September 2012 Groby Spotlight

NEXT ISSUE OUT: Saturday 13th October - Advert/Articles needed by 29th September

Groby Wobblers raise £1,450

Chests out and best foot forwards. that’s how the some ladies of Groby WI set forth on their tour around the Village. This was in aid of Glenfield Breast

Care at Glenfield Hospital. All this came about because one of our best loved members has twice over the years has had the benefit of this wonderful Unit. We called for anyone brave enough to wear a bra and walk around the Village. The variety of bras was amazing.

I thought myself daring wearing an emerald green one with big black polka dots (donated by my daughter) but the others left mine in the shade. I didn’t know balloons could be used in such a manner, there were even tassles. One lady had stitched dozens of coloured buttons on and the most outstanding was our ‘special lady’ herself in a pink tutu, tights, boas and some concoction on her head.

As we walked along swinging amongst other things our buckets we accosted or were accosted by generous well wishers. I can’t remember the last time I had a car hoot at me, thinking about it, it must have been an old fashioned car hooter. Anyway we received lots of encouragement. Back at the Village Hall, a welcome cuppa was received made by those who were unable to do the walk.All this raised an approximate

much appreciated £1,450 for the Unit. This was far more than we had hoped for. I must give thanks to everyone who donated and helped. A special thanks to two new ladies to the Village who just came and joined us, a Grandad pushing a buggy and friends of members. We hope to do this event next year so look out for the Groby Wobblers and come and join us, its in a very good cause.

Margaret Gamble

Street Fair team find the winning formulaNorman Griffiths reports on another successful day the sun came out on the day of the Groby street Fair and so did thousands of local residents. For a single day Markfield Road

was transformed from somewhere that you dodge the cars and buses on their way to the A50 to a place where you could safely stroll with children, browse the stalls, buy something to eat and drink, watch the family having fun and sit in the sunshine or shade listening to the music.The Street Fair is not a

commercial profit making enterprise – it is run by volunteers. This year the organisers had no Lottery Grant so they reluctantly had to introduce an admission charge to recover some of the £2500 they had to pay the County Council to close Markfield Road.“I did hear the odd comment

about the £1,” said one happy visitor, “ but I can’t complain. I spent the whole day there supporting the charities, enjoying the big band, the lovely Martinshaw School Choir, the magician and the jazz band late in the afternoon. It was great to see so many families enjoying the day, and the children’s fancy dress competition brought a smile to my face.”As the last visitors drifted away the volunteers started the tidy up

operation and soon all the tables and chairs had been stored away ready for collection and Markfield Road was reopened.“The Street Fair takes months of preparation and organisation,” said

Christine Sturgess-Smith on behalf of the committee, “and I would like to thank all those volunteers who have made it possible both in the planning and helping on the day. Thanks must also go to the people of Groby who give us their support and helped raise funds for the good causes that participate in addition to the traders. A special thank you must go to Jim Coley and his family. Not only did they entertain us but Jim stepped in and provided the amplification equipment without which we would have struggled.”

If you couldn’t be there you can see photographs of the day on www.grobystreetfair.tk.

Vacancy for a delivererthe spotlight has a vacancy for a deliverer in Groby.The vacant round is at Lime Avenue and comprises approximately

90 copies of the magazine. If you’re over 13 and you’d like to apply, contact Angela on 0116 287 9118 for more information.

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What did the mother broom say to the baby broom? It’s time to go to sweep.

More Street Fair pictures!

A very regal-looking Lady Jane Grey

Mayor Martin Cartwright lends a hand

Snow White brought along her dwarves

The Balloon Sculpter at workFancy Dress Winner - I’m a Duvet!

Photos by Norman Griffiths

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

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

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

Compiled and published in the Parish of Groby

& Field Head.

Printed in Ellistown by Norwood Press.

The Spotlight is a monthly compilation of articles, press

releases, events, general items of interest and news items

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

and local authorities.

The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily

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NEXT ISSUE OUT Saturday 13th October Advert Deadline:

Saturday 29th September

TO ADVERTISE: Call 01530 244069

Email: [email protected]

Ad rates: page 16

Morningside Rescues the LOROS Fireworks EventMornInGsIde Pharmaceuticals Ltd, based in Loughborough, heard that without a main sponsor the Loros Fireworks event would be cancelled and came to the rescue. Morningside has supplied quality pharmaceuticals and medical device products both in the UK and internationally for over

20 years.Diane Morris, Fundraising Manager for LOROS said “I am thrilled that Morningside Pharmaceuticals have agreed to

sponsor the LOROS Fireworks Event so that the event can continue. I am extremely grateful to them for their generosity and support of LOROS and very much look forward to working with them to raise further funds for LOROS. I have been overwhelmed by the response to our plea and feel humbled that so many people have come forward wanting to support LOROS.” The Caterpillar Cares Society, formed and run by the workforce at Caterpillar BCP Desford, have also agreed to donate a

significant amount to the event. The workforce has attended the event since it was launched. Dr Nik Kotecha, Chief Executive Officer for Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd said “Having seen the appeal by LOROS

in the media for a sponsor for their Fireworks Event, I felt I wanted to help such a worthwhile local cause. I know they support 2,500 patients and their families each year and the difference they make, so I had no hesitation in coming to their assistance once I knew the event would otherwise be cancelled. Events like these in the community play a major part in raising funds for charities and I am extremely pleased that the sponsorship from Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd will help generate valuable funds and provide a fantastic night of spectacular fireworks and entertainment.”

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-September 2012 • Tel: 015�0 2440694

High heels were invented by a woman who was kissed on the forehead.

LOROS LOTTERY IN GROBY

Urgent – Can You Help?Loros is urgently looking for a commission paid or volunteer collector to call on members of an established lottery round in the Brantings area of Groby. Calls are made on a four weekly basis. As this is a long standing vacancy, we are now desperately looking for

someone who has a couple of hours to spare and could help. Would you or someone you know be interested in collecting LOROS Lottery subscriptions on an established round? There is no cold calling involved and everyone on the round has

indicated that they would like a collector to call. It is a lovely way to meet new people, maybe you have just moved house and don’t know anyone in your area? It is also a good way of getting some exercise and, if you choose to take commission, a way of earning some extra money. Most importantly, it is a very worthwhile way of supporting LOROS. Give the Lottery Office a call on 0116 2318430 if you would like to

have an informal chat and find out more about becoming a LOROS Lottery Collector.

Groby Players

Laying the GhostA dAte for your diary. Groby Players are to perform a play entitled ‘Laying the Ghost’ by simon Williams. the dates are november 8th/9th/10th in Village hall, Groby. Tickets will be on sale

on Saturday mornings in OCTOBER, between 10am-12 noon in the Village Hall, Groby or tel/text 07790 861033 or 0116 287 7373, alternatively email: [email protected]

The decline of the necktieLook around your workplace – how many men are wearing a tie?

It seems that the tie could well follow the top hat into the fashion museum within 50 years, according to office surveys.

Nearly three-quarters of us believe that the tie will not survive the growing popularity of the open-collared shirt. As one office worker put it: “The success of businesses such as Facebook and Google, where even the CEO turns up wearing jeans and a hoodie, also seems to have had a corrosive effect on the idea of dressing formally for work.”

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5Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-September 2012 • Tel: 015�0 244069

If things get any worse, I’ll have to ask you to stop helping me.

Groby lads wow in Oliver at the Curvethree LAds from the Groby and ratby area wowed the crowds who went to see the recent performances of the community production of ‘oliver’ at the Curve theatre, Leicester which ran for two weeks in July/August. They were Sean Dodds who played ‘Bill Sykes’ for ten performances and ‘Mr Brownlow’ for three performances, Jordan Bakewell who was in the ensemble (both from Groby) and Tom Harrison from Ratby, who was also in the ensemble and was a workhouse boy.For those of you who saw the

production of ‘West Side Story’ last July, you may remember that Sean played the good guy ‘Riff ’ leader of the Jets gang. He has turned bad this year by taking on the evil ‘Bill Sykes’ and most of the audience did not recognise him as the same person.

Wheelie big boost for Coalville’s cycle network Work has begun on a £2m scheme to expand and improve Coalville’s cycle network. When completed, the new network

will span a total of 15 kms, connecting existing tracks in the town and vastly improving access for cyclists.It is hoped the ambitious Leicestershire

County Council scheme will help ease congestion by encouraging more people to leave their cars at home when getting from A to B.The work is just one initiative being

funded by the Choose How You Move Smarter Travel for Business Project. Led by the county council, the project

aims to boost sustainable travel, primarily in the Coalville and Loughborough areas, and make it easier for people to get to and from work and training.Work on the new network starts this month, with a section around the Birch Tree Roundabout. The overall scheme

has been split up into around 30 different sections, which will be completed over the next calendar year.Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “The proposed

network will make it much easier for people to travel around the town using pedal power.“We hope it will encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use their bikes for work, shopping and

leisure. “The works will cause some disruption but we are asking people to bear with us as the new network will be a real

boost for the town.”For more information or to comment on the proposed cycle network visit www.leics.gov.uk/proposed_coalville_

cycle_network


To be or not to be... I think it’s a trick question.

Will you pay £15 extra for your brown bin to

be emptied?Norman Griffiths looks at the Borough’s Priority survey 2012

In the LAst few weeks you will have received the latest edition of the

Borough Bulletin published by hinckley and Bosworth. By the time you read this you may

have consigned it to the recycling bin, so it’s now being processed at the plant in Coventry. You may not have paid much attention to the Priority Survey in the centre pages and like most people may not have taken time to complete it and send it to the Council. Last year there were only 502 responses, so if there are issues in the survey you feel strongly about it is well worth you completing the questionnaire and encouraging your neighbours to do the same. In the preamble the Council

explains that further ways have to be found of saving cash or generating more income, adding that your help is needed in identifying how to do this without impacting on the services that are most important to you. Your views will be used to help set budgets for 2013/14.

