April 2014 - Shepshed Community Eye

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SHEPSHED

COMMUNITY EYE

FREE MONTHLY LOCAL NEWS, EVENTS, PUZZLES, COMPETITIONS & MORE

IN THE GARDEN WITH BEL

CHOOSING COLOURFUL SPRING PLANTS

ISSUE 37 - APRIL 2014

EASTER LEG OF LAMB LEARN HOW TO COOK THE PERFECT EASTER DINNER

Launching The Shepshed Show 2014 WITH SHEPSHED SHOW COMMITTEE

DECORATE AN EASTER EGG WIN A KIDS PERSONALISED T-SHIRT

Bake With Fee

EASTER NESTS

STORY TIME

CHRISTIE CAT & HER YUMMY CARROT MUFFINS

UPDATE FROM YOUR COUNCILLOR CHRISTINE RADFORD

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| LOCAL ADVERTISERS

www.jmbmc.co.uk

Tel: 0800 6446 150 - Email: info@communityeye.net - Web: www.communityeye.net

♦ Shepshed Ford are a family owned business that has been established for more than 30 years.

Sales: 01509 508008/9 Service: 01509 508673

♦ Shepshed Ford will not be beaten on price, we have full access to the Ford Direct Scheme with around 1500 nearly new Fords. ♦ For the slightly older model we have a wide variety of vehicles up to 8 years old. ♦ Please contact us for great deals on New Fords and take a look at our website www.shepshedford.co.uk for all our quality used vehicles. ♦ All used cars are supplied with a Customer Loyalty Discount Voucher and a full warranty.

Try our fully equipped workshop and bodyshop for all your services, MOT and bodywork.

SERVICING OPENING HOURS: Mon Fri 8am - 6pm Sat 8am - 12pm Sun - Closed

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SALES OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Sat 8:30am - 4:30pm Sun 10:30am - 3:30pm

Shepshed Ford, 290 Charnwood Road, Shepshed, Loughborough, Leics, LE12 9EN

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FACEBOOK facebook.com/communityeye - TWITTER twitter.com/community_eye

KIDS GO FREE WITH SUNDAY LUNCH FOR ADULTS CHARNWOOD GOLF COMPLEX

BAR / RESTAURANT / FUNCTION VENUE / SKY / SHOP/ FOOTBALL / GOLF RANGE

Derby Road | Loughborough | Leicestershire | LE11 5AD T: 01509 212854 - E: enquiries@charnwoodgolfrange.com

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WELCOME

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HELLO! Welcome to your bigger and better Easter Community Eye magazine.

I am so pleased that we have lots of new advertisers joining us, many of whom have personally been in touch to let us know what fantastic responses they have been having from, you so please do keep using our advertisers and recommending them to friends. Due to the wonderful increase in advertising we are not only increasing the size of our magazine’s but the Coalville Eye is increasing its circulation to 7500 making it the largest of our 7 magazines!

This month we have some fantastic new columns for you! Fee (a prize winning baker) is writing a new family cooking column, Judy from Acacia blinds is writing our new Window Dressing column and Sally from Hinds Feet Foot care is helping us to look after our feet and get them summer ready! We also have our usual contributors too including Bonita from Hallcroft Opticians with her eye care guidance and of course the lovely Bel with her gardening page.

I’ve been busy getting ready for Easter and have included my Easter Lamb recipe for you to try! I’ve also put some competitions in; children have the chance to win a personalised kids T-Shirt on page 22 and for you adults, try our word Sudoku and win a mug printed with a name or photo of your choice on page 6. Both prizes courtesy of our friends at Norwood Press.

Please let us know what you think of our new layout and don’t forget to send any articles over to me for our next magazine which will have a Spring focus. You can always keep in touch using our Facebook and Twitter feeds too.

Enjoy!

EDITORIALS, ADVERTISING & LEAFLET DISTRIBUTION Visit our website for advertising rates, circulation figures & more

SALES MANAGER - MIRIAM BENTLEY T: 0800 6446 150 M: 07454 779877 E: miriam@openboxpromotions.co.uk W: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

r, LE9 2HQ Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leiceste 20 366 073 No. ny Compa 28 VAT No. 105 4819

PRINTED BY NORWOOD PRESS ress.co.uk T: 01530 262020 - E: info@norwoodpress.co.uk - W: www.norwoodp 1EU LE67 n, Ellistow Estate, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial original advertisers & contributors The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the ns Ltd. Terms & Conditions Promotio Box Open or Eye ity Commun t represen ily and do not necessar erms s.co.uk/t omotion apply. To see full terms & conditions visit www.openboxpr

NEXT ISSUE OUT EDITORIAL & ADVERT DEADLINE DATE: 25th April 2014 DELIVERY DATE: 5th May 2014 Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind.

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| LOCAL ADVERTISERS

PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD IN CHARNWOOD Get your walking boots ready for a week of strolling celebration in Charnwood. Charnwood Borough Council, in partnership with leisure centres partner Fusion Lifestyle, is hosting a week of walks to celebrate the launch of the 11th Charnwood Guided Walks Programme.

The walks have been designed not only to boost fitness levels, but also to celebrate the beauty that the Borough has to offer. From Monday, April 14, 2014 ramblers and anyone interested in exploring the Borough on foot are invited to join in with a number of walks.

Councillor Stephen Hampson, Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said “The 2013 programme was a huge success with over 900 attendees, and with more walks on offer this year I’m hoping even more people will put their best foot forward. The walks programme forms part of the Council’s commitment to provide residents with opportunities to live health and active lifestyles.”

Adam McDonnell, Fusion’s Divisional Business Manager for Charnwood said “It’s fantastic to be involved in such a great local project and to see so many people getting active in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside.

We’re hoping this year’s programme is even more successful than previous years”.

This year’s programme features more than 100 walks which will be led by experienced and new walk leaders.

BRADGATE PARK

‘Early Summer Fair’ SATURDAY 31 MAY & SUNDAY 1 JUNE

10am to 5pm at Newtown Linford Local Produce, Arts & Crafts, Gifts, Demonstrations, Maypole Dancing and much more!

New Stallholders Welcome!

Please contact the Estate Office for further details & booking forms - Tel: 0116 236 2713

www.bradgatepark.org www.facebook.com/BradgateParkTrust

April 14, 10:30am - Woodhouse Eaves - Meeting at St Paul Church, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8RT April 15, 7:00pm - Waterside Loughborough - Meet at Cedars Hotel, Cedar Road, Loughborough, LE11 2AB. This walk costs £4 in advance or £5 on the day & places can be booked on 0116 2611576 / colin@crosbyheritage.co.uk April 16, 10:00am - Soar along to Pillings Lock Walk - Charnwood Water Car Park, off Tuckers Road, Loughborough, LE11 2PH April 17, 9:30am - Hathern - Three Crowns Pub, Wide Lane, Hathern, LE12 5LN. April 19, 10:00am - Burton on the Wolds - Meeting at the car park adjacent to the Greyhound Pub, Melton Road, Burton on the Wolds, LE12 5AG. April 20, 3:00pm - Guided Walk - Meet at the Bulls Head public house, Thringstone.

LE67 5BP. Places on this walk should be booked by calling 01530 831895. Cost £3.

For more information on the walking programme for 2014 visit www.charnwoodleisure.com, ‘like’ Guided Walks in Charnwood on Facebook, call 01509 634594 or email Kathryn.leslie@fusionlifestyle.com.

LOCAL NEWS IS YOUR LOCAL SCHOOL A SCORE SCHOOL?

SHEPSHED RUGBY FC COMPLETE UNBEATEN SEASON

After a heavy summer of recruiting the effort immediately paid dividends with Shepshed RFC becoming LRU Division 4 Champions

Get practical support and guidance on energy efficiency from Leicestershire County Council.

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ROOM FOR HIRE AT SHEPSHED LIBRARY Following a small alteration to the library layout there is now a Meeting Room at Shepshed Library which is available for hire.

Depending on availability it can be hired for full days, half days or by the hour. Call in any time during normal opening hours to view the room and discuss charges.

