january 2012 groby spotlight

Next issue out on 18th February • Article/Advert Deadline: 4th February

The News & Information Magazine for Groby, Field Head & The Brantings

INSIDE THIS MONTHHappy New Year to all Spotlight readers! The January Spotlight seems to have two main themes: the parking situation in Groby, and helping you to lose the pounds you gained over the Christmas break - by going to an exercise class! There’s also a warning about an email scam which encourages you to lose lots of other pounds ... All the usual stuff is inside, plus some nice new adverts! Hope you enjoy reading this issue. Mike Wilkinson

No room at the inn ... ?

Well perHApS a little room on Tuesday 20th December, on the Stamford Arms car park for Carols around the Tree, but certainly one of the biggest crowds ever to sing about the good news of great joy… for all people. We enjoyed a lovely clear night, not too cold for the ratby Band and carollers of every age. Jim and Tina from the Stamford

Arms kindly served delicious hot punch free of charge and Churches Together supplied the mince pies, as is their custom with some folk lucky enough to receive a homemade one.

This year the Christmas tree looked particularly lovely and the Village lights added greatly to the sense of occasion – what a great way for our Village to herald in Jesus, the reason for the season.Churches Together in Groby

wish to acknowledge with thanks, the Parish Council for the lights and funding for Ratby Band, the Stamford Arms for use of the car park and the hot punch, Kent Robinson for the sound system, and all who came along and sang their hearts out.

Joy Russell

REGULARS: “This is our 4th year of coming to Carols Around the Tree,

we love it.”

Martinshaw Primary Year 4 Boys are County Cross

Country Champions!

AFTer showing remarkable consistency over a series of three races, Martinshaw’s Year 4 Boys team were crowned leicestershire County Cross Country Champions after the final race held at prestwold Hall, loughborough. The boys were placed 3rd, 5th, 28th, 59th and 86th out of a field in

excess of 250.

Owen (Lol) Lawrence

CHAMPIONS: Martinshaw’s Year 4 Cross Country Team:

Luca,Adam,Alfie,Ben & Roman

Got a touch of the Black Death?New WEA Course starts on 19th January at Groby Village HallA NeW 10-week WeA course starts in the Waldrom room of Groby Village Hall on Thursday 19th January 2012.The course - The Middle Ages: an East Midlands Focus - takes a

look at how people lived and worked in Leicester and the villages of Leicestershire in Mediaeval times and the effects of events like the Black Death on our local population.For details, see the advert on page 23 or telephone 0116 287 1895.

To book a place, tel: 01509 268636 or email: [email protected]

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 2440692

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3Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Old bricklayers never die, they just throw in the trowel.

School choir brings joy to the Greys of Groby

ON TueSDAY 13th December Martinshaw School choir made its annual Christmas pilgrimage to the Groby Community Centre on Forest rise, home of ‘The Greys of Groby’.The choir is made up of young people from years 2 to 6 and the ages range

from 6yrs to 11yrs and is led by Mrs Steph Ong.This year’s fare was made up of five songs including ‘White Christmas’,

Rudolph, and ended with an energetic version of Glen Miller’s ‘Hey, Father Christmas’, sung in three parts.The children then joined the audience, split them into the three parts and

then performed ‘Hey, Father Christmas’, once more. We now had a choir with an age range of 6 years to approaching 90 years, all singing their parts with the appropriate actions. ‘Is this some sort of record?’ I ask myself, or even more pertinent, the beginning of a community choir? Gareth Malone eat your heart out! Betty Kirby, chair of the Greys commented on how much the members

looked forward to the choir’s visits. Member, Mrs Margaret Grant said, “This visit has made my Christmas,

the sight of all those lovely, happy smiling faces, wonderful.”

Owen (Lol) Lawrence

The 11th Annual Folk & Variety Music NightANSTeY-BASeD Missionary Aid Group Africa Aid will be holding The 11th Annual Folk/Variety music evening on Friday January 27th at Quorn Village Hall at 7pm. Doors open at 6.45pm and tickets

cost £7 which includes supper. Some of the very best musicians

and singers from the Leicestershire music scene are supporting Africa Aid by performing at this annual fundraising event. The evening is to raise the vital

finances to cover fuel and ferry costs to enable deliveries of much needed material aid to Third World Countries.The next aid delivery overland to

hospitals and orphanages will be to North Africa during March. To book or reserve tickets, contact

Dave Ford 0116 236 8811.

07957 282677

Valuation Day in StantonTHere will be another VAluATION DAY held in St Mary & All Saints Church, Stanton under Bardon on Wednesday 8th February 2012, between 10.00am and 3.00pm.Vanessa Savage, Senior Valuer for Hansons Auctioneers, Derbyshire will

be with us for the day. Donations will go towards church funds. Maximum of 5 items per person to be valued.Tea and coffee will be served. Please come along.

Gail Massey

Groby & Field Head Spotlight PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics.

LE67 9ZT

Telephone 01530-244069

Email us at: [email protected]

Visit the website at www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

3,500 copies distributed 11 times a year (no issue

in July) to homes and businesses in Groby, Field Head and The Brantings.

Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby

& Field Head.

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press

releases, events, general items of interest and news items

submitted to us by local residents, groups, associations, sports clubs

and local authorities.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily

those of the Spotlight Production Team. The inclusion of any group or organisation in this publication

does not necessarily imply a recommendation of its aims,

methods or policies. Groby & Field Head Spotlight cannot be held responsible for the information disclosed by

advertisements, all of which are accepted in good faith.

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.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight reserves the right to amend,

shorten or refuse to publish articles and/or advertisements submitted

for publication. All contents ©

Groby & Field Head Spotlight. None of the articles contained in

this magazine are to be reproduced in any way without first obtaining

written consent from Groby & Field Head Spotlight.

NEXT ISSUE OUT Saturday 14th January Advert Deadline: Tuesday 3rd January

TO ADVERTISE: Call 01530 244069

Email: [email protected]


Police were called to a day care today where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

LETTERGroby village ‘car park’ (Mon-Fri)FOr YeArS now, we have been plagued by an excessive number of cars being parked around the village centre during working hours.From where I sit, this problem has got worse. Is anything being done to

rectify this situation?It’s very nice to have a successful company in the village, but with that

goes a level of responsibilities, if only on moral grounds, surely.There have been lots of negative words, but no results. A while back, it

was proposed to have more yellow lines put down. Then it was said: “We cannot afford to police them.” A negative result again?This is obviously a difficult problem. I suggest space is made available in

the Spotlight on a montyhly basis to let us all know - in a positive way - what, if any, progress has been made in sorting the situation out.There must be an answer. You people in authority, please sort it out!

S/Ldr F.Leathers (Ret’d) Groby

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation

Volunteers from Barclays help out at Ulverscroft Grange

A TeAM of Barclays staff swapped suits for overalls and outdoor wear when they teamed up with The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation to assist with maintenance work and improvements at their ulverscroft Grange property.Staff at Barclays from the Bank’s Governance Policy and Controls

team came to the rescue of the charitable organisation, by providing volunteers and funding for the event. Barclays staff helped out by improving the visitor pathway,

providing a seating area, and redecoration of the visitor toilet block. Alan Norman from the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation said:

“We were absolutely delighted to receive assistance from the Barclay’s team. The work they under took for the charity made a real difference, enhancing the lives of the elderly people and adults with disabilities who use the Foundation’s services. Barclays have proved time and again over the past few years what a wonderfully supportive staff team they have and we are extremely grateful for their support.”Rob Johnson from Barclays said: “With over 62,000 Barclays

staff participating in fundraising and volunteering projects, this is a fantastic example of Barclays staff working closely with the local community to achieve something we hope will make a real and lasting difference. At Barclays we strive to strengthen local communities in which we live and work by supporting a range of causes from local schools to centres for older people.”


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A week of fun activities!

A WeeK of fun activities has been planned in January to help blow away the Christmas cobwebs and get people out and more active.Organised by Active Together,

there are a variety of sessions available within Hinckley and Bosworth with something to suit everyone.All of the sessions throughout the

week are free or cost just £1 on production of a voucher which can be found in the Move More For Less brochure. To get a copy of the free booklet call the Physical Activity team on 01455 255875.Cllr Michael Mullaney,

Executive Member responsible for Culture and Leisure, said: “Taking part in the Move More 4 Less Week is a great way to keep fit without spending a fortune. There are lots of activities to help people keep fit on offer across the borough for just £1 and some sessions are even free. I’d urge local people to take advantage of these cut-price opportunities to keep healthy.”The following activities cost £1:

16th (6pm-7pm): pom dance cheerleading, St.Francis Community Centre, Tudor

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Road, Hinckley.17th (1.30pm–2.30pm): zumba, Empire Fitness, Druid Street, Hinckley.17th (6pm-7.30pm): yoga, Forest Rise Community Centre, Groby.17th (6.30pm-7.15pm:) zumba gold, Richmond Primary School, Stoke Road, Hinckley.18th (8.10pm-9pm): belly dance, Sport in Deford, Peckleton Lane, Desford.19th (7.15pm-8.15pm): zumba, Holy Trinity Centre, Cleveland Road, Hinckley.

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The following activities are free:19th (7.45pm-8.45pm): kickboxing, Spartans Kickboxing Academy, Southfield Road, Hinckley.20th (10am-11am): walk, Methodist Chapel Foyer, Chapel Street, Barwell.20th (6.30pm-7.30pm): cardio sport kickboxing, Stealth Black Belt Academy, Kings Street, Barwell.21st (11.30am-12.30pm): circuit kickboxing style, Stealth Black Belt Academy, Kings Street, Barwell.

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Kick Start your New Year!HuNDreDS of new inspiring and affordable adult learning courses are starting in January 2012 across leicestershire.The new ‘Go Learn’ brochure is

now available, detailing courses ranging from languages to computing, skills for life, and skills for jobs to family history and fitness at locations all across the countyThere is a course to suit everyone,

whether it is to enhance careers, learn new skills, or meet new people.Copies of the brochure are

being delivered to homes across Leicestershire from now on.Brochures are also available from

any County library, Adult Learning Centre, or by calling 0800 988 0308 or visit: www.leics.gov.uk/golearnThere is also a prize draw with a

free Go Learn course to be won.To enter, simply complete the

coupon inside the brochure and send to: Communications Team, Room 400, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicestershire, LE3 8RA or call 0800 988 0308 or visit: www.leics.gov.uk/golearn and quote the promotional code LM0112. Terms and conditions are on the website.


