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DLUHC Letter

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 00:05:27 GMT

Dear Colleague,

LEVELLING UP & REGENERATION BILL: PLANNING AND LOCAL CONTROL IN ENGLAND

I am writing to set out the further changes I will be making to the planning system, alongside the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. They will place local communities at the heart of the planning system.

I will set out the following approach in the upcoming National Planning Policy Framework prospectus, which will be put out for consultation by Christmas.

COMMUNITY CONTROL

First, while I will retain a method for calculating local housing need figures, I will consult on changes. I recognise that there is no truly ‘objective’ way of calculating how many homes are needed in an area, but I do believe that the plan-making process for housing has to start with a number. This number should, however, be an advisory starting point, a guide that is not mandatory. It will be up to local authorities, working with their communities, to determine how many homes can actually be built, taking into account what should be protected in each area - be that our precious Green Belt or national parks, the character or an area, or heritage assets. It will also be up to them to increase the proportion of affordable housing if they wish.

My changes will instruct the Planning Inspectorate that they should no longer override sensible local decision making, which is sensitive to and reflects local constraints and concerns. Overall this amounts to a rebalancing of the relationship between local councils and the Planning Inspectorate, and will give local communities a greater say in what is built in their neighbourhood. For example, when assessing a local plan, the following will have to be taken into account:

• Genuine constraints: local planning authorities will be able to plan for fewer houses if building is constrained by important factors such as national parks, heritage restrictions, and areas of high flood risk.

• Green Belt: further clarifying our approach to date in the National Planning Policy Framework and the Localism Act, we will be clear that local planning authorities are not expected to review the Green Belt to deliver housing. This is in line with commitments made by the Prime Minister in the Summer.

• Character: local authorities will not be expected to build developments at densities that would be wholly out of character with existing areas or which would lead to a significant change of character, for example, new blocks of high-rise flats which are entirely inappropriate in a low-rise neighbourhood. While more homes are needed in many existing urban areas, we must pursue ‘gentle densities’ as championed by the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission. The Bill’s provisions for mandatory design codes, which will have the same legal force as the local plan, will give authorities a powerful tool to guide the forms of development that communities wish to see.

We are committed to ensuring that the planning system creates more beautiful and sustainable buildings. Through the Bill we are seeking to introduce a duty for all local councils to produce a design code covering the same area as the local plan, which will set simple clear minimum standards on development in that area – such as height, form and density. This measure will empower communities, working with local councils, to have a say on what their area will look like by setting clear standards for new development. I will announce more details shortly about how the Office for Place – which will be established to champion beautiful, popular and enduring design – will support local authorities and communities in this important work. The input of colleagues in further developing this approach will be most welcome.

As the Prime Minister committed in the Summer, I will also review how the ‘soundness’ test for reviewing plans at examination is operated by the Planning Inspectorate. I will ensure that plans no longer have to be ‘justified’, meaning that there will be a lower bar for assessment, and authorities will no longer have to provide disproportionate amounts of evidence to argue their case.

The effect of these changes will be to make absolutely clear that Local Housing Need should always be a starting point – but no more than that – and importantly, that areas will not be expected to meet this need where they are subject to genuine constraints. Inspectors will therefore be required to take a more reasonable approach to authorities that have come forward with plans that take account of the concerns of the local community, by taking a more pragmatic approach at examination which fully reflects this updated policy. For those areas that would like to bring forward their own method for assessing housing needs, I will be clear on the exceptional circumstances under which they may do so, for example where a case can be made for unusual demographic and geographic factors. This will be made clear in an updated National Planning Policy Framework and guidance to the Planning Inspector.

LOCAL PLANS

I want to change the system on the rolling five-year land supply. We will end the obligation on local authorities to maintain a rolling five-year supply of land for housing where their plans are up-to-date. Therefore for authorities with a local plan, or where authorities are benefitting from transitional arrangements, the presumption in favour of sustainable development and the ‘tilted balance’ will typically not apply in relation to issues affecting land supply. I also want to consult on dropping the requirement for a 20% buffer to be added for both plan making and decision making – which otherwise effectively means that local authorities need to identify six years of supply rather than five. In addition, I want to recognise that some areas have historically overdelivered on housing - but they are not rewarded for this. My plan will therefore allow local planning authorities to take this into account when preparing a new local plan, lowering the number of houses they need to plan for.

Places with existing plans will benefit from the changes above, as they will be free of five-year land supply obligations provided that plan is up to date. However, I am aware that those with local plans at an advanced stage of preparation will not benefit from these changes so I will also put in place transitional arrangements. Where authorities are well-advanced in producing a new plan, but the constraints which I have outlined mean that the amount of land to be released needs to be reassessed, I will give those places a two year period to revise their plan against the changes we propose and to get it adopted. And while they are doing this, we will also make sure that these places are less at risk from speculative development, by reducing the amount of land which they need to show is available on a rolling basis (from the current five years to four).

Communities will therefore have a much more powerful incentive to get involved in drawing up local plans. Only four-in-ten local authorities have up to date local plans and I am determined to change this. They can protect the important landscapes they cherish, direct homes to the places they want, and adopt design codes to secure the houses they want to see. Once a plan is in place, these changes mean that they will no longer be exposed to speculative developments on which they have less of a say.

I will increase community protections afforded by a neighbourhood plan against developer appeals – increasing those protections from two years to five years. The power of local and neighbourhood plans will be enhanced by the Bill; and this will be underpinned further through this commitment. Adopting a plan will be the best form of community action - and protection. Furthermore, we will clarify and consult on what areas we propose to be in scope of the new National Development Management Policies, and we will consult on each new Policy before it is brought forward by the Government. National Development Management Policies will also not constrain the ability of local areas to set policies on specific local issues.

To support the delivery of these, and other planning changes, we must ensure that planning departments are properly resourced through a national fee increase. We have announced our intention to increase fees, including doubling fees for retrospective application where breaches of planning have occurred, and we intend to consult on the detailed proposals for such increases in planning fees as soon as possible. In addition to increasing fees we intend to also consult on a new planning performance framework that will monitor local performance across a broader set of measures of planning service delivery, including planning enforcement.

BUILD OUT

We need to hold developers to account so that desperately needed new homes are built, and I already have a significant package of measures in the Bill to do this, including public reporting and declining new planning applications on a site if developers are failing to build out. I will consult on two further measures:

i) on allowing local planning authorities to refuse planning applications from developers who have built slowly in the past; and
ii) on making sure that local authorities who permission land are not punished under the housing delivery test when it is developers who are not building.

To make sure we are doing all we can to address this important issue, I will also consult on a new approach to accelerating the speed at which permissions are built out, specifically on a new financial penalty. In the summer, the Prime Minister correctly highlighted the importance of tackling this issue. I believe this new package will do so.

CHARACTER OF A DEVELOPER

I have heard and seen examples of how the planning system is undermined by irresponsible developers and landowners who persistently ignore planning rules and fail to deliver their legal commitments to the community. That is wrong, and to make it worse, this behaviour is then ignored if they seek planning permission again. I therefore propose to consult on the best way of addressing this issue, including looking at a similar approach to tackling the slow build out of permissions, where we will give local authorities the power to stop developers getting permissions.

BROWNFIELD FIRST

The Government is investing to incentivise and enable brownfield development. Homes England, our housing delivery arm, is spending millions on acquiring sites in urban areas to regenerate for new housing. We are also allocating over £800m to mayoral and local authorities to unlock over 60,000 new homes on brownfield land, as part of our wider brownfield and infrastructure funding package.

We have already tilted the playing field in favour of brownfield and cities through our urban uplift and scrapped the 80/20 funding rule that focused investment in Greater London. This means we are instead investing more homes in the North and Midlands to relieve pressure on the South East. 4

We know urban regeneration is working. City centres that were depopulating in the 1990s are now seeing their populations rise. Manchester city centre, for example, has transformed with new homes and commercial spaces. We will continue to seek further development in towns and cities through our permitted development rights, which allow change from commercial to residential use. This route has provided over 82,000 housing units in the last six years.

But I know we need to do more, and we will do that.

The new Infrastructure Levy will be set locally by local planning authorities. They will be able to set different Levy rates in different areas, for example lower rates on brownfield over greenfield to increase the potential for brownfield development. That will allow them to reflect national policy, which delivers our brownfield first pledge by giving substantial weight to the value of using brownfield land.

As the Prime Minister committed to in the summer, we will also continue to get cities building more new houses, and stop them offloading their responsibilities to provide new housing onto neighbouring green fields by ending the so-called ‘duty to co-operate' which has made it easier for urban authorities to impose their housing on suburban and rural communities. The Bill also enables gentle densification through Street Votes and design codes, allowing communities to consent to add storeys to existing dwellings with the increase in value going to local people.

I will consult to see what more we can do in national policy to support development on small sites particularly with respect to affordable housing and I will launch a review into identifying further measures that would prioritise the use of brownfield land. To help make the most of empty premises including those above shops, I am reducing the period after which a council tax premium can be charged so that we can make the most of the space we already have. I will also provide further protection in national policy for our important agricultural land used for food production, making it harder for developers to build on it.

THE HOUSING MARKET

Housing plays a key role in the lives of all our constituents and buying a home is one of the most important decisions a family takes – but too many new homes are bought by overseas investors speculating on the housing market, who leave them empty or flip them to holiday rentals.

The Bill takes steps to address that, with council tax measures on empty homes, and we already have additional stamp duty rates on non-resident buyers.

Specifically, I intend to table an amendment at Commons Report to enable a registration scheme for short term lets in England, which would be discretionary for local authorities. The details of how the scheme would be administered will be consulted on before summer recess, with a view to the scheme being up and running as soon as possible thereafter. I will also consult on going further still and reviewing the Use Classes Order so that it enables places such as Devon, Cornwall, and the Lake District to better control changes of use to short term lets if they wish.

I have asked the Competition and Markets Authority to consider undertaking a market study. I believe the case is clear for them to take this forward, but respect their independence as they come to a decision.

No planning reforms will ever be perfect, but I judge that the Bill, alongside the broader policy changes that I am proposing above, will leave us with a significantly improved planning system than the status quo. These reforms will help to deliver enough of the right homes in the right places and will do that by promoting development that is beautiful, that comes with the right infrastructure, that is done democratically with local communities rather than to them, that protects and improves our environment, and that leaves us with better neighbourhoods than before.

A Written Ministerial Statement regarding all of these changes will be made in Parliament tomorrow.

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities

Minister for Intergovernmental Relations

Free Litter Picking Packs To Keep Charnwood Clean And Green!

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:53:40 GMT

R esidents are being urged to help give Charnwood a spring clean and the borough council is offering free litter picking packs to help.

Charnwood Borough Council has a number of litter pickers, high-vis jackets, and litter bags to give away as part of Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean which runs between March 25 and April 10.

The Council has also arranged for its waste partner Serco to pick up bags litter collected by local groups.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for waste, said: “We know residents are proud of Charnwood and want to keep it a clean and tidy place and therefore we want to support that amazing community effort.

“I’m delighted we can offer a number of litter-picking packs and would encourage people to come forward.

“Looking after the environment is one of the Council’s top priorities and almost every day, our waste partner Serco has teams out in the borough keeping our streets and parks free from litter.”

Litter pickers, high-vis jackets and bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and people are being urged to get in touch with the Council as soon as possible.

There will be a limit of six equipment packs per groups, and the Council will also accept requests from individuals.

To request a litter picking kit, visit the Council website, www.charnwood.gov.uk/SpringCleanCharnwood

The Great British Spring Clean is back for its seventh year and Keep Britain Tidy’s message is simple, join its #BigBagChallenge and pledge to pick up as much litter as you can during the campaign.

Find out more, including top tips, at www.keepbritaintidy.org

If you are sharing your litter picking efforts on social media, use the hashtags #GBSpringClean #BigBagChallenge #CleanGreenCharnwood #SpringCleanCharnwood

Huncote Leisure Centre Update

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 09:51:47 GMT

S ince last November Blaby District Council has been working tirelessly to resolve the landfill gas issues at Huncote Leisure Centre, following the discovery of elevated levels during routine maintenance works.

Throughout this period, a large amount of work has been undertaken, including the installation of gas extraction systems, venting wells, water sampling equipment and monitoring points.

The Council has a legal duty to prevent any landfill gas or contaminants from leaving the site and to keep on-site gas levels below safe thresholds. To ensure a long-term solution is delivered further works need to take place whilst monitoring continues during high and low pressure atmospheric conditions, as landfill gas levels vary depending on the pressure in the atmosphere.

Therefore we can confirm that Huncote Leisure Centre and the surrounding site, including the public footpaths and parish council sports field, will continue to remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Over the last few months some people have removed, or even damaged the fencing in place to protect people in order to walk over the affected fields. To maximise the safety of everyone and to ensure the security of the site, improved fencing will be erected around the site.

The site will remain closed for the foreseeable future to enable us to ensure the long-term safety of people using the site. The Council’s priority remains to ensure that the site and surrounds are made safe for the long term, and residents and any future site users are protected. We will continue to revisit our decision to keep the site closed regularly, in close liaison with, and on the advice of our specialist contractors.

We appreciate that this is a loss of amenity for those people that use the site and can assure you we are doing all we can to ensure the site is safe, and we thank you all for your patience.

Residents living around the site should continue to be reassured that there is no immediate risk to property. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that residents do not need to keep their windows and doors closed and we are continuing to monitor the landfill gas levels of those properties within the vicinity of the site, whilst any work continues.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “The decision to keep the whole of the Huncote site closed is not one we have taken lightly. A lot of time has been spent by our officers and contractors, who have worked incredibly hard to try and reduce the landfill gas levels.

“We are increasing the amount of money we had previously committed to make sure that these works are undertaken, but we are under no illusions that there is still work to do to get us into the position we need to be in for the site to be safe for the long term.

“This is an area of land that was a landfill site until the 1970s at a time when it was thought landfill sites would decompose and stop producing gas around 10 years after they stopped being used. In fact we now know it can take anywhere from 100-150 years and sometimes even longer for this to happen.

“With little or no checks on what was put into the old landfill site, it has meant that there is a mix of items decomposing at different rates, which is causing the excess landfill gas coming from the site.

“We would like to once again thank everyone in the local community and those who have previously used the site for their patience.”

Tourism Map And Guide Launched For Blaby District

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 09:55:24 GMT

A brand new detailed map of Blaby District has been released giving visitors to the district the chance to find out more about the area’s local attractions.

Showcasing the walks, restaurants and cafes, accommodation, activities and the location of Fosse Foxes across the District of Blaby, the new maps are the first time residents and visitors to the district have been able to pick up a copy of a detailed guide to the local area.

The maps have been launched at the start of English Tourism Week, the national campaign promoting the best attractions and places to visit both across the country and right here on our doorstep.

An official launch of the guide took place at the popular Everards Meadows with Councillor Sharon Coe and Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire. Since opening in 2019, Everards Meadows has become the go-to place for many people. The site includes the independent Jennos Coffee House, Rutland Cycling and Everards Beer Hall and Restaurant.

The map and guide is available online at www.visitblaby.org.uk and will shortly be found in businesses and libraries across the district, including those part of the Blaby District Tourism Partnership. The Visit Blaby website also has more detailed information about the tourist attractions across Blaby District.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support, said: “We are very excited to be launching our new map and guide to the district. We are lucky to have so many brilliant and popular attractions in the district and it’s fantastic for people to have the chance to pick up a copy and see for themselves just how much there is available to do.

“As visitors continue to flock back to village centres following the pandemic, we are proud to be supporting local businesses with initiatives like this to continue raising the profile of our area.”

Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of Blaby District Council’s new Tourism Map and Guide to coincide with English Tourism Week at Everards Meadows.

“Tourism is such a key part of our local and national economy, and the beautiful Blaby District already has so much to offer visitors to the county in the form of vibrant shopping parks, historic sites and national attractions, and it’s brilliant to see these local hotspots highlighted for those visiting South Leicestershire.”

Funding for the maps has been provided by Welcome Back Funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Tourism Website Launched To Help Visitors Discover Charnwood

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:13:20 GMT

A website to promote Charnwood’s exciting offer to visitors has been launched.

Discover Charnwood has been developed by the borough council to showcase the area’s unique story along with its wonderful attractions and vibrant towns and villages.

Charnwood’s landscape was sculpted by the forces of nature nearly 600 million years ago and its unique geological history is of global importance. At the heart of the borough is Loughborough, home to the last working bell foundry in the UK, 800-year-old markets and fairs, Great Central Railway, and the renowned Loughborough University.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Charnwood is quite simply world-class in every way. We have stunning landscapes which help tell the tale of our evolution, fascinating heritage, and a bold and bright future. Discover Charnwood brings all of this into one place so we can better tell our story, promote the area to visitors and encourage them to stay for longer and explore.”

Cllr Shona Rattray, the Council’s lead member for business support, said: “We have created Discover Charnwood to support the local tourism economy and the many businesses it involves. We will be promoting the Discover Charnwood website over the coming months to help attract more visitors to the area and clearly in this digital age, we also want to drive visitors to the websites of our local businesses and attractions so they can take bookings. We want to work with the local tourism sector to develop the site and make it work for everyone.”

The borough of Charnwood includes a host of attractions and distinctive features. Part of it lies within Charnwood Forest which with its rich geological and quarrying history and other unique characters is bidding to become a UNESCO Global Geopark. Geoparks are areas of international geological significance which are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development.

Taylor and Co Bellfoundry in Loughborough is also unique. Taylor’s is the last working bell foundry in the country and supplies bells that can be heard around the world. It is currently planning a £5 million revamp to preserve it and improve the visitor experience.

The borough is also home to the stunning landscapes of Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and the Outwoods plus many hidden gems like Morley Quarry at Shepshed.

The Council has developed the website with tourism specialists Leicestershire Promotions.

Martin Peters, chief executive of Leicestershire Promotions, said: “Discover Charnwood is a fantastic platform for bringing more visitors to the area. We now look forward to working with accommodation and attraction operators developing exciting package offers and creating even more reasons to visit.”

A leaflet to celebrate the area’s heritage is also being developed and it will be launched in the next few weeks.

To find out more, visit www.discovercharnwood.co.uk

You can also follow @DiscoverCharn on Twitter and if you want to share your pictures of the area, use the hashtag #DiscoverCharnwood.

The Discover Charnwood website has been funded thanks to the Welcome Back Fund, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

Local Vacancies On Display At Jobs Fair

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:11:58 GMT

A Jobs Fair offering vacancies in tourism, retail and hospitality is being held by Blaby District Council at Everards Meadows on Wednesday 30 March.

District-based businesses will be showing off the range of jobs they have available and are looking to fill at the event, taking place from 10am-3pm.

Everards are kindly hosting the event at their Everards Meadows site, which has fast become one of the district’s tourism hotspots since its recent opening. Up to three hours parking is available at Everards Meadows on Cooper Way, LE19 2AN.

Companies in attendance include event hosts Everards and includes Rutland Cycling, who have 22 jobs up for grabs across their company. The Marriott Hotel, Palmers Garden Centre and 360 Play will also have a stand at the event.

The Work and Skills Leicestershire team will be at the event to offer help and support for people looking to get into work. Their service gives FREE advice and support, including CV writing skills, interview techniques and learning and training opportunities.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support, said: “This event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in working within the retail, tourism or hospitality sectors to find their ideal position with the wide variety of businesses attending. After the success of our HGV recruitment event last year, we have been very keen to work with different sectors to identify any labour or skills shortages and help improve employment opportunities for both residents and businesses. We also wanted to thank Everards for allowing us to use the brilliant Everards Meadows as the host of the event.”

Alberto Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, said: ““I am delighted to see the Jobs Fair taking place at Everards Meadows later this month. With a number of fantastic local businesses taking part, this is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking for a new role, or anyone wishing to get into the retail, hospitality or tourism industries. I am so pleased that South Leicestershire has such a vibrant and resilient economy, especially as we continue our recovery from the pandemic, and I am hugely grateful to Blaby District Council and the businesses involved for putting together such a brilliant event.”

Blaby District Council is committed to supporting local people find opportunities in the district and helping businesses to fill vacancies. Last October the Council helped to organise a HGV Recruitment event. More sector-specific events are anticipated to be hosted in the coming months.

More information about the event is available at www.blaby.gov.uk/job-fair

Big Mad Hatter's Official 70th Anniversary Of Age UK Leicestershire

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:22:31 GMT

I t's not only the Queen who is celebrating a 70th Anniversary, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has their own BIG year ahead and it all starts with an official launch, 7-Tea Party & Dance at Clarence House and everyone is invited.

On Thursday 7th April, Clarence House on Humberstone Gate will see the arrival of all things ‘Wonderland’, with a special 7-Tea Party and Dance for some incredibly special VIP guests.

The event will take place to celebrate all the vital support the charity provides and has given for 70 years across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland to individuals, families, and communities. We could not be prouder!

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland are excited to launch the main headline campaign of 2022, ‘Mad Hatter’s 7-Tea Parties and not only will it be the theme for the launch, but the charity is asking the people of the city to hold their own 7-Tea Parties in aid of the people of the city.

Mums, dads nans, gramps, and friends of all generations are invited to help us celebrate this year's 70th Anniversary by holding your own 7-Tea Party with tea, cakes, and create incredible crazy hats. Schools, nurseries, colleges are also encouraged to think about their family members and make a difference with a celebratory 7-Tea Party. We even have a special ‘Do it for the Fam’ Campaign for students to get involved with a special challenge in aid of family members.

The year when Queen Elizabeth came to the throne in 1952 was also the year that Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland (formerly National Old People's Welfare Committee (NOPWC), then Age Concern Leicester 1972 and subsequently Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland 2010) started to provide exceptional support for local older people living in the city, county and

Rutland, and they haven’t stopped since.

Not only have they been supporting the people of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland for 70 years, but they have also grown to be the largest independent local Age UK in England. The demand for their services has grown exponentially since 1952 and they are tremendously proud of their achievements, especially during the last 2 years when they’ve been a lifeline for thousands of local older people. If you’re planning a Platinum celebration in 2022, then why not raise some money along the way?

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland will be launching their year of celebrations throughout 2022 on their website and social media pages (Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn) plus you can also request the ‘Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland Mad Hatter 7-Tea Party’ fundraising packs.

For more information or details about Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Platinum Anniversary, please visit www.ageukleics.org.uk email fundraising@ageukleics.org.uk or call 0116 299 2233.

Waste Food Oil-Powered Bin Lorries Take To The Roads

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:56:38 GMT

Waste food oil now powers bin collections and street cleaning in North West Leicestershire.

Diesel is no longer the fuel of choice for North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) vehicles after the authority swapped it for hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), a by-product from the food industry.

The move to the lower-emission fuel is part of NWLDC’s Zero Carbon plan to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The council’s entire fleet of 109 vehicles will now either run on waste food oil or battery electricity by 2024.

The council uses a mix of refuse collection vehicles, housing maintenance vehicles, medium sized panel vans and smaller vehicles alongside more specialist equipment, such as sweepers and mowers.

Residents and people driving the vehicles won’t notice a difference, but the move will reduce the authority’s emissions and achieve an estimated carbon saving of 1,221 tonnes of CO² over the vehicles’ lifetime. HVO reduces CO² emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.

The council’s waste and recycling depot in Coalville will now be the filling up point for all the authority’s HVO-powered vehicles.

Petrol-powered cars in the fleet will be replaced with battery electric vehicles (BEVs), with charging points installed at key council locations to add to the 20 already installed in public car parks across the district.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC said: “Removing diesel from our fleet is a great step on our Zero Carbon journey and allows us to quickly reduce our carbon footprint. We’re investing in zero or low emission vehicles and fuel for the future to lead the way across the district. It’s great to see our changing fleet take to the roads.”

SMB College Group Begin Exciting New Partnership With The Defence Animal Training Regiment!

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 10:54:27 GMT

S MB College Group have recently embarked on an exciting new venture with the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), forging a partnership that will serve to provide a wealth of industry-relevant knowledge and experience for students.

Students from the college’s Horticulture, Countryside Management, Uniformed Public Services, Animal Management and Equine departments will benefit from work placements, industry insight and enrichment with the DATR, which is located in Melton Mowbray - just 7 miles away from the college’s 850-acre Brooksby estate.

This new working agreement will also facilitate the sharing of industry knowledge, allowing both organisations to champion welfare, care and industry best practice.

When speaking of this exciting new partnership and the opportunities it will bring, the Commanding Officer of the Defence Animal Training Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Robinson, said ‘This Memorandum of Understanding recognises the significant benefits of our cooperative and reciprocal relationship, notably exploiting the land-based, animal care and public service parallels that exist between our two organisations.

‘We have identified opportunities that will strengthen both our organisations and allow for increased knowledge exchange, work placement opportunities and improvements to animal practice. The benefits are already being realised with partnering between the College, Defence Animal Training Regiment and The Dog Trust’s Animal Welfare Scheme as a triumvirate championing welfare, care and industry best-practice.

‘Furthermore, the College also provides an OFSTED-recommended Independent Advisory Panel to support the assurance of the duty of care to our trainees. The pastoral expertise of the College provides us with an independent, objective perspective, which is an invaluable source of advice, challenge and encouragement. It also supports our young soldiers under training and strengthens the Regiment’s continuous improvement programme.’

James Thorne, Assistant Principal at SMB College Group, added ‘SMB College Group - Brooksby Campus is delighted to be working with Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR – MOD). This partnership will bring so many new opportunities to both our Further Education learners and our Undergraduate students, including a valuable insight into a very professional and high performing working environment.

‘Students will be working on a range of projects including involvement in the Equine and Dog units, competitions, and welfare schemes, in addition to conservation and environment input for the campus base. Uniformed Public Services students will also have the opportunity to experience personal training sessions. We look forward to working with DATR through this long term collaborative partnership’.

One such opportunity, that is already underway, is an Animal Management degree project in which students are engaging with the DATR and Dogs Trust Animal Welfare Scheme. When asked about this project, Animal Management Lecturer, Beth Prior, said‘This scheme has allowed our students to put their knowledge into practice, completing a range of animal welfare assessments during regular visits to DATR, and sharing knowledge of animal welfare, care and industry best practice between the three organisations.’

SMB College Group is a Further Education college based across three campuses in Leicestershire. The college’s Brooksby Campus is an 850-acre countryside estate that specialises in training students in the land-based industries, sport and uniformed public services, with opportunities ranging from Entry Level courses up to Undergraduate degree programmes.

The Defence Animal Training Regiment is a training establishment based in Melton Mowbray, which trains animals for all three armed forces. Its headquarters are also the principal base of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

Weekends Celebration Of The Queens Platinum Jubilee

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:02:02 GMT

D ue to the tragic ongoing conflict in the Ukraine, the Great Central Railway have decided to cancel their annual 1940’s Wartime Weekend at the beginning of June.

For this year, we have decided to theme the weekend to cover the history of the first fifty years of our Queen’s life, a pageant celebrating Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

As usual the event will be across all four stations at the railway with each station highlighting different periods from the 1920’s up to the 1970’s.

The event starts of on Thursday 2 ^nd June with the Platinum Afternoon Tea attended by various dignitaries followed by The Thursday N ight Swing Band. There will be an old time fun fair for all to enjoy, entertainers throughout the 4 days taking us through the songs and music of the time, vintage vehicles, fashion shows, demonstrations, shopping village, our Saturday night Big Band dance, fly past, flying acrobatics, re-enactors showcasing fashion from 1920 onwards, the Marching Pipe Band plus more!

Michael Gough, Managing Director, commented “Like most of us in the UK we are appalled at the atrocities unfolding in the Ukraine and feel that an event depicting wartime would be highly insensitive at this saddening time. The opportunity to depict our Queen’s life on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee year feels far more appropriate and it promises to be a truly stunning 4 days of celebration”

The event runs from Thursday 2 ^nd June to Sunday 5 ^th June, full details will be on our web site soon, gcrailway.co.uk

Assistance Dog From Local Charity Canine Partners Wins Crufts Event

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 10:58:53 GMT

C anine Partners was in the spotlight this weekend as a partnership from the local charity managed to take the top prize at the “Scruffts” event during Crufts.

Questa, led by her partner Hazel French, demonstrated their incredible training and won the Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year award for 2022.

Canine Partners trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people, boosting their confidence and independence.

The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and undressing a person. They can even help to unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.

" It was such a fantastic moment to win this award and I’m just so proud of Questa” said Hazel, from Shropshire. “I was nervous the whole day but Questa just took it all in her stride. It was such an amazing surprise to win. We are so proud of Hazel and Questa winning the Scruffts event and it shows the incredible bond that they have as a partnership, as well as the difference that our canine partner assistance dogs can make in so many ways” said Aftercare Manager at Canine Partners, Claire Anthony.

To find out more about the work of the charity and the different ways that you can support, visit caninepartners.org.uk/get-involved

Arriva 27 Route Proposed Time Table Change

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 12:20:11 GMT

Please view Arrivia 27 proposed new time table below in the document viewer or click here to download PDF version.

Online Hearing Aid Accessories Retailer Hires New Operations Manager

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 10:13:47 GMT

Hearing Aid Accessories, a business division of umbrella company, Hear4U and Healthscreen UK are pleased to announce their recent hire of Charlie Breckon as Operations Manager.

Charlie is working from the headquarters of Hearing Aid Accessories , based in Hinckley, Leicestershire, where he is identifying new business opportunities, establishing plans for business and revenue growth, implementing new target market initiatives, and developing strategies to meet these goals.

“I was attracted by the company’s mission to improve the overall accessibility of hearing healthcare. Hearing loss is quickly becoming a global crisis, yet so many people remain unaware about all the many devices and equipment now available to assist those with hearing impairments and conditions like tinnitus”, Charlie said. “We are preparing for the launch of our Hearing Aid Accessories app in early May, and I believe that we can continue to transform the ways in which people can attain the hearing appurtenances they require”.

Charlie comes to Hearing Aid Accessories with a background in sales and retail management. After studying animal management at college, Charlie took a customer assistant role with Pets at Home and worked his way up the management tier system. He attained his first position in retail management five years ago. As a Store Manager, Charliewas responsible for the overall daily operations of the store, facilitating customer service, creating business strategies, and meeting financial goals. This background has helped Charlie make an easy transition into his new position with Hearing Aid Accessories.

Hearing Aid Accessories was established back in late 2019, and within a year, monthly revenue had increased by 1973.01%. By late 2021, it had risen again to 119.565% - with total growth amounting to 4452.02%. “I intend to apply my experience in retail management, and my skills in communication and commercial thinking to further the business and sales strategies of Hearing Aid Accessories”, Charlie declared. “I look forward to seeing what I can achieve for the business divisions of BHHC (Bennett Hear4U and Healthscreen Companies) and contributing to the growth of Hearing Aid Accessories as it expands into a global entity”.

As head of one of the main business divisions under BHHC’s general banner, Charlie is sure to go on to achieve great things. To find out more about Hearing Aid Accessories, head to their main website at www.hearingaidaccessories.co.uk

Redevelopment of Coalville’s Marlborough Square Given Go-Ahead

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 10:19:26 GMT

The creation of a new pedestrian space for outdoor markets and events in Marlborough Square will finally start this year after councillors voted to press ahead with the scheme.

After a number of years involving detailed design and discussion, the final plans to redesign Marlborough Square have been approved by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

The scheme has been a key commitment for NWLDC since plans were drawn up in 2018, but it has suffered delays because of the complexity and detail involved in the project.

NWLDC Cabinet unanimously approved plans for the square in February, with Full Council agreeing the budget for the work at its recent meeting. Subject to final approval from Leicestershire County Council highways, work will start this year.

The redesign includes:

A central outdoor market and events space
High-quality street furniture including bins and bus shelters
Bespoke seating inspired by the National Forest
Raised planting
Feature LED lighting
Granite paving
Introduction of a one-way traffic system
Limited vehicle access to the northern part of the square

The scheme is expected to cost £2.7 million.

With contractors soon to be appointed, work should start in early summer, and it is hoped the square will be completed by early 2023.

Councillor Richard Blunt, NWLDC Leader, said: “The redesign of Marlborough Square is another area where the public can see our investment and commitment to high-quality projects in Coalville. Businesses and locals have supported our plans from the beginning and councillors wholeheartedly supported the approved plans, so as soon as we have highways approval we can finally start work. The redesign of the square will complement Newmarket, our recently-announced renovation of the row of shops on the corner of the square and will complete our plans to transform the offering for market traders since the closure of the former indoor market.”

Wellbeing At The Weekend!

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 10:22:09 GMT

Registered Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is expanding its supportive and inclusive ethos from Saturday 2 ^nd April as the Foundation launches weekend opening at Ulverscroft Grange Community Support and Wellbeing Centre. Helen Baxter of Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation said ‘we wish to convey a very warm weekend welcome to our visitors, supporters, service users and volunteers! Our Saturday opening will allow us to build on our supportive services and provide new opportunities for people to enjoy all that the Foundation has to offer’. She added ‘You are invited to explore our accessible Yew Trail, discover the natural environment of our woodland pathways and drop in to the tearooms for refreshments or lunch overlooking the Charnwood Forest’.

To find out more, drop in to Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB – open Monday – Friday 10.00am – 4.00pm – and Saturday’s 10.00am – 4.00pm from 2 ^nd April 2022.

Children’s Easter trail available from Monday 11 ^th April – Friday 22 ^nd April 2022!

For more information regarding the supportive services and activities provided at Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, contact Helen Baxter on 01530 244914 or visit www.shuttlewood-clarke.org

Leicester Tigers Programme Students Go From Strength to Strength!

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 10:26:04 GMT

S tudents and alumni from SMB College Group’s Leicester Tigers programme are making strides in their rugby careers.

First up, Morgan Meredith (fly half) and Joseph Woodward (centre) took part in the U18 England Rugby Development Camp at Bisham Abbey last weekend, where they were two of just 43 players selected from across the country.

Morgan and Joseph also joined eight of their teammates at Sixways Stadium yesterday (27 ^th February), where they helped Leicester Tigers Academy storm to victory against Harlequins, securing third place in the Academy League.

SMB College Group were the most well-represented education provider in this weekend’s team, with ten players in the matchday squad.

Max Nolan started as hooker alongside fellow Brooksby Campus student, Tom Wand. Chester Owen was also included in the starting XV, where he played in the back-row. Matt Durbridge and Morgan Meredith started in the half-back position, with Joseph Woodward being named in the midfield. In addition, Sameul Jacques and Malelili Satala started on the wing, with Jack Hurst and Nathan Hind also named in the squad as replacement forwards.

Greg Mannion, ACE Programme Manager, said ‘It was great to see ten Brooksby students included in the match day squad this past weekend. This was the culmination of the Academy season and is testimony to the hard work and dedication they have shown in their development.’

Further exciting success stories come in the form of SMB College Group alumni Sam Edwards and Lewis Chessum, who were included in the Under-20s Six Nations squad for England’s fixture against Wales at Castle Park, Doncaster on Friday, with Lewis making his debut for the national side.

Regarding Sam and Lewis’ achievements, Greg Mannion added ‘When pupils graduate from SMB College Group we continue to keep a keen eye on their progression, and it’s great to see two of our former pupils getting international recognition. We are proud as a college to have played a part in their journey to this point and will continue to watch with interest how they get on.’

SMB College Group and Leicester Tigers run a well-established male rugby programme at the college’s Brooksby Campus, which has seen many successful players come through its doors. Students learn in state-of-the-art facilities, including three full-size outdoor rugby pitches, a full-size sports hall, a strength and conditioning gym, and sports science facilities featuring a range of performance analysis equipment.

New education programmes in partnership with Leicester Tigers from September 2022 include a Women’s programme at the Brooksby Campus, and the option to study A Levels at the college’s Melton Campus, with timetabled training sessions at the Brooksby Campus.

Accommodation is also available on-site at the Brooksby Campus, in addition to a fantastic range of college bus routes and great public transport links across Leicestershire.

Find out more by visiting the college website or visiting the Brooksby Campus Open Day on Saturday 19 ^th March: www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk

Apprenticeship Success Can Lead To Climb Up Career Ladder

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 10:29:24 GMT

Gaining experience and getting a step on the career ladder is guaranteed for Michael Kimberley, who has his sights set on success within the construction industry.

And, as National Careers Week approaches (March 7 ^th – 12 ^th ), he puts his future hopes down to his decision to pursue rewarding apprenticeships with our North West division.

Michael, 20, from Wigan, is a trainee quantity surveyor, having completed his Level 3 apprenticeship and been ‘promoted’ to Level 4.

He is based at Daresbury from where he will qualify in June 2023, after completing his training during which he spends one week in every six studying at SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus in Coalville, Leicestershire.

Having succeeded in getting A levels in sport, history and biology at St John Rigby College in Orrell, Michael was unsure what to do next.

“I never really wanted to go to university,” he says. “I didn’t want to end up with a student loan when I didn’t even know what course I wanted to do. There was no point doing sport science or history if I was never going to do anything with it. I wanted a career that would take me somewhere and would give me a steady path for progression.”

Michael applied for an apprenticeship and spent time in Quantity Surveying and Purchasing before settling on the former. It’s a role which involves keeping track of money spent on site, making sure valuations are correct and tendering to the correct suppliers: “I also deal with teams on site and make sure that everything is running smoothly,” he says, “that we use companies that are reliable and won’t let us down, and provide good materials and workmanship.”

And he says: “I really enjoy it. If I had gone to university and then gone on to be a quantity surveyor or something else to do with construction, I wouldn’t already have the benefit of nearly three years on-the-job experience, which is massive. I’m also earning while I’m learning which is ideal! I get on with the people I work with and who offer me so much support, and the split between work and college is great. I’m really happy with how I’ve progressed, and I’d like to keep on doing that, and climbing the career ladder. I now have a clear idea of what I want to do and how I do it, and this course and Redrow is very much a part of that. My confidence is 100% better, I find speaking to people - on the phone or in person - so much easier, and I’m happy to know I have a good career path in front of me.”

For more information about apprenticeships with us and how to apply, go to www.redrowcareers.co.uk/apprenticeships

Charnwood Element Of Council Tax To Rise By Less Than 9p A Week

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 10:31:26 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council has agreed to raise its share of council tax by less than 9p a week for a Band D property.

The increase was agreed at full Council on Monday February 21 where 31 councillors voted in favour of the increase and eight voted against.

The increase will see the annual charge for the Charnwood element of an average Band D property rise by £4.61 (3.52 per cent) to £135.69 from April 1, 2022.

The Loughborough Special Rate, the equivalent of a parish precept in villages and paid by residents of the town, will rise by £1.55 a year (1.99 per cent) to £79.53 for the year, from April 1, 2022.

The Charnwood element of council tax bills accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total average bill.

Cllr Tom Barkley, lead member for finance and property services, said: “We continue to work hard to make our services as effective and as efficient as possible to minimise the impact on residents. I am confident we are delivering value for money and as I have said before, it is worth noting that the Charnwood element of council tax accounts for less than 10 per cent of your total bill. For that, we provide scores of services, from the operation of leisure centres and markets to the emptying of bins and management of open spaces.”

Some other examples of the Council’s everyday operations funded by the budget include:

Emptying wheelie bins around 4 million times a year
Operating three leisure centres
Providing 1,500 residents with advice and assistance on their housing options
Organising physical activity programmes accessed around 10,000 times a year
Welcoming 50,000 visitors to Loughborough Town Hall and 18,000 visitors to Charnwood Museum in a year
Holding over 200 markets a year in Loughborough
Dealing with 3,000 applications for various building and planning control consents each year
Organising major events such as Loughborough Fair and Loughborough’s Christmas Lights Swich-on
Operating two business centres
Managing award-winning public conveniences
Maintaining 617 acres of open spaces including the award-winning Queen’s Park and the Outwoods.

The final Council budget for 2022/23 is around £17.9 million. This includes making savings, generating extra income through fees and charges and using some reserves.

The savings include amending the opening hours of the Council’s reception and the telephone contact centre and not reintroducing the Shopmobility scheme in Loughborough. Charges for the garden waste service and bulky waste collections will also increase. More details are available at www.charnwood.gov.uk/budgetsummary

People on low incomes can apply for Local Council Tax Support. This gives up to an 85 per cent reduction on the whole council tax bill.

Leicestershire Boaters On Board To Create A Heartsafe Community With Support From Local Heart Charity

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 10:34:36 GMT

Leicestershire Boaters On Board To Create A Heartsafe Community With Support From Local Heart Charity

Boaters in Sileby marina on the South Navigation in Charnwood, Leicestershire have successfully funded and launched a public accessible defibrillator (PAD) for the local boating community as well as for dog walkers, fishermen and those taking a leisurely walk along the canal footpaths.

The idea for the AED fundraising campaign was instigated by John Martin (who lives on the boat NB Nuthatch) who was a volunteer at Sileby Town Football Club when they acquired their own defibrillator.

“ I do remember attending one of the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust’s (JHMT) community CPR and AED familarisation sessions at Sileby Town football Club and then thought it would also be a good idea to have PAD at the marina, especially as the nearest defibrillator is about a quarter of a mile away at the local cricket club. Another reason was that throughout the Covid pandemic I noticed the number of people who had taken to walking along the canal footpath had more than doubled,”said John

John, together with another boater, Mick Gray, who lives on ‘The Last Crusade’, set out on a cold December morning to raise funds from regular passers-by. The area is a favourite spot for both professional and ordinary dog walkers who helped boost the money raised on the day.

As the word spread about the AED campaign across the Sileby community, other groups rallied to the cause including the boating community, dog walkers, Wreake Valley Angling Fishing Club, Sileby Marina, Sileby Mill Boatyard, Low & Co Candles and Wax Melts, Stowfledge Engineering Ltd, and David and Helen Vickers from REYou Wellbeing - Holistic and Beauty Salon in Sileby Village.

The external cabinet which will keep the defibrillator safe was donated by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT). The PAD is located on the front of Stowfledge's manufacturing unit at the marina to ensure it’s accessible to the local community 24/7. The defibrillator has also been registered with
EMAS. Once registered, all AEDs are included on the Circuit. The Circuit is the national defibrillator network which connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives.

John said “ A HUGE thanks to everyone for helping to create a heartsafe environment within three weeks. This includes valuable support throughout from the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust including the donation of the AED cabinet and guiding us through the process. We are truly indebted to everyone who made a donation to the AED cause, to Jason Jeyes from Stowfledge Engineering Ltd for allowing us to site the PAD on his external wall and Howard Williams who kindly fitted and wired up the AED cabinet.”

During March 2022, members of the boating community will join up with Sileby Town Football Club and undergo key CPR and AED familiarisation training led by JHMT.

Charles Poole from JHMT, said: "This is a brilliant addition to the increasing network of Public Access Defibrillators in and around the villages along the Soar Valley. A cardiac arrest can happen anytime and anywhere. Immediate effective CPR and rapid use of a defibrillator within the first few minutes are the essential difference between life and death. Everyone from the marina community, boats passing through the lock, those working nearby and the many people who enjoy the area's fresh air and countryside, whether walking, running or cycling, can thank John and his team for their potentially lifesaving foresight in providing this potentially lifesaving equipment.”

As well as providing free CPR and defibrillator training, the JHMT works hard to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths, helps to provide community defibrillators and runs Inspire, a local grants scheme for inspirational young people.

The Leicestershire charity was set up after the tragic death of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries in 2012, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a run.

To find out more about the work of the Trust, apply for training and support, or to help out with the charity's work, visit the website at www.jhmt.org.uk

You can also follow the Trust on Facebook at facebook.com/JHMTorguk and Twitter @JHMTorguk

Prominent Building To Be Restored Thanks To Council Purchase

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 10:44:48 GMT

An historic building in the heart of Coalville will be given a new lease of life after being bought by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

The row of terraced properties on the corner of Marlborough Square and Belvoir Road will receive a full renovation, creating 10 new first floor apartments and improving the business units on the ground floor.

The council is investing £4.5 million to bring the building up to date, complementing work to Marlborough Square.

The building has detracted from the area for some time, with peeling paint and vegetation growing from its masonry. With the cost of repair and refurbishment, it is unlikely that a private investor would take on such a project.

As it has done in the past with the former Pick and Shovel pub on High Street, which is now an attractive apartment building, and the former police station site, which is now a good quality housing development, the council is intervening to support Coalville in being a vibrant town.

The renovation will see:

Repairs to the building structure, including the roof
Restoration of the original Victorian frontage
Replacement of the shop fronts to Marlborough Square and Belvoir Road with traditional frontages
Conversion of first and second floor accommodation to 10 quality one and two bedroom apartments, which will be offered for sale once complete
Zero Carbon improvements - insulation to walls, floors, roof and ceilings, replacement doors and double glazing, LED lighting, water efficient fittings, energy efficient appliances, energy efficient heating systems.

The project is planned to cost the council almost £4.5 million, although the sales of the apartments will likely bring this down to £3 million.

The council will also take on landlord responsibilities for the existing business tenants and will continue to lease the ground floor units to keep the area vibrant and attractive for shoppers and visitors.

The sale of the building was finalised on 11 February 2022. Now the council will tender for contractors to carry out the renovation.

The work itself is expected to start within the next few months and it is planned to take around 12 months, with the apartments being ready for sale in 2023.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC, said: “Marlborough Square has previously been a real heart for Coalville, and it’s great that we are able to step in, take on an eyesore in a prominent place and turn it into something people can be proud of. We did it with the Pick and Shovel, which stood empty for over a decade before it was transformed into an attractive building on a busy corner. This is the same principle. In this case, we’re sensitively upgrading the building to be a great asset to this part of Coalville. And the added bonus is that we’ll create much needed good quality homes in the process. It’s another positive for Coalville and I’m excited to see it develop.”

Alex’s Wish Announces The Return Of Its Annual Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 10:50:26 GMT

Alex’s Wish Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride is a favourite fixture on the Leicestershire charity’s calendar, and this year’s sponsored event is even more special.

The charity turns 10 this year and hopes even more people will ‘Be More Alex’ – getting on their bikes to help raise money and celebrate this milestone birthday.

After two years of not being able to run the event, Alex’s Wish is excited to announce that this year’s ride is on Sunday May 15 and starts at 7.30am from The Rothley Village Centre. To allow for all fitness levels, cyclists have the choice of riding 10 miles, 20 miles or 50 miles.

Alex’s Wish is dedicated to finding new treatments and ultimately a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy which affects one in every 3,500 boys. Founded by Emma Hallam, the charity is named after her teenage son, Alex, who lives with Duchenne. Its slogan, Be More Alex , is in recognition of Alex’s positive outlook on life.

The 2022 cycle ride is being sponsored by Spirit Healthcare, Next, Two New Street Chambers, Greens Consultancy, KRS Estate Planning, Bradleys, Ben’s Kitchen, Nuffield Health, Flexpress, Pedal Power and Jay Webb Consultancy.

Emma said: “Our sponsored cycle ride through beautiful Charnwood Forest is always great fun and very well-supported. We’re so grateful to our wonderful sponsors and of course to all our cyclists, some of whom have taken part in this event many times before. We look forward to seeing them again and to attracting new riders as we celebrate our 10 ^th birthday.”

Free parking in Rothley village is available to all members of Team Alex’s Wish. Riders will also be offered refreshments along the way and complementary homemade cakes. All riders will receive a unique 10 ^th Year medal when they complete the ride.

To register online or for more information, please visit alexswish.co.uk or email zoe@alexswish.co.uk

North West Leicestershire Volunteers First In The UK To Trial Customisable Recycling Trolley

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 10:48:45 GMT

Pioneering residents in North West Leicestershire are the first in the country to trial a new recycling trolley.

As part of its Recycle More… campaign, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has provided 250 volunteers with a customisable trolley for separated recycling to be taken to the kerbside.

More than 4,500 residents applied for the trial, with 250 selected to put the trolleys through their paces.

Each trolley comes with labels and drawers of different sizes to allow residents to select the most appropriately sized box for their paper, plastic/cans/tins, glass and cardboard recycling.

The trial will run for at least six months to allow for proper testing by volunteers and collection crews and for feedback to be collected.

Feedback has shown that many residents find the current system of several boxes and bags confusing, difficult to manage and easily blown away in windy conditions.

Testing of the innovative trollies will run alongside an existing trial of stackable boxes. Results from both trials will be reviewed before a decision is made on further rollouts.

Linda Farley, 70, of Worthington was delighted to receive her trolley as part of the trial. She said: “It’s looking great, I’m so pleased to be a part of the trial. Our drive is on a bit of a slope and I’m not as young as I used to be, so now instead of having to do three journeys, it’s just one.”

The recycling trollies have been manufactured by IPL Haydock formally Coral Products (mouldings) Ltd.

Helen Broderick, Commercial and Business Development Manager at IPL Haydock said: ”We’d like to thank North West Leicestershire District Council for all their help and support received during the design process and now the trial stage enabling us to bring this innovative product to market. This easy-to-use customised recycling trolley will help to potentially revolutionise kerbside collections for local authorities nationwide. This will assist councils in producing separated, uncontaminated recycling – which is a valuable resource for local authorities.”

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “We’re committed to supporting our residents to recycle as much as possible and are delighted to be the first council in the country to test this new trolley. We’ve had overwhelming feedback from volunteers on our existing trial, so it’s very exciting to see what we can learn from this new trial. Thank you to everyone who has signed up for this pioneering trial as part of our commitment to a 50 percent recycling rate by 2023.”

Cucumber Sandwiches And Mad Hats At The Ready! It’s Going To Be A Platinum Year All Round With Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 10:52:26 GMT

Not only is the Queen celebrating her incredible reign of 70 years, but Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is also proud to be sharing the royal celebrations with their own Platinum Anniversary and they have a fun packed year of exciting events and activities to match.

The year when Queen Elizabeth came to the throne in 1952 was also the year that Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland (formerly National Old People's Welfare Committee (NOPWC) then Age Concern Leicester 1972 and subsequently Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland 2010) started to provide exceptional support for local older people living in the city, county and Rutland, and they haven’t stopped since. Not only have they been supporting the people of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland for 70 years, but they have also grown to be the largest independent local Age UK in England. The demand for their services has grown exponentially since 1952 and they are tremendously proud of their achievements, especially during the last 2 years when they’ve been a lifeline for thousands of local older people.

From home care, dementia support, day centres, carers support, information, and advice through to befriending, they deliver a plethora of services to local people, and demand is higher than ever.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Executive Director Tony Donovan said ‘We are immensely proud of our services, staff and the people of our wonderful city and counties, and with the Queen’s Platinum Anniversary coinciding with our own milestone anniversary makes this the most special of years as we can celebrate the Double Platinum.

Older people in our communities are struggling more than ever – there is real hardship out there, especially with the cost of living and energy prices increasing, the future can seem bleak.

This year will be a great way to highlight our work and reach those people who need us now more than ever while also being able to raise vital funds enabling us to continue serving local older people for the next 70 years +’.

If you’re planning a Platinum celebration in 2022, then why not raise some money along the way! Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland will be launching their year of celebrations throughout 2022 on their website and social media pages ( Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn ) plus you can also request the ‘Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Mad Hatter 7-Tea Party’ fundraising packs.

For more information or details about Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Platinum celebrations please visit www.ageukleics.org.uk , email fundraising@ageukleics.org.uk or call 0116 299 2233.

Over 1,000 Trees Planted At The Outwoods

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 10:55:17 GMT

O ver 1,000 trees have been planted at the Outwoods in Loughborough to help the ancient woodland return to its true and natural historic state.

Charnwood Borough Council which maintains the Outwoods, working alongside the Outwoods Management Committee, has planted the native oak and hazel trees as part of a restoration project to help return the Outwoods back to its former glory of a natural acid oak woodland.

The long-term plan to restore the woodland got underway in 2019 when the Council started to gradually remove non-native coniferous trees in phases.

The second phase of the restoration project was recently completed in November and a total of 1,450 native trees have been planted to replace the non-native conifer trees which were removed.

Community groups, officers and councillors were involved in planting the trees with other native species such as rowan and birch being encouraged to grow back naturally.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of the Council and a member of the Outwoods Management Committee said: “It’s been great to see lots of volunteers helping to plant trees in areas of the Outwoods where non-native trees have been removed. The Outwoods is an incredibly special part of the borough. It is visited by thousands of people each year and we want that to continue for many years to come. Two phases of the restoration project have been completed and another phase is due to start later this year. Although this means there will be some more minor disruption, we are committed to carrying out the work as sensitively as possible. Ancient woodlands need to be carefully managed and this long-term project is all about ensuring the Outwoods can be enjoyed by future generations.”

The long-term Outwoods restoration project is part of a Countryside Stewardship scheme, run by Natural England and the Forestry Commission, and aims to preserve the ecology and habitats found in the woodland.

The newly planted trees are classed as young saplings and stand between 50-100cm tall.

The recently restored areas of the Outwoods will look similar to a young woodland after around 25 years.

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood.

Responsibility of the Outwoods lies with the Outwoods Management Committee which is a separate body to the Council. However, the Council effectively maintains the Outwoods working alongside the committee.

The Outwoods is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England, which means it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology. It is also part of the ancient Charnwood Forest and is the most easterly part of the National Forest.

For more information and the latest updates about the project visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/Outwoodsrestoration

New Building Control Service Approved

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:27:42 GMT

C ouncillors have approved plans for Blaby District Council to lead a new Building Control service from April.

The Leicestershire Building Control Partnership (LBCP) will be an ambitious and forward thinking service, and will see the Council merge its Building Control services with Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Melton Borough Council, Harborough District Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Rutland County Council.

LBCP will offer Building Control services across Leicestershire and Rutland, bringing together the knowledge and experience of all Councils under one improved and joined up umbrella service.

Blaby District Council will manage the service on behalf of all the local authorities.

Several councils already working together in the original shared working arrangements have experienced significant cost savings as part of their shared working. It is expected that the formal launch of the fully joined up Leicestershire Building Control Partnership will bring about further efficiency savings whilst also improving service delivery for the customer.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support, said: “We have been working hard with our local authority partners to see LCBP become a reality, and we are delighted to approve this for launch in April.

“Building Control services are a statutory function for local authorities to offer, and need to operate in a responsive and cost effective manner whilst competing for work against other private sector providers.

“Pooling our resources in this way will make us bigger, better and more efficient whilst delivering Building Control Services across Leicestershire and Rutland.”

Keeping Calm In A Crisis: Grant Funding Released For Vital Mental Health Resources Across Region

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 14:25:49 GMT

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Council To Investigate Solar Farms To Cut Carbon And Generate Revenue

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 14:16:36 GMT

C harnwood Borough Council could explore the creation of two solar farms to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Council has identified two locations on land it owns in Loughborough and its Cabinet will consider a proposal to carry out feasibility studies.

The Council says the idea is in a very early stage and at this point it is only considering gathering further information to understand the investment needed and level of energy generation possible from solar installations.

Cllr Roy Rollings, Lead Member for Transformation with responsibility for the Council’s commitment to be Carbon Neutral by 2030, said: “One of our strategic priorities is to care for the environment and we are committed to making our operations carbon neutral by 2030.

“We have reduced our carbon footprint by 40 per cent since 2015 but we recognise that we need to go further in the coming years.

“The proposal at the moment is to explore the feasibility of adding solar installations on land we own and possibly to some of our buildings before any further decisions are made.

“Further investment would clearly be needed but that is not a decision we can make without firm evidence to support that. We would also look to ensure that any investment pays for itself.”

The report to Cabinet, which meets on February 10, says two primary sites for solar farms have been identified. One is a 21-acre piece of land at Nanpantan, near to where the new cemetery is being created. The other is a 40-acre site at Allsopp’s Lane in Loughborough. Both sites are owned by the Council.

The feasibility study will also consider the potential of rooftop installations on Council buildings and at Council car parks.

Cabinet is being asked to approve £150,000 of funding from a budget which has already been allocated to help reduce the Council’s carbon footprint. However, the report says a significant contingency is built into this cost and not all of the funding may be needed.

The Cabinet report can be read here: https://bit.ly/CharnwoodCabinetSolar

Troubador Publishing Expands Facilities

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 14:34:37 GMT

T roubador Publishing have moved into a brand new warehousing and office facility near Market Harborough.

The move expands the company’s warehousing and distribution facilities and houses all staff in a purpose-built office environment that includes dedicated meeting spaces. The 400,000 investment positions the company for growth in the author services market and will enable it to broaden its book distribution operation to other publishers.

In parallel moves, the company has improved its book distribution capabilities for its authors and publisher partners through a special arrangement with wholesaler Gardners Books, investment in the Nielsen PubEasy book buying system for retailers, and by offering sales representation from its own

warehouse through Star Book Sales. Significant investment in online sys tems now allows the company to automatically send daily Price & Availability feeds direct to Gardners and to all bookshops using PubEasy, which makes ordering titles simple for any retailer.

Troubador’s purpose-built office space includes not only fullyequipped meeting rooms, but a large meeting space used to host events, and a bookshop where titles from the company’s Matador, Book Guild and Troubador imprints will be sold direct.

Managing Director Jeremy Thompson said: “This marks a significant step up for the company as we have changed the way in which we distribute our titles to the retail trade for the better, with new arrangements that are faster, cheaper and more robust than when previously using a third-party distribution company. By investing heavily in new systems and processes, we can not only offer our authors and retail customers a better service, but we reduce our environmental impact by minimising road miles for our books.”

The company acquired new premises in June last year, and have spent the last six months of 2021 amalgamating stocks from three warehouses into a single warehouse. In addition, a new environmentally-friendly office building has been built from scratch, featuring solar panels, automatic lights and super-insulation. The moving process was completed in December last year in a carefully coordinated move that kept all book production and marketing operations fully functional, and the warehouse open to fulfil orders at this crucial time.

The new arrangements will particularly help Matador’s self-publishing authors, as daily price and availability information being fed to retailers and wholesalers, and the ability for any bookshop to order through either Gardners or Nielsen’s PubEasy online ordering system, means their books being as available as any other publisher’s. Operations Director Jane Rowland said: “We have been aiming for some time to strengthen our book distribution capabilities, as we knew that our distribution could be done more efficiently and at a lesser cost (financially and environmentally) if we managed this ourselves. This has meant significant investment in both back office systems to supply P&A data daily to retailers, and warehouse infrastructure to manage the distribution process. Both are paying off as we are seeing increased sales of titles across our imprints already.”

The company plans to make its bookshop and retail distribution services available to smaller publishers in th e near future, giving better market access to publishers or self-publishers who have multiple titles and who wish to make their books available through bookshops.

Facts and Figures

Troubador’s new warehouse can hold over 700 pallets of books
A dedicated ‘pick and pack’ facility holds over 3000 titles ready for despatch
The new building boasts over 40 solar panels, generating enough electricity to reduce the company’s power
use by 40% annually
A new dedicated events space offers event facilities for up to 20 people, and will be used for author
workshops, writers’ events and self-publishing courses
Troubador’s bookshop is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, and offers books from across the company’s
Matador, Book Guild and Troubador imprints for sale
For every new title that Troubador publishes, we plant a tree with plant.moretrees.eco

About Troubador Publishing Ltd

Founded in 1996, Troubador started the Matador self-publishing imprint in 1999, which has established itself as a leading player in the market at the quality end of self-publishing (and is listed by The Independent Publishing Magazine as the world’s best selfpublishing company). Matador publishes around 400 new titles per year. In 2013 Troubador started the annual Self-Publishing Conference at the University of Leicester, now it its eighth year. In 2015 Troubador acquired The Book Guild Ltd, which offers mainstream and partnership publishing contacts, and has since expanded the company’s publishing programme to 130 titles a year. The company employs 25 full time staff at its Market Harborough facility, and numerous freelance editors and illustrators.

Rothley Park Golf Club Welcomes New Captains

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 13:19:18 GMT

Members recently enjoyed the annual ‘Putting Out and Driving In’ ceremony where the 2021 Captains took their final putts to close their time as captains on the 18 ^th Hole and the incoming 2022 captains drove off down the fairway on the 1 ^st hole.

It is always a fun event with food and drink and the winners of various club raffles and draws are announced. A sweepstake also took place for the member to guess the nearest length of the drive between the two captains.

The new Men’s Captain is Simon Green. Simon joined the club 15 years ago having finished his cricketing days at Rothley C.C. His family have been involved with Rothley Park for many, many years with his mother Glenys being both a past captain and past lady president, and his brother, Jimmy, a former regular member of the club scratch team. His mother and father for several yearsalso ran the bridge section of the club.

“Playing a wonderful sport with like-minded people on an excellent track provides a great escape from the rigours of work and the world.” Says Simon: “I love the "club feel" at Rothley Park, and it is an honour to now be in a position to be able to "give something back" as well as be an ambassador for the gents section of the club”.

“The Club is in a great place at the moment - the course is becoming the envy of the County; the service and food offering in the House is good and the membership is thriving. I intend to encourage the men's section to enjoy their golf and seeing people play at Rothley Park with a smile on their faces will be marvellous. I am also looking forward to supporting Libby as we share a special year together as Captain and if we happen to have some fun along the way it will be a great bonus!”

Libby Carter, who has played golf for over thirty years, joined Rothley Park in 2010 having previously been a member at Breedon Priory G.C. and then Willesley Park G.C.

“Spookily I was Lady Captain at Breedon Priory in 1992 - so exactly 30 years ago!” says Libby. “I have always played sports, in my school days representing Derbyshire at both netball and hockey. I started playing golf with a half set of clubs in the early 1980's. Golf is a sport that challenges in so many ways - you play against the course, fellow competitors, and yourself - those six inches between the ears, your golfing mind, probably being the biggest challenge of all! I moved to Rothley to join some dear friends who are members. As a working lady, it is great to be at a progressive golf club with regular weekend competitions.

“Like Simon, I hope to encourage everyone to enjoy their golf and to see members with smiles on their faces. I'm also looking forward to supporting Simon and sharing a special year together as 2022 Captains”.

Simon and Libby have chosen a joint charity for their year in office, The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, as they both felt they wanted their charity to be a 'club charity' and importantly to support something local. The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is based at Ulverscroft and supports all ages in the community through the provision of support, wellbeing, education and therapy. Not only are they hoping to raise some additional funds for the charity they are also hoping members will support them to help the charity further by giving up some of their time by volunteering at Ulverscroft – to help with a specific project, the details of which are yet to be agreed.

The 2022 Junior Captain is 15 year old Ben Brownhill. Ben started golf when he was eight and joined Rothley Park four years ago, already achieving an enviable 17 handicap.

Ben says he really enjoys his golf: “Being out on the course is great for both your physical and mental wellbeing. I’m looking forward to organising the junior golf section throughout the season with competitive and fun competitions. We currently have over 40 junior members, which is great.”

The Men’s Senior Captain is Ken Earp. There are over 100 ‘Senior’ gents signed up to play casual and competitive golf in 2022 with some 14 matches against senior men from clubs across the region. The senior men support the junior section with the proceeds of various competitions.

Ken explains that the social side of the senior men’s section is an important aspect for the group: “We have weekly roll ups with coffee and chat before I do a random draw to see who plays with who. The social side is also enhanced by organised away days and this year I have arranged trips to Lincolnshire club Stoke Rochford and Stratford upon Avon club The Welcombe. We also have a couple of Christmas fun competitions and a Christmas lunch and the annual match against the ladies! Although the social side is important there is also a competitive edge as well.”

2022 also welcomes new Men’s President, Ian Agar and Ladies President, Susie Tyler, both former captains of the club. The presidents each serve a two-year term in office and bring a wealth of experience from past club positions. They continue the excellent work of Robin Laurie and Gilly Clear who retired at the end of 2021.

Loughborough Town Deal Strikes Again To Support £5.4 Million Bell Foundry Project

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 14:20:14 GMT

A project to save Taylor’s historic bell foundry has been given a significant boost by Loughborough Town Deal.

The Town Deal has confirmed funding to the tune of £835,000 to support the project to save the last major bell foundry in Britain.

It is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is backing after securing £16.9 million of Government funding. In total, the projects are worth over £40 million of investment for the town.

The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust is restoring the historic Grade II* bell foundry in Freehold Street to save this iconic piece of the nation’s industrial heritage. Taylor’s bells can literally be heard ringing around the world.

The Town Deal Board is co-chaired by Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, Chairman of Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals.

Cllr Morgan said: “I am delighted that we can now confirm Town Deal funding for this project.

“As the last major bell foundry in the UK, it is vital we do everything we can to save it, not just for the town of Loughborough but also our nation’s heritage.

“The bell foundry trust has done a wonderful job in securing a significant amount of funding from various sources, including the Town Deal, to save this iconic building.”

Dr Nik Kotecha said: “I am delighted the Town Deal is investing in the bell foundry. Not only is it important from a heritage point of view but also for the local tourism economy which supports jobs and growth.

“Taylor’s is a unique place and by making it more accessible we can attract more visitors to the area which supports other businesses. This is a great example of how the Town Deal benefits Loughborough and its communities now, and for many years to come.”

Bellfoundry Museum Director Dr Chrissie Van Mierlo said: “The entire bellfoundry team would like to say a huge thank you to the Town Deal Board for their investment. Our mission to Save the Last Major Bellfoundry in Britain is a real passion project that’s been many years in the making. These vital funds have given our plans an enormous boost.

“We are incredibly proud of our town’s industrial past, so we are honoured and privileged to play a key role in its future. The people of Loughborough have blown us away with their enthusiasm for our site. We can’t wait to welcome them to the bellfoundry to see what it’s all about!”

The Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust has already secured £3.5 million of National Lottery support for its project which will:

repair the iconic Victorian casting hall and workshop where bells are created
preserve and expand the foundry’s vast archive, which relate to over 10,000 bells and bell towers around the globe
improving access to the site so anyone can visit and experience this unique place
overhaul and improve the only bell museum in the country
repairing the tuning shop where the principles of the harmonic tuning of bells were developed in the 1890s
reinstate the Foundry’s Carillon
reengage with young people and learners to preserve the foundry’s unique craft skills.

Loughborough Town Deal is supporting a number of projects to boost skills, improve the town centre, reduce flooding, regenerate the riverside, develop a creative hub and support two key attractions – Great Central Railway and the bell foundry.

So far, Loughborough Town Deal has invested £750,000 to create a Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre which opened in the summer of 2021 and £1.7 million to support the Bedford Square Gateway Project which is regenerating part of the town centre. Combined with the bell foundry project, that brings Town Deal investment in Loughborough so far to around £3.3 million.

£25,000 Boost For Armed Forces Project

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:18:29 GMT

A project which supports Armed Forces veterans and serving personnel in Charnwood has been given a £25,000 funding boost thanks to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.

Charnwood Borough Council signed the Covenant in 2013 and in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe borough councils, employs an Armed Forces community covenant development officer to develop and support the Armed Forces community.

The grant has been awarded in recognition that some parts of the project had to be put on hold due to the pandemic and will enable the partnership to extend its current work in each area.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the Council’s Armed Forces champion said: “This is fantastic news for the project and the funding will enable it to continue with our ongoing work in supporting veterans.

“Charnwood takes great pride in being part of the Armed Forces Covenant and we are committed to understanding the needs of current members and veterans of the Armed Forces community and their families.

“They all give so much to our country and it’s important this partnership continues to move forward to strengthen the support available to them.”

The additional funding will enable the partnership with a number of activities including creating resources for veterans with dementia, encouraging more organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and supporting a new Veteran Wellbeing Hub which is set to open in Loughborough later this year.

The new hub, which also received £60,000 of funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust, will aim to support veteran’s mental wellbeing. The Veteran Wellbeing Hub will be operated by Loughborough Wellbeing Centre and located at Asha House in the town centre.

It will provide a safe space for veterans to meet, access information and take part in a range of different activities to help improve their mental wellbeing.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge by the nation to acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect. Groups, organisations, charities, local authorities, and businesses are encouraged to sign up to the covenant.

In recent years, Charnwood and Rushcliffe borough councils received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

For more information about the support available to Armed Forces personnel can be found on the Council’s website.

Hundreds Of Businesses Apply For New Omicron Grant As New Deadline Set

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:53:33 GMT

O ver 300 businesses in Charnwood have applied for a new business grant which aims to help hospitality and leisure firms impacted by Omicron.

Charnwood Borough Council is administering the Government funding and is urging eligible businesses to come forward and take up the funding offer.

A new earlier deadline has also been set for applications which need to be in by February 14.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant aims to support hospitality, leisure, and accommodation businesses in the borough which have been impacted by the Omicron variant.

The scheme will provide eligible businesses with a one-off grant of up to £6,000.

Grants are available to businesses that have a business rates account as of Thursday December 30, 2021. Full eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the Council’s website at www.charnwood.gov.uk/omicron_grant

Cllr Shona Rattray, lead member for business support said: “We really want eligible businesses to come forward and apply for this grant as soon as possible.

“We know how vital this funding will be for businesses and we are working incredibly hard to assess and process all applications in line with Government guidance as quickly as possible.

“If your business operates in the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors and has been impacted by the Omicron variant then please don’t delay. Check if you’re eligible and get your application to us as soon as possible.”

So far more than £200,000 has been awarded to businesses eligible for the scheme.

The Council has set a new deadline of February 14 following an update from Government.

In addition, over £315,000 has recently been paid out to 143 businesses through the Local Discretionary Grant Scheme.

The Council has distributed a total of more than £55 million of Government funding since the start of the pandemic to businesses across Charnwood.

Applications for the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure grant will close on Monday February 14, 2022.

For more information on the business grant schemes, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cvbusiness

To stay up to date about business news including grant schemes involving Charnwood Borough Council, please sign up to our email alerts at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/email_alerts

Braunstone Parish Consultation Underway

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:50:32 GMT

Residents of Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley are being urged to have their say on whether any changes are needed for governing their local area.

With more than 7,100 properties, and around 12,500 electors in the area, the Parish of Braunstone is the largest in the district, made up of two distinct communities in Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley.

A consultation about the local governance arrangements for Parish of Braunstone has started, asking for views on whether any changes are required to the community governance arrangements. This could include setting up a new Parish Council for Thorpe Astley.

Residents can have their say by emailing legal.services@blaby.gov.uk before 5pm on Monday 04 March. Written submissions can be sent in and addressed to the Democratic Services and Governance Manager, Blaby District Council, Desford Road, Narborough, LE19 2EP.

All representations will be considered and recommendations of whether any changes should be made will be published later in March. If changes are proposed and approved by Councillors, they would become official on 01 April 2023, but would not be implemented until the next local elections on 02 May 2023.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We feel this is the right time to hear views from those living in Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley. We are asking you what you want for your area.

“Please engage and give us your thoughts on the future of the Parish of Braunstone. It is vital that this is led by the views of residents and whether the community wants change. We’ll also be speaking to Braunstone Town Council, neighbouring parish councils and other stakeholders to ensure we get as much input as possible.”

More information, including the Community Governance Review Terms of Reference document is available at www.blaby.gov.uk/consultations

Year Of The ‘A60 Bridge’

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 16:58:27 GMT

2 022 will be the year an epic heritage railway project leaps forward. The Great Central Railway has already completed two pieces of its ambitious Reunification scheme and now plans to get a third one fixed by the end of the year.

Reunification will see two separate halves of the GCR reconnected to create an eighteen mile heritage line with economic benefits to Loughborough and the wider East Midlands.

The next job is to overhaul the bridge that carries the railway over the A60 Nottingham Road on the north east side of Loughborough. In a remarkable boost for the project a consortium of funders has brought together a substantial sum of money towards the cost of the work. Now the Friends of the Great Central Main Line is setting out to raise one hundred and ten thousand pounds to ‘top up the pot’.

Fundraising has also been underway for 18 months towards two further sections of the Reunification scheme - a new bridge across ‘Railway Terrace’ road in Loughborough and a short new section of railway to cross a factory car park. These two elements have been dubbed ‘The Factory Flyover’. Money continues to be donated from across the country and around the world and the fundraising work will continue towards this section alongside the new appeal for the A60 bridge. It is hoped work can start on the Factory Flyover within the next two or three years.

Andy Fillingham, Chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line said, “This is an incredible chance to move our Reunification scheme forward quickly. To have so much already committed towards the repair of the A60 bridge is phenomenal and I am sure that will encourage donors to help us reach our one hundred and ten thousand pound target. We launch this appeal today with the aim of finding the funds as soon as we can, so in turn contractors can get to work on the bridge.”

The bridge over the A60 is unique in the Reunification project. It’s the only structure which already has track on it. Not only is it vital to reconnect the two separate sections of the Great Central but it also connects the GCR to the national railway network. However, its 120 years old and often struck by careless lorry drivers whose trucks are too tall to fit underneath it. It’s currently closed to trains and the bridge decks are life expired. A programme of work over the next year will ensure it can be back in business and fit for another century of service.

The bridge is owned by the East Midlands Railway Trust as part of the nine miles of the Great Central Line north of Loughborough.

“We’re delighted fundraising is underway for the A60 road bridge,” says David Rae, Chairman of EMRT, “Overhauling it unlocks the potential of the line towards Nottingham allowing it once again to accept trains from the national rail network. It’s another great step forward towards the creation of the eighteen mile heritage railway across the East Midlands and we’re ready to support the fundraising campaign and the work ahead.”

“Every donation counts and is so welcome,” concluded Andy Fillingham, “Once we have got the funds raised for the A60 bridge and the work is underway we’ll continue the campaign to find the funds for the other parts of the Reunification jigsaw. We’re so humbled by the support we’ve received. Bit by bit, people power is making this project - once described as impossible - actually happen!”

HOW TO DONATE

To make a donation to the A60 bridge overhaul fund head to www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify or send a cheque through the post made payable to the ‘David Clarke Railway Trust’, to DCRT, Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, LE11 1SL. Please write on the back of the cheque A60 / Reunification.

More information about the A60 bridge and the wider Reunification project can be found at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify

Have Your Say On Council Housing Issues

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 16:58:08 GMT

T wo places on a housing advisory board are up for grabs for Charnwood Borough Council tenants and leaseholders.

Board members can have a say on how housing services are run by the Council to help make them better.

The Housing Management Advisory Board (HMAB) discusses important issues that affect its council tenants and leaseholders including performance of the council’s landlord service, budgets, policies and investment in properties.

The board is currently made up of 10 members: six council tenants/leaseholders, three borough councillors and an independent member.

The board is an important part of ensuring that the Council’s service is tailored to the needs of tenants and leaseholders. Members serve a three-year term of office and the board meets six times a year.

Owing to the three-year term of office expiring for two existing members, two member positions are available for interested council tenants and/or leaseholders. The council is looking for applicants who are keen to get involved and make a difference to the way services are delivered.

Councillor James Poland, lead member for public housing at the Council, said: “The role of the Housing Management Advisory Board is extremely important and their valued input helps the council shape the service to the needs of our tenants and leaseholders.

“The board has a great deal of influence on the way we deliver our services, and by filling these two roles with engaged tenants and leaseholders who want to make a difference, we will know which areas of the service are doing well and which can be improved.

“Please come forward and help us shape our housing service for the better for years to come.”

Where reports relate to items which will be submitted to the council’s Cabinet, the comments and recommendations of the board are included and taken into account when decisions about the service are made.

Anyone interested in becoming a member can apply online via the council’s website at www.charnwood.gov.uk/hmab_recruitment

The deadline for applications is Sunday February 13, 2022. Interviews and the appointment process will begin from February 23, 2022, with a decision and appointment made before the board meets on March 23, 2022.

Newly Renovated Melton Theatre to Re-open In May

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:03:45 GMT

A newly-renovated Melton Theatre will be re-opening in May this year for the first time since its closure during the March 2020 lockdown!

The theatre, which has been a prominent feature in the community of Melton Mowbray for over 45 years, has been closed since the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020. During the closure, the theatre has undergone a series of renovations, and is now on-track for its grand re-opening this May.

Renovations include all new air conditioning and heating in the auditorium, new emergency lighting in the whole theatre, new fire doors backstage, and redecorated dressing rooms.

The first shows back will be the SMB College Group Performing Arts degree shows in May, Level 3 Performing Arts shows in June and the first commercial show, the ‘Bon Jovi Experience’, on 8 ^th July.

Arnie Breen, Melton Theatre Manager and Section Manager for Performing Arts, Creative Media and Hair & Beauty at SMB College Group, said ‘We have been waiting a long time for these renovation works, so we are really excited to finally be getting them done, in anticipation of the theatre reopening in May this year. We will be offering college/student shows as well as professional shows, and are currently busy booking acts for the good people of Melton and beyond to enjoy in air conditioned luxury! Our new website is under construction at present, but tickets will be available at the box office or via phone very soon.’

Over the years, Melton Theatre has played host to a wide range of impressive acts, including Lee Evans, Alan Carr, Kenn Dodd and Paul Daniels, in addition to college theatre productions, pantos, dance shows and much more.

The theatre is also a fantastic resource for SMB College Group’s Performing Arts and Creative Media students, providing them with a real industry-standard environment to learn and perform in.

Rail Freight Consultation Underway

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 17:00:17 GMT

The public consultation for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange has started.

Tritax Symmetry’s consultation on their Rail Freight Interchange proposals will now be open for residents to have their say over the next eight weeks. Information can be found at www.hinckleynrfi.co.uk/ , and comments can be made until Wednesday 09 March 2022.

The formal consultation from Tritax Symmetry sets out the plans, which include Industrial and Storage/Distribution units and a rail port with access from Junction 2 of the M69. The site is within the boundaries of Blaby District Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, and is located south-west of the village of Elmesthorpe.

Blaby District Council is a statutory consultee and will not be deciding the application. Due to the size of the proposed development it is classed as a “Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project” and any decision will be made by the Secretary of State for Transport.

As well as a website, the developers will also be holding a number of public events for people to take a look at the plans and talk to Tritax Symmetry representatives. These events are planned to be held both in public and virtually, depending on any potential Covid-19 restrictions.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “Today is the day that residents can take a look at these plans in detail and have their say. We know the scale and size of the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange is concerning for many residents and that’s why it is vital that people engage with this consultation.

“We are urging everyone to look at the information and share this with those you know in the community. We have been consistently clear with Tritax that they should share as much information as possible, and in this respect I can advise you that your Councillors have already asked numerous questions to which we are awaiting an urgent response.

“In addition we want to reiterate that whilst we will not be deciding any application, significant work till take place over the next year and more, reviewing the plans and offering our own detailed responses to Tritax and the Planning Inspectorate.”

New Omicron Grant Launched To Support Leisure And Hospitality Businesses

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:08:42 GMT

A pplications for a new business grant which will aim to help the hospitality and leisure sector in Charnwood are now open.

The Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant is being administered by Charnwood Borough Council and will support hospitality, leisure, and accommodation businesses in the borough which have been impacted by the Omicron variant.

The scheme will provide eligible businesses with a one-off grant of up to £6,000.

Applications will close on Monday February 28, 2022.

Cllr Shona Rattray, lead member for business support, said: “Following further Government funding, I am pleased that businesses in the hospitality and leisure sector will now be able to apply for financial support to help with the impact of Omicron.

“This Government funding is vital for our local economy and we will continue to process applications efficiently and securely distribute the funding to firms.

“I would encourage eligible businesses to have a look at our website and check the support on offer.”

Applications for the Local Discretionary Grant Scheme have recently closed after receiving over 170 applications from local businesses. The scheme was open to small and micro-businesses in the leisure, hospitality, personal care, and travel sectors plus some suppliers to the hospitality sector.

It is anticipated more funding will be made available from Government and the application process will re-open to eligible businesses once additional funding is provided.

For more information on the business grant schemes, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cvbusiness

To stay up to date about business news including grant schemes involving Charnwood Borough Council, please sign up to our email alerts at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/email_alerts

Try Something New In 2022

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:07:27 GMT

Registered charity Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation are pleased to announce a wellbeing initiative to enhance health and wellbeing in 2022! Try something new in 2022 commences on Thursday 6 ^th January and will enable people wishing to try a new activity or session, the opportunity to participate free of charge. Based in Ulverscroft near Markfield the Foundation welcome all ages and abilities and has been providing support, friendship, and wellbeing services to the people of Leicestershire for over 30 ^th years.

Helen Baxter of the Foundation said ‘we would be delighted to welcome you to the Foundation to try one of our wellbeing activities. We have a wide range of inclusive sessions to try, from meditation and mindfulness to tai chi or singing! A great opportunity to give yourself a health boost and make new friends in a supportive and welcoming setting. Classes run throughout the week and are offered on a first come, first served basis, so please get in touch and book now to avoid disappointment’.

Sessions run throughout the week and are subject to availability for a limited time only. If you require further details or wish to attend a session, please call 01530 244914 or email hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org

Reflections Beauty Salon Re-opens to Public!

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 14:26:18 GMT

B eauty Therapy students from SMB College Group’s Melton Campus are delighted to be welcoming clients back into their Reflections Salon from Thursday 20 ^th January onwards!

The salon, which is based at the college’s Melton Campus on Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, has been closed to external clients since covid-19 restrictions began in March 2020.

Upon re-opening, a wide variety of treatments will be on offer at competitive prices, including manicures and pedicures, tanning, hair removal, facials, and electrical face and body treatments such as microdermabrasion. For those who wish to truly pamper themselves, massage treatments will also be available, including both full-body Swedish massage and Indian Head Massage.

