March 2020 Your Local Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Newtown Linford, Woodhouse / Eaves

Page 1

r u yo

y y pp Da Ha ers o M

LOCAL

6000 delivered FREE to homes and businesses in Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston, Newtown Linford, Swithland, Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves. March 2020

Using Pure Water, We Clean: Gutters and Fascias, Barge Boards, Windows & Conservatories, PV Panels

INSTALLER

JET WASHING - PATIOS - DRIVEWAYS

Our Chimney Sweeping Services: Power & Traditional Brush Sweeping, Stove Cleaning & Servicing, Door Seal & Rope Replacement, Smoke Testing, Cowl Fitment

• RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CLEANING • FULLY INSURED • FRIENDLY LOCAL COMPANY To make your booking or for more information, please call Kevin O’Brien:

T: 01530 510833 - M: 07572122236 - www.5starguttercleaning.co.uk


ARE STAIRS BECOMING A PROBLEM? Trust local mobility company Candor Care to help you regain independence and confidence with a bespoke stairlift designed for you. • BHTA approved and a “Which?”Trusted Trader • Stairlift assessment at your home or at our assessment centre in Coalville • Highly competitive instant quotes • 24/7 breakdown and repair service • Next day installation available

ASK US ABOUT OUR RENTAL OPTIONS

From just £40.00 per month* with next day installation *Subject to an initial £350 installation charge (including 1st months rent and removal)

“My stairlift from Candor Care was affordable and reliable. It’s changed my life” Mr J.Coalville ★★★★★

GET YOUR FREE HOME ASSESSMENT & QUOTE Contact your local stairlift company today! (NO obligation & NO pushy sales techniques) CALL or visit www.candorcare.co.uk

Office & Showroom The Scotlands Ind Est, London Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3JJ

2

Call Today & Find Out How We Can Help

Call: 0330 100 4564

Visit: www.candorcare.co.uk or email: info@candorcare.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


your

LOCAL

JOIN & FOLLOW US facebook.com/openboxpromotions twitter.com/openboxpromo

SALES TEAM DAWN HARRIS T: 0800 6446 150 E: dawn@openboxpromotions.co.uk

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER ANDREW LEWIS M: 07504 634 838 E: andy@openboxpromotions.co.uk

PUBLISHED BY OPEN BOX PROMOTIONS LTD T: 0800 6446 150 E: sales@openboxpromotions.co.uk W: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk Open Box Promotions Ltd, 42 Forest Rise, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester, LE9 2HQ

PRINTED BY NORWOOD PRESS T: 01530 262020 E: info@norwoodpress.co.uk W: www.norwoodpress.co.uk Norwood Press, Unit 1, Moore Road, South Leicester Industrial Estate, Ellistown, LE67 1EU

NEXT ISSUE OUT DELIVERY DATE: Wednesday 1st April 2020

DEADLINE DATE: Tuesday 24th March 2020

Deadline and delivery dates are subject to change depending on how far we are ahead or behind. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the original advertisers & contributors and do not necessarily represent Your Local or Open Box Promotions Ltd. Open Box 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

Get fit – have fun – meet friends Have you ever wondered who the group of runners who were jogging along the streets of Anstey a couple of nights a week? With their high viz clothing and many head torches, they pound the streets of the village and surrounding countryside. Some quite quickly, some (me) -not so fast. I would like to introduce and invite you to Team Anstey Amblers and Runners or TAAAR for short. We are a hugely mixed group of people, ranging from beginners to ultra-marathon runners. We meet up to three times a week to either aim to get fit, keep fit or train for something more ambitious. Since 2014, we have grown from a tiny group to over 100 members this year reflecting the country’s increasing appetite for fitness for both body and mind. If you are anything like me, who hated PE at school, but saw all these people out running, doing a free, open air exercise and thought I wish I could actually do that, well you actually can! And this girl did. TAAAR are part of the Leicestershire Running and Athletics network and some of the group regularly take part in Countywide races. Some are training for marathons; some are recovering from injury and might be taking it steady. Many are new to running, and their ticket to this ever-growing sport, was by participating in a Couch to 5km scheme, or C25K. We run a supportive C25K programme, and our next one is starting on March 10th 2020, graduating in a celebratory Park Run in Braunstone on May 16th, where TAAAR are volunteering to Marshall and help run this event, so you’ll have plenty of fans cheering you along the way. See the following advert for more information about the next C25K. Your £16 fee for this pays for run leader training and admin fees and includes a £10 discount on membership fees if you want to stay on and join the club. We also run a TAAAR Juniors section on Thursday evenings, so that we can include those under 16. As a group, we are tremendously encouraging of each other in our running/ambling endeavours. We are all volunteers -our committee and all our members help to ensure that you are supported as you participate as little or as much as you like. Our Saturday morning runs are early and more ambitious, and our week night ones are filled with Pacing sessions for those who want to improve their speed, and with Out-and-Back sessions, where you run a pre-planned route as far as you can one way, then at the half way point you turn around and run back. This is a perfect system that ensures you only do what you are able to do. You can walk it if you like, but it works that everyone returns at the same time. If someone is faster than you, all that happens is that they run further, and you can’t beat that supportive ‘well done’ you hear from all the runners as you pass them, or they pass you! Most Tuesdays and Thursday Evenings we meet generally on Jubilee Hall, Anstey, LE7 7AY (in the Winter) and at various points including Bradgate Park when the nights are light. Saturday morning meetup locations are organised by the run leaders each week. Sundays are often the date for league races where you can wear club colours and race as part of the road race network or get muddy cross country. Several times a year, we run social nights, including skittles, meals out and quizzes. We only ask for £28/year from members, to cover admin costs and membership of UK Athletics. This is a total bargain, considering what you can take from being a member. You can come as little or as often as you like, and no-one will judge you. You can come along and trot slowly, chatting with your friends as you plod, or take part with the mindset to run as far and as fast as you can. Have a look at our Website https://www.teamanstey.co.uk or email us at teamanstey@hotmail.com.

Central Heating & Combi Repairs 189101

Tel: 07973 784 457

• No Call Out Charge • Same Day Service • Boiler Service & Maintenance • Gas Fires Service & Repair • Central Heating Power Flushing • Landlord Safety Certificates • Out Of Hours Service Call Alan 0116 224 4975 Alan Douglas Heating 216 5131 Anstey Lane Leicester. alan@combirepair.com

Steve Goodger

Electrical Services

Re-wires - Extra Sockets - Lighting Burglar Alarms - Security Lighting or any other electrical problems Part P Registered Over 30 years experience in the electrical trade 29 Dalby Road, Anstey, Leicester

Call Steve on 07724 057567

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

3


Anstey Nomads Latest News... Anstey Nomads have been on an Award-Winning run of late, unbeaten in eight games, the Nomads were named Uhlsport United Counties League Premier Division Team of the Month for January 2020. Apart from their stellar league form, Tony Blanchard has also led his side to their first appearance in the Leicestershire & Rutland County FA Senior Challenge Cup Final in over two decades. Since a 4-0 defeat away to Loughborough University late in January, a match that was temporary halted for 15 minutes due to thick fog, Anstey have won six and drawn two, a run that has lifted them to seventh in the League and includes a upset of Heather St. John’s in the semi-final of the County Cup. Four straight away wins in the league; 5-3 over Boston Town, 3-1 at Pinchbeck United, 21 vs Shepshed Dynamo and 3-2 at Northampton O.N. Chenecks, have been bookended by a 2-0 win at home to Harborough Town and a 1-1 draw against Rothwell Corinthians, a match that was moved to Beaumont Park’s 3G pitch after the Callingtons Community Complex pitch was left underwater thanks to Storms Ciara and Dennis on consecutive weekends. The other two recent results were a midweek 1-1 draw at home to Oadby Town and the hard-fought 1-0 victory in the Cup at the County FA’s base, Holmes Park. Corey Armeni scored the only goal of the match in a fiery encounter that saw a melee involving all the outfield players, no punches were thrown but two players from each side found themselves in the Referee’s notebook.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: 2nd – 8th March A STAGGERING 1.25 million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder. And every one of them is affecting other people by that disorder. In fact, it is reckoned that as many as five million of us in the UK are struggling to help someone whom we care about, who has an eating disorder.

If you know anyone with an eating disorder, or if you have an eating disorder, there is a website may help. Please go to: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/edaw

Corey Armeni Scores the Winner to Send Anstey Nomads to the Final. Image courtesy of Simon Kimber Photography

Nick Reeves has found the net four times in the current run, a hat-trick away to Boston Town and the equaliser versus Rothwell Corinthians at the weekend. “The club is in the midst of a purple-patch” said Chairman Karl Watson, “we have over 300 junior members since our merger with Anstey Swifts, which, on the back of promotion last season and a great campaign from the first team this year hopefully has us poised to push on further next season. “We’ve recently announced that we’ll be launching an Under 21 side next season to help progress our local youngsters in to the first team and we’re currently looking for a Manager for that side. The Clubhouse has been revamped and is available to hire, which is helping drive revenue for the Club and enabling us to push on further.”

Grant funding made easier for churches CHANGES have been announced making it easier for parishes to apply for funding to support fabric repairs. The Church of England, working with the Wolfson Foundation and the National Churches Trust (NCT), has announced that during 2020 administration of the Wolfson Foundation funds for fabric repairs of churches will move from the Cathedral & Church Buildings Division of the Church of England to the National Churches Trust. (The Wolfson Fabric Repairs grants programme supports fabric repairs for Grade I and II*, A and B+ listed Anglican church buildings throughout the United Kingdom. £400,000 per year is awarded to projects, including urgent roof repairs, improving rainwater goods, drainage works, and wall repairs. In 2019, awards were given to 79 parishes.) The move to the National Churches Trust will result in a simplified funding application process for fabric repairs. Parishes will be able to submit one application form and be considered for up to two fabric repair grants.

World Book Day 2020 is coming on Thursday 5 March with this year’s theme to ‘share a million stories’. This World Book Day the goal is to ‘share a million stories’ across the UK on Thursday 5 March. So sign up and record every time you share a story to be in with a chance of winning £1,000 worth of books every week throughout March. 15 million £1 book tokens will be handed out this year! Children will be able to swap their token for one of the 15 exclusive, new and completely free World Book Day books. Alex Rider Undercover: Four Secret Files by Anthony Horowitz, Kid Normal and the Loudest Library by Chris Smith and Greg James and many more are available.

https://www.worldbookday.com 4

This will reduce form filling for the parishes. There will also only be one reporting and claims process for the two grants, again reducing the burden of paperwork on parishes.

GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US?

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


Still the Best Value Around Interim Services from £65 Full Services from £130 Diagnostics from £25 MOT’s plus FREE re-test £30 Follow us on Instagram Please mention you saw this advert in the Your Local

0116 2237048

&KHVWQXW 5RDG *OHQÂżHOG /HLFHVWHU /( '% (PDLO OOR\GVJDUDJHOWG#JPDLO FRP

If you are OVER 60 it ÂŁ75 will only COST YOU ÂŁ75* to make or update your Will.

