February 2011 Groby Spotlight

Local Judge is called up for Olympic Duty

Geoff Malyon who lives in leicester Road Groby, qualified as a national archery Judge in october 2009 has been called up to help run the archery practice field at london’s 2012 olympic Games. Geoff is thrilled to bits and says “it’s the ultimate gig”. The judges for the

main event are selected by FITA the sports’ international governing body alongside the International Olympic Committee.He is due to attend a trial event in October this year in preparation for

the big event in 2012. Last year saw him helping to run the Archery World Cup Final in Edinburgh which brought several medals to GB. Geoff is also Chairman of the National Tournaments Committee and a member of the Bowmen of Birstall Archery Club and has been shooting archery for about 18 years.

Andrea Malyon

new school crossing on laundon Way approved

The SpoTliGhT understands that the proposed school crossing on laundon Way has been approved.A group of local residents have been campaigning for a crossing since last

September.Group member Adam Knight says: “We received proposed plans from

County Hall and they were far better than we could have expected with not only a crossing but also a 20mph zone and speed cushions. There will also be a marked safe route to school.“The plans went to a consultation period that ended on 24th December

2010, and I am pleased to say no objections were made.”Work is due to start at Easter. MORE DETAILS ON PAGE 7.

Rowing success for Brookvale students

local Brookvale students joined fellow leicester Junior rowing team mates, in a challenging day on Saturday 29th Jan, at the northampton head event .Despite freezing conditions the

team came home triumphant with 6 wins.One of the medal winners was Oliver Talbot of Groby joined by fellow Brookvale students Josh Sharman and Stephen Yeomans

of Kirby Muxloe,team member Adam Cygan and cox Fiona Jones- Gerrard in the tough 1800 metre upstream J13 Quad event .The Juniors are next competing in the Inter regional Trails to be held at Holme Pierrepoint in Nottingham on February 12th.

WinneRS: L-r: Oliver Talbot, Josh Sharman,Fiona Jones-Gerrard, Stephen Yeomans and Adam Cygan.

The Brookvale rowers in action

NEXT ISSUE: 12th March • ArTIclE & AdvErT dEAdlINE: 26th February

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

Celebrate the Royal Wedding with a street party!

STReeT parties have always proved to be a popular way for communities to get together and celebrate royal occasions.So for the benefit of all those residents in Hinckley & Bosworth who are

thinking of holding a street party to celebrate April’s royal wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Borough Council has produced an invaluable step-by-step guide.It contains everything a party organiser needs to know, including advice

on whether the street will need to be closed to traffic and a simple road closure application form if that proves to be necessary. There’s also a list of frequently asked questions, together with the relevant answers, as a further guide to organisers.Normally, a road closure application costs £130, but the council has

decided not to make a charge in respect of street parties being held to celebrate the royal wedding on 29 April. However, organisers need to be aware that any road closure application has to be submitted to the council before 28 February at the latest.In addition, organisers will have to consider taking out public liability

insurance, especially if the road is closed. However, this need not be too costly as quotes can be obtained from insurance companies or brokers from as little as £50.For more information, would-be organisers can contact Pat Pitt on 01455

255770, or download the guide from the council website at www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk/royalwedding

Groby PlayersTickeTS for Groby players production of ‘Death by fatal Murder’ by peter Gordon, are now on sale.The play is to be performed on

March 10th, 11th & 12th, in the Village Hall, Groby at 7.30pm Anyone who saw our previous

production last year, (Murdered to Death, by the same author) will recognise the hopeless Inspector , the meddling amateur sleuth, and the amiable, but downtrodden constable, together with an assorted cast of characters appearing at Bagshot House, all embroiled in another mystery! Tickets are available from the

Village Hall Groby, every Saturday morning in February, between 10am & 12md. Priced £6.00. Also available by Tel.0116 2877373 or Tel/Text 07790861033 or email [email protected]

Lost BlackBeRRy cuRve 8520outside 217 leicester Road, field head on 15th January at 5pm.Small reward offered for safe returnplease contact Miss hellicar 07793 609507

Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.

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

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An emotional visit to Uncle Jim’s war graveSoMe time ago my father-in-law Geoff Doughty of Woodbank Road, Groby, who died on 2nd feb. 2011, had to go into care and as my wife, his daughter Marilyn and i were going through his effects we came across a 21st birthday card addressed to pte J Doughty, leicestershire Regt. Stamped across the front of the envelope, in bold letters were the words, “Returned Deceased”.We did some research and found that he had been killed outside Antwerp on

21/10/44 aged 20 years and that he was buried at Geel War Cemetery. As Geel is not on the normal organised tours we went on a trip to Antwerp along

with two other couples, all members of the Leicester Branch of Malaya Borneo Vets. Assoc.based at Groby Ex Servicemens Club, then persuaded our driver to take us to Geel. We found a beautifully kept small cemetery on the edge of the village with a line

of 20 graves from The Leicesterhire Regt. all killed on 21st Oct. except one, who died the following day. Marilyn placed flowers on Uncle Jim’s grave, then I said a few prayers for all the

lads buried there, Alan Atkins said the Act of Remembrance and Graham Bamford the Kohima Epitaph. A very emotional few moments, even our driver was upset. I have to say that both the Cemetery and the small chapel where the Book of

Remembrance is kept, are absolutely immaculate and a credit to both the village of Geel and who ever has responsibility for looking after it all.

Owen (Lol) Lawrence

The beautifully-kept Geel War Cemetery

Uncle Jim’s Grave

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Huge Success at Killer Darts and quiz night for NACC!on 22nD JanuaRy, my family and i held a charity event at Groby united Reformed church to raise funds for crohn’s and colitis which proved to be a huge success!The event consisted of a challenging quiz and

three killer darts tournament with NACC merchandise up for grabs, and a set of Chinese ties for the losers! There was tombola with over a hundred items ranging from jewellery

to hand sanitizer! We also had a cake buffet piled high with sponges, fairy cakes and ginger bread men just to name of few! We had lots of NACC literacy on display and a short talk on the work of the charity.The event turned out to be a huge success with over 100 people

attending, and we managed to raise a grand total of £520, so a huge thank you to all those who contributed.All the money will be going towards the work NACC do which includes

research and funding for local groups to offer support to those who have the disease. My brother has Crohn’s disease, and we as a family have seen the great work NACC do and were delighted with the support we received from those who attended the event.

Tom Pattison

Half Term Orienteering Fun• on Tuesday 22nd feb 11.00am to 12noon come and try orienteering in Johns lee & linford Woodlands. Orienteering is suitable for all ages, bring the toddlers, gran and grandpa and the dog. Cost: £1 juniors & £5.50 seniors (members discount available). Meet at the car park for Johns Lee Wood Scout camp, off Markfield Lane. Grid ref SK 504 105

• Saturday 26th february beginners courses and coaching 11.00 to 12 noon. Groby community college & Martinshaw Woods. Adults £3 children £1 or bargain family price £3

• Sunday 27th february full range of courses for eMoa league event at Bagworth heath & Woodlands. £8 senior/£2 junior (membership discount available) Meet at Working Men’s Club at junction of Main St & Station Rd, Bagworth. Registration 10.00am to 12 noon. (Lovely bacon butties.)See www.leioc.org.uk for more details or phone Roger edwards on 0116 212 7547.

Feline Frankie updatehello, folks, it’s the mad cat lady of Groby again. it’s over a year since i wrote about frankie the cat food Thief. He had been sneaking

in through the cat flap and stealing Chrissie and Davey’s food for about eighteen months by then. My beloved cats were originally named after my youngest son’s idols, David Lister and Kristine Kochansksi from Red Dwarf, but the vet’s receptionist had such trouble spelling “Hardcastle” that I didn’t want to over-tax her.I had an immediate response from Frankie’s previous owner – apparently

the Sinatra reference was because as a kitten he had blue eyes – but there was no way to persuade him to go home. He has never got near enough for me to catch him. There were pleased to know he was alive and well – and very well fed. He visited his old home occasionally. The last time was in October just before his first family emigrated to Crete. He rolled over to have his tummy tickled, allowed himself to be picked up and drank some milk. A touching farewell. I have never been so privileged. It had always puzzled me that my cats didn’t challenge Frankie’s raids

on their food bowl, but his master told me that he had not been neutered, which explains their diffidence – an intact Tom is Cock of the Walk, so to speak.Just as he did last year, he frightened me by disappearing during the very

cold weather, but he’s back again with thaw. (Chrissie has just walked across the keyboard but I have deleted her contribution). Frankie is back – looking healthy, substantial - and wearing a new red collar – a Christmas present, perhaps? He is all black except for a small white patch on his chest. Is he living with you? What do you call him? I’d love to know. I promise not to bill you for the cat food.

Lindy Hardcastle

Award-Winning Local Studenta local student at loughborough university has beaten off strong competition to win a top prize. David hodgson, who is 26 and lives in Groby, leicestershire, won the Best Design project award, which is sponsored by hays Building Services, the leading recruiting expert.The purpose of the award is to promote, recognise and reward excellence

in this field. Hays Building Services recently attended a prizegiving ceremony at the university to present vouchers and a framed certificate to the proud student.Richard Lescott, Director at Hays, comments: “This prize is a small step

to reward the next generation for their hard work. Not only is it great to support students pursuing a career in building services, but we would also encourage students to explore the many employment opportunities that exist locally.”