Not only will clients receive excellent service from students who are all Covid-19 infection prevention trained, they’ll also be able to rest in the knowledge that they’ve helped aspiring Beauty Therapists on their way to achieving their qualifications, allowing them to gain vital hands-on experience in carrying out treatments for real, paying clients.

Students Georgina Swann and Leah Whitfield said ‘It’s going to be great; the atmosphere will be really good! We can’t wait to meet new people and carry out treatments on clients. We’re really excited to practice our skills.’

Lorna Healey, Beauty Therapy & Media Make-up Lecturer at SMB College Group, added ‘We are so excited to be re-opening the doors of our Reflections salon! I can’t wait to see the salon buzzing with clients so that our students can do what they do best and carry out professional treatments whilst developing a host of industry-relevant skills to help them towards qualifying.’

Recognised by Ragdale Hall Spa as one of their ‘Colleges of Excellence’, SMB College Group has a fantastic history of producing talented and entrepreneurial Beauty Therapy graduates. Many students have gone on to run their own successful businesses, or have progressed into paid employment at award-winning institutions like Ragdale Hall Spa.

Reflections Salon will be re-opening on Thursday 20 ^th January from 2 – 4:40pm. For full details of treatments, prices and opening times, visit www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/commercial/ Alternatively, you can get in touch with the friendly team on 01664 855 440 or at reflections@brooksbymelton.ac.uk

To find out more about Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing and Media Make-up courses at SMB College Group’s Melton Camps, head to www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/events/ for a list of upcoming open days. The college is also on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @SMBCollegeGroup.

New Armed Forces Bill Passed In Parliament

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:05:20 GMT

New legislation which will ensure Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families are better supported when accessing key public services has been passed in Parliament.

Charnwood Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion, Cllr Hilary Fryer has welcomed the Armed Forces Bill which recently gained Royal Assent and is due to be implemented next year.

The Armed Forces Bill places the Armed Forces Covenant in law for the first time to help prevent service personnel and veterans being disadvantaged when accessing essential services like healthcare, education and housing. It will ensure councils pay regard to the sacrifice made by our Armed Forces Community.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “As a Council, we are committed to understanding the needs of serving and former members of HM Armed Forces and their families.

“We are proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant and it is important that we support those service men and women who have given so much to our country. The Armed Forces Bill will continue to strengthen our support provision for Armed Forces personnel and their families.”

The Council demonstrates its commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community with a guaranteed interview scheme for veterans who apply for a job with the Council. Those who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview. Reservists are also given 10 days additional paid leave to attend training. Staff members at the Council are able to undertake training to better understand and support the Armed Forces Community.

In recent years, the Council has worked with a number of parish and town Councils, community groups and businesses to help them improve their understanding of supporting the Armed Forces Community and assist them with signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

The borough council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and employs an Armed Forces community covenant development officer, in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe borough councils to help develop and support the Armed Forces community.

In January 2020, Rushcliffe and Charnwood borough councils received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

For more information about the support available to Armed Forces personnel can be found on the Council’s website.

Pall-Ex Group Delivers Festive Cheer To Leicestershire Charities

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 15:02:49 GMT

Pall-Ex Group has delivered donations to six Leicestershire charities as part of its 25 ^th anniversary celebrations.

The logistics giant presented LOROS, Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation, Rainbows Hospice, Leicester Hospitals Charity, Focus Charity and Olivia’s Journey with a donation of £1,000 each.

These contributions were included in the Group’s 25 donations to 25 charities across the UK, in celebration of its 25 ^th anniversary.

The charities were nominated by employees and network members at Pall-Ex and Fortec Distribution Network, which reflected in the variety of good causes chosen for the donations.

The six local charities selected were announced during Pall-Ex Group’s 25 ^th Anniversary celebration at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, hosted by TV star, James Nesbitt.

Pall-Ex Group has donated £75,000 to good causes to mark the milestone, including £1,000 donations to an additional 19 charities around the country, a £25,000 donation to veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress and another donation of over £1,700 to Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Coventry.

Barry Byers, Managing Director – UK Business Units at Pall-Ex Group, comments: “As our 25 ^th anniversary year comes to a close, we felt it was important to support charitable causes that are at the centre of our community.

“We wanted to help good causes that are close to the hearts of both the staff and members of the Pall-Ex and Fortec networks, and this is reflected in the variety of charities chosen.

“Every single one of the charities selected performs incredible work and these donations will enable them to continue their good work following a tough couple of years.”

LOROS provides free, specialist and high-quality care to more than 2,500 terminally ill people a year and was nominated by two members of staff from Pall-Ex shareholder member Trucklink.EU who have previously raised funds for the charity.

Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation supports the elderly, adults with disabilities and young people in Markfield and the surrounding area through outdoor and wellbeing activities, and was nominated because of the services it provides to the local community.

Loughborough-based Rainbows Hospice, which relies on donations for 85% of its funding, was voted for by Pall-Ex staff members and provides care for children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Leicester Hospitals Charity ensures that patients, visitors and staff have the best possible experience in any of Leicester’s three main hospitals.

The charity was nominated by Pall-Ex staff and is currently raising funds to increase capacity in the Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Chemotherapy Suite to provide an additional 4,000 treatments a year.

Focus Charity, in Leicester City Centre, helps young people aged 13-25 gain employability and life skills.

Nominated by a member of staff at Pall-Ex Group, it supports young people living in poverty and facing serious issues around mental health and child protection.

Olivia’s Journey follows the story Olivia, a six-year-old girl from Coalville who was diagnosed with a rare type of cancerous brain tumour, Ependymoma, in October 2014.

She continues to live life to the full and the Olivia’s Journey Facebook page provides updates for friends, family and supporters so they can keep up-to-date with her battle against this disease.

Find out more about Pall-Ex’s 25 ^th anniversary donations .

Pall-Ex Group is an award-winning network of hauliers comprising two leading UK pallet networks (Fortec Distribution Network and Pall-Ex (UK) Ltd) plus four subsidiary depots. Pall-Ex is a renowned name in logistics, delivering an efficient and reliable service backed by innovative technology and a first-class network of established shareholder SMEs. With its headquarters and central UK hub located in the Midlands, Pall-Ex is the beating heart of the logistics industry, transporting more than 35,000 pallets across the globe every day with support from its carefully selected international logistics partners.

SMB College Group Students Launch Allotment Project in Partnership With Willmott Dixon!

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 14:58:22 GMT

O n Monday 13 ^th December, students at SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus were excited to launch their allotment project in partnership with leading Construction company, Willmott Dixon.

Among attendants at the launch event were SMB College Group Principal, Dawn Whitemore, Victoria Musgrave and Cllr Ozzy O’Shea of Leicestershire County Council, and Zoe Anastasi, Simone Codrington and Stephen McDermott, of Willmott Dixon. They were joined by the college’s Foundation Learning, Level 1 Multi-trade, and Level 2 Painting & Decorating students, who all study at the Stephenson Campus.

The allotment project, which is a joint venture between the college’s Foundation and Construction students, aims to incorporate raised beds, planted borders, a graffiti wall, bird boxes and a sensory garden. The allotment will be fully accessible and will allow students to learn about sustainability, composting and rainwater collection, in addition to learning how to grow vegetables and other plants.

Currently in its initial planning stages, the Construction students will plan and build the allotment in the New Year, with help from the team at Willmott Dixon. They will utilise re-used and reclaimed materials as much as possible, ensuring that the core value of sustainability is embedded throughout the entire project. Once built, the Foundation Learning students will use the allotment to learn how to grow food, and will even have the opportunity use their own produce in their cooking lessons.

Foundation Learning students, Tommy, Jeshua and Megan, said that they are looking forward to growing their own vegetables, and can’t wait to use the produce from the allotment in future cooking lessons.

SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus, which is based in Coalville, offers a wide variety of technical and trade courses for students who hope to progress into careers in Construction or Engineering. In addition, the campus offers qualifications in Foundation Learning, Hair and Beauty, Health and Social Care, Early Years and Business.

Find out more about the Stephenson Campus at the college’s upcoming Virtual Open Day on Saturday 29 ^th January, or follow them on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @SMBCollegeGroup.

Huncote Leisure Centre To Remain Closed

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 14:56:10 GMT

On 2 November Blaby District Council closed Huncote Leisure Centre and the surrounding area due to the discovery of elevated levels of landfill gas, whilst undertaking routine works on the site.

To monitor these elevated levels, contractors installed landfill gas monitoring and extraction wells to the rear of the leisure centre.

As a result of this further gas monitoring and exploration work, it was identified that additional monitoring wells were needed at the front of the leisure centre, and this work has just been completed. This will ensure we can collect accurate measurements of the landfill gases across the site.

It is important that any decisions made as to whether any more gas mitigation measures may be needed on the site are led by the data. We will now need to collect and analyse several weeks of gas measurements coming from the monitoring wells. Only then will our contractors be able to advise if any further steps need to be taken to make the site safe. This may include further landfill gas ventilation being installed on site.

Based on this update from our contractors, we can confirm that Huncote Leisure Centre and the surrounding site is unlikely to reopen until early Spring.

We want to reassure residents living around the site that there is no immediate risk to property. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that residents no longer need to keep their windows and doors closed. However, we will regularly monitor the landfill gas levels of those properties within the vicinity of the site, whilst any work continues.

The results of the monitoring in early 2022 will enable us to make an informed decision about the timescales involved with reopening the site safely and it maybe that we can reopen some parts of the site sooner than others.

We would once again like to thank everyone in the local community, leisure centre users and those who use the site for their patience in this matter. The work we are undertaking is thorough and important to ensure the long-term safety of the site, and to minimise any need to undertake this level of work and site closure again.

A Celebration Of Outstanding Golf At Rothley Park G.C.

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 14:54:06 GMT

A s the golf season wound to an end it was time to celebrate the winners of a wide range of trophies and prizes presented to juniors, gents, ladies, seniors and teams. Each trophy is a reminder of a special round of golf well played with many names to be added to the prestigious ‘winners’ boards’ around the clubhouse. Some trophies go back a hundred years and many have been presented by retiring golfers from across the decades ensuring their names live on in the history of the club.

The 2021 Club Champions, Vicky Mayfield and Tom Roberts were among over 60 ladies and gents presented with their prizes by Club Captains Jenny Piecha and Alan Dorn.

Alan says: “We had a record attendance this year and a record number of 'first time' winners. A special mention for the current County Seniors’ Captain, John Hardwick, who picked up four individual trophies.”

It was a wonderful season this year where we were able to play all of our competitions.’ Jenny explains: ‘The Trophies were won by a true cross section of the ladies section, from our most respected seniors to one of our youngest lady members, Cara Jarvis Evans, winning our Order of Merit. Congratulations in particular go to Vicky Mayfield for winning our Club Championship for the 2nd year running and to Jo Mayfield, current County Captain, who won the prestigious Baxter Trophy alongside Tom Roberts".

The evenings ended with a celebration dinner for the winners and club members.

Local Audiologists Hear4U Unveil Brand-New Patient-Focused Website

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 15:22:18 GMT

Audiologists and earwax removal specialists Hear4U – based in Hinckley, Leicester and Rothwell – are pleased to announce the official launch of their all new cutting-edge website. This extensive revamp puts its predecessor in the shade by offering a whole host of additional functionality, including an online hearing test, virtual tours of each clinic, completely transparent pricing options and easy booking.

This fresh website promises to be more interactive and user-friendly than ever before, and also includes extremely detailed information on all things audiology and hearing related through its extensive library of articles, blogs, FAQs and educational videos all available for free at the touch of a button. In addition, online live chat is available to answer any and all queries.

Online Hearing Tests

For many people, the idea of taking a hearing test can be an awkward one: it can be difficult to admit to yourself at times that you feel your hearing might be less than what it could be. Hear4U’s brand new online hearing test system allays those fears, and allows you to gauge your ability to hear in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Virtual Tours

Perfect for taking a sneak peek into exactly where you’ll be headed, Hear4U’s 360° virtual tours allow you to explore each of their Hinckley, Leicester and Rothwell clinics till your heart’s content.

Transparent Pricing Schemes

Hidden costs and fees are a thing of the past with Hear4U’s completely up-front pricing. With their various schemes and aftercare packages, you can be sure to know exactly what you’ll be paying before you even get to the door.

Easy Booking

Our polite, professional and friendly staff are a mere phonecall away, and are on-hand to ensure that your booking goes as smoothly as possible.

Content Library

Whether it’s a tutorial video, in-depth article or a short blog, Hear4U’s new website features an astonishing amount of information ideal for those concerned about theirs or their loved ones’ sense of hearing.

Interactive Online Live Chat

If there’s any question or query that you can’t find the answer to through any of the above means, then customers can feel at ease with Hear4U’s interactive online chat function – simply type your request into the chat box and a real customer service representative will be on hand to ensure that your questions are answered.

If you’re interested to find out more, why not log on to their site today www.hear4u.co.uk

Rail Freight Consultation Plans Laid Out

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 14:49:17 GMT

A document setting out what the public consultation for the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange will look like has been released by developers.

Tritax Symmetry has today published how it will consult on the Rail Freight Interchange proposals, which will begin on Wednesday 12 January for a period of eight weeks. Information can be found at www.hinckleynrfi.co.uk

The Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange proposals include Industrial and Storage/Distribution units and a rail port with access from Junction 2 of the M69. The site is within the boundaries of Blaby District Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, and is located south-west of the village of Elmesthorpe.

In the Statement of Community Consultation, Tritax Symmetry will highlight their plans for the consultation, which will include a detailed website and consultation form for residents in the affected area to have their say.

The consultation will include a number of face-to-face and virtual public events for people to take a look at the plans and talk to Tritax Symmetry representatives.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This is an important time for residents, as this Statement of Community Consultation shows how and when Tritax will be engaging people to have their say.

“We are urging everyone to get ready for Wednesday 12 January when the consultation launches, so time can be taken to review the information, and give as many people as possible opportunity to make their views heard. We have been clear with Tritax that they should share as much information as possible at the earliest possible opportunity, to ensure that residents feel genuinely consulted and engaged.”

“We know the scale and size of the Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange is concerning for many residents, and we want to make it clear that whilst we will not be deciding any application, Officers and Councillors will be spending a significant amount of time over the next year and more reviewing the plans before offering our own detailed response to the Planning Inspectorate.”

Life-Saving Defibrillators Installed At Mountsorrel Primary School After Successful Fundraising Effort And Support From Local Heart Charity

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 14:45:42 GMT

T wo new defibrillators have been installed at a primary school in Charnwood, Leicester.

The life-saving devices at Mountsorrel Primary school has been funded by the staff, pupils, parents, and generous donations from community members.

The school’s journey to create a heart safe environment began a few years ago when a group of staff went on a first aid training course. The course highlighted the importance of having a defibrillator on site and accessible in case of an emergency. The school then decided to carry out some fundraising activities to by a defibrillator. This included a hugely successful cake sale and a non- uniform day in school. In addition to this, the school’s AED campaign received wonderful donations from local businesses and the schools Parents, Staff & Friends Association (PSFA).

The school’s fundraising campaign managed to raise enough money to buy not one, but two defibrillators (AEDS). One of the AEDs has been installed just outside the school premises so it’s easily accessible 24/7 for the school and local community, should it ever be needed. The additional AED is kept within the school and can be taken on any organised trips.

Clare Clay, head teacher at Mountsorrel Primary school, said: “As a school we are delighted to now be a heart safe environment for our pupils, parents, staff, visitors and our local community. We hope we never have to use the defibrillator but feel very reassured to know we have it in case the unthinkable ever happens. We would like to thank the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) for guiding us through this whole process, from helping us decide which defibrillator to buy, to kindly donating a cabinet for our 24/7 defibrillator and for already training some of our year 6 cohort. We are planning further training in the future and hope that as many staff as possible, and our new year 6 children, will be able to benefit from this.”

Dr Mike Ferguson, JHMT Trustee, said: “A cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack: in a cardiac arrest the heart stops beating and the person will die within minutes unless resuscitation is started. The young, and seemingly fit, can be struck down – at least 12 young people die every week in the UK from a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). CPR is a vital life-saving skill that is easy to learn and gives the person a fighting chance to live. An AED can restart a heart after a cardiac arrest, and it is essential that one is readily accessible. Every second counts, and Mountsorrel school making an AED available 24/7 could save lives.”

The Leicestershire charity was set up after the tragic death of Rothley teenager (14 years old) Joe Humphries in 2012, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a run close to his home.

To find out more about the work of the Trust, apply for training and support, or to help with the charity's work, visit the website at www.jhmt.org.uk

You can also follow the Trust on Facebook at facebook.com/JHMTorguk and Twitter @JHMTorguk

Help Marie Curie Light Up The Darkest Hours Of Families Affected By Terminal Illness In Leicestershire

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 11:59:10 GMT

M arie Curie is calling on everyone in Leicestershire to get involved in Light Up the Night and turn the shortest day into the brightest night to remember loved ones lost.

The charity’s festive fundraiser will see people and businesses pledging £100 to dedicate a lantern in memory, to raise money and light up the festive season for local families affected by terminal illness. Each person taking part will receive a lantern of their own to display at home and Marie Curie staff will add a lantern with the person’s message on to their display at Abington Park, Northampton on Tuesday 21 December.

Lauren Alexander, Marie Curie Senior Community Fundraiser said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for those who are bereaved, living with a terminal illness or caring for a loved one at the end of life. By taking part in Light Up the Night, you can help us continue to be there for everyone who will need us now and in the future. Thank you!”

For more information on Light Up the Night and to sign up visit www. mariecurie.org.uk/lightup or contact your local Community Fundraiser, Lauren Alexander on 07525801531 or lauren.alexander@mariecurie.org.uk

Historic Loughborough Fair Marks 800th Anniversary Year

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:03:47 GMT

T he thrills of Loughborough Fair returned to town last week as it celebrated its 800 ^th anniversary year.

The historic fair, organised by Charnwood Borough Council, marked 800 years since it was first granted a Royal Charter, along with Loughborough Markets.

The four-day event hosted a wide range of rides including Top Scan, Miami Trip, AtmosFear and some old favourites including the Dodgems and Waltzer.

The return of the Magic Mouse rollercoaster was also warmly welcomed by visitors.

The fair was officially opened by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Paul Baines who read the fair proclamation and then greeted stall owners, showmen and members of the public as he toured the fair.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said: “It’s been absolutely wonderful to see our historic fair return to town. The fair always brings a fantastic atmosphere, and this year was no different. The fact it was also the 800 ^th anniversary year o f the Royal Charter made it extra special. It was great to see families having lots of fun on the stalls, kiosks and rides and enjoying the event safely. Loughborough Fair is an incredibly special part of our town’s history and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in bringing the fun of the fair to the town once again. Here’s to number 801 next year!”

A special art exhibition is being held at Loughborough Town Hall to mark the 800th anniversary of the Royal Charter. It showcases original artworks from fairground artists as well as photographs and memories from people who have visited Loughborough Fair over many years.

The exhibition is on until November 18.

The first official Charter for the fair was granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Despencer, in 1221 by King Henry III. The fair was then held on St. Peter’s Day.

You can view photographs taken at the fair at www.charnwood.gov.uk/fair2021 and follow the Twitter hashtag #LboroFair21 to find plenty of fun content from all four days.

Tiny Forest Takes Root In Loughborough

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 12:06:57 GMT

A round 600 tree saplings have been planted in Loughborough to create a ‘Tiny Forest’ in the town.

Charnwood Borough Council has worked in partnership with environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and MINI Electric on the project which has seen hundreds of native trees planted on Holt Drive in Loughborough.

A Tiny Forest is a dense, fast-growing woodland made up of 600 native trees planted in an area the size of a tennis court. They provide a range of benefits to the local wildlife and the community by connecting people with nature, raising awareness of the environment, and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Cllr Roy Rollings, lead member for transformation with responsibility for the Council’s campaign to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 said: “The Tiny Forest initiative is a fantastic and innovative project which we are incredibly proud to be involved with. Trees have a positive impact on our local community and help to improve the quality of air. This project is a great way to help people to connect with nature and understand issues around biodiversity and sustainability. It forms part of the Council’s commitment to ensure 100,000 trees are planted in the borough by 2024 but also to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030.”

The project has been funded by DEFRA’s Green Recovery Fund Challenge and MINI Electric. A total of 18 native tree species have been planted on site, including oak, elm, hazel, lime, rowan and birch.

The planting method used for a Tiny Forest, encourages fast tree growth by planting native trees closely together without the use of chemicals or fertilisers.

The Tiny Forest was planted by local school children and volunteers in the community.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “We are immensely proud to be working in partnership with Earthwatch to bring a Tiny Forest to Loughborough. As well as creating an important place for wildlife to flourish in the town, this tiny pocket of nature will provide natural green space for the whole community to enjoy. A huge thank you to all of the school children and local volunteers involved in planting the Tiny Forest. We are committed to looking after our environment and open spaces for future generations and I can’t wait to watch it grow in years to come.”

The first Tiny Forest in the UK was planted in Witney, Oxfordshire in March 2020.

Earthwatch Europe’s Tiny Forest programme manager Louise Hartley said: “Loughborough’s Tiny Forest will give the community an amazing opportunity to reconnect with nature on their doorstep. It will also play a vital part in our scientific research into how we can mitigate the effects of climate change.”

David George, director, MINI UK & Ireland said “Creative use of space is at the heart of MINI, so the partnership between MINI Electric and Earthwatch Europe to plant Tiny Forests is a perfect fit. We’re really excited about how Tiny Forests can bring communities together and help educate on the important role biodiversity plays in sustainability.”

Earthwatch is an official friend of the Queen’s Green Canopy which is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

The project invites people from across the United Kingdom to 'Plant a Tree for the Jubilee'.

Loughborough’s Tiny Forest will be recognised as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy network.

For more information about the project please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/tinyforest

New State-Of-The-Art Leisure Centre Is Months Ahead Of Schedule

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:13:49 GMT

Customers will be able to enjoy the state-of-the-art facilities at the new Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre months ahead of schedule.

Work on the centre, which is being built just off Stephenson Way on the outskirts of Coalville, has progressed much quicker than expected, meaning the building could be handed over in January 2022.

In a partnership between North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and its leisure operator Everyone Active, the £22.5 million centre had been due to open in the summer of 2022, but contractors Metnor have completed most elements well ahead of time.

With the exception of landscaping and paths around the centre, and outdoor play and leisure equipment, customers should be able to use the centre early in the new year.

Facilities at Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre include:

Eight-lane, 25m main pool
Learner pool with moveable floor
110-station gym
Group cycling studio (25 bikes)
Group dance studio
Eight-court sports hall
Clip ’n Climb and Adventure Mania
Sauna, steam and spa pool
Three squash courts
Changing Places facility, accessible from the lobby
Café, with healthy eating options
250 car parking spaces
Parkland setting, incorporating trim trail/recreational opportunities

An official opening is being planned for February, although customers will be able to enjoy the facilities before then.

Hermitage Leisure Centre and recreation ground

Hermitage Leisure Centre will close when the new centre opens and memberships will automatically transfer. NWLDC is currently considering a range of proposals for the future of the leisure centre site and the recreation ground.

Any proposals will be focussed mainly on leisure and recreation facilities for the community, linking through to the new leisure centre. It is hoped that some options will be shared with the public in the first half of 2022.

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of NWLDC, said: “We have been very impressed with Metnor and their skills in managing supplies and the workforce despite the challenges of Brexit and the pandemic as we’ve seen the leisure centre take shape. It’s a beautiful building with fantastic facilities and it’s excellent news that the work is so far ahead of schedule. The centre is set up to make a really valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of our communities – that is our main objective. We now need to make sure everything is absolutely perfect before we open the doors to the public.”

Duncan Gibb, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We cannot wait to open Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre and to show the public the fantastic facility on their doorstep. We will be offering a huge range of activities at the site so there will be something for everyone, no matter what your age, ability or interests. This centre is something the community can be truly proud of and with preparations well ahead of schedule, it’s great to know they will not have to wait long to see it.”

Dunelm To Deliver Joy To Local Older People This Christmas

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:09:14 GMT

This Christmas, leading British home furnishings retailer, Dunelm is joining forces with local Leicestershire charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland with an aim to “Deliver Joy at Christmas” to local older people.

Colleagues at Dunelm’s Syston-based Store Support Centre are being encouraged to spread kindness and give back to their local community this winter by donating a gift to one of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s day centre users.

The campaign, Delivering Joy at Christmas, will give Dunelm colleagues the opportunity to really make a difference this festive season. A Christmas tree in Dunelm’s Syston office will be filled with Delivering Joy tags, with each one representing an individual old person; colleagues will choose a tag and buy a gift for the older person which will then be delivered by Age UK LS&R’s and Dunelm’s representatives, who will see for themselves the joy of a gift at Christmas.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is an independent local charity, working in the local community to help older people live happier, active, fulfilled, and socially engaged lives.

“It’s really important for Dunelm colleagues to be able to give back to the local community and our Delivering Joy campaign is the perfect way for them to do so. We are extremely proud of the campaign and the engagement from all our colleagues wanting to support Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. We hope to deliver 400 gifts to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland during December, helping them to share some joy with individuals who may otherwise not receive anything at Christmas or sadly may not even see anyone over the festive season” Janice Dunn – Head of Community

Tony Donovan, Executive Director at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland added: “For many older people Christmas can be a very lonely time. We are delighted to be working with such an established retailer as Dunelm.

If it wasn’t for our Day Care services many local older people would go for weeks without leaving their homes or seeing another person. Attending one of our Day Care centres means that many people are making friends, eating healthy meals, and taking part in activities, helping to keep their mind and bodies healthy. Receiving a gift at Christmas will make all our Day Care clients feel like they are not forgotten and will definitely bring joy.”

Thousands Join Beat The Street Game In Charnwood

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 13:01:49 GMT

O ver 2,800 people have signed up to a physical activity game which launched in the south of Charnwood earlier this month.

Beat the Street encourages people to get outside and active and works by turning an area into a real-life game. Participants visit ‘Beat Boxes’ around the area and their journeys are recorded.

So far, more than 7,000 miles have been covered by players across Birstall, Thurmaston and Syston.

The game runs until November 3 so there is still time to join in. It has been organised by Charnwood Borough Council’s sport and physical activity team Active Charnwood, working in partnership with Active Together and the South Charnwood School Sport and Physical Activity Network.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for community support, said: “It is great to see so many residents getting excited about Beat the Street. It’s a fantastic way for people to get active and explore their local communities.

“Being active and getting outdoors is not just important for our physical health but also our mental wellbeing. Beat the Street really helps people do that in a safe way.

“It’s free to play and is available to people of all ages and abilities. The game has had a positive reaction since its launch and there’s still plenty of time for people to get involved and start playing!”

The project is being funded through a National Lottery grant from Sport England.

Beat the Street is open to anyone of any age. Players walk, run, cycle, scoot, or roll between the 30 Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart – hovering their fobs or cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score.

Players can join a school, sports club, or workplace. They can also set up their own team with a minimum of six players.

There are several prizes up for grabs, with the three schools who earn the most points, getting vouchers.

Nine primary schools and two charities have signed up to the south Charnwood game, and have been provided with fobs, while parents and teachers have received cards to accompany children. These are still available to pick up from distribution points listed on the website: https://www.beatthestreet.me/southcharnwood/

The scheme was officially launched at Hallam Fields Primary School in Birstall, where Cllr Harper-Davies and Deputy Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Jenni Tillotson met excited pupils ahead of the game.

Cllr Tillotson said: “It was fantastic to see the school children be so enthusiastic at Hallam Fields about Beat the Street and I was delighted to meet them.

“We have seen such a positive reaction since the game launched and I can’t wait to see how many people get involved and how much distance is covered.”

You can view the progress that your team or school is making on the online leaderboard: https://www.beatthestreet.me/southcharnwood/leaderboards/

Art Exhibition Opens To Mark 800th anniversary Year Of Loughborough Fair

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:24:37 GMT

A n exhibition showcasing original artwork and sketches by fairground artists has opened at Loughborough Town Hall to mark Loughborough Fair’s 800 ^th anniversary year.

The historic fair, organised by Charnwood Borough Council, is celebrating 800 years since it was first granted a Royal Charter, along with Loughborough Markets.

The Fair 800 exhibition opened at the Sock Gallery on Thursday October 14 and will be on until Thursday November 18.

The Sock Gallery has worked closely with members of the Showman’s Guild of Great Britain and The Fairground Association of Great Britain to create the exhibition which contains Showman’s histories, original artwork and sketches by renowned fairground artists and miniature fair rides.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “We are immensely proud of Loughborough Fair and to think it has been part of the town’s history for eight centuries is incredible.

“This exhibition showcases a range of original fairground artworks and explores the history of the fair showmen. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in putting together the exhibition.

“Fair 800 offers lots for people to see and I would encourage people to drop-in and have a look at the spectacular artwork.”

Children will also be able to take part in a colouring competition when visiting the exhibition.

Colouring sheets will be available in the gallery and entrants will have a chance to win a family ticket to this year’s panto at Loughborough Town Hall.

There will also be a free art drop-in workshop on Saturday October 16 where families will be able create their own fairground artwork. The drop-in session will run between 10am-1pm.

For more information about the Fair 800 exhibition, please visit the Loughborough Town Hall website.

Council Tenants Receive Recognition For Gardening Talents

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 14:35:49 GMT

Several Council tenants from across the borough have received awards for their gardening talents in an annual competition.

The tenant garden competition, which is run by Charnwood Borough Council, was split into six different categories, to showcase gardens of all shapes and sizes. Overall, there were 28 entries in this year’s competition.

The four tenant judges, who had the tough task of choosing this year’s winners, praised the contestants for their high standard and the hard work that they had all put in over the past year.

High street vouchers were awarded to the winners and runners-up during the event at Loughborough Town Hall on Thursday, September 30.

The awards were handed out by Cllr Paul Baines, the Mayor of Charnwood. He said: “It has been a great afternoon celebrating the high standard of gardening in this year's competition. It is such an honour to hand out awards to tenants who have spent so much time maintaining and taking pride in their gardens and communal areas. I would like to thank and congratulate them for all their efforts"

The categories for this year’s competition included, best hanging basket or balcony, best communal garden, best sheltered court garden and best house or flat garden. There were also two categories which have only been running for their second year, which were best newcomer and best fruit and vegetable garden.

Cllr James Poland, the Council’s lead member for public housing said: “It is fantastic to see so many entries and all the hard work that tenants have put into their gardens during what has been a difficult time. Gardening has been a great escape for people during the pandemic and it’s brilliant to see what they have achieved. It was a shame we could not hold the competition last year, however it was certainly worth the wait with all the gardens entered being at such a high standard. Congratulations to all of the winners and everyone who has taken part-in this year’s competition.”

The winners for 2021 were:

Best hanging basket or balcony:

Joint first place: John Allen and Mrs Landers & Mrs Jacobson

Second place: Mr Kevin Poole

Third place: Jemma Barnett

Communal garden:

First place: Mr & Mrs Barradell

Second place: Mr Onslow

Third place: Mr Pipes

Sheltered court garden:

First place: Arnold Smith House, Shepshed

Second place: Fielding Court, Loughborough

Third place: St. Pauls Court, Syston

House or flat garden:

First place: Michael Taylor

Second place: Mr Miles

Third place: Mr & Mrs Pipes

Best newcomer:

First place: June Letten

Second place: Mr & Mrs Reeves

Third place: Debbie Newton

Fruit and vegetable garden:

First place: Lisa Davies

Last year, the competition was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, tenants were encouraged to send in photos of their gardens last year, which were published in Your Homes Matter, the Council’s newsletter for tenants.

Scary, Hairy Spiders - Spiders, Fear and Folklore

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 10:10:51 GMT

T he Charnwood Local Group of The Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust are hosting an online Zoom talk By Dr Alan Cann about spiders. Discover why humans are so fascinated by spiders and why they are so important in our folklore, especially in the approach to Halloween.

The talk is on Wednesday 27th October from 7.30 - 8.30pm and can be accessed via Zoom in the comfort of your own home.

For further information about the Trust's future activities and talks, and to book your place for the spider talk, go to www.lrwt.org.uk/events

Local Independent Audiologists Hear4U Switch To Revolutionary New Patient-Focused System

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:09:46 GMT

Hear4U – based in Leicester, Hinckley, Rothwell and soon-to-be Newark – are revolutionizing the way they do business. In the world of finance, long gone are the days when everything was written on sheets of paper, so why should the world of medicine be any different?

For hundreds of audiologists up and down the country, the technology may have changed but the way they do business has remained the same for many years. In the pursuit of stability and reliability, audiology has tended to lag behind when it comes to the way they operate, relying on paper notes and outdated systems.

A Paperless Future

For Hear4U, that is all about to change with the addition of Blueprint Solutions’ celebrated, cutting-edge system. Boasting an entirely paperless format, this pure-digital method features a far more detailed interface which can track entire patient histories as well as their choice of medical solutions across time.

Put simply, this means a far more patient-focused approach that perfectly reflects Hear4U’s own ethos. If patients want to receive a new pair of those same hearing aids they had a few years ago; if they need to access medical history for a home visit at the touch of a button and if they want a secure system with an intuitive client interface, this innovative new system has them covered.

Indeed, Blueprint Solutions’ remarkable method is truly the next generation of patient/clinic interface. Not only is its extensive database available anywhere, but Hear4U will be implementing an online booking form, an automatic appointment reminder system and full cashless credit card processing so that you need never miss your timeslot again.

Patient-Focused Approach

In keeping up with Hear4U’s commitment to the very best in aftercare, they have opted to include three additional procedures in making sure that patients always feel that they have the support they need: Automatic reminders for arranged follow-up meetings, a full timeline for your hearing aids so that you know exactly how old they are and even a warrantee reminder for when your coverage is about to expire.

On top of all this fantastic functionality, patients can look forward to a fully integrated experience with Noah software, the gold standard for audiometry. This means that you can have a full printout of your latest audiogram whenever you like for maximum peace of mind.

Director Tyler Bennett had this to say: “I’m absolutely thrilled about the new system – it’s set to be a real boon, not only for our staff (but) our patients and clients as well. With this addition, we can solidify our position as one of the leading audiologists in Leicestershire”.

Local Solutions for Universal Problems

To find out more about how Hear4U are changing the way that audiologists do business, call in at Hear4U Leicester at 227 Hinckley Road, Leicester, LE3 0TG (Tel: 0116 2623279), Hear4U Hinckley at 13 King Street, Hinckley, LE10 1QT (01455 234600) or Hear4U Rothwell at 28 Bridge St Rothwell, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN14 6JW (Tel: 01536 713775). www.hear4u.co.uk

Charitable Celebrations: Leicester Curry Awards Raise £3,000 For Age Uk Leicester Shire & Rutland

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:26:35 GMT

Left to Right: Clare Bloomfield, Head of Income Generation and Fundraising, Graham Smith, Chair, Debbie Sutton, Volunteer, Tony Donovan, Executive Director, Nikky Miles, Corporate Fundraiser.

On Monday 27 ^th September, local charity Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland joined in Leicester’s celebration of its culinary delights at the Leicester Curry Awards.

The fourth annual awards were held at the Athena and was an evening full of music, fun and exquisite food. Awards given on the night included Restaurant of the Year, Best Vegetarian Restaurant and Best Takeaway.

An official charity partner for this year’s awards, during the evening’s glittering event, the Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland team were presented with a cheque for £3,000.

On the night, Age UK Leics also had the chance to showcase the support and services they have provided in the last 18 months where they have never been more needed. Their Covid-19 response service supported over 8,000 people in the region including delivering emergency food parcels and providing telephone befriending calls to vulnerable and lonely older people.

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is an independent local charity with a national name. They work in the local community to help older people live happier, active, fulfilled and socially-engaged lives in communities around the City, County and Rutland.

Tony Donovan, Executive Director at Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland says: “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for all of us and for our businesses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re honoured to have partnered with the Leicester Curry Awards this year to shine a light on the region’s vibrant Asian culture and hospitality sector.”

He adds: “We are grateful for the support they have given us, the opportunity to raise awareness of the support and services our charity provides for the community and for their generous donation.”

Romail Gulzar, Director of Leicester Curry Awards comments: “We're passionate about using the evening to help the local community and we've long admired the work that Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland do.We’re pleased to have had them onboard alongside the Royal Air Forces Association for this year’s event.”

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland to Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA.

Osgathorpe Based National Assistance Dog Charity Opens Doors To Helping More Disabled People

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:30:16 GMT

Locally based national assistance dog charity Canine Partners has officially opened its brand new kennel block to its dogs in training, allowing them to train more assistance dogs for disabled people.

The charity, which has two national training centres including one near Osgathorpe, Leicestershire, held an opening event on Thursday 23 September, which was attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester.

Canine Partners trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities, boosting their confidence and independence.

Previously the charity had used temporary accommodation and volunteer homes for the dogs in its advanced training programme at the Midlands Training Centre, which limited the number of dogs that were able to be trained as assistance dogs.

“With significant support from charitable trusts and foundations, corporate supporters, organisations and individuals, we were able to secure enough money to build these fantastic new facilities,” says Cat Harvey, Head of Fundraising.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who donated to our ‘Raise the Woof’ appeal and for enabling us to continue transforming lives for years to come.”

The new kennels can house up to 40 dogs at any one time, which means that in future years, the charity will be able to help many more disabled people enjoy greater independence and a better quality of life, by being partnered with our assistance dogs.

The dogs are taught a range of everyday tasks including picking up and fetching items, opening doors and helping to undress a person. They can even help to load and unload a washing machine and they can fetch help in an emergency.

To find out more about Canine Partners or to make a donation to help transform the lives of disabled people, please visit caninepartners.org.uk

Six-A-Side Football Marks Kick-off For Alex’s Wish

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 09:27:54 GMT

A new, annual event in the Alex’s Wish calendar has kicked-off a return to face-to-face fundraising events.

The annual six-a-side football tournament took place in slightly rainy conditions but still raised over £2,000 for the Leicestershire-based charity. The event, which was the idea of Ryan Astill from Astill Planning, was well supported by onlookers cheering on their teams, was catered by local company Ben’s Kitchen – a stalwart supporter of Alex’s Wish, and also provided attendees with the opportunity to taste a brand new gin courtesy of Multum Gin Parvo, from Rutland with beer supplied complimentary by Kiran Parmar, Winstanley House.

Speaking about the event, Emma Hallam, Founder and CEO of Alex’s Wish said, “Whenever you try something new there’s always a part of you that’s nervous and excited in equal measure. With this event taking place so close to the UK coming out of lockdown I was thrilled to see it so well supported and am so very much looking forward to it taking place again next year and to it becoming a regular feature in our events calendar.

“I’d like to thank Ben’s Kitchen for their ongoing support as well as our ethical Business Club Members Chaz Ellis of Multum Gin Parvo and Kiran Parmar of Winstanley House, all who played and all who supported from the side-lines. It was a fabulous event and the money raised will go towards supporting projects that are aiming to find treatments and, ultimately a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a childhood muscle wasting disease affecting 1 in 3,500 boys.

“Next year’s event is already pencilled in our diaries for early June and will be bigger and better than ever with 16 teams competing!”

Adds Ryan, “It was great that we were able to raise so much money for Alex’s Wish and it will hopefully be something we can build upon for other years going forward. The football tournament seemed a great opportunity for company team building and socialising, whilst raising money for a great cause.”

To find out how you can get involved or to learn more about Alex’s Wish please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk

Alex’s Wish Welcomes New Chair and New Trustee

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:36:42 GMT

A lex’s Wish a Leicestershire-based, parent-led charity with a mission to cure Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life limiting childhood muscle wasting disease affecting 1 in 3,500 boys, has appointed a new Chair of their Trustee Board and a new Trustee.

Emma Hallam, Founder and CEO of Alex’s Wish, commented on the appointments saying, “We’re fortunate at Alex’s Wish to have an exceptional and incredibly proactive Board of Trustees which has been successfully chaired by Stephen Dean for the past two years. Stephen has recently completed his 2-year term and felt it best for the charity for someone else to take over this role to keep progress going, continue diversity and ensure the charity remains relevant.

“Our heartfelt thanks go to Stephen for his invaluable help and support over the past two years. He’s helped us all hugely in taking the Charity to the next level and he will be sorely missed.”

Having discussed this with our Trustees, Alexandra Slack (The House of Lifestyle Management) was put forward, who is a relatively new trustee of Alex’s Wish, and has extensive charitable experience and understands our mission and charitable aims inside out would be a great candidate for the role. After careful consideration, she was delighted to accept and will be starting her role with us from September.

Alexandra comments “I felt honoured to be approached for the position of chair of Trustees, because I believe it is one of most incredible charities in the East Midlands. I am passionate about working within the local community to raise awareness and to help find a cure for this devastating disease. I feel honoured to be working alongside a great team of trustees and I know together we call all make a difference.”

Emma continued saying, “As a Board we’re also constantly reviewing our skill sets and what the charity needs to enable us to achieve our mission. One of our Trustees, Glynis Wright MBE, made a fabulous connection via the University of Leicester with Tom Carter who’s studying there and thought he may be a good fit. Tom is studying journalism at the University and has a particular interest in media including social media. Over the summer Tom joined us as a Trustee and we are very much looking forward to working with him and gaining his insights.”

Commenting on the appointment Tom said, “I’m incredibly honoured to be joining the fantastic team here at Alex's Wish and take part in the already great work being done. It is such an exciting time to be involved with the charity and I hope that what I can bring to the table as a student of journalism combined with some fresh ideas will help us on our journey to find a cure for Duchenne. I can't wait to get started and to do my best for this amazing cause."

Emma added, “We’re always seeking new volunteers to give their time as a Trustee to build on the skills and experience of our existing Trustee Board and bring along fresh ideas to help further our important mission. We meet monthly for one hour and our Trustees are encouraged to support us wherever they are able. It is incredibly rewarding work and can lead to new skills being developed as well as new friendships. If this is of interest to anyone reading this piece then do, please, get in touch with me.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk

Beat The Street Launching In South Charnwood

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:33:21 GMT

Part of Charnwood is set to be transformed into a giant game thanks to National Lottery funding from Sport England

An innovative physical activity game that has engaged more than a million people is set to launch in the south of borough.

The Beat the Street game will take place from October 6 to November 3 thanks to a National Lottery grant from Sport England and will be delivered by Active Charnwood, the sport and physical activity team at Charnwood borough council, Active Together and the South Charnwood School Sport & Physical Activity Network.

Beat the Street encourages people to get outside and to get active and is open to anyone of any age. The game works by turning an area into a real-life game and residents will soon start to see special sensors called Beat Boxes appearing on lampposts around the area.

It is a real-life walking, cycling and running game for the whole community.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for community support, said: “We are incredibly excited to be bringing Beat the Street to Charnwood. We know that one of the best things people can do right now for their physical and mental health is to move more and to get out into green space where possible, and Beat the Street really helps people do just that in a safe way.

“It’s free to take part in Beat the Street and it’s open to everyone regardless of age, ability or background. It’s an inclusive game that encourages you to exercise from your front door and to clock up the miles within the game framework.

“It’s so important to encourage people to get active, but we really want to highlight our focus on safety which is our top priority. Changes have been made to the way the game is played to ensure it is completely safe."

Prior to the game, primary school pupils from participating schools will be provided with fobs, while parents and teachers will receive a card from the school so they can accompany children. The wider community can pick up a free contactless card from a distribution point listed on the website www.beatthestreet.me

Players join a school or community team to join, or you can set up your own with a minimum of 6 players. Players then walk, run, cycle, scoot, or roll between the 30 Beat Boxes which are spaced half a mile apart – hovering the fobs or cards as they go. The further players travel, the more points they score.

Beat the Street was created by GP Dr. William Bird MBE, an expert in physical activity and the founder of Intelligent Health. Beat the Street has not only had a significant impact on increasing low levels of physical activity amongst adults and children, but also helps reduce congestion, improves air quality, and helps families spend time in green spaces together. It has been adapted to ensure that it’s safe to play during the COVID-19 pandemic with contactless cards and fobs.

According to research, one in four people in England does less than 30 minutes of physical activity a week, which classes them as inactive. Four out of five primary school children do not get the recommended amount of daily exercise of 60 minutes a day.

The National Lottery funding from Sport England will not only help people in south Charnwood to get active, but also to leave a positive legacy to improve the community’s health and wellbeing.

For more information on updates on the game, please click onto www.beatthestreet.me or follow @ActiveCharnwood on Twitter.

Say Farewell To The Rockets!

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:28:04 GMT

A galaxy of spectacular Rockets will be touching down at Leicester’s National Space Centre on 9 ^th -10 ^th October for a final weekend of space-tastic fun!

The Rocket Round Leicester art trail, 40 giant Rockets plus 35 mini Junior Jets, have been weaving a trail around the city for the past ten weeks.

Brought to Leicester by local charity LOROS Hospice together with leading art event producers Wild in Art, the Rockets will gather together for the last time before being auctioned off to raise much-needed funds for LOROS.

Tickets are available now for this special weekend, sponsored by the University of Leicester, which is a great opportunity to see the beautiful designs in one place. These include the hugely popular Blue Army Rocket, sponsored by Leicester City Football Club, Richard III Rocket King which has brought the king-in-the-car-park to life and many other favourites like Bogswamp, a giant blue fluffy monster.

Laura Betts, Fundraising Manager at LOROS Hospice, said: “Our Farewell Weekend is the perfect opportunity to catch any Rockets you may have missed, and say goodbye to your favourites! You can also unlock any missed rewards on the app and snap that perfect selfie!

“It will be an out-of-this-world family weekend!”

Many of the artists who painted the Rocket sculptures will be on hand to answer questions and talk about the inspiration behind their amazing designs too.

All the proceeds raised by tickets and merchandise will go to support LOROS patient care. Each year the charity supports more than 2,500 people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, delivering free, high-quality, compassionate care to terminally ill patients, their family and carers. LOROS has to raise £8.4 million from the local community every year to be able to deliver that care.

Laura adds: “The trail has been a real smash hit with the people of Leicester, bringing the community together after 18 months of isolation. The Rockets have taking us on a voyage of recovery as well as discovery.”

“Now we’re inviting everyone to come along to say farewell to these magnificent Rockets, and raise funds for your local hospice in the process.”

Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The rocket trail has been a colourful and captivating highlight of summer in Leicester, and I’m delighted that we could host it and support LOROS in their incredible work.

“Seeing all of the rockets in one place for the first time will be a spectacular sight, and I’m sure many people will snap up the chance to do this and to help raise funds for their local hospice.”

Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, said: “It’s been fantastic to see people of all ages in the city centre enjoying the Rocket Round Leicester trail. The additional footfall in the city has been a great boost to our local businesses during the summer months. The Farewell Event is a great opportunity to see all the sculptures one final time in an out-of-this-world setting, all whilst raising money for a good cause.”

The Farewell Weekend heralds the end of the Rocket Round Leicester trail. Next stop will be the glittering grand auction on Wednesday 13 ^th October, where, it is hoped, they will raise tens of thousands of pounds for LOROS Hospice.

To book tickets for the Farewell Weekend or find out more about bidding at the auction visit loros.co.uk/rocket

From Supercars To Annual Balls Events Are Back For Alex’s Wish!

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:08:45 GMT

L eicestershire-based charity, Alex’s Wish, have been speaking about their planned events now that lockdown has been lifted across the UK.

Emma Hallam, Founder and CEO of Alex’s Wish said, “COVID-19 and the lockdowns have been hugely challenging for us all. As a charity who fundraised primarily via face-to-face events it meant we had to rethink how we could continue fundraising having cancelled all our events. We pivoted to online fundraising events and, with the help of our fabulous supporters, we managed to continue fundraising and, of vital importance, invest those funds into urgently required clinical research, clinical trials and increasing clinical trial capacity with a view to delaying symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by several years effectively buying time for us to find that vital cure.

“I know, first-hand, that Duchenne never rests and neither could we but I’ll be honest, when we could kick our face-to-face events off again I was delighted! Our first event was also our very first ever Supercar event which took place over the Summer in the beautiful grounds of Whatton House. They very kindly provided the venue free of charge and we were so lucky with the weather with the sun shining all day! The event raised an amazing £2,500 with Ryan from Supercars of Birmingham organising all the stunning supercars on the day and our wonderful ambassadors Natalie and Stuart Allen from NS Property who came along and helped throughout the day.

“Julie Proctor, Business Development Manager at Whatton House co-ordinated the entire event from a venue point of view, Alex Benyon Photography really captured the event for us whilst Corporate Motion Film Production shot video of the day too helping us to remember what a fantastic event it was. I was particularly touched by a comment from Hannah Houghton who attended with her family.”

Hannah said, “We came on Sunday for the supercar show and it was absolutely amazing!! My son Archie said it was the best day of he's life!! He didn't want to come home. It was amazing and we want to thank you guys so so much as you really did make his dreams come true for the day!!”

Added Ryan from Supercars of Birmingham, “We love working with charities and when Alex’s Wish approached us to host their first supercar charity event we couldn’t say no! We got straight to work and gathered all our members together. We had people travelling from London just for the day! We met up at a local point in Birmingham and set off on our way up to Whatton House. The setting was fantastic and it turned out to be the hottest day of the year! When we pulled up to the grounds the crowds were filling up and the view from the house down the drive, watching £4 million pounds worth of cars driving up the winding road and parking up outside was amazing. We all had a great day! Thank you to everyone for donating and to our sponsors Onyx Automotive, Martini Tyres and Ayaan Motors.”

Julie Proctor, Business Development Manager, Whatton House added, “We were delighted to host Alex’s Wish here at Whatton House. It was such a great day supporting what is a truly fantastic charity. I’m delighted to say that due to the event’s success Whatton House will be welcoming Alex’s Wish back next year and this event is to become an annual one. I’m looking forward to it already especially if we’re blessed with the same fabulous weather again!”

Emma and Alex’s Wish are now working on a number of other events including a Loop the Loop Challenge, their annual Golf Day, their Supporters’ Thank You Lunch and their Annual Alex’s Wish Ball which, after going virtual in 2020, is back with a bang for 2021!

Adds Emma, “Our Ball this year takes place on the 20 ^th of November at The Hilton Hotel, East Midlands Airport which is appropriate given that our theme is ‘Travels around the World’. Instead of a classic black tie ball we’re mixing it up this year and doing something very different. Think holiday glamour rather than black tie coupled with interactive games, the opportunity to win a holiday and the entire event picking up themes and colours from Mexico, Thailand and Italy! We have SuperBad performing and are really looking forward to getting people back together again and inspiring them for 2022! Tickets cost £85 per ticket which includes a COVID guarantee – just in case!

“I genuinely can’t wait to welcome guests to our ball. It’s going to be another fantastic event and with half the tickets already booked anyone interested in joining us to book soon!”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish, their events and the ‘Travels around the World’ ball please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk

Organisations Welcomed To Event At Your Store

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 10:04:21 GMT

L ocal groups from the voluntary, community and charities sector recently joined a number of health, education and employment support organisations at an event to find out more about Your Store.

The social supermarket is being created by a partnership involving Charnwood Borough Council, John Storer Charnwood, The Bridge and Charnwood Food Poverty Group.

The project aims to support people who are eligible and may currently be using foodbanks transition to more independence by becoming a Your Store member.

Members will be able to do a weekly shop and access a range of affordable food for £3. There will also be a range of support available through the project including money management, mental health and wellbeing, education, cooking classes and household budgeting.

The event took place at John Storer House in Loughborough where Your Store is based and provided attendees with an opportunity to understand how Your Store and its membership will operate.

People were also able to ask questions, visit the store as well as consider how they could get involved by offering support to Your Store members and how to refer their own clients to it.

Prospective members are currently being identified by the Charnwood Food Poverty Group and the store is hoping to open its doors to its first customers later this month.

Your Store has been created following the successful work carried out by Charnwood Community Action during the pandemic when hundreds of families received vital food parcels and other support.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for community support and equalities said: “It was great to see so many different organisations come along to this event to find out more about Your Store.

“Your Store is the result of fantastic partnership working and I would like to thank everyone for coming along and showing their interest and enthusiasm for the project.

“Your Store will provide an additional layer of support to help people who have needed to use food banks before and during the pandemic to become more independent with their shopping.

“The Council is proud to be working alongside partners on this project and is committed to creating healthy communities. Your Store is an innovative project which really will help a number of people become more independent and access additional support.”

Karen Frostick, John Storer Charnwood director, said: “It is great to see so many partners and referral agents enthusiastic about the project, we cannot wait to get the shop open and vital support being made available to all those that need it.”

Paul Snape, deputy chief officer at The Bridge East Midlands said: “As strategic lead for Charnwood Food Poverty Group, we are delighted that Your Store has been developed and is the natural progression for our clients who are moving away from food bank use. Your Store will offer an inclusive service to those who may be struggling financially and need additional support.”

The store in Loughborough is a pilot scheme for a year and it is hoped Your Store will become self-sustaining over time through income from members shopping there, sponsorship and donations.

Alongside the shop at John Storer House there are plans for a number of weekly pop-up versions across the borough. Mountsorrel will be the first pop-up Your Store, which is being supported by Mountsorrel United Charities Relief in Need Fund.

Your Store is aiming to help around 300 households during the pilot project.

For more information about Your Store please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/yourstore

Synergy Personnel Take On Alex’s Wish As Charity Of The Year

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:40:00 GMT

S ynergy Personnel Services, an East Midlands-based specialist recruitment company, have taken on Leicestershire-based charity Alex’s Wish as their Charity of the Year.

Emma Hallam, Founder and CEO of Alex’s Wish, spoke of the news saying, “I’ve known Gavin Dilkes, their Managing Director, for many years now as we network together at BNI Premier. Gavin has always been a huge supporter of Alex’s Wish and I was absolutely delighted when he let me know that Alex’s Wish had been chosen as their Charity of the Year.

“They have already got their first fundraiser planned which is the Lykewake Walk, a 42 mile walk done over a 24-hour period and taking in the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales. They’re also busy organising a charity Sports Day plus lots of other events over the next 12 months. Companies like Synergy Personnel Services who take us on as their Charity of the Year make such a huge difference to us, our fundraising target and, therefore, the projects we can commit to and support in our quest to find treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I’m incredibly grateful to the whole team at Synergy for their support and wish them well with the Lykewake Walk!”

Speaking on selection Alex’s Wish as their charity of the year, Tom Westbury, Principle Consultant at Synergy Personnel Services said, “We wanted to support Alex’s Wish as through BNI we’ve been able to see Emma talk about Alex and the charity and it really inspired us. We know how close the charity is to finding a cure and if we could be part of this it would be awesome.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish, their events and the ‘Travels around the World’ ball please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk

Leicester City FC Granted Freedom Of The Borough Of Charnwood

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 09:43:31 GMT

Caption: Picture from left, the Mayor of Charnwood Cllr Paul Baines; Lez Cope-Newman, Freeman of the borough; Deputy Council Leader Tom Barkley; Deputy Mayor of Charnwood Cllr Jenny Tillotson; Kasper Schmeichel; Leicester City FC Chief Executive Officer Susan Wheelan; Council Chief Executive Rob Mitchell; Tony Kavanagh, head of operations at the training ground; Cllr Jewel Miah; Brendan Rodgers; Alderman Robert Shields and Alderman Paul DayFA Cup winners Leicester City FC have been granted Freedom of the Borough of Charnwood by the borough council.

The honour, the highest the Council can bestow, recognises the club’s incredible success in recent years and its connection to Charnwood. The 2016 Premier League champions opened a £100 million training facility in the borough in 2020 at Seagrave.

The honour was conferred at a special meeting of the Council at Loughborough Town Hall on September 14.

Cllr Paul Baines, Mayor of Charnwood, said: “We are absolutely delighted to award the Freedom of the Borough to Leicester City FC. Their success in recent years has been incredible and we are proud that the club created its world-class training facility in the borough.

“We are also pleased that Charnwood has been home to Leicester City Women FC. We wish them all the best for the future now they are playing their home matches at the King Power Stadium.

“The honour reflects the club's excellent ambassadorship for the city, county and the sport in recent years and how it engages positively with local communities.”

Leicester City Chief Executive Susan Whelan said: “It is a great privilege to be able to accept this honour on behalf of Leicester City Football Club and we thank the borough of Charnwood for such a wonderful gesture.

“We’re delighted to have established our training facility in the heart of Seagrave and, by working together with the borough council, we’ve been able to strengthen our connections with Charnwood. We hope that the club’s presence in the borough can continue to bring pride to the area and benefits to our communities that live within it.

“It is the football club’s mission to continue to bring world-class sport to Leicestershire and, with the support of the borough of Charnwood, we have been able to deliver a world-leading facility that is a key component in that vision. We look forward to building on our working partnership in the coming years.”

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The Freedom of the Borough is only awarded for outstanding achievements and that’s certainly what Leicester City have delivered in recent years.

“We are proud the club chose to locate their training facility in the borough and we wish them every success in the future.”

Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour the Council can bestow.

It does not carry any privileges or powers but it is only awarded in exceptional circumstances where the prospective recipient has rendered eminent services to the borough. They will have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the borough and/or on the international stage which have brought pride and satisfaction to the borough.

To grant the honour, there must be a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members present at a meeting of the Council, specially convened for the purpose of granting the Freedom of the Borough.

First Bells For Covid-19 Memorial Are Cast At Iconic Bell Foundry

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:56:26 GMT

A memorial to mark the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local communities in Charnwood is starting to take shape.

The first three, quarter bells of the planned Hope Bell project were cast at Loughborough’s iconic John Taylor and Co bellfoundry over the weekend.

The Hope Bell project, backed by Loughborough Town Deal, will see the creation of a clock chime installation comprising four, quarter chime bells and the main Hope Bell to sound the hours.

The Hope Bell will be a lasting memorial to all those in Charnwood who have lost their lives in the Covid-19 pandemic and be a tribute to NHS and key workers. It will also be a beacon of hope for the future.

Loughborough is synonymous with bells, being home to the last working bellfoundry in the UK.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, co-chair of the Loughborough Town Deal Board and Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Bells have been made in Loughborough for over 180 years and they continue to be heard in towns and cities across the world. Therefore, it seems fitting that a bell will become the central focus of a lasting memorial to the impact Covid-19 has had on our local communities.

“The Hope Bell will be a symbol of hope, thanks and remembrance.

“It was fascinating to see this centuries-old process in action and the creation of the first bells for this poignant project.”

Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, co-chair of the Loughborough Town Deal Board, said: “It is important to remember the lives lost in the pandemic and the impact Covid-19 has had on our local communities and the Hope Bell is a way of doing that. It will also be a place for people to visit and reflect.

“The Hope Bell will also be a symbol of a brighter, more positive future which aligns with the aims and ambitions that the Town Deal has for the town of Loughborough.”

Andrew Wilby, Trustee of the Loughborough Bellfoundry Trust, said: “We are honoured to play our part in the creation of this significant community Covid memorial to the citizens of Charnwood.

“Now that three of the four quarter bells have been cast successfully, they will spend several days cooling in sand before they are broken out from the moulds, cleaned, and then tuned before a final polish. The process takes several weeks.

"We look forward to casting the last quarter bell and the Hope Bell in the future."

The casting was part of a heritage open weekend at Taylor’s.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board has been offered £16.9 million by the Government to boost the local economy and bring improvements to the local area.

A series of projects backed by the Board have now been submitted to Government for further development, including the Lanes and Links projects of which the Hope Bell is part. It is anticipated the Hope Bell would be located in Queen’s Park

The four quarter bells will weigh between 3 cwt and 8 cwt and the main Hope Bell will weigh 1 ton 5 cwt, sound the note D and measure 4ft 4in in diameter.

Some aspects of the project, such as messages left by people, could be funded by public subscription.

The Town Deal Board wants the local community to be involved in the development of the Hope Bell project and that’s why comments and views are being invited. If you would like to have a say on the project in this early stage, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/hopebell

The Loughborough Town Deal board involves a range of organisations, including Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Love Loughborough, Leicestershire County Council, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Together Economy and Skills Group, local businesses and Loughborough MP Jane Hunt.

Midlands Based Fosterers Needed To Help Look After Life-Transforming Assistance Dogs In Training

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 09:46:24 GMT

Osgathorp e based national charity, Canine Partners, is looking for volunteer Fosterers to help take care of dogs training to become life-changing assistance dogs.

The charity needs Fosterers to care for future assistance dogs, including a dog in training living in each Fosterer’s home full time.

Fosterers need to be within a 30 minute drive to the charity’s Midlands Training Centre near Osgathorpe , Leicestershire, and, ideally, be able to travel the dog to and from the training centre when required.

Canine Partners trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of disabled people, boosting their confidence and independence.

Gillian Haluch, who has been fostering for the charity since 2017, looks after one of the charity’s assistance dogs in training until they are matched with a disabled person.

“Volunteering for Canine Partners allows us to experience the joys of having a dog whilst also still having some flexibility,” says Gillian, who has fostered over 20 dogs for Canine Partners.

“We are supported by the dogs advanced trainers to teach them how to behave in a home setting.”

Fosterers provide a vital role by offering loving homes to the charity’s dogs, helping the Advanced Training Team develop the skills and behaviour each dog needs to learn before being partnered as a life changing canine partner assistance dog with an applicant on the waiting list.

“Canine Partners is a wonderful charity to volunteer for, as all the staff are incredibly skilled and the welfare of the dogs is at the heart of everything they do,” says Gillian.

“It is a truly rewarding role whilst at the same time you get to have a fabulous dog living in your home!”

All food, medical treatment and equipment such as beds and toys are provided to the Fosterer for the duration that the assistance dog is in their care.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer Fosterer for Canine Partners, please visit caninepartners.org.uk/foster , call 03456 580480 or email volunteer@caninepartners.org.uk

A Million Pounds Raised For Next Stages Of Great Central Reunification

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 10:01:55 GMT

Historic building materials from original GCR donated from the construction of HS2 railway line

A million pounds has now been raised to fund a further two stages of the Great Central Railway’s ambitious Reunification project. The money has come from the local community and rail enthusiasts across the country who want to see the two separate halves of the award-winning East Midlands heritage line reconnected.

The two railways were separated after closure in the 1960s. Putting them back together will create an eighteen-mile heritage link across the East Midlands; not only will this be an internationally recognised tourist attraction, but it will sustain and create jobs in the region’s economy. There are seven phases of work to complete the link. Two have been completed including a new bridge has to carry trains over the Midland Main Line at Loughborough and the full refurbishment of an existing bridge over a canal. The money being raised will go towards completing two more - the crossing of a road called Railway Terrace and a factory car park.

Andy Fillingham, Chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line, the membership club supporting the GCR and leading the fundraising for the project said, “Raising one million pounds is an incredible achievement by everyone involved. To everyone who has supported the appeals and got involved, a heartfelt thank you. This is a real people power project, putting back a railway which so many didn’t want to close in the first place.

Meanwhile, Reunification has received an unusual boost from an unlikely source. The brand-new High Speed 2 rail line is currently being built between London and Birmingham. The line is due to cross the site of the original Great Central Railway station at Finmere Bridge in Oxfordshire. During the demolition of the old GCR Station, some masonry has been recovered, including eight handsome bridge coping stones. The plan is that these coping stones will be used in the course of the construction of the Reunification scheme, giving the new project a real connection to the past.

Andy concluded, “With the railway reopened after the various lockdowns, we’re getting back to face to face fund-raising, not only at the GCR but around the community too. We’re looking forward to meeting people and bringing them up to date with the latest news on Reunification. It’s the biggest heritage railway project in the UK and has really got people fired up!”

HOW TO DONATE TO THE REUNIFICATION PROJECT

Donations can be made online at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify

Text UNIFY to 70970 to give £5 Text UNIFY to 70191 to give £10

For full terms see http://platform . nationalfundingscheme.org/terms-and-conditions

Cheques for the appeal can be made payable to The David Clarke Railway Trust and posted to DCRT, Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SL

Alex’s Wish Annual Supporters’ Thank You Lunch Date Announced

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:58:17 GMT

W ith a welcome return to face-to-face events, Alex’s Wish, a Leicestershire-based charity with a mission to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, have announced their annual Supporters’ Thank You Lunch.

The event will take place on the 8 ^th of October at the Novotel Hotel in Leicester and, says Emma Hallam, Founder and CEO of Alex’s Wish, the event promises to be a great opportunity to network with like-minded people over lunch. “Our annual Supporters’ Thank You Lunch is an opportunity to say a genuine and heartfelt thank you to our supporters who’ve stuck with us through thick and thin including a global pandemic. It’s our chance to update everyone on our progress during the pandemic, our exciting plans for the year ahead, our progress towards conquering Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and will include an update from me as well as from Emily Crossley, Co-founder of Duchene UK an incredibly important partner that we regularly work with.

“I’m delighted to announce that Nelsons and New Street Chambers are sponsoring the event which will run from 1pm – 3pm and include lunch followed by our update with everyone welcome to join us for drinks afterwards in the Nine B bar.

“This fabulous event is free to attend but to confirm numbers we do need people to RSVP to secure their place as places are limited.”

If you would like to attend the Alex’s Wish Supporters’ Thank You Lunch please email heidi@alexswish.co.uk . To find out more about Alex’s Wish, their events and the ‘Travels around the World’ ball please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk

24 Hour Charity Bike Ride Raises over £4,500!

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 09:59:45 GMT

P ure Table Top, a Leicestershire-based specialist supplier of ceramics and glass who work with retailers and brands in the UK and around the world, have completed their latest charity fundraiser supporting Alex’s Wish.

Speaking about their latest challenge, Claire Glover, Account Manager at Pure Table Top said, “The Pure Table Top team has grown to 24 so we thought it would be a great idea to have a 24-hour event which the whole team could get involved with. We work with customers and suppliers in every time zone so a live link gave everyone a chance to log on at any time and support our team. Our beautiful office is based in a former cycling café so a static bike seemed the perfect idea and would allow the team to sit down and raise money at the same time! We are quite a competitive bunch though so we really went for it and our surprise winner was Ian who covered 34km in his 1-hour slot!

“This is the latest of our fundraising efforts. Our efforts have been helped hugely by our setting up the Pure Table Top Alex’s Wish committee at the beginning of 2021 which has helped us to focus our fundraising efforts and the numbers have soared!”

The challenge brought in a total of £4,524.58. Other fundraising events have included running sample sales throughout July which raised over £1,000. Emma Hallam, Founder and CEO of Alex’s Wish commented on the achievement saying, “Pure Table Top come up with such interesting and varied ideas and I can’t believe the amount they raise for us. A huge thank you to the whole team for their ongoing support. The money they have raised will go straight into urgently required clinical research, clinical trials and increasing clinical trial capacity with a view to delaying symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by several years effectively buying time for us to find that vital cure.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk

Extra Funding For Clinical Trials Means Extra Hope For The Leicestershire Community!

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 09:35:46 GMT

L eicestershire and Rutland’s very own cancer charity, Hope Against Cancer, have succeeded in achieving another amazing funding result.

Not satisfied with having already raised £1.5 million to double the capacity of their clinical trials facility at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Hope have now been able to provide an extra £40,000 to continue to support the work of the Hope Nurse at the totally refurbished centre.

They will also now be providing £15,000 per year for 3 years to part-fund a Hope PhD Studentship at the University of Leicester’s College of Life Sciences. This new position will be two-thirds funded by the University themselves.

Hope Against Cancer’s Chief Executive Nigel Rose told us:“As you can imagine, we are absolutely delighted at being able to provide the extra funding for these two projects. In reaching our goal of improving outcomes and helping cancer patients live longer, we know that we must have a multi-faceted approach.

Refurbishing and doubling the size of the Trials Centre was key for us, but we know that the success of the centre is aided so much by the care given by the Hope Nurses, and we wanted to ensure that their fabulous work could continue. We also understand that investment in future research will play a huge part in the development of innovative treatments, so the PhD Studentship is a wonderful addition to our armoury.”

The new funding, together with the recent expansion of the trials facility, takes Hope closer to their ultimate goal of having Leicester recognised as the centre of excellence for Cancer treatment. It means that ‘early phase’ Cancer trials can go from strength to strength, including new-generation ‘bio-specific’ treatments not currently available within the NHS which target cancer whilst leaving other cells in the body with little or no damage.

Hope Against Cancer have some very ambitious goals for the future but, based on the staggering amount of funds they have raised in what has been a difficult time for many charities, the Hope Heroes will continue to challenge current treatments, outcomes and possibilities for thousands of Cancer patients across the UK from this state-of-the-art facility in Leicester.

If you would like to learn more about Hope Against Cancer or how to become a Hope Hero and help them achieve their future life-saving targets, then visit www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Work Starts On New Cemetery In Loughborough

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 09:29:58 GMT

C onstruction work has started on a new cemetery in Loughborough.

Charnwood Borough Council is creating the new facility in Watermead Lane and it will include memorial gardens and space for natural burials.

The new cemetery is due to be ready in Spring 2022 for the first interments.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: “I am pleased that work has begun to create a peaceful and respectful resting place which the town can be proud of. It will also be a place for reflection and offer visitors views up to the Outwoods. We have worked hard to ensure the landscaping blends into the rural surroundings while also bringing benefits to the local wildlife and environment. The Council is committed to investing in local services which are important to residents and this phase of the project will serve Loughborough over the next 100 years. I look forward to seeing it progress over the next few months and when it is completed.”

The cemetery is being developed in phases with the first phase including space for over 5,000 burials which on current burial trends will last for 100 years.

The Council has worked closely with ecologists and acted on their recommendations to ensure that the development will have no adverse impacts on surrounding habitats, protected species, and wildlife in general.

During the first stage of the project, around 200 new trees will be planted as well as a wide range of plants and shrubs, all of which will combine to provide food and habitat resources for wildlife.

Wildflowers and aquatic plants will further enhance the ecology together with repairs to existing hedgerows. Over 400 metres of new beech hedging will also be planted to provide corridors, foraging and protection for birds, mammals and reptiles.

Parking will also be available, and a new multi-use games area is being created for residents nearby as part of the project to allow for mini tennis, netball, basketball and football.

Vehicles will be able to access the proposed site via Nanpantan Road. The access road to the sports facility will be extended towards the proposed site.

The work is being carried out by idverde, the Council’s open spaces partner.

The current cemetery in Leicester Road is expected to run out of space within the next two years. The Council carried out a consultation exercise in 2018 to choose the location for a new one which is near Nanpantan Sports Ground and on land owned by the Council.

The town’s crematorium will remain in Leicester Road.

Loughborough MP On The Hunt For Green Fingered Volunteers For Community Allotment

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:33:52 GMT

Loughborough MP Jane Hunt is on the lookout for green fingered volunteers to help look after a community allotment in the town.

On a recent visit to the Marios Tinenti Centre (MTC) community hub on the Bell Foundry estate, Jane learned that the Centre cared for an allotment on Great Central Road. Despite the best efforts of a small number of volunteers, the allotment has become difficult to maintain and so the MTC are looking for volunteers to help look after the plot. It comes as National Allotment Week is being celebrated by vegetable growers and gardeners throughout the country.

Volunteers will be able to grow their own produce which will be shared between themselves and the MTC. The MTC will then distribute freshly grown and organic produce to households on the estate.

The allotment has a number of smaller vegetable boxes as well as larger plots, so can cater for volunteers with differing levels of commitment.

Jane commented: “This allotment is a mini oasis of peace and tranquillity and is a perfect opportunity for green fingered volunteers to escape the worries of the modern world. By volunteering for the MTC, you will not only be growing produce for youself, but also for households on the Bell Foundry estate.

“As we celebrate National Allotment Week, it would be great if we could breathe some new life into this allotment for the good of the whole community.”

If you are able to able to help the MTC, please do get in touch with Jane by emailing her at jane.hunt.mp@parliament.uk or by phoning 01509 262723. The MTC are also looking for a donation of topsoil for the allotment, so if you can help with this, please do contact Jane via email or phone.

Outstanding Level 3 Results For SMB College Group!

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:44:46 GMT

SMB College Group has announced a fantastic set of results for the 850 students collecting their Level 3 grades this morning.

100% of students across Brooksby, Melton and Stephenson Campuses passed their qualifications, with 68% attaining the very highest grades in their respective studies – well above the national average of 45%.

Curriculum areas with particularly high numbers of students achieving DDM or above include:

· 90% of Animal Management learners at Brooksby

· 88% of Sport students at Brooksby

· 88% of Health and Social Care students at Melton and Stephenson

· 80% of Equine Management learners at Brooksby

· 75% of Agriculture students at Brooksby

“We’re so proud of all our learners, whatever their results today. All Colleges have experienced a second challenging and disruptive academic year, which makes these achievements even more special.” said Principal Dawn Whitemore.

“These students are about to embark on the next part of their lives and we wish them the best of luck with this exciting journey. Whether they’re continuing their studies or entering the workplace, all of our alumni remain part of the SMB College Group family – please stay in touch.”

Deputy Principal, Andrew Gedge, added “I’d like to thank our amazing staff for supporting and enabling these students to achieve to the very best of their ability. Everyone should be very proud of the results we’ve seen here today!”

SMB College group offers a wide variety of Level 3 subjects – equivalent to 3 A-Levels - across its three campuses in Leicestershire, covering the land-based, sport, care, creative, technical and trade industries – all of which are receiving their results today. Level 2 students can expect their results on Thursday.

The College Group also offers a range of university degree subjects, offering progression routes for many of their current Level 3 students. Subjects include Performing Arts, Animal Management, Equine, Sport, Construction and Engineering with places available through UCAS Clearing to start in September 2021.

All three campuses are also still accepting Level 2 and Level 3 applications for the next academic year.

Anyone interested in studying with SMB College Group is invited to attend a Virtual Open Evening on Thursday 12 ^th August from 17:00 – 20:00, where you can learn all about the different campuses, explore different subjects and take part in a Live Q&A session for any courses you may be interested in. Simply register on the college websites:

· Stephenson Campus: www.stephensoncoll.ac.uk

· Brooksby and Melton Campuses: www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk

Time Running Out To Have A Say On Charnwood Local Plan

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:40:37 GMT

There’s only two weeks left to have your say on Charnwood Borough Council’s vision for economic growth, healthy communities and environmental safeguards over the next 16 years.

During the last four weeks, the Council has been consulting residents, businesses and other interested parties both online and offline ahead of the submission of its Local Plan for 2020-37.

The Local Plan guides strategic development in the borough and identifies locations for housing and employment land for the next 16 years.

The consultation concludes at 5pm on August 23 and the Council is encouraging all interested parties to send in their responses before this cut-off to ensure their comments are submitted to the Secretary of State later this year. The Council will collate and submit representations alongside the Local Plan. The Council is keen to guide interested parties on how to make effective representations to be considered by a Government-appointed Planning Inspector.

Cllr Richard Bailey, the lead member for planning, said: “This is the fourth public consultation we have led in relation to this Local Plan and we continue to encourage people to have their say. Hundreds of representations were received during the third consultation, relating to the draft plan in 2019, as we considered how to deliver future growth, healthy communities and environmental safeguards while ensuring housing need was met. Although we won’t be considering the representations ourselves this time, we are very keen that people who want to have their say know how to do so in an effective way which will meet the requirements of the Planning Inspector. Our planning officers can help with that.”

The Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37:

Identifies 154 hectares of employment land to support the creation of 8,900 jobs in the borough and lead its pandemic recovery
Allocates land for new sustainable and well-designed homes. The Government has set a target of 1,111 new homes a year to meet the borough’s needs up to 2037.
Focuses development towards intensifying and extending existing urban and suburban areas and larger villages, thereby protecting nearly 279 square kilometres of open countryside
Plans for the critical mass of development needed to secure infrastructure - including five new schools at Loughborough, Shepshed, Barrow, Anstey and Syston - as well as health services, roads and public transport networks
Will bring in an estimated £200 million in Section 106 money to pay for other improvements to facilities and amenities
Reflects the importance of the environment and conserving biodiversity, protecting heritage sites, creating open leisure spaces and supporting healthier communities
Carefully considers of the effects of climate change and how to reduce its impacts, including flooding
Makes effective use of the borough’s strategic infrastructure, including Loughborough University, the urban edge of Leicester and the International Gateway connection to the M1 motorway and East Midlands Airport
A second Local Plan webinar was held last week for residents and across both events, more than 100 people attended to find out more about the Charnwood Local Plan and ask questions.

The consultation runs until 5pm, 23 August 2021. For details about how and where to find out more, go to www.charnwood.gov.uk/localplan , email localplans@charnwood.gov.uk or call the Local Plan Team on 01509 634929. Hard copies of the documents are available for viewing, by appointment, at the Council Offices at Southfield Road in Loughborough. Visitors will require a pre-booked appointment. Please call 01509 634 560 to arrange a time.

Brew Beat: Leicester’s First Craft Beer And Music Festival Hits The Streets Over The August Bank Holiday

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 09:37:38 GMT

B rew Beat will take place Saturday 28 to Monday 30 August, featuring a live music stage, beer tent and food delivery from local restaurants in Green Dragon Square, as well as a host of special craft beers available at pubs and bars across the city.

The event is funded by BID Leicester and delivered by three local businesses: design work has been co-ordinated by agency Arch Creative; the music offer curated by HQ Recordings LTD and Steamin’ Billy will be providing a selection of drinks from the festival hub on Green Dragon Square.

Local and national breweries will feature in the festival, including well-known names like Framework, Tiny Rebel, Beavertown, Charnwood Brewery and London Fields. Choose from over 100 carefully selected beers from the cream of the crafty breweries. The Brew Beat craft beer line up will include a wide range of flavours to suit everyone’s palate including Sour Power from BeaverTown, Clwb Tropica from Tiny Rebel, Bourbon Barrel from Magic Rock, New England IPA from Love Lane plus many, many more! There will also be non-alcoholic options and soft drinks available.

As well as the Craft Beer, the event will showcase over 40 live music acts covering a wide range of musical genres - primarily from the city’s vibrant music scene as well as talent from further afield. Some of the acts playing over the three-day festival include Soul Clique, Harri Georgio, Jafro, Michael Vickers, FunkNation, Ninja Bob, King Brasstards and Crowd Company. Whether you’re into Urban, Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, Jazz or Rock, there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.

The main stage may close at 9pm each day, but the party doesn’t stop there. Festival goers can visit a trail of great venues around the city that will be hosting their very own guest craft beers and other themed refreshments. Venues include Queen of Bradgate, Two-Tailed Lion, Rutland & Derby, The Globe, Manhattan 34 and many more of the city’s best-loved pubs and bars.

The food offering at the event comes from the city’s restaurants thanks to Dine in the Square, allowing customers to order food directly from local businesses to their table in the festival hub. Brew Beat attendees can simply scan the QR code on their table with a smart phone, order and pay to get delicious food, delivered. With a choice of restaurants including Mowgli, Chutney Ivy, Desi Street Food, Giggling Squid, Pai, Crafty Burger, Sonrisa, Chinese Snack Box, Cocoa Amore and more, there is plenty of choice to keep stomachs full whilst enjoying the music line-up.

“We can’t wait to bring the city’s first ever craft beer and music festival to Leicester,” said Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, funders of the event. “Brew Beat will be a celebration of local talent – from emerging performers to the best local breweries. After a difficult year for our night-time industries, being able to host events like this will help drive footfall directly into our pubs and bars to benefit the local economy.”

The festival site on Green Dragon Square will be free to enter, however once capacity is reached a one-in, one-out policy will operate. Attendees will be seated on a first-come-first-serve basis and table service will operate throughout the site.

Visit www.brewbeat.co.uk for more information

EV Charging Points Live In Blaby Town Centre

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 09:47:07 GMT

T he first charging points in Blaby District Council’s pay and display car parks are live and ready to use, as part of a project to make electric vehicle owning more accessible to residents.

Johns Court and Enderby Road car parks in Blaby are the first to charging points to go live, with eight bays in each car park exclusively reserved for EV car owners to charge their vehicle using the 7kW chargers installed.

The phased launch will also see charging points go live in Narborough, with six bays in Weavers Court and two bays in Leicester Road available for use in the coming weeks.

£77,000 for the project came from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles for the ‘On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme’. The rest of the funding will come from EB Charging, who installed and will manage the charging points.

Local residents who cannot access a charging point are being encouraged to take advantage of the new chargers, as well as for shoppers in Blaby and Narborough taking advantage to top up their electric vehicle.

EB Charging will be offering the first two months of charging for free as part of the scheme. After the free period ends, charging will cost 30p per kW, with cashless payment made via the EB Charging app.

Dedicated charging bays will have a three-hour maximum stay from 8am-6pm Monday to Saturday, and cars parked in the bays must be plugged in to a charging point and displaying a valid parking ticket. Out of hours and Sunday parking is free, but the 30p per kW charge will apply at all times.

Councillor Les Phillimore, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services, said: “We are delighted to launch these charging points in our car parks as part of our ambition to make electric vehicle ownership as accessible to as many people as possible, as part of our Carbon Neutral Action Plan for the district. We are hopeful that residents in Blaby and Narborough who can’t access a charging point where they live will now have the opportunity to take the plunge into the world of electric vehicle ownership . Our new EV charging points will also support local businesses by encouraging Electric Vehicle owners to shop and relax locally, and will be able to top-up their electric vehicles whilst they do.”