Property Protection Trust

We are also Lasting Power of ÂŁ95 Attorney Specialists - ONLY ÂŁ95* each LPA if instructed during the Will appointment. Our prices include home visits and Inheritance Tax advice.

Call us now for a friendly chat on: 01163 191123

www.kornerstonelegal.co.uk|info@kornerstonelegal.co.uk w www ww.k kornerstonelegal.co.uk 19 Kirkhill | Shepshed | LE12 9PA | Freephone: 0800 193 7377 VAT Reg Number 328741586. *Our prices include VAT. These very special rates are only available if you are over 60 years old. Normal price for standard Will ÂŁ125, ÂŁ195 for two. We also provide Funeral Plans. LPA if instructed without a Will it is ÂŁ105. Kornerstone Legal Services Ltd is in association with Kornerstone Wealth Protection Ltd.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

5


1- 63'

7%

+ *(!. "% ( +")% % - 35 +4 434,.66 ( . %" " % % -+ %( % %-& #+& # ($,%

/.-,+*)('.&,+*% 32 ($#+*($#%%" '(! ."( .#.&+ ( . %" # %--(/.-, ( ) . %-

1- 63'

%

7 7

77 7

/.-,+*)('.&,+*% 32 ($#+*($#%%"

"'(! ."( .#.&+ ('+*( .- ( (! ." ( ) . % ( . %"

/.-,+*)('.&,+*% 32 ($#+*($#%%"

'(! ." . ( .#.&+ ( . %" 35 +4 434,.66 /,+ %

%

7 7

+ *( +-, .-,% ( .&%($% +*) ( ) . % + %( % . +-%(!% % ( " ( . %"

!..6/5"!.*)6, ,0 7654365216406/5.-54,,-+ +,*6 .)4.5 (65 4365 ,-(5 4'6,.0 05 &-3 %$7$#5"!.*)6,054,/5 6/3-- 0 7)-5026*!41!065!, 602- 65 4/65.-5 640+36 !.*)6,5 5 6/3-- 5&+3,!.+36 164065*4115!,5&-35&+3.)635/6.4!10 /

/.-,+*)('.&,+*% 32 ($#+*($#%%" '(! ." "( .#.&+ ( . . %" 35 +43 34,.66 ( ) . . %-

% #

that Slimming World feeling! Zip into spring

Wednesday 9.30am 5.30pm & 7.30pm Anstey Methodist Church, Cropston Road LE7 7BP

0116 234 0548 We can take carre of every detail, advise and help you o on each and every step of the way. • Qualified ed Funeral ra Dirreectorrss • Florra al Tribu utes arrra anged • Hearrsse, Limousines Lim and altern natives available • Monu umental Serrvvice • Car parking a available

• Online tribute and donation prro ofile • Catering suite • Chapels of rreest • Funerra al plans available • 24 hour serrvvice

Louise Valk 07525 447752 slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

Watch batteries and straps fitted while you wait All brands Waterproof testing available Funeral arran n eme ng ments can be made in the comfortt of your ur own home if preferred.

Talbott House, Leicest e er Road, Anstey, Leiccesterr,, Leicestershire LE77 7A AT T ansteyfunerals.com Weebsite: www.ansteyfune nerals.com Email: talbotthouse@a

6

SYKES JEWELLERS Tel - 0116 236 2510 8 Bradgate Road, Anstey, LE7 7AA www.sykesjewellers.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


Report from Anstey Parish Council The Armed Forces Covenant Chairman of the Parish Council, Councillor Martin Broomhead attended the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant on the 31st January 2020. Anstey Parish Council were one of nine parish and town councils that have shown their commitment to supporting military personnel community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. The Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and do not face disadvantage. Groups, organisations, charities, local authorities and businesses are encouraged to sign up to it. Councillor Mandy Jordan is the Armed Forces Champion for Anstey Parish Council and is looking into the types of support that can be offered locally to veterans. More information will be circulated in due course about local initiatives you can contact Councillor Jordan can be contacted by email: cllr.mandy.jordan@ansteypc.org

GB Spring Clean – 28th March 2020 We are asking all residents who have concerns about litter to take part in the Great British Spring Clean. The Parish Council are organising a litter pick on Saturday March 28th 2020. The Great British Spring Clean is about demonstrating that you love where you live, if you would like to be part of the country’s biggest mass-action environmental campaign, please come along and join in so that your street is included. Please let us know if are interested and meet at Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey, LE7 7AY at 10am. All litter picking equipment will be provided. If you are under 18, please bring an adult with you.

Plastic Free Community Status Anstey Parish Council are striving to achieve the Plastic Free Community Status by running the following initiatives: • Encouraging hall users to use our equipment and not to use plastics when they have their celebrations • Being a drop off point to recycle crisp packets • Being a ‘refill station’ for people to refill their water bottles • Long term plan for an outdoor water fountain to be installed at the Hall • Running Litter Picking events In order to achieve Plastic Free Community Status the Council needs support from local businesses and community groups. The Council has contacted most of the businesses and groups in the village, and unfortunately has had a very low response. If you know of a business or group that is interested in taking action to reduce and remove single use plastics please contact the Council.

Grant Opportunity– 21st April 2020 This year Anstey Parish Council is offering groups in Anstey the opportunity to bid for a portion of £1000.00. Members of the public will decide which 5 groups will receive £200.00 of the grant. If your group is interested in applying, please contact the office for an application form.

Cemetery The planned work to create a garden of remembrance is now underway in Anstey Cemetery. This work started on the 12th

February and is expected to take approximately six weeks. Plans for the finished garden are available to view at the parish office and are also available on the fencing at the cemetery.

Neighbourhood Plan The next meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee will be held on Wednesday 22nd April starting at 7pm at the Jubilee Hall. Unfortunately, the first meeting was poorly attended so we are hoping to relaunch this project in April. Anstey PC would encourage you to take part in this new project for Anstey that will help determine the built environment for Anstey. If you would like to find out more about this work please contact the Parish Office. Councillor Grant Cotton is the Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee and is Championing this project on behalf of the community. Councillor Cotton can be contact by email: cllr.grant.cotton@ansteypc.org Parish Council Meetings will be held on the following Tuesday evenings 17th March, 7th April and 28th April 2020 starting at 7.30 at the Jubilee Hall all members of the public are welcome to these meetings.

Liz Hawkes - Clerk to the Council

Your Councillors are Your councillors can be contacted through the council offices: Tel: (0116) 236 2646 or email: clerk@ansteypc.org

Organ donation changes this Spring THE LAW around organ donation is changing in England. This means that from spring 2020, all adults in England will be considered an organ donor when they die unless they had recorded a decision not to donate or are in one of the excluded groups. This is commonly referred to as an ‘opt out’ system. Your family would always be involved before donation takes place, so it is really important that you choose whether you want to be a donor and discuss what you want to happen with your family, so your decision is clear and they can have peace of mind knowing that your decision is being honoured. For more information, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

7


resident of Loughborough, or that of the Borough, or failing that, attending an educational establishment in the Borough: Able to gain from the experience socially, vocationally and academically.

David Snartt Reports... Borough Councillor for Forest Bradgate

Charnwood Borough Council hosted the event where Parish and Town Councils from across the Borough came together to pledge their support for current serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.

rich hay meadows bounded by mature and species rich hedgerows. The hedgerows entrance the site’s nature conservation interest and provide valuable nesting, feeding and sheltering habitat for birds and invertebrates. A number of well used public footpaths traverse the meadows demonstrating the local community’s use and enjoyment of the site.

I was pleased to see that both Parish Councils within my Council Ward, Newtown Linford and Woodhouse signed the covenant at this event. The Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 to help develop and support the armed forces community and insure that military personnel do not face any disavantages as a result of their service.

More information can be viewed by using google, Natural England Johnsons’ Meadows. Natural England are consulting on the notification. Charnwood Borough Council would like to receive any comments by e-mailing biodiversity@charnwood.gov.uk by the 1st May. Comments will be added to the Council’s feedback to Natural England.

Parish Councils Support for Armed Forces Nine Parish Councils within the Borough of Charnwood have shown their commitment to supporting the military personnel community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Scholarship to the Goethe Institute

Council Tax Proposal Charnwood Borough Council is proposing to raise its share of council tax by less than 9p per week for a band D property. The proposed increase would see the annual charge for an average band property rise ÂŁ4.43 (3.63%) to ÂŁ126.52p from April 1st 2020. The Council has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 201 district councils.

Each year, Loughborough’s twin town of Schwäbisch Hall in Germany offers a scholarship to a young person to study the German language at the Goathe Institute in the town. The scholarship lasts four weeks and this year is held between 3rd August until 27th August.

I have received information from Charnwood Borough Council that they have been informed of the notification of a new Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Woodhouse Eaves, which became effective on 31st January 2020. The meadows are situated between the villages of Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves and in my view, give a wonderful natural break between the two villages within the Parish.

The town of Schwäbisch Hall meets all costs including course fees, board and lodgings for the student. The student has to meet the costs of travel to and from Schwäbisch Hall and cover the cost of any spending money. Students are accommodated in houses belonging to the Institute and meals are taken at the Institute or at the boarding house. Schwäbisch Hall invites each of its twin towns to nominate a student for the scholarship and the student is then assessed by the Institute and offered a course suited to their ability and aspirations.

Details from Natural England include, Johnsons’ Meadows supports nationally important species – rich lowland neutral grassland. The site comprises a contiguous series of six traditionally managed and flower

The scholarship is open to all young people who meet the following criteria: Aged between 18 and 26 years: Has studied/is studying German and has a basic understanding of the language: Has been/is a

Johnsons’ Meadows

Domestic Property Maintenanc ce Handyman

Kitchens Fitted

Wall And Floor Tiling

General Property Repairs Painting And Decorating

ors Wood And Laminate Floo

Garden Tidy And Manicurred Call Cliffff 0116 2362757 or 077085896 641 No job too small!

8

If anyone is interested in the scholarship and meets the criteria outlined above, further information, including reports from previous recipients of the scholarship is available on the Charnwood Borough Council’s website www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/ goetheinstitutescholarship

The Outwoods I know many residents living in my Council Ward visit The Outwoods. Therefore, I thought you may be interested to hear about the latest planning application approved for a visitor centre adjacent to the car park. Charnwood Borough Council submitted the application last year to convert the former ranger’s cottage into a cafÊ and visitor centre. Work is due to start in the spring with the aim of the centre opening this autumn. The ranger’s cottage has been largely unused for many years, therefore, it will be brought back to life to improve facilities for everyone who visits this ancient and much loved woodland. It is intended the visitor centre would include a cafÊ, toilets and space for displays. It would also be adapted to encourage bats to roost there through the inclusion of lead bat access points and flying space. The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland near to the Parish of Woodhouse Eaves and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest by Natural England, which means it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology. It will soon be time again to see the magnificent display of bluebells which are generally at their best the first week in May. If you haven’t been it is certainly worth a look. If you need to contact me on any issues, please write to 10 Groby Lane, Newtown Linford, Leicester. LE6 0HH e-mail cllr.david.snartt@charnwood.gov.uk or telephone 01530 244804

Local Computerr Sales and Repaiirs establ blli lished 2005

Prompt, o Reliable Service w with Jargon a g Fre ee Help & Adv vice New PC's, Laptops & Softw tware supplied including Set Up PC Security Checks and Malware or Virus removal Repairs, Upgrades and d Help with using Softwar t e

Engineer visits available at a time to suit you Open Mon - Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 5pm Telephone 0116 2395389 support@icncomputers.co.uk www.icncomputers.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


Glenfield Country Market The Country Market Society, (previously known as WI Markets), celebrated 100 years as an organisation in 2019. Although sadly Country Markets struggle to survive in many parts of the country, here at Glenfield the Country Market is still running and aims to remain a vibrant part of village life for many more years to come.