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Cuts in bus pass scheme imminent?Norman Griffiths looks at another Christmas consultationaS chRiSTMaS approached so did the season of public consultations, it seems.First it was the Borough Council and the Conservation Area, and then

came the County Council with the informal consultation on proposed changes to local street parking regulations. But five days before Christmas the County Council launched a third, about concessionary bus passes, too late to be covered by the Spotlight. The consultation closed on January 14thand despite the short timescales had 850 responses.From next April the responsibility for funding the bus pass scheme moves

from the District Councils to the County Council. It’s estimated that the statutory national scheme, which will not change, will cost the County Council up to £6m in 2010/11. But currently there are extra elements which the local councils choose to fund, and these add around £500,000 to the bill.The consultation asked passengers and householders for their views on

extra elements which district councils currently choose to fund - these are on top of the existing statutory national scheme. The discretionary elements can vary between local councils but can include half price fares on buses from Monday to Friday before 9.30am for older people; free bus travel for people with disabilities before 9.30am from Monday to Friday and half fare local rail travel for older people on certain routes. Any changes to the early travel concession may concern those who need to travel early in order to keep hospital or doctor’s appointments. “Unfortunately the County Council has been placed in a difficult position

as Government guidance on concessionary travel wasn’t received until the end of November,” a spokesperson for the County Council explained. “This has been compounded by the fact that we still haven’t received any detailed confirmation of the assessment that the Government has made on the funding allocated to the County Council to deliver the concessionary fares scheme when the responsibility transfers to the County Council in April 2011.“In order to get the views of all Leicestershire residents we issued the

consultation direct to partner organisations and publicised the consultation in the media. Whilst we appreciate that the consultation is short and ends on 14th January this will still help us to feed views received into the difficult considerations on this year’s council budget that will take place later this month.”

LETTERParking problems in GrobyReaDinG John collin’s letter in the last issue of Spotlight i totally agree with him that it truly presents Groby as a neglected village and a remote outpost of hinckley. Neighbouring villages seem to have more attention paid to them by

their District Council than we receive from our local authority. However I must correct John on one point. He states that the car-parking problem in the village centre is cars parked by park and ride commuters. This may be correct on Markfield Road around the church but I observe the parking on Crane Ley Road and Chapel Hill by asking parkers where they work. Invariably it is GE on Fir Tree Lane. Their parking is completely indiscriminate giving them the least distance to walk to work. I have spoken to a representative of the company who explains that they have at least 80 cars waiting for their car parking passes. The company seems quite happy with the village parking which costs them nothing; I was told that a fire engine had to shuffle around parked cars to attend a call received from Chapel Hill recently, fortunately a false alarm. A restricted village parking scheme has been published and we await the outcome. Will it clear the village of all day parking?

Groby Resident

Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die tomorrow.

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

Drive carefully - we need every taxpayer we can get.

Details of crossing at Lady Jane Grey SchoolThe counTy council’s programme of Transportation schemes for 2010/11 includes a Safer Route to School scheme on laundon Way, Groby to address the inappropriate speed of some drivers on laundon Way and improve the opportunity for pedestrians to cross safely.The scheme addresses issues identified in Lady

Jane Grey Primary School’s Travel Plan and aims to improve perceptions of road safety in the area around school and encourage parents to walk to school instead of using a car to drop their children off. The proposals also improve access to Budgens and

the adjacent bus stops on Laundon Way. The scheme proposals, shown on the attached

drawing consist of:A school advisory 20mph speed limit and speed reducing features on Laundon Way.A Zebra crossing across Laundon Way.Two sets of speed cushions situated approximately either side of the zebra crossing to reduce vehicle speeds in advance of the crossing facility.Minor kerbing improvements at various crossing points on Laundon Way and Pymm Ley Lane.Footway markings at various crossing points to link the main footways used by children and parents walking to the school.

The County Council have consulted adjacent properties, the Parish Council and local Councillor during December and January. A number of issues were raised during consultation, however, overall there were no objections to the scheme.Construction of the scheme is now programmed for the Easter holidays.

Mark palfreyman – Assistant Engineer Transport Schemes Development, Dept of Environment and Transport, Leicestershire County Council

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

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Groby company moves with the times to celebrate 20 years of innovation a GRoBy communications company that started in 1991 with just two staff is celebrating 20 years of trading this month (february). unified communications specialists voice connect, who supply computer telephony to private and public companies across the uk, now employ 35 staff in three units at their head office on fir Tree lane Trading estate.Managing Director Stefan Olsberg

attributes the company’s success in such a fast moving market to the fact that their products and services are continually updated to keep abreast of advances in technology. “Since we started out fax machines have long since been replaced in most companies by text messaging and email,” comments Mr Olsberg. “In this industry more than most, you have to adapt to the constant change that surrounds us. We know we have to update our products if we are to remain successful in business and so we regularly introduce new services including text messaging, email, mobile phone apps and Smartmail.”Voice Connect was originally

founded by Mr Olsberg, Financial Director Geoff White and David Harrison who heads up the development and technical division. “When we set up Voice Connect, we had a vision for designing computer telephony solutions to help organisations become more efficient and save money,” comments David. “Back then what seemed futuristic now seems commonplace and I am proud that some of the products we devised are now widely used and integral to an organisation’s communications strategy.”

Voice Connect are specialists in the health sector and work with NHS trusts and GP surgeries all over the country. They also work with other areas of the public sector including local government, police and higher education, numbering the Metropolitan Police and the Houses of Parliament amongst their customer portfolio.Voice Connect’s most popular

product is their automated telephone appointment booking system known as Patient Partner, which is installed at approximately 1 in 10 GPs’ practices in the UK. The system enables patients to book, check or cancel appointments at any time of the day or night, even when the practice is closed. The company also developed VC Relay which is widely used by the police, local authorities and organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch to

communicate with large numbers of the public. Looking to the future, the technical division continue to develop new products and are about to launch a new service for dentists in the spring.The three original directors

Stefan Olsberg, Geoff White and David Harrison have been joined as directors by Sales Director Paul Trayler who was appointed to the board in 2000 in recognition of his value to the company.

TOP TEAM (l to r): Sales Director Paul Trayler and Voice Connect’s founders, David Harrison and Stefan Olsberg.


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Major leicestershire charity opens its doors ... even wider!

LETTER“A radical reform of UK schools” - Just another coalition promise?in 2009, it was revealed that despite a high level of per-pupil spending, the uk has fallen drastically in terms of education. In 2000, the UK was placed at 7th, 8th and 4th in the world for reading,

mathematics and science respectively. The 2009 rankings stood at 25th, 27th and 16th, a colossal drop.How can standards in education have plummeted so rapidly? I strongly

believe that neither the funding nor the teachers are to blame. The main problem is the behaviour and attitude of pupils.According to the Schools White Paper 2010, “the greatest concern voiced

by new teachers and a very common reason experienced teachers cite for leaving the profession is poor pupil behaviour”. This doesn’t come as a surprise. Even walking through corridors at colleges and secondary schools reveals the effectiveness of discipline and the level of respect pupils hold for teachers, as you are exposed to language and behaviour similar to that of a football crowd. It is obvious that whatever disciplinary techniques are in place, they are ineffective.“The reason the discipline system is going downhill is because the

punishments just aren’t effective,” says one college student. “Badly behaved students don’t care. Some even see it as a competition - trying to be the first to get sent out of the classroom.”So what do the government plan to do about these problems? The

reccurring theme in their report is to “increase the authority of teachers” so that they can discipline, discipline, and discipline some more. The coalition also wants to make it faster and easier to exclude students permanently, and use the same approach towards detentions.Overall, teachers at Groby Community College do not seem to think this is

the answer.“They’re just repeating what the last government said” says one teacher. “A

harsh approach obviously isn’t working. It’s the attitudes of the students that we need to change.”Another teacher agrees “You need some structure, some concept of

consequence. But I don’t think punishments work. I try to find other ways to deal with discipline problems. There’s always a reason behind the way pupils behave. If I do have to give a detention, I talk to the student, and see if I can find out what the problem is. Most of the time they behave exactly the same, but then the next day you try again. Even if you change just one student’s attitude, then it would have been worth it”Maybe this is too idealistic, but many teachers use detentions too quickly

and readily, and this has led to them becoming ineffective. In addition, the coalition’s response to bad behaviour in schools does sound remarkably similar to the system currently in place. It seems only time will tell how effective the “reform of education” will be. However, if it is unsuccessful, we can only expect further drops in standards of education, and, following this, society.

Rebecca Harrison

Time Team in Groby - broadcast date confirmedTiMe TeaM has confirmed that the broadcast date for the episode featuring Groby (Groby old hall), leicestershire will be on SunDay 20th MaRch 2011 - entitled “The house of the White Queen”. Please check program listings for actual times nearer the time.

The ShuTTleWooD clarke foundation, a leicestershire charity that has been providing support, care and friendship to adults and young people in need for over twenty years is broadening its services at ulverscroft Grange near Markfield.In order to assist even more people in need the charity is developing

an open-house community support and wellbeing centre at its base at Ulverscroft Grange in the heart of the Charnwood Forest.The centre will contain an information hub for the elderly, adults with

disabilities, carers and individuals of all ages, a tea room and charity shop area.Alan Norman, Chief Executive of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation

said: “This project will open the Foundation’s doors to a much wider cross section of the community. It will create a real community centre that offers support, care and friendship through arts and craft education, health and wellbeing in the Foundation’s wonderful grounds and wheelchair friendly pathways, and the opportunity to meet in a safe, accessible and supportive environment”The Ulverscroft Grange community support and wellbeing centre,

tea rooms and charity shop opens its doors on the 7th March 2011. Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft near Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9QBFor further details on this and all areas of the Foundation’s work please

visit: www.shuttlewood-clarke.org or www.yewtrail.org.uk

So you think English is easy?Read on:

The bandage was wound around the wound.

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We must polish the Polish furniture.

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Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

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I don’t necessarily agree with everything I say.