For more information about charging points in the district visit www.blaby.gov.uk/ev-charging . The app to pay can be downloaded from the Google Play or App Store. A map of charging points in the district can be found by visiting https://www.zap-map.com/live/

Views Wanted On Hathern Community Woodland Proposal

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:49:45 GMT

R esidents in Hathern are being encouraged to have a say on the proposal for a community woodland.

Charnwood Borough Council is working with Hathern Parish Council on the project which is looking to create a 15-acre woodland on council-owned land off Golden Square in Hathern.

The proposed Hathern Community Woodland project would see around 14,000 trees planted on the site.

A £43,000 bid was submitted to the Forestry Commission last year and the Council is now after views from local people on the plans.

The consultation will run until Thursday August 19, 2021.

The project is also expected to contribute to the Council’s commitment to become Carbon Neutral by 2030. It is estimated that after 30 years the Hathern Community Woodland has the potential to capture up to 1,323 tonnes carbon dioxide.

Cllr Roy Rollings, lead member for transformation with responsibility for the Council’s campaign to become Carbon Neutral by 2030 said: “This project is being supported by the Forestry Commission and Hathern Parish Council and we now want to hear from residents on the proposals. Woodland areas have a positive impact on our lives including helping to improve the quality of the air. As a Council, we have pledged to ensure 100,000 trees are planted in the borough by 2024 and this is another step towards achieving that target. If you live in or around Hathern, please take a look at what is being planned and provide your feedback which could help to shape the project.”

Work on the community woodland could start during the next planting season, November 2021 - March 2022.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough and open spaces said: “Our parks and open spaces have become increasingly popular during the last 12 months and I’m really pleased a new one is being proposed in Hathern. It will be a great addition to the local community and offer a range of positive benefits for residents.”

Roy Dann, Chair of Hathern Parish Council said: “We are extremely pleased to partner the Council on this project and would encourage local residents to have a say on these proposals. The community woodland will bring a wide range of benefits to our community and we will continue to work closely with the Council to make it happen.”

A short questionnaire has been created so people can offer their feedback and comments up until Thursday August 19.

For more information about the project and to complete the questionnaire visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/hatherncommunitywoodland

Plaque Unveiled To Mark 800 Years For Loughborough Markets And Fair

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 10:03:36 GMT

A Charnwood Heritage Plaque is to be unveiled to mark the 800 ^th anniversary of the Royal Charters for Loughborough Markets and Fair.

Charnwood Borough Council, which operates the Loughborough Markets and Fair has commissioned the heritage plaque which will be revealed during a small ceremony at Loughborough Town Hall on Saturday July 31.

The date commemorates the first Loughborough Fair which was held 800 years ago.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “Loughborough Markets and Fair have been an integral part of life in this town for eight centuries and we are extremely proud to be marking the anniversary with the commissioning of a heritage plaque. Both the markets and fair are eagerly welcomed by local residents and the wider population and are extremely popular, attracting tens of thousands of people.”

In 1221, a young King Henry III granted a Royal Charter to Hugh le Despenser, the Lord of the manor, to hold a weekly Thursday market and an annual fair in Loughborough.

Eight centuries later, the market and fair are run by the borough council which is working with partners to mark the landmark year.

The ceremony will commence at 11am and will include the reading of the original charter and themed entertainment with a storyteller and reenactors.

The heritage plaque will be unveiled by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Paul Baines, who said: “I am deeply honoured to be invited to unveil the heritage plaque to mark this important part of Loughborough’s history. The Loughborough Markets are a wonderful way to provide a retail service for local people, by local traders and the fair remains an enormously successful event with great support and attendance from near and far. Although we sadly had to cancel the fair last year due to the pandemic, we hope to safely welcome families back to Loughborough this year with all the excitement and fun that the fair brings with it.”

Loughborough Fair is held in November and approximately 100 individual show people attend each year, presenting around 20 large rides between them and numerous children's rides, games and novelty stalls and refreshments.

This year’s fair is planned for November 10 – 13 and for the latest updates on Loughborough Fair please keep an eye on the Council’s website .

For further information on events and activities planned for the 800-year anniversary of the Royal Charter for Loughborough Market and Fair please visit:

ww w . charnwood.gov.uk/loughborough_markets_and_loughborough_fair_800th_anniversar y

SMB College Group Launches HITZ Jump Into Employment Programme In Partnership With Leicester Tigers!

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 10:05:46 GMT

Based at SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus in Coalville, the brand new HITZ Jump into Employment course offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to enhance their employability skills.

This 16-week programme, which has been specially developed for 16-19 year olds who are not in Education, Employment or Training, will enable young people to tackle challenges and develop skills that can lead them into employment and/or development opportunities.

Learners will have the opportunity to gain their Maths, English and Level 2 Work Skills qualifications, in addition to taking part in work experience, physical activity and bespoke personal development sessions.

Tilly Higgs, Inclusion Manager at Leicester Tigers, said ‘We are really excited at the Leicester Tigers Foundation to work in collaboration with SMB College Group on The HITZ Jump into Employment course. After an extremely challenging year, it feels important that we are able to offer a course focused on enhancing the employability of young people, with a strong focus on health and wellbeing.’

HITZ is Premiership Rugby’s award-winning education and employability programme, which works with more than 2000 young people across England annually. The programme takes core values of rugby, such as teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship, and uses them to help young people back into education, employment or training.

SMB College Group is a vocational college in Leicestershire, comprising three campuses: Brooksby, Melton and Stephenson. The college group has a long history of working in partnership with Leicester Tigers, with a range of well-established education programmes at the Brooksby Campus near Melton Mowbray.

You can find out more and apply for the new SMB Tigers HITZ programme on the Stephenson Campus website: https://stephensoncoll.ac.uk/search/hitz

Loughborough MP Backs Call For A New ‘Doggie DNA Database’ To Help Fight Pet Theft

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 14:43:28 GMT

L oughborough MP and dog lover, Jane Hunt, is backing a Private Members Bill in Parliament this week to create a national register of ‘doggie DNA’ as a long-term alternative to microchipping. If successful, the new database will create a more modern solution to combat the growing scourge of dog theft as well as lost pets, ownership disputes and ‘puppy mills’.

The Bill will be introduced by Arundel & South Downs MP, Andrew Griffith, and has gained the support of 14 MPs, including Jane. Currently, the law requires all dogs to be microchipped, but these can be inserted incorrectly causing pain and suffering, sometimes work themselves out and can be cut out by unscrupulous thieves. Dog theft has sadly increased by 250% over 2020 according to Government estimates; a fact that Jane heard from the Dogs Trust whilst on a visit to their rehoming centre near Loughborough recently.

As well as securing the support of MPs, it is also backed by the RSPCA and the National Police Chiefs’ Council. Unlike microchips, DNA is an indelible, reliable marker to identify a dog. If a pet is ever stolen or involved in an ownership dispute, the database will have everything needed to prove who is the pet’s owner.

Speaking about the Bill, Jane said:

“A Doggie DNA database would have many uses including tackling the heart-breaking crime of dog theft. It is a sad fact that the numbers of dogs being taken from their owners has gone up hugely over the last few months.

“Although dog owners are required to have their dog microchipped, the chip can be removed or work itself free. The Bill will create a more reliable version of the current microchips. Technology has moved on and DNA is a unique record that is now easy and affordable to collect.

“The theft of a dog is heart-breaking for the owners and upsetting for the dog. Anything that we can do to help tackle this growing problem is worth pursuing. That is why I am backing this Bill.”

Rothley Park 2021 Club Champions Both Take 2nd Title

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 14:46:33 GMT

T he annual Club Championships took place recently at Rothley Park Golf Club with a good turnout from both the ladies and men’s sections and great support on the day from club members.

The Men’s Club champion for a second year running is Tom Roberts with an excellent combined score of 147. The runner up, Bobby Large was not far behind with a score of 150. Tom has been playing golf since he was eight, the last seventeen years at Rothley Park.

“I felt over joyed to defend the title as it is hard to do and hasn’t been defended successfully for ten years,” says Tom.

The Ladies Club Champion is Vicky Mayfield, who also successfully defended her 2020 win with an impressive 158, runner up and winner of the Bud Vase was Maz Sharpe with a very close score of 160. By coincidence, like Tom,18 year old Vicky has also been played golf since the age of eight and it is her fifth season at Rothley Park.

“I’m really pleased to have won the ladies title for the second year running. The first round was extremely tight between Maz and I, which made for an interesting second round. I played a steady second round and hope I can continue this form for the rest of the season!” says a very pleased Vicky.

Get Yourself A Discounted Will During August

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 14:40:34 GMT

Local charity Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland’s much awaited Wills Promotion is running once more from the 1 ^st – 31 ^st August 2021.

The successful scheme is supported by more than twenty-five offices of local Solicitors who have generously agreed to reduce their Will Writing charges for older people (55+) to only £35 + VAT for an updated or a single uncomplicated Will for the duration of the promotion.

Most people appreciate that it is extremely important to make a Will, but unfortunately,7 out of 10 people die without a will in place, despite the clear benefits. By making a Will you ensure that your family have peace of mind for the future… and even if you have made a will, perhaps it was so long ago that it is time to consider whether it needs revising.

Don’t miss Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s straightforward, simple and affordable way to write or update your will. And whilst we understand that your loved ones will come first (we wouldn’t want it any other way) please consider leaving us a gift in your will.

Gifts in wills are a vital source of income for us; leaving us just 1% of an estate can help to make such a big difference ensure that we can continue our work in the local community.

2020 was an extremely hard year for everyone. We were called on to support thousands of local older people to cope with the practicalities of Covid – picking up their shopping and prescriptions – as well as supporting their mental and emotional health through befriending calls and counselling support.

If we can encourage more people to support us with a gift in a will or a donation, it will help secure the long term future of a vital local independent charity which has been a lifeline for the older people of Leicestershire & Rutland for the past 70 years.

For more information, or to request your Wills pack for the campaign, please contact enquiries@ageukleics.org.uk or call 0116 299 2233

More information also available at www.ageukleics.org.uk

Holiday Activity Programme Returns This Summer

Mon, 05 Jul 2021 14:39:08 GMT

A small number of holiday activities will be on offer in Charnwood this summer.

The borough council’s Active Charnwood team has put together the programme of in-person activities to help children and their families stay active over the school holidays.

All events will be Covid secure.

The five-week programme will offer sessions for children and the whole family including den building, orienteering, family Olympics and love family fit.

The programme starts on Monday July 19 and finishes on Friday August 20.

The majority of activities will take place outdoors at locations across the borough including Loughborough, Shepshed and Barrow.

Bouldering is the only activity which will take place indoors and will be hosted at the Climbing Station in Loughborough.

Covid security measures including a limit on numbers and hand sanitiser stations will be in place to help keep people safe.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for community support and equalities said: “It’s great to see our holiday activity programme return for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

“The team has worked really hard to pull the programme together which is mainly focusing on outdoor activity to reduce the risk of transmission and to keep people safe.

“Our holiday activity programme has been hugely popular in the past and I know it’s return will be welcomed by many residents.

“As the programme and capacity for each activity is limited this year, I would encourage people to book as early as possible to ensure they get a space.”

Sessions will follow the latest Government advice on Covid security at all times.

Bookings are now open, and spaces can be booked online with the price of sessions starting at £6.

Discounts are available for Wild Card holders. If you are aged five to 16, or have a disability, and live or go to school in Charnwood, you may be able to sign up to the Wild Card scheme by visiting charnwood.gov.uk/wildcard

For a full list of activities available this summer holiday and to book online please visit charnwood.gov.uk/holidayprogrammes . Alternatively, people can call 01509 634561.

For the latest news and updates about sport and activities in the borough, follow the @ActiveCharnwood on Twitter or visit their Facebook page.

Mayor To Lead Team On 26-Mile Charity Walk

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:37:30 GMT

T he Mayor of Charnwood is lacing up his walking boots to help raise money for charity.

Cllr Paul Baines, the 48 ^th Mayor of Charnwood will be leading a team to the Peak District later this month to take on the Peak District 2021: Pick Your Path challenge which is organised by Marie Curie, one of his chosen charities for 2021-22.

The Mayor and his Mayoress and wife, Dr Ning Baines will take on the ambitious 26-mile High Peak Loop. They will be joined on the marathon-distance walk by Laura Knights, the Council’s housing income officer.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, ward member for Anstey and Karen Widdowson, the Council’s democratic services manager and deputy monitoring officer will walk the Lathkill Loop which covers a shorter-but-challenging 11-mile route.

The Mayor of Charnwood said: “Although I enjoy walking up mountains and have been putting in a significant amount of training, this will be a huge challenge for me and the rest of the team. I’m pleased there are several of us taking part as we will be able to help each other when it starts to get tough.

“Marie Curie is a charity I hold dear to my heart and I’m hoping we will raise lots of money for an incredible cause. I would like to thank everyone who has already donated to the fundraising page for their generosity. There is still time for people to donate should they wish to.”

Mayoress of Charnwood, Dr Ning Baines added: “We’ve all got our t-shirts and are ready to take on the challenge. We’re putting in hours of training but the one thing we can’t control is the weather. However, come rain or shine, we’re ready to get going and complete the walk.”

Marie Curie provide expert care, guidance, and support to people living with a terminal illness, a charity which is close to the Mayor’s heart.

The walk will take place on Saturday July 24 and the team are hoping to raise a total of £2,000 for the good cause.

They’ve already raised around 60 percent of their target and would welcome any further support to help them reach the £2,000 mark.

People who wish to make a donation and show their support for the Mayor and the team taking on the challenge can do so by visiting the online Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/charnwoodmayor

Marie Curie and Living Without Abuse have been chosen as the 2021-22 Mayoral charities.

More information about Marie Curie and the Peak District 2021: Pick Your Path event can be found on the Marie Curie website.

Businesses In Charnwood Given Recognition Of Their Covid-Compliancy

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 14:50:36 GMT

L ocal businesses including shops, restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and gyms can now display their Covid-secure credentials thanks to a Charnwood Borough Council scheme.

The Council is inspecting premises to ensure they are following the latest Covid guidance and if they pass, issuing a “We are Covid-Compliant” window sticker.

The aim of the scheme is to recognise businesses for their efforts to keep customers and staff safe, increase customer confidence and encourage people to support their local businesses.

Cllr Shona Rattray, lead member for regulatory services at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “It is important to recognise businesses who have worked hard to introduce and maintain Covid-safety measures in their premises.

“Being Covid-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in Charnwood, and all businesses are eligible for spot checks which means any businesses can receive a visit to check they are compliant.

“Having a Covid-compliant tick in the window will give reassurance to customers that a business has passed inspections and will hopefully prove to be a positive step to boost our local businesses.”

John Cooper, manager of the Bell Foundry in Loughborough said: “It is important for people to feel safe when they visit our pub. The window stickers are a great visible symbol that creates confidence in our customers so they can have a drink in a nice, safe place, especially as they are issued from the council.

“It also supports us as a business so we can reassure our customers that the checks are in place for a reason and we have worked hard to adhere to the rules.”

Richard Creek, Natalie Joyce and Craig Sharp-Weir, equal partners of The Cask Bah in Loughborough proudly display their Covid compliant audit sticker alongside their 5-star food hygiene rating certificate.

They said: “As a small, independent business, being able to stay open and give our guests safety confidence is important for us to survive during these difficult times.

“We have had to adapt to a slightly different business model in order to operate safely and are very grateful to Laura Cowlishaw and the rest of the environmental health team at Charnwood Borough Council for their guidance to ensure we had everything in place.

“The inspection was very much a helpful guide with no judgement or reproach.”

The Council are continuing to work with local businesses and visiting premises across Charnwood to understand how they are managing risks and offering guidance where needed.

A business passes the Covid-compliant inspection when it can evidence that it has the following measures in place:

A Covid-19 risk assessment
The NHS QR Code is displayed / a contact tracing system used to collect customers’ details
Covid-19 safety signage is displayed
A check system for Covid-19 symptoms of staff and customers
Staff are wearing adequate PPE
Cleaning, hygiene and handwashing regimes are in place.
Face coverings are worn were required (unless exempt)
Social distancing measures are in place
Table service is adhered to (if applicable)
Live entertainment and event bookings are within guidelines
Ventilation and security considerations

For the latest information and safer business guidance, see www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Community Dig Underway

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 14:35:22 GMT

An exciting Community Dig at Bouskell Park in Blaby hoping to uncover the popular park’s hidden secrets is underway.

The Buried Bouskell project started in September 2020 as work on the park’s Ice House began. Following completion of this first stage in May, the Community Dig will run until Sunday 04 July to find out more about Bouskell Park’s history.

Blaby District Council is working with the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) to dig a series of 1 metre x 1 metre x 1 metre test pits, with soil will be taken out 10cm at a time.

A reduced number of 120 volunteers across the six days will be taking part in the dig to ensure social distancing measures are followed. Spread across the park, the test pits will be signed and taped off during the week to minimise any risk to users of Bouskell Park.

Research into the park as part of the Buried Bouskell project has revealed that medieval pottery was found during the laying of pathways at the park back in 1997. There is also evidence of medieval farming.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement & Business Support, said: “We are so incredibly excited to start our dig. We have been eager to start this next stage of our project after the extensive work on the Ice House and it is fantastic to finally start work!

“Due to the recent announcement on restrictions we have had to pick our volunteers out of a hat as we had so many interested in taking part. Their efforts will be so important as we look to uncover what Bouskell Park’s secrets are.”

Mathew Morris, Project Officer for University of Leicester Archaeological Services, said: "Bouskell Park is a fascinating landscape, a well-preserved Victorian pleasure ground covering a much older and more mysterious landscape which is evident in the many earthworks across the park.

"Are these a missing part of medieval Blaby? This is what we are hoping to find out. This project has been years in the making and much delayed over the past year and it is fantastic to finally get going and I'm looking forward to seeing what our volunteers find."

Funding for the project is from a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant, who provided £156,000 of the £171,000 work to restore the Ice House and carry out the Com munity Dig, with the rest of the funding provided by Blaby District Council.

Updates on the project will be available on the Council’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages throughout the week.

Fond Farewell To Boon’s Hosiery At Loughborough Market

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 14:33:20 GMT

O ne of the longest standing stall holders on Loughborough Market will trade for the final time this week.

Roger Boon, from Boon’s Hosiery, has been part of the Charnwood Borough Council’s market for over 54 years and is swapping the early morning starts for retirement.

The market stalwart will trade for the last time on Saturday June 26.

The Boon family first started trading in Loughborough in the 1940s as a mobile book seller before moving into selling hosiery and knitting wool. The market stall Boon’s was set-up in 1947, the same year Roger was born. The stall operated alongside three other shops in Loughborough.

At the age of 15, Roger headed to Sea School on the Vindicatrix near Bristol where he worked on five ships. He returned to Loughborough in 1967 to help with the family business.

In 1980, his parents handed him the reins to the business which he has proudly kept going for over 40 years.

Roger says he is looking forward to spending time with the family but will miss life on the market and his customers who have supported his business for decades.

Roger Boon said: “I have family and friends all over the country and I’m looking forward to spending more time with them, but I will definitely miss seeing my customers and not having to get up at 5am for market days will also be a nice bonus!

“I have loved trading on Loughborough Market for so many years. From the banter with other traders to having weekly chats with my regular customers. I would like to thank everyone who has already popped by to stock up on their favourite products or to just wish me well on my retirement.

“Being a market trader really is like no other job and it has been a real privilege."

Roger’s retirement is taking place in the same year that marks the 800 ^th anniversary since Royal Charters were granted for the Loughborough Market and annual Loughborough Fair.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said: “Boon's has been part of Loughborough’s history for 74 years. First with the shops and then the market stall. Roger is a familiar face on the market, and we know many people will miss his stall.

“However, 54 years on the market is a fantastic achievement and he certainly deserves to put his feet up and spend more time with his family.

“On behalf of the Council and visitors to Loughborough Market, I would like to thank Roger for being part of our wonderful market for so many years and wish him well on his retirement.”

The award-winning Loughborough Retail Market operates every Thursday and Saturday between 8am-4pm and has a range of stalls selling fresh produce and confectionery as well as clothing and household goods.

You can find out more about Loughborough Market at www.charnwood.gov.uk/markets

Great Central Railway Announces All Stations To Re-Open From Saturday 26th June 2021

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:31:32 GMT

T he Great Central Railway has announced that it will be re-opening all four of its stations from Saturday 26 ^th June 2021.

During recent months all passenger trains have been running from Quorn and Woodhouse Station only operating a single round trip service. As from Saturday 26 ^th June visitors will be able to board and disembark from the trains at Loughborough, Quorn & Woodhouse, Rothley and Leicester North Stations. We will be reintroducing our popular all day ROVER ticket at just £18.00 for an adult as against the current single journey ticket. (See our web site for full ticket price details www.gcrailway.co.uk). This will enable visitors, once again, to visit and explore the railway and all of our stations, the Butler Henderson Café and Ellis Tea Rooms for a great selection of fine foods and refreshment and our quirky Tin Shed Shanty Bar, at Quorn, for a pint of real ale, draught cider, wines and soft drinks.

At Loughborough our Retail Shop will be open with counter service only.

Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37 Approved For Consultation

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:29:32 GMT

R esidents, businesses and partners will next month get the chance to have their say about Charnwood Borough Council’s vision for the borough.

Councillors last night (Monday 21 June) gave their approval to the Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37. A six-week public consultation will commence within weeks.

The Local Plan provides a robust strategy for growth which simultaneously safeguards the environment and builds healthy communities.

It sets out the location of land and infrastructure needed for the development

required to support the growth of the borough up to 2037.

The plan identifies how the borough will meet increased Government targets for new homes, as well as providing employment land and critical infrastructure.

Councillor Richard Bailey, lead member for planning, said: “The Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37 is critical to the future prosperity and protection of our borough as we emerge from the pandemic and look towards ensuring our undoubted assets realise their full potential.

“This is a key strategic document in a key period in the borough’s history and I would encourage residents, businesses and all our partners to get involved in the public consultation next month.”

For the consultation, it is important to note from the outset that representations will be collected by the council but will be heard by the Planning Inspectorate.

This means that representations must meet the Government’s standard.

The Council will support residents and other interested parties during the public consultation with the information they need to record their views effectively.

The Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37:

Identifies 154 hectares of employment land to support the creation of 8,900 jobs in the borough and lead its pandemic recovery
Meets the borough’s housing need - the target figure set by Government - by allocating land for the development of 1,111 new sustainable and well-designed homes each year up to 2037
Focuses development towards intensifying and extending existing urban and suburban areas and larger villages, thereby creating accessible community hubs while protecting nearly 279 square kilometres of open countryside
Plans for the critical mass of development needed to secure infrastructure - including five new schools at Loughborough, Shepshed, Barrow, Anstey and Syston - as well as health services, roads and public transport networks
Will bring in an estimated £200 million in Section 106 money to pay for other improvements to facilities and amenities

Read the report to Council relating to the Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37.

Once approved by the Planning Inspectorate, the document will replace the current Charnwood Core Strategy, which was adopted in 2015.

Information about the consultation will be added to the Council website. Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwood_local_plan_2021_37

You can also subscribe to the Council's email alerts and receive updates on the local plan and other issues. Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/email_alerts

Views Wanted On Veteran Wellbeing Hub Idea

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 14:28:08 GMT

A bid is being put together to help fund a Veteran Wellbeing Hub and people are being asked to give their views on the idea.

The Charnwood, Melton and Rushcliffe Armed Forces Covenant project is working with the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre to apply for funding to develop the proposal.

The hub would be based in Loughborough and would provide a safe space for veterans as well as advice and support, activities, food and drink, and the opportunity to meet other veterans.

As part of this work, people are being asked to complete a short survey to offer their views on the idea and the kind of support they think would be needed at the hub. The feedback will be used to help to shape a funding bid to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Views are being sought from people in Charnwood but also across the rest of Leicestershire, Leicester, Rutland and Rushcliffe in Nottinghamshire as it is hoped these areas may also create hubs in the future. Views gathered in the survey will be used for the Loughborough bid and possibly future bids in those other areas.

If the Loughborough bid is successful, the hub in Loughborough could be set up later this year.

People interested in offering their views can do so by completing a short survey online at http://bit.ly/VeteranHubSurvey .

The survey will be open until Friday July 16, 2021.

Charnwood Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and employs an Armed Forces community covenant development officer, in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe borough councils to help develop and support the Armed Forces community and ensure that military personnel do not face any disadvantage as a result of their service.

The Loughborough Wellbeing Centre is a charity which provides support to adults experiencing mental health issues.

Support, Friendship, Wellbeing Resumes As Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Commence In Person Wellbeing Classes And Activities

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 14:26:22 GMT

During this challenging year, the Foundation has supported individuals through the provision of online sessions, including mental health support groups, exercise classes and volunteering opportunities. As the Foundation safely reopens its facilities in Ulverscroft, they are delighted to recommence a variety of organised activities, promoting health, engagement, inclusion, and mental and physical wellbeing. From creative writing to therapeutic art sessions, seated exercise classes and woodland walks - the Foundation is passionate about providing engaging services in a personalised, home from home setting that makes a real difference to community wellbeing.

New sessions in 2021 include Nordic walking, which will take place every Monday at 11.00am at Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leicestershire, LE67 9QB. The Grange is a real community hub, where friends and family can meet whilst enjoying stunning views across Charnwood from the onsite tearooms and charity shops.

Open from Monday – Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm, the tearooms support the vital work of the Foundation and enable the charity to continue its well-established provision of support and friendship – please drop in if you can, to support this fabulous charity – Their popular brunch menu, served every Saturday also resumes from June!

The Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is a Leicestershire based registered charity providing inspirational support, wellbeing and educational opportunities to older people, adults with disabilities and disadvantaged young people throughout the locality and the wider community. For more information regarding the work of the Foundation or organised activities please contact 01530 244914 or email hello@shuttlewood-clarke.org

Lord-Lieutenant Pays A Visit To SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus!

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 14:24:17 GMT

On Tuesday 8th June, SMB College Group was delighted to welcome the Lord-lieutenant of Leicestershire, Michael Kapur OBE, to their Brooksby Campus!

This visit from the Lord-lieutenant, along with prominent Melton figures, Matthew O’Callaghan and Stephen Hallam, came as part of a full-day tour of Melton Mowbray.

Upon arrival to the Brooksby Campus, the esteemed guests were greeted by Chief Executive and Principal, Dawn Whitemore, and Vice Principal for Business Development, Lisa Craddock. The party then enjoyed a specially prepared three-course meal at Brooksby Hall, a stunning 16th century manor house in the heart of the college’s 850-acre Brooksby Campus.

The visit provided the perfect opportunity to discuss how the college group can support Royal Melton – a four-day celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, which will be taking place from 2nd – 5th June 2022.

Dawn Whitemore, Principal and Chief Executive of SMB College Group, said ‘We were absolutely delighted to welcome the Lord-lieutenant, along with Matthew O’Callaghan and Stephen Hallam, to our Brooksby Campus this week. The college is very much looking forward to continued collaborations with the Royal Melton team, and we are excited about the prospect of our students being involved next year’s festivities.’

Michael Kapur OBE has held the role of Lord Lieutenant, in which he is the Queen’s representative in the county, for the last three years. He also currently serves as the Chairman of the National Space Centre in Leicester.

SMB College Group is a specialist vocational college offering a wide variety of courses, from Entry Level through to degrees. The group comprises the Brooksby Campus and Melton Campus, situated in Melton Mowbray, and the Stephenson Campus, which is based in Coalville.

Find out more about Royal Melton and find out how you can get involved at https://royalmelton.com

Junior Section At Rothley Park Doubles In Two Years

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:21:17 GMT

T he Junior Section at Rothley Park Golf Club is going from strength to strength with junior membership doubling in less than two years. The Board of Directors decided to redice junior subscription fees by 50% and has put a lot of time and effort into ensuring youngsters to thrive under the guidance of dedicated PGA professionals Katie Tebbett and Harry Schiltz.

There will be starters and improvers programmes running throughout the summer with the National Golf Access scheme allowing supervised playing on the course. Club Member, Brett Collins, was recently appointed as Junior Co-ordinator and he will work with a host of club members willing to take the juniors out on the course and talk them through the rules of golf and course etiquette.

Junior Captain, Eric Walker, has been a Junior Member for some years and is now enjoying his year in office.

"My parents got me into golf when I was younger. I started at Park Hill Golf Club on the par three course when I was about 5 and then got more interested when I joined RothleyPark because the junior section helped me to improve. I enjoy the social part as well as playing golf as it is a great way to meet new people and with the handicap system I can play with my friends of different levels and still compete against them."

For more information about Junior Golf at Rothley Park please contact the Club Manager, Danny Spillane on 0116 230 2809 or visit www.rothleypark.com

£17 million Town Deal Investment Confirmed For Loughborough

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 11:18:19 GMT

L oughborough has secured a massive £17 million package of Government funding to boost skills, jobs and the local economy.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board today (June 8) welcomed the announcement by Government that its Towns Fund bid had been successful and said the investment would help unlock Loughborough’s amazing potential.

The deal represents one of the biggest single public sector investments in the town and its communities for many years. With funding from other sources, the Loughborough Town Deal will bring in tens of millions of pounds of investment to the town.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board worked with local businesses and residents on its investment plan which aims to create a “Loughborough for All” and make the town a better-connected place where people will want to live, learn, work, and grow.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, co-chair of the Town Deal Board and leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “This is fantastic news for Loughborough. The Town Deal investment will significantly boost the area’s recovery from the pandemic by creating jobs, improving skills and making Loughborough a better-connected place where people want to live, work and visit.

“The town is brimming with potential and the Loughborough Town Deal is the key to unlocking it.

“I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in developing the Town Deal bid and we must now seize this incredible opportunity for Loughborough.”

Dr Nik Kotecha, co-chair of the Town Deal Board, said: “This successful bid is not only a victory for Loughborough, but also for the amazing collaboration that went into putting together the investment plan.

“We have involved many organisations, businesses and residents from across Loughborough to identify what holds the town back and what we can do to overcome that. The resulting investment plan sets out how we will make Loughborough a better place for everyone.

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the Loughborough Town Deal so far and I look forward to that continuing.”

Loughborough is one of 26 Town Deals to be revealed today.

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: "We are levelling up towns and cities across the country by building stronger and more resilient local economies, boosting prosperity and opportunity in our communities, and helping them build back better from the pandemic.

"Today I am announcing new town deals in 26 areas, backed by over £610 million investment from the Towns Fund. This will support locally-led projects to transform disused buildings and public spaces, deliver new green transport and create new opportunities for people to develop new skills. This is a boost for communities and businesses across England."

Today’s announcement means that 79 Towns Deals have now been agreed - totalling over £2 billion investment in communities across England.

News of the successful Loughborough bid comes shortly after the opening of the Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre which was made possible thanks to £750,000 of advanced Town Deal Funding. The hub was created thanks to a partnership between the Council, Loughborough College and Loughborough University.

The board is supported by a community engagement and consultation group and a Member Reference Group. Two consultations have been held with residents and local businesses which included online surveys, focus groups and virtual meetings. These all played a critical role in shaping the Town Investment Plan.

Charnwood Businesses Urged To Apply For Newly Launched Business Development And Diversification Fund

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 11:16:55 GMT

S mall and medium-sized businesses in Charnwood may be able to access grants of up to £5,000 from the borough council.

Charnwood Borough Council has opened applications to its Business Development and Diversification Fund which offers the grants to businesses with less than 250 full time employees and which are looking to diversify or enable safer working practices because of the pandemic.

Cllr Tom Barkley, lead member for finance at the Council, said: “We are thankful to receive this next round of Government financial support and are looking forward to getting it out to business owners as quickly and securely as possible.

“I urge all Charnwood-based businesses to check the eligibility criteria to see if the grant is applicable to you. The application form is on the website and the process is quick and simple.

“We are working extremely hard to ensure all eligible businesses are getting the funding they are entitled to so that they can come back from the restrictions stronger than ever.”

The revenue grant can only be spent on the following type of activity:

1-2-1 specialist advice to address the immediate needs of the business in response to the impact of Covid-19, e.g. HR, accountants, legal, marketing, financial, health and safety, IT / digital or sector specialists etc. and / or
purchase of minor equipment to adapt business processes to the impact of Covid-19 particularly in relation to health and safety/ cleanliness/ social distancing requirements, e.g. wash station, disinfectant fogging machine; hands free thermometer; and/ or
new technology enabling the business to continue delivering business activity or diversify in response to Covid-19, for example developing online/ e-commerce platforms, contactless payment systems, websites, software development, ‘click and collect’ services.
improvements and investment to busines premises.

These costs need to be new to the organisation and not ongoing revenue costs

For more information and to apply, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/business_development_and_diversification_fund

Social Enterprise Signs Armed Forces Covenant

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 11:15:30 GMT

A Loughborough charity has signed the Armed Forces Covenant in a commitment to support the Armed Forces community.

Charnwood Borough Council has worked with the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre which has recently pledged its support for Armed Forces personnel including veterans, reservists, and their families.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and do not face disadvantage.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the Council’s armed forces champion and a board member of the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre said: “It’s great the Loughborough Wellbeing Centre has signed the covenant and committed to support the Armed Forces communities in the borough.

“After an incredibly tough year, it’s even more important than ever to support those men and women who have given so much to our country. The covenant is an opportunity for organisations across Charnwood to pledge their support, access training and support our veterans and families across our local communities.

The Loughborough Wellbeing Centre is a local charity which provides support to adults experiencing mental health issues. It’s continuing to work closely with the borough council to put together a bid for around £20,000 to help fund the development of a wellbeing project for veterans in the local area.

Helen Carter, chief executive of Loughborough Wellbeing Centre said: “We are delighted to sign the Armed Forces Covenant as part of our work to show our commitment and support for the mental health of local residents serving in the Armed Forces, including reservists, veterans, their families and carers.

“We look forward to providing further support as part of this commitment and as a Veteran myself, and being part of the Armed Forces community, I know only too well that support for mental health is needed.

“Our plans to create a veterans specific Wellbeing project are commencing and we look forward to working in partnership with the Armed Forces covenant officer at Charnwood Borough Council in the future.”

In 2019, Rushcliffe and Charnwood borough councils received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

Volunteers’ Week Goes Virtual: Voluntary Action Leicestershire Announce 2021 Celebrations

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 11:12:33 GMT

Whilst restrictions on events remain in place and Voluntary Action LeicesterShire are unable to hold their usual schedule of events and workshops for the second year in a row, they’re taking the year’s celebrations online again with a series of virtual events. In addition, they will be using their social media platforms and website throughout the week to share real life case studies and stories.

In the last year the pandemic has brought in a new wave of volunteers in the region, with over 5,000 people registering to volunteer with VAL, filling over 12,000 volunteering opportunities including supporting vaccination centres, befriending, shopping and food bank support. That’s on top of the many other volunteers who have provided local charities, businesses and communities with vital resources to continue operating through the unprecedented times. To continue to support and help through the next stage of restrictions unlocking, VAL hopes that the community will continue offering and pledging their valuable time for local projects.

In the last year VAL has relaunched its volunteering website ( https://volunteer.valonline.org.uk/ ). It’s free for organisations to sign up and advertise volunteering opportunities, and potential volunteers can also sign up and apply directly to volunteer roles.

Kevin Allen-Khimani, Executive Manager – Public Sector Contracts & Projects at VAL, commented: “In what has been an unusual and tough year with the Coronavirus lockdown affecting us all in many ways, we are proud to be able to play a part in providing support and advice to our amazing volunteers and help the sector function and survive in a time where it has been needed most.

“Here at VAL, we’ve seen an increase in registrations from the Leicestershire community who want to volunteer their time and skills to help others. It’s hugely commendable and we hope that this is the real legacy to Covid-19, upon which we can build and develop further in the future.”

Kevin continues “We’re looking forward to celebrating them all throughout Volunteers’ Week, as well as showcasing the incredible volunteer opportunities there are in the local area. We hope that we can build and develop on the impact the last year has had on the sector and continue to inspire people to actively get involved.”

VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK ACTIVITIES

Tuesday 1 ^st June - Volunteering Network and Learn Event, 10am - 12pm

A networking opportunity for Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIO’s) who operate in the public, private or voluntary sectors to come together to share good practice, get updates on changes to volunteering policies and learn about how to best recruit, manage and train volunteers.

More information here .

Wednesday 2 ^nd June – Recruiting and Managing Volunteers Webinar, 10am - 12pm

This free 2-hour online Zoom training course gives those who are managing or working with volunteers the chance to hear from experts and acquire the skills and resources to recruit and support volunteers effectively.

More information and link to book here .

Thursday 3 ^rd June – Youth Volunteers Fair, 10am - 4.30pm

A virtual volunteering fair for 16-25 year olds who are looking to find out about volunteering and how to get involved in supporting Leicester and Leicestershire communities. VAL have sourced organisations who can offer unique youth volunteering opportunities that are both engaging and highly beneficial to personal and professional development. For each of the three Zoom sessions throughout the day, five different organisations will showcase what they do, what youth volunteering roles they can offer and run a quick fire Q&A session.

For more information and to register click here .

For further information on the Volunteer Week activities on offer, please visit: https://valonline.org.uk

To find out how your business, charity or group could value from talking to VAL contact them direct on 0116 257 5050 or visit https://valonline.org.uk

Blaby Ice House Works Complete

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:23:29 GMT

Restored to its former glory after more than 25 years, work on the historic Ice House at Blaby District Council’s Bouskell Park, Blaby, has been completed.

Work began on the Ice House last autumn and included the installation of a new retaining structure, rebuilding the tunnel entrance, as well as a new door and dome cover. Railings, landscaping of the area and signage were also included as part of the extensive redevelopment.

First built around 1843, the Ice House allowed the wealthy residents of nearby Blaby Hall to have a more varied and exclusive diet with ice from the next door pond.

£156,000 of the £173,000 project was supported by a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with the rest funded by Blaby District Council. The restoration overcame a number of obstacles, including the Coronavirus pandemic, continued difficult weather and unforeseen structural issues to the structure of the dome.

The Ice House was officially opened by Albero Costa, MP for South Leicestershire, Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council and Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing, Community Engagement and Business Support

Councillor Coe said: “We have been so excited to follow this project through from the initial Heritage Lottery Fund award to our now-completed Ice House.

“Restoring the Ice House is part of our Tourism initiative to showcase Blaby District is a great place to live, work and visit, and a huge amount of work has gone into restoring the Ice House to its former glory.

“We cannot wait to show the Ice House to both residents and visitors to the district as well as local schoolchildren, and we’re also looking forward to our upcoming Community Dig taking place at the end of June.”

Tours of the Ice House will start in mid-June and anyone interested in booking a tour to see inside the Ice House and learn more about the historic structure can visit www.visitblaby.org.uk

The Community Dig will take place in the last week of June in partnership with the University of Leicester Archaeological Services team, and will be hosted with Covid-safe guidelines in place to ensure the dig is as safe as possible.

A video of the restored Ice House is also available to view on YouTube via https://youtu.be/IbaPxEG_hsc

Volunteers Praised For Helping To Reduce Litter In The Borough

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:18:50 GMT

G roups and individuals who help clear litter across Charnwood are being praised for their efforts.

Charnwood Borough Council is proud to have already supported many volunteers across the borough who strive to keep their local communities clean and free of litter. The borough council recently handed out 100 additional litter picking equipment packs to willing volunteers and community groups.

It comes as this year’s Great British Spring Clean campaign gets underway across the country.

The campaign is organised by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and is being run from today until Sunday June 13, 2021.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for community support and equalities said: “We recognise many groups and individuals go out of their way to collect litter throughout the year and not just for the Great British Spring Clean.

“Their selfless and collective efforts help to keep our borough tidy and we’re incredibly grateful for everything they do. Thank you to you all!

“I hope the additional equipment we have provided to people and groups has come in use and we look forward to continuing to support their litter picks.”

The Council supports groups and individuals by providing rubbish bags and working with its waste partner Serco to agree a date and location to pick up the litter.

Shepshed Litter Pickers is just one of many groups across Charnwood that are passionate about keeping local communities tidy and free of litter.

Gill Moore, who runs the group, said: “We started the group in 2019 and have around 170 members on our Facebook group. Our volunteers are very committed, and we go out every fortnight on a Sunday morning. Litter is not only an eye sore but also very harmful to the environment.

“During our most recent pick we collected 33 bags of rubbish which included a pair of trainers, crisp packets and drink cans. All of this could have easily been disposed of in litter bins or taken home if they are full. Our environment provides us with so many benefits and we should all be taking responsibility to look after it.

“The Council has been great with providing us with rubbish bags and collecting the litter when we’ve finished. We’ve also had some grant funding from Shepshed Town Council which we’ve put towards equipment.”

The Council is supporting the Great British Spring Clean alongside its partners Idverde which manages the Council’s parks and green spaces, and Serco, which runs the refuse, recycling, and street cleansing service.

Individuals and groups can still register their litter picking events at www.greatbritishspringclean.org.uk .

They can also let the Council know about their litter pick so a collection date and location can be agreed by emailing cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk .

If you’re going out and about litter picking during the Great British Spring Clean, then share your photos with us at @CharnwoodBC on Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #CleanGreenCharnwood.

You can also tag in @keepbritaintidy and use the hashtags #GBSpringClean #MillionMileMission

Cabinet to consider Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37

Thu, 27 May 2021 10:17:26 GMT

C harnwood Borough Council has set out its vision to make Charnwood one of the most desirable places to live, work and visit in the East Midlands.

The Charnwood Local Plan provides a strategy for the location and quantity of development required to support growth of the borough up to 2037.

The Local Plan provides a framework to help deliver some of the Council’s top strategic priorities to create a thriving economy, healthy communities and safeguard the environment.

The plan also sets out how the borough will meet increased Government targets for new homes, as well as providing employment land and infrastructure.

The Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37:

Identifies 154 hectares of employment land to support the creation of 8,900 jobs in the borough and lead its pandemic recovery
Meets the borough’s housing need - the target figure set by Government - by allocating land for the development of 1,111 new sustainable and well-designed homes each year up to 2037
Focuses development towards intensifying and extending existing urban and suburban areas and larger villages, thereby protecting nearly 279 square kilometres of open countryside
Plans for the critical mass of development needed to secure infrastructure - including five new schools at Loughborough, Shepshed, Barrow, Anstey and Syston - as well as health services, roads and public transport networks
Will bring in an estimated £200 million in Section 106 money to pay for other improvements to facilities and amenities
Reflects the importance of the environment and conserving biodiversity, protecting heritage sites, creating open leisure spaces and supporting healthier communities
Carefully considers of the effects of climate change and how to reduce its impacts, including flooding
Makes effective use of the borough’s strategic infrastructure, including Loughborough University, the urban edge of Leicester and the International Gateway connection to the M1 motorway and East Midlands Airport

Councillor Richard Bailey, lead member for planning, said: “The Charnwood Local Plan 2021-37 sets a clear path for how the borough will emerge from the pandemic with a programme supporting economic growth, environmental safeguards and healthy communities.

“This combination will create a place which people of all ages and backgrounds will aspire to live, work and play for not only the next 16 years but far beyond as well.”

The Local Plan will be considered by Cabinet on June 10 and Council on June 21. If approved, there will be a six-week public consultation in July and August. Representations will be collected by the council but will be heard by the Planning Inspectorate.

The Council will support residents and other interested parties during the public consultation with the information required to provide the Planning Inspectorate with representations which meet the Government’s evidential standards.

Read the Cabinet report relating to the Local Plan .

There is also information about the Local Plan, including some frequently asked questions, on the Council website .

Once approved by the Planning Inspectorate, the document will replace the current Local Plan Core Strategy, which guides development in Charnwood up to 2028.

The Miller Partnership Join Alex’s Wish Business Club

Thu, 27 May 2021 10:15:52 GMT

P ete Miller and the Miller Partnership have joined Alex’s Wish Ethical Business Club. The well-known tax expert has supported Alex’s Wish for a number of years from sponsoring a hole at their Annual Golf Day through to taking part in the Zip Wire Challenge organised by Glynis Wright MBE during her tenure as President of the Leicestershire Law Society.

Speaking about joining the Business Club Pete said, “I’ve networked in and around Leicester for years and really like the fact that with this particular group all the money raised via membership will go to help Alex’s Wish eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I’m really looking forward to the Business Club events coming back to the real world and to meeting the other members of this fabulous group.”

Emma Hallam, founder and Mum to Alex after whom the charity is named, added, “Pete is one of the most generous people I know and has supported Alex’s Wish in so many different ways across the years. I’m thrilled that he’s decided to join our Ethical Business Club and really look forward to working with him to make his membership work for him as much as his support helps Alex’s Wish.”

To find out more about the Alex’s Wish and their Business Club please visit https://alexswish.co.uk

Black Bird Takes Up Residence On A Black 5

Wed, 26 May 2021 10:10:12 GMT

T he Great Central Railway’s First Hurrah Gala planned for the weekend of June the 5 ^th and 6 ^th has had to make some late alterations to the planned locomotive roster.

A Black Bird has moved into residence on Black 5, Alderman A E Draper, 45305 and settled in for a staycation pending the hatching of it’s little ones on top of the manifold in the cab. Loco shed staff are keeping a close eye on the nest to make sure Mum is not disturbed.

Details of the replacement locomotive will be announced in the next few days.

Sporty Four All Raring To GO! With A Little Help From Inspire

Tue, 25 May 2021 10:14:35 GMT

A nother four talented young people from Leicestershire have recently benefited from a charity scheme aimed at helping them to fulfill their potential.

Lotta Mansfield, Finn Mansfield, Charlotte Allen and Mtychel [LG1] Briars have each received Inspire Awards from local charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT) to help them reach their sporting goals in 2021.

The JHMT set up the scheme in memory of Joe Humphries, 14, who sadly never got to achieve his goals.

Joe died of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) in October 2012, while out jogging near his Rothley home. This group of genetic heart conditions can strike without any warning, in seemingly fit and healthy children and young adults.

Since Joe’s death, his family and friends formed the JHMT to campaign tirelessly for better understanding and awareness of SADS, more CPR training and defibrillators. They also set up the Inspire Awards small grants scheme, to help young people aged 13-21 from Leicester and Leicestershire.

To date, the Trust has awarded 214 grants to young people totaling £37,646.

All four are really looking forward to competing once again following the enduring impact of Covid-19 on the UK sporting calendar.

Mytchel Briars is 16 years old and from Ratby. He first picked up a tennis racket when he was 5 years old and hasn’t stopped playing since. Having played in club league teams in every age group from under 8s to under 18s, he now plays for the men’s 1 ^st team.

Mytchel realised he wanted to become a tennis coach by watching his own coach’s passion and enthusiasm for the sport, and how he just wanted to get everyone on court learning and having fun no matter what their age or ability. The first major step to becoming a full-time tennis coach is to pass the LTA Level 1 Tennis Coaching Course.

Mytchel said: “My Inspire award grant of £175 means everything to me as I can now take the first step to becoming a full-time tennis coach, which is something I have dreamed of doing since I started playing tennis at the age of 5.”

Lotta Mansfield is 18 years old and from Wymeswold and is an international level cyclist who races Cyclocross, Road and MTB. Her passion for racing started in 2008, when she took part in her first race, and she has been racing ever since. She currently races for Cero/Cycle Division.

Having grown up racing circuit road races, MTB, track and cyclocross, Lotta now specialises as an off-road rider.

During the 2020-21 cyclocross season, she was selected to represent Great Britain at the first ever Junior Women's Cyclocross World Cup in Tabor, Czech Republic, where she came 21st. Having been selected to represent Great Britain for the European Championships and the World Cup in Namur, Belgium, both competitions were cancelled due to Covid restrictions.

Lotta says she is so grateful for her JHMT Inspire award grant of £250, as the funds will help towards buying a new bike and wheels.

Charlotte Allen is 18 years old and from Quorn. She is currently studying sport science at Loughborough college. Alongside her studies, Charlotte is a member of the both the Wasps netball academy and Loughborough College netball academy. She also finds time to play in the East Midlands regional league division 1 for her club, Northants Storm, and in the local Loughborough League Premier Division for Mollbuzzers.

Charlotte said: “With the support of a JHMT Inspire grant of £200, I will be able to continue achieving my goals. This will help me take part in coaching courses, attend netball camps and obtain a gym membership to focus on getting my body stronger and fitter in order for me to compete at a higher level this season and in trials in the summer.”

Finn Mansfield is 19 years old and from Wymeswold. He is currently studying Medical Microbiology at the University of Bristol. In addition to his studies, Finn has been racing bikes for nearly 10 years, starting with racing cyclocross then racing road and MTB.

In 2020, he took a gap year to race cyclocross full time in Belgium. He spent 3 months racing the pro cyclocross circuit in Belgium and the Netherlands, training and racing as a professional.

Finn said: “Now that I've left home, I've discovered how expensive cycling is! Bike maintenance really stretches the student budget but my JHMT Inspire grant of £250 will help me keep my bikes in good working order so that I can train and race at the highest level.”

Simon Taylor, Inspire Awards lead for the JHMT, said: After an extended period where our young people have had to limit their aspirations and endeavours, it is great to see once more some terrific talent expressing itself. Through Inspire, we are here to assist and encourage more of that.”

To find out more about the JHMT and the Inspire Awards , visit www.jhmt.org.uk

Time For Tee?

Tue, 25 May 2021 10:11:52 GMT

T he gradual easing of COVID-19 measure has meant that local parent-led charity, Alex’s Wish, has begun planning out their fundraising calendar once again. One key event for them is their Annual Alex’s Wish Golf Day which, this year, takes place on Thursday 23 ^rd September at Rothley Park Golf Course.

Zoe Edwards, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Alex’s Wish is looking for golf day hole sponsors. Says Zoe, “We are so fortunate to have our headline sponsor in place and thank Strategic Insurance Services for their support. Alongside our headline sponsor we also offer a variety of other sponsorship opportunities, one of the most popular being our golf day hole sponsorship. With 18 holes we’ve got plenty of opportunities for local businesses to sponsor a hole for just £100. In return they’ll have their logo displayed prominently at the hole, put marketing material into our golfers goodie bags and recognition on Alex’s Wish website with a link to their company. Our Annual Golf Day is always incredibly popular, and we have a lot of interest already expressed in the event which we feel confident that we’ll fill team-wise, though at this stage we do have some four balls left. We’re also looking for a brunch sponsor, meal sponsor and refreshments sponsor.

“At Alex’s Wish we’re really keen to ensure that our sponsors get maximum exposure and work closely with them to ensure their goals are achieved. We’d love to hear from anyone who’s interested in either attending our Annual Golf Day or in sponsoring a hole or, indeed, in any of our other sponsorship opportunities. I’m really looking forward to running this event again. It’s good to be back!”

To find out more about the Alex’s Wish and their Annual Golf Day please visit https://alexswish.co.uk

Alex’s Wish Invest Into Four New Projects

Mon, 24 May 2021 10:25:37 GMT

D espite a tough year for many charities and fundraisers local parent-led charity, Alex’s Wish, have released news of the latest four new projects that they have been able to invest into.

Emma Hallam, founder and Mum to Alex after whom the charity is named, spoke about this latest vital research saying, “I’m delighted that we’ve been able to play a part in funding four brand new projects which will take us nearer to our ultimate goal of finding treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this horrible life-limiting disease. We have been cautious about investing given the circumstances we’ve all been living through but with the support of our Trustees I’m delighted to see Alex’s Wish contribution – after all this is exactly what we’re all about!

“The first project we’ve invested into will fund a study to improve our knowledge of heart care in patients with Duchenne. Almost all people with DMD will develop heart muscle disease, or cardiomyopathy, at some stage. There are drugs that are believed to slow down damage and protect the heart. However, no clear data exists for their effective use in DMD. That’s why we’ve invested £10,000 to support the work of Dr John Bourke at the Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust to further study the information from an earlier trial to see if we can get clearer answers about the value of these medications.

“The second project will address the lack of accessible housing for people with muscle-weakening conditions. The project was devised following the outcome of a survey which showed that finding suitable housing is the issue that adults with muscle-weakening conditions most want to address. Thanks to progress in medical research, people with Duchenne are now living longer, with many adults living into the 30s and some into their 40s and 50s. However, this progress brings with it an urgent need for improved planning and resourcing for adulthood. Currently, adults with Duchenne and their families are facing difficulties in accessing housing which allows for independent living.

“The Accessible Housing Project aims to address this issue by bringing together the Duchenne community with key Government decision-makers and housing providers. It will be led by Dr Jon Rey-Hastie, CEO of Pathfinders Neuromuscular Alliance, and Dr Janet Hoskin from the University of East London. Through a series of focus groups and surveys they aim to identify the housing needs of people with Duchenne and their families and explore the current barriers. Following this research a Housing Working Group will be established to develop a campaign to address these barriers and propose solutions. Alex’s Wish have invested £3,000 in the project, which will run over the course of six months and we expect to be able to share results by the end of the year.

“The third project is extremely topical and is looking at the technology used in the COVID-19 vaccine and how it can be used for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy gene therapy research. Alex’s Wish have invested £30,000 into a new 18-month study investigating whether Lipid Nanoparticles could be used to help in gene therapy treatments for Duchenne. This research is currently in very early stages but we’re excited to be funding this early stage research into a safer and more effective way to deliver gene therapy which offers such hope to so many with Duchenne.

“Our fourth and final project sees us committed to the ongoing success of the DMD Hub which has successfully expanded capacity for clinical trials for Duchenne treatments in the UK. In the first four years of the project, Duchenne UK and its partner charities, which include Alex’s Wish, invested £2.7m in the DMD Hub, with an additional £1.6m committed over the next four years. Alex’s Wish has invested £40,000 into making this happen.

“This is what Alex’s Wish is all about and it’s really good to be able to invest in these four new projects which will help us advance our understanding of D uchenne whilst making the lives of those who live with this disease a little easier.”

To find out more about the Alex’s Wish please visit https://alexswish.co.uk

Join Team Alex’s Wish For The Virtual London Marathon!

Fri, 21 May 2021 10:31:03 GMT

L ocal charity, Alex’s Wish, have secured 25 virtual London Marathon places and are looking for runners to run with them.

Zoe Edwards, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Alex’s Wish and a keen runner herself, has already signed up. Speaking about the challenge Zoe said, “I’ve been running for a while now and have set my sights on completing two marathons for Alex’s Wish this year. The first is the Brighton Marathon on the 12 ^th September with the Virtual London Marathon being the second one. I really enjoy the training, the challenge and am anticipating a huge feeling of achievement afterwards! This year we were thrilled to receive 25 places for the Virtual London Marathon and the organisers hope to attract, in total, 100,000 people to run in what will be the biggest marathon ever staged. 50,000 people will be running the streets of London and another 50,000 will be doing it wherever they are in the country, completing the marathon distance over 24 hours and choosing their own route.”

The Virtual London Marathon enables runners to take on the world’s greatest marathon on a course of your choice from 00:00:00 to 23:59:59 BST on the 3 ^rd October 2021.

Adds Zoe, “I’ve been recruiting away and am thrilled to see Team Alex’s Wish include one of our Trustees, Rachel Hargrave from RDZ PR, as well as our latest recruit Brad Birchmore.”

Brad says he set himself the challenge, “Because after the weird year we've all had, it’s easy to forget how fortunate we are for good health and after reading into Alex's story I was left feeling inspired and wanting to play my part.”

Says Zoe, “We have so far got five people signed up and another four or five more interested. Whilst October may seem like a long way off, in order to train effectively and efficiently for a marathon you need to have that time on your side.

“We’re asking runners to raise a minimum of £150 for Alex’s Wish and we’ll support our runners every step of the way. Our runners will each receive ongoing support from Alex’s Wish from sign up to the big day. We’ll provide them with fundraising ideas, marathon training advice and plans, nutrition plans, an Alex’s Wish t-shirt, a London Marathon Runner Number and London Marathon Finisher t-shirt and medal. We’ll also suggest a course to run and if you choose to run on that course we’ll be there on the day to cheer you on!”

Runners will log their miles by downloading the Official Virgin Money London Marathon App, which is free. To book your place to run for Alex’s Wish please email zoe@alexswish.co.uk

Leicestershire Residents Invited to Become Carbon Literate

Fri, 21 May 2021 10:29:54 GMT

A local community group is inviting more Leicestershire residents to engage in a days’ worth of learning about the climate crisis and the ways in which individuals and communities can tackle it, after running a successful Carbon Literacy course during May.

Transition Loughborough has been running an online Carbon Literacy course throughout May and now has spaces on another course beginning on 14 ^th June. The courses are funded by a SHIRE Environment Grant from Leicestershire County Council and are accredited by the national Carbon Literacy Project.

Anyone living, working and/or studying in Leicestershire is welcome to sign up: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/carbon-literate-leicestershire-june-2021-tickets-148762234849 .

Carbon Literacy is defined as "An awareness of the carbon dioxide costs and impacts of everyday activities, and the ability and motivation to reduce emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.” The course covers topics such as climate change science, the ways in which the climate crisis is already impacting us, both locally and globally, and what we can do to act as individuals, communities and organisations.

All attendees will make two pledges to cut their own, and their communities, carbon footprint and attendees can receive a certificate of accreditation once their pledges have been assessed by the national Carbon Literacy Project.

Caroline Harmon, a member of Transition Loughborough and the lead trainer for the project, said:

‘We so pleased to have had our first course for Leicestershire-residents almost fully booked, with 19 attendees. Everyone is really enjoying the opportunity to learn, alongside other Leicestershire residents, what we can do in our communities to tackle climate change and to share experiences and ideas. The course has a real Leicestershire-flavour to it, but attendees are also joining more than 18,000 people around the UK and the world who have completed a Carbon Literacy course.’

The courses are open to anyone living, working or studying in Leicestershire. Unfortunately, they are not open to Leicester city residents or those in Rutland.

Free Parking Boost To Support Businesses In Loughborough

Fri, 21 May 2021 10:27:40 GMT

A dditional free parking is being provided in Loughborough town centre on a temporary basis to support local businesses while a regeneration scheme continues.

Charnwood Borough Council is introducing free parking for up to an hour during the day, free parking in the evenings and free parking on Sundays at Beehive Lane Car Park from Monday May 24.

It comes as the Bedford Square Gateway Project reaches a new phase. From Monday, a small car park in Bedford Square is closing for two months as work progresses on the £2.6 million scheme which will make the area more attractive for visitors and residents.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The Council is committed to supporting local businesses and that’s why we are introducing this free parking offer to support local traders.

“The Bedford Square Gateway Project will make a tremendous difference to the town centre but we have always accepted there will be some disruption while the work is carried out.

“While this is aimed at supporting traders around the Bedford Square area, this has obvious benefits for anyone visiting the town centre.”

Free parking for up to one hour will be introduced at Beehive Lane Car Park on May 24. Free parking will also be available after 6pm every day and all day on Sundays at Beehive Lane.

The measure will remain in place until further notice and be reviewed regularly.

The Bedford Square Gateway Project will see footpaths widened and re-paved to create a high-quality and attractive street scene which will showcase the area’s distinct character and heritage. Character street lighting and furniture would also be added and more of the area would be on one level making it more accessible.

A large open space in Devonshire Square will be created to host events and markets. The scheme also retains parking and maintains traffic flow in the area.

The project is due to be completed towards the end of the year and is being funded by Charnwood Borough Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership.

The scheme is being carried out by Fitzgerald Contractors Limited.

New Ambassadors Join Alex’s Wish

Thu, 20 May 2021 10:32:15 GMT

N atalie and Stuart Allen have joined local parent-led charity, Alex’s Wish, as their latest Ambassadors.

Natalie and Stuart are a proud father daughter team that specialise in property. They help people invest their money into residential property and through their lettings company manage their assets long-term, giving the community fantastic accommodation and investors great returns.

“We’re delighted to be a part of the Alex’s Wish family and look forward to getting to know the team, having fun and raising money. We also want to spread the word and make more people aware of the incredible work Emma and her team are doing to find a cure for this terrible disease.”

Emma Hallam, founder and Mum to Alex, after whom the charity is named, added, “We’re thrilled to have Natalie and Stuart join us as Ambassadors. We met via the Circle Club who aim to bring together likeminded business professionals who have a passion for self-development and a thirst for knowledge! We’ve already started talking about what they want to get involved with and I know they have some fabulous ideas for fundraising events too. I can’t wait to hear more!

“Our Ambassadors are incredibly important to Alex’s Wish. We’re an incredibly small team with huge dreams and ambitions so the Ambassadors role is key to our work and to our cause. There’s no one size fits all criteria with our Ambassadors. Some like to fundraise, some prefer to volunteer at our events, some want to speak on our behalf at events. For us it’s about understanding what a potential Ambassador is looking to do, what support they’ll need and how we can help each other.

“We’re always on the look-out for new Ambassadors who we view to be an integral part of our team, so if you’re interested then drop me a line!

To find out more about the Alex’s Wish please visit https://alexswish.co.uk

#BeMoreAlex: Brand New Campaign Launched by Alex’s Wish

Wed, 19 May 2021 10:37:00 GMT

In a year of global challenges local parent-led charity, Alex’s Wish, has taken the opportunity to create and launch a new and innovative fundraising campaign called #BeMoreAlex

Emma Hallam, founder and Mum to Alex, after whom the charity is named, says, “Using our fabulous network of connections we were able to find a brilliant company to collaborate with, who have really helped us to create a campaign which we already know will be a huge success. It may be early days but the feedback has been incredible and we are already seeing people sign-up to our #BeMoreAlex regular giving as well as having received one-off donations.

“This has not only re-energised us as a team but has given Alex, who’s now 15, a huge boost knowing that he’s not on his own and that he has the support of others; it’s done him the power of good. As he grows up Alex wants to make a positive contribution to both the charity that bears his name and to the disease which he lives with. The #BeMoreAlex campaign enables him to do both in a way that he’s fully comfortable with and fully engaged with.”

Local company Brand Clear collaborated with Alex’s Wish to devise, develop and launch #BeMoreAlex. Sean Masters from Brand Clear spoke about the campaign saying, “Taking a deep-dive into Alex’s Wish allowed us to come at the campaign from different perspectives. It also helped us re-evaluate its purpose, belief, mission and so on, building a much clearer picture of what’s important in life. #BeMoreAlex is the natural extension to the conclusion of seeing the upside to life.”

The #BeMoreAlex campaign was born. Alex’s Wish then collaborated with Light Up Creative to produce an impactful launch video used for their soft launch in late April which inviting supporters to join in and donate £7 a month. Adds Emma, “In return our #BeMoreAlex supports receive an inspiring monthly postcard from Alex so they can follow his personal journey, are invited to join in with our laughs and giggles, our activities and recipes, gain VIP access and treats at our events and, most importantly, get to #BeMoreAlex!

“By joining #BeMoreAlex supporters will be helping us by raising awareness of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, increasing clinical trial capacity giving more boys like Alex the chance to go on trails and make a difference, enable us to invest money into potential life-saving treatments giving boys like Alex a much better-quality life and hope for their future and, vitally, help us find a cure for Duchenne – the one thing we desperately need the most!”

Alex’s Wish aim to attract 200 new regular givers by end of 2021 and within the first two weeks since the soft launch have seen 20 sign-ups resulting in £1,500 of new income coming into the charity over the next 12 months. Zoe Edwards, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Alex’s Wish said, “We’re looking to sign-up 100 #BeMoreAlex supporters by September and 200 by the end of this year which will have a massive positive impact on our charity. Already we’ve had 32,000 Instagram views of our launch video which is generating awareness and interest from potential supporters across the globe. In addition this work has given Brand Clear a fantastic case study to showcase their work as well as given them the opportunity to speak at our Business Club. It’s been a real win:win for everyone involved.”

Added Emma, “The #BeMoreAlex campaign will see Alex taking part in awareness raising activities this Summer too including learning to fly a light aircraft with AeroSparx, a loop the loop challenge and attending racing car events to show that having a disability doesn’t stop you from living your dreams, helping inspire everyone to #BeMoreAlex and get involved. We’re also planning a series of events where we can promote and bring to life the #BeMoreAlex campaign in line with our three fundamental themes – family, time and health. Our first ‘family’ focussed event is our Super-car Show which falls around fathers’ day to support this campaign and so far we have over 500 sign-ups - by far the most amount of people we’ve seen at one event. Our volunteers will be wearing ‘#BeMoreAlex’ t-shirts, encouraging visitors to set-up regular giving by scanning a QR code which takes them through a simple online application to get involved. Other future events will include summer BBQ’s, a Santa Fun Run, a supporter thank you lunch, a danceathon plus many more! This campaign will also offer opportunities for more volunteers to get involved and we hope to put on accessible events encouraging those with disabilities to get involved too, including a game-athon event targeting teenagers.

“We are excited by what this campaign will bring and the opportunities it will give not only to Alex but to our supporters. We have recently sent out our first monthly postcard with a recipe on showing supporters how to make a lemon meringue pie and encouraging supporters to take photos and share their recipes using the #BeMoreAlex hashtag. This will help us to create a really vibrant online following and bringing this new brand to life!”

Chris Everard, a Trustee at Alex’s Wish concluded saying, “I was blown away by the whole collaboration experience. It’s been an absolute joy for everyone involved including our supporters who say how wonderful it is to see Alex take a pivotal role in this campaign. It’s inspiring and incredibly positive and I’d like to thank both of the companies involved who’ve helped to make real the #BeMoreAlex campaign.”

To find out more about the #BeMoreAlex campaign visit: https://alexswish.co.uk/bemorealex

Mayoral Chains Handed To Professor

Tue, 18 May 2021 10:38:53 GMT

A university professor has been chosen as the new Mayor of Charnwood.

Cllr Paul Baines, councillor for Anstey and professor at the University of Leicester, was sworn in as the 48th first citizen of the borough on Monday May 17 at the Council’s Annual Meeting.

Cllr Baines will be representing the borough over the next 12 months with his Mayoress, wife Dr Ning Baines.

The Mayor said: “It is a privilege to serve as the Mayor of Charnwood and I can’t wait to get started in my new role representing the people in the borough.

“Being the Mayor is a fantastic opportunity to find out about the positive difference many people, groups and organisations make to our local communities. It’s also a chance to thank them for their hard work.”

Cllr Baines was born in West Yorkshire and spent most of his early life in Bradford and Leeds. He graduated with a first-class Management and Chemical Sciences honour’s degree at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST), where he also undertook postgraduate MPhil and PhD in Management degrees.

Cllr Baines began his career in academia at Middlesex University where he founded and ran the Business Development Unit. He also founded the Master’s in Management programme in 2013 and the country’s first Executive MBA Apprenticeship programme in 2017 at Cranfield University.

It was a Professor of Political Marketing and Associate Dean post at the University of Leicester School of Business which brought Cllr Baines to Charnwood where he has been a borough councillor since December 2018.

Since being elected as the borough councillor for Anstey, Cllr Baines has served on the Scrutiny Committee, as a member of the Budget Scrutiny Panel, and as Chair of the Commercialisation Scrutiny Panel.

In his spare time, the new Mayor of Charnwood enjoys travelling, watching films and walking up mountains.

Living Without Abuse and Marie Curie have been chosen as the 2021-22 Mayoral charities.

Cllr Baines’ appointment marks the end of the Mayoral year for Cllr David Snartt.

Cllr Snartt said: “My Mayoral year has been like no other due to the covid-19 pandemic but nevertheless I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing the fantastic work our communities have been doing to support one another through an extraordinary year.

“Thank you to every person, group and business I’ve been able to safely visit during my Mayoral year and for the outstanding work they have done for the people of Charnwood.

‘May I also thank everyone who donated to my two local charities, LOROS and Admiral Nurses.

“As I hand the chains over, I wish the new Mayor and Mayoress of Charnwood all the best in their roles.”

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson has been elected as Deputy Mayor and will be supported in her year of office by her husband John Tillotson.

Call To Back Pubs, Cafes And Restaurants As Restrictions Ease

Mon, 17 May 2021 10:41:51 GMT

R esidents in Charnwood are being urged to support their local pubs, cafes and restaurants as Covid restrictions are eased from today (May 17).

The Government’s Roadmap means hospitality venues can once again open their doors and let customers inside for the first time since November.

Charnwood Borough Council has launched its Seat Out campaign to encourage residents to support their local hospitality venues in a safe and considerate way and observing Covid-secure measures and social distancing guidance.

For the campaign, a leaflet has been produced highlighting indoor and outdoor eateries in Loughborough town centre on a map. The charm of the hospitality sector in Charnwood’s towns and villages is also characterised on the handy, credit card-sized folded leaflets.

The leaflet will be available to residents and visitors and a digital version is on the Council’s website.

The Council is also creating some outdoor seating areas in Loughborough town centre using colourful benches featuring characters from children’s books.

Businesses are also being urged to get involved by sharing the Seat Out message on social media.

Cllr Shona Rattray, the Council’s lead member for business support, said: “Supporting our local hospitality through the Government’s roadmap steps is crucial and encouraging people to eat local through the Seat Out campaign is one of the many ways we can do this.

“Our local businesses have worked hard to make sure they are Covid-secure and have constantly adapted their establishments to adhere to all the changes demanded by the Government’s guidelines and rules.

“Many hospitality venues will be re-opening their doors to the public for the very first time this year.

“Whether it’s booking into your favourite restaurant, getting a take-out, or stopping at a café while shopping, I urge residents to dine safely and considerately and support local hospitality throughout the whole of Charnwood.

“While it is a positive step that indoor hospitality is opening, it is worth remembering that this is still with restricted numbers and social distancing guidelines.

“I would also strongly recommend hospitality businesses back the Seat Out initiative by sharing community messages with the Seat Out hashtag (#SeatOutCharnwood) and promote Charnwood hospitality.”

Loughborough town centre has also been decorated with additional lighting and bunting to create a more appealing environment.

John McCarthy, manager of The Griffin in Loughborough said, “We are very glad that the roadmap is going to plan as there was a bit of apprehension and uncertainty about when we can reopen but the Government announcement was such a relief. Pubs have been closed longer than open this year and it has taken its toll.

“We opened our outdoors in April with new seating in the front and an improved rear garden. Indoors, we have decorated and reupholstered, we still have all our safety measures in place and have been given the Covid-secure tick from the Council.

“Tables have been arranged to allow for social distancing and table service but indoors is still restricted numbers and we don’t have a lot of tables inside for groups of 6, so I would like to encourage people to also consider visiting in smaller numbers. Please be patient with our table service as it will take us longer to clear and sanitise tables and do the covid checks between each service.

“We’re glad to welcome customers back and we hope to be able to accommodate as many customers as safely possible. Looking forward, I can’t wait until it is safe for a customer can walk up to the bar and order a drink again. The Seat Out campaign is a really good idea and it’s great to see the sector is being supported."

Tim and Becci Garratt, managing directors at Slider Town Cocktail Bar & Restaurant in Loughborough said, “After 18 months of worrying, uncertainty and doubt. We are very excited to reopen our doors for both indoor and outdoor dining.

“During the lockdown, we adapted with the climate and started to offer takeaways, virtual cocktail master classes and cocktail deliveries and we launched our online store. We have enjoyed the challenge and will continue with many of the services we have adopted. We’re grateful for the all the support from our customers and can’t wait to welcome people back.

“The safety of our guests and our team is our main priority and we have put procedures in place to make our customers’ experience both safe and comfortable. Our tables are socially distanced with screens where necessary, we have a new one-way system, sanitiser stations at key points and NHS QR codes by the entrance. Customers now order through our app, and we have extended our outside area with more seating outdoors.

“Charnwood has a fantastic, passionate and welcoming hospitality scene with many having worked for years building up their business and like us their dream of owning or managing their own venue. However, without the support of the people of Charnwood many businesses will struggle to survive.

“Please accept our invitation on behalf of hospitality within Charnwood and support the Seat Out campaign and enjoy the ability to be social in a safe and controlled environment.”

The benches featuring characters from children’s books provide extra space for people to have a rest and perhaps enjoy some food. Residents may remember them from the Loogabarooga Festival, and they will be sited in front of Loughborough Town Hall, around the Fearon Fountain and in Queen’s Park.

The Council is also working with local hospitality businesses to give them better options to increase capacity on their own premises and 12 Charnwood businesses have been granted temporary pavement licences since August last year. This is on top of premises which already have licences for outdoor seating.

The changes to the Covid restrictions mean Loughborough Town Hall can open its Sock Gallery and box office on Monday May 17 and Charnwood Museum will also open its doors on Wednesday May 19.

The change in restrictions mean people can now dine indoors in groups of six or a mix of two households, and outdoors people can meet in groups of up to 30.

How can you take part?

Share the Seat Out message and tag your eating establishment with any updates (businesses) or tag your favourite eateries (residents) #SeatOutCharnwood

Take a look at what delights Charnwood hospitality has to offer and download the map from our website visit: charnwood.gov.uk/seat_out

Download the Loyalty App and check out the trails www.loyalfree.co.uk/

There may be more eateries opening up and we will be planning further reprints of the map as the local hospitality grows, if you are a business who is planning to open or reopen, please get in touch Communications@charnwood.gov.uk

The Seat Out initiative is part of Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign, which is funded thanks to the Welcome Back Fund and supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

For more information on the campaign, please visit www. charnwood.gov.uk/shopsafeshoplocal

Energy Users ‘Save Over £170 Each’ With Charnwood Big Switch

Mon, 17 May 2021 10:40:22 GMT

Residents in Charnwood could save more than £170 a year on their energy bills with Charnwood Big Switch.

Charnwood Borough Council runs the switching scheme in partnership with iChoosr to help residents change energy suppliers with ease and save money on their bills.

Over 1,100 residents switched in the February auction and saved an average of £172 a year.

The next Charnwood Big Switch energy auction will take place on Tuesday May 18.

Residents are also being reminded to fully complete their registration if they wish to take part and receive an energy offer.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for private housing said: “It was great to see such a large number of residents switch suppliers during the last auction.

“We don’t want residents to pay any more for their energy then they have to, and the switching scheme makes the process of changing suppliers easier.

“There’s no commitment by just registering and it’s worth just signing up to see how much you could save each year. It’s important residents who do want to take part, fully complete their registrations to make sure they receive their offers.”

iChoosr holds three auctions a year and energy suppliers compete to provide the lowest priced tariff in the auction. Only suppliers that offer 100 per cent renewable electricity tariffs can take part in auctions.

It’s free to register for Charnwood Big Switch and only takes a few minutes.

For more information about the scheme and to register visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoodbigswitc h

Indoor Group Exercise To Return To Leisure Centres

Thu, 13 May 2021 10:43:41 GMT

Residents in Charnwood will be able to get back to indoor group exercise from Monday May 17.

Charnwood Borough Council and its leisure partner Fusion Lifestyle are pleased to announce that in line with the government roadmap, indoor group exercise will return to all three of the Council’s leisure centres from May 17. To mark the occasion and welcome early morning fitness fans back indoors, a special Body Pump class will be held at 5.45am at Loughborough Leisure Centre, which can be booked via the Fusion app from May 13.

The restarting of indoor group exercise at South Charnwood, Soar Valley and Loughborough leisure centres means that residents in Charnwood can enjoy zumba, yoga, pilates, body pump, indoor cycle and all their other favourite fitness fixes. Outdoor group exercise classes at Soar Valley will continue too for those who have been enjoying exercising in the fresh air.

The centres will continue to operate in line with government safety guidelines and those planning to visit will still be required to book and pay online, to ensure contact is minimised at each centre and allowing for the track and trace process to be implemented. Gym users and group exercise participants will be asked to arrive ready to work out, ready to go. These measures, combined with meticulous cleaning routines, are designed to keep customers safe and offer complete confidence to use the facilities when they return to the centre.

Anthony Cawley, Director of Operations at Fusion said, “It’s a really positive step to be able to restart indoor group exercise classes. We know how popular group exercise is and we’re excited to offer this one-off early class to celebrate the full return of our classes. Our instructors can’t wait to get back to offering the full timetable of classes. We are really pleased that we will be able to continue to offer some outdoor classes too, making sure we’re giving our members as much choice as possible.”

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for communities and equalities said: “We’re really pleased our leisure centres will safely restart indoor group exercise classes from Monday May 17. This is a positive step for the leisure industry and our residents who have missed going to their favourite exercise classes. The health and wellbeing of residents is a top priority and measures will be in place to ensure people stay safe as we continue along the Government’s roadmap. I’m looking forward to attending a few classes once again myself and would encourage people to book onto classes as soon as possible.”

All centres will be open daily, but please refer to the individual centre’s websites for opening hours. Bookings can be made up to seven days in advance, via download of the Fusion Lifestyle app or visit www.fusion-lifestyle.com to register and use the online booking facility.

Local Company Celebrates Four Years Of ‘Outstanding’ Care

Wed, 12 May 2021 10:47:50 GMT

Local home care provider, Home Instead Charnwood, is celebrating its fourth year of providing high-quality care services to seniors across North Leicestershire.

Launched in 2017 by owner, Charlotte Johnson, the company brought Home Instead’s signature relationship-led home care to Charnwood, Loughborough, Coalville and the surrounding areas.

One year after launching, the company was rated as ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), achieving the highest possible rating for its home care services.

Now leading a team of 62, who care for 87 clients across the area, Charlotte’s business has become a real pillar of the community.

The company celebrated its fourth birthday in style, hosting a small COVID-safe party for staff at the office. The company has grown so much that it is relocating next month, and so this party will be the last time the team all gather at the office.

Charlotte commented: “I launched my business after a long career in the manufacturing, design and retail industry. I wanted a new challenge where I could apply my skill set and really make a difference to people’s lives.

“I’m proud to say that the care we provide really does make a difference to the lives of older people - we treat them with the time and respect they deserve, keeping them safe and cared for in the comfort of their own homes.

“I’m also so proud of my amazing team, who I couldn’t have done this without. Our dedicated caregivers provide CQC outstanding care and are supported by our strong office team who support us in delivering quality care.”

To learn more about the home care services that Home Instead Charnwood provides, ranging from companionship and home help, to more specialist dementia and post-operation care, please call 01162165306 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/charnwood-loughborough-coalvill e

BMC Rural Catering Centre Set To Re-Open Next Week!

Wed, 12 May 2021 10:46:02 GMT

S MB College Group’s Rural Catering Centre is set to re-open on Tuesday 18 ^th May, offering three course lunches, fine dining experiences, quiz nights and themed evenings – and now you can book your table online!

The Rural Catering Centre, which serves as a training restaurant for the college’s Catering and Hospitality students and apprentices, has been closed since last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They will be re-opening next week with a number of COVID-secure measures in place, including socially distanced tables, sanitising stations, and a one-way entrance and exit system. In addition, staff and students will wear masks, and guests will be advised to wear masks when not seated at their table.

The restaurant, which is situated at the college’s Melton Campus, will be open during term-time on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes (service between 12 – 1pm), when they will be offering a three-course lunch menu including ‘Pie Day’ on Tuesdays, a traditional lunch on Wednesdays, and a carvery on Fridays.

In addition, an exciting mixture of fine dining, quiz nights and themed evenings will be on offer every Thursday, with service available from 6:30 – 7pm.

Josh, Level 3 Hospitality Apprentice at SMB College Group, said ‘I’m glad to be back to work here at the college, learning and supporting our students with their courses. We really appreciate the support of the local community with our training restaurant, and we can’t wait to re-open.’

Vinny McElvenny, Training Officer in Hospitality and Catering, added ‘We are looking forward to welcoming customers back to the Rural Catering Centre, both old and new. Their support is, and always has been, vital for our student experience – giving them a realistic commercial restaurant experience; enabling them to complete their assessments and qualifications, and to become career-ready.’

The Rural Catering Centre opened in 2015 after an investment of £27.7million across the college’s Brooksby and Melton campuses. The SMB College Group’s Catering and Hospitality students benefit from learning in this industry-standard commercial restaurant and kitchen facility, allowing them to develop the skills required by this dynamic, exciting and ever-growing industry.

Book your table online today at www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/rural-catering-centre or give the team a call on 01664 855305.

Council Granted Dog Control Order

Tue, 11 May 2021 10:51:49 GMT

A Countesthorpe resident has been ordered to muzzle their dog whilst out in public after the death of another dog earlier this year.

Jonas Coltman of Westfield Avenue, Countesthorpe, must keep his two-year old female Douge de Bordeaux cross secure within his own property, and must be on a lead and muzzled when in public after Blaby District Council successfully applied for a Dog Control Order at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

On 24 February this year the dog mauled a West Highland Terrier to death in a neighbouring back garden after jumping over a fence. The Council took action under the Dogs Act 1871 to obtain a Dog Control Order to prevent any further incidents.

The Magistrates’ Court judge ruled against Mr Coltman’s contested claim that the Dog Control Order was not necessary and granted a permanent order against the dog.

Failure to comply with a Dog Control Order can lead to a criminal conviction, fine and potential ban from keeping animals.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Regulatory Services, Said: “We are pleased with this ruling as the out of control actions of this dog have caused heartache for one owner through the loss of their beloved pet.

