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Hallam Fields Hall Official Opening
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The Parish Council officially opened the new facility of the Hallam Fields Hall on Friday, 3 January 2020.
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The Chair of Birstall Parish Council, Councillor Ann Marshall was delighted to perform the duty of cutting the ribbon and then inviting a crowd of interested residents, eagerly waiting, to view the new facility.
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In the Chair’s speech she offered her thanks to several organisations that had assisted along the way:
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Chesterton Smart Ltd (Project Manager)
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Tanwood Construction Ltd (Contractors)
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Palmer-Tomkinson Trust (Land Owner & Advisors)
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The event ran from 10am up until 2pm and over 100 booking forms were handed out upon request to interested parties on the day. The following few days saw the office staff inundated with booking enquiries. The first bookings commenced on Monday, 13 January 2020.
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There are regular weekly bookings for various groups such as, Zumba classes, Yoga Classes, Church gathering, Pilates Classes and a mini-Trampolining & Kettle Bells exercise classes and there are to date, thirteen confirmed private bookings during the week and at weekends ranging from children’s and adult’s birthday parties, a Christening and a wedding reception. More bookings are being taken daily.
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The Parish Council and myself often wondered if this project would ever get off the ground, let alone be completed. The reward is to see it in all its splendour and completed to such a high standard is wonderful indeed. It has been said that the building enhances the whole area that surrounds it. It is also pleasing to see that there was indeed a need for this venue which is in such popular demand. It ranks as one of the proudest days of my career so far.
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The building was funded through s.106 monies when Hallam Fields was in the planning stage. The original sum in the s.106 agreement was £350,000. Indexation was eventually agreed and applied to this figure giving a total of £500,000 for the completion of the build. Unfortunately, because of the length of time that had passed and costs ever rising, the Parish Council had to come up with a plan to address any shortfall in the funding that would be required to be able to deliver the project. The Parish Council agreed to set aside a sum of £122,743. This added to the agreed s.106 of £500,000 gave an amount of 622,743 to be able to deliver the project. The actual cost to build the Community Hall was £575,133 excluding VAT, but there were other costs involved going back to 2017 to just get to the stage of being able to put the works out to Tender. These costs included fees for the Project Manager, Architect, Planning Application Costs, M&E Contractors, VAT advice, Severn Trent Water application fees, and so on. The final total of the whole project came to £620,613.17 excluding VAT and so the earmarked amount and the s.106 monies total of £622,743 just covered all the costs. Birstall Parish Council should give themselves a pat on the back for delivering this massive project and for being such a forward-thinking, resourceful and prudent Council, by taking the decision to set aside and reserve an amount in readiness to cover any shortfall in the funds some years ago. It is that decision that made sure that the project could be delivered for the residents of Birstall. Sue Coulson – Clerk to Birstall Parish Council
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WORLD DAY OF PRAYER (A women led, global, ecumenical movement) World Day of Prayer is an international inter-church organisation which enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world, their hopes, concerns and prayers. The preparation for the day is vast. An international committee is based in New York and there are national committees in each participating country. Regional conferences meet to consider the service and then local groups including yours in Birstall make their plans. The Day of Prayer is celebrated in over 170 countries. It begins in Samoa and the same service in native languages travels throughout the world - through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas - before finishing in American Samoa more than 36 hours later. Women of Zimbabwe have prepared this year's service and they encourage us all, men, women and children, to reflect on the difficulties and unrest that have plagued their country over many years. They share the challenges they have met and the hopes they have for the future. They encourage us to "Rise, take your mat and walk" with them as they continue their turbulent journey towards full reconciliation. This year on FRIDAY 6th MARCH AT ST. JAMES THE GREAT CHURCH, BIRSTALL we are holding 2 services, one in the afternoon and one in the evening and we warmly invite you to join us. The AFTERNOON celebration will start with a simple lunch at 12 noon (donations gratefully received) followed by a short presentation on the country of Zimbabwe. At 2 pm our service "Rise, take your mat and walk" will begin. The service will be repeated at 7.30 pm and light refreshments will be available afterwards. Judith Souter
AGE UK LEICESTER SHIRE & RUTLAND
COMEDY COMES TO CLARENCE WITH MRS BARBARA NICE Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland are very excited to be involved in this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival. On Saturday 8th February from 4pm the public will have a chance to see Mrs Barbara Nice (2019’s Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist and formally of Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights) at Clarence House, Humberstone Gate, Leicester. Why not come along for a fun filled evening with the nation’s favourite housewife extraordinaire (plus support act) A good time is guaranteed when Barbara is at the helm. Giggles for a good cause, what’s not to like? Just keep it quiet – her husband thinks she’s at the bingo. Tickets are £12.00 and will be available from the Leicester Comedy box office 0116 456 6812 or Leicester Comedy website https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/comedycomes-to-clarence-featuring-mrs-barbara-nice/ You can also pop into Clarence house at buy tickets at reception. This event is being kindly sponsored by Sharman Fielding Chartered Accountants and Consultants. For more information please contact Nikky Miles at Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland on 0116 299 2233.
