April 2021 Your Local Shepshed & Hathern

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The Right Tools For The Job By The Charnwood Gardener

Is There A Male Menopause?

Teamwork To Help The Homeless!

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Leicestershire Scouts Article by Simon Parr

Scouts are out and about cleaning up Leicestershire as part of their Community Impact badge. They are taking action trying to raise awareness the issues litter creates and at the same time, cleaning up the local area we live.

The idea spun out from the Leicestershire Scouts Team for a County wide Community Impact project that could be done following Covid restrictions.

They are hoping to engage Scouts and their families by offering a full programme of activities encouraging them to be part of “Mucky March”. Activities include: • Exploring the local environment and seeing impact litter has • Designing Custom Litter Pickers • Creating Posters and raising awareness the problem litter creates • Going out and about Litter Picking clearing our streets As part of the Community Impact Project, Scouts were encouraged to come up with a Badge Design to wear on uniforms. The competition was won Aoibhe from Ashby Hastings Scout Group. She said “I love drawing and really enjoyed designing the badge for everyone. I didn’t think I would win.”

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Aoibhe also commented about the time she went litter picking “I want to help look after where we live and shocked by people who do not seem to care what damage they are doing throwing rubbish. In a short distance, we collected 6 bags and found oil cannisters and tyres”.

Poppy from Countesthorpe Scout Group was also surprised by the amount of rubbish that is left around. “I decided to take part in Mucky March to help save the animals. There were loads of empty unused dog poo bags.”.

The event runs from February and continues throughout March and has already recorded over 150 Bags collected with 340 Volunteering Hours. Most Scouts are also separating cans found donating them to Leicester Royal Infirmary Helipad Appeal.

Leicestershire’s County Commissioner, Carol Black, said “It has been great to be able to offer ‘Mucky March’ as a County Wide Community Impact Project. Scouting in Lockdown has been a challenge for all groups. Not only practically (learning new skills by running programmes online) but also constantly adapting programmes through different Covid restrictions. Many groups have not been able to meet in person for over a year so providing an active programme has been hard. It has been amazing to see how Scouting has adapted.”

Fionn from Ashby Hastings said “It’s not as fun doing Scouts in lockdown, I’ve missed everything about meeting face-to-face but I’m glad we have still been able to do things like practical skills, learn new ones and home camps. Poppy added “I’ve enjoyed all the different activities we can do virtually during lockdown, especially the science experiments, especially making volcanoes”.

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Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Article by Klara Hesling

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are in the vaccination program with first course completed.

LevLaw Ltd remains here for you. (previously Kornerstone Legal Services)

'Your Local' Printers Norwood Press Celebrating 70 Years Article by Norwood Press

Local printers Norwood Press are celebrating 70 years in business.

Based now in Ellistown, Leicester, this third generation family printers has come a long way since starting in 1951. In that time they have built themselves a solid reputation, offering their customers a professional, personal service at competitive prices.

After outgrowing the premises in Anstey they moved to Ellistown in 2010. They cover all types of printing from magazines, leaflets, banners, brochures and business cards.

As a way of giving something back into the community they are donating £700.00 and are looking for any local charities or groups looking for a donation of between £50 and £200 to get in touch.

Any interested charities please contact Norwood Press on: Tel: 01530 262020 Email: info@norwoodpress.co.uk

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Norwood Press, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, Leicestershire, LE67 1EU

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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.

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*Our prices include VAT. These very special rates are only available if you are over 60 years old. Normal price for standard Will £125, £195 for two. We also provide Funeral Plans. LPA if instructed without a Will it is £105. Registration, court fees not included.

LevLaw Ltd was previously Kornerstone Legal Services Ltd. LevLaw Ltd is in association with LevLaw Wealth Protection Ltd.

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Shepshed & District Camera Club Article by Brian Walbey

The members of Shepshed and District Camera Club continued meeting online via Zoom during March with the usual good turnout each week.

Postponement Of Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride

The second round of the 2021 Competition league took place early in the month and was judged by Rebecca Entwistle online from Prestwich, near Manchester. The themed subject this time was Portrait/People and the other class was as usual Open Subject. After making comments on every entry Rebecca chose the following to receive awards:

Article by Zoe Edwards Local parent-led charity, Alex’s Wish, have made the tough decision to postpone their annual Charnwood Forest Cycle ride for the second year running.

Emma Hallam, Founder and CEO of Alex’s Wish, spoke of the decision saying, “Whilst we have a pathway out of lockdown we decided to make the extremely hard decision to postpone our Charnwood Forest Cycle ride until next year.

“We have to, first and foremost, consider not only the health and safety of our participants, but also of our volunteers as well as all the communities that the Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride passes through. Over the years these communities have supported our event in so many wonderful ways and we feel that it would not be right to encourage large groups of people to pass through their towns and villages at this time. Whilst we know that this is disappointing news for many and, indeed for Alex’s Wish, we hope people can see and understand the importance of keeping our team, volunteers, attendees and the local community at large safe in these still challenging times.”