“It is our responsibility to take the action we feel necessary to prevent any more incidents of this nature occurring to protect both residents and their pets.”

Anyone concerned about dogs that may be dangerously out of control can be reported to the Animal Services team by emailing environmental.health@blaby.gov.uk or call 0117 272 7555.

£4.5 Million Awarded In Restart Grants To Charnwood Businesses As More Companies Are Urged To Apply

Tue, 11 May 2021 10:49:45 GMT

Around £4.5 million has been paid to nearly 600 businesses in Charnwood by the borough council under the Covid-19 Restart Grant scheme, but more companies are being urged to come forward.

The Restart Grant scheme supports businesses that offer in-person services, have a business rates account and have been forced to close under Covid restrictions. Examples of the types of businesses include pubs, cafes and restaurants, hair salons and venues.

Unlike some other grants where the Council has been able to make automatic payments to local companies, the Restart Grant requires all companies to fill in an application form.

More information is available on the Council website, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/restart_grants

Cllr Tom Barkley, lead member for finance at the Council, said: “We have been working flat out since the start of the pandemic to get Government financial support to local businesses quickly and securely.

“I am pleased we have been able to issue £4.5 million under this scheme but I would urge all local businesses to check if they are eligible and apply.

“It means the Council has distributed around £54 million of Government funding to around 3,000 local companies in Charnwood since the start of the pandemic.

“We have worked hard to get the grants to local businesses to help them protect their livelihoods so as we move into more positive times, people still have jobs and we can start rebuilding the local economy to make it stronger than ever.”

Restart Grants range from £2,667 to £18,000 depending on several factors. For more information, visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/restart_grants

Applications are also now being taken for a Local Discretionary Grant Scheme.

The scheme is available to:

small and micro suppliers to the retail, leisure, hospitality, events, and accommodation sectors, which usually derive at least 40 per cent of their revenues from these sectors

mobile/home-based businesses that do not have a business rates account, that were forced to stop trading under the previous restrictions

For more information and to apply, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/local_discretionary_grant_scheme

Councillors Share Mental Health Experiences For Mental Health Awareness Week

Mon, 10 May 2021 10:55:03 GMT

Two Charnwood borough councillors have shared their experience of mental health to help mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

Cllrs Robin Popley and Ted Parton have both struggled with mental health issues in the past and say they wanted to talk about what they had been through to encourage others to do the same and seek help if they need it.

Cllr Parton’s experiences were one reason why he became a councillor as he says helping other people has given him a positive focus.

The councillors have taken part in a video that can be watched below and on social media. Watch: https://youtu.be/VUxQz05PZrg

Cllr Popley said: “I have struggled with mental health issues since a very young age and as the Council’s Disabilities Champion I want to use my experience to highlight the importance of talking about problems and encourage people to get help and support.

“Many, many people struggle with their mental health so I would like to say to them, you are not alone.

“If you are struggling with your mental health, please talk to someone – a friend, family member or a health professional. Do not bottle it up.

“I am pleased to take part in this video and as the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week is nature we thought it was a great idea to film this at the Outwoods. Getting some fresh air and exercise can be really beneficial to your mental health.”

Cllr Ted Parton has battled with mental health issues for 20 years and has twice had to stay in psychiatric units.

Cllr Parton said: “Many years ago I had to make a choice between ending my life or starting the long and difficult road of recovery. I could not have been any lower.

“Fortunately, I chose recovery. I sought help and started taking medication, which I still take today. I found a job, in fact I had three at one point, and I started to exercise more and kept busy.

“What also helped me was having a clear purpose, which was one of the reasons I became a councillor. Being in a position of responsibility to help other people really helped me through some difficult times and I find it really helps my mental health today, knowing I am contributing and doing some good for the community and residents.

“I am happy to share my story for Mental Health Awareness Week and I strongly encourage people to get help if they need it.”

Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and is in its 21 ^st year. It runs May 10-16.

This year, the theme for the week is ‘Nature’. Across the country, people will be celebrating the mental health benefits of being around nature in their local community in a range of digital and creative ways.

Mark Rowland Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of us turned to nature to help us get through lockdowns and our research shows that good mental health depends on us being able to connect with nature in some way and its power in both prevention of and recovery from poor mental health.”

In Charnwood there are several areas to visit to get fresh air and connect with nature. They include:

The Outwoods near Loughborough

Charnwood Water

Dishley Pond, Loughborough

Queen’s Park, Loughborough

Southfield Park, Loughborough

There is also:

Bradgate Park

Swithland Woods

Beacon Hill

Why not get out and about for a guided walk as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. Visit www.charnwoodsport.org.uk/guided-walks for more information.

Members of the Charnwood Mental Health Network, which the Council supports and facilitates, are running the following:

Fearon Hall are launching ‘Urban Gardeners’ on Saturday 15 May, 10am-12pm www.fearonhall.org.uk/events/urban-gardeners

The Marios Tinenti Centre will be running its weekly allotment group and would welcome new members. This runs 10.30am-11.30am at Great Central Road Allotments, Loughborough. Call Lorna on 07849 822482 for more information.

Little Bird SOS – Online Zoom activity ‘Nature Collecting’, creating art from natural materials found in parks or gardens. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-collecting-with-artist-forager-jane-bevan-tickets-152995115509

For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Ways to participate in Mental Health Awareness Week

During Mental Health Awareness Week, why not try to make a habit each day of connecting to the nature in your local area? Stop to listen to the birdsong, smell the freshly cut grass, take care of a house plant, notice any trees, flowers or animals nearby. Take a moment to appreciate these connections.

Share images/videos/or just sound recordings of the nature on your doorstep (and how this made you feel) on social media using #ConnectWithNature and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Use Mental Health Foundation resources in your family, school, workplace and community to join with thousands of people who will be finding new ways to connect with nature in their local environment.

Art House Leicester 2020

Mon, 03 May 2021 10:57:24 GMT

“Art House has to be one of the best supported community art events in the area; the quality of the work on show brings both new and regular visitors from around Leicestershire and beyond.

” This was to be the beginning of our 2020 press release for Art House. Sadly, the event had to be cancelled for obvious reasons and one year on we are in the sad position of having to cancel again this year. Organiser Sue Ryan says “ We know we are only one among many, many such local events that are unable to run due to the continuing pandemic and in the context of the suffering and difficulties experienced worldwide during this unprecedented emergency, Art House is unimportant. Nevertheless, it is a well loved event enjoyed by increasing numbers of visitors and it was with heavy hearts that we decided we had no option but to cancel again this year. In particular, we are sorry not to be able to show the exciting work that our artists have been continuing to produce”.

To give some continuity as well as showing the work of the artists, the only option available to the organisers is an online version of Art House. This will provide an opportunity to browse some of the participating artists’ work. We realise this cannot compensate for the intimacy of seeing original art in ordinary houses and chatting to the artists about their work. However, there will be the usual wide variety of original art.

The organisers hope the website will provide some sort of virtual visit to each house that was due to be open so that the visitor can see the range of art that would have been on show there. Whether your particular passion is painting, prints, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, wood, glass, textiles or jewellery, there will be something here to appeal to anyone interested in individual craftsmanship.

Art House has always been keen to support various charities that have a resonance for the original founders of the event. Tart House, on Holmfield Road, is the main fundraiser for the charities and so sadly the charities supported in this way will once again miss out, as will the visitors who normally so enjoy the drinks and homemade cakes. Some things you just can’t do online! However, we do hope to be up and running as normal next year and the artists who were to have participated are on hold until 2022. We look forward enormously to welcoming everyone back.

Our website is currently being upgraded so watch this space! www.art-house.org.uk Also follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter - we are @arthouseleics

Great Central Railway – Back On Track

Fri, 30 Apr 2021 10:59:29 GMT

The Great Central Railway, one of Leicestershire’s most treasured and popular tourist attractions restarted steam train services on the 17 ^th April and has already welcomed more than a thousand visitors in the two weekends since reopening. Their picturesque trackside cafes at Rothley and Quorn have also re-opened for takeaway and patio service at the weekends.

The Railway is now looking forward to the next phase of recovery from Covid measures which is the 21 ^st May when first class dining services, on train afternoon teas and fish and chip trains can be re-started as well as the cafés opened for full service and to the 25 ^th May when the summer midweek timetable recommences.

Commenting on the re-opening steps, the Railway’s Michael Gough said “We are so delighted to be running again and welcoming back our visitors. Inevitably, ongoing restrictions and rules surrounding the pandemic continue to restrict the extent of our activities but these are the first few small steps to recovery and one thing that the pandemic has taught us, is to be grateful for “little wins”. Throughout the Summer we have a number of events planned including our post-lockdown steam gala in June, our Beer Festival and Vintage Fair in July, Villains and Superheroes and Animal Fun in August and our hugely-popular War Weekend in September.”

Picture here is the Loughborough Member of Parliament, Jane Hunt unveiling their new welcome sign on the A6 approach road to Loughborough accompanied by the Railway’s Managing Director Michael Gough.

SMB College Group Makes A Commitment to Sustainability!

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 11:09:29 GMT

O n Thursday 22 ^nd April 2021, the SMB College Group will launch their Sustainability and Regeneration Strategy, in which they outline their commitment to working sustainably across all Group activities.

Featuring targets for sustainable resourcing, sustainable environmental practices, sustainable educational practices, sustainable finances and sustainable business, the College Group will utilise this strategy to ensure that sustainability and regeneration are embedded into the culture of the organisation, underpinning all Group activities.

The SMB College Group hopes that this increased and continued focus on improving the sustainability of business practices will enable them to meet the needs of the present without compromising the resources of the future.

The focus on sustainability is particularly significant at the college’s Brooksby Campus - an 850 acre countryside estate where land-based qualifications have been delivered for generations, and where qualifications on offer include Level 2 and Level 3 Countryside and Environmental Management. The college also hopes to introduce a Foundation Degree in Applied Environmental Management at the Brooksby Campus from September 2022*.

Dawn Whitemore, Principal and CEO of the SMB Group, said ‘We are proud to see our vision to be a sustainable organisation come to life through our Sustainability and Regeneration Strategy. The next three years will be an exciting time for the SMB College Group as we focus on embedding sustainability into all areas of our business, land management and education provision.’

The College Group, which was formed in February 2020 with the merger of Brooksby Melton College and Stephenson College, was founded with the key tenets of innovation, ethics, excellence and sustainability at its heart. Across its three campuses, the college offers a wide variety of qualifications perfect for students who are looking to kick-start their careers in the creative, care, land-based, sport or trade industries.

To read the college’s full Sustainability and Regeneration Strategy, and to keep up to date with their progress, visit www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/sustainability

*Subject to validation

New Charnwood Museum Website Launched

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:29:13 GMT

A new website for Charnwood Museum has been launched thanks to Covid-19 recovery funding.

Charnwood Borough Council which operates the museum in partnership with Leicestershire County Council successfully applied for £10,000 of funding from the Museum Development East Midlands (MDEM) which supports the development of museums and heritage sites around the region.

The covid-19 recovery grants from MDEM aimed to support museums with effective reopening, meeting audience needs, and developing a sustainable offer in response to the crisis.

Charnwood Museum has used its grant to develop a new website which showcases what it has to offer. Website visitors will be able to find out about collections and exhibitions currently on display as well as host a range of online activities for all ages. The site will also host a series of short videos badged ‘The Chronicles of Charnia’ which explore the history of some of the key objects and stories featured in Charnwood Museum.

Sylvia Wright, head of leisure and culture at Charnwood Borough Council said: “As the country went into lockdown last year and the museum closed its doors to visitors, officers began adapting a wide range of activities and events for an online audience.

“It soon became clear the museum would benefit from its own website to enable audiences to continue engaging with the museum and its collections while our doors were closed.

“We were delighted to find out our application for the funding was successful and we are incredibly grateful to Museum Development East Midlands for their advice and support during the process.

“As the Government eases restrictions in line with its roadmap, we’re hopeful the museum will be able to welcome visitors back safely this summer however until its safe for us to reopen, the website offers a new online experience for visitors.”

Suzie Parr, Leicestershire County Council’s heritage manager said: “As key partners in Charnwood Museum, we are thrilled that the new website is being launched to engage existing and new audiences with our wonderful collections displayed in the museum and the many local stories they tell and to give opportunities for people to connect and take part in their heritage.”

Officers at Charnwood Museum have worked closely with a local web developer and the new website can be found at www.charnwoodmuseum.co.uk .

Charnwood Museum is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions but is planning to reopen in line with the Government’s roadmap from May 19.

For the latest updates and online activities, please visit the museum’s website or follow them on social media at @CharnwoodMuseum.

Community Grant Scheme open

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 11:10:34 GMT

£ 20,000 in new Community Grant funding has been made available by Blaby District Council to support environmentally friendly projects in the district.

The two new Green Grants will join the selection of grants community groups and sports clubs can apply for, including Capital Grants, Revenue Grants and Everyone Active grants. Funding in the grants ranges from £500 to £4,000.

Re-start grants of up to £250 will also be made available to voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations by the Council. These one-off grants are there to help groups get back on their feet after lockdown and are funded by proceeds from the Love Blaby Lottery.

John Richardson, Strategic Director at Blaby District Council, said: “We know it can be tough for voluntary organisations to prioritise spending on environmental initiatives. We hope that these grants go some way towards supporting their own green agendas.

“Community grants have been an important part of our support for the community for more than a decade and we encourage groups to take a look on our website at what they might be eligible for and apply online.”

Find out more about the new Green and VCS Restart grants, as well as the other funding available and apply online at www.blaby.gov.uk/communitygrants .

Community groups interested in finding out more about the grants are invited to attend an online Zoom event on Wednesday 28 April. Anyone interested in attending can book a place by emailing grants@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7566.

Gary Bineker And Friends Arrive In The Borough

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 11:26:10 GMT

A new fleet of refuse and recycling vehicles in Charnwood have been officially named.

Charnwood Borough Council revealed the winning names of its Name That Wagon competition earlier this year and all the names have now been added to the lorries and sweepers.

There were over 150 competition entries from youngsters across the borough but only 24 could make it onto the list of final names.

The Council sent winners a certificate and a goody bag to say congratulations and has been sharing photos of the winners on its social media channels.

Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces at the Council said: “We really enjoyed running this competition for the children in Charnwood.

“We revealed the winners earlier this year and we’re pleased the names have now been added to the vehicles. The winners will start to see their lorries collecting recycling, refuse or garden waste and the road sweepers cleaning the streets in the borough.

“It was great to see the kids with their certificates and to hear how thrilled they were to find out their name suggestion had won.

“I would like to thank everyone who got involved in the competition. All the suggestions made us smile and we hope it has also bought some joy to our residents.”

The current fleet of bin lorries collects all refuse and recycling from the borough’s 75,000 homes as well as serving more than 30,000 customers of the Council’s garden waste service.

The vehicles empty household bins around five million times a year.

The full list of the newly named refuse vehicles are:

Lorries

Binderella
Bindiana Jones
Binny
Chitty Chitty Bin Bin
Crushington
Florence
Garbage Goblin
Gary Bineker
Grass Gobbler
Greta Garbage
Hope
Ken Carson - Loughborough Royal British Legion
Mick Wright
Mr Bull's Bin Lorry
Rainbow Runner
Rosie Recycler
Rubbish Buster
The Chomper
Trash Bandicoot
Trash Gordon
Truckosaurus

Road Sweepers

Clean Machine
Dusty
Lightning McClean
Sooty, Sweep and Sue

Deeply Saddened By The Death Of The Duke Of Edinburgh

Fri, 09 Apr 2021 11:04:33 GMT

T he Mayor of Charnwood, councillors and officers of Charnwood Borough Council are deeply saddened at the news of the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.

Our thoughts are with the Royal Family at this time.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Snartt, said: “This is a very sad day for our nation and on behalf of the borough of Charnwood, I would like to express our sincerest condolences to the Royal Family.

“The Duke of Edinburgh selflessly served our country for so many years and earned the respect of not just this nation, but of those around the world.

“Now is a time for mourning, but we should remember the Duke with pride and affection.”

Flags are being flown at half-mast at the Council’s main office and at Loughborough Town Hall.

Great Central Railway Reunification Appeal Fundraising Success

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:02:47 GMT

The Great Central Railway’s ambitious Reunification project has leapt forward with a month-long fund-raising push. Money Match March offered to match all donations received during March pound for pound, up to a value of one hundred thousand pounds.

Support was received from enthusiasts and well-wishers around the world. A late flurry of donations received just before month end saw well over one hundred and fifty thousand pounds being received, over the available ‘matching funds’. With the match funding, the new grand total is an incredible seven hundred and fifty five thousand pounds.

“We can’t quite believe we have reached three quarters of a million pounds,” said Andy Fillingham, Chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line, the membership organization for the GCR which is driving the fundraising. “The generosity of the support has taken our breath away. We now have twenty five percent of the three million pounds we need to build the next two phases of the Reunification project.”

Reunification will bring together two separate halves of the Great Central Railway which were separated after the original line was closed in the 1960s. The two lines combined will create an eighteen mile heritage line across the East Midlands which will boost the local economy and create jobs.

Two stages of the scheme have already been built after millions of pounds was raised. The next two will see a local road crossed on a bridge and a viaduct built over a factory car park. “Our funding grows all the time as people give by standing orders,” explained Andy. “We will need to have raised most of the full cost of the next section before we can start building it, but the incredible response to Money Match March brings that day closer. We can’t thank everyone who has supported us enough. As the railway gets closer to reopening, this has been a tremendous boost.”

HOW TO DONATE TO THE REUNIFICATION PROJECT

Donations can be made online at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify

Cheques for the appeal can be made payable to The David Clarke Railway Trust and posted to DCRT,

Lovatt House, 3 Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1SL

Cabinet To Consider Raising Its Share Of Council Tax By Less Than 9p A Week

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 15:00:24 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council is proposing to raise its share of council tax by less than 9p a week for a Band D property.

The proposed increase would see the annual charge for an average B and D property rise by £4.45 (3.60 per cent) to £131.08 from April 1, 2021.

It is also being proposed to increase the Loughborough Special Rate, the equivalent of a parish precept in villages and paid by residents of the town. It is proposed to increase Loughborough Special Rate to £77.98 a year (1.99 per cent).

The Council’s cabinet will consider the proposed budget plans on Thursday, February 11 with its recommendation due to go before full council on Monday, February 22.

The proposed final budget for 2021/22 is around £19 million. This includes making £1.5m of proposed savings and generating income of around £600,000 largely through investments in commercial properties.

Income from council tax, business rates and Government grants is expected to be around £18 million and therefore there is still a gap of £1 million which the Council will use reserves to cover.

The Covid-19 pandemic has added significant costs and reduced income from various areas including car parks, leisure centres and Loughborough Town Hall. The impact is still expected to be felt in 2021/22, accounting for an expected £900,000 of lost income.

Councillor Tom Barkley, lead member for finance and property services, said: “Within the draft budget we are proposing to increase our share of the council tax for the 2021/22 financial year. We are also proposing to increase the Loughborough Special Rate. We do not propose this increase lightly, but due to the pandemic, our finances have also been significantly impacted. We are already making savings of £1.5m and generated more income, however to maintain frontline services we are proposing this increase in the Charnwood element of council tax.

“It’s worth remembering that the Charnwood element only equates to 10 per cent of a resident’s total council tax bill. We believe the proposal is a reasonable increase to ensure we can continue to deliver first class services to both residents and local businesses. While the financial picture is tough, several long-planned investment projects are getting underway this year including the £2.6 million regeneration scheme at Bedford Square, Devonshire Square and Ward’s End in Loughborough; creating a visitor centre at the Outwoods and work will start later this year on a new cemetery for Loughborough. A commitment to delivering excellent services remains our top priority and even with these proposed increases, our council tax rates remain one of the lowest in the country.”

Charnwood Borough Council currently has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 188 district councils in the country.

Council tax pays for a range of services provided Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue and the parish council where you live (or Charnwood Borough Council for people in Loughborough).

For more information about the draft budget, see the reports to Cabinet on the Council website: http://bit.ly/CBCCouncilTax2021.

Bosworth Academy 3G Artificial Pitch

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:58:35 GMT

Bosworth Academy, in association with Desford Football Club and in partnership with both the Football Foundation and Leicestershire & Rutland County Football Association are working to put a full size third generation floodlit artificial grass pitch on the bottom field at Bosworth Academy.

Many students in the area attend Bosworth Academy and this state of the art 3G football pitch will provide a much-needed football training and match venue for both the school and also clubs within the area. The pitch will not only be used by the Academy but will also have significant community use throughout the week and at weekends.

The total cost of the pitch is over £800,000 and this money is being raised via grant applications and fundraising events.

Friends of Bosworth Academy are a group fundraising for the benefit of the students of Bosworth Academy and are aiming to raise £5000 towards this total, although due to Covid-19, our fundraising activities are currently limited.

So far, we have raised £2237 towards our £5000 total and if anyone would like to donate to the pitch there is a JustGiving fundraising page.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bosworthacademy

We thank you for any support that you can give.

Leicester Animal Aid

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:55:38 GMT

A lthough things are very challenging at the moment, Leicester Animal Aid, a rescue centre in Huncote, is still caring for dogs and cats in need until they can find loving forever homes. We may be operating differently due to the current restrictions, but we’re still only a phone call away.

If you need to rehome your cat or dog, please do give us a ring and chat to us. If you’re looking to adopt an animal, then you can fill in an ‘interested parties’ form which can be found in the ‘Rehome a Pet’ section on our website or you can give us a call at the Centre.

We want to say a massive thank you to our supporters who continue to donate food, essential items and toys and treats at supermarket donation points and through our Amazon Wish List. It really is appreciated and makes a big difference to us in these challenging times. There are lots of different ways you can help us to continue to care for vulnerable animals in need and some won’t even cost you a penny! By signing up to Amazon Smile and Easyfundraising you can raise free donations for us when you shop online.

Generous donations and support from the community enable us to help special animals, like cute and cuddly Chester. He is a real home bird and all he wants is a new family to call his own. You can find out more about him and the type of home he needs on our website.

Leicester Animal Aid

01455 888257

www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Charity No. 242560

Local Plan Consultation Underway

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:53:25 GMT

A consultation is underway to gather residents’ views on the New Local Plan, which will help Blaby District Council plan growth in the district over a 15-year period.

Set to be adopted in 2023, the new Local Plan is a vital document to help shape the district over the coming decades.

The District of Blaby is required to build a minimum number of homes per year and the Consultation sets out how many homes may be needed, where they could be built and how much employment land may be needed. Three main areas are focused on in the consultation document:

Options for the broad location of future development in the district
Sites promoted to the Council by landowners, developers and site promoters for built development
Initial information about the main policies expected to be included in the Local Plan.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We absolutely encourage and need the views of local residents, local businesses and community groups to ensure this plan has been shaped by our local communities. Growth and development in the district is inevitable, but feedback will better inform us on where our new growth goes and the services and facilities needed for sustainable growth. We also want to make sure that the features in the district that make us unique are protected. Residents know their area best and their input is so important. We encourage everyone to set aside the time to read the document and fill in the consultation before 12 March 2021.”

The detailed consultation document gives readers a comprehensive view of the plan and the chance to answer as many of the 32 questions included as they like.

All documents on the consultation can be found at www.blaby.gov.uk/new-local-plan , including a non-technical summary to help better understand the importance of the Local Plan. Submissions to the consultation can be made by emailing planning.policy@blaby.gov.uk before Friday 12 March at 4:45pm.

Mayoress Receives Covid-19 Jab And Councillors Take Part In Vaccine Trial

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:47:26 GMT

T he Mayoress of Charnwood, Joan Snartt, has received her Covid-19 vaccination jab and with the Mayor, Cllr David Snartt, is encouraging people to have the jab when they are offered it.

They attended the vaccination centre at Thorpe Astley Surgery in Leicester and said the whole procedure was brilliantly run.

Cllr Snartt said: “All the indications are that all the local centres which borough residents are attending are professionally run, with all the Covid-19 restrictions in place to make everyone feel safe. I have received information from residents who have already had their vaccination, telling me how good their experience has been. I now have first-hand knowledge of how professional and welcoming these centres are. I did have the opportunity to thank staff for their kindness and willingness to help whilst we were going through the process. May I reassure everyone being invited to have a Covid-19 vaccination, please take up the offer. In my view, the more people who are vaccinated then the sooner there will be light at the end of a very dark tunnel and a way back to normality. Take care everyone and stay safe.”

It comes as Cllr Deborah Taylor and Cllr Paul Baines, both ward members for Anstey, take part in a trial for another Covid-19 vaccine.

Cllr Taylor said: “I received my first jab in December and I am also taking part in a subset trial of the effects as well. I decided to volunteer so we can get as many vaccines approved for use for the world so we can beat this virus and get back to hugging our family and friends (and colleagues!). I have felt very safe throughout the process. I look forward to being able to tell future generations that I helped beat Covid-19.”

Cllr Baines said: “I decided to do it because we will need a range of vaccines that are best suited to each individual. The UK has a world-class pharmaceutical environment and I wanted to be part of the solution to ending the viral disease that is causing a catastrophic impact on our societies and economies worldwide.”

Leicester College To Upgrade Facilities At Abbey Park Campus To Support New T Levels Programme

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:44:32 GMT

L eicester College will complete major new building works at its Abbey Park Campus to support the new T Levels programme. The refurbishment work will be funded by a successful application to the Department for Education’s T Level Capital Fund 2020-21. This will significantly improve facilities for students on the new T Levels technical study programmes starting in September 2021.

The majority of the building works will involve the refurbishment of a 19th-century canalside C Block building on the Abbey Park Campus. This will include routing the entrance to a more accessible location, opening up the building to create collaborative working facilities/spaces within the atrium area, and creating larger classrooms.

T Level courses are designed by employers with The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. These two-year qualifications combine classroom study and industry placements, giving students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge employers look for. Leicester College will be offering T levels in four curriculum areas - Education and Childcare, Construction, Digital and Healthcare Science. For more information, visit https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/study/t-levels/

Verity Hancock, Principal of Leicester College said: “We’re delighted that our bid to the T Level Capital Fund has been successful. The funding will support new building works at our Abbey Park Campus that will enable us to provide top quality facilities for the new cohort of T Level students set to start in September 2021. The introduction of the T Levels technical programmes is designed with employers to give young people the skills that industry needs so it’s critical that young people taking the new technical courses have access to industry standard equipment and high-quality facilities.”

Former Mayor Urges Residents To Take Up Covid-19 Jab Offers

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 09:41:51 GMT

A former Mayor of Charnwood who has received the Covid-19 vaccine is urging residents to take up the jab when they are invited to and ‘help get life back to normal’.

Cllr Ken Pacey, a ward councillor in Syston, was the first Charnwood borough councillor to receive the jab before Christmas.

Cllr Pacey, 82, said: “We need as many people as possible to take up the jab. It is very safe, and I was really pleased to receive it. I just hope and pray that everybody will follow suit and have the jab so we can get back to normal as soon as possible. I received my jab in Melton and I have to say the whole process was incredibly safe and everyone was socially distancing. I could not have felt safer and the whole thing took just about half an hour. The staff were very well organised and professional, and I cannot thank them enough.”

The NHS is currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine to people most at risk from coronavirus.

In England, the vaccine is being offered in some hospitals and pharmacies, at hundreds of local vaccination centres run by GPs and at larger vaccination centres.

It's being given to:

people aged 80 and over
people who live or work in care homes
health and social care workers at high risk

The NHS will let you know when it's your turn to have the vaccine. It's important not to contact the NHS for a vaccination before then.

For more information about the vaccination, please visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/

Step Up And Organise A Virtual Collection

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:48:02 GMT

One daffodil, one donation or one collection will mean the world to someone. So join us for the Great Daffodil Appeal to support people living with a terminal illness and their families. With a virtual collection you can raise money to help people in need without even leaving your home.

To set up your own virtual collection head to: www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil

Order your daffodil pin badges to distribute to your friends, family, neighbours or colleagues. Or use your daffodils to get creative with!

However you choose to use them, your support will mean the world to Marie Curie and the people we support.

Please email your address to: daffodils@mariecurie.org.uk to order today!

Every year, collectors like you play a huge part in the Great Daffodil Appeal. This year, we’re changing the way we collect because of the pandemic, but there are still loads of ways to get involved:

Set up a virtual collection
Join our 2 hour challenge- Get crafty; Get active or Get baking!
Take part in our Step into Spring campaign

However you choose to support the Great Daffodil Appeal this year it will mean the world to Marie Curie and the people we care for.

Get in touch with communityfundraising@mariecurie.org.uk to find out more

An Epic Adventure For Alex's Wish

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:40:37 GMT

Two intrepid Leicestershire-based adventurers will travel 5,700 miles on motorbikes in 2021 for Alex’s Wish. Travelling across England, Holland, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, their trip will take them up to the North Cape in Norway – Europe’s most northerly point accessible by car (or, in this case, motorbikes) – where they will visit the poignant Children of the World monument.

The Nordic Adventure will take local businessmen Stan Hulme and Matt Daly into the Arctic Circle and see them traverse remote roads all whilst experiencing the local culture and wildlife on their way. The duo will be totally self-sufficient throughout the trip and will be wild camping along the entire route.

The journey was inspired after Stan suffered an horrendous accident a few years ago. Speaking about the accident Stan says, “I fell backwards almost four meters landing on my back. As I lay there not knowing if I had broken anything or how bad the situation was I remember thinking very clearly that when I got through this I wasn’t going to waste any more time. There are things we all want to do and put off. One of those things, for me, was to plan and undertake an epic adventure… and I knew just who I wanted to do it for.

“I’ve known Emma Hallam, the founder of Alex’s Wish, for many years now and her passion and commitment to her cause has always staggered and motivated me in equal measure. Her ‘why’ is crystal clear and after all the challenges that Alex’s Wish have experienced due to COVID-19 I knew that I really wanted to get involved and help by undertaking this adventure and fundraising for them.”

Alex’s Wish is a parent-led charity based in Leicestershire in the East Midlands whose mission is to raise money to invest into clinical trials and clinical trial capacity in order to find treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; a life-limiting muscle wasting disease which currently has no effective treatments and no cure for boys living with this cruel disease.

Adds Stan, “Emma stood up at our networking group several months ago and said something that as a father, hit me like an anvil. She told us that Alex, her son after whom the charity is named and who lives with Duchenne, is now considered to be middle-aged at the tender age of just 14 years old. That’s because of the life expectancy of boys with Duchenne. I knew I had to act.”

Stan and Matt’s daring adventure will start in May 2021 taking into consideration the fact that some of the more northerly roads are impassable earlier in the year. Their adventure can be followed throughout on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter as they are documenting the whole journey, including preparation and training, on film.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheInspiredRider

YouTube: tinyurl.com/theinspiredrider

Instagram: theinspiredrider_official

Twitter: @inspired_rider

The midpoint of their trip will be celebrated at the Children of the World monument, a particularly poignant stop-off given the reason the journey is being undertaken - to save the lives of boys living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The end of their ride is planned to coincide with the start of the Adventure Bike Rider Festival 2021 which will take place at Ragley Hall on the 25 ^th - 27 ^th June 2021.

Speaking about the trip Matt added, “We are currently self-funding every element of this trip thereby ensuring all donations received go directly to Alex’s wish. Alex’s Wish has survived during the COVID-19 pandemic but it’s fair to say that their fundraising has been adversely affected and the one thing we absolutely know for sure is that Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy doesn’t slow down or ever take a break. We’ve set ourselves the enormous target of raising £100,000 for Alex’s Wish and any size donation will help towards achieving that so please, please, please do consider supporting us. Donations can be made via: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/NordicAdventure

“Over and above that we’re also looking for corporate sponsors to help us either by funding part of the journey or by providing us with essential kit. Bearing in mind some of the conditions we’re likely to encounter safety has to come first so anyone in the outdoor / camping industry or the motorcycle industry is someone we’d love to speak to.

“What I’d say to any potential sponsor is that this is all about making it work for everyone concerned. We’ll be filming the whole experience and are talking to various production companies and Commissioning Editors about potentially turning this into a TV series or short film. Matt and I are open to conversations about what sponsorship may look like and involve so if you’re interested in what we’re doing and want to be a part of it let’s have a conversation and see where that goes.”

Leicester College To Offer Two New Courses For 16–24-Year-Olds On Government’s Kickstart Scheme

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 13:39:06 GMT

Leicester College has launched two new courses aimed at supporting young people and adults on the UK Government’s Kickstart scheme.

Kickstart provides funding to create new job placements for 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. The Leicester College courses will provide students with general and vocational training, and support to improve their employability and job prospects.

The ‘Kickstart Scheme level 1’ five-day course is aimed at young people already in a Kickstart placement and helps employers to honour training commitments. The ‘Customer Relations and Administration Kickstart level 1’ three-week course is for young people looking to apply for a Kickstart vacancy.

Leicester College will be working with Jobcentre Plus to liaise with employers and potential students over recruitment for the courses from 25 January 2021.

Customer Relations and Administration Kickstart level 1 is a three-week, blended learning course that will enable students to gain valuable office and contact centre skills. Areas covered include:
• introduction to business
• administration and customer service
• effective use of ICT in the workplace
• the science behind success
• strategies to develop your confidence
• caring for your mental health and well-being
• infection control and prevention
• personal safety
• health and safety
• how to research and apply for job opportunities
• creating a tailored CV and application form

For further information on this course, visit https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/course/customer-relations-and-administration-kick-start-level-1-2020-21-c7278-skills-for-work/

The five-day, blended learning Kickstart Scheme level 1 course will support students with:
• support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals
• support with CV and interview preparations
• supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork

For further information on this course, visit https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/course/kick-start-scheme-level-1-2021-22-c7256-skills-for-work/

Ian Lewis, Employment and Skills Manager at Leicester College said: “The pandemic has created an uncertain employment landscape, particularly for younger people who may be at risk of becoming long-term unemployed, who may not have much work history or who may be suffering from a lack of confidence after a period at home this year. The Kickstart scheme aims to provide funding to employers to create job placements for 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit. Our new courses will support young people on the Kickstart scheme by providing them with training, skills and accreditations to help them with a range of careers including customer service, business administration and many more."

Leicestershire Shared Reading

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 13:56:11 GMT

‘Make Friends, with a Book’

Do you enjoy reading? Are feeling a bit isolated right now? If so, you are not alone, Leicestershire Shared Reading online will help you feel more connected with other people and the wider world.

As one group member said: “Joining this group is the best thing I have done for me for years. It has made the world of difference to me, even more so in the present circumstances. I just love it.”

Leicestershire Shared Reading is a voluntary organisation, set up in September 2016, to work in partnership with Leicestershire County Council's library service to support a thriving network of shared reading groups.

Shared reading brings great poems and stories to life through reading aloud and group discussion. You do not have to have any knowledge of literature, just love reading. Unlike book clubs, you don’t have any reading to do before the shared reading session – it all happens in the group. There is no pressure to read aloud or talk if you don’t want to.

Who can join?

Before lockdown, Shared Reading groups met in county libraries, but since coronavirus has prevented live meetings, the groups have been running virtually. The beauty of a virtual group meeting is that it doesn’t matter where you live: anyone who has a phone or computer can join in. There is no long-term commitment - you are welcome to give it a try, and come every week or when you feel like it!

Will it cost me anything?

Joining Leicestershire Shared Reading is free. The cost of joining via Zoom or using the phone will depend on your broadband, mobile or landline provider. For many people this will be free.

What if I haven’t used Zoom or WhyPay before?

Don’t worry – this is a good opportunity to learn new skills. Some of our existing members weren’t familiar with these technologies at first and now feel comfortable with this way of communicating. Our friendly reader leaders will help you if you need guidance.

When do the groups meet?

You can come to whichever session suits you.

The two newest sessions use Zoom and are on

Wednesdays 1.30-2.30pm

and Thursdays 3.30-5.00pm

Three existing groups are also taking new members. These meet on:

Tuesday 10.30am-noon, using Zoom

Tuesday 1.00-2.30pm, using WhyPay telephone conferencing

Tuesday 2.00-3.30pm, using Zoom

To join, just contact the website (below) and we will send you the details you need.

www.leicestershiresharedreading.org

National Lock Down – Older People Bewildered And Fearful Again

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:50:20 GMT

As we start another national lockdown, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has already seen a dramatic rise in calls from older people desperate for help with the basic essentials of life.

Across the city and two counties, the reality of the weeks ahead without support from friends and family, now unable to travel to offer help and unwilling to risk bringing the virus to loved ones, has hit hard. With just a day to prepare for a return to self-isolation and shielding, the most vulnerable are already struggling to get groceries, medications and to access the support they need.

The drop in temperatures means that our older people are facing the added pressures on their purses that winter brings alongside the fear of venturing out with a higher risk of falls and greater chances of contracting the virus.

This local Age UK continues to offer any support it can, but after 10 months of providing a crisis response to over 41,000 older people and their families, during much of which the closure of its charity shops has triggered a substantial loss of income, we are urgently calling for public support.

Please – if you can – make a donation today. Your generosity will ensure that older people in your neighbourhood receive emergency food parcels, prescription deliveries, befriending calls, bereavement support and help to keep their homes safe and warm. Please let them know they are Not Forgotten this winter.

You can donate at www.ageukleics.org.uk by clicking the DONATE button on our home page or by visiting www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/notforgotten

Loughborough University Update On Arrangements For New Term

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 10:13:14 GMT

L oughborough University has confirmed arrangements for the start of the new academic term following the Government’s announcement of a new national lockdown.

In line with the Government guidance students have been informed:

They should not return to Loughborough at this time
In-person teaching will not resume before mid-February at the earliest
Examinations and revision lectures will take place online, as already planned.

A limited number of exceptions will apply. These are for students who:

Have already arranged international travel to the UK
Do not have adequate space / facilities at home to study or undertake examinations
Consider their mental health would be negatively affected if they remain at home
Are part of an elite sport performance pathway
Are part of a teacher training programme

Any student who returns to Loughborough is required to take a Covid-19 lateral flow test at the point they return to the University.

The University has also confirmed:

Options are being explored to ensure that, when in-person teaching can resume, sufficient and appropriate access to facilities and in person teaching is provided to students to ensure its programmes provide academic credibility and value to students. These options include minor changes to semester and term dates.
It will refund fees for campus student accommodation where students do not or are unable to return to their accommodation because of lockdown.
As has been the case since the start of the academic year, disciplinary processes will apply to any students returning to its Loughborough and London campuses for any breaches of current Covid-19 rules.
Staff have been requested to work from home unless they cannot perform their role remotely. For these staff free rapid Covid-19 lateral flow tests are available.

Richard Taylor, Chief Operating Officer comments: “We are very disappointed that we are not able to welcome students back to our campuses due to the new lock down, but we recognise we must follow the Government arrangements for Higher Education and we are committed to doing so. For the students who have no option but to return and staff who need to work on campus we have robust testing processes and operational procedures in place to restrict transmission of the virus and ensure our campuses are safe and the wider communities in Loughborough and London are also protected."

Cllr Jenny Bokor, Lead Member for Loughborough at Charnwood Borough Council, said: "The university has been working hard since the start of the pandemic to minimise the risk of transmission among students, staff and the wider community and I am pleased to see that this is continuing. The lockdown is difficult for everyone but it’s something that must be done to protect everyone. We also have to hold on to the fact that more and more people are being vaccinated so there is light at the end of the tunnel."

Councillor Lee Breckon, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for health, said: “I’d also like to praise the work which the university has been doing and wish all students and staff well at what is an extremely difficult time. Everyone across all communities needs to redouble their efforts to minimise transmission and follow the national advice.”

More information about the new arrangements is available online .

Anyone with concerns about breaches of Covid-19 regulations or other student anti-social behaviour should report these to University security on 01509 222141.

Pre-Christmas Donation Made To Alex’s Wish

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 11:46:14 GMT

A very welcome pre-Christmas donation has been received by Alex’s Wish – a parent-led local charity whose mission is to find treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a life-limiting disease which affects 1 in every 3,500 boys born in the UK, it’s 100% fatal and children are unlikely to live beyond their twenties. Founder of Alex’s Wish, Emma Hallam, started the charity after her son (after whom the charity is named) was diagnosed with DMD at the age of just four.

John and Emma Ghent, Directors at The Property Fox presented a cheque for £500 to Alex’s Wish as well as two other local charities. The donation represents a portion of their sales fees. Commenting on the donation John said, “It’s a privilege to help Alex’s Wish fight to get a cure for this awful disease. Emma and Alex are an absolute inspiration to us all and to be able to support them in this most difficult of years is very humbling.”

Zoe Edwards, Fundraising and Marketing Manager at Alex’s Wish commented on the donation saying, “It’s a brilliant Christmas present for the charity to receive and thank you so much to The Property Fox. Donations like this mean that we can continue funding clinical trials and ensuring clinical trial capacity is available. One thing we sadly do know is that Duchenne doesn’t stop or slow down even during years like this. We must continue with our work and donations like these enable us to do exactly that. Thank you John, Emma and everyone at The Property Fox! Your donation is very much appreciated.”

For further details on Alex’s Wish please visit: www.alexswish.com

Fifty Thousand Pound Grant For Ambitious Great Central Railway Link Up Plan

Mon, 21 Dec 2020 14:17:55 GMT

‘ The ideal Christmas present’ say fundraisers

There were pre-Christmas celebrations at the Great Central Railway when a fifty thousand pound grant arrived for the line’s ambitious Reunification project.

The generous grant came from a charitable trust based in the Midlands. It will support the award winning Leicestershire line’s scheme to connect with the national railway network - and reunify with another

p reserved part of the Great Central to create an eighteen mile heritage railway.

Building the railway link requires new bridges and the rebuilding of an embankment. Already millions of

p ounds have been raised and spent delivering two phases of the project. Fundraising is now underway for the third and fourth phase which have an estimated cost of three million pounds.

Andy Fillingham, Chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line - the membership club of the

Great Central Railway leading the fundraising effort said “At the start of December we had raised

three hundred and seventy five thousand pounds towards the appeal total. This latest phase of our Reunification appeal began in March, so to have already reached more than ten percent of the funding required is extraordinary. Then we were amazed to receive this kind and generous grant. After a year which has curtailed a lot of our planned fundraising work, this is a most welcome Christmas gift which has surprised us all!”

A brand new book detailing the progress so far on the Reunification project has sold hundreds of copies

already, including to America and Australia. Showing just how much interest there is in completing the link up donations continue to arrive from around the world, boosting the amount raised even further.

Connecting the Great Central Railway to the national railway network will bring economic benefits to the

line and the wider East Midlands economy.

“We want to carry on building as soon as we can,” continued Andy “but we must have most of the money in place for the next two phases before we can appoint contractors. However we have been able to

commission consultant engineers to help design the rest of the scheme for us. They’re already at work and we hope to have more news early in 2021. Meanwhile we can’t thank the people who have given us this grant enough. It gives the whole scheme a tremendous boost and takes us another step towards completing the vision.”

To order the Reunification book for £10 (plus £2.50 postage and packaging) please email

blycett.gcr@gmail.com

SMB Group Equine Rehabilitation Centre Featured In Project By World-Renowned Equine Anatomist!

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 14:06:35 GMT

T he SMB Group’s Equine Rehabilitation facilitates, and their resident horse, Sooty, have recently been featured in Anatomy in Action - an exciting new multimedia publication from Horses Inside Out.

The Brooksby Equine Rehabilitation Centre, which is situated at the SMB Group’s Brooksby Campus, provided the perfect setting for recording overhead footage of Sooty on the college’s Activo-Med Aqua treadmill, enabling the team to study back movement from above.

Anatomy in Action, which provides a comprehensive anatomical study of horse movement, officially launched last month. The product of over five years of work, this exciting new publication is a photographic record of horse movement, accompanied by biomechanical explanations and key observations. There are also corresponding videos available, which feature detailed voice-over explanations.

Rachel Watson, Section Manager for Equine at the SMB Group said ‘The Equine Department were excited to see Gillian at the centre once again to use our fantastic facilities. It is always great to see such a skilled professional working with our own horses. Sooty thoroughly enjoyed the session and felt like he was being pampered during the whole process. Gillian is always welcome here at the SMB Group’.

Horses Inside Out is an internationally recognised, award-winning organisation, which was founded in 2006 by renowned equine anatomist, therapist, author and educator, Gillian Higgins. An authority in equine biomechanics, Gillian is also very well known for her anatomical painting on live horses, which she uses to aid her teaching. Gillian has also been a speaker at conferences, and has competed as a rider in Team Chasing, British Dressage, Eventing, and British Show Jumping.

Brooksby Melton College (Part of the SMB Group) offers a range of Equine qualifications at the 850 acre Brooksby Campus, including Level 2, Level 3 and degree programmes. Students learn from industry-expert teaching staff and benefit from multi-million pound facilities, including a state-of-the-art Equine Rehabilitation Centre featuring an Activo-Med Aqua treadmill and a MaxuSS Pro Solarium

Find out more about Anatomy in Action at https://www.horsesinsideout.com/aia

Find out more about BMC Equine at the next Brooksby Campus virtual open event: www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/events

Online Charity Quiz Raises £707 For Alex’s Wish

Mon, 14 Dec 2020 14:03:46 GMT

A n online charity quiz organised by Vehicle Consulting, Leicester has raised over £700 for local charity Alex’s Wish.

Jayne Stephenson of Vehicle Consulting said, “We first heard about Alex’s Wish two years ago when I joined a networking group with Emma – the founder of Alex’s Wish and Mum to Alex, after whom the charity is named. I was driven to tears when I first saw Emma’s 10 minute presentation about Alex’s Wish. I was, and continue to be, amazed at how hard Emma and her team work and her positivity and drive.

“I’ve run a quiz every Christmas for the last two years for different charities. I decided to run the one I had lined up for this Christmas early this year as I felt people might appreciate having something to do during lockdown. The response was fantastic, especially the number of people who donated even though they didn’t do the quiz. I had friends buy quizzes for their friends and then their friends donated as well because they enjoyed it so much. The most heart-warming part was when all three winners donated their prize money back to Alex’s Wish. That was £100 in total which was donated originally to the quiz by Vehicle Consulting.”

Emma Hallam of Alex’s Wish said, “I can’t thank Jayne and Vehicle Consulting enough for all they have done. Lockdown has been hard for a lot of people and to think that Jayne and Vehicle Consulting where thinking about how they could help Alex’s Wish is humbling. I’d like to thank Jayne, the team at Vehicle Consulting and everyone who took part in the online quiz for their kindness and generosity – particularly the three winners who donated their prizes back to Alex’s Wish. It’s incredible to know what people will do for others and I’m so very, very grateful.”

Alex’s Wish continue to fundraise to find treatments and a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life-limiting disease with, currently, few treatments and no cure which mainly affects boys. Added Emma, “Despite the challenging times we’re all going through we keep pushing forward. We have to because diseases like this don’t ever take a break and with, literally, every day that passes boys become weaker and weaker. We’ve had to think on our feet and react quickly as COVID-19 hit and lockdown took place but our supporters have been amazing and we’re still here and raising money to beat this cruel disease.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish and their innovative online events please visit: https://alexswish.co.uk

SMB Group Sport Students Receive Guest Lecture From GB Boxing Analyst!

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 14:01:32 GMT

O n Monday 7 ^th December, Sport students from the SMB Group received an exciting guest lecture from Chris Connelly, Senior Performance Analyst for GB Boxing.

Chris, who is also the lead analyst for two-time unified heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua OBE, delivered his guest lecture virtually, allowing around 150 students to benefit from his extensive expertise in the world of elite sport.

The talk covered a variety of topics, including what it takes to work in elite sport, the role of an analyst, and some ‘behind the scenes’ insights into his day-to-day as Senior Performance Analyst at GB Boxing. Chris also touched on the work he carried out with Anthony Joshua in preparation for his latest fight.

The lecture wrapped up with a Q&A, where Chris emphasised the importance of work experience and spoke about his highlight moment at the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

Andy Graham, Section Manager for Sport at the SMB Group, said ‘We are extremely grateful to Chris for taking the time to discuss his work with our students at SMB Group. The guest lecture not only inspired the learners, but also gave them an important insight into how aspects of their education can be embedded to create future career opportunities’.

Chris works with GB Boxing athletes in the gym on a daily basis, and also supports them at competitions and major events, such as Rio 2016. He will also be part of the team during the upcoming Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. In addition, he previously carried out work for The Premier League, Stoke City Football Club, GB Handball and UK Goalball.

The SMB Group offers a selection of Sport and Sports Science courses, from Level 2 through to degree level. Based at the 850-acre Brooksby Campus, the college’s £3.6million sports complex includes a full-size 3G all-weather pitch, four full-size grass rugby pitches, sports science lab, strength and conditioning gym, sports hall and more. Students also benefit from the college’s partnerships with Leicester Tigers, Mansfield Town FC, Leicester City Women FC, Charnwood Rutland Netball Club and Future Elite Sports; allowing them to excel in the sport they love whilst gaining an exceptional education.

Find out more about Sport and Sports Science courses at the Brooksby Campus Virtual Open Evening on Thursday 21 ^st January. Book your place now at www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/events

East Midlands Chamber Of Commerce Supports Young People’s Campaign

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 14:53:55 GMT

E ast Midlands Chamber of Commerce have pledged to support the #AccessYourTruePotential campaign to make the world of work accessible for young people.

The campaign was launched earlier this year by the peer panel at Access Generation CIC. The peer panel of 18-30-year-olds at the social enterprise created the campaign to highlight young people’s top concerns when applying for jobs online. The campaign has two parts; a petition encouraging other young people and supporters to back the cause and a pledge encouraging employers to make a commitment to change. Employers are invited to make a pledge to

;Embrace diversity and inclusio n
Create entry-level roles
State when feedback is available
Provide examples of progression
Acknowledge receipt of all applications

Lucy Robinson, HR Director at East Midlands Chamber of Commerce, said: “I am delighted to be supporting Access Generation’s peer panel campaign. It is important for businesses across the East Midlands to understand what it takes to make themselves an attractive employer to the next generation to keep their business and the region flourishing. I would encourage others to learn more about the social enterprise and get involved in their activities. Lucy is championing the chambers new young professional membership, Generation Next, and will be supporting the social enterprise’s Gen @ Work programme. The Gen @ Work programme, which has received funding from the government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, is providing care leavers with real-world work experience. Young care leavers will be working on a project brief for the chambers. Jemma Redden, director at Access Generation, said: “Giving young people a chance to experience work and a chance to compete in what is likely to be a competitive labour market is really important. Having a live brief from an employer will truly give our young people that opportunity. I would welcome other employers to get in touch to be involved.

To make your pledge to #AccessYourTruePotential please visit https://accessgeneration.co.uk/accessyourtruepotential

True Stories About Relationships Gone Bad

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 14:47:47 GMT

A nd the proceeds are going to good causes!

Local author Lindzi Mayann has just released her latest book, The Narcissist Notebook, and it is very different to the chick-lit fiction she usually pens.

This is a collection of true short stories and poetry gathered from real people who wanted to share their experiences of a toxic relationship- in love, life or work.

Those who took part all shared in two aims: to raise awareness and to inspire others. Lindzi’s ultimate idea was to bring a silver lining to a dark cloud following toxic encounters of her own.

All royalties made from The Narcissist Notebook- A Collection of Toxic Tales are being donated to two charities: a local women’s crisis hostel and men’s mental health charity, Mankind.

It makes a very interesting read, an emotional rollercoaster, bizarre, shocking and motivating! The book has already received five-star reviews and is available via Amazon for Kindle and as a paperback. It makes a unique gift, plus since all profits are going to charity it’s a purchase you can feel good about.

Download or order yours at Amazon.co.uk by searching The Narcissist Notebook Lindzi Mayann. Or you can contact the main author and editor directly. lindzimayann@outlook.com

Lindzi tells us she felt honoured to be receiving the stories and to be trusted with handling the process. She is looking forward to reporting how much she and the others have raised further into the New Year. It has also given way to the idea of more collections- Dates Gone Bad is one potential and even a second edition of Toxic Tales.

‘Please contact me with any stories you’d like to see in print, or if you have any ideas for a project. I am always looking to collaborate. If you visit my website www.lindzi.co.uk there are more details of my services, books, my blog and about me.’

Lindzi also pointed out there are three poems included in the collection by local author, Gary Clarke. She is a huge fan of his work after being introduced to him via social media a few months ago and is excited to announce he will be releasing a full book of his poems very soon.

Lindzi explains she felt compelled to support the publishing of Gary’s work after learning they both write to exercise their demons and overcome battles. She promises us there will be more details to follow. As well as a couple of new books of her own, also including poetry.

2020 has been a challenging year with Covid and lockdowns impacting on everyone in one way or another. There has been an increase in domestic abuse situations and we feel this is one small way to show support for those affected.

We wish Lindzi and the fellow poets and writers the best of luck. Updates will come along soon!

Businesses Urged To Apply For Covid-19 Grants

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 14:44:55 GMT

B usinesses in Charnwood are being encouraged to apply for the latest round of Covid-19 grants being distributed by Charnwood Borough Council.

The Council has four grants available after receiving £6.1 million of government funding to help local companies affected by Covid-19 restrictions.

The grants can help businesses which have been forced to close or impacted by restrictions.

The application form for the grants is now live and businesses have until 5pm on December 3 to apply. Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/bsu

The Council has been able to pay nearly 600 eligible companies a total of £875,000 directly as the Council already had their details which had gone through security checks.

Cllr Tom Barkley, lead member for finance, said: “We have said from the beginning of the pandemic that we would support local businesses and that includes by making sure government funding reaches them as soon as possible. Earlier this year we distributed over £32 million of funding to around 2,600 local businesses and we will be making sure this latest round of funding gets to local companies who qualify, quickly and securely. I am really pleased that we have already been able to make a significant amount of direct payments. We fully appreciate how tough it is out there for local companies and we will help as much as we can.”

The grants are mainly aimed at the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors but there is also a scheme for a wider range of businesses impacted by the pandemic.

For more information, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/bsu

Trust Recognised As Champions Of Race Equality In National Awards

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 14:43:20 GMT

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) is proud to make the shortlist for the NHS Workplace Race Equality Award, as part of the annual Health Service Journal (HSJ) 2020 Awards - the most esteemed accolade of healthcare service excellence in the UK.

This award recognises initiatives which promote race equality and inclusion within the workplace, and improve the experience of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff. A wide variety of ideas have been employed at LPT to help drive the race equality and inclusion agenda forward, including:

A public anti-racism campaign and statement of personal commitment from Angela Hillery , chief executive.
A reverse mentoring programme where senior staff work to understand the lived experience of BAME staff to help identify weakness in progression and discriminatory practice.
Cultural intelligence action learning sets with BAME staff sharing their lived experiences for group reflection.
Mandating diverse representation on interview panels to encourage BAME staff to apply for more senior roles.
Driving education and training (for both BAME and white staff) and supporting BAME staff on their career path.
Regular listening events with our BAME staff to co-design an action plan to address issues, including collaboration to produce a risk assessment for our BAME staff to remain safe through Covid-19.

Haseeb Ahmad, head of equality, diversity and inclusion said: “I am so pleased that all the hard effort which has been carried out on our race equality agenda over the last 18 mo nths has been recognised in such a prestigious award. It is particularly important for LPT colleagues who have put their energies in to improving the culture of the Trust so that it is a place where everyone feels they belong no matter what their background, ethnicity or nationality. ”

Sarah Willis, director of human resources and organisational development said: "I am delighted that we have been shortlisted as a finalist for this important strategic programme of work which is one of our nine Trust priorities. We still have a long way to go but we know the work we’ve done has been really welcomed by our BAME staff."

A second project involving LPT has also been shortlisted for the HSJ awards. The Trust along with Newton Europe, The Phoenix Partnership, and Leicestershire Health Informatics Service is in contention for the Partnership of the Year award. This follows joint work to introduced a computer-based tool in the community nursing service, which has helped staff plan visits, reduce travel time and increase time with their patients.

The winner of both awards will be announced at a special ceremony on 17 March 2021.

Residents Urged To Shop Safe, Shop Local This Christmas

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:38:05 GMT

R esidents in Charnwood are being urged to shop local in the run up to Christmas and help businesses during these difficult times.

The borough council’s Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign has launched its festive push to urge people to look online for borough shops while many of them are closed due to national restrictions.

And when restrictions are eased, people will be urged to return to the high street and shop safely for local gifts.

The Council has also launched an online shopping website, offering virtual high street shopping with a distinctly local twist.

The new site – www.shoplocal.charnwood.gov.uk will feature a multitude of local businesses ranging from food and drink, groceries as well as toys, crafts and art.

This all new local e-commerce site will serve as a vital service to the local public, during lockdown and beyond, with both click and collect and local delivery available. Local businesses are being urged to sign up for free to help them showcase their business and trade online. All they need is a mobile phone and the rest is easy.

The campaign is being backed by Love Loughborough which will soon be going live with its own e-commerce website offering its members the same chance to trade online.

Cllr Shona Rattray, the Council’s lead member for business support, said: “There are some fantastic local businesses and they need your support more than ever. Many of them have adapted to sell their goods online or on their social media profiles so I would strongly encourage people to consider some of the local shops and search them out online. We will try to help by offering businesses the chance to put their website addresses and links to social media profiles on the Council website. We’ll also highlight local businesses on our social media profiles. We will be looking at other ways to support the local retail sector in the run-up to Christmas because they need us more than ever. It’s also worth remembering that some shops are still open. So I would say to people try, whether it’s online or actually in the high shop, Shop Safe, Shop Local this Christmas.”

Mike Tyler, director at Tylers Department Store, said: “The current Covid-19 pandemic is changing our towns beyond recognition, to prevent the loss of choice and diversity and to keep our towns vibrant and meaningful we all have a major part to play; that is shop local and support local businesses that employ local people and pay local taxes. We are adapting the way we retail with click and collect and online sales to provide a safe way of shopping locally and supporting local business, we even have a collection point where customers can collect by car. We have all the necessary safety measures in store and in the café for when we are allowed to reopen and re-welcome all our much-appreciated customers.”

Bruce Wheeler from Wheelers Luxury Gifts added: “Wheelers have a very strong online presence, supporting the local community and the rest of the UK. Our loyal and greatly supportive customers can browse our site and have their parcel delivered direct to their door, use our click and collect, or place an order over the phone to collect from the shop safely and securely. We also post all over the world helping local customers to send gifts to relatives around the world. We look forward to being able to open our physical store once the lockdown restrictions have been lifted, offering a safe, secure environment to shop in.”

The Council will be using festive signage and barriers in Charnwood high streets to encourage shoppers to use local stores for their Christmas shopping. Working with local businesses, all steps are being taken to ensure the public are safe when shopping across the borough, during lockdown and beyond.

Many pubs, restaurants and cafes will continue to operate with food and drink deliveries and click & collect.
Plenty of popular local businesses have online stores, making it easy to buy Christmas presents during lockdown.
To support smaller high street stores with no online capability, a website is being launched which will give businesses a portal to help sell their products.
For essential shopping, there are a select number of stores on the high street which remain open.
Loughborough market will continue to operate for essential items on Thursdays & Saturdays and the Friday market in Shepshed will continue on the same basis.

The Council will promote the campaign and the local businesses on its social media channels.

The Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign is funded thanks to the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

If you would like your businesses adding to the Council’s e-commerce site, simply complete this online form: https://bit.ly/CBCBusinessSignUp

We’ll also give you a shout out on social media. If you’re looking for a local business to buy your festive gifts and produce, visit www.shoplocal.charnwood.gov.uk

For more information on the campaign, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/shopsafechristmas

Also follow @ShopCharnwood on Twitter

Coalville Drive-In Cinema Planned Just In Time For Christmas

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 14:35:33 GMT

C hristmas classics such as Home Alone, Miracle of 34 ^th Street and The Muppet Christmas Carol will be screened at a temporary drive-in cinema planned for Coalville.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has been working with Fleckney Events to bring The BIG Festive Drive-in Cinema to the Coalville Market car park from Thursday 17 December.

Over the course of the five days, there will be a surprise visit from Santa and 10 Christmas films will be showc ased including the following:

Thursday 17 December: ELF
Friday 18 December: ELF
Saturday 19 December: The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, Gremlins
Sunday 20 December: White Christmas, Arthur Christmas, Joyeux Noel
Monday 21 December: Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Miracle on 34 ^th Street

Tickets are £25 per car and an extra £10 for a VIP supplement which guarantees guests a spot in a reserved area closer to the screen. Tickets can be bought online at www.events.fleckneygroup.co.uk or over the phone on 0116 366 6016.

Menus will be available to view before the event and people will be able to order food and drink to their car through an order and collect system.

To ensure the event is compliant with Government restrictions, social distancing measures will be in place and large walkways will be in use throughout the site should visitors need to use toilet facilities or collect food. Toilets will be individual units spaced at a minimum of two metres apart and will be cleaned and sanitised regularly with hand sanitising facilities also available.

The district council acknowledges that the event assumes a relaxation of the national lockdown rules and will monitor the national guidance in the coming weeks, giving further updates if required.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at NWLDC, said: “Town centre Christmas festivities have had to be scaled back this year so we’ve been looking closely at Covid-safe activities we can bring to the district after the national lockdown eases. This cinema will no doubt be great fun for families and something a little different in the lead up to Christmas. We also hope it will encourage people into Coalville for some Christmas shopping before they catch their movie. Our local businesses are really going to need our support in December so let’s get behind them as much as we can.”

Michael Preston, Managing Director and Events Managers at Fleckney Events said: “We are thrilled to be working with North West Leicestershire District Council to bring The BIG Festive Drive-in Cinema event to Coalville this December. This is exactly what the local area needs to brighten up the festive period and is utilising a great space in the heart of Coalville. We hope that this will help to boost the High Street after such a difficult year and we look forward to working closely with the district council to bring more events like this to the Coalville area in the near future.”

First Applications For Kickstart Scheme

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 14:31:50 GMT

T he first 39 applications to help young people into work have been submitted to the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.

Blaby District Council has volunteered to be a gateway for small businesses to take advantage of the scheme, which helps those aged 16-24 years old and on Universal Credit into six-month job placements.

The Kickstart Scheme requires businesses to offer a minimum of 30 placements, but through Blaby District Council small businesses in the area who are the backbone of the district’s economy can take advantage of the initiative.

After the first businesses came forward 39 applications have been sent to the scheme to get local people into work, with some of the roles based at Blaby District Council.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing Strategy and Economic Development, said: “The news of these initial applications is absolutely fantastic. We are incredibly proud to be a gateway for our local, small businesses to access this scheme. Being a part of this scheme will ensure young people at risk of long-term unemployment can access fully paid jobs, giving them the experience they need for their careers. Businesses taking part can also take advantage of a scheme which could be a financial lifeline during the current pandemic.”

Employers taking part in the Kickstart Scheme will receive funding for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.

Businesses interested in joining the Kickstart Scheme can register with Blaby District Council’s Gateway at www.blaby.gov.uk/kickstarter

Young people looking to take part in Kickstarter can visit https://jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/kickstart/

Charnwood Museum To Benefit From Two Recovery Grants

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:29:22 GMT

C harnwood Museum has been awarded two recovery grants to develop its education programme and improve communication with visitors.

The museum, situated in Queen’s Park in Loughborough and run in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, is one of five heritage and museum sites in the county that will benefit from more than £70,000 of funding as part of the government's £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).

The fund was created to help the heritage sector face the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and will be used to further develop education programmes and to find new and sustainable ways of telling the rich stories of the county’s history.

The award-winning education programme delivers tailored learning at Charnwood Museum as well as Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, the 1620s House & Garden at Donington le Heath, Harborough Museum and Melton Carnegie Museum.

A total of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country are to receive grant support.
Charnwood Museum was also awarded £10,000 to develop a website as part of Museum Development East Midlands’ (MDEM) COVID-19 Recovery Grants scheme.

The museum identified that not having a standalone website that enabled the team to engage with audiences unable to visit the building when closed during the lockdown imposed in March was a barrier and resulted in the grant being awarded.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, lead member for arts and culture at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased for Charnwood Museum and all the heritage and museum sites that are going to benefit from the grant. Arts and culture play a significant role in so many people’s lives, and our museum provides excellent educational workshops to children across the borough and continues to promote Charnwood’s rich history to people of all ages. I know that the team at Charnwood Museum will put both of these grants to great use, and I am excited to see the developments, including the brand-new website.”

Charnwood Museum is currently closed in line with the Government’s national lockdown restrictions, but customers can take part in online activities at www.charnwood.gov.uk/museum_online

For more information on Charnwood Museum, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/museum

Cricket Club Becomes Heart Safe With The Help Of JHMT

Sat, 14 Nov 2020 13:20:06 GMT

I bstock Town Cricket Club has recently installed a new defibrillator with the support of a local heart charity.

Located prominently on the outside of the club pavilion, it is available 24/7 for anyone who needs it. Registered with East Midlands Ambulance Service, it enables the emergency call handler to initiate its use and help any available bystander follow the simple instructions and become a potential life saver.

Joe Finch, Ibstock Town Cricket Club Vice Chairman, who has been pivotal in installing the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) at their club said : “Ibstock Town Cricket Club is at the heart of the village in providing sport and social facilities, including a meeting place for a number of charities such as a local stroke club. It is great to be able to extend our support to the community by providing a defibrillator.”

This was achieved through a package of funding sources, including a very generous private donation from Mrs Janice Mee, a lifelong supporter of the club, and a Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League AED grant for £250. The external cabinet which will keep the defibrillator safe has been funded by the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT), a local charity which works with sports clubs and community groups to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths, particularly in young people.

The JHMT was set up in memory of Leicester teenager Joe Humphries, who in October 2012 collapsed and died while out jogging near his family home in Rothley. Joe was a victim of sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) – a group of lethal heart diseases which can cause sudden cardiac death in young people.

The Trust works tirelessly to campaign for a better understanding of sudden, unexpected death in young people, and has campaigned for compulsory CPR training in schools and defibrillators in schools, community venues and sports clubs.

Charles Poole from JHMT commented: “It is superb to see more and more sports clubs across the city and county, including cricket clubs like Ibstock Town, installing AEDs. A sudden cardiac arrest can happen at any time to anyone, anywhere, and at any age – player, umpire, spectator, family member or friend. Immediate access to an AED along with CPR gives that person the best possible chance of survival.”

Joe Finch added: “I want to personally thank Janice Mee, who has supported the club for many years, for her very kind donation and to the Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League for their grant, which have funded the defibrillator. Having this equipment available locally could save the life of someone in the village community.”

Everards Leicestershire and Rutland Cricket League’s premier division has made it a league requirement for all premier league clubs to sign up to the Leicestershire and Rutland Heart Awareness in Cricket (HAC) partnership. As part of the requirements, all clubs must have a defibrillator at their grounds and provide CPR and defibrillator training for the membership of each club, including players, coaches and officials.

Mark Barber, Head of Community Development at Leicestershire County Cricket Club said: “It’s really pleasing to see another cricket club doing what they can to ensure a heart safe environment. Well done to Joe and the team at Ibstock for seeing this through. We’d love to see more clubs go through this process and urge clubs to get in touch for more information and support. No obstacle should stand in the way and we can help with ideas to overcome any issues clubs may feel they have in becoming heart safe.”

To find out more about the work of the Trust, apply for training and support, or to help out with the charity's work, visit the website at www.jhmt.org.uk and www.jhmt.org.uk/impact

You can also follow the Trust on Facebook at facebook.com/JHMTorguk and Twitter @JHMTorguk

Blaby District Council To Suspend Garden Waste Collections

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:23:21 GMT

G arden waste collections in the District of Blaby will be suspended for two weeks from Monday 16 November due to staff shortages as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of the waste collection crew are required to self isolate as part of the national test and trace effort. As a result, the Council has taken a decision to suspend its garden waste collection service for a two week period from Monday 16 to Friday 27 November 2020.

The health and safety of residents and employees is Blaby District Council’s highest priority and whilst every effort has been made to minimise disruption, the staff shortages will impact on service delivery in the short to medium term.

Suspending the garden waste service will help the Council to focus resources so that refuse and recycling collections can continue as normal.

Councillor David Freer, Corporate Services and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, said: “The decision to suspend the garden waste collection service for two weeks has not been taken lightly.

“This sensible approach is needed to keep our collections teams safe, and to protect our refuse and recycling collections so that they continue as normal. I’d ask residents to keep an eye on our website and our social media for updates.”

Residents are being asked to help reduce the spread of the virus by washing hands and sanitising bin handles before and after touching wheelie bins or rubbish bags. Washing hands for 20 seconds with soap and water before and after handling waste containers helps to keep residents, their families and and waste collection crews safe.

Charnwood Museum To Benefit From Two Recovery Grants

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 13:17:42 GMT

C harnwood Museum has been awarded two recovery grants to develop its education programme and improve communication with visitors.

Bid Submitted To Fund Community Woodland In Hathern

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 14:01:35 GMT

A £43,000 bid has been put together to fund the creation of a community woodland in Hathern.

Charnwood Borough Council is working with Hathern Parish Council on the project which is looking to create a 15-acre woodland on council-owned land off Golden Square in Hathern.

The proposed Hathern Community Woodland project could see around 15,000 trees planted on the site.

The Council has applied to the Forestry Commission for a Woodland Creation Grant which provides funding to help establish new woodland areas and it’s hoped the project could bring a range of benefits to the local area.

Residents will be able to get involved in the project by helping with the planning and creation of the woodland. There would be an opportunity to develop new community groups to help manage and maintain the area and local schools could also access the site for organised “forest school” activities.

The woodland could provide recreation benefits through a range of outdoor activities including footpaths and nature trails. It will also encourage residents to get involved in conservation and biodiversity in their local area.

Cllr Roy Rollings, the Council’s lead member for transformation said: “We’re really pleased to be working with Hathern Parish Council on this project which could see the creation of a community woodland in the area. The project could bring many benefits to residents and we would encourage them to help develop and shape this woodland which would be on their doorstep.

“Trees and woodlands bring a variety of benefits to our lives as well as helping to improve air quality and contribute to the fight against climate change. As a Council we are committed to looking after our current open spaces and developing new ones. This includes our pledge to ensure 100,000 trees are planted in the borough over the next four years . More details of the project will be unveiled if the bid is successful so I would encourage residents in Hathern to watch this space”

Planting for the community woodland is expected to be made up of native species and consideration is being given to the choice of future specifics to enable to woodland to adapt to climate change.

Roy Dann, Chair of Hathern Parish Council said: “This is such good news for the local community, especially coming toward the end of a very difficult year for everyone. The development of the woodland will create all sorts of opportunities for people to become involved and the Parish Council will be working closely with the Borough Council to make this happen”

The project is also expected to contribute to the Council’s commitment to become Carbon Neutral by 2030. It is estimated that after 30 years the Hathern Community Woodland has the potential to capture up to 1,399 total carbon dioxide (tC02).

The council-owned land off Golden Square has a total of area of 18-acres and the woodland is expected to be around 15-acres.

The Council is hoping to find out if its funding application is successful by the end of this year and work on establishing the new woodland could start from autumn 202 1.

Walk-In Covid-19 Test Centre To Open In Narborough

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:33:05 GMT

A temporary Covid-19 walk-in test centre will be set up on the Visitors Car Park at Blaby District Council’s Offices on Desford Road in Narborough.

The site will be managed by Department of Health and Social Care and their contractors, and will remain in place for six months, although this may be extended depending on local testing need.

The walk-in test centre will operate from 8am-8pm seven days a week and offer vital testing capacity locally. As tests are offered by appointment only, the number of people on the site at any one time is always limited.

Work will begin on site in the next few days and the test centre is expected to be up and running on Friday 20 November.

Council Leader Councillor Terry Richardson said: “This new walk-in centre will make it even easier for anyone who thinks they have coronavirus symptoms to get a test done locally, avoiding the need to travel large distances. We’re pleased an appointment-only, walk-in test centre on the site of Blaby District Council offices is being set up. Testing is a vital part of helping to get this virus under control and making sure we’re protecting the people we know and love.”

Anyone with symptoms of coronavirus should visit nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119 to book a test.

Hathern‐Based Anchor Online Designs Gets A Twitter Boost From Theo Paphitis

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 16:31:37 GMT

A Hathern‐based solopreneur has received a business boost from Retail Entrepreneur Theo Paphitis. Laura Goodsell, owner of Anchor Online Designs - Custom Graphic and Web design - tweeted Theo about her business during ‘Small Business Sunday’ and was one of six weekly w inners to gain a retweet by Theo to his 500,000 Twitter followers. The weekly initiative, set up by Theo in 2010, now has over 2500 #SBS winners and supports small businesses in the UK.

Business and retail entrepreneur and self-confessed Shopkeeper, Theo re‐tweeted Laura’s message to his almost 500,000 followers, They are also profiled on the #SBS website ( www.theopaphitissbs.com ) that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

Laura said, ‘It has been a very strange year for many businesses, so to have Theo recognise my hard work and dedication has helped spread the word about my business to his following and, will in turn mean I can reach more small business owners who require help and support with their own Social media, Graphics and Web design”

Small business champion and Ryman Stationery, Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue Chairman, Theo Paphitis, said: “We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK. My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings. The website will also give a valuable profile to the winners chosen and I wish Anchor Online Designs every success.”

Anyone looking for a re‐tweet from Theo should tweet him about their business on Sunday between 5 PM and 7.30 PM and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are re‐tweeted every Monday at 8 PM and then invited to enter their profile on the new website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities.

Anchor Online Designs

www.anchoronline.co.uk

laura@anchoronline.co.uk

Facebook @anchoronlinedesigns

Twitter @Anchor_Online

For further information or quotes for graphic and web design please contact Laura at Anchor Online Designs on laura@anchoronline.co.uk

For further information about Small Business Sunday please visit www.theopaphitissbs.com

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust One Of Two East Midlands Trusts To Receive Funding That Will Benefit Young People With Eating Disorders

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 14:05:02 GMT

L eicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), along with Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has received £35,000 funding to deliver a new early intervention model to improve support for young adults with eating disorders.

This is part of a national NHS drive to transform community mental health services across the country, NHS England and NHS Improvement has announced that it will provide £630,000 in funding during the 2020/21 financial year to 18 sites across the country.

With this funding, the trusts will implement the First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders (FREED). This is an evidence-based early intervention model for eating disorders, tailored to young people’s needs. Developed six years ago by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, it provides rapid access, high-quality care for people in the early stages of illness when treatment is most likely to be effective.

The model enables providers to start treatment within four weeks of referral to an eating disorder service, for eligible adults aged 16-25. It also attends to the specific needs of young people in the early stages of an eating disorder. It emphasises early, pro-active engagement; early symptom change; family involvement; attention to the effects of eating disorders on the brain; attention to social media use; and attention to transitions (out of school, to university, into work) and ‘emerging adulthood’. FREED operates as a ‘service within a service’. It complements, rather than replaces, existing eating disorder services and treatments, to provide the most appropriate care and reduce waiting times.

A two-year follow-up study on FREED, published October last year, showed that patients who were treated for anorexia nervosa via FREED had better weight outcomes and reduced need for day/inpatient care, compared to patients that were treated via standard care pathways.

LPT will start working to put this evidence-based intervention in place straight away. The funding is being used to appoint a part-time FREED Champion within the eating disorders service to deliver the early intervention.

This will enable patients to receive faster and personalised care. The aim is for referred patients to receive a telephone call within 48 hours and to be offered an assessment within two weeks and, if appropriate, treatment within four weeks. It is estimated that 60-70% of all people aged 16-25 who are referred will be eligible. The model is designed to meet the needs of young adults, considering aspects such as social media, the transition to university and emerging adulthood. The aim is to reduce the duration of untreated eating disorders and intervene before the behaviours become embedded and more difficult to address, which can have a significant impact on the patient and their health.

The roll-out of FREED across the 18 sites who have received funding is supported by the Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) – a unique network of 15 regional AHSN organisations with expertise in testing, evaluating and spreading innovation within the NHS and a specialist understanding of their local system and specific local needs. The East Midlands AHSN will support the roll-out of this intervention across LPT and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Further work is being undertaken by the East Midlands AHSN to support NHS sites in the region that haven’t received funding, and supporting local Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) to apply for community mental health transformation funding, proposals will include the FREED model and would hope to enable the sustainability of the intervention.

Cl aire Murdoch, NHS England’s national director for mental health, said: “The funding will support our ambition to expand services and improve access to early intervention, treatment and support for young people with eating disorders meeting the rising demand for such services. The NHS Long Term Plan will see an additional £1 billion a year by 2023/24 to expand and improve community mental health care so adults, including those with an eating disorder, can get early access to care, as close to home as possible.”

Nicole McGlennon, Managing Director of East Midlands AHSN, said: “We are delighted that two of our trusts in the East Midlands are amongst the 18 new services across England to receive funding to implement the FREED model of care for young people aged 16-25 years. Early intervention in eating disorders is shown to lead to substantial improvements in clinical outcomes at a critical time of transition and development and is highly acceptable to both patients and families. Implementing this intervention will have a significant impact on those that will now be able to access the intervention in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. We intend to support these trusts and all mental health trusts across the East Midlands with their applications for future funding to support their mental health services and look forward to seeing the impacts of adopting this method in our area.”

Debbie Whight, Clinical Team Manager for Leicestershire Adult Eating Disorders Service, said: “We are really excited to be part of this national programme, which will make such a difference for young people with eating disorders. FREED, with its focus on early intervention and treatment, is a highly effective model and we are keen to implement this in our team as soon as possible. We have a wealth of information, advice and resources on our website www.leicestereatingdisorders.co.uk for patients, carers and health care professionals. If you are concerned that you might have an eating disorder, talk to your GP who can refer you to the service.”

Planning Proposal Comments Submitted

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:40:25 GMT

B laby District Council is urging the government to ensure any changes to the planning system are thoroughly scrutinised after submitting comments to its White Paper proposing planning changes.

‘White Paper – Planning for the Future’ is the Government’s biggest proposed change to the planning system in more than 70 years. Its suggested changes include introducing simplified routes to planning permission, ensuring ‘good design’ is at the heart of the planning system, and changing the current system of obligations (known as Section 106) to nationally set rates.

All Local Authorities were invited to feedback on the extensive set of proposals in a consultation to provide their insight to the viability of the plans. Following significant work reviewing the documents, a detailed 23-page response has been sent to the Government after approval by Councillors.

In the comments, the Council is highlighting that any reduction of affordable housing will have a significant impact on young people seeking to secure housing, or get on the housing ladder for the first time.

The Council also supports the principle of making “faster and more certain decision making,” but wants to ensure that local residents still have an opportunity to have their say on any potential development.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing Strategy and Economic Development, said: “It’s vital that any proposed planning changes from the Government are thoroughly scrutinised and consulted upon. I would hope further consultations will follow to ensure every angle is covered. We can’t move to a new planning system without first ensuring planning changes can be achieved. We are concerned over the lack of democratic accountability, lack of support for climate change, funding shortfalls and higher housing number requirements. We ask the Government to strongly consider our response in full before making any changes to the planning system.”

Full feedback and comments from the Council can be seen by visiting www.blaby.gov.uk/consultation

The full proposals introduced by the Government can be read at www.gov.uk/government/consultations/planning-for-the-future

Armistice Day Launch For Appeal To Aid Veterans Mental Health

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:37:57 GMT

A s the country in lockdown explores new ways to commemorate Armistice Day, an NHS charity is launching an appeal to support local military veterans struggling with their mental health.

Raising Health, the charity of Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, has launched its veterans fund-raiser to provide therapeutic support for military veterans in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Donations made via www.raisinghealth.org.uk/veterans can support the therapeutic recovery of former soldiers, sailors and air personnel experiencing mental illness.

The Trust’s Armed Forces lead, military veteran Brendan Daly said: “We know that hundreds of ex-service personnel in the area face challenges coping with life back in the community after service and lockdown has heightened that even more.

“We have launched this appeal to help us offer more therapeutic support outside the range of our mental health services, to help veterans struggling with issues like PTSD, depression and anxiety which are further heightened by social isolation which many experience.”

One of the projects the appeal will support is open-water swimming with Newfoundland rescue-trained dogs which was trialled in September at Stanton Lakes with ex-service personnel experiencing PTSD. This short film shows some highlights from the day.

Brendan said: “It offers people experiencing PTSD a unique opportunity to be supported by dogs in open water at Stanton Lakes

One of the participants was father-of-one Darren Smith, 38, from Beaumont Leys, who served in Northern Ireland and Iraq and has lived with PTSD since leaving the Armed Forces.

Now a volunteer with LPT, he was one of a group of six veterans who spent half a day experiencing the open water therapy with dogs and said afterwards: “I was anxious about being out in the open water at first but it turned out to be one of the best experiences I have had in a long time.

The open water swimming is just one of four projects the Trust wants to offer ex-service personnel. The others are:

Models for Heroes workshop - arts and crafts workshops have proved to be an excellent activity for people struggling with their mentalwellbeing - meeting in a secure and safe place supports that sense of wellbeing.

