June 2022 Your Local Shepshed & Hathern

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Shepshed Toy Library Can You Help Us At STEPS?

Newly Elected Chairman Of Shepshed Town Council Latest News From Shepshed Dolphin Swimming Group

Als Electronic Shepshed Experience DESIGN & PRINT SOLUTIONS 01530 262020 info@norwoodpress.co.uk www.norwoodpress.co.uk NorwoodPress  @norwoodpress Norwood Press, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, Leicestershire, LE67 1EU

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St Botolph’s & St James’ Church Services

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Article by Debora Slingsby St Botolph’s Church, Shepshed Services:

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Sunday Services 10.45 am Morning Worship on: 12th June 26th June 3rd July

10.00am on Sundays, Service with Holy Communion Possible to join on line: www.shepshedandoaks.co.uk

6.00 pm

10.00am on Wednesdays, Holy Communion Family Service, 1st Sunday of the month at 10.00am with Holy Communion Children take a central role at this service which has crafts, action songs and much more!

St James’ Church, Oaks in Charnwood Services: 8.30am on Sundays, Service with Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer)

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

Evening Worship on: 19th June

Everyone is warmly welcomed at all of these Services !

St.Winefrides R.C. Church, Charnwood Road Shepshed Article by Brenda Fox

11.00am, 3rd Sunday of the Month Family Service You will receive a warm welcome to any of our services For further information please visit www. shepshedandoaks.co.uk or ring the Parish Office on 01509 502255.

Weekend Services Saturday 6.00pm Mass Sunday 10.00am Mass Children's Liturgy on 1st and 5th Sunday of the month for children aged 4 to 8 years

Revd Lydia Humphreys is Retiring

Weekday Services Monday, Tuesday Thursday 9.00am Mass Wednesday, Friday 12.30 Mass

After five years of dedicated, loyal service to both St Botolph’s and St James’ Churches, the community, and a total of 30 years as a priest, Revd Lydia has decided to retire in the summer this year.

Regular Events Monday 2.00pm Holy Rosary in Annexe Last Tuesday of the month 7.30pm St. Winefrides Ladies group in Annexe Wednesday10.15am Toddler Church

As an opportunity to say farewell we would welcome you and your families to join us to give her a fond farewell.

For further information, any enquires and to see the newsletter published each week, please visit the Parish website, www.stwinefrideshepshed.org and Facebook

Her final services will take place as follows: Sunday 19 June, 11am at St James’ Church Sunday 26 June, 10am at St Botolph's Church

Shepshed Word Of Life Church, Kirkhill

We will be offering light refreshments after the services.

Article by Nigel Holmes

It would be lovely to see you if you are able to join us.

Sundays 10.30am Morning Worship

including Sunday School for children.

6.00pm Evening Worship

Church Of Christ Shepshed Not got a QR scanner or not working?

Use this link: www.issuu.com/norwoodpress

Christchurch (Methodist) Field Street, Shepshed

Thursdays 7.30pm

Article by Stephen Woodcock

Prayer Meeting

Tuesdays Term time only 10.00am Ladies’ Bible Study

(fortnightly) 2.15pm Ladies’ Fellowship

We are an independent, non-denominational group of Christians who want to love God and serve people.

Wednesdays 10.30am-2.00pm

We meet at the Shepshed Community Centre, 47A Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9QE

Thursdays 9.30am-11.00am

Fridays 7.30pm-8.45pm

• Worship: Sunday, 10:45am.

• Bible Classes for all ages: Sunday, 11:45am.

• Bible Study: Thursday, 7:30pm.

Contact: info@shepshedchurchofchrist.co.uk Phone: 07917260297 You will receive a warm welcome to any of our meetings. Find us on Facebook.

Day Centre for Senior Folk Kirkhill Kangaroos (parent & toddler group) Youth Club for 11+

For more information on any of these activities please visit www.shepshedwordoflife.org and click on ‘regular meetings and activities’, or ring 07473 952161, or email us at contact@ shepshedwordoflife.org

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Shepshed History Society April Meeting Report Article by Marjorie Schulz

An excellent talk was given to the Shepshed History Society on Tuesday the 10th April which explained in great detail about the tragic mining disaster which occurred in Long Lane Pit, number five pit. Here a Gob Fire (thats a combustion fire) broke out in a mine belonging to Wm Stenson who first opened it in 1826.

Mrs Sue Calcutt and Mrs Marlene Pearson from Whitwick History Society gave a detailed account of what happened in the night of April 19th 1898 when 40 miners, (the youngest was a thirteen year old boy,) were down the mine at the time, five managed to escape the inferno. The remaining 35

perished and 12 bodies are still down there today.