Emma continued saying, “We will be back in 2022 when we’ll be celebrating our 10th Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride in our 10th anniversary year! Once we’ve been able to confirm with the venue our new date I’ll make sure that I share that news with everyone. For those who would still like to support us and do something active whilst raising much needed funds for us, we have various challenges running a little later on in the year including the Duchenne Dash on the 3rd July at Goodwood, our Annual Golf Day on the 23rd September and we still have places left for the Virtual London Marathon on the 3rd October. Full details of all our planned events can be found on our website: www.alexswish.co.uk “I’d also like to thank, once again, all our supporters and fundraisers for their continued support and patience during these challenging times.”

Open Class: 1st Mick Jelly ‘Charnwood Dawn’ 2nd Sue Hutton 3rd Mick Jelly HC Chris Bravington and Alan Harris Themed Class: Portraits and People 1st John Clarke ‘Pretty Vacant’ 2nd Angela Edwards 3rd Mick Jelly HC Alan Harris (x2) Pauline Martindale Zoomed in from East Anglia on one Tuesday evening and entertained the club with a pictorial journey “From Vancouver to Niagara”, which included photographs from a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer train and visits to many scenic and urban locations.

The club was once again able, via Zoom, to take part in the annual threeclub competition with the clubs at Coalville and Ashby. Once again the judge was online, this time Mike Barnard from the Yorkshire area. Each club entered 18 photographs and Mike commented on each one and awarded it a mark out of 20, the club with the highest aggregate being the winner. The competition was very close between all three clubs until the final few images from each club came to be judged at which point Coalville moved comfortably into the lead, and the final result was Coalville 325 points, Ashby 315 points and Shepshed 309 points, the members at Shepshed will be looking for a more satisfactory result in 2022!

After a break for Easter the club will continue to meet on Tuesday evenings on Zoom with a full programme for the next few months already planned details of that are available at www.shepshedcameraclub.co.uk/programme Also details are available from the Club Chairman at 07733 314605.

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March Of The Wrinklies Poem by David Stevenson

Full eighty years and more gamely we soldier on, assiduously sustained by many doctors prescribing countless pills.

Perforce we strain the budget of our glorious NHS. Our hair is grey, expensively maintained or long since fled.

Heavily bespectacled, maybe we have some teeth though gadgets cluster round our ears to ease communication; and should we venture forth, doddering upon a frame, our wayward limbs protest at such exertion and long for a nap.

Meanwhile the bathroom calls, frequent and insistent, threatening embarrassment if swiftness fails.

Upon the appointed day the welcome pension comes, proffering encouragement to beleaguered warriors of yesteryear.

Sadly some poor souls face sterner tests than these: with all our heart we wish them well.

Yet spite of all life’s sweetness clings, defiant to the last – and we’re still here!

Church Of Christ Shepshed

Article by Stephen Woodcock 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 via Zoom: • Sundays – Worship with Communion, 11am.

• Sundays – Adult and Youth Classes, 12pm.

• Thursdays – Bible Study, 7pm.

• ZOOM LINK - 418 223 2586 • Email – info@ shepshedchurchofchrist.co.uk Please contact us if you require further information.

We offer a safe and comfortable environment for the treatment of common foot conditions including;

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We can also paint your own tired • Postcards furniture. Please ask for more details.

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The Charnwood Gardener Article by Peter Flood

Charnwood Citizens Advice Article by Denise Condon

Since the first lockdown in March 2020, Citizens Advice Charnwood has helped nearly 1,500 people with over 4,500 issues. Many of these issues relate to the adverse impact of Coronavirus, particularly in the areas of benefits, debt and employment.

Local people are facing situations they never anticipated. Some are having to navigate the benefit system for the first time whilst many have needed help in understanding the new furlough and job retention schemes launched by the Government.

The number of debt cases have increased in Charnwood with some people losing their jobs. In other cases, both people in a partnership are now unemployed, leading to extreme and unexpected hardship.

The Right Tools For The Job Organised people (that strange and exotic breed that I don’t count myself part of) will have spent the winter months cleaning, sharpening, fixing and replacing their gardening tools in preparation for the new season. If you’re like me, however, March has rolled around before you suddenly realise you’re in need of some new kit.

Gardening is peculiar in that you can get by with a very basic selection of tools – a spade, fork and some secateurs will handle most jobs. But this complacency can result in jobs taking far longer than they should.

Gardening tools are actually quite diverse, and they’re often designed for very specific tasks. You wouldn’t hammer a screw into the wall, so why would you use the wrong tool in the garden? Here are my top suggestions for additions for your tool shed this spring: A Selection of Secateurs & Loppers There are two common types of secateur: anvil and bypass. Bypass secateurs cut cleanly, like scissors, and are for soft, green growth. Anvils are for woody stems where more power is needed to get through; they will crush soft growth. Loppers are also available as anvil and bypass – the principle is the same, but they’re for thicker stems.

Citizens Advice Charnwood are able to make referrals to food banks for the most vulnerable and for clients moving to benefits for the first time, who may have a four week wait for the payment to be made.