My mother said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance.

Library News Big Toddle, Big Fun!IF YOu work with children under 5 then, this year, why not consider joining a Barnardo’s Big Toddle?It is a short, sponsored walk

which last year saw almost 500,000 Toddlers and more than 10,000 groups register. The Big Toddle 2012 has an optional superheroes dressing up theme, so you can get creative with your costumes!All the money raised by the Big

Toddle goes to local Barnardo’s projects for children under 5 throughout the UK. The children’s charity works with vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families. It’s all about children helping children.Whether you are a nursery, an

early years group or a childminder, you can register now for the Big Toddle 2012. Simply go to www.bigtoddle.co.uk

or call 0845 270 9900.

Messages of thanks from the Groby Scout GroupGrOBY Scout Group would like to say a very big Thank You to Steve and Jill Harrold who stepped down as Chairman and Minibus Secretary at the end of 2011.

Their hard work and efforts have helped to keep the Group running for more than eight years. There are too many deeds to list, that are to their credit.

Thank you!!!From the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts,

Explorers, Leaders & Executive Committee.”

• Another Thank You to the Participants of the Groby Scout Group New Year Walk. There were 27 attendees in total who made a nice walk into an excellent walk!

• Finally a special Thank You to Jim & Tina at The Stamford Arms for catering and hosting us.

A Happy and Prosperous New Year to you all.

Paul Wren Group Scout Leader (GSL) 73rd Leicester (Groby) Scout Group”

Love your Heart in JanuaryStart the New Year with a zip in your stride! ‘Healthy Hearts’ at earl Shilton library will be held on Thursday 19th January, 10.00am – 12.00noon so why not come along and find out how to look after yourself and your heart.

Experts will be on hand to test your blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels whilst Sandra Baxter, of AgeUK, will offer expert dietary advice. There will also be a representative from Art in Earl Shilton to help you create either a pastel landscape or learn how to make a picture using recycled envelopes – a great way to use up all those you’ll receive during Christmas!

This event is free and open to all, but booking is advisable.

Tickets available form Earl Shilton Library Tel: 0116 3058392

mailto:[email protected]

Stargazing Live is back at Newbold Verdon Library!Following the astronomic success of last year’s ‘Stargazing live’ it’s back on the BBC between 16th and 18th of January with professor Brian Cox and his team and guess what… Stargazing live is coming back to Newbold Verdon library too!

Josh Barker, an up and coming astronomer from Leicester Space Centre, will be at Newbold Verdon Library on Tuesday January 24th at 7.15pm to tell us about the wonders of the winter night sky. The Newbold Verdon Stargazing Group will then assist him in the quest to see the stars. The Friends of the library will be on hand with delicious hot chocolate and cookies too.

So come along for hot chocolate, cookies and stargazing.

Remember to wrap up warm!Adults £1.50. Children Free.To book your tickets please pop in,

phone the library on 0116 305 3661 or email: [email protected]

Early booking advisable for this popular event.

Wriggly Readers in your libraryWriggly reader sessions are a friendly and informal way of introducing your toddler to the library and give families the opportunity to meet and make new friends. The sessions are aimed at 0-4 year olds and their parents/carers and run for 30 minutes.

Wriggly Readers is completely FREE and there is no need to pre-book, so why not just come along to the next session? Times for your library are as follows:

Groby library: Third Thursday of the month, 10.30-11amMarkfield: First Thursday of the month, 2.15-2.45pmratby: Fourth Thursday of the month, 2-2.30pmDesford: First Thursday of the month, 10-10.30amNewbold Verdon: Second & Fourth Tuesday of the month, 10.30-11amMarket Bosworth: First Friday of the month, 10.30-11amearl Shilton: Every Wednesday, 10-10.30 & 11-11.30am (same session repeated)Barwell: Second Thursday of the month, 10.30-11am

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Bowling fundraiser updateYou may recall from the mid-November 2011 Spotlight that local man, and keen ten-pin bowler, paul ‘pip’ Walker had entered the prestigious english Open Ten pin Bowling competition to raise funds for the rainbows Children’s Hospice.Paul has asked us to pass on his thanks to all

his friends, local supporters and readers of the Spotlight for their fantastic support in helping him raise a total of £991 for this great cause.Whilst Paul didn’t achieve his target of

reaching the final day of competition, he was happy with his overall bowling performance and the end result – an average of 188.5 on the day and an improvement on the previous year of 13 pins per game.For a more detailed resume of Paul’s performance, you can visit his ‘Just

Giving’ page which is : www.Justgiving.com/Paul-Walker9

�Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

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St Philip and St James Christmas Tree Festival

“Once upon a Christmas” was the theme, and once again 20 village groups and organisations delighted us with their imaginative, thoughtful and creative entries. Some dressed their tree to represent an imaginative story and

others gave us the chance to ponder on the story of God coming to us as a child in Bethlehem.Much deliberation occurred around the voting and all trees

received votes, but the two most popular were the trees created by Groby Nursery Playgroup representing The Snowman, complete with Wellington boots and mittens, and the Churches Together preschool group, known as Catch, who built a tree using story books and called their entry “You wouldn’t catch us with a kindle”In the village hall lunches were enjoyed, crafts created, cakes

bought and prizes won, and of course Santa was there to chat with the younger children.The weekend closed with a mixture of light-hearted and poignant

stories, together with carols and songs at the Christmas Cracker Entertainment . Thank you to everyone who supported this event.

Words and pictures from Chris Davies

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I’m a nobody, nobody is perfect, therefore I’m perfect.

Loros Winter Warmer raffle Winners AnnouncedeIGHT lucky lOrOS supporters recently celebrated winning a prize in the lOrOS Winter Warmer raffle draw held at the hospice just prior to Christmas.

The first prize winner, Ruth, who wishes to remain anonymous, has been a supporter of the hospice for many years and a volunteer in one of the LOROS shops for the last 11 years. She was utterly amazed when she received a telephone call from Lottery Manager Liz Singleton telling her of her good fortune but delighted once the news had sunk in. Ruth then had a big decision to make; having been offered the choice between £10,000 in cash or a brand new Peugeot 207 Access, she consulted her family and after some deliberation decided to take the cash.

Liz Singleton commented “When the draw was made nobody realised that Ruth was a regular volunteer for LOROS, it wasn’t until I telephoned with the news that I found out. I’m delighted that on this occasion someone who has given so much to LOROS over the years has won the first prize”. The Winter Warmer Raffle brought in over £125,000, a fantastic amount of money which will help to maintain vital services

both at the hospice and out in the community. Liz added “I would like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for their generosity. The profit from this raffle will make a real contribution to patient care, both at the hospice and in the community”.

The winning ticket numbers in the LOROS Winter Warmer Raffle are:

0532271: £10,0000294277: £5000191392: £2500299031: £500211607: £500409575: £500405558: £500537322: £50The next major LOROS raffle draw

will be held in May 2012 with tickets being mailed to supporters during March. Tickets will also be available from all LOROS shops or the lottery office on 0116 2318430 from mid March onwards. Another £10,000 cash prize will be on offer along with 7 other prizes and following the draw even more lucky winners will be announced.

If you would like to receive tickets to buy or sell on to family, friends and colleagues just ring the lottery office on the above number or email [email protected] to place your order.


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Creative writing award launched by shuttlewood Clarke and rsPBTHe lOuGHBOrOuGH branch of the rSpB and local charity the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation have teamed up to launch a wonderful Creative Writing Award in memory of Olive Snelson a stalwart member of the bird watching group.The Loughborough RSPB Creative Writing

Award will run annually with the first award being launched on 1st January 2012. The award will be open to any schoolchild (of any year) who visits the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation’s Yew Trail outdoor classroom, near Markfield, as part of an organised school party during the entry period. Entries will be in the form of a poem, story, essay on the subject of birds, wildlife or / and the countryside. The judges will be looking for a real interest, passion and excitement in the outdoor environment.Alan Norman, Chief Executive of the Foundation said “The

Loughborough branch of the RSPB have been very supportive of the Foundation’s Yew Trail project and we are delighted to be working together with them on such an exciting project. The Yew Trail outdoor classroom holds the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge and is a wonderful facility for mainstream and specialist schools. We look forward to welcoming many more schools to the site in 2012 and receiving many fantastic entries in the competition”For full details of the competition and how to book a visit to the Yew

Trail please email [email protected]


They told me I was gullible and I belived them.

New on street parking restrictionsWITH THe closure of the public consultation period over changes to on street parking restrictions in the centre of the village the County Council will now consider whether the plans need to revised. When they eventually go ahead

in some form they will introduce more short term parking which will help local shoppers. But they will also displace commuters, mainly employed at GE Druck, who park all day on the village roads. Those who hope that GE Druck

might provide additional parking on their site might interpret a recent comment made on behalf of the company as an indication that they have no such intention, though of course they may well wish to provide parking elsewhere in the village if the land became available.

Planning applicationThe company has applied to install a specialist made, prefabricated, fire

resistant Chemical Store on a reinforced concrete base as part of the continuing updating and improvement of the site facilities. It is considered to be essential to the safety of staff, visitors and delivery persons and will presumably be a welcome improvement to the storage of items already safely stored on site. The application explains that the proposal does not take up any of the present allocated parking spaces and will not in its self generate the requirement for further parking provision. It goes on to say that the site benefits from a “considerable number of parking spaces for cars, motorcycles, bicycles, vans and the like” and concludes that “it is not necessary or in the best interests of the site to introduce further parking spaces.” It may well be that space is limited and it is not in the best interests of the site

to introduce further parking spaces, but those who have to navigate their way through Groby’s on street parking problems on a daily basis may well feel that further parking spaces dedicated to GE Druck staff either on or off site are most certainly necessary.

More jobs at Groby?The Groby manufacturing site of GE’s Sensing business has been awarded

£4.2million over the next five years from the UK taxpayer’s Regional Growth Fund. The funding will be used to help the company to develop its GE UK metrology centre and to continue its investment in advanced pressure sensor design and manufacture, creating innovative products for harsh environments, ranging from aerospace to sub-sea oil and gas production. The good news is that the award will sustain existing jobs at the Groby site. It will also create a number of highly skilled, engineering and advanced manufacturing posts. If these new posts are also at Groby the current parking problem will worsen unless the company takes steps to provide additional parking. In 2008 the company reported UK turnover of £5 billion. The GE website

explains that the company has a long history of supporting communities where employees live and work, but despite the company slogan of “Imagination at work” there doesn’t seem to be one of the 18,000 employees (2008) with responsibility for resolving a parking problem in a small Leicestershire village. It will, of course, cost some money, but wouldn’t make too much of a dent in the cash of $19 billion that the US parent company said it had in the bank at the end of 2010. That cash balance makes the £4.2 million grant over 5 years look like petty cash.