From Panto to Farce!

The Latimer Players production of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates last November was a huge success, playing to full houses. The new members to the group made a big hit with our audience and we are pleased to say that some of them will be appearing in our spring production.

.-,+*),-('&%$+#"!' " ,# ")+ '&" *#' )" #$"( !' # ' ")-'

Our spring production will be ‘Love and Money’ by Raymond Hopkins. We have built up a good rapport with Ray, having performed several of his plays, which our audiences appear to like, and our members enjoy performing. Â

."% !' )-- ,' - '

' ' ",,',+#"! ,*", ,+# ' ," ,(' --'( !

‘Love and Money’ is a farcical comedy which takes place in the lounge of the Feltons’ house.Â

# -- ')+ -$(,' % ,' (,' )+ ' +(' ", ," , ' - +# ' +('-% -' "%($ , ' )"(' % , ' +('*,,(," +(' (,' " *# ' , ,--,"! ' "(

Life has been passing fairly smoothly for Derek and Pauline Felton until one evening when they return home to find their home has been burgled. Derek has always had a materialistic outlook on life and decides that their new house insurance policy will yield a lucrative pay out. Pauline becomes increasingly unhappy about her husband’s course of action.Â

The Country Market is a +(' $ ' %", not-for-profit organisation which enables producers to sell handmade goods for sale, paying a commission to cover running costs for this weekly event. Producers cook, craft and grow and display their wares at our popular market held each Friday in St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield (LE3 8DP) from 9am11am.

Neighbour, Joyce Clements witnessed the robbery and calls in daily to offer support, advice and unwelcome comments. To add to the mayhem the vicar unexpectedly calls round. The hilarious confusion which follows has a surprising twist at the end which means the Feltons’ lives will never be the same again. Production dates are April 23rd, 24th and 25th in the Memorial Hall, Thurcaston. Tickets are available from Christine Deavin christinedeavin@gmail.com 0116 2376855 and are priced at ÂŁ7.00 each. There will be cafĂŠ style seating and you are invited to bring drinks, glasses and nibbles. You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.

This year we have decided to try to cast our net more widely and will be holding our first Craft Fair to showcase what we do. Why not join us to find out more? The Spring Craft Fair is to be held on Saturday 18th April 2020 at Groby Village Hall (LE6 0JD) from 10am - 4pm and, what’s more, there will be a free entry! There will be refreshments on sale and we have invited other local crafters to join us. We hope that this event will interest you and you can be sure of a warm welcome. Thank you

Tap and go... straight into debt THE INCREASING USE of contactless payments is leading young people into debt. A recent study has found that one in five Londoners below the age of 45 are struggling to pay their debts, because of the ease of making ‘tap and go’ payments. Now more than one in 10 young people are thinking of stopping their contactless and online payments, and moving back to cash, as a better way to control their spending. The study was carried out at the University of London. It comes after data from the Insolvency Service showed that the number of young people going bankrupt has increased 10-fold over the past three years.

IK MOWERS

Family run business with 30years experience in repairing and servicing all makes and models of garden machinery. Business is carried out on site at a time and date convenient to the customer. We also carry out repairs on Sunday’s.

Please call or text 07904 103602 7 days a week 8am-9pm Email ikmowers@yahoo.co.uk and we will get back to you asap.

The cast of the April production, (Back Left to front) Rachael Eames, Jane Morris, John Rolinson, James Bennett, Roger Bannister, Tom McGreal, Robyn Shaw, Meg Grant.

Wed morning class 10.30am - 12.30 (10 weeks starting Apr 22nd - ÂŁ100) Beginners Drawing & Painting - An introduction to all media and various techniques. For those that are setting out on a new interest.

Art Classes

With INGRID KLEINS-DANIELS April to June term 2020 King George Rooms, Woodhouse Eaves

Thurs mornings 10.30 - 12.30pm (10 weeks starting Apr 23rd - ÂŁ100) Intermediate Art Course - Improving techniques in watercolours, pastels, acrylics, mixed media, drawing and painting. For those with some previous experience. Thurs afternoons 1.30-3.30pm (10 weeks starting Apr 23rd - ÂŁ100) Advanced Art - For those with previous experience, working on different themes to extend personal interpretation and skills.

Call Ingrid: 07951 911699 Email: ingriddaniels@hotmail.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

9


FILM PRESENTATIONS

Thurcaston and Cropston Local History Society

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council

Our presenter at the meeting in February was Sandra Moore, a local lady whose information is always imparted with enthusiasm and humour. This time, dressed in a ‘pinny’ and turban, and under the name of ‘May Clement’, Sandra recounted one ordinary woman’s experiences and memories of the Second World War.

In February, we heard beautiful playing from our talented concert pianist, Dr Don Shirley. Of course, during his long courageous tour of the American deep south, he was only allowed to use hotels and restaurants which were listed in the Green Book for American Negros, even though this true story is of 1962. Dr Shirley's American Italian chauffeur showed great respect for him and their close, yet amusing, relationship produced a joyous film with a happy ending.

Her stories: of children being evacuated; of couples parting at railway stations as their loved one went away; of people’s houses being demolished by bombs, and of the times spent in air-raid shelters (where both laughter and fear were part of everyday life), were amusing, informative and, at times, very sad. She described food rationing, from the point of view of an ordinary housewife, whose pre-war cleaning job, had been supplemented by a job in a munitions factory. Descriptions of long waits in queues, desperate to purchase the rapidly disappearing meat or sausages, were followed by accounts of families, trying, in comical ways to retain normality as festive celebrations had to be catered for. ‘May Clement’ recalled eating odd meats (whale?) and equally strange ‘vegetables’ gathered from hedgerows, as attempts were made to eke out food supplies.

“Downton Abbey” will be shown on March 13th and lasts 122 minutes. In March, we are showing the latest British drama from Lord Julian Fellowes. This film shows the much anticipated happenings at Downton Abbey, starring Dame Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton CBE and Hugh Bonneville. We see the exciting preparations for the success of a visit by royalty, King George V and Queen Mary to the country mansion of Lord and Lady Grantham.

Each story brought back memories to those people in our audience whether they remembered the War (and some people did!) or whether the account reminded them of stories their own parents had told them years ago. The pre-recorded sound effects, alongside the somewhat unexpected thunder and lightening outside the Memorial Hall, added to the atmosphere. Sandra’s presentation and role play were, as usual, most realistic. She stood for the full fifty minutes of her talk. Considering that many months ago, she had a very bad fall, which has resulted in reduced mobility and a great deal of pain, we are particularly grateful that she was able to entertain and enlighten us in such an interesting way.

“Fisherman’s Friends” will be shown on April 17th and lasts 112 minutes.

Please note: Our next meeting will be at 7:30pm on Tuesday March 17th at The Memorial Hall, Anstey Lane, Thurcaston. Eddie Smallwood will tell us about ‘Victorian Crime and Punishment in Leicester’.

We are showing this incredible British true story as our April film. Ten Cornish men were signed to Universal Records and achieved a top ten hit with their traditional folk songs and sea shanties. They were bound together by lifelong friendships and forty years shared experience, beginning on the harbour wall of their fishing village. Starring Tuppence Middleton, this biographical comedy drama won the prestigious Good Tradition Award from the BBC.

ROTHLEY/BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB presents:

Tuesday, March 10th. 2020 at 7.30 p.m. THE WONDERFUL WORLD of INSECTS by Carl Baggott.

"Judy" will be shown on May 15th.

The world of insects is fast diminishing which is affecting many species of birds and animals. Carl who is a keen photographer, particularly of butterflies and dragonflies, will, hopefully, be able to tell us perhaps what is causing this decline and how we can possibly help. The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free, visitors £3. New members and visitors are always welcome. Ample free parking.

Thurcaston and Cropston Parish Council will be showing these films at Thurcaston Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Film tickets will cost the usual £5 which will include refreshments and a lucky prize draw during the interval. Advanced tickets may be purchased from Richard or Diana or via the parish office –0116 236 7626 or at the door.

R.M. Page C.M.B.H.I. CLOCK REPAIRS - Collection & Delivery Service

Domestic Appliance Spares & Repairs

All Leading Makes Serviced - 20 Years Experience

91-93 High Street Ibstock, LE67 6LH 01530 260394 07891 298820 Variable opening hours please call to enquire www.clockrepairsleicestershire.co.uk 10

Washers Dryers Dishwashers Fridges Cookers ●

GAS AND ELECTRIC NOW TAKING CREDIT/DEBIT CARD PAYMENT

David Preston - Mob: 0775 262 3885

www.1-4-all.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


ADVERTORIAL

Has Your Double Glazing Steamed Up? Established for over a decade Cloudy2Clear windows have become a leading company for glass replacement. Issues with double glazing can often be gradual and may only be noticed during a clear sunny day or during the winter. A failed glass unit may no longer provide you with the protection you need or be energy HIĂ€FLHQW :K\ QRW VSHQG D IHZ PLQXWHV checking your home to see if you have

any failed double glazing? If you act now you can avoid these problems. Now, you may think you need to replace the whole window including the frames and all the hardware, however Cloudy2Clear have come up with a simple and cost saving solution‌ Just replace the glass!! If you see condensation in your windows just visit our website or give us a call on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear GUARANTEE All Customers That An Average Quote Will Take No Longer Than 20 Mins!!!

We will send out our highly experienced engineers for a free no obligation quote. A Cloudy2Clear quote takes on average no longer than 20 minutes. Once the quote is completed, we will sit down with you and explain the problem DQG WHOO \RX KRZ ZH FDQ À[ LW :LWK years of experience Cloudy2Clear have a wealth of knowledge and are recognised as a Which Trusted Trader, plus our work is backed by an industry leading

25 year guarantee. Cloudy2Clear also replace faulty locks handles and hinges on all windows and doors. Your friendly local Cloudy2Clear specialist is Richard Burke and he services the Anstey, Thurcaston, Cropston, Swithland, Newtown Linford & Woodhouse areas. So, if your windows are steamed up, broken or damaged give Richard a call for a free quotation on 0800 61 21 118.

Cloudy2Clear Windows... Service With A Smile!