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Sadly they are incarcerated under Morrisons car park, Coalville, the modern shopper being innocently unaware of the sacrifice these hard working men made in order that our ancestors and industry could survive to todays modern era.

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Not only relating the mining disaster itself, the speakers also gave a fascinating insight of life down the mines in the late nineteen hundreds in general.

Indeed life was notoriously hard all round especially when 27 widows and 84 children were left to fend for themselves after the tragedy, having no social services to call upon in those days.

A thought provoking talk that related the very hard lives our ancestors had to endure in order just to survive in times of great hardship, danger and poverty.

New members are always welcome. For society details please contact 07563164315

Shepshed History Society May Meeting Report Article by David Booth

Article by Klara Dixon

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.

An interesting and entertaining evening was well attended, the subject being ‘bits and bobs’ provided by Mr. Bob Neil and inviting members to identify the uses of various articles from his extensive collection.

Spotlight on Iveshead

June 2022

Some items were very old, but others quite modern. All created a great deal of discussion within the competing groups.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday June 14th and the subject will be The Elephant Man, presented by Dr. Ann Featherstone.

The Society meets at 7.30 pm every second Tuesday in the month in the Glenmore Centre, Shepshed, and new members are always welcome.

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association Article by Graham Burton

The 14th June members will meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm. New members are welcome to this event.

Shepshed Baptist Church Article by Maureen Walbey Sundays in June 10.00 am

Morning Worship and crèche

Mondays 9.45 am–11.45 am

Prayer Time in Church Come and go as you please

Wednesdays 9.00 – 11.00 am

Little Lambs Toddler Group Parents and pre school children (term time only)

Wednesdays

2.45 pm

Ladies Fellowship

Wednesdays

7.30 pm-8.30 pm

Prayer Meeting

Fridays

6.00 pm-7.00 pm

Girls Brigade (term time only)

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Good Quality of Education Good Sixth-Form Provision Most pupils enjoy coming to school. They treat staff and their peers with courtesy and respect.

Pupils know that staff look after them well and want them to be successful.

The school provides a calm and purposeful learning environment.

Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) enjoy being part of this inclusive school. Those who attend the specially resourced provisions benefit from programmes designed specifically around their needs.

Leaders have a clear vision for providing pupils with a high quality of education. They have devised an appropriate curriculum offer that prepares pupils well for their next steps.

Leaders provide opportunities for pupils to become responsible and active citizens.

The provision for careers education is well developed.

OFSTED HIGHLIGHTS! We were delighted that the very experienced inspector saw a great deal of our SEND department over the two days Ofsted were here.

He looked in our files and records and observed teaching and learning. He waded his way through a mountain of student workbooks and folders and asked lots of questions.

The highlights though were when he spoke to the students directly, they reported how much they enjoy their time here at Iveshead.

There was detailed feedback to help us improve which is being scrutinised and formed into an action plan.

The most reassuring aspect of the visit was that there are a lot of good features for us to build on!

Julie-Ann Biddles Deputy Head Teacher SENDCo

Frequent opportunities to read have rekindled pupils’ love of books. Younger pupils benefit from reading to sixth-form students. A well-resourced library includes books that promote diversity and equality. Pupils who need extra help to improve their reading work closely with trained staff.

Pupils benefit from studying a wide range of subjects.

Pupils feel safe in school.

Pupils get on well together and look after others.

Governors ensure that the school plays an important role in the local community.

Staff are proud to work at the school. They appreciate the consideration leaders give to their well-being and workload.

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

Staff know when to pass on concerns about a pupil.

Leaders have clear systems in place to record these concerns. They work effectively with external agencies to provide support for pupils and their families when needed.

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Headteacher - Matthew Parrott 01509 602156 @ivesheadschool

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Shepshed Dolphin Swimming Group Article by Nicola Crowe

Shepshed Dolphin Swimming Group are a swimming group with a difference – our members consist of individuals with a disability or longterm health condition as well as those recovering from injury or illness and of course their friends, carers and family are welcome too.

We offer a morning broken down into sessions, quiet swim and lane swimming, as well as free time in the pool and Aqua fit sessions.

1st - 7th June was National Volunteering week and we could not run our sessions without the amazing volunteers we have, who help run the sessions from the pool and away from the pool, on the committee. We are currently looking for a few more volunteers who would be willing to give up a few hours a month to work on our welcome desk or be part of the behind the scenes running of the group.

“For the last few years now, I have also been the groups treasurer as well as a committee member which has enabled me to give back a little more to this terrific charity/group.” Mark Cooper “I really enjoy working for SDSG as they are really inclusive” Amy, one of our lifeguards.

