March 2011 Groby Spotlight

Next issue out on 9th April • Article/Advert Deadline: 26th March

LETTERSwitching off of street lighting on Sacheverell Way & The A50The Clerk to Groby Parish Council has received numerous complaints from residents regarding the “switching off” of the street lights on the A50 and parts of Sacheverell Way as part of lCC’s project to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions from street lights. It would appear residents were of

the opinion that the lights would be dimmed or switched off between the hours of Midnight and 7 am. LCC Highways approved the scheme for completely switching off these lights and others around Leicestershire recently. Now that the lights have been switched off, the lights will be kept switched off for 3 years whilst monitoring is carried out to ensure there are no adverse impacts as a result of the changes. A review of the situation will be implemented within the three-year period.All Councillors expressed

concerns regarding the footbridge on Sacheverell Way, and whilst no properties front the road, the pedestrian footpath is well used by residents, again a concern without lighting.Borough Cllrs Martin Cartwright

and Peter Batty have also received numerous complaints from residents and share the concerns of the Parish Councillors with regards the footpaths and footbridge over the A46.Residents wishing to express their

concerns for the turning off of the street lights should contact their County Councillors Rob Fraser or David Sprason or write to Highways and Streetlighting, Leicestershire County Council, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester, LE3 8ST. Beverley Greenwood MBA BSc Clerk to the Council

Bloors lose appeal against planning refusalNorman Griffiths reads the Inspector’s decision

IT hAS beeN a long wait for the Planning Inspector’s report on the appeal by bloors homes against the decision by hinckley and bosworth borough Council to refuse planning permission. but as they say good things are worth waiting for. The decision to reject the appeal was one which was hoped for but not wholly expected after an appeal was allowed last year in Markfield.Bloors want to build houses next to

the cemetery on land which for all intents and purposes is part of the village of Groby but for administrative purposes is within the Parish of Ratby. It is easy to assume that Ratby is the other side of the M1 but in fact the parish is split by the motorway. The land in question is in the area known as the Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge, a largely open and sloping field with Sacheverell Way to the south and Groby Road to the west. The terrace of the aptly named Brookvale Cottages opposite the Community College is to the north of

the site. Streams border the site on the northern and eastern sides and there is a pond in the southeast corner.The company proposed to build

133 dwellings, 18% of which would be affordable housing. The Borough Council target for such a site is 40% and following discussions during the course of the Inquiry a compromise of 33 (around 25%) affordable housing units was proposed by the developer and the council. Lloyd Rogers, the Inspector, identified 5 main issues that he thought he should consider carefully when assessing the effect of the proposed development.1. The character and appearance of the area He found that the proposed

development would clearly extend the urban fringe, altering the current semi rural character, and he agreed with the recent Inspector’s report into the Hinckley and Bosworth Core Strategy 2009. This report identified that the Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge provides separation between Groby, Ratby, Kirby Muxloe and the suburbs of Leicester and fulfils a valuable function in retaining the identities of the

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

Chattabox and the Pirates’ TreasureCAPTAIN Yo ho, Captain heave ho and Captain book led over 100 children on a half term adventure to search for promised treasure. There were plenty of clues to solve, hats and parrots to design and

make, children to turn into a pirates’ crew, stories to listen to, songs to sing and jokes to tell. The week-long event has become a regular in the February half term, and a favourite among the Groby primary school children. It’s hard to know what was the most popular part of Chattabox this year, but the countless messages in the bottle reflect the children’s enjoyment, messages, prayers and thanks.Extend would like to express their thanks to Martinshaw for hosting

the Pirates, and to the many leaders and helpers who worked alongside Deb Goodhead (the Churches’ Youth and Children’s Worker) throughout the week.

Revd. Louise Corke

Don’t Forget: the tIMe teAM groby episode is on Channel 4 on Sunday 20th March. Set the video!

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-MARCH 2011 • Tel: 01530 2440692

I can teach my cat any trick he wants to do.

individual settlements. The Core Strategy Inspector found that, after changes by the Council, the policy relating to the Rothley Brook Meadow Green Wedge complied with national and regional guidance. However, the Planning Inspector also gave consideration to the arguments that a review of the boundary of the green wedge is proposed and that the development would not detrimentally affect the purpose of the green wedge to such a significant extent to warrant refusal of the planning application.2. The supply of housing, including affordable housingDespite all the talk of the dropping of targets

for housing completions the provision of new housing continues to be an issue which the Government and local authorities have to deal with. In the Hinckley and Bosworth area there is a shortfall in the forecast over a five year period and the Inspector considered this to be a significant material consideration.With regard to affordable housing he found that in July

2010 there were over 230 applicants on the housing register for Groby, showing a clear need for affordable housing. The 40% target set by the Borough Council would result in 53 affordable houses, 40 of which would be socially rented. Under the compromise proposed by the Borough Council and the developer only 16 of the 33 affordable houses would be social rented. The inspector concluded that the position reached falls considerably short of the overall target of 40% and the mix of housing did not have the bias towards rented accommodation which both the policy and the investigation into the housing needs of Groby and Field Head indicate is required. The proposed level of provision, whilst clearly contributing to an identified need, therefore carried only limited weight in favour of the development.3. Flood risk and drainageThe issue of containing the flood risk and access

to the watercourses played an important part in the consideration of the appeal. The flood risk assessment established that part of the appeal site in the north east corner will flood from the ordinary watercourse during a 1:100 year flood event plus a climate change allowance. The Inspector said that given that there is as yet no development to the south of the watercourse, it seemed reasonable to seek provision of an unobstructed access to the northern watercourse. “Whilst I accept that an easement or other legislative

powers could be used to secure access over any rear gardens for emergencies or maintenance, this is likely to involve both cost and disruption in the removal and reinstatement of fences and other garden paraphernalia. In this respect I agree with the Environment Agency that this would be an unsatisfactory arrangement,” he concluded. Bloors pointed out that the original Committee Report

was content for conditions to be imposed which provided for subsequent submission of drainage plans, levels or

contours and existing and proposed ground levels of the site. But the Inspector did not consider it appropriate to try and deal with the matter of flood compensation through the imposition of a condition.4. highway and pedestrian safetyDespite the obviously genuine concerns of third parties

and their evidence in respect of traffic accidents in the vicinity of the site, he said he could find nothing in the proposal that would lead to harm to highway or pedestrian safety sufficient to warrant dismissal of the appeal.5. Appropriate provisions for contributions to local infrastructure and facilitiesWhen planning permission is granted applicants

can be required to make a financial contribution to offset the impact the development will have on local infrastructure. Based on the submitted information the Inspector considered that whilst the contributions in respect of transportation and education should be afforded considerable weight contributions in respect of civic amenity, health, off site open space and library facilities should be given no weight.

The INSPeCTor’S CoNCluSIoNSThe Inspector said that the development would be on

land outside the settlement boundary and within the designated Green Wedge, contrary to current policy. He concluded that “having had regard to all other planning matters before me, it is my view that the provision of housing, including affordable housing, together with the other material considerations weighing in favour of the development, are not, collectively, sufficient to outweigh the clear development plan conflict and the lack of appropriate controls over flood risk. I therefore conclude that the appeal must fail.”After a long campaign the immediate threat of

development on this site has been lifted, to the relief of all those who opposed it. The sheep who currently roam the field are oblivious to all that has gone on. So what happens next?

Bloors appeal refused FROM PAGE 1Bradgate Flower Club

Forthcoming Events for SpringbrADGATe Flower Club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30 pm. The Club welcomes new members and visitors for whom a fee of £4 is charged at the door.

On Wednesday 16th March at 7.00pm, Bradgate Flower Club is holding the first of its 2011 workshops at Copt Oak Memorial Hall. This will look at the arrangement of spring flowers. On 6th April, our Open Meeting will be held at Groby Community College, when the Club welcomes Sarah Horne (International Designer & Florist) to demonstrate on the theme “Spring has Sprung”.

Further details of these and other events can be obtained from Geraldine Abbott on 01530 415378.

•

•

LETTERMID-FebruArY’S Spotlight Police report had a section titled bike Patrols. Here is a sentence from that

section:- ‘To assist in this we are asking for sponsorship or personal donations for us to buy more bikes.’ Is PS. Trott serious in suggesting

that Joe Public fork out for buy push bikes for police patrols? What about the money HBBC tells us every March, when the new Council Tax bills arrive, that the county’s police receives? What next, can you spare a fiver

for some panda petrol?

Peter Cooke

A tourist in Aberdeen saves a young boy from drowning. That evening, the boy’s father tracks down the tourist at his hotel. ‘Are you the man that pulled my wee laddie from the river?’ asks the Scotsman.‘I am,’ replies the tourist.The Scotsman says,

‘Where’s his hat?’

3Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-MARCH 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

When I want your opinion, I’ll give it to you.

The Big Wind causes problems on waste collection dayThere Were groans in Groby when the big wind coincided with the green collection day and there must have been groans in hinckley as well. Teams had to be sent out to clear up the mess left by bags and plastic bottles blowing around the village. But the glass at the borough council

is half full and not half empty and the council reports that the new recycling service has proved so popular with residents that crews are having to work late into the evening to ensure that everything is collected and an extra vehicle has been added to the fleet.The Big Wind and it’s consequences

may have encouraged people to dip into their pockets for the £15 a year for the optional blue-lidded bins. Three thousand have been requested throughout the borough and additional bins are being purchased to satisfy demand.Those who have already ordered their bins and are experiencing a delay are being asked to continue using the

other receptacles until they arrive and are being assured that the bins will be delivered as quickly as possible. Anyone interested in renting a recycling bin can do so by contacting the Borough Council or visiting the website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk. Payment can be taken over the phone, online or by invoice.

Norman Griffiths

Council Tax frozen – without hitting frontline services

The borouGh Council has ‘frozen’ its council tax for 2011/12 to the same level as the current financial year.This means that someone living in

an average ‘Band D’ property will continue to pay £112.35 per year for the services provided by the Borough Council; with the borough remaining the 10th lowest council of the 201 districts in England.Despite having to find budget

reductions of over £900,000 for the coming year, mainly to match cuts in grants from central Government, the council has been able to set a balanced budget, without hitting

frontline services - an essential requirement in its medium term strategy.Efficiencies have been made

totalling over £725,000, with the remainder being secured from staff generated savings during 2011/12 and contributions from balances and reserves accrued in the last few years against such an eventuality.Looking ahead, however, the

council has acknowledged that even more savings will be required in 2012/13 and beyond, which reserves and balances will not be able to cover in the longer term.Whilst new income is anticipated

from national changes in planning fees and the New Homes Bonus (as well as potential changes in income from non-domestic rates), the level of this income will not be known for at least 12 months, as proposals are still under consultation by the Coalition Government. Commenting on the position, Sanjiv Kohli (Deputy Chief Executive - Corporate Direction, responsible for Finance), said: “The council has an ongoing obligation to provide the best possible services to our community at the lowest possible cost and we intend to fulfil that role not only in 2011/12 but beyond that.

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

LE67 9ZT

Contact Mike or Susan on 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.

Composed 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 9th April

Advert Deadline: Saturday 26th March

TO ADVERTISE: Call 01530 244069

Email: [email protected]

Ad rates: page 18


Thank you for not annoying me more than you do.