Generating extra incomeThe survey covers a whole range

of Borough activities and services but only includes two estimates of the extra income that could be generated by the changes proposed. One relates to car parking charges, which has options for freezing current charges for another year or increasing them by 5% to raise an extra £30,000.The other, tucked away

in a section on minimising the negative impact on the environment, suggests the introduction of a charge for collecting and recycling your garden waste. The Council is rightly proud of its achievement that 52% of waste is recycled with only 48% going to landfill. But the latest estimate is that 25% of the recycling is garden waste. Without the garden waste the recycling figure drops to just 36%.

If a new charge is introduced it could be of up to £15 per annum. Many councils make similar charges and locally this could generate an estimated income of £175,000 to £200,000 a year. The irony is that the Council wishes to maintain its national position as having the 10th lowest Council Tax level, but this will be little comfort to residents who find that their services are reduced unless they pay an extra £15 in addition to their Council Tax.The village of Groby is on the

fringes of the Borough area and many may feel that the Parish is overlooked when it comes to spending money and that many of the issues raised in the survey have little relevance for the village. The garden waste service is appreciated and well used locally because of the nature of the post war housing development and the relatively small proportion of homes without gardens, unlike some other areas. Many of those who make the most use of the service have homes with larger gardens attached to houses with higher capital values that already pay more Council Tax than homes without or with small gardens. Well tended gardens generate more garden waste and, along with the communal flower beds

financed by the Parish precept and not the Borough, help create a better environment for all who live in the village.

Minimising environmental impact?The garden collection service has

been refined over time and many will remember the early days of green bags. How much the local environment has benefited from the virtual elimination of the burning of waste in the garden or the dumping of it under hedgerows is difficult to quantify, but the likelihood is that this will increase. An occasional user of the service who opts not to pay £15 will need to make alternative arrangements to meet these occasional needs for waste that cannot be composted, either by sharing a bin with a neighbour, driving 12 miles to a recycling site or doing something else with it. It could be argued that a £15 charge is unlikely to minimise negative impact on the environment as the survey suggests but have quite the opposite affect.The question which some

residents may ask is whether this is the thin edge of the wedge, and the start of a process which introduces more charges for waste disposal over time. Although Governments have always denied that a ‘bin

tax’ could be introduced with micro-chipped bins that generate a charge based on the weight of your refuse, electors are well aware that manifesto promises can be broken and that at best promises are generally only definitive for the five year life of a Parliament. And once a charge is introduced there is only one way it goes.Given the task facing the Council

you may support the introduction of charging for refuse disposal or alternatively you may object to having a £15 hike in the amount you pay the Council for the same service. Either way you still have time to make your views known even if you have recycled your Borough Bulletin. Until 30 September the consultation can be completed online at http://www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk, clicking on the link to Priority Survey 2012.

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Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-September 2012 • Tel: 015�0 244069�

To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.

JottingsNews in Brief

with Norman Griffiths

Library computer income lower than forecastLAst month the spotlight revealed how new library charges for computer use hit village library users disproportionately. Seven hours use in Oadby and

Loughborough is free but costs £2 a week in Groby, £4 in Field Head and Markfield and £6 in Ratby. Even though the new charge was designed to raise revenue for the County Council it seemed unlikely that this postcode lottery for charges, which could amount to hundreds of pounds a year, was intentional. It was suggested that this was more likely to be an unexpected consequence of the change. This has at last be confirmed by the County Council, who have also provided the figures requested about the estimated revenue to be generated and the revenue to date, which has fallen far short of forecasts..“It would be fair to say the issues

that you have raised were an unexpected consequence of the charges,” confirmed a spokesperson for the County Council. “A forecast of £20,000 additional revenue was anticipated from this charge. However, early indications are that this figure may be challenging. To date, around £2,000 has been achieved. The charge will be reviewed this autumn although it is too early to say what decisions we will take as a consequence of the review.” Hopefully the charges will be revised to ensure that everyone pays the same rate for the same use wherever they live in Leicestershire.

Lost in the parkLAst winter a family enjoying the snow at Marina Park lost a mobile phone whilst building a snowman.It’s not known whether or not it

was recovered. Now there has been another loss near the BMX track. Will had been at the track with his son at the end of August. “I think I drove off with the video camera on the roof of my car,” he writes. “It most likely fell off in the car park or down Marina Drive, I have been back but not found it yet. Hopefully somebody honest has picked it up and I might get it back, even if just to salvage the

footage on it if it is broken.” If you have any information please phone 07809 462343.

Cathy Stephens Design WeekIt’s not often you get the chance to see behind the scenes at Cathy stephens Jewellery on ratby road. If you’ve missed previous

opportunities you’ll be pleased to hear that you can visit the workshop during the Design Week from Saturday 22nd to Saturday 29th September. “The workshop will be open to the

public during this time for them to take a tour,” said Pippa Stephens. “They’ll see the state of the art machinery that we use to make and repair jewellery such as our laser, and old favourites that you will find on a jewellers bench such as drills and torches. The tour would not be complete without a look at the polishing room where items are also barrelled overnight.” It will be possible to see Cathy’s skilled team working on actual jobs - from repairs to commissioned pieces being handmade from wire, sheet and precious stones. Cathy will also be on hand to offer

her design skills, turning customer’s ideas into beautiful jewellery either new pieces or using a customer’s own piece which has sentimental value. The shop will be open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.30pm, with the workshop closing 30 minutes earlier.

Quotes in for Quarry Park developmentGroBy Parish Council has received two quotes for the development of Quarry Park. The figures have not been

released but are believed to have only £3000 between them. The Working Party will have further discussions with the two contractors.

Turbines backALthouGh an earlier planning application for 2 wind turbines north of Anstey Lane was withdrawn the issue has not gone away. A new planning application for

turbines has been submitted to

Ratby Village Society Events

18th September 2012 - ‘My duties as H.M. Coroner’, by the Coroner for Leicester - Mrs. Catherine Mason16th October 2012 - Anne Halsey describes a rail trip from Toronto to Vancouver and into the Rockies, via the Rocky Mountaineer.

Members £1.60 - Visitors

£2.50 including refreshements - meetings start at 8.00pm in Ratby Village Hall.

•

•

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.

Buy a book, have a coffeeVillage libraries are all preparing for their book sales, though Groby residents are going to have to wait a little longer for theirs. The Groby sale will run from

Saturday 17th November for two weeks to Saturday 1st December. The opening day of the sale will coincide with the monthly Coffee and Chat morning at the library. These informal sessions enable visitors to have a cup of tea or coffee whist browsing and chat to folks that they might normally never start a conversation with. The sessions were introduced earlier this year but haven’t been as successful as was hoped. Jane says she’ll keep them going until Christmas as customers may appreciate the opportunity to spend a little longer in the library in the colder winter months. She’ll then review the situation. Unlike some other areas the County Council has so far managed to save it’s libraries from closure, but with continuing budget pressures who knows what the future will bring. So the old adage holds good – use it or you may lose it.

Bloors appeal appointmentthe Borough Council has agreed to appoint simon stanion of the Leicester based Marrons legal practice to act in the appeal by Bloors against the refusal of planning permission for land next to Groby cemetery.

Why every house needs some bookskeePInG just 20 books in your home can help boost your child’s chances of doing well as school. Regular access to books has a

direct bearing on pupils’ results, regardless of their parents’ education or social class.A study in Nevada has found

that providing a range of novels and reference texts could be the difference of your child leaving school at 18 and going to university, which can be worth up to £200,000 in lifetime earnings. “You get a lot of ‘bang for your book’” said one associate professor of psychology. “It’s a good return on a small investment.”

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A friend is someone who thinks you’re a good egg even though you’re slightly cracked.

Proms in the Park: 15th SepthInCkLey’s popular Proms in the Park musical concert will be staged next month after the original event was postponed because of bad weather.Organised by the Borough

Council, together with the Matthew Fulham Foundation, this year’s free concert will now take place in Hinckley’s Hollycroft Park on Saturday 15 September.It will feature two local school

orchestras, as well as the winner of the 2012 Hinckley and Bosworth Music Bursary, Samuel Howes from Hinckley. Redmoor High School Orchestra will open the event with a programme celebrating the Jubilee year and London 2012 including Ode to Joy, Music for the Royal Fireworks and Dancing Queen, and will be conducted by Sue Jackson.They will be followed by

percussionist Samuel Howes. Samuel won the £1,000 music bursary set up by the Borough Council and the Matthew Fulham Foundation. Samuel is a student at the Dixie Grammar School in Market Bosworth and the award will enable him to continue his music studies.Proms stalwarts, the John

Cleveland College Orchestra, conducted by Garry Sleath, will then begin their programme with a selection of show music. The evening will reach a rousing climax with the playing of traditional favourites including Jerusalem, Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.The event will start at 6pm with

Enderby Wind Band playing while the audience arrive and the event is due to finish at 9.30pm.

Pop Lyrics QuizListed below are the first line or lines of 10 popular songs.Can you identify the songs?Answers on page 30.

1. It’s a beautiful night. We’re looking for something dumb to do

2. There’s a fire starting in my heart Reaching a fever pitch, it’s bringing me out the dark

3. I used to rule the world Seas would rise when I gave the word

4. We’re no strangers to love You know the rules and so do I

5. Looking in your eyes I see a paradise This world that I found is too good to be true.

6. A long long time ago I can still remember how That music used to make me smile

7. Look into my eyes, you will see What you mean to me Search your heart, search your soul And when you find me there you’ll search no more

8. Well Sometimes I Go Out, By Myself, And I Look Across The Water

9. Everyday I hear a different story, People saying that you’re no good for me

10. I don’t wanna talk About the things we’ve gone through Though it’s hurting me Now it’s history

What NOT to do at your job interview!