“Most of us could spare a couple of hours once a month, volunteering is so rewarding, it is proven to be good for our health to help others, and in our environment, you are helping others by providing a group to exercise in a safe and friendly place which in turn helps them to feel good about themselves, it really is such a welcoming group.” Nicola, group coordinator.

We are also looking for paid lifeguards, if you have a current lifeguard qualification and would like to earn some extra money working some Saturday mornings, please get in touch.

We run every Saturday morning at Iveshead Community Swimming Pool in Shepshed. We have swim aids, lots of floats and pool toys. We run from 10.30am – 12.30pm - Aqua Fit is on at 11.15am. Sessions are £2.50 for adults and £1 for under 18’s.

There are no membership fees to pay, just the swim fee for each session. The sessions are run by volunteers and qualified life guards. We are a charity and are funded by different sources and grants.

As with all charities our continued success relies on our members swimming with us but also on donations and grants so we can pay for lifeguards, specialist teachers or equipment and overall running costs. We have a fundraising page set up and are also part of the new Charnwood Community Lottery. https://wonderful.org/charity/shepsheddolphinsswimminggroup If you would like any further information on the group, becoming a volunteer or would like to be a sponsor please contact admin@ shepsheddolphins.org.uk or visit www.shepsheddolphins.org.uk

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Als Electronic Shepshed Experience Article by Allan Dobb

Well here we are in the six month of 2022, I do hope you are all enjoying some of the freedoms back, from the covid19 pandemic.

I stated at the beginning of the year as to who this years podcast stars might be. Since I started this project I’m always amazed at the number of you out there who give their time up to serve the community. Volunteering takes not only slices of time, but courage, which to be fair for some has had to be rediscovered, because of the lockdown.

In May I was fortunate to feature Age UK, and my thanks to Isobel Smith for speaking with me. The organisation is celebrating its very own Platinum, along with Queen. The progress through the years including the name changes, have benefited our maturing generations past and present.

Our young people often are looked down on from some quarters, but again during May I got to know Act-one Theatre Group from Shepshed.

I went along to an open day to see what they were about. I met with WendySpencer who is the present chairperson and choreographer, she gave me an interview where we discussed the behind the scenes activities relevant to keeping the group active. I went along to their latest production Aladdin, taken from the Cinema and turned into the stage version. The cast with age ranges from 10-18 years was full of talent, in fact the whole show was first class. I can recommend the whole company as an example of our young people shining. Al’s project will continue to follow their progress.

I started my Jitty journeys around Shepshed, these are walkways that take you and I around Shepshed without hitting the main roads. I started around Coach Road and around that area. My next jaunt will be the Cambridge/ Oxford Street vicinity and a walk along the old canal tow path that runs along the rear of Kings Road. Thanks for your response, it’s been rewarding, and with new residents moving in to Shepshed, it’s worth sharing.

One group that is continuing to serve the community is the Shepshed Cancer Support group. They meet every second Tuesday of each month in the Glenmore Centre from 1pm-3pm. The activities include a bingo session, speakers and chat, they listen and support not only sufferers, but carers as well. So get along and if you are a carer and feel a couple of hours where you will be able to speak with others will help, then please come along. Contact no is Marion on 07547 326566 could you text first.

I update all this information on my group page every day, so do take a look..

June is about to be very busy, with plenty of outdoor shows, and to find out more go to your Facebook search engine and type in the following; Al’s Electronic Shepshed Experience and join in. I will try to keep you all updated.

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Keith Harris

Jane Hunt

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

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

Borough Councillor for Hathern

I recently attended a training session at the council on Carbon Literacy as part of the council’s drive to reach carbon neutrality by 2030. Carbon literacy is the awareness of the impacts of daily activities on the planet and the motivation to reduce emissions causing climate change. The council collectively and each member individually has a role to lead residents in being aware and in reducing emissions. Each councillor had to make two pledges. One of mine was to devote one article to this topic.

I am aware that some residents do not need me to tell them how to suck eggs.

But pretty much all of us could do much more to reduce our carbon and methane footprints.

The future projected by scientific consensus does look grim by 2050 if we don’t reduce emissions of carbon, methane and other greenhouse gases very soon.

Worst case scenarios conjure up an apocalyptic picture of climate devastation, droughts, floods, extinctions, endangered water security, destruction of eco systems, food shortages and millions of refugees from developing countries pouring into richer areas, which can’t cope themselves. That will be inherited by our children and grandchildren and I am glad I might not still be around to experience it.

The alternative is cleaner air, water, renewable energy, millions of green jobs in infrastructure and research, healthy people and sustainable lifestyles, etc. etc.