Birstall Parish Council Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance Tree-mendous Christmas Event BPC was delighted to deliver another successful Christmas event. There were so many happy faces and positive comments from those attending. The Mulled wine, minced pies and sweets for the children speedily disappeared. Thanks are due to the local co-op store for generously donating the mince pies. Donations for the Co-op’s charity were collected from those attending. Santa was a star and worked so hard seeing large numbers of children, keen to tell him their Christmas wishes. This year’s Christmas Tree looks splendid and many positive comments have been received. May I take this opportunity to wish all Birstall residents a very Happy New Year on behalf of B.P.C
Cllr. Ed.Marshall
- Chair Events Committee
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Alex’s Wish Raise Magic £1,000,000! Locally based charity, Alex’s Wish, revealed at their recently held annual ball that they had achieved their initial fundraising target of raising £1,000,000. Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish and Mum to Alex, after whom the charity is named, said, “Six years ago when I set up Alex’s Wish I set ourselves the ambitious target to raise £1,000,000 to help fund vital research and clinical trials to help bring about effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the devastating, life limiting muscle wasting condition - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. “Six years later I was able to announce at our recent ball, that we had done it! It’s with thanks to our fabulous supporters and the local business community who has helped us achieve our initial target – and we would like to thank every single of them for their support so far. “The money raised has been invested in several research projects, clinical trials and supporting trial centres in the UK to run clinical trials, helping us move ever closer to effective treatments for Duchenne. Our latest commitments include promising gene therapy and stem cell therapy. A huge amount of progress has been made, but we still have a long way to go. We are committed to continuing to drive this momentum forward to help THIS generation of children living with Duchenne. We are now working towards securing our next £1,000,000 and will not stop until a cure is found.” The new fundraising challenge has received its first contribution from donations made at their annual ball. Zoe Edwards, Fundraising Manager said, “We raised an amazing £20,000 at this year’s event. Donations were made via our raffle and ‘Win a Holiday’ prize draw as well as from a silent auction and exciting live auction! Prizes for the live auction included afternoon tea at the Ritz which was kindly donated by New St Chambers, a Fab Clinics beauty treatment which was donated by Fab Clinics, as well as a Belmond British Pullman experience for two and a Europa Park Germany getaway which were both donated by our headline sponsor – Next. I would also like to thank our drinks sponsor - Morgan Sindall - as well as 2XL Commercial Finance for their support of our event. We are now looking into where best to invest these funds.” Next year’s date for the Alex’s Wish Ball has already been set for Saturday, 14th November at The Hilton (East Midlands) Hotel. Adds Emma, “Every single week in the UK two families will receive the same diagnosis that we did and we will not rest until we find a cure for all boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and stop this terrible disease in its tracks.” To find out more about Alex’s Wish and Duchenne or to get involved in any of their planned 2020 events and fundraising activities, please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk
Steve Goodger
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News from the Churches Christmas, with all the planning, family gatherings and celebration of Christ's birth, is now a (hopefully) lovely memory, buried in all that gift wrapping and tinsel. New Year has also gone and we are well launched into 2020. It is always wonderful at Christmas and at other times of rejoicing or remembrance to see so many people from Birstall and beyond join together in our churches for acts of worship. It was, at times, standing room only! January sees the week of Christian Unity, with much interaction and affirmation of faith between Birstall's three main churches; 'swapping' clergy for the day, with St. James' Canon Anne officiating at the Methodist Church, Reverend Paula Hunt at St. Theresa's Catholic Church and St. James hosting Father Ted at the Healing Eucharist service. There is