The Schools Collaboration on Resource Efficiency (SCoRE) is a 12 month practical programme which helps schools reduce energy bills and save money. Advice and guidance is given on energy efficiency, including adjusting boiler times and temperatures, switching off lighting and electrical equipment and draft proofing.

SCoRE supports many aspects of the curriculum including geography, science, maths, design and citizenship. Students are encouraged to be part of the programme and work with staff to achieve the best savings.

Manor High School, Oadby has also taken part in the scheme.

Their electricity consumption was reduced by 12%, and despite a cold winter, their gas usage relative to other years, was also reduced. Paul Clarke, site manager and Liam Powell, head teacher worked to apply the SCoRE principles across the whole school community and achieved savings of £9,400.

Nichole Browne, School Environment Officer, Leicestershire County Council, said “Applications for the next phase of the SCoRE programme are being taken now, and we look forward to working with a new set of schools.

Schools can make significant savings on their energy use.

They achieve real energy efficiencies when the plan is embedded throughout the whole school.”

Interested schools should apply before Friday 25th April 2014 to be part of the next SCoRE programme by calling Nichole Browne on 0116 305 5593, or email Nichole.Browne@leics.gov.uk

After a heavy summer of recruiting the effort immediately paid dividends with Shepshed RFC becoming LRU Division 4 Champions. A large number of young exciting players joined at the start of the season which resulted in some fast flowing and hard hitting rugby. After 12 games Shepshed ended with 11 wins and 1 draw, scoring 300 points and 6 points clear of second placed Aylestonians.

Shepshed had some huge victories throughout the season most notably 31-0 at home vs Aylestonians, 5-53 away vs Old Newtownians and 53-0 at home vs Birstall. These were accompanied by moments of individual brilliance which will no doubt be mentioned and rewarded in the team’s upcoming end of season awards.

The last game of the season away vs Aylestonians was almost title decider however with Aylestonians losing the week before it meant the title had been won. This didn’t stop the lads waning the accolade of remaining unbeaten. The game was a physical and close with both teams looking to assert themselves and get the breaks. Shepshed held firm and despite 3 yellow cards throughout the game managed to hold on to win 15-5 courtesy of tries from Mark Etherington and Gareth Eveleigh, accompanied by a penalty from Nathan Villiers.

The season is not quite over, we still have some friendlies to play and not to mention the Presidents Day game on May 17th. This promises to be a great day for everyone with Shepshed taking on an invitational XV and there will be food and refreshments available kindly provided by The Bottom Railway pub. The game will be at Shepshed High School playing fields with a kick off time of 3pm. All support on this day is greatly encouraged and welcomed as there will be some good local rugby on display. Anyone who is interested in joining the team or perhaps thinking of starting to play rugby is encouraged to get in contact with us or simply come down to training on Wednesday evenings (7pm) at Shepshed High School playing fields. Shepshed are a friendly club who pride themselves on the social values put in place when the club was formed.

Borrow a DVD for Easter Shepshed Library has a wide range of DVDs available for hire including new releases.

DVDs are hired on a weekly basis but any taken out on Friday 11th April or Monday 14th April can be kept for 2 weeks for the same price so if you are looking for something to watch over Easter call in and have a look.

Minibeasts and Composting. Find out how to make compost and about all the insects and minibeasts in the garden. At Shepshed Library on Tuesday 15th April from 10.15 - 11.30am. For children aged 5 - 10 years. £1.50 per child If each child could bring an empty 2 litre pop bottle it would be very helpful but not essential.

Booking is essential.

For further details on all of these contact the library on 0116 305 3678 or email shepshedlibrary@ leics.gov.uk

You can contact us at the following places: Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/shepshedrfc Twitter: @shepshedrfc Facebook: Shepshhed RFC

CALKE ABBEY GARDENS APRIL 18 Steve Biggins, Head Gardener, traces the repair and redevlopment of the gardens from 1987 - 2014.

To find out more contact: David Maltby 01530 222934 Jim Footitt 01530 262389

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Cute Chick Easter Card

Easter Poem

What you'll need: • 2 sheets of yellow paper • 1 sheet of orange paper • 2 paper fasteners • 2 large wiggly eyes (optional) • White craft glue • Scissors • Pencil • Pen or dark crayon

It’s Easter and by now it should be very clear that the long awaited Springtime at last is here.

Winter storms are finally behind us. Shout hooray!

Long days of sunshine now are not so very far away.

Helpful Tip: If you don't have wiggley eyes you can simply draw eyes on with a marker. Before poking the fasteners through the body of the chick, use a sharp pencil to poke a hole through. Then insert the fastener.

How to make it 1. Trace both hands onto the yellow paper and cut out.

2. Draw an oval onto the other yellow piece of construction paper. Cut out 3. Lay the oval on the table and position the wings (hand cut outs) behind it, using the photo as a guide.

4. When the wings are where you want them, carefully poke the fasteners through the construction paper to attach the wings. Using fasteners allows the wings to flap up and down.

5. Cut out a small diamond shape and two legs from the orange paper.

6. Fold the diamond in half to create the beak and glue one side of the diamond to the yellow paper so that the beak is three dimensional and can open and close.

7. Glue wiggly eyes (or draw your own) above the beak.

8. Position the legs under the oval. When you have them where you want them, glue them in place.

9. Use the pen or dark crayon to write a message on the front of the card.

Easter time. It means renewal and re-birth.

Reminds us all that we must care for planet Earth.

Chocolate eggs, they really are symbolic.

As new born lambs in field and meadow frolic.

Fruity hot cross buns are very good to toast.

Should we choose beef or turkey for our Sunday roast?

Easter is a busy time for gardens, so rejoice!

Those nodding golden daffodils, the flower of choice.

At Easter time the cycle of the seasons starts anew.

Plans for the summer holidays we now review.

The Easter message should by now be very clear.

Passed down the generations for us all to hear.

Chris Rose

Word Sudoku Bake With Fee Win A Personalised Printed Mug *

*Printed with either a name or photo on.

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NAME: ADDRESS:

TEL: EMAIL:

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Fill in each 3x3 block using the letters DRAGONFLY so there are no repeats in any block, horizontal or vertical line.

Send To: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ Closing date noon 23rd April 2014

EASTER NESTS • 250g All-bran • 300g milk chocolate • 1-2 bags of mini eggs​ • 24 cake cases 1. Break the chocolate into small pieces and put in a glass bowl, placed over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water.

2. Remove the bowl from the pan when the chocolate is fully melted. Add the All-bran and mix until it is all coated thoroughly.

3. Spoon the mixture into the cake cases, making a slight hollow in each. Position 2-3 mini eggs in the centre of each nest.

4. Place in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to set.

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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ARMAGEDDON COMPETITION WIN 2 TICKETS What Is the Lowest Number That Cannot Be Scored with a Single Dart on a Standard Dartboard?

NAME: ADDRESS:

TEL: EMAIL: Send To: Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ. Closing date 17 April 2014.

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Internal Kitchens and Bathroom Doors & Windows Real Wood & Laminate Floors Bespoke Joinery Service Stairs & Balustrading ●

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External Soft/Hardwood Decking Extension Work Traditional & truss Roofs 1st & 2nd Fixes Garage Conversions ●

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All Commercial & Domestic Work Welcome - Free & convenient estimates given Reliable, tidy & professional service assured

Richard Brearley - Tel: 01509 606453 Mob: 07867 554 981 Email: rjbconstruction@live.co.uk - Based in Shepshed

29 HallCroft, Shepshed, Leicestershire, LE12 9AN Tel: 01509 505411

SPECIAL OFFER FOR ALL NEW CLIENTS ADULT PRICE FOR APRIL AND MAY £5.00 off hair cut and cut blow dry £10.00 off hair colours and perms Mention offer when booking

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| LOCAL NEWS

GREASEPAINT PRODUCTIONS

Greasepaint Productions are a theatre society who perform musicals at the Loughborough town hall twice a year to a high standard. Our next production is the hilarious Avenue Q and is an entirely different type of show featuring a cast of 15 and several puppets.

