screening Opinion is a technical exercise and isn’t therefore subject to public consultation. Its purpose is to understand if proposed development is likely to have impacts on environmental factors and is often a precursor to a planning application. As your Borough Cllrs, we will keep residents informed. The submission of this screening request is not unexpected given Charnwood’s five year supply situation and the draft local plan proposals nevertheless, Charnwood are unable to gainsay when developers and promoters will submit applications to them. Charnwood are planning to provide briefings to all borough councillors
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The £2billion Kirkstart scheme enables employers to offer six-month job placements for 16-24 year olds at risk of long-term unemployment. The college, working with Loughborough MP Jane Hunt, Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough BID and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), will identify local employers who want to participate, and match them with at least 100 job seekers. The first intake of Kickstart Scheme employees is expected to start work in November 2020. The college’s Ofsted ‘outstanding’- rated apprenticeships and employer engagement team will lead the recruitment drive and has also committed to offering an additional 35 job placements at Loughborough College’s campus. As well as getting young people into work environments, Kickstart will offer much needed additional support for our local businesses during these difficult trading times. For more information, please contact kickstart@loucoll.ac.uk or visit www. loucoll.ac.uk/employers/jkickckstart for more information. Covid-19 Local Testing Site open in Loughborough A walk-through Covid-19 testing site has opened in Loughborough. The semi-permanent site, known as a Local Testing Site (LTS), has been set up in Limehurst Avenue and opened on Friday September 25th and is likely to remain open for several months. Local Testing Sites are designed to supplement existing testing routes such as regional and mobile testing units. They are part of a national network being created by government. Charnwood Borough Council has assisted by providing this site. The site offers walk-through appointments only. Appointments can be booked at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. Please only book a test if you have one of the symptoms of Covid-19 such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of smell or taste. Users attending the site will be asked to self-swab. There’s more information on testing on this website: www,gov.uk/guidance/ coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested Projects in Charnwood awarded over £117,000 in Covid-19 grant funding Charnwood Borough Council launched its VCS Covid-19 recovery grants in a bid to help voluntary organisations respond to community needs during the pandemic. A total of 39 organisations have been awarded funding which will help with the additional cost of PPE and cleaning, reopening of buildings and restarting or adapting services to meet current government guidelines. Community facilities such as village halls, churches and community centres across the borough have also received funding through the scheme to help them reopen and restart offering services safely. Glenmore Centre in Shepshed has been awarded £3,645.00 and the Toy Library £4,000.00 grant as part of the scheme. A full list of the successful grant applications and the amounts awarded can be found at www.charnwood.gov.uk/grants Planning for the Future White Paper Your Borough Cllrs attending a briefing on the above paper and officers have sent their response in to Government regarding the changes to the current planning system. Following this briefing, your Borough Cllrs along will your Town Cllrs had an extra meeting of the Town Council to discuss the proposed changes on the
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impact it would have to the Town of Shepshed. A copy of these reports can be obtained at both the Borough and Town Councils. If you wish to comment yourself on this White Paper the link is:https://assests.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ uploads.attachements_data/file/907647/MHCLG-Planning-Consultation.pdf Residents encouraged to mark Remembrance Sunday from home Residents of Charnwood are being asked to stay home on Remembrance Sunday this year and find other ways to honour those who served and sacrificed themselves in the line of duty. In line with national government guidance on social distancing, most events across the country have been scaled back or cancelled.
Shepshed Lions Update Article by Ann Bodycote
Each year for the last 8 years, Shepshed lions has provided and hosted a luncheon with entertainment for the elderly in Shepshed. This year we were stymied. There was no way it could go ahead safely given the current pandemic, but we didn’t want our friends to think they were forgotten. So instead, we arranged for them to receive an Afternoon Tea delivered to their door. Meet’n’Eat in Shepshed kindly donated their time to prepare the teas and help us to deliver them on a very wet Saturday afternoon. One of the recipients, Mrs Bass (pictured) was actually 92 on the day so got a special piece of cake and a card whilst we sang Happy Birthday in the rain on her doorstep. Everyone who received a delivery was really appreciative whilst the Lions were delighted to be able to continue the tradition, in some way, during a very strange year.