Boxing training: We would like to work with a local gym to provide free training for veterans who want to take up or begin to box.

Sense of growth: Our Trust has acquired some land that will provide a perfect opportunity for members of the military family to enjoy time on land and provide healthy food for the local community.

To donate and find out more please visit and share www.raisinghealth.org.uk/veterans

New President For Cricket Club

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 16:34:54 GMT

R obin Bulmer has been elected as the new President at Rothley Park Cricket Club. Robin has been part of the club since the late 1970’s as a player, captain, coach, groundsman and committee member, and was delighted to be asked by club Chairman James Upton to take on such a leading role at the Club.

Rothley Park Cricket Club is one of the leading club sides in the County with strong links to Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Rothley won the Everards Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League ECB Premier Division and the Talent Cricket County Cup in 2019 and the Ladies team in their first season, also won the East Midlands Women’s Premier League.

“I was brought up in the village and played cricket at school, but only joined the village team when I was 17 years of age after some friends invited me to the club.” Said Robin, “I continued playing until 2007 and have some good playing memories and made many great friends over the years. I was captain of the first team for 6 years. Rothley has always had a high standard of cricket, apart from one day in the 1980’s. We were playing a team called ‘Adam Brothers and Shardlow’ at the Birstall Co-op ground one wet day, we bowled them out cheaply for 27 runs thanks to Kevin Kinch taking the majority of the wickets, and thought we would be in the pub by mid-afternoon with a comfortable win, however, we were bowled out for 24 runs.”

Robin continued, “This season has been positive, even though we managed only a third of the season due to Coronavirus. The youngsters excelled, helping the 2 ^nd team win their Group’s COVID Cup competition where the team put in some outstanding performances, which augers well for the future of the club. Hopefully, we will be playing a full season of cricket next summer. I would love to see more people from the village coming down to watch games, join as a player or assist in coaching. We have an excellent standard of cricket, a good friendly atmosphere, superb facilities in our new pavilion with bar, refreshments and plenty of space for all the family in the ground.”

Former Brooksby Melton College Student Takes Steps Towards Becoming A Jockey!

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:45:24 GMT

K anane, 20, studied Level 2 Animal Care at BMC (Part of the SMB Group) from 2017 to 2018. Since then, he has embarked on a new and exciting journey at the prestigious British Racing School in Suffolk, where he learned how to race in a three-month intensive course earlier this year.

Kanane first got involved with the world of horse riding at Leicester’s Urban Equestrian Academy in December 2019, where he initially planned to use his Animal Ca re skills to help out with caring for the horses. However, he soon discovered that he had a natural talent for horse riding, and became passionate about the idea of becoming a jockey.

Kanane is now completing his Level 2 qualification whilst riding for Mick Appleby Racing, in Oakham, with the hope of honing his skills and achieving his dream of becoming a professional jockey in the future.

When speaking to BMC about his fantastic achievements and future aspirations Kanane said ‘My time studying at BMC’s Brooksby Campus was one of the best years I’ve ever had. I got to enjoy the wonders of working with all the animals and to enjoy my time learning. Since leaving BMC I have gained a passion for horses and now ride for Mick Appleby racing - hopefully on the way to becoming a professional jockey!’

You can keep up-to-date with Kanane’s exciting journey into the Equestrian world by following him on Instagram @the_urban_jockey

Find out more about Animal Care and Equine courses at Brooksby Melton College on their website: www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk

Garden Waste Service To Resume

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 16:42:51 GMT

The Council’s garden waste service will resume on Monday November 9.

The service which is operated by the Council’s waste partner Serco was paused for two weeks after a small number of Serco staff tested positive for Covid-19 and a number of employees were required to isolate.

Collections will return to normal from November 9 and customers can check their collection days via the Council website. Just visit, my.charnwood.gov.uk

Bulky waste collections had also been impacted and customers with bookings were contacted directly to rearrange collections. The service is now running as usual and residents can make bookings on the Council’s website.

Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces said: “We’re pleased to be restarting our garden waste service and we apologise for the inconvenience the pause caused customers. However, taking the two-week break allowed us to focus resources on ensuring recycling and refuse collections could continue. As we’ve said before, the health and safety of employees and customers is paramount and we’re pleased to report most of the team are back in work after isolating. We would like to thank residents for the support they have shown our refuse and recycling crews who have continued to deliver a frontline service throughout the pandemic.”

Changes To Council Services For New National Lockdown Measures

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:48:46 GMT

A dditional restrictions have been announced today for Charnwood in response to a continued high

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement regarding new national lockdown measures, Charnwood Borough Council is planning to make a number of changes to its services.

The changes are set out via the link below and will be updated as further guidance becomes available.

P lanned changes to services

www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/planned_changes_to_services

More information about the support available to residents, Council tenants, and businesses is available through links at the end of the article.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We will continue to do everything within our power to support residents and local businesses at this difficult time. I would encourage people to keep an eye on our website and social media channels to keep up to date with the latest information. If you need support please consider contacting Charnwood Community Action. This is a campaign we launched with John Storer Charnwood in March and other partners and it has helped deliver over 15,000 parcels to hundreds of local people. It also offers a befriending service and access to volunteer support if needed. The hub was set up to help local people alongside other amazing organisations and community members and that’s what it has done. Since the start of the pandemic the Council has worked hard to distribute over £32 million of government funding to local businesses and we have always aimed to distribute this funding as quickly and as securely as possible. We will continue to do this with any new funding support which may become available. Hopefully if we all follow the rules and guidance we can make this second lockdown as short as we possibly can. We need to act now to save lives and livelihoods.”

Support available for residents

www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/support_for_residents

Support available for businesses

www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/updated_summary_of_business_support_available

Support for Council tenants

www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/information_for_council_tenants

New Restrictions Announced For Charnwood Following Rise In Covid-19 Cases

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:53:21 GMT

A dditional restrictions have been announced today for Charnwood in response to a continued high number of coronavirus cases in the borough.

From 00:01 on Saturday, October 31, Charnwood will be placed in the Tier 2 (high) Covid alert level category.

Under the new restrictions, people must not meet socially with friends and family indoors in any setting – including homes, pubs and restaurants - unless they live with them or have formed a support bubble with them.

Latest data published by Leicestershire County Council shows Charnwood’s rate of 439 cases for every 100,000 people is significantly above the national average of 224 per 100,000.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The rising number of cases in Charnwood means further restrictions are unavoidable and therefore it is imperative that we all act now to protect lives and livelihoods. I know the past few months have been tough for everyone and we have all made sacrifices to stop the virus but it is clear we need to do more. Please follow the guidance of hands, face and space. The key change under Tier 2 guidance is that you cannot mix indoors with people you don’t live with. This applies to your home, your friend’s home and public places like pubs and restaurants. Please follow the guidance, it is the only way to slow the spread. When you wake up on Saturday morning you will legally need to follow the Tier 2 guidance, but I would urge residents to consider following the new rules from today. There has been a significant number of cases related to the university in Loughborough but this is a problem across the borough and there is a particular concern about the number of cases in the over 60s which is above the national average. If you are in this age category, please take extra care. I would like to assure residents that the Council will continue to stand by its communities throughout this pandemic and together we will get through it. We will also continue to work with Leicestershire County Council, Public Health England and other partners to support residents and local businesses.

Leicestershire County Council’s director of public health, Mike Sandys, is encouraging people to ‘do the right thing’.

He said: “It’s clear that figures are still rising in Charnwood so this is a sensible move. Cases are very high in the 17-21s age range, while rates among over-60s have trebled since the end of September and this is driving the figures. What’s most important is what we do now. To stop coronavirus spreading to older, more vulnerable people, we need everyone to do the right thing. By not mixing with people you don’t live with, self-isolating when you need to and avoiding crowded areas, you’re playing your part. This really is the simplest action you can take to save lives and livelihoods.”

On top of national restrictions, in a Tier 2 high alert area:

Social contact is restricted indoors to people in your own household or bubble – the rule of six applies outdoors
Shops and retail remain open
Schools, further education and universities remain open
Places of worship remain open
Leisure facilities and gyms remain open
Overnight stays are allowed, in line with social contact rules
Hospitality remains open
Care homes will be closed to external visitors, apart from in exceptional circumstances
Childcare remains open – and supervised activity allowed in private homes

For further details on Tier 2 restrictions, please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirus_restrictions or www.gov.uk/guidance/local-covid-alert-level-high

Latest data published by Leicestershire County Council shows Charnwood’s rate of 439 cases for every 100,000 people is significantly above the national average of 224 per 100,000.

Great Central Railway – Not Associated With Nottingham Namesakes!

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:50:50 GMT

R eaders of some of the railway press will have noticed articles surrounding the suspension of trains at the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) until Easter 2021

The Great Central Railway PLC (based in Leicestershire and running from Loughborough south to Birstall on the outskirts of Leicester) wishes it to be known they have absolutely no operational, legal or commercial association with the Nottinghamshire namesakes and are not, in any way, affected by any of the issues described in the article.

Great Central Railway (Leicestershire) commenced the process of re-opening their Railway in early July following Coronavirus lockdown and are running all train services as normal together with weekend first class dining trains, first class afternoon teas and many family and enthusiasts’ special events. The Railway’s Managing Director, Michael Gough said “it is highly frustrating that, to the casual observer, we end up being linked by some people with GCR Nottingham. We share part of our name and that is it – there is no other company or commercial link whatsoever. At a time when we are heavily promoting our Santa Expresses and our Winter Wonderlights illuminated train experiences both of which start on Saturday 28 ^th November, any perceived link with the Nottingham organization ends up being very confusing and counterproductive. Whilst we sympathize with the plights of any Heritage Railway, we must act in our own best interests and we will be working hard over the coming days to take steps to protect our trademark and ensure there is no confusion.

Jane Hunt MP And Loughborough Chamber Launch This Year’s Best Dressed Window Competition

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 16:54:57 GMT

L oughborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce and Jane Hunt MP have joined forces to host this year’s Loughborough Best Dressed Window Competition. The annual competition has returned following a break last year due to the General Election. The competition aims to celebrate independent traders in Loughborough and the surrounding area.

Open to all independent traders locally, the competition will be judged by a local panel on Small Business Saturday, which this year falls on 5th December. Businesses are asked to decorate their windows in a festive theme and make them as bright and colourful as possible! It’s an opportunity to showcase the best our area has to offer and the diverse range of business. Last time, the competition was won by the Emporium in Ward’s End.

Jane Hunt MP commented “This year has been particularly difficult for independent traders and small businesses, so we are as motivated as ever to give them a boost through these difficult times. They are the lifeblood of our communities; the backbone of our high streets and they are what makes our towns and villages distinctive. Having town and village centres full of attractive window displays undoubtedly not only have a positive effect on footfall but also contribute to the reputation of our area increasingly becoming a destination location for shoppers.”

Dermot Breen of Loughborough Chamber of Trade & Commerce said “I am pleased that the Chamber is teaming up with the Jane Hunt to bring back the Dressed Window Competition this year. I hope this will bring some much-needed joy to the Christmas Shopping Season.”

Register your entry by emailing a photo to: admin@loughboroughchamber.co.uk Entries will then be judged by the panel who will reveal the winner shortly afterwards and award the winning business with their trophy .

Grant Helps Rothley Bowls Club Fund New Community Defibrillator

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:00:51 GMT

A Rothley bowls club is well on the way to becoming ‘heartsafe’ thanks to support from the borough council and the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

Soar Valley Bowls Club now boasts a new defibrillator for use during cardiac emergencies.
Charnwood Borough Council awarded £250 of funding towards the defib through its sports facilities grant scheme.

Installation costs were covered by Rothley Park Kindergarten and neighbouring football club, the Rothley Imps. Local heart charity the JHMT has provided the cabinet to store the equipment.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for communities said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Soar Valley Bowls Club purchase a defibrillator through our sports facilities grant scheme. Not only will the equipment help the bowls club become heartsafe, but it will also be accessible for the local community. I’d encourage other local sports clubs to look into the grants that are available to help them with funding an Automated External Defibrillator.”

The defib is fitted outside Rothley Park Kindergarten, on Loughborough Road, Rothley, and is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hilary Billings, secretary at Soar Valley Bowls Club said: “Soar Valley Bowls Club is extremely pleased to be associated with the project to supply a defibrillator in our area. We are keen to support the welfare of our members and the supply of this machine close to our facilities is a great step forward. With the inclusion of the Rothley Park Kindergarten and the Rothley Park Football Club the machine will cater for a large diversity of age range.”

Alan White, lead trainer at JHMT said: “It is good news that a defibrillator is now in place but please learn basic life support, so you know the signs of cardiac arrest, how to do chest compressions and how a defibrillator works. Being prepared is vital, you may save someone’s life.”

Soar Valley Bowls Club has a 60-year history, with humble beginnings as an activity for workers at the former Rolls Royce factory in Mountsorrel. The club has 60 members and serves communities in Rothley and Mountsorrel.

As well as providing free CPR and defibrillator training, the JHMT works hard to raise awareness of sudden heart deaths, helps to provide community defibrillators and runs Inspire, a local grants scheme for inspirational young people.

The charity was set up after the tragic death of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries in 2012, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a run.

To find out more about the work of the JHMT, visit www.jhmt.org.uk

Applications for the Council's sports funding grants are now open. For more information about the grants and to apply visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/funding_and_suppo rt

Three Brooksby Melton College Students Selected For England Rugby U18 Development Camp!

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 09:32:11 GMT

E ngland Rugby have named the squads for their U18 development camps, with three BMC Leicester Tigers programme students making the cut!

Lewis Chessum, Tim Hoyt and Jake Sterland are among just 44 players who have been selected from across the country, making BMC one of the three most represented education providers across the squads.

The trio met the rest of the North squad in York last weekend to take part in the development camp.

All three students are part of the Leicester Tigers ACE programme at BMC, with Tim and Jake studying Level 3 Sport and Lewis studying Level 3 Agriculture.

Tom Harrison, Leicester Tigers Academy Coach, said ‘The selection of these three players is credit to the hard work of all players and staff on programme. Myself and the staff wish them the very best as they hopefully follow in the footsteps of George Martin, Archie Vanes and Sam Edwards in representing England U18s and Brooksby Melton College.’

Brooksby Melton College has been running courses in partnership with Leicester Tigers since 2016. This exciting partnership allows students to benefit from first-class coaching from Tigers whist gaining an exceptional education from BMC, with the opportunity to study a full-time course in Sport, Sport Science or Agriculture.

Facilities at BMC include a 3G all-weather pitch, a strength and conditioning gym, a sports science lab and a brand new full-sized grass rugby pitch. In addition, three full-sized grass pitches are currently in development. On-site accommodation is also available.

Find out more about on the BMC website: www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/leicestertigers/

Search is on for Charnwood Community Heroes 2020

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:38:54 GMT

Residents are being urged to enter nominations for Charnwood Community Heroes 2020 when they open on Thursday October 1.

The awards, run by Charnwood Borough Council, are a chance to thank people, groups and organisations who have carried out a good deed – no matter how small or large – in our community.

It could be someone who has helped a neighbour, raised funds or is always there for others. Or it could be a group, organisation or business which has carried out some excellent work in the past 12 months. Whilst there isn’t a specific Covid-19 category we welcome nominations in each of the categories for those that have gone above and beyond during the pandemic.

Covid-19 has meant that the award presentation will be a virtual event this year, presented on the Charnwood Community Heroes and Charnwood Borough Council's Facebook pages throughout the day on Saturday, December 12, 2020.

This year’s awards are being kindly supported through the council’s collaboration with EEM, a not-for-profit procurement company.

There are nine categories to enter plus the Harry Cook award, which will be awarded to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, in any category. It will be chosen by Harry’s family. Harry, along with wife Pat, was heavily involved in Loughborough in Bloom and their floral home not only featured on the bloom judging route but also on BBC Gardener’s World. Harry sadly died in 2018.

All we need is for people to nominate their heroes.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for communities at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has meant that, now more than ever, communities need to pull together and look out for one another and we have seen some fantastic examples of that over the past few months. It has been quite heart-warming to see how people have come together to look after and support others, many of whom are vulnerable. While this Council and many other organisations have worked hard to support people, they cannot do everything and that’s why it has been so important for communities to pitch in and they certainly have bene doing that in Charnwood. Charnwood Community Heroes is a great way to thank someone who has made a positive difference in our borough during this difficult year. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness or a long-term project, if it has benefitted others it is important that we recognise those efforts and our community hero awards are the perfect way to do that. We’ve got a variety of categories and although our presentation will be virtual this year, I am certain it will be just as up-lifting as always as we showcase the best of Charnwood. Please put forward your nominations today and keep an eye on our social media channels for news, updates and the virtual event with our brilliant nominees.”

The nine open categories are: Young Hero; Super Trooper; Good Neighbour; Inspiring Others; Green Hero; Business Community Action; Top Team; Beyond the Call of Duty; and Brilliant Board/Trustee Member.

People can nominate and find out more visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/heroes

You can also keep up to date with the latest Charnwood Community Heroes news by following the Council on Twitter @CharnwoodBC and look for the hashtag #CharnHeroes. Or visit the Charnwood Community Heroes Facebook page www.facebook.com/CharnwoodCommunityHeroes

JHMT Take The Digital Route To Mark SADS Awareness Week 2020

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:37:18 GMT

S ADS Awareness Week will take place from 28 September-4 October and is organised by local heart charity the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

The JHMT was set up after the death of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries in October 2012. Joe died from SADS while out on a training jog near his home. SADS stands for sudden arrhythmic death syndrome, a collective term for a group of deadly genetic heart conditions which cause a disturbance with the heart rhythm and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest.

Every year during the week of the anniversary of Joe’s untimely death, JHMT hold the annual SADS Awareness Week to remind and educate healthcare professionals, sports-related professionals and parents and carers of young people about the dangers of undiagnosed heart conditions like SADS. Every week in the UK, 12 young people (12-35 years old) die due to undiagnosed genetic heart conditions like SADS.

In previous years, the SADS Week programme has been a full week of public facing activities across the community, including a SADS in sport talk, CPR/AED training and training for grassroots sports clubs through the Joe’s Mini Heartstart For Sports training programme, which is run by JHMT. This has been supported by key messaging and awareness-raising of SADS via the Trust’s communications channels, including web and social media.

This year, in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the JHMT SADS awareness week programme will be in digital format, and will take place from Monday 28 September to 4 October 2020.

During the week, important issues in relation to sudden cardiac death and SADS prevention in the young will be displayed across various digital platforms. These will include recognition of cardiac arrest and the basics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as well as how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and how sports clubs and schools can be heart-safe .

Dr Harshil Dhutia, Consultant Cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital and JHMT medical lead, will give an insight into the new specialist inherited cardiac conditions clinic in Leicester, where patients with conditions that can cause sudden cardiac death and SADS are seen and where family members can be evaluated.

This year the Trust is very fortunate to introduce brave teenager Saskia Holland, who will be sharing her story of survival from sudden cardiac arrest and the impact it has had on her life, as well as the implications for her family members after specialist evaluation.

Dr Harshil Dhutia, Consultant Cardiologist, Glenfield Hospital, University Hospitals of Leicester and Medical lead for JHMT said: “Prevention of sudden cardiac death in the young is a major focus of the medical community. Unfortunately, sudden cardiac arrest is the first presentation of disease in 80% of these cases. The frequency of these tragedies can be significantly reduced by raising awareness and access to CPR and AEDs in the community, and by evaluation of affected individuals and their family members in an expert cardio genetic service.

“As the medical lead for the JHMT, I am delighted to invite you all to participate in our SADS awareness week. During the week we will be presenting pertinent information relating to sudden cardiac death prevention from how to perform CPR and use an AED, how your school and sports clubs can become heart-safe and how we as specialists evaluate patients with cardiac disease and their family members in inherited cardiac conditions clinic.

“We are all in this together. We can all be life savers!”

To find out more about the JHMT and its work, visit www.jhmt.org.uk

You can also follow SADS Awareness Week events and activities on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/jhmtorguk or @jhmt.org.uk and on the JHMT website at https://www.jhmt.org.uk/sads-week-2020 ( the SADS Week 2020 web page will go live on Sunday 27 September)

Ben’s Kitchen Donates To Alex’s Wish

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:34:47 GMT

L ocal business, Ben’s Kitchen based at Forest Hill Golf club, adapted to lockdown by preparing and delivering delicious Sunday Dinners to customers both new and old. As well as helping the business adapt through tricky trading times, Ben’s Kitchen also decided to help two other very worthwhile causes by providing hundreds of high quality meals for NHS workers fighting COVID-19 and by donating £1 from every Sunday Dinner sold to locally-based charity Alex’s Wish.

Ben of Ben’s Kitchen said, “It’s been an incredible several months and I for one never thought I’d live and work though times like these and yet here we are. We had to think quickly about how we could keep the business open and running and that meant being relevant to what people wanted during lockdown. Feeling like you’re going out for dinner, even when you can’t, by accessing high quality food prepared by someone else felt right and so we quickly introduced an online ordering system to our website and put out the word via our Facebook page. Sunday Dinner Delivered Straight to Your Door was a hit from day one and it makes me so pleased that Alex’s Wish have benefitted from a £1 donation from each meal. I know it isn’t a lot but we’re a very small company and I think to do something – however small - rather than nothing is the point. Our customers are pleased with our decision to support such a fabulous charity, I’m pleased and so is Alex’s Wish so its win:win:win all round! So far we’ve donated £1,034 to Alex’s Wish.

“We’ve also been keeping ourselves busy by cooking hundreds of meals for NHS workers on the frontline who’ve worked tirelessly protecting our safety as we fight against COVID-19. Again, a small something that we can do and that we know has made such a huge, positive impact. At the end of the day at Ben’s Kitchen we’re all food lovers with a true passion for preparing proper meals so it’s not hard work for us to do it by any means.”

Speaking on behalf of Alex’s Wish, Emma Hallam, founder and Mum to Alex after whom the charity is named said, “We’re so grateful to Ben and Ben’s Kitchen for donating £1 from every Sunday Dinner sold. Their donation of over £1,000 is amazing and just goes to show how donations can build up over time. In times like these literally every penny let alone pound counts and for a small business to be thinking about others at a time like this is testament to the kindness and generosity of people like Ben. I’d like to say a huge thank you to Ben and his team for their ongoing support!”

To find out more about Ben’s Kitchen, the Sunday Dinner Straight to Your Door initiative and the work they’ve been doing to support the NHS visit: www.benskitchenleicester.com

Jane Hunt MP Launches Her Christmas Card Design Competition

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 09:33:22 GMT

L oughborough MP Jane Hunt has launched a competition for all primary school children in Loughborough, Shepshed, Barrow upon Soar, Sileby, Quorn, Mountsorrel Castle and the Wolds villages to design her 2020 Christmas card.

All pupils in primary schools from the constituency have been invited to take part, and Jane is looking forward to receiving lots of submissions from across the constituency. The winning entry will feature as the design of her card alongside the name and school of the winning pupil. These cards will be sent to many hundreds of local residents, community groups, and businesses right across our community.

Some ideas for the design could include:

A local snowy scene;
A picture of Parliament at Christmas; or
A picture of friends and family celebrating together in Loughborough.

To enter, please send entries to Jane at 18 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough, LE11 1BE, or emailed to jane.hunt.mp@parliament.uk . They must be in portrait as they will also be displayed in Jane’s constituency office windows. The deadline for entry is Sunday 15 ^th November 2020. Entries will then be judged by Jane and her team, and a winner picked a week later. The cards will then be printed and will go out at the beginning of December.

Jane said: “I'd like to ask all local parents, carers and guardians to encourage their child to get involved with this competition. There are some budding young artists in the constituency, so I very much look forward to judging the entries!”

Full details can be found at www.janehunt.uk/christmas-card-competition

Councillors Back Local Electricity Bill

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:49:55 GMT

Charnwood borough councillors have backed a campaign to make the local generation and supply of green energy more achievable.

The councillors backed a motion at Full Council to support the Local Electricity Bill which is making its way through Parliament.

The Bill would establish a Right to Local Supply which would promote local renewable electricity supply companies and co-operatives by making the setup and running costs of selling renewable electricity to local customers proportionate to the size of the supply operation.

The motion was put forward at the meeting on September 7. It acknowledged the efforts the council has made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy but also recognised the very large financial setup and running costs involved in selling locally generated renewable electricity to local customers resulted in it being impossible for local renewable electricity generators to do so.

Power for People is a not-for-profit organisation which has drafted the Local Electricity Bill and is campaigning for it to be made law.

For more information on the campaign, please visit: https://powerforpeople.org.uk/the-local-electricity-bill

Roberts Of Mountsorrel Clean Up At The Craft Butcher Awards

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:48:32 GMT

M ountsorrel family butchers and herdsmen Roberts have scooped four prestigious awards in the National Craft Butchers annual awards. Everything that they entered into the competition was placed, including their prime beef burgers and pork & leek sausages. The team make fresh sausages each week in a variety of regularly changing special flavours.

Roberts are well known nationally for their herd of British Longhorn cattle which the owner's family graze at Wanlip. The prestigious Longhorn beef is used at the shop to make beef, red wine & onion sausages and peppered steak kebabs which judges awarded a gold and silver certificate respectively.

"We are delighted to have the products we make recognised at these prestigious national awards" said owner Phil Winterton. "Now we're keeping our fingers crossed that we can bag a trophy or two when these four items go through to the category finals next month and perhaps come away with the title of Britain's best sausage or best barbecue!"

EMRT Launches Brand New Website

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:46:07 GMT

W e have an exciting new website which we know will be of great interest to all those in the County and the City, the heritage railway world, but especially around Ruddington as it is all about the Heritage Centre next to the Rushcliffe Country Park.

So indeed! What on earth is EMRT....? This is answered by this website unveiled today. EMRT is short for the East Midlands Railway Trust, a registered Charity which owns the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre at Ruddington and the old railway line from there to Loughborough. And we are looking for more helpers in the management of the property as we are on the cusp of great changes. So do take a look now at www.emrtrust.co.uk and see what you may not realise is right on your doorstep.

Over the next few years great changes will occur and the big hope is that it will join the cherished local attractions of Ruddington village to increase the visitor numbers and add even more to the Rushcliffe Country Park just over the boundary, next door. One day too, from Platform 1 at the terminus – Ruddington Fields – passenger trains will be offering you occasional day-out journeys all over the country.

While the whole story and background to the Heritage Centre is complex and diverting, it started out from the former Great Central Railway and the Ordnance Depot when a local group of determined local enthusiasts persisted to save the railway when closed in the 1980s, when the Depot was sold off the Nottinghamshire County Council to convert into today's magnificent Country Park and busy Business Centre.

What the new website tells you is that EMRT does not run trains, but it does own the site and a stretch of the old main line railway to Loughborough. What EMRT has done is to conserve a series of big buildings and some 8 miles of operational railway. Operation is the dedicated work of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) that sends out steam or diesel-hauled passenger trains to Loughborough and back. That normal time is today. In the next maybe 5 years a massive new work at Loughborough will be completed and allow through passenger trains, running right the way through that town on to the North of Leicester, but also out onto to the national network.

We have every hope that EMRT will interest professional locals who would join us to help manage the Trust and make sure that the Trust looks after local interests of this as-yet very under developed attraction on their doorstep.

As EMRT Trustee Malcolm Freckelton says: “We have a very big story to tell and it is one which will grow and grow. In a few yeas time, the multi-million joining-up work next to Loughborough Midland station will allow heritage passenger trains to serve that town and Leicester. We want a planned expansion of the Heritage Centre so that there will be a growing benefit to our neighbours, the County and the City. That story is set out for you in our new website from today."

Second Birthday Joy For Community Lottery

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 09:44:27 GMT

O ver £38,000 has been raised for good causes in Charnwood as the community lottery marks its second birthday.

Charnwood Borough Council launched Charnwood Community Lottery in 2018 and lottery players have helped to support 54 good causes including community libraries, sports clubs, play groups, village halls and various charities.

A total of 76,500 tickets have been sold since 2018 and 186 players have won cash prizes and 1,486 people have won three free tickets.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies lead member for communities said: “I’d like to say thank you to all of our lottery players who have continued to buy tickets and support good causes through the lottery since it launched two years ago. The lottery helps raise much needed funding for many charitable organisations and community groups across the borough. It’s been a particular difficult time for our good causes over the past six months due to the pandemic, therefore the financial support from the lottery tickets is more important than ever. There have been a number of players who have won a variety of cash prizes as well as three free tickets, I’d like to congratulate them and thank them for continuing to support the lottery. We’ve seen more good causes sign up but there’s still room for even more! I’d encourage groups and organisations which haven’t registered yet to look at what the lottery is all about and join us. I’m looking forward to seeing even more money being raised for good causes over the next 12 months.”

Most recently, two lottery players won cash prizes of £250.

For every £1 ticket purchased, 60p goes towards helping good causes in the borough.

When a player chooses to support one of the registered good causes, the organisation will receive a 50p donation, with 10p going towards a central community fund. If no charity is chosen, all 60 pence goes to the community fund. The council will use the community fund to continue to support local projects and good causes through its grants scheme.

The top prize in the Charnwood Community Lottery is £25,000.

Among the many groups to have benefitted from the lottery is Anstey Community Library which has received over £3,000 from people playing the lottery.

Phil Knight from the community library said: “We are grateful to all of the lottery players who choose to support the library with their ticket. We would like to thank each one of them for choosing us as their good cause. Charnwood Community Lottery is a great opportunity for local community groups to raise some additional funding and I would encourage other groups or charities in Charnwood to look at signing up to the lottery as a good cause. We joined the lottery when it was first launched in 2018 and over £3,000 has been raised for the library by lottery players. This funding has been used towards meeting our running costs and improving our facilities, particularly for young children”

To play the Charnwood Community Lottery or to find out more about being one of the good causes, please visit www.charnwoodlottery.co. uk

Leicester College To Introduce New T Level Technical-Focused Qualifications

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 09:52:22 GMT

L eicester College will be introducing a new range of T Level courses at a virtual launch event for students from 9.30am to 3.30pm on 1 October 2020.

T levels are a new type of technical-focused qualification for students who want a vocationally-based qualification. A T Level Certificate will be equal to three A levels and Leicester College will be offering courses in four curriculum areas - Education and Childcare, Construction, Digital and Healthcare Science - from September 2021.

Designed by employers with The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, these two-year qualifications combine classroom study and industry placements, giving students the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge for which employers are looking. Students who successfully pass all parts of their T Level will gain UCAS points, like A level students, which will allow them to go on to university.

Students who may be interested in taking a T Level course can visit the Leicester College Facebook or YouTube pages on 1 October to attend a series of sessions and find out all about the T level courses:
9:30 - Introduction to T levels
10:30 - Digital
11:30 - Healthcare Science
12:30 - The Employer Webinar
13:30 - Education and Childcare
14:30 - Construction
*The above schedule is subject to change

For more information and to register for the launch event, visit https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/about/news-and-events/events/t-levels-launch-day/

Gillian Keegan MP, Minister for Skills and Apprenticeships said: “It’s great that Leicester College will be joining pioneering colleges across the country to deliver our new T Levels from next year. T Levels are a game-changer, providing a high-quality technical alternative to A levels. The new qualifications, launched this month, have been created in collaboration with over 250 leading employers so students devel op the skills they need to succeed. I’d urge all young people in the area to attend the virtual event to find out more about how T Levels can help to turbo-charge their future careers in a range of exciting industries.”

Anja Petterson, T Level coordinator at Leicester College added: "Leicester College is very proud to have been chosen to deliver the new T Level programmes and we are looking forward to welcoming the first students to benefit from these exciting new qualifications in 2021."

If you would like to know more about the T Level programmes offered by Leicester College, contact info@leicestercollege.ac.uk

Covid-19 Local Testing Site To Open In Loughborough

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 13:11:25 GMT

A walk-through Covid-19 testing site will be opening in Loughborough.

The semi-permanent site, known as a Local Testing Site (LTS), is being set up in Limehurst Avenue and is due to open on Friday, September 25. It is likely to remain for several months.

Local Testing Sites are designed to supplement existing testing routes such as regional and mobile testing units. They are part of a national network being created by government. Charnwood Borough Council has assisted by providing this site.

The site offers walk-through appointments only. Appointments can be booked at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Please only book a test if you have one of the symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of smell or taste. Users attending the site will be asked to self-swab.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: "Testing is an important element in the fight against the pandemic and I am pleased we will have this facility in town. I would strongly encourage people to only get a test if they have one of the symptoms of Covid-19. If you have a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of smell or taste, then book a test."

There’s more information on testing on this website: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

BMC Rural Catering Centre Set To Re-Open In October!

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 13:09:54 GMT

B rooksby Melton College’s Rural Catering Centre is set to re-open on Tuesday 6 ^th October, offering three course lunches, fine dining experiences and themed evenings.

The centre, which serves as a training restaurant for BMC students and apprentices, has been closed over the college’s summer break.

They will be re-opening this October with a number of COVID-secure measures in place, including socially distanced tables, sanitising stations, and a one-way entrance and exit system. In addition, staff and students will wear visors, and guests will be advised to wear masks when not seated at their table.

The restaurant, which is situated at the college’s Melton Campus, will be open during term-time on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes (12 – 1pm), when they will be offering a three-course lunch menu for £10 per head. In addition, fine dining experiences and themed nights will be offered fortnightly on Thursday evenings (6:45 – 7:15pm) for £20.95 per head. Friday evening and Saturday bookings are also available on request.

Josh, Level 3 Hospitality Apprentice at BMC, said ‘I’m glad to be back to work here at the college, learning and supporting our students with their courses. We really appreciate the support of the local community with our training restaurant, and we can’t wait to re-open.’

Vinny McElvenny, Training Officer in Hospitality and Catering at BMC, added ‘We are looking forward to welcoming customers back to the Rural Catering Centre, both old and new. Their support is, and always has been, vital for our student experience – giving them a realistic commercial restaurant experience and helping them to become career-ready.’

The Rural Catering Centre opened in 2015 as a part of the ‘Big BMC Transformation’, which saw an investment of £27.7 million across the college’s two campuses. BMC’s Catering and Hospitality students benefit from learning in these industry-standard commercial restaurant and kitchen facilities, allowing them to develop the skills required by this dynamic and exciting industry.

For more information or to book a table, get in touch by calling 01164 855305 or emailing ruralcateringcentre@brooksbymelton.ac.uk

Virtual Forum For Landlords To Help Plan For Student Return

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 12:09:31 GMT

L andlords of student properties in Loughborough are invited to a virtual forum which will include advice and support on covid-19 guidelines.

The Virtual Landlords Forum is being hosted by Charnwood Borough Council and is open to anyone who has a property with students as tenants.

The event is on Wednesday, September 23 at 11am and you can sign up online.

Many Loughborough University students are due to return to the town at the end of the month and the academic year at Loughborough College is already under way.

The forum will include representatives from the borough council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Leicestershire County Council, DASH, a joint-working initiative with local authorities, property owners and landlords, and the National Residential Landlords Association.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for private housing at the Council, said: “It is important that landlords have all the necessary measures in place to help their tenants keep safe. This forum is an opportunity to receive advice and support and talk to officers and representatives from a range of organisations.

“We all need to work together to keep people safe.”

To sign up to the forum, please visit bit.ly/CBClandlordsforum

Employment Opportunities At Virtual North West Leicestershire Jobs Fair

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 11:47:13 GMT

N orth West Leicestershire’s first ever virtual job fair will see more than 20 employers offer opportunities at a critical time.

With businesses and employment impacted by Covid-19, the job fair will shine a light on the opportunities available across the district, interactively allowing jobseekers to explore these opportunities and make contact with employers.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), Jobcentre Plus and Stephenson College would traditionally join forces to hold a jobs fair at the college during October, but with a face to face event impossible, this innovative new online fair will replace it.

A huge variety of companies are taking part, and these include:

- Amazon UK

- Arriva

- XPO Logistics

- Insomnia Coffee Company

- Hormann UK Ltd

- Various local councils

- Stephenson College

Oakland International, who earlier in September opened its new site in Bardon, Coalville, will also feature at the virtual fair as they look to recruit more than 200 staff before the end of the year.

The virtual event will open at 10am on the Tuesday 6 October and close at midnight on 12 October, with visitors able to explore the site at their leisure. The fair will use the Leicester Employment Hub website and can be found at www.leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk/nwldc

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at NWLDC, said: “We are in challenging times and we need to do everything we can to ensure local people are being matched to opportunities and being kept in employment. We have a thriving local economy in North West Leicestershire with low unemployment rates – and we’re determined to maintain that. Our face to face job fair wouldn’t be safe but that hasn’t stopped us from putting on an innovative new event that people can access from their own homes. If you know anyone looking for work, please send them the weblink and encourage them to get involved.”

Lisa Craddock, Vice Principal Business Development at Stephenson College, said: “We are delighted to be working again with North West Leicestershire District Council and Coalville Job Centre on the annual Job Fair. While we are unable to host it here at Stephenson College this year due to the restrictions in place, we are excited to support the first Virtual Jobs Fair which we are sure will be a great success and will pave the way for more online events in the future.”

Leicester Employment Hub Manager Tracey Waterfield said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase a number of employment opportunities in North West Leicestershire. The web page has been specifically created to make it easy for visitors to find the information they need to apply.”

Emma Kendrick from Coalville’s Jobcentre Plus, said: “Here at Coalville Job Centre we’re delighted that, with our partners, we are able to deliver our annual Jobs Fair again in October that little bit differently. As always, we’ve been working closely with our partners at North West Leicestershire District Council and Stephenson College and we’re looking forward to a successful virtual event.

Covid-19 Local Testing Site To Open In Loughborough

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 09:56:19 GMT

A walk-through Covid-19 testing site will be opening in Loughborough.

The semi-permanent site, known as a Local Testing Site (LTS), is being set up in Limehurst Avenue and is due to open on Friday, September 25. It is likely to remain for several months.

The site offers walk-through appointments only. Appointments can be booked at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Please only book a test if you have one of the symptoms of Covid-19, such as a high temperature, a new continuous cough or loss of smell or taste. Users attending the site will be asked to self-swab.

There’s more information on testing on this website: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Brooksby Melton College Agriculture Students Complete Fieldwork For Regenerative Agriculture Project!

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 09:54:38 GMT

A griculture students from Brooksby Melton College have been conducting soil science fieldwork on the college’s 850 acre Brooksby estate, with the aim of contributing to their new regenerative agriculture project.

The students have been assisting with a comprehensive soil analysis, looking at the health, characteristics and physical properties of the soil, including compaction and organic matter content.

BMC’s regenerative agriculture project, which began this year, aims to demonstrate, and continually innovate, good agricultural practice in a world faced by increasing challenges.

The 10-hectare field has been populated with a mixed-species herbal ley, which will be intersected by three parallel tree rows to form an ‘agroforestry’ system known as sylvopasture, which combines tree production with grazing animals in a way which is supportive of wildlife, whilst also supporting livestock welfare and reducing the need for chemical inputs.

BMC’s Land-based Industries Lecturing team said ‘The aim of the project is to utilise regenerative practices, such as sensitively managed grazing and careful soil management, to demonstrate their benefits to production, biodiversity and soil health.

The project will provide an ongoing ‘land laboratory’ for students to gain first-hand experience in trialling innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, in a way which is engaging and applicable to our entire land-based department.’

Additionally, the project aims to further understand the carbon footprint and carbon sequestration of land-use businesses, including how carbon emissions are managed and the potential effects on global warming. The agricultural industry is a significant source of annual carbon emissions within the UK so, with the government's Climate Change Act of 2008 and commitment to a carbon-neutral UK by 2050, the industry is committed to becoming more efficient and reducing its emissions.

Brooksby Melton College (Part of the SMB Group) is a Further Education college located in the heart of Leicestershire. The college’s Brooksby Campus is set on an 850-acre estate and offers a variety of courses in the land-based sector, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Countryside & Environmental Management and Land-based Service Engineering.

Find out more at www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk , or register for the upcoming Brooksby Campus Virtual Open Day, which is taking place on Saturday 31 ^st October: www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/events

Yoga In The Park

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 11:52:21 GMT

T he new session we have starting is due to launch in Coalville:

Yoga in the park- Wednesday 7 ^th October

This class involves a series of simple yoga moves and embraces element of Tai Chi and Pilates. Come and join us, booking is required.

£2:50 per session.

To book please contact georgia.james@nwleicestershire.gov.uk or 01530 454735.

Campus And Town Ready To Welcome Back Students

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:55:29 GMT

L oughborough is preparing to welcome university students back to town following months of preparations to make the return safe and Covid-secure.

A range of measures have been introduced for students including socially distanced arrival arrangements, the operation of household bubbles, some online learning and social distancing measures at university facilities.

Students are also asked to follow seven golden rules set by the university to protect themselves, staff and the wider community.

The university has been working with Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire Police, Leicestershire County Council Public Health and Public Health England.

The bulk of students return from September 26 when Freshers’ Week will include a series of virtual and Covid-secure events on campus for students in smaller groups. Government guidance will be followed.

Charnwood Borough Council has also been giving advice to pubs in Loughborough and reminding them of the need to ensure guidance is being followed. Landlords of student properties have also been offered advice and support by the Council.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “The number of Covid-19 cases has risen locally and nationally and that’s why everyone has a role to play in tackling the virus. Significant steps have been taken by Loughborough University and other agencies to create a safe and welcoming environment for the students. Now it is up to them to play their part and follow the guidance put in place to keep everyone safe. We are genuinely looking forward to the students returning to town as they are an integral part of Loughborough. As well as all the Covid guidance we also want students to remember to look after their property and we can’t forget the bins – please read the information you have been provided with and place the correct waste out and make sure you take them in after.”

The University has also warned students that house parties which breach government guidance will be subject to immediate disciplinary action. Students living in a property where a house party is held face being suspended from campus for 14 days and could be banned for the rest of the academic year for repeat offences.

Richard Taylor, chief operating officer at the university, said: “Over the summer we have worked hard to prepare for the new academic year and we have made campus as Covid-secure as possible. We have communicated extensively with staff and students so they know what to expect and we have made it clear that a return to campus comes with a responsibility to observe the rules to protect the university and wider community of which we are part.”

Insp Mark Botte, police commander for Charnwood, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming the student population back to the borough, clearly term time looks a lot different this year. Please be assured we are here to support all students and would ask that students adhere to Covid legislation and local guidance and keep themselves and others safe.”

New first year students will arrive in Loughborough between Saturday 26 and Wednesday 30 September, with the new academic year officially beginning on Monday 5 October.

For information on what you can and can’t recycle and your bin day, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/recycle . Bins must be out by 6am on the day of collection.

More information about the arrangements for the re-opening of campus, including a series of FAQs is available www.lboro.ac.uk/services/community/managing-issues/coronaviru s/

Plans Revealed For £1.2m Improvement Scheme For Shepshed Town Centre

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 12:00:54 GMT

P lans for a £1.2m scheme to improve Shepshed town centre have been revealed.

Charnwood Borough Council has worked closely with the Shepshed Town Team, with support from Shepshed Town Council on the public realm improvement scheme which will make the town centre more attractive for visitors and help boost trade of local shops and businesses.

More details about the scheme, which covers improvements in Market Place, Bull Ring, Hall Croft and Field Street have been revealed and residents are being invited to give their feedback.

The project would see a range of improvements in Market Place to create a distinctive gateway into the town centre. The scheme also looks to increase the amount of public space to allow special events to be held in the area.

There would also be wider footpaths next to shops, additional street furniture, improved landscaping and increased provision for cycle parking in the town centre.

The attractiveness and local identity of the town will also be enhanced with a range of landscaping improvements around the Bull Ring, Hall Croft and Field Street.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, lead member for regeneration said: “This scheme is a great opportunity to generate an increase of footfall for local businesses in Shepshed while making improvements to the public space will make the town centre more appealing to visits. We have continued to work closely with the Town Team and Town Council on these detailed p lans and we’re now p leased to share them with the wider community. The coronavirus pandemic has been a difficult time for local businesses and this scheme will play an important ro le in the town’s recovery. I’d encourage residents and business owners to take a look at the suggested improvements and provide feedback through the online consultation.”

Residents, businesses and visitors to the town centre are being invited to view the designs and offer their feedback. The consultation is open now and will close on October 19.

Detailed plans of the scheme will be available to view in the windows of Shepshed Library and an additional information panel about Market Place will be displayed in the window of the former Complexions shop from Wednesday September 23 until the end of the consultation.

The Shepshed Town Centre Project forms part of the town’s masterplan which sets out how it could develop.

The scheme has been designed so work can be implemented in a phased approach, according to the level of resources available. The Council is hoping work hoped will start in summer 2021. The proposed phasing and prioritisation of street works is as follows:

Market Place
Bull Ring
Hall Croft
Field Street

For more information about the scheme, to view a 3D animation of the proposed improvements in Market Place and to complete the consultation visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/shepshed

2020 Club Champions At Rothley Park Golf Club

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:57:36 GMT

T he annual Club Championships took place recently at Rothley Park Golf Club with a good turnout from both the ladies and men’s sections and great support on the day from club members.

Tom Roberts was a convincing Men’s Champion taking the title six shots ahead of last year’s winner, Tom Hoy. The course was very challenging due to a stiff breeze and fast, firm greens. The early running was made by the two past champions, Tom Hoy (2009 & 2019) and Tom Roberts (2008), However Tom Roberts finished with a total gross score of 147 (69 + 78), runner up was Tom Hoy on 153 (78 + 75) with Tom Mitchell in 3 ^rd place also on 153 (76 + 77). The 36 hole Nett Prize was won by Darren Want with a nett total of 146 (72 + 74).

This year’s Ladies Club Champion is 17 year old Vicky Mayfield. After 36 holes of golf she came in with a combined gross score of 156 after a stunning downhill putt on the 18 ^th to clinch the title by just one shot from last year’s winner, Maz Sharpe. Just a few days later Vicky went on to win the Nett Prize in the Leicestershire and Rutland County Junior Girls Championships at Glen Gorse with a combined nett score of 150 for the two rounds. Vicky is currently the County Junior Girls Captain and has played for the county since she was twelve. This is her last year as a junior golfer as she turns 18 in October.

C ongratulations also go to Helen Morrell who had her second win of the week by lifting the Ladies Club Championships Bronze trophy, the same week she won the Vincent Trophy in the County Shield competition for the best nett Bronze Division score.

Well done to everyone who entered this year’s club championships. For more information about joining Rothley Park Golf Club please view www.rothleypark.co.uk or telephone Danny Spillane, Club Manager on 0116 220 2809.

Coast To Coast Ride Raises £10,040.90 For Alex’s Wish

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:06:39 GMT

W ith many charity fundraisers cancelled due to COVID-19 one group of intrepid cyclists have just completed a Coast to Coast cycle ride in aid of Alex’s Wish.

Event organiser, Zoe Edwards, from Alex’s Wish said, “This event actually lent itself really well to social distancing and other COVID-19 safety requirements. Our small group of five cyclists were supported in their endeavour by Andy Hallam, Trustee of Alex’s Wish and Alex’s Dad and his colleague from work, Will Watts of Hallam Read. Richard Frape, Richard Fielding, Darren Eaton and Andrew Rowland of Morgan Sindall, Birmingham were joined by Mal Rooney from Vehicle Vision in a two day challenge which saw them cycle across England – Coast to Coast.”

Darren Eaton commented on the challenge saying, “The Coast to Coast cycle ride has been one of the most rewarding challenges I’ve ever done. Having been involved with a number of charity challenges the one thing that became clear was the difference that the Alex’s Wish team made to taking part in the event. The care and attention offered by their support team along with the pre-organisation made me feel really involved in not just the event but the charity itself. The ride was a fantastic way to cross the country and see places I’ve never visited before. Getting to the coast at Bridlington with the satisfaction of the miles in the legs and the amount raised for this fantastic charity made me feel elated and proud. Bring on the next one!!”

Colleague Richard Fielding added, “The event was an amazing extreme experience which I found inspiring. When you selfishly think it’s difficult you reflect on what it’s all about, get on with it and keep pedalling. Also, the relationships you form with people you have never met before are amazing.”

A spokesperson from Morgan Sindall, a long-time supporter of Alex’s Wish, added, “Bringing a team together in the context of a charity challenge provides a massive boost to all those involved both personally and as a team. The Coast to Coast Challenge was a way to provide a team building experience whilst also supporting our Social Value commitments. Involving some of our supply chain in supporting a local charity also offers a focus for wider team engagement and commitment. With companies like ours endeavouring to support Health and Wellbeing amongst staff, giving people the ability to take part in events like this can only help. Thanks to all at Alex’s Wish for partnering with us to make this happen.”

Children’s Ride To Keep Ashby Statutes’ 801-Year Tradition Alive

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:05:07 GMT

T he more than 800-year long Ashby Statutes tradition will be kept alive despite the cancellation of the popular annual fair on safety grounds.

Pat Collins Funfair, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council mutually agreed last month that the event could not safely go ahead due to Covid-19.

However, those involved have been working together so that there will be a small, symbolic presence within the town to allow the continuity of the Statutes into its 802 ^nd year in 2021.

A small children’s fair ride will be present in Brook Street, Ashby from Friday 18 until Tuesday 22 of September with full Covid-safe measures in place.

Operating times for the ride are as follows:

· Friday 18: 2pm to 5pm

· Saturday 19: 12pm to 5pm

· Sunday 20: not operational

· Monday 21: 2pm to 5pm

· Tuesday 22: 2pm to 5pm

Anthony Harris of Pat Collins Funfair said: “Cancelling this year’s event was a really difficult decision but it is the right one for the community. The Statutes is more than just a fair, it’s a tradition, and it was really important that we keep that tradition going. NWLDC and Ashby Town Council were both in full agreement and it’s great we’ll have this small and safe presence in the town for the next few days. We cannot wait to return with the full Ashby Statutes celebration in 2021.

Councillor Virge Richichi, Chairman of NWLDC, said: “It was really important to us that we supported the organisers in having a presence within Ashby over the next few days, allowing the continuation of this centuries-old tradition. Cancelling this year’s event is certainly the right decision for our communities but we’re already looking ahead to 2021 where we all hope Ashby Statutes can return in full.”

Councillor Graham Allman, Mayor of Ashby, said: “Who doesn’t get excited at the fair coming to town? In particular Ashby Statutes. That great annual event which arrives early autumn and has done so for 800 years, with the exception of the two World Wars. Its arrival was at that point seen as the country “getting back to normal”. Let us hope and pray that post pandemic that it is seen in the same vein. Our sincere thanks go out to The Harris Family for their efforts on behalf of Ashby Town Council and the community”.

Pubs Reminded Of Need For COVID Security As Students Due To Return

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 12:02:47 GMT

W ork continues to prepare for the return of university students to Loughborough.

This week, pub landlords in Loughborough are being reminded of the need to be Covid secure before students arrive in significant numbers at the end of the month.

Charnwood Borough Council officers have been visiting town pubs and bars to offer advice and guidance to landlords and managers, many of whom have been working hard to make their venues safer places for customers and staff since reopening in July.

The Council has been working with Loughborough University, Leicestershire County Council, Leicestershire Police, the NHS to manage the safe return of students. Loughborough College are also involved in the planning as its students have returned to their studies.

Loughborough University and Loughborough College has introduced a range of measures to make sure students are following coronavirus guidance on and off campus.

The Government introduced new guidance on September 14 which means people can only visit places such as pubs, cafes and restaurants in groups of six. Larger groups will need to sit at different tables and must not mingle with other tables or groups. Under the guidance, households or support bubbles larger than six can sit together providing the business has a Covid Risk Assessment and Covid Secure controls in place).

However, with national infection rates on the increase the Council is advising pubs, cafes and restaurants to stick to the rule of six if they can. Different households can sit together but not in groups of more than six.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: "The night-time economy is still getting to grips with the new way of operating and while the return of many students is welcome for many reasons, landlords need to ensure they are complying with all the latest guidance about the safe management and operation of bars and pubs. Just this week new guidance has been issued and it is important we work with local businesses to ensure they understand what is required of them. We want everyone to enjoy Loughborough’s night life in a safe and enjoyable way. We all have a role to play in reducing the transmission of this virus and the rules are there for a reason – to protect everyone. All of us, including students, need to be responsible for not passing this virus on which can be done without showing any symptoms. Please respect social distancing, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask if you can."

Council environmental health officers have been making visits to pubs to remind landlords of their responsibilities.

Venues are advised to:

Use the NHS test and trace app (due for launch on Sept 24) to comply with contact tracing.
Download a QR code for use with the app via www.gov.uk/create-coronavirus-qr-poster
Check with customers on booking or arrival who they are with and how many people will be attending. Put up signs to remind customers to only interact with their group.
Ask customers indoors to remain seated. Provide table service where possible and discourage customers from standing at the bar.
Keep groups apart. Space out tables, consider using barriers between groups, and manage the number of customers in the venue.
Manage food and drink service safely. Avoid situations where customers need to collect their own food, cutlery and condiments. Avoid contact between staff and guests.
Lower music and other background noise. Prevent shouting, singing and dancing in the venue by making sure music and broadcasts are played at a low volume.
These are the priority actions to make your business safe during coronavirus, you should also read the full version of the guidance below.

Businesses that are found to operate in a way that increases the risk of transmission (for example by facilitating indoor gatherings between multiple households) can be restricted by Local Authorities under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 3) Regulations 2020.

More information is available on the Council website. People can also report a business for a COVID-19 related issues. Please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirus_business_support

The university has published information on the arrangements for the start of the new term. Visit www.lboro.ac.uk/services/community/managing-issues/coronavirus

Council Working With The HSE To Make Sure Businesses Remain COVID-Secure

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 12:08:06 GMT

C harnwood Borough Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to contact businesses in the borough to make sure they remain COVID-secure and to help tackle coronavirus (COVID-19) in the local area.

The checks will begin on Monday September 21 and will take place over five weeks. In that time, 235 local businesses will be contacted, including warehouses, nurseries, gyms, hotel accommodation, bed and breakfasts and many other businesses where the council can enforce health and safety measures.

During the checks the council will provide advice and guidance to manage risk and protect workers, customers and visitors but where some businesses are not managing this and significant risks are identified, immediate action will be taken.

The council is also working alongside local public health authorities to support the understanding of any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area.

Being COVID-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus.

Councillor Shona Rattray, lead member for regulatory services, said: “We are talking to local businesses and inspecting sites in and around Charnwood to understand how they are managing risks in line with their specific business activity. Remaining COVID-secure needs to be the priority for all businesses in the borough, it is a legal duty for businesses to protect their workers and others from harm and this includes taking reasonable steps to control the risk and protect people from coronavirus. This means making business adjustments to become COVID-secure. We advise employers to work with their employees when implementing changes, to help increase confidence with workers, customers and the local community.”

HSE and local authority inspectors are finding some common issues across a range of sectors that include failing to provide arrangements for monitoring, supervising and maintaining social distancing, and failing to introduce an adequate cleaning regime particularly at busy times of the day.

Cllr Rattray added: “All businesses are in scope for spot checks which means businesses of any size, in any sector can receive an unannounced check to ensure they are COVID-secure. By making sure that businesses have measures in place to manage the risks, we can benefit the health of the local community as well as support the local and national UK economy.”

For the latest information and safer business guidance, visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus .

Garden Waste And Cardboard Fortnightly Collection Resumes In North West Leicestershire

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 12:12:02 GMT

N orth West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is pleased to confirm that garden waste and cardboard collections are returning to their usual fortnightly cycle from Monday 28 September 2020.

As of the week commencing Monday 28 September, all residents should revert to using their normal collection calendar that was in use pre Covid-19. Alternatively, the postcode finder option on the district council’s website can be used to check collection dates at www.nwleics.gov.uk/collections

Residents are being thanked for their patience in recent months as the reduced collections allowed waste staff in the ‘at risk’ category to shelter from Covid-19.

Social distancing guidelines meant NWLDC also had to reduce the size of the crew on each vehicle from four to three, reducing the efficiency of collections at a time when more household waste was being produced than ever before. By reviewing the rounds and returning more staff to work the council is now able to complete the normal collections while maintaining these reduced crew sizes.

The efforts of residents to sort and separate recycling in their homes continues to allow the district to follow best recycling practice. Separating recycling means NWLDC can sell it for around £500,000 per year – money that is reinvested back into services. This is different from many other councils, including those in Leicestershire, who do not benefit from this income as they collect recycling mixed together in one wheelie bin.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC, said: “We would like to thank residents in North West Leicestershire for their patience and understanding that reducing collections was the right thing to do for our waste teams and their families. We’re delighted that we’re now able to bring our fortnightly collections back – with social distancing measures still in place – to provide the full service that we know residents need and value. Our crews have worked tirelessly through lockdown with smaller teams, observing lots of new guidelines and collecting more waste than ever before due to so many of us being at home. The public’s understanding and support has been crucial to this effort and allowed our teams to stay safe – thank you.”

All Three Council-Owned Leisure Centres Now Open

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:13:14 GMT

R esidents are getting back to the gym and swimming lanes as Loughborough leisure centre reopens to the public.

Charnwood Borough Council which owns the Loughborough, Soar Valley and South Charnwood leisure centres has worked closely with its leisure partner Fusion to reopen the centres after they closed at the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Loughborough leisure centre opened its doors again today and visitors have been able to use both the health and fitness and swimming pool facilities.

Health and fitness facilities and the swimming pools have also reopened at South Charnwood and Soar Valley.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for communities and equalities said: “It’s been great to see Loughborough leisure centre reopen today. We’ve seen a positive number of people returning to South Charnwood and Soar Valley and I hope people will also enjoy coming back to Loughborough. Together with our partner Fusion, we’ve worked hard to reopen the leisure centres as soon as possible. The Council has committed money to reopen the centres which is why it took a little longer to get all three open again. I’d like to thank customers of the leisure centres for their patience over the past few weeks and I hope they can now enjoy either a swim, fitness class or session at the gym. I would also like to remind customers that the centres are operating slightly different to adhere to government guidance and to ensure people’s safety. Looking after your health and mental wellbeing is probably more important than ever so please make use of these excellent facilities."

Fusion has put measures in place as more facilities reopen to ensure customers safety. Steps being taken include managing capacity by asking customers to pre-book classes, gym and swim sessions, spacing equipment at least two metres apart with social distancing markers and increasing the amount of cleaning.

Anthony Cawley, director of operations at Fusion said: “We know our leisure facilities are really important for the health and wellbeing of the local community and we are really pleased that we are able to announce the opening of more of our facilities in a safe and viable way and that we can welcome back our Swim School members later this month too. We would like to thank Charnwood Borough Council for their ongoing support during this time.”

The Council’s Cabinet approved a recommendation in August to pay a subsidy of £367,000 to keep the pools and gyms at all three centres open until April 2021. The situation will need to be reviewed again before then.

Other options were also considered, including not reopening the pools or not reopening all the leisure centres.

For more information about each leisure centre please visit https://www.fusion-lifestyle.com/contracts/charnwoo d/

Residents Delighted With £250 Win On Lottery

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:17:07 GMT

T wo lucky residents have won £250 each thanks to supporting good causes and playing the Charnwood Community Lottery.

The lottery, which is run by the borough council, helps raise money for good causes, voluntary organisations and charities in Charnwood.

Peter Cantle from Barrow said he was delighted to win £250 after matching four numbers on a recent lottery draw.

Peter said: “I was very pleased to find out I’d won £250 on the lottery! Of course, by purchasing tickets you’re in it to win it but I also enjoy playing because I know it’s making a positive difference to a local cause. I decided to support the Barrow Community Library with my two tickets each week. I see how the funding generated from lottery tickets helps the community library not only as a resident but also as a library volunteer.”

For every £1 ticket purchased, 60p goes towards helping good causes in the borough and people can choose which good cause to support when buying their ticket.

Divya Damodaran Ranjit from Loughborough chose to support Loughborough Leggo Youth Group with her tickets and said it was a pleasant surprise to find out she had won £250 a few weeks ago.

Divya said: “It was a lovely surprise to find out I had matched four numbers and won £250 on the lottery. I’m pleased to support The Loughborough Leggo Youth Group with my tickets which delivers a range of services for young people with special needs. I’m always happy to help support a good cause and I feel the lottery is a great way of doing that.”

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for communities, said: “Lottery players are continuing to help raise funds for a variety of causes across the borough, all of which do fantastic work for our local communities. I’d like to congratulate both Peter and Divya on their recent lottery wins and thank them for supporting our local good causes. If there are community groups or charity organisations which would like to raise some extra funds, I’d encourage them to think about signing up to for the lottery for free as a good cause.”

Local causes are still able to register for the lottery by visiting www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk

The top prize in the Charnwood Community Lottery is £25,000.

People can sign up to play the Charnwood Community Lottery by visiting the website. www.charnwoodlottery.co.u k

Two Wins For Building Control Team In Regional Industry Awards

Fri, 11 Sep 2020 13:15:37 GMT

T he building control team at Charnwood Borough Council are celebrating after picking up two regional industry awards.

The service makes sure that all structures, properties or extensions throughout Charnwood are built properly, according to the building regulations.

The Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards are the largest business to business awards in the UK, split into 12 regions which hold their own regional awards.

The Council’s building control team were announced as winners of Best Partnership with a Local Authority Building Control Team for their work with HSSP Architects Ltd.

The team were also a finalist in the Best Change of Use of an Existing Building award for their diligence in achieving building excellence in the Quorn Lodge Farm scheme, which saw the original building renovated and converted into spacious self-catering accommodation.

Councillor Tom Barkley, lead member for building control, said: “Congratulations to our building control team, who have been working hard throughout the year, including throughout the pandemic. These awards are significant because we have been nominated by the practices involved, which illustrates the customer-focused approach the team takes and the value they provide to new developments. It’s great to see them recognised for their partnership with HSSP Architects Ltd and Quorn Lodge. Great collaboration between the Council and businesses in the industry is important, and the team are clearly excelling in these areas. Long may it continue.”

The full list of award winners can be found on the LABC website: www.labc.co.uk/news/labc-east-midlands-awards-winners-highly-commended-2020-0

For more information about the Council’s building control service, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/buildingcontrol

Charnwood Residents ‘Saving £247’ With Renewable Energy Switching

Thu, 10 Sep 2020 13:20:43 GMT

R esidents in Charnwood can now reduce their carbon footprint and save on their energy bills with ‘Charnwood Big Switch’.

The council’s energy switching partner iChoosr has introduced new rules which means only suppliers offering 100% renewable electricity tariffs can take part in auctions . Charnwood Big Switch was launched last year to help residents change energy suppliers with ease and get a better deal. More than 200 residents have now registered for the scheme since it launched and those who switched in May saved an average of £247 each on their bills .

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for housing said: “It’s been great to see so many residents saving money on their energy bills since the scheme launched. Switching suppliers can be daunting and Charnwood Big Switch helps people change suppliers with ease and save money on their bills . As a Council, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint, so we were pleased to see that 100% renewable electricity tariffs have been introduced through the scheme. This is in line with council owned and managed sites which are also supplied by renewable electricity. It means residents will now be helping the environment as well as saving money on their bills. There is no commitment to switch so I would encourage people to register to see what they could save before deciding to go ahead. Council sites such as Southfields offices, Loughborough Town Hall and Charnwood Museum are supplied by renewable electricity

Charnwood Big Switch is delivered by the Council and iChoosr, an independent specialist provider in collective energy switching . Collective switching gives people the opportunity to pay less for their energy. Residents can switch electric or dual fuel and can choose to have paper bills or to manage their accounts online . iChoosr hold three auctions a year and energy suppliers compete to provide the lowest priced tariff in the auction . Residents can register for their interest in the scheme for free and the next energy auction will take place on October 19, 2020 . For more information about Charnwood Big Switch and to register visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoodbigswitch

Campaign Launched To Highlight Safe Local High Streets

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:07:23 GMT

Shop Safe, Shop Local – that’s the message from Charnwood Borough Council as it launches a campaign to support local high streets.

The Council, and partners, are calling on people to support their local high streets and reassure them that significant steps have been taken to ensure visitors are safe when shopping in the borough.

High streets have extra signage to remind people of the need for social distancing, barriers have been installed around Loughborough town centre to help with queuing and local businesses have introduced their own measures to ensure they are complying with the latest Covid-19 guidance.

Extra cleaning is also taking place in some areas and pubs, cafes and restaurants have introduced a range of measures including test and trace.

Over the coming months the Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign will be highlighting the steps taken to ensure our local high streets are safe places to visit. They are not only safe, but also great places to visit for shopping, eating and going out.

Cllr Shona Rattray, the Council’s lead member for business support, said: “Our high streets in Charnwood need your support more than ever. They have been hit hard in recent months and as we continue to emerge from the pandemic we need to help them as much as we can so the Council, and its partners, will be issuing a rallying call to get out there and Shop Safe, Shop Local. We will be highlighting what we have done and are doing to make high streets safe places. We will also be shining a spotlight on the local businesses who have also had to rapidly adapt to operate in a Covid-19 world to look after their customers and staff. We are very much in this together. I would encourage people to support the Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign by making the effort to visit their local stores and see what they have to offer. The pandemic has helped remind us that we can live life more locally and there is nothing wrong with that. Shoppers also need to play a part by not only visiting the local high streets but by making sure they follow the guidance on social distancing, regular hand washing and wearing a face covering if they can in shops.”

As part of the Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign the Council will be adding more signage to shopping areas, highlighting what businesses are doing to look after customers and staff and reminding people of the latest advice and guidance on shopping safely.

The campaign is borough wide as Charnwood has many shopping areas including in Loughborough, Shepshed, Thurmaston, Syston, Birstall, Anstey, Quorn, Mountsorrel, Barrow upon Soar and Newtown Linford. All will feature in the Shop Safe, Shop Local spotlight.

It follows the Council’s successful Charnwood inBusiness campaign which featured more than 150 businesses who took the opportunity of a free advert in the local media as well as being showcased on the Council’s digital channels. The campaign aimed to help companies connect with customers.

The Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign is funded thanks to the Reopening High Streets Safely Fund which is support by the European Regional Development Fund.

The campaign is also being supported by Love Loughborough. Lisa Brown, Love Loughborough manager, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign. There are a host of fantastic businesses out there who have adapted amazingly well to the new world we operate in and we would like to make sure people know how safe our high streets are. Nothing is more important than everyone’s health and safety but we also need to look after the local economy and that can start by making sure people feel comfortable in their local high streets. You can Shop Safe, Shop Local in Charnwood.”

The Council and Love Loughborough have also worked together to issued guidance and support to local businesses for both safeguarding their staff and ensuring customer safety.

For more information on the campaign, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/shopsafeshoploca l

Charging Points Coming To District

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:04:57 GMT

24 electric vehicle charging bays will be installed across the district after securing £77,000 in grant funding.

The project is hoped to be completed by spring 2021 and forms part of Blaby District Council’s commitment to developing a comprehensive electric vehicle charging infrastructure, a key point in the Council’s Carbon Neutral Action Plan.

£77,000 in funding for the project has come from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles and their On-street residential chargepoint scheme. The rest of the funding will come from Electric Blue Ltd, who will oversee and manage the installation of the chargers.

The twelve 7kw twin chargers will be placed in car parks across the district to increase Council’s car park offering and ensure electric vehicles are accessible to all, especially residents who may not have the access to a charging point at home.

Charging points will be located in:

Leicester Road, Narborough
Weavers Court, Narborough
Enderby Road, Blaby

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Regulatory Services, said: “This funding is a brilliant first step on our ambitious plans to see the District of Blaby become carbon neutral by 2050. The rise of electric vehicles on our roads is increasing rapidly. We want to ensure that charging electric vehicles is accessible to as many people as possible, this includes residents who would usually struggle to access charging points where they live. We hope that this scheme encourages more people make the switch to electric vehicles, which will reduce carbon emissions, traffic noise and improve our air quality.”

More information about Blaby District Council’s Climate Change Strategy can be found on www.blaby.gov.uk

Affordable Homes Approved On Former Depot Site

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 15:10:12 GMT

32 much-needed affordable homes for residents of the district will be built in Littlethorpe following approval by Blaby District Council’s Planning Committee.

The brownfield site on Warwick Road was the Council’s Neighbourhood Services depot until relocation to Whetstone in 2016. The site was cleared and sold to emh homes for £1.125 million in January 2020.

Following consultation with both the Council’s Housing Strategy and Planning teams, an application was submitted in June for 32 homes, featuring 15 two-bed and 13 three-bed properties, as well as four bungalows.

The mix of housing types on the site was agreed with the Housing Strategy team as the most viable and representative of the housing needs for local residents.

Every home on the site will be an affordable property, with the 32 properties going towards addressing the increasing levels of need for affordable long term accommodation in the District. The tenure will be split between social rented homes (the most affordable rented tenure), and shared ownership units for first-time buyers looking to get their foot on to the housing ladder.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This is fantastic news for the district. Our teams have worked exceptionally hard with emh homes to ensure that this site is developed and reflects the housing need of the District. The social rented units are the most affordable tenure currently available and are vitally needed in our district. As we have seen from other affordable housing sites in the district, the building of these properties will see local residents given the opportunity to remain close to their families.”

C hris Jones, Executive Director – Development at emh group, said: “We are committed to building affordable, quality homes where they are needed, and this development is one of many that we are pleased to be working in partnership with others to deliver. Since being announced as a strategic partner of Homes England, we have been able to increase our development activity, supporting us to meet the housing needs and aspirations of people across the East Midlands. Thank you to the team at Blaby District Council for their support during this process. Continuing the planning and development of new homes requires innovative thinking during these Covid-19 times, and together we have risen to that challenge and as a result we look forward to handing over keys to the new residents later this year.”

The Council will be working with emh group throughout the process, and will be advertising properties as and when they become available. Applicants with a Local Connection to the District of Blaby will be able to bid for the social rented properties through the Councils Choice Based Lettings Scheme.

Hello Heritage Event Returns Right On Your Doorstep

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 15:13:09 GMT

Residents in North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire will be encouraged to say hello to heritage as an annual event returns in a new Covid-safe format.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and South Derbyshire District Council (SDDC) have been working together to ensure Hello Heritage can return for its fourth year in 2020.

Between Saturday 5 September and Sunday 20 September, new informative heritage boards will be displayed around numerous towns and villages across the two districts, while ten short films will also be launched online, introducing fascinating tales of local heritage.

From discovering the ruins of Grace Dieu Priory, to the resting place of social reformer Charles Booth, there's lot of unusual and interesting heritage tales to learn about.

Community groups and organisations of all kinds have played a pivotal role in supporting the district councils in pulling together the information for the new displays, and the content for the videos.

The boards will be displayed in several spots across the following locations: Hartshorne, Worthington, Barrow on Trent, Swannington, St Helens - Ashby de la Zouch, Measham, Appleby Magna, Diseworth, Belton, Whitwick, Thringstone, Coalville, Griffydam and Hugglescote and Donington le Heath.

The boards, along with the short films, will also be available online so they can be viewed from the comfort of everyone’s own home. People can simply visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/helloheritage

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at NWLDC, said: “Finding a way to deliver a version of Hello Heritage in a safe way has been a challenge but community groups have risen to the challenge in supporting us to make it happen. Both North West Leicestershire and South Derbyshire have a huge amount of heritage and history just waiting to be discovered, so I’d really encourage people to get involved. Enjoy the online videos and head out to see the heritage boards while always keeping social distancing in mind.”

Councillor Martyn Ford, South Derbyshire District Council’s Leader said: “Our area has some wonderful heritage and I am pleased to say that a way has been found to celebrate them despite the restrictions due to the current global pandemic. I hope people will join in while maintaining social distancing by viewing the boards and watching the online videos.”

Covid-permitting, the councils are hopeful that next year’s Hello Heritage will be able to take place during spring. Heritage or community groups that would like to find more information about getting involved, can contact the Cultural Services Team at North West Leicestershire cultural.services@nwleicestershire.gov.uk or Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre at tic@sharpespotterymuseum.org.uk

Waste Collection Lorry Fire Prompts Call For Residents To Recycle Batteries Safely

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 15:20:27 GMT

A fire inside a North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) waste collection lorry has led to residents being reminded batteries can be recycled safely at the roadside.

The incident happened on Tuesday 25 August while the crews were out collecting black bins in Thringstone and fortunately were able to put the fire out quickly and safely before any major harm was done.

As a result of the fire, the district council has taken the opportunity to remind residents in North West Leicestershire that batteries can be recycled safely as part of the normal collection service.

On recycling collection days, both used batteries and mobile phones should be placed in separate recyclable containers and left next to the red recycling boxes. Using old jam jars or margarine tubs with a lid on to dispose of batteries is particularly useful as these can be recycled afterwards.

Types of batteries that can be recycled include:

All AAA and AA cells
Sizes C and D
Button batteries e.g. watch and hearing aid batteries
Laptop batteries
Power tool batteries
Mobile phone batteries (if removable)

Once collected by crew members, the batteries are stored in a safe compartment until they reach the NWLDC recycling depot. They are then collected by a specialist battery recycling company where they are sorted by chemistry type and shredded. Metals uncovered during the process can be used to make new batteries and in industries like the steel industry.

In addition to fire hazards which can be caused by putting old batteries in black bins, the resources and chemicals found in them such as lead, cadmium, zinc, lithium and mercury can cause harm to the environment when they get to the landfill site.

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at NWLDC, said: “We’re extremely lucky that no residents or team members were hurt during the incident, and that the vehicle was not damaged beyond repair. A lot of residents might not realise that we collect batteries at the roadside and this incident presented a good opportunity to reiterate that message.”

Great Central Railway Launches Emergency Appeal

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:25:08 GMT

The Great Central Railway in Leicestershire has launched an emergency appeal to assist with navigating the Covid-19 crisis and to be able to continue with essential works planned. The Railway commenced 2020 on a firm financial footing after a successful 2019 but, inevitably on March 23rd, all operations closed due to the Covid 19 crisis and remained so until late July. Since then, they have been challenged to generate any reasonable levels of income.

At the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis, the Railway’s management made a conscious decision not to mount a crisis appeal similar to that launched by other heritage railways in order to avoid detracting donations away from our other appeals, such as that for the locomotive works. However, as the crisis has gone on, funds set aside for many other planned projects have been used up for vital day to day cash flow and, within the last few days, an appeal has now been launched to replenish some of these funds so that we may carry on with these essential works. Specifically, the appeal has 3 main areas of focus.

Bridge 341 replacement - Bridge 341 stands just north of Quorn & Woodhouse station and carries the Great Central line across a farm track. The bridge deck is now over 120 years old and is to be replaced.

Quorn yard - Works are required at Quorn & Woodhouse station including car park resurfacing, continuation of the conversion of the former Goods Shed to a classroom and education centre and work on the tree line which borders the station.

Fencing reinstatement - A significant amount along the line needs to be renewed or reinstated. Fencing both protects our boundaries and prevents people from straying onto the line.

During the past few weeks, the GCR has commenced some re-opening with cafes at Rothley and Quorn now operating daily and trains running at weekends, but the revenue from this alone, will not cover costs at current capacity, due to the restrictions of social distancing and the associated increase in operating costs.

The Railway’s management are delighted to be able to confirm, however, that the crisis has not prevented their ability to stage Covid-secure versions of firm Christmas-time favourites, Winter Wonderlights and Santa Specials for which tickets will be launched in the coming 7 days. In the meantime, they have also confirmed that their 1st Class Pullman Dining service will recommence services as of September 19 ^th , with safety screens fitted inside all of their restaurant cars.

Quote from Mike Gough – Managing Director. “The enforced closure has impacted massively on our operations and available cash flow. We are, however, committed to ensuring that as we expand our activities for the remainder of the year as best we can, whilst giving our customers the authentic heritage experience they have come to expect, within an environment that is safe for staff and visitors alike. A successful appeal will help to ensure that all of our operations are well maintained and we can enter into 2021 with renewed hope for our future and the preservation of our heritage.

Donations can be made at; www.gcrailway.co.uk/emergency-project-appeal

Unprecedented Growth In Times Of Adversity For East Midlands Manufacturer

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 15:22:23 GMT

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Nottingham based Omnia CS Ltd has more than doubled in size, expanding into a new 8000sq foot manufacturing unit and increasing their capacity by 200%!

Not only has there been a factory expansion, this has also brought with it an increase in the workforce, which has also doubled in size since the Corona virus lockdown was announced.

What is the secret of their success? Les Meader, Managing Director said: "These have been trying and testing times for all businesses. Omnia has continued to run our manufacturing unit during lockdown, observing all government guidelines and keeping staff safe. Customers who may usually buy from Europe have looked to local companies to fulfil their orders and have found Omnia to be very much business as usual. This has meant that we are fulfilling orders for our existing customers and taking on new customers at the same time. Our order book takes us well into January 2022 and I can see us adding more workers to our manufacturing team over the next 12 months – we are delighted!”

Neither Covid-19 nor Brexit have stopped Omnia-CS in their production, their quality or their commitment to fulfilling orders. Great news all round for the local economy!

Charnwood Museum Reopens To The Public On Wednesday 26th August

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 15:27:48 GMT

Charnwood Museum will open its doors to the public again from Wednesday, August 26th.

The museum closed in late March when the country went into lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff were redeployed to other services within the Council and workshops and activities were converted for an online audience on the Council website.

There have been significant changes made to how the Museum will operate to fit within government coronavirus guidance, including:

Opening days and times have been reduced. The museum will open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-12pm and 2-4pm
You do not need to book before visiting. Small groups will be admitted to the museum at 15-minute intervals. Last admission will be at 11.30am and 3.30pm
In line with government guidance, all visitors aged 12 and above will be required to wear a face covering unless you have an exemption
Some of the interactive displays and gallery areas are temporarily closed
A one-way route will be in place around the building
Hand sanitiser will be available for your use while in the museum, but members of the public are encouraged to bring their own
Access to toilet facilities will be signposted
Access to the Queen’s Park café will be from Queen’s Park only
Contact details will be taken on exit for Track and Trace purposes only.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “It is great to see Charnwood Museum reopening to the public again. The museum team have been working tirelessly to ensure that the building and facilities are COVID-secure and are ready and raring to go. Visitors have been extremely patient, and we thank them for that. We look forward to welcoming you back.”

Full details of the Charnwood Museum reopening arrangements can be found at www.charnwood.gov.uk/museum_reopening

Visitors can get in touch with Charnwood Museum by calling 01509 233754 or via email museum@charnwood.gov.uk

Grants available for Charnwood homes and businesses affected by storms in February

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 15:29:57 GMT

Residents of Charnwood who were victims of flooding after Storms Ciara and Dennis in February 2020 may be eligible for a grant.

The Property Flood Resilience (PFR) Recovery Support Scheme Grant 2020 is funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and administered by Charnwood Borough Council to residents on their behalf.

The recovery grant can cover works up to the value of £5,000 (inclusive of VAT) with the aim of helping home or business owners to make their properties resilient to future floods as a part of the repair process.

The Council is aware of approximately 40 properties that were affected and are contacting the owners directly, but any property owners who could benefit from the support are encouraged to check the eligibility criteria and apply.

Claims will be dealt with promptly, and all eligible funding is expected to be claimed within the current financial year (March 31, 2021).

Councillor Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for community grants, said: “The availability of these grants will be welcome news to property owners who were affected by the floods in February. We are thankful to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs for the funding, and look forward to helping property owners in Charnwood get the financial help they are entitled to. Our flooding team will ensure that claims are dealt with in a timely manner so that home and business owners can better prepare their properties for any future adverse weather.”

The final date for applications is December 31, 2020. In exceptional cases, extensions to these deadlines may be granted.

Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/flooding_grant for full details and to apply. If you require more information, contact the Council at FloodResilienceGrant@charnwood.gov.uk

Government Calls Time On COVID Grant Schemes

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:36:01 GMT

Charnwood businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic have until 28 August to apply for government grants of up to £25,000 before the schemes close.

Charnwood Borough Council has already issued a total of £31.6 million in government grants to over 2,600 businesses across the borough, but some of the funding remains in respect of the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund.

Under grant scheme rules, any funding unclaimed by businesses must be returned to the Treasury. The Government has announced the closure of the scheme by the end of the month.

Cllr Tom Barkley, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Finance and Property Services, said: “These grants have been vital to our local economy, helping ensure the survival of shops, cafes, restaurants and many other businesses. The government has announced the closure of the schemes as the vast majority of eligible businesses have now claimed grants, but there is still time to apply if you think you could be entitled. If you haven’t been in touch with us about the grants, please do so as soon as possible. After 28 August we must return any of the remaining grants, and we would like to ensure as much of it remains with borough businesses as possible.”

The government announced the Small Business Grants Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Fund in April. The Council has so far provided nearly 2,500 businesses with some £30m from these funds.

Businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors along with those classed as ‘A2’ uses, such as estate agents and bingo halls, are eligible for a grant of £10,000 if their rateable value is up to £15,000, or £25,000 with a rateable value of up to £51,000.

Businesses in any sector that receive a Small Business Rate Relief reduction on their business rate bills can also claim a grant of £10,000.