JottingsNews in Brief

with Norman Griffiths

Catch 22 for Groby library?One of the issues the Planning Inspector had to look at when considering the Bloor’s appeal related to the contribution a developer could be required to make towards the costs of mitigating the impact of the development on local infrastructure. There are certain conditions which have to be met before a contribution can be required, and a contribution cannot be required to make up an existing shortfall in infrastructure provision.When applying the tests to the contribution requested for library services the Inspector noted that “the library contribution would be used to reconfigure the existing library space at Groby Library. However, in terms of space the current library falls below the standard used by Leicestershire Library Services for community libraries and has a smaller book stock than the standard requires. The improvements facilitated by the library contribution are therefore likely to benefit all users of the library and I do not view them as being necessitated by or relating directly to the proposed development.”The County Council says that Leicestershire County Council’s Library Service works to internal guidelines to ensure that new build community libraries are of sufficient size (150 square metres) and well-stocked with items (1,108 per 1,000 people). “Where possible, the service aims to ensure that existing libraries follow these guidelines, but due to budget constraints this is not always possible and is dealt with on a priority basis,” said a spokesperson. “Groby Library continues to provide an effective and invaluable service to the people of Groby. Leicestershire County Council is currently reviewing its libraries and museums service, but there are currently no plans to expand Groby Library as part of this.”There appears to be a difference in what is being said, with the Inspector saying that the existing library falls below the County Council standard, but the Council saying that it falls below the standard for new library buildings.Does this leave the residents of Groby in a Catch 22 type situation? Because the library falls below the standard set for new libraries they are told they cannot have a contribution from a developer to help cope with

any extra demand from new housing as this would benefit all users. And so the library falls further below the standard which means they cannot have a contribution towards improvements....

Focus on flooding potentialThe decision by the Planning Inspector in the Bloor’s appeal put the focus on the potential for flooding of homes. Parts of Groby have occasionally had issues with flooding but not to the same extent as less fortunate communities. In the Leicestershire and Rutland area, there are nearly 13,000 households at risk from river flooding and more homes will be at risk from surface water and flash flooding.Anyone who wants to find out more about flooding and what areas could be affected can attend the a ‘flood fair’ on Tuesday, 29th March at County Hall. Open to members of the public from 3pm to 6pm it will feature displays and demonstrations by local flood defence businesses and organisations including the National Flood Forum, Severn Trent Water and the Environment Agency, amongst others. Visitors will be able to ask questions and receive information relevant to their area. And if anyone thinks they need one there are innovative self-inflating sandbags, designed to seal doors and protect homes during a flood, available to visitors at a special discounted rate. The ‘Doorpacs’ expand by absorbing flood water and create a barrier to prevent water entering properties through the doorway. They consist of one longer sack that fits along the bottom of the door, plus four other larger bags which stack on top and seal the entrance.

Belvoir Street library to closeMany residents use other libraries in the County and even the City library on Belvoir Street. They will have mixed feelings about the closure of the Central Lending Library on Saturday 19 March in final preparation for Leicester’s new service in the former Reference & Information Library in Bishop Street. As a result of the closure due dates on all Central library loans will be extended until the new library opens. The new Central Library will open on Tuesday 26 April.

Former Groby man to run in the toughest footrace in the world

MY NAMe is John hawksworth and I grew up in Groby for the first 18 years of my life. My parents still live in the village, although I now reside in Quorn. This year in April I am competing in the Marathon Des Sables 2011. The MDS is billed as the ‘toughest footrace in the world’. 2011 marks the

26th year of this event in which approx 1000 competitors from all over the world participate. The race covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42,

22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That’s a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). In addition to that, I have to carry everything I will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on my back in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint. I will have to prepare my own food throughout the race and I warn you

that there is not a chain of Tesco stores or corner grocery shops dotted around the Sahara! I will experience mid-day temperatures of up to 120°F, of running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes I am raising money for my chosen charity ‘Help for Heroes’ and I would

really appreciate any support from readers. My charity website is www.bmycharity.com/johnhawksworth

John Hawksworth

LETTER


You may pretend to dislike me, but deep down, you know you hate me.

ThoSe SeNIor citizens who have lived here all their lives will remember Groby as a small village with a quarry surrounded by farmland. They will have watched as the

fields disappeared beneath the houses and new roads which came mainly as part of the post war development. The available land for housing within the village has all been developed or earmarked for development with the focus moving to the green corridor that surrounds the village and helps maintain it’s separate identity from neighbouring villages. So they may be surprised to hear that despite all these new homes the Coalition Government believes that the old system of giving local authorities targets for housing completions has failed to deliver the number of houses the nation requires.

A new approachThe Government, of course, sees

the bigger picture of a national shortage of housing and has

decided that a new approach is required. “Dosh for dwellings,” or to give it the official title, the New Homes Bonus, is the solution that has roared off the drawing board and is coming soon to a Council near you. The idea is that targets will be replaced with incentives. The scheme will provide local authorities with a New Homes Bonus, equal to the national average for the council tax band on each additional property and paid for the following six years as an ‘unringfenced’ grant. An interesting feature of the New Homes Bonus is that it will also reward local authorities for bringing empty homes back into use.“The New Home Bonus will have

localism at its heart,” said Grant Shapps, Minister for Housing and Local Government, in the foreword to the scheme outline. “ It will re-energise communities. It will encourage local politicians to lead a debate with communities about the benefits of new homes. Local authorities will be expected to work with local people to develop their

housing plans in ways that meet their needs and concerns.” But you can’t please everyone all of the time and there are those who have concerns about the Bonus scheme.

The concernsThe National Housing Federation,

which represents 1,200 not-for-profit housing associations in England, believes that the scheme will favour development in southern England and increase the possibility of a north-south divide. It has warned that the New Homes Bonus will create more executive homes in the south, but at the same time halt construction of social housing in the north of the country. This is because the Federation believes the scheme favours the construction of larger homes, and that rewards are linked to property’s potential value. It has been reported that the

Campaign to Protect Rural England, has claimed it was unlawful due to linking financial reward with approved planning of developments. It has obtained

Will the New homes bonus change your mind about accepting more development?

Norman Griffiths looks at how the Bonus will worka legal opinion from planning barrister John Hobson QC which held that by linking the outcome of planning decisions to financial rewards, any decision would be “tainted” and open to question. But after recent banana skin episodes and legal challenges Ministers are unlikely to have left such an obvious loophole and the Department has said that the New Homes Bonus “is not intended to encourage housing development which would otherwise be inappropriate in planning terms.”

So what happens to the money?In case people don’t have

any ideas on how the Bonus can be spent Grant Shapps has been making some suggestions. “Communities themselves get to decide how this money is spent,” he explained, “so if a lack of facilities for teenagers is a major problem then a playground or five a side football pitch could get the green light. So I urge all local campaigners to get in touch with

�Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-MARCH 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

I didn’t say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame you.

their council to explore what plans they have to use the proceeds of growth to meet local needs and whether it can be used to get some of these projects off the ground.” Local Authorities have been

notified of their provisional allocations for 2011/12 and had until 10 March to make representation to the Department for Communities and Local

Government. An announcement on final allocations will be made in April 2011 and actual payments shortly after. However, the Government has cut its grant to the Borough Council for 2011/12 by £950,000 and it has also reduced the grant for 2012/13 by a further £659,000. So the New Homes Bonus will not be extra money that the government pays to local

authorities, simply cash it distributes in a different way. Communities that accept new

developments are unlikely to feel that they have hit the jackpot as locally any cash generated will be split between the County Council (20%) and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council (80%). Local authorities will be able to decide how to spend the funding in line with local community wishes. The Government says that it “expects local councillors to work closely with their communities – and in particular the neighbourhoods most affected by housing growth – to understand their priorities for investment and to communicate how the money will be spent and the benefits it will bring. This may relate specifically to the new development or more widely to the local community. For example, they may wish to offer council tax discounts to local residents, support front line services like bin collections, or improve local facilities like playgrounds and parks. This will enable local councillors to lead a more mature debate with local people about the benefits of growth, not just the costs.”It seems that none of the cash

generated by new housing in Groby will come directly to Groby Parish Council, most will go to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. But this does not mean that it

will not be used for the benefit of Groby residents, as Sanjiv Kohli, Deputy Chief Executive at Hinckley explained. “We will encourage Parishes to put forward suitable and viable projects for consideration and any amount (to be agreed by Council), within the overall allocation, will be subject to negotiation with parishes on a case by case basis. Any allocation will not be automatic. Part of that negotiation will also involve the County Council, with a view to the Parishes benefiting from both elements of the allocation,” he said.Local residents may feel

uncomfortable that the money that is designed to act as an incentive to accept new housing does not automatically come to the village and is subject to a bidding process and negotiation. The Government says that local authorities and their communities will have the freedom to spend New Homes Bonus revenues according to local wishes - for example, improving play areas, transport improvements, town centre regeneration or even Council Tax discounts. Because the bonus is paid for six years the sums involved can be very large, but however fairly the system is administered until they see it in action local communities may still feel that there is a risk that they get the housing but don’t get the money.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-MARCH 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069�

I am free of all prejudice. I hate everyone equally.

Spotlight 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 FOUR items, please. Max price asked: £300.

See page 3 for Spotlight contact details.

MINI-OVEN Grilling/Baking/Toasting never used, boxed. Price £15 T: 0116 287 6896.

ICE BUCKET red & black with tongs, very smart, excl.cond. Price: £10 T: 0116 287 7264.

KEYBOARD Casio wk-500, like new. Price: £250ono. T: 0759 738 5860.

CoolZone Tabletop FREEZER. Price: £100ono, Put-me-up BED. Price £60ono, CHAIN SAW electric Black&decker. Price: £100ono. T: 0116 287 7292.

BABY BOUNCER new, boxed. Price £10, BABY WALKER Chicco dJ, new, boxed, removable playtray with sound effects. Price: £30. Can deliver. T: 0797 421 3612.

COT ‘Christina’, beautiful, v.g.c. drop-side, 3 position base. Cost £140. Price: £40, HIGHCHAIR ‘Mama’s & Papa’s, lemon, lime & pale blue, reclines, folds flat, adjustable height, detachable tray. Cost £90. Price: £20, PUSHCHAIR ‘Graco’ & car seat travel system, orange & grey. Price: £30, SIDEBOARD ‘G-Plan’, g. quality, g.c. 3 drawers, 2 door cupboard with shelf. Price: £10. T: 01530 242406 or 07976 832335.

FENCING PANELS 4 off 4’x6’ Surplus to Requirements. Price: £40 T: 0116 234 0244.

Army of new recruits pledge allegianceA 20-YeAr-olD man from Groby marked the beginning of an exciting new career in the Army by pledging his oath of Allegiance on Tuesday 22nd February.Owen McIlroy embarked upon the start of his military career as an Infantry

Soldier by standing before Major Mark Rouse, Area Recruiting Officer for Leicester, at the Council Chambers in Leicester on Tuesday February 22nd. The Lord Mayor of Leicester, Colin Hall, was also in attendance to witness Mr McIlroy beginning his new way of life.Owen was among ten new recruits, who all swore their allegiance to Her

Majesty the Queen in order to demonstrate their dedication to the Army prior to embarking on 42 weeks basic training.The youngsters have chosen a range of career options available in the Army,

from a Dental Nurse with the Dental Corps and an Armourer with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. For more information on the 140 different career options available as an of-

ficer or soldier in the Regular or Territorial Army call the Northampton Army Careers Information Office on 01604 633 318 or search ‘Army Jobs’ online.