Ian Dennis, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Charnwood, said “This year has been particularly challenging for everyone and like many other organisations we have had to look at how we can adapt to provide a service to the residents of Charnwood. In line with Government guidance, and without a break in our service, we moved away from face-to-face dropin sessions to telephone.

The coming months are going to be extremely difficult for a lot of people.

Thanks to our dedicated team of paid staff and volunteers, we are here to ensure that people can access our service and get the help they need.

The Charnwood team reacted quickly back in March and adapted their Loughborough offices making them Covid safe so they are ready to make some face-to-face appointments when the restrictions are finally lifted.

These appointments are especially helpful to clients needing to complete some of the very complicated DWP forms they are currently struggling to do over the phone.

A Good Hoe A proper hoe makes weeding a breeze, but it’s all about the technique - many people don’t know the proper way to use one. Watch a YouTube video and you’ll never look back!

The team also ensured that they were able to look after local people through the Lockdown by setting up the Urgent Local Enquiry Line for Charnwood residents. This has proved a lifeline for many people who receive a call back, usually within an hour, from one of the team of advisors working from home.

A Sharp Mattock Removing something big, such as a shrub, can take hours with a spade. A mattock is both a chopper of roots and a lever of stumps – swing it with abandon to clear woody plants (and save your back)

It is anticipated that the demand for the service will continue to increase as long as the restrictions are in place. Citizens Advice Charnwood will, of course, continue to advise on all the other matters that arise outside of Covid.

A Puncture-Free Wheelbarrow Tyre Why these aren’t standard on all wheelbarrows I’ll never know. Say goodbye to puncture repair kits and get on with the gardening.

Citizens Advice Charnwood local enquiry line 01509 649605 Monday 9.30-3.00 Tuesday 9.30-12.00 Thursday 9.30-3.00

TIP: Early flowering shrubs like Forsythia make lovely cut flowers. Trim a few branches just before the buds open and pop them in a vase.

More information and details of how we can help can be found on our website – www.charnwoodcab.org.uk

Rotary Club Of Shepsheds Cake Stall Article by Ngaire Hall

Despite the less than favourable weather, members of the Rotary Club of Shepshed opened their home baked cake stall at Shepshed market on Friday 19th February. Pictured are Rotarians Anne Collier (event organiser) and Mandy Riches.

The stall was a huge success, raising £340.22 for the eradication of Polio, which still remains in two Countries, Pakistan and Afganistan.

President Liz Marshall said: “We would like to thank all club members and friends who donated delicious home made cakes and preserves. And we would especially like to thank all the Shepshed public that supported us

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with generous purchases and monetary donations - the success would not have been possible without you!”

Due to the popularity of the stall, the Club are actively considering running this again in the not too distant future - so watch this space!

NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS HERE’S HOW IT WORKS To visit our showroom just ring

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Is There A Male Menopause?

Article by Gary Trickett

Gary Trickett explores the tell tale signs of low testosterone in men.

Technically, yes. It’s called andropause and it refers to age-related changes in male hormones, specifically testosterone.

Both menopause in women and andropause in men refer to a drop off in hormones – in women, oestrogen levels decline as ovaries reduce production; in men, testosterone levels decline. One of the key differences, however, is the speed with which they do this: in women the decline is sudden, occurring over a few years, normally from the age of 45 to 50; in men this decline is much more gradual, with hormones dropping off over several decades rather than years. Also not every man will experience male menopause.

For those that do, there’s a good chance you may not recognise the symptoms for what they are; but if you’re feeling tired, irritable, depressed or are experiencing low libido or erectile dysfunction, your testosterone levels could be low. Other symptoms can include a drop in muscle mass, an increase in body fat, and thinning hair.

Teamwork To Help The Homeless!

If symptoms are beginning to affect the quality of your life – for example, if reduced sexual function or libido is taking a toll on your relationship or causing depression – a doctor may prescribe a testosterone replacement.

Article by Sue Easton

Dietary changes and certain nutrients can also help.

Homelessness is a big problem. People under financial pressure, in abusive relationships or suffering traumatic events can find themselves living on the streets or sofa surfing. Many of these issues have been made worse during the pandemic.

Zinc is important for testosterone levels and deficiency is fairly common in the modern world as intensive farming strips vital nutrients from the soil – so even if you’re eating well you may still be missing out. Nuts and seeds, pumpkin seeds especially, are great sources of zinc, or you could try a supplement.

The lucky ones get help from charities or the council to be rehoused into very basic accommodation often with just a mattress, bedding and a microwave.

The Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs of Loughborough have been working together since 2017 to support people being rehoused in Charnwood by providing Home Starter Boxes of basic household equipment. Each box is packed with crockery, cutlery, pans, a kettle, glasses, towels and other necessities. All the items are new to help foster the recipients’ self-esteem and wellbeing.

Since the project started, an average of one box per week has been supplied to clients identified by partner agencies such as Charnwood Borough Council, Women’s Aid and charities working with the homeless or exoffenders. These have helped more than 160 men, women or families.