Most oF us who are of working age have been to job interviews, and we’ve all spent most of those interviews thinking about what not to do. Don’t bite your nails. Don’t fidget. Don’t interrupt. Don’t belch. If we did

any of the don’ts, we knew we’d disqualify ourselves instantly. But some job applicants go light years beyond this. A survey of top

personnel executives of 100 major American corporations asked for stories of unusual behaviour by job applicants. The lowlights:

“...stretched out on the floor to fill out the job application.” “She wore a Walkman and said she could listen to me and the music at the same time.” “A balding candidate abruptly excused himself. Returned to office a few minutes later, wearing a hairpiece.” “...asked to see interviewer’s resume to see if the personnel executive was qualified to judge the candidate.” “... announced she hadn’t had lunch and proceeded to eat a hamburger and french fries in the interviewer’s office - wiping the ketchup on her sleeve.” “Stated that, if he were hired, he would demonstrate his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.” “Interrupted to phone his therapist for advice on answering specific interview questions.” “When I asked him about his hobbies, he stood up and started tap dancing around my office.” “At the end of the interview, while I stood there dumbstruck, went through my purse, took out a brush, brushed his hair, and left.” “...pulled out a Polaroid camera and snapped a flash picture of me. Said he collected photos of everyone who interviewed him.” “Said he wasn’t interested because the position paid too much.” “While I was on a long-distance phone call, the applicant took out a copy of Penthouse, and looked through the photos only, stopping longest at the centerfold.” “During the interview, an alarm clock went off from the candidate’s brief case. He took it out, shut it off, apologized and said he had to leave for another interview.” “A telephone call came in for the job applicant. It was from his wife. His side of the conversation went like this: ‘Which company? When do I start? What’s the salary?’ I said, ‘I assume you’re not interested in conducting the interview any further.’ He promptly responded, ‘I am as long as you’ll pay me more.’ I didn’t hire him, but later found out there was no other job offer. It was a scam to get a higher offer.” “...asked who the lovely babe was, pointing to the picture on my desk. When I said it was my wife, he asked if she was home now and wanted my phone number. I called security.” “Pointing to a black case he carried into my office, he said that if he was not hired, the bomb would go off. Disbelieving, I began to state why he would never be hired and that I was going to call the police. He then reached down to the case, flipped a switch, and ran. No one was injured, but I did need to get a new desk.”

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Holiday destinationsone In five Brits has never been abroad on holiday.

They are wary of the stress of airports, travel delays, high costs, language barriers, and the thought of getting ill. The survey, by Jungle Formula, found that even half of those who had made it abroad said that their break had been ruined by sunburn, travel delays or illness. Never mind the lack of a good cup of English tea.


A hug is a great gift... one size fits all, and it’s easy to exchange.

Groby Allotment Society News - from John Thornton

ObituaryGuy Womack, Treasurer Guy became our treasurer at quite a difficult time in the history of our society when we were taking the allotments into self-management, which entailed a lot of extra work for the committee. Guy, with the help of Judith his

wife, undertook the restructuring of his Treasurer’s office including rent renewal letters and collecting the money. He did this cheerfully and without complaint. He was always willing to do work outside his official duty. By using his draughtsman’s skills he completely remapped Orchard Close and Ratby Road plots. These drawings will be the official documents for many years to come and a lasting legacy to him. He was never a man to push himself forward. If we asked for advice or help he would be there. On top of all his extra duties he kept an immaculate plot. His friends entered his onions in the recent village show and much to everyone’s joy they took first prize, He will be greatly missed.

John Thornton

our AnnuAL holiday to Wells-next-the-sea would not be complete without a visit to the northfield road allotments. Wells is special in many ways but

none so much as the allotments. I have mentioned before about the sheep on a plot, well this year there are more and they now occupy a complete plot. Geese, fattening up for the festive season are again also evident. We saw a lady’s bicycle propped

against a shed so we wandered along the immaculately mown path and introduced ourselves to the lady watering a seedbed. She introduced herself as Trish le Gal. She must hold some sort of a record. She has six plots totalling just under an acre. They are all in excellent condition, two greenhouses and one poly tunnel. She has even found time to write a book: ‘The Hungry Gap’, in which she explains how to plant crops which provide food for the family between March and the beginning of June. This is a period when we may have taken our winter produce and are waiting for he new seasons crops to be ready. The Wells area of Norfolk is one of the driest regions in the country, with sandy soil, which is quick draining, so gardening becomes a challenge. During our conversation Trish

explained that she planted by the phases of the moon. This we knew

12 and this year we were blessed with fine weather. Our Produce stall did well, manned by members of our social committee selling out of the popular vegetables. We ran various competitions including growing the largest sunflower. Peter russell won the senior section and Megan and katie humphrey, the children’s section.

a little of but here it was evidently working.She offered to give us conducted

tour, which we accepted without hesitation. She explained that she is pleased to receive visitors, so if you find yourself in Wells go and find her. Well now back to Groby. We held

our allotment Open Day on August

Katie and Megan being congratulated by Ady Dayman

Trish’s shed - how many of us can keep a shed as tidy

as this? Trish Le Gal watering her immaculate allotment.

They are pictured (top photo) with Ady Dayman of BBC Radio Leicester, who presented their prizes. They received a certificate and a voucher for a canvas-mounted photograph, courtesy of member Craig Biggs of Pix 2 Canvas.

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Please Don’t Miss Mttg’s September Production

“HOBSON’S CHOICE” – a Lancashire comedy by

Harold Brighouse.Wednesday 19th To

Saturday 22nd SeptemberAt Thornton Community Centre,

at 7.30pm Nightly. Tickets For “Hobson’s Choice” are

priced at £5 (£4 Concessions)and are available NOW at THORNTON‘S CORNER SHOP, (on the corner of

Church Lane), or tel: 01455 822148 or from any Group member

the PLAy has been described as a mixture of “boots, booze, love and laughter”.As rehearsals progress, we are constantly aware of how well-written the

play is, and delight in the characters which Brighouse created.henry hobson, a widower with a weakness for the pub opposite, runs a

successful bootmaker’s shop in nineteenth-century Salford. If he could focus enough to peer through the alcoholic haze, he would see that he has three beautiful daughters, a talented assistant and a successful business. If he’s not careful, though, he’ll lose the lot. He drinks his profits and refuses to let his daughters marry as he tries forcefully to run their lives. Maggie, Henry’s eldest daughter, through sheer stubbornness,

determination and the occasional choice word, keeps her father and his business sailing in the right direction. Her heart seems as hard as her tongue is sharp, but perhaps there is one man who can bring about a most out-of-character change. Then there’s Willie Mossop, Henry’s talented boot-hand. He is the unacknowledged success behind Hobson’s business and a man for whom the phrase ‘wouldn’t say boo to a goose’ was surely invented! One of Henry’s daughters is about to turn the timid cobbler’s world upside down. Please come along to see our production – we can promise you an

entertaining evening and we would really appreciate your support.

Muriel Walker

Don’t forget to microchip your dog

Just A reminder that the hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s dog Warden service is holding a micro chipping event at Markfield Community Centre, Mayflower Close, Markfield on 24 september 2012 between 10am and 1pm. It only costs £10 for the Dog Warden to implant the chip under the skin using a special implant gun. No anaesthetic is required and the procedure should cause no more discomfort than a standard vaccination. Each micro-chip has a unique identification number, which is registered to the animal and the owner’s details are placed on a national database. This number can then be read when a scanner is passed over the chip, enabling the Dog Warden to search the national database to find the owner’s details. The owner can then be contacted and reunited with their dog. If anyone would like to discuss the micro-chipping service or arrange for their dog to be microchipped they can do so by contacting the Dog Warden Service on 01455 238141.

Ron Grantham

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“For good or ill, your conversation is your advertisement. Every time you open your mouth you let the people look into your mind.”


Always forgive your enemies but never forget their names.

The Bloors amendmentNorman Griffiths asks why five councillors opposed it

Most eLeCtors don’t have much contact on a day to day basis with those they send to the Parish, Borough or County Councils. They mark their cross on the ballot paper and let members get on with the task of

representing them. They probably underestimate the time or commitment that members put in and rarely turn up at the regular meetings of the councils to follow what is happening. They assume that although members are not generally mandated to vote in a particular way on any topic they will carefully consider the issues and vote accordingly. There must be many influences on the way they vote. They may not agree in principle with the proposition or they may consider it premature, ill timed or inadequate. They may feel that they would need further time to consider the implications but that is not an option. Or there may occasionally be political considerations.They will have a reason for deciding which way they vote. From the point of view of the

elector it is not unreasonable if, from time to time, they ask why they voted in a particular way, to understand what they were thinking. So it comes as a surprise when not one but five borough councillors decide that they do not wish to comment on the way they voted on an issue which doesn’t even affect the parish they represent.

Reasons for refusalIn July The Borough Council considered the latest application by Bloors to develop land

next to Groby cemetery. The planning officers recommended that the application be refused. Local councillors from Groby and Ratby felt that additional reasons for refusal should be added, and when an amendment to this affect was put to the vote 5 members opposed it. Nevertheless the amendment was carried and it was resolved that the application be refused for the reasons contained in the officer’s report and the following additional reasons: “In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposed development is contrary to the

objectives of Policy 8 of the Core Strategy which seeks to support the local services and the improvement of GP facilities in Ratby and Groby to provide for the increase in population, and contrary to Paragraph 72 of the NPPF which seeks to ensure that a sufficient choice of school places is available to meet the needs of existing and new communities. Paragraph 72 of the NPPF requires local planning authorities to give great weight to the

need to create, expand or alter schools. The existing schools and health care facilities have insufficient capacity to expand and the local planning authority is not satisfied that the developer contributions can mitigate against the impact of development. Therefore the proposals are not considered to be sustainable in accordance with the principles of the NPPF and are considered contrary to Policy 8 of the Core Strategy and Paragraph 72 of the NPPF.”