Avenue Q is not the most upmarket of New York streets, and is about as far away from Park Avenue as you can get, but it is home to some lively and off the wall characters performed by an unholy comedic alliance of humans and puppets! Princeton, a bright-eyed college graduate, has just moved to this neighbourhood as he desperately tries to follow his dreams and discover his ever-elusive purpose in life. A tiny bank balance, the distraction of a busty blonde and a variety of weird and wonderful friends and neighbours lead Princeton on a hilarious story of self-discovery.

It takes an honest look at life’s issues and does so with humour and poignancy. It fuses together humans and puppets who share stories on love, sexuality, life’s purpose, friendships, racism, surfing the web for porn, loneliness and life’s lessons.

Adults will love it but some scenes will be inappropriate for children although teenagers will love it. Come along and witness this hilarious show between May 20th - 24th at Loughborough Town Hall. Tickets available from Rhiannon on 07983563050 or from the Town Hall box office on 01509 231 914.

STOP PRESS - From 10th – 14th June, we’ll be performing Victoria Wood’s riotous musical “Acorn Antiques” at The Arts Theatre, Nottingham. This laugh out loud comedy is a must see, so come and join us in our lovely antiques shop in Manchesterford along with Miss Babs, Mr Clifford and of course Mrs Overall .

Tickets available here: www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk/natmain2/index.php/whats-on-top/67?view=show

SERENADE SPRING INTO SONG

ST BOTOLPH’S CHURCH, SHEPSHED

The ladies of ‘Serenade’, Shepshed Women’s Community Choir, will be performing once again when they appear at their Spring Concert ‘Serenade Spring into Song’.

Sunday 6 April​ 8.00am​ Holy Communion​ 9.30am​ Family Service 11.00am​ Holy Communion 6.00pm​ BCP Evensong​

They will be singing a range of songs from their favourite shows, including the Lion King, Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and a medley from Les Miserable. It will be an evening of moving medleys and fun sing-alongs so please come along to Shepshed High School on Saturday 12th April at 7:30pm. Tickets, priced at £5 for Adults, with under 16 free are available from Mal Gargett on 07866439278 or by emailing Serenade at serenadeshepshed@ rocketmail.com. A complementary Tea, Coffee or Soft Drink is included in the price of the ticket, with a range of delicious homemade cakes available for purchase on the evening. Proceeds from the sale of cakes will go to the Serenade chosen charities.

In addition to the Spring Concert, and due to popular demand, the ladies will be touring the local Nursing Homes and singing for the residents during April.

This follows their visits during December where they ‘serenaded’ the residents with Christmas Carols, this time they will get a preview of the Spring Concert Repertoire ‘Serenade’ will be raising money again, when they hold a Charity Market Stall on Loughborough Market on March 29th. They will be selling a range of homemade cakes and second hand books, with all proceeds going to their chosen charities -Derbys., Leics.& Rutland Air Ambulance and Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research. It is hoped that they will exceed their previous fundraising total of £165.00 from sales at their Shepshed Market Stall last year, so please come along and support them.

The Choir, of around 90 Ladies, meet during school term time on Monday evenings at Shepshed High School at 7.30pm. For any ladies with connections to Shepshed, who are interested in joining the choir, please ring Keleigh Atkin on 07775 558219 or email Serenade at serenadeshepshed@rocketmail. com. Alternatively, feel free to pop along on the evening.

More information about the choir can be found on their website www.serenadeshepshed.co.uk

Sunday 13 April - Palm Sunday 8.00am​ Holy Communion 9.30am​ Procession from Hall Croft with Sparky the Donkey 11.00am ​Holy Communion 6.00pm​ BCP Evensong Monday 14 April​ 7.30pm​ Table Talk Tuesday 15 April​ 7.30pm​ Café Church Communion Wednesday 16 April 10.00am​ Holy Communion Thursday 17 April​ 7.30pm​ Holy Communion (with foot washing) and Vigil Friday 18 April – Good Friday 9.45am​ Walk of Witness starting from St Winifrides RC Church 10-11.55am​Messy Church Saturday 19 April 7.30pm​ Service of Light Sunday 20 April 8.00am​ Holy Communion 9.30am​ Family Service 11.00am ​Holy Communion No Evening Service at St Botolph’s Sunday 27 April​ 8.00am​ Holy Communion 9.30am​ Family Service 11.15am ​Holy Communion 6.00pm​ Healing Service

ST JAME’S, OAKS IN CHARNWOOD Sunday 6 April 8.30 am​ Holy Communion 11.15am ​Holy Communion 4.00 pm​ Holy Communion Sunday 13 April 8.30am​ Holy Communion 4.00pm​ BCP Evensong Sunday 20 April – Easter Sunday 8.30am ​Holy Communion Not sure what’s happening about rest of Services Sunday 27 April 8.30am​ Holy Communion 4.00pm ​BCP Evensong ​

LOCAL ADVERTISERS

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| LOCAL NEWS

SHEPSHED RAMBLERS

SHEPSHED & DISTRICT CAMERA CLUB DIARY OF EVENTS

FOR CHARNWOOD ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH FOR APRIL

Shepshed Ramblers will meet at the Market Place at 09.25 for a prompt 09.30 departure for a six mile walk i.e Sweeping through Swithland on Sunday 20 April. A coffee break and lunch are required.

Please contact either: Margaret on 01509 600510 Bernie on 01509 828328 for further details.

Sundays in April 10.45am​Worship & Sunday Club 6.00pm​Evening Worship and Praise Palm Sunday 13th April 10.45am​Worship & Praise and ​Unveiling of Fellowship Banner Sue Hutton, LRPS (Annecy)

Friday 18th April 9am ​Walk of Witness in Shepshed 7.30pm ​Good Friday Meditation

REPORT OF SHEPSHED WI MEETINGS Shepshed WI members met early in March but there had been a change of speaker. Pat North came at short notice to give members a slide show on her visit to the Kamchatka Peninsular in Eastern Russia, an area full of volcanoes some very active. She also showed us slides of the wild life to be found there.

Later in the month Shepshed hosted the Borderland Group meeting at the Glenmore Centre when 75 fellow members from Shepshed, Castle Donington, Kegworth, Hathern, Lockington and Hemington and Long Whatton gathered to enjoy an evening of news from WI House and the Borderland Group, supper and a speaker.

The competition for a craft item on a musical theme was won

by Shepshed member Eileen Billington. The speaker was Neville Cooper who talked on a Sideways Look at Entertainment Through the Ages. He played a modern Lute and guitar and was ably assisted by his friend Harry on bongo drums. He illustrated his talk with music, poems and stories. The evening finished with an entertainment quiz and a thoroughly enjoyable evening was had by all.

The next monthly meeting will be held on 3rd April when Mal Trott will be bringing along his puppets to entertain us. The meeting starts at 7.30 pm and visitors are most welcome.

For more information please contact Glenis on 01509 503677

Easter Services Thursday 17th April 7.30pm ​ Maundy Thursday Communion

Easter Sunday 20th April 9.00am​Easter Breakfast 10.45am​ Morning Worship 6.00pm​Songs of Praise

Paul Rennocks (Jetty At Sunrise) The past few weeks have once again been a busy and entertaining time for the members of Shepshed and District Camera Club starting with a very good introduction to Morocco from club member Sue Hutton, LRPS. by the use of photographs she has taken during her many visits to the country over recent years. The following week saw the annual 3-club image matching competition, a very light-hearted evening, which Shepshed won with a total of 74 points. Ashby (the hosts this year) and Coalville tied in joint second place with 66 points each. The following week saw the second round of the 2014 Competition League, the judge being Sue Wilson, CPAGB, and after a very useful mix of comments Sue made the following awards: Prints - Theme - Inland Water 1st. Sue Hutton, LRPS (Annecy) 2nd. Brian Walbey 3rd. Paul Rennocks Highly Commended: Alan Blood Digital Images - Theme - Open 1st. Paul Rennocks (Jetty At Sunrise) 2nd. Paul Rennocks 3rd. Sue Hutton, LRPS. Highly Commended: Garry Rennocks & Simon Stevens The competition was followed the week after by a visit from professional photographer Malcolm Sale, ARPS., from Bingham who gave an excellent talk during which on the first part of the evening he showed a considerable number of his own prints, both from his professional and personal portfolios and then later on demonstrated on his computer how he processes his photographs using the latest version of Adobe Lightroom software, something that a large number of the club members are now beginning to use themselves.