Demand shows no sign of decreasing. The project has operated throughout the Covid19 pandemic with team finding new ways to continue the work in line with Government regulations.

The project has been funded by the 3 clubs together with generous external grants from several bodies: Tesco, Henry Smith Charity, the Co-op, Loughborough University, St James’ Place, Loughborough Welfare Trusts, Helen Jean Cope foundation, East Midlands Airport and Intelligent Energy.

Like all good ideas, the Home Starter Boxes are a simple concept. Recipients have given very positive feedback – “it was like Christmas”, “This is wonderful. I had nothing at all”.

For more information contact homestarterbox@gmail.com

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If you’re experiencing high levels of stress try A.Vogel’s Stress Relief Daytime. It combines Valerian and Hops and can be used for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with stress and mild anxiety.

For symptoms of low mood there’s St. John’s Wort or Hypericum, but it isn’t suitable for everyone. Check with your GP first if on prescribed medicines. If you cannot take St John’s Wort you could try Jan de Vries Mood Essence.

For further advice on any aspect of men’s health, or even just a chat, visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester or call 0116 253 9097.

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association Article by Graham Burton

We are planning a Turkey & Tinsel break in November at Torquay. Any member interested please contact Sheila Furniss on 01332 716744 for more details.

IK MOWERS

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Collection and drop off service for Shepshed and Hathern We remain open to attend to your denture needs

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1152A Melton Road, Syston, Leicester, LE7 2HB

Youth Mentor As a volunteer Youth Mentor, you will help to engage with the young people aged 11-18 year olds old in your community. It is a great way to do something positive.

What do I get from it?

•

Become part of a friendly and dedicated team. Meeting new people

•

Enjoying new experiences and learning something new every session whilst gaining valuable training. Securing practical experience working with young people and the local community.

•

Free tea/coffee and biscuits!

What will I required to do?

•

To assist with the running and delivery of our youth club's and activities. To help the coordinator to get the youth hub ready and help to clean up.

•

Make sure the young people are safe and following the health and safety rules.

To make sure required record keeping procedures including reporting verbally to supervisor any concerns are carries out.

•

Actively participate in activities and listen to the young people.

Some of the activities currently being led by our volunteers include cooking, crafts, sewing, knitting, help with homework, CV writing, playing table tennis.

We ask for just three hours per week of your time and in return, we provide on-going training and support.

Skills needed:

No specific skills required however patience and being a good listener are valuable attributes. All applications will be considered however, the minimum age is 18, to also meet DBS check criteria.

If this sounds like it’s for you, contact Vicky Gould on 07960861611 or admin@passionshepshed.co.uk

Shepshed Dolphin Swimming group is a swimming group with a difference. Swimming for anyone with a disability, need or health condition. We run every Saturday morning from Iveshead Community Pool in Shepshed, 10.30am 12.30pm, with an AquaFit class at 11.15am included in your swim fee, £2.50 adults £1 under 18's.

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Re-starting Saturday 17th April, for more information email

admin@shepsheddolphins.org.uk or call 07739 760 725 www.shepsheddolphins.org.uk www.facebook.com/OpenBoxPromotions | 11

Patch Dolan, Comic Relief

Patch Dolan, Comic Relief

Steps Conductive Education Centre Article by Trish Mabbott

Steps Conductive Education Centre, based in Shepshed, is an amazing place where miracles really do happen. It has been running its centre of excellence since 1994 and has helped hundreds of children over the years with an incredible staff team of caring professionals.

Steps works with babies and young children who have Cerebral Palsy and other motor disorders in their specialist centre and offers ongoing support once a child reaches school age, through their Gym Club. Steps works with the whole family helping children to maximise their potential and empowering parents. From the moment you open the door, families are welcomed into a warm, caring environment where every child matters.

Steps has received some funding from Comic Relief, a worldwide charity that through public donations makes a difference to the lives of millions of people throughout the UK and Internationally. Comic Relief has supported Steps by giving a donation for sensory equipment that has been so appreciated and enjoyed by our children.

Patch Dolan, Comic Relief

Ethan Beales has attended Steps from when he was fifteen months old and is now nine, Ethan has faced many challenges but, with his lovely smile, has overcome them all with the help of Steps. Ethan has been chosen to feature in the appeal for Comic Relief and was filmed recently enjoying a session with his friends at Steps.

We are so proud of Ethan and of the film that is shown on the Comic Relief website. https:// youtu.be/hAKvelOllts Comic Relief launched their challenge on The One Show this week with an Ultimate Red Nose and Spoon Race. One of our parents Claire Law, whose little girl Evelyn aged five, who attends Steps, has been chosen by Comic Relief to take part in the challenge. Claire, alongside some incredible teammates from Comic Relief and three other funded projects in the UK, will be attempting to hike an epic distance of over one hundred kilometres in just three days! We really wish Claire the very best of luck and thank her for taking part in this incredible challenge that demonstrates how important charities like Steps really are.