Not from Groby or RatbyThe 5 Councillors who felt they could not support the amendment do not represent Groby

or Ratby and were elected by the people of Barwell. Burbage and Hinckley. Their opposition may seem puzzling to local people but they are entitled to their view and vote accordingly. In order to help residents affected by the application understand their decision they have all been asked if they could explain why they took the position they did. One has courteously offered a ‘no comment’ but four have not responded as the Spotlight goes to the printers so they may all be on holiday. For the time being we have to wait to find out why an amendment which our the representatives in Groby and Ratby consider so important is unworthy of support by those from another part of the Borough. Until there is a response residents can only speculate.

Active Ageing Week

Getting and staying active in later lifePACked with numerous and varied activities, Lrs and hinckley and Bosworth’s third ‘Active Ageing Week’ springs in to action between 24th–30th september 2012.Throughout the week there

will be a wide range of physical activity sessions designed to inspire and engage, resulting in health and wellbeing benefits.In line with the government’s ‘Full of Life’ initiative

and British Heart Foundation National Centre for Physical Activity + Health’s ‘Active Ageing Campaign’, LRS Sport is running the county-wide campaign to encourage and support adults to get and stay active in later life.In 2011, the Chief Medical Officer announced that

both adults (19-64 years) and older adults (65+ years) should aim to be active daily and over a week, activity should add up to at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity. Sport England’s Active People Survey 6 interim results show that only 25.2% of adults in Leicestershire are meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines.Physical Activity Development Officer Emma

Hopkins, based at Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, has co-ordinated a programme of activities throughout Active Ageing Week. From walking, dance, aerobics and seated exercise to bowls and zumba; there is an activity for all to enjoy. A full programme of activities is available to download from www.lrsport.org.uk/activeageingIn 2011, Active Ageing Week saw 660 attendances at

sessions, with people seizing the chance to take part in a vast range of activities. Activities are not just taking place during Active Ageing Week. There are lots of opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity on a regular basis. Active Together (Leicestershire), Active Rutland (Rutland) and Leicester Gets Active 4 Life (Leicester) are programmes to become more physically active. For more information on how to be active in your local area then visit the Get Active pages at www.lrsport.org.ukFor more information about Active Ageing

Week contact emma hopkins on 01455 255875 or 01455 619519.


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Groby VillaGe Society

Preservation ~ ConservationCommunal Interests

Forthcoming Events• Thurs Sept 27: Orson Wright builder of South Wigston and most of Leicester - Mr Peter Cousins

• Thurs Oct 25: Chris & Ken the Railwaymen - Mr Ken Issit & Mr Chris Bates

• Thurs Nov 22: Fools and jesters - Mrs Sally Henshaw

• Thurs Dec 13: Life as a Barnardo’s Boy - Mr Alan Dearman

Meetings are held at Groby Village Hall Starting at 7.30pm. For Further Details Contact Hon.

Secretary Mr. P. Castell Tel. 0116 287 9842

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Non Members are Welcome

Check it out!do you use those self-service tills to save time? Most of us say we find they are no quicker than normal checkouts – especially when we get stuck!While 60 per cent of shoppers still

prefer a manned check-out, 66% actively dislike those self-service tills. For one thing, it makes one in three of us feel tempted to shop-lift. Yet according to a recent survey by the consultancies Him and TNS, 79 per cent of us still see the tills are some sort of sign of progress. Though in what, no one is clear.

Quick responseWhen a customer left his mobile phone in my store, I scrolled through his saved numbers, stopped at “Mum” and pressed call. His mother answered, and I

told her what happened.“Don’t worry,” she said, “I’ll

take care of it.”A few minutes later, the cell

phone rang. It was “Mum.”“Martin,” she said, “you left

your mobile phone at the supermarket.”

Groby After School Tutor Group, a solution for

working parentsWhen my wife returned to work, having our son coming out of school around 3 o’clock created a problem as he hadn’t a place to go where he would be supervised. We tried all sorts of solutions but the situation was never really resolved to our satisfaction. As our son went to both Brookvale High School and Groby College,

my wife and I had full time careers in education so we can appreciate the problems encountered by working parents who have children in High School or College and are not able to take care of them until after coming home from work. My wife and I came to Leicester from Portugal, where we lived as ex-

pats, in the early 90s. “Flying Dutchman” as I am, I travelled the world and worked and lived in places like Greece, France and Australia. My interest in languages has always helped me to get close to the local people; to take part in- and enjoy the culture.As a lecturer in Computing at Leicester College I had the privilege of

teaching students between 14 and 54. At this Further Education College I met and worked with people of

many different social strata, cultures and abilities. This made me very aware of the specific needs of the different students, especially as Course Leader of the Access to Higher Education in Computing course which facilitates adult learners to achieve their goal of going to university. Due to my wide scope I delivered not only Computing related subjects

but most modern European languages in the areas of Business, Travel and Tourism and Science, Maths and Humanities. I decided to take up the recent offer of a voluntary redundancy from

the Leicester College so I could spend more time doing my own thing and get a bit more involved in what happens in the village. Having this extra time now allows me to provide a service to other

parents which my family so sorely missed: a five day a week after school tutor group facility where students can do their homework when their memories from the classroom are still fresh or where they can spend their time in a safe and homely environment after school, until their parents come home or come to collect them. I am planning to extend my property for this purpose and add a light

and airy study and library room but currently I will only be able to accommodate a very small group of students, possible not more than 5.Having close links with both Brookvale High School and Groby

College, I will be offering my services to them as a part time lecturer to provide cover for eventualities, so I won’t be a total stranger to students. The website “grobytutorgroup.webspace.virginmedia.com” (currently

under construction) will link to learning providers and resources for the benefit of students and provide information for parents.Please contact Andre Verwijs on 07757 954371 or 0116 224 9191 or

email [email protected] for further information.

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Apply online and on time for school placesPArents are urged to look out for school place application packs which will be landing on doormats across Leicestershire.From the first week of September, around 12,500 parents will receive

forms for children who transfer to secondary, high or upper school in the autumn term 2013.Leicestershire County Council is reminding parents that moving to the next

school is not automatic and encouraging them to apply before the 31st october closing date.The transfer process is the same for a local authority school or a recently-

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[email protected] or call 0116 305 6684.Independent advice is also available through the Choice Advice Service

on 0116 275 2097 or [email protected] .

Millennium Green NewsAfter this year’s exceptionally wet summer there has been a considerable amount of growth on the shrubs and bushes of the Millennium Green. So we were delighted with the turnout of volunteers for the gardening

session on the 1st September. In a couple of hours the dozen people who turned up made a good start at trimming back branches overhanging the path and tidying overgrown beds in the garden area. There is more to do! In a month’s time, on Saturday October 6th, we hope to finish cutting down the hedges ready for all these ‘trimmings’ to be shredded before the winter. Why not join us? It’s good exercise and much cheaper than going to the Gym (although you can do that as well by using the outdoor equipment on the Green). The gardening session is from 10.00am to noon, but if you can only manage part of this time you will be very welcome. Tea, coffee and cold drinks are provided plus biscuits to give you more energy. This will usually be the last meeting of the year but we may do add an extra date in November in an attempt to catch up. We are planning to have a coffee morning in Groby in November and we

will need your help to make this a success. More details in the next edition of the Spotlight.

Chris Tordoff

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Childhood is that wonderful time of life when all you need do to lose weight is to take a bath.

glenfield U3A Cream tea Fest

AuGust Is generally regarded as a quiet month for most organisations, and on this assumption Glenfield u3A decided not to have a speaker, as is their usual practice, but to celebrate the ‘summer’ with a cream tea with strawberries instead.This proved a resounding success. As can be seen from the photograph,

there was a large turn-out. What is not obvious was the buzz of conversation, as everyone got to talk with their fellow members. To help break the ice and encourage discussion, Chairperson Carol Knill provided a general knowledge quiz, which really got the old grey matter working!It was pleasing to see not only a good number of existing members, but

quite a few visitors too – several of whom signed up on the spot – bringing the membership to over 200. Not bad, for an organisation that is barely two years old. The 27 September meeting speaker is Helen Peden. Her topic is ‘Jane

Eyre, tales behind the tale’.The 25 October meeting speaker is Graham Fortey. His topic is ‘A-Z of

advertising’.Why not come along and try for yourself? You’ll be made most welcome!Meetings are at 2.00pm on the fourth Thursday of each month, at St

Peter’s Church Centre, Glenfield.Full information and contact details are available on the website www.

u3asitec.org.uk. Alternatively contact Membership Secretary Janet Fenton on 0751 402 0654, or Chairperson Carol Knill on 0116 291 9464.

Credit crunch makes us a better bunch!BrItAIn has become a better and kinder place since the credit crunch started. that is the view of one in three of us, according to a recent survey by netmums, the parenting website.It seems that mums feel that, despite the economic

dip, communities have become more caring towards each other. They have made more friends, as neighbours have pulled together. Netmums co-founder Siobham Freegard, says: “Tough times can bring out the best in people.”

New social networking site set up in Groby

Just BeFore this issue of spotlight went to press, we received an email from Charlie Jones of Groby about his new social networking website, Chatler.The site is aimed at teens and young adults at university, and you can use it

to chat, share videos, music and pictures.Charlie has launched the site because he feels that ‘People need

something new.’The website address is www.chatler.co.uk,


Don’t let people drive you crazy when it is within walking distance.