VOICE ForumThe VoICe (Voluntary organisations’ Information Communication exchange) Forum will meet on Monday 21st March 2011 at 6.00 pm at The Atkins buildingThe speakers will be:bill Cullen of Hinckley &

Bosworth Borough Council will be talking about The Voluntary Sector and HBBC in the changing economic environment. There will also be a short

presentation from Gillian Carpenter, Discrimination Caseworker of the Discrimination Project.The objectives of VOICE are:

To provide a platform for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Third Sectororganisations to meet and discuss practice, disseminate information and campaign around issues that are relevant to the sector.To provide representation for the sector on key committees, forums and other meetings where appropriate.To raise money and apply for grants on behalf of the sector.To speak, as appropriate, on behalf of local people.

For more information, contact Yvonne Clarke on 01455 615962 or e-mail to [email protected]

•

•

•

•

Dog owners urged to vaccinateDoG owners in the borough are being urged to make sure their pet’s vaccinations are up to date to protect against a preventable and distressing illness.The call comes after two dogs

from the Burbage area died in February shortly after contracting the potentially fatal and highly contagious canine parvovirus.

Thought for the MonthLive intentionallyIF You want to live richly, live intentionally. Choose what you wish to create, and then experience the immense satisfaction of making it so.Instead of being consumed with doubts and fears about what might

happen, be focused on what you will cause to happen. Listen to your heart, and take the initiatives that most closely resonate with what you hear.Absolutely accept and embrace whatever randomness life brings your

way. Yet do it from a perspective of your own choosing.Get the very most from each day by making the intentional choice of how

to spend it. Instead of being pushed in a hundred different directions by the conflict and complexity that surrounds you, harness the energy of your passion and purpose.Direct yourself, consistently and persistently, toward the places, situations,

experiences, people and results that you wish to have in your life. You have more than enough energy, opportunities and ability, when focused in a specific direction, to achieve whatever you choose.So choose to choose. Decide how your life will be, this hour, this day, this

year, this century, and live the true richness of making it happen.

Ralph Marston Copyright 2011 ralph S. Marston, Jr. Used by permission. Originally published in “The Daily Motivator” at www.dailymotivator.com


How do I set my laser printer to stun?

NEWRANGES

AVAILABLE

ANSTEY & DISTRICT FUNERAL SERVICE LTD P R E P A I D F U N E R A L P L A N S

Making sure everything goes to plan

A prepaid funeral plan leaves nothing to chance and gives you peace of mind. It’s extremely reassuring to know that when the time comes that your wishes will be carried out.We recommend Golden Charter, the country’s leading provider of prepaid funeral plans to independent funeral directors.

Why do we choose Golden Charter Funeral Plans:• Youpaytoday’sprices,whicharefrozennomatterhowlongitisbeforeyourequiretheservice.

• Theplanscovereverycostthatiswithinourcontrol.

•Ourexpertshelpyouplanallthearrangementsandensurethattheyarecarriedout.

• Theyasknomedicalquestionsandacceptanceisguaranteed

• Choosefromarangeofplansorpersonaliseyourown

• Bymakingthedetailedarrangements,youspareyourlovedonesfrommakingdifficultchoices

•Save up to £200 when you take out a plan before prices rise on 21st April

SAVEUP TO£200before21stAprilpriceriseCome in and see us at: Anstey & District Funeral Service Ltd, Talbott House,Leicester Road, Anstey, LE7 7AT or call: 0116 234 0548


Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.

JottingsNews in Brief

with Norman Griffiths

Shuttlewood Clarke launches weekly woodland walks!The ShuTTleWooD Clarke Foundation is launching regular Tuesday afternoon walks within the grounds of its two properties at ulverscroft near Markfield.The walks will be led by a volunteer and will leave Ulverscroft Grange

Community Support and Wellbeing Centre at 1.30 pm every Tuesday.These walks are designed to suit all abilities and will take approximately 1

hour.If you would like to join us and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the

Charnwood Forest please arrive at Ulverscroft Grange for 1.15 pm.Chief Executive of the Foundation, Alan Norman said “it is part of the

Foundation’s mission to develop facilities that promote wellbeing and improve health for all. These walks through the charity’s magnificent grounds will certainly help to achieve this aim.” The Grange Community Support and Wellbeing Centre includes tea

rooms, organist, model railway layout, charity shop and disability and support information, which are all open between 10 am – 4 pm Mon to Fri.

Rescue me from FontellahAS anyone else noticed how frequently the 1965 record ‘rescue Me’ by Fontella bass is played on bbC radio leicester?I don’t listen to the station all the time, but it seems that every time I tune

in, Fontella is belting out this song.I seem to remember one of the presenters saying that all of the music is

selected by computer, so the question is ... is ‘Rescue Me’ the computer’s favourite track? We should be told ...

Local Radio Fan

Lucozade recallIf you have a bottle of Lucozade Sport Lite Summer Berries in your kitchen cupboard don’t use it. GlaxoSmithKline has withdrawn all bottles from retailers and distributors on a precautionary basis as a number of the drinks may have an unpleasant smell and taste caused by mould growth. All date codes and batches are covered by the withdrawal but no other GlaxoSmithKline products are known to be affected. If you have any queries regarding this product you can call a free helpline on 0800 096 3666.

Last reminder about Time TeamThe wait is nearly over and the village will soon learn what the Time Team discovered about the site behind Groby Old Hall. The long awaited programme will be broadcast on Channel Four on Sunday March 20th.

Cycling courses for adults this springThere may be many Groby residents who would like to take up cycling again but after years of feeling relatively protected by air bags and seat belts are a little nervous of venturing on the road on two wheels. Well help is at hand and free courses for adults who want to learn to ride a bike or boost their confidence in cycling will take place around the county this spring. The courses, organised by the County Council, will be delivered by qualified instructors over five two-hour sessions, starting on some routes in Watermead Country Park (from April 6th) and Swallow’s Green in Hinckley (from 5th June), before progressing out onto the road. More are planned for Loughborough over the summer.The courses will consist of small groups with people of a similar skill level and will take place during evenings or weekends, with the aim being to enable people to

develop the skills and confidence to cycle for leisure or work. The first session includes a ‘Dr Bike’, where participants will learn how to do a basic bike check and minor bike repairs. The course is suitable for those who have never ridden a bike before and don’t know where to start, or are a bit nervous about cycling on the road and would like to bolster their confidence.Visit www.leics.gov.uk/cycling for more details or register your interest on 0116 305 7244 or by email at [email protected].

Royal Wedding street partiesThe deadline for road closure applications has now passed and only one street in Groby has registered with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council. Hopefully those April showers won’t materialise and the residents will have a day which everyone, particularly the children, will remember for years to come.

“It’s the only way we can cope with all the couples who want to get married on the same day as

William and Kate.”

Kids’ Fun in the Garden!

at The Coach & Horses, Field Head, Markfield

on Royal Wedding Day - 29th AprilMore information in next month’s issue.


If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you’ve never tried before.

THE PARISH OF GROBY

Notice of Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish Meeting of the Parish of Groby will be held on Thursday 31st March 2011 at 7.30pm in The Village hall, leicester road, Groby, leicester.

An agenda will be posted on the Council web-site public notice boards nearer the date. The Chairman will give a report and display boards will be showing future Council projects.What is the purpose of the Annual Parish Meeting? - All Parish Councils in England are required by law to hold an annual parish meeting at this time each year. The purpose of the meeting is to allow the Council to explain what it has been doing over the last year and to enable the electors to have their say on anything which they consider to be important to the parish.Who can attend the meeting? - Anyone may attend but only registered electors of Groby Parish may speak and vote.Will I be able to ask questions and make suggestions? - Yes, any registered elector may ask questions of the Council. These will usually be answered by the Chairman, the Parish Clerk or a designated Parish Councillor. An elector may also make suggestions and comment on anything pertinent to the parish.Who will chair the meeting? - The Chairman of the Parish Council will chair the meeting.Will Parish Councillors be there? - Usually they do attend and will speak if need be. But the purpose of the meeting is to enable the ordinary electors to have their say.Will notes be taken of the meeting? - Yes, a written record of the meeting will be taken and will be presented at a future meeting.how long will the meeting last? - Generally, the meeting will last no longer than 2 hours.Will the press be there? - Members of the press are welcome to attend.

News from Lady Jane Grey SchoollADY JANe GreY Primary School kindly emailed their brilliant newsletter to the Spotlight. here are some extracts which may interest readers ...

Comic Relief – 14th to 18th MarchOnce again it’s time to go red! Comic relief is not

far away and Lady Jane Grey will as a school, be hosting a series of events throughout the comic week. There will be new events this time around and the week will also see the return of the old favourites such as the Talent show ! It goes without saying that for Comic Relief the

children will be allowed to wear as much red as possible for the whole week. In the past the school has contributed significantly to the comic relief appeal and at the same time have learnt about poverty and worldwide issues.

Royal weddingThe date of the Royal Wedding has been set for Friday April 29th which

falls during the Easter holidays when the school is closed. The Government has directed that all schools will have an additional day

as a holiday in lieu of this overlap. The development group for this area have agreed that Friday May 27th will be the day that the schools will be closed. This is the Friday before the summer half-term.

Fund Raising - Shop Online and Raise Money for the schoolHave you heard about easyfundraising yet? It’s the easiest way to help

raise money for Lady Jane Grey Primary School. If you already shop online with retailers such as Amazon, M&S, Argos, John Lewis, Comet, Vodafone, eBay, Boden and Play.com, then you can sign up for free to raise money while you shop! For more information visit the school web site.www.ladyjanegreyprimary.org.uk


Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.

Police Authority agrees to freeze council tax in tough economic climatehouSeholDerS in leicestershire will not have to pay any more for policing next year after the Police Authority agreed to freeze its council tax share.The decision was agreed at a meeting on February 18 as a way of

reducing the impact of current economic pressures on local residents. It means that the cost of a Band D property in the county will remain at £169.63 next year. Members also considered, but did not support, an increase of 3.49%.The Police Authority agreed to set its budget at £174.6m for 2011/12,

taking into account the severe funding shortage from the Government. Over the next four years, the Authority must operate with £34m less funding than in previous years. This is because Central Government funding will reduce by 5.1% in 2011/12 increasing to a 6.7% reduction in 2012/13. Forward-planning and preparation work in the form of an efficiency programme has meant the Authority has already achieved savings that has plugged the funding gap this year and will go some way to helping it balance the budget in 2012-13. However, further work is ongoing to identify other areas of the force where costs can be reduced.

English Heritage Urges Congregations To Use Free Practical GuidelAST SuMMer, english heritage launched its Caring for Places of Worship campaign. With the help of Ecclesiastical Insurance, it sent

copies of a free, practical booklet to more than 30,000 places of worship all over England.The booklets, which are A5 size, bright red and

contain a dvd, were mostly sent to the people on the mailing lists of Ecclesiastical, Methodist and Baptist Insurance companies who deal with insuring their local church, chapel or other place of worship. These people were asked to share the booklet with their PCC or congregation.So, if you haven’t seen one, ask the person who

does the insurance and if they don’t have a copy, contact English Heritage Customer Services to be sent another Tel: 0870 3331181 email [email protected] or download a copy from our website www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring-for-places-of-worship It could make all the difference to how you look after and use your own building – 28% of those who’ve read it said they’d already made or planned new things because of the ideas in Caring for Places of Worship.. Others are working towards bigger changes.Congregations tell us the most useful sections are those on improving

maintenance, opening the building to more visitors, widening community use, fundraising and making the building more secure.Get the little red book, get a group of people together to talk about it and

get going!

