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HATS CONTINUED SUCCESS Highcliffe Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS) has performed their annual Pantomime, (this year it was Cinderella,) at Birstall Social Club. Prince Charming overcame all the obstacles put in his way by the Ugly sisters and their mother, to ensure that he found the beautiful Princess who had left her glass slipper behind at the Ball. And as the saying goes “they lived happily ever after”. Cinderella, Prince Charming and a full cast, together with the Director, scenery and wardrobe members, and others, have all contributed once again, to a hugely successful show. The 4 shows resulted in fantastic audience participation, with lots of boo’s, hisses, cheers and shouting. The Ugly Sisters provided a comedic performance that would be hard to find anywhere else.
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Audience reviews and posts received include the following: “ Hilarious!! Very funny!! Great cast and scenery” Jacqueline Fraser. “Another brilliant funny performance. Loved it” The Barnes family “Very funny (cheeks sore from laughing) can’t wait for your next performance. Well done everybody” David and Leo. Our raffle proceeds of £200 have been donated to STEPS Charity in Shepshed. Our next production will be “Penny Black”, by Rob Wellington, with the consent of Lazy Bee scripts. This is a farce and tells how Holmes Hardy, the postman, became Sherlock Holmes, the world famous detective. Come and meet his hilarious, complicated, unusual family and acquaintances. This is a very witty, fast paced play that will grab your attention from the very beginning. Note: This play contains some adult humour. Dates for performances are on: April, 23rd, 24th and 25th, 2020. Venue: Birstall Social Club, 16-18 Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4JS Tickets: £7.00, £6.00 concession. Discount for group bookings of 10 or more people (price available at time of booking). Tickets will be available from mid February 2020. Box office: 0116 2209594 and 07934204837 Or email hatstickets@hotmail.com. Face book: www.facebook.com/hatsamdram/
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A big Thank You and a Happy New Year We would just like to take this opportunity to thank all of our contributors, from our advertisers who make the printing and delivery possible, to all the wonderful people who send in articles and make the magazine interesting to read, and finally all the people who enjoy reading the magazine. We could not do it without you, so thank you. We hope everyone has a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year, we look forward to working with you in 2020. If you are interested in advertising or sending in an article please call us on 0800 6446 150 or email yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk or visit www.openboxpromotions.co.uk
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CCTV cameras to tackle fly-tipping CCTV cameras are being deployed in Charnwood as the borough council steps up its fight against fly-tippers. The council has introduced the cameras in various hot-spots across the area and it comes as the Council launches its annual Don’t Muck Around campaign to tackle enviro-crime. Alan Twells, head of regulatory services at the Council, said: “The cameras are the latest weapon in the fight against fly-tipping in Charnwood. “We are already proactive. Our enviro-crime officers investigate every incident and we issue fixed penalty notices or instigate a prosecution whenever possible. “We are hoping the cameras will not only catch some people in the act but also act as a deterrent to would-be fly-tippers. “Residents can also play a part in tackling fly-tipping. If you pay someone to dispose of your rubbish then please make sure they are licensed waste carriers because if they are not and your waste is fly-tipped, it could be you who ends up with a fine or in court. “Sometimes people are approached on social media so we would advise residents to be wary. You can check if someone is a licensed waste collector by visiting the Environment Agency website. “It is disappointing that the number of incidents in Charnwood has risen but we will continue to use all powers at our disposal to tackle the problem.â€? In 2018/19 there were 852 fly-tipping incidents in Charnwood compared with 673 in 2017/18 and 603 in 2016/17. When enough evidence is recovered from a fly-tip, the Council takes action. In 2017/18 the Council issued 17 fixed penalty notices, each for ÂŁ400, totalling ÂŁ6,800. The council will also take action in court and since 2015, Charnwood has successfully brought 22 prosecutions, with offenders being left with fines and costs plus a criminal record. As well as fly-tipping, the Don’t Muck Around campaign will highlight littering issues. There is a particular focus on litter being thrown from vehicles and the Council is supporting a county-wide campaign to raise awareness of the issue. The registered keeper of a vehicle can be issued a fixed penalty notice for ÂŁ150 for littering, regardless of who threw the litter from the vehicle. Council street wardens have already taken part in some joint enforcement action with other councils in Leicestershire and more is being planned. The Council street warden teams will also be carrying out patrols in areas where there have been complaints about littering and dog fouling. For more information about what can and can’t be recycled or taken to the local tips, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/recycling
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Search Your Sofa IF YOU are feeling hard up for money as the New Year begins, it may be worth checking your sofa. It seems that there are still millions of old one-pound coins loose in our homes across the country. The Royal Mint has reassured people that they will still accept the old coins – just take them to your nearest bank. “We expect there to be some returns for a number of years to come,� said a spokesman.