Glenfield Millennium Green NewsThe daffodils are just showing through the grass in the woodland area

of the Green as I write this article. The original bulbs were planted as a ‘Field of Hope’ in support of Marie Curie cancer care. We will have the first flowers soon and then we can begin to think that spring is on the way. This is the latest that the daffodils have bloomed. Two years ago we had the first flowers before Christmas. We are also looking forward to seeing the new daffodils planted by Groby Brownies in the raised bed near to the main entrance.The Gardening Group has worked tirelessly during the last few years to

keep the Green looking tidy and attractive. This year the group will meet on the first Saturday of each month from 10.00am to 12.00 (noon), the time is flexible as some people prefer to come later and stay a little longer. In addition some plots have been ‘adopted’ by individuals or families and are worked on whenever the volunteers have time. The aim of the first meeting on March 5th will be trim back some of the trees and shrubs that border the perimeter path and collect litter from the bank. Much of this has blown from the A50 and is very unsightly. We hope to borrow thick working gloves and ‘litter pickers’ from the District Council, but strong shoes or boots would be advisable as the bank is very uneven. Please come and help if you can. An early date for your diary is the Easter Egg Hunt which this year will take

place on the morning of Easter Monday. More details nearer the time.We are still collecting stamps and have received a lot after Christmas.

There will soon be a box on the Green for you to put them in.

Chris Tordoff

The minister greeted a young lad at the church door one Sunday morning, and was impressed when the lad explained that though his father was going fishing, his father had insisted that his son come to church that morning. “And why is that, my boy?” The lad replied, “Dad said he didn’t have enough bait for both of us.”


Every 10 seconds, somewhere on Earth, there is a woman giving birth to a child. She must be found and stopped.

The view of Martinshaw Wood from the M1 bridge

Norman Griffiths turns on BBC Radio 4GRoBy listeners to the Today news programme on BBc Radio 4 on Saturday 22nd January must have pricked up their ears when they heard Martinshaw Woods mentioned during an item about the discussion that is taking place over the potential sell off of some publicly owned forests. A representative for the Woodland

Trust talked about the benefits of their management of Martinshaw Wood from the MI bridge as the traffic roared below.The consultation about the future

ownership and management of the public forest estate in England, that’s land managed by the Forestry Commission, has created an immediate impact with numerous organisations condemning the proposals. The Government would like to sell 40,000 hectares of woodland over the four years period 2011/12 to 2014/15.

Shift in ownershipThe consultation proposes

an approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate that would “create a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals.” It sets out the case for a move away from the Government owning and managing significant areas of woodlands in England and the principles which will guide the Government in deciding the way forward. The consultation proposes a “mixed model” approach to reforming the ownership and management of the public forest estate to create what is described as a far greater role for civil society, businesses and individuals. Views are invited on the mixed model approach, the criteria for deciding which parts of the estate fit within each model, the principles guiding each model, the safeguards for providing public benefits, and alternative approaches. They also invite views on the implications for the future role of the Forestry Commission in England of these proposals. As part of the consultation respondents are invited to complete a 15 item questionnaire, either by post or online. Full details of the consultation and the questionnaire can be found online at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/forests/index.htm or by using the direct link from www.grobyonline.tk

Woodland Trust disappointedThe Woodland Trust was quick

to respond to the proposals. “We are disappointed that there is no commitment to restore damaged ancient woods currently in public ownership. If these sites are sold, the current proposals cannot guarantee their restoration, one of the most significant contributions to wildlife conservation in a generation,” said Sue Holden, Chief Executive. She added that ancient woodland needs better protection than it currently has and “our initial reading of the consultation leaves us unclear as to the Government’s proposals about how increased protection could be delivered.” The trust is also sceptical about

the extension of the involvement of the voluntary sector. “While we fully support the concept of community ownership, we don’t believe that the charitable sector can be the solution to future care of all of the publicly owned heritage woodlands, as it will not have the resources to manage these for decades into the future without substantial and sustained government funding, said Sue. “We don’t believe the government has properly considered the feasibility of this option.”

Petition launchedThe trust is concerned about the

safeguards for ancient woodlands and has launched a petition which calls for -

Ancient woods to be treated as a special case in the Forestry Commission’s sell-off plans.Restoration of all the Forestry

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Commission’s damaged ancient woods (defaced by conifers) to their rightful place as jewels in the crown of our native woodland heritage.Closure of loopholes in protection for all ancient woods, to guarantee their public access and wildlife value, no matter who owns them.

If this is something you would like to support you can sign up to the petition online at http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/save-ancient-forests/Pages/fc-disposals-act-now.aspx?WT.mc_id=fc or follow a direct link from www.grobyonline.tk

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Words on the Street - meet an author“Words on the Street” is a series of author events held in leicestershire libraries in Spring 2011. it features a variety of major authors talking about their books.

RJ Ellory at Coalville Librarycrime novelist RJ ellory will talk about his career as a crime writer, and his award winning novels.he was the winner of the ‘Theakstons old peculier crime novel of the year 2010’ for ‘a Simple act of violence’ and has won 6 other crime fiction awards.Saturday 5 March 2.30 - 3.30pm

followed by book signingTickets available from Coalville

Library (0116 305 3565) – Special World Book Night Price £1.50

Lynda Page at Hinckley Libraryleicestershire’s very own bestselling saga writer lynda page talks about her life as a writer and her hugely successful family sagas.Wednesday 16 March 6.00 -

7.00pm followed by book signingTickets available from Hinckley

Library (0116 305 2500) price £2.50

Glyn Illife at Wigston Libraryhighly rated Market harborough based writer of novels set in ancient Greece. Glyn iliffe talks about his life as a writer, the road to publication and the depth of research needed to make history come alive.Thursday 17 March 7.00 - 8.00pm

followed by book signingTickets available from Wigston

Library (0116 305 3689) price £2.00

“If these sites are sold, the current proposals cannot guarantee their restoration”Sue Holden, Chief Executive, Woodland Trust


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My mind contains many good ideas but it is not always easy to squeeze one out.

Groby Gardening Society NewsOur A.G.M.Thursday evening of the 13th January saw over thirty members congregate for our annual General Meeting. Not viewed usually as the most entertaining

of evenings, it is nevertheless an important part of our year. Such strong support was welcomed by the committee as it reflected a real commitment by so many regular attendees. The large number was thought not to have been influenced by the free tea, biscuits and tea cakes! The meeting heard the Chairman’s report of the last year and were lead carefully through the finances by Eric, our treasurer. Tribute was paid to Molly, whose efforts with our charity support raised over £200. This was divided equally between The Air Ambulance and the L.R.I. Baby Unit. Next year we hope to support The Salvation Army and one of the Alzheimer’s support charities. The 2011 programme is complete and copies will be available from February onwards. Visits this year will include Liverpool and Ness gardens, with an overnight stay in Chester in The Crowne Plaza, The Shrewsbury Flower Show and to Hebb’s Farm Garden. A Fish and Chip supper is also planned for September. The committee and officers were re-elected unanimously, although Eric expressed the wish to continue as treasurer for only one more year. In addition, Di Marinari and Ted Hamm were welcomed onto the committee. Following the advice of our treasurer, members decided to keep the subscription at £6 per person per year.

A real January bargainBy any reckoning the £6 subscription must be seen as a great bargain. What do members get for this modest sum?

Access to ten monthly meetings which hopefully are informative and enjoyable.Free tea and biscuits at these meetings.A Christmas faith supper with entertainment.Access to subsidised trips (a 2 day, a one day and an evening trip this year.)Access to a well anticipated Fish supper.

The May Plant SaleMembers are reminded that the great success of this enterprise depends largely on the contribution of home-grown plants, particularly vegetables and herbaceous plants.

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So during the next month or two, it may be possible to propagate a few extra ones which we could then sell on.

Forthcoming eventsMarch 10th “Spring in the garden”

May 14th The Plant sale at The Village hall

June 9th Visit to Hebb’s Farm

July 22nd/23rd Visit to Liverpool, Chester & Ness

Gardens

The Village ShowShow schedules will shortly be available, either from the library or on the Spotlight web site (www.grobyspotlight.co.uk).

A Gentle reminder eric would like to receive subscriptions as soon as possible and remember, that although we welcome partners and guests on all of our trips, only paid up members can benefit from any subsidised prices. We always welcome new members and casual guests

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

Alvar Johnson

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LETTERRefuse collection problemsWell done hinckley & Bosworth Borough council. a new year and a new plan for collecting our ever increasing amount of refuse.

Mid-January the men tasked to implement it ran out of time and another Council had to assist. Their system was DIFFERENT! We had all spent time carefully sorting our recycling into different boxes, bags and bins only to see the ‘helping council’ sorting through our assorted collection and leaving behind bags because they didn’t fit in with THEIR rules and regulations.

Two weeks later we will try again...Oh the wind...It scattered our recycling far and wide because it is now sitting in flimsy blue bags.....

Worse than that.... From my vantage point I saw the refuse worker wheeling a black bin up the street and emptying all our sorted waste into it...... Yes!! Everything apart from the yellow bag waste.

As he did this, the light plastic contents were lifted high into the air and he, plus neighbours, were collecting it all up again....

AH. BUT Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council have been very clever in adding a hidden charge.....

If you pay them £15.00 a year they will rent you a bin into which you can put ALL your recycling, barring paper, the bin man wheels it to the lorry, puts it on the electronic lift, returns it to ‘somewhere near your house/drive’ and life goes on pretty much as usual.

It must have cost thousands....nay tens of thousands to produce the blue bags. The so called BLUE bins are black bins with blue lids.. Why Oh Why did they not just give us another bin with a BLUE lid. Handy for us, better for the ‘bin men’ and certainly would be would less confusing for everyone. Also probably as cheap to produce as the bags.

Hilary Sanders


Have children while your parents are still young enough to look after them.