The club will take a break over the Easter period and will return to their usual meeting venue, the Council Offices in Charnwood Road, on Tuesday, 1st.April, details are available on the website at www. shepshedcameraclub.co.uk

Regular Events Mondays​ FreeDA (Free Debt Advice) ​(Open to general public) Tuesdays​House Group Bible Study Fridays​Girls Brigade For more information contact the church office on 01509 503382

PASSIONATE ABOUT PASSION! A sell out concert organised by Suzanne Buckeridge and Dave Coble, held at St Botolph's Church, Shepshed helped to raise over £2,500.00 for the benefit of Passion, the Drop In Centre in Shepshed, on Saturday 1st March.

Loughborough Concert Band, choirs from Churches Together in Shepshed and The Showtime Singers presented an evening of musical variety ranging from Disney at the Movies, Mary Poppins, Annie Get Your Gun, Merrie England, Songs that helped to win the war to Jukebox Hits. Compere for the evening was Rev Howard Ketton, chairman of Passion.

The evening concluded with a very rousing Last Night of the Proms and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attend. The evening was supported by the Deputy Mayor of Charnwood and Consort and Nicky Morgan MP.

GARDENING

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pring has Sprung! It’s now light enough in the morning for me to pop into the garden before I leave the house to see what’s new and check on seedlings in the green house. There are bulbs adding bold splashes of colour to the pots around the house and there’s a flush of new foliage on the trees and shrubs in the garden too.

give some interest during the winter months. I’m a great fan of Euphorbia – the lime green flowers last well from early spring to mid-summer giving a zing of fresh colour to sunny borders.

Look out for new varieties like E. ‘Rudolph’, E. ‘Ascot Rainbow’ and E. ‘Ruby Glow’ that give colourful foliage as well as flowers.

With the weather improving I’ve been able to get border rejuvenation projects underway in my client’s gardens and carry out the ground preparation work for the new borders in my own garden.

With a selection of evergreen shrubs selected to act as the backbone of the planting, I’m ready to move on to adding perennials – the plants which flower through the spring-summer-autumn then go dormant in the winter months before re-emerging in spring.

Erysimum (the perennial wallflower) is fantastic as it flowers for months and is available in a range of bright colours. E. ‘Bowles Mauve’ is a classic with vibrant blooms over silvery foliage, it’s also semi evergreen so will add some shape to the border even in winter. They are easy to grow in sunny spots and they just require a trim once a year as soon as they finish flowering.

March & April is a great time to visit the local nursery or garden centre to pick up perennials to add spring-early summer colour to the basic structure of the border.

For the earliest colour, Aubrieta, Primulas and Alpines like Saxifraga are lovely and bright. I tend to use them in containers though, rather than borders so that I have maximum space available for plants that will give me colour for longer.

My favourite early perennials for a border include Hellebores, Aquilegia, Geum, Erysimum and Euphorbia.

Hellebores bring colour to the border in Feb/March in a range of colours and forms. They are well worth a spot in a shady garden and you’ll find plenty to choose from. These along with most Euphorbia are actually evergreen so will

WIN A TRIO OF GEUM PLANTS One each of G. 'Blazing Sunset', G. 'Sunrise' & G. 'Tango' in 1.5 litre pots.

Worth total of £21. I will deliver to the winner within Shepshed, Loughborough & Coalville area only (outside this area the winner will need to collect instead).

In order to enter readers need to visit my facebook page belgriersondesign and like or comment on the prize draw post. I will select a winner by random on April 30th.

Then there are the Aquilegias and Geums. They come in a good range of colours and flower shapes, suited to sun or part-shady spots. There are those with a natural wild look or there are more striking varieties like Geum ‘Tango’ or Aquilegia ‘Mrs Scott Hybrids’– which ever takes your fancy. They are very easy to grow and the Aquilegia will seed around the border so you’ll get more plants in a year or so for free.

Ideal for borders with sun or part shade and good soil, all of these perennials will give a good splash of colour for spring and early summer. We’re not all blessed with the perfect garden conditions though so next month i’ll be looking at how to tackle shady gardens and recommending plants that will grow well beneath a hedge, trees and even in dry shade.

If you are in need of some help with choosing the right plants for your garden or you are looking for design ideas, a Consultation or Planting Plan may be just what you need. Take a look at my website for details of the services I can offer & get in touch, www.belgrierson.co.uk

Hellebore

Primula

Euphorbia Ascot Rainbow

CERAMIC POT GIVE AWAY I have accrued some lovely pots over the years. There are 28 here in ceramic & terracotta that need a new home. I would be happy to pass them on for free to a local school gardening club or a community gardening project. They are in good condition. Most have been used so need a good wash & brush up. Maybe they could help with fundraising?

Collection from LE12. Get in touch if you are interested.

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12

| LOCAL NEWS

CAMPAIGNING CHARNWOOD WINS NATIONAL AWARD Charnwood Borough Council has won the Campaign of the Year category at the 2014 Local Government Chronicle Awards, the biggest celebration of innovation and talent across British councils.

The Council was shortlisted for its annual Don’t Muck Around enviro-crime campaign which over the last three years has significantly reduced incidents of dog fouling, litter and fly-tipping in hotspot areas.

in the community. It is a truly tremendous achievement. The Don’t Muck Around campaign is a terrific way of helping the Council achieve its commitment to protecting our Borough for future generations.”

Councillor Jane Hunt, the Council’s Cabinet member for Regulatory Services, said “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the teams who worked so hard on this campaign from street wardens patrolling and enviro-crime officers dealing with fly-tips, to our street cleaning teams and neighbourhood officers

LGC Awards judges said "The Charnwood team demonstrated clear objectives, partnership working, listening to their residents, value for money, real results and savings for the council. The judges felt this was an excellent campaign that could easily be adopted by other councils with equally positive outcomes."

RECORD FINES FOR GARDEN WASTE Two residents have been hit with record fines for using their gardens as waste dumping grounds.

Leicester Magistrates’ Court heard on February 27, two cases of residents failing to respond to litter clearing notices issued by Charnwood Borough Council. In the first case, Steve Wilkinson, of Burder Street, Loughborough, was given a £1,800 fine and was ordered to pay £288 costs and a victim surcharge of £120. The court heard Wilkinson dumped a tonne of waste in his back garden which had to be removed by the Council following a number of complaints.

The waste had been there so long that vegetation had started growing over it. The case was escalated to court after Wilkinson ignored a warning, a litter clearing notice and failed to pay a fine between May and December 2013. In the second case, Katy Fayer, 25, of Limehurst Avenue, Loughborough, was hit with a £1,500 fine and ordered to pay £317 costs and a victim surcharge of £120. The court heard that Charnwood Borough Council officers investigated a number of

A ceremony was held in London on Wednesday, March 12, featuring more than 80 organisations which had been short-listed for their work to improve services. A recordbreaking 640 entries were submitted for this year’s awards, demonstrating local government’s enthusiasm to share innovation and acknowledge the teams and individuals who make change happen. The awards help to publicise best practice and the highest quality service provision across local government, encouraging councils to take on new ideas.

Local Government Chronicle editor Nick Golding says “Projects such as Charnwood Borough Council’s demonstrate the level of innovation in British local government today. Our judges were extremely impressed by the quality of the entries. At a time when resources are scarce councils are innovating to ensure they provide residents with the best quality services. Local government’s depth of talent does not always get the recognition that it deserves."

The full list of winners can be found below and here: www.lgcawards.co.uk complaints about waste mounting in Fayer’s garden.