Friends of the Charnwood Forest The last meeting of the Friends for this year took place at The Brand, Woodhouse Eaves, on 17th November, and was hosted by Colonel & Mrs Martin. The house is situated at the end of a longish drive just outside Woodhouse, and is nestled shyly amid a grove of trees. It was built in 1875 for the Ellis family. They, however, found it was too inconvenient for their interests in Leicester, so in 1888 they rented it to the Martin family. The Martins had resided in Anstey at a house named Anstey Pastures for over 400 years. However, Robert Frewen Martin, the then owner of Anstey Pastures, was suffering from ill-health, and as Anstey was being engulfed by the city, he had decided that The Brand was more suited to his condition. He finally bought the property, together with some cottages, from the Ellis family in 1892 for £11,000. One must ask – where could you get
4
a property, save perhaps a rabbit hutch, for such a sum today? In 1875 Robert Martin had founded the Mountsorrel Granite Company; his sons inherited the concern and between the wars the company had prospered; so much so, in fact, that the Martin family was able to assist in finance for the old Loughborough College – now the university – and in Bradgate Park. The present owner is the 23rd generation of Martins to live in the shire, so the internet tells me. Uinfortunately, due to the weather, there was no parking available at the house; members had to park along the road and walk the drive to reach the house, although a shuttle service was arranged for those who were not able to walk. On the walk one could admire three highland cows in an adjacent field. At
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the front hall we were greeted by a glass of wine. Members slowly spread out into sitting rooms; small groups stood for a while and then sat down. Much chatting then took place. Then it was lunch time. In the dining room was a large table bowed under a lavish spread. It was so large that members often went round twice, though I admit I did not make a study of this. At the end there was still food on the dishes. All too soon it was time to go. We thanked Colonel and Mrs Martin for their hospitality, took the long walk down the drive and, feeling suitably refreshed, set out on the drive home. Our next meeting is on 20th January, when Neil Pilcher will be giving a talk on “Charnwood Forest – A living landscape�, at Woodhouse village hall at 7.30.
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GoLearn adult learning courses open up new horizons for 2020 Hundreds of part-time day, evening and weekend courses are now open for enrolment from the county council's adult learning service.
ROTHLEY/BIRSTALL BIRDWATCHING CLUB Tuesday, January 14th at 7.30 p.m. A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF A TOUR GUIDE by Neil Glenn Neal who hails from Nottinghamshire has been a keen bird watcher since his childhood. He is a freelance journalist and author of the ‘’Best Bird Watching Sites’’ books. He is also a tour leader with Avian Adventures. He will take us into the life of a tour leader and tell us of some of his adventures and the trials and tribulations encountered during his many trips. The Rothley Centre, 12 , Mounsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Members are free. Visitors £3. There is ample free car parking on site.