New Breastfeeding Cafe in Ansteya Weekly breastfeeding cafe is running every Monday from 10th January at The crown inn, Bradgate Road, anstey on Mondays at 10-11.30am.Breastfeeding cafes provide somewhere

for mums to go with their babies to have questions answered about breastfeeding, to receive support in the early months of motherhood and to make friends with other ladies in the same situation.The Anstey group will be run by Jacqui

Francis-Ford, a Family Outreach Worker, and supported by members of the Charnwood BRAS (Breastfeeding Reassurance And Support) Group.The cafe is open to anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding. Jacqui says

“Please come along with your baby, meet other mums, enjoy a cup of tea and have any questions answered that you may have.”The Charnwood BRAS volunteers are a group of thirty women from

Charnwood who have completed the La Leche League Breastfeeding Peer Counsellor Programme so are trained to provide support to mums who are breastfeeding and give information to pregnant ladies about feeding their babies. For more information about the Anstey Breastfeeding Cafe please

telephone Jacqui Francis-Ford on 07825 060522 or visit the website at www.charnwoodbras.co.uk

Multi-Sports Event for half-term at Markfield Community Centre!WiTh half-term approaching, parents will be looking for ways to keep their youngsters amused and occupied.Between 21st and 25th February, Astar Sports will be running a fun multi-

sports course which is open to children aged 4-12 years.The course includes challenges and tournaments every afternoon

including football world cups and the Astar Sports Olympics.Sounds like great fun.It costs £9 per day or £45 for the week and runs from 10am - 3pm at

Markfield Community & Sports Centre.For details contact Eddie Fincham on 0785 536 2798.

A little boy’s prayer: “Dear God, please take care of my daddy and my mummy and my sister and my brother and my doggy and me. Oh, and please take care of yourself, God. If anything happens to you, we’re gonna be in a big mess.”


All men make mistakes but married men find out about them sooner.

Groby Online with Norman Griffiths

This month : www.grobyallotmentsociety.tk

GRoBy alloTMenT Society has just launched its new website, designed to help both current and prospective allotment gardeners. The website is very much work in progress and pages are being added as soon as they are completed, and reflect the new role of the Society in running the village sites.The Society has been

responsible for day to day management of the two Groby sites on behalf of the Parish Council for some years, and more recently the Council has granted the Society 25 year leases. This is the culmination of a process that started with the maintenance of the waiting list and allocation of plots and eventually led to the Society setting and collecting the rents and organising all aspects of site maintenance apart from those that the Parish Council retains as landlord.The current arrangements have resulted in a shift of responsibility and workload from councillors and the paid staff

of the Parish Clerk’s office to the allotment society volunteers, a saving for the Council Tax payers of the village. For those interested in allotment gardening the change has provided a noticeable improvement in customer service as enquiries and problems can be dealt with quickly. Over the years there have been other changes introduced by the members of the Society to ensure that allotment

gardening ceased to be a free for all and had basic rules which ensure that when tenants leave they do not leave a legacy of neglect or problems for the next tenant. Members have approved rules relating to the types and placement of trees as well as structures such as sheds, and the acceptable cultivation of plots. The website is designed to relate to all these aspects. Prospective tenants can view Google maps showing the

location and access arrangements for the sites and can print an application for a plot. Members thinking of planting trees or erecting a shed can download application forms and read the guidelines. This will make it easier for them and also for the volunteers dealing with their enquiries. They can also catch up online with the Chairman’s monthly article for the Spotlight along with any news and information that needs to be passed on. A few years ago Michael Pratt visited the Ratby Road allotments and took photographs of the rustic architecture in

the form of the allotment sheds. A fascinating montage of the results can be seen on his popular website www.groby.org.uk by following the link from the Society website.

Help for smokers to quitSMokeRS in hinckley & Bosworth who want to quit the habit, will be given all the help they need in the run-up to no Smoking Day on Wednesday 9 March.They will be given the

opportunity to have their carbon monoxide levels checked, pick up tips on quitting and get information about support groups and nicotine replacement therapies at two special events being held in Hinckley.The events are taking place at

Hinckley Market on 29 February and Morrison’s supermarket on 3 March from 9.30am to 3pm, and have been organised by the Borough Council’s Health Improvement Officer and professionals from the Leicestershire Stop Smoking Service.For more information on

quitting smoking visit www.nosmokingday.org.uk or check out the WeQuit Facebook application. Information on support groups in Leicestershire can be found on www.smokefree.nhs.uk or you can contact your local free NHS Stop Smoking Service by telephone on 0845 045 2828.

New clerk for Groby Parish CouncilWiTh effecT from Monday 31st January 2011 the new clerk to the council for the parish of Groby is Beverley Greenwood. The previous Clerk, Jack Fargher,

left recently to take up a similar post at Ashby Town Council.

Animal Adjectives QuizWe all know that Bovine means relating to cows, and that feline is to do with cats. But do you know which creatures the following adjectives are associated with?

1. formicine2. ursine3. Galline4. canine

5. piscine6. vulpine7. equine8. leonine

9. porcine10. lapine11. Tigrine12. lupine

13. Taurine14. caprine15. psittacineanswers on page 21

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

In my house, I’m the boss. My wife is just the decision maker.

New Dragon steps into the Denlocal entrepreneur and award-winning business woman hilary Devey is to join the next series of Dragons’ Den when it returns to BBc Two later this year.An experienced business woman with a proven track record, Hilary

brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise needed to scrutinise fledgling entrepreneurs when they enter the Den. Hilary launched her own business Pall-Ex in 1996, which helped

to revolutionise the pallet distribution industry in the UK and whose business model has now become standard across the industry. Unable to secure backing, Hilary sold her car and home to fund her company, which she has built up into a successful multi-million pound European business empire. She joins the other formidable Dragons, Peter Jones, Theo Paphitis, Duncan Bannatyne and Deborah

Meaden, who are all returning for the new series. Commenting on her new role, Hilary says: “At a time when the banks are failing to invest in British small

businesses, I am proud to be able to do my part to support the next generation of UK entrepreneurs.“In order to set-up Pall-Ex in the mid-Nineties, I had to sell my house and car to get the start-up capital

necessary to fulfil my business ambitions, as none of the banks appreciated my potential. I would have loved the opportunity to have stood before the Dragons, and I will remember my own experiences and the realities of running a business today, when choosing to support - or reject - the budding entrepreneurs joining me in the Den.”Janice Hadlow, Controller BBC Two, says: “Hilary is a welcome and impressive addition to the Dragons’

lair. With her extensive business experience, she will bring a new dynamic to the Den, turning up the heat on prospective entrepreneurs as they seek that all important investment.”Following its continued success, with audiences of over three million per episode tuning in to the last

series, Dragons’ Den has been commissioned for a further three series by Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two and Mark Linsey, Controller, Entertainment Commissioning.Production is currently underway on the series nine of Dragons’ Den. Entrepreneurs with a fantastic

business idea or product that is investment-ready can apply for a chance to make their mark in the Den with the aim of securing the backing of the Dragons. Would-be participants can visit bbc.co.uk/dragonsden for more information on how to apply.

Chris Evans Launches Children’s Writing CompetitionBBc Radio 2’s chris evans Breakfast Show today announced a unique short story writing competition, which aims to inspire children aged 13 or under to put pen to paper.Called 500 Words and launched in association with Hay Fever, the children’s programme of the Hay

Festival of Literature and Arts, the competition aims to inspire children to get creative and write a story with a maximum of 500 words about any fictional topic they choose. Entries can be submitted at the BBC Radio 2 website from today until 9.30am on Thursday 3 March 2011 - World Book Day. The competition is part of the BBC Year Of Books, a pan-BBC year-long celebration of literature which

invites audiences to free their imagination through the exploration, enjoyment and discussion of books. Chaired by Chris, a remarkable and inspiring panel of expert judges will select five finalists from a shortlist

of 50, all of whom will be asked to attend the Hay Festival on Friday 3 June, where The Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show will be broadcasting. The five finalists will have their story read out live on the programme by a celebrity, and the overall winner will be announced at the climax of the show.Chris said: “I can’t wait for all this to start. From the first words being dreamt up by our budding scribes,

to the five finalists and our star studded panel of glittering talent declaring the winner. It’s going to be a blast!”The expert judging panel will be helping to captivate imaginative young minds and inspire would-be

authors. They will be speaking to Chris at 8.15am across this week and will also feature in short films on the Radio 2 website, giving their invaluable tips to young writers. For further information about the 500 Words competition, how to enter and full terms and conditions,

please visit the Radio 2 website. The competition is open to 9.30am on Thursday 3 March 2011.

GizzajobWork Club started at Coalville Librarya neW work club aimed at helping people to find employment and improve their skills will be running at coalville library. The Coalville Library Work Club will run

between 1pm and 4pm every Tuesday initially for six weeks, starting on Tuesday 1st February, and is for anyone aged 19 years or older who is unemployed or at risk of redundancy. Staff from the library, the council’s Adult

Learning Service and advisors from Acorn Training and Next Step will be on hand to advise people and help get them back into work and training. They can offer help with CV writing,

searching for jobs over the internet, completing job applications and accessing training including computer courses and those around confidence building. The Work Club is in addition to the

successful Multi Access Centres (MACs) programme which has been rolled out across all 54 libraries in Leicestershire. The centres aim to help improve opportunities for local people wishing to start or return to work. Trained advisors can discuss education,

training and employment history and go through the options and opportunities available to people. As well as providing information, advice and guidance, advisors can also refer people to other organisations that may be able to help. David Sprason, Leicestershire County

Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities said: “I am pleased that libraries are taking an active role to respond to the needs of local people and that they are able to help people get back on the right track, be it through work or further education and training. Multi Access Centres are in all of our libraries and our staff are on hand to help in any way they can.” For further information about the Support

2 Work event or to arrange an appointment with the MAC Advisor at Coalville Library, please call 0116 305 3565. The library is on High Street, Coalville LE67 3EA.


Thought for the Month

If work was so good, the rich would have kept more of it for themselves.

Let life’s goodness flowall is well on this day, with this moment, in this place. Do what you do and experience what you experience.

Let go of the need to place a judgment on how things are. Choose instead to feel immensely and sincerely thankful for all that is, whatever it may be.

Peacefully accept the entirety of this moment and you’ll gain access to the fullness of its value. Choose to make full use of the unique opportunity that now presents itself to you.