Member of Parliament

One of my key priorities since being elected as MP is supporting local businesses and ensuring that our local economy remains strong. Throughout the pandemic, I helped a number of businesses, ensuring they were able to access the funding they needed to survive. I championed sectors that were adversely affected and continued to hold business breakfasts online that used to be held in-person. I am proud of the measures the Government put in place to support businesses through the tough times. Over 2,500 businesses were helped in the Loughborough constituency with Covid relief funding. The fact that we have a healthy local economy today is testament to the financial support that was put in place, as well as the tenacity and resourcefulness of the businesses themselves.

Thankfully, we have come out the other side, but supporting local businesses remains one of my key priorities. As such, I will be hosting a business breakfast on Friday 17th June in Loughborough. We are very fortunate to be joined (virtually on the big screen) by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP. He will say a few words to the attendees, and they will then have the chance to put questions to him directly.

Breakfast will be served, as well as tea, coffee and juices. The cost is £10 per ticket, which is designed to cover costs, but any excess will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. If you want to attend, please do sign up here: www.eventbrite.com/e/loughborough-businessbreakfast-with-the-secretary-of-state-for-business-tickets-345676135627 The event is open to all, including those in Hathern and Shepshed.

The main causes of carbon and methane are home heating, the food we eat and where it comes from, transport, shopping and flights.

Everyone in the UK has to heat their home. The alternatives to gas boilers, such as air or ground source heat pumps are expensive at the moment and many people cannot even think about investing in them. However, the prices are coming down.

A heat pump costs around £8,000 to £9,000 and may be more if your house is poorly insulated and you need bigger radiators. The government is giving a grant of £5,000 towards the cost and has taken VAT off them. As more people install, the price will come down further. If your boiler is getting on a bit, don’t install a new one. Gas prices are going to continue to rise for some time and gas boilers will be obsolete soon. No new build can have one in three years’ time. Solar panels reduce energy bills, especially if you install a battery to store up to 8 KWhs. You can sell your surplus to Octopus at an average of around 14p per unit. I got £11 in the first week of May. One couple in Hathern have arranged for a heat pump recently after I flagged it up in an email group. If you can afford to do this, please consider it. Also consider switching to an energy company which focuses on renewable energy like Octopus or Ovo. But be careful at the moment if you have some time left on your fixed tariff as you could end up with a higher bill if you switch now.

We need to think about the food we eat. We don’t all need to become vegan overnight. I am 90+% vegan but I am not going the full way as I am not prepared never to eat coleslaw again because it has a tiny amount of egg in it. However, most of us do consume too much meat and dairy. The methane emissions of farm animals are enormous and this gas is far worse at increasing the greenhouse effect than carbon. Meat is the least efficient use of dwindling land by a country mile by production per acre. We would be a lot healthier as well as the planet. I am 65 in June and am still playing 5 a side football with others decades younger than me.

Another aspect is the distances our food is transported. We need to buy local as much as possible. I have an allotment, so much of our food is transported a mile on my bike. There are not enough plots for everyone but anyone with a garden could have less decking, tarmac and concrete and grow a few veg.

The UK is a car obsessed country. The crazy fuel prices at the moment do not seem to have reduced the amount of cars clogging up the roads. Many car journeys are very short and could be cut out. Please consider walking or cycling.

The villagers see me riding around on my bike. That is another reason I can still play football. One resident told me she is afraid to cycle. You can get all the way into Loughborough off road. My route to Hathern is along the canal and the cycle track along the A6.

Addiction to retail therapy is another cause. Fast fashion accounts for a ridiculously high amount of Greenhouse gases. Buying clothes endlessly, wearing them once or twice and discarding them is a major factor in climate change. We need to buy less clothes and keep them longer. Many of my clothes are second hand and I keep them for ages.

Above all, listen to the science and not to Karen and Gaz on Fleecebook and Numptygram.

Big Week will be over by the time you read this. Have a lovely extended bank holiday. Please find someone to sponsor for the Library’s walk in late June. If you want to take part in some or all of the walk yourself, you can get a sponsor form at the library.

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Recently I attended a recruitment fair that took place in Loughborough. This is the first in what is hoped to be a series of regular events organised by Loughborough Jobcentre and the Careers and Enterprise Hub. It was a drop-in style event where potential employees could find out about new jobs and receive advice and support with CVs, applications, and interview skills. At the time of writing, further events are being planned and details being finalised. If you have any job vacancies or are looking to hire additional staff, do consider getting involved in these recruitment fairs. Please email me and I will put you in touch with the organisers. Alternatively, you can pop along to the next event to find out more. I will be advertising the details on my website www.janehunt.uk as soon as they are finalised.