Village Hall parking

THere Are differences of opinion between the parish Council and the Village Hall Committee over how car park maintenance should be funded and the installation of a new barrier at the car park entrance. Although no decision has yet been taken regarding the

circumstances under which it would be locked members are concerned that staff and visitors to the offices might have nowhere to park, as the lease of the premises occupied by the Council apparently has no provision for parking. So technically council staff, councillors and its visitors seem to have no right to use the car park, although the council is considering taking legal advice to clarify this point.In addition to those visiting the Parish Office and council

chamber the car park is also used by those attending functions at the hall. It is also used free of charge by local residents for off road parking, visitors to Groby Club, the post office, shoppers and even commuters who leave their cars and take a bus from the stop outside.

The search for a solutionThe Parish Council and the Village Hall are attempting to

find a solution to their differences on how the maintenance of the private car park attached to the hall should be funded following the ending in 2009 of the agreement between the Village Hall and the Borough and Leicestershire County Councils. Although the surface is in good condition the committee feels it will need some remedial work in due course, probably within the next ten years. The Parish Council has suggested that the solution is for the hall committee to increase the rents charged for both events and the ground rent charged to the council, and believes that in time this would build into a fund adequate to cope with any maintenance costs. The hall committee has been offered grant funding of

25% of the maintenance costs by the County Council, and would prefer to negotiate some similar arrangement with the Parish Council, but the council argues this would be disproportionate and too heavy a burden for residents, particularly as the car park is used by non-residents. Following an exchange of correspondence in December the Village Hall Committee and the Parish Council are arranging a meeting to discuss the issue. Groby Parish Council has recently withdrawn its representative from the Village Hall Committee.

Norman Griffiths looks at two local parking issues


The more people I meet, the more I like my dog.

Wind turbine plan for Groby?Norman Griffiths looks at the recent planning application

love them or hate them wind turbines could soon be part of the local landscape. A planning application has

been submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council for the erection of two wind turbines on farm land between Anstey Lane and Groby Quarry. In addition to the environmental benefits of renewable energy generation the Applicant, P S Taylor & Son of Ingleberry Farm in Shepshed, anticipates that the profitability of the farming business will increase and this will lead to the recirculation of wealth in the local economy.The installation consists of 2 x

50kw Endurance Wind Turbines with cabling. Both turbines will be mounted on free standing masts, on separate 6m x 6m concrete bases. The 36 metre high turbine masts will be fitted with 3 blades with a 9.6m radius. The applicants believe that the development meets the provisions of local planning policy relating to wind power. These require the turbines to be sensitively located in relation to the existing landform and landscape features so that is visual impact is minimised and would not be unduly prominent in views from important viewpoints.

Visual impactThe Endurance E-3120 turbines

will comprise fibreglass/epoxy blades in white with a painted, galvanised steel sectional welded tubular mast also being white. The applicants argue that visually the turbine is smooth and sleek with a non-industrial look mitigating many negative visual impacts some associate with larger scale wind farm installations. The mast design, which tapers towards

the top, and the colour which is said to blend in with the sky and surrounding landscape, may result in reduced visibility over both mid and long range distances. But the Applicant does not seek to argue that the construction of 2 wind turbines will not have an impact in the landscape but argues that the site, design, colour and materials for the turbines will minimise these impacts as far as possible. The predominant views of the Turbines would be travelling north along Anstey Lane. Since the turbines do not require any additional ground based equipment housing or compound fencing, they are considered to have a non-material impact on the character, fabric and quality of the landscape. “In conclusion,” says the Applicant, “the proposed turbines will not result in unacceptable harm to the visual amenity of the locality, nor will it have a detrimental effect on the character and functioning of this area.” Due to its constant and low

rotational speed, the Wind turbine is amongst the quietest in its class. Turbine 2 is 760m from the closest residential property. At such a distance noise level from the turbine would ordinarily be 25dB, which is considered acceptable.

WildlifeThe turbines are not considered a

threat to local wildlife and a buffer zone of 50m from any woodland is proposed, which meets the guidelines issued by natural England. Turbine 1 is located 75m away from the nearest hedgerow and Turbine 2 is 120m from the nearest hedgerow. As part of the pre-application process, the siting of the Turbines was discussed with the Councils Ecologist who confirmed that based upon the information provided they did not anticipate any objections to this application.

Archaeological surveyAs part of the preparation

for the application an archaeological survey was undertaken by the University of Leicester. It concluded that “the proposed development area occupied a promising location within a rich archaeological landscape on the northern edge of the historic settlement core of Groby. Only limited archaeological deposits were encountered during the course of this evaluation. Trenches1 and2 contained nothing of archaeological significance. Trench3 contained an undated linear feature of possible archaeological significance.”

Will planning permission be granted?Probably. Since 4 May 2010 there

have been 50 onshore wind farms approved, and in some cases the decisions of local councils have been overturned. Back in May the Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, Charles Hendry, offered some reassuring comments for those opposed. In referring to wind farm development he said that “it must be in the right location, and it must have…democratic support”. He added that “too often, onshore wind is imposed on communities that do not want it. I am keen to ensure that we address that democratic deficit…in our plans. It needs more democratic legitimacy than it has today, and I intend to ensure that that happens.” But just six months later when considering a wind farm proposal his tone had changed. “This is a national

decision.” he said, “local views are important…but at the end of the day we are making decisions in the national interest”.

Will this be a wind farm?When Alan Chapman,

Development Control Officer at Wellingborough Council tried to find a definition of a wind farm it proved quite elusive. “I have asked this very same question myself as I am dealing with a planning application for two turbines...and have yet to find an answer,” he explained on the Planning Advisory Service website. He did however find some regulations which although ambiguous led him to conclude that two turbines, or maybe three turbines, constitutes a wind farm. “Without sight of any legal ruling I would suggest any development involving 2 or more turbines is a wind farm,” he suggested.

Boost for rural businesses

Rural Economy Grant To Launch In February 2012FrOM the end of February 2012, the rural economy Grant Scheme, worth up to £60 million in total, will be launched. The scheme will deliver grants of up to £1 million, aimed at micro and

SME businesses to boost farm competiveness and support significant growth in particular for agri-food, rural tourism, forestry, renewable energy and high growth sectors.The Rural Economy Grant is another measure to be introduced under the

Rural Development Program for England (RDPE) and adds to the Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme (FFIS) launched in November 2011. The FFIS is a scheme of support, developed to help farming, forestry and

horticultural businesses in England to become more efficient at using resources. There is £20m available under FFIS until December 2013. The grants are for capital items and the grant rate available is up to 40% in non upland areas, and up to 50% in upland areas and the maximum grant allowable per project is £25 000. The minimum grant is £2,500.Robert Hall, Savills Agribusiness comments “The Rural Economy Grant

Scheme and FFIS offer a golden opportunity to get new ideas off the ground for farming and other rural business”.Savills have been successful in working with rural clients to access funding

under previous schemes. The success rate of obtaining previous Rural Grants Savills has achieved for clients is above 85%.


You know you are old if they’ve discontinued your blood type.

Advice boost for village shops

‘Our village shops and Post Offices are the lifeblood of our local economies and we’ve launched this scheme to help them survive and thrive.’Lesley Pendleton

Free ADVICe to help village shops boost their businesses is on offer from a £30,000 county council scheme.Leicestershire County Council announced the news after retail expert Mary

Portas called for support for small shops.Last month, the county council launched its

village shop support scheme, to help village shops and Post Offices survive the downturn and fend off superstores. It’s offering free specialist advice, plus grants of up to £3,000.lesley pendleton, Cabinet member for rural

affairs, said: “Our village shops and Post Offices are the lifeblood of our local economies and we’ve launched this scheme to help them survive and thrive.“These shops provide essential services to people

who can’t get to their local market town. I would encourage shopkeepers to check out the advice that’s on offer.”The council has commissioned Kerching Retail to offer the advice

service. Corin Birchall from Kerching said: “In her recent report, Mary Portas made recommendations to the Government on how to save our High Streets. The recommendations are welcomed by most independent retailers, but offer little respite or comfort to rural retailers and Post Offices located in smaller towns and villages.“That’s why we have launched our own, targeted scheme, to help shops

explore all the opportunities to help their businesses grow.“Examples include revamping your window display, using a website or

Facebook to communicate regularly with customers and launching a loyalty scheme.”The following, free services

are available to Leicestershire rural retailers:

24 hour access to online training, support and assessment toolsone-to-one email support or phone supportface to face support, including retail assessments and analysis of window displays

For further details, businesses can see www.kerchingretail.com/vss or email [email protected] or telephone 01455 203 206.

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Photos of me don’t do me justice. They just look like me.

Nominate your community group for an award!

Exciting Diamond Jubilee Celebrations to be Launched2012 marks 60 years of The Queen’s reign and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations started in leicester and leicestershire with an exciting launch at the Highcross Centre in January.The Lord-Lieutenant’s Diamond Jubilee Awards were launched at

the event.These awards will recognise community groups and acknowledge

the fantastic work that is undertaken by so many organisations in Leicester and Leicestershire for the benefit of our community.A total of 60 Diamond Jubilee awards will be made in Leicester

and Leicestershire during 2012, one for each of the sixty years of Her Majesty’s reign.Nominations can be made by the group themselves or by someone

in the community who thinks a particular group deserves this recognition.What constitutes a community group is flexible but examples might

include:A street that cares about its appearance and encourages a community spiritA sports or social club that keeps going against the odds for the benefit of the communityA youth organisation encouraging young people to fulfil their potential and be positive contributors to societyA community organisation working for the benefit of the local community.