Courses are available on a wide range of subjects, and at venues across the county. Classes begin in January and are open for enrolment now at www.leicestershire.gov.uk/golearn Courses on offer range from one-off two-hour sessions to 15-week courses and full 30-week programmes. They include languages, english for speakers of other languages (ESOL), British Sign Language, computer skills, art, fused glass, jewellery making, knitting, patchwork and quilting, and confidence building. Richard Blunt, cabinet member for heritage, leisure and arts, said: “With 2020 on the way, a lot of people will be thinking about learning a new skill or taking up a new interest. These adult learning courses offer the ideal opportunity to turn that resolution into reality.” Free courses are also available for people seeking work and looking to gain basic skills, including planning first steps towards employment, increasing confidence, help with online job searching, CV writing and interview skills. As well as traditional English and maths GCSE, functional skills, first aid, food safety in catering qualifications plus many others aimed at giving learners the tools to progress. Anyone who enrols on a course before 31 January 2020 will receive an early bird discount of 10 per cent off the tuition fee. People in receipt of certain benefits, or on a low income, can get a 70 per cent discount on tuition fees, or may be entitled to attend for free. For more information, visit the website www.leicestershire. gov.uk/golearn or pick up a brochure from any Leicestershire library or learning centre. Advisors from the adult learning service can also be contacted on 0800 988 0308 (lines open Monday – Friday 9am -7pm).
ADDING WARMTH TO YOUR HOME FOR WINTER We spend a lot of time in winter in our own homes and enjoying time with family, lets make it cosy! Here are my 3 top tips for adding warmth to your space without having to re-decorate. Adding Colour Adding accessories in cosy colours, such as oranges, red, deep purples, browns and greens create a deep cosy space. These colours can be added via textures, cushions, ornaments, and throws. We see a great deal of reasonably priced accessories on out high streets, making it a very affordable option.
COLOUR
Lighting Lighting plays a huge factor in any Interior Design project I work on. It is ever so important to create a mood for an Interior. Top tip; Swap 'cool' bulbs for 'warm will create a warmer room. Candles at different levels in a group add a visual effect, and the flickering light is relaxing and warming (Just make sure their put out, when you out!) Battery/Fairy lights are a great way to add a warm light and can be hung around anything. Switch of the main 'task' lighting and used this secondary 'Ambient' lighting to create to add to the cosy, warm space. Texture Things to touch, and feel, that large soft throw that we can wrap around ourselves with a hot chocolate and Christmas film. Add plush faux fur rugs to dining chairs. Layer throws on furniture, faux fur, knitted or fleece and spend your winter days together snuggled in your cosy space!
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3,000 free trees to give away Residents can apply for free trees under a scheme which has returned to Charnwood. The borough council has once again teamed up with the National Forest and partner idverde to run the scheme which has 3,000 trees to give away and people have until January 10, 2020 to apply. Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces at the Council, said: “We’re pleased to be offering our free tree scheme for the second year running.
The general election results for Charnwood and Loughborough Charnwood Constituency Edward Argar (Conservative) - 35,121 votes Gary Godden (Labour) - 12,724 votes
“Following the success of last year, we’re giving away even more trees and I’d encourage residents to apply as soon as possible to snap up their free trees.
Laurie Needham (Green) - 2,664 votes
“Charnwood is part of the National Forest and this is one way to help make it even greener.”
Edward Argar is duly elected for Charnwood
Last year 2,000 trees were given away to local residents, community groups and parish councils in the borough. Households and community groups are eligible to choose up to three trees and there is a choice of three varieties; holly, hazel and cherry plum.
Electorate: 79,556 Ballot Papers: 55,631 % Poll: 69.9%
The trees will be approximately 20cm – 40cm when they are collected. Each resident who applies for a free tree will be given a guide on how to look after them properly.
Kate Tipton (Liberal Democrats) - 4,856 votes
Loughborough Constituency
Trees will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and residents that apply for a free tree must be available to collect on one of the following dates and locations:
Stuart Brady (Labour) – 20,785 votes
Saturday January 18 2020, 10am-3pm – Central Park, Syston
Ian Sharpe (Liberal Democrats) – 4,153 votes
Saturday January 25 2020, 10am-3pm –Derby Road Playing Fields, Loughborough.
Queenie Tea (Independent) – 235 votes
To apply online, all residents need to do is visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/freetrees
Wes Walton (Green) – 1,504 votes
idverde manages the borough’s parks and open spaces on behalf of the Council.
Jane Hunt is duly elected for Loughborough
The National Forest is right in heart of the country, embracing 200 square miles of the Midlands. It spans across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire and aims to link the two ancient Forests of Charnwood and Needwood.