I love to hear success stories of local businesses, and one such business is Hathern Home Roasted Coffee which is run by local resident, Chris Hill. He is in the process of opening a local coffee roasting workshop in his house in Hathern.

He is also currently selling his coffee to friends and family, as well as people in the village, work colleagues and a small amount online. He is working full time, roasting in the evening and weekends. The beans are all sourced ethically and are from UK wholesale companies. Although I can’t drink coffee as I am allergic to caffeine, my office team absolutely loved the coffee they tasted. Do consider supporting Chris by visiting his Facebook page: www.facebook.com/hathernroast As ever, please do get in touch if I can be of any assistance.

Hathern Parish Council Next Council Meetings Mon 04 July 19:30 - Mon 22 August 19:30 - Mon 26 September 19:30 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: Martin Clayton mclayton@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: John Boyes jboyes@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Ben Murdoch bmurdoch@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Rachel Bennett rbennett@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Dave Neville dneville@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk Councillor: Shona Farmer sfarmer@hathernparishcouncil.org.uk

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Menopause officially marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. This life stage is well known, but there are different stages within menopause, such as peri-menopause, that are less well known, yet not without symptoms.

Medically speaking, peri-menopause starts when the first menopausal symptoms are noticed, typically mid-40s, and ends a year after the last menstrual bleed, or the point in time when menopause has been reached.

Biologically speaking, peri-menopause marks a decline in the production of hormones that drive the menstrual cycle, specifically oestrogen and progesterone.

Although part of the same overall life transition, menopause and perimenopause can have different symptoms. During peri-menopause, you may start to experience symptoms of menopause, such as hot flushes and night sweats, but peri-menopause symptoms can vary greatly, and in some women, are similar to symptoms of PMS. A few more frequently encountered symptoms during peri-menopause include: irregular, painful periods or periods that are heavier than usual, breast pain, hair loss, anxiety and irritability, dryness, temperature irregularity, trouble sleeping and insomnia (and consequently tiredness), low mood and libido, and muscle and joint aches and pains.

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A key point to appreciate is that your adrenal glands (which produce adrenalin when you are stressed) are able to make ‘back-up’ hormones to buffer the fall of oestrogen and progesterone during the menopause. They are less able to do this if you are highly stressed and therefore demanding adrenalin production. Factor in some R&R as a matter of priority to keep the transition from peri-menopause to menopause a happy time.

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Christine Radford Borough Councillor for Shepshed T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com We hope you all enjoyed the jubilee and are looking forward to the summer. Your borough Cllrs are working hard on your behalf whether it be issues regarding planning, housing problems or anti-social behaviour. We can be contacted via email or phone, or if you prefer come along to our monthly surgery.

Planning P/21.2567/2 – SEND School, Loughborough Road – multi use games area, access, parking and landscaping.

P/22/0532/2 – 28 Moorfield Place – single storey side and rear extension P/22/0575/2 – land off Tickow Lane – reserved matters of outline P/20/2088 for 210 dwellings P/22/0348/2 – 3 Coachmans Court – 2 storey extension for carport with bedroom above P/22/0609/2 – 14 Radnor Drive – proposed single storey extension to rear of dwelling P/22/0355/2 – 64B Brickline Lane – change of use of land to create and extended residential cartilage, erection of outbuilding, boundary hedgerow and fence with ecological enhancement management Planning applications granted subject to conditions P/21/2608/2 – 57 Fairway Road – erection of single storey extension to rear of detached house and conversion of garage to living space.

P/22/0224/2 – 52C Iveshead Road – erection of two storey extension to side and single storey to rear of detached dwelling P/22/0019/2 – 7 Woodpecker Way – proposed two storey side extension, conversion of existing garage and erection of brickwork garden wall to front of the property.

P/21/1304/2 – 19 Pentland Avenue – proposed single storey side and rear extension Planning applications refused for reasons P/22/0435/2 – Adams Car Sales, Ashby Road West – LED electronic advertising display Five year supply housing supply update The Council has just published an update following the annual survey. It shows that Charnwood have a 3.04 year supply which is marginally worse than last year and due in large part to the housing target increasing.

The Local Plan will provide for a five year supply on the day it is adopted by Council. This is

currently expected to happen in January 2023.

Local Plan Examination The draft programmes of public hearing sessions have been confirmed. The sessions will run from weeks commencing June 28, July 1 and July 19. The hearings will take place in the Victoria Room at Loughborough Town Hall. The Inspectors’ Matters Issues and Questions (MIQs), essentially the key issues the inspector will be focussing upon, have been published.