These are just a few examples. The awards are looking to recognise examples where people are working as a team, and volunteering their time and energies, to enhance the community.Nomination forms are available to download from www.leics.gov.

uk/jubilee and should be returned by the deadline on 13th April, 2012 as an email attachment.A new website is also being launched which will provide a single

point of information and advice about getting involved in the Jubilee celebrations. Communities can add their activities to the site by using the listings page. Go to: www.leics.gov.uk/jubileeThere will be a chance to follow what is happening through

Facebook and Twitter by visiting: www.facebook.com/leics.diamondjubilee and www.twitter.com/leicslieutenantThe Lord-Lieutenant is also appealing to hear from couples who are

celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2012 to contact her office on 0116 305 6060 or email: [email protected] with the aim of giving them recognition as part of the celebrations.The Lord-Lieutenant, lady Gretton, said “Her Majesty’s Diamond

Jubilee provides a tremendous opportunity for the country to come together in celebration. I would like to encourage all ages and all communities in Leicester and Leicestershire to unite in celebration of 60 years of The Queen’s reign.“The launch event marks the start of the Jubilee celebrations,

following which we will be able to look forward to many other events and activities throughout the year.”

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Free Literacy Support Service LaunchedA leICeSTerSHIre teacher has set up a website to support parents and children in the development of reading and writing. Steve Goodman takes the

view that learning to read early is essential, because as soon as children can make sense of written words they have independent access to ideas and information. “If you cannot read or write,

learning becomes much more difficult, and future employment opportunities become limited,” he said.The service, which is completely

free, is available by logging on to: www.pinewoodliteracy.co.uk then clicking on the Reading and Writing page. It begins with ideas to learn

phonics and will move on to identification of vowels. This will be followed by blending letters then making the link between reading and writing. Weekly updates allow people to make regular progress. Steve explained that, “This

method is successful because it depends on the parent’s interaction with his or her child rather than upon a series of photocopied worksheets. It’s an old fashioned approach, but it works!”

“If you cannot read or write, learning becomes much more difficult, and future employment opportunities become limited.” Steve Goodman

Cash still available for your communityleicestershire County Council’s Big Society Grant Fund still has funds available for community groups to develop projects and activities which will help to make the Big Society a reality in local communities.The ‘Big Society’ Grants Panel are therefore keen to support projects

which:

Enable communities to identify and meet their own needs – “helping them to help themselves”

Provide the best local solutions to tackle local problems

Demonstrate local community commitment and involvement

Create active and empowered citizens

So far, 29 projects from around the County have been awarded a total of £127,000, leaving just over £200,000 still to be allocated at two further Panel meetings, which are expected to be held in January and March 2012.

Grants of up to £15,000 have so far been approved by the Grants Panel. Successful projects have included: community consultation exercises; extensions to community buildings; support for volunteers; and specialist support to help community organisations with business planning and feasibility studies.

In addition to the Big Society Grant Fund, Leicestershire County Council will also have further funds available for Leicestershire’s communities in 2012 through the Community Forum Budgets process.

A round of 25 Community Forum workshops have recently allocated a total of £320,000 to over 139 community projects, ranging from village hall refurbishments to projects reducing crime in local areas.

The allocation of this funding involved an interactive process, where residents of the Community Forum areas were asked to vote on the projects they felt were most worthwhile for their local communities, thus allocating the selected projects a share of the funding.

The good news is there is still chance to get involved. In Summer 2012, the Community Forum Budget process will be repeated, giving residents the opportunity to bid for funding to help improve their local communities. You can review and comment on all projects by visiting www.leicestershireforums.org/cfb

Nick rushton, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for the Big Society, said: “Both of these funding schemes have supported a wide range of excellent community projects across the County. This is the Big Society in action in Leicestershire and I would urge more people to come forward and bid for the funding.”

For more information, or if you’re interested in bidding for Big Society funding, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/bigsociety or email: [email protected] or call 0116 305 7269 or 0116 305 7034.

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If you’re too lazy to start anything, you may get a reputation for patience.

Bradgate Flower Club NewsBradgate Flower Club’s 2012 meetings start with a guest presentation on Wednesday 1st February. The Club welcomes Chelsea Flower Show prize winner, Judi Cripps with her intriguing theme - ‘What’s in a Title?’On Wednesday 7th March, ‘The Golden Girls’ will feature demonstrations

by our own club members, drawing on their wealth of experience in flower arranging.Both meetings start at 7.30pm in Newtown Linford Village Hall (which

will be the venue each month except in December). The Flower Club’s events are open to existing and new members and to visitors, for whom an entry charge of £5 is made.Further details of both meetings can be obtained from Geraldine Abbott

on 01530 415378.

Markfield Medical Centre to be one of the first Leicestershire GP practices to introduce Electronic Prescription ServiceMArKFIelD Medical Centre will be one of two leicestershire Gp practices to begin using the second stage of the electronic prescription Service (epS). From February 2012 patients at Markfield Medical Centre

may no longer have to visit their GP practice just to collect a paper prescription. Instead, they can choose to have it sent electronically to any participating pharmacy or dispensing appliance contractor that is convenient to them – which could be one near to where they live, work or shop.For patients, the extent of the benefits will depend on their

individual circumstances. The new system will predominantly benefit patients receiving regular repeat prescriptions, which account for around 70 per cent of the 1.5 million paper prescriptions that are issued every working day in England. To make use of the new system, patients will need to ‘nominate’ where they want to collect their prescriptions

from. They can do this anywhere that is using the second stage of the EPS - many pharmacies in Leicestershire are already using this. Patients should look out for the EPS sign to help them identify which places are participating (see below). If a patient has access to the internet they can search for sites offering the service at www.nhs.ukIt is easy for patients to change their nomination too and they can still ask their GP for a paper prescription if they

prefer. Dr Chris Trzcinski, Snr Partner at Markfield Medical Centre said: ‘The EPS is a great step forward in improving

services to patients. It will make life much easier for many patients, particularly those receiving regular prescriptions, as well as improving the efficiency of GP practices and pharmacies.’’NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will continue to work with GP Practices across the area for the EPS to

be introduced in more locations. Ask your pharmacist or GP for more information about the EPS, or go to www.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/eps.

Over 700 responses to consultation on outdoor residential centresFurTHer options around the future of outdoor residential centres are set to be explored following feedback.A new report being considered

by Leicestershire County Council’s cabinet reveals that there were over 720 responses about the future of Aberglasyn, Beaumanor and Quorn Halls.Last autumn, the council launched

a consultation to look at the role the local authority should play in providing these services, what provides the best value for money and the best experience for young people in the 21st century.The centres provide outdoor

and residential learning activities for schools and youth groups. Beaumanor Hall and Quorn Hall also provide venues for training, conference, social and civic events.Within the responses, two groups

expressed interest in running Aberglaslyn Hall, and there were suggestions that Beaumanor Hall activities could be broadened to include the environment and heritage.The report, being discussed by the

council’s cabinet next on Tuesday 17th January proposes exploring these ideas in more depth before any decisions are taken.Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County

Council’s cabinet member for the children and young people’s service, said: “I’m pleased we’ve received such an extensive response to the consultation from schools, parents, children and young people and other partners.“The comments have sparked

food for thought and and it’s important we consider the issues raised thoroughly before taking any final decisions.”If agreed, the options would be

explored and proposals taken back to April’s cabinet meeting.

1�Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

National Trust Leicester Association NewsAlTHOuGH most National Trust properties are examples of our heritage the Trust is keen to show them in an interesting and enjoyable way.

During 2012 all Property Managers will introduce a number of new initiatives to enhance the visitor experience at our local properties.Kedleston Hall, near Derby, will re-present Lord Curzon’s Smoking Room

as a Billiard Room, introduce a new Edwardian paint scheme in the West Wing and utilise the old Gun Room (previously closed) as a new Museum of Kedleston.

During April, Belton House, near Grantham, will open a new indoor play area, the “Belton Ride”, which will complement the existing outdoor Adventure Playground, which is the largest at any NT property.Canons Ashby, near Towcester, are converting the Coach House into a

new visitor centre and retail outlet, which will not look like the standard NT shop. All the rooms in the House are being refreshed to tell the story of Sir Henry Dryden and his family, the mid Victorian occupants, and the final phase of the garden restoration will be completed.

The new General Manager at Sudbury Hall and the NT Museum of Childhood has plans to bring the Hall to life with more interaction with visitors. The Hall and Museum will be the first NT properties in our area to open their doors to the public on 11th February.

The National Trust Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 25th January at St Guthlac’s Memorial hall, Leicester at 2.30pm. Bill Boulter will present a talk on the Arts and Crafts Movement.

There will be an evening meeting on Tuesday 14th February when Stuart Crow, NT Operations Manager, will present an illustrated talk on Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton. The meeting will be held at Highpoint Conference Centre, Glenfield Road, Leicester at 7.30pm.

Admission to both meetings is NTLA members £2.50 and visitors £4.00.For more information on the National Trust Leicester Association and its

Talks Service call 0116 222 9133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman


Sleep: a completely inadequate substitute for caffeine.

Improvements to the cemetery

THe pArISH Council reports that Groby Village Cemetery has undergone routine maintenance works. Two new brick built flower beds have been built on the front of the

Cemetery and an additional one on the corner of the car park. New roses have been purchased and the rose and shred beds have been raised with wooden edgings and topped with maintenance free ‘moonstone’. A dovecote has been installed and 8 new commemorative flowering cherry trees have been planted. Commemorative trees and inscribed plaque can be purchased for £150.00.

Charity hit by laptop theftA lApTOp computer stolen in a burglary at a house in Fern Crescent in Groby contains important information relating to the work of Charnwood rotary Club. Detectives from Hinckley local policing unit are appealing for public

help in tracing the whereabouts of the laptop which was stolen sometime between 7pm and 11.40pm on Friday December 9. A silver Renault Laguna, registration number FE09 LPA, was also stolen from the driveway. The rear patio door of the house was smashed and a number of items were stolen.Detective Constable Kate leith, who is investigating the incident, said

the owner is very keen to get his laptop back as it is affecting the work he does around the county. “If you have been approached by someone selling a laptop containing information relating the Rotary Club or you know someone who has recently acquired one then please get in touch. “We would also urge anyone who has seen the stolen vehicle either being driven or parked to contact us. Any calls received will be treated in confidence.”Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4064 Kate Leith on

101, follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer’s identification number 4064. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, which is free and anonymous, on 0800 555 111. Calls to 101 cost 15p for the entire call from both mobile phones and land lines, but some mobile phone service providers may charge for a call to Crimestoppers

Save money - get fit at Quarry Park!