The case was escalated to court after Fayer ignored a warning, a litter clearing notice and failed to pay a fine between August and November 2013. Councillor Jane Hunt, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said “These cases were brought to court as a last resort. Not only does dumping waste on your property pose serious health and environmental risks, it is also impacts on the quality of life neighbours. In both cases, we gave the defendants every opportunity to clear the waste themselves but our appeals fell on deaf ears. As a result, we have had to use taxpayers’ money to clear the waste that had accumulated. We will now be seeking to reclaim the money through civil proceedings.”

For more information or to report a problem, contact the Council.

Report online at www.charnwood. gov.uk or you can call us on 01509 634564 or by email cleaner. greener@charnwood.gov.uk.

AKASH

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FOOD & DRINK

INGREDIENTS

• Leg of Lamb (2kg) • 3 cloves of crushed garlic • 4 tbl spoons of Oil • Sprigs of fresh Rosemary • Seasoning to taste

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13

METHOD 1. Pre heat the oven to 180C 2. Mix the crushed Garlic, Oil,

some chopped Rosemary and a little seasoning together and rub generously all over the lamb joint.

3. Carefully pierce holes in the skin of the lamb and stud with rosemary sprigs.

4. Cover the bone end of the joint with foil to prevent burning and place in an oiled baking tray.

5. Cover the whole joint loosely with foil and cook for 30 mins.

6. After 30 mins remove the foil and cook for a further 60 mins (for medium)

7. Allow to rest for 15 mins

prior to carving and serve with vegetables of your choice. We’ve chosen crisp roast potatoes and parsnips with fresh carrots, broccoli and minted peas.

14

| WINDOW DRESSING

SHUTTER PROOF

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They’re as practical as they’re beautiful, giving you enhanced privacy, exceptional light control and reduced external noise.

Beautifully crafted and made to measure to virtually any size or shape, our shutters are an inspired choice of traditional and contemporary styles, natural wood and painted finishes. Or if you have a particular colour in mind, our custom colour option is the perfect solution.

With a range of different wood types, fixings and slat widths to choose from, shutters are suitable for most window types including sash, bay windows and patio doors – and just as importantly, all budgets!

To find out more or to arrange a no obligation quotation, please contact Judy Andrews on 01509 650832 or 07881 681556

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SEASONAL FEATURE

The History Behind

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THE EASTER EGG

E

aster eggs, also called Paschal eggs, are special eggs that are often given to celebrate Easter or springtime.

As such, Easter eggs are common during the season of Eastertide.

The oldest tradition is to use dyed and painted chicken eggs, but now we tend to use chocolate eggs or plastic shells filled with sweets.

Eggs, in general, were a traditional symbol of fertility, and rebirth.

The practice of decorating eggshell is ancient, pre-dating Christian traditions. Ostrich eggs with engraved decoration that are 60,000 years old have been found in Africa. Decorated ostrich eggs, and representations of ostrich eggs in gold and silver, were commonly placed in graves of the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians as early as 5,000 years ago.

The custom of the Easter egg, however, originated in the early Christians of Mesopotamia, who stained eggs red in memory of the blood of Christ, shed at his crucifixion. The Christian Church officially adopted the custom, regarding the eggs as a symbol of the resurrection; in A.D. 1610.

These eggs can be hidden for children to find on Easter morning, which may be left by the Easter Bunny. They may also be put in a basket filled with real or artificial straw to resemble a bird’s nest.

Easter eggs are a widely popular symbol of new life in Bulgaria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, and other Central European countries’ folk traditions. A batik (wax resist) process is used to create intricate, brilliantly coloured eggs, the best-known of which is the Ukrainian pysanka and the Polish pisanka. The celebrated Fabergé workshops created exquisite jewelled Easter eggs for the Russian Imperial Court. Most of these creations themselves contained hidden surprises such as clock-work birds, or miniature ships.

There are many other decorating techniques and numerous traditions of giving them as a token of friendship, love or good wishes. A tradition exists in some parts of the United Kingdom (such as Scotland and North East England) of rolling painted eggs down steep hills on Easter Sunday.

In the U.S., such an Easter egg roll (unrelated to an eggroll) is often done on flat ground, pushed along with a spoon; the Easter Egg Roll has become a muchloved annual event on the White House lawn. An Easter egg hunt is a common festive activity, where eggs are hidden outdoors (or indoors if in bad weather) for children to run around and find. This may also be a contest to see who can collect the most eggs.

When boiling eggs for Easter, a popular tan colour can be achieved by boiling the eggs with onion skins. A greater variety of colour was often provided by tying on the onion skin with different coloured woollen yarn.

In the North of England these are called pace-eggs or paste-eggs, from a dialectal form of Middle English pasche. They were usually eaten after an egg-jarping (egg tapping) competition.

Natural colours are obtained by using various plants: • Brown: onion peels • Black: oak or alder bark or the nutshell of walnut • Golden: the bark of young apple tree or the marigold flower • Violet: petals of the mallow flower • Green: shoots of young rye or leaves of periwinkle • Pink: the juice of beet.

The egg is widely used as a symbol of the start of new life, just as new life emerges from an egg when the chick hatches out, hence eggs can be seen in many religions.

The ancient Zoroastrians painted eggs for Nowruz, their New Year celebration, which falls on the Spring equinox. The tradition continues among other faiths today. The Nowruz tradition has existed for at least 2,500 years.

The sculptures on the walls of Persepolis show people carrying eggs for Nowruz to the king.

The Neo-Pagan holiday of Ostara occurs at roughly the same time as Easter. While it is often claimed that the use of painted eggs is an ancient, pre-Christian component of the celebration of Ostara there are no historical accounts that the celebration of Ostara included this practice. Rather, the use of painted eggs has been adopted under the assumption that it might be a preChristian survival.

16

| UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR’S

MYRIAM ROBERTS | TOWN COUNCILLOR Tel: 01509 505188

Hello Shepshed Residents, I’m Myriam Roberts, your new Town Councillor for Shepshed West. I thought I would give you an update on what has been happening on the Shepshed Town Council since I joined over 4 months ago!

I have been attending Full Shepshed Town Council meetings, Estates and Recreation and Finance and General Purpose (grants) meetings; making sure that the views of Shepshed Residents are heard. I have enjoyed working on issues like housing, planning, schools development and others. As a Councillor I have attended one Labour surgery

hearing about issues that face Shepshed residents, currently these concern flooding and walkway access issues.

I am also very concerned about the amount of dog mess that is now in Shepshed and the lack of dog bins to support this. This is shocking regularly I have to avoid dog mess myself whether it is on grass verges, green spaces or on the public pavement or footpath. I have recently found that walking to Asda, Tesco or just visiting the Co-op, I have to avoid dog mess and this must be really difficult for mothers with pushchairs, children with scooters, bikes and skateboards and other vulnerable people with mobility transport when the dog mess gets on the wheels or on the shoes.

While I feel that dogs are good, faithful companions which give their owners much pleasure, company and exercise, dog owners must pick up the mess that their animals leave behind on the public walkway. It can be dangerous if it comes into contact with your eyes. Please put your dog’s mess in a plastic bag and in a bin. I will continue to work to improve the situation meanwhile let’s keep Shepshed safe, clean and be respectful of other pedestrians. Many heartfelt thanks to dog owners who already do this regularly!

If there are any other issues that you would like to raise please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Myriam Roberts

CHRISTINE RADFORD | COUNTY COUNCILLOR Tel: 01509 502974 Mob: 07796 544817 - Email: christine_radford@hotmail.com

As your County Councillor, I am always on hand to try and deal, with any concerns you may have about services provided by Leicestershire County Council. (LCC).

The planning application for the Waste Transfer, Treatment and Recycling facility at the former Redland Tile Works on Ingleberry Road was approved in principle at a recent meeting of the Development and Control Board at County on 13th February.

Typical materials to be processed on site would include wood, cardboard, paper, glass, aggregates, soils, plastics, End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs), Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and other recyclable materials generated by domestic and industrial customers. NO PCB waste will be allowed on site, PCB is a stable man-made organic compound which is now banned but still leaks from old electrical devices, including television sets and fluorescent lights.

It will not accept domestic refuse collected from black bins or food waste from industrial premises and the majority of the recycling will be undertaken inside the existing buildings.