The Local Plan programme officer is now contacting people/ organisations who expressed an interest in attending the public hearings and submitting further representations to the relevant part of the inspectors’ MIQs (the Borough Council is the only body that is required to respond to every question). The deadline for all responses was 6th June 2022.

A guidance note for participants in the hearings has also been published; further information about the public hearings, MIQs and guidance note is available on the Local Plan webpages – Examination_Latest_NewsCharnwood_Borough_Council Councils to consider approach over housing and employment distribution District Councils across Leicestershire, working with the City Council and County Council, have agreed to consider a proposed approach to the distribution of new homes and employment land to meet future needs which cannot be accommodated in Leicester.

All Councils in the country need to identify land for new homes and employment sites as part of their strategic planning responsibilities and they are set targets by Government based on how the areas are expected to grow.

However, in some areas like Leicester there is not enough land available to meet these growth targets. Therefore, neighbouring authorities are required under current planning law set by national government to investigate on this ‘unmet need’.

Leicester needs to build around 39,400 new homes up to 2036.

However, despite significant development of Brownfield and Greenfield sites across the city, it does not have the space for around 18,700 of these homes. It also does not have space for around 23 hectares of employment land.

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A planning steering group called the Members Advisory Group, which involves all councils in Leicestershire, has recommended district councils consider formally approving the Statement of Common Ground.

The statement of Common Ground proposes the 23 hectares of unmet need for employment land be met by Charnwood due to an over-supply of employment land and the availability of employment sites and land which is close to the city.

Ramada Hotel High Street, Loughborough The Home Office has commissioned the use of the Ramada Hotel in Loughborough to temporarily house asylum seekers.

The hotel has 80 rooms and will be managed by Serco which has been responsible for carrying out due diligence checks on the hotel.

It has not been confirmed when the hotel will start to be occupied.

It has not been confirmed if the hotel will be occupied by families or single people.

The site will be staffed 24/7 by a combination of security and housing staff who have experience in working with Serco on providing operational cover.

Queries can be raised with Serco’s Asylum Support Engagement Team via this email ASEngagement|Tesam@ homeoffice.ov.uk Full Council on 25th April The business discussed at the meeting was a review of the statement of Licensing Policy, Annual review of the Council’s Constitution, Review of polling districts, polling places and polling stations and the time table for council and committee meetings and member training days for 2022/24. Questions raised previously by councillors were answered by the relevant cabinet lead.

Annual Meeting of the Council 23rd May Cllr. Jenni Tillotson was elected as the Mayor of Charnwood for the next twelve months, Jenni represents Loughborough Storer and Cllr Margaret Smichowicz as deputy Mayor, Margaret represents Nanpantan. £1m investment for leisure centres as new contract confirmed Charnwood Borough Council’s three leisure centres, Loughborough, Soar Valley and South Charnwood, will receive a £1m investment following the signing of a new contract with long-term partner Fusion Lifestyle.

The investment includes improvements to gyms and studios together with a further £150,000

which will be invested in LED lighting at all sites to help reduce carbon emissions.

For more information about the three leisure centres in Charnwood please visit www.fusion-lifestyle. com/contracts/charnwood Three –storey laboratory officially opens after revamp creates base for more than 150 scientists Charnwood Molecular and Charnwood Campus have unveiled lab space which will accelerate the clinical research organisation’s growth in global pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets. It will house more than 150 scientists.

It addresses a national need for highly specialised bio-chemistry facilities that will drive life-saving medicinal discoveries of the future.

The project was supported by a £3.4million investment from the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) in partnership with Charnwood Borough Council.

Funding was used towards recommissioning 57,000 sq ft of unused medicinal chemistry laboratory space on the campus, which forms part of the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone.

The New Charnwood Molecular site was officially opened on 7th April by the Lord-Lieutenant. The Charnwood Campus became the UK’s first Life Science Opportunity Zone (LSOZ) in 2017, a status which comes with a Government commitment to work with local partners on development.

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.ian.williams@ charnwood.gov.uk 07739 389960 (Shepshed West). We meet the first Saturday of the month, 10-11 am in the Town Council offices, 47a Charnwood Road (opposite Tesco)

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webenrolment.aspx?page=%7e%2fwebcontrols%2fsearch.ascx and for more information about the Work & Skills programme is available at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/jobs-and-volunteering/skills-for-jobs/work-andskills-leicestershire

T: 01509 502974 M: 07796 544817 E: christine_radford@hotmail.com

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County Councillor for Shepshed

By the time you receive my June report the Queens Jubilee events will be over. Some of you will have held a street party as we did in the road where I live and a lot of you will have visited the free event held on the Glenmore Park sponsored by the Town Council.