The nationally-funded Discretionary Grant Fund, for previously ineligible businesses with fixed property costs was launched in Charnwood on 3 June and closed for applications on 29 June. Some 185 businesses were awarded a total of £1.6 million, being the whole amount available within this scheme.

For more information and to apply for a Small Business, or Retail Hospitality and Leisure Grant, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/ coronavirus_business_support_grants_payments

Leicester College To Re-Open To Students On 1 September 2020

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:34:08 GMT

Leicester College will officially re-open for the autumn term on Tuesday 1 September 2020. In line with government guidelines, Leicester College has conducted significant work to keep staff and students as safe as possible and ensure that all campuses are COVID-secure. This will enable the College to welcome thousands of students and staff across its four main campuses in the city.

New safety procedures at Leicester College include:

Hand sanitizer stations at every entrance
Additional signage to advise on how to keep safe on campus
Students and staff will be expected to wear a face covering while on campus (unless they have a medical reason not to do so)
Social distancing will be maintained in classrooms so most class sizes will be reduced - teaching will be a combination of online and onsite lessons
Receptions and student services centres have perspex screens
Only people with breathing or mobility difficulties will be permitted to use the lifts

To maintain social distancing, some lessons will be taught remotely and there will be more independent study away from College. Tutors will be in regular contact with students throughout their timetable and additional support will be available.

New and existing students will enrol online and will be issued with a timetable. They should only come into College buildings when timetabled to do so or if they need to access other facilities such as the library.

To enrol online, read the FAQs or for more information on the safety guidelines in place, visit https://leicestercollege.ac.uk/about/were-open-for-the-autumn-term

Verity Hancock, Principal and CEO at Leicester College said: “Our staff and support teams have been extremely diligent in getting ready for the autumn term, following all government and official public health guidelines to ensure that all of our facilities, services and courses are ready for the re-opening. The way we work and how each of our campuses look will be a bit different and although we understand that it may take some time to get used to the new arrangements, we can’t wait to get started again and are all really looking forward to welcoming students back to the College.”

For anyone still unsure about what to do for the next stages of their education, it’s not too late to apply for a course at Leicester College.

Public Health The Priority As Ashby Statutes Takes A Year Off

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:32:05 GMT

The annual Ashby Statutes, which was planned for 18-22 September, will not go ahead this year over concerns for public safety as a result on the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pat Collins Funfair, North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council have mutually agreed that it is in the best interests of everyone in Ashby de la Zouch and the wider district for the event not to go ahead.

The popular, family event was due in town for the 801 ^st year, but with social distancing measures in force and large crowds expected, public health has been put first and the event will not go ahead.

Those involved are working together to ensure the Statutes will have a small, but important, symbolic presence in the town in late September to allow the continuity of the Statutes into its 802 ^nd year in 2021.

Anthony Harris of Pat Collins Funfair, said: “This was a really difficult decision to make and we’ve looked over so many options, but the bottom line was that there would always be crowds of people unable to socially distance. We’re grateful for the continued support of people in Ashby and North West Leicestershire, and we were always clear in our mind that the right decision would be to put the health of these very people first. We cannot wait to return and look forward to seeing everyone in 2021.”

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at NWLDC, said: “We’ve been working closely with Pat Collins Funfair and Ashby de la Zouch Town Council for a number of weeks, but it became clear that public health had to come first and this event could not go ahead. It is a great credit to the event organisers that they have shown such a desire to put public health first, acknowledging that maintaining social distancing would be impossible. We are already looking forward to welcoming Ashby Statutes back next year.

Councillor John Coxon, Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, said: “Ashby Statutes is a wonderful event and always attracts a great number of visitors to our town centre. It’s with great sadness that this year’s Statutes won’t go ahead, but it is clear to us that it simply wouldn’t be a safe environment for local families. I’d like to thank Pat Collins Funfair and NWLDC for coming to this mutual decision, which is undoubtedly the correct one, and we now look forward to the 802 ^nd edition in 2021.”

Last Chance To Name That Wagon

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 15:38:36 GMT

Time is running out for young residents in Charnwood to enter name suggestions for a new fleet of refuse and recycling vehicles.

Charnwood Borough Council is investing in a new fleet of vehicles and has invited local children to name some of them.

Over 120 name suggestions have already been received for the 21 bin lorries and four road sweepers.

Whether youngsters want to submit a pun-tastic name or put forward names of someone special, please remember to keep them clean! Names will appear on the side of the vehicles.

The Council has invested around £4.8 million in a more efficient and safer fleet which includes a 360-degree camera system to provide additional safety of for staff members, other road users and members of the public, particularly cyclists and pedestrians.

The first vehicle has been called Florence, in tribute to the NHS and all of the frontline key workers who have been supporting the public during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cllr Harper-Davies, lead member for community support and equalities said: “There has already been an excellent response to our Name That Wagon competition. We’ve also received a positive response to Florence, our tribute to the NHS, care workers and key workers who have been supporting everyone throughout the pandemic. We know how much young children across Charnwood enjoy seeing the bin lorries and refuse crews and I would encourage more youngsters to throw their suggestions in the hat. I’m looking forward to reading all of the entries and choosing the winning names to go with Florence.”

The current fleet of bin lorries collects all refuse and recycling from the borough’s 75,000 homes as well as serving more than 30,000 customers of the Council’s garden waste service.

The vehicles empty household bins around five million times a year.

Entries for the Name That Wagon competition close on Friday August 21, 2020. For more information and to enter visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/NameThatWagon

The winners will be contacted by the Council directly and the new names will be revealed later in the summer.

Roll On Bowls!

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:16:04 GMT

Bowls has always been a great game and with a few minor changes it is easily adapted to comply with social distancing. This is what we are doing at St Margaret's Bowls Club and I can tell you that returning to the relaxed social environment is just what we need after the endless weeks of lockdown. The picture was taken at the beginning of August.

We hear from Bowls England that an increasing number of people are taking up the game and many clubs have seen a real serge in membership since the lifting of lockdown.

Now could be a great opportunity to give bowls a try, whatever your age or level of fitness. For further information, please contact me on: 0116 2677372

Consultations Launched Over Licensing Privately-Rented Properties

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 09:14:03 GMT

Residents, landlords and businesses in Charnwood are being asked to give their views on two proposed licensing schemes.

The borough Council is proposing to introduce two different licensing schemes for private landlords. The aim is to improve the quality of privately-rented accommodation and reduce its impact on the local community.

One licensing scheme is for any house in multiple occupation (HMO) which does not already hold a mandatory licence; the other focuses on privately-rented accommodation within a designated area and aims to improve standards.

Additional Licensing will require HMO landlords not covered by the mandatory scheme to apply for a licence. This scheme will cover all HMOs occupied by three or four unrelated persons and buildings converted into self-contained flats where they are occupied by tenants.

The second proposed scheme is Selective Licensing which requires all landlords operating within a designated area to licence their property. The Council is looking initially to introduce this scheme in the Hastings and Lemyngton wards in Loughborough.

There will be a range of conditions attached to each of the proposed licences which will last for five years.

Landlords will be responsible for paying for the licence and any income generated from the fees will only be used to cover the scheme’s running costs.

The online consultations are now open and will run until 23 October.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for private housing said: “We have a lot of good landlords in and across Charnwood who understand their responsibilities and care about their tenants but there are also some properties which are of poor quality and badly managed. They can have an adverse impact on the local neighbourhood, with issues such as anti-social behaviour, higher levels of crime and lowering demand for housing. The proposed licensing schemes will be looking to address these issues and ensure landlords meet the conditions of the licences. I would encourage residents, landlords and local businesses to read the draft policy documents and give their views in the online survey.”

Councils can introduce licensing under the Housing Act 2004, to address issues including poor property conditions, significant anti-social behaviour, migration, high levels of deprivation or high levels of crime.

For more information about each proposed scheme and to take part in the online consultation visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/pslc

Following the consultations, Cabinet will consider whether to adopt the proposed licensing schemes in December.

Mayor Visits Community Hub To Mark 10,000 Parcels

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 09:20:02 GMT

The Mayor of Charnwood has visited the Charnwood Community Action hub to mark the delivery of the 10,000th food parcel.

The Charnwood Community Action campaign is a partnership with the borough council, John Storer Charnwood, The Bridge East Midlands and other voluntary organisations to help support and guide the local community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since launching in March, Charnwood Community Action has delivered a total of 10,000 food parcels and is currently delivering to around 600 households each week. The team have also been providing a befriending service to residents and signposting people to a range of services.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Snartt said: “I was delighted to be invited to the community hub in Loughborough to see the incredible work of the Charnwood Community Action team first-hand and to also mark the delivery of the 10,000th food parcel. These past few months have been difficult for our communities and I know everyone involved with Charnwood Community Action has worked incredibly hard to help those who need a bit of additional support during this time. They should be proud of what they’ve achieved. It’s been wonderful to see volunteers, local community groups and businesses pulling together to offer support to their neighbourhoods and the hub. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has played their part in helping our communities.”

Charnwood Community Action is also being supported by community groups, volunteers, town and parish councils and a number of local businesses.

For more information about Charnwood Community Action or to let the Council know about someone who does not have any support networks please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cca

Campaign Extended To Help Businesses Affected By Lockdown Zone

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 13:33:10 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council has extended its Charnwood inBusiness campaign to help local companies in Thurmaston, Birstall, Syston, Anstey and Wanlip.

The Council has teamed up with the Leicester Mercury, Leicestershire Live, Loughborough and Shepshed Echo and Fosse 107 to offer local companies in those areas the chance to take a free advert and let tens of thousands of people know that they are very much open for business.

The campaign aims to help local companies connect with their customers as they battle back from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

It has already helped around 150 local businesses but the Council says it is extending it for businesses in Birstall, Thurmaston, Syston, Anstey and Wanlip as they were all either in the Leicester lockdown area or very close to it and were affected by it.

Cllr Shona Rattray, lead member for business support at the Council, said: “Many businesses in Birstall, Thurmaston and Wanlip were getting ready to reopen, or had already reopened, when the Leicester lockdown was announced at the end of June and they found themselves in lockdown unable to trade. Neighbouring areas such as Syston and Anstey were also affected as some of their customers lived in the lockdown zone and could not travel. Fortunately, the lockdown zone was amended on July 18 and Charnwood was no longer part of it. As a Council we have been working hard to support local businesses in a number of ways, including rapidly distributing over £30 million in government grants. The Charnwood inBusiness campaign has been another way to support businesses and I would encourage companies in those areas to take part.”

The Charnwood inBusiness offer of a free advert is only open to businesses based in Thurmaston, Birstall, Syston, Anstey and Wanlip in Charnwood.

Businesses can apply online before midnight on August 19. There is a limit to the number of businesses which can be supported.

To apply and for the full terms and conditions, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cib

You can also keep up-to-date on the campaign by following the Council’s social media channels on Twitter @CharnwoodBC and on Facebook (search@CharnwoodBC). On Twitter, follow the hashtag #CharnwoodinBiz

Thank You For Telling Us About Your Community Stars

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 08:24:40 GMT

More than 60 individuals, community groups and local businesses have been recognised as community stars for helping their local communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

Charnwood Community Action Stars was launched by the borough council to give people the chance to say a public thank you to those who have made a difference by helping others. Nominees were added to the borough Council’s roll of on honour on its website and given a shout out across social media.

People and businesses have shown the true meaning of community spirit by offering free workouts online to keep people active, delivering shopping, collecting prescriptions and simply just checking in on neighbours.

Nominations for Charnwood Community Stars have now closed but people are being encouraged to continue volunteering and supporting their communities.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for community support and equalities said: “There’s been a fantastic community spirit across Charnwood during this crisis and I’d like to thank each and every person who has volunteered their time to help their local community. People have helped others in many ways, and it’s been great to hear about them through Charnwood Community Action Stars. There have also been many online groups created as a result of the pandemic and it would be great to see those continue to flourish. I’m proud of the way Charnwood has pulled together over the past few months and I’d encourage people to continue volunteering and supporting their local communities as they begin to recover.”

Since the start of the pandemic, local firms and hundreds of volunteers have also supported Charnwood Community Action, a campaign launched by the Council in partnership with John Storer Charnwood to support and co-ordinate groups and people helping others in the borough.

To find out more about Charnwood Community Action and for information about volunteering in your local community visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/CCA

Leicestershire Libraries Reopening

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 08:21:29 GMT

Fourteen Leicestershire libraries re-opened their doors for browsing, borrowing and returning books on Monday 3 August using an appointment system, with Oadby and Wigston libraries to follow on Monday 10 August.

The county’s main libraries are operating with an online booking system, allowing members to book a slot to visit their preferred library. There are a limited number of slots available each day to ensure social distancing is observed within the buildings.

To book your slot, visit: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/book-a-library-visit Residents who are unable to book a slot online can call 0116 305 2695 to book their timed appointment.

Library users may visit in groups of up to three to browse, borrow and return items. Hand sanitisers are available at all sites and face coverings will be mandatory from Saturday 8 August for all visitors, unless they are exempt.

Councillor Richard Blunt, county council cabinet member for libraries, at Leicestershire County Council, said: “A lot of work has gone into preparing our libraries and I’m very pleased we are now able to offer another element of our service to our communities. We know that many residents have been waiting patiently for libraries to re-open and we believe that the measures we have put in place will leave people feeling confident to return.”

Library staff are on hand to welcome customers back to their local library and assist them to use the services safely.

For the time being, toilets remain closed to customers and the use of computers will not be available. The council hopes the service will return in September, once necessary health and safety measures are in place.

The click and collect service continues to operate alongside browsing, also now at Oadby and Wigston libraries, which have until now remained closed. Over 900 click and collect orders have been placed in the first three weeks since launching the service. Visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk/click-and-collect

Some community managed libraries are also open for browsing and to offer the click and collect service. For more information, contact the library directly.

Booth Wood Local Nature Reserve Consultation

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:47:59 GMT

Residents and visitors to Loughborough’s Booth Wood are being invited to have their say on plans to turn the area into a local nature reserve.

Charnwood Borough Council is working with partners idverde to protect the wildlife in the beauty-spot and is running a consultation to hear their views of residents and visitors.

The decision to designate the area as a local nature reserve will be made by Natural England.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: "Booth Wood is a small woodland, designating it as a local nature reserve will allow more plant and animal species to flourish, as they have in our other nature reserves. Since 2016 our Open Spaces strategy has outlined our plans to introduce local nature reserves across the borough, as pockets of green space for residents, visitors and wildlife to enjoy. The wood provides a pleasant and accessible route to the west of Loughborough, which is particularly important as we look to encourage and raise awareness of the importance of daily exercise. We know school pupils and nearby residents already enjoy the space, so we hope our plans will enhance the wood and protect it for future generations."

Local nature reserves receive a level of protection from nearby development, meaning planners will need to take the area into consideration when looking at local planning proposals.

As part of the process of becoming a local nature reserve, the council has produced a five-year management plan that outlines how it and partners idverde will look after the area in the future.

The plan includes ways to improve access to the wood, reduce antisocial behaviour and encourage more species to populate the area.

Booth Wood will sit alongside Stonebow Washlands in Loughborough and Morely Quarry in Shepshed as protected areas for wildlife to flourish and visitors to enjoy.

To read the five-year management plan for Booth Wood and have your say visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/Boothwood

Do You Live Near Coalville? Are You Interested In Playing Bowls? Did You Ever Play At Scotland’s Park Bowls Club? Would You Like To See The Club Running Again?

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:39:13 GMT

We are looking for interested players and volunteers. Help us to use the facility and try to return it to its former glory!

The sports development team at North West Leicestershire district council (NWLDC) are currently undertaking a piece of work to see if any local residents would like to play bowls at Scotland’s Park bowls club again, and potentially help us to re-form a club, after it closed down over two years ago. We are currently in the engagement phase contacting possible interested parties trying to understand if there is demand.

The club, located on Scotland’s playing fields (LE67 3SJ) near Coalville Park, ran for over 60 years before it closed down in 2018 due to a reducing membership base and location issues. The site is all owned and currently maintained by NWLDC, and boasts a two rink bowling green, with a clubhouse in good condition containing a kitchen, function room, ladies and gentleman’s toilets and a bar. The site in the past has suffered, due to its location, from some security issues but steps have been taken since by the NWLDC Community Safety and Open Spaces and Parks teams, such as additional security fencing being installed.

The NWLDC sports development, leisure services, community safety, community focus and open spaces and parks team, as well as Bowls Leicestershire, are all committed and working together to try and offer this club out once again to our community as a bowls facility, however we need the interested participants and a committed voluntary working party to help us. We are invested in supporting this project as much as possible but need a small but passionate group of people to drive forward with us.

So, would you or somebody you know like to play bowls at Scotland’s Park bowls club/site? If you or someone you know is interested or has any questions please contact Emily Rodbourne (Sports Development Officer) via email: emily.rodbourne@nwleicestershire.gov.uk or by phone: 01530 454755.

Additionally why not follow our team (the health and wellbeing team) on Facebook and Twitter so that your club can keep up with the latest news. You will find us by searching on Facebook & Instagram: @nwlhealthteam, then Twitter: @nwlhealth.

Please help us in sharing this message far and wide.

My Prudential Ride London

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 08:55:06 GMT

Our very own Alex, and a team of friends will ride a combined total of 30km on 15 wheels in My Prudential Ride London to raise money to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Sports-mad Alex will not let his condition stop him from joining five of his friends to raise money for Alex’s Wish by doing My Prudential RideLondon their own way.

Six members of the team, including Alex, will ride 5km each around Watermead Country Park, Leicestershire, on Wednesday 12 August. The sixth member of the team is Rich Copson, who has Beckers Muscular Dystrophy - a milder form of Duchenne – who has to shield until August 17 so will be doing his challenge at home.

In total the group will be doing it their (socially distanced) way on 15 wheels including Alex’s powered trike/wheelchair, a skateboard, bicycles and a static hand cycle, covering a total of 30km between them.

Alex Hallam says “I’m so pleased my friends are joining me in this challenge. We’ve already started planning how we’re going to raise money and are really looking forward to it. I’m so pleased we are raising money for Alex’s Wish as we need a cure for Duchenne as soon as possible that will help me and everyone else living with this condition.”

Emma says "I am so proud of Alex and his whole attitude to his condition – he never lets it stop him from doing anyway. Of course, he has to adapt and do things his way, but his positive nature and determination is inspirational. Alex has to attend lots of hospital appointments and he’s on a clinical trial – he never lets any of this get him down. We wish Alex and all of his friends the best of luck with this challenge and hope they raise lots of money to help conquer Duchenne. “

To learn more about their challenge and to donate, visit their fundraising page https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=Alexandfriends30kmon15wheels&isTeam=true

Planning For An Alternative Christmas And Fair

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 08:51:38 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council is looking at alternative ways to celebrate Christmas and mark the annual Loughborough Fair in November as it considers cancelling key events due to the pandemic.

Loughborough Fair will not be happening in its usual format and there will be no big rides and instead a ceremony will take place to mark the 799th year of the Royal Charter Fair, accompanied by a few children’s rides.

The town hall panto Aladdin will be postponed until 2021 and the Loughborough Christmas lights switch-on event in Market Place will be cancelled, replacing it with a Christmas Market.

The Christmas lights in Loughborough will still be switched on.

All three events take months of planning and the Council says it needs to make decisions now to focus efforts on alternative celebrations and to avoid incurring costs which cannot be recovered.

The Remembrance Sunday service at the Carillon will go ahead in November and but it is proposed to cancel the parade.

All events will follow the latest guidance on social distancing.

A report about the proposals is being considered by the Council’s Cabinet on August 13.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “Cabinet papers are not usually fun but I have to say this is about the least fun Cabinet paper I have ever had to present to colleagues, but as many people have said ‘these are unprecedented times’. We need to make a decision now so we can focus on what we can do to celebrate Christmas and Loughborough Fair and make sure we are still able to properly and safely honour those who gave their lives to protect our country. By November and December, town centre events are going to need to be carefully managed and we cannot say what social distancing measures will be in place by then. Looking after people’s health and wellbeing is paramount. We recognise the importance of Christmas to local businesses and that’s why we will be looking at other ways to encourage people into the town centre in a safer and more manageable way. We are disappointed to be moving the pantomime to next year but as there is so much uncertainty about how theatres can operate in the coming months, it is necessary. We hope we can find other uses for the town hall in the coming months.”

The report to Cabinet sets out proposals in more detail but they are summarised below.

Loughborough Fair

The fair fills the town centre with rides and stalls and attracts tens of thousands of people over four days each year. Loughborough has had the Royal Charter Fair for 799 years and plans are being developed for the 800th anniversary in 2021. The Council is proposing to celebrate the 2020 fair with a small selection of children’s rides, food stalls, and an opening ceremony commissioned including the traditional reading of the Royal Charter Fair by the Mayor of Charnwood.

Loughborough Christmas Lights switch-on

The event is usually held on the last Sunday of November in the town centre and attracts up to 15,000 people to see the lights being switched on in the afternoon. The Council says the lights will still sparkle over Loughborough and is looking at holding a special four-day Christmas market and other festive activities instead of the one-off switch-on.

Loughborough Town Hall Pantomime

The town hall pantomime, produced by Little Wolf Entertainment, has received a five-star rating from the industry-leading newspaper The Stage for the past five years, something few, if any other theatres have achieved. The Council is proposing to move this year’s planned production of Aladdin to 2021. The panto regularly attracts over 30,000 people each year. Alternative uses for the town hall will be looked at for the festive period to help bring people to the town centre.

Remembrance Sunday Service

The Council is proposing to hold a Remembrance Sunday Service at the Carillon in Queen’s Park including prayers, the playing of the Last Post, and poppies being cascaded from the top of the Carillon. The service will be broadcast on social media. The parade would not be held.

More detail is contained the Cabinet report which can be found on the Council website: https://bit.ly/3fkgVrE

Update On Leisure Centres

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 08:49:52 GMT

Opening dates have been set for two Charnwood Borough Council leisure centres as more details have been released about the situation.

Fusion, which operates the leisure centres on behalf of the Council, has confirmed the health and fitness facilities will reopen at Soar Valley Leisure Centre on Saturday August 8 and South Charnwood Leisure Centre will reopen on Monday August 10.

A date has not yet been set for the swimming pools, but it is likely they will open in the coming weeks.

The Council is still working with Fusion on plans to reopen Loughborough Leisure Centre.

As the reopening of all three centres has a significant financial impact, a decision is required by the Council’s Cabinet which meets on August 13.

The report to Cabinet is exempt because it contains commercially sensitive information, but the Council is releasing as much information as it can to inform residents about the decision. A set of frequently asked questions has also been published.

The Council has had a contract with Fusion for nine years and the leisure centres over the last few years have generated a management fee payment to the Council in excessive of £200,000 a year.

The pandemic has caused a significant drop in income as centres have been closed for four months and customer numbers are expected to be lower when they reopen because of market conditions. Social distancing also means fewer customers will be allowed in the building at one time under COVID-19 secure guidance.

That means the Council will need to financially support Fusion to run the centres as they are no longer able to generate as much income.

The Cabinet report recommends to members that the Council pays a subsidy of £367,000 to keep the pools and gyms at all three centres open until April 2021.The situation will have to be reviewed again before then.

Other options, including not reopening the pools or not reopening all the leisure centres, have also been considered.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for leisure centres, said: “This is a very difficult situation as we have moved from a position where the leisure centres used to generate income for the Council which would fund other services, to one where we have lost that income and need to pay a significant amount of money to keep the services operating. It is no-one’s fault except that of the pandemic. We have looked at a range of options but the one being recommended to Cabinet is to commit to that financial support and reopen all three leisure centres. It is now up to Cabinet to decide.”

Customers of Soar Valley and South Charnwood leisure centres will be contacted directly by Fusion about the steps being taken to ensure people’s safety.

Measures include managing capacity by asking customers to pre-book classes and gym sessions, spacing equipment at least two metres apart with social distancing markers and increasing the amount of cleaning.

For more information about the reopening of Soar Valley Leisure Centre and South Charnwood Leisure Centre visit the Fusion websites.

Jane Hunt MP Welcomes £1.5m In Additional Government Funding For Leicestershire Police To Crack Down On Burglary And Theft In Local Crime Hotspots

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 08:56:34 GMT

Loughborough MP Jane Hunt has welcomed the announcement that Leicestershire Police will receive £1,518,306 in extra funding as part of the Government’s £25 million Safer Streets Fund.

The Safer Streets Fund forms part of the Government’s concerted action to tackle crime, and aims to stop offences that blight communities and cause misery to victims from happening in the first place.

The extra funding will be aimed at improving security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.

These offences are the crimes that the public are most likely to encounter, and they are estimated to cost society billions of pounds every year.

The £1,518,306 of new funding will go towards measures proven to cut crime. These include simple changes to the design of streets such as locked gates around alleyways, increased street-lighting and the installation of CCTV.

The funding will also be used to train community wardens, deliver local crime prevention advice to residents and establish Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Police and Crime Commissioners were invited to bid for a share of the £25 million Safer Streets Fund in January, with each project eligible for a grant of up to £550,000.

Bids were evaluated against a set criteria and bidders were asked to outline a plan to reduce crime within a local crime hotspot, demonstrating value for money, evidence of community engagement and long-term sustainability.

Commenting, Jane said: " Leicestershire Police will receive over £1.5m to help tackle crime – the highest amount given through this fund to any police force in the country. This new money will help fund proven crime cutting measures, such as increased street lighting, CCTV and locked gates around alleyways – and I am confident that this will prevent and reduce crimes such as burglary and robbery in the areas that need it most. I want people in Loughborough to feel secure and be able to live their lives free from the threat of crime, and this extra funding for Leicestershire will help make that possible.”

Preparations To Improve Shepshed Town Centre Get Underway

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 08:59:32 GMT

Plans are shaping up for a £1.2 million regeneration scheme in Shepshed town centre.

Charnwood Borough Council is working closely with the Shepshed Town Team, with support from Shepshed Town Council on a public realm improvement scheme which will help make the town centre more attractive for visitors and help boost trade of local shops and businesses.

Work has started on preparing draft detailed designs for the scheme and the Council will be consulting with local shops and businesses and residents for their feedback and views later in the summer.

The project will consider a range of improvements to the public realm in Market Place to create a distinctive gateway into the town centre. The improvements being considered include increasing the amount of public space so special events can be hosted in Market Place, together with wider footpaths next to the shops, additional street furniture, improved landscaping and provision for cycle parking. The project will also consider a range of landscaping improvements around the Bull Ring, Hall Croft and Field Street to enhance the attractiveness and local identity of the town centre.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, lead member for regeneration said: “Although this project is still in the early stages and there is still some work to be done, the funding is in place and this is an exciting investment for Shepshed. This scheme will help to make the town centre more attractive for visitors and generate an increase in footfall for local businesses. We know the past few months have been difficult for local traders during the coronavirus pandemic and this project will form an important part of the town’s recovery. We have been working closely with the Town Team and Town Council on the initial concept ideas which will now be used to draw up more detailed designs. We’re hoping these will be available later this summer and we will be keen to gather feedback from residents and local traders through a consultation.”

The Shepshed Town Centre Project forms part of the Shepshed Town Centre Masterplan which sets out how the town centre could develop.

Andy Marston, chairman of Shepshed Town Team said: “We are really pleased to be working alongside Shepshed Town Council and the borough council on these initial plans for a project which will enhance the town centre. This is an exciting investment for Shepshed and the project will see a number of improvements made which will benefit both visitors and local businesses in the area. We will be keen to gather views from residents and businesses once the more detailed plans are available.”

Peter Grainger, chairman of Shepshed Town Council said: “The £1.2 million of funding has been allocated from the Council’s capital plan and additional funds were secured through the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership."

Charnwood Borough Council has appointed Wood plc, based in Leamington Spa, to prepare the detailed scheme design for public realm improvements in Shepshed town centre.

The Council hopes draft detailed designs for the scheme will be available later this summer when a formal consultation will be launched to gather people’s views.

2020 Charnwood Sports Awards Cancelled

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:17:56 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Charnwood Sports Awards.

The annual awards, which take months of planning, celebrate the achievements of sports clubs, individual athletes, coaches and volunteers across the borough.

However, taking into account the restrictions on events and in the interest of keeping people safe, this year’s awards have been cancelled.

The coronavirus has meant that many sports and activities have had to be put on hold during recent months, but the awards will return to celebrate sporting achievements next year.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for communities said: “The Charnwood Sports Awards has been a key item in the Council’s calendar of events for the past 12 years but unfortunately due to the current restrictions around social distancing and with many sports and activities being put on hold for most of the year, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 awards. The pandemic has had a tough impact on our sporting stars across the borough however Charnwood Sports Awards will come back next year where we will be able to celebrate sporting achievements together like in previous years. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those groups and individuals who have adapted during the pandemic to deliver online activities to help people stay active while at home during lockdown.”

The Charnwood Sports Awards will return in December 2021 and more information will be available next year.

For the latest information updates and information about Active Charnwood please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/sportandleisure or follow them on social media @activecharnwood

Great Central Railway Turned Down By Heritage Lottery’s Emergency Funding

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 15:15:15 GMT

On the 26 ^th August, the Great Central Railway received the disappointing news that their bid for £250,000 of emergency funding from the Heritage Lottery’s Emergency Fund has been turned down.

The fund intended to support organisations “stabilise operations and manage unforeseen risks and costs” and “to cover essential costs for up to four months”. Other heritage railways such as Severn Valley, Keighley and Worth Valley, Nene Valley and the Crich Tramway Museum have been helped by the fund which has been set up to assist heritage ventures navigate the Covid-19 crisis.

Commenting on the news, the Railway’s Managing Director, Michael Gough said “this is another bitter blow from the HLF – they don’t seem to like us very much, having turned us down for the museum grant 3 years ago and now this. I am stunned, to be frank - the bid was accompanied by a very thorough cash flow analysis; I was sure that they would see how we are running out of funds and would have helped us this time. For me, it really brings into perspective and a stark comparison the generosity of the folk who come here, enjoy the heritage we are protecting and write in enclosing a £10 donation to help us”

Parking Charges Reintroduced From August 3

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 09:01:36 GMT

Visitors to Loughborough are being reminded that parking charges are being reintroduced at Council-owned car parks on August 3.

From Monday Charnwood Borough Council is reinstating charges in its car parks as more people and businesses return to work across the town.

Car park users will now be able to use contactless barriers in the Beehive Lane multi-storey and Granby Street car parks. Touch-free ticket machines will also be installed as soon as possible.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “We have provided free parking for as long as possible to help local businesses, but this is no longer sustainable. Visitors to Loughborough can also continue to park for a short amount of time on-street, such as in the spaces along Granby Street.”

The Council suspended parking charges in March when lockdown restrictions were brought in to make it easier for key workers to park.

Parking remained free in council car parks to help support local businesses as part of the initial recovery process.

However, the Council is losing around £75,000 a month in lost parking income. This funding is used to maintain the car parks and contribute towards other services including street cleaning, enforcement, street furniture and environmental protection. These services have continued but income has dropped significantly.

The Council has also lost funding from other sources, including leisure centres, the town hall and fees and charges.

Name That Bin Wagon!

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 09:05:56 GMT

Young residents are being asked to name a new shining fleet of refuse and recycling vehicles which have started to arrive in Charnwood.

Charnwood Borough Council’s current vehicles are being replaced with a new fleet of 41 new lorries, vans and road sweepers.

Whether it’s Bin Diesel, Forrest Dump or Johnny Trash, local children are being asked to enter the Name That Wagon competition and submit their name suggestions. The more pun-tastic the better but remember to keep them clean! No pun intended and please no Binlorry McBinFace suggestions.

Or if you want, put forward names of someone you know or who you think is special.

Names will appear on the side of the 21 bin lorries and four road sweepers.

The first vehicle has been named Florence, a dedication to the NHS heroes and key workers who are on the front line supporting the public during the coronavirus pandemic. The vehicle will also feature a large rainbow on the side along with a thank you message.

The Council is investing around £4.8 million in a more efficient and safer fleet which will include the latest technology.

The refuse lorries will have new in-cab technology to give the crews real-time information on operational issues as they carry out their rounds in the borough.

A 360-degree camera system will also be installed on each lorry to provide additional safety of for staff members, other road users and members of the public, particularly cyclists and pedestrians.

Four cameras will capture live recordings from the front, rear and sides of the vehicle. The view from the cameras will be displayed on the in-cab screen, giving drivers an improved view of potential cyclists and other road users to the rear of the lorry whilst reversing. The front facing camera also provides a wide-angle lens for a greater field of vision.

An additional camera to the rear of the vehicle will focus on the main working area to provide extra protection for the crew.

The vehicles which are being manufactured by Dennis Eagle will also be more environmentally friendly and contribute towards the Council’s target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The new fleet of lorries complies with the latest emissions’ standards and is expected to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint.

The fleet will also include two Nissan electric vehicles and two hybrid vehicles from Ford.

The four new road sweepers are being supplied by Johnston, a company which has been making sweepers for more than 75 years.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for major contracts said: “Our current vehicles have served us well for a decade but it’s time to replace them. We are investing in a new fleet that will see us through for another 10 years and they will be better for the environment, quieter and more advanced in terms of being able to track their locations. The new camera technology means everything will be captured, providing additional safety to crews, cyclists and other road users. These vehicles are part of a large operation to collect waste, recycling and garden waste across the borough as well as keeping our streets clean. We thought it would be a great idea to get local children involved and come up with creative names for the new vehicles. I’m looking forward to reading all of the entries and helping to pick the winners. I am delighted to unveil the first of the new lorries with our tribute to the NHS, care workers and key workers. They have done so much for our community over the past few months and we will be forever grateful. As a former nurse, I know the difference all NHS staff are making during this pandemic and this is just a small way to show our appreciation.”

Dennis Eagle’s Regional Sales Manager Matt Horwell said: “The new rear steer version of the 8x4 chassis makes it even more manoeuvrable and more operationally efficient in an area like Charnwood where there a lots of modern housing developments with well laid-out roads. By buying 20 of these larger, 32-tonne vehicles, Charnwood Borough Council found they could reduce the fleet size and save both capital outlay and operating costs. There’s nothing else in the market that could rival them. They also ordered an Olympus Mini for rural collections and harder-to-reach places.”

The current fleet of bin lorries collects all refuse and recycling from the borough’s 75,000 homes as well as serving more than 30,000 customers of the Council’s garden waste service.

The vehicles empty household bins around five million times a year.

Entries for the Name That Wagon competition are now open and will close on Friday August 21, 2020.

For more information and to enter please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/NameThatWagon

The winners will be contacted by the Council directly and the new names will be revealed later in the summer.

State-Of-The-Art Leisure Centre Construction Begins In Coalville

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 09:03:54 GMT

Work has begun this week on Coalville’s new multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art leisure centre.

The North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) project will see the health and wellbeing offer for people in Coalville and the surrounding district vastly improved by the new facility which is due for completion in late 2022.

The plans for the new centre will see the land turned into a parkland leisure destination, including a trim trail with activity stations, pedestrian and cycle access from Hermitage Recreation Ground and Stephenson College, and a ropes course within the woodland. The centre itself will include:

Eight lane 25 metre main pool, learner pool with moveable floor
120 station gym, 25 spin cycles and two exercise studios
Café with healthy eating options
Eight court sports hall and three squash courts
Changing Places facility accessible from the lobby
Clip ‘n’ Climb
Sauna, steam and spa pool
250 car spaces.

Once complete the new centre will be managed by the district council’s leisure partner Everyone Active. The company currently manages both Hermitage Leisure Centre in Whitwick and Hood Park Leisure Centre in Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

NWLDC has worked closely with Leicestershire County Council throughout the planning process of the new centre and in establishing entry to the site from the road network. Construction company Metnor will be responsible for building the new centre.

The centre will cost £22.5m with the current Hermitage Leisure Centre remaining open until the completion of the new facility.

The build itself will have a positive social value impact with a number of key targets set out to help the local economy. These include engaging 40 local companies with the project and ensuring that more than 60 per cent of the build material is sourced from inside the district. Through engagement with local schools and colleges, several work experience opportunities will be created and more than 200 schoolchildren will be invited to visit the site during the build.

Meanwhile in Ashby, Hood Park Leisure Centre has also enjoyed a £1m renovation in recent months which includes a newly refurbished gym and fitness suite, along with improvements to the exterior of the building.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “This is a proud moment for the district and for Coalville especially. This leisure centre in the culmination of years of hard work from both the district council and our partners as we strive to achieve our ambition of providing top quality health and wellbeing facilities for people in North West Leicestershire. By 2022 Coalville with have one of the best leisure facilities in the country. North West Leicestershire is a green and active district - this must continue and be built upon for the generations to come. This leisure centre is a testament to that ambition and, once complete, will benefit thousands of local people for years to come.”

Dan Hicks, Area Manager from Everyone Active said: “This is an exciting project for us to be a part of and it’s fantastic to see it get underway. The centre has all the benefits of state-of-the-art facilities within an attractive parkland location and will go a long way to getting the local community more active. We look forward to the project development and seeing the centre brought to life.”

Councillor Nick Rushton, Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “We have been working closely with North West Leicestershire District Council on a number of schemes that will help deliver their aspirations of transforming Coalville. These leisure centre plans are another step forward to realising their goals and our aims to tackle climate change by encouraging more walking and cycling and becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

Chris Johnson, Contract Manager for Metnor Construction said: “We are delighted to have been awarded principle contractor, our fifth newbuild leisure centre with Everyone Active. We are pleased to be collaborating with both the Council and Everyone Active to bring this high quality facility to the heart of the community.”

Don’t Lose Your Voice – Look Out For Electoral Registration Letters

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:07:26 GMT

More than 77,000 homes across Charnwood will be contacted this month to keep the electoral register in the borough up-to-date.

Charnwood Borough Council is writing to all homes in the borough as part of the annual canvass, to ensure residents have their place on the electoral register and can vote when elections return next year.

In a change to previous years, most people will not have to do anything. More than 55,000 homes will receive a letter confirming the council has all the information needed for the register and no action is required, unless there have been changes.

A further 22,000 homes will be written to by the Council asking for confirmation of people who live at the property and who are eligible to vote.

Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, the council’s lead member for electoral services, said: “Voting is the bedrock of democracy and ensuring you are registered to vote is key to having your say on local, regional and national issues. The change to the annual canvass means most people no longer need to confirm the electoral register is correct, but just to update information if they have moved or there have been changes in the household. I would encourage everyone to keep an eye out for the letters so they know whether they need to confirm their place in order to be able vote in future elections. Being on the electoral register is also important and can assist with services such as credit checks, mobile phone contracts and similar. While elections are on hold until next year, we must ensure the electoral register is up to date each year and it will be ready for when elections can be held again in 2021.”

Electoral canvass letters will be sent across the borough from July 20. The canvass is completed annually to ensure the council’s elections team knows who is eligible to vote.

The canvass also helps identify any residents who are not registered so that they can be encouraged to do so. Anyone needing to change details can do it simply online or over the phone.

For more information on the electoral canvass visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/annualcanvass

BMC Embarks On An Exciting New Partnership With Future Elite Sports!

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:13:15 GMT

From September 2021, degree level Sport Science students at BMC (part of the SMB Group) will be able to benefit from a professional support programme in partnership with Future Elite Sport, with opportunities to progress onto oversees football scholarships after graduating.

The new football programme, based at the college’s Brooksby Campus, will enable students to excel academically, physically and technically.

Students will study a Sport Science degree programme whilst also participating in a football training programme, which includes daily sessions with UEFA qualified coaches, strength and conditioning sessions, and analysis sessions.

Future Elite Sports’ Greg Josling said ‘We believe that working with like-minded people is important for any new project to be a success, and therefore we are extremely excited to be working in partnership with BMC to provide a high level football academy from September 2021.

From our first meeting it was clear that the BMC shared our vision of offering students the unique opportunity to focus on playing football at the highest possible level, whilst also pursuing a degree, which will enhance their employability once they graduate. The combination of outstanding facilities, coaching and teaching means that any student that joins the academy will have a first-class experience both on and off the field.

The goal from a football standpoint is to continue to develop players so that they can play at as high a level as possible. Once students complete their studies, they will have opportunities to complete their post-graduate degree in the USA on a soccer scholarship, play football in Australia/New Zealand, or gain access to clubs in the UK.

James Thorne, Head of Faculty for Sport at BMC, added ‘We are extremely happy to have created a unique and exciting partnership with Future Elite Sports, where we share the same vision and aims, and therefore have created a supportive and vibrant programme for Higher Education students who want to achieve in both sport end education.

Through our excellent teaching and learning that enables students to gain a BSc (Hons) degree in Sport Science, elite performance facilities to train and develop their athleticism, and top football coaching, we are providing an opportunity for students to progress in their sport, education and life. In addition, students will gain work experience within the Sport Science industry so that they leave the programme as employable, knowledgeable individuals who are well positioned to play or work in high level sport.’

Validated by the prestigious University of East Anglia, BMC offers a Foundation Degree and a Top-up degree in Sport Science. This new programme is a welcome addition to the excellent programmes already on offer at BMC, where students are able to benefit from the college’s partnerships with Mansfield Town FC, Leicester Tigers and Leicester City Women FC.

In addition, BMC students benefit from learning at the 850-acre Brooksby Campus, which features a £3.6million sports complex equipped with a full-size all-weather 3G pitch, sport science lab, strength and conditioning gym, sports hall, and more.

Future Elite Sports is a leading UK sports agency based in London. They nurture talent and help students find scholarships and trials across a range of sports.

Find out more about Sport Science degree programmes at BMC at he.brooksbymelton.ac.uk/our-offer

Jane Hunt MP: Are you Loughborough’s Best Small Shop?

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:11:11 GMT

Jane Hunt MP is calling on Loughborough’s small shopkeepers to enter the Best Small Shops Competition, celebrating the successes of small shops and the central role they play in their local community, particularly in response to Covid-19.

The Best Small Shops Competition is open to any small shop operating in the UK. The competition is free to enter and all shops who enter will also be promoted to consumers through an online Indie Retail Directory.

Shopkeepers can nominate their businesses until Friday 11th September 2020 via www.bestsmallshops.co.uk. A shortlist will be announced in October with winners announced in November.

The judges will be looking for evidence of a small shops’ entrepreneurial spirit, ways that they have been innovative in their business and what they have done to have a lasting positive impact on their community.

The shortlisted small shops will then be in with the chance to win one of five awards, including the newly launched award for small shops response to Covid-19.

Commenting on the competition, Jane said: " Throughout the pandemic, small shops have really stepped up to help our local communities. They have helped the vulnerable and continued to operate despite the difficult circumstances. Even before lockdown, many small shops were doing some amazing things locally. That is why I am encouraging entries for the Best Small Shop Competition.”

Submit your entry

The entries for 2020’s Best Small Shop competition are now open. Submit your entry at www.bestsmallshops.co.uk.

Entries close on Friday 11th September 2020.

Covid-19 Recovery Grants Launched To Help Community Groups

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 09:09:35 GMT

Community groups and charities in Charnwood are being encouraged to apply for funding to help them recover from coronavirus pandemic.

The borough Council’s Charnwood VCS Covid-19 Recovery grants will help voluntary organisations respond to community needs as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

Community groups and local charities have had to operate differently since lockdown, with some having to temporarily close buildings, stop offering services and adapt the way they support people.

The VCS Covid-19 Recovery Grants programme is aimed at organisations that need additional funding for phased reopening of buildings, restarting or adapting their services.

The new single fund has been created by combining the existing funding for Community Development and Engagement and Loughborough Community Grants.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for communities said: “We have a fantastic range of community groups, charities and organisations in the borough which we know have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. They deliver a variety of benefits to many of our residents, but many had to stop delivering or adapt their services. We hope that by repurposing our grants scheme to create a single pot of money specifically to help the voluntary sector, it will allow more groups and organisations to benefit. Funding can be challenging for the voluntary sector and we want to help as many of them as possible either restart their services or support them with changing the way they deliver services to ensure they are meeting government guidance. I’d encourage organisations which are eligible and need financial support to look at what’s on offer and consider applying. Our neighbourhoods’ team are always on hand to advise and help with your application if you need it.”

Funding previously allocated to the Loughborough Community Grants scheme, raised through the Loughborough Special Rate, will continue to be ringfenced for Loughborough-based organisations applying to the new grant.

The Charnwood VCS COVID-19 Recovery grant scheme is open to properly constituted community and voluntary groups for activities not conducted for profit.

The grant scheme will award organisations up to £5,000.

Applications for the Charnwod VCS Covid-19 Recovery grant scheme are now open and the deadline is Friday August 7.

Application forms and more information is available at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/recovery_grants

Email: grants@charnwood.gov.uk or call 01509 634730.

Wreath Holders Installed As Finishing Touch To Coalville Memorial Clock Tower Restoration

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 09:19:39 GMT

Memorial wreaths will return to Coalville’s Memorial Clock Tower as restoration work on the town landmark was completed this week.

The new wreath holders are fixed to the base of the tower and will allow up to 56 wreaths to be displayed at times of national remembrance on the 21-metre tall war memorial.

The Planning and Development Team at North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) designed the wreath holders and worked with contractors to install the new additions, which create the finishing touches to restoration work of the Grade II listed clock tower which began back in 2018.

Restoration work to the Grade II listed clock tower started in June 2018 after a structural survey showed it was at risk.

· Phase one of the work saw the tower’s leaking roof and internal timber and steel supports replaced. All four clock faces were also restored and returned to their home at the top of the clock tower.

· Phase two of the restoration included repairs to the base of the tower and the steps, and now the final addition of the wreath holders.

The restoration works were carried out thanks to a £54,000 National Lottery grant, awarded by the Heritage Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). The project is also expected to receive a £26,000 grant from the Grants for War Memorials Scheme. This funding is administered by the War Memorials Trust (WMT) under the First World War Memorials Programme and is supported by Historic England.

The remaining funding was provided by NWLDC.

During the restoration project, the story of the clock tower was taken out into the community through a local history project with Belvoirdale Primary School. Heritage First also delivered an oral history project to capture memories of memorial square and a touring exhibition and brochure exploring how the area commemorated the fallen.

John Cowley, Chairman of the Whitwick Branch of the Royal British Legion said: “As custodians of Remembrance, the Royal British Legion hold the War Memorial in Coalville very dear to its heart. This Clock Tower acts as a beacon of hope and sacrifice to the whole community. The installation of the new wreath holders enhances what is already an exceptional place of remembrance to those whose names are engraved on it. The new wreath holders are excellent in design and very in keeping with the solemnity of the Memorial. The branch express their appreciation to North West Leicestershire District Council and thank them for a job well done.”

Councillor Tony Gillard, Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder at NWLDC said “Having stood proud over Coalville for almost 100 years, the clock tower is a huge part of our heritage and an important reminder of those who gave their lives to fight for our tomorrow. The railings will allow wreaths of remembrance to be displayed securely when commemorating the fallen and are a wonderful addition and finishing touch to our much-loved memorial tower after its restoration.”

Gardening Against The Odds: Bradgate Unit’s Let’s Get Gardening Awards Go Virtual

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 09:17:16 GMT

Patients and staff at Leicester’s Bradgate Mental Health Unit have been gardening against the odds through the Covid-19 pandemic, to support their mental health recovery journeys, which have been recognised by virtual awards.

Their efforts have transformed previously dull and unkempt areas into award-winning therapeutic havens which have been showcased in the annual Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) annual ‘Let’s get Gardening ‘ awards.

The ward teams have worked with patients to create therapeutic safe spaces to benefit patients. As well as putting their green fingers to the test, each ward had to be creative about showcasing their work as coronavirus meant the awards had to be judged virtually.

This is the second year of the Trust’s ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ competition. The horticultural showcase awards have become an annual summer highlight for staff and patients alike. This year gardening projects, in both on ward and in off ward spaces at the Bradgate Unit, have continued to go from strength to strength despite restrictions due to Covid-19. Staff have been able to socially distance to work with Covid-19 restrictions, offering one-to-one or small gardening groups during the recent good weather.

The awards ceremony took on a virtual twist and the winners were revealed in an innovative video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yodL50UdJZw&t=379s

Heather Ward’s project won the top prize with their creative use of recycled tyres and pots to make colourful new planters which now sit in a beautiful garden area. Patients were involved in designing and tending the garden and Cathy Ellis, chair of LPT and the Raising Health charity and one of the judges said: “I particularly liked the way the team engaged with patients and service users from the start. The upcycling of the tyres is a great idea. Well done and thank you.”

A Heather ward patient said: “I was here The trophy that Heather Ward was awardedwhen the garden project began and the garden was messy and dull. Nobody really used it or cared about it. When I was last here, the weather was beautiful so we spent so much time working on the garden and having lots of laughs together. I was readmitted to the ward not long ago and it was so nice to see the progress it has made. I planted seeds in one of the creative garden groups and when I came back it was still here and had grown so much.”

The Let’s Get Gardening Awards have been made possible thanks to Raising Health, LPT’s charity, to transform the outdoor spaces at the Bradgate Unit. The aim is to bring a touch of home and provide rewarding, therapeutic activities for people with acute mental illness that is over and above their NHS treatment and supports their recovery. Carolyn Pascoe, Raising Health’s new fundraising manager said:

“We are very pleased to be able to support the Let’s Get Gardening project. These activities help provide adults with acute mental illness with fresh air and physical activity in a safe and nurturing space and can help assist their road to recovery.”

Katie Crowfoot, the unit’s occupational therapy team lead and awards judge said: “Covid-19 has placed a huge barrier in the way for 2020’s gardening projects for both patients and the occupational therapy team however staff across the Bradgate Mental Health Unit have shown amazing commitment and strength. I am so proud of all of the work that has been undertaken.”

Donations to support the Let’s Get Gardening project can be made via the Raising Health website. www.raisinghealth.org.uk/appeals/lets-get-gardening

System Hygienics Introduce New Solution As They Continue Their Commitment To Clean Air

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:26:20 GMT

Risers have always been notoriously difficult to access, inspect and maintain. They are generally positioned in the centre of the building or are bolted onto an exterior wall at a height, or in a place which can only be reached by treacherously navigating the roof.

The introduction of new legislative Grease Extract Guidance in 2019 (BESA’s TR19), requiring premises to have their ENTIRE ventilation system cleaned every 3-12 months, has therefore presented many companies with a headache – how to reach and thoroughly address the problematic area of the riser?

System Hygienics has a solution…

As the UK’s leading ventilation, maintenance & hygiene company, System Hygienics understand the difficulty these regulations can present to some businesses, however, they also know the importance of ensuring that the riser is cleaned effectively – not only to comply with legislation and to meet insurance requirements, but also to protect the health and safety of employees and others within the building (potentially also those in adjacent offices or accommodation near to where the ventilation is positioned).

With these considerations in mind, they have introduced their own method to tackle these generally inaccessible areas - Hot Chemical Viscosity Riser Cleaning.

This process involves pumping a heated solution of diluted chemical down into the riser and then extracting it at the bottom when it has efficiently cut through the grease and dirt around the system.

The highly experienced teams at System Hygienics ensure safety is a priority throughout the procedure, cordoning off the entire area and collecting all ‘used’ chemicals by vacuum before removing them from site. Even where roof access is not possible or is deemed unsafe, they can reach the highest riser discharge point by using a portable, compact lift, eliminating the need to erect scaffolding or introduce any form of harness work. The entire process is carried out with minimal disruption and provides proven results which confidently meet the legislative requirements.

An important addition to the System Hygienics commitment to clean air

The introduction of this service was of paramount importance to System Hygienics. Already having a well-respected reputation for our BESA-approved cleaning and testing solutions, their customers had become accustomed to relying upon our expertise to handle all aspects of ductwork, ventilation and fire damper maintenance and testing. The ability to offer a solution for this additional, historically problematic area has allowed them to offer complete compliance without the need for third party involvement.

Owner and Managing Director, Mark Poultney, has said: “This service is something we are proud to shout about, here at System Hygienics we are always looking for the next solution to help our clients adhere to legislation, and to ensure their premises is safe to operate. Risers have always been a challenging area to clean – but where there’s a challenge there’s an innovation we’re yet to discover, as demonstrated!”

If you would like to find out more about this service or any other aspects of the System Hygienics total solution then visit www.systemhygienics.co.uk/ and find out exactly why they can confidently say “Clean Air is Our Business”.

Fundraising Bike Ride To Skegness And Back Again In Memory Of Mum.

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:24:13 GMT

Gary’s mother Francina Christmas passed away in June this year, after suffering from Alzheimer's Dementia for 15 years. Gary wanted to raise money for charity in his mum’s memory and knew that Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland had been a great source of support for his mum.

Francina used to go to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s Gloucester House in Melton Mowbray three times a week. Living at home on her own with dementia after her husband passed away in 2005 could have been extremely isolating, so going to Age UK LS&R became the highlight of Francina's week.

Gloucester House gives older people the opportunity to socialise, be creative and make new friends, as well as providing a hot meal, this was of huge benefit to Francina as she was no longer able to cook for herself due to the dementia.

These days out became a lifeline, and provided relief and reassurance for the family, knowing that she was in a safe environment with the fantastic staff there who would collect and drop her off to her front door no doubt enhanced Francina’s quality of life.

Gary is raising money for Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland to show his appreciation for what they did for his mother Francina and her family. Gary and his son will set off from Gloucester House on Saturday 1st August 2020 and cycle all the way to Skegness, they will repeat the journey by bike the following day.

Local Charity Asks You To Join Strides Apart To Help People In Need

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 09:21:57 GMT

Local charity Charity Link has launched its new Strides Apart 2020 event and is looking for people across the county to take part to help provide essential items for vulnerable people experiencing hardship.

Charity Link usually runs its popular and award-winning 16 mile Leicestershire 3 Peaks Challenge each September, which follows a unique route taking in the peaks of Old John in Bradgate Park, Beacon Hill and Bardon Hill (Leicestershire’s highest point).

Unable to run the challenge in the usual format this year due to the pandemic, Strides Apart 2020 asks people to take on their own 16 mile challenge between 12th – 27th September. Featuring fun elements including photo, i-spy and fancy dress competitions, all funds raised through the event will ensure that local people in need – including those directly impacted by the pandemic - are provided with the food, clothing and other essential items they desperately need.

Susan McEniff, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Charity Link, says: “We are facing a 40% loss in fundraising income this year having already had to cancel a number of events due to the pandemic. We know that many people were looking forward to supporting the Leicestershire 3 Peaks and whilst we can’t run the event in its usual format this year and we will miss seeing everyone on the start-line and walking with you, we are really excited to launch Strides Apart 2020.

“Those taking part can navigate around our usual Leicestershire 3 Peaks route through the beautiful Charnwood countryside or design their own walk anywhere in Leicestershire. They can also be imaginative about the 3 ‘peaks’ they include and can take on 16 miles in one go or split their challenge across a number of days, or even organise a relay with friends, family members or work colleagues. We’ve got a special event cup to present to the business which we feel best supports the event too.”

Everyone taking part receives an exclusive challenge t-shirt and welcome pack. Full details on the event can be found at www.charity-link.org/strides-apart or by calling 0116 222 2212. The charity is also interested in hearing from those who may be interested in offering sponsorship for the event.

The Results Are In For Danaher & Walsh!

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 09:32:06 GMT

Leicestershire-based Danaher & Walsh have announced the results of a year of fundraising on behalf of locally-based charity Alex’s Wish.

Dan Danaher, Managing Director of Danaher & Walsh said, “Danaher & Walsh chose Alex’s Wish as our Charity of the Year this time last year and we are thrilled to have just donated £5,000 to them. The money was raised by staff who organised a series of events throughout the year including a 50th birthday celebration for our company which was held at Leicester Race Course, and various sweepstakes and competitions in our office. We also ran a Christmas raffle for the charity too. We’re also delighted to be members of the Alex’s Wish Business Club so we’ll continue to donate and be an active part of this charity, which is very close to all our hearts, for many more months and years to come.”

Founder of Alex’s Wish, Emma Hallam, who is also Mum to Alex after whom the charity is named said, “We are absolutely thrilled to have received this incredibly generous donation and at such a critical time for any charity. I know that Danaher & Walsh had a number of other events planned for the last three months but due to COVID-19 these couldn’t go ahead of course. Instead Danaher & Walsh very kindly rounded up what they had already raised and made a donation of £5,000 to Alex’s Wish. It’s an amazing amount of money to receive – especially during these times – and we cannot thank them enough. The funds will be ear-marked for future investments to help us find effective treatments and – ultimately – a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a horrific, life-limiting condition suffered by 1 in every 3,500 boys born in the UK.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish please visit www.alexswish.co.uk

Seven Years Of Success For Cross Productions And Their Leading Lady, Jenny Cross.

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 09:29:47 GMT

When you think of the word Niche you connote it with something special, a one-off perhaps – and that’s exactly what Founding Director, Jenny Cross, wanted to create seven years ago when she launched Cross Productions.

Cross Productions is an award-winning Marketing Consultancy based in Leicestershire, who enable businesses to grow through strategic marketing, planning and implementation. The company was established in 2013 and is now celebrating their seven-year anniversary.

Initially, Cross Productions was set up as an independent publishing house, giving honest advice to clients surrounding their marketing activity before they invested into a magazine. After 12 months of giving this advice away for free, they saw the effect on their bottom line and decided to start charging. This development saw Cross Productions change from an independent publishing house to marketing consultancy.

If launching a Marketing Consultancy wasn’t enough for Jenny, she also saw a gap in the market for a magazine. Originally, there were 4 different titles ranging from Holiday to Bridal magazines, but as her passion grew for local Leicester businesses, she shelfed all other titles Niche Magazine was born. Fast forward a couple of years later and the team had expanded from five to ten employees, which meant that even more possibilities were on the horizon. Jenny is very much the opportunist and was swept up into the local business community and became fascinated with success. She has since wasted no time in setting up the Niche Business Awards, Inspirational Women in Business and The Real Entrepreneurs Club – which is a private event held twice a year.

The growth doesn’t stop there. In 2019, Jenny qualified as a professional business coach after completing a post-graduate diploma at Leicester Castle Business School and has implemented a coaching culture within the business, it’s here she also mentors on the Small Business Charter. Wanting to share her knowledge and expertise, she has spent time giving back to the local community, from applying to become an area lead for the FSB, where she was successfully voted in by the members. In addition, Jenny strengthened her role with De Montfort University by becoming a mentor for the Crucible Program in which she helps post-graduates wanting to set up their own businesses, and also stands as a Strategic Adviser to their academic marketing department.

When asked what the biggest achievements and challenges of the past seven years are, Jenny has said: Achievements don’t come without challenges, one challenge is finding the right people to work with the company, but as we’ve grown, we have come to understand our core values as a business which makes it easier to recruit smarter. We’ve got an amazing team, without the support of them, we wouldn’t be where we are now. Our biggest achievements have predominantly come through the magazine, it’s a great feeling bringing the business community together. The city of Leicester is very much about culture and community, so I’m proud that my business only adds to this.”

It seems that the substantial investment in these companies has paid off due to seeing a predicted turnover of £650,000 this year with the aim to become a business that turns over more than £1million in the next 3-5 years – having now worked with global clients and another with over a £100,000 spend, there’s no doubt this is possible. This strategic growth plan also includes them becoming industry leaders for LinkedIn Management.

Jenny has said: “I am a huge believer in success drives success. Together we can achieve more, and collaboration plays a huge part in our own successes – it’s proven through the fact that we have been able to invest £2Million back into the local economy through marketing spend. I am very proud of what we have achieved in the last seven years.”

Finding time to run a business, support other businesses and spend time with her three-children might be enough for some, Yet she still finds to be a Board Member and Trustee for Focus Charity and the Dorothy Goodman Academy Trust, alongside sitting as an area lead for the Federation of Small Businesses East Midlands, supporting local organisations as well as having recently been invited to sit on the Growth Hub board.

All be it that this isn’t how the team at Cross Productions thought they would be celebrating their seven-year anniversary, it has enabled them some time to reflect, breathe and implement new processes. It seems that COVID-19 has a positive effect for the business, as they have used the time as an opportunity to grow other services such as LinkedIn Management – very much ensuring that they not only survive but thrive too.

To read more on Cross Productions and the services they supply, visit: www.crossproductions.co.uk

Covid-19 Measures Brought In As Free Parking Extended Until End Of July

Fri, 10 Jul 2020 09:33:49 GMT

Work is underway to make borough council car parks in Loughborough more Covid-19 secure.

Charnwood Borough Council is installing contactless barriers and ticket machines at Beehive Lane and Granby Street car parks.

The Council has also committed to supporting local businesses for longer by keeping parking free in all council-owned car parks until the end of July, after which parking charges will be re-introduced.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “We are pleased to be introducing contactless barriers and ticket machines and we hope they can be installed in the next couple of weeks. When combined with contactless payments, it means customers will not have to touch any buttons to enter the car parks or pay for parking at both Beehive Lane and Granby Street. We have also introduced social distancing requirements such as a one-way pedestrian system with signs, arrows and markings as we look to keep visitors, workers and shoppers using our facilities as safe as possible.”

The Council suspended parking charges in March when lockdown restrictions were brought in to make it easier for key workers to park.

The Council has not reinstated parking charges to help support local businesses by providing free parking as part of the initial recovery process.

However, the Council is losing around £75,000 a month in lost parking income. This funding is used to maintain the car parks and contribute towards other services including maintain our parks, street cleaning, enforcement, street furniture and environmental protection. These services have continued but income has dropped significantly.

The Council has also lost funding from other sources, including leisure centres, the town hall and fees and charges.

Cllr Bokor said: “We have provided free parking for as long as possible to help local businesses, but after this month it will be no longer sustainable. When contactless machines have been installed, the charges will be reinstated next month. Other areas have brought back charges before now and we have held on as long as we can. The Government has given us £1.9 million to cover lost income and extra costs incurred to respond to the pandemic but it will not cover all lost income and expense. Many other councils have brought charges back sooner, but we have held off as long as possible to bring in contactless barriers and to support local businesses. We will continue to work with Love Loughborough, other partners, and business to lead the recovery of the borough.”

Volunteer Centre Wins £20,000 Lottery Grant To Help In The Continuing Fight Against Covid-19

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:49:45 GMT

A £20,000 grant from the Government’s Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, has enabled Syston and District Volunteer Centre to purchase an upgraded, wheelchair-adapted vehicle. The Volkswagen Caddy Maxi Life 2.0 TDI 5dr DSG (model pictured) will be put to immediate use helping vulnerable residents of Syston and neighbouring communities to overcome the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A team of volunteer drivers will help the elderly, infirm, rurally isolated and other vulnerable people to maintain family and community links, do their own shopping and keep hospital and doctors’ appointments. The vehicle can also be used to carry and deliver groceries and other essential supplies to those who are “shielding” and unable to leave their homes.

Paul Lomas, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Centre, says: “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant which offers further recognition of the importance and high quality of the services the Centre provides within our local community. The new vehicle will offer flexible and safe transport options for those in need, especially for anyone dependent on a wheelchair. Over the coming months, we are planning an intensive recruitment campaign to attract more volunteer drivers - either those using their own cars, in return for a generous mileage allowance, or, after appropriate training, to drive the new vehicle. Once current restrictions are relaxed, to permit group trips and excursions to be organised once again, we will also need drivers for our minibuses. I would ask anyone who has a few hours to spare and who might be interested in joining our team of volunteer drivers, to contact our Centre Manager, Andy Shelton, who will be happy to provide full details of this very rewarding form of voluntary service.”

Loughborough Town Deal Awarded £750,000 For Projects

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:37:16 GMT

Loughborough Town Deal has scored its first success after being awarded £750,000 of government funding to make the town better for everyone.

The project is aiming to secure up to £25 million of government funding to transform the town and an investment plan is being put together.

However, the government has announced that it is awarding grants to all 101 towns in the Town Deal scheme, including Loughborough.

Loughborough Town Deal is being led by a board involving a range of organisations, including Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Love Loughborough, Leicestershire County Council, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Together Economy and Skills Group, local businesses and Loughborough MP Jane Hunt.

Charnwood Borough Council Leader, Cllr Jonathan Morgan, and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chief executive officer of Morningside Pharmaceuticals based in the town, are co-chairs of the board.

Cllr Morgan said: “This is great news and a welcome boost for Loughborough in the current climate. We will be looking at how we can make the most of this funding for the benefit of people and businesses in Loughborough. However, we will not take our eyes from the larger prize and our bid to secure up to £25 million for Loughborough.”

Dr Kotecha said: “I would like to welcome this initial investment. It is on top of the funding we are bidding for and will allow Loughborough to get going rather quickly on improvements for the town. I would like to thank the people and businesses of Loughborough for their support in the project so far and all the partners involved. By working together, we can bring about positive change.”

In a letter from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, to the Council, it says: “The Towns Fund is central to the government’s ambition to level up the country – creating jobs and building stronger and more resilient local economies and communities. In recognition of the importance of this fund and the pressing need in the towns that have been selected to benefit, government is bringing forward funding to this financial year to support projects that will make an immediate impact in towns.”

The funding can be used for a range of projects. Examples include:

improving or creating new parks and green spaces and sustainable transport links
improving town centres, such as by repurposing empty commercial properties
demolishing or remediating sites
Other projects will be considered which are in line with the Town Deal Funds guidance.

A consultation on a draft investment plan for Loughborough Town Deal has recently been completed and a final investment plan will be finalised later this month.

For more information, please visit www.loughboroughtowndeal.co.uk

Over 10,000 Local Companies Receive £119 Million In Support During Pandemic

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 09:35:12 GMT

District and borough councils in Leicestershire have distributed over £119 million of vital government coronavirus funding to thousands of local businesses in the county.

Since early April, officers at Blaby, Charnwood, Harborough, Hinckley and Bosworth, Melton, North West Leicestershire and Oadby and Wigston district and borough councils have been working hard to ensure the funding reaches eligible businesses as quickly and as securely as possible.

In total, they have awarded two types of grants to more than 10,000 businesses in the county. The grants are for those directly impacted from the hospitality, leisure and retail industry, and another for those that already receive business rate discounts.

The councils have also recently just begun distributing grants under discretionary schemes so even more funding is reaching local businesses.

On behalf of all the councils, Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “All the districts and boroughs have worked hard to distribute vital funding during these difficult times. These grants have bought much needed time for businesses who have faced increasing pressures and the real possibility of having to close their doors for good. The feedback from the business community has been positive, with many touching comments left with the distributing teams. However, all the councils are aware that local economies cannot simply bounce back without support. We are all fully committed to continuing to work with businesses, partners, communities and each other to ensure we offer the support needed to get us all through this crisis.”

For more information on the grants and additional support available businesses should visit their local council’s website.

Canal Bridge Is Second Stage Of Massive Great Central Railway Project To Be Completed

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 09:43:24 GMT

Two day operation ‘all but’ finishes overhaul of elegant Victorian structure and marks another step forward for eighteen mile heritage line vision.

A bridge over the Grand Union canal built in the late 1890s has been overhauled and fully restored to carry trains again as part of an ambitious expansion of the Great Central Railway in Loughborough. During the first week of July two days of work saw the completion of an eighteen month programme of works to refurbish the bridge which last carried a train in 1972.

The bridge is part of a chain of infrastructure which will help the award winning heritage railway in Leicestershire connect with its counterpart in Nottinghamshire creating an eighteen mile line for steam and vintage diesel trains. Already a brand new bridge has been built over the Midland Main Line at Loughborough. The refurbishment of the canal bridge is the second of seven phases of work. The two halves of the Great Central were once connected but the link was removed by British Railways after the line first closed in 1969.

The Chairman of the Friends of the Great Central Main Line, Andy Fillingham said, “Once again we have to say a very big thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal to reunify the railways, particularly the crossing the canal campaign. It’s an amazing what have all achieved together and shows how people power is getting the two railways reconnected.”

Work on the canal bridge was expected to be completed early in the year but was delayed first by winter storms and then the pandemic lockdown. Some minor work remains to be carried out on the Loughborough landmark and a final inspection to ensure it is fit for use. The contractors developed an innovative approach to the repairs which meant work could be carried out with only one closure of the canal which took place in November and December 2019 to avoid disruption to pleasure boats.

Andy continued, “We’re now raising money for the next stage of the Great Central Railway Reunification project. Installing two more bridges that are needed is expected to cost three million pounds. Despite the lockdown and uncertain times supporters from across the East Midlands and further afield have been very generous and we have now raised one hundred and seventy thousand pounds and the total is climbing all the time. We’re delighted to have some good news to share about the canal bridge in these difficult days. We can’t continue to build until we have raised the majority of the money but hope that everything that has happened so far will inspire people to find out more, get involved and donate.”

The railway has been hosting online talks about Reunification showcasing the work so far. The next is due to take place via Zoom on Sunday July 26th at 7pm. For a minimum donation of ten pounds, donors will be treated to a fully illustrated seventy five minute presentation which will now be updated with videos of the dramatic canal bridge repairs.

You can find out more about the project and how to donate at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify

Reception To Open On An Appointment-Only Basis From July 13

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 09:39:59 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council will open its Customer Service Centre to customers with essential enquiries on an appointment-only basis from Monday, July 13.

Customers will be able to make appointments to visit the Customer Service Centre in Southfield Road by calling 01509 634560 from 9am on Wednesday July 8.

Appointments with a Customer Advisor will be available from Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 4.30pm, with 30-minute slots given to each customer. Reception will be closed from 12.30pm to 1.30pm daily and there will be no entry into the building during this time.

All customers will be required to queue outside of the building before entry, queuing guides have already been applied to the floor outside and inside to support social distancing. Customers will be encouraged to wear a face covering and will be required to use the hand sanitising station on entering the building. We may also ask to check their temperature before allowing entry.

People who visit the Council without an appointment will be triaged to establish the nature of their enquiry and if they are able to access the service from home online or by telephone they will be asked to do so.

Appointments will only be offered to those who have no other means of undertaking their transaction with the Council. Social distancing restrictions mean that there will only be a limited number of appointments available each day, which may mean triaged customers will be offered an appointment to return on a later date.

The customer service desks have been fitted with protective plastic screens to minimise infection transmission risks and to ensure that there is a safe distance between customers and staff members.

The Reception area has been rearranged according to Government guidance on social distancing and interview rooms with plastic screens will be used for one-to-one meetings between customers and Council officers.

There will be no internal waiting area for customers and only one customer per enquiry will be allowed in the building unless the customer is vulnerable or exceptional circumstances apply.

The public access PCs that are normally available for customers will not be accessible and there are no toilets available for use by members of the public. This is to ensure that the number of people in the building is always kept to a minimum.

Customer Service Advisors have been supplied with the relevant PPE including a pack of washable face masks, gloves and hand sanitiser for their personal use, and the reception area is being thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis to ensure that there is no risk of infecting others.

Councillor Roy Rollings, lead member for transformation, said: “Our services have continued to run despite the pandemic, but as restrictions continue to ease, it is important that we make our services as accessible as possible. Opening the reception at Southfields for essential enquiries on an appointment-only basis will give peace-of-mind to customers who still need to have face-to-face contact with our officers. I would urge customers to continue to use online services where possible. The Council website can be used to make payments, submit planning applications, apply for housing, manage your council tax and benefits and much more.”

Charnwood residents can keep updated on any service changes during the Coronavirus pandemic by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirus and by signing up to email newsletters at www.charnwood.gov.uk/alerts

Charnwood Businesses Share Discretionary Grant Fund

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 09:38:43 GMT

A support package of £1.65 million is being shared by 185 Charnwood businesses struggling because of the pandemic.

Charnwood Borough Council is today issuing government grants of up to £25,000 to business that successfully applied to the discretionary grant fund.

Cllr Tom Barkley, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Finance and Property Services, said: “The pandemic has been devasting for the local economy and has severely impacted many businesses so we are delighted to be able to issue the funding. The limited funding available has meant that some businesses will be disappointed, but we have worked to issue grants to as many organisations as possible to support the borough’s economy. We will continue to do all we can to help as many businesses impacted by the pandemic as possible.”

The business discretionary grant scheme launched on 3 June for small businesses able to demonstrate significant financial difficulties because of Covid-19. Applications were accepted up to 22 June.

The council is now contacting all applicants to confirm if they have been successful. Payments will be made today and should reach business bank accounts within the week.

The Government provided an initial set of criteria with the fund open to charities, businesses in shared business spaces and market traders.

The Council also had discretion about which businesses could be funded and produced criteria to fund those supporting employment in Charnwood, delivering health, welfare or community support services or with relatively high on-going fixed property costs.

All applications have been assessed and scored against the eligibility criteria.

More information and further support available for businesses across the borough is available at www.charnwood.gov.uk/cbs

Help Available To Residents In The Lockdown Area

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 09:46:35 GMT

Charnwood Community Action is here to help – that’s the message to residents in Birstall, Thurmaston and Wanlip which are affected by the lockdown restrictions around Leicester.

The Charnwood Community Action campaign was launched by the borough council and John Storer Charnwood at the start of the coronavirus pandemic to provide support to the local community.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for communities, said: “We know this is a worrying and upsetting time for our residents in Birstall, Thurmaston and Wanlip who have been included in the lockdown area and we are committed to working with partners through Charnwood Community Action to help support them. We’ve seen an amazing community spirit across Charnwood and it’s even more important we continue support our residents in these areas. If you or someone you know needs help while in the lockdown area, I would encourage you to get in touch with the team so they can look at how we may be able to help you.”

The Council will also be working with town and parish councils to support residents.

Charnwood Community Action offers befriending calls, signposts residents to a range of services and delivers food parcels to people most in need who do not have any other support networks.

For more information about Charnwood Community Action, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/CCA or call 01509 631750.

Calls For Sensible Approach To Save Lives And Livelihoods As Pubs And Bars Open

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 09:45:32 GMT

Pubs, bars, cafes and other venues are due to open this weekend for the first time in in most parts of Charnwood as government restrictions continue to ease.

People going out are being urged to support the businesses in a sensible way and a range of measures have been introduced to ensure customers and staff are safe.

However, those in the lockdown area around Leicester, including Birstall, Thurmaston and Wanlip are being urged to stay at home and follow the government’s guidance.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, Lead Member for Communities, said: “While it is great to see more businesses opening, we need to remember that this pandemic is far from over and the threat of the virus remains very real. This is clearly highlighted by the new restrictions in Leicester and parts of Charnwood. It must be difficult to see neighbouring areas becoming more open, but if you live in those lockdown areas please stay at home as much as possible. This is about protecting lives and livelihoods. If you can visit a pub, bar and café please do so sensibly. Pubs have introduced new measures so they can open safely. Going to the pub will be a very different experience but let’s all work together to make it an enjoyable one. We have all been living under lockdown restrictions for months and many people still are in Leicester and parts of Charnwood. There is no excuse for excess drinking and creating an added burden to our already stretched emergency services. It’s not just about pubs, we would also like to welcome back hotels, play areas, places of worship, community centres, cinemas, hairdressers and more.”

Pubs and bars are introducing a range of measures to keep staff and customers safe including:

customer details will be taken to assist with test and trace.
offering a table service
using apps to order drinks
one-way systems and new toilet access instructions
there will be strict hygiene and cleaning operations in place
two-metre social distancing will be enforced where possible
more use of existing outside space and more spacing between tables will be in place.
Leicestershire Police have announced they are deploying extra officers across the county over the weekend.

Insp Mark Botte, police commander for Charnwood, said: “We have been working directly with the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership to ensure measures are taken to keep our communities safe across the whole borough, this has included dedicating staff to provide a visible presence on the streets, working directly with licenced premises and managing other key stakeholders locally. Maximising the safety of the local community is our top priority. The partnership have been working together to implement the COVID-19 government guidelines, with the focus being to save lives and save livelihoods, we ask the public to also consider their responsibility too by following the guidelines and drinking responsibly when visiting restaurants, pubs and bars in the area. Charnwood Police will continue to engage, explain, encourage in our local communities and we hope that enforcement of legislation will not become necessary. It is our hope that the public recognise this as an opportunity to move towards a level of normality within the community and do not take the new regulations for granted, we want people to enjoy themselves and our local establishments but remember that the law and COVID-19 guidelines are in place to keep them safe. We are asking our community to be responsible and to socialise safely.”

Charnwood Borough Council will also have stewards in Loughborough and visiting high streets around the borough into the early evening.

Taxi firms are also being encouraged not to take passengers into or out of the lockdown area.

The Bradgate Mental Health Unit Use Their Green Fingers To Create A New‘Therapy Garden’

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 14:32:10 GMT

Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust’s (LPT) ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ Awards are an annual summer highlight for both staff and patients. The aim of the competition is to brighten ward garden spaces, bring a touch of home and provide rewarding, therapeutic activities for people with acute mental illness that is The 'Therapy Garden' at the Bradgate Mental Health Unitover and above their core NHS treatment, helping to support their recovery.

Last year’s winners, Phoenix Ward wowed the judges by overcoming difficulties with digging in their ward garden, creating photo displays, and incorporating visits and patient ideas in to their garden.

The awards this year will be judged by a virtual panel that will take place between 1 and 3 July. A short video will reveal this year’s winners who will receive a trophy, a rosette, a gold certificate and a gardening prize. A whole host of other rosettes and awards are on offer for each entry.

This year gardening projects, both on ward and in off ward spaces at the Bradgate Unit, have continued to go from strength to strength despite restrictions due to Covid-19.

Staff from the Occupational Therapy team have been mucking in to continue to make progress, taking small steps forward in creating a brand new ‘Therapy Garden’ space from an unused area next to Ashby Ward at the Bradgate Unit. Over recent weeks, spades and wheelbarrows have been used to create flower beds, new planting areas and a composting area for all round growing in the ‘Country Garden’ phase of the garden.

Spending time in the garden has been beneficial for staff wellbeing, giving them time to take a breather and engage in physical activity. In addition to this, their efforts are helping preparation for the future restart of the twice weekly gardening group for patients at the unit. Staff have been able to socially distance and cleverly work with Covid-19 restrictions to offer one to one or small gardening groups during the recent good weather.

Katie Crowfoot, occupational therapist and one of the ‘Let’s Get Gardening’ Award judges said:

“For both patients and the occupational therapy team Covid-19 has placed a huge barrier in the way for 2020’s gardening projects however staff across the Bradgate Mental Health Unit have shown amazing commitment and strength. The team have looked after their wellbeing through the projects and have designed parts of the new Therapy Garden for the benefit of patients and staff.

I am so proud of all of the work that has been undertaken and look forward to virtually judging the ward’s collective efforts in our annual awards.”

The Let’s Get Gardening Awards are made possible thanks to an ambitious project by Raising Health, LPT’s charity, to transform the unloved outdoor spaces at the Bradgate Unit. If you would like to support the Let’s Get Gardening project, please visit the appeal page on the Raising Health website: https://www.raisinghealth.org.uk/appeals/lets-get-gardening

Golfers Return To Competition At Birstall Golf Club

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 14:18:39 GMT

Birstall Golf Club’s members were among the first sportspeople in the village to return to competitive action when the club staged a Texas Scramble competition on Saturday 20th June.

In the first competition after the lockdown the first group on course shortly after 7am were Nick Smith, Nigel Richards, James Gallagher and Bruce Smith.

Nigel said all were delighted to be back in action: “It’s great to be back out on the course. It’s something everybody has missed over the last couple of months”.

A first ladies team was also among the early starters. Claire Bailey, Yvette Thomson, Ana Uprichard and Linda Watts were equally happy to be back on the course.

“It’s beautiful just to be out here and see all our friends together again”, said Ana, to which Clare added: “Its wonderful to be out playing again, although we all need to keep reminding each other of the social distancing rules”.

Players had been able to play casual rounds since mid May – initially with just two people playing together, although three and four ball games are now allowed.

They still have to follow a number of practices designed to minimise the risk of passing on Covid-19, and greens staff have installed lifting rings on each flagstick to enable players to remove balls from the hole without having to touch it – one of a number of practical measures enforced to reduce the risk of transmitting Covid-19.

The club is still waiting Government decisions on re-opening the clubhouse and its facilities.

Thringstone Woman Helped By Life Transforming Assistance Dog During Lockdown

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:47:59 GMT

Miriam Bentley and Laurel

I was a fit, healthy individual running a house and being a mum whilst also being very career driven. I ran most days to wind down from work, raced at weekends and loved my life.

I had noticed when running that my hip was causing me pain and so I saw a consultant who later operated on my hip - shaving off some bone that was causing internal tearing of the joint. Unfortunately despite walking down to theatre I never walked unaided again. An error during surgery left me with permanent paralysis of my right leg.

I spent months in bed, depressed and heart broken. I couldn’t do my job anymore, my career was over, and I couldn’t even be a mum. Several times I seriously considered not going on. What was the point? I was useless and just made everyone’s life harder as they had to look after me.

Enter Canine Partners. One of my sons loves dogs and so we take him to Crufts annually as a birthday treat. At Crufts I saw Canine Partners and I had a chat to them assuming I wasn’t disabled enough. We talked about what the dogs can do and if that would be of help to me. The key things I remember were picking up items I drop (which was a huge thing for me, many tantrums have been thrown over this!) and helping to undress you. For someone as fiercely independent as me, I thought that not having to ask my partner or children to help with this would be brilliant and the most important was bringing me the phone when I fall - which I do, a lot!