Letter from Uncle Eustace

On publishing my bookThe RectorySt. James the Least of All

My dear Nephew Darren

AFter ALL these years, who would have believed it: to have my own book printed. I must admit, I had imagined a leather-bound volume with gold leaf

lettering on the spine – perhaps even titled “Volume One”, implying future delights when further work would appear. A paperback, held together with glue was a slight disappointment. The publisher’s reason for a print run of 50, saying that it meant fewer would have to be dumped in cut-price bookshops was not what I had expected either.He seemed to think that my commentary on Eusebius’s tables for cross-

referencing the gospels, as explained in his letter to Carpianus, would not have mass interest. While I concede it will be unlikely to dent the sales of Harry Potter, and that I am unlikely to be involved in negotiating the film rights, I had hoped for slightly more enthusiasm for this stride forward in global knowledge.The excitement of the book launch and signing was also tempered when

only the bishop arrived, expecting a free copy, so he could mark it for theological errors. My suggestion that he take a copy to colour it in did not go down well. I suspect I will not now be asked to deliver a paper on it at the next clergy conference.I was briefly excited when several parishioners came into the shop. But

it turned out that one wanted to book a baptism with me, and another wanted to complain that at his recent wedding, I had nearly married the best man to the bride. I was tempted to tell him that the time may come when he wished I had, but decided that would be another sale lost.I could not even console myself with a free drink. The publisher had only

brought two bottles of that particular white wine, of unknown origin, that seems specially reserved for book launches and retirement parties. I suspect it derives less from a vineyard and more from a laboratory. One bottle he kept for himself and the other disappeared after my Confirmation class came in to ask whether the book would be serialised on TV.In the end, I bought all 50 copies myself, placed a note in the bookshop

window saying that, due to exceptional demand, the print run had been entirely sold out. It has also solved the annual problem of Christmas presents; in your case, a second copy will probably arrive for your birthday too.Your loving uncle,

Eustace

Libraries target missing booksAn AMnesty is being launched in Leicestershire’s libraries, to encourage people to bring back overdue books, dVds and Cds.During September, the county council will waive overdue fees, provided

that the borrowed items are returned.Anyone who wants to return an overdue item should take them to the help

point at their local library and the outstanding charges will be deleted.


I’ve been trying for some time to develop a life style that doesn’t require my presence.

National Trust Leicester Association NEWSthe olympic and Paralympic Games put a great focus on London and on its tourist attractions. But were you aware that the national trust owns fourteen properties inside the M25 plus three large open spaces such as east sheen Common.

Seven of the properties are in central London and include Carlyle’s House, a Queen Anne house in Chelsea, which was the home of the historian and philosopher Thomas Carlyle and is still filled with the Carlye’s possessions from the mid 1800’s.

In Hampstead you will find Fenton House and Garden, which is a late 17th century William and Mary townhouse commanding magnificent views over London and containing superb collections of furniture, pictures, porcelain and musical instruments.

In Southwark you can enjoy a drink in the George Inn, built in 1677, mentioned in Dicken’s “Little Dorrit”, and the last galleried inn still surviving in London.

Close to the Olympic Park in Hackney, Sutton House is a splendid Tudor red brick house built in 1535 for Sir Ralph Sadleir, the right-hand man to Thomas Cromwell. Although it is now in suburban London when it was built it was a quiet country property a few miles from the hustle and bustle of the great city.

All the properties are a great addition to an itinerary for a visit to London and many are open until December.

The first NT Leicester Association afternoon meeting of the winter season is a talk, “Dr Mary Royce - Leicester’s First Lady Doctor” by Brian Bradbury. The meeting will be held at St Guthlac’s Memorial Hall, Holbrook Road, Leicester on Wednesday 26th September at 2.30pm. Admission is NTLA members £2.50 and visitors £4.00 including refreshments.

Due to circumstances beyond our control the venue for our evening meeting on Tuesday 9th October is being changed so please check our web site for details www.leicesternt.btck.co.uk

For more information on the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service call 0116 222 9133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman

3rd

For further information please see websites and church magazines

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

Revd. Louise Corke 231 3090

United reformed Church www.grobyurc.com Revd Sue McKenzie 232 1733

Children/youth Worker Deb Goodhead

07730 596309

Churches Together in Groby

Catch … goes on outings Throughout the summer, the preschool group will meet informally for outings. The next is Fri 24th Aug at Gorse Hill City Farm For details of these please

contact Ruth 07759 395072

Catch meets for play, craft, story & chat for pre-school children with a parent or carer.

Every Friday in term time, 9.30-11.30am, at the URC.

Fair Cuppa: an opportunity to meet with friends at the village hall. Every Thursday, 10.30-12.00

Age-group programmes finish at the end of term but there is an informal game of rounders every Monday evening.

More details on the church websites or check with Deb 07730 596309.

3RD SUNDAY EVENING IS BACK ON 16TH SEPT at 6.30pm

SPEAKER: CHRIS BAKER More details in next Spotlight


If I’d known I was going to live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.

Groby WI News We thouGht an afternoon tea would

be just the thing so our wonder woman diane arranged for a visit to Beaumanor hall for a cream tea.You must, by now, have realised

that outings and eating seem to happen quite regularly. As luck would have it the day was sunny so a stroll around the grounds before partaking was just the thing. The grounds were immaculate but I must admit there was quite a discussion on the modern sculptures. On entering I am always struck by the beautiful hall and at the head of the stairs the wonderful stained glass window. This was put in by William Herrick when he rebuilt the House in the early 1800s. He also purchased “King Dick’s Bed” and had a special room constructed. This bed was supposed to be the bed Richard III used the night before the Battle of Bosworth. Not that it did him much good because at the moment they are digging up part of Leicester to find his last bed where his bones are hopefully to be found. Anyway back to the Hall. Some of our ladies remembered it from childhood. During the War it was a secret listening station and passed info onto Bletchley Park. After the War the last Herrick to inherit sold it to the War Dept where No. 6 Intelligence School for the Forces was based. Talking of which my friend some years ago, was doing some cooking there and found herself alone locked in and unable to get out. She eventually raised the alarm and an Officer set her free only to find she was unable to get her car from the car park which was also locked. He kindly ran her home in his car, well that’s her story, she said he was very nice. Returning to our cream tea, it was lovely, served in a very pleasant room. Another happy and fattening outing. I believe the next one is a Friday Pie Night, can’t wait.Our speaker was Mr. Robert

Gregory, Senior Fingerprint Officer with Leics. & Rutland Police Force, an expert in his field with 23 years experience. However, his normal self-control was severely tested when confronted by committee members parading in their bra ensembles (see our separate report

– I think you will find it under Bras!). A look of shocked surprise was evident, his image of W.I.ladies would never be the same again.Based at Enderby, there are 14

people in the fingerprint section. Mr Gregory began his talk by taking the prints of four members anonymously, intending to identify the ‘suspects’ later. An assurance was given that, as with all proven innocent parties, these prints would be destroyed. Apparently we all have identifiable ridges on our palms and soles of the feet. Records are now kept for three years and they hold approximately 150,000, of these 75% are from previously convicted criminals. Fingerprints consist of loops, whirls, arches and tents, all or some of which can be positively identified and all fingers on a hand are different. Prints begin to form on the foetus at 6 weeks being complete by the 24th week of pregnancy. In the case of identical twins the prints are different but their DNA is the same. Primates are the only other creatures to have individual unique prints. In cases of corpse identification acid burns or skin grafts are a problem, this is where DNA and dental records are invaluable. Incomplete bodies of victims dying in humane disasters can usually be named by one of the methods available. A crime scene can be attended by as many as 50 people, members of services involved, e.g. all police departments, medical personnel, fire brigade etc. Footprints are invaluable, the police have samples

of many trainer sole prints in their records. Shoes, especially trainers, can establish guilt, carrying deposits of the scene of the crime.One of the four members

previously ‘held for questioning’ was asked to leave her prints on a wine bottle while the officer was absent from the room. Not all the fingers were clearly visible so he demonstrated the technique of retrieving these using sellotape. Prints on porous surfaces and cloth present special difficulties; various methods used here were superglue, soap, coloured powders and iron filings (the latter being sprinkled on liberally and excess removed with a magnet leaving residue of a clear print). As expected, during the coffee break our speaker correctly matched prints taken from members. All but one were declared innocent. Robert Gregory obviously has a very interesting, sometimes exciting career but there is also a lot of painstaking research involved. The vote of thanks compared the meeting to an episode of CSI. Our suspect, who Robert matched, will be sentenced shortly, watch out for the next episode!We also had our Annual Village

Show which we share with our friends in the Groby Garden Society. I had this year off and found myself actually attending as a visitor. As usual the displays were lovely but of course nearly all the gardeners were saying that their usual produce was not up to scratch because of the

weather. Now I have heard this before, all I can say I thought it wonderful. Now for my personal entries, I entered three and got not a dickie. On the other hand my ‘friend’ entered four classes and got prizes in all. Other so called ‘friends’ also got prizes and I was pleased to note that there were some new names having a go. The men’s section i.e. shortbread biscuits, had a few entries and I must say they all looked better than mine. The craft section had some lovely entries from paintings to babies cardies. (These will go to a charity). The children’s section was very entertaining but a little down on last year. WI ladies had a lovely counter of cakes and the tea room was one loud buzz all afternoon. Well done every one, competitors and volunteers.Our next meeting at 7.30pm on

Thursday 20th September is Scott Gallacher speaking on Care Fees – Myths and Reality. This is at the Village Hall. I am sure this should be of interest to quite a few people as there is great debate in the Country about this very expensive time. Everyone welcome.

Evelyn Ward and Margaret Gamble

Nice thoughtMy PArenTs had not been out together in quite some time.One Saturday, as Mum was

finishing the dinner dishes, my father stepped up behind her.“Would you like to go out, girl?” he

asked.Not even turning around, my

mother quickly replied, “Oh, yes, I’d love to!”They had a wonderful evening,

and it wasn’t until the end of it that Dad confessed.His question had actually been

directed to the family dog, lying near Mum’s feet on the kitchen floor.


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Love is like an hourglass, with the heart filling up as the brain empties.