I visited the new George Smith Hub in Coalville which is situated opposite the Council Offices in Coalville. It is a facility which has a hub cafe which holds an advice centre, support and guidance from Falcon services on a Monday and Friday between 10am-4pm, and various other activities during the week.

I have written to highways expressing my concerns and am disappointed that county highways could not see that there is a problem already at the top of Loughborough Road and Forest Street and with the proposed new SEND school, which will replace the old St Botolphs, that the current issues will not be more of a danger to pedestrians, especially as the vehicle entrance into the new school is via Butthole Lane which is the main pedestrian access from that side of Shepshed to Iveshead School and St Botolphs. I did ask if a walking access could be made into the campus from Butthole Lane as there is from Smithy Way. The wild flower areas which were planted out following the road works carried out by Morgan Sindall on the A512 were planted with seed in error, hence why they have been mowed. I have asked county if they can be left to see if they will regenerate as they were a picture last year, Annual Meeting of the County Council 18th May At the meeting the new Chairman was elected, this was Dr Kevin Feltham and the Vice-Chairman was Dan Harrison. Appointments to committees, Cabinet and Cabinet support positions were approved. I am pleased to say that I am still cabinet lead for Adults and Communities which I have held for the previous year. Mr. N. J Rushton was appointed Leader of the Council for the period until the next Annual Meeting of the Council.

Charnwood Museum’s new Ladybird-inspired exhibition to look at the world of work A new exhibition based on a series of much-loved Ladybird books exploring various jobs is expected to be a big crowd puller. The exhibition opens on 18th June until 1st October at the Charnwood Museum.

‘People at Work; Earning a Living in a Ladybird World’ takes its inspiration from the Ladybird series, which began in 1962 with titles including The Policeman, The Postman, The Nurse and The Fireman. Some of the books were updated in the 1980’s, under the People Who Help Us. This time round, the books used photos of real people carrying out their occupations – many of them based in Leicestershire.

The exhibition will feature some of the original illustrations from the books as well as objects and uniforms from Leicestershire County Council’s museum collections inspired by the titles.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see displays of uniforms and other objects linked to the police, fire service, nurses, postal workers, miners, shop workers and more.

There will be the chance for younger visitors to dress up, as well as a number of hands-on tasks to try out such as cooking in a hotel kitchen, sorting letters and riding in a fire engine cab.

Entry to the museum is free. More information including opening times is available on www.charnwoodmuseum.co.uk Skills for Life courses add up for people who want to improve numeracy During National Numeracy Day, County supported it by showcasing all the exciting courses they have available to help people improve their numeracy and maths skills.

County have a wide range of Skills for Life courses tailored for different levels of ability and needs to allow learners to meet their goals. There is also a Works & Skills programme, which offers support with skills, training and employment. The free service is available to anyone living in Leicestershire who needs help finding work or training.

There is a range of face-to-face and on line sessions, both day and evenings to ensure that everyone can develop their numeracy skills in a way that fits into their lifestyle.

The full range of maths and numeracy courses can be searched and enrolled on our GoLearn website at https://lals.abscloud.co.uk/PSWebEnrolment/

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I have been asked by a number of residents whether they can visit the site. This will not be able to happen during construction due to Health and Safety, I have been assured, that once the site is up and running then open days will be arranged. I shall keep you informed when I have this information.

Queens’s baton is coming to Loughborough in the run-up to the games Birmingham is hosting the 16th official relay, which brings together communities in the various participating countries during the build up to the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Birmingham from July 28th to August 8th.

The baton will travel the length and breadth of England for 29 days.

Loughborough will officially welcome the baton on Monday 11th July.

During the time in Loughborough, the relay will visit the University, Queen’s Park and the Market Place.

Action Fraud Action Fraud has received 752 reports in four days relating to fake emails purporting to be from Ofgem. The emails state that the recipient is eligible for a rebate as a result of a newly announced government scheme. The links in the emails lead to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Remember, your bank or any other official organisation will not ask you to share personal information over email or text.

Spotted a suspicious email? Forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) – report@phishing.gov.uk Your help and support – my contact details Without your help in keeping me informed regarding issues around Shepshed, I would not be able to do my job. For help and advice on County matters, I can be contacted on 01509 502974, or 07796 544817 or e mail christine_radford@hotmail.com or christine.radford@leics.gov.uk , my monthly surgery, is held on the first Saturday of the month in the Town Council Offices, 47a Charnwood Road, (opp. Tesco) You do not need an appointment; I will be there from 10-11 am.

SHEPSHED TOWN COUNCIL VACANCY FOR 1 TOWN COUNCILLOR (CO-OPTION)

Applications are invited for the position of Town Councillor To be able to stand as a Town Councillor, an application must: • be at least 18 years old • be a British citizen, an eligible Commonwealth citizen or a citizen of any member state of the European Union, and meet at least one of the following four qualifications: a.