On Sunday November 8th, a small service attended by invite only will be held at the Carillon Tower, Queen’s Park, a 10.45 am led by Reverend Wendy Dailrymple, Chaplain, Royal British Legion, Loughborough Branch. A small number of invited guests will attend, and to ensure the safety of all thoes who are participating and to comply with social distancing measures, Queen’s Park will be closed to the public that morning, until after the service. There will be no service or event at Queen‘s Park on November 11th to commemorate Armistice Day. The Royal British Legion have shared a number of alternative ways for residents to commemorate Remembrance Day from home, including creating a Remembrance space in your garden by planting plants that have a connection to Remembrance, using Zoom. Full details of information and resources can be found on the Royal British Legion website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance Covid-19 has also meant that the Legion’s 2020 Poppy Appeal has had to go online, but families can still get involved by downloading and colouring in a Remembrance Poppy display in their window as a show of support. Visit http://bit.ly/PoppyAppeal2020 The Clarke and Somerville Foundation Cllr Robin Popley has recently become a Trustee of this Foundation which is based in Loughborough. Operating in Leicestershire, the charity seeks to provide education grants to pupils from Primary age through to Higher education up to 25 years, and from more disadvantaged backgrounds in the education. The charity also welcomes grants applications from outside groups, such as the Scouts, Guides etc. For more information and to check eligibility/get an application form contact their secretary, her email address is clarkesomerville@gmail.com CCV Group (Sports Committee) Cllr Popley has also been asked to sit on this Outside Body that deals primarily with providing individuals or clubs with sports grants called the Club, Coach and Volunteer Group. Individuals or clubs who may be interested in more details should contact www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/ funding_and_support. Grants have been given out in the past to cricket clubs and younger people who wanted a small grant to assist in their training programme. Round 2 Deadline is 19th January 2021. Monthly Surgeries We hope things will return to a more normal way of life for us all in the weeks ahead. Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 virus we shall not be able to continue to hold our regular monthly surgery, we can still be contacted either by phone or email. Robin Popley and John Savage East Ward and Christine Radford and Joan Tassell West Ward telephone 502974, 506661,or email cllr.joan.tassell@ charnwood.gov.uk, cllr.christine.radford@charnwood.gov.uk; cllr.robin. popley@charnwood.gov.uk and cllr.john.savage@charnwood.gov.uk
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Mrs Bass. 92
Another delighted recipient
Shepshed Lions Santa Route Article by Ann Bodycote
Santa has decided that he WILL be touring the streets of Shepshed in December. However, he will NOT be stopping at all, just travelling at walking pace so his elves and helpers can walk with him. He is asking that people wave to him from their windows, front doors, or garden gates, keeping to social distancing rules. Unfortunately there can be no photos with Santa on his sleigh this year. There will be no street collection so if you would like to contribute please see the Shepshed Lions Giving Page where you can make a donation of any amount. Santa asks that everyone keep to the rules of social distancing so that we can all be safe and he can keep well enough to revisit on Christmas Eve. Routes will be published nearer the time on Face Book, in the Shepshed Echo and in Your Local (previously The Eye) as in previous years. Thank you Santa and the Shepshed Lions.
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Christine Radford County Councillor for Shepshed T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com
Enforcement Initiative following the trial of average speed cameras at seven locations in Leicestershire. The results of the CSEI trial show tht average speed cameras have had a positive impact in reducing vehicle speed. The recommendations will facilitate the introduction of a new CSEI that incorporates the experience gained through the trial and will provide an appropriate framework to identify and deliver new sites using a consistent and evidenced based approach.
Keep safe everybody, keep following the COVID rules as at the time of writing the coronavirus cases locally is on the rise. The virus hasn’t gone away. I have held a number of virtual meetings and also managed to visit residents to see problems they have and discuss with them at a safe distance. These can be as varied as flooding, anti social behaviour, speeding traffic, overgrown hedges.
Advance Notice of a Temporary Regulation Order (TTRO) County have agreed to a TTRO for a No Overtaking at any time restriction on Ashby Road East from 6th November 2020 for up to 12 months.