NLA SUPPORTS GAS SAFETY WEEKAs PArt of Gas safety Week, the national Landlords Association (nLA) is reminding all landlords to check their appliances in the lead up to winter and to only ever use Gas safe registered engineers.Gas Safety Week, which began

on 10 September, aims to raise awareness of gas safety and the importance of taking care of your gas appliances. Badly fitted and poorly serviced appliances can cause gas leaks, fires and explosions, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning.The NLA reminds landlords

that they are required, by law, to have all gas appliances checked every 12 months, and provide the inspection report to the tenant. Using an illegal gas fitter can put lives at risk. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should carry out gas work.Faulty appliances can cause carbon monoxide (CO) leaks. CO is an

odourless, colourless and tasteless gas which is highly poisonous and can kill within hours, or cause serious illness through long-term exposure. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness and loss of consciousness.In addition to carrying out annual gas safety checks, landlords can protect

their tenants from the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning by installing carbon monoxide detectors in their properties. The detector will warn tenants of a leak. Landlords should also show their tenants where the emergency gas shut off valve is, in case of emergency. Tenants can contact the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999 if they suspect an appliance is faulty or dangerous.Richard Price, Director of Operations, National Landlords Association,

said:“It’s vital that landlords work with gas safe registered engineers. You can

find a local Gas Safe registered engineer by visiting www.gassaferegister.co.uk.“When it comes to getting the job done, always ask to see the engineer’s

identification to ensure they are qualified to do the work you require. When work is complete, remember to give a copy of the gas safety record to your tenant and keep a copy yourself.”Landlords wishing to purchase a carbon monoxide detector can do so

from the NLA’s Online Shop at www.landlords.org.uk/shopIn support of Gas Safety Week, the NLA’s gas safety advice and guidance

will be free to access during September. Landlords can find out more about their gas safety obligations by visiting the NLA’s Online Library at http://www.landlords.org.uk/library/safety/gas

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Budding young actors invited to tread the boardsyounG PeoPLe are invited to tread the boards on a Leicester stage and take part in a play about the effects of anti-social behaviour.Anyone who is interested in getting involved in the two day project at the

Y Theatre next month is invited to register their interest now.Organised by Leicestershire County

Council’s Impact Project in partnership with the YMCA, young people aged 10 to 19 will work with professional artists to explore drama, movement, and photography.Sessions will run from 10am to 4pm on

Tuesday, October 23 and Wednesday, 24 (half term) and will involve workshops, a rehearsal and a performance.Joe orson, County Council Cabinet

Member for Safer Communities, said: “This is a really exciting project which we hope will encourage more young people to get involved in the arts.“Not only that, but it will give them a

chance to explore anti-social behaviour and its effects, as well as their own image and identity.Joanna smith, manager / director at the Y Theatre, said: “We’re

delighted at being able to provide this opportunity for young people in the county to engage in The Y theatre’s programme of arts education.“Performance arts can play a significant role in developing young people’s

self-confidence and communication skills, whilst also identify skills that they may never even realised they had.”Wannabe actors who would like to find out more can call Kam Chauhan

on 0116 3052656 or email: [email protected] more on the IMPACT Project and Leicestershire Youth Offending

Service, visit: www.leics.gov.uk/youthjusticeFor more on the y theatre visit: http://www.leicesterymca.co.uk/

y-theatre.php


If you want your spouse to listen and pay strict attention to every word you say, talk in your sleep.

The Sandringham and Bressingham overnight trip-July25th/26th

they sAy that the sun shines on the righteous in which case we must have had a coach load of such folk. To get a fabulous two day weather window in the soggy summer we

had had so far was remarkable. Wall to wall sunshine enable our party to thoroughly enjoy The Sandringham Show and a special “Steam Day” at Bressingham. The Show was set in the beautiful Sandringham grounds and abounded in trade stalls and much of interest to us gardeners. The exhibits of flowers, plants and vegetables had a parochial feel to them and our own show exhibits would not have been disgraced. Bressingham had lots to offer and there is photographic evidence of many enjoying rides on “The Gallopers” roundabout.

Narrow gauge railway rides were available all day and the exhibits of steam rail memorabilia were impressive. A loop showing of episodes of “Dad’s Army” accompanied the official Dad’s Army museum. However, the jewels in Bressingham’s crown were undoubtedly the gardens. These were the best that many of us had ever seen. We have visited stately homes, National Trust properties and the showcase R.H.S. gardens, but none matched these. Manicured sweeping lawns with beautiful islands of herbaceous plants were sympathetically landscaped with attractive trees. Swathes of pink, red and yellow phlox, crocosmia and hemerocallis were wonderful show-stoppers. By common consent, our trip was perfectly rounded off with a memorable stay at the 4 star Best Western hotel in King’s Lynn. The accommodation, food and relaxing ambiance easily exceeded our expectations. Many vowed to return as individual couples, as within easy reach is the Norfolk coast with its many attractions and these are accessible by a local hop on and hop off bus service which allegedly takes senior citizen bus passes!

Our August MeetingWe Were entertained at our August meeting by Mick eaton. Mick is well-known in our area as he is Head Gardener with Leicester City

Park Services based in Knighton Park. His talk was about hostas and other shade loving plants. He was disarmingly honest about his struggle with some of the botanical names given to such species, although it was clear that behind this modesty there lay an impressive and extensive knowledge. Those of us who like hostas, but struggle to keep the slugs at bay, would be heartened to hear that experts have similar struggles with these voracious pests. Within a garden context, Mick recommended keeping them in pots with protective bands of copper fastened around the outside. After trying many commonly-heard tips, he has settled on this method as the best method of defence. His talk then revolved around the legion of plants that thrive in shade and moisture. Shade and dry conditions are more testing and he suggested, if possible, that planting be done away from the shade but letting the top growth fill in the shady space.

The Village ShowonCe again our exhibitors managed to create a kaleidoscope of colour in the main exhibition room. Although a reduction in vegetable and fruit exhibits reflected a very

difficult growing season, the exhibition of flowers seemed to compensate. The quality of handicrafts was again amazing and the cookery and preserves section was well supported. Details regarding prize winners will appear in next month’s Spotlight.

The Fish and Chip SupperthIs social evening is planned for october 25th and the usual signing board is available. Please note that this date is NOT the one in the 2012 programme. Give

Alvar a ring if you cannot attend our meetings, but would like to be included.

Important!WILL members please note that the december meeting has been brought forward by one week. It will now be on December 6th NOT December 13th.

Forthcoming eventsOctober 11th The Bluetit-Raising a FamilyOctober 25th Fish & Chip SupperNovember 8th Crevice GardeningDecember 6th The Fireman’s Tale and Christmas party.

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

••••

Groby Gardening Society News

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It used to be only death and taxes

DESIRABLE GADGETS

AMAZON’S Kindle Fire is now available in the UKAmazon are releasing their all-singing-and-dancing tablet.Kindle Fire has been the No.1 best-selling product on Amazon’s US

website (Amazon.com) for the past year. It is now available in the UK with a faster processor, twice the memory, longer battery life, and at the breakthrough price of only £129. Both Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD

offer instant access to 22 million movies, TV shows, songs, apps, games, books and magazines available on Amazon.co.uk and Lovefilm.com. Kindle Fire (£129) and Kindle Fire HD (£159) customers will also enjoy a free month of Amazon Prime, plus a free month of LOVEFiLM Visit www.amazon.co.uk for more

information.

To place an advert in the Spotlight, phone Mike Wilkinson on 01530 244069

or email: [email protected]


I have gone to look for myself, if I should return before I get back, keep me here.

Sue Janes tells her story ...

I AM writing my story because I am so happy and want to share my experience.

At the age of 64 ,and after over 35 years of yoyo dieting and never reaching target until now, I feel amazing.

For most of my life I have been overweight, hating what I looked like especially as a teenager. When I married at the age of 26 my weight was 10st 7lbs which was acceptable. Following the births of my 3 children I began to put weight on. I had a busy life with the children and also worked as a full time nurse. Working shifts can make meal planning difficult and often when arriving home hungry I would eat anything quick followed by dinner!

My heaviest weight was 15st 7lbs but managing to lose a little, my ‘norm’ became around 14st 10lbs. I became a serial slimmer joining a club almost annually but never once reaching my target. What has been so different this time?I was post surgery in July 2011, feeling

ashamed of my size while being cared for by other nurses.Also, my daughter’s wedding date had been brought forward from October 2012 to May 2012 giving me 6 months less to diet.

I had decided to try Slimming World and followed a food plan that suited me and I actually enjoyed.

I also had a leader who inspires the group, supports all members, is informative, non-judgemental personable, and good fun.

From the first meeting I have not looked back. I felt accepted in the group and inspired listening to individual stories and learning how much weight individuals and the group as a whole had lost. Hazel - our leader - rang me the first week to see how I was feeling and managing with the food plan, which was so helpful.

Never have I had such support at a slimming group before and as I said, I do have more experience than most! Having just had surgery I had to take care with exercise for the first 6 weeks but did start walking short distances increasing activity week by week.

The more weight I lost the more I enjoyed exercising our Springer Spaniel. He was impressed as the walks got faster and longer! In November 2011 my husband and I travelled to Australia for 6 weeks to spend Christmas with my daughter and her family; I had lost 1½ stone by this time and was anxious that the holiday might be difficult with all the Christmas fayre. I need not have worried as my daughter was so supportive. Her wedding was only 5 months away and she was keen for me to continue on the plan, she was losing weight too so we helped each other. On returning to group I had lost 5½ lbs in 6 weeks so I was delighted.

I achieved my target of 11stone 7lbs in April ready for my daughter’s wedding and felt amazing. I decided to go a little further and lose another half stone, and now have 1½ pounds to go to my new target of 11 stones.

Recently we voted for our Woman of the Year and I was nominated with two other members. I was shocked when Hazel said I had been chosen, as this was totally unexpected and made me feel quite emotional. My family are so proud of my achievement and they have been incredibly supportive throughout.

Cooking has never been my forte but I love the various Slimming World recipe books, magazines and the web site. My husband has also lost weight so together we are committed to our new healthy lifestyle.