You are, and will continue to be, registered as a local government elector for the parish

b.

You have occupied as owner or tenant any land or other premises in the parish area during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination

c.

Your main or only place of work during the 12 months prior to the day of your nomination

d.

You have lived in the parish area or within three miles of it during the whole of the 12 months before the day of your nomination

Apply in writing to Mrs Brenda Snape Clerk to the Council at 47a Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9QE or Email: contact@shepshedtowncouncil.org Closing Date for Applications is Friday 1st July 2022

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Get Your Lawn Ready For Summer With warmer, longer days on the horizon, the beautiful bright colours of your garden are best enjoyed alongside a lush, green lawn. As the centrepiece of your garden, GreenThumb Lawn Treatment Service will ensure your lawn reaches its full potential as a weed-free, healthy, and well-loved lawn.

Shepshed Toy Library Article by Catherine Tideswell

Many people still don’t know that we exist – but we are the only dedicated static Toy Library in Leicestershire and we’re right on your doorstep. Did you know you could be saving yourself hundreds of pounds for toys for each pre-school child? Not only that, but you would be helping the planet too.

Also, can you imagine the clutter 4 years’ worth of toys can bring? We have over 1000 toys to loan and you can take up to 12 items at a time. Jigsaw’s, DVD’s, CD’s and games – any 3 count as 1 toy!! We also have outdoor toys such as balls with pits, ride on toys, tents and slides. Rainy day inside? How about a big choice of dressing up clothes, small world/ toddler toys, musical instruments and baby packs? Toy exchange is bookable. If you’d like to join, turn up between 9.30 and 11am on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning during term time and bring ID with your address on. Other times can be arranged for those with work commitments. There is a small charge – either for borrowing individual toys or with a termly or annual membership.

Did you know the first month is free?!

Fancy Stay and Play sessions with your baby, toddler or pre-schooler?

These are run by a qualified play leader. Just turn up during term time on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday 9.30am – noon. Themed sessions feature craft and messy play activities. There is a good selection of toys and dressing up clothes for pre-school children to play with. Adults can buy snacks, drinks and (craft) stationery. We are situated at the bottom of the Iveshead campus with parking free of charge. Thanks to our generous grant funders, this charity has been running since 1984. For further information please head onto our online catalogue via shepshedtoylib.org.uk We are here for the families of Charnwood and surrounding areas – so please use us! We also welcome childminders, playgroups, nannies and schools etc! (We close for summer on 8th July). Up to date details can also be found on Facebook.

We are also running a find the ‘Shepshed plaques’ competition, £1 per sheet. Just pop into the Toy Library, the Volunteer centre, Meet ‘n’ Eat or Dilips (Premier) to collect a copy. Deadline 29th June. The exercise can also be ‘just for fun’.

New Chairman Of Shepshed Town Council

Article by Brenda Snape Newly elected Chairman of Shepshed Town Council, Cllr David Northage (seated). Cllr Northage was elected on 4th May in place of Cllr Peter Grainger, who held the post for 2 years. Cllr Northage is being supported by Vice-Chairman, Cllr Ian Williams.

Photo: L-R Cllr Ian Williams, Cllr David Northage (seated) and previous Chairman, Cllr Peter Grainger.

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Can You Help Us At STEPS? Article by Janet Russell

Steps Conductive Education Centre in Shepshed has been providing a free service for young children with conditions that affect movement such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or other chromosome disorders since 2008.

We also support the families of these children and they have thanked us for providing what they describe as being a lifeline for them, particularly during some of the dark times of the past two years.

As a charity that receives no income from outside sources, we need to raise £220,000 every year to cover the annual running costs. Consequently, we are always very grateful when kind people offer to help us as volunteers.

At the moment our garden needs some TLC so if anyone could spare a couple of hours a month to help with general weeding, tidying and lawnmowing, that would help us enormously.

We always have a list of minor maintenance jobs such as painting, sanding and varnishing equipment and other similar tasks.

If this is something that you could help with, we would be really pleased to hear from you!

If ‘lifting and shifting’ is your thing, we have a container and a shed that need emptying and re-organising.

We urgently need a key-holder and alarm responder. This would be a paid post and you would need to live in or near Shepshed, plus have your own insurance cover for such work.

If you could help with any of the above tasks, even for an hour or two per month, we would love to hear from you!

Please email Janet at manager@stepscentre.org.uk or ring 01509 506878 and leave a message. To find out more about Steps, visit www.stepscentre. org.uk or find us on Facebook at Steps Conductive Education Centre.

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