A Liaison Committee will be set up, with members of Shepshed Town Council, the County Council and local residents, together with staff from A E Burgess, (the

applicant) to monitor the situation and feedback any concerns they may have.

Whereas Redland Tile under their agreement, could work 24/7 with no restrictions on the number of vehicle movements. The forthcoming Planning Approval will restrict the hours of work and the amount of HGV vehicle movements per working day. As this was already an industrial site and the conditions imposed dealt with any concerns I and the Town Council previously had, I had no hesitation in proposing approval to the County Council.

As your County Councillor I have written to the County Highways Department asking that they initiate the procedure for the provision of a zebra crossing on Anson Road.

There is significant additional housing scheduled for the area and with the likelihood of a new retail outlet on the Ox Lea site in addition to the children going to and from school it would benefit the area. Applying at this early stage is appropriate because as I learnt with the zebra outside Asda – nothing happens quickly.

The application (2014/0017/02) to permit an amended lower level restoration scheme, for land off Ashby Road belonging to Charnwood Forest Brick and Tile Works is due to be heard on Thursday 13th March at 2pm at County Hall. If as a resident you wish to speak or raise concerns regarding this application, at this

meeting, please contact Jenny Bailey on 0116 305 6225.

At the recent meeting of the Full County Council on the 19th February, it was agreed there would be no increase in the Precept for Council Tax in 2014/15. This will be the 5th year in a row there hasn’t been an increase. The aim of the County is to support residents in these times of austerity.

I am working with Nicky Morgan MP in trying to set up a business Forum and will be supporting her when she holds a Post Budget breakfast meeting on Friday 28th March. (See Nicky’s information page regarding this meeting).

More than 1,300 people shared their views on bus trial traffic options for the centre of Loughborough. Option C (excluding buses from the area completely) came out top. This will go before the Environment and Transport Overview and Scrutiny Committee on March 20th before being presented to Cabinet on April 1st. Whatever the outcome of this decision it will have an effect on buses to and from Shepshed. More information on the proposals can be found at www.leics.gov.uk/ lborobustrial At the full meeting of the Leicestershire and Rutland Combined Fire Authority held on 12th February, an increase of 1.5%, was agreed, which means 2p a week or just over £1 a year increase on band D properties, this will bring in just over £250,000 for the next financial year, safe

guarding Fire Stations and jobs.

It will enable the Fire Authority to go forward with a new Fire Station in Castle Donnington and improvements at the existing fire stations in Lutterworth and Market Harborough. Over £200,000 has recently been spent on improving the Station in Shepshed.

Shepshed Carers celebrated 20 years, and I was also privileged to be invited along to meet the carers and those who use their services.

Together with their usual services, they took over the running of Shepshed Stroke Club in January 2013 which is flourishing. I wish them another successful 20 years.

I hold a monthly surgery at the Council Offices in Shepshed between 10-11am on the last Saturday of every month (except December).

Christine Radford

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NICKY MORGAN | It was a real pleasure to attend Shepshed Dynamo’s home game on 1 March against Rocester. Sadly the result was not in Shepshed’s favour but it was great to meet all the volunteers who work so hard to support the club and the players. I was there to mark the Football Foundation’s £5000 grant to the Shepshed Dynamo Youth and Junior Teams to support their development and I really enjoyed meeting the next generation of players and their coaches.

St Botolph’s was alive with the sound of music earlier this month with a terrific concert led by the Loughborough Concert Band. The singing from a whole host of choirs was excellent and we all joined in at the end. I know these events do not just organise themselves and required months of hard work and planning – thanks to Suzanne Buckeridge and Dave Coble. The evening was also financially very successful raising about £2500 for Passion, which does such great work locally.

UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL MP

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17

Tel: 01509 262723 - Email: nicky.morgan.mp@parliament.uk

into the council’s efforts to locate and tackle this smell. I will also be in touch with those living around Purley Rise soon to try and get a better picture of where the smell is coming from.

I shall report back next month on my postBudget breakfast being held at Livio’s. I am sure we will have a very good discussion on measures announced in the Chancellor’s Budget, assisted by Phil Marriot from TaxAssist Accountants. As one of the Treasury Ministers I have been very involved in this year’s Budget and was particularly involved in the discussions around a further 1p off a pint of beer, how to reduce the costs of energy to businesses and more support for Gift Aid which is

so important for local charities to add to their donations.

I was particularly pleased to welcome the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rt Hon George Osborne MP, to BOAL in Shepshed so he could hear how the changes we have made to the costs of energy intensive businesses, such as BOAL, will make a real financial difference to them.

Finally, I ran the Loughborough Half Marathon in mid-March. Part of the route took us via Shepshed and I would like to say a particular thank you to all the Shepshed residents, especially in Blacksmiths Avenue and Countrymans Way who came out and cheered us on – it really does make a huge difference!

One more issue I’ve been getting to grips with this month, along with Cllr Christine Radford, is an apparent ‘bad smell’ in Shepshed. A few local residents around Purley Rise (off Trueway Drive) have complained about a burning smell that seems to appear quite regularly after 4pm. I have discussed this with Charnwood Council who sent somebody to gather evidence of the smell.

If this smell has affected you then please do get in touch with me so I can add your concerns

MP NICKY MORGAN SPEAKS TO FEMALE APPRENTICES

As part of the events to mark National Apprenticeship Week and International Women’s Day earlier this month, local MP Nicky Morgan visited Lime Tree Day Nursery in Barrow-uponSoar to speak to their female apprentices. Whilst there, Nicky had the opportunity to ask the apprentices about their experiences of working at the nursery and how they found out about becoming apprentices.

Nicky also heard from the manager, Andrea Mardel- Ferreira, who told her of the

positive impact the apprentices had on her business. Nicky and Andrea met through Loughborough College’s Bridge to Work scheme.

National Apprenticeship Week is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service and is designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy.

The slogan for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week was, “Great Businesses” are made by apprentices and Apprenticeships lead to “Great Prospects.”

International Women’s Day was held on Saturday 8th March, and this year Nicky wanted to focus on more female students becoming

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS ADVICE SURGERY Shepshed Liberal Democrat Councillors hold an advice surgery on the 1st Saturday of every month at Shepshed Town Council, Charnwood Rd, Shepshed, from 10am to 11am.

Appointments are not necessary. For more information, Tel 01509 561458.

apprentices. Speaking after the visit, Nicky said “It was truly inspirational to hear from the female apprentices at the nursery.

They had such dedication and passion for the job and I could see that at Lime Tree, a great business has been made by great apprentices.”

Andrea added “It was great to be able to share our success with Nicky, here at Lime Tree we are very proud of our apprenticeship scheme and show true dedication to support our apprentices to become inspirational early years Practitioners. Having Nicky visit gave a wonderful buzz to the staff team who all work really hard.”

CHERA VOCE The vocal harmony singers form Shepshed - will be singing in HSBC's banking foyer (ground floor), at HSBC, Market Place, Loughborough on 17th April (Maundy Thursday) from 11am till 12noon. They will be singing in aid of Loughborough HSBC's chosen charity for this year, the Matt Hamson Foundation.

18

| UPDATE FROM YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLOR’S

CHRISTINE RADFORD | BOROUGH COUNCILLOR Tel: 01509 502974 Mob: 07796 544817 - Email: christine_radford@hotmail.com

My role as a Borough Councillor can be very varied and interesting, dealing with housing problems, neighbour problems or planning issues.

CORE STRATEGY - As reported in my report last month the initial Hearing Sessions for the examination of the Charnwood Core Strategy took place on the 19th and 20th March. The first session focused on whether the Council has complied with the duty to co-operate in the preparation of the Core Strategy and the second session focused on the overall provision for housing.

The Inspector will now consider the evidence put forward and will decide whether or not the examination should proceed.

He will set out his decision and the reasons for it in a report that Charnwood might expect to receive within the next two to three weeks.