Shopping for clothes is wonderful. Previously I was wearing 20/22 now I wear 14. When I look in the mirror I still find it hard to realise that I look so different. As my clothes become too big I take them to charity shops because this time I know there will be no need to keep them ‘just in case’.

I have waited for 35 years to feel this good about myself. Thank you to my daughter for giving me the best incentive ever and to Slimming World, especially Hazel for the encouragement and support which enabled my to reach my goal.

Sue Janes

Local slimmer named Woman of the Year by her clubmates


Statistics are like bikinis – What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.

Send details of your LOCAL pub and club

entertainments and we’ll include them in this

column FREE! Amazing!

The Bricklayer’s Arms 213 Main Street Thornton T: 01530 230 808 QUIZ Nite: Thursdays www.bricklayersarms.net

The Club, Thornton Main Street. T: 01530 230251 Open to Non-Members We Also Have Bingo Every Tuesday Evening All Welcome www.myspace.com/thorntonclub

The Coach & Horses Leicester Road, Field Head Tel: 01530 242 312 KARAOKE Nights:- Sat 22nd September with ’King of the Road’. On Saturday 15th September - HEY BEATLES - live band - First time at The Coach - if you liked The Beatles, you’ll love HEY BEATLES!

The Field Head Hotel Markfield Lane, Markfield Tel: 01530 245454 Tribute Nights/£2 Entry after 7pm. Fri 14th Sept: TINA TURNER Fri 28th Sept.: THE SUPREMES

The Bulls Head Forest Road, Markfield T: 01530 242541 Garden & Pub Games etc.

Bagworth Working Men’s Club, Station Road, Bagworth. Tel. 01530 230205 New members welcome. Live entertainment – last Saturday of the month Andy’s Charity Quiz £1.50 each - last Friday of the month Sequence dances Sunday Nights. £1.00 admission 8 pm Tea Dance Wednesday afternoon 2 – 4 pm. £1 admission. For further details, tel: 01530 230205

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

The Queen’s Head Ashby Road, Markfield. T: 01530 242 496 Sat 29th Sept: THE THREATLES (Beatles Tribute) Sat 6th Oct: MIA AND THE MOON - as seen on the X-Factor! ALL SKY SPORTS & ESPN

Farmers’ Market Festival this monthA FArMers’ MArket Festival showcasing locally produced food will be held in hinckley on thursday 20 september.The festival, which is being

jointly staged by the Borough Council and the Hinckley Town Centre Partnership, will take place in Market Place, Hinckley from 9am until 3pm and will feature a wide variety of locally produced cakes, cheeses, meats, pies, preserves and eggs.There will also be other activities running throughout the day, including

wool spinning by the ‘Ewe to You Group’, sheep and pigs and a children’s craft activity in the United Reformed Church. Anyone who wishes to be added to the Borough Council’s mailing list

for up-to-date information on who’s going to be at the festival and future markets can email [email protected] or find the Borough Council on Facebook or Twitter.Farmers’ Markets are held every third Thursday of the month in Market

Place, Hinckley and on the first Saturday of every month in Burbage.

SHIRE Village Hall Grant Scheme Closedthe Leicestershire County Council shIre Village hall Grant scheme has now closed to new applications for this financial year.Over £33,000 has been made available by the County Council

for grants towards improvements and investment in village halls throughout the county. The fund is administered by the RCC, who allocated the final £8000 to 5 projects in the county at a recent grant panel meeting.It is hoped that further funding will be made available from next April

to continue the valuable support to halls across Leicestershire.Other grant funds are available which may be suitable for Village

Halls and Community Buildings. Details of some are available in the Village Halls Members area on our web site, or through the Leicestershire Funding Toolkit at www.valonline.org.uk/funding-toolkit

Commercial property owners beware – squatters are looking for a new homeCLuttons, leading international property consultants and chartered surveyors, has called for further clarification in the law and has warned the commercial property market not to be caught off guard.From 1 September 2012, squatting became an illegal offence

in residential property: a long overdue move that has been welcomed by many. With changes to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishments of Offenders Act 2012, squatting in residential property could carry a sentence of up to a year in jail or a £5,000 fine.Cluttons is concerned that this legislation is too narrow, as it only applies

to residential buildings which have been “designed or adapted, before the time of entry, for use as a place to live” and commercial properties are still very much at threat.There is also concern that this previous civil issue will not be prioritised

in criminal courts, and without the serious threat of imprisonment or financial penalty, it will not be taken seriously.Julian Briant, head of residential consultancy division, Cluttons,

commented: “Owners of empty commercial buildings need to be particularly careful as squatters start to search around for a new place to live. Sheds, office blocks, retail units and industrial buildings will all become fair game for squatters for whom the risk of ‘getting’ on to their particular residential property ladder is too great.“The whole industry is pleased to see the government recognising

squatting as the devastating problem it is, but we feel that the lack of clarification and transparency means the threat still very much remains, and we all need to be prepared for this.


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

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Win a Sunday Lunch Main Course for Four at CAFe 7, Within Sevenoaks Nursery,

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Cartoon Character WordseArChIf you can find 12 WeLL knoWn CArtoon ChArACters in the Wordsearch grid, you

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All you have to do to go into the draw is find - and mark a line through - the names of 12 CARTOON CHARACTERS.

These can run vertically, horizontally or diagonally (and backwards!).Send your marked entry forms to: yABBA dABBA doo!, Groby & Field head spotlight, Po Box 8, Markfield, Leics. Le67 9Zt to

arrive by Wednesday 3rd October 2012. Please remember to fill in your name and address. The sender of the first correct entry drawn out of

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Here are the CArtoon ChArACters you have to find: BArt sIMPson • Betty BooP • BuGs Bunny

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Last Month’s Wordsearch WinnerThe winner of last issue’s Wordsearch competition was: C. JArMAn of

Markfield Road,Groby. You win a Sunday Lunch Main Course for Four at Cafe Seven, Sevenoaks Garden Centre, near Groby Pool. Congratulations! your prize will be with you soon.

LETTERBeing PatrioticIt hAs been good to see the five flags of the British Isles being displayed during the Jubilee and the olympics.However, when it

comes to the Union Jack it appears that some individuals and manufactures do not know that this flag can be hung or printed back to front. The Union Jack can be hung upside down but not back to front, unless it has been printed on both sides.If a Union Jack is not printed on both sides and is to be hung, for example, on

the front of a property then the seam should be on the left as you look at the property. You can also check this is right if you look at the red lines displayed at two and four o’clock, the white lines below the red should be twice the thickness to that above the red. Like wise at eight and ten o’clock the white lines above the red should be twice as thick as those below the red.A friend told me about some Union Jack shirts and then I started to look more

closely at the people on TV and saw something. Some manufacturers had printed tee shirts with the Union Jack back to front or people had their shirts on inside out. I suppose most people take it for granted that manufacturers should know what they were doing, but perhaps they too did not know the design of the Union Flag.I hope if you are purchasing Union Jack clothing you will now be able to

advise others if their products are incorrect.

Margaret Purves

Coming soon - Talks at Earl Shilton & Hinckley libraries As summer draws to a close are you thinking about how to spend your time in the Autumn? earl shilton and hinckley libraries have some great talks scheduled for the coming months, so be sure to book your ticket early!Coming up at Earl Shilton Library:• Tuesday 18th September, 10.30am-12noon. ‘Fire safety with

a smile’. Bill Wells, retired Leicestershire Fireman, will relay humourous anecdotes about his time in the fire service and give some tips on how to keep safe in your home too. This talk is free, with donations given to the Osborne Building at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Refreshments will be available throughout. To book your free ticket contact Earl Shilton Library on: 0116 3058392.Hinckley Library will also play host to a great range of talks as

follows:• Wednesday 19th September, 10.30am-12noon. ‘the Battle of

Bosworth and other stories’. Hear the most up-to-date story of the Battlefield, including all the latest discoveries, with Battlefield Guide Graham Luker. Tickets £2.50 including refreshments.• Wednesday 3rd October, 12noon-1pm. ‘Below stairs

– servants lives in the time of Victoria’. Join Nick Marshall at this lunchtime talk as he describes just what life was like for Victorian servants. Feel free to bring along your lunch too! This talk has been a sell-out in other county library venues and tickets are already selling fast. Tickets £2.50 including refreshments.• Wednesday 10th October, 10.30am-12noon. ‘People & Places

– historic tour of hinckley town Centre’. Learn more about Hinckley’s history with our tour of the town which starts at Hinckley Library. The tour will end back at the library where refreshments will be served. In partnership with Hinckley & District Museum. Tickets £2.50 including refreshments.


A person is just about as big as the things that make them angry.

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Date for your Diary

MacMillan Coffee Morning: Friday 28th SeptemberGILL Foote and Friends invite you to a Coffee Morning in aid of MacMillan Cancer support on Friday 28th september 2012 in the residents’ Lounge, Willow Court, upland drive, Markfield - between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

Look What’s On At The Palace, IbsTOck57 High Street, Ibstock, Leics. LE67 6LH • Tel: 01530 267303

~ Forthcoming Events ~Friday, 14th September – 100 years of Film Quiz – Start Time: 8.00pm. Entry: £5 per quiz sheet. Teams of 5 max. Trophy to the winners. Spot Prizes. No mobile communication devices allowed! For More details call Tel: 01530 267300.

Friday, 21st September - Film Night –‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ (PG13) ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’ is supposed to be India’s answer for the UK’s most elegant retirees – a place where they can spend their golden years surrounded by lush amenities – that is, until seven retirees who are in need of a transformation find themselves on the front steps of the not-quite-ready resort. Thus begins a comic, romantic and poignant adventure in a land full of unexpected pleasures, brought to life by some of the most honoured and accomplished screen actors of our time. Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.00pm. Film starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £4.00/£3.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Sunday, 23rd September - Palace Indoor Car boot Sale from 9.00am – 1.00pm. Pick up a bargain! Admission 20p. For More details or to book a stall call Maureen on Tel 01530 452028.