Steps relies totally on fundraising to raise the £220,000 every single year that it needs to operate. In 2020 the fundraising events that had been so carefully planned were all cancelled due to the Pandemic that rocked everyone’s lives and we became very worried for the future of our charity. Essential funding became hard to

find and our much-loved face-to-face sessions ceased as the effects of the pandemic grew and fear escalated.

Within two weeks Steps completely changed the way it worked with families taking sessions online which provided the ongoing, crucial support that was so desperately needed for the children and parents. This was something that had never been trialled before but has ultimately been so successful.

Steps is so needed by the families that it works with and has been described many times as life changing. We are very proud to announce the launch of our new website which will take place on 8th March. This has been a significant achievement for Steps and will provide amazing resources for prospective families, existing family support and information for professionals.

If you would like more information on Steps and the work that it carries out, then please go to www.stepscentre.org.uk to see the amazing work that we do. We would be so grateful at this time for any donations to our continuing work or offers of help. Please contact our Fundraiser and Operations Manager, Trish Mabbott fundraiser@stepscentre.org.uk who will be only too happy to guide you.

Many thanks and love from our Team at Steps.

Community Recovery Worker For The Public Health Department

The Community Recovery Team is relatively new, I commenced the role in October 2020, where my duties to date have included:

Article by Tracey Sowerby

Test and Trace Visits Supporting the work of the Public Health Outbreak Response Team, undertaking visits to citizens of whom this team and the NHS Test and Trace service have been unable to contact

My name is Tracey and I am the Community Recovery Worker for the Charnwood area.

Delivery of Emergency Food Parcels To those citizens who are deemed as being Clinically Extremely Vulnerable

There are 8 of us in total who cover the localities within Leicestershire, enabling us to identify the strengths of our citizens and the communities in which they reside.

Lateral Flow Testing Venues Team leading mobile Covid-19 testing facilities of asymptomatic citizens

The aims of our role are to:

Messaging and Communicating Holding a responsibility to inform citizens of highlighted cases of Covid-19, co-ordinating and facilitating the delivery of Public Health messages to target areas where numbers are high

• Support citizens and their communities to build resilience to the effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had upon them • Provide a service which is tailor made for citizens, ensuring a person centred approach is implemented • Provide support on a short, medium or long term basis

There is no referral process for our service, contact can be made directly to myself:

• Work alongside other preventative organisations/services

Tracey Sowerby Community Recovery Worker Charnwood Communities

• Signpost citizens to relevant services, regarding support for food, medication collection/delivery, befriending and transport services, the latter with regards to attendance of medical appointments

Email: Tracey.Sowerby@leics.gov.uk

• Undertake Safe and Well Check Visits

Telephone 0116 3053355 or Mobile 07990 564859

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Jane Hunt

Keith Harris

T: 01509 262723 E: jane.hunt.mp@parliament.uk

T: 01509 557701 E: cllr.keith.harris@charnwood.gov.uk

Member of Parliament

Since my last column, we have taken the first steps out of the lockdown restrictions and have seen the successful return of all pupils to schools.

It was certainly an encouraging sign of things to come and it has been something I have been pushing for a while now. I am pleased to say that (at the time of writing) the number of Covid cases continues to decline, both locally and nationally, so I am hopeful that further easing of restrictions can take place in line with the Prime Minister's roadmap out of lockdown. I'd like to thank everyone locally for all they are doing to keep on top of the virus and I am pleased to see residents continuing to adhere to the guidance.

By doing this, it ensures that we can continue with our plan timetable to ease all restrictions. I would also like to place on record my thanks to teachers, teaching assistants and all school staff in Shepshed and Hathern who have facilitated the safe return of their pupils locally.

If the data continues to go in the right direction, then further relaxation of the rules will take place on April 12th, when non-essential retail and hospitality is due to reopen, and then on 17th May when larger groups can meet and attend events such as weddings. One of the ways we can ensure that we can stick to the roadmap, is through the continued success of the vaccination programme. It is already having an affect; the number of cases continue to drop, and crucially so has the number of hospitalisations and deaths. I am hugely encouraged by the high take up of the vaccine so far, so please do accept the vaccine when you are contacted by the NHS. I had my vaccination recently, and it was quick, painless, and efficient. Currently, the vaccination programme has moved to the over-50s, which means that anyone over the age of 50 is now eligible to take the vaccine. You don’t even have to wait to be called, you can book your appointment here: www. nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/bookcoronavirus-vaccination/ You can also book an appointment if you fall into a number of other categories as well, so do have a look on the NHS website to check your availability. If you have been previously been offered the vaccine and have not taken up the offer, please do consider it. It is still open to you as well.