Covid-19 - Rising Covid-19 cases across the county
The TTRO will be implemented for public safety to allow Leicestershire County Council safely continue with major improvement works of the A512/J23.
Data published by County on the 15th October shows that for the week ending 10th October, every district in the county now has rates of over 100 cases for every 100,000 people. Rates for Oadby & Wigston (178.8 cases per 100,000 population) and Charnwood (154.4 per 100,000) are also above the national average of 150.1 per 100,000. As of the 21st October the rates for Charnwood had increased to 293 per 100,000 and the rate nationally is 168 per 100,000 and above the national average for the over 60’s with 10% of test being positive double the national average. At the time of going to press there is a possibility of Charnwood going into tier 2. The data also shows that higher infection rates are now being seen in young people aged 16 to 24. The county council, along with NHS, local authorities, Leicestershire Police, universities and Leicestershire and Rutland Sport, launched a new ‘it’s down to us’ campaign. The campaign includes: • Posters and banners for pubs – reminding customers to wear a face covering • ‘Shop safe’ posters for businesses • Posters for sports clubs • Social media posts urging parents to take care at the school gates Also available are the government guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus Confirmed Covid-19 Cases in Leicestershire Schools As at 23rd October the following cases in schools have been reported to the Local Authority. Cases 320, of these 202 were Children and 118 Staff. Charnwood had 103 cases in 29 schools which had not been broken down into staff or children. Cabinet 20th October There was a full agenda at the Cabinet meeting held on 20th October. Items for discussion were the Adult Social Care Winter Plan and Measures to Support Care Home Provide Sustainability. The item was presented by the Director of Adults and Communities. The report set out how the Council would support providers of care during Covid-19 pandemic and the plans in place to manage the risk to the sustainability of the care market over the winter and that the Council is working with care providers, highlighting any key issues if needed. Another report was given by the Director of Public Health to inform the Cabinet of the Council’s ongoing work with partners to improve air quality across the County. Air pollution has a significant impact on public health and wellbeing, and poor air quality is the largest environmental risk to public health in the UK. The public need to be aware of the impact their behaviours have on air pollution and measures that could be put in place to address these. The Environment Act 1995 (Part IV) places obligations on both county and district councils to work together to develop their approach to addressing air quality and, with respect to Action Plans, ensure that all necessary measures to address air pollution in their local area are included. Whilst statutory responsibilities for addressing air quality rest with the district council, some County Council function such as Highways and Transportation will impact air pollution. A second report was given by the Director of Public Health on the development of a healthy weight strategy for Leicestershire. With two thirds of adults and one third of children in Leicestershire being overweight or obese, it is important that action is taken to address this important issue. The economic burden of overweight/obesity is significant across England. The NHS spends £6.1 bn on obesity-related ill health, local government spends an estimated £0.35bn in social care costs and the cost to the wide UK economy is around £27bn. There is also emerging evidence that people with a high body mass index are more at risk of developing complications of Covid-19. The Director of Environment and Transport on the community speed enforcement initiative (CSEI). The report is to establish the County Council’s formal position on the establishment of a Community Speed
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The restriction will be enforced, in both directions, between the junction of Leicester Road and the M1 Junction 23 roundabout.