After 18 months, I received a call from one of the advanced trainers to say I had a potential match. We met and luckily I was partnered with the most beautiful Labrador ever (I know I’m biased)! Over the next couple of years, with the help of aftercare, Laurel and I have developed an unbreakable bond.

Almost six years since believing my life was over, it most certainly isn’t! Laurel and I are back working, we have a Masters Degree and are working towards our PhD (I know I say ‘we’ but I couldn’t do it without her)! We work in Equality and Community Safety, we have spoken at conferences in London, Milton Keynes, Leicestershire and Wales about topics such as Hate Crime reduction, Counter Terrorism and Safeguarding. We have delivered Equality & Diversity training to hundreds of people and my career is back on track and I owe it all to Laurel.

Don’t get me wrong though I still have really dark days, days when the pain is too much and I’m dropping everything I try and hold, these used to be my worst days but Laurel’s favourite game is picking up dropped items and giving them to me so I know my dark days are probably her favourite and that knowledge alone makes them less dark!

I am currently self-isolating, my condition isn’t likely to be adversely effected by coronavirus (COVID-19) but my immune system is not the best.

Lockdown has been extremely challenging, especially with children in the house who should have been taking exams. I am an essential worker for my local council, and as such have been working long hours from home. I am dealing everyday with vulnerable people, children whose parents are struggling to feed them, vulnerable adults who are scared of dying alone, or have disabilities that make it hard for them to manage in this new situation. It’s an emotional job at the best of times but currently at times it feels overwhelming.

Laurel has always been a phenomenal emotional support for me and now more than ever she is my one constant. Her routine keeps me grounded and her cuddles drain negativity and worry from me. She is still there every day beside me, helping me out of bed, to get dressed, helping around the house and also passing me notebooks and pens when I need them. I have also started gardening again recently with being at home more - she is a help passing tools, but doesn’t distinguish between a plant I like and a weed, so she no longer helps with the digging! Joking aside, I don’t actually know where I’d be right now without her. She knows when I get sad or anxious and has started pushing her head under my arm to force me to cuddle her. I don’t know where she has picked that up from as it wasn’t taught by Canine Partners, but it makes me switch my head from worrying thoughts to her and that is worth so much right now. She is so in tune with me. I used to say she was my shadow, but during this crisis she is more a physical part of me.

It’s easy to tell you the impact Laurel has had on my life but it has also had a massive impact on my family; my partner is a partner again and not a carer, my children have a mum back who can take them drinks when they are ill and tidy up after them (Laurel does the lions share of this bit). The impact is summed up nicely in one comment from my eldest: ‘Mum I’m glad you have Laurel to help you because I don’t need to worry about you when I’m at school anymore.

’ I’m not ashamed to say that Canine Partners saved my life. The difference these dogs make is unquantifiable; they have changed my life, my partner’s life and my children’s life. They have enabled me to get back to a career where I make a difference to the lives of others so the knock on effect is massive. They have enabled me to get my independence back and my confidence.

Students Encouraged To Take Part In End-Of-Term Clear Out

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:16:20 GMT

Students who have stayed in Loughborough throughout the coronavirus pandemic are being urged to get behind an end-of-term blitz on waste on Saturday July 4, 2020.

Charnwood Borough Council and waste management partner Serco have teamed up with Loughborough University to organise the big clear-up in student areas of the town including Kingfisher Way and Park Road.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “While we know some students moved back to their hometowns before lockdown, some are still in Loughborough and some will be returning to clear out their accommodation. Therefore, we want them to take notice of the campaign to make sure they recycle and dispose of their waste before leaving for the summer. We’ve done an end-of-term blitz for a number of years and it has always proved to be successful as we help students clear out. Working together means we can all do our bit to help Loughborough stay clean and tidy.”

The event which is held annually at the end of the academic year, targets around 2,000 student properties to give people a chance to get rid of things they don’t want to take home. A list of streets which will be targeted can be found on the Council’s website.

https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/wasteblitz

Jenny Ardley, community warden at Loughborough University, said: “Even though some students are not in the town right now, we know they will be returning and clearing out their accommodation before July. The end of term clear-out is really important for the university and we want as many students as possible to remove their waste and recycling before going home for the summer."

Recyclable materials can be put in the green wheelie bin and waste in the black wheelie bin for collection. Anything that doesn’t fit in the bin should be clearly labelled. Building waste or fixtures or fittings will not be collected.

Bins should be presented for by 8am on July 4 and be put back on the same day of collection.

Bulky waste items such as large electrical items or furniture can be removed by the Council for a small charge. Bulky waste collections cost £20 for three items and a list of eligible items is available on the Council’s website.

Students and landlords can book and pay for bulky waste collections through the Council’s website. Simply visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/special_collections

Most large items can also be taken to one of the local refuse sites at Mountsorrel which is currently open or Shepshed which is due to open on June 25. People will need to book an appointment in advance on the Leicestershire County Council website

For further information, visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/wasteblitz or e-mail cleaner.greener@charnwood.gov.uk

Residents Invited To Have Their Say On Antisocial Behaviour Rules In Loughborough

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 14:13:38 GMT

Antisocial behaviour rules giving the police powers to confiscate alcohol are being reviewed, with residents encourage to have their say.

Charnwood Borough Council and the Community Safety Partnership are consulting with the people of Loughborough about extending a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering the town centre.

The consultation will run for six weeks from Wednesday, 24 June to Friday, 7 August.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, Lead Member for Communities, Safety and Wellbeing, said: “We are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and have a focus on reducing alcohol and substance misuse, a public space protection order is one way we can achieve this. The powers given to the police under the order are only used if there are concerns about antisocial behaviour. It is important for us to understand whether people feel the current PSPO is working and should remain.”

Under the existing PSPO, the police can ask people to stop drinking alcohol if they are being antisocial or could cause a nuisance to those around them.

Police have seized alcohol 1,118 times within the PSPO boundaries in the last three years and 639 people have been warned about antisocial behaviour in the area.

PSPOs must be reviewed every three years, the existing order ends in October 2020.

Consultation responses will help to shape the council’s recommendations on whether to extend the existing order beyond 2020 and will be presented at the September Cabinet meeting.

Have your say on extending Loughborough town centre’s Public Space Protection Order and its boundaries. Hard copies can be requested by emailing community.safety@charnwood.gov.uk or calling 01509 634901.

Loughborough Thanks Armed Forces

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 14:11:33 GMT

Armed forces heroes are being thanked for their service this week in the run up to Armed Forces Day.

Charnwood Borough Council raised the Armed Forces Day flag at Loughborough Town Hall today (Monday, 22 June) to mark the lead up to the national day of celebration on Saturday, 27 June.

Social distancing measures have prevented events taking place in the town centre, but members of the armed forces, their families and veterans will continue to be thanked for their service online.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the council’s armed forces champion, said: “Members of the armed forces family make great sacrifices for our communities, whether that’s in times of conflict or peace time. As has been demonstrated during the recent weeks, helping to build in record time the Nightingale Hospitals and assist across the country with testing for the Covid 19 Virus. It is very sad that this year we are not able to commemorate Armed Forces Day as we usually do in the town centre. However many communities and residents showed how much they care during the recent VE day celebrations. I am sure that we will all remember and thank them all again on Saturday. They are always there in our times of need”

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community; from currently serving troops to families, veterans and cadets.

With government guidance on mass gatherings and events impacting plans for celebrations in Loughborough town centre, activities are moving online to ensure the community can still salute heroes and get involved.

The flag was raised at Loughborough Town Hall with Captain. Ben Wing, Loughborough Army Reserves and Chairman of the Royal British Legion, Mick Wells.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Brenda Seaton, recorded a message of thanks to accompany the event.

Visitors to Queen's Park in the town can also visit the Carillon tower war memorial to see a window display of former and serving forces personnel from across the borough.

Armed Forces Day on 27 June will be marked in Loughborough by borough carillonneur Caroline Sharpe, who will take to the war memorial bells for a recital.

For more information on Armed Forces Day visit www.armedforcesday.org.uk or following #saluteourforces on Twitter.

CONKERS To Re-Open To The Public From 4 July 2020

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:09:25 GMT

Following a temporary closure due to the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, CONKERS, the award-winning visitor attraction at the heart of The National Forest on the Leicestershire/Derbyshire border, is set to open its doors to visitors again from Saturday 4 July 2020.

Conkers BArefoot Walk.jpgA series of measures and processes are now in place to keep people safe and the number of visitors allowed to enter at any one time will be limited. Social distancing measures will be in place, indoors and outdoors, hand washing facilities have been increased and cleaning routines are enhanced.

Ticket prices have been reduced to 80 per cent of 2019 prices, meaning that an adult ticket will cost £8, a child ticket £7 and a family ticket £28. Capacity is limited during this period so all bookings (members and non-members) should be made online in advance. Purchases on-site will be made using contactless payment to further reduce personal contact between staff and visitors.

CONKERS staff will all be using personal protective equipment and will change their uniforms on-site to avoid cross-contamination from home. In addition, staff will have their temperatures checked each morning before beginning work.

There is also a three-month extension on existing memberships for those who took out an annual membership from February 2019 onwards. New members signing up now will be able to enjoy 15 months of CONKERS’ facilities for the price of the 12-month annual membership.

Membership can be extended or booked online at www.visitconkers.com or by calling 01283 216 633.

David Edwards, General Manager at CONKERS said: “In line with official Government guidelines and after extensive planning to ensure the safety of all of our staff and visitors, we’re pleased to be able to plan our reopening and are looking forward to welcoming people back. We have gone to great lengths to make CONKERS as safe as possible for everyone and aim to make sure that we all have fun, while staying safe.”

Two Charities Join Forces

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:00:35 GMT

Two charities covering North West Leicestershire have joined forces to reduce isolation and get people online. Hospice Hope and Enrych who both cover North West Leicestershire, have combined their skills and funding to offer a unique pilot scheme in the area. A number of service users have been identified as potentially benefitting from receiving help to get online, and so the charities are offering a tablet loan scheme to connect people with their support networks. The pilot, which will run for three months initially, is hoped to be rolled out further for more service users from both charities, enabling them to utilise new services such as online Support Cafés and groups, as well as healthcare and other vital services.

Liz Waters, Community Engagement Worker at Hospice Hope said “this is an exciting opportunity for both our charities to reach out to vulnerable groups in these challenging times and to work together more closely”

The scheme is funded through Ashby Hastings Rotary, The Community Fund and other foundations. It is open to existing service users at Enrych and Hospice Hope, as well as anyone in North West Leicestershire living with a disability or condition leading to a reduction in quality or length of life.

For more information on the scheme or to register an interest in receiving a loan tablet please contact liz@hospicehope.org.uk/07591952027.

High Streets Get Ready For Safe Shopping

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:31:46 GMT

High streets in Leicestershire and Rutland are gearing up for increased trade as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

From June 15, more shops will be able to trade including those selling clothes, shoes and toys. Indoor markets are also due to reopen under government plans.

Councils in Leicestershire and Rutland have all been working with local businesses, partners and the NHS to ensure high streets are safe places for customers, traders, staff and visitors.

Various methods are being employed to help people stay safe. They include:

• the installation of floor markings, barriers and signage to support social distancing

• addition of hand sanitizer stations in some areas

• staff or volunteers being present in some shopping areas in Leicestershire to assist people and monitor the situation

• issuing of guidance to traders in some areas to help them protect customers and employees inside their premises

• introduction of one-way systems for pedestrians and traffic

• suspension of some parking bays to provide more pedestrian space

• closure of some streets

Council leaders are reminding shoppers that they must always follow the social distancing rules as this is still one of the fundamental ways the nation is tackling the pandemic.

Matt Bowers, chair of the Leicestershire Market Towns Group, said: “We are all keen to return to normality and this is a very welcome step, but we know it is critical that we all maintain social distancing.

“Redesigning our town centres into a covid-19 secure shopping areas at a time when rules are constantly changing has been a challenge for us all, but we must continue to adapt and be flexible to ensure the safety and vitality of our residents and businesses. I’d urge visitors to please support our local businesses, but to do so safely by following the guidance.”

Councillor Trevor Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “As the highways authority, we’re working closely with our neighbouring council colleagues to gear up in readiness for the re-opening of our market towns from next Monday. We’re doing all we can to support a safe return to shopping and trading and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. More widely across the county, where it’s not possible to put some of the town centre measures in place, we’re encouraging people to continue following the Government guidelines about staying two metres apart. If we all pull together and use our common sense, we can make a huge difference for those needing to get around in what remains a difficult and testing time for all.”

Councillor Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming our residents and visitors back to Rutland. Our teams are working hard to ensure our High Streets are a safe place to shop and visit. To help people prepare and plan their visit to either Oakham or Uppingham, we have worked with Uppingham and Oakham Town Councils to develop plans and create a dedicated website featuring information on road changes and the special measures shops are implementing.”

In some towns more cycle racks are being added to encourage cycling and, in some areas, where parking charges were suspended, they are being re-introduced.

Leicestershire County Council is developing ‘pop-up’ walking and cycling routes and is bidding for funding from the Government’s Emergency Action Travel Fund to progress its plans.

People planning to visit one of Leicestershire’s local towns are strongly encouraged to visit their local council website for more information. For information about roads and travel, please look at websites for Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council or Rutland County Council.

• www.blaby.gov.uk

• www.charnwood.gov.uk

• www.oadby-wigston.gov.uk

• www.nwleics.gov.uk

• www.harborough.gov.uk

• www.hinckley-bosworth.gov.uk

• www.melton.gov.uk

• www.rutland.gov.uk

• www.leicestershire.gov.uk

• www.leicester.gov.uk

People in Leicestershire and Rutland are also being reminded to continue washing their hands frequently and that they should wear a face covering in enclosed public spaces where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet. From 15 June, people must wear a face covering on public transport.

More advice is available at www.gov.uk/coronavirus

You Can Help Beat Cancer By Supporting The Hope For Life Appeal

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:29:11 GMT

Hope Against Cancer is doubling the size of their Clinical Trials Facility at Leicester’s Royal Infirmary - and are calling upon the people of Leicestershire and Rutland to help them do it.

Funding research is the only way to beat cancer, and Hope is at the forefront of giving people a better quality of life and a vastly higher chance of surviving the disease. The Hope for Life Appeal is well underway and is your chance to be part of a local movement against cancer - if you don’t want to miss out, you need to get involved.

The Hope For Life Appeal is aiming to raise over £1.5 million to totally redevelop and extend the Hope Clinical Trials Facility. Every year, around 5,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in Leicestershire. Thanks to organisations like Hope, of this 5,000, more people than ever are surviving. Hope For Life is the next step in making sure the number of people surviving cancer continues to rise.

Hope Against Cancer would like to thank a number of very generous donors across the Leicestershire and Rutland community, which has already raised an impressive £1 million towards the £1.5 million goal. The Charity reached the million-pound mark recently with help from The Randal Charitable Foundation, following a generous donation of £101,000. The Loughborough-based Foundation has a clear, unwavering vision that is to save lives, help the socially disadvantaged and improve the quality of life for those in need in the UK and around the world.

Opened in 2012, the Hope Clinical Trials Facility is one of the country’s leading centres for cancer trials in the last few years. Professor Anne Thomas, clinical lead for the Hope Clinical Trials Facility at the hospital, and Professor of Oncology at the University of Leicester said: “We’re really grateful to Hope Against Cancer for its continued support of the Facility and our research. It is the success of the centre that has driven demand - and we’ve reached our full capacity as a result. Doubling the space at the Facility will mean we can offer many more patients further opportunities to take part in clinical trials, testing potential new drugs and treatments with the aim to extend lives, improve quality of life and, ultimately, improve outcomes for patients living with cancer today and in the future.”

Despite the current challenges we are all facing due to COVID-19, the charity is making great headway with Phase 1, which is happening over at the University of Leicester’s Robert Kilpatrick Clinical Sciences Building, located at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. It is here that much of the life-saving research takes place.

The objective for this space is to increase its capacity and to bring it to an excellent standard and an environment conducive to the researchers and the work which takes place here.

All main construction for phase 1 has now been completed. Phase 2 will happen at the Clinical Trials Facility and the charity and partners are being guided by the government as to when they can commence.

Research has shown that having clinical research in a hospital providing cancer treatment improves the overall standard of care for patients receiving treatment both in and out of clinical trials. This means a new facility could have a wider impact on all patients being treated for cancer across the system.

Hope is calling on people to start fundraising and help them achieve their fundraising target. In the past, local people have organised events, sporting challenges, competitions, bake sales, bike rides and a host of other activities to generate cash for the charity’s life-saving work. It is of course a challenging time but the charity has been truly impressed at the innovative way in which their supporters have continued to fundraise.

Nigel Rose, Hope’s CEO since 2013, is full of confidence that the people of our counties will be able to raise the required funds: “If there’s one area of the UK that can raise the money the Hope For Life Appeal is asking for, it’s the communities in Leicestershire and Rutland. Many people’s lives are affected by cancer, and it’s a testament to them that Hope is what it is today. The Hope For Life Appeal is the next step in our journey.”

The money raised by Hope’s supporters will not only go towards doubling the capacity of the Clinical Trials Facility but to purchasing new equipment and will be transformational for local cancer research in the future.

Historically, local citizens have always risen to the challenge to ensure Hope Against Cancer delivers its vital research. If you’ve been moved by the charity’s ambition and need to get this done for local cancer patients, you can add your fundraising power to the Hope For Life Appeal by visiting Hope’s social media pages here: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or donate through the Hope for Life Appeal website: https://hopeforlife.charity

Dedicated Refuse Supervisor Celebrates 70th Birthday

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 15:26:12 GMT

A refuse supervisor who has been collecting waste in Charnwood for over 50 years is celebrating a milestone birthday today.

Charnwood Borough Council and its waste partner Serco would like to wish Mick Wright a very happy 70th birthday and thank him for over 50 years of service.

A familiar face to many residents in the borough, Mick started as a refuse collector for Barrow Upon Soar Rural District Council in 1968. His first collection round took place in Birstall. He then trained as a HGV class 2 driver before moving into his current role as a supervisor in 2001 which is what he has been doing ever since.

Throughout his 52 years of service, Mick has worked for a range of different companies which secured the Council’s waste contract including Sita, Onyx which became Veolia and more recently Serco which have been the Council’s waste partner since 2009.

Mick supervises around 20 crews which collect refuse, recycling and garden waste from 75,000 homes in the borough. He helps to co-ordinate the daily operation and resolves any issues which may arise including broken down vehicles, route changes and staff absences.

Working on the bins also runs in the family as his son Chris followed in his dad’s footsteps and joined the team in 1991 as a refuse collector before becoming a HGV driver.

As well as his brilliant knowledge of the borough, Mick is said to be very supportive of his refuse crews who have continued to deliver a frontline service during the coronavirus pandemic by collecting refuse, recycling and garden waste across Charnwood.

Even though it’s his 70th birthday, Mick is still at work today and says he’s not planning on retiring anytime soon. He says he’s looking forward to spending some time with his family next week and going on long walks at Bradgate Park.

Mick Wright, refuse supervisor at Serco said: “It may be a milestone birthday, but I can honestly say I enjoy my job and I’m not planning on retiring anytime in the near future as I want to keep myself active. Every job comes with ups and downs but even with the early mornings and the cold and wet weather, I can genuinely say I thoroughly enjoy what I do. When I was a refuse collector, I used to enjoy seeing different things every day and seeing regular faces. My job as a supervisor is a bit different and although sometimes I miss going out on a round with the crews, I enjoy using my knowledge and experience to support them. Our crews always work hard but particularly over the past three months during the pandemic, they have been fantastic. Some staff members have cancelled their leave to come to work and ensure we can still carry out collecting recycling and waste through this difficult time. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support from members of the public. It’s been great to see the positive messages; thank you cards and some of the gifts. Everyone has been so kind. Some of the cards and posters are in the crew’s cabs and I know I speak on behalf of them all when I say how grateful we all are.”

In his spare time, Mick enjoys walking his dog Rookie and spending time with his family. He’s also an avid Leicester City fan and enjoys listening to his favourite band The Beatles.

Cllr Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for major contracts said: “On behalf of the Council I’d like to wish Mick a very happy 70th birthday. Our refuse collectors deliver a very important frontline service to residents every day and the fact Mick has been doing it for over 50 years is phenomenal. We know our crews work hard each day but they’ve been doing an excellent job throughout this pandemic so as well as thanking Mick for his long term service on his birthday, I’d also like to thank his colleagues at the depot for the work they are continuing to do.”

Jo Mortimer, contract manager at Serco said: “Mick is a pleasure to work with every day. His knowledge of the borough and the job is fantastic, which is what you would expect after 52 years of service! Everyone at Serco would like to wish Mick many happy returns on his 70th birthday and even though he is at work on his birthday, we hope he enjoys spending some time with his family to mark the occasion next week.”

Public Art Installed In Shepshed

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:43:29 GMT

Public art which has been over a year in the making has been installed in Shepshed.

Last year the borough Council commissioned Derbyshire-based firm Sculpture Works Ltd for the project at the Buttercup Fields development in Shepshed.

The two sculptures which stand around four metres tall are located on Buttercup Lane and Celandine Road. They are both made from stainless steel and have been inspired by natural foliage and wildflowers found local to Shepshed including buttercup and stitchwort.

Sculptor Denis O’Connor and Printmaker Bernie Rutter from Sculpture Works Ltd held workshops last summer to give residents and the town council a chance to find out more about the project and provide ideas and inspiration. The initial design concepts were presented to residents later in the year.

Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces at the Council, said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to install this public art in Shepshed. A key part of this project was community involvement and Sculpture Works Ltd engaged with the local community to gather ideas and inspiration for their initial designs. This project has been funded by contributions from developers in this area which was specifically for a piece of public art.”

Over two consultation weekends, Bernie and Denis, ran a sculpture workshop, discussed and presented visual ideas for the sculptures with residents which contributed to the final designs for both sculptures.

Bernie from Sculpture Works Ltd said: “The two sculptures make reference to buttercup and celandine flowers, both which are native to the site. The forms of the sculptures are based on 18th and 19th century botanical drawings and visualise the micro and macro elements of both flowers. From large scale leaves, to delicate flower heads to seed pods, the sculptures are designed to visually enhance the Buttercup Fields development through celebrating a small part of nature.”

The public art cost around £75,000 and has been funded by developer William Davis Homes through a section 106 agreement specifically for public art in this area.

Section 106 funding is when a developer agrees to contribute funding towards improvements in the community.

Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Homes said: “It’s really pleasing when a work of public art is embraced by the community and the fact that these striking sculptures have been inspired by the natural beauty of the local area makes them very special. We’re sure they’ll be enjoyed and appreciated for many years to come.”

Netmetix Continues To Lend Support To Midlands-Based Charity Alex’s Wish

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:39:27 GMT

Coventry-based Netmetix has pledged to continue supporting Midlands-based charity, Alex’s Wish, whose mission is to find treatments and – ultimately – a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy a life limiting muscle-wasting disease affecting 1 in every 3,500 boys born in the UK. It is the biggest genetic childhood killer condition and the most lethal and common form of Muscular Dystrophy.

Paul Blore, Managing Director of Netmetix commented on the partnership saying, “We are really pleased to be able to support Alex’s Wish by donating a percentage of our monthly earnings from each cloud server we provide. Cloud computing enables businesses to adapt to the changing of work practices more quickly, which is essential in this time of uncertainty. Netmetix gives to the charity to raise vital funds for new treatments and, hopefully, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Although we will miss the brilliant face-to-face events Emma and her team host for businesses like ours, we are very much looking forward to supporting them at virtual events over the summer. We’re also members of the Alex’s Wish Business Club, which gives us the opportunity to meet other supporters of Alex’s Wish, and Emma works hard to ensure her business supporters gain new connections as well as business updates and knowledge from attending the Business Club and interacting with a range of phenomenal guest speakers. It’s been invaluable for our business and we look forward to continuing working with and supporting Alex’s Wish for many years to come.”

Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish and mum to Alex after whom the charity was named added, “Working with Netmetix has been a wonderful experience and is a great example of Corporate Social Responsibility in action. Supporting a charity like ours via donating a percentage of sales profits is a wonderful message to share with your customers, especially in these challenging times as charities struggle to keep afloat after having cancelled all their external fundraising events. It’s also a great way for charities to know that they have regular funds coming into their charity. There are many benefits to business giving a percentage of their sales to support great causes including building goodwill in the community, enhancing customer loyalty, building brand awareness and helping to increase sales. We’d love to work with other businesses like Netmetix and I would welcome having a conversation with any business who’s looking to explore Corporate Social Responsibility and what that could look like for their business. If you’d like to get in touch with me please email me at emma@alexwish.co.uk or call me on 07903 349 475.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish you can visit their website www.alexswish.co.uk

Remi’s NHS Super Hero Mum Art Inspires Children’s Challenge

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:37:13 GMT

A loving portrait of her NHS ‘super hero’ mum by Leicester schoolgirl Remi Mulroy has inspired a county-wide arts competition to support children in lockdown.

Thirteen-year-old Remi’s drawing showed her mum, Katie Abram, portrayed as half nurse and half super hero, battling the Covid-19 virus.

And Katie, a senior mental health nurse with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, felt moved to help and inspire other children during Covid-19.

She said: “Both of my daughters, Remi and her little sister Maia, are very creative and love drawing and colouring. They would always come out with me for the Clap for Carers and one week Maia turned to me and said ‘You’re a super hero aren’t you mum?’. My girls had never seen me in that way before and then Remi was doodling and drew me – as half nurse and half super-hero tackling the Covid-19 virus. It was really moving. Maia is a pupil at Alderman Richard Hallam School and has been attending throughout lockdown so I can work at the Bradgate Mental Health Unit where I have been redeployed from my role as a deputy ward sister on an acute mental health ward to support the new urgent mental health care hub. I brought the picture into work and showed it to colleagues. It really made us think about ways we can support our children and show them what heroes they are too. That’s when we came up with the idea of an arts competition.”

With the support of Tim Sayers, one of the Trust’s specialist arts in mental health co-ordinators, Katie has launched a children’s arts competition for youngsters across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

Children aged three to 16 are being encouraged to portray their NHS super heroes, through paintings, drawings, poetry, photography and the written word.

Prizes are also being offered for the winners and runners up in three age group categories: three to six years old, seven to 11 years old and 12 to 16 years old.

Entries should be emailed to communications@leicspart.nhs.uk (with the child’s name and age. Mark the email ‘NHS heroes competition’) or posted to NHS Heroes Competition, Bradgate Mental Health Unit reception, Glenfield Hospital site, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9EJ)

Details are included on a downloadable flyer on the LPT website.

The aim is to display entries at Trust bases – which include mental health units, outpatient clinics, community hospitals, health centres and office bases – and to host a ‘virtual exhbition’ on LPT’s website at www.leicspart.nhs.uk this summer.

The closing date for entries is Saturday 4 July.

Climate Change Strategy Ambitions Confirmed

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 15:34:09 GMT

A commitment to tackling climate change has been made by Blaby District Council following the approval of the Climate Change Strategy.

The six-point strategy will see ambitions to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030, and the district carbon neutral by 2050. It provides a vision for a Green Recovery, post Covid-19, to create sustainable communities, low carbon transport networks and a thriving local economy.

Blaby District Council is looking to significantly reduce carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy as well as supporting communities to adapt to a changing climate and more frequent extreme weather events.

To meet national housing targets and reduce emissions, the Council will need to use it’s influence to encourage and enable the construction of zero carbon homes with on-site renewable energy which will provide sustainable, lifelong housing. This housing will achieve high levels of energy efficiency and ultra low carbon emissions.

In new and existing communities the Council wants to create more space for nature, increase biodiversity, improve our parks and green spaces and develop more walking and cycling routes.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Regulatory Services, said: “We are facing a global climate emergency, and we must play a vital role at a local level to reduce our impact on the environment. We need to act now to reduce carbon emissions to net zero and protect future generations. Achieving our vision will not be easy but we have an exciting opportunity to address the challenge of climate change. We want to reduce our carbon footprint, deliver sustainable new homes, create a district with more green spaces and places for our children to play, in cleaner air, with jobs and opportunities for all.”

More information about the six point strategy and action plan be found on www.blaby.gov.uk/climate-change.

Business Hub To Support District

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:47:27 GMT

Blaby District Council has launched a new Business Hub as part of the authority’s commitment to supporting local business during the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Business Hub is an opportunity to access advice and guidance on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. An online registration form is now available to fill in at www.blaby.gov.uk/business-hub.

From safely opening a business to applying for grants, the Hub’s wide-ranging support will be for both business owners and the self-employed. ‘Account Managers’ will be given to ensure a single point of contact to ensure a hassle-free process.

Employers will be able to get easy-to-understand details on their responsibilities for keeping staff safe, home working and sick pay. Sole traders and self-employed people can find out about working in people’s homes and negotiating mortgage holidays.

Specialist information for food businesses and those in the tourism industry is also available.

Councillor Ben Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Planning, Housing Strategy and Economic Development, said: “We are extremely pleased to offer the Business Hub to our local businesses. This is an incredibly tough time for so many hard-working business owners and we want to do all we can to help. Blaby District Council has a proud record of supporting and working with businesses in the district to help them thrive, and this is even more important during these unprecedented times. We would encourage those who need support to get in touch with the Hub to help you get the support you need. Together we can continue to build strong links with our local businesses and evolve the Business Hub to be an integral part of Blaby District’s future.”

For more information about the support and to register for the Business Hub visit www.blaby.gov.uk/business-hub.

Keeping The Spirit Of Volunteering Alive

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:45:54 GMT

Syston and District Volunteer Centre, far from dormant over the past three months of “lockdown”, is now actively planning to meet future needs of the lonely and isolated within our local community.

Taking full advantage of enforced closure, with staff working from home or on furlough, the office has undergone a major internal makeover. As the picture shows, staff now have much more working space and the visitor experience will be much more comfortable, friendly and welcoming. The Centre is grateful to the Wolfson Foundation for a grant of £24,000 which has enabled the work to be completed.

Individual support services to those in need are being successfully sustained throughout the whole period. Sincere thanks are due to all those volunteers whose dedication and commitment have enabled us to continue our operations – both in transport and other personal support services.

However, until the requirements of social distancing are relaxed and venues are once again operative, Group trips and excursions have been – and will unfortunately remain – suspended.

Looking ahead, it is now clear that, as Covid-19 restrictions are eased, the Centre will face an immediate increase in demand – particularly for transport services. At the same time as the NHS turns attention to tackling the backlog of outpatient appointments, individuals will also seek to rapidly re-establish contact with families and friends and begin, once again, to manage their own shopping and social contacts held in abeyance for so long. To maintain any sense of credibility, it is vital that the Centre should be in a position to provide a positive response.

Trustee Board Chairman, Paul Lomas, says: “Unfortunately, at this critical time we will lose the support of those volunteers who will be returning to work at the end of their furlough arrangements. As a result, we anticipate a serious struggle to find enough volunteers to meet this surge in demand.

We are therefore appealing to all those who, perhaps for the first time, have been volunteering over the past few months, to seriously consider sustaining their support in the months ahead.

While volunteer drivers remain our primary concern, through the Centre we need to respond to a wide range of requests for additional assistance and support – shopping, befriending, gardening, DIY are all in demand. Our hard-pressed staff could also use some in-house support with their office duties.

If you are able to lend a few hours per week, at times to suit yourself, to offer voluntary support to those in need – whatever your skills, talents or interests - please contact the Centre Manager, Andy Shelton (0116 2607 888) to arrange a discussion on how best you might serve.

In the aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis we will undoubtedly identify a whole new range of challenges created by months of enforced isolation. Let us join together to sustain this new-found enthusiasm for the mutually rewarding practice of voluntary community service. Let the Centre harness the range of talents which have been released during these difficult past months to ensure that any potentially lasting damage to those in need is minimised.”

Support is Still There for Local Charities Says Emma Hallam of Alex's Wish

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 16:06:51 GMT

Despite the unprecedented events of the last two months Emma Hallam, Founder and Director of local charity Alex’s Wish, says that businesses are still more than happy to help charities close to their heart wherever they can. Emma points to two examples to prove her point saying, “I have been literally blown away by some of the ideas and conversations that I’ve had over the last few weeks. It has made me realise and appreciate just how lucky we are as a charity to have the supporters, volunteers, Trustees and Ambassadors that we do. Without them the last couple of months would have been unbearable and our work, which is so time dependant, would have had to stop. As an example, during our April Trustees Meeting one of our Trustees, Janine Edwards of Janine Edwards Wealth Management, offered to sponsor the cost of our next month’s wages for my two colleagues, Zoe and Heidi. This will enable all of us to continue to work for Alex’s Wish during May and to continue to build our fundraising efforts so that we can continue to invest into promising clinical trials with a view to finding treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; an otherwise life limiting condition.”

Speaking about the sponsorship Janine added, “Emma does a fantastic job of keeping the heart beating within this fabulous charity. However, Emma would be the first to say that the success of the charity is down to the phenomenal support received from local businesses and from her wonderful colleagues, Zoe and Heidi, who help her with all of the administrative and back office support as well as developing new ways for the charity to engage and fund raise in our communities. At our virtual Trustee Meeting Emma spoke passionately about continuing to find new ways to raise funds and prepare to ‘hit the ground running’ once this current situation eases but she was struggling to do this without her team, who had been furloughed, behind her. To show our continued dedication and support to Alex’s Wish and Emma, Janine Edwards Wealth Management agreed to sponsor the next months’ wages meaning that Zoe and Heidi could return to active duties with immediate effect! I’m delighted to have been able to help out and look forward to hearing what they’ve all been planning when next we meet.”

Meanwhile fellow Trustees Glynis Wright of Glynis Wright & Co Family Solicitors & Mediators and Sally Barnett of 2 New Street Chambers took part in the 2.6 Challenge. Speaking about the Challenge Glynis said, “Being actively involved with Alex’s Wish when Emma mentioned the 2.6 Challenge and what her family were doing to raise funds for Alex’s Wish I thought it would be a great idea to get the whole of my company involved and doing something positive during these testing times. Each member of my team took part and completed their own challenge by doing something 26, 250 or 2,600 times! Some of the ideas were brilliant and included 26 days of yoyo tricks, 2,600 squats in 26 days, making chapattis 26 times through to writing a poem about being a divorce lawyer in 260 words! I want to thank my team for their inventiveness and spirit in taking part and am delighted to announce that we’ve raised £2,000 for Alex’s Wish! This was in addition to the previous £10,500 raised through my presidency of The Leicestershire Law Society.”

Added Sally, “Spurred on by both Emma and Glynis my son, George, and I took part in the 2.6 Challenge. Our Challenge was to throw and catch eggs 260 times… the only sticking point is that some were hard boiled whilst others were raw. This was all done whilst we were in fancy dress – of course! We raised nearly £600 for Alex’s Wish and would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our friends, family and co-workers for their generous support. I may be avoiding eggs for the foreseeable future!”

Emma also involved her family too. “The 2.6 Challenge saw my son Alex, after whom the charity is named, making a 26 layer cake and my daughter, Isla, cartwheeling 26 times around our garden! We had so much fun creating the ideas and supporting each other as we did them and I want to say how grateful we are to everyone who did a 2.6 Challenge for us or who gave us ideas, inspiration, a donation – no matter how large or how small – which has ensured that Alex’s Wish can keep moving forward and funding vital research in order to save this and future generations of boys who suffer from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.”

Great Central Railway Plc Announces The Appointment Of The Rt. Honourable The Baroness Morgan As A Director

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 16:05:20 GMT

The Board of Great Central Railway are delighted to announce the appointment of The Rt. Hon the Baroness Morgan of Cotes (Nicky Morgan) to the GCR Board as a non-executive director

Baroness Morgan, formerly Loughborough’s Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and now a Member of the House of Lords has already been a strong supporter and friend to the Railway for many years. She will take up the directorship from 1st June.

Commenting on the news, GCR’s Managing Director, Michael Gough said; “I am so very proud that Nicky has accepted this position – she will bring an entire new level of advice and gravitas to our corporate governance. As the Railway grows in popularity and strength, it will be so useful to have her massive experience and knowledge to hand”

Nicky said “I am very excited to be joining the GCR Board. The GCR has a very special place in the hearts of Leicestershire residents and beyond. I’ve worked with and enjoyed the Railway as their MP, as the founding Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail and also as an enthusiastic GCR local member for over 15 years now. I look forward to supporting the Railway’s exciting future and working with all GCR employees and volunteers.”

Creating Safe And Welcoming High Streets

Thu, 21 May 2020 12:05:29 GMT

Preparations are underway to create safe and welcoming shopping areas in towns and villages across Charnwood.

Charnwood Borough Council is working with businesses and Love Loughborough to help high streets get ready to trade safely as lockdown restrictions continue to ease.

The Council will be using floor graphics where pavements are wide enough, signage and barriers in Loughborough town centre to help visitors and businesses adhere to social distancing guidance, particularly around queueing.

It is also supporting high streets and shopping areas across the borough by installing floor graphics where appropriate and Love Loughborough will be able to advise businesses on how to protect customers and employees inside their premises.

It comes as Loughborough Market prepares to reopen with a limited number of stalls.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough: “People’s health and wellbeing is our top priority and we completely support the Government’s advice and encourage people to stay at home if they can. However, the Government is also clear that more businesses can open and that means we need to take a sensible and pragmatic approach and work with local businesses and others to create safe shopping areas. We have looked carefully at Loughborough town centre at ways to help manage growing numbers of visitors. Businesses also have a responsibility and that’s why we are working with them, and Love Loughborough, to support them as best we can. We may need to change and adapt some of the measures we have introduced but we’re on a learning curve as much as anyone else as these are unprecedented times. I would like to stress this is not just about Loughborough town centre and that’s why we have contacted town and parish councils to work with them in supporting local businesses and shopping areas across the borough. We have also commissioned Love Loughborough to offer business support in towns and villages across Charnwood. This is all part of our recovery strategy as we are committed to working with partners, stakeholders, businesses and our communities to build a stronger future, together.”

Loughborough Market is due to resume on Thursday May 28. There will be a limited number of traders, between 12 and 15, selling perishable goods. This is in line with government advice. The stalls will be spaced apart in Market Place to give traders and shoppers plenty of room to observe social distancing.

The market was suspended at the end of March to support the Government’s stay at home message.

Lisa Brown, Love Loughborough BID Manager, said: “We are all facing uncertain times and many businesses are having to adapt and change how they trade to implement the governments safety guidelines. The BID team are all working 24/7 to provide assistance and support for Loughborough and Charnwood’s businesses to enable them to trade safely, ensuring that both their customers and employees are safeguarded. Our Trading Safely campaign will go live on Tuesday (May 26) to not only help businesses get up and running again, but to also entrust confidence for customers when they visit businesses in Charnwood and Loughborough.”

The Trading Safely campaign will provide a safety guidance leaflet for businesses for keeping both their customers and their staff safe. The campaign will also include a free template for businesses for social distancing floor stickers or an opportunity to purchase a supply alongside some essential PPE equipment. Visit the Love Loughborough website

The BID Ambassador will be reinstated into Loughborough town centre from June 1 to assist with any town centre business issues.

The Council is regularly updating its website with information for businesses. Visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cvbusiness

Coronavirus: The Impact On The Construction Trade & Supply Chain As Told By Leicestershire Company, QDTS Construction.

Fri, 15 May 2020 12:02:55 GMT

The growth of local company QDTS Construction is impressive to say the least. In just 3 years they have seen turnover increased from £550,000 to just over £14Million, evolving from a one-man operation in 2014 to one which now has 22 direct employees.

However, just like every other business across the UK, QDTS has had to adapt to the challenges posed by the current COVID-19 crisis and overcome the difficulties which it has presented the Construction industry with as a whole.

Thankfully QDTS Construction was in good shape to begin with and this has been fundamental to their ability to respond well. Founder and Managing Director, Terry Benson explained:

“As a forward-looking company, we try to anticipate potential challenges and have a robust planning strategy in place for most eventualities. This situation may have been impossible to predict, but we had already carried out the groundwork to ensure a steady and consistent stream of work for the whole of 2020 and 2021. We’ve obviously had to make significant changes to how we work to ensure that we protect the health, safety and well-being of everyone involved, but it’s the security and diversity of our projects which has allowed us to continue.”

Beyond the crisis there may be further challenges to overcome. With many large-scale construction projects on hold, a huge surge in demand for building materials post-lockdown is expected; a demand which the supply chain may simply not be able to meet. Frustratingly this means that some will experience major delays even after the restrictions are lifted, and many construction employees will be unable to return to work.

Thankfully, whilst nobody could predict COVID-19, having planned for ‘worst case scenario’s’, QDTS won’t be amongst those waiting for supplies. They have been working hard with clients and suppliers to make sure that the materials they need to complete every project are already on site. There may be a short delay in the receipt of smaller, more bespoke items, but everything else has been bulk-bought in advance and is ready to use.

It’s obvious that all of the practicalities have been covered by QDTS, but what about the ‘human side’ of operations?

As Terry Benson pointed out:

“The survival of QDTS through this crisis isn’t about making money. It’s about supporting our workforce and maintaining the supply chain to make sure that we all weather the storm and can get back to ‘business as usual’ as soon as we are allowed to”

And as a 2019 Employer of the Year, QDTS know how to look after their people. They have arranged home working for a number of employees (including those with underlying health conditions) rather than choosing the option of furlough, and they are having daily morning meetings with everyone working on-site to ensure health and safety is being maintained at all times.

This is a company who are certainly facing this challenge head-on and are succeeding as a result.

For further details on QDTS Construction and to keep up to date with the latest news and industry-related information, visit www.qdtsconstruction.com

Great Central Reunification Appeal Reaches One Hundred And Fofty Thousand Pounds

Fri, 15 May 2020 11:31:32 GMT

The latest phase of the Great Central Railway’s Reunification appeal has reached one hundred and fifty thousand pounds. The award winning Leicestershire heritage line is raising millions of pounds to re-connect with its sister railway in Nottinghamshire and create an eighteen mile route across the East Midlands.

The chairman of The Friends of The Great Central Main Line Andy Fillingham explained, “Our Reunification project is one of the biggest schemes on any heritage railway in the UK. We’ve already raised millions of pounds towards it which delivered one brand new bridge and paid for another to be fully overhauled. In early March we set out to fundraise for the next stage which will see another two new bridges built. It’s going to cost around three million pounds. We began with a small sum left over from the Canal Bridge restoration, but thanks to the incredible generosity of supporters around the country we’ve reached one hundred and fifty thousand pounds.”

The project - particularly the construction of the brand new bridge - has captured the imagination the world over and drawn plenty of support from local stakeholders.

Andy continued, “We’re living in difficult and extraordinary times. Even though we can’t meet our supporters face to face, we’re doing our best to keep in touch on social media, including premiering a brand new film all about the Reunification project on YouTube. We are absolutely delighted that our friends are still supporting the appeal even when priorities are changing on a daily basis. We’re determined to remain on the front foot and look to the future. As soon as we have the majority of funds for the next phase of the project to hand, we will begin construction.”

You can find out more about the project and how to donate at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify

Outwoods, Golf Course And Charnwood Water Car Park Reopen - Play Areas Remain Closed

Wed, 13 May 2020 12:00:24 GMT

The Outwoods in Loughborough have reopened to the public following the introduction of new coronavirus guidance by the government.

The ancient woodland was closed in March as the government introduced social distancing including restricting travel to essential journeys only to reduce the spread of the virus.

Charnwood Borough Council, which manages the Outwoods, working alongside the Outwoods Management Committee, was concerned that the Outwoods was attracting a high number of visitors.

Following the issuing of new guidance, the Council has announced the Outwoods will open today (Wednesday, May 13). The play area will remain closed as the new government guidance does not allow it to open. The public toilets will also remain closed.

Charnwood Water car park will also open today (Wednesday May 13). Shelthorpe Golf Course will reopen on Friday May 15. The public toilets at Charnwood Water and the golf course will remain closed.

Council-owned play areas and outdoor gyms across the borough remain closed.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough, said: “As we have said throughout the crisis, the health and wellbeing of residents, our employees and partners is paramount and we are not prepared to risk that in any circumstances. Following the publication of new government guidance, we are starting to reopen some facilities including the Outwoods. We know people have missed them but public health has to come first and we have kept open Queen’s Park and Southfields Park in Loughborough and there have been other open spaces for people to use. We have added signage in the Outwoods and other open spaces to remind people of the need to follow the social distancing rules. Please stay two metres apart at all times. We will also have a staffing presence in most places. If we find people are not following the social distancing rules we will have no hesitation to close the facilities again. Public health is our paramount concern and the battle to defeat coronavirus is far from over. We all have a duty to follow the rules and act sensibly as it can literally save lives. It’s that simple.”

Parking will be free at the Outwoods and Charnwood Water for the time being and people are being reminded to park sensibly.

The Government advises that “at all times, you should continue to observe social distancing guidelines when you are outside your home, including ensuring you are two metres away from anyone outside your household.”

The guidance also says people can:

spend time outdoors – for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking, or sunbathing

meet one other person from a different household outdoors - following social distancing guidelines

exercise outdoors as often as you wish - following social distancing guidelines

use outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis or basketball court, or golf course – with members of your household, or one other person while staying 2 metres apart

There is an FAQ section on the new guidance on the Government website.

Garden Waste Service Update

Tue, 12 May 2020 11:58:34 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council is continuing to operate a limited garden waste service as it focuses resources on maintaining recycling and refuse collections for borough homes.

The Council resumed the service on April 20 and emptied customers’ garden waste bins, once over a four-week period. It says it will carry out another four weekly cycle starting on May 18.

The collection schedule of the previous four weeks will be repeated and continue to focus on different areas of the borough each week.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for major contracts said: “We will be doing another four weeks of a reduced garden waste service as we are still having to focus resources on refuse and recycling collections. We have received positive feedback from customers who have been pleased to see the service return. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but these are unprecedented times. The service is being reviewed regularly and we will restore a full service as soon as it is possible to do so. We would like to thank customers for their understanding and ongoing support of our refuse collectors. They continue to work hard to collect waste across the borough every day so I would also like to pass my thanks onto all of them.”

The service which has over 30,000 customers, was suspended in March due to staff shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

For week commencing May 18, the Council will be emptying garden waste bins in the following locations:

West of Loughborough (list of streets)

Burton

Cotes

Hathern

Hoton

Prestwold

Walton

Wymeswold

Quorn

Rothley

Swithland

Woodhouse

Woodhouse Eaves

Customers are advised to put their bins out by 6am on the Monday of the week they are due to be collected (regardless of what the usual collection day is). Bins should be left out until they have been emptied as it may not be until later in the week.

If bins are too heavy, they will not be emptied. No garden side waste will be collected.

The Council is aiming to empty bins around 8,000 homes each week.

For details on when bins in other areas of Charnwood will be emptied, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/gwr

The Council is offering garden waste customers £5 off their next subscription as a gesture of goodwill to acknowledge the disruption to collections.

More information about the gesture of goodwill can be seen: www.charnwood.gov.uk/gw_gesture

District Councils Welcome Extra Funding For Businesses

Wed, 06 May 2020 11:57:16 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council leader Jonathan Morgan has welcomed the Government’s announcement to provide up to an additional £617m to help small businesses across the UK who may not have qualified for earlier coronavirus support schemes.

A portion of that amount will be allocated to the borough council which has already issued more than £27 million to 2,249 businesses.

However, some local firms do not qualify for these grants and the council has lobbied government on their behalf, along with local MPs, for extra support.

Cllr Morgan said: “We certainly welcome the additional funding announced by Government as we are acutely aware that some businesses do not qualify for the other schemes. We have not yet been informed how much each authority will receive, but we are already working on how we can distribute the additional funding to local businesses as safely, securely and as quickly as possible. My advice to local businesses would be to regularly check the council’s website and social media accounts for further updates. We are committed to supporting local businesses in these very difficult times.”

The Council is still waiting for further guidance on how to administer the grants, but the Government has announced:

this additional fund is aimed at small businesses with ongoing fixed property-related costs. The Government is asking local authorities to prioritise businesses in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for Small Business Rates Relief, and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates. Local authorities can choose to make payments to other businesses based on local economic need and the allocation of funding will be at the discretion of local authorities.

businesses must be small, under 50 employees, and they must also be able to demonstrate that they have seen a significant drop of income due to Coronavirus restriction measures.

there will be three levels of grant payments. The maximum will be £25,000. There will also be grants of £10,000. Local authorities will have discretion to make payments of any amount under £10,000. It will be for councils to adapt this approach to local circumstances.

Bookings Open For Bulky Waste Collections

Tue, 05 May 2020 11:54:21 GMT

Residents in Charnwood will be able to book bulky waste collections from today, Tuesday May 5.

The borough council is resuming the service after it was suspended due to staff shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The first collections will take place on Monday May 11.

A limited number of bookings will be taken each week to ensure the Council’s waste partners Serco can continue to focus resources on refuse, recycling and garden waste collections.

Bookings will be taken on a first come first served basis and residents can book collections on the Council’s website or by calling 01509 634563.

The Council would like to thank residents for their patience and continued support of its refuse crews.

For more information about bulky waste collections please visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/special_collections

Council Offers £5 Gesture Of Goodwill For Disrupted Waste Service

Mon, 04 May 2020 11:53:06 GMT

Garden waste customers across Charnwood are being offered £5 off their next subscription as a gesture of goodwill.

Charnwood Borough Council is offering the reduction after collections were disrupted because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Any Charnwood resident who had an active garden waste bin subscription in April 2020 we will receive a £5 discount on their next subscription.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member of contracts, said: “Once again, we would like to sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the loss of service. Although the terms and conditions for waste collections mean we do not have to offer compensation for service disruptions, we are offering this £5 as a gesture of goodwill because of these difficult times. We would also like to thank customers for being understanding and supportive of our recycling and refuse workers who have themselves been fantastic throughout the pandemic.

The council’s garden waste service, which costs £40 per bin each year, was paused on March 23 for a month, a limited service was re-introduced on April 20.

The discount will be applied automatically for people who pay by direct debit when their subscription is due for renewal. People who pay by invoice will see the discount included.

The Council originally though customers affected by the disruption would have an extension to their subscription. However, it has become clear that extending permits would involve significant work take longer to implement than the current proposal.

For further information visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/gw_gesture

Residents Encouraged To Celebrate VE Day At Home

Fri, 01 May 2020 11:51:27 GMT

Residents in Charnwood are being urged to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day from the safety of their homes.

In line with national government guidance, the borough council cancelled its programme of events planned to mark 75 years since the end of World War Two on Friday May 8. Many other events across the borough also had to be cancelled.

However, residents are still being encouraged to celebrate the occasion in their homes by displaying posters, bunting and hosting tea parties with a war time menu while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “Unfortunately due to the coronavirus pandemic and in line with national guidance, we cancelled our programme of events to mark the occasion. Although it’s disappointing that we are unable to come together to pay tribute to the Second World War generation, it’s important for us to stay at home to ensure everyone’s safety. We know residents will still commemorate the occasion from the comfort of their homes and there are lots of resources available online to help people mark the anniversary. I would encourage everyone to get involved by joining the two minutes silence at 11am and hosting their own tea party in the safety of their own home while displaying bunting and posters.”

The Council has collated a range of information and resources from national campaigns to help residents celebrate from home and will be sharing updates across its social media channels on the day.

People across the nation are being asked by local BBC radio stations to take part in the ‘Great British Bunting’ by creating their very own VE Day 75 bunting and displaying it in their windows between Friday May 8 and Sunday May 10.

For those wanting to host their own tea party in their home, a range of different recipes from the 1940s and a music playlist are available from the national VE Day 75 campaign.

Residents can also get involved with national events which includes a two-minute silence at 11am, the ‘Nations Toast to the Heroes of World War 2’ at 3pm and a televised address from The Queen at 9pm. The pre-recorded address by The Queen will be followed by a national sing-along of the wartime favourite Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

The ‘Nations’ Toast to the Heroes of World War 2’ will take place at 3pm and people can take part by standing at home and raising a glass of refreshment of their choice and undertaking the following toast – “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

The Council is keen to gather and share photos, video, stories and artwork of residents celebrating VE Day from their home to help capture the occasion. People can tag the Council in their celebrations on Twitter @CharnwoodBC or Facebook: www.facebook.com/charnwoodbc

For more information about celebrating VE Day at home visit: www.charnwood.gov.uk/VEDay75

NHS Hospitals Seize The Help Of UK's Leading Ventilation, Maintenance & Hygiene Company During COVID-19 Pandemic

Fri, 01 May 2020 11:50:16 GMT

In recent weeks, System Hygienics, who specialise in ductwork, fire damper testing, ventilation and riser cleaning, have found that a staggering 80% of their work is coming from NHS Hospitals; both permanent and the new temporary Nightingale hospitals. The team have been working around the clock to ensure that the ventilation ducts have been decontaminated and disinfected to help minimise the spread of COVID-19.

When you think of Key Workers, many occupations come to mind – such a Nurses, Doctors, Delivery Drivers etc. However, engineers for ventilation and duct-work cleaning is perhaps an occupation that doesn't spring to mind – but the reality is that the team at System Hygienics are playing a vital role in this current climate. Hygiene is paramount in hospitals and although the NHS cleaning staff are doing everything they can to ensure the wards and operating theatres are clean – there are some areas which require expertly cleaning such as ventilation systems.

An airborne virus like COVID-19 has the potential to enter a ventilation system, of which can rapidly spread through to connected wards, leaving people open to contracting the disease. The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has stated in their COVID-19 and Air Conditioning Systems advice note that: "Any airborne contaminants can be minimised, if not eliminated, by proper and effective filtration and regular cleaning and maintenance of ventilation systems".

To disinfect the systems, System Hygienics use what is called 'fogging', which is a disinfection service using a purogene solution. This ensures that the virus is suppressed so it can't reproduce within the ventilation. Their team is made up of 57 staff members nationwide, each of which are an incredibly important asset to the company. System Hygienics Owner and Managing Director, Mark Poultney, would like to give special thanks and recognition to the engineers who are currently risking their health each day to assist the NHS, with 2-3 of them working on a hospital at a time.

They have either conducted or are currently working at hospitals across the UK. This includes Rugby St Cross, Walsgrave Hospital, Royal Free London, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Shaw Healthcare, Spire Hospitals, Furness General, Scarborough Hospital, Medway Maritime, Brighton 3T’s, Altrincham Hospital, Trafford General, Oldham Hospital and Macclesfield Hospital. All of which have seen an array of services, from Duct Cleaning critical systems, to Fire Damper Testing, Disinfection and Remedial Works.

The opportunity for System Hygienics to play such a major role at this challenging time is one they certainly jumped at the chance of fulfilling. When asked what this opportunity means to the company, Mark said: "Whilst the country is undergoing the most challenging of times, the chance to help our NHS and contribute to saving lives has given us as a company, a real sense of purpose. We feel incredibly humbled to enable the NHS to continue their services and give them the assurance they need. I am so very proud of our team. It's a difficult time for all, so the fact they are putting themselves at risk to help others is phenomenal."

To find out more information on System Hygienics, you can visit their website here: www.systemhygienics.co.uk

Jane Hunt MP Welcomes Extra £1,853,034 For Local Council Services In Charnwood

Fri, 01 May 2020 11:47:41 GMT

Local MP Jane has welcomed news that Charnwood Borough Council will receive a share of an extra £1.6 billion in funding to make sure councils can continue to support their communities and deliver vital services through this challenging time.

This extra £1.6 billion takes the total additional funding to councils through this crisis to over £3.2 billion, an unprecedented level of extra financial support in recent times.

The additional support will mean councils can continue to provide essential services, while also providing support to people impacted by the coronavirus. This includes protecting rough sleepers, with 90 per cent of rough sleepers offered safe accommodation so far, and ensuring there is additional support available across a range of other vital council services.

This announcement builds on other government measures, including allowing councils to defer the payment of business rates to central government and providing them with a combined £850 million in up front social care grants, that will help with their cash flows so they can continue to deliver vital services.

Commenting, Jane said: “I’m really pleased that Charnwood Borough Council will receive an additional £1,853,034 from the Government to help ensure essential services are not impacted by the extra demands placed on councils by coronavirus. This means that since the pandemic started, the council will have received an extra £1,928,637. Our local council is doing a tremendous job under extraordinary circumstances, helping to ensure the vulnerable are supported through Charnwood Community Action which was set up jointly between Charnwood Borough Council and John Storer Charnwood. They are also doing a sterling job delivering business grants to local businesses impacted by coronavirus. I will continue to champion everything they are doing for our community and work closely with ministers to ensure they always have the resources they need to carry out their important work.”

Small Businesses Across Loughborough Boosted By Bounce Back Loans

Fri, 01 May 2020 11:46:23 GMT

Small businesses across Loughborough will benefit from a new fast-track finance scheme providing loans with a 100% government-backed guarantee for lenders.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak said the new Bounce Back Loans scheme, which will provide loans of up to £50,000, would help bolster the existing package of support available to the smallest businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The scheme has been designed to ensure that small firms who need vital cash injections to keep operating can get finance in a matter of days, and comes alongside the £6 billion awarded in business grants, supporting 4 million jobs through the job retention scheme and generous tax deferrals supporting hundreds of thousands of firms.

The government, which has been consulting extensively with business representatives about the design of the new scheme, will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee for the loan and pay any fees and interest for the first 12 months. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months.

The loans will be easy to apply for through a short, standardised online application. The loan should reach businesses within days- providing immediate support to those that need it as easily as possible.

Commenting Loughborough MP, Jane Hunt, said: I’m pleased that the Government has put this scheme in to place which will help small businesses here in Loughborough. Small businesses are vital in ensuring our communities thrive and will be crucial in creating jobs and securing economic growth as we recover.”

The scheme will launch for applications on Monday 4 May. Firms will be able to access these loans through a network of accredited lenders.

The government will work with lenders to ensure loans delivered through this scheme are advanced as quickly as possible and agree a low standardised level of interest for the remaining period of the loan.

District Councils Issue Almost £100 Million In Coronavirus Funding To 8,000 Businesses

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 11:44:45 GMT

District and borough councils in Leicestershire have distributed almost £100 million of vital government coronavirus funding to thousands of local businesses in the county.

In total, they have awarded just over £96 million to 8,000 businesses in the county.

They have been distributing two grants for businesses, one for those directly impacted from the hospitality, leisure and retail industry, and another for those that already receive business rate discounts.

On behalf of all the councils, Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “All the districts and boroughs quickly realised how vital this funding would be to keep some of these businesses afloat during these difficult times. We have all worked very hard to set up safe and secure systems to distribute the funding and I would like to thank everyone involved for the efforts they have made. The feedback we have had from local businesses has been very positive and at times very touching. We are talking about people’s livelihoods, with some businesses having taken years to build up from nothing and facing the very real prospect of being wiped out in weeks. These grants have bought vital time. However, all the councils are fully aware that there is a long way to go. We are all fully committed to continue working with businesses, partners, communities and each other to ensure we offer the support needed to get us all through this crisis.”

Not all eligible businesses have yet received the grant funding. For more information on the grants, businesses should visit their local council’s website.

Work Continues To Support Charnwood Communities

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 11:42:23 GMT

From delivering food parcels and making befriending calls, work is continuing to support residents through Charnwood Community Action.

The campaign was launched by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with John Storer Charnwood to support, advise, guide and co-ordinate the borough-wide community effort during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since launching, over 1,750 food parcels have been delivered to members of the community experiencing financial difficulties and over 250 vulnerable residents without any support networks are receiving regular befriending calls to check how they are.

Local Facebook group, Loughborough Against Corona now has over 900 volunteers helping to collect and deliver shopping and medical supplies for residents in the borough at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus.

Over the past few weeks the Council has been making welfare checks on Charnwood Lifeline customers, tenants in sheltered accommodation and those aged over 80 to see how they are and if they need any further support.

In addition, the Council will be contacting around 300 residents aged over 70 from the electoral register where a telephone number has been provided.

Residents are being encouraged to say a public thanks to individuals, groups and businesses across Charnwood who are supporting communities during this difficult time by nominating them for a Charnwood Community Action Star.

The Council has received over 30 nominations already and nominees will be added to a roll of honour on its website and give them a shout out on social media. To tell us about your Charnwood Community Action Stars, all you need to do is complete a simple online form explaining who they are and what they’ve done.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the Council’s lead member for communities said: “It’s essential we continue to support our communities and vulnerable residents through this difficult time. We’ve already written to all homes in the borough and will continue to make welfare checks on our vulnerable residents and tenants where possible. The community spirit has been fantastic, and we’ve been really pleased with the response to Charnwood Community Action. Local businesses have been very generous with donations, helping us to continue delivering food parcels to our residents in most need. I’d like to thank all of the communities in the borough which have come together to help their neighbours and local residents. If you know of an individual, group or local business making a difference during these difficult times, nominate them for a community star. It’s a quick and easy way to give a public thanks.”

Charnwood Community Action is being supported by many community groups, volunteers, town and parish councils, the Bridge, Fearon Hall and a number of local businesses.

If you have concerns about someone who does not have any support networks, please let the Council know by contacting the Charnwood Community Action team at www.johnstorercharnwood.org.uk

Council Joins Forces With Business Groups To Offer Online Support To Small Businesses

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 11:39:48 GMT

Small businesses across Charnwood are invited to learn more about support and funding available to help them through the national lockdown.

Charnwood Borough Council has joined forces with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Leicestershire Business Gateway Growth Hub to offer an online event for small businesses, entrepreneurs and the self-employed.

Hosted by the FSB, the virtual Charnwood Business Support Explained meeting will run from 11am on Tuesday, May 5 for an hour. Speakers will include representatives from the Council, FSB and Leicestershire Business Gateway Growth Hub.

Cllr Tom Barkley, deputy leader of the council and lead member for finance, said: “We’re working to provide businesses with as much support as we can during these difficult times. This joint event will bring together small businesses, entrepreneurs and the self-employed to discuss the help that is available and have their questions answered.”

Attendees will also be able to hear from a Charnwood-based accountancy firm. Questions for all the speakers can be emailed in advance to Jennifer.thomas@fsb.org.uk, or can be posted online when registering.

The FSB-hosted webinar is free, anyone attending will be asked to fill in a short registration form if they do not already have an FSB online account.

Charnwood Arts - Kevin Ryan

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 11:38:39 GMT

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Kevin Ryan, the much loved and respected CEO of Charnwood Arts. He died on 22nd April 2020 after some months of illness with asbestos-related lung cancer. He passed away peacefully and without pain.

Kevin was a photographer, a familiar local presence who was always seen with a camera at hand ready to capture big and small moments at festivals and events. His photographic achievements were outstanding, his stunning images forming the backbone of publications produced by Charnwood Arts over many years, as well as exhibitions here and around the world. He leaves a substantial legacy of photographs.

Kevin was devoted to his talented and creative family of musicians, artists, and public servants. We remember Kevin as a Community Arts Development worker who homeschooled his children, a busy young dad, with push chair and baby paraphernalia.

Staff and Trustees of Charnwood Arts are grieving the loss of our funny, clever, energetic, and creative friend and colleague. He was an inspiring presence in all our lives: he made a difference, to us personally, and to local people, in a multitude of ways.

He organised, maintained, and supported Picnic in the Park (40 years old!), Loughborough Mela, and countless other projects.

He worked with schools and with young people excluded from school, with young offenders, local community groups, and individuals from many backgrounds.

He contributed to major schemes such as Sidings Park and Charnwood Forest, as well as to more modest workshops and groups for drawing, painting, photography, dancing, singing, and drama. He brought people together to showcase their creative brilliance in books, performances, and a series of events to commemorate the centenary of WW1.

Charnwood Arts is proud to have published Kevin’s magazine ‘The Heart of Three Cities’, which celebrated Loughborough’s achievements. Kevin always sought to engage the people of Loughborough and Charnwood Borough in arts projects which enhanced and enriched our lives, broke down prejudice, and created cohesion and fellowship.

He wrote about, spoke about, and most importantly lived these values in his life and in his work.

Kevin’s spirit of cooperation extended outwards: to regional support for participatory and community arts; to international festivals and colloquiums; and, to a unique and inspiring association with artists in Taiwan.

His life was dedicated to his belief in access to, and engagement with, great art for everyone, and to participatory art as a creative and democratic space in which people can explore and share their experiences and understanding.

We will miss him deeply.

Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family: his wife, Frances; his four children Charlotte, Miffy, Osh and Brendan; and, his four grandchildren.

Supporting Homeless People In Charnwood During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 11:35:24 GMT

One of the many challenges facing Charnwood Borough Council during its response to the coronavirus pandemic has been supporting homeless households and rough sleepers.

On March 26, the Government instructed councils to arrange accommodation for anyone sleeping rough or at imminent risk of sleeping rough to help reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Under normal circumstances, councils only arrange temporary accommodation for homeless people who meet strict criteria. This targets those who are the most vulnerable and most in need. The criteria includes being in a 'priority need’ group, such as having young children, being pregnant or a care leaver.

This has meant Charnwood Borough Council has gone from trying to assist two or three rough sleepers at any one time to trying to assist more than 30 people to access accommodation.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for housing, said: “This was an enormous challenge for our Housing Options Team as the volume of people we could help increased enormously almost overnight. However, they have responded magnificently to that challenge. Despite what some people may believe to be the case, we generally have two or three people at most sleeping rough in Charnwood. When the lockdown started, we suddenly had to find accommodation for a large number of people. That was not easy. Rented accommodation is not easy to arrange quickly and not all bed and breakfast accommodation providers can to help.”

Katie Moore, housing needs manager at the Council, said: “Our primary aim has been to ensure anyone who is homeless within Charnwood is offered somewhere safe to stay. Many people who are homeless in Charnwood have complex needs and vulnerabilities, and it can be challenging to identify, contact and encourage them to access accommodation and ensure that they remain in accommodation provided. The Housing Needs Team has been active from the outset. The CBC Lettings Team quickly reserved spaces in bed and breakfast accommodation and the Housing Options Team worked in partnership with voluntary and statutory agencies to identify people in need of assistance. Over the past four weeks we have offered emergency accommodation to 34 people who were rough sleeping or at imminent risk of sleeping rough within Charnwood. We have been accommodating up to 26 people in bed and breakfast accommodation at any one time. We have worked in partnership with Charnwood Community Action, the Council’s local campaign to help people in need during the pandemic, to ensure they are provided with additional food and with other voluntary and statutory agencies to ensure they have access to the advice and support they need to stay safe and to access longer-term accommodation. The bed and breakfast providers have also been supportive.”

This has happened as the Council itself went through a rapid change of operation as social distancing rules meant most of the workforce had to switch to home working over a two-week period.

The Council works in partnership with Charnwood Citizens Advice Bureau, Falcon Support Services and The Bridge East Midlands to ensure that advice is available for people within Charnwood who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Cllr Mercer praised the partnership working: “Supporting people who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless is always a joint effort between a number of agencies and there is never a simple solution. The Housing Options Team has done magnificently well to help people who are in extremely vulnerable positions during this pandemic and I cannot thank them enough. Much of the support that the Council has been providing during the pandemic is discretionary and goes above and beyond statutory responsibilities. We have to face the reality that we cannot sustain this level of additional support for all people facing homelessness within Charnwood for a significant period, as the Council’s resources are limited. Some of the individuals who have been placed into temporary accommodation will not be eligible for assistance in the longer term. As a Council, we will always do the best we can to help people and I think we have proved this during this national crisis.”

If you are concerned about someone who is sleeping rough, please contact the Council’s Housing Options Team on 01509 634567 or housing@charnwood.gov.uk or report it via Streetlink on 0300 500 0914 or visit www.streetlink.org.uk

If you are homeless or concerned about becoming homeless, please contact the Council’s Housing Options Team on 01509 634567 or housing@charnwood.gov.uk

Message To Residents From Mayor Of Charnwood

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 11:29:19 GMT

As we continue through these unprecedented and challenging times, it has been heart-warming to see the fantastic response from the local communities which have come together to ensure vulnerable residents in Charnwood get the help and support they really need during the coronavirus pandemic.

I would also like to thank each and every person working for the NHS for all they are doing through the pandemic. They are so brave and it is important we remember the risk they are putting themselves in each time they go to work. We are also indebted to care workers looking after many vulnerable members of our communities and key workers such as supermarket staff and refuse collectors who are ensuring critical services continue to operate in the borough. That includes our wonderful employees at the Council, many of whom are involved in supporting our communities through these difficult times.

As Mayor of Charnwood I have the privilege of attending many events throughout the year. The mayoral year runs from May for 12 months so I did manage to attend many events before the social distancing measures were introduced. That was a real privilege and I really enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people across the borough.

Since social distancing measures have been in place, I have been helping residents in Thumaston, the ward I represent and the place I have called home for over 35 years.

Similar to other communities in Charnwood, I am part of a Facebook group which was created to help people in Thurmaston without any support networks. I have helped volunteers deliver information postcards to residents; collected shopping for those unable to leave home and sign posted many residents to a range of services for additional help.

It has been overwhelming to hear Thurmaston come alive every Thursday evening at 8pm as we clap for our carers and keyworkers. I hope you are also joining in and using it as an opportunity to say thank you.

As well as supporting the community, I have continued to engage with residents from my ward and developed new skills as I have learned how to use Skype and video calling.

My time as Mayor was only meant to last a year but due to the current situation, it has been extended until we are able to hold this year’s annual council meeting. I have very much enjoyed being Mayor and hope I am able to carry out a few more duties and engagements before I need to hand the Mayoral chains of Charnwood over.

I know there will be many people missing their loved ones at this difficult time but it is important for us all to continue following the social distancing guidelines and stay at home.

We will come through this as a borough but it is important we continue to work together and help look after each other.

I want to send my best wishes to you and your families please stay home and stay safe.

Mayor of Charnwood

Cllr Brenda Seaton.

Businesses Urged To Apply For Coronavirus Support Grants

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 11:24:00 GMT

Small businesses yet to claim more than £13 million in government Coronavirus support are being urged to apply online now.

Charnwood Borough Council is contacting 1,243 businesses who haven’t applied for a grant, after distributing more than £19.2 million to over half of eligible businesses across the borough.

The Government has created two grant funds for businesses, one for those directly impacted from the hospitality, leisure and retail industry, and another for those that already receive business rate discounts.

Cllr Tom Barkley, deputy leader of the council and lead member for finance, said: “We know many businesses are struggling right now and want to make sure we issue every penny of government funding to those eligible. We’ve got teams of staff from across the council working to contact as many businesses as possible to encourage them to apply as we don’t want anyone left behind. I would urge all small business owners to see if they’re eligible and then to fill in our simple online form to claim the money that is rightfully theirs.”

The Council has issued grants to 1,525 businesses since April 1, but not all of the 2,768 companies entitled to support have come forward.

Council staff are now calling, emailing and writing to any business that hadn’t applied by the end of Sunday, 19 April, to encourage them to register and support them through the application process.

Grants of either £10,000 or £25,000 are available to businesses that already get rate relief or are in sectors most affected by the national lockdown – such as shops, restaurants, gyms, beauticians and estate agents.

To claim the grant payment, businesses need to fill in an online registration form on the Council website. It does not take long to complete and will help ensure that payments only go to those businesses that are eligible and in most need.

Businesses are encouraged to visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cvbusiness to ensure they’re eligible before applying or to email business.rates@charnwood.gov.uk for further information. Alternatively, call 01509 634831.

Additional support and advice for business is also available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk

Garden Waste Service Resumes From April 20th

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 11:21:53 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council is resuming its garden waste service from Monday, April 20.

The service, which has more than 30,000 customers, was suspended on March 23 due to staff shortages caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The service is being phased back in and the Council will start emptying bins for garden waste customers from Monday, April 20.

The Council will focus on different areas of the borough each week for the next four weeks.

Customers are advised to visit the Council’s website for more information – www.charnwood.gov.uk/gwr

For week commencing April 20, the Council will be emptying garden waste bins in the following locations:

• West of Loughborough (list of streets on the website)

• Burton

• Cotes

• Hathern

• Hoton

• Prestwold

• Walton

• Wymeswold

• Quorn

• Rothley

• Swithland

• Woodhouse

• Woodhouse Eaves

Customers are advised to put their bins out by 6am on the Monday of the week they are due to be collected (regardless of what the usual collection day is).

The Council will endeavour to empty the garden waste bins on Monday and Tuesday, but it may take longer. Customers should leave their bins out until they are emptied.

If bins are too heavy they will not be emptied. No garden side waste will be collected.

The Council is aiming to empty bins around 8,000 homes each week.

For details on when bins in other areas of Charnwood will be emptied, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/gwr

Councillors Commit Extra £26,000 To Coronavirus Community Action Scheme

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 11:20:32 GMT

Borough councillors have committed £26,000 to further support the Charnwood Community Action campaign which is helping communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

All 52 councillors are allocated up to £1,000 a year to give to community groups or projects in their ward each year, but have decided to put half the funding towards the community scheme which is being run in partnership with John Storer Charnwood to support, advise, guide and co-ordinate the borough-wide community effort during the pandemic.

The £26,000 from councillors will be added to the £100,000 that Charnwood Borough Council has already pledged to help with any needs identified as part of this coordinated approach.

Since its launch, the campaign has linked up with various community groups, volunteers, town and parish councils, the Bridge plus a host of businesses in order to deliver food parcels and other valuable help to vulnerable people and members of the community who are struggling financially.

The funds have so far enabled John Storer Charnwood to become a food bank, building and delivering food parcels and other essentials to the vulnerable and in need across the borough. It has now delivered 1,100 parcels and offered advice to hundreds of people in the community.

Councillor Jonathan Morgan, leader of the Council, said: “Members are focused on supporting communities during these difficult times and it seemed sensible to channel funding towards Charnwood Community Action. Everybody involved in the community scheme has done a wonderful job so far. They have helped deliver hundreds of parcels and help to those who need it most. We now have over 700 volunteers and they have been fantastic throughout. True community spirit has been shown by everyone involved, and this extra funding will go towards ensuring it can continue at its current rate of success.”

For further information on how you can get help, get involved or simply show your support, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/CCA or call John Storer Charnwood on 01509 631750 (Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm).

Half Of Eligible Businesses Claim Coronavirus Business Support Grants

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 11:19:28 GMT

More than 1,400 Charnwood businesses have already shared £18.8 million of government funding as part of a support package to help local firms.

Charnwood Borough Council has distributed 1,484 government business grants to local companies who are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Since launching its online registration form (Wednesday, April 1), the authority has been contacted by thousands of businesses across the borough and is calling for more to step forward and claim.

The Council estimates 2,700 Charnwood businesses are eligible for the grants worth a combined total of £32million.

Cllr Tom Barkley, deputy leader of the council and lead member for finance, said: “During these difficult times we’re committed to supporting Charnwood businesses where we can. Already we have helped 1,484 businesses through the government’s Coronavirus business support grants, but know there are more eligible local organisations who need this funding. We wish this funding was available for everyone but are following national guidance on who can receive it, but I would like to reassure businesses that we are doing all we can to help those that are struggling.”

Additional support and advice for business is also available at www.businesssupport.gov.uk

Book Of Thanks For Our NHS, Care Workers And Key Workers

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 11:17:21 GMT

An online book of thanks has been launched so Charnwood residents can pay tribute to the NHS, care workers and key workers who are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.

The online book is being co-ordinated by Charnwood Borough Council to help residents in the borough show and record their support for people who are putting themselves at risk to save lives, protect others and keep critical services running.

The book is available via the Council website and the comments will be compiled, collated and shared with NHS colleagues and other agencies later in the year.

They will also be shared on the Council’s website and social media channels.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We owe so much to our NHS and it is heart-breaking to know that people are losing their lives as they battle to save others. Many others are placing themselves at great risk to care for the vulnerable or deliver services which are critical to our daily lives. As a nation we will be forever grateful to them. This Book of Thanks is an opportunity for the people of Charnwood to further demonstrate their support. It is a small gesture of our appreciation and I would encourage people to leave a comment and help make sure the NHS, care workers and key workers know how much the people of Charnwood appreciate them.”

The online book can be found on the Council website www.charnwood.gov.uk/forevergrateful

People can also upload pictures if they wish.

More Than £1million Per Day Reaching North West Leicestershire Businesses

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:13:13 GMT

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has begun to release more than £1million pounds a day to businesses in the district identified as eligible for the Government’s unprecedented financial support schemes.

Ever since the announcement of the funding, teams at the council have worked tirelessly to pull together the information required to issue 1,650 grants in the district – a process that is still ongoing.

Businesses are being thanked for their continued patience throughout this process.

By Thursday 9 March, £4.3 million will have been distributed to businesses after payments started to be made earlier this week, with this figure increasing every day. Overall £20m is due to be paid to eligible businesses in North West Leicestershire. The grant schemes are:

The Small Business Grant Fund (£10,000 per eligible business)

The Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant (£10,000 - £25,000 per eligible business).

As small businesses don’t pay business rates, NWLDC held no bank details for the majority of businesses due to receive this funding and, to minimise the risk of receiving fraudulent claims, has been contacting each individual business by phone or by letter to obtain this information.

NWLDC identified the businesses potentially eligible for grants by comparing information held on local businesses against the government scheme, with some further checks taking place when contact has been made.

Business owners worried that they might have missed this contact are now being asked to submit an application online at www.nwleics.gov.uk/businesssupport

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC, said: “We are here to support our communities and businesses through this pandemic. I’m extremely proud of the work our teams are doing to get the much-needed financial support out to businesses as quickly as we possibly can. This is now seeing in excess of £1million per day heading out to businesses – and this figure is only likely to increase. I’d like to thank the business owners in the district too for their patience – we know how important this funding is to you. This is a huge ongoing task - we still have more than £15m to pay out and we won’t be resting until everyone has received their funding. It’s hugely important we help businesses to get through this unprecedented situation because we want them to be in business to help rebuild our economy in the months to come.”

Businesses looking for more information on the funding and the eligibility criteria can visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/businesssupport

All North West Leicestershire residents are encouraged to visit the council’s coronavirus website www.nwleics.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information on community support, how services are operating, the help available to tenants and more.

Pulling Together For The Community

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 11:11:32 GMT

Local businesses and partners have come together to help the community of Blaby District during the coronavirus outbreak.

emh homes and Marks & Spencer have been the first to donate to Blaby District Council’s Community Hub scheme, which is helping the most vulnerable and isolated residents of the district. More contributions from businesses as expected to come as the Council responds to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Community Hub looks after anyone who needs help, prioritising those who have no one else to help them and who are the most vulnerable, including those aged over 70, residents with an underlying health condition and families struggling to cope.

Other voluntary groups that have been set up in villages across the district to help their neighbours will also be supported to make sure they can continue to offer help.

Marks & Spencer has donated two significant quantities of food, with hopefully more to come. The new partnership with the Fosse Park-based retailer will see the donated food going towards the packages for residents who are unable to pay for food or having difficulty getting hold of money to pay for food.

emh homes have donated £1,250 to the Hub to supplement food donations and to ensure items can be bought over the coming weeks to support residents.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the donations from both emh homes and Marks & Spencer. These are the first two donations and we’re hoping to have more to follow. We have been blown away by the community spirit across the whole district during this difficult period, including from our businesses who have stepped up to help those most in need. We will welcome any businesses who want to help residents and would encourage them to get in touch with us.”

Andrew Aveyard, Store Manager of M&S Fosse Park, said: “The Fosse Park team are committed to supporting our local community, and we are delighted to partner with Blaby Council to ensure vulnerable people across the local community are supported during these unprecedented times.”

Businesses can help the Community Hub in any way they can, from donations to staff volunteers helping across the district. Any businesses interested can email Blaby.districtCOVID19@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 275 0555.

Residents can volunteer to be part of the Community Hub or refer someone for assistance at www.blaby.gov.uk/community-hub

VE Day Events Cancelled

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 11:09:51 GMT

Events due to take place in Loughborough to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day have been cancelled.

The borough council had started to plan a programme of events which would take place in the town centre on Friday May 8 to mark 75 years since the end of World War Two.

However in line with national government guidance, the Council has decided to cancel the events.

There are hopes a celebration will be held later in the year and the Council will continue to review and follow national guidance.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the Council’s Armed Forces champion said: “Unfortunately due to the coronavirus pandemic we’ve decided to cancel events due to take place for the 75th anniversary of VE Day. Clearly this is disappointing but we would encourage people to still commemorate the occasion from the comfort of their home and pay tribute to the Second World War generation. We’re in close contact with partners and if there is an opportunity to mark the anniversary later in the year then we will do.”

For more information about VE Day visit: www.veday75.org

Cross-Party Message Urges People To Follow The Social Distancing Guidelines

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 11:08:04 GMT

Councillors representing all political parties on Charnwood Borough Council have issued a joint statement over the coronavirus pandemic with a plea for people to follow the social distancing guidelines and help save lives.