Electorate: 79,776 Ballot Papers: 54,860 % Poll: 68.8%
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Jane Hunt (Conservative) – 27,954 votes
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BIRSTALL AND DISTRICT ART SOCIETY 25th ANNUAL EXHIBITION - 2nd and 3rd NOVEMBER 2019
This year, at our 25th Annual exhibition on 2nd and 3rd November, 103 framed paintings were displayed, covering a wide variety of media and subjects; and again the standard was very high. We were delighted by the number of visitors - 369 visitors over the two days, 209 on Saturday and 160 on Sunday. In fact, attendance was so great that we almost ran out of catalogues on Saturday, meaning some hard work by Bob and Elaine Wise overnight to print off some more! We were so busy over the two days that we had barely a couple of slices of cake and a few biscuits left by 3.00 p.m. on the Sunday! Although we insist that our Exhibition is not a ‘saleroom’, but is designed to show off what we can do and to encourage new members to “try their hand”, 16 framed paintings and 11 mounted originals were sold, which was gratifying to the artists. In addition, we received several enquiries for further information on membership, demonstrations and workshops and, as a result, three new members have since joined the Society. Once again our visitors seemed to enjoy the friendly and informal presentation of our Exhibition and many were “repeat” visitors and purchasers. Well done to everyone who gave their time to help with the Exhibition, especially those involved in setting up and dismantling the stands, tables and chairs, and everyone who help prepare and serve refreshments.
The High Road - Winter by Charlotte Stephenson
The High Road—Winter byinCharlo�e Stephenson Voted best show
We were delighted to be able to present a cheque for £276.00 to LOROS as a result of our raffle.
Margaret by Christine Marvell
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Best Friend by Gemma Vissani
Abstract by Sue Wakerley
Autumn Bouquet by Jane Miller
Highly Commended
Untitled by David Walmsley
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Lupins by Pauline Brindley
Relaxation by Sylvia Alexander
Knaresborough by Bill Pepper Relaxa�on by Sylvia AlexandeKnaresborough by Bill Pepper
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The Charnwood Gardener
The results of the 25th Annual Exhibition Junior trophy - Gemma Vissani Norman Sims Award and Cup — Charlotte Stephenson
New Year, New You - Hopes, Dreams and Gardening
Categories 1. Sue Wakeley - Mary Houghton Rose Bowl 2. Charlotte Stephenson 3. Christine Marvell 4. Jane Miller Highly Commended 1. David Walmsley
2. Bill Pepper
3. Sylvia Alexander
4. Pauline Brindley
But amid all the self-examination and earnest resolutions, we can often be a little too optimistic with our promises to ourselves. Perhaps it’s important to recognise who we really are and what we’re realistically capable of in the year to come - otherwise we set ourselves up for failure. Does a pear tree dream of bearing oranges? Or does it hope to produce its very best crop of pears?
Jane Miller and Andrew Geeson
Sue Wakerley and Irene Peutrill Charlotte Stephenson and Pauline Brindley
Christine Marvell and Amanda Jackson
After the inevitable excesses of the festive period, January offers a welcome chance to pause and reset. This is reflected in the garden – a great stillness now falls over the bare stems and frost-kissed soil. The garden lies dormant, dreaming of the year to come, and so do we.
Pseudo-psychological rambling aside, January is the perfect time for garden planning. Get your notebook out and start those lists. Do you want lots more colour in the garden, perhaps by trying new annuals from seed? Do you want to grow more healthy fruit and veg for you and the family to enjoy? Maybe this is year you dig a pond! Whatever the case, January’s harvest is one of bountiful plans and schemes. JANUARY TIP: If you do venture outside this month, it’s not too late to plant Allium bulbs. There are many varieties available in all shapes and sizes, but you can’t go wrong with Purple Sensation and White Everest. Both bear a single ball-shaped flower (in purple and white respectively) that can fit easily into an established border for some architectural height in early summer. Plant in groups of three or five, or space evenly in a more formal border. Wait for a day when the ground isn’t frozen and plant at a depth about four times the diameter of the bulb.