IF YOu over indulged at Christmas and gained a few pounds in weight that you now wish to lose there’s some good news. You don’t have to sign up to a 12 month contract with a gym, just pop up

to Quarry Park. New outdoor gym equipment similar to the Millennium Green facilities has recently been installed and it will cost you nothing to use. Each exercise machine carries a label explaining how to use it safely, so if you need your specs for reading don’t forget to take them.January also sees the long awaited meeting at the nearby Forest Rise

Community Centre to discuss the proposed community building planned for Quarry Park. The Parish Council hopes that as many potential stakeholders as possible will attend. The meeting is on Wednesday January 18th and starts at 6.30pm. The Parish Council had hoped to arrange a public meeting two years ago

but this had to be put on the back burner to enable the council to focus on more pressing issues. In May 2009 at the Annual Parish Meeting Cllr Len Smith gave an overview of the scheme. Since then the proposed swimming pool has been dropped and some members have visited North Muskham near Newark where a similar community facility has been built, to a large extent by grant funding. It is hoped that by using this scheme as a blueprint costs at Quarry Park can be cut back to reflect the new financial situation that has followed the banking crisis.

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JottingsLocal News in Brief with Norman Griffiths


Sometimes I feel old enough to be my own father.

THe FOllOWING incidents were reported to the police in the local area during December 2011.

Description Groby Field Head

House Burglaries Actual: Stamford Drive, Fern Crescent, Woodbank Road Attempted: Mallard Avenue, Marina Drive

3 Actual 2 Attempted

0

Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Pymm Ley Lane, Newtown Linford Lane Attempted:

2 Actual 0 Attempted

0

Theft of Motor Vehicle: 0 0

Theft from Motor Vehicle: Elsalene Drive 1 0

Damage to Motor Vehicle: Buttercup Close 1 0

Non-Domestic Assaults 1 0

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents 0 0

Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars Theft: 8 / Damage: 1 / Other: 8

13 2

TOTAL (Actual) 21 2

TOTAL (Attempted) 2 0

Groby NHW Calendar of events 2012Groby Village Hall, New room to the rear of the main hall

Thursday 8th March 2012 at 7.30pm

Thursday 14th June 2012 at 7.30pm

Thursday 13th September 2012 at 7.30pm

Thursday 6th December 2012 at 7.30pm

pC 0918 Ned Kelly • Sergeant Matthew Trott

local crime news in more detail is available at www.groby.org.uk

Information supplied by Martin Cartwright, Secretary - Groby Branch Neighbourhood Watch

Tel: 0116 2874500 • Mobile: 07850 707050 Email: [email protected]

In An Emergency dial 999. Contact the local police on 0116 222-2222.

Crime Figures for Dec 2011


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Council tax freeze and extra savings proposedleICeSTerSHIre County Council is asking the public to comment on proposals to freeze its share of Council Tax and save an extra £10 million from services over the next four years.The council will have to save £74 million over the next four years, due to

reduced Government grant and the loss of funding to academies. Most are efficiency savings, but the amount to be saved from services has risen to £25 million.David parsons, the council’s leader, said: “We face a very challenging

situation.“Last year, we took prudent decisions to balance our budget, but now,

faced with further pressures, we have to save more. That’s why we want the public to comment on our proposals.“I’m determined that, by concentrating on efficiency savings, being very

clear about our priorities and working with communities on new ways to deliver services, we can handle this responsibly and freeze our share of Council Tax.”Last year, the council agreed to save £79 million over four years and it is

on track to save £24 million this year. However, due to extra pressures, it will have to save £74 million over the next four years.Of this total, £49 million will be efficiency savings but service savings will

rise to £25 million.An estimated 1,000 full time equivalent council posts will go over the next

four years. Around 500 redundancies have been made over the last two years.Savings are required due to:

A nearly 40 per cent reduction in government funding over four years, including the impact of academiesIncreased demand for key services, including social care for adults and children and waste disposalProposed areas for additional savings include:Support for public transportLibraries and museumsReorganisation of the children and young people’s service, due to the development of academies.Extra investment is also proposed in the following, priority services:Support for vulnerable childrenSupport for vulnerable adultsPublic healthSupport for troubled families

The council’s ruling cabinet will meet at 2pm on Tuesday, January 17th, to discuss the proposals and launch the consultation.People can comment on the proposals by visiting www.leics.gov.uk, from

January 17th until January 31st. The results will be considered by the cabinet on February 7th, before the full county council takes a final decision on the budget and Council Tax precept at 2.30pm on February 22nd.

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When I was a child I always had my nose in a book. My parents couldn’t afford Kleenex.

All the Latest Groby WI News from Evelyn WardFIFTY-FOur members and three visitors attended our meeting on December 15th. A prototype of our entry into the

Village Christmas Tree Festival competition was on show. The theme was The Snowman as in the recording made famous by Aled Jones. An excellent effort, sadly, not a winner.The Secretary was away enjoying

the Christmas spectacular at Thursford so her deputy stepped in. It is not easy reading minutes that someone else has prepared. Well done Fran. Wilson. Lesley Trivett was welcomed as a new committee member. Anne Allison announced her retirement as Bradgate Group Secretary but there were no offers from members to step into the breach.Various County events were read

out; full details were available for interested members. An SOS Fashion Show will be held in St Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield. Two Groby members are modelling garments. Julie reported with great glee that our skittles team had trounced Thurcaston and Cropston and will be in the final against Astill Lodge on Tuesday 24 January 2012. Unfortunately, Groby W I was unable to attend the Anstey Group Carol Service due to details not arriving in time for arrangements to be made with members. The Christmas lunch at Brooksby Hall repeated its success. The food was beautifully prepared and served in a really festive atmosphere. Members were amazed at the tap dancing skills and energy shown by the cast of

42nd Street at Curve. The audience were most surprised to learn that they had been watching a rehearsal! Bookings are now being taken for ‘Gypsy’. A thank-you letter from Ruth Rolinson was read out following her visit to the W.I. Denman College in November on a course for water colour painting for which she received the Bursary. She obviously found the tuition rewarding; samples of her tasks were shown, e.g. a leaf, a cobweb, a cockerel, flowers in a meadow etc. Her experiences boosted the number of members applying for the 2012 Bursary. Names went into a hat and the lucky winner was Kathleen Hodkinson. The chosen course should be booked by May. The matter was raised regarding unclaimed Bursaries being carried forward for one year. A vote was taken resulting in 54 in favour, 1 against and one abstention. A plant was presented to Jenny Brewer for help with resolutions and a pot of hyacinths to Vicky Johnson as skittles captain. As agreed, a box was available for donations in lieu of Christmas cards to fellow members. At last! Time for our Speaker ‘Cliff

as If ’ (aka Will Chandler). The atmosphere was electric, a little like the teenage girls of yesteryear but no screaming at this stage. He said it was two years since his last visit, his very first appearance to W.I. ladies. Apparently, he was just bowled over by the reception he received, so much so, he then went on to the circuit of W.I. Speakers and has never looked back. I did check with him afterwards that this was not just stage spiel. Not so, his memory of the event brought him

back to Groby, although he now lives in Manchester. His take-off of Cliff Richards is remarkable, the likeness, voice and mannerisms are uncanny. His rendering of ‘Bachelor Boy’ is no longer true, he has married since his last visit. We were entertained with some of his ‘oldies’ – Travelling Light, Living Doll, Summer Holiday, Mistletoe and Wine etc. The Groby ladies needed no persuading to join in. No half-hearted attempts here, voices in full throttle accompanied by the appropriate actions. Any attending Noise Abatement Officer would have won his case.He does know Cliff Richard

personally, mainly though their shared Faith and belief in Christ. He was booked to sing at a Gospel Meeting in London in front of 400 people, two-thirds of which were recent immigrants from Africa. They were expecting a hell-fire and damnation performance. When he sang a spiritual-type love song 200 of his audience walked out.A mention of the real Cliff ’s

ego was followed by a ‘tongue in cheek’ rendering of ‘It’s Hard To Be Humble’. The old favourite ‘Congratulations’ brought out the best and worst in his W.I. audience, swaying, high-kicking, dancing in any space available. One can only say ‘with wild abandon’. Annette Toone was personally serenaded with ‘The Love of Your Life’ complete with the presentation of a single rose. Being a dedicated fan, Annette played it like a trouper, singing and dancing with him.

Much to the disgust of her sister, a fellow member, and an Elvis fan. Their teenage rivalry erupted later.The number ‘Pretty Baby’ he

described as a ‘hoovering’ song. It might work for some, but nothing would make me enjoy hovering. The facial contortions when he sang ‘Lucky Lips’ were amazing, the sort of thing that makes some people copy them involuntarily. It was amusing to watch the faces around me. The last item was his Christmas song for 2003 which he co-wrote. A beautiful song, ‘Santa’s Wish’ is a plea for peace on earth.Angela Taylor gave a most

humorous vote of thanks which was followed by a tumultuous applause complete with verbal calls and whistles.Back to earth for the very

welcome tea/coffee, mince pies.Next meeting 18 January

2012. Janet Wroe on Theatre Costumes. Visitors welcome

CLIFF AS IF - aka Will Chandler

Happy New Year to all Spotlight readers!


I bought a new water softener. Now my water is so soft, when it drips it doesn’t make a sound.

Where has 2011 gone? MANY readers will, I suspect, agree that when we reach a certain age the years seem to flash by so quickly. The memory of last February’s

meeting when Simon Morgan demonstrated the versatility of cooking with honey is still so clear. Much has happened within the Society during 2011. Our varied programme of speakers attracted an average of forty members per meeeting and we had a good response to our three trips. Visits to The Shrewsbury Show, Liverpool, Ness Gardens and Hebb’s Farm were all well supported and there is now a slide show picking out some of these highlights. It was intended to show this at our Annual General Meeting last Thursday. Perhaps it even happened! For the first time we held our members’ Open Gardens Evening and this was also deemed to be successful. It enabled members to talk to each other with a different sort of focus to that normally found at monthly meetings. Can it really be three months since Radio Leicester

graced our meeting? This was a lively, entertaining and instructive evening that lightened a overcast Autumn day.

December 2011Our last meeting of last year was a bit of a Do-It-Yourself affair, but very enjoyable nevertheless. Our Molly had volunteered to

provide some entertainment whilst so many members contributed items of delicious food for our party meal. Molly, very ably aided by husband Danny, organised a series of Bottle Top Bingo rounds and a couple of quizes to keep us on our mental toes. Very little of the food was left and many of us reflected upon what good entertainment can be had for little cost, if some are prepared to do the preparatory work.