also a 'Bring and Share' lunch at St. Theresa's Church, sharing food, friendship and prayer, all of which reaffirms our Christian Unity in Birstall. Canon Anne Horton is putting together, and would welcome articles and contributions for the Spring edition of the 'Keep in Touch' magazine. The magazine covers the months of March, April and May, running from Lent through to Pentecost. If you would like a copy of the magazine, please contact St. James Church, on 0116 2671797 and leave a message, or, whilst our parish is in interregnum, please call 07570 198810 to contact a church warden. The magazine has articles to interest everyone, informative, amusing and topical. In Wanlip, Old Nick's Coffee Shop is 'open for business' as usual on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Make a scrummy cake a monthly treat! There are absolutely no calories involved, so no guilt trip! Sue Ablett is giving us a talk, with slides, on 'Japan - land of the Rising Sun' on 28th February in Wanlip Community Hall. The entrance fee of £5.00 includes wine/juice and (quite substantial) nibbles. So, as we whizz into 2020, with the trials and tribulations, joys and celebrations unknown and yet to come, we wish everyone a Happy New Year from St. James Church.
NEXT ISSUE OUT WEDNESDAY 19th FEBRUARY
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CUSTOMERS and staff at Leicester’s libraries are being invited to vote for their favourite books of the decade. Throughout the month of January, anyone aged 12 and over can vote for up to three titles of any genre. You can vote for any adult or junior book, either fiction or non-fiction – they just need to have been published between 2010 and 2019. Voting slips will be available in libraries, and you can also send in your votes by email to booknews@leicester.gov.uk. All libraries will have displays up and a box for people to post their votes. Titles that are being tipped as books of the decade include The Testaments, by Margaret Atwood, and Becoming, by Michelle Obama. Junior books of the decade could include A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. But you can vote for anything! Results will be announced in February and featured in Book News, the libraries’ newsletter, and on social media. Only one voting slip or email is allowed per person, and voting closes at midnight on 31 January.
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Time4Leicestershire: Give one hour, get one hour
Community scheme launched in Leicestershire AN INNOVATIVE scheme where residents are rewarded for helping others in their community has been launched across Leicestershire. Time4Leicestershire is a new skills exchange initiative, which will see people carrying out good deeds for others and being rewarded in return by having somebody do a good deed for them. Part of the national Timebanking UK initiative, Time4Leicestershire is being run by the County Council’s Public Health team, who are encouraging people to sign up, register what skills they can offer and see what expertise they could benefit from. The scheme is designed to help people swap skills, connect with their community by meeting new people, contribute to their local community and receive help or support with practical tasks, such as gardening. Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We want people across Leicestershire to live as healthily and independently as possible and this scheme will encourage this, regardless of age or ability. “There are many positive health benefits for people from being connected within their community and we very much welcome the Time4Leicestershire initiative as a way of helping people across the county to meet more people in their neighbourhoods, get help with some practical jobs and improve their emotional wellbeing at the same time.” Timebanking differs from volunteering, as people swap skills. For every hour of time somebody gives helping, they receive an hour’s time credit to bank and use on somebody helping them for an hour. Skills swapped can be anything from mowing a lawn or baking a cake. People don’t have to meet in person to benefit from the scheme, they can help online, for example helping someone with their CV or digitally editing photographs. The Public Health team are holding a series of information events for people to learn more about timebanking. People who sign up at the events will have their account credited with two hours, to help them get started. To find out more about the scheme and what skills people are looking for, or to see when the next information events will be taking place, visit www.time4leicestershire.org.uk or call 0116 305 0705.