On the best way to run a church council meetingThe Rectory, St. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew DarrenThank you for inviting me to speak at your church council yesterday. I

began to suspect that my theme of why Eusebius’s dislike of Sabellianism led to his condemnation at the Council of Antioch in 324 was a little misjudged, when the only question I was asked after my lecture was if I knew what Eusebius’s favourite colour was.I never realised how much technology was needed these days when

people meet to discuss church matters. Your treasurer’s power point presentation was most impressive; it was just unfortunate that the electricity cut rendered him speechless and his pie charts invisible. To equip every member with a laptop computer, so that paper is now redundant is probably a good thing, since you seem to have so many briefing documents, diocesan reports and internet downloads to circulate. However, sitting at the back, I could not help noticing that most of your committee spent their time playing computer games, reading e-mails and in one case, looking at material it is better not to describe.For the secretary to type the minutes as the meeting progressed, so people

could collect them on their way out was only marred by paper getting jammed in the printer, so that everyone took home minutes looking as if they had recently held fish and chips.Our meetings tend to be a little more traditional. Since the church hall

floor seems to have been carved out of permafrost, our meetings circulate round members’ houses. This introduces a nice element of competition, as each host tries to outdo the previous one in the standard and quantity of cakes. Meetings at Colonel Drinkwater’s – a more inappropriate name one cannot imagine – are the shortest, since we are always promised wine once the meeting is over. It is remarkable how unanimity is achieved on every subject in minutes and nothing appears under “any other business”.Mrs Eddington never sends out minutes – largely because she can

rarely decipher the notes she takes – and simply reads out what she can remember at the next meeting. Last month, she accidentally left them at home and brought her shopping list by mistake, so gamely read that out instead. This led to a lively discussion on whether carrots from our local shop were better than those at the supermarket and when it was found out she intended to use them in a venison casserole, endless recipes were keenly debated.We leave well fed, having caught up on village gossip, untroubled by

points of order or sub committee reports. And the lack of any minutes means that I can then make all decisions myself between meetings. I think you will find our system has much to be commended.Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Friendly Badminton Club Requires PlayersPlay takes place at Groby Community College on Wednesdays 8pm-10pm

Tel: 0116 267 5800

Take part in the Groby Street Fair & Ceilidh!The 2011 Groby Street Fair & Ceilidh will take place on Saturday 25th June, between 12 noon and 8pm and promises to be a very enjoyable event for all the family.The organisers have told the Spotlight that there will be a bouncy castle,

small children’s rides, ‘Lazer Quest’, other rides, refreshments, and lots of interesting stalls. Any profit from the event will be carried over to next year and this may become an annual event.If you would like to get involved by running a stall for your club,

organisation, charity, or yourself, please contact the organisers on 0116 287 6724 or 01530 243469 or email: [email protected]. Stalls are priced at £20 for a 3m x 3m pitch. But hurry - pitches will be

allocated on a first come basis.


He has the wisdom of youth and the energy of old age.

Windows cleaned

UPVC Fascias cleaned

Conservatories cleaned

GLEN PARVA CLEANING SERVICES

Please call John on 0116 224 6136 or 07803 142933Email: [email protected]

Website: www.glenparvacleaningservices.co.uk

Gutters cleaned

Your Local, Reliable Window Cleaner

Fully Insured and Health & Safety Compliant

0116 2362299 or 07850 160 195www.mapwaste.co.uk

email - [email protected]

SKIP HIREDOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL - COMMERCIAL

VERY COMPETITIVE RATES

RING FOR YOUR FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTE0116 2362299 or 07850 160 195A LOCAL FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

VERY COMPETITIVE RATES

Mini, Midi & Maxi

Skips Available

SAME DAY DELIVERY - FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE

0116 2362www.

email - inf

DOMESTIC - INDUSTRIAL

Project1:Layout 1 26/10/2010 11:22 Page 1


My mouth doesn’t seem to have a backspace key.

Groby Gardening Society NewsBees, Honey and Cooking At our February meeting it was a pleasure for all to welcome back Simon Morgan from Newbold Verdon. Simon gave a fascinating insight into bee keeping as a hobby and, in particular, the life cycle of the honey bee. Five years ago Simon started with

one hive and he now has forty six, all scattered around villages centred on Newbold Verdon. Since it takes about one hour per week per hive in maintenance, he is thinking about down-sizing! Readers may know that in Britain there are no wild honey bees. There are only those kept in hives by bee keepers. Simon gave his views on the reasons for the decline of this bee and this revolved around the scourge of the varroa mite parasite, monoculture in farm-ing and the use of a new type of insecticide, such as neonicotinoids. (Synthetic alternatives to natural nicotine) Some countries have al-ready banned this, but we in Britain are waiting for more substantial, but difficult to obtain, evidence of its harmful side effects. The phenom-enon of bee swarming was lucidly explained along with the somewhat gruesome details of the plight of the male drones’ sex lives. A welter of interesting facts emerged and a se-lection now follows:• Honey bees’ wings beat 11,400

times per minute and they fly at 15 m.p.h.• They have five eyes and can

perceive movements separated by 1/300th of a second• A single hive contains 40000-

60000 bees and the ways in which they communicate are complex and not fully understood. They have been producing honey for over 150 million years and they are born without the knowledge of how to

make it. Young bees are taught by experienced bees.• In a lifetime, a bee can make

1/12th of a teaspoon of honey and to make one pound, workers in a hive fly 55000 miles and tap into two mil-lion flowers. In addition to being an entertain-

ing speaker, Simon was a chef and he treated members to demonstra-tions of cooking with honey. His honeyed parsnips and raspberry and rosemary syllabub were superb and members were quick to sample these products!

HealthMany health benefits are claimed

for a honey/cinnamon mixture and more details will be made available at our March meeting. Problems as diverse as arthritis, toothache, pim-ples and hair loss are said to be re-lieved!

A Summer treatSimon has kindly extended an in-

vitation to our Society members to re-visit his allotment, but this time to share a barbeque! We hope to take up this offer in the summer of 2012.

the ShowThe village Show schedules are

now available on the Spotlight website - www.grobyspotlight.co.uk

Anyone thinking of entering pro-duce could benefit from an early look at this document to help with planning for the growing season. Hard copies will soon be available from the village library.

Forthcoming eventsApril 14th “Wild Flowers and Waterways”May 14th The Plant sale at The Village hallJune 9th Visit to Hebb’s FarmJuly 22nd/23rd Visit to Liverpool, Chester & Ness gardens

A gentle reminder Eric would like to receive sub-

scriptions as soon as possible and remember, that although we wel-come partners and guests on all of our trips, only paid up members can benefit from any subsidised prices. We always welcome new mem-

bers 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. 0116 2877870 or email [email protected]

Alvar Johnson

Bradgate Lions Club NewsWe have a very busy schedule of fund raising events ahead of us in the next couple of months. Starting in Mid- March we will

be placing our Easter Prize Draw Baskets in local pubs and retail outlets. Visits will then have to these establishments to sell them out before the individual draws are made before Easter.We will also be holding day long

bucket collections at Maynells Gorse “Park & Ride” on Good Friday for LOROS and Saturday 23rd. for Air Ambulance. Volunteers to help with these collections would be appreciated. You can register your interest by calling 0845 8339531.On Saturday 16th. April we are

having a St. Georges Celebration Concert at Groby Community College, featuring the Ratby Co-Operative Mid Band, starting at 7.30PM. Tickets for this are £7.50, including supper, and these can be obtained by ringing Roger on 01530 242912.With over 1.3 million members

in 46,000 clubs in 205 countries, Lions Clubs International is the worlds largest service organisation and has a long, proud history in supporting those in need, from International disaster relief to local charities and deserving causes. Anyone interested in learning more about Lions Clubs, and particularly Bradgate Lions Club can call 0845 8339531 and one of our members would be pleased to assist you.

Lion Roger Gamble

ALMIGHTY DIGITAL AERIAL.SATELLITE.FREESAT.MULTI-ROOM.EXTRA POINTS.BT POINTS.LCD.PLASMA. PROJECTOR.HOME THEATRE SET-UP.TUNE-INS AND INSTALLATIONS.

DIGITAL AERIAL

INSTALLED ALL IN. £85

NO HIDDEN EXTRAS

01530245013 07957282677

EMAIL- [email protected]

EST 15YRS OAPDISCOUNTS

A doctor is speaking to a patient after an examination. ‘There are two reasons for your poor health - it’s entirely due to drinking and smoking.’‘That’s a relief,’ replies the

patient. ‘I thought you were going to say it was my fault.’


No matter how good you are, a superior will always try to modify your results.

LETTERSNew Waste ServicesFIrSTlY, can I thank all readers for the positive response to the new recycling service. Inevitably, when you introduce any new service (especially when it involves 46,000 households) there will be a ‘settling down’ period. For any disruption caused to residents, I apologise and am grateful for

everyone’s patience especially during the first two weeks of the new collection service. I’m also thankful to the crews who worked until after 7pm on Friday, 18 January 2011 and on the Saturday morning to ensure scheduled collections were completed. This work was completed by staff employed for Hinckley and Bosworth and not by any other council. The new recycling system has been designed around residents’ feedback.

People asked for a simpler system where more could be recycled in fewer containers with less sorting. We have achieved this with the new ‘dual stream’ collection service that allows recycling to be separated into just two individual streams. Stream 1 is for plastic, cans, glass, drinks cartons, aerosols (containers are blue box, blue bag and blue lidded bin) and stream 2 is for paper and cardboard (Yellow bag). What’s more, the system is more efficient as the collection vehicles can now collect more materials whilst travelling fewer miles than before, resulting in a considerable saving of £250,000 per year over the old system.In the past everyone has been provided with the same containers, but

again, feedback from residents told us that no single type of container was suitable for every household. Now households are now able to choose recycling containers to suit the space they have available and the quantity of recycling material they produce. A recycling wheelie bin costs the council considerably more to buy than the other containers which is why we ask residents who choose this option to rent the bin.The new scheme has seen recycling participation levels increase

throughout the Borough and I’m hopeful that we will soon achieve the magic 50% recycling target. In closing, can I once again thank everyone for their commitment to recycling.

Mike Brymer Chief Officer

Ratby Village SocietyrATbY VIllAGe SoCIeTY welcomes everyone to join them in the Village hall, Main Street, ratby at 8pm on Tuesday 15th March 2011 to hear Steven brooks from Glenfield Travel entertain us with his hilarious talk entitled ‘The Funny Side of Travel’, based on Steve’s thirty years experience in the travel trade.We also look ahead to Tuesday 19th April and David Boulton’s

illustrated talk entitled ‘help- my leg’s fallen off!’ which is about his adventures whilst sailing tall ships for the disabled.Admission is £1.60 for members and £2.50 for visitors.

Refreshments are included in this price. Please come along. You can be assured of a very warm welcome.

Jane Rayne ratby Village Society


Any tool dropped while repairing a car will roll underneath to the car’s exact geographical centre.