In local news, I have been contacted by a number of residents about a planning application behind 83-89 Loughborough Road in Hathern. This is for outline planning permission for access to a site for up to 18 dwellings. I have written to Charnwood Borough Council Planning expressing my concerns. I share the views of residents about the increase in intensity of housing in this area. Since becoming an MP, I have had an interest in housing and planning policy and it is one of the areas I am keen to progress. One of the focuses of my work on this so far has been responding to the Government’s two Planning White Papers emphasising the need to ensure brownfield sites are prioritised for house building over green field ones (and that there should be clear areas of separation between settlements) and that the 5-year land supply is removed so that developers will be encouraged to focus their build out energy on the areas where local residents actually want to build Finally, as ever, if I can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Borough Councillor for Hathern

Our lovely little library is reopening on Tuesday April 13th. I will be doing the second half of the first staffing slot with Sean Hale. We are opening for 15 hours a week as before the pandemic on the following days : Tuesday 2-6, Wednesday 10-12.30, Thursday 2-6, Friday 10-12.30 and Saturday 10-12. We will be fully Covid compliant to protect visitors and staff. We have been very frustrated by the closures just when we were developing as a library and a community activity hub, but we have just received some nice performance figures for February: • We loaned more than twice as many books as we did in January • We loaned the third highest number of adult fiction books of all the CMLs in the county • We were the only CML to have more new members this year than in 2020 (6) The Click and Collect service will continue and dovetail nicely into the reopening. Please feel safe to come and choose books and spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested.

Sadly, Hathern Together have had to cancel their Open gardens again this year. But video maestro Ben Hardy will be doing short films of the various gardens to be featured online, so please have a look at the hidden treasures contained in the village.

The Hathern Village Association won’t be able to hold a Wicked Music Fest this year, but they are looking into staging some kind of event in the summer featuring music and fireworks. The roadmap out of lockdown should have advanced far enough by November to hold a Wicked Fireworks event.

Unfortunately, the HVA have had some of the poles stolen which support the marquee and don’t have the funds to replace them at the moment and so the marquee can’t be erected.

I have just heard that contractors for William Davis have been planting trees in Daisy Bank. They have done this within the planting season this year but only just and we need to monitor the condition of the saplings. I will ask them to make sure the trees are watered so that we don’t lose large numbers as we did before.

Every time I do a marshal shift at the vaccination centre at the moment, the system has changed again but it will soon settle down. It is simpler for patients now with one stop stations, where you answer medical questions and get the jab in the same place. They are aiming to ramp up numbers and have changed the whole centre round with the former exit now being the entrance and the one-way system going the other way. When you arrive, you should go to the former exit at the side of the building unless you have mobility problems, in which case you will be escorted up the ramp and through to the other side. We have been continuing with first jabs, doing some second jabs and have had a few drop in sessions where you don’t need an appointment. Please encourage everyone you know to have a vaccination so that we can emerge from this long tunnel at some point.

Betty Newton has been your County Councillor in Hathern for some time and was a borough councillor until I took over on her retirement. She has done a lot for the village, including taking up residents’ issues raised by the Parish Council and doing battle with various agencies to stop flooding. She would love to serve the community again for another 4 years.

Charnwood Borough Council have started work on the renovation of the cottage in the Outwoods to make a visitor centre and café. The work should be complete by the summer. This will be a very nice new feature for the wood and also provides an excellent business opportunity. If you or anyone you know might be interested in running the café as a business, contact the council at the following address to register an interest and then you would have to submit a bid. Outwoodsnewcafeoperator@charnwood.gov.uk Charnwood continues to be above the national average for Covid cases. We need to follow the guidelines about social distancing, wearing masks and washing our hands and refraining from gatherings until allowed to by stages in the roadmap. As I write, we have vaccinated more than 20,000 people at the centre and a further 10,000 have been vaccinated at various surgeries and pharmacies. Let’s hold out and get through this as soon as possible.

Keep safe.

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Christine Radford County Councillor for Shepshed T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com

After a year unlike any other in recent memory, the new road map to come out of lockdown has commenced. I do hope that this will be last time; we all need to be careful. Holidays are being booked; Shepshed Lions are talking about their event at the end of August. We have now started to prepare for life beyond lockdown and a return to ‘normality’ whatever that may be! We are looking forward to all the things we have missed in the last 12 months.

Police Warning issued following reports of telephone scams, claiming to be Leicestershire Police

Listed below is everyone on the team: PC 1969 Matt Orton, PC 1806 Kara Thatcher, PCSO 6652 Mo Musa, PCSO 6542 Viren Patel and PCSO 6136 Julia Parker Living with food allergies Living with a food allergy can affect people in different ways. Having a food allergy can pose extra challenges to daily tasks and have unexpected impacts on new experiences.

For teenagers and young adults with a food allergy, navigating the new experiences that come with these stages of life can bring about extra risks.

There is a web site you can go to get advice.

Food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/advice-for-teenagers-and-young-adults-withfood-allergy For many, living away from home, can be the first time that they take full responsibility for managing a food allergy.

The force is urging people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to remain vigilant and be way of a telephone scam currently in operation.

Growing up, parents or guardians may have been responsible for checking labels on food packaging for allergens.

A cold call is made to a victim by someone claiming to work with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or national insurance and that information is required to be passed on to the police. The call is then ended.

Kirkhill, Sewerage Leak Just to bring residents up to date regarding the leakage of sewerage at the bottom of Kirkhill. I have been working with Severn Trent to get this matter sorted, but do not seem to be getting anywhere. I have no threatened to go to the press or television as it is a health hazard.