Friday, 5th October – Charity Organ Concert. Tickets: £6.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460 or Mr Martin, Tel: 01455 290145 or Mr Lines, Tel: 01530 457274.

Saturday, 6th October - The Palace Craft & Gift Fair from 10.00am until 3.00pm. FREE ADMISSION. Large variety of interesting stalls, plus craft supplies.

Saturday, 6th October – The Palace Community Centre’s 6th Birthday Party. Celebrate with the amazing ‘Party Knights’. A glittering night’s entertainment is guaranteed. Great songs from 50’s, 60’s 70’s and 80’s. Plus fabulous disco to keep you dancing all night! Doors, Box Office and Licensed Bar open at 7.30pm. Party starts at 8.00pm. Tickets: £7.00 from Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.

Sunday, 7th October – Northumberland Theatre Company presents ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. In conjunction with ‘Centre Stage’, the rural touring theatre scheme). An original, imaginative take on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, a delightful, accessible and funny introduction to Shakespeare for children and adults alike. Tickets: £8.00, concessions £6.00, Combination ticket (1 Adult & 2 concessions) £16.00 From Halls, Ibstock, Tel: 01530 260460.


Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.

LETTEROver-45 Tennis News

ARCHI-WHAT?the MAJorIty of British adults do not know what an architect does, according to a youGov survey commissioned by a star of the BBC series the Apprentice, Gabrielle omar and www.inbuilding.org. 15% did not know that architects

design buildings. 22% did not know that they prepare detailed construction drawings for building projects. 48% didn’t know that architects prepare specifications to be used for building projects. Even more surprisingly, 69% didn’t realise architects negotiate planning permission with the local authorities. 72% didn’t know they apply for planning permission in the first place. 74% didn’t know architects can deal with certification for building projects and 79% that they can ensure that the construction site complies with Health & Safety legislation. A staggering 86% were not aware that architects select, negotiate with and manage all the contractors and 91% that they run the financial accounts for building projects.Gabrielle said: “The right answer

is that they do all of the above. So the next time you’re planning an extension or a new build, ring an architect, they may be of more help than you realise!”

Coming soon - Local Writers’ Group at Hinckley librarydo you enjoy creative writing but have nobody to share and discuss your ideas with? Then why

not come along to Hinckley library and join our new local Writers’ Group.‘Hinckley

Scribblers’ is for anyone wishing to discuss their writing in a friendly and informal atmosphere with fellow writers. All genres of writing are welcome and the group is open to anyone aged 18+.The meetings will be in the day

(day and time to be confirmed). If you are interested then please either call in at Hinckley library or contact us on: 0116 3052500 to register your interest in the first instance. We will then get in touch to arrange the first meeting.For further information, contact

Catherine Overton at Hinckley library on: 0116 3052500.

I thouGht I’d drop you a line for the second year running, notifying you of our latest achievement taking place in La Manga, spain from 23-30th september 2012.Myself, Leon Stewart-Hillard of

9, Chestnut Walk, Groby and my team mates have been chosen to represent Great Britain in The European Senior Over 45 Tennis Championship Finals held this year at the prestigious La Manga Club, Spain.We achieved this opportunity by

being Great Britain’s top men’s team, winning the British National Title at the end of 2011. We are also 2012 National Champions which qualifies us in next year European Finals. Last year as you may recall, we

notified you of our achievement winning the British National Title and qualifying then for this event held in Barcelona, Spain. Great Britain reached the quarter finals, eventually being overcome by Switzerland 3-1, the eventual runner up losing to Italy in the final. Clay courts are an innate surface to the European countries as grass is indigenous to the United Kingdom. Leicestershire Tennis club have invested in one artificial clay court in 2010 and Leicester Forest East

Tennis club are investing in three new artificial clay courts for next season, this will technically improve our game to compete and enhance our progression in future European competition.The European Senior Over 45

Tennis Championship event is very prestigious and former ATP player from European countries will be participating. Great Britain, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Holland, Sweden, Ireland, Luxemburg, France will all be represented, We have five international players representing GB and we are looking forward to the challenge and competition. We would like to thank the LTA and local businesses in Leicestershire who sponsored and contributed towards the team.

Leon Stewart-Hillard

Players representing Great Britain are (l-r): Tim Davies (Oakham/

Leicestershire Tennis Club), Leon Stewart-Hillard (L.F.E/

Leicestershire Tennis Club), John Ison (Leicestershire Tennis Club), Steve Stroud (L.F.E/Leicestershire

Tennis Club) and Steve Brett (L.F.E/Leicestershire Tennis Club) Owner of Withers Intersport, Carts Lane,

Leicester who is sponsoring the GB Team Kit. Thanks Steve!

stanton under Bardon Autumn FayreSaturday 15th September 2012 • From 2 - 4 p.m.

Stalls - cake stall, craft, raffle, bric a brac, please come and join us.

~ Advance notice ~

VALuAtIon dAy with Vanessa savage

Senior Advisor for Charles Hanson Auctioneers of Derby which will be held on

Wednesday 3rd October 10.00 - 3.00 p.m.in the church. £1.00 per item, please no more than 5 items.

Thank you. Coffee/teas and light snacks will be available.

Groby & Field Head Spotlight • Mid-September 2012 • Tel: 015�0 244069�0

I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I’ve written a long one instead.

the FoLLoWInG incidents were reported to the Police in the local area during August 2012.

Description Groby Field Head

House Burglaries Actual: Windsor Avenue, Larchwood Avenue Attempted:

2 Actual

0 Attempted

0

Garage, shed, Outbuilding Burglaries Actual: Attempted:

0 Actual 0 Attempted

0

Theft of Motor Vehicle: 0 0

Theft from Motor Vehicle: 0 0

Damage to Motor Vehicle: Leicester Road 1 0

non-Domestic Assaults 0 0

Assault - Harassment 2 0

Crimes That Don’t Affect residents Homes or Cars Theft: 2 / Damage: 1 / Other: 7

10 0

TOTAL (Actual) 15 0

TOTAL (Attempted) 0 0

Groby nhW Calendar of events 2012Groby Village hall, new room to the rear of the main hall

thursday 6th december 2012 at 7.30pmPC 0918 ned kelly • sergeant Matthew trott

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

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

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

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

Crime Figures for August 2012

Date for your Diary:

Art in RatbyFor all you artists how about the ‘Art In rAtBy’ art exhibition & Craft Fair, Church rooms, Church Lane, ratby.Sat 3rd November - 10.00am to

3.00pm and Sun 4th November 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Free workshop for Sport Makers

A sPeCIAL workshop is being held this month for those who have been inspired by the 2012 London olympics and want to become sport Makers.

A Sport Maker is someone who might organise a kick-about with their mates, a weekly game of tennis with their work colleagues, or simply helping out at their local sports club. Others don’t take part themselves. Instead, they do all the other things that make sport possible, like organising a sports event for their village or managing a team of race volunteers.

The free, informal and interactive workshop will be held at Bosworth College, Desford on Wednesday 19 September from 6.30pm to 9pm.

The workshop is open to anyone aged 16 or over. To register as a Sport Maker and to book a place visit: www.sportmakers.co.uk Councillor david Cope, the Borough Council’s Executive Member for Culture

and Leisure, said: “By becoming a Sport Maker, people will be helping to deliver the official London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sporting legacy. They too can be as valuable as the purple Games Maker volunteers.”

For further information on the local workshop email: [email protected]

Pop Lyrics Quiz Answers1. Marry You – Bruno Mars, 2. Rolling in the Deep – Adele, 3. Viva La Vida – Coldplay, 4. Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley, 5. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship, 6. American Pie – Don McLean, 7. Everything I Do, I Do It for You – Bryan Adams, 8. Valerie – Amy Winehouse, 9. Freedom – Wham, 10. The Winner Takes It All - Abba

Bradgate Flower Club NewsBrAdGAte Flower Club - members and friends - enjoyed their visit to Lincoln Cathedral Flower festival on 16 August. one of our members, Jan Geary, represented ‘Future Concepts’ with its floral displays in the nave.Newtown Linford Village

‘Scarecrow Day’ is on Sunday September 30th. Bradgate Flower Club is supporting the event with the sale of tea and cakes. There will also be a ‘have a go’ at flower arranging for young and old alike. Do come along.On October 3rd, national

demonstrator tony Brown will entertain the Flower Club on the theme of ‘Fabulous Flowers’. The Club meets at 7.30 at Newtown Linford Village Hall. Visitors are welcome - a charge of £5 is made.(The attached image is from the Lincoln Cathedral Festival - by the group

‘Future Concepts’.)

Geraldine Abbott

tWo police officers respond to a crime scene behind a grocery store.The homicide detective is

already there. “What happened?” asks the first officer.“Male, about twenty-five,

covered in Raisin Bran and dead as a doornail.”“Good grief,” says the second

officer. “Didn’t we have one covered in Frosted Flakes yesterday? And Captain Crunch last week?”“You’re right. I’m afraid,” said

the detective as he took a drag from his cigar, “this is the work of a cereal killer.”

Design Week & Workshop TourSaturday 22nd - Saturday 29th September

Cathy Stephens one of the UK’s leading jewellery designers will beavailable to personally create that special individual piece for you.

If you have been given a piece of jewellery that is never worn, don’t letit gather dust, bring it along and have a new piece designed especially for you.

Cathy tephensS Jewellery

Cathy tephensS Jewellery

19 Ratby Road, Groby, LeicesterTel 0116 2870041 www.cathystephens.co.uk

Open Mon – Sat 10am – 5.30pm Workshop open 10am – 5pm

During the design week you will be able to part exchange any old gold against partpayment of a new design or item of jewellery from our extensive range in store.

Workshop open all week to view jewellery being handmade – see for yourself.

September 2012 Groby Spotlight

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