Full closure of the A512 Ashby Road Loughborough from the M1 J23 roundabout to Snell’s Nook Lane in both directions from (20.00 – 06.00) – Saturday 7th November 2020. Full closure of the A512 Ashby Road Central at the Iveshead Road/ Charnwood Road junctions for resurfacing works (20.00 0- 06.00) each night Monday 16th November – Friday 20th November 2020. Full closure of the A512 Ashby Road East from the M1 J23 roundabout to Leicester Road Junction in both direction (20.00 – 06.00) each night. Monday – Friday from 2nd November until Friday 18th December. Full Closure of the M1 J23 North bound exit slip (20.00 – 06.00) Monday – Friday from 16th November – 18th December. Leicestershire County Council apologises for any inconvenience caused during these works. Visit http://one.network to view on line. For further information contact LCC Highways on 0116 305 0001 A TTRO ‘Prohibition of Right Turn at any time’ restriction is required on Ashby Road East from 9th November up to 12 months. The restriction will be enforced at the access to the Hanson Quarry when travelling East bound. The access into the Hanson Quarry will be maintained via J23 roundabout. Police - Lock up and Light Up this Winter As the evenings start to draw in, officers are reminding people o ensure their homes look occupied during the darker nights. The force traditionally sees a seasonal rise in burglaries around the time the clocks go back, with offences often rising through December and January. The winter months can make it easier for burglars to go unnoticed and also makes unoccupied homes easier to spot. The force is encouraging residents to review their home security and take a few simple and inexpensive precautions to protect their homes. One of the easiest things you can do is to leave a light on when you go out, you can use an automatic light timer to switch lamps on in your home when you go out for the evening or when you go away to give the appearance you are home. There are lots of other things you can do to make your home more secure including: • Keep doors and window locked at all times and remove keys from the lock • Keep valuables, bags, cash and keys out of sight and keep them in a safe place • Don’t keep large quantities of cash and jeweller in your home • Avoid leaving packaging from expensive items outside your house – take it to be recycled or put it in the bin • If you have a house alarm make sure you remember to set it before leaving the house • Check your outdoor security lighting is in full working order • Prevent easy access to the back and sides of you home with locked gates and fencing • If you are going away, don’t advertise this on social media • Ask a neighbour or relative to collect post and open and close curtains while you are away. For more information on how to protect your home, please visit www.leics.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential-burglary/ If you do spot anyone acting suspiciously, report this to us online via www. leics.police.uk/report-online or call 101 Always call 999 if you witness a crime in progress. Your views on crime and anti-social behaviour in your local area The OPCC would like to invite you to share your views on crime and antisocial behaviour in your local area by completing a survey. This survey has been created in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire and Community Safety Partnerships across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Old Curiosity Bookshop Offers Safe Private Browsing Article by Tina
Book A Private Browsing Hour For older people, or those with an underlying health issue, going shopping is fraught with dangers. Old Curiosity Bookshop is now providing one hour browsing sessions that you can book by phone, for you on your own, or with your support bubble. No charges or obligation to buy anything at all, but the shop will be closed to the public every MONDAY for private browsing sessions to be booked. Covid safe, the owner wears a mask and you will be free to browse the books, New and Pre-owned, the Jewellery and Gifts made by local Crafters, Greetings cards for all occasions and have a tea or coffee while you browse. Cake & sandwiches available to order on the day. NHS track and trace check-in (if you have the App). TO BOOK YOUR PRIVATE BROWSING HOUR: phone 07737738018 New Shop-Online Website New shop online website means
that you can now choose a book pack or gift pack in any genre of your choice, and have them delivered to your door, or sent as Christmas gifts, gift-wrapped with a card and your personal message, making a visit to our website into the easiest Christmas shopping trip ever! Just visit: www. oldcuriositybookshop.co.uk Sponsor A Christmas Book We all know how difficult it was to get through the national lockdown this year but imagine being in that situation for many months or years. The Bookshop is sending a brand-new fiction or positive thinking book to 200 women in local Refuges and recovering from domestic abuse (via the Loughborough Charity Living Without Abuse) and to 200 women in the local Women’s prison. (via their Chaplin). Giving £2 will sponsor 1 book (the Bookshop will fund the other £2 for each book) and we need 400 books to be sponsored. You can send us a cheque, or pop a £2 coin in the box in the bookshop, or make a PayPal payment to www.paypal.me/bookshopfairy These women wont otherwise receive anything at Christmas, and this small gift will be a real lift to their wellbeing and sense of worth. So, please help. The books need to be sent by 10th December.