Simply allow yourself to easily and peacefully do what you have chosen to do. Let your thoughts and actions be a source of inspiration and positive focus.

See the troubles, frustrations and disappointments as the opportunities they are. Know that you are fully capable of finding the goodness and value in every situation.

Feel the limitless power of your own awareness and the priceless miracle of your own being. Be at peace with it all and let life’s goodness flow.

Ralph MarstonCopyright 2011 Ralph S. Marston,

Jr. Used by permission.Originally published in “The Daily

Motivator” at www.dailymotivator.com

JottingsNews in Brief

with Norman Griffiths

Time Team on TV at lastThe people of Groby have had to wait nearly a year but the Time Team excavation of the area around the old hall will be broadcast on March 20th. The Groby Heritage Group plans

to invite those in the village who took photographs of the Time Team dig to display their photographs at a coffee morning at the Village Hall on Saturday 12 March, 10.0 – 12.0. The Heritage Group will be pleased to advise them on how to do the display in order to give it some uniformity. If you want to know more you can contact Alison Coates by email at [email protected] (don’t

omit the ‘c’ of her surname) or by ringing 0116 2876728.

Bloor’s decision awaitedMonths after the appeal hearing the inspector has still not delivered his decision. Hinckley and Bosworth Borough

Council has been told that it will not be published until the end of February, but this could drift into March. Meanwhile the village waits and hopes that no news is good news.

Poor quality outlook for Groby Poola few years ago the Spotlight reported on the condition of Groby pool when it was last assessed by the government department now known as natural england. As the next assessment was

due in 2010 this seemed a good time to enquire about the results. Unfortunately this has not taken place.“There has been no new

assessment of Groby Pool,” explained a spokesman for Natural England. “It is unlikely that the condition of the interest features will have recovered because water quality is still likely to be an issue for the Site of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI). Since the

pollution incident there will have been some recovery of the natural habitats (and normality) as well as recovery of the fish and other animal populations. However, the recovery will occur up to a certain point and will favour those species which are more tolerant of nutrient rich aquatic environments. Lowland water bodies like Groby Pool are being influenced by adverse water quality which is generally measured in terms of phosphate concentration. The source of the phosphate is generally the catchment and also the lake sediments which would have originated from the catchment in the past.In the case of Groby Pool,

phosphate levels were relatively high (for a lowland lake as measured by SSSI water quality standards) even before the pollution incident and trying to restore more natural phosphate levels is a really big challenge. This is likely to take a long time since it will require management of the phosphates coming from the catchment and also the phosphates which get released periodically from the sediments.” Natural England is still some

way off from achieving this, and as a result, believes Groby Pool is likely to remain in unfavourable condition for the foreseeable future, the spokesman concluded.

Untaxed vehicles may be towed awayThe owners of untaxed vehicles on the roads of Groby could find that their vehicles have been towed away. from the 31 January the Borough council has

authority from the Dvla to remove untaxed vehicles parked on public roads and highways.These powers allow for vehicles

to either be clamped for removal within 24 hours or be removed immediately.The vehicle owner will be charged

storage fees of up to £200 and will need to either produce either a valid tax disc or a refundable bond of £160 before their vehicle is returned to them. Neighbourhood Wardens and Parking Enforcement Officers will be on the look out for untaxed vehicles parked on roads and in public car parks as they patrol the borough.Councillor David Bill, Executive

Member for Community and Safety and Partnerships said: “People who are driving around in untaxed vehicles are being subsidised by everyone else. It is so often the case that cars that are not taxed are also not fully insured either. I strongly recommend that owners of untaxed vehicles should get them off the road as soon as possible.” Anyone who is a registered keeper

of a vehicle which is untaxed, is warned that it must have a Statutory Off Road Notification (S.O.R.N.) and it must be kept off the highway. If this is not the case, the keeper will be committing a criminal offence.

For Holistic Talks and Events: Visit: www.leicesterlectures.co.uk

For Holistic UK Hotel Hosted Weekends:

Visit: www.talkingbreaks.co.uk

A man goes to the doctor’s because his arm is covered in sores. ‘What do you do for a living?’ asks the doctor. ‘I work in the circus,’ says the man. ‘It’s my job to give the elephants enemas. I have to shove my arm right up their backsides and clean them out.’‘My goodness!’ says the doctor,

‘No wonder your arm is in such a state. Don’t you think you should look for another job?’‘What?’ says the man,

‘And give up show business?’


I recently turned sixty. Practically a third of my life is over.

Could Genius Be As Easy As Child’s Play?Why do some people have the gift of being able to visualise solutions to problems, whilst most of us have to rely on flashes of inspiration? is it possible for us all to improve our visionary genius?

The association between geniuses and their ability to see solutions has been known for a long time.

Scientist Albert Einstein is said to have discovered the laws of relativity by imagining ‘riding on a wave of light’ whilst fiction authors can often create worlds of such intricate detail that the story in their minds continues long after the manuscript is complete.

Another example is the scientist Nikola Tesla who was able to visualise complex machines from seeing the blueprint plan, run them for an unlimited period of time and in an instance see accurately where the machine was prone to fail.

Silvia Hartmann, author of “The Genius Symbols” believes that many of us have learned to repress our imaginations from a very early age. Whether it was by a practical minded parent or teacher saying to ‘stop daydreaming’ or to ‘get in the real world’, many children are encouraged to focus on their logical brain for solving problems.

This, Hartmann says, causes many people difficulties in later life as they attempt to work out complex problems logically rather than just visualising the solution.

In “The Genius Symbols” the author offers the reader a step-by-step process for asking their own unconscious mind logical questions and then interpreting the results to get logical answers back.

Hartmann said: “Many people are literally scared of their unconscious minds because of the long association with demons, dark-places and skeletons in the closet. This misconception of what the unconscious mind is, or is for, practically limits a persons own potential.

“The 23 symbols are training tools which allows us to ask any question we like. These could be big questions such as the meaning of the universe, or could be as simple as asking as what would uncle Bob like for a birthday present.”

Whilst written for an adult readership and containing adult themes, the newly released and fully revised second edition of the book includes a chapter for parents and teachers aimed at nurturing, enhancing and directing a child’s creativity for teaching visualisation as a life skill.

The second edition of “The Genius Symbols” by Silvia Hartmann was released on the 1st February and is available in paperback format (£24.97 plus p&p) from all good bookshops (ISBN: 978-1-873483-69-5) and in eBook format from the publishers website www.DragonRising.com

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 February & Sat 19th March ARRAN BRUDENELL, Tel: 0116 234 0548

Model Railway Show in Sileby on 19/20 Februaryonce again, for the 14th year, Syston Model Railway club are organising a MoDel RailWay eXhiBiTion at Sileby community centre, high Street, Sileby le12 7RX, near leicester on 19/20 february 2011. open from 10am to 4.30pm both days.This has become an annual event enjoyed by

everyone with an interest in railways. It is a family event with something for everyone, and where accompanied children enter for FREE.The Show features 11 layouts of all sizes including

Willowbrook Marsh (O), Welham Green (N), Trevanne Sidings, Market Roundham, Stamford East, Idridgehay and St Giles (all OO), Hemyock Road (12mm), Rowlesburg (40mm), Stump Ridge (On30) and Project Iraq 2003 (1/35).

“This year we have a real mix of layouts which should appeal to everyone including a small modern image layout built by the late Andy Calvert whose modelling skills at 2mm:ft were nationally acclaimed. This exhibit, Welham Green, is sponsored by Dapol Ltd. There is also an exhibit based on the allied military railway system in Iraq. Our exhibitions have always been family events and we are keen to continue this tradition. We have held our prices for the seventh year and remember, accompanied children under 14 are admitted FREE!’ said Chairman, John Malpus.

Past Exhibitions have been sponsored by Hornby, Dapol, Peco, Signal Box of Anstey, Acme Models of Sileby, and the Great Central Railway. However, we are really keen to attract more local sponsorship. Please contact us if you are willing to support the exhibition in any way.

The exhibition includes extensive trade support including both new and second-hand model railways, scenics, accessories, bargain books and plenty for kit bashers or those contemplating a layout for the first time.

Admission is £3 for adults, £2.50 for senior citizens. A family ticket (2+2) is £6 and accompanied children are free. There is ample parking nearby and food and refreshments are available. There is a large tombola stall.

The exhibition is situated only 2 mins from Sileby Station and only 5 mins from the A6 and A46 Leicester Western by-pass.

Syston Model Railway Society has been in existence for the past 30 years and meets weekly in Thurmaston. We are a small but very friendly club and have permanent large N gauge and OO gauge layouts. New layouts currently under construction include a 22’ long modern image DC/DCC container layout.

Our brand new N gauge layout “Pendlebury Parva” is progressing well. We are also in the process of renovating a 32’ long layout based on the Whitby area called “Selwick Quay”.Several members layouts have appeared at exhibitions and been featured in the national press.

Come and join us. Any enquiries please ring Chris on 0116 2605760. Also see our website at www.systonmrs.org.uk


I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early.

Hold a Fish and Chip Supper for Charity!

Great British Fish and Chip Supper – Friday 20th MayWant to do something different? Want to raise money where you live or work? Want to eat fish and chips, while raising money for charity?

Hold a fish and chip supper on Friday 20th May 2011 whilst raising awareness of spinal cord injury and supporting SIA’s information and support services.

You can hold a fish and chip supper in your own home, at work or hold a larger supper at your local community centre.

SIA will provide a fundraising pack containing hints and tips, recipes, invitations and donation envelopes. By inviting 7 friends and asking them to donate an additional £5.00 means you will raise at least £35.00 from your supper but we will also give you additional fundraising ideas to raise even more money for SIA.

Last year we had over 100 suppers taking part in England and Wales and we raised £6,000. In 2011 we want to double that figure and ensure we can provide more support to spinal cord injured people.