The victim then receives a further call which is shown to be from 0116 222 2222 – which is the main switchboard number for Leicestershire Police.

Please note this number is ‘spoofed’ – faked. Numbers shown on a caller ID are NOT confirmation or verification of where a call is coming from – the phone is merely displaying what it has been told to say.

A person claiming to be a police officer then speaks to the victim, stating the victims’ details are being used to open a large number of bank accounts. Threatening language may be used and victims have been told they are in trouble and could be arrested or taken to court, The caller then provides a bank account number and asks the victim to transfer money over for ‘safe keeping’ Please pass this information on to any friends of family members who may not be aware of this scam or who could be particularly vulnerable to the way these criminals operate. If we work together, we can try and prevent more people from falling victim.

If you are a victim of this scam – or know someone who has been – please contact the police on 101. You can also report incidents online by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ You should also contact your bank immediately. You can also make a report to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk I am just writing to update you that PCSO Kelly Davis has left the beat to take on a new challenge in Loughborough. She has been in Shepshed for many years and I am sure you will all wish her well. The team will run one down temporarily,

During Lockdown During lockdown I am attending all of my meetings via Teams, such as The Health and Wellbeing Board where we discussed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Leicester. Adults and Communities Overview and Scrutiny, at which we discussed Provision of Short Breaks and Supported Living Services and Care Homes Sustainability.

Cabinet 23rd March This was a full on agenda, the last one before the election. A paper was discussed on the White Papers on Health and Social Care and Mental Health which was presented by officers. In fact there were 18 items up for discussion varying from highways to healthy weight strategy. The leader mentioned that the scheme to give out equipment to litter pickers (Wombles) in County has been very popular and has increased the amount of monies available to support this scheme.

GLW FEEDS I have recently started to receive complaints again about smells coming from GLW Feeds, can residents please contact them direct on 01509 501869 (Martin Briggs) or the Environmental Agency on 0800 807060 – please make notes of dates and times when you have reported anything.

Your help and support 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 , due to the lock down I will not be able to have my regular monthly Surgery.

Als Electronic Shepshed Experience Article by Allan Dobb

This lockdown hasn’t been good for any of us, I took to producing Video dairies every day for family and friends just to keep in touch. During May of 2020 I got interested in Podcasting and decided to produce a Shepshed version, a fusion between a pod cast and a Radio Style presentation. The basic idea was to showcase the people in the community through interviews over the phone, covid safe.

Shepshed is a hotbed of ideas and community based projects. I have been fortunate to speak with people from Businesses to hobbies that raise money for numerous charities.

The format is simple I play a small amount of music, I do have a copyright license, all interviews are recorded and edited. The Podshows go out every week Saturday and Sunday, on my group page which is on Facebook. The group page is up to date daily and there are links to other Facebook pages and videos etc within the Shepshed community.

It is free to listen to and you don’t need to be a member, you can access the group page by going to your own Facebook page and in the search engine put in; Al’s Electronic Shepshed Experience and join the gang.

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The Nottingham's Shepshed Branch Team Make Easter Donation To Local Charity Article by Chris Kershaw

The Nottingham has continued its community giving focused on the most vulnerable people in our communities by making an Easter donation to Shepshed-based charity Passion.

Throughout last year the building society tripled its donations to charities and other organisations across its heartland helping people hit the hardest

by Covid-19 challenges.

As the fall-out from the pandemic continues into 2021 The Nottingham has already made large donations to the National Literacy Trust, ThinkForward and homelessness charity Framework.

And it is built on that by giving its 48 branches across nine counties the chance to nominate a great local cause for a £25 Easter gift, which they can use as valuable funds to help keep providing their services or simply to buy Easter eggs as treats for their service users and/or volunteers.

The Shepshed branch team chose Passion, a youth centre that gives young people a safe space at the heart of the community. It is a free service run by a youth worker funded by donations and grants and the dedication of a team of 15 volunteers.

Bethan Johnson, Customer Services Consultant at The Nottingham’s Shepshed branch, said: “Passion are enormously deserving of a donation for the amazing work they do in supporting young people in the local area.

“Their drop-in space, which is right in the heart of Shepshed, provides somewhere safe for young people who feel isolated and unable to access other facilities due to financial circumstances to do so and to feel more positive and optimistic about their futures.”

Photo caption (l-r): The Nottingham’s Bethan Johnson presents a cheque to Passion volunteer Victoria Gould.

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Christine Radford Borough Councillor for Shepshed T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com

Easter will probably have arrived when you receive this month’s magazine and when this article was being put together the government has said we should be able to meet in gardens., let’s hope that this is the case. Spring has sprung, the birds are singing and flowers are bursting into bloom, the trees/bushes are coming into bud. But we still have to be careful.

Planning P/21/0117/2 – 1 Countrymans Way – demolition of existing porch, erection of extension at front of house.