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www.leics.pcc.police.uk/Have-Your-Say.Consultations/Community-SafetySurvey.aspx Scams - Mystery shopper recruitment scams Fraudsters are targeting job=seekers with a recruitment scam that has already claimed 35 victims with losses totalling over £51,000. All of the victims have so far been from London. The fraudsters use recruitment websites and apps to identify potential targets. The victim is then cold-called by someone claiming to be an employee of a mobile phone network. The caller explains to the victim that they will need to take part in a ‘mystery shopper’ test in order to pass the recruitment process. The victim is instructed to visit one of the mobile network’s high street stores and take out a phone contract using the victim’s own personal and financial details. They are assured that the contract will be cancelled after the recruitment process is completed. Once the victim has successfully taken out the contract, they are directed to drop-off points to deliver the phone and SIM card to a ‘colleague’ of the caller. The victim is reassured that the contract will be terminated. In reality, the victims will never hear from the suspects again, and are left liable for the mobile phone contract they were convinced to purchase. Some victims are also asked to move the ‘employer’s’ money through their own bank accounts, putting them at risk of committing money laundering offences. Others find out that their personal details have been used to take out loans, for which they are also now liable. What you need to do 1. Personal information such as your full address, DOB , or NI Number should not be included on your CV or public profiles on a recruitment sites. 2. To protect yourself against identity theft, always verify that the employer/ recruiter you’re speaking with is who they say they are. Contact the employer via a telephone number or email address on their official website, or via the company’s verified social media accounts. 3. Never allow an employer to move their money through your personal bank account. Legitimate employers won’t ask you to do this. For more information about how to protect yourself online, visit www. cyberaware.gov.uk and takefive-stopfraud.org.uk If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, report it to Actionfraud. police.uk or call 0330 123 2040. Heritages sites’ schools programme receives £71,500 grant from Government’s Culture Recovery Fund Leicestershire County Council has been awarded £71,500 as part of the Government’s £1,57 billon Culture Recovery Fund (CRF) to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. The grant will be used to further develop the education programme at its five heritage and museum sites, to look at new and sustainable ways of telling the many stories surrounding the county’s rich history. The award-winning schools programme, which delivers tailored learning at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, the 1620’s House & Garden at Donington le Health, Charnwood Museum, Harborough museum and Elton Carnegie museum, is along the 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support. £257 million of investment has been announced as part of the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England The education programme provided by the five sites is already high quality. It holds the prestigious Sandford Award for the schools programme at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, as well as the Learning Outside the Classroom accreditation for the other sites. The latest grant award will allow the existing programmes to be developed and improved to provide a more sustainable future in responses to the challenges of Covid-19, including looking at new ways of delivering the work, making more use of digital platforms and telling the stories in new ways. County heritage attractions awarded ‘We’re Good to Go’ accreditation All five of Leicestershire County Council’s heritage sites have been awarded the nation ‘We’re Good to Go’ safety mark, which guarantees that visitors can be confident that national guidelines on Covid measures are being followed and cleanliness and social distancing is assured at the attractions. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, the 1620s House & Garden and Donington le Health, Charnwood Museum, Harborough Museum and Elton Carnegie Museum were all successful in their applications for the industry standard, which is awarded by Visit England. To be awarded the mark, all five sites had to show that they have followed government and industry Covid-19 guidelines, have risk assessments in place and processes to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing. The five sites reopened to the public at the start of September. Visitors to all the heritage sites-excluding Charnwood Museum – have to pre book a timed slot, to enable the attractions to control the numbers of visitors in the venue and ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Measures in place to ensure that visitors can be confident and protected include one-way systems and signage throughout all venues to ensure social distancing. Hand sanitising points are provided throughout the attractions and there is regular cleaning.