2012 programmeOFFICIAl programmes will soon be available, but a preview reveals that our overnight stay this year will be on 25th July at The Best Western

Hotel in King’s lynn. This will enable us to visit the famous Sandringham Show on Wednesday 25th July and then Bressingham Gardens on Thursday the 26th July. More details will be available shortly about this visit and our traditional day trip, the arrangements for which have yet to be completed.

Forthcoming eventsFebruary 9th: The work of The Watermead rangersMarch 8th: Woods and Forests

We always welcome new members and casual guests at our monthly meetings that are held at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month, usually in the United Reformed Church rooms on Chapel Hill. Details about membership and the events programme can be obtained from Alvar Johnson. (Tel. No. 01162877870) or E mail [email protected]

Alvar Johnson

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New groups for hearing impaired young peopleNew groups for hearing impaired young people are being set up in the county.Leicestershire County Council’s

Youth Service will launch the groups this month at William Bradford Community College in Earl Shilton and the Bobbin Factory, a purposely renovated youth centre, in South Wigston.Young people aged 12 and over

can attend the sessions which build on the success of a group that was set up in Loughborough in 2008The groups offer hearing impaired

young people an opportunity to interact and socialise with their peers. They will also be able to access a broad range of activities in order to nurture confidence and promote personal development.Ivan Ould, County Council

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: For those young people living with a hearing impairment the impact can be dramatic and can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation and low self-esteem.These groups will provide a place

where young people can make new friends, get some extra support and help boost their confidence.”·The Loughborough group meets

at Shelthorpe Young People’s Centre, Woodthorpe Road, from 6pm to 8pm on the first Wednesday of the month.·The Earl Shilton group meets

at William Bradford Community College, Heath Lane, from 6pm to 8pm on the second Wednesday of the month.·The South Wigston group meets

at The Bobbin Factory, Canal Street, South Wigston, from 6pm to 8pm on the third Wednesday of the month.For further information regarding

any of the three groups please contact: Adrian Clifford - County Youth Worker, 0116 3057613 / 07786402945 or email: [email protected] more on the Leicestershire

Youth Service visit: www.leics.gov.uk/youthservice

Our borough’s streets are amongst the country’s cleanest - it’s official!THe streets of Hinckley & Bosworth are amongst the cleanest in the country – according to the Association for public Service excellence (ApSe).The accolade was awarded to the Borough Council after the authority entered

APSE’s annual awards competition and reached the final in the “street cleansing best performer” category for its high performance and low cost. The cost per household for the borough’s street cleansing service is £18.68 compared

to a national average of £35.59. At the same time, the percentage of sites failing to meet national cleanliness standards is only 2% compared to an average of 14% nationally. Councillor Bill Crooks, Executive Member responsible for Refuse and Recycling, said: “We have an excellent

team of dedicated staff who work very hard to keep the borough clean. But it needs everyone to do there bit too, so thank you to everyone who puts their litter in a bin and who cleans up after their dog.”APSE is a not-for-profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK to promote

excellence in public services and the awards are a means of recognising the most outstanding performers.Commenting on the awards Mark Bramah, APSE’s assistant chief executive said: “With decreasing budgets and

increasing demand on public services the winners of this year’s awards have shown that they are performing better each year in public service delivery”. In addition to its own street cleansing service, the council is very happy to support local communities who want

to arrange a litter pick, or anyone who wants to be a volunteer litter picker. For those who are interested in getting involved, please contact the Neighbourhood Wardens on 01455 255977.


You know it’s too wet to play golf when your cart capsizes.

NlA Issues Advice For Would-be landlords THe NATIONAl landlords Association (NlA) has published guidelines for homeowners who are considering becoming a landlord and letting out their home. With the possibility of UK property prices falling by up to 5% in 2012*,

many homeowners may consider letting their property as an alternative to selling. A recent NLA survey of landlords found average rental yields are now 6.7%**. David Salusbury, Chairman, National Landlords Association,

commented: “If house prices fall this year, we may see more homeowners who were planning to sell instead considering letting their homes while they wait for the market to stabilise. “There are currently a record number of people searching for rental

properties, meaning would-be landlords would have no problem finding a tenant. “Letting a property can be a rewarding experience and an effective way

of providing additional income, but prospective landlords will need to remember they are effectively starting a small business. They must ensure they are well aware of the rules and regulations governing the letting of private residential accommodation.” The NLA has released the following tips for homeowners, to ensure they

comply with regulations:Provide a proper tenancy agreement, usually an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement that you and the tenant sign. This will outline the length of the tenancy, amount of rent, when it is to be paid, and deposit details Protect the tenant’s deposit with a government-authorised scheme, such as mydeposits Create an inventory describing the condition of the property in detail, along with the furnishings Have gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer and provide the tenant with a Gas Safety Certificate Take out comprehensive landlord insurance to protect your property Ensure urgent repairs are fixed promptly. Use reputable tradesmen that you know and can trust to tend to the property at short notice.

To find out more about the National Landlords Association and the support it provides landlords, visit www.landlords.org.uk

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Groby, Ratby, Glenfield, Kirby Muxloe, Markfield, Field Head & Surrounding Villages


Remote controls are very valuable. They let you see that there’s nothing worth watching on TV a lot faster.

Small Ads

Advertise your items for sale FREE.

Send us the details, cost of item and your contact phone number for the display box, together

with your home address for our purposes only (not for publication).

Max 4 items, please. Max price: £300.

See page 3 for contact details.

REBOUNDER Very good condition. Little used. Price: £20.00 Tel: 0116 287 5973

Groby VillaGe Society

~ Preservation ~ ~ Conservation ~

~ Communal Interests ~

Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at

7.30pm. For Further Details Contact Hon. Secretary Mr. p. Castell

Tel. 0116 287 9842e-mail:- groby.villagesociety@

tiscali.co.uk Non Members are Welcome

Don’t forget to send us your news!email details to: [email protected] and we’ll do our best to give you a mention.Tremendous!

They’re after your money!

Email Scam - Don’t Be Fooled!Trading Standards are warning the public about an e-mail that seeks money to help out someone allegedly stuck in Spain with no money to settle hotel bills etc. This e-mail is fake and should be ignored. The e-mail reads:

ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICESBEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

AS PARt of our aftercare service, we now offer a monthly Bereavement Aftercare & Support Group, which has been set up to provide a FREE support service, not just to our clients, but to ANY bereaved person, irrespective of their age, creed, religion and length of bereavement.

the group meets on the 3rd Saturday of every month in the catering suite at Anstey & District Funeral Services between 10am and 12 noon.

Next dates: 21st January & 18th FebruaryARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

Smile Lines• My neighbour knocked on my

door at 2:30 this morning, can you believe that? 2:30am?Luckily for him I was still up

playing my bagpipes.• The Grim Reaper came for

me last night, and I beat him off with a vacuum cleaner. Talk about Dyson with death.• Paddy says, “Mick, I’m

thinking of buying a Labrador. “Really?” says Mick “have you seen how many of their owners go blind?”• I saw a poor old lady fall

over today on the ice! At least I presume she was poor - she only had £1.20 in her purse.• My girlfriend thinks that I’m

a stalker... Well, she’s not exactly my girlfriend yet.• The wife has been missing a

week now. Today police said to prepare for the worst. So I have been to the charity shop to get all her clothes back.• A mate of mine admitted to

being addicted to brake fluid. When I quizzed him on it, he reckoned he could stop any time.• My daughter asked me for a

pet spider for her birthday, so I went to our local pet shop and they were £70. “Blow this,” I thought, “I can get one cheaper off the web.”• I was driving this morning

when I saw an RAC van parked by the road. The driver was sobbing uncontrollably. I thought to myself, “That guy’s heading for a breakdown.”

Hi, I’m writing this with tears in my eyes,i came down here to Madrid Spain. for a short vacation to visit a resort and got mugged at gun point last night at the park of the hotel where i lodged.All cash,credit cards and cell were stolen off me.I’ve been to the embassy and the Police here but they’re not helping issues at all,my flight leaves today and I’m having problems settling the hotel bills. The hotel manager won’t let me leave until i settle the hotel

bills which is 2,720 Euro or anything you can afford now am freaked out.Please reply back and let me know if you will be able to loan me the cash so that i can give you the necessary details you will need to get the cash to me via western union money transfer, i promise to pay you back as soon as i get home.

When it first arrives in your inbox, the sender’s address appears genuine, and you could quite easily be taken in by it.However, if you were to click on ‘Reply’ - (without actually replying), you

will discover that the ACTUAL address that your reply will go to is subtly different. It’s an email address set up by the crooks who are trying to extract cash from you. It’s a very clever trick.Needless to say, you should NOT send any cash payments, bank details or

passwords to anyone who sends an email like this.

If you receive an email like this, you should report it to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.org.uk or 0300 123 2040. The Action Fraud website contains information about the latest frauds and how to better protect yourself.

Come and Enjoy Another

Three Course Home Made Meal

& help raise money for Markfield Churches

In the Congregational Hall Main Street, Markfield

On Friday 27th January 2012From 6.30pm

Home Made Soup,Home Made pate,

********Trio of Lamb served with

potato & seasonal vegetables,Trio of Fish

********Hogmanay Tart

Apple Pie********

Tickets £9.00 each for all 3 courses

or £7.00 for 2 coursesFor tickets and more

informationTel Brenda on 01530 242173

All welcome - if you need a lift it can be organised.


Talk about care-free. He’s got a snooze button on his smoke alarm.


I wish people who have trouble communicating would just shut up.