STRUGGLING G FOR STORA AGE SP PA ACE IN Y YO O OUR HOME? Install a lofftt ladder and starrtt utilising what co ould potentially be the larrg gest rro oom in the you ur home...

01530 261387 - 0751 15526959 - 07961576 6020 ST TA ARTER P PA ACK KA AGE DEAL

LOFT T STORAGE SOLUTIIONS

• 2 Section Aluminium Lofftt Ladder

At Lofftt Storage Solutions we respect our customerrs, that’s why our friendly, local,family run business listens to o our clients needs without pushy sales techniques and gimmick s. g We cut the jargon and explain clearly and precisely y what can be achieved and always work with customers in i a professional & respectful manner.

• Pendant Light & Switch • 50sqfftt Moisture Resistant Floorin

FROM ONL LY Y

ÂŁ280 all in which includes FREE

• Lof L ft ft Ladders L dd • Lof L ft ft Stair i cases • Lof L ft ft Ha H tches h • Lof L ft ft Boarding • Roof Windows • To Top-Up o Insulation • Rafftter Insulation • Lighting & Socketss • Complete Storage Rooms For information on our latest package deals visit uss at...

www.Leice esterLoffttStorage e.com Alternatively contactt us to discuss your requiremen nts and let us tailor make a pack kage to suit your needs & budget.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

11


Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club Growing Rare and Unusual Plants with Kevin Pratt

his fascination and knowledge of rare and unusual plants throughout the evening.

The February meeting of the Thurcaston and Cropston Gardening Club was an illustrated talk by Kevin Pratt called ‘Growing Rare and Unusual Plants’.

He suggested that just because a plant is rare or unusual it isn’t necessarily hard to grow or to look after. However, many of the plants that Kevin introduced us to are difficult to get hold. He made the point that few nurseries would stock rare and unusual plants because they often require a lot of time to mature. His view is that nurseries and garden centres stock only what they can sell. This frustrates Kevin as many of the plants that he introduced us to are stunning.

Kevin

runs Village Plant Nursery from his home near Stockport.

This is a view of some of the plants he grows and sells.

Kevin was a self-employed, hands on, gardener for 30 years having trained in horticulture and botany. He always had an interest in rare plants but following a period of illness he decided to specialise in them and opened Village Plant Nursery near Stockport where he now propagates and sells over 1000 plants. He is a RHS Gold Medal winner and held the National Collections of Fritillaria and Eucomis.

A

striking Eucomis. One of Kevin’s rare and unusual plants.

Kevin proved to be a very good and experienced speaker as he demonstrated

Antiques an d Colle cta ables Day In association with Hansons Antiques Saturday 21st Ma arch 11am-3pm Bring along your antiques, jewellery, watches, ceramics, paintings and collectables and meet senior valuer Vanessa Savage. Donations in aid of Anstey Community Library £2 per item or £5 for three.

12

Kevin’s talk was very well illustrated with excellent photographs of all the 30 or so plants he introduced us to. He also bought many plants to sell that he grows at his nursery. Indeed, he grows all the Veratrum album with its striking foliage and stunning flowers. plants from seed or cuttings at his nursery near Stockport and suggested that if he can do that, then anyone could successfully grow rare and unusual plants. All plants thrive if given the best conditions, and rare and unusual plants are no exception. So, Kevin gave lots of tips about each plant to help members achieve the best success possible.

Kevin’s talk was very good and delivered with humour. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about his subject. He

Wednesday Afternoon Socials A big thank yo ou to the regulars who come e along to the library on Wednesday afftternoons. We have some good fun chatting, eating cake e, drinking tea and watching a film. If you would like to join us you would be most welcome. We start at 2.00pm and, depending on the length of the film and chat, finish around 4.30pm. There is a charge of £2.50 which h includes refreshments. No need to sit at home alone when you c could be with friends in the library. See you there.

was well received, and members were very interested in his talk and in the plants for sale. The Gardening Club meets in the Thurcaston and Cropston Memorial Hall Whether an experienced gardener or an enthusiastic beginner we are sure you will find something of interest in this year’s programme. New members are made most welcome. What’s more, it is excellent value!! The membership fee is still only £12 for the year (pro rota) or £3.00 per meeting. So, if you are interested in gardening - come and give the Club a try. For more information, and for a copy of our eye-catching poster of the 2019 Programme of Events, please call Dave Haddon (0116) 235 9758: david.haddon20@ntlworld.com Or Richard Elks (0116 236 8313): cropston161@hotmail.co.uk The next club events are:Wednesday 11 March, 7.45 pm Spring Has Sprung - Nigel Hopes Nigel is now Head Gardener for John Massey at Ashwood Nurseries. This talk is full of all the excitement of spring, looking at our favourite plants to build up the energy in your garden ready for the summer! Full of tried and tested plants guaranteed to make an impact! There will also be a selection of plants for sale. Wednesday 8 April, 7.45 pm The Social History of the Allotment - Twigs Way The ‘Social History of the Allotment’ is a heavily illustrated and entertaining talk on the cultural and political history of the allotment and allotment movement from the ‘Diggers’ to the present. Twigs has worked in historic landscapes for over thirty years. She carries out lecturing, research, writing, publishing and indulges herself with an enduring fascination with the history of female gardeners.

We’ve set a date! This years Anstey Summer Gala will be held on Saturday 5th September 2020, on the Recreational Ground, Stadon Road. The plans are already underway to make sure another Summer Gala goes off without a hitch! We are currently looking into the entertainment for the arena, so if you have a local group or organisation that would like to promote with a slot in our arena - please get in touch! or if you have any ideas that you would like to see at this years gala, let us know with an email to ansteygala@aol.com or come down to one of our meetings, we meet on the first Monday of the month, 7.30pm at The Stadon Club.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


Friends of the Charnwood Forest

Dr D McNeil

Chez Grey? On Monday February 17th, Peter Liddle, the former county archaeologist, gave a talk to the Friends of the Charnwood Forest about Bradgate Park, and in particular Bradgate House. Using old documents and numerous photographic illustrations he was able to reconstruct at least some of the history of that estate, starting with mesolithic occupants some 14,000 to 12,000 years ago, up to the present day. His main subject, however, was centred around the house itself in which digs have taken place over the last 5 years. The first site was what was probably an old lodge or keeper’s house. Here he expressed surprise at how near the surface the actual archaeology lay. As much of his work previously had been concentrated on sites in the city, where the interesting levels could be several feet below the present-day surface, it is not surprising that he was a little astonished. The next year’s dig was in the courtyard of the old house, where foundations were found of an older building. As the oldest document had termed the ‘house’ as a ‘lodge’, it could be that the present ruin was of a later date. Did Lady Jane Grey live in that ‘lodge’ or was the brick constuction we know her home? Evidence is at present a little ambiguous. The ‘new’ house was abandoned in the mid nineteenth century, and the gable wall of the Great Hall collapsed in a gale in 1895. In the 1930s, when the park passed into public ownership, the council had the ruin ‘improved’, including the ruin of a tower which had not been there before. The digging then moved to the stables, where various interesting finds on its layout were made, including a dump of old horse leg bones – these may be the left-overs from dogs’ dinners. The building itself was still in use after the house was left to decay; its materials may have been taken finally to be used in other building works. They went back to the house for the final year of the dig. Here there were restrictions as to how far down they could dig, for they were not able to move any floors they came across because the building is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. In one place they did find a pit which was full of old pottery sherds. In another they followed the foundations of an older building up to a modern wall. They also found numerous drains, one of which contained a plastic glove, and gave a clue to the work of the restorers in the 1920s. One thing that was evident in the old documents which may have deserved a mention – in the first document it was titled Brodgate park; in the second Broadgate park, and as we call it, Bradgate park. It does now look, however, both from the archaeology and from recently discovered documents, as if Lady Jane probably inhabited the stone house found in the excavations and that brick house mostly predates her short life. The next meeting of the Friends will be on 16th March at 7.30, when Richard Bailey will give a talk entitled ‘Not just field on a farm; diversification in Charnwood Forest’., showing how he has supplemented the income from an arable farm by organising a varied series of events This will follow the short A.G.M.

YOUR LOCAL ACCOUNTANT A professional bookkeeping and accounting service is the cornerstone of a successful, well managed business. ,W GHOLYHUV KLJKHU SURĂ€WV EHWWHU PDUJLQV DQG ORZHU WD[HV At Linford Grey we use cloud based solutions and we have the H[SHULHQFH TXDOLĂ€FDWLRQV DQG HQWKXVLDVP WR GHOLYHU RQ DOO WKH fundamentals of bookkeeping and accountancy. Three reasons to choose Linford Grey as your accountant: We are an advisory led practice :H RIIHU Ă€[HG PRQWKO\ IHHV “I have already recommended Linford Grey to other Our mission is to bring you, the business owner, closer to friends in business after your business and closer to your goals. a smooth and helpful onboard process, I was &DOO XV DQG Ă€QG RXW KRZ ZH nervous about changing my accountants but I did not need can help you 0116 4026 125 to be. Really pleased. Thanks guys.â€? :H DUH ;HUR *ROG &HUWLĂ€HG 3DUWQHUV

0116 4026 125 info@linfordgrey.co.uk www.linfordgrey.co.uk Lower Lenthill Farm 120 Main Street Newton Linford LE6 0AF

Abigail Dakin, Director, Claude & Co Ltd. Loughborough

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

13


Deborah Taylor... Latest News County Councillor for Bradgate Division 6 Geary Close, Anstey LE7 7LW - Tel: 0116 2350126 - Email: Deborah.Taylor@leics.gov.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/CllrDTaylor - Twitter: @CllrDTaylor

We are still struggling with the aftermath of Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis. We have, unfortunately, had several properties and businesses flooded, with much of the flooding coming from surface water. I know officers from both Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council have been out in the communities supporting residents, offering practical advice and assisting residents’ who have had to leave their homes. I have been very busy this month with plenty of meetings, briefings and training events. My diary is already full for March, but I enjoy being busy and still find the time for my important casework, helping and supporting my residents. On Thursday 30th January, I attended the Police and Crime Commissioners Community Award event at College Court, Leicester. It was an enjoyable evening, catching up with friends and colleagues from various different organisations. I was extremely delighted that Charnwood Community Safety Partnership received a highly commended award and our local Inspector, Mark Botte, the NPA Commander for Charnwood picked up the award for Visible Policing. On Friday 31st January, I attended the Armed Forces Covenant signing by Town and Parish Councils in Leicestershire. These town and parish councils are the first in Leicestershire to sign the Covenant and I was very proud that all the parish councils in my Bradgate Division attended the event and signed the Covenant and I am very grateful for their support. On Wednesday 5th February, I attended a training session at East Midlands Council in Melton Mowbray. This was on building

personal resilience to ensure that you can look after yourself, and therefore are resilient to look after your residents. It was a very useful training event and I have shared the Power Point presentation and course handouts with fellow councillors to ensure that they too can look after themselves.