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Where possible, interactive exhibits have remained in place with some added safety measures to make them Covid-secure, including the use of a stylus to allow visitors to push buttons, lift flaps and use touch screens without touching the surfaces. The styli are collected and sterilised after every visit. Beacon Hill Cafe, which is also run by Leicestershire County Council, already holds the ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark. MOT test in the coming months In March vehicle owners were granted a six-month MOT exemption to enable frontline workers to get to work during the Covid-19 pandemic. The comparison website Confused.com estimates 37% of eligible drivers – the equivalent to four million – made use of the extension, meaning they now must book their car in for an MOT within the next couple of months. With this in mind, Confused.com are asking drivers to carry out a number of checks before heading to the garage – to help ensure their vehicle passes the test. This includes checking lights, registration plate, wheels and tyres. According to data from the DVSA, bald or defective tyres accounted for the most ‘dangerous’ faults between April and September last year. However with so many people making use of the holiday, there will be a lot of pressure on garages now to keep up with the tests. Make sure you are booking with plenty of time so you don’t risk driving without a valid MOT. Carrying out a few checks on the car will increase your chance of passing without any issues. Petition for speed restrictions on Tickow Lane- Anson Road to the Wm Davis Estate An ePetition has been set up by a resident who lives on the Wm Davis estate. The petition asks that the County reduce the speed limit to 30 mph on Tickow Lane from Anson Road to the new Bluebells development. The petition also asks for calming measures and to add a crossing where the public footpath crosses Tickow Lane leading down to the stream which is widely used by local people every day. I have been asking for something to be done on the section of Tickow Lane for a number of years. The ePetition runs from 20/08/2020 to 30/11/2020 Details are ePetition – Petition for speed restrictions on Tickow Lane, Shepshed. Update on Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Hospitals Consultation The three NHS clinical commissioning groups covering Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are carrying out a public consultation into proposals to spend £450 million transforming acute hospital and maternity services. The link www.bettercareleicester.nhs.uk/news-and-media-centre/partnertoolkit/ provides a toolkit of resources including a PowerPoint presentation, newsletter articles, leaflets and social media content and additional contents. The consultation, which runs until 21st December 2020, concerns the services delivered at the three main hospitals in Leicester, run by University Hospitals of Leicester NMHS Trust, as well as services delivered at the midwifery-led unit at St Mary’s Hospital, Melton Mowbray. The proposals will help achieve a local healthcare system fit for the 21st Century. I would encourage you to visit the website www. betterhospitalsleicester.nhs.uk to view the full consultation document and have your say via the consultation questionnaire. If you do need further resource to assist you with sharing the information on the consultation, please contact 0116 295 0750 or email beinvolved@ LeicesterCityCCG.nhs.uk Your help and support Again I would like to thank the residents who keep me informed regarding issues around Shepshed, such as overgrown hedges, litter, dog mess, inconsiderate parking (on pavements, yellow lines, outside of schools) etc., without your eyes and ears I could not get them reported and sorted. If for some reason you do not receive your copy of the Eye. I now have my information posted on my web page at County. This will also help you to keep track on road closures etc. For help and advice on County matters, I can be contacted on 01509 502974 or e mail christine_radford@hotmail.com or christine.radford@ leics.gov.uk or due to the lock down I will not be able to have my regular monthly Surgery on the FIRST Saturday of the month in the Town Council Offices, 47a Charnwood Road.
Shepshed & District Camera Club Article by Brian Walbey
Despite the pandemic the members of Shepshed and District Camera Club continue to meet every Tuesday evening online via Zoom and during the past few weeks have enjoyed three excellent lectures, a major in-club competition and the Annual General Meeting. Irene Froy, has been a very popular and well respected photographer on the camera club circuit for many years, and the club enjoyed a well illustrated recorded lecture talk on her approach to landscape photography, most of the images she presented were taking during visits to continental Europe over many years touring with her husband and certainly showed her approach to composition and the use of colour and light very well. Online Janet Lazenby gave a very impressive lecture and demonstration on using textures to enhance images which also included techniques for creating ones own textures from everyday things round and about one. After the interval Janet then worked on several images provided by club members to finish the presentation. Also online a few weeks later Andy Phillips gave a talk and demonstration of his approach to producing photographs on his kitchen table using only light coming in through the kitchen window, allied to a number of different subjects. The selection of images from his own portfolio included in the talk certainly gave room for thought as to what can be done when photo opportunities grow less as winter approaches. The major competition of the season is the annual Peter Harvey Trophy event which requires members to enter four new images that were taken during the past twelve months and had not been entered in club competitions before. In total fifteen members entered and their images were judged online by Kirsty Ralfs with each image being awarded a mark out of 20 and the member with the highest number of points won the competition. After the judging it turned out there was a tie for first place and also for second place, the overall results being as follows: 1st. equal Angela Edwards and Alan Harris 74 points 2nd. equal Sue Hutton and Mick Jelley 73 points 3rd. Jason Ametrine 72 points An audio/visual sequence of all the entries, together with all the scores, can be found on Youtube at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=B4lRXEdj0_c&t=196s
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