Charlotte Stephenson
andand Tim Tim Fisher ephenson Fisher
Peter Flood
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Age Uk Leicester Shire & Rutland Winter campaign - Heating or Eating We are already waking up to cold temperatures each morning, and it’s easy to take central heating and warm dinners for granted. Both heating and eating are vital for our health in the cold weather, which is why Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is launching its Heating or Eating campaign.
Winter hardship causes over 50,000 deaths every year in England and Wales. Locally 650 people will die this winter because they can’t afford their heating bills. A staggering fact is that 10% of our counties’ households are in fuel poverty. The Heating or Eating campaign, which runs throughout the winter, aims to help older people in food and fuel poverty in our local community. All donations received throughout the campaign will be used to provide food parcels, blankets, hot water bottles and winter clothing or to help older people pay utility bills, fix or replace boilers and heaters. Do you need our help? If you are over 50 and facing the choice of heating or eating, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland can help you this winter and can help you prepare for future winters. We can •
Give you a free Home Energy Check and energy saving items which will reduce your heating costs
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Make sure that you are getting your benefit entitlements which will increase your income
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Help you to work with your energy provider so you are on the best energy tariffs
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Signpost you to other services which will help you prepare for and get the support you need during winter
How can you help? Your donation could save a life in your community this winter. Please donate online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/heatingoreating or by cheque, payable to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA. Please call 0116 299 2233 for more information. For more information contact Tessa Trace at Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland on 0116 299 2233.
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NEWS FROM THE CHURCHES The churches of St. James, Birstall, and Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Wanlip, are now entering an interregnum, following the departure of our Rector, Vince Jupp, as he takes up his new post as Diocesan Transition Enabler. After nearly nine years with us, he and Sheryl were given a grand 'send-off' which will be remembered for a long time to come. However, with the help of our 'retired' clergy and visiting priests, the work and worship of the churches carries on. Worship is not, however, confined to the buildings of the churches. There are many home groups who meet in each other's houses to explore and deepen their faith through discussion and prayer and share friendship, fellowship and food. The more intimate and informal surroundings can be more conducive to sharing feelings and prayer, and improve confidence, than in a larger, more formal setting such as church. The sharing of food is quite special, and Julie Ward and helpers at Wanlip Community Hall welcome all comers on the 3rd Tuesday of every month for 'Old Nick's Coffee Shop' with tea and coffee and delicious home-made cakes and scones in a warm, relaxed atmosphere - a place to meet friends old and new (from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon). Wanlip Hall will also be host to a Burns Night Supper on 25th January and tickets are £20.20 (which includes wine) and are available from Julie and John Ward on 0116 2677600 (places are, obviously, limited). St. James Social Committee have two events lined up for the new year. There will be a film night on 24th January, showing 'Fisherman's Friend', which is free to enter, with light refreshments, and on 28th February there will be a talk by Sue Ablett on 'Japan - Land of the Rising Sun' in Wanlip Hall, entrance £5.00, to include wine/juice and nibbles.
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The Big Garden Birdwatch Saturday 25 January to Monday 27 January thrushes seen in gardens had declined by 76%, coming in at number 20. Your results help us spot problems, but more importantly, they are also the first step in putting things right. This is why it's so important that we count garden birds. How to take part It’s so easy to take part. An hour with the birds is a wonderful opportunity to sit back, relax and spend time with nature. So, pop the kettle on, put your feet up and start counting!
Take part in the world’s largest wildlife survey on 25-27 January and do something great for nature. Just choose an hour any time over the three days and enjoy time with nature counting birds.
Watch the birds for one hour • Choose an hour between 25 and 27 January to watch the birds in your garden or local park. •
Count the most birds that land at once
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Only count the birds that land in your garden or park, not those flying over. The same birds may land more than once, so you can avoid double counting by recording the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total number you count over the hour.