Visit: www.time4leicestershire.org.uk
ANSTEY CHESS CLUB LATEST NEWS... Firstly from me some thank yous and apologies! Thank yous: Anstey Parish Council for the grant money that has been sent to me for the chess club. It will come in very handy for paying LRCA league fees and some more equipment for the club. Thank you to the members of the council that approved our grant. June Janes for the wonderful chess set that she donated to the club. The board and set were of excellent quality - thank you. Apologies: For not submitting an article last month - my age and my chess must be catching up with me! Results: There have been so many results recently (especially since I missed a month!) that it would be unfair in terms of room for them all to be printed. The club's first team have had some excellent results and sit proudly at the top of the LRCA's (Leicestershire & Rutland Chess Association)
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division 4 going into the Christmas break. We have played 8, won 7, drawn 1 and lost 0 - so far! The second team have had mixed results with some excellent wins - they are comfortably mid-table in division 5. Free Chess Sessions - Reminder: Sadly, we are not running any chess sessions on Saturday mornings for the foreseeable future. The Stadon wasn't quite right for Saturday morning coaching - it is perfect as a league venue though - so we decided to stop the training/ coaching/practice sessions for now. We will hunt for a new venue and let you all know how we progress. Website - Reminder: Fantastic news here! We have a NEW website. After much scouring of the internet/looking at other sports clubs and what they do - a considerable amount of research, even if I do say so myself - we have found a new host for our site. www.pitchero.com/clubs/ansteychessclub
Feel free to have a browse if you have a spare minute or two. January Club Nights/Fixtures Wednesday 22nd January - Club Night Wednesday 29th January - Club Night Thursday 30th January - Latimer 1 v Anstey 1 We should be at the club every Wednesday in some way, shape or form, so feel free to call in. You are welcome along on any night so please pop along to see what we're all about. New players are welcome along at any time regardless of standard.
Ben Vaughan - Anstey Chess Club 0116 3320956 - 07469 207548 ansteychess@hotmail.com *New Website* www.pitchero.com/clubs/ansteychessclub
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ST. JAMES MONDAY GROUP For our January meeting we welcomed in the New Year with an excellent 3-course lunch in the British Legion in Birstall, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Next month, as always on the 2nd Monday of the month, we will be welcoming a speaker from the Admiral Nurses, who attend people suffering from dementia and their families. Dementia is something that can affect many of us, or our families, so to hear about the illness and its effects 'first-hand' will be very informative and perhaps helpful to many. We will also be thinking of, and discussing, a charity to support throughout the coming year, and this will be voted on at our AGM in March. Our 2019 charity, Glebe House in Loughborough, which provides so much help and support for children and adults with learning disabilities, is still generating donations, and the result will be published in due course. The programme for this year, which will include outings, talks and meals as well as fund-raising events, will be available at our AGM. If you would like to know more about our group, we welcome new members and visitors in the Age Concern rooms of Birstall Village Hall on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7.30 p.m.
Tap and go ... straight into debt THE INCREASING USE of contactless payments is leading young people into debt.
Unleash your creativity
Are you a creative writer at heart? Have you always wanted to put pen to paper but you’re unsure where to start? Registered Charity Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is delighted to announce a new monthly creative writing workshop. Here you will learn the skills and gain in confidence in your writing using photos, objects and snatches of a story to prompt memories and spark the imagination! The monthly sessions are led by Alison Mott, a writer and writing coach from Leicestershire. Alison is renowned for writing historical fiction and nonfiction, stories for children and producing educational materials for schools. The group will meet on the third Monday of the month – 10.00am -12noon at Ulverscroft Activity Centre. For more information or to book your place please contact Jess Turner on 07714 072828 –the class is suitable for all ages and abilities, now is the chance to unleash your creativity…..!!
LOROS Tower Run attracts top runners for its 5th year The LOROS Tower Run, which sees people race up 351 steps to reach the top of Leicester’s iconic St George’s Tower is attracting global climbing talent this year. The LOROS Tower Run which will be celebrating its 5th year on Saturday 14th March, has now become a key date in the Tower Running World Association calendar. The day will see competitive tower runners and charity fundraisers alike join together to walk or run up the iconic blue building and raise money for local charity, LOROS Hospice. Last year’s event was extremely popular, with more than 400 runners taking part, raising an impressive £20,000 for the Hospice. Among the confirmed participants for this year is British newcomer, Laurence Ball. Ball made his debut on the Tower Running circuit just last year, when he took first place at the Walkie Talkie Tower Climb in London. “I won that race – much to my surprise – I remember stumbling out the top of the building, panting, and there were lots of people staring at me and I didn’t know why.”