With growing demand for services and inflation set to ramp up costs by ÂŁ120m, the plan sets out ÂŁ80m of savings, half of which have already been identified. It also includes investing an extra ÂŁ34m to support vulnerable people and ÂŁ7m more for road maintenance during the year.

On Wednesday 19th February, I was delighted to be invited to present the prizes to the winners at the Cropston Road Allotment Association AGM. These allotments have been on the edge of Anstey for many years and remain as popular as ever. I really enjoy attending events like this, it gives me a chance to understand what is happening in my area and gives me the opportunity to speak to residents.

Following a public consultation, the existing opening hours at the recycling and household waste sites will remain unchanged.Â

Residents’ Surgery I will be holding my next surgery on Saturday 7th March 2020 from 10am until 12 noon. This will be a County wide surgery and will be a drop-in surgery, so no appointment will be needed. I will be in the Nook Corner Coffee Shop, The Nook, Anstey from 10am in the upstairs area. If you would like to discuss any issues or raise any concerns, please do come along. If you are unable to climb the stairs, don’t worry, I will come downstairs to you.

County Council Budget On Wednesday 19th February, at the full council meeting at County Hall, the budget was approved. At the heart of the council’s budget was supporting vulnerable people, tackling climate change and delivering infrastructure, for example, new roads, schools, business and retail areas. The plan is made up of a £390m revenue budget for the next financial year, 2020-21 to run local services and a four-year capital pot of £600m and one-off spends to build and invest in new roads, schools, social care and more.

7('¡6 5,7( &87 *(176 %2<6 +$,5'5(66(56 12 $332,170(17 1(&(66$5<

&$// 23(1,1* +2856 0RQ 7XHV 7KXUV :HG &ORVHG )UL 6DW

The £600m capital pot features a range of one-off investments supporting new homes – new roads, school places and social care accommodation and further rolling out broadband, as well as maintaining roads and drains – and a £16m investment in tackling climate change. A 3.99% Council Tax increase equates to just over £1 a week for the average Band D property and reduces the impact on services by generating £12m next year to support vulnerable people. This funding is needed due to: ➢ The increased number of children with Special Education needs and Disability (SEND); Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) has increased by over 50% since 2015 and is now at 4,730 children with an EHCP ➢ Investment in adult social care accommodation which would allow 60 people a year to move into housing that helps them to live more independently ➢ Leicestershire’s population is set to increase by 107,000 between 2016 and 2041

Transport Blueprint Leicester and Leicestershire residents, businesses and organisations are being urged to help shape the city and county’s strategic transport priorities for the next 30 years.

MOT ÂŁ35 TEST CENTRE

MOTORCYCLE

MOT ONLY

ÂŁ23

CAR MOT O NLY

FREE RE-TEST

&+85&+ /$1( $167(< /( $) 14

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

FREE RE-TES

T

BEHIND S POTTER S CARPET


A consultation has been launched on the Strategic Transport Priorities (STP) report which sets out where and how the city and county can work together, particularly around tackling poor air quality and the effects of climate change, alongside continued support for the local economy and jobs.

Testimonials on Trustatrader

“The whole experience was professionally & efficiently managed, courteous & friendly. I am completely satisfied with the work done.” Mr T J Norris “Incredibly tidy, friendly and professional. A pleasure to have around, extremely honest and considerate. Superby service all round.” Mr McVeigh

BIG SPRING SALE

The STP also acknowledges a drive to attract greater numbers of car users onto public transport and onto cycling and walking routes. The ambition is to continue to encourage use of the commercial bus network, of electric vehicles and to increase the number of bus lanes and cycleways/pedestrian routes developed over the past few years.

UP TO 40% OFF ANY UPVC PRODUCTS ORDERED IN MARCH AND APRIL

Another key thread of the STP is a big push to improve rail services. The report outlines that while services to East Midlands cities such as Derby and Nottingham are good, improvements are needed in reaching West Midlands cities such as Coventry and Birmingham.

We are also giving away FREE upgrade to Triple Glazing on all Windows FREE Downpipes will all Fascia Soffits and Guttering

To have your say and to view the STP, visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/strategictransport-priorities For more information, email tsap@leics.gov.uk The consultation closes on Monday 25th May 2020 and the findings will be reported back later in the summer.

Shire Grants The County Council SHIRE Community Grant programme for 2019-20 has now concluded. Funding was awarded to over 90 community-based projects over the course of four rounds of funding in 2019-20. In terms of headlines for 2019-20, the grants have supported the following: ➢ 90 projects awarded funding ➢ £386,715 awarded in SHIRE Grants ➢ £88,752 in small grants (under £3,000) awarded to 43 projects ➢ £297,963 in large grants (up to £10,000) awarded to 47 projects SHIRE Grant Round 2019-20

No. of Projects Total Amount Awarded of Funding Funding Awarded

Total Amount of Small Grants Awarded

Total Amount of Large Grants Awarded

Round 1

30

£136,741

£40,281 (17)

£96,460 (13)

Round 2

20

£78,456

£16,184 (9)

£62,272 (11)

Round 3

20

£81,247

£18,950 (9)

£62,297 (11)

Round 4

20

£90,271

£13,337 (8)

£76,934 (12)

Totals

90

£386,715

£88,752 (43)

£297,963 (47)

The total number of projects supported in Charnwood was 18 and the total amount awarded was £83,275. If you have any issues or concerns, I’m here to help.

Deborah

GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US?

• Re-wires

• Fault Finding

• Extra Sockets & Lights

• Security Lighting

• Showers

• Fuse Boards

• LED Spot Lights

• Smoke Alarms

• Domestic & Commercial

Professional & Reliable Service

Call Joe on 07789405102

ainsdaleelectricalservices@yahoo.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

15


Anstey WI

Great Win v South Leicester and Easter Tour to Bristol ready to go

At last month’s meeting 5 WI members told the group something about their lives that has had a huge impact on themselves. From Carole: learning to scuba dive; Angela: up-cycling crafts; Jan: Latin dancing for health (where members joined in); Sylvia: learning positives from adversity, concluding with a humorous story and a great joke from Heather. Followed by a Keepsake Competition where there were 3 winners. Two Christening gowns hand sewn using a Wedding dress and another beautifully crocheted gown, and some exquisite baby shoes.

Another week and again our opposition, Oakham, called off their visit to Link Road. Are they worried about getting over taken by the Anstey Buzz? So just some extra training on 22nd February as a prequel to watching England take Ireland apart in the Six Nations. Better news the previous week when we welcomed South Leicester to Link Road for the return match after they ended our unbeaten run by just three points in January. The inclement weather over the days before this game meant that the pitch was very wet and the wind was going to prove difficult for both sides. The Anstey scrum was dominant in the first half pushing South off their own ball and easily holding their own. Their dominance led to four first half tries scored by Simon Bott, Matt Belcher and two by Tom Westley plus three conversions by Nathan Ratcliffe which bearing in mind were from wide out positions were absolutely brilliant in the high winds. The second half was more even with South pressing for large periods. An error by Anstey led to South scoring midway through the half. Final Result Anstey 31, South Leicester 5 The previous week South Notts Babas were due to visit us in Anstey —- but they called off! So a hastily arranged replacement fixture saw us on a short trip to play Belgrave who were only fielding one side on the day, a 1st & 2nd mixture. Anstey were well up to the task in a very tight game where the result was one try for each side, with Belgrave converting their’s and Anstey missing by a whisker. Final result Belgrave 7, Anstey 5

So, Come along to the next meeting Wednesday 11th March at 7.30pm to learn the Woodland Trust and the National Forrest, which is on our doorstep.

Home fixture due in the next few weeks against Birstall, Old Newtonians and away at Lutterworth and Market Harborough. Anstey RFC’s Eater Tour to Bristol is now almost fully booked. Accommodation is booked for 20 people and at the time of writing 16 places have been booked up, so the last four need to get in quickly. For more details and to get your booking in call Will Leet on 07593 434 761 or Ian Pollock on 07570 598 513 Our big 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner taking place on Saturday 13th June in the Tryline Suite at Leicester Tigers. Live music and guest speakers will be included on what will be a great event. Note in your 2020 diaries please. We want as many people as possible who have been involved with Anstey RFC since 1980 to celebrate with us on the night. Contact Chris Apperley for more details on chris.apperley@me.com or 07720 451 455 All our fixtures can be found on our website at www.pitchhero.com/clubs/anstey Or on our club noticeboard in The Coach & Horses - at the big screen Cropston Road end. Training is every Wednesday evening at our Link Road ground. Anstey RFC are always ready to welcome new players, experienced or not. As a bonus, playing the game will help get you fit. Matches are on Saturdays, kicking off at 3pm. If you would like to support the club with sponsorship, contact any committee member for details. Details for all the club officials are on the Anstey RFC noticeboard inside our clubhouse at The Coach and Horses or call our Captain, Liam Curtis on 07727 118362 or visit www.pitchhero.com/clubs/anstey or our Facebook Group Page at www.facebook.com/groups/20694012567

Anstey Local History Society Our next meeting will be held on: Wednesday March 18th 2020 at 7.00.p.m. in Anstey Community Library Living Memories -Belgrave Friends Remembered Stories of some of the people buried in Belgrave cemetery. Speaker: Sandra Moore (in character as Miss Elizabeth Goodwin: Headteacher of Belgrave Church School) Members: Free Non-members: £2.00 www.ansteyhistory.com

Tel:07870197958

Article by Chris Apperley

Foot Problems ?

Corns, Calluses, Verrucae, Hard Skin, Nail Problems, Athlete’s Foot, Sore and Cracked Heels

Have them treated professionally in the comfort of your own home

Ring Alistair Watt

MCFHP. MAFHP

Foot Health Specialist

01530 243009 or 07802 777221

Evenings and weekends available - Service with a smile Guaranteed

16

IDC Home Maintenance Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance NO JOB TOO SMALL From changing a light bulb to complete house re-decoration. For all the jobs you need to do but simply don’t have time.