Census forms are on the way

The census in our community eVer wondered what the census is all about? read on to find out how it affects your daily existence. When you dig below the surface

it’s actually quite amazing how census statistics affect day-to-day activities. Far more than simply tracing family trees, the census provides the statistical blueprint for every community – including ours. You may not realise it, but from

the moment you get up in the morning and take a shower, run a bath or even fill a kettle the census has had a part to play. Based on the number of people living in an area, water companies can plan the infrastructure – the size, width and volume – of the pipes running into and out of your property for both clean and wastewater. The Office for National Statistics

produces the rich source of census statistics – and these are used by local authorities for policy planning, academics for predicting trends, businesses for product development and central government to help share out funding. But what does this mean to you? If you have children of school age,

previous censuses have helped work out the number of school places needed locally. While you drop them off at school, it’s worth remembering that you’re walking into another section of the blueprint – census statistics feed into central government’s equation for sharing out funding – and your local authority receives money for services like schools, health and transport, based on the number of people living in an area. More than simply counting

people, the census also looks at characteristics. This is the number of males and females, the number

of people in specific age brackets, the number of people belonging to a particular ethnicity, the number of cars / vans a household owns etc. The census describes the population at a national, regional and local level. In March the next census will

ask how you travel to work. The statistics from this answer are used to help determine how much – and which type – of public transport is needed. Also, travel patterns can be predicted and the effects of placing new traffic lights in an area, or a pedestrian crossing, or even making a town centre pedestrianised, can be ascertained. At lunchtime you might pop

out to your local supermarket for a bite to eat. Supermarkets use census statistics to work out which food to stock in which areas. So, for example, if the census shows that there are a high percentage of a particular ethnic community, or religious group, living locally (but never who they are), the supermarket can make sure it is stocking food to cater to its local population’s tastes. And, the census statistics help to plan the number of car parking spaces each store needs.

Many stores locate their branches based on census statistics, opening in areas where they will be of use to the community, from bank branches, to opticians and chemists and leisure chains. After work you might be visiting

an elderly relative in a care home. Again, census statistics will have been used to plan out the long-term care requirements for your area. Emergency services also use

census statistics. The Police for example, can map out potential crime hotspots and work out where to concentrate their crime prevention efforts. Fire brigades can allocate resources (appliances / personnel / fire engines) and plan home safety visits. Having the correct number of resources to respond to fires in the shortest time, and making visits in areas of high risk, can save lives. So when the white envelope pops

through your door in March, with your census questionnaire in it, you’ll know that your confidential answers will help identify the services and facilities needed locally. Find out more at

www.census.gov.uk.

...er... the good news is the youth group have made a great start by

pressure-washing the west window.

Let’s face it - English is a crazy languageThere is no egg in plant, nor ham in

hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple. English muffins weren’t invented in England or French fries in France . Sweetmeats are candies while sweetbreads, which aren’t sweet, are meat.We take English for granted but if

we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.If teachers taught, why didn’t

preachers praught? If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat? In what language do people recite at a play and play at a recital or ship by truck and send cargo by ship or have noses that run and feet that smell? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?You have to marvel at the unique

lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off after it’s been switched on. English was invented by people, not computers and it reflects the creativity of the human race, which, of course, is not a race at all. That is why, when the stars are out, they are visible, but when the lights are out, they are invisible.

Not religious? Then say so on Census form!leicester Secular Society is encouraging non-believers to tick the ‘no religion’ box on this year’s census formAccording to the Society, the census data on religion produced by the

2001 census gave a wholly misleading picture of the religiosity of the UK, cutting the number of non-religious people in half.If you say you’re religious on the census and don’t really mean it, then

you are treated by some sections of the media, churches, and even government policy makers as if you are a fully-fledged believer. The society says: If you’re not religious, then answer “No Religion” on

your census form.

1�Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-MARCH 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

If more than one person (or the boss) is responsible for a mistake, then no-one is at fault.

The following incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during February 2011.

Description Groby Field Head

House Burglaries Actual: Beaumont Green, Dalby Drive, Buckingham Close (2), Pine Tree Avenue, White House Close, Quorndon Rise. Attempted: Sunnyside

7 Actual 1 Attempted

0

Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Castle Drive, Beacon Close, Garendon Way, Greys Drive Attempted: Warrington Drive

4 Actual 1 Attempted

0

Theft of Motor Vehicle: None 0 0

Theft from Motor Vehicle: Oakmeadow Way 1 0

Damage to Motor Vehicle: Greys Drive 1 0

Non-Domestic Assaults 5 0

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents 2 0

Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars Theft: 8 / Damage: 1 / Other: 5

14 0

TOTAL (Actual) 34 0TOTAL (Attempted) 2 0

leicestershire ConstabularyPC 0918 Ned kelly

Sergeant Matthew Trottlocal 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.

Groby NHW Calendar of Events 2011Groby Village Hall, New room to the rear of the main hall* NeW DATe: Thursday 17th March 2011 at 7.30pm

Thursday 9th June 2011 at 7.30pmThursday 8th September 2011 at 7.30pmThursday 8th December 2011 at 7.30pm

Crime Figures for Feb 2011 New Crime Web Site Launched

Why the crime figures don’t match exactlyThe GoVerNMeNT’S website www.police.uk has provided you with maps that show crime and anti-social behaviour at a street by street level right in your Neighbourhood.This means you can see, even from your mobile, exactly what crime is

happening and where - right down to the level of your street corner. If you have concerns about the crime you see or how issues are dealt with, you can raise them with the police.The interactive maps open the door on crime and police information. You

can view crimes including burglary, violence and anti-social behaviour in a particular area by using a simple postcode search. There will also be details about your neighbourhood policing team and information about regular beat meetings.

Instructions:1. Type www.police.uk into your web browser2. Type your Post Code into the white box displayed3. “Click Search Button” Results and information displayed

Question: Why do the Crime figures featured on the new www.police.uk web site not match exactly those published in the Spotlight?Answer: As a result of the Post Code entered in to the search box an

overview of crimes committed in a particular month will be displayed.Let’s take my Post Code as an example “LE6 0EQ” this produces

crimes in Groby but not Wallace Drive or Lena Drive and crimes for most of Ratby plus a portion of Glenfield.Whilst it is possible to reduce the area to just Groby (using the slider)

the numbers of Crimes and roads featured as a result of the area reduction do not change accordingly!The issues this raises is that the Crime Figures displayed do not

match exactly those published by Beat officer Pc Ned Kelly on behalf of Leicestershire Police which are the same figures reported by Groby Neighbourhood Watch, Groby Parish Council and the Spotlight.Groby & Field Head have been used to an excellent service whereby

Pc Kelly insures the crimes reported are actually within Groby and not just part of the thirty beat which includes Ratby, Markfield etc. Because of the reasons above and the different way in which the statistics are generated the new Police web site will hardly ever match exactly those reported by Pc Kelly and therefore published in the Spotlight.The new web site www.Police.uk is a valuable resource available to

residents but so are the Groby figures and extra detail provided by Pc Kelly. Residents should use both resources and whichever they prefer to get an understanding of how crime affects them.

Martin Cartwright Chairman Groby Neighbourhood Watch


Advert Size Dimensions Colour Mono

Sixteenth Page 45mm wide x 65mm high £20.00 £13.50

eighth Page 95mm wide x 65mm high £40.00 £27.00

Quarter Page 95mm wide x 132mm high £65.00 £45.00

Half Page 194mm wide x 132mm high £120.00 £80.00

Full Page (A4) 194mm wide x 268mm high £190.00 £140.00

Advert Rates Ring 01530 244069to book your advert

If something is confidential, it will be left in the copier machine.

Invitation To View Plans At St. Philip & St. James On Saturday 2nd April

IN reCeNT years our congregation has grown substantially in ministry and activities, and there are many who long to have a building which can accommodate our diverse requirements. There is no intention to elbow out the more traditional gatherings for modern styles of worship or other meetings, but our aim is to enable both to happen side by side. Such variety is simply not yet possible

with the present layout of furniture and amenities. We are a lively, hospitable and active

church with a commission to share the good news of God’s love with every generation of our village community. We need to make it possible to use the whole area of the church building, which means having level floors with disabled access throughout, an inside toilet, better and safer refreshment facilities and more useable internal space. To do this means changes in order to create space which is versatile, flexible and safe for all, both in the nave and the chancel. Our objective is to make full use of the much-loved craftsmanship and

woodwork which already exist and maintain the sanctity of the building. Those more closely involved in this change process are only too aware that we are custodians for future generations. Our church building is an under-used resource, often standing empty. As

a gathering and holy space, it could be frequently used throughout the week for meetings, events and regular activities and a resource for many. However, the following needs have been identified:• Worship requires a more open and

flexible space.• We need greater visibility in all

services which will allow people to engage with what is going on.• Easier access gives the message

that people are included rather than excluded. Worship is our heartbeat. It is where we reconnect together with God and everyone should feel included, involved and engaged. • Welcome is more than a smile when

people arrive, and it is appropriate that everyone feels comfortable in church

and can find the information they need. So that everyone is served far better, all our facilities of hospitality and physical access need improvement.• Our ministry to children and young people, shared with the URC church,

cannot be hosted by us when needed.Three years ago a working group was briefed to take account of the

character and setting of the building, our vision for the future and find solutions which meet our needs. We now have a draft plan which has been unanimously endorsed by our DCC and will be available for viewing on Saturday April 2nd from 10.00 to 12.00 am. You are warmly invited to come to the church, look at the proposals and ask your questions.

Website for fans of the paranormalIf you enjoyed listening to howard hughes’ ‘The unexplained’ radio show on Talk Sport some years ago, you’ll be interested in his website.There are currently

over 50 podcasts covering all aspects of the paranormal, including UFOs, conspiracy Theories, Ghosts, Mediums, Life After Death, Mysteries, and so on.The interviewees

include astronaut Edgar Mitchell, ex-MOD official Nick Pope, US Trendmaster Gerald Celente, paranormal investigator Malcolm Robinson, and many others. The truth IS out there ...Visit www.theunexplained.tv

Would a simple warning sign make problem roundabout safer?ANoTher lorrY - this time carrying timber - overturned at the landfill site roundabout on the A50 at Field head in February. This is the latest in a series of incidents

involving heavy goods vehicles tipping over as they negotiate this traffic island. The A50 was blocked for half a day while the cargo was recovered.Apparently the Couny Council is not

planning to adjust the junction at the moment. “In 2009,” their spokesman told the Leicester Mercury, “carriageway markings were changed to guide vehicles around the roundabout in a safer manner.” They presumably didn’t work on this latest occasion.Wouldn’t a simple ‘Adverse Camber’ warning sign, on the approach to the

roundabout, help to prevent future problems? Or is that too obvious?


Progress may have been alright once, but it went on far too long.


Ever notice that even the busiest people are never too busy to tell you just how busy they are.

www.ukgasservices.co.uk

0116 287 800013 Leicester Road, Groby, Leicestershire LE6 0DQ 5663

UK Gas Services Ltd offers a comprehensive service:

– 5yr Warranty on all Worcester Bosch Gas Boilers

Now only 5% VAT on Energy Saving ControlsAll work guaranteed Pension Discounts


All probabilities are 50%. Either a thing will happen or it won’t.