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.
Now second in the UK and ‘the one to watch’, Ball has a hectic calendar of races for the coming year, including the LOROS Tower Run. “There aren’t many races in the UK, especially outside London. I heard that it’s a short and very fast run, which is a bit different for me - the idea of a sprint is exciting. Of the races in the UK, it seemed 7RZHU 5XQQHU 6DUDK )URVW 7RZHU 5XQQHU 6DUDK )URVW like an ideal one.” Competing against Ball for top spot will be Hendrik Holstad, Norway’s reigning Tower Run champion, who is making his first ever trip to Leicester to take on the challenge. “I read about the LOROS tower run on the Tower Running Association homepage. It’s not too far away for Norway and I find it very exciting to travel in the UK. I’m really interested to see how the race model will differ over there.” LOROS Challenge Events Co-ordinator, Tom Price, said, “It’s absolutely amazing to see how far word of the LOROS Tower Run has spread. We attract some terrific talent to Leicester each year, helping to build the city’s profile and of course, raise essential funds for the charity too.” As a reward for completing the climb, participants will each receive a finisher’s medal and be able to enjoy stunning views of across the whole city from the finish line on the top floor. Entry costs £17 or is free for anyone that pledges to raise £50 for LOROS. For more information or to find out how you can sign up, visit: www.loros.co.uk/tower
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0116 267 1331 68-74 Wanlip Lane, Birstall Leicester, LE4 4GF www.birstallrainbow.co.uk
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Organ donation changes this Spring
CHRISTMAS DAY ALONE 2019 Everyone who attended Christmas day for those alone in Anstey and surrounding villages had a great day, volunteers and guests alike. We catered for 89 people! All guests had a lovely 5 course Christmas dinner, a present each and a goody bag with lots of yummy treats.
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.
We enjoyed great entertainment with Nigel on his squeeze box doing a Christmas sing along and of course several games of BINGO!! We would like to thank all the volunteers who came forward to help both prior to the day and on the day whether that be the initial planning, securing funds, setting up the room, wrapping presents, putting up posters, providing transport, hosting a table, and last but so very much not least all those involved in the catering. The meal was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and catering for 89 is not an easy task! A very grateful thanks to the companies etc.. who support us – to Next for again donating all the lovely presents for everyone, Nationwide in Anstey who’s lovely staff co-ordinated collecting chocolate oranges, others goodies and cash from the lovely folk of the villages who donated, Anstey Parish Council, Anstey Chippy, Britvic, Charnwood Brewery, Councillor Baines, Everards Brewery, Forget me knot, S J Langton Butchers in Glenfield, Roy Green surveyors, Sainsburys local in LFE, Morrisons, Pladis (Jacobs) Wigston, Midlands CO-OP, Tesco, QD bargains, Whitfields , Yorkshire Tea.
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
Rothley/Birstall Birdwatching Club present:
Many thanks to all who have donated money and goods themselves, my friends, work colleagues and local people who donate what they can, everything helps small or large and all donations have helped make the day very special. Thanks also to St Marys Church, Anstey for the use of the room again, without which this couldn’t go ahead so thanks very much once again.
LIVING WILD IN SOUTH AMERICA by Mike and Paula Webster
YOU AND your friends know where you live, but could a 999 crew find you?
Mike and Paula are both well-known local naturalists who now spend much of their time in South America. During their stay they work closely with local organisations and support and talk to schools about bio-diversity and the need for conservation. They are very enthusiastic about the area and will tell us of their work and the progress they have made, along with their adventures whilst living in the wild.
Paramedics warn that too many people do not make their house numbers clear. That means paramedics are wasting valuable time looking for clues as to which house is which, while shrubs and rubbish bins often obscure the numbers.
Tuesday, February 11th. at 7.30 p.m. in The Rothley Centre, 12, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley, LE7 7PR. Ample free car parking on site. Members are free. Visitors £3. New members and visitors are always welcome. Further information from Jack on 07913 129497.
In an emergency, even a few minutes can mean life or death. So, make sure that your house can be quickly found. Make sure that your house number is easily visible from the street. If your house has got a name, put the house number next to it as well, so that in an emergency, the ambulances can reach you in time.
LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR CLUBS AND EVENTS. CALL US NOW
Thanks for reading and a happy New Year.
Kerry Sharpe
Could ambulances even find you?
Kirby Muxloe Podiatry Practice
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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.
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).
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Change of President at St Margaret's The Annual General Meeting of St Margaret's Co-operative Bowls Club marked the end of John Clarke's year as President. John brought his term to a close with the presentation of £2000, raised by the club over the year, to his chosen charity LOROS. Their representative Bruce Smith, standing right, was there to receice the cheque. John is succeeded as club President by Pat Phillips who has been a keen bowler for an amazing 45 years. She started bowling at Thurmaston and for a time she also bowled at Syston. About 15 years ago she moved to St Margaret's. Pat acted as Match Secretary at all three clubs. Her chosen charity is the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. She has always admired the fabulous work they do, often at great personal risk. It is well known that most of the people taking these risks on our behalf, are volunteers. Pat has not bowled for a couple of seasons now but nevertheless wants to support the club in every possible way. 'I am really looking forward immensely to my year as Club President. I have many friends at the club and am very proud to be playing my part'.
Roly Green
- St Margaret's Co-operative B C
Happy New Year From Your Local Magazine We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and prosperous new year and to thank them for all their contributions, without your help there would be no magazine. We still need more local articles and local advertisers, all articles are printed free of charge and are a great way to let the local community know about you club, event or achievements. Call us on 0800 6446 150 or email yourlocal@openboxpromotions.co.uk or visit our website www.openboxpromotions.co.uk
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Loughborough Town Hall crowned ‘Best Night Out’ Venues, businesses and events in Charnwood picked up a host of prizes in a top regional tourism competition. Loughborough Town Hall won the best night out category at the Leicestershire Promotions 2019 Tourism and Hospitality Awards while Loughborough was commended in the best market town category.
The Charnwood Gardener Gardening by the Moon
There are countless books, TV programmes, blogs, YouTube videos and magazines that profess to tell you how to garden (not to mention those monthly articles that come through the door!). So many rules to follow, so Is the moon the gardener's friend? many techniques to learn – sometimes it feels as though gardening is a competition, a battle to the grisly end to succeed at what is, last time I checked, supposed to be a fun hobby. Often the advice given will be in direct contradiction to what you’ve been doing for years, or what that chap at the allotment told you. Who to believe? Now there’s growing interest in yet another way to garden. A whole new manual to read. Its advocates claim it produces consistently great results, whether you’re an avid veg grower or an occasional rose enthusiast. Its detractors say it’s utter nonsense, akin to astrology or reading tea leaves. And that method is gardening by the moon. The idea is that the moon not only has a strong pull on the water in the oceans, but also the water in the soil and inside plants themselves. By being aware of the phase of the moon, one can predict with certainty the best time for a variety of gardening tasks. Sowing seeds? The waxing moon is best as it draws water close to the surface. Harvesting crops? Best done during the full moon when they’re at their juiciest. Pruning? Wait for the moon to wane, as this will minimalise moisture loss.
Charnwood 14-18, a borough council-led event to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War, was also highly commended. Robbie Kerr, Loughborough Town Hall manager, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award and build on our highly commended placing last year. We have always strived to have our programme of performances and events to be as wide and diverse as possible to intrigue and inspire audiences, alongside ensuring a first-class customer experience. “I’d like to thank my team who work incredibly hard all year round to ensure our guests have the best night out during every visit, and to our audiences who continue to support us all year round. “ Sylvia Wright, head of leisure and culture at the borough council which operates the town hall and the town markets, said: “I was really pleased to see so many Charnwood tourism businesses picking up awards. Our borough is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors thanks to its stunning landscapes and array of venues, attractions, dining experiences and town centres. “These tourism awards are a great opportunity to showcase what the county has to offer. Well done to all the winners and those commended.”
GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US? 14
What do you think – invaluable advice or utter lunar-cy? FEBRUARY TIP: The joy of February is spotting those first subtle signs of spring. Bulbs poke their heads cautiously from the soil and yellow catkins hint shyly at the colours to come. The season will soon be upon us, so enjoy your rest while you can!
Peter Flood
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