For a free quotation please call Ian on:

01530 245461

or

07885 541428

3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire

Web site: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


w w w. o a k t r e e l e t t i n g s . c o . u k

L ANDLORDS Has your letting age g nt in ncreased their fe fees due to the tenant n fe fee ban ? Has your agent kept you o inffo ormed of all the latest regulations ? We pride ourselves on our We o fr friendlyy yet proffeessional approach to managing your property and d haavve over 30 years combiined experiience Wee off W ffeer fullyy inclusive ma m nagement at 10% plus vat to include rent guarantee and d tenant eviction protection Visit our website to see wh Vi hyy so many landlords recomme m nd d us ! Contact Louise or Marianne fo for inf nffoormation pack or to arrra angge an a frreee proop perty ap pp prra aisal

Charnwood Hearing Aid Centre Lynne Leeming, MSc RHAD, MSHAA

Your local hearing specialist

Call: 0116 287 03344

5 Stadon Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AY

86 Faire Road, Glenfield, Leicesterr,, LE3

Existing hearing aid users welcome

Email: lettings@oak kttreelettings

Hearing protection for both children and adults Free parking in the Nook car park For friendly and professional advice please call for an appointment

BRITISH S TO TA

ARD ND

CERT IFI E

A local family firm D

BSI

3 6 2 1:1

98

0

• UPVC Door lock specialists • Cylinders, mechanisms, handles and letterboxes • Jammed, stiff to lock / unlock doors repaired

Telephone: 0116 236 6633 Email: charnwoodhearing@btconnect.com www.charnwoodhearing.co.uk

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm Saturday 9.30am - 12.30pm

CUT OUT AND KEEP

• All types of locks opened, repaired, supplied and fitted

• Security upgrades / burglary repairs

• New Guttering • Wood Staining • Repointing • Ridge Tiles • Chimney Stacks • Roof Valley • Dry Verge • )ODW 5RRƓQJ • Dry Ridge • Lead Flashing • Moss Removal • 6ODWH 7LOH 5RRƓQJ • UPVC Fascia, Soffits & Gutters

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT

FREE QUOTATION AND FREE EMERGENCY CALL OUT

• Police approved and CRB checked

0116 202 9846 www.dm-locksmiths.co.uk

Proprietor: Elias Bell

10 Barlestone Road, Bagworth, Coalville, LE67 1DG

Freephone: 0800 292 7391 Mobile: 07494820600 Email: eandlmaintenanceltd@outlook.com

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

17


NE

W

yo We ur ca pl n h um e bi lp y ng o en u w qu ith ire s

Your Local Gas & Plumbing Specialist

INSTALL A NEW BOILER &

GET A SYSTEM FILTER FREE* *One free system filter per customer. Limited period only.

Call today to book a FREE no obligation quote or for more information

0116 2303 234 info@mgas.co.uk P www.mgas.co.uk

LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT IN YOUR LOCAL AREA? ASK Accountancy offer a range of exceptional services to start-ups and established businesses. www.askaccountancy.co.uk or call our Mountsorrel office on 0116 235 2244

Mountsorrel: 0116 235 2244 Hinckley: 01455 266 106

Email: ask@askaccountancy.co.uk www.askaccountancy.co.uk

Award winning garden work at an affordable price Whether you’re looking to completely change your garden, focus on a particular area for improvement or just need some help maintaining your current garden, we can provide affordable expert help with: Paving Walling Decking

Gravelling Water features Plant choice and positioning

Lawn care Tree care Pruning

To discuss how we could help with your garden and get a quote Call Pete on 07837 269 504 or email pete@pmblandscaping.co.uk

Temperance Villas, 154 Rothley Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire, LE12 7JX.

18

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


Anstey Neighbourhood Plan Anstey has witnessed a considerable amount of development in recent years. The Anstey Parish Council considers it important to help shape future development activity in the Parish, and have voted to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan. A Neighbourhood Plan can produce specific policies to meet the present needs of Anstey, and specific policies to shape future development needs of Anstey, but the Plan can also help to protect Anstey's past, by identifying historic assets and open spaces of special importance and produce specific policies to help maintain them and control their potential development. A Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Committee is responsible for completing the document. The Committee meet regularly to decide on Policy Themes, monitoring of Theme Groups, and building the Neighbour Plan document. The Chairman of the Committee will then report back to Anstey Parish Council for Final Approval. Once the Neighbourhood Plan is completed, Anstey must hold a Referendum. If voted in favour to adopt, the Anstey Neighbourhood Plan will form part of the local statutory planning documentation. This means Anstey will finally have a real say and weight behind decisions regarding future planning applications.

Frequently Asked Questions What are Policy Themes? - Policy Themes create the main body of a Neighbourhood Plan. Themes highlight specific needs of the Local Community, for example: Housing, Infrastructure, Environment, Community, Enterprise etc... if an issue requires planning permission, the Neighbourhood Plan can address it through locally prepared planning policies.

Who will pay for the process and finished document? - The Government has allocated funds through a body called Locality. Anstey Parish Council has already obtained an £8,000.00 grant from Locality to start the process. Further Bids will be submitted to help cover the future cost of producing the document. A proportion of the cost will be provided by Anstey Parish Council. What is a Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Committee (NPAC)? - The NPAC is made from a wide range of representatives from the local community; including members of the Parish Council, parishioners, organisations, authorities, businesses, partners and stakeholders. It is important to establish a range of open dialogue in order to fully understand the current and future needs of the local community.

Charlotte’s Story ‘Living with Scoliosis – My journey to recovery and inspiration to help others’ My name is Charlotte and I was first diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12. I noticed my hips and shoulders were uneven, my clothes didn't fit properly and I couldn't keep my posture straight. My mum took me to my local GP where I was then referred to a specialist who diagnosed me with scoliosis. My curve measured at 30 degrees so it was decided to just monitor however in the space of 2 years my curve became so severe it was decided I needed major spinal fusion surgery. I was 14 when I had the surgery and by then it was 70 degrees and was beginning to cause me a lot of other issues, walking long distances was very painful and I was diagnosed with a treatable heart condition during a pre op test. In October 2007, I had the surgery which took 9.5 hours to do. It wasn't plain sailing, the use of my right leg was compromised and doctors were unsure if I would get the feeling back, but I did. After the surgery, recovery was both physically and mentally exhausting. Having to relearn how to walk again was by far the hardest thing I've had to endure. I can honestly say though, having a spinal fusion was the best thing I've ever done. I have a fantastic quality of life and live life to the full. Having the surgery has also shaped me into becoming the determined, resilient person I am today. My vision is to support others going through scoliosis and this support group will enable me to do so. Having someone that understands what you go through was something I completely lacked, and I want to spread awareness so others do not feel the way I did, alone and isolated. By setting up a scoliosis support group, I hope to bring together individuals and together we can support one another. The first meeting will take place on Wednesday 4th March – commencing at 6.00pm at registered charity Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB – Please contact Helen Baxter PR and Marketing or Charlotte Dodd on 01530 244914 for more information.

Important Dates - The next meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Advisory Committee will start at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd April at the Jubilee Hall. Anstey parishioners and representatives from local businesses are encouraged to attend.

Important Contacts NPAC Secretary NPAC Chairman

Liz Hawkes Grant Cotton

(Anstey Parish Clerk) (Anstey Parish Councillor)

Tel: 0116 236 4875

Outdoor Solutions

Florence Villa, 5 Leicester Road, Anstey, Leicester, LE7 7AT Email: mark@garrettlongsolicitors.co.uk

www.garrettlongsolicitors.co.uk

• Landscaping specialist • Driveways • Patio and paths • Fencing and gates • 7XUƓQJ

Call Tim Dorman

01509 839694 or 0116 2364410 Mobile 07792645878

Charnwood based - 20 years experience One step and you’re there!

For all your legal requirements locally. We can help you with: • • • • •

Wills & Probate Personal Injury Lasting Power of Attorney Buying & Selling a Property Re-Mortgages

• • • • •

Transfers of Ownership Divorce & Separation Tenancy Agreements Commercial Property Business Purchases

For FREE initial advice and a competitive quote call 0116 236 4875

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

19


Deborah Taylor & Paul Baines… Borough Councillors for Anstey Latest News Deborah Taylor 6 Geary Close, Anstey, LE7 7LW Email: Cllr.Deborah.Taylor@charnwood.gov.uk Tel: 0116 2350126 - Twitter: @CllrDTaylor Facebook: www.facebook.com/CllrDTaylor

Paul Baines 3 Ruskin Field, Anstey, LE7 7QP Email: Cllr.Paul.Baines@charnwood.gov.uk Tel: 07977 178869

Residents’ Surgery- A date for your diary. We will be holding a residents’ surgery on Saturday 18th April 2020 from 10am until 12 noon. The surgery will be held in Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road, Anstey.

interested, there is a meeting on Wednesday 25th March at 7pm in Jubilee Hall, Stadon Road to see how many coordinators we have who are continuing to operate in the Anstey area.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society - We have been contacted by the MS Society, Leicester Group, who have their headquarters on Latimer Street, Anstey. The committee of the Leicester group recently gave a presentation regarding the future of their building after being advised by the national MS Society that they must sell their building.

Since Diane, the last Chair of Neighbourhood Watch for Anstey, moved away from the area, we have not managed to recruit anyone to take over. We still have many areas that have Neighbourhood coordinators that are still active, so please attend the meeting if you can so we can try to revitalise the Neighbourhood Watch/Charnwood Watch in Anstey. If you are interested in being a coordinator for your road, this is the meeting to attend!

The Leicester group are trying to make sense of why they should have to sell their beautiful building which so many of them have come to know and love. The Leicester Group are self-financing and conform to all the health and safety requirements of running a building. If the building is sold the money from the sale will come to the Leicester Group and the MS Society's intention is that this can be used for hiring a meeting place more central to Leicester with better car parking facilities. However, the Leicester Group are concerned that this will not be their centre, they will not be able to have their film shows and the MS nurses would have to pay for hiring rooms several times a year for their newly diagnosed meetings. They will not have the same storage facilities for all the information and publications, fundraising items, collecting buckets and counter tins, and they would not be able to raise money by selling the bird boxes, bug boxes and other donated goods and collecting the used postage stamps. The Leicester Group are appealing for help to save their premises, do you have any idea who might be able to assist them? They need publicity about this so if you can think of any ways of shouting from the rooftops please let them know. They only have about a month to pull together any proposal as the trustees of the MS Society are meeting on Thursday 19th March 2020 in London to make their decision. If anyone is interested in talking to the trustees in London on this date, they may be able to arrange to do this via conference call. The Leicester Group worked so very hard to raise money to convert the premises about 10 years ago to give them their existing centre and they really don’t want to lose it. If you can help, please contact them on: Leicesterms@yahoo.co.uk; www.mssociety.org.uk or at 29 Latimer Street, Anstey, LE7 7AW.

Neighbourhood Watch / Charnwood Watch Just to let everyone know who may be

20

This is being led by the local police beat team, so please support them to combat crime in Anstey.

Proposal to Increase Council Tax Charnwood Borough Council is proposing to raise its share of council tax by less than 9p a week for a Band D property. The proposed increase would see the annual charge for an average Band D property rise £4.43 (3.63%) to £126.52 from 1st April 2020. It is also being proposed to increase the Loughborough Special Rate, the equivalent of a parish precept in villages and paid by residents of the town, for the first time since 2016. It is proposed to increase Loughborough Special Rate to £76.46 a year. The Council’s cabinet considered the draft budget plans on Thursday 13th February and the Cabinet’s recommendation was approved at the full council on Monday 24th February. Charnwood Borough Council currently has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 201 district councils in the country. The Charnwood element accounts for less than 10% of the total bill. Council tax pays for a range of services provided by Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and the parish council where you live (or Charnwood Borough Council for people in Loughborough). For more information about the budget, see the reports to Cabinet on the Council website: http://bit.ly/CBCtax2020

Parish Councils Support Armed Forces Nine parish and town councils have shown their commitment to supporting military personnel community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Charnwood Borough Council hosted the event where parish and town councils from across the borough came together to pledge their support for current serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and do not face disadvantage. Groups, organisations, charities, local authorities and businesses are encouraged to sign up to it. The parish and town councils in Charnwood are the first ones to sign the covenant in Leicestershire. The full list of parish and town councils that signed the covenant are: ➢

Anstey

Barrow upon Soar

Mountsorrel

Newtown Linford

Queniborough

Quorn

Shepshed

Thurcaston and Cropston

Woodhouse

Charnwood Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and employs an Armed Forces community covenant development officer, in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe borough councils, to help develop and support the Armed Forces community and ensure that military personal do not face any disadvantage as a result of their service. Rushcliffe and Charnwood borough councils recently received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served. Anstey also now has an Armed Forces Champion to strengthen the links between the village and the borough council to work

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


together to support the Armed Forces. Thank you to Mrs Mandy Jordan, one of our Parish Councillors for taking on this role.