How does Big Garden Birdwatch help? For over 40 years, we've been asking you to count the birds in your garden – and you've been brilliant at it. With over half a million people now regularly taking part, coupled with 40 years worth of data, Big Garden Birdwatch allows us to monitor trends and helps us understand how birds are doing. As the format of the survey has stayed the same, the scientific data can be compared yearon-year, making your results very valuable to our scientists. With results from so many gardens, we are able to create a "snapshot" of bird numbers across the UK. For four decades, the Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. It was one of the first surveys to alert the RSPB to the decline in the number of song thrushes in gardens. This species was a firm fixture in the top 10 in 1979, but by 2019 numbers of song
Tell us what you saw Every count is important, so don’t worry if you don’t see anything. Observing which birds aren’t around is as important as seeing the ones that are. You can submit your results online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch from 25 January until 16 February. If you’d prefer to send us your results by post, you can download a submission form from rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. Please make sure you post your findings back to us by 11 February.
Sign up for this years event at https://www.rspb.org.uk
ST. JAMES MONDAY GROUP A very pleasant evening was had by 20 members of the group at our Christmas party. It is amazing that, as everybody brings a plate of food to share, there is never anything the same - every year - always different and always very tasty!! We each had a secret Santa parcel and a quiz that massaged our 'little grey cells'! We will be welcoming in the New Year with our New Year Luncheon, this time at the British Legion on 13th January. Fund raising for our Charity this year, Glebe House, Loughborough, which supports children and adults with special needs, now stands at £937.02, thanks to the efforts of our members. The programme for 2020 is taking shape, with a list of speakers and a slide show, (which I know, from experience, will be lovely). Our meetings are in the Age Concern rooms of the Village Hall, School Lane, on the 2nd Monday of every month, and should you wish to join us you will be very welcome.
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Come and Sing Duruflé's Requiem – one day workshop in Loughborough – BOOK NOW! Charnwood Voices is delighted to invite you to its Come and Sing workshop on Saturday January 18TH 2020 at Trinity Methodist Church Centre in Loughborough. Registration will be at 10am and the day will end with a 5.30pm performance. Pre-booking is essential. It is open to all singers, whether you sing regularly with a choir or not. Many of the singers who come will not have sung the music before. It does help if you are able to read music to some degree and have listened to the piece before the day, but there are always some singers present who have done the piece before and lead the way. The day is hard work but great fun and very rewarding. We finish the afternoon with an informal performance to amaze our audience of friends and family with what we have achieved during the day. Our workshop leader, Charnwood Voices’ Musical Director Nicholas Scott-Burt writes, “The Requiem by Maurice Duruflé is one of the most beautiful examples of liturgical music from the 20th century. Strongly influenced by Fauré's famous setting of the same text, it is full of gloriously sing-able lines and magical harmonies. We have a whole day to master this work of such ethereal, heartrending magnificence. A wonderful work to sing: one or two tricky corners certainly along the way, but plenty of time for us to find our way confidently around those!” Our accompanist and organist will be Richard Dunster-Sigtermans. There are limited places and this workshop has booked up in the past, so BOOK NOW! The cost will be £15 per person and application forms are available to download from our website www.charnwoodvoices.org.uk Library copies of the music will be available on the day for those who request them on their booking forms. This will be a great opportunity to take part in this wonderful piece!
Residents save average of £269 on energy bills Residents who signed up to the Charnwood big Switch have saved an average of £269 a year on their energy bills with the first auction. Earlier this year the borough council introduced ‘Charnwood Big Switch’ a collective switching scheme to help residents get a better deal and change energy suppliers with ease. Registrations for the next auction are now open and more residents are being encouraged to sign up for a chance to see how much money they could save on their energy bills. Alison Simmons, head of strategic and private sector housing said: “The council are committed to helping residents and we are really pleased with the amount of money residents saved through the first auction. “Switching your energy suppliers can be daunting for some residents and we’re hoping Charnwood Big Switch will make the process easier for residents and give them the confidence to switch and save money on their bills. “I would encourage residents to register with the scheme, so they are able to see if they are getting a better deal before deciding to switch.” The scheme is delivered by the Council and iChoosr, an independent specialist provider in collective energy switching. Collective switching gives people the opportunity to group together and pay less for their energy. Residents can switch electric or dual fuel and can choose to have paper bills or to manage their accounts online. iChoosr hold three auctions a year and energy suppliers compete to provide the lowest priced tariff in the auction. It is free for residents to register their interest and registrations for the second auction are now open. The next auction for Charnwood will take place on February 11, 2020.
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