Groby Mum is named as one of the UK’s Top 100 MumpreneurspuDDle DuCKS franchisee, Donna Taylor of Groby, was thrilled to receive an email this week from Mumpreneur uK telling her that she had been selected as one of the Top 100 Business Mums for 2011.Laura Rigney from Mumpreneur

UK told Donna, “If you haven’t already seen our list of Top 100 Mumpreneurs - then CONGRATULATIONS.......you’re on it! The competition was stiff and there were so many entries that it took us four weeks longer to go through them than we had originally allowed. Once again, Congratulations!”Donna bought the South Leicestershire Puddle Ducks swimming franchise

a year ago and started teaching just before Easter 2011. Last term, Donna’s customer numbers exceeded 100 babies and children to swimming coming to her classes each week – a fantastic achievement in such a short space of time. She now also offers Aquanatal exercise classes to expectant Mums.Mumpreneur UK has asked Mums in business to come forward and tell

them why they chose to set-up their own businesses. Donna said, “I made the break from a management career in a blue chip company after having children, as the work-life balance I achieved there just wasn’t working – I needed more time with my beautiful new family. “It was a scary decision to leave job security and a guaranteed income, but

I knew it was the right one for me and my family. I chose to buy a Puddle Ducks Franchise because I’m incredibly passionate about giving children the best start in life and it would work around my family. Puddle Ducks is a proven business success with the support of a fantastic management team and other franchisees, so it was too good an opportunity to miss.“It’s been an exciting roller-coaster ride since then: running your own

business is hard work but it’s very rewarding and I have never looked back. Making the Top 100 Mumpreneurs is such a great way to start 2012 and I’m really looking forward to the year ahead!”Donna’s award follows other fantastic news for the wider Puddle Ducks

Franchise network, which recently won two national awards. The Smith & Henderson industry-wide study of franchisee satisfaction, known as the Franchise Satisfaction Benchmark, involved gathering feedback from over 1,000 franchisees. Puddle Ducks was announced as Overall Best Franchise and Most Recommended Franchise in December.

Infant swimming classes have never been as fun as with Puddle Ducks. Parent and child swimming classes held at Thurmaston,

Life but swimmingly...www.puddleducks.com

You can take a horse to waterbut only a DUCKwill swim!

Aquanatal Classes

Combining relaxation with cardiovascular exercise, the perfect physical preparation for labour in the soothing and cool comforts of water.

s @puddleducks.com 0 www.puddleducks.com

Preparation for new life ... C

2�Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-JANUARY 2012 • Tel: 01530 244069

Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.

Win a Sunday Lunch for Four at

CAFe 7, Within Sevenoaks Nursery,

Groby Lane, Newtown Linford.

THe DuKe WOrDSeArCH

If you can find 12 JOHN WAYNe FIlMS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win a SuNDAY luNCH MAIN COurSe FOr FOur at CAFe SeVeN, Sevenoaks Garden Centre, Near Groby pool.

All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the titles of 12 fils starring the legendary John Wayne. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).Send your marked entry forms to: WAYNe MOVIeS, Groby & Field

Head Spotlight, pO Box 8, Markfield, leics. le67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 8th February 2012. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the CAFE SEVEN voucher. Good luck!

Here are the JOHN WAYNe FIlMS you have to find: EL DORADO • FORT APACHE • REAP THE WILD WIND

RIO GRANDE • SANDS OF IWO JIMA • STAGECOACH

TALL IN THE SADDLE • THE ALAMO • THE COMMANCHEROS

THE GREEN BERETS • THE SEARCHERS • TRUE GRIT

name: .................................................................................................

Address: ................................................................................................

.................................................................Postcode: .............................

Q S Z S C N S E H T X U S X B C A Z V G J A O I A E G O B R R I O G R A N D E L H V R K S A W A Q E E D E T L C G E S R K H M R J B S T I I A N H T E E Y C I Y P O X R N P D C A H L E G X C L F G G T A B N G C D N I W D L I W E H T P A E R O W X R I O W F U E R R M C A R Y D T Q H O L R S O V O O E A R Q E M L J R T A F Q C A S D X A L V B I L Q D Y M E C E O Y D Z I V M K O D T O H H H T T H E A L A M O L D J T X T K S T E R E B N E E R G E H T

ELDORADO FORTAPACHE REAPTHEWILDWIND RIOGRANDE SANDSOFIWOJIMA STAGECOACH TALLINTHESADDLE THEALAMO THECOMANCHEROS THEGREENBERETS THESEARCHERS TRUEGRIT

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com, sponsorship by Scotch.

http://www.scotchsciencefair.com/

Page 1 of 1Word Search Puzzle

17/04/2009http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWordSearch.asp

Last Month’s Wordsearch WinnersThe winner of the first prize in last month’s Wordearch competition was: MrS D WINDrAM of Jacqueline road, Field Head - you win a Sunday Lunch Main Course for Four at Cafe Seven, Sevenoaks Garden Centre, near Groby Pool.

Second prize - a £10 DVD hire voucher to spend at Glenfield Moviezone - goes to MrS A HOlMeS of Anstey Lane, Groby.

Congratulations! Your prizes will be with you soon.

THE UPBEATLES ARE COMING TO

THORNTON CLUB!Enjoy an evening with the Fab Four

Saturday 18 February - 8.00 p.m. onwards The UpBeatles are: Tony Wadsworth, Pete Hancock,

Chris Highton and Mark WhitehouseEntry £5.00 - all proceeds in support of the Friends of St Peter’s,Thornton

For more information phone Dianne (01530 230123) or Karen (01530 230631)

LETTERThe following letter arrived in time but was inadvertently omitted from the December issue of Spotlight - apologies.

It is a copy of a letter sent by Mrs.Elaine Matthews to the Highways Department of Leicestershire County Council. Mrs.matthews has asked us to publish it in the Spotlight to highlight the issues of parking in Groby.

Groby Village ParkingFollowing the recent accident in Groby, I think it is about time some parking restrictions were implemented, it has been a car park for far too long. People who work in the village and well as those who work in town start

parking on the roads from 7.30am onwards and leave around 4.30pm (en masse), if I had to leave Groby around this time I would have to try and find an alternative route if possible. Attempting to cross Leicester and Ratby Road around this time is putting

peoples lives at risk. During the day crossing these roads can be even worse especially when delivery vehicles have to park on corners or in the middle of the road because no parking spaces are available. I am quite an agile retired person and can cross the road reasonably

quickly but have to be very vigilant on cars suddenly appearing at speed around corners, other people cannot cross as quickly especially with prams, walkers, etc. Perhaps restricted parking is a possible answer, one hour parking with no

return within an hour would help. I had heard that double yellow lines were going to appear in some areas but as of today nothing has appeared. Your comments and some sort of action would be appreciated.

Mrs Elaine Matthews Groby


Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club, Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk

Friday 20th January: Al Sat 21st January: Josie Sun 22nd January: Super Sunday ‘50’ Friday 27th January: Lee Richards Sat 28th January: Dekota Sun 29th January: Super Sunday ‘50’ Friday 3rd February: Jason Comfort Sat 4th February: Double XL Sun 5th February: Super Sunday ’50’ Friday 10th February: Zephyr 5 Band Sat 11th February: Shaun EB Sun 12th February: Super Sunday ‘50’ See AdVeRT On PAGe 25

The Stamford Arms, 2 Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616

General Knowledge QUIZ every Sunday Music QUIZ every Tuesday

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541

Sat 28th January: GEE ‘N’ US Sat 25th February: JOHN STACEY Garden & Pub Games etc.

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496

ALL SKY SPORTS & eSPn

The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808

QUIZ nite: Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net

The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to non-Members Sat 14th January: The Zufflers Sat 28th January: Don’t Tell Sally Fri 10th February: A Fist Full Of Funk Sat 11th February: The Cabstars

Sat 18th February: Charity Evening With The Upbeatles To Raise Money For Thornton Church For More Info Telephone Diane 01530 230123 Or Karen 01530 230631 Sat 25th February: The Freeze ALL SKY SPORTS And eSPn www.myspace.com/thorntonclub

Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205

new members welcome. Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month (To be arranged) Last Friday of the month – Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each Sequence dances Sunday nights. £1.00 admission 8 o’clock. Tea dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission. On 14th January 2012 - a Social dance - £1 on the door. For further details, tel: 01530 230205

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454

Tribute nights/£2 entry after 7pm. Fri 13th January: TAKE THAT Fri 27th January: 70’s CAR WASH Fri 10th February: LIONEL RITCHIE Fri 24th February: CHER Quiz nite: 2nd Tues of Month

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKe night:- Sat 28th January (’King of the Road’)

My grandmother was insane. She had pierced hearing aids.

Send details of your LOCAL pub and club entertainments and

we’ll include them in this column FREE!

Amazing!

Art in Ratby: The Art Critic’s ReviewTHe ArT IN rATBY weekend was very successful once again with visitors coming from all corners of leicestershire to see the work of both the artists and the crafts men and women. JANe rAYNe has sent the Spotlight a copy of the Art Critic’s review for publication - see below:

A very impressive show resulted, as local people came together to provide an art and craft show of high quality exhibits, in the Church Rooms, organised by Ratby Village Society Anti-Litter Group.The craft stalls were colourful and overflowing with items

displaying skill and quality. Hand made gifts were the order of the day and the people filled room, provided an excellent atmosphere. A well presented art exhibition ran the length of the centre of the room. This comprised, paintings, drawings, and needlepoint pieces; all of extremely good quality.There was only one photograph exhibited, but of high quality.

Titled ‘Low Water’ by Hoz Gamble; it depicted many boats which had been reduced to basic tones - very effective! A small gouache painting, ‘White cottage in Bradgate Park’ by Mary Hollinshead, really caught my eye. Full of charm, and in the ‘deco’ style; it said so much! ‘Household Cavalry Trumpeters’ by Peter Griffin, displayed good oil painting skills, while ‘Hibiscus’ by J. Chesterfield provided good command of acrylics. P.D. Griffins ‘Guildhall Lane’ depicted excellent, evening atmosphere and mood in oils.Watercolour; a difficult medium to use, was well represented.

Chris Talbot gave us ‘Clearing Mists at Wells’ and ‘The Wildflower Meadow’; both full of freedom and atmosphere - good use of water colour! ‘Cotswold Village’ by Denise Williams displayed good use of line and wash. Jean Vann’s well executed painting depicted an unusual view of ‘ Banburgh Castle’, and another eye-catcher, because of clear, clean painting was ‘Morning Glory’ by S.K. Mason.It takes a great deal of courage to submit paintings to an

open exhibition which is going to be viewed by the public, and I congratulate everyone who did so! It was an excellent show, which I am sure was appreciated by the visitors to The Church Rooms in Ratby.

Michael Warr, artist and author

Grants available for inspired young peopleYOuNG people in Hinckley & Bosworth are being offered a chance to apply for a small financial incentive of up to £50 to try out a new creative or sporting activity inspired by the Cultural Olympiad or the london 2012 Olympic and paralympic Games.The award, ‘Your Time – 2012

be inspired’, can be used for: Purchase of materials or equipment Fees to work with an artist or sports coach. Fees to attend a training course or master class

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Tickets to see a performance, attend an exhibition or sporting eventOr a combination of the above

Those who are interested in ‘Your Time’ can download an application form and guidance notes from the council’s website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/yourtime. The deadline for applications is Friday 16 March 2012 and the money has to be spent by 30 September 2012.For further information or to

discuss your application in more detail please contact the Cultural Services team on (01455) 255856 or email [email protected]

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Set aside half an hour every day to do all your worrying. Then take a nap during this period.