Dog Mess - We are starting to see an increase in dog mess around the village. We have highlighted some areas to Charnwood’s cleansing team for some path cleaning but could dog owners please clean up after your dogs? We have also referred the increase in dog mess to the enforcement team to try and catch the culprits. We want to keep the village as clean as possible. We are also seeing a large amount of dog mess picked up in bags and then thrown into trees and bushes. These bags take years to degrade and with Charnwood Borough Council declaring a Climate Emergency we need to support the climate change agenda as much as we can. Please clear up after your dog and put the bags in the many bins around the village or take it home with you please. £25 Million Town Deal Bid for Loughborough - Business and community leaders have come together to kickstart a project to secure up to £25 million of government funding to transform Loughborough’s economic growth. Charnwood Borough Council hosted the first meeting of the Loughborough Town Deal Board which will manage the development of a town investment plan and submission of bids to the Government’s Town Deal initiative. The deals aim to regenerate town centres, boost businesses and improve infrastructure and connectivity. The Loughborough Town Deal Board is being co-chaired by Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chief executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals in Loughborough, and Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council. The Loughborough Town Deal Board will now co-ordinate the development of a Town Investment Plan which will provide a vision for building on the town’s unique strengths to transform its economic growth prospects. At its first meeting the board agreed a governance structure including the creation of a sub-group to oversee community engagement and consultation. It also agreed to use government funding already awarded to the Council to commission external support to help with the bid and community engagement. Town Deals can be used to redevelop vacant buildings and land, drive private sector investment by supporting small businesses and ensure young people have the skills they need to get good jobs. Communities will also be able to consider how they can boost their transport links and increase access to high-speed broadband. To keep up to date with the latest Loughborough Town Deal news, please follow @charnwoodbc on Twitter.

Charnwood Wins an Award - Great work to improve community safety in Charnwood

has been ceremony.

highlighted

at

an

awards

Charnwood Community Safety Partnership was a finalist in the Safer Community Celebration Awards, organised by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Lord Willy Bach. Charnwood’s local police Inspector Mark Botte picked up the Visible Policing Award. Deborah, as lead member for communities at Charnwood and chair of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership attended the event and said the awards were a great way to highlight the work taking place to make communities safer across the county. This is what Deborah said following the awards: “I am really pleased the partnership took part in these awards and it reflects the many successes we have had in reducing crime in the borough. The Council and a number of agencies and organisations are working hard with Leicestershire Police to tackle crime and that work is paying off. The Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area team are really committed to helping our residents and the Council and other partners appreciate the work they do. We know there is still a lot of work to be done but it is pleasing to see a reduction in crime in the borough and we will continue to work together, as a partnership and with communities, to make Charnwood a safer place to live, work and visit. I’d also like to congratulate Mark for picking up his award who along with his team are real assets to the borough.” Insp Mark Botte, Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area commander, said: “I am extremely proud of all the officers at Charnwood who have contributed to this success as well as paying tribute to specialist departments and partners who have been supporting us. I am committed to making Charnwood a safe place where residents have confidence in the local police. Charnwood Borough Council have been key to the work we do, and I would like to publicly thank them for their support.” The partnership says good results have been achieved thanks to greater partnership working. Examples include the implementation of a drug strategy to identify and assist people at risk of drug abuse and working with local schools and agencies to identify young people at risk of reoffending or harm and putting steps in place to mitigate the risk and support them. Police have also carried out Operation Lionheart to tackle County Lines activity in the

borough. County Lines is the term used to describe the movement of drugs around the county by using unregistered mobile phone lines. The Police have also promoted Neighbourhood Link, a community messaging service. For more information about community safety in Charnwood, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/safety or follow @SaferCharnwood and @CharnwoodPolice on Twitter.

Flooding - Charnwood Borough Council has been working with other agencies to help people and areas hit by flooding over the last few weeks, following Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis. Borough council officers and its contractors have been carrying out checks on watercourses, clearing gullies and drains and advising people on alternative accommodation should they need it. The Council has also been liaising with other organisations as part of a multi-agency response to the flooding situation. The Council was alerted to flooding issues of either roads or properties in several locations across the borough and is aware that some properties and commercial premises were flooded. Officers delivered sandbags to help protect properties and sandbags have also previously been delivered to some parish councils. The Chief Executive of Charnwood Borough Council has stated that he and officers know how disruptive and upsetting flooding can be for communities and they will continue to work with other agencies, in particular Leicestershire County Council as the Lead Local Flood Authority and the Environment Agency on long-term solutions to flooding issues in Charnwood.” For more advice and information about flooding, please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/flooding People can also sign up to the Environment Agency’s flood alert service: https://www. gov.uk/sign-up-for-flood-warnings? Charnwood Borough Council is only responsible for clearing gullies and keeping watercourses flowing on land it owns. Leicestershire County Council is responsible for most clearing of gullies and brooks and landowners also have a duty to ensure watercourses are flowing freely. If you have any issues or concerns, we are here to help.

Deborah and Paul

Shop Local This Mothers Day Use Our Local Shops, Florists, Bars and Restaurants This Mothers Day - Sunday 22nd March

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

21


Celebrating community safety in Charnwood

Gardens Wanted

Great work to improve community safety in Charnwood has been highlighted at an awards ceremony. Charnwood Community Safety Partnership was a finalist in the Safer Community Celebration Awards, organised by the Police Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Lord Willy Bach. Local police inspector Mark Botte also picked up the Visible Policing Award.

We are inviting gardeners to join up for this year’s Thurcaston and Cropston Open Garden Weekend. Last year we raised £2883 for the Air Ambulance.

Thurcaston and Cropston Open Garden Weekend 27th & 28th June 2020 - 2pm to 6 pm

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities at Charnwood and chair of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said the awards were a great way to highlight the great work taking place to make communities safer across the county. Cllr Taylor said: “I am really pleased the partnership took part in these awards and it reflects the many successes we have had in reducing crime in the borough.

This year we are again raising money for Air Ambulance. Perhaps you have opened your garden every year so far, maybe you have once or twice; or maybe you are plucking up the courage to do so for the first time. Come and be part of this popular annual event for local residents of our villages and those visitors from further afield.

“The Council and a number of agencies and organisations are working really hard with Leicestershire Police to tackle crime and that work is paying off. “The Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area team are really committed to helping our residents and the Council and other partners appreciate the work they do. “We know there is still a lot of work to be done but it is pleasing to see a reduction in crime in the borough and we will continue to work together, as a partnership and with communities, to make Charnwood a safer place to live, work and visit. “I’d also like to congratulate Mark for picking up his award who along with his team are real assets to the borough.” Insp Mark Botte, Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area commander, said: “I am extremely proud of all the officers at Charnwood who have contributed to this success as well as paying tribute to specialist departments and partners who have been supporting us. “I am committed to making Charnwood a safe place where residents have confidence in the local police. Charnwood Borough Council have been key to the work we do and I would like to publicly thank them for their support.” The partnership says good results have been achieved thanks to greater partnership working. Examples include the implementation of a drug strategy to identity and assist people at risk of drug abuse and working with local schools and agencies to identify young people at risk of reoffending or harm and putting steps in place to mitigate the risk and support them.

Some

of the many visitors at the 2019 Open Gardens weekend

We welcome gardens of all shapes and sizes; big or small; simple or elaborate; immaculate or with a more ‘natural’ look, and even those that are ‘works in progress’. People who have opened their gardens in previous years have very positive things to say about the experience, which is why they come back year after year. Gardens in both villages are open on two afternoons, but if you can only manage one afternoon, then that’s fine.

Police have also carried out Operation Lionheart to tackle County Lines activity in the borough and promoted Neighbourhood Link, a community messaging service. According to the latest figures, the total number of crimes in Charnwood was down seven per cent in 2019 to 9,590 incidents compared to 2018. The figures showed: Burglaries of homes were down 25 per cent to 638 incidents while burglaries at businesses were down 40 per cent to 163 incidents Theft from vehicles was down 19 per cent to 710 incidents while shoplifting was down 31 per cent to 627 incidents Cycle theft was also down 34 per cent to 214 incidents while robbery was down 12 per cent to 66 incidents Violent attacks with injury were up five per cent to 746 incidents and theft of vehicles rose two per cent to 270 incidents So if you would like to open your garden for this year’s event or would like more information (or encouragement) please contact us. We hope you will join us for another successful year as part of the Thurcaston and Cropston Open Gardens event.

For more information about community safety in Charnwood, please visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/safety or follow @SaferCharnwood on Twitter.

ADVERTISING RATES ADVERT PRICES Advert Size

Width

Height

One Off Adverts

3 Month Pre Pay or 3 Areas

Advertorial Prices

Eighth Page

94.5mm

63.5mm

£40 +VAT

£90+VAT (£30 p/m)

N/A

Quarter Page

94.5mm

134mm

£70 +VAT

£165+VAT (£55 p/m)

£105+VAT

Half Page

196mm

134mm

£120 +VAT

£285+VAT (£95 p/m)

£180+VAT

Full Page

196mm

275mm

£225 +VAT

£585+VAT (£195 p/m)

£337.50+VAT

Front Strip (210mm x 50mm) - ONLY £150+VAT - Back Page (210mm x 297mm) - ONLY £250+VAT

Call us on 0800 6446 150 or Email: sales@openboxpromotions.co.uk

your 22

Contact Linda 0116 236 3872 or email Linda@tcog.org.uk Or look at our website for more information, inspiration and encouragement www.tcog.org.uk . There is also a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions!) section on the website which may be able to answer any of your questions.

We look forward to hearing from you. If opening your garden is not for you then please put the date in your diary to come along and support this worthwhile community event…27th & 28th June 2019, we’d love to see you.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


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

57 HIGH STREET SYSTON, LEICESTER, LE7 1GQ

TEL: 0116 2607500 A FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL DIRECTORS OFFERING A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 24 HOURS A DAY FUNERALS ARRANGED IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME OR AT OUR UNIQUE 17TH CENTURY THATCHED COTTAGE PROPRIETOR MR RICK ASTILL

There’s no need to replace the window - we will replace the glass unit for you

www.gamblefunerals.co.uk MEMBERS OF SAIF AND NAFD

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

Just cal our small, friendly firm - whether it’s one window or a full house - with approximate sizes, and we’ll give you a price OVER THE PHONE or a free call out if you prefer.