The money raised from the suppers will help the Spinal Injuries Association offer support to individuals who become paralysed and their families, from the moment a spinal injury occurs, and for the rest of their lives by providing services and publications which enable and encourage paralysed people to lead independent lives.

Community Fundraising Officer, Elizabeth Wright, says, “The Fish and Chip Supper is a wonderful opportunity for a great evening with friends and family. We are also encouraging people who work to hold a Fish and Chip Lunch in their work places to raise even more funds. You may be even a local community group wanting to run a fun evening with your group.”for more information or request a fundraising pack call elizabeth

Wright on 0845 678 6633 xtn 229 or email [email protected] or visit www.spinal.co.uk

The Great British

Supper

S

upporting Spinal Injuries Association

Friday 20th May 2011

The Great British Fish and ChipSupper is all about getting together,having fun and raising money forthe Spinal Injuries Association.To request a fundraising pack call:Call 0845 071 4350Email [email protected] www.spinal.co.uk/fishandchipsRegistered Charity No 1054097

Sponsored by:

The DisabilityInsurance Specialist

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I don’t think anyone should write their autobiography until after they’re dead.

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On how to ignore those staff appraisalsThe RectorySt. James the Least of All

My dear nephew Darren

So, your vicar has introduced staff appraisal for all the officers who work for your church, including yourself. it seems a very dangerous innovation; as far as i am concerned, ministry is only successful when parishioners have no idea what the clergy get up to.I imagine that he will look at the number of services you take in a year.

Funerals can only be increased if you resort to murder, which is likely to be frowned on – although I have often been sorely tempted during endless church council meetings. Perhaps if you take a flask of water wherever you go and if you find a baby unattended, you could resort to a spontaneous baptism. That would get your numbers up, even if returning mothers may marvel at the highly localised and brief shower that seemed to have taken place over the pram.He is bound to want to see congregations increasing. Get your youth

group to make cardboard cut-outs to place strategically in the pews, or maybe some of the local dress shops could loan you their mannequins for the day – preferably clothed, or it may make newcomers think that nudity is an essential part of worship at your church. That would be a shame if it discouraged them, but even worse if it encouraged others. With the electronic equipment your church has, holograms projected around the church would surely not be impossible; that way, it would look even more lifelike if the equipment made their heads appear to droop in sleep during the sermon.Visiting targets are easily increased. Compile a list of when parishioners

will be out and call on those days; a card through their letterbox will prove to your vicar that you were there. Should they happen to be in, mention that you are collecting for the fabric fund or that you want to discuss their prayer lives and they will immediately find a reason why they must excuse themselves for an important appointment. You are then free to move on to clock another visit.And that brings me to your prayer times. There is a fine line between

silent meditation and peaceful sleep. If you learn to take those 15 minute post-lunch naps in a kneeling position, they can then be logged as devotion, thus increasing your daily total. Trying to prove the effectiveness of your prayer life by claiming coincidences as miraculous answers may be a little presumptuous; you could just mention such things and then adopt a look that says you are far too humble to take any credit. That way, you earn double points.But you must record everything you claim – because next year, further

imagination will have to be applied to quantify another year of breathless success.Your loving uncle,

Eustace

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Hospice. Contact Vicki on 01530 230389.

Women’s World Day of PrayerFriday 4th March 2011Women’s World Day of prayer is a global, ecumenical movement of informed prayer and prayerful action, organised and led by christian women who call the faithful together on the first friday in March each year to observe a common day of prayer and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service.The service

is written by a different country each year and that country then becomes the focus of the world’s prayers on the day itself, which begins as dawn breaks over the islands of Tonga in the Pacific and continues across each continent until the last services of this special day are held back in the Pacific,on the islands of Samoa, circling the world in prayer for 36 hours. The symbol of the Women’s World

Day of Prayer was designed in 1982 for the service prepared by women of Ireland, both north and south, and was then adopted as the International Logo.The design comprises arrows

converging from the four points of the compass, four figures kneeling in prayer, the Celtic cross and a circle representing the world and our unity through all our diversity. Although organised and led by

women, this is essentially a day of prayer for everybody as we demonstrate our solidarity with our sisters and brothers in other countries and all are welcome to attend. Further information from:

www.wwdp-natcomm.org.

Animal Adjectives Answers1. Ants, 2. Bears, 3. Chickens, 4. Dogs, 5. Fish, 6. Foxes, 7. Horses, 8. Lions, 9. Pigs, 10. Rabbits, 11. Tigers, 12. Wolves, 13. Bulls, 14. Goats, 15. Parrots.


I asked Mum if I was a gifted child. She said she certainly wouldn’t have paid for me.

Groby Allotment

from the allotment point of view the 2011 season is well in hand, seed potatoes have been available from the suppliers since mid January so plot holders should have them already set out in trays for chitting. Blight is the dreaded disease

for growers both amateurs and commercial; just when we think our crop is almost ready for harvesting it strikes, and it’s quick and overnight, like the plague in medieval England. It doesn’t stop at potatoes; tomatoes are also its prey. We now have a club root resistant cabbage, cauliflower and now brussels available so why not blight resistant spuds. Well help may be at hand, if we fancy a GM modified crop. Opponents tell us that we don’t need modified genes in our food but all plants have genes in them, so why not bend a few to get a disease free crop? Three and a half billion pounds was the cost last year to growers due to blight. Given the right humid conditions spores can travel 20 to 30 miles on the wind to our allotments. It costs commercial growers £500 pounds an hectare to spray a field crop, what does that do to us? We cannot have access to such sprays so those we do have are feeble. In a few years I am sure that we will have the choice then it will be up to us.One of the first signs of life emerging from the ground on my plot is very

early rhubarb, inherited with the plot many years ago. As with all plants there they have their names but in the early days plants were passed around and names were lost or reinvented. Some people like it, others hate it; it originates from Siberia hence its tolerance to our mild frosts. It likes full sun or partial shade and as explained is very hardy. Good named plants can be obtained from nurseries but remember it could occupy the chosen planting site for many years to come, so choose a site with a neutral soil and dig in plenty of organic matter to a depth of 2ft, for once established it will not

New Government National Police Crime Reports Web Site LaunchedThe 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 stats 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

National Trust Leicester Association NEWSin an extremely rare move, english heritage has re-listed the elizabethan gardens at lyveden new Bield, near corby, as a Grade 1 site. This follows years of research and restoration by national Trust staff and volunteers amounting to over 30 man years of work.Sir Thomas Tresham started

building his “Garden Lodge” (virtually a small manor) and the garden in 1594. His plan was that his guests would walk from his main house through the garden to the garden lodge to dine and be entertained. Unfortunately all work was abandoned on his death in 1605 and the site left untouched for almost 400 years.Painstaking research transcribed Tresham’s original plans and planting

scheme together with three hundred letters which are housed in the British Library. Also a German Luftwaffe reconnaissance photo, dated 1944, was discovered in the USA showing the outline of a large labyrinth laid out 350 years previously.Restoration included clearing dense undergrowth, excavating the

Elizabethan canals, uncovering the large garden viewing mounds and even tracing the planting holes of the fruit trees in the orchard.Lyveden New Bield is open at weekends until 13th March and from

Wednesday to Sunday thereafter. The 300 trees in the orchard will be in blossom from late February until late April from when large areas of the site will be covered with wild meadow flowers.

The National Trust Leicester Association has an afternoon meeting on Wednesday 23rd February at the St John the Baptist Parish Centre, Clarendon Park Road, Leicester at 2.30pm when Dr Margaret Bonney will present a talk on WW2 Prisoners of War Held in Leicestershire. On Tuesday 8th March there will be an illustrated talk on the NT Museum of Childhood presented by Alan Tyler at the Premier Inn, Braunstone Lane East at 7.30pm.

Admission to both meetings is NTLA members £2 and visitors £4. For further information on the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman

•

•

From John Thornton


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

Society News

tolerate being moved. Digging too close will also upset it but weeding in the summer is not a problem as the large leaves form a canopy, which restricts light.By covering with a light proof upturned container it can be forced to

achieve an early crop which will prove to be sweeter.December is a recommended time to start planting and rhubarb plants

will be available from suppliers. Choose an early and a later variety for a continued crop. Do not be tempted to grow the seed on, as it may not be true to type. One final word is that it freezes well.In the kitchen its use is endless, it can be roasted with mackerel, fried with

tender loin of pork, roasted with duck, pigeon, or a freshly shot haslet! You could simply make a tart or a crumble. Strange as it seems the stalks are edible but the leaves, which look like elephants’ ears, are very poisonous containing oxalic acid. As with many things it is wise to know what to eat.

Although only 3ins high this shoot will form an impressive plant which last year had a bird’s nest hidden in it.

Photographed late January.

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LETTERi Think we should site the War Memorial in the disputed field next to the cemetery. We should make this site the “Village Green” with this memorial in it to

make this the Village Focal Point.This would stop all these housing planning applications in the future. For a Village this size not to have a Village Green is unusual. Where is the

Central focal point? Is it the Village Hall, or Stamford (private place)?

Ash Kotecha


Never tell a lie unless it is absolutely convenient.

Confidence At WorkBy Ros TaylorBeing confident is the foundation of success. it empowers you to do more and to do it better. confidence at Work will teach you how to understand and cultivate confidence at work in order to get ahead.Beginning with a detailed questionnaire

to help you find your confidence quotient (CQ), and tackling the issues of body language, emotional capability and influencing skills, Confidence at Work will teach you the secrets of charisma. It includes 20 case studies of successful people from all walks of life and professions, interviews with head-hunters to find out what they look for in an ideal candidate and other essential advice to help you become a sellable commodity.Packed with valuable insights and theories, Confidence at Work

is an essential read if you want to get promoted or change your job or career. Confidence at Work is the key guidebook on the journey to confidence.Ros Taylor is a leading UK psychologist, successful

businesswoman, accomplished author and TV and radio presenter and is Visiting Professor of Leadership at Strathclyde Business School. A clinical psychologist and managing director, she travels the world developing the potential of employees through the Just Leadership programme which she has formulated. One of the three key presenters for BBC Two’s Confidence Lab, she is also the author of Confidence in Just Seven Days. Newspapers have described her variously as ‘the guru of personal development’ and ‘the best motivational speaker heard this year’. She was named by The Independent on Sunday as one of the top ten coaches in Britain.