HEDGES - I am concerned about the number of hedges being cut back during the bird nesting season which is against the law, such as that around the Car Sales establishment at the top of Leicester Road at its junction with Ashby Road. This area was a well laid out development with mature trees and hedges but they have all been cut down, making it in my opinion and the opinion of a large number of residents rather bare and a potential road hazard given

that drivers at that point should be concentrating on the traffic lights rather than cars for sale.

PLANNING - I am pleased to report that the Highways Agency has asked Charnwood and County to look at all the major developments at the same time and to take into account the impact on the area. Therefore these planning applications, on Hallamford Road, Hathern Road and 2 on Tickow Lane will not now be considered until May/June.

I have called in the planning application P/13/2467/2 for 3 dwellings on land between 64 & 66 Brick Kiln Lane and dealt with at a planning committee meeting on 27th March. The reason being is that officers were going to

approve the application and then a contamination report be asked for.

This area was at one time a former brickworks that ceased production in the 1920’s. I was of the opinion that a contamination report should be asked for prior to any approval being issued. Only when a satisfactory report is given should approval be issued. Jumping the gun frequently results in a later compromise. As this report goes to print before the 27th, I shall report back next month as to the outcome.

I continue to hold a monthly surgery in the Town Council offices with other Conservative Councillors from 10-11am on the last Saturday of every month except December.

Christine Radford

CHRISTINE RADFORD | COUNTY COUNCILLOR Tel: 01509 502974 Mob: 07796 544817 - Email: christine_radford@hotmail.com

As your County Councillor, I am always on hand to try and deal, with any concerns you may have about services provided by Leicestershire County Council. (LCC).

Thank you to those of you who telephoned last month to say my Borough report had appeared in the ‘Eye’ twice. The County report was unfortunately omitted so this month I apologise in advance for presenting you with three reports, the usual two plus last month’s County report you never got to see.

PLANNING The application (2014/0017/02) to permit an amended lower level restoration scheme, for land off Ashby Road belonging to Charnwood Forest Brick and Tile Works was heard on Thursday 13th March. Approval was given with conditions. I got an agreement that I could attend site meetings when officers go out to inspect the works being carried out, due to the number of concerns raised by residents living in the area over the ditch/ flooding scheme. The amount of rain we have had over the winter has raised residents’ fears over the outcome of this work. The Town Council were not opposed to this restoration and agreed that works could be undertaken on a shorter time scale, this means more lorry movements, to enable the works to be finished sooner.

BUSINESS FORUM I am working with Nicky Morgan MP in trying to set up a Business Forum and will be supporting her when she holds a Post Budget breakfast meeting on Friday 28th March. Due to the fact that this column has to go to print before this meeting I will report on how it went next month.

ROAD MAINTENANCE You may have read in the National press recently at the lack of maintenance of road markings.

This highlighted my concerns which I brought to the attention of the Highways department at County last year.

Shepshed has some examples where the original road markings are all but obliterated. The mini roundabout at the junction of Leicester Road with Fairway Road being a prime example (See photographs right).

A number of residents contacted me last year on this topic and I have now been assured that once the weather improves this work should be carried out. I have compiled a list of disappearing markings, should any resident wish to contact me about road markings where remedial works are required then do not hesitate.

COUNTY COUNCIL MEETING At a recent meeting of the County Council held on the 19th March the following was discussed or decided on:-

EDUCATION FUNDING At the meeting, an announcement that Leicestershire will receive an additional £202 in Government funding, per pupil in 2015/16 was well received due to the fact that Leicestershire is one of the least well-funded educational areas.

This increase for poorly funded areas is seen as a first step towards a new national schools funding formula to fund all pupils with the characteristics at the same level irrespective of the authority in which they are educated.

The 2014/15 settlement placed Leicestershire as the third lowest funded authority, for 2015/16 we will be the sixth lowest. Clearly, much more needs to be done here.

CITY DEAL The Leader of the Council reported that the City Deal was shortly to be signed off by local partners and the Government. Final content of the Deal remains to be confirmed but he was hopeful it will include funding toward the provision of an Advanced Technology Innovation Centre as a first step in expanding Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park. The Cabinet on April 1st will be asked to confirm a contribution of £450k towards this project, alongside £150k which has already been approved by Charnwood Borough Council’s Cabinet. This is an excellent practical example of central government, county and district councils and our University working together to boost growth in Leicestershire. County’s ‘asks’ in the City Deal also included funding substantially to improve how businesses are supported through the development of a Business Growth Hub and improved and new measures to support people into work, particularly the young unemployed and those furthest from the labour market. Due to the closeness of Shepshed to the University this should help with job prospects for Shepshed residents.

I hold a monthly surgery at the Council Offices in Shepshed between 10-11am on the last Saturday of every month (except December).

Christine Radford

HEALTH & WELLBEING

LOVE YOUR FEET!

FEELING LOW OR TIRED ?

HERE’S 5 SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP

Be active. You don't have to go to the gym. Take a walk, go cycling or play a game of football. Find the activity that you enjoy, and make it a part of your life.

Keep learning. Learning new skills can give you a sense of achievement and a new confidence. So why not sign up for that cooking course, start learning to play a musical instrument, or figure out how to fix your bike?

Give to others. Even the smallest act can count, whether it's a smile, a thank you or a kind word.

Larger acts, such as volunteering at your local community centre, can improve your mental wellbeing and help you build new social networks.

Take notice. Be more aware of the present moment, including your feelings and thoughts, your body and the world around you. Some people call this awareness “mindfulness”, and it can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

CHILDREN'S EYECARE HOW MUCH DOES YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY SEE! How do you know what your child can see? Good vision is essential in childhood development and regular eye examinations are the key to good vision. The earlier any problem is detected, the greater the chances of it being corrected.

So even if nothing appears to be wrong, it's important to make sure your child has a sight test at least once a year.

AN EYE EXAMINATION IS PAINLESS, WHILST YOUR CHILD'S EYESIGHT IS PRICELESS One in five school aged children has an undiagnosed vision problem that can interfere with their ability to learn. Good vision during a child's early years is vital as visual learning accounts for 80% of the learning process. Just as children visit the dentist at regular intervals from infancy, they should also visit the opticians for regular eye examinations. Vision problems are seldom immediately evident to parents/teachers and often don't cause pain, so tend to be ignored in a way that toothache can't.

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Submitted by Sally Hinds Feet Foot Care T: 07806786616 E: hindsfeetfootcare@gmail.com W: www.hindsfeetfootcare.co.uk

Evidence suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental wellbeing. If you approach them with an open mind and try them, you can judge the results yourself.

Connect. Connect with the people around you: your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Spend time developing these relationships.

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IT'S AS IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR CHILDREN'S EYES EXAMINED AS IT IS TO HAVE THEIR TEETH CHECKED An eye examination is free for all children under the age of 19 who are still in full time education and NHS will also give your child a voucher towards the cost of spectacles if required.

VISION SCREENING IS NO LONGER CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM Some tell tale signs you should look out for: • Skipping or re-reading lines • Holding books close to his or her face • Complaining of print "running together"or jumping • Short attention span • Complaining of frequent headaches • Unduly distracted by other activities • Blinking frequently • Difficulty with hand eye co-ordination

Maintaining good foot health becomes increasingly important with age, with most problems being related to general wear and tear and ill fitting footwear. The average person walks around 115,000 miles in a life time, more than four times around the earth! (or 3 times depending on which website you look at!). Many people wear shoes that are a size too small. The size worn in teens and twenties is often smaller than that needed in our forties and fifties, through increasing load on feet by weight gain and changes to foot structure. Afternoon is thought to be the best time to shop for shoes when feet are at their most swollen to avoid those inevitable blisters and sore heels often experienced when ‘wearing in’ new shoes.

So why is good foot care so important? To maintain mobility and to avoid ‘slips, trips and broken hips’ and future problems!

Untreated corns, callus (hard skin), verruca, and long or in-growing toenails can cause pressure and pain altering the way we walk (gait) causing foot, hip or back pain. Broken skin may become infected resulting in sepsis or ulceration; particular care is needed by diabetics who tend to be more susceptible to foot problems.

Socrates (471-401bc) said “To him whose feet hurt everything hurts”.