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

23


“Need An Electrrician?�

You’ll get value for money because ourr pricing is Yo competitive

• Rewires

• Internet Cabling

• Emergency Call Outs

• USB Sockets

• Fuse Boards

• Outside Sockets

Reeturning Customers account for 74% R % of our work - that says it all about the qualityy of our work and the friendliness in our servicce

• Sockets

• Fault Finding

We give you five years guarantee on our We o labour

• Lights

• Security Lighting

• Showers

•T Teesting Certificates

We’re NICEIC registered - so we’re asssessed on We a regular basis to ensure the highest staandard of care are always met

• Extractor Fans

• Smoke Alarms

• Led Spot Lights

• Commercial

“If yo you can’t see what you want here we’ll probably do it – just ask k��

For your FREE Quotation Call Us T To oday

Always leave things clean and tidy All our team are smartly uniformed an nd we train them to always be prompt, politee and professional (and they smile a lot) We’ll turn up when we say we will We

Amy our star apprreentice

Call us NOW on

S ’ EY T S N A

0116 2873226

Problems With Your Feet?

Home Visits & Cropston Surgery

Ingrowing Toenails Fungal Corns Callous Verrucae

Johanna Partridge

MCFHP MAFHP

Foot Health Practitioner CALL 0116 235 1971 or 0788 781 7370 Registered Member of the British Association of Foot Health Professionals

24

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


The Charnwood Gardener

Smile for the camera! LOROS photo competition is open for entries

Dried Flowers – Worthy of the Gods?

In Greek mythology, spring was heralded by the return of the lovely Persephone from the depths of the underworld, where she ruled with her husband Hades for half the year. Her mother, Demeter, goddess of the harvest, missed her daughter dearly. While Persephone was away, Demeter would grieve and neglect her duties, and the earth would grow cold and barren. But every year, come spring, she enthusiastically welcomed Persephone’s return with the blooming and blossoming of all that grows.

DO YOU love taking photos? Are you a dab hand with a DSLR or skilled with your smartphone? LOROS Hospice is launching a photo competition and is inviting you to submit your images!

'Bicycle basket brimming with blooms'

So, it’s nearly time to do a Demeter and get growing! Perhaps you’re keen to try something a little different this year. Bored of brussels? Suffering a marigold malaise? Tired of tedious tulips?

Gary Dale, Retail Manager at LOROS, said: “We’re looking for pictures that show the best of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Lovely landscapes, wonderful wildlife and magnificent buildings – if it’s local, then snap it and send it in.

Why not try growing flowers to dry? Dried flowers look great in little arrangements around the house (and they’re on trend, don’t you know). The following are easy to grow and dry well: Echinops (globe thistle): The perfect spheres of Echinops retain a lovely blue sheen when dried. Dipsacus (teasel): They need a bit of space in the garden, but they earn their keep – teasel heads look fabulous assembled in a vase. Gypsophila (baby’s breath): The dried flowers of baby’s breath look almost as good as when they’re fresh. Achillea (yarrow): Dried properly, the flower heads of yarrow retain a deep yellow colour. Lunaria (honesty): The papery seed heads of honesty work wonderfully as part of an arrangement. Nigella (love-in-a-mist): The baby blue flowers dry well, but the dried seed heads (known as devil-in-a-bush) look great too. With a house full of dried flowers, you’ll have beautiful reminders of those warm months in Persephone’s company once she returns to her husband below the ground. Demeter should have tried that before cursing us with winter! MARCH TIP: Be patient – seeds sown in warm April soils will fare much better than cold March sowings.

Peter Flood

CHARNWOOD PROBUS CLUB The club held its February meeting at our normal venue, Longcliffe Golf Club, on Thursday 20th February. After the normal pre-lunch conversations our taste buds were well satisfied with a very fine pate and garnishes for a starter. This was followed by a most tender braised steak and lots of vegetables just to be finished off by a club favourite Bread and Butter pudding served with custard. At this meeting we had a speaker, one of the club members, Ian Hamilton-Smith. The subject of Ian’s talk was a basic look at genealogy where he showed that the information derived from birth and marriage certificates is ample to start one off on what can become an extensive tree. Ian likes to do his talks in a light hearted way and used his grandad as the basis of the tree demonstration. He also included a few of facts about his family some sad, some intriguing and some just pure history. The title of Ian’s talk was Family Tree, Skeletons and Pitfalls and he certainly showed the skeletons that crept out and the pitfalls that one can fall into. The talk was well received and generated a number of questions afterwards and hopefully at least one member will go home and start to build a Family Tree. If any retired or semiretired gentleman would like to come along and see what we get up to with no commitment then just complete the “contact form” on www.charnwoodprobus.co.uk where they will find lots of information on our very friendly club. We will need to know that you are coming so that we can include you in the lunch order. Can’t have a guest going hungry.

The winning photos will be used in LOROS’ 2021 calendar and sold to raise vital funds to support the Hospice’s care of patients and their families. “We’re inviting everyone to submit entries, not just professionals. A photo taken on a smart phone is absolutely fine. So if you have a passion for photography and would like to help LOROS raise money, get snapping,” Gary added. Twelve winning entries will be selected to form the LOROS 2021 calendar which will be sold across LOROS’ 29 shops. Entries must be submitted online – please visit loros.co.uk/calendar/ to enter and for terms and conditions. The deadline to send in photos is 5pm on 26th April 2020.

Good luck!

GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US? We are always on the lookout for local news. Please send articles to: yourlocal@ openboxpromotions.co.uk

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk

25


THE MONDAY CLUB

Christmas meal at Birstall Golf Club, with entertainment provided by the local handbell ringers. The Club has again been able to support some charities through raffles held at these events.

CROPSTON AND THURCASTON

CROPSTON EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH Annual General Meeting The meeting was opened by Committee member Diane Rouse, on behalf of Jenny Kennington who had been at a funeral and was expected later. Copies of the previous AGM and the current financial statement were circulated. There were no matters arising from the Minutes of last year’s meeting. Diane briefly went through the business part of the AGM, and explained that the Club accounts had been signed off by the accountant, although there was a small deficit of £12 overall. The May outing had unfortunately run at a loss. However, the Club finances are in good shape, and membership fees have been kept the same as in previous years. Jenny then arrived, and reminded us about some of the highlights of the past year. We usually have 20-30 people per meeting, and some of our past speakers have a wide repertoire of talks and always draw an appreciative audience. We had a large

turnout for a talk about Moorcroft pottery; relived one woman’s WWII experiences with a re-enactor; were transported to two years of teaching in China; admired the lady who walked the West Highland Way in a group, soon after having a hip replacement; listened to advice from the Benefits Advice and Advocacy Service; enjoyed memories of Ballroom Dancing; the history of the tea we drink; and forays into genealogy (researching your family tree).

***

The outing to Worcester in May was blessed with good weather, and there was plenty of history to be explored including the Cathedral (where an episode of “Father Brown” was being filmed for TV) and the Commandery, a museum in an 800--year old building. The composer Edward Elgar, who was born nearby, had a lifelong association with Worcester. Many members enjoy the July Strawberry Tea, which is becoming a tradition. The year was rounded off by an early

Assistance dog charity to hold special Mother’s Day afternoon tea MOTHERS will be treated to a special afternoon tea to raise vital funds for assistance dog charity Canine Partners. The event will take place on Saturday 21 March 2020 at the charity’s Midlands Training Centre near Osgathorpe, Leicestershire, and aims to raise money to train amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people living with disabilities across the UK, boosting their confidence and independence. The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and retrieving items, opening doors and undressing a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency. “Events like our Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea are vital for raising funds for the charity whilst also raising awareness in the area surrounding our two training centres in the Midlands and in the South,” says Cat Howourth, Events Officer for Canine Partners. “The money raised will enable us to train more amazing dogs and will help us to transform the lives of more people living with physical disabilities across the UK.” The special Mother’s Day afternoon tea is the perfect opportunity to treat your loved ones or catch up with friends. Relax and enjoy a fantastic selection of homemade sandwiches, homemade scones and cakes, all whilst raising much-needed funds for our charity that transforms lives every day – you can even upgrade your tea for £2.50 to include a glass of fizz! The event starts at 2:30pm and tickets cost £10 per person. Please note advanced booking is essential. For more information and to book your place please visit caninepartners.org.uk/events, call 01530 225937 or email cathowourth@caninepartners.org.uk

26

Members of the Committee then spoke briefly about their roles, and how we get publicity for our meetings and sell items to help the Club funds. Jenny thanked everyone for their support. As nobody else wished to join the Committee this year, the serving members were re-elected.

Meetings normally start at 2.15pm on the second Monday of each month. On 9th March we are due to hear from Chris Watkins about “Fine Cell Work”, which may not be what you would expect. On 20th April (one week later than usual because of Easter) there will be a talk from Intercare, who help families in Africa to improve their living conditions. New members and visitors are very welcome to our meetings --- just turn up on the day.

Mrs Maja Tompkins Contact mobile 07709 201881.

ANSTEY & GLENFIELD CRICKET CLUB Glenfield Sports Ground, Gynsill Lane, Glenfield

WOLFDALE

CRICKETERS WANTED! We are recruiting cricketers for this season to play in the Everards Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League. Fantastic facilities available with a modern sports pavilion, excellent pitches and ground. Winter nets on Sundays until early April, At City Cricket Academy from 10.00am – 11.00am, followed by weekly training sessions at the ground, once the season starts. Contact Amanda Wilkes for further details: Tel: 0116 2997963 or Mob: 0785 9001031 Email: amandaandcharlie@btinternet.com

GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US?

t: 0800 6446 150 • e: yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk • w: www.openboxpromotions.co.uk


16-18 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicester, LE6 0DJ

01162 871809

groby.exservicemensclub@gmail.com D@TheGrobyExServicemensClub

FEBRUARY ENTERTAINMENT Saturday 1st Faye Horne Saturday 8th Jess Saturday 15th Ali Saturday 22nd Louise Claire Saturday 29th Carl Merrry

Membership Renewals Membership renewals end on 29th February 2020, if you have not renewed by then you will have to pay a ÂŁ12 penalty fee plus your membership fee on top. Please pop into the club and ask for the bar manager or bar assistant manager to renew yours.

Bingo Nights Friday nights are Bingo nights. We will be playing Bingo throughout the night plus we have a new Entertainment system by Jigsaw Entertainment System where we can play race nights, games and music videos to keep us all entertained.


LET CHARNWOOD LIVING FIND THE PERFECT MATCH FOR YOUR HOUSE SELL YOUR PROPERTY WITH

CHARNWOOD LIVING

HIGH STREET SERVICE AT INTERNET PRICES NO SALE NO FEE

LANDLORDS

WE HAVE FROZEN OUR FEES Charnwood Living Ltd - Terms & Conditions Apply

0116 243 0880

www.charnwoodliving.co.uk

17 The Nook | Anstey | Leicester | LE7 7AZ


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.