Starting the New Year on the allotmentsTHe FeSTIVe season is now behind us so we can put our minds to planning for the coming year. Looking forward and visualising

can be the most rewarding part as it can be done in your favourite chair. In our mind’s eye we conjure wonderful images of crops just as portrayed on the seed packet, showing beautiful specimens completely bug and weed free. However in reality it doesn’t always materialise like that. What is a weed? It could be said that it is a plant where no use has yet been found for it. Wheat was a weed many million of years ago, then by a chance it cross-pollinated with a similar, which we today call genetical modification. Some bugs, to us, seem to have

no purpose in life at all, Following an article in the gardening section of the Daily Telegraph mention was made of neem oil as an organic insecticide against white fly and the cabbage white caterpillar. Caterpillars we can pick off the brassicas but white fly we are stuck with, until now perhaps. Why is the fly such a pest on

allotments? These aphids form dense colonies rising like smoke if we brush by an affected plant. They suck the sap from the plant and excrete sugary honeydew that encourages the growth of a sooty mould on the leaf surfaces. Not very nice. We can spray but then the organic benefits are lost, this is where neem oil plays its part. It is an extract from the seedpods

of the Indian azadirachta indica tree, which is related to mahogany. It is blood red in colour, has no effect on bees, butterflies or ladybirds, only on aphids and crawlies, which ingest the sprayed foliage, bees and ladybirds don’t eat the plant. It can be obtained on the Internet

in various quantities and requires only two tablespoons (one ounce) of 70% concentrate in a gallon of water. For an already infected crop spray every seven days or a clean crop every fourteen days on both sides of the leaves. It is used in toiletries and many

other body potions but our interest

is in gardening.Another problem to watch out

for is the buddleia tree. Imported from China it is now an invasive species costing Network Rail three to four million pounds per annum to control. So if you see one on your plot, please remove it before the millions of seeds blow before the wind.Rhododendron Ponticum, which

again was imported in 1840, can grow to immense proportions and has the nasty habit of killing all other plants around it by its own manufactured poison. It is also the host to the disease ‘sudden oak death’. So please keep it off the plots.Another introduced plant, which

we need to watch out for, is the Oxford Ragwort. A confirmed invasive plant and poisonous to horses. Introduced from the sides of Mount Etna in the early 1700s to the Oxford Botanic Garden for its bright yellow flower. It is now to be seen in hedgerows thought out the country. Lastly we have the most feared

contender, Japanese Knotweed F. Japonica another ornamental import from 1879. It is now the most aggressive and invasive weed in Britain, growing an extra five feet every five weeks and up to twenty feet high. The roots penetrate the soil to nine feet and the horizontal

root rhizomes formation travels twenty feet in all directions underground to pop up and begin the cycle all over again. Concrete floors are no barrier to the shoots they just push through it. It must be treated by chemical means but it has a clever method of moving to new pastures apart from seeding: if a small piece of root is accidentally broken off and sticks to your

shoe this could be transplanted elsewhere without you being aware of it.Treatment: the stems are hollow

like bamboo so a strong weed killer can be injected into the hollow tube formation. This will hold it back and eventually kill it. The government has also recently licensed the release of an insect, the ‘Psyllid,’ for which the only food source is Knotweed. Knotweed is classified as

‘controlled waste’ and it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause it to grow wild.If you suspect you have any of

these plants on your plot please contact a committee member for advice. If you think you may have Knotweed in your garden at home you must act quickly, advice can be obtained online. A reminder to members that our

AGM will be at the village hall, Saturday February 11th at 10-00 am prompt but we will be taking rents from 9-15. Coffee as usual will be free and we always seem have a good laugh over something, so please try to attend.

John Thornton

Knotweed F. Japonica.


My biggest problem is that I believe almost everything I tell myself.

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.

IDC Home Maintenance

Painter Decorator and Property Maintenance

For a free quotation please call Ian on:

01530 245461 or 07885 541428 3 The Nook, Markfield, Leicestershire

Web site: www.idchomemaintenance.co.uk Listed @ http://www.ageconcernbusinessdirectory.co.uk

Full Tradesman Liability Insurance held

Letter from Uncle EustaceOn how to survive a residential conferenceThe rectorySt. James the least

My dear Nephew Darren

I AM GlAD you enjoyed your conference, but please do not be deluded into thinking that conferences are there to teach you anything. Conferences exist to provide another entry on your CV, to give you time off while flattering yourself that you are working, and to make the person leading it feel that their life is not wholly pointless.As it happened, I was also invited to the same one, the one entitled ‘Learning how to say ‘no’’. But I refused to attend, thereby proving that I didn’t need it anyway.There are certain useful points you need to learn for conferences. First, about half the attendees will have been together only the previous week attending another conference in another part of the country. They will be eager, enthusiastic and overflowing with management platitudes. Avoid them at all costs. Should one of them say to you: ‘expect the unexpected’ you have my permission to strangle them. They won’t have expected that!Secondly, when you are all asked to go through that ghastly process of introducing yourselves to everyone else, make it up. I think the last time I was obliged to do this, I became a butcher specialising in exporting offal to Saudi Arabia. All your clerical colleagues will then panic that they have turned up for the wrong course and the leader will make sure that you are not asked another single question throughout the event. Both outcomes are satisfying.Thirdly, do realise that when you are asked to divide into small discussion groups, it means that the conference leader has run out of ideas about what to do next. Do not, at all costs, volunteer to be chairman. It only means that when you have to report back – and if the leaders use the word ‘plenary’, then by all means contemplate strangling them also - you will be involved in sticking sheets of paper on to walls, which will then rip off the wallpaper when you try to remove them.You will also have the embarrassment of finding that every felt tip pen you try to use will be empty, and what you thought were the conclusions your group had arrived at will be volubly contradicted by all the other members.No, if you are ever obliged to attend another course, take a good book, enough claret to cover every evening away, and develop a debilitating illness that, while enabling you to attend every meal, obliges you to retreat to your room for the rest of the day. You will leave having learned as much on whatever the topic was as your colleagues, but will return refreshed and eager to make the next booking.Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Get your FREE Guide

We Want Good, Tasty, Local Food and DrinkMOST of us say we want our food to be good and tasty and locally produced. It must be a reasonable price and, as far as possible, avoid scary things such as food miles, preservatives, additives and GM.On top of all that, many of us worry about the dominance of supermarkets

- what will happen when they are so big that we have no choice to buy locally at all? How important is it to try to stop that trend? And why do they so often sell us expensive, tasteless, plastic-wrapped fodder? And they pay farmers a pittance, thus affecting our local economies, as well as your pocket.The news is good - surveys

show that more and more people actually want Good, Tasty, Local food. They agree with these principles and are actively doing something about it. This can spark some great community projects. People everywhere are finding that the process can be interesting, exciting, fun and very tasty! But others find it more difficult. If you are local (Markfield and a circle of villages around) and you’d like

to know more about how to achieve something far better for yourself, your family and even your community - send for “The Quick Basic Guide”. This is all about how you can easily make a difference. In addition to giving you several pages full of good ideas, it also suggests interesting possibilities for local community activity. The Guide is produced voluntarily by the Good Local Food Circle - there is no club, business or profit involved. And it is Free!For your FREE copy of the Guide simply request it by either:

email [email protected] (for an email copy) or send a s.a.e to GLFC, c/o 86 Forest Road, Markfield LE67 9UN.

Douglas E. Maas

1.2.


My interest is in the future because I’m going to spend the rest of my life there.

Churches Together in Groby

Urban Saints During term time, held at the URC chapel: games, friends, crafts and a Christian basis to discussions.

- for 5’s to 14’s on Mon evenings at 3.45pm, 6.30pm or 7.45pm - for 15-18’s on Wed evenings at 7.30pm - for 15-18’s o Fri at 7.30pm

More details on the church websites

Fair Cuppa: an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Every Thursday, 10.00—11.30am.

For further information please see websites and church magazines

St. Philip and St. James www.bradgateteam.org.uk

Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church

www.grobyurc.com Mrs Norma Whittaker 287 6606

Children/Youth Worker Deb Goodhead 07730 596309

Catch Play, craft, story & chat for pre-school children with a parent/carer. Every Friday in term time, 9.30 – 11.30am, at the URC.

Part-time Dental Nurse / Receptionist

Crofton House Dental Practice in Groby is looking for a part time member of staff to join our team to work 3 days a week. You will need to have either dental nurse qualifications or some experience of dental nursing.If you do not have a current GDC registration, there will be an opportunity to help you attain through approved training.Rates of pay will be relevant to the level of experience.You must be motivated and able to support flexible on working hours including early morning and late night appointments.

please contact the practice to obtain an application form and job description on 0116 2876722 or email: [email protected]

Jill Gibson (BIPDT* Grad Hons) is holding a series of workshops in February that will include Obedience, Agility and an understanding of Clicker Training. Each week YOU will learn how to train YOUR dog…. and have a lot of fun learning new skills together.NEW DAYTIME CLASSES FOR FEBRUARY 2012Mondays (start Feb 6th) 10.00 – 11.00 a.m. Tuesdays (start Feb 7th) 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.Thursdays (start Feb 9th) 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.Fridays (start Feb 10th) 10.00 – 11.00 a.m.Venue: Indoor Training School at Tomlinsons Kennels,Ratby Lane, Markfield LE67 9RJ.Workshops will be limited to small groups ensuring dogs and handlers receive quality time while training. Places will be offered on a “first come” basis and will need to be booked in advance. Price per hour: £6.50.

If you feel that your dog may become stressed in a class environment, give me a call... Alternative one to one lessons to begin with will help your dog to feel more relaxed and provide a foundation for introducing social skills around other dogs later on.

For further details or to book a workshop callJill: 07826 232051 or 0116 287 [email protected]

* (British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers)

Weekend classes are also available for beginners

Go on... let the dog out and have some fun !

...the Harlequin Canine Academy ! !WHO LET THE DOGS OUT

january 2012 groby spotlight

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