FebruArY is when we hold our AGM, which as usual was in

the Village hall. Again a very good attendance with over 70

members. The Village Hall offers excellent facilities to suit our needs. We always start with tea and biscuits; this gives time for our Treasurer’s wife to collect outstanding rents and giving members time to chat among them selves before we get down to business.PC Kelly was able to put in an appearance

but unfortunately had to leave before our official start to attend a previously arranged meeting. Next year he has promised to attend at the start and speak on security and also take questions from members. It was interesting to observe members facial

expressions on entering the door to see me at the head table with a police officer, some suggested the law had caught up with me at last.The business is always conducted in an

official but light-hearted manner with secretary Kathy speed writing the notes, which will form the basis of the minutes for next year. Guy our treasurer explained our financial

situation, ‘I still find balance sheets hard to understand’ but all seemed well and it was accepted and seconded. Any Other Business always produces lively discussion and some laughs. Part of having an allotment is good company. The committee were thanked from the floor for the

time and effort put towards the Society during the past year. Three members volunteered to form a social sub committee, (remember me telling you about the shed opening party last year). Social activity helps to increase the pleasure and involvement that our plots can offer. Such activities take place on many sites in the country so why not ours? Members are always very generous with raffle

prizes. This year was no exception, there were: cakes, chocolates, bottles of all description plus seeds and items of general interest to gardeners. We could have had a social activity there and then.• GrouND PrePArATIoN is now well advanced on the plots. To gardeners a freshly well dug plot delights the eye, very important for drainage and to loosen the underlying soil. Do we loosen our soil deep enough? Parsnips can send a taproot down two feet or more. Farmers who grow rape often drag an implement to

loosen soil up to four feet down, rape will send a root down to this depth hence when we suffer a drought rape is still standing proud. Farmers who practice no plough techniques to preserve the surface structure of the soil still loosen the soil to a similar depth, sometimes with a drain mole and may even roll the surface down to conserve the moisture. So is it better to dig and fork deep and then keep the

surface trodden down? Perhaps the school children that enjoy their plot on a Friday have already proved this theory I must ask Rosie on whose plot they work. The strange thing that amazes us all is their rows may not be straight but whatever the children sow seems to grow well, perhaps we try too hard. We are starting to receive feedback from our new

website, (www.grobyallotmentsociety.tk). It is now possible to apply for a plot by downloading a form, fill it in, scan and return or post it. More and more of our members are now on line, which does make form distribution easier.

Groby Allotment Society News From John Thornton

50% Of Homebuyers Do Not Know What A Survey IsoVer 50% of the UK’s homebuyers wrongly think they have had a survey done on their new home, says website Homebuyer Online. 53% of homebuyers are under the impression that a mortgage valuation, carried out by a bank, building society or mortgage company, is a Homebuyer Report, which will identify potential problems. “This is simply not the case,”

says Homebuyer Online’s managing director, surveyor Hugh Greenhouse. “A mortgage valuation simply looks at the value of the property for loan purposes and it’s for the lender, not the buyer. It is not designed to show any potential problems. We estimate that around 500 properties a day in the UK are sold without a Homebuyer Report being carried out. ” “On average a quarter of all

homebuyers who moved in without a Homebuyer Report being part of the process had to spend over £1,000 on unforeseen repairs to the property, like damp proofing or roof repairs. We find it amazing that people will spend a hundred pounds getting a mechanic to give a second hand car a check before they buy it, but will baulk at spending money on a survey of a £250,000 property.”

Lost your keys?A bunch of keys have been found in the bus shelter on the leicester-bound side of the A50 at Field head.They were found on Sunday 20th

February. Are they your keys?If you think they may be, contact

the Herald on 01530 244069 and we’ll put you in touch with the person who found them.

David putting the muddy boot in, he was the only brave soul out that day. It’s not all sunshine and flowers.


Trust only those who stand to lose as much as you when things go wrong.

April 15th deadline for latest consultation exercise ...Norman Griffiths looks at the Green Spaces consultation

Anstey & District Funeral Service

Traditional hearse & fleetHorse drawn carriages, motorcycle hearse & alternatives availableMemorial showroomExtensive car parkingPrivate catering suitePrivate chapels of rest

••

••••

Independent Family-Run Funeral Directors

0116 234 0548Talbott House, Leicester Road,

Anstey, Leicester LE7 7AT www.ansteyfunerals.com

We take care of every detail, advise and help you every step of the way.

Funeral arrangements can be made in the comfort of your own home if preferred

There SeeMS to be no end to the consultations

that are being launched. The Conservation Area, the

parking proposals, concessionary bus passes, the ill fated Forestry Commission sell off, and now Green Spaces. Don’t groan and say “not another one,” at least someone is asking even if sometimes the deadlines are tight and the level of publicity given inadequate.The Green Spaces consultation

being run by Leicestershire County Council enables people to record their favourite green spaces, whether they are parks and meadows or large green wedges between towns. If you walk your dog on the old mineral line footpath alongside the brook and field which Bloors wish to develop you may enjoy the feeling that you are at the edge of the village and next to open countryside as you look through the trees at the sheep grazing. If there were houses in the field you might be looking at more close boarded fencing instead. If you live near local parks or allotments you may appreciate recreational opportunities or the open views that the lack of urban development provides, or the views to the countryside beyond the village.

What can you include?A green space is generally defined

as a managed or more natural space, which is either publicly accessible and/or provides visual

amenity. The visual amenity might be to retain an important view within or beyond a settlement, or on a larger scale to provide an area of separation between settlements or parts of settlements.The County Council is particularly

interested in hearing about more local areas that are important to you in your community, whether or not they match this definition. It could be a small strip of waste land that local children play on, a roadside verge that provides particular wildlife habitat, a village green or public garden, or even the green space that separates local villages. The vital factor is that the green space is valuable to you.

It’s the ‘L’ word againLocalism. The council launched

the idea because the Government’s localism policy aims to give local communities a greater say on planning decisions affecting their areas. Ministers are also proposing to create a new “valued green spaces” designation. Understanding which green spaces local people particularly value will help local communities and councils decide where new homes and other developments needed by local communities are best located. The information gained will be

used to produce a map of each community forum area highlighting valuable green spaces. This will:

• be available to the community and can form part of the evidence base for preparation of community-

led plans, including the new neighbourhood development plans proposed by the Government;

• inform responses to consultation on emerging national policies, including the expected policy around a new designation for ‘locally important green space’ and district local development frameworks;

• inform a potential county wide policy document on green spaces;

• inform programmes aimed at enhancing and improving access to and quality of green spaces for people and wildlife.

How you can have your sayThe consultation has already been

discussed at the Community Forum for this area on February 10th so if you wish to comment you need to use the interactive online map. Just enter a postcode or click on the map to find an area of interest, zoom in and select a particular place, then explain what it is you

value about that green space. You can comment on as many areas as you want - just repeat the process. The easy to use selector tool is

used to click the corners of the site then double click to finish. A tick box questionnaire box is then displayed which asks about the type of green space, the particular aspects you value, what is it that makes this green space important to you and how the green space could be improved. You can also add comments.The interactive map can be

found at http://www.lsr-online.org/greenspaces/ or by following the link from www.grobyonline.tk. If you do not have access to a computer you can complete the survey on a computer free of charge at Groby Library. You can email [email protected] for further information.If there are green spaces

you value in Groby this is a consultation that is worth your participation. The consultation runs until April 15th.


Nothing is so good that somebody, somewhere, will not hate it.

CONTACT US FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION Phone: 0116 262 3202 Fax: 0116 261 9186 [email protected] www.henstocks.co.uk

HENSTOCKS Accountants & Tax Consultants

26 Fosse Road Central, Leicester LE3 5PR

ESTABLISHED FOR OVER 50 YEARS WE CAN DEAL WITH ALL YOUR ACCOUNTANCY

REQUIREMENTS. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE ACCOUNTS PREPARATION,

PERSONAL AND BUSINESS TAXATION, BOOKKEEPING, PAYROLL AND VAT.

IT WAS a delight to hear the audiences’ laughter during the run of our recent production of “Friends and Neighbours” and to have their appreciative comments afterwards! “I just rang to say how very

much we all enjoyed the play – so good to have something to make us smile.”“I thought it was one of your

best productions ever….. I had to tell my husband to stop laughing so loudly!”“My grandson never took his

eyes of the stage….it occurred to us that he had never seen live comedy before”.“I laughed from beginning to

end and then I wanted it to all happen all over again.” “You look such a happy team”.Therefore, we have decided to

embark upon another comedy for our Spring production.“The Legend of Bockinge Hollow”

written and directed by Muriel Walker, will run from 6th to 9th April, 2011.Jimmy and Verity Turnham have

invested their all in Bockinge Hollow, hoping to make it a successful guest house. The house is built in the shadow of

Gibbet Hill, and is, reputedly, where Bold Jasper Duval, a highwaymen, met his end. The resident guests and staff are

quite strange, to say the least, but anticipate the coming Bockinge Fair with pleasure - especially so when they find that it is to be opened by a world-famous clairvoyant!Then, the Turnhams discover that

the legend of Bold Jasper may be made into a film – which project would greatly affect the viability of their guest house.How, in the meantime, can they

cope with their decrepit gardener, the maid from Transylvania, the obsessive Simon Puddyfat, and the former owner of Bockinge Hollow who has no intention of leaving?As other guests arrive, confusion

mounts, deceptions deepen,

identities are mistaken and only a monumental discovery can save the day! We do hope that this brief synopsis

of what promises to be a riot of fun, has whetted your appetite. If you came to see our last production, then please do come again and tell your friends about us. If you haven’t been to see a

production before, we would very much appreciate your support and you can be assured of a warm welcome. The play will be staged at

7.30 each evening at Thornton Community Centre. Tickets are on sale at Lloyd & Sue’s Corner Store in Thornton, or can be booked on 01455 822148. They are priced at £5 Adults and £4 Concessions. The play is entirely suitable for a family audience.

Finally, may we add a plea for new members? After every production we wait

for someone to come and say, “I’d like to join you!” We are sure that there’s dramatic talent out there somewhere in our vicinity! Perhaps you don’t ever want to set foot on stage, but would like to be part of the backstage or front-of-house teams? We are a really friendly group, and everyone is valued as an individual, whatever his/ her contribution. We meet on Wednesday evenings at Thornton Community Centre at 7.30 p.m. We do have a lower age limit of sixteen but… good news…. there is NO upper age limit! IF you want to know more, then

ring Muriel on 01455 822148 and she will be very happy to talk to you about the Group. PLEASE BOOK YOUR TICKETS

FOR “THE LEGEND OF BOCKINGE HOLLOW”!

Another comedy for Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group


It’s impossible to make anything foolproof because fools are so ingenious.

STREET FAIR & CEILIDH

25th June 201112 NOON TIL 8PM

Ceilidh will start at 5pm

Applications are invited from anyone who would like a stall.We would also like to hear from local Bands and Artists who could

perform a 20-30 minute spot throughout the day.There will be fun and games for all age groups with many attractions.

Everyone is invited.

Further details can be obtained from:0116 287 672401530 243469

[email protected]@aol.com

Keep watching the Herald for more information

FLAT ROOF PROBLEMS

WE CAN

FIX IT

from small repairs to a new roof

STREAMLINETel: 0116 2602588 Mobile: 07710101900

79 Barkby Thorpe Lane, Syston, Leicester.

Family business run by local peoplecovering all of Leicestershire

High Performance Torch-on-FeltingAll work guaranteed

we also offer soffit, facia and our ownSEAMLESS ALUMINIUM GUTTERING FREE ESTIMATES

lowe’splumbing & heating

0116 2879760 / 07925 [email protected]

Central Heating Breakdowns and RepairsBoiler Installations / ReplacementsLandlords Gas Safety CertificatesSystem Power FlushingServicing

Free Quotes30 Years Exp.

No Callout Fee10% Off for OAP’s

House Share Available

For One Person in Groby

For more information,

telephone Jan on

01530 242151

Tony StockwellAn Evening of Psychic Mediumship

Saturday 26th March 2011 – Century Theatre, Coalville, Leicestershire

One of the country’s most well known and respected mediums.