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Lost: Cockatiel

a peT cockaTiel - coco - owned by Sue and paul Barratt at Sevenoaks Garden centre escaped at the end of January.He was carried by strong winds towards

Groby Pool.If anyone has seen Coco or knows of his

whereabouts, please contact Sue or Paul on 01530 249815.(The photo above is of a very similar

Cockatiel.)

R&P Lettings opens in Glenfielda BRanD new lettings Business has opened to service the requirements of landlords and tenants in the Groby/Glenfield area. They first opened their doors

on the 1st of January this year. R&P Lettings are now attracting Landlords and tenants.Paula and Roy are landlords

themselves and now bring their combined experience and knowledge of lettings to the Groby/Glenfield area.Paula has lived in Glenfield for 40years.For more details visit www.rplets.

co.uk or any queries email [email protected]. or telephone Roy or Paula on 01530 272020.


I tried some of that revitalising shampoo. My hair was awake all night.

THE FoLLowINg incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during January 2011.

Description groby Field Head

House Burglaries Actual: ratby road (3), timberwood Drive, Crane-Ley road Attempted: None

5 Actual 0 Attempted

0

Garage, Shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: ratby road, Windsor Avenue, Highfield road, Newtown Linford Lane, Queensmead Close Attempted: sycamore Drive

5 Actual 1 Attempted

0

Theft of Motor Vehicle: Markfield road, Bradgate Hill

2 0

Theft from Motor Vehicle: timberwood Drive, Markfield road

2 0

Damage to Motor Vehicle: parklands Avenue, stamford Drive

2 0

Non-Domestic Assaults 5 0

Anti Social Behaviour Incidents 5 0

Crimes That Don’t Affect Residents Homes or Cars Theft: 2 / Damage: 2 / Other: 4

8 0

TOTAL (Actual) 34 0TOTAL (Attempted) 1 0

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

Information supplied by Martin Cartwright Secretary - Groby Branch neighbourhood Watch

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

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

nHW meets at Groby Village Hall, new room to the rear of the main hall.

NEXT MEETINg: Thursday 10th March 2011 at 7.30pm

Crime Figures for Jan 2011 SCOTT’S PLASTERING & BUILDING SERVICES

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Brain Teasers - answers on page 31

A girl who was just learning to drive went down a one-way street in the wrong direction, but didn’t break the law. How come?The rope ladder of a boat hangs over the side of the boat and just reaches the water. Its rungs are 8 inches apart. How many rungs will be under the water when the tide rises 4 feet?How many times can you subtract the number 2 from the number 32?

1.

2.

3.


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1st Prize: a £20 Meal voucher to spend at The Old Thatch!

2nd Prize: a £10 DvD hire voucher to Spend at Glenfield Moviezone!

foXeS WoRDSeaRch

I like to do all the talking myself. It saves time and prevents arguments.

LAST issue’s first prize winner was MRS. kay peel of Woodbank Road, Groby. You win a £25 Meal Voucher to spend at Frankie & Benny’s New

York Italian Restaurant & Bar at Meridian Park, Leicester. The winner of the second prize - a £10 DVD Hire Voucher to spend at

Glenfield MovieZone - was chRiSTine JaRMan of Markfield Road, Groby. Congratulations! Your vouchers will be with you within 21 days.

if you can find 12 leiceSTeR ciTy playeRS in the Wordsearch grid above, you could win a £20 Meal voucher to spend at The old Thatched inn, Main Street, Stanton under Bardon, leics. - or a £10 DvD hire voucher to spend at Glenfield Moviezone (see ad on page 17).All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 Leicester City players. These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).Send your marked entry forms to: Sven’S Men, Groby & field

head Spotlight, po Box 8, Markfield, leics. le67 9ZT to arrive by Wednesday 2nd 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 Old Thatch meal voucher and the sender of the second will win the Moviezone DVD hire voucher. Good luck!

Here are the 12 leicester city players you have to find: ANDY KING • BEN MEE • BRUNO BERNER • CHRIS WEALE

DARIUS VASSELL • JACK HOBBS • LLOYD DYER • MATT OAKLEYPAUL GALLAGHER • RICHIE WELLENS • SOL BAMBA • YUKI ABE

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

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

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

Last issue’s winners

Council urged to back cheque campaign

The leaDeR of hinckley and Bosworth Borough council, cllr Stuart Bray, has thrown his support behind a campaign to save cheques. The Payment Council, a group made up from 28 of the big banks and

financial companies have decided to phase out the cheque by 2018. Cllr Bray has submitted a motion to the next meeting of the Council urging

it to back a campaign to keep cheques. Cllr Bray said “Scrapping cheques without an adequate alternative will

hurt many charities and community groups, small businesses and some of the most vulnerable people in the country. “It’s time the banks listened to people and let people have the choice to

keep using cheques. I hope the whole council will back the campaign.” Hinckley and Bosworth Liberal Democrat councillors are also running a

petition to save cheques, this can be signed at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/savethechequebook

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

He’s very religious. He won’t work if there’s a Sunday that week.

i am police Sergeant 124 Matt TRoTT and i am the new neighbourhood Sergeant for the area of Markfield, Ratby and Groby.As part of my role I intend to

give frequent updates in regards to crime and anti social behaviour in your area. Markfield, Ratby and Groby are all covered by an area that we refer to as Beat 30. Beat 30 has a team of 6 dedicated officers and is also supported by response officers who work from Hinckley. Due to the geographic nature of Beat 30 there are similarities in crime trends across the 3 villages. This first update on local crime will cover from the New Year to the 04th February. I intend to give further updates on a fortnightly basis but I will send out bulletins to the neighbourhood watch coordinators if we begin to have an emerging issue that you need to know about.

Burglary Since January the whole of

the Beat 30 has suffered from a spate of domestic burglaries. In Markfield the preferred areas were Leicester road and the field head estate, Ratby was affected on Station Road, Markfield road and the lanes leading off of that main route, Groby was affected on Ratby Road and adjoining side streets. This would suggest that travelling criminals were targeting all 3 villages and using the main routes through as a crime corridor. Due to increased Police activity in the area and an observant member of the community a suspect who lives outside of the area was arrested by the local Neighbourhood Action Team, he has now been remanded in custody and will hopefully be remaining in custody for the foreseeable future. Since this arrest this series of burglaries appears to have stopped with none being reported in the past few days. I would urge all residents to remain vigilant as we are near to the main arterial routes of the A50 and M1 which gives easy access to passing criminals.

Burglary other Than DwellingsThis includes garden sheds,

garages and farm buildings are an easy target for petty thieves, as these often have very little security and are full of expensive items such as bikes, lawn mowers and tools. This type of crime is also spread across the 3 villages but Groby would appear to be an area of concern especially in the area of Oakmeadow Way where there has been 5 reported incidents since the New Year. We are increasing patrols in this area and would urge

you to ensure that your valuables that are being kept in outbuildings are marked with postcodes or with products such as smartwater.

vehicle crimeThis includes the theft of motor

vehicles and theft from motor vehicles. Across the 3 villages we have had thieves who have targeted cars for items such as Number plates, catalectic converters for scrap metal and items such as Sat Navs. Also a growing trend locally and nation wide is the theft of fuel due to rising prices on the high street. Again the main arterial routes through our area would appear to the main routes used by these criminals. Please take all valuables from your vehicles and consider if you don’t travel far is it worth keeping a full tank of fuel.

anti Social BehaviourCompared to previous years

reports of ASB have dramatically reduced with only a hand full of incidents being reported since New Year. This may be due to the cold weather but I should highlight the hard work of the local beat team who have been out on the streets tackling this issue. Local youths have targeted and steered towards diversionary activities, others who would not engage with the Police have been dealt with through enforcement. To reinforce the message to youths our beat officers are building closer links with the local schools and becoming a regular feature in day to day school life with children in the area.

Bike patrolsIt is my intention that there should

be an increase in cycle patrols in the area. This gives us the flexibility to cover larger areas and still be accessible to the community. It increases a visible presence and we can get to places that cars cannot reach and stop to talk to people. To assist in this we are asking for sponsorship or personal donations for us to buy more bikes.

I have carried out a similar plea to the Beat 29 Neighbourhood Watch and we have already had some expressions of interest from local businesses and offers of personal donations. The bikes cost £384.00 plus VAT and we currently only have 2 which are kept on beat 30 for local patrols. To double this number would be a great achievement by the community.

My future updates will hopefully not be so long winded as they will cover a fortnightly period. Please do not hesitate to contact Leicestershire Constabulary or your local beat team if you wish to report any suspicious activity.

PS 124 Matt TROTT

Police Report from police Sergeant 124: Matt TRoTT

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

Parkour arrives in the UK The laTeST innovation in extreme sports has hit the uk, after a new range of urban inspired recreational equipment was launched by lappset playworld, a leading fitness and play equipment company.The Lappset Parkour Solutions range allows both beginners

and enthusiasts to practise the discipline of parkour. It has been designed in collaboration with parkour professionals, and was recently chosen as Sports Product of the Year 2010 in Finland. Originating in France, parkour is the art of travelling from one

point to another, negotiating obstacles along the route such as buildings and street furniture as efficiently as possible. It has been steadily growing in popularity, and although traditionally practised in urban environments, it is now possible to purchase equipment specifically designed for parkour users that can be installed anywhere. Chris Jones, Managing Director of Lappset Playworld UK, said: “Although

you may not have heard of parkour, you would probably recognise some of the moves from action films. It’s obviously not ideal to jump on to buildings but the Lappset Parkour Solutions range allows users to practise all the moves they are accustomed to but in a much safer environment. “The great thing about parkour is that it encourages people of all ages to

give it a go. Teenagers that may not be interested in conventional sports are being urged to ‘kill the sofa’ and participate in parkour, which allows them to exercise without competition or judgement. The fact that our equipment has been recognised on a global stage is a sign that we really are at the forefront of this latest trend.” Typical parkour movements include various jumps, overcoming and

passing under obstacles, climbing and hanging. Lappset Parkour Solutions is made from high quality materials, such as galvanized tubes and high pressured laminate (HPL), and mounted securely with concrete.