P/21/0229/2 – 30 Linley Ave – erection of single storey extension at front of house P/21/0240/2 – 57 Ashby Road – proposed first floor extension over existing accommodation wing at rear of care home to provide 10 additional bedrooms, including internal alterations and re-organisation of existing layout.

P/21/0124/2 – Sheila Mee Place, Britannia Street – Conversion of 1 no.

Single storey garage and 1 no. Two-storey workshop into 3 no. Independent living units for adults with specialist needs.

P/21/0188/2 – 183, Conway Drive – non material amendments to P/19/2296/2 relating to height of proposed garage.

P/21/0253/2 – Belton Street, Shepshed Word of Life Church – Change of use of place of worship (Use Class F1) to retail shop (Use Class E(a)), office (Use Class E(g)(i) and storage and distribution (Use Class B8) P/21/0332/2 – 4 Field House, 23 Field Street – Change of use from office (Use Class E (g)(i)) to tattoo studio (Use class Sui generis) P/21/0430/2 – 64B and 64C, Brick Kiln Lane – Extending the cartilage of No 64b and 64c southwards by 10 metres and eructing 1.2 metre high wooden post and rail fences along the new boundaries’.

P/20/2368/2 – 24 Loughborough Road – demolition of an existing storage building; and the erection of a new building comprising 3 units to be used for either light industry, office or research and development (Use Class E(g) or for storage and distribution (Use Class B8) P/21/0292/2 – 26 Iveshead Road – demolition of detached garage, erection of one and half storey extension to front side and rear, increase height of roof and alteration to bungalow P/21/0457/2 – 4 St Botolphs Road – Erection of a detached dwelling (revised scheme P/19/0006/2 refers) Land west of Iveshead Road P/21/0027/2 – Land west of Iveshead Road – outline planning application (with all matters reserved except for access) for the erection of up to 50 dwellings with internal access roads, public open space, landscaping, surface water attenuation and associated infrastructure.

Cllr Radford, as ward Cllr has called this application in. This means that this planning application will have to go before a plans committee to make a decision and not be decided by planning officer.

tipped and how much. We will also need to know where abouts the waste has been dumped and if it is near water.

Increase to local element of council tax approved Charnwood Borough Council agreed to raise its share of council tax by less than 9p a week for a Band D property.

The increase was agreed at full Council on Monday February 22nd. The increase will see the annual charge for an average Band D property rise by £4.56 (3.06 pr cent) to £131.08 from April 1st, 2021.

Outwoods new visitor centre and cafe conversion underway The fencing has gone up and the conversion of the former ranger’s cottage at the Outwoods into a new visitor centre and cafe is underway. This commenced on 8th March.

The children’s play area and events barn is out of action now, and will be out of action for around six weeks while the major works are completed and large machinery is on site.

The cottage has been largely unused for many years and it will be great to see it transformed into a new visitor centre and improve the facilities for everyone who visits the Outwoods.

We hope you’re looking forward to seeing the new Outwoods Visitor Centre and Cafe as much as we are. We’ll be keeping you up to date over the coming months with photos of the project as it progresses.

The cafe will provide somewhere for people to enjoy a hot drink and maybe a slice of cake and there will also be space for displays and other events.

Responsibility of the Outwoods lies with the Outwoods Management Committee which is a separate body to the Council. However, the Council effectively maintains the Outwoods working alongside the committee.

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England, which means it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology.

More about the development can be found on the website at www. charnwood.gov.uk/bvisitorcentre.

The Outwoods Visitor Centre is expected to be completed by the end of this summer. The Council is also looking for an operator to run the new cafe at the Outwoods. Businesses interested in this opportunity can register their interest by email Outwoodsnewcafeoperator@charnwood.gov.uk Councillor contact details Cllr.robin.popley@charnwood.gov.uk, 07909 447105 cllr.john.savage@charnmwood.gov.uk 550508 (Shepshed East) cllr.christine.radford@charnwood.gov.uk 502974 cllr.joan.tassell@charnwood.gov.uk 506661 (Shepshed West)

Planning Matters Last month we mentioned that an updated Local Plan would be discussed and that a presentation at an Extraordinary (Special) Full Council Meeting on 29th March 2021. Unfortunately this was postponed, at the time of going to press we do not know when this will now be held, but we will keep you informed.

Hathern Parish Council

Did you know you can report fly-tipping online?

Fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of household and trade waste in lay-bys and quiet country lanes: it is on the increase both in Charnwood and nationally.

Meeting joining notes can be obtained by either emailing the clerk, or by visiting www.hathernparishcouncil.org.uk

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence under waste legislation with unlimited fines and/or five years imprisonment.

Or you can contact Charnwood’s Street Management team on 01509 634564 They will need as much information as possible in order to prosecute someone caught fly-tipping in Charnwood, so any help you can give is very important.

Please remember: DO NOT disturb fly-tipping waste – it may contain dangerous items such as; syringes, broken glass, toxic chemicals or other hazardous substances, There may also be evidence that could help identify the culprits.

Do visually inspect the waste – it would help us to know what has been fly-

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Next Virtual Meeting via Zoom Monday 24th April 2021, 19:30

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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