The Century Theatre box office

01530 278444www.tonystockwell.com

Local Seminar‘Past Lives Indicated

in the Birthchart’with Chris Kasparis

Sun 20th March11am-5.30pm

at The Fieldhead HotelCost: £20

Book your placePay on the day

Tel/Txt: 0778 032 2695www.leicesterlectures.co.uk


Dermatologists make rash judgments.

Learn wetland survival skills at WatermeadbreWING drinks from nettles, making shelters, wild cooking and fire lighting are just some of the skills people can learn at a wetland survival skills course. The one day course, which will take place on Sunday, March

27 at Watermead Country Park, is part of Leicestershire County Council’s “Meet the Experts” programme of events. Participants will get to have a go at sourcing water using “gypsy

wells”, collecting suitable materials and lighting fires out of them and making bannock bread, a basic bread with nuts and / or berries - although dried fruit may be used for simplicity. For those who want to, there will also be an opportunity to

pluck dead birds brought by the rangers and a chance to learn about tracks and signs in the wild. The event costs £25 per person. For times and to book your

place call 0116 3055434. *Green woodworking courses will also take place at Beacon

Hill Country Park this spring as part of the “Meet the Experts” programme. The day-long courses cost £50 and will take place on April

16 and May 14 where participants will be able to have a go at making items such as candlestick holders and chair legs using a pole lathe. For details call 0116 3055434. For more information about Watermead Country Park visit:

www.leics.gov.uk/watermead

National Trust Leicester AssociationlAST MoNTh I wrote about lyveden New bield in Northamptonshire. Another property in that county, Canons Ashby near Towcester, is also about to improve its visitor enjoyment facilities. Canons Ashby was built in stages between 1550 and 1590 and was the home of the

Dryden family, modest country squires, for almost 400 years. Until now the current Dryden family retained a flat within the house but they have agreed to move elsewhere on the estate.From the end of April these rooms, arguably some of the finest in the house, will

be open to the public. Visitors will therefore see rooms never previously enjoyed including a sitting room containing rare 16th century wall and ceiling paintings. There will also be comfortable chairs and sofas for visitors to sit in and enjoy the room – not a National Trust “teasel” in sight!This is all part of representing the house through the eyes of the Victorian, Sir

Henry Dryden (1818 – 99) and visitors will follow a new journey through the house experiencing the life of Sir Henry, his family and their servants.At our local property, Calke Abbey, the walled gardens will be open seven days a

week from 21st April but note the house will still be closed on Thursdays & Fridays.The NT Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 23rd March

when John Bush will talk about A School in India. The meeting will be at the St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester at 2.30pm. Admission is NTLA member £2 and visitors £4.The Association has its AGM followed by an illustrated talk on Exploring the New NT

Midlands Region on Tuesday 12th April at 7.30pm. This meeting is at the Premier Inn Braunstone Lane East, Leicester.For more information on the NT leicester Association and its Talks Service

call, 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler Chairman, NT Leicester Association

Groby Garden Bird Watching with Margaret PurvesSINCe the last article written in December quite a bit appears to have taken place. During the last lot of

snow a Pied Wagtail visited the patio, but I did not like to put food there as there had been a rat problem earlier that month. It came for several days and then I saw it on the bird table and since that time it has been a regular visitor. I have never seen or read about this bird using a bird table but am so pleased it felt brave enough to do so and hopefully this helped it survive until the winter is over This winter when it was very

cold I had occasional visits from the Long Tailed Tits which was a treat as they very rarely visit my garden, but I have heard they have been seen

by other people in the area.The Red Polls and

Goldfinches continue to come and they were joined by the Siskins in mid-January. These charms of finches sometimes up to 30 strong live up to

their group name and have given me hours of pleasure watching them feed and squabble as to who has the prime feeding perch. In late January I found a neat

circle of feathers on the lawn, they

were tiny and I think they must have been from a Coal Tit. So I knew the Sparrow Hawk, (possible a male as he takes smaller birds), on its fly past down the back of all the gardens had made a kill. Having had a time when there were

very few birds visiting the garden my familiar birds are slowly returning to the various feeding areas. The Chaffinches, Nuthatch and Bull Finch come occasionally, but the Robin, Dunnocks, Blackbirds, House Sparrows, Pigeons, Collar Doves and Blue, Greater and Coal Tits are all regular visitors’. With the milder weather this month the bird song has increased and I have noticed the House Sparrows and Dunnocks have already chosen their nesting sites and in at least one instance

are brooding as I can see the male House Sparrow on the nesting box roof and hear it chirruping and a response coming from inside the box. This is about the only instance when no cavity wall insulation is an advantage as you can hear what is happening in the nesting boxes on that wall. I read recently that if the weather turns very cold and the fledglings do not survive, they Sparrows will go on to have up to another three broods, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will happen.If you forgot to clean your nesting

boxes out, you are now too late. The time to do it is late October to late January.All the best with your bird watching

over the next few months.


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

AGATHACHRISTIE BARBARACARTLAND DANIELLESTEEL DRSEUSS ENIDBLYTON GEORGESSIMENON GILBERTPATTEN HAROLDROBBINS JKROWLING LEOTOLSTOY SIDNEYSHELDON WILLIAMSHAKESPEARE

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

Subscriber LoginPasscode/New Users

HelpSTORE

Page 1 of 1Word Search Puzzle

05/03/2011http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/code/BuildWordSearch.asp

1st Prize: A £25 Meal Voucher to spend at Frankie & Benny’s! 2nd Prize: A £10 DVD hire

Voucher to Spend at Glenfield Moviezone!

AuThor WorDSeArCh

I don’t eat snails. I prefer fast food.

LAST issue’s first prize winner was MrS. JulIe koTeChA of bedford Drive, Groby. You win a £20 Meal Voucher to spend at

The Old Thatched Inn, Stanton under Bardon The winner of the second prize - a £10 DVD Hire Voucher to spend at

Glenfield MovieZone - was ANDreW PAGe of leicester road, Groby.Congratulations! Your vouchers will be with you within 21 days.

If you can find 12 beST SellING AuThorS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win A £25 Meal Voucher to spend at Frankie & benny’s New York Italian restaurant & bar at Meridian Park, leicester - or a £10 DVD hire Voucher to spend at Glenfield Moviezone (see ad on page 11).All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - 12 best selling authors. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).Send your marked entry forms to: SCRIBBLERS, Groby & Field Head

Spotlight, PO Box 8, Markfield, Leics. LE67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 30th March 2011. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of the hat will win the Frankie & Benny’s voucher and the sender of the second will win the Moviezone DVD hire voucher. Good luck!

Here are the 12 AuThorS you have to find: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE • AGATHA CHRISTIE • BARBARA CARTLAND

HAROLD ROBBINS • GEORGES SIMENON • SIDNEY SHELDON

ENID BLYTON • DANIELLE STEEL • DR SEUSS

GILBERT PATTEN • JK ROWLING • LEO TOLSTOY

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

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

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

Last issue’s winners

Local businessman donates cash for police bikeNeIGhbourhooD officers covering the Markfield area will now be able to cycle round their beat, thanks to a local businessman and neighbourhood watch.Mr Joe Kinch, a

local businessman from the Markfield area, donated money to his local neighbourhood watch so that a pedal cycle could be purchased for the local beat team. On Wednesday

February 16 2011 neighbourhood watch chairman Peter Dorans donated the cycle to beat officer PC Sadie Harlock on behalf of Markfield neighbourhood watch.On receiving the cycle, PC Harlock said: “We cover a large area and this

will mean I can get out further afield and meet more of the community”Neighbourhood watch chairman Peter Dorans said: “We believe that

Sadie and her team are a deterrent the more visible they are on the streets. The cycle will enable one of her team to cover more of the district quickly whilst staying in touch with the local community.”

S G SSHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES

FENCING

NEW & REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKENALL WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED

CALL JIM SHOOTER . 95 LEICESTER ROAD, GROBY0116 2879715 / 07814224630

2�Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-MARCH 2011 • Tel: 01530 244069

Some traditions are really just chores given to you by dead people.

“Green cone” deal to reduce food wasteNeArlY 2,000 nifty green cone food waste digesters have been bought by county residents keen to recycle their leftovers.Since May 2008 scores

of the special bins have been sold at a cut down rate by Leicestershire County Council, on behalf of the Leicestershire Waste Partnership, helping families reduce the amount of leftover food they send to landfill.All sorts of food waste,

from fish and chips to curries and fruit to cooked meat and bones, can be scraped into the device which cleverly turns it into water, carbon dioxide and nutrients which are absorbed back into the soil.Kathy Platts (42) from Sileby said: “By putting leftover food into the kitchen

caddy that comes with the digester you see how much you waste. We’ve reduced what we buy, so there are long-term savings.“There are immediate benefits in the surrounding area - I’ve seen a big

difference in the surrounding plants, they’re very lush.”The Green Cone costs £7.50*, which includes free professional installation,

other composters such as wormeries and Green Johannas are also available at discount prices.To order a food waste digester call 0800 019 2061 or visit: www.

greatgreensystems.comFor more information on all the units available visit: www.leics.gov.uk/

waste *Offer available to Leicestershire residents only – excludes Leicester city.

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

What a good idea!

Public should get shares in banks - say Liberal DemocratslIberAl DeMoCrATS in hinckley and bosworth are backing plans that would see members of the public given shares in two banks, the royal bank of Scotland and lloyds.The government spent £65.8bn buying shares in the two banks. The

government owns 83% of RBS and 41% of Lloyds.The idea has been proposed by Liberal Democrat MP Stephen Williams.Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Hinckley and Bosworth,

Michael Mullaney, welcomed the proposal. “This is a great idea. Billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money have been poured into the banks. It’s only fair that the people get their money back.”At current prices, every adult would receive shares worth just under £1,000.

Each person’s account would be set up with a default option to sell the shares over two or three years, although individuals could opt to hold the shares for longer.Stephen Williams MP said “There is a danger that when the banks return

to the private sector, it is business as usual. There is a general feeling in this country that we need to get something positive in return for the bail-out. This plan would recoup the public’s investment and allow the taxpayer to get the benefit from any increased value in the banks.”


The less people know, the more stubbornly they know it.

[email protected]

0116 2874440

GuidePostMaps, Books & Gifts for the

Outdoor Enthusiast

Top sportswoman presents awards

A ToP england badminton player was the guest of honour at hinckley and bosworth local Sporting Alliance’s fourth Sports Awards evening.Donna Kellogg, one of the

country’s most successful badminton players of the past decade, joined the borough’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rob Mayne, in presenting the awards at a gala evening held at Bosworth College, Desford. Donna has won 88 caps for

England, claimed 11 English national titles, won Commonwealth Games gold medals, European gold medals and represented Great Britain in three Olympic Games. Since the award scheme was

introduced four years ago, it has grown in stature and now celebrates the contributions made by local volunteers, as well as the achievements of individuals and sports teams in the borough.Those who won awards were as

follows:Sportswoman of the Year: Sarah Padbury (rowing)Sportsman of the Year: Jamie Thorpe (swimming)Disabled Sportsman: Jamie McQuillin (football)Disabled Sportswoman: Zara Jurenko (tennis)

•

•

•

•

Junior Sportsman (u16): Jason Gravelling (sailing)Disabled Sportsman (u16): Luke Wardle (swimming, tennis and football) and Matthew Chilvers (football)Veteran Sportsman: Arthur Cross (table tennis)Veteran Sportswoman: Nicki Nealon (athletics)Club of the Year: AFC Barwell and Desford Lawn Tennis Club.