According to www.parkour.com/research, parkour is more popular than skateboarding, BMX, surfing and snowboarding in the top 20 videos of each category on YouTube.Chris Jones continued: “Parkour practitioners are known for respecting

their environment which is why we believe this range could be particularly useful in disadvantaged areas where traditional recreational facilities are vulnerable to vandalism. As the social networking sites show, parkour really is going to be the next big thing and we would advise people not to miss out on this opportunity to purchase this equipment for their community.”For more information on Lappset Parkour Solutions, or the extensive

range of alternative products available, visit www.lappsetplayworld.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 01536 412612.

An example from the Lappset Parkour Solutions’ range

little acornsTea Room & Restaurant

Serving DeliciousHome-Made Fayre

Tues – SunBooking AdvisableFor Sunday LunchT: 01530 245123

Within SevenoaksGarden centrenr. Groby pool

I bought some travel sweets but they were useless. I ate the whole packet. Didn’t go anywhere.


The yeaR started off with a visit to The curve to see The king and i. From all reports it was wonderful,

one of the best the Theatre has done since it opened. Spectacular costumes and scenery and of course we must not forget the scene stealers, the children. Our meeting this month was

Sainsburys and Fair Trade. Now I know we have had talks on this before but more new facts came to our notice. Sainsburys, it appears, is now the largest store selling Fair Trade commodities, they cover most items. Karen No. 1 lady (we had two Karen’s) asked us if we knew what the Fair Trade logo represented. It turns out to be a chappie carrying something or other. I hate to admit it but I just couldn’t see it myself but most of our members said they could. Forgetting that, I can say I am now a lot wiser about bananas. Did you know that we import 8 million of these averaging about 12 per person. Just a little more info on bananas, to get a straight one it has to be grown in a tube, who wants a straight one anyway? From some of their proceeds from this fruit Sainsburys have put in two water pumps in some part of Africa. Everyone knows Fair Trade chocolate but other items such as roses from Kenya, apparently the climate is made for the growing of them, (my husband says he can never smell them) coffee from Columbia and sugar from Malawi are just a few countries who depend on this business. Karen also explained the now

compulsory traffic light system which must be on packaging. Green - low calories, red – high in fat etc. They have joined with Morrisons and have insisted that it’s only “line” fishing” from around our shores. This means that actual lines

17th Feb Rations of WW2 – Demonstration of Wartime Recipes

Jane Arnold

l7th Mar The Childrens Air Ambulance Greg Porter

21st April Corsets & Camis, Swimsuits & Smiles

Maggie Rampling

l9th May Resolutions and Fuchsias Geoff Smith

l6th June Concordia Theatre Hinckley Judy Peakfield

21st July Wet on Wet Painting Jayne Good

l8th Aug Over the Waves Bridget Blair

l5th Sept Comedy Magic Show Joy Henderson

20th Oct Secret Kitchen Jane McGovern

l7th Nov Annual General Meeting

l5th Dec Cliff as “If ” Will Chandler

are thrown out, pulled in and only the regulation size fish are kept, the remaining thrown back. The fishing boats are day boats only, so both companies only have fresh local fish on their counters. Chickens and meat products all come from inspected producers. We actually finished with the two Karens getting us to do a game. It was Mr. Right and Mrs. Left. We passed a parcel to a commentary from them about

Mr. and Mrs. doing the shopping. Firstly, we had directions to get there, this then took us inside when we went up and down the aisles, left and right of course. It was a real children’s game but it was very amusing, the winner receiving a bar of chocolate, which luckily was shared.

Our Luncheon Club did not help our New Year Resolution to diet, so what! If we can’t let ourselves go just occasionally (which gets more frequent) why not? We have had the final of the Group Skittles Competition. The bad news is that we lost to Anstey, the good news is that we don’t have to look after the magnificent “silver” cup (the size of an eggcup) for a year. One year when it was due to be presented to the winners, the previous winning team forgot to bring it (it’s so small it’s usually put in a cupboard and forgotten about). So the winning team were presented with a mug hurriedly got from the kitchen and that was handed over. Actually I preferred the mug to the cup.The 2011 programme is now out

- see below. If you see anything you fancy why not come along to our third Thursday in the month meeting. You are very welcome. As you know we are at the Village Hall (next to the Library, opposite the Post Office) and our meetings start at 7.30p.m.

Margaret Gamble

~ Groby WI News ~

Programme of Events for 2011

we come from the earth, we return to the earth, and in between we garden


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

Every Thursday, 10.00—11.30am.

Sunday services: please see websites and church magazines St. Philip and St. James

www.bradgateteam.org.uk Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090 United Reformed Church

www.grobyurc.com Mrs Norma Whittaker 287 6606 Children/Youth Worker

Deb Goodhead 07730 596309

Alpha Course Wednesday evenings at the village hall. For more info, ring 231 3090 or 231 2038

What’s New on DVD

Saw: The final chapter (18)As a deadly battle rages over Jigsaw’s brutal legacy, a group of Jigsaw

survivors gathers to seek the support of self-help guru and fellow survivor Bobby Dagen, a man whose own dark secrets unleash a new wave of terror.

Skyline (15)The residents of Los Angeles are awakened in the dead of night by an

eerie light beaming through the window. Like moths to a flame, the light source is drawing people outside before they suddenly vanish into thin air. As the world unravels around them, our band of survivors soon discover they must fight for their lives against the onslaught of a mysterious alien horde. Who or what are these extraterrestrials and how long before mankind succumbs to their overwhelming power? Skyline is a high velocity special effects bonanza in the tradition of Cloverfield and 2012.

Social network (12)They all laughed at college nerd Mark Zuckerberg, whose idea for a social-networking site made him a billionaire. And they all laughed at the idea of a Facebook movie--except writer Aaron Sorkin and director David Fincher, merely two of the more extravagantly talented filmmakers around. Sorkin and Fincher’s breathless picture, The Social Network, is a fast and witty creation myth about how Facebook grew from Zuckerberg’s insecure geek-at-Harvard days into a phenomenon with 500 million users.

london Boulevard (18)An ex-con from South London (Colin Farrell) tries his hand at starting over as a handyman for a young starlet (Keira Knightley) in this crime drama from THE DEPARTED’s screenwriter William Monahan, who will make his directorial debut with this project. Ray Winstone, David Thewlis, and Anna Friel co-star.

Don’t spend your life trying to please those who won’t cry at your funeral.


What’s On At Our Local Pubs & Clubs

S G SSHOOTER GARDENING SERVICES

FENCING

NEW & REPAIR WORK UNDERTAKENALL WOOD IS PRESSURE TREATED

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

groby Ex-Servicemen’s Club Leicester Road, groby Tel: 0116 287 1809 www.grobyclub.co.uk nOTICe TO MeMBeRS new Members Welcome Fri 11 Feb: Lee WAInWRIGHT Sat 12 Feb: SHAUn eB Sun 13 Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 18 Feb: VeLVeT SOULS Sat 19 Feb: JORdI Sun 20 Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 25 Feb: PReMOnITIOn Sat 26 Feb: Tommy TILLBROOK Sun 27 Feb: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 4 Mar: FLAVOUR Sat 5 Mar: LOUISe CLAIRe Sun 6 Mar: Super Sunday ‘50’ Fri 11 Mar: KARL ReId Sat 12 Mar: dOUBLe VISIOn Sun 13 Mar: Super Sunday ‘50’ BIG SCReen SKY SPORTS (See Ad on P.13)

The Stamford Arms Leicester Road, groby Tel: 0116 287 5616. (SUndAYS are 3 ~ 6pm) Sat 12 Feb: STOnePARK (Valentine Special) Sun 13 Feb: WeLLAnd VALLeY STOMPeRS Sat 26 Feb: GIn & TOnIC Sat 12 Mar: Mid-Life CRISIS Sun 13 Mar: WOOdVILLe Men Sat 19 Mar: SOULd OUT KARAOKe ~ every Wed OPen MIC ~every Thurs QUIZ – General Knowledge + Find the Joker ~ eVeRY Sun QUIZ – Music ~ eVeRY Tues

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

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.8)

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute nights £2 entry after 7pm. Sat12 Feb: ROd STeWART Fri 25 Feb: MOTOWn Fri 11 Mar: MeATLOAF Quiz nite: every 2nd Tues WeddInG FAYRe on Sun 20th Feb 11-4pm

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKe nights:- Sats 12 Feb & 26 Feb (’King of the Road’)

The Steam Trumpet 286 Main Street, Thornton T: 01530 231 258 Fri 25 Feb: LAdIeS nIGHT (Tickets £15 – 7pm Start Buffet, Champagne Cocktail, Raffle, Medium, Reflexologist, Beauty Therapist & The Pampered Chef.) every Sun: QUIZ 7.30pm – Cash pot prize roll-over.

Answers to Brain Teasers on page 25She was walkingWhen the tide rises 4 feet, the boat and its ladder will also rise, so no rungs will be under water.Once. After you subtract 2 from 32, you subtract 2 from 30, from 28, and so on.

1.2.

3.

The challenge of retirement is how to spend time without spending money.

February 2011 Groby Spotlight

Documents

Transcript of February 2011 Groby Spotlight