Simple treatment can often make a world of difference to how our feet feel, and therefore to our whole health and well being. Useful websites: www.foot.com/site/ professional/foot-facts, www.nhs. uk, www.patient.co.uk

• A dislike of bright lights • Bumping into things

before his or her first birthday, with further check-ups at around eighteen months and three years.

That way any problems can be discovered well before school starts. A large proportion of squints, for example, develop before the age of three.

GLASSES FOR YOUNG EYES You'll find that our practice offers a wide range of attractive styles specially designed for young faces.

Many frames have soft nose pads for extra comfort and sprung hinges to stand up to the rough and tumble of everyday life. Children must feel comfortable about wearing spectacles - or they won't use them when they should. So we take great care to explain why glasses are important, as well as ensuring that they fit well and look good.

Normally we supply modern plastic lenses as they are safer and lighter than glass. They're available with special coatings which resist scratches and block out potentially harmful UV light. For even greater protection, however, there are lenses made of polycarbonate.

Although more expensive, they are virtually unbreakable and are ideal for children. We will discuss the different options with you and only recommend spectacles that suit both your child's needs and your budget.

TESTING YOUNG EYES Regular eye examinations could be crucial for your child's healthcare and personal development. Ideally your child should have an eye test

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOUR CHILD IS TOO YOUNG TO TALK OR READ A LETTER CHART Our optometrists use a range of techniques and modern equipment to detect visual problems at any age. You are also encouraged to take part in the eye test and ask any questions about your child's vision.

HALLCROFT OPTICIANS

PROVIDING A CLEAR VIEW 30 HALLCROFT, SHEPSHED, LEICESTERSHIRE, LE12 9AN

FREE

CHILDREN’S EYE TESTS Provided by the NHS

TEL: 01509 650 666

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| LOCAL NEWS

LAUNCHING THE SHEPSHED SHOW 2014

T

he Shepshed show committee launched SHEPSHED SHOW 2014 on 17th February 2014 at Shepshed high school. Invited were local businesses and sports group. With nearly 90 guests the evening was a huge success. One guest describing it as “inspiring, professional and brilliantly organised” Put together by a handful of committee members in only a few weeks they planned designed and assembled the event themselves with no financial or professional help. The evening began with a VT showing the best bits from 2013’s show and some highlights of what people can expect to see in 2014. Nicky Morgan MP kicked off the evening as the first speaker by explaining why she was such a strong supporter of the show and why people should get involved. During her speech, Nicky said ‘this is your show’, those were powerful words and she is absolutely right. The show organisers would still like to hear from anyone who would like to be involved. The evening also included a demonstration by ABC boxing club who are a local boxing club run by Shaun Norman, the club prides itself on nurturing local talent. The clubs young boxers showed their talent by impressing the audience with their sparring, skipping and strength work.

Followed by Shepshed’s #1 boxer Louis Norman displayed why he is 7 times undefeated as he sparred with younger brother Ben. Norman is also the show’s ambassador and shared with guests how proud he was to be asked to represent the show. Other speakers at the launch who are firm supporters

of The Shepshed Show included Shaun Toomey from ARC business Interiors the shows main sponsors for the second year and Nick Farmer from Shepshed Rugby Club. The show is having a sports and games theme this year and the aim of the launch night was to get as many groups to get involved in the show by having either a stall, doing a demonstration or workshops for people at the show. To date the committee are delighted to declare over 20 sports clubs have expressed an interest in taking part on the day and the committee are busy meeting up with the clubs to help them decide how they want to be involved.

Businesses were also encouraged to come along and back the show at the launch night and the show’s committee are overjoyed to announce that last year’s sponsorship target has been ‘smashed’ and thank you, ARC Business Interiors, Loughborough Building Society, Motorline and The Nottingham Building Society for getting behind the show and purchasing sponsorship.

A spokesperson from the show said “Without local business support, the show would not be possible and because of the confidence local businesses have demonstrated in the show in buying advertising this year’s show promises to be much bigger than last year” Show chairperson Laura Hoult said ‘We are seeing unprecedented support once again from local businesses. It’s wonderful to know that we have such fantastic support and we are starting to witness a sense of unity with some new business relationships forming”.

So what can people expect to see at this year’s show? We have expanded onto two fields!!

Attractions already booked are Jason Smythe Adrenaline tour, the motorcycle stunt show includes everything from motorbike stunts with wheelies and stoppies to quad stunts which include hair raising quad freestyle jumps 30ft in the air. Vicky Coomber from the show said “Audiences today have much greater expectations and want to experience acts that excite and give them that adrenaline rush”.

Also booked for the show is a zip wire, quad bikes a mini farm and climbing wall.

Great news, Local football clubs are organising a football tournament if your club would like to be involved please contact Kevin Hill on 07766681234 Also this year’s unbeaten and league winners Shepshed Rugby Club are also running a rugby tournament.

If you would like to put in a team please contact Nick Farmer at

nick_farmer@hotmail.co.uk.

Shepshed Swimming Club have also teamed up Shepshed Dolphins Swimming club to raise money for their clubs with swimmers attempting to ‘swim the channel’ during the show. The clubs will be at The Nottingham Building Society on Saturday 12th April 2014 promoting their fund raiser.

And there is more… the show will also have donkey rides, the little red bus, archery, bouncy castles, gladiator duelling, Snakes and birds of Prey and 100 stalls selling food, drink, toys and crafts.

Performing at the show will be Loughborough Concert Band, Serenade, St Botolphs Primary School Maypole dancing and the Boys Brigade.

Shepshed Show 2014 promises to be a fun packed full day of activities, have –a-go experiences and thrill seeking opportunities.

LOUGHBOROUGH HALF MARATHON Sunday23rd march saw the third running of the Loughborough half marathon. The 13 mile route leaves the town centre, into the Garendon and then on to Shepshed,before returning through Hathern.

Members of Shepshed running club both ran and marshalled the event.

We had 16 members running ,with Andrew fuller finishing 2nd and Florine Hiersemenzel the 7th lady home. Club captain Mike Leighton Madehis debut at the distance while veteran shepshed runner Ray Draycott competed his 70th half marathon.

We would like to invite all Shepshed residents who also ran to come along to our club night, details on our web sight. The photo is of mike Leighton on the Hathern road, about 6 miles in to the race.

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22

| KIDS CORNER

Christie Cat and her yummy carrot muffins

C

hristie Cat decided to bake some yummy carrot muffins. The sun was shining and she could hear the birds singing through her open kitchen window.

Christie started to weigh out all the ingredients she needed and put them in to a large mixing bowl.

Christie then went to the pantry to get the carrots but Oh NO! She hadn’t any left. She was very sad, Carrot muffins are her favourite and she was really looking forward to them.

Christie told Daniel all about her plan to make carrot muffins and that she hadn’t any carrots left so would have to have plain muffins instead.

‘Don’t worry’ said Daniel Dog, ‘I have lots of carrots growing in my garden, I shall go and dig some up for you.’

Christie was so happy, with Daniels help she finished baking her carrot muffins and as a thank you she invited Daniel to stay and share the muffins.

So Christie and Daniel sat in the garden eating homemade (and home grown) carrot muffins and drinking fresh lemonade. ‘Do you know what Daniel?’ said Christie, ‘I think cakes taste better when shared with friends’. ‘I think you’re right!’ said Daniel.

Just then Christie Cat heard Daniel Dog shouting ‘Hello’ over the garden fence.

‘Lovely day Christie’ He shouted.

‘I suppose so’ replied Christie.

‘What’s wrong?’ said Daniel.

Q: What kind of jewellery do rabbits wear?

A: 14 carrot gold.

Q: What happened to the Easter Bunny when he misbehaved at school?

A: He was eggspelled!

Q: What day does an Easter egg hate the most?

A: Fry-days.

Q: Why didn't the Easter egg cross the road?

A: Because he wasn't a chicken yet!

Q: What do you call a rabbit with fleas?

A: Bugs Bunny!

Q: Why did the Easter egg hide?

A: He was a little chicken!

Decorate This Easter Egg Win A Kids Personalised T-Shirt!

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