Health AwardsActive lifestyles: Sue Morris (walking)Health Referral: Christine Mead

Volunteer AwardsYoung Volunteer of the Year: Alex Franklin (football)Adult Volunteer of the Year: Anthony Gill (sailing)unsung hero: Harry Matty (tennis)lifetime Achievement: Barry Fry (cycling)Making A Difference: Tom and Matt Hayward (sailing)

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Well DoNe: Winners of the Hinckley and Bosworth Local

Sporting Alliance’s Sports Awards celebrate their success.

Mike Halliday has diedForMer Parish and borough Councillor Mike halliday died in his sleep in leicester royal Infirmary on Friday 25th February, aged 84.Mr. Halliday served as election agent for Sir Adam Butler, David

Tredinnick and Stephen Dorrell, and was a former member of Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and Groby Parish Council.He was made an MBE in 1981.


You are consistently inconsistent, except when it comes to failure.

Groby WI News from Margaret Gamble

FebruArY is a funny old month; nothing much has happened but this month’s meeting was one of the best.The manner in which Jane

Arnold gave her talk sounded as though World War II had been a lovely war. It was an excellent talk, very amusing and yet we all knew that at the time things were very different. Then again during the actual War and after, even I can remember a lot of good and amusing things. I put this down to British humour and our “let’s get on with it” attitude. Anyway ...Jane appeared

with her mother, who was addressed throughout as Mrs. Thompson, a supposed “daily”. Both were dressed accordingly, Jane in a posh fox fur, 1940s hat, blouse etc whilst poor old Mrs. Thompson in a pinny etc, very subservient. They had three tables just full of memorabilia from cookery items, clothes and literature. Jane explained that William

Morrison, Minister of Food at the start of the War made an announcement that rationing was to be introduced. A year or so later Lord Woolton became Minister (famous for his Woolton pie: all vegetables covered with a crust). Firstly bacon and ham were rationed to 4ozs a week, sugar to 12ozs and butter to 4ozs but later all items were greatly reduced again, i.e. 2oz tea and margarine. Meat rationed from 11th March 1940, unlike all rationed foodstuffs, was done by shillings and pence instead of pounds and ounces. The scheme meant that people could only be supplied by one retailer for each of the groups of items rationed. Fruit and vegetables, if you could get them, were not rationed, although some of the more exotic fruit - such as bananas and oranges - were limited by supply. Bread rationing came in after the war and lasted for two years. Saying that, I can remember - yes I was very young during the War - having an orange in my Christmas stocking and being thrilled to bits. Also when I actually did get a banana I tried to eat it with the skin on, nobody thought to tell me that it had to be peeled.I can also remember the daily

broadcasts on the wireless by The ‘Radio Doctor’ programmes, a slot in the ‘Kitchen Front’ series that broadcast throughout the war, were hugely popular. Dr Hill would chat for five minutes, giving advice on a particular health or nutritional issue, but always finished with the words ‘make sure the bowels are well open’ and Oh Boy did my mother take his word as gospel!

He encouraged us to eat carrots, to make us see in the dark and what could be done with a marrow was anyone’s business.All the time

Jane was speaking, she was giving Mrs. Thompson some cooking to do. So whilst Mrs. T. beat away,

Jane gave us the low down on clothing rationing. People were urged to “Make do and mend”. Everyone was given a Clothing Book with coloured coupons in it and each item of clothing was given a value in coupons. People were only allowed to use one colour at a time. The government would tell people when they could start using a new colour. In the beginning 60 coupons were issued to last a year but later it was reduced to 48 coupons. Children were allocated an extra 10 coupons to allow for growing. For example a pair of socks or stockings were 3 coupons (1 for a child*), a short jacket, under 28” in length 11(8), a pair of shoes 7(3) and a pair of knickers 4(3) (you daren’t have an accident) and so on. Tips were also given, such as carrying gloves that had holes in them but not to be thrown away. What would you buy with your

48 coupons for the year? You can see how the black market thrived. Samples of clothing were shown, do you remember liberty bodices, lisle stockings and if you could get some, parachute silk undies. With Mrs. T’s help plates of

mock banana sandwiches, made with mashed parsnip and banana essence, carrot biscuits and summer pudding were there for our sampling. Surprisingly they weren’t too bad. If you were getting married you were entitled to a few extra coupons but your cake although it looked great, was usually a cardboard mock up and

when lifted was usually a small fruit cake made with hoarded dried fruit and of course dried egg. Icing sugar apparently was never allowed but mock marzipan was made from semolina and almond essence.Lastly there was SPAM, Specially

Processed American Meat (mixture of pork and ham) which didn’t count in your meat rationing. I think everyone in those years can remember that. For all the shortages though, infant mortality rates declined and the average age at which people died from natural causes increased. The general health of children improved. On average they were taller and heavier than before the war. Perhaps going back to rations would be far better for us!Next month’s meeting will be

held as usual at the Village Hall on Thursday 17th March. We try to have a charity representative each year and this year we have the newly formed Childrens Air Ambulance. I look forward to hearing more as we are usually amazed at the efforts put into these charities, so if you would like to join us, please come along.

Support Group for Holistic TherapistsCalling all beauticians, Complimentary Therapists, Sports Massage Therapists & Students.The new Federation of Holistic

Therapists (FHT) Local Support Group, for Leicestershire (Coalville) is starting. We will provide local events

for updating First Aid Training, learning new skills and just meeting together to share experiences. At each meeting there will be a top class speaker. Refreshments will be served.Meetings will be bi-monthly

– March, May, July, September, November, with two Away Days (for members). 2-4pm, The first Saturday of the month, meeting at The Library, High Street, Coalville, Leics, LE67 3EA.Entry for Registered Therapists

and Students £5. Also, we welcome others who are just interested, Family and Friends £6.More details will be on my

website at: www.therapeutic-touch.co.ukAlso, the FHT website:

www.fht.org.uk

Yvonne Davies T. 01530 263330.


We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.

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. All tea/coffee is fair-trade

Thursdays: 10.00—11.30am.

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

Sunday services: see websites and church magazines

Lent began on 9th March, and is a period of 40 days when Christians make particular space in their lives to notice at bit more and to make a difference. If you want to get closer to God why not try the diverse resources at www.rejesus.co.uk? If you want to be aware of the injustices in our world and to give something back, try ‘Count Your Blessings’ from Christian Aid www.christianaid.org.uk

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 12noon.next dates: Sat 19th March and Sat 16th April

ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

The kids are Alright (15)The committed parents of two teenage children, Nic (Annette

Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore), are about to send their daughter, Joni (Mia Wasikowska), off to college when her younger brother, Laser (Josh Hutcherson), asks for her help in tracking down his biological father.

Reluctantly inquiring with the sperm bank, Joni leaves her number so the office can pass it along to Laser’s father. Enthusiastic at the thought of meeting his long lost offspring, Paul (Mark Ruffalo) musters the courage to reach out, and the family tree grows a new branch.

Tamara Drewe (15)Stephen Frears directs this comedy drama about an ugly

duckling followed by a handful of suitors after maturing into a sexy swan. When Tamara left Ewedown, she was a plain and awkward teenager, but when she returns home for the first time in years, the locals are surprised to discover that time (and a nose job) have turned her into an attractive and alluring woman, and she’s gained a share of money and fame thanks to a successful newspaper column.

life As We know It (12)Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) is an up-and-coming caterer

and Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel) is a promising network sports director. After a disastrous first date, the only thing they have in common is their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in the world, Holly and Messer are forced to put their differences aside. Juggling career ambitions and competing social calendars, they’ll have to find some common ground while living under one roof.

unstoppable (15)At a Pennsylvania rail yard, some clueless workers let an

unmanned train get loose, and the thing is soon hurtling across the countryside. Did we mention that it’s pulling a few cars’ worth of highly toxic material? Meanwhile, old-time engineer Denzel Washington and new conductor Chris Pine are making a routine run nearby. This odd couple is the only hope for stopping the runaway, while upper management dithers and an operations-room dispatcher (Rosario Dawson) spends most of the movie talking into her headset.


Under the sea, how come it’s always the starfish that gets to be the sheriff?

What’s On At Our Local Pubs & ClubSs

Domestic Specialist: Sockets, Lights, Fans, Alarms

Fuse Box upgrades, Fault Finding & Repairs Inspections, TV & Phone points. No job too small Friendly & reliable service at a fair price Property maintenance jobs also undertaken

Call now for a FREE Estimate! Office: (0116) 2872338 Mobile: 0798 0911 869

Website Address: www.pqelectrics.com

GROBY ELECTRICIAN

Groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk nOTICe TO MeMBeRS new Members Welcome Sat 12 Mar: dOUBLe VISIOn Sun 13 Mar: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 18 Mar: dOUBLe VISIOn Sat 19 Mar: CAROL Ann Sun 20 Mar: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 25 Mar: PAULA SWAnn Sat 26 Mar: JIMMY eCHO Sun 27 Mar: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 1 Apr: Lee RICHARdS Sat 2 Apr: InVISIBLe TOUCH Sun 3 Apr: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 8 Apr: 3rd TIMe LUCKY Sat 9 Apr: TIMBO Sun 10 Apr: Super Sunday ‘50’ BIG SCReen SKY SPORTS (See Ad on P.24)

The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, Groby Tel: 0116 287 5616. (SUndAYS are 3 ~ 6pm) Sat 12 Mar: Mid-Life CRISIS Sun 13 Mar: WOOdVILLe Men Sat 19 Mar: SOULd OUT Sun 20 Mar: ACeMen Sat 26 Mar: THe FReeZe Sun 27 Mar: FIne SHAPe Sat 9 Apr: GIn & TOnIC Sun 10 Apr: STeVe RAFFLeS KARAOKe ~ every Wed OPen MIC ~every Thurs QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker ~ eVeRY Sun QUIZ – Music ~ eVeRY Tues

The Nag’s Head Station Road, Glenfield T: 0116 287 2794 every THURS 9pm – QUIZ (General Knowledge) Free toenter. Win Beer. SKY SPORTS (See Ad on P.15)

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute nights £2 entry after 7pm. (Fri 11 Mar: MeATLOAF) Fri 25 Mar: UB40 Quiz nite: every 2nd Tues

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKe nights:- Sats 12 & 26 March (’King of the Road’) Royal Wedding day 29 Apr – ‘Kids Fun in the Garden’.

The Bricklayers Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ nite – Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net

The Steam Trumpet 286 Main Street, Thornton T: 01530 231 258 Fri 18 Mar: Red nOSe Special Fancy dress Pyjama Party 7.30pm (Free drink for Fancy dressers!) every Sun: QUIZ 7.30pm – Cash pot prize roll-over.

A man goes to the doctor with a painful leg. The doctor hears a tiny voice coming from the man’s kneecap and listens with his stethoscope. The kneecap keeps saying, ‘Lend us a tenner, lend us a tenner...’ ‘My ankle hurts too,’ says the man. So the doctor listens there and hears another little voice saying ‘Lend us a tenner, lend us a tenner ... ‘The doctor tuts and says, ‘This is worse than I

thought. Your leg is broke in two places.

Sale Now On

Cathy tephensS Jewellery

March 2011 Groby Spotlight

Documents

Transcript of March 2011 Groby Spotlight