The leaders of the Conservative and Labour groups, and the Council’s Green and Independent councillors have also jointly thanked all NHS staff and key workers for their dedication and commitment to supporting people during these difficult times.

The joint statement says: “All Charnwood councillors are committed to doing what is best for the borough and its residents. Therefore, we felt it was important to show that while we may have different political views, now is not the time for them. Now is the time to be united as a Council and as a borough. On behalf of all Charnwood borough councillors we want to be clear that we fully and whole-heartedly support the message that residents need to stay at home to save lives. All of us can help fight this deadly virus by simply reducing contact with others until the government says otherwise. It is that simple and not too much to ask in order that we protect those who are most vulnerable. Unfortunately, we will all probably know someone who has the virus by now and far too many of us are likely to know someone who succumbs to it in the coming months. This is a very real danger. This is not forever, and relatively speaking it will be for a short time. We would also like to offer our praise to communities in Charnwood. As councillors we are in touch with many residents who have co-ordinated their own response to help those in need. Some are being supported by the borough council, the town and parish councils and other organisations. It is a truly inspiring effort and one we should all be proud of. We can assure you that Charnwood Borough Council is working hard to help our communities throughout this pandemic and maintain critical services. All councillors are committed to supporting their wards and we will also work together to lead the borough’s recovery. We would like to thank our own staff who have adapted rapidly to ensure critical services continue to operate. They have been doing a fantastic job and we thank each and every one of them. We would also like to thank those key workers in the NHS, emergency services and other industries critical to ensuring people are kept safe and well. Some of these workers are putting themselves at great risk, particularly in our hospitals, GP surgeries and care homes to look after the most vulnerable. We will be forever grateful to you. We send our best wishes to all Charnwood residents. Stay safe, stay strong and continue to demonstrate that we are a united Charnwood.”

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council and of the Conservative Group

Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of the Labour Group

Cllr Laurie Needham, Green Party

Cllr Roy Campsall, Independent

Voucher Scheme Will Ensure Pupils Across Loughborough Still Get Nutritious Meals Whilst They Stay At Home

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 11:03:21 GMT

Children across Loughborough who are eligible for free school meals will benefit from a national voucher scheme allowing them to continue to access meals whilst they stay at home.

Schools can now provide every eligible child with a weekly shopping voucher worth £15 to spend at supermarkets while schools are closed due to coronavirus.

Schools can continue to provide meals for collection or delivery themselves, but where this is not possible, the scheme will allow schools to provide vouchers to families electronically, or as a gift card for those without internet access.

The vouchers can be spent on food at a range of shops including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and M&S, with the Department working to get more shops to join the scheme as soon as possible.

Commenting, Jane Hunt the MP for Loughborough, said: “This is welcome and very reassuring news for many families and will help to ensure children get healthy nutritious meals out of school.”

Parents will receive the voucher through their child’s school, which can then be redeemed online via a code, or sent to their house as a gift card and used at supermarkets across the country.

Schools will be emailed by the Department for Education’s chosen supplier, Edenred.

Schools will then either be able to:

Order vouchers individually online and have a code sent via email to each family. The family can then show the code on their phone at the supermarket; or

Arrange a bulk order of multiple codes and receive an excel spreadsheet to help schools organise sending on to a family, or create an eGift card for a preferred supermarket to be posted to a family if parents cannot get online.

Jane Hunt MP Welcomes £300 Million Cash Boost To Support Community Pharmacies To Support During Coronavirus

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 11:01:40 GMT

Community pharmacies are receiving a £300 million cash boost to ensure they can continue to carry out essential services during the coronavirus outbreak.

The funding injection will support pharmacies across England, including those in Loughborough and will help them to provide critical services to protect community health, including supplying medicines and providing medical advice to patients, during a period of unprecedented demand.

£200 million was paid on 1 April to pharmacy contractors, alongside their normal monthly payments from the NHS Business Services Authority, and a further £100 million will be allocated on 1 May 2020.

In addition to this funding, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has reduced the number of services that community pharmacies are required to deliver to allow them to prioritise the most important tasks, but they will continue to receive their full NHS funding.

During this period, pharmacies will not be required to pilot new services or carry out non-critical administrative tasks. DHSC is also working to increase the workforce capacity and flexibility, with calls to those pharmacy professionals who have recently left professional registers to return.

Welcoming this cash boost, Jane Hunt the Member of Parliament for Loughborough said: “Coronavirus has placed an enormous pressure on our community pharmacies, which is why I am really pleased the Government is giving them a £300 million cash boost to help support the vital role they play as we deal with this disease. Whilst businesses and venues have been instructed to remain closed – pharmacies are an important exception to this; they can remain open and continue to operate as normally as possible. For people who are shielding or self-isolating, pharmacies can deliver prescriptions to their door, so that everyone can get the medicine they need without breaching social distancing guidelines.”

Community Praised For Charnwood Community Action Response

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 10:58:07 GMT

Organisations, volunteers and businesses from across the borough have been praised for coming together and supporting Charnwood Community Action.

The campaign now involves community groups, volunteers, town and parish councils, the Bridge plus a host of businesses.

Since launching the campaign, around 630 people have registered as volunteers and over 150 food parcels have been delivered to vulnerable people and members of the community experiencing financial difficulties.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities said: “We’ve been really pleased with the response from individuals, groups and businesses offering to support Charnwood Community Action.

“Now that it’s extremely important for us to stay at home to help protect the NHS and save lives, we know many people in our communities will need help. I’d like to thank every individual, group and business who have already reached out and offered their support. If you or someone you know needs help then please let us know so we can continue to co-ordinate efforts in the borough.”

The Bridge, a charity which advises people on homelessness, is working with the campaign to support the co-ordination and delivery of food parcels to vulnerable people without any support networks or those experiencing financial difficulty.

Peter Davey, Chief Officer at The Bridge said: “It’s been fantastic to see how the community have come together during this difficult time. The Bridge is proud to be supporting the efforts of the community and also working alongside other organisations to ensure we can help those most vulnerable in our communities.”

Local Facebook group, Loughborough Against Corona is assisting the community effort by co-ordinating volunteers to help deliver shopping and medical supplies to residents in Charnwood who are at an increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus and are likely to be at home for a number of weeks.

Craig Brown, who founded the group to organise local volunteers to support the community said: “We’ve already received a fantastic response from students and local residents who want to do what they can to support the community. It’s been great to partner with the Council and John Storer Charnwood to ensure we can co-ordinate our efforts. If we can do even the smallest thing to make people’s lives easier during this time, I think we can look back on this situation in years to come with pride in the fact that we tried to do the right thing.”

If you or someone you know needs support which cannot be met by yourself, existing support workers, neighbours, friends or family networks, please visit www.JSCharnwood.org.uk and complete the relevant online forms, wherever possible. If you do need to call please ring 01509 631750 (Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm)

This could include help getting food or essential items, accessing services or perhaps just need a call to check how they are.

Important information

Residents that have received a letter from the NHS identifying them as someone at risk and do not have family or a support network to help them get food and medicine can visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call 0800 0288327.

For the latest updates on the Council’s services please visit. www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirus

What happens

Charnwood Community Action was launched to help those in the Borough who need support which cannot be met by yourself, existing support workers, neighbours, friends or family networks.

If you are a resident or would like to share a concern about a resident in Charnwood, please let us know by either emailing Enquiries@jscharnwood.org.uk , completing the request forms on our website www.JSCharnwood.org.uk or if you do need to contact us by phone please call 01509 631750 (Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm)

I need help or know someone who does

If they/you need help with shopping or a prescription delivery, due to being in isolation or having no alternative support then please complete the details which will register you with our partners Loughborough Against Corona. The team will look at the request and match you with a volunteer from Loughborough Against Corona who will get in contact with you to arrange support.

I need specialist help or know someone who does

If you are in urgent need of a response to an issue including access to food, prescription issues or to log concerns about someone you know or care for you can register here. The Charnwood Community Action Team will follow up this referral and provide a prompt response.

If you would like to be a volunteer, register online and Loughborough Against Corona will contact you to advise how you can help.

If you’re extremely vulnerable and have been identified as part of the government’s shielded group and do not have family or a support network to help you access food and medicine please visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable or call 0800 0288327

£50 Million Support Package For Charnwood Businesses Leaps Into Action

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 10:55:22 GMT

More than £5 million of government funding is on its way to Charnwood businesses as part of a £50 million package to help local firms.

Charnwood Borough Council has acted quickly to get the first set of government business grants to local companies who are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. More firms will receive millions of pounds of support in the coming weeks.

On the day the council launched its online registration form (Wednesday, April 1), 539 businesses registered for grants and 222 payments worth a total of £5.5 million were processed that day. Some applications require further checks or information and are being carried out as a priority.

The Council estimates 2,700 businesses in the borough will be eligible for the grants worth a combined total of £32million.

It comes as the Council also informs 850 businesses in the borough this week that they qualify for a business rates relief holiday and therefore will not pay rates for a year. That will save the 850 businesses over £18 million in business rates.

Combined with the grants, the available support to borough businesses is worth around £50 million.

Cllr Tom Barkley, deputy leader of the council and lead member for finance, said: “After being in business myself for many years, I understand how heart-breaking it must be to be told to shut the door to your customers. The Council wants to make sure that every Charnwood business gets the help it needs during these times of upheaval. We have worked really hard and redeployed staff to start getting this funding to local companies because we know how much businesses are struggling and soon as we received the funding from government, we started moving it on to businesses. In total, between the grants and the business rates holidays, we estimate that package of support will be around £50 million in Charnwood alone”.

In order to claim the grant payment, a business needs to fill in an online registration form on the Council website. It does not take long to complete and will help ensure that payments only go to those businesses that are eligible and in most need.

The Council has also deployed extra staff to help process the payments and deal with queries about the grants and other business rates matters during the COVID-19 crisis. However, the Council has been experiencing a high volume of calls so people are encouraged to visit the Council website in the first instance www.charnwood.gov.uk/cvbusiness or email business.rates@charnwood.gov.uk. Alternatively, call 01509 634831.

The government website businessupport.gov.uk is also packed with information for businesses.

Garden Waste Service Update

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 10:53:52 GMT

The garden waste service was suspended on March 23 and while we had hoped it would resume soon, it is now clear that it will not be operating for some time.

This is because our waste partner Serco is experiencing staff shortages due to the coronavirus pandemic and they are having to divert staff to ensure the recycling and refuse service is maintained. Therefore, we would like to inform garden waste service subscribers that we will not be taking any payments to renew subscriptions. This means that any automatic renewal payments which were due to be taken on Wednesday, April 1, 2020 will not be taken.

Please do not call us if you usually pay over the phone. We will not be taking any future payments until the service is ready to resume.

When the garden waste service begins to operate again, we will contact those customers whose subscriptions were due to be renewed and encourage them to sign up again.

Refunds

We are offering extended permits instead of refunds. Anyone who is a current subscriber will have their permits extended by the amount of time the service is not running for ie one month or two months etc.

We apologise for any inconvenience and will aim to restore the service as soon as possible. We are sure customers understand that we are operating our services during very unusual and unprecedented times.

Council Given Nearly £1 Million To Help People On Low Incomes With Council Tax Bills

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:50:59 GMT

Nearly £1 million has been allocated to Charnwood Borough Council to help people on low incomes with council tax bills during the coronavirus pandemic.

All councils have been given funding by government to further reduce council tax bills for people of working age on low incomes. The funding will help cut some people’s bills by up to £150 if they are already receiving Council Tax Support.

The funding also means the Council may be able to offer further support for people using a discretionary fund.

This latest reduction will be applied automatically to people who already receive Council Tax Support, around 4,500 people. If you have already received a bill, then another will be sent.

Cllr Tom Barkley, Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Finance, said: “We know people are struggling at the moment and we are pleased government has recognised this and given us funding to offer more support to people in Charnwood. This is a worrying time for all and as a Council we are committed to supporting our communities throughout the pandemic.”

There are other options to help manage your council tax, so for more information, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/cvcounciltax

Thank You Very Much, Says Alex’s Wish

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 11:49:12 GMT

Last week saw the annual Supporters Lunch for Leicestershire-based charity Alex’s Wish take place at the newly opened Novotel in Leicester. With over 150 guests attending including trustees, business club supporters, private individuals, businesses including those who’ve chosen Alex’s Wish as their Charity of the Year, and the newly crowned Miss and Ms GB. The event served not only as a heartfelt thank you to supporters but also an opportunity to update everyone on the activity undertaken throughout the year and plans for the next 12 months. This event wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful sponsors Morgan Sindall, Masters Allen, The Partnership Collection, Janine Edwards Wealth Management and Spirit Healthcare and we would like to thank them all for their support.

Emma Hallam, Founder and Director of Alex’s Wish commented on the event saying, “This is our second Supporters Lunch we’ve held and it has grown hugely from last year! I couldn’t believe the number of people who came along and be a part of the event. It was so good to see so many faces and to be able to say thank you to them for enabling us to invest in 9 different projects across the past year to help us further our mission to end Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy for all.”

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is an aggressive life-limiting muscle wasting condition affecting 1 in every 3,500 boys born in the UK and there are currently no treatments to help all boys and no cure. Alex’s Wish raise money to fund clinical research, clinical trials and increase clinical trial capacity with a view to developing treatments and – ultimately – a cure for Duchenne.

Emma continues, “We’re not alone in our fight to find treatments and a cure for Duchenne. Emily Crossley, co-founder of Duchenne UK, joined us to give a national overview of where we are in terms of treatments and the repurposing of drugs which might be able to help our boys. Emily’s son Eli also has Duchenne and was diagnosed around the same time as my son – Alex – was diagnosed. As always it was great to hear her thoughts on the promise of Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy and the advances we have made together. The UK is now a leading centre for research into Duchenne and that is very, very different to what we found when our sons were first diagnosed.”

Emily added, “We have made huge progress, but our work is far from done. Emma, all of the parents fundraising for research, and my team will not rest until we have treatments and a cure for this disease. I want to add my thanks to all the Alex’s Wish supporters. Without them, without our supporters from across the UK, we would be in a very different place indeed – and I hope they will stay with us to get the job done.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish please visit www.alexswish.co.uk

Pledge To Get Support To Businesses

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 11:47:38 GMT

Around 2,500 businesses in Charnwood could be eligible for government support to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

Charnwood Borough Council, which will co-ordinate some of the support in the area, estimates it could end up distributing around £25 million in funding.

It follows the Government announcement about a range of measures to help businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic including through grants and business rates relief.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of the Council, said: “We are acutely aware of the difficult times local businesses are facing and therefore we are working at pace to implement the support measures which have been set out by the government and will be delivered by this council. We can implement business rates relief automatically and we are finalising a process to ensure businesses can apply online for grant. This should speed up the process as we want to get businesses the support they need as fast as we can.”

The Council will be contacting some businesses however it is also creating an online form so businesses can also be proactive and contact us. The form will be live from Wednesday April 1. Businesses in Charnwood are urged to visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinesssupport

The Council will also be raising awareness in the local business community.

The Council is also suspending the collection of business rates by direct debit where the business qualifies for the business rates ‘holiday’ announced by government.

The Council says it will also be working closely with Love Loughborough in the coming months and has pledged to stand by it in these difficult times.

The Government’s business support website has range of information of help available www.businesssupport.gov.uk/coronavirus-business-support

For the latest updates regarding council services, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirus

For more information on what the Council is doing to support businesses and for advice and information, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirusbusinesssupport

Picnic In The Park 2020 Cancelled

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 11:46:00 GMT

The Trustees of Charnwood Arts regret to announce that, due to the danger to life presented by the Covid-19 virus, they have decided to postpone this year's "Picnic In The Park".

The event was scheduled to take place on Saturday June 6th.

They very much hope that they will be able to offer the event again at a time when we will all feel safe to enjoy this annual cultural event.

A Charnwood Arts spokesman said: "Picnic In The Park is one of the beacons of the great community spirit in our borough and this is the first time we have ever had to cancel for any other reason than the weather. But we must all do our part to ensure that we do not allow this unprecedented danger to advance any further. We hope it won't be too long before we can all get together to celebrate the end of this difficult period. Until then, stay well and stay home."

The Charnwood Arts office is also closed until Wednesday April 15th.

Emails and answerphone messages will still be answered but less frequently than before.

Outwoods Closed And People Urged To Follow Social Distancing Advice

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 11:44:13 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council has closed the Outwoods in Loughborough and the car park at Charnwood Water to support the government’s guidance on social distancing.

The closures are until further notice and in line with the approach of other open spaces and country parks across the region and nation such as Bradgate Park and National Trust properties.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “We all have a duty to follow the government’s guidance on social distancing as this will literally help save lives. The Outwoods was quite busy on Saturday and that means people were in the woods, on the footpaths and at times unavoidably quite close together. We had already closed the public toilets but due to the number of people at the Outwoods and Charnwood Water it is in the best interests of everyone to shut them. Those interests include our staff and our partner’s employees. Please follow the government advice and stay at home if you can and as per the government advice, avoid large and small gatherings in public spaces. We have already closed a number of venues and services and we are reviewing everything on a daily basis. We will follow the government guidance at all times as our primary concern is the health and wellbeing of everyone."

Pure Table Top Choose To Support Alex’s Wish As Their Charity Of The Year

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:25:49 GMT

A Leicestershire based business have decided to support Alex’s Wish, after meeting Emma Hallam – founder and Director of the charity – at Vistage, a peer-to-peer network.

Commenting on why Pure Table Top chose Alex’s Wish to be their charity of the year, Tanith Sellicks from the company said, “Emma’s energy, passion and positivity for Alex’s Wish radiates from every pore; she is a true inspiration! Upon first meeting her it’s impossible not to get on the journey with her to help fund clinical trials and ultimately find the cure for this devastating condition.

“The support from Emma’s team that we have already received in terms of guiding us in our various fundraising activities has been phenomenal and we know we’re going to smash our targets! Not only are we doing something to support Alex’s Wish but our planned activities are going to be a great way to team build and have fun in the process. We’re very much looking forward to our year supporting Alex’s Wish and working with Emma and her team.”

The company aims to raise £5,000 over the course of the next 12 months and plan to so that by taking part in events organised by Alex’s Wish as well as by organising their own events.

Wendy Wilson also of Pure Table Top adds, “Emma has already been in to see us a couple of times and has shared ideas with us on fun things we can do. We’ve also had plenty of ideas bounced around by the team too so we should be creating some interesting and fun events! We can’t wait to get started.”

Emma Hallam from Alex’s Wish added, “I really love working closely with our supporters be they private individuals or businesses of all shapes and sizes. When we have the opportunity to work with a business for 12 months it means we can really develop the relationship and help out where needed. Businesses who choose Alex’s Wish as their charity of the year are extremely important to us and will help us to raise our next £1,000,000 which will go to further support clinical research and clinical trials which, we hope, will bring about treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish please visit www.alexswish.co.uk

Campaign Launched To Support Community Effort

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 11:28:49 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council is supporting the community effort to help residents in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Council, working with John Storer Charnwood, has launched Charnwood Community Action – a campaign to help support, advise, guide and co-ordinate groups and people who are volunteering to help others in the borough.

As part of the campaign, the Council is keen to support the community during this difficult time and has pledged £100,000 to help with any needs identified as part of this co-ordinated approach.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities, said: “The government has had to introduce some very difficult measures to tackle the pandemic and it is clear that it is going to cause problems for some people in our communities, particularly those who may not have much of a support network. We have launched this campaign to provide additional support to those groups and organisations who are helping those most vulnerable in our community during this time. I have been really pleased to see so many people organising themselves to help others in these pretty difficult circumstances. We have already seen Facebook groups being set up in the area and we commend that community spirit. The Council is committed to helping residents and if we can support that community effort with advice and guidance or funding then we will certainly do that.”

Volunteers and voluntary groups already helping other people are encouraged to register with John Storer which can provide specific advice and guidance needed to ensure everyone’s safety.

The borough council’s neighbourhoods’ team is also working with other voluntary sector organisations to identify what’s already happening in the community and where the Council can provide further help.

For more details, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/CCA

Funding for the £100,000 community support fund has been allocated from the Council’s reserves.

For the latest information about Council services, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/coronavirus

Spend Time With Horses And Soothe Your Anxiety

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:42:14 GMT

Nat has loved horses FOREVER. And she’s worked with them at our local stables for almost just as long. So I couldn’t wait to catch up with her about plans to bring together adults, perhaps with anxiety, depression and other health conditions, through caring for horses.

Nat admits anxiety has always impacted on all aspects of her life and horses have always played a huge role in helping her through the rough patches. She has made a career out of being around them and has taught a diverse range of people to ride and care for horses for almost twenty years; kids to adults, from all backgrounds and with all manner of additional needs.

Ten years ago Nat was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. She battled with her weight, hair loss, pain and discomfit and she remembers times when she came round on the bathroom floor after passing out. Her symptoms progressively worsened, her Crohn’s became very aggressive and she began to develop abscesses in her bowel- one of which went into sepsis and came close to killing her. After two emergency operations she was left with an ilestomy bag.

Nat tells me she was in and out of hospital, trying treatments and medication and nothing seemed to be working. She developed complex fistulas (yes I had to look it up to understand), had 6 setons to try and correct this condition and also developed pyoderma (serious ulcers) on her legs and around her ilestomy bag. Her body was so inflamed inside and out and in constant, extreme pain. She recalls her skin was so damaged and raw that her bag wouldn’t stick to her body and she had to use masking tape to secure it and keep it from leaking. This, she tells me, was one of her darkest times in handling what was being thrown at her.

As she explains her hellish experiences it is very hard to not feel emotional.

Nat has not been a stranger to adversity in her life. But this whole experience took its toll and unsurprisingly proved to be one of her biggest challenges.

Since the diagnosis and subsequent complications, processes and treatments, Nat explained her mental health has been an ongoing struggle. As always, working with, looking after and being around the horses made her feel better. Not that it was always possible with her health!

Nat eventually broke down to her specialist, feeling unable to take anything more and begged him to take away her bowel. After a gruelling 7 month wait, taking steroids to calm the ulcers on her skin she had a colostomy fitted and she tells me how it was the best decision for her. It gave her back a quality of life she’d previously lost and is currently in remission.

She still suffers with anxiety and depression but has long been thinking how she could use her experiences positively to help others.

“I want anyone who has any health condition to know they’re not alone. And to experience being around horses to help them feel better.” It’s a simple and powerful sentiment and I totally support her.

She also assures me there is no experience with horses necessary. From May of 2020, Nat will be offering a relaxed, adult meet-up at Park View Stables (in-between Thurcaston and Anstey). The sessions will run on an evening for 90 minutes and the group will get to know the horses and learn routines of caring for them.

Nat has a unique combination of experiences which make her the perfect person to co-ordinate and deliver this group. She has a genuine motivation driving her never mind a cracking personality which I’ve no doubt are going to make this meet-up an amazing atmosphere.

For more information and/ or to reserve a place please email natalielennon29@gmail.com or call 07825576486.

Equine therapy or EAT (Equine Assisted Therapy) is widely accepted to positively benefit mental health, wellbeing and recovery. Horses have been used in therapy for many years and are still a popular choice. The benefits include aiding self-esteem, encouraging positive emotions such as worthiness and develop confidence and independence.

Why CSR Is More Than A ‘Ticked Box’ Exercise For QDTS Construction

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:39:10 GMT

Corporate Social Responsibility has become somewhat of a buzz phrase over the last few years.

On a large scale it involves multi-million-pound corporates participating in, or funding, all sorts of initiatives, trying hard to convince consumers that they really do have a social conscience. There are even entire teams within these organisations responsible solely for their CSR operation.

On a local level however, CSR is very much more about organisations coming together to help each other, creating mutually beneficial relationships - and it has very positive implications for local communities.

Midlands-based QDTS Construction take Corporate Social Responsibility very seriously. Not because they see it as a ticked box on their PR plan, but because they truly understand its value – both to the projects they undertake and to their staff who get the opportunity to participate.

QDTS Managing Director, Terry Benson told us: “CSR is something which has always been high on the agenda for me personally and for QDTS as a company. We’ve been fortunate to experience a great deal of success over the last 3 years and I think it is hugely important to share that success however we can.”

But it’s not just about giving, Terry added: “Yes, the charities and community projects we take on get the support they so desperately need, but we get so much from it too. Taking part in local projects is great for team morale and staff really appreciate the chance to make a difference.”

QDTS have definitely put their construction expertise to very good use. Best known for prestigious new builds, city centre apartments and commercial developments, they’ve proved that their skills can be just as easily applied to school playgrounds and nature areas. The team have just recently given up their time and resources to help Croft primary School improve their outdoor space by adding a pond, a decked area – and even some sand and beach huts for the sunnier days.

Sponsorship too, is an area where QDTS regularly give back, contributing generously to Green Towers Football Club, Bodie Hodges Foundation and Leicester Tigers Foundation Monument, and becoming a Platinum Sponsor for Marie Curie West Midland’s Brain Game event at the ICC which raised a staggering £169,000.

They also currently sponsor Corefit Gym in Sutton Coldfield, this sponsorship helps with the development of children’s self-defence, and training in Mauy Thai Boxing for both adults and children.

You can find out more about QDTS and their many CSR activities by visiting www.qdtsconstruction.com/

New Round Of Grants On Offer To Benefit Community

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:33:14 GMT

Community groups and charities in Charnwood are being invited to apply for funding in 2020.

Charnwood Borough Council has launched its new rounds of Charnwood Grants in a bid to help local organisations, charities and community led projects to access funding support.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the Council’s lead member for communities, said: “Our grants scheme has returned for another year and we’re encouraging local community groups, charities and organisations which may need some extra funding to look at what’s on offer. We have a range of different grants to benefit a variety of projects. The scheme has helped many communities over the years, and we want to see that continue. If you’re thinking of applying then make sure you take time to look at all of the information available and include as much detail as possible in your application. If you need help with your application, then just get in touch with our team who will be happy to help.”

So far the Council has awarded around £140,000 to local projects during the 19/20 rounds of funding.

The Baldwin Trust, a charity which operates specially adapted, wheelchair friendly narrowboat cruises, crewed by volunteers, from Pillings Lock Marina in Barrow and Leicester Marina, Thurmaston, was awarded £5,000 to help with a new marketing project and to reach out to new volunteers.

Mick Mcloughlin, chairman of trustees, said: “The Trust was established in 1983 and continues to deliver boat trips within the community which enhance the wellbeing of people of all ages. We were delighted to find out we had been successful with our grant application. The funding has helped launch a new marketing campaign called Sailing into New Waters. The aim was to reach out to new partners and volunteers and raise awareness of the work the trust does. We would recommend to any community groups or local charity in need of some extra funding to have a look at what funding is available through the Council. It’s easy to do and if you have any questions then the team are always willing to help.”

The different grants are open to properly constituted community and voluntary groups for activities not conducted for profit. The grants include:

Community Development and Engagement – Round 1 deadline April 17, 2020

This grant can provide up to £10,000 for organisations currently running projects with community benefit in Charnwood.

Community Facilities Grants and Feasibility Studies – Round 1 deadline April 17, 2020

The community facilities grants scheme can award funding of up to £20,000, to a maximum of 50% of the cost of a project which assists with the renovation and improvement of community buildings, and small-scale environmental improvement schemes.

The feasibility studies grants scheme can award up to £5,000, to a maximum of 50% of the cost of feasibility studies as part of the development plan to undertake substantial refurbishment or propose a new-build community facility.

Loughborough Community Grants – Round 1 deadline April 28, 2020

These grants can provide up to £2,000 for organisations and projects, which deliver activities with community benefits in Loughborough.

Sports and Leisure Grants - Round 1 deadline April 28, 2020

A variety of grant funding for individuals, clubs and organisations in need of additional finance to run their projects and activities.

Members Grants – Applications open on April 1,2020

These grants give each borough councillor the opportunity to award up to £1,000 to projects which bring benefits to their ward each year.

The latest application forms, deadlines and more information are available at: www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoodgrants, email: grants@charnwood.gov.uk or call 01509 634730.

Ventola Projects Light Up Cambridge Tenpin Entertainment Facility

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:11:16 GMT

Having just recently completed a high-profile lighting contract at Cheshire Oaks Tenpin, Leicester-based provider of specialist electrical LED lighting installations, Ventola Projects, have gone on to apply their lighting genius to another popular leisure venue, this time in Cambridgeshire.

Cambridge Tenpin is an entertainment hub with bowling lanes, karaoke pods, pool tables and a cafe. As you can imagine, lighting is one of the most important elements in creating the right atmosphere and level of excitement for visitors to the facility and that’s why this particular client chose the expertise of Ventola.

The venue’s owners wanted a multi-functional LED system which incorporated the highest quality white light and a multitude of vibrant colours. Ease of control was high on their wish list too, as they needed to be able to manage the whole system in one action from a central PC, whilst also having the capability to control specific areas separately and remotely via an app or alternative on-site PC.

Of course none of these requests caused a problem for the experienced team at Ventola. They completed the project in just 3 weeks using their energy-efficient VAvR lighting system. With a combination of VAvR Linear Optics, CS16 Downlights, CS4 Downlights and VAvR Pixel Tape the overall effect was just exactly what Cambridge Tenpin wanted in creating the perfect environment for fun. The fact that the carefully chosen system is also low maintenance and low energy means that both the running costs and the environmental impact will be low too, a welcomed bonus for the facility owners.

Mick Ventola, Founder and Managing Director of Ventola Projects was pleased with the project from start to finish, telling us:

“Whilst we’ve got a great reputation in the entertainment sector, every one of these projects are unique and has its own characteristics. The biggest challenge at Cambridge Tenpin was choosing the right products for the different areas as each needed to have their own specific mood. As always, the team worked hard. We loved working on this facility, and we’re delighted with the final result.”

To find out more about the range of energy efficient lighting products which Ventola Projects use or see more of the fabulous venues they have transformed, visit http://ventola.co.uk/

Parish Councils Commit To Support Armed Forces Community

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:08:35 GMT

Nine parish and town councils have shown their commitment to supporting military personnel community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Charnwood Borough Council hosted the event where parish and town councils from across the borough came together to pledge their support for current serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly and do not face disadvantage. Groups, organisations, charities, local authorities and businesses are encouraged to sign up to it.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, the Council’s armed forces champion, said: “I am delighted many parish and town councils have come together to sign the covenant and are committed to helping the Armed Forces community. It’s important we continue to encourage organisations in Charnwood to sign the covenant and ensure resources are in place to support the Armed Forces and their families in our communities across the borough.”

The parish and town councils in Charnwood are the first ones to sign the covenant in Leicestershire.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities said: “We acknowledge the sacrifices our Armed Forces men and women, and their families make, and it was great to see the parish and town councils signing the covenant."

Shepshed Town and Barrow Parish Councils were among the nine organisations to sign and pledge their support. Cllr Joan Tassell from Shepshed Town Council said: “We are proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and are committed to helping those with a military background. It’s fantastic so many organisations have come along today to pledge their support. We look forward to helping the Armed Forces personnel, both past and present within our local community.”

The full list of parish and town councils that signed the covenant are:

Anstey
Barrow upon Soar
Cropston and Thurcaston
Mountsorrel
Newtown Linford
Queniborough
Quorn
Shepshed
Woodhouse Eaves

Rushcliffe and Charnwood borough councils recently received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

Proposal To Increase Council Tax By Less Than 9p A Week

Tue, 04 Feb 2020 10:30:24 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council is proposing to raise its share of council tax by less than 9p a week for a Band D property.

The proposed increase would see the annual charge for an average Band D property rise £4.43 (3.63 per cent) to £126.52 from April 1, 2020.

It is also being proposed to increase the Loughborough Special Rate, the equivalent of a parish precept in villages and paid by residents of the town, for the first time since 2016. It is proposed to increase Loughborough Special Rate to £76.46 a year.

The Council’s cabinet will consider the draft budget plans on Thursday, February 13 with its recommendation due to go before full council on Monday, February 24.

Councillor Tom Barkley, lead member for finance and property services, said: “We are putting forward a proposal to increase our local element of council tax for the 2020/21 financial year. Local government funding continues to decrease and we have proposed what we believe is a reasonable increase to protect our frontline services. This is the first time in four years we’ve proposed to increase the Loughborough Special Rate. Even with these increases, it means we will still have one of the lowest council tax rates in the country. However, the budget does include using some of our reserves and this is not a sustainable position. That is why we are developing plans to increase our income from other sources, such as through investment in commercial property, and ensure we are operating in the most efficient and effective ways possible. A commitment to excellent services for residents remains firmly intact.”

Charnwood Borough Council currently has the 23rd lowest council tax charge out of 201 district councils in the country.

The Charnwood element accounts for less than 10 per cent of the total bill.

For more information about the budget, see the reports to Cabinet on the Council website: http://bit.ly/CBCtax2020

Board Meets To Kickstart £25 Million Town Deal Bid For Loughborough

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:40:46 GMT

PHOTO: Pictured at the first Loughborough Town Deal board meeting are, back, from left: Leicestershire county councillor Trevor Pendleton; Loughborough College chief executive John Doherty; Andy Reed OBE, deputy chair of the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership; Tracy Bhamra, Pro Vice Chancellor (Enterprise) at Loughborough University; Simon Whelband, representing Jane Hunt Loughborough MP and Martin Traynor OBE, Chair of the Economy and Skills Group, Charnwood Together. Front, from left, Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough at Charnwood Borough Council; Lez Cope-Newman, Loughborough BID chair; Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chief executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals and Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council

Business and community leaders have come together to kickstart a project to secure up to £25 million of government funding to transform in Loughborough’s economic growth.

Charnwood Borough Council hosted the first meeting of the Loughborough Town Deal Board which will manage the development of a town investment plan and submission of bids to the Government’s Town Deal initiative.

The deals aim to regenerate town centres, boost businesses and improve infrastructure and connectivity.

The Loughborough Town Deal Board is being co-chaired by Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chief executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals in Loughborough, and Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council.

Cllr Morgan said: “The Town Deal is a huge opportunity to bring a significant amount of investment to Loughborough and I am delighted the board has met for the first time. There is a tremendous amount of positivity and enthusiasm about the potential of the Town Deal fund and I look forward to seeing ideas develop. The board members all agreed that collaboration and involving all sectors of the community will be a critical component of success. The first meeting was very much about making sure we have the right structures in place so we can move forward at pace and secure the best Town Deal for Loughborough.”

Dr Kotecha said: “The funding from the government’s Town Deal Fund and the overall Loughborough Town Centre Masterplan will create jobs, increase productivity and boost skills throughout the borough. The meeting of the Town Deal board is a crucial first step towards ensuring that Loughborough continues to be a thriving market town and major hub for the Charnwood community.”

The Loughborough Town Deal Board will now co-ordinate the development of a Town Investment Plan which will provide a vision for building on the town’s unique strengths to transform its economic growth prospects.

At its first meeting the board agreed a governance structure including the creation of a sub-group to oversee community engagement and consultation. It also agreed to use government funding already awarded to the Council to commission external support to help with the bid and community engagement.

Town Deals can be used to redevelop vacant buildings and land, drive private sector investment by supporting small businesses and ensure young people have the skills they need to get good jobs. Communities will also be able to consider how they can boost their transport links and increase access to high-speed broadband.

To keep up to date with the latest Loughborough Town Deal news, please follow @charnwoodbc on Twitter.

Celebrating Community Safety In Charnwood

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:37:28 GMT

Great work to improve community safety in Charnwood has been highlighted at an awards ceremony.

Charnwood Community Safety Partnership was a finalist in the Safer Community Celebration Awards, organised by the Police Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Lord Willy Bach.

Local police inspector Mark Botte also picked up the Visible Policing Award.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities at Charnwood and chair of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said the awards were a great way to highlight the great work taking place to make communities safer across the county.

Cllr Taylor said: “I am really pleased the partnership took part in these awards and it reflects the many successes we have had in reducing crime in the borough. The Council and a number of agencies and organisations are working really hard with Leicestershire Police to tackle crime and that work is paying off. The Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area team are really committed to helping our residents and the Council and other partners appreciate the work they do. We know there is still a lot of work to be done but it is pleasing to see a reduction in crime in the borough and we will continue to work together, as a partnership and with communities, to make Charnwood a safer place to live, work and visit. I’d also like to congratulate Mark for picking up his award who along with his team are real assets to the borough.”

Insp Mark Botte, Charnwood Neighbourhood Policing Area commander, said: “I am extremely proud of all the officers at Charnwood who have contributed to this success as well as paying tribute to specialist departments and partners who have been supporting us. I am committed to making Charnwood a safe place where residents have confidence in the local police. Charnwood Borough Council have been key to the work we do and I would like to publicly thank them for their support.”

The partnership says good results have been achieved thanks to greater partnership working. Examples include the implementation of a drug strategy to identity and assist people at risk of drug abuse and working with local schools and agencies to identify young people at risk of reoffending or harm and putting steps in place to mitigate the risk and support them.

Police have also carried out Operation Lionheart to tackle County Lines activity in the borough and promoted Neighbourhood Link, a community messaging service.

According to the latest figures, the total number of crimes in Charnwood was down seven per cent in 2019 to 9,590 incidents compared to 2018.

The figures showed:

burglaries of homes were down 25 per cent to 638 incidents while burglaries at businesses were down 40 per cent to 163 incidents
theft from vehicles was down 19 per cent to 710 incidents while shoplifting was down 31 per cent to 627 incidents
cycle theft was also down 34 per cent to 214 incidents while robbery was down 12 per cent to 66 incidents
violent attacks with injury were up five per cent to 746 incidents and theft of vehicles rose two per cent to 270 incidents

For more information about community safety in Charnwood, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/safety or follow @SaferCharnwood on Twitter.

Holiday Activities Return For February Half-Term

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 10:33:14 GMT

There’s plenty for the kids to do in Charnwood this half-term thanks to the holiday activity programme.

Charnwood Borough Council’s programme of activities returns for February half-term with a host of things to do.

Activities will run from Monday, February 17 to Friday, February 21, 2020 at locations across the borough including Loughborough, Burton on the Wolds, Sileby and Shepshed.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the Council’s lead member for communities said: “Our holiday activity programme is just one of the ways we help children in the borough stay active and healthy. It is always popular, and I hope the kids enjoy the activities on offer this time. Whether you enjoy arts and crafts or building dens, there is something for everyone to enjoy this half-term.”

Most of the activities are suitable for children of all ages and families are welcome to come and watch or take part in a number of events.

Activities on offer include:

Den building
Love family fit
Laser quest
Aerial Trekking
Kin-ball taster session
Arts and crafts
Family nordic walking
Horse riding
Multi-sports with LCFC
Yoga

Prices start from £4 and there are several free activities available.

Wild Card holders can also enjoy great discounts. If you are aged five to 16, or have a disability and live or go to school in Charnwood, get your hands on a Wild Card by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/wildcardnews.

For a full list of activities available this half-term and to book online visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/holidayprogrammes or call 01509 634561.

Brooksby Melton College And Stephenson College Celebrate As Merger Reaches Completion

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 10:43:15 GMT

In May last year, it was announced by Brooksby Melton College in Melton Mowbray and Stephenson College in Coalville, that both education providers had agreed to merge with a vision for providing even greater support to learners across Leicestershire and beyond.

After a competitive Structure and Prospects Appraisal, followed by a rigorous Consultation period and due-diligence spanning a total of 12 months, the merger has now successfully reached completion. As of today – 1st February 2020 – both Colleges now legally sit within the newly-formed SMB Group.

Both Colleges are rated ‘Good’ by Oftsed, with a shared vision to become ‘Outstanding’ education providers in the near future and it is hoped that this new partnership will aid them in reaching this goal.

Dawn Whitemore, Chief Executive and Principal for the Group commented, “This is an exciting time for our staff and students, as both Colleges will now work together to provide an even stronger offer for all our stakeholders. This truly is a merger of equals and I am looking forward to maximising the provision we can offer, with the learner remaining firmly positioned at the forefront of everything we do. The merger process ran incredibly smoothly due to our ideally matched culture, vision and education offer, which gives me huge confidence in the progress and growth we will be making as a Group in the near future.”

Between the two institutions, a huge range of courses are offered covering full-time and part-time further education, apprenticeships, higher education, short courses and distance learning. Currently, they share approximately 10,000 students, with goals to attract more students as the partnership offers increased opportunities for learners both regionally and nationally.

Both Colleges will continue to accept applications from students for the coming academic year as normal. Courses for current students and those enrolling in September will continue as planned.

Planning Application Approved For Outwoods Visitor Centre

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 10:47:09 GMT

A visitor centre at the Outwoods in Loughborough is set to open later this year following approval at plans committee on January 30th.

Charnwood Borough Council submitted the application last year to convert the former ranger’s cottage into a café and visitor centre. Work is due to start in spring with the aim of the centre opening in the autumn.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said: “I’m really pleased the application to create a visitor centre has been approved. The ranger’s cottage has been largely unused for many years so it will be great to see it brought back to life to improve facilities for everyone who visits this ancient and much-loved woodland. I’m sure the café will be a popular destination for the many walkers and families who visit there and the centre will also give us a space for displays and other events. I’m looking forward to seeing work begin on the project and is opening later this year. We are committed to improving the Outwoods while ensuring we maintain its natural and historic character on behalf of the people of Loughborough. As well as the visitor centre, last year we opened a new £140,000 natural play area and events shelter and we recently began a 10-year project to restore native trees to the Outwoods.”

It is intended the visitor centre would include a café, toilets and space for displays. It would also be adapted to encourage bats to roost there through the inclusion of lead bat access points and flying space.

Estimated costs to create the centre are around £130,000 and it is expected a private operator would manage it.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, chair of the committee said: “We’re looking forward to seeing work start on this project now the application has been approved. Having a visitor centre and café at the Outwoods will make a huge difference to our visitors and hopefully encourage even more people to come along and enjoy the ancient woodland.”

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) by Natural England, which means it is protected by law to conserve its wildlife and geology.

Foundation’s First Grant Used To Provide Christmas Hampers

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 10:45:03 GMT

The Furnley House Foundation were pleased to hand out their first grant to a local charity that provided Christmas hampers to those less fortunate in Leicester.

Wednesday 11th December was a special night for the Furnley House family. The Furnley House Foundation, which launched on 1st June 2019 at their Summer Ball, gave out their first grant to a local charity which provides food, clothing, furniture, skills training, mentoring, advice and a listening ear to those in need in Leicester.

The Trustees have been working on launching a grant scheme to help local causes and opened this up initially to Furnley House staff and those that attended their spectacular summer ball in June last year. A number of applications were reviewed by the Trustees and the one chosen was for Open Hands, Leicester.

Simon Winfield, Chairman of the Foundation said, “It was difficult to choose between the applications because all of the charities were really admirable but Open Hands Leicester stood out for us because of the impact they have on developing people to help them out of tough situations.”

The announcement was made at the Foundation’s first Christmas event at Pennbury Farm in Leicester. Furnley House colleagues, Furnley House Foundation Trustees, friends, family members and local businesses were all invited to a fantastic evening with mulled wine and canapes at the newly opened venue in Great Glen, and Debbie Watson from Open Hands Leicester was there to tell attendees about the charity and the difference they make.

Debbie gave a powerful speech to event attendees explaining how they had seen a 23% increase in emergency food requests with many families having insufficient funds to make ends meet and the funds from the Foundation would help them provide 50 hampers made up of snacks, drinks, Christmas crackers and supermarket vouchers to help the recipients to buy food to make Christmas Day extra special. Debbie said, “It was great to be at the Furnley House Foundation Christmas event on the 11th. I really enjoyed hearing more about the Foundation and meeting everyone who has been involved and supported the Foundation. Thank you to the Furnley House Foundation for presenting such a generous cheque to us.”

The evening came to a close at 9pm after three raffle prize winners were announced and Simon revealed that the event had raised an additional £400 to go towards the Foundation. The Foundation are now concentrating on opening up the grant scheme to the public and are planning more great events including their annual Summer Ball on the 16th May which will be held at the Leicester Marriott Hotel.

Scape Group Make Alex’s Wish Come True!

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:53:17 GMT

This year, Scape Group have raised £17,629 for Alex’s Wish, an East Midlands based charity who raise much needed funds to invest into clinical trials and clinical research with a view to finding new treatments and – ultimately – a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is an extremely serious muscle-wasting disease affecting 1 in every 3,500 boys born. At present, it’s 100% fatal and children are unlikely to live beyond their twenties. Duchenne affects all cultures and countries and is a worldwide problem.

Scape Group were introduced to Alex’s Wish by Emma Lawrence, an employee at their Head Office, who put Alex’s Wish forward for consideration as Scape Group’s Charity of the Year. After choosing to support Alex’s Wish, Scape Group began to plan their yearlong fundraising campaign, which included a golf day with staff and partners, fielding a large Scape Group team in an X-runner event and a quiz which involved staff, clients and suppliers.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group chief executive said, “Each year Scape Group employees nominate charities that they would like us to support. Emma was incredibly passionate about Alex’s Wish and it felt like a local charity that we could all really get behind.

“The team, along with our delivery partners have, as always put their all into to raising as much money as possible with activities including a golf day, the X Runner and topped off with a fantastic quiz night. I am incredibly proud of the amount raised and would like to thank Thomas Dearman, Scape Group marketing assistant for coordinating the activities.”

Emma Lawrence, Scape Group graphic designer commented, “I have known Emma Hallam for some time and when the charity of the year came around I couldn’t think of a more worthwhile cause for my colleagues and I to get behind.”

Emma Hallam, Founder of Alex’s Wish said, “I can’t thank Scape Group enough. They have been wonderfully supportive and I want to say a huge thank you to their whole team for the time and effort they have put into their 2019 events. Their money will go directly into funding the research and clinical trials necessary to find treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this horrific life-limiting condition – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Companies like Scape Group are so very important to us and we are very grateful for their support.”

Stephenson College To Host Regional Heats For New National Student Hairdressing Competition

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 10:50:54 GMT

A brand new nationwide competition for trainee hairdressers kicked off in January and Stephenson College are looking forward to hosting the Midlands Regional Heats on 10 February 2020.

The Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year competition will see up to 840 learners compete over six regional heats throughout England and Wales. The winners of each category will qualify for the Grand Final at the L’Oréal Professionnel Academy in London in March, where they will compete to be named the first ever Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year.

The events, organised by Concept Hair Magazine, will celebrate the UK’s best hairdressing and barbering students as they aim to achieve national recognition at the beginning of their careers.

Salon owners, training managers and college lecturers have entered students and apprentices into the competition, which is free to enter and is open to all trainee hairdressers above the age of 16.

There are incredible prizes up for grabs, including goody bags for everyone who enters and a variety of hair tools and training opportunities from the competition sponsors.

The series of live competitions will give apprentices the chance to show off their skills, creativity and flair across five distinct categories – styling, hair up, barbering, colouring and avant-garde.

Category themes include Peaky Blinders, The Great Gatsby, prom hair and ‘fire and ice’.

Jane Harwood-Scott, Section Head, Professional Care Industries, at Stephenson College, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this prestigious event at our College. We are renowned for excellence and innovation in learning and are passionate about supporting our students to achieve their full potential and ambitions, which is why we are proud to support this event which recognises and celebrates the UK’s best hairdressing and barbering students. As well as hosting the Midlands regional heat we have are our own students entering the competition and wish them, and all the contestants, the best of luck”

Celia Matthews, Managing Director of Concept Hair Magazine, said: “We are so excited to launch the Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year competition and show what a fantastic career choice hairdressing is. We can’t wait to see what looks the competitors will come up with – it’s going to be fabulous!”

The competition is sponsored by L’Oréal, Cloud Nine, Wahl, Salons Direct, GE Betterton and the Fellowship for British Hairdressing.

Monica Teodoro, General Manager at L’Oréal, said: “With a brand heritage that spans over 100 years, we have continued to pioneer, support and shape the future of the hairdressing industry – and what better way than to focus on the next generation. We can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s hair professionals will bring.”

Jessica Wilkhu, Head of Brand & Marketing at Cloud Nine, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Concept Hair to create a platform that supports and showcases the next generation of talented hairdressing professionals. Their fresh perspective will shape the future of the industry, and we’re so excited to see their creations during the competition.”

Simon Shaw, Global Artistic Director at Wahl, said: “Education is a huge part of our global brand and we always aim to support the next generation. During the competition, we will be looking to see students who show strong foundational shapes, with a modern edge and strong finishes. I can’t wait to see what the competition brings.”

Ken Picton, President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, said: “We are looking forward to seeing some outstanding, emerging talent. Creativity is at the heart of everything that the Fellowship does. Seeing hairdressing through young people’s eyes is always inspirational and competitions like this show the population what this amazing industry has to offer.”

For more information about the competition, head to www.concepthairmag.co.uk/events

Cash Protection Agency Director Celebrates 20 Years In The Business

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 10:57:05 GMT

Cash Protection Agency Ltd Director, Denise Parkinson, is celebrating two decades since joining business in 1999.

Established in 1993 in Leicester, Cash Protection Agency (CPA), work with clients throughout the UK offering a tried and tested commercial debt recovery service which has over the years recouped millions of unpaid invoices, helping many businesses to recover money which otherwise would have been lost. Throughout her career with CPA, Denise has frequently been praised for her ability to immerse herself in every role, which saw her rise through the ranks from her initial position of Debt Collector, to Office Manager to her current status of Director of the business.

Reflecting on her first role with CPA, Denise commented: “This role was very different to what I expected (having applied for a different role!). Of course, it is very pressured, but also can be incredibly rewarding. There are businesses out there who are relying on you to get their money back otherwise it can affect them and their employees greatly. We always aim to do our very best and not let them down.”

We pride ourselves on building good relationships with our clients in order to get to know their business. It can become very personal to case managers having built up these good client relationships. The debts they are chasing become almost as if they were their own and that is where the persistence comes in; we will not give up unless there is something that prevents collection for such as bankruptcy which unfortunately is out of our control.”

Although Denise’s story is one of success - which brilliantly confirms hard work and perseverance really does pay off - there are still challenges. Denise states: “Debt recovery is a challenge every day, however I think the biggest challenge is bringing in new business; there are some Debt Recovery companies out there who tarnish the reputation of Debt Collectors, which can make it very difficult to build up trust with new clients. Alongside this, people have a very negative perception of debt collectors. We do not knock on doors being a menace, we offer a diplomatic approach to debt recovery to try to resolve any disputes that may have arisen.”

Denise has seen a lot of interesting things throughout her career at CPA, advising that the strangest thing they have ever had to recover for is a client that sold Stem Cell Storage which is obviously quite a delicate area for recovery so it had to be dealt with in an incredibly sensitive.

Looking back over the last 20 years with CPA, Denise reflects: “I feel very proud, as well as it being a testimony to the business. When I first started working here, I never dreamed I’d one day be the Director. I am a true believer in finding a job you love and immersing yourself in it.”

For more information on CPA, visit: www.cashprotectionagency.co.uk

Grants Help To Fund New Defibrillator At Sileby Town FC

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 11:16:14 GMT

A community football club is well on the way to becoming ‘heartsafe’ thanks to support from the borough council and the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust (JHMT).

Sileby Town Football Club has recently gained a new public-access defibrillator to help assist if anyone has a cardiac emergency.

Charnwood Borough Council awarded £850 of funding towards the defib through its members grant scheme and a sports facilities grant. Installation costs were covered by the football club, and local heart charity the JHMT has provided an external cabinet for the defib.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support Sileby FC with the purchase and installation of a defibrillator through our grants scheme. Not only will the defibrillator help the football club become heartsafe, but it will also be accessible for the local community. I’d encourage other local sports clubs to look into the grants that are available to help them with funding an Automated External Defibrillator.”

The defib is situated on the outside wall of the football club, on Southfields Avenue, and is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Charlie Hoyes from Sileby Town said: “We plan to have training from the JHMT, including training for some residents who live very close to the site. Our members are very pleased that we now have a defibrillator and recognise the importance it could play in saving a life. The JHMT have been marvellous with their help and advice. We also hope the club’s steps to create a heartsafe environment will encourage other league clubs to do the same.”

Dr Mike Ferguson from JHMT said: “Any delay in starting CPR and finding a defibrillator can result in either the death or severe health impairment of someone who has collapsed. Attaching an automated external defibrillator (AED) to them gives vital information to anyone attempting to help. It is essential, where possible, that these simple-to-use AEDs are available to everyone 24 hours a day.”

Sileby Town Football Club was formed in 1952, making it one of the longest-serving teams in the Leicestershire senior league. The club has around 150 members, which includes two teams.

Charlie Hoyes said: “As a club, we believe in inclusivity and try to join in with other organisations in the village,” s. “We have held fund-raising events for charities including SANDS Utd, the MND society, Diabetes UK and Leicester Transplant Sport. We also try to help the local Scouts and Guides where we can, as well as Sileby Juniors football club.”

The charity was set up after the tragic death of Rothley teenager Joe Humphries in 2012, who died from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS) while out on a run.

To find out more about the work of the JHMT, visit www.jhmt.org.uk

For more information about the Council’s sports facilities and member grants please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/grants

Loughborough MP Meets With Cancer Charity, Sarcoma UK, To Raise Awareness Of ‘The Loneliest Cancer’

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 10:59:42 GMT

Jane Hunt, MP for Loughborough recently met with Sarcoma UK to discuss the work the charity is doing to support people affected by sarcoma cancer. One of the issues the charity is trying to address is about the general lack of awareness of the cancer. Initial diagnosis is often inaccurate and compared to other more common cancers, fewer treatment options are available. This means that currently only 55% of sarcoma patients live beyond five years. It is for this reason, the charity has called this ‘the loneliest cancer.’

Following the meeting, Jane said: “It was fascinating talking to the charity today. Only 25% of people know what sarcoma is, and I’m proud to work with sarcoma to help spread awareness of this terrible cancer. It’s also clear to see that more needs to be done to help understand sarcoma so that patients have access to the level of treatment and care they deserve. It’s great to see this charity raising public awareness about sarcoma and its symptoms, while funding vital research into better treatments and supporting patients and loved ones through their Support Line.”

Sarcoma can affect any part of the body, inside or out, including the muscle, bone, tendons, blood vessels and fatty tissues. In the UK, 5,300 people are diagnosed every year, that’s 15 people every day.

Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments.

Friends Of Charnwood Forest

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 11:18:27 GMT

There is an old definition of a ‘weed’ for a gardener which states that it will thrive and multiply under the prevailing conditions, whereas a ‘flower’ will not. ‘Flowers’ can become weeds, but rarely do weeds become flowers, and then only when they are moved from their country of origin to somewhere else.

So, what does ‘prevailing conditions’ mean? To start with, the soil; this can be too wet or too dry for certain plants. It must not be too acidic or too basic: it must or must not contain certain minerals. The amount of light the plant receives must be just right. Some plants will not thrive in shade, others in direct sunlight. The temperature range must be just right; many plants are said to be ‘hardy’ if they survive the lowest temperatures of the winter – clearly this will depend on where in the world they are. Non-hardy plants will be killed off by those temperatures. In some places this can be governed not only by the location of the place there are in, but whether they are on a north or south facing slope.

Our speaker this month, Uta Hamzaoui, has been working on the Living Landscapes project in the Charnwood Forest since 2012. Her job is to explore the various areas in the Forest, mainly outside designated reserves, and to advise landowners of the best methods of maintaining interesting environments, mainly for the plant life, though she did mention a couple of rare bugs at the end of her talk. At present the Living Landscape project covers the Forest and the Soar and Wreake valleys, but may be extended to two further areas around the Eyebrook reservoir.

Certain ‘prevailing conditions’ did not have to be covered; the Forest has a fairly uniform climate, and annual plants will have seed that set and flourish at the right time of year. Light is not a problem, as there are no real mountains to shield out the sunlight. This only leaves soils. These depended on the nature of the rocks where they were formed and the drainage.

The oldest rocks in the Forest are over 600 million years old, and formed part of the volcanic activity which took place in those times. Soils on those rocks are thin and acidic. By 250 million years ago mudstones had formed, and desert conditions prevailed. The heavy clays we now see are red in colour from the sands. Finally the glaciers of the ice age carved through the rocks, resulting in some places having excellent drainage, others poor, and a few places where there is virtually none.

The next invasion was the farmer and agriculture. The tree cover was virtually eliminated. Most of the Forest is not suitable for ploughing, with rocks protruding through the soil, so pasture and grazing animals formed the bulk of the farming activity. In fact, certain types of heathland can only be preserved economically by grazing. Streams and rivers drained much of the land with a little encouragement, but in a few places bogs and wetlands still prevail.

Our speaker selected examples of each type of habitat, and gave us details of some of the plants to be found on each, including some interesting facts about symbiotic plants and semi-parasitic ones. These were all well illustrated with ‘slides’. We all came away somewhat wiser than we may have been before.

The next meeting will be on 17th February at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall, when Peter Liddle, once the county archaeologist, will talk about Lady Jane Grey and Bradgate House.

Councils Acknowledged For Commitment To Support Members Of The Armed Forces

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:24:19 GMT

Charnwood and Rushcliffe borough councils’ commitment to supporting serving and former Armed Forces personnel and their families has been further recognised at an awards ceremony.

The authorities officially received the gold award from the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme on November 19.

The award acknowledges employers who actively support the Armed Forces community in their workplace ensuring they do not face any disadvantage as a result of their service.

It also recognises the Councils’ awareness of the variety of transferable skills reservists, veterans and current personnel can bring to the civilian workplace.

Charnwood Borough Council’s armed forces champion Cllr Fryer said: “We were delighted to officially receive the gold award from the Armed Forces Recognition Scheme. The award acknowledges our successful partnership with Rushcliffe Borough Council and our continued work to support the Armed Forces community. We recognise the sacrifices our Armed Forces men and women, and their families make and it’s important to give something back to those who serve their country. The Council is committed to supporting our armed forces personnel and the veteran’s community and will continue to do so through the covenant. I’d like to once again congratulate everyone involved with this fantastic achievement.”

The Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013. The Covenant recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

Rushcliffe Borough Council’s deputy leader and covenant champion Cllr Debbie Mason said: "We were absolutely delighted to attend the awards ceremony to receive our Gold Award from the Armed Forces Employee Recognition Scheme together with Charnwood Borough Council. The award acknowledges our work with our Armed Forces community with initiatives such as Veterans' breakfast clubs, encouraging social enterprises and businesses to sign the covenant and events such as Proms in the Park that raise the profile of military causes and charities. We also introduced a guaranteed job interview scheme for Veterans and Reservists at the Council and if appointed, a buddy support system will help them settle into their new work place. We will continue to do everything we can to support those with a military background and to explore further ways we can assist hard-to-reach veterans and families with the support they may require."

Hope Against Cancer Taking The Lead To Fight A Cancer Which Is Close To Home

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:22:30 GMT

Leicestershire and Rutland’s very own cancer research charity, Hope Against Cancer has funded vital research into Endometrial Cancer – a cancer which is on the increase, and for which Leicester alarmingly has the highest rate of diagnosis in the UK.

The valuable study was conducted by Dr. Esther Moss - an Honorary Reader with the Department of Cancer Studies at Leicester University and an Academic Champion in Gynaecology. The study paid particular attention to the treatment offered to both British White (BW) women and British South Asian (BSA) women. The ultimate goal was to find parameters which could explain differences in both incidence and prognosis for these two groups and therefore propose improved therapies.

The funding received from Hope Against Cancer allowed the recruitment of over 200 patients to the study, resulting in the genomic analysis of the largest cohort of British South Asian tumours to date. Numerous drug combinations for the treatment of Endometrial Cancer were screened and the results will pave the way for further research into the clinical presentation and behaviour of this particular cancer.

Overall, the study found that racial disparities play a significant part in the way that people react to treatments and can therefore affect overall outcome. This highlights the need for personalised treatment plans which acknowledge genetic differences in the patients, rather than a blanket ‘one size fits all’ approach.

Hope Against Cancer’s CEO, Nigel Rose told us: “We are very proud of the work that has been carried out here and the hugely valuable insights it has provided in the fight against a cancer which is close to the hearts of many in our region. In the last 20 years alone, the incidence of Endometrial Cancer has risen in the UK by over 50% and in Leicester we are sadly seeing a dramatic increase in the number of cases being diagnosed within our University Hospitals, especially amongst our British South Asian population. As well as moving towards more successful treatment plans, this research has also played an important role in raising awareness of the disease within our community.”

To find out more about the work carried out by Hope Against Cancer, visit www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/

Ventola Projects Ltd Shine A Light On The Qatari Royal Palace

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 11:20:09 GMT

Leicester-based lighting specialists Ventola Projects have just completed yet another high-profile project – at the Sheikh Abdullah Palace in Doha, no less!

Business in the Middle East has been booming for Mick Ventola and his team since they supplied and installed lighting to the Royal Palace of Sheikh Al Thani back in 2016. Their reputation for using the very best products and providing an excellent, efficient service has continued to grow and this latest royal commission proves that they are trusted and respected at the very highest level.

Secured via Ventola’s Egyptian distributor, this latest project brief was to provide an all-in-one lighting effect within the palace’s stunning leisure facility, using white lighting, UV and colour change to create just the right mood and atmosphere.

Mick and his experienced team chose to use the VAvR Lighting System, along with LED48RG-UV-W fixtures and CS16 LED spotlights – a combination which provided just the right effect to complement the luxurious surroundings, whilst adding a touch of fun and excitement.

And it wasn’t just the choice of products which Ventola Projects got right. The entire installation was completed in a deadline-busting 10 days! Efficiency really was the buzzword as the project was not only speedy, it also utilised the latest eco-friendly technology to keep energy usage to a minimum. Even on an on-going basis, the system installed will be around 60% cheaper to operate than conventional lighting, requires no mains power and has minimal maintenance associated with its upkeep. Who knew that this level of luxury could come with all these extra environmental and financial savings!

Founder and Managing Director, Mick Ventola, who is quite rightly very proud of the work he and his team produced, has said: “This really was an amazing project. The lighting showcased to its very best and the venue illustrated just how great these products are for applications like this. “

He also added: “There’s always a bit of nervousness when you are working for the Qatari Royal Family on something quite so prestigious but to be honest the whole job went so smoothly, with no challenges, which is a credit to the team. The client was very impressed. We’ve got another Palace to supply later this year, each of these projects are great opportunities to showcase the work of UK companies overseas, especially in high-profile private locations such as this.”

We’ll no doubt be hearing more stories of Ventola’s continued success in the Middle East and elsewhere in the coming months – by Royal Appointment perhaps?

To find out more on Ventola Projects, you can visit their website at www.ventola.co.uk

Residents Collect Free Trees In Syston

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 11:27:56 GMT

Hundreds of residents collected their free trees from Syston at the weekend.

The borough council once again teamed up with the National Forest and partner idverde to run the scheme and give away 5,000 trees to residents.

Cllr Roy Rollings, lead member for transformation said: “We’re committed to ensure 100,000 trees are planted in Charnwood over the next four years and this scheme is one of the ways we intend to make our borough even greener. The scheme has received a positive response from residents, and it was great to see so many people in Syston at the weekend collecting their trees. For those who didn’t manage to apply for a free tree this time, I’d encourage them to keep an eye on the Council’s website for when we run the scheme again later this year.”

Households and community groups were able to choose up to three trees, with a choice of three varieties; holly, hazel and cherry plum.

Trees were allocated on a first come first served basis and people had the option to collect the trees from either Syston or Loughborough.

Officers will be at Derby Road Playing Fields in Loughborough on Saturday January 25 handing out more trees to people who applied through the Council’s website.

idverde manages the borough’s parks and open spaces on behalf of the Council.

The National Forest is right in heart of the country, embracing 200 square miles of the Midlands. It spans across parts of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Staffordshire and aims to link the two ancient Forests of Charnwood and Needwood.

Former Mayor Of Charnwood Made Honorary Alderman

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 11:26:16 GMT

A former Mayor of Charnwood has been made an honorary Alderman.

Paul Day, a former borough councillor and Mayor was presented with the title which is the highest award that can be made to a former councillor in recognition of exceptional service to the community

He was presented with his scroll, robes and an Alderman medallion at a recent council meeting.

Cllr Brenda Seaton, the Mayor of Charnwood said: “I am pleased we have bestowed the title of honorary Alderman on Paul. He has lived in Anstey for his entire life and to say he is a local would be an understatement. Paul served the council for many years and was chair of health and housing and the plans committee during this time. He spent his final year as the Mayor of Charnwood before retiring in 2015. This appointment is thoroughly deserved and I’m sure Paul will continue to serve the borough and make a difference to residents in his new role.”

Mr Day began representing Anstey on the Council in 1976 just after Charnwood Borough Council was formed. During this time, he was the chair of health and housing before stepping down in 1988.

Paul was re-elected to represent Anstey in 2007 and served another 8 years on the Council.

Mr Day said: “I’ve lived in Anstey all of my life and been involved with both the parish and borough councils for many years. It was an honour to find out I’d been considered. I’m grateful for the support that I’ve received from councillors for the nomination.”

Honorary Aldermen wear a dark blue robe and support the Mayor on formal ceremonial occasions.

They are entitled to take a seat at meetings of the council, although they have no voting rights.

Mr Day joins the borough’s other honorary Aldermen including Robert Shields, Anthony William Stott, John Bush and Joe Tormey.

Recruitment Event For Council Vacancies

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 11:29:48 GMT

A recruitment evening at Blaby District Council is being held for anyone interested in joining the Local Authority.

16 vacancies are being advertised at the Council across various departments throughout the week, from Grounds Maintenance Operatives out and about in the district to Admin Team Leader for the award-winning Lightbulb programme.

The Recruitment Events take place on Monday 27 January and Thursday 30 January between 5:30-7:30pm. Each evening is an opportunity for those interested in any of the vacancies the chance to speak with a Service Manager to find out about the job role.

External funding has enabled Blaby District Council to open the positions for new projects to be undertaken. Following successful funding for the Ice House, a Project Officer (part-time) is required to coordinate the restoration and community dig.

A Tourism & Heritage Officer is also being recruited to support the Council’s ambitious tourism growth plans, whilst an Envirocrime Officer is sought to help ensure key issues for residents, such as fly-tipping, dog fouling and littering, continue to be tackled.

Councillor Maggie Wright, Deputy Leader and Finance & Assets Portfolio Holder, said: “This is an unprecedented number of vacancies for the Council to advertise at once which, once filled, will enable us to continue the great work we already do across the district. This is a great opportunity to bolster our vital services and help launch exciting new projects that will benefit local communities. Blaby District Council is a great place to work, no matter what role you’re in and we’re look forward to welcoming all candidates on the recruitment evenings to give a better understanding of the roles and what it’s like to work in the district.”

The recruitment event is by appointment only and anyone interested is encouraged to sign up quickly by emailing d_pas@blaby.gov.uk or calling 0116 275 7502.

Chamber Choir Concert At The Leicester Guildhall: Sacred & Profane

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 11:31:14 GMT

Viva la Musica, recently described as being 'pre-eminent' among other local chamber choirs, will be presenting an exciting programme of choral music at The Guildhall on Saturday 21st March.

Entitled ‘sacred and profane’ the programme will include Britten's "Flower Songs" and Debussy's "Trois Chanson" from the secular side of the repertoire, complemented by sacred music by Stanford, Pearsall and Elgar. This concert promises to be memorable evening showcasing some of the finest music from the a capella repertoire.

The chamber choir is based in Loughborough and conducted by Simon Lumby

Tickets are £12.50 (Students £10). Those familiar with the guildhall will know that it is not large and so tickets are limited and there are unlikely to be tickets available on the night. They can be purchased in advance from The Guildhall Box Office or from the choir's website vivalamusica.org.uk

Armed Forces Project Reaches National Award Finals

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 11:56:39 GMT

A project which supports the armed forces community in Charnwood/Rushcliffe/Melton has been selected as a finalist in the national Soldiering on Awards.

The partnership between Charnwood, Rushcliffe and Melton borough councils encourages understanding and awareness of the issues affecting veterans and their families within the local community.

The project has been selected as a finalist in the Working Together category of this year’s The Soldiering on Awards which celebrate the achievements of the military community, by honouring individuals, Veterans, their families and organisations that support the armed forces community.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, Armed Forces Champion at Charnwood Borough Council said: “It’s excellent for the project to be acknowledged on a national scale and is testament to our partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe. We’ve worked together since 2017 to support armed forces personnel across the two counties. We’ve ran breakfast clubs, introduced new HR policies and encouraged other organisations and local businesses to sign to covenant. We look forward to continuing to develop our partnership to further support the armed forces community.”

Cllr Debbie Mason, deputy leader and armed forces champion at Rushcliffe Borough Council said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for such a prestigious award, recognising our partnership work with both Melton and Charnwood Borough Councils. We will continue to do everything we can to support those with a military background and to explore further ways we can assist hard-to-reach veterans and families with the support they may require."

Cllr Alan Pearson, portfolio holder for Housing and Communities at Melton Borough Council said: “Melton Mowbray has a long-standing history with the armed forces and we are incredibly proud to reach this stage of the awards for our continued support of our serving and ex serving military personnel. We have been working with our partners to train and develop Armed Forces Champions to ensure resources are in place to support the armed forces and their families in our communities across the borough. We look forward to continuing to build upon on our excellent partnership to sustain and continuously improve on the provision available for our armed forces and veteran families.”

Rushcliffe and Charnwood borough councils also recently received a gold award from The Armed Forces Covenant Employer Scheme (ERS). The Gold Award is the highest badge of honour for organisations which have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and demonstrated outstanding support for those who serve and have served.

Charnwood Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and the partnership between the three councils was formed in 2017.

The Covenant recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated.

The Council also employs an armed forces community covenant development officer, in partnership with Melton and Rushcliffe to help develop and support the armed forces community and ensure that military personal do not face any disadvantage as a result of their service.

The winners of this year’s Soldiering on Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony in April.

Event To Celebrate Blaby Lottery Anniversary

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:02:54 GMT

Supporting good causes from across the district and raising £54,000, the Love Blaby Lottery has been a huge success since its launch two years ago.

Blaby District Council set up the weekly online community lottery, www.blabylottery.org.uk, to raise money for the local good causes who join. 60p from each £1 ticket goes directly to good causes and players can choose which organisation to support.

The second anniversary draw takes place on Saturday 22 February. To mark the celebration, local community groups, charities and sports clubs are invited to attend a special event at Blaby District Council’s offices on Wednesday 29 January from 4.30-6pm to find out more about signing up to raise vital funds.

Eligible good causes registering in time for the 22 February draw will be entered into a special draw to win a top prize of £100 for their organisation.

Since launching in 2018, Blaby Lottery has seen more than 1,800 lucky winners, with the £54,000 raised going towards community libraries, scouts and guides, community transport providers, community groups and sports clubs. .

ADHD Solutions, which supports children, young people and adults affected by ADHD joined the lottery and have successfully raised £2600 since launch. Christine Jarvis, ADHD Solution’s Founder and Director, said: “We were able to set up the Blaby support group for residents in the District of Blaby as a direct result of Love Blaby Lottery funding, which has helped to pay for a venue. Income from the lottery helps to fund all activities we do with the children/young people and families from the Blaby area and has meant that there is more local support available.”

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Regulatory Services, said: “We are exceptionally proud of how much our lottery has raised for good causes in two years. This has helped organisations run projects and supplements our popular Community Grants scheme, which also supports vital local community groups across the whole of the district, and who make such a positive difference to the district.”

500 FREE entries into the Love Blaby Lottery are also available, so give the game a go between now and 29 February (until stocks last). To claim a code email support@blabylottery.co.uk or call 0116 3800775.

For full details of the anniversary event, eligibility and promotions visit: www.blaby.gov.uk/blaby-lottery, email lottery@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7566.

Love Blaby Lottery players must be aged 16+ and resident in the UK. Please gamble responsibly and visit www.begambleaware.org if you need help or advice.

Carillon Tower Museum To Reopen While New Lottery Bid Developed

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 12:01:27 GMT

Loughborough’s Carillon Tower museum will reopen in the spring while a new lottery bid is put together.

The Carillon Memorial Trust had applied for £80,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve the museum but it has been told the bid has been unsuccessful.

However, the trust, which has been supported by Charnwood Borough Council, is going to re-apply and is confident it can still secure funding.

The museum closed in 2018 while the Council carried out a £280,000 conservation project on the tower.

Mel Gould, chairman of the Loughborough Carillon Tower and War Memorial Museum, said: “Of course we were disappointed not to be successful at the first attempt with our lottery application but we are still confident that, following advice from the Heritage Lottery, we can secure lottery funding for the project.

“While we put together a revised application, the museum will reopen with a selection of items from our collection. This is something we are looking forward to and we are sure visitors will enjoy seeing them.”

The museum wants to revamp its displays and make them more interactive, particularly for people who cannot access the top floor. That could involve the use of video displays. The overall aim is to improve the visitor experience for all and make the Carillon’s history and musical heritage accessible to as wide a range of audiences as possible.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: “It will be great to see the museum open again for visitors. The tower is not only the town’s war memorial but also an important part of our heritage which people should be able to enjoy. We have held several open days but having the museum open again means people have a better chance to see inside the tower for the first time since the significant conservation project in 2018. I am also pleased the trust is going to submit a new bid and I wish them luck.”

The Loughborough Carillon is a grade two listed building and was built after the First World War to commemorate the men of Loughborough who gave their lives for their country. It carries the names of 800 men who died in both world wars and other conflicts. Construction was completed in 1923 and is 150ft high.

The 2018 conservation project included conservation work being carried out on windows, stonework, the copper roof and to the clavier.

It also included improving lighting around the tower’s 47 bells so it is easier for visitors to admire the craftmanship.

The museum will reopen during the Easter school holidays in April and be open every Thursday after that until the autumn.

Projects In Charnwood Awarded Over £27,000 In Grant Funding

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 11:33:44 GMT

Community groups in Charnwood have been awarded over £27,000 to support local projects in the latest Charnwood Grants rounds.

Charnwood Borough Council has awarded funding to a number of community groups in the latest round of grant funding applications.

Go-Getta CIC was awarded £10,000 to continue its activities for the youth community in Loughborough including a weekly youth club and an outreach project at Charnwood College.

Shelthorpe Community Association has received £7,000 towards ‘The Indoor Gardener’ project which will encourage and inspire the local community to grow food and learn about its different uses.

The Loughborough Leggo Youth Group which provides a range of support for young people with special needs was awarded up to £5,400 towards its activities and projects.

Transition Loughborough was awarded up to £5,000 towards a series of workshops which will raise awareness of climate change and how to reduce carbon emissions, on an individual, community and organisational basis.

Caroline Harmon, a member of Transition Loughborough said: “We were pleased to find out we had been awarded funding towards the Climate Literate Charnwood project. It will deliver four carbon literacy workshops to residents and community groups to help them improve their understanding of climate change and steps they can take to help reduce their carbon footprint. We’re still finalising a few details but are looking forward to welcoming the local community to the workshops later this year.”

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the borough Council’s lead member for communities said: “There has been a wide range of applications during this round of funding and I’m pleased we’ve been able to support a variety of projects. These groups and organisations offer a range of activities to help support our residents and local community. There’s a number of grants on offer and I’d encourage any groups in Charnwood which need financial support to take a look and consider applying in the future.”

The deadlines for the next round of grants are:

Community Development and Engagement Grant, deadline - January 24, 2020 - This grant is open for any organisation working in Charnwood and can provide up to £10,000 towards running costs and one-off equipment costs.

Community Facilities and Feasibility Grant, deadline, January 24, 2020 – This grant can provide a maximum of £20,000, up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the cost of a project which assists with the renovation, improvement and provision of community buildings, and small-scale environmental improvement schemes. Feasibility studies grants awards grants of up to £5,000, to a maximum of 50% of the cost of feasibility studies as part of the development plan to undertake substantial refurbishment or propose a new-build community facility.

Member Grants, deadline – February 28, 2020 –Member grants give organisations running projects that bring benefits to their ward a chance to apply to their local councillor for funding. Each borough councillor has been allocated an annual budget of £1,000 which can be used to support projects that bring benefits to their ward. Applications can be made for a minimum of £250 per member, and up to a maximum of £1,000 per member.

For more information about the Council’s grants schemes visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/grants

Family Monster Walk!

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 11:29:45 GMT

What?

North West Leics District Council and The National Forest have come together to bring you the Family Monster walk 2020.

The Family Monster walk is a fun and free walking event based in Coalville for all NWL families. The Monsters were originally created by school children for the National Forest Timber festival last year, and now they are going to be out and about hiding around Coalville Forest Adventure Park as part of 1-2km walking hunt. Every child (under age 12) that finds all of the monsters will receive a free goody bag (containing free vouchers, certificate, bike accessories, piece of play equipment plus more), and will be entered into a free prize draw with the chance of winning some of our great prizes. There will also be other local groups on site throughout the day giving away more goodies and great ideas about how you and your family could become more active outdoors.

When?

Sunday 16th February 10.30am-1.30pm. You and your family can come along anytime in this period to take part at your own speed.

Where?

Coalville Forest Adventure Park (At the end of Linden Way, LE67 3LA) – parking and toilets will be available on-site during the event.

Who?

All NWL families, of all ages and abilities, are welcomed along to our Family Monster walk.

How?

To sign-up, please complete our online form which can be found on: www.nwleics.gov.uk/familymonsterwalk

For Both EHL And The Riders It’s All About Perfect Moves!

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Leicester-based company, EHL Conveyancing, are experts in everything related to moving house but, having just sponsored the Leicester Riders team for the 6th year as the ‘Official Lawyers of The Leicester Riders’, they are fast becoming experts on Basketball too.

The Riders team make shooting hoops look easy. Having just beaten the London Lions in the BBL Cup quarter final they are now on their way to a two-legged semi-final against the Worcester Wolves. They are also hoping for a continuation of their previous BBL Championship success as their 2019 – 2020 campaign kicked off at the Morningside Arena on Friday 6th December.

For EHL Conveyancing, life away from their court-side, front row seats is all about making moving home easy for their clients. Their personalised service is one which is very much appreciated during what can be a potentially stressful time. With great value and fixed price service packages they also help those buying and selling to keep an eye on costs, something which can be particularly useful when there are so many other things to buy and to pay for.

The high level of service offered by EHL is made possible by the fact that they concentrate solely on conveyancing, unlike other companies who offer it as part of a wider range. This strong focus means that they really are the experts in moving home, and they can guide their clients throughout the process, giving regular updates and operating in a totally transparent manner.

Continued sponsorship of The Leicester Riders is something of which EHL Conveyancing are very proud of. As well as introducing a great social activity which can be enjoyed by staff and management alike, this family run business see their involvement as a way of giving back to the community which they have been a part of for many years.

Jason Hathaway, EHL Conveyancing Managing Director, told us:

“Our sponsorship of The Leicester Riders works for us on a number of levels. We absolutely love the games which normally keep us on the edge of our seats, and we get a real sense of belonging at the club - they really are always so welcoming. What’s more, the team and the Riders Foundation do so much great work within the Leicestershire community and having the opportunity to be part of that too is very humbling.”

If you’d like to find out more about what a personal conveyancing service looks like then visit https://www.ehlconveyancing.co.uk/about-us

For more details on the Leicester Riders, their Foundation and up and coming games to enjoy, visit http://www.leicesterriders.co.uk

PLM Global Predicted The Downfall Of Till-Less Sainsbury’s Store

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The verdict is in on Sainsbury’s till-less supermarket after they launched a three-month experiment in its Holborn store, and just like PLM Global Sales Director Shane Watson, the jury was not convinced.

The till-less shopping experience was introduced last year by Sainsbury’s as a solution to tackle lengthy queuing time. Shoppers at the Holborn Store found themselves having to download an app and scan their own items from the shelves to pay via Apple Pay, with the idea being they could then simply walk out the store, avoiding the till process altogether. However, this theory backfired with longer queues and hold-ups recorded at the helpdesk, as people continued to try and pay for their groceries in the traditional way or struggled with technical issues. Sainsbury’s commented: "It's clear that not all our customers are ready for a totally till-free store", and that they had learned "a huge amount" from the experiment.

PLM Global Sales Director, Shane Watson who visited the store back in June 2019 as a customer to put the till-less experience to the test noted at the time a number of potential problems – some glaringly obvious, such as what if your smartphone runs-out of battery? Other challenges with the till-less concept noted by Shane back in June were that, whilst technology may appeal to those accustomed to using their mobiles to pay, there are others who are not, and this type of shopping experience only excludes them. Another type of exclusion Sainsbury’s failed to take into account was by way of considering its customers with sight or hearing impairments, who may find the process daunting or hindering.

Shane commented at the time of the experiment: “If the consumer finds the shopping experience unpleasant or difficult, they will go elsewhere and utilise a more familiar route to purchase. Those who ‘vote with their feet’ may outnumber those for whom till-less shopping is a quick and easy process.

Yes, there will be a constant push to incorporate new technology in a bid to improve the shopper experience, but any such improvements will have to offer benefits for everyone, not just the tech-savvy Millennials.”

With the trial now over, Sainsbury’s Holborn store has seen its manned tills return. However, after the popularity of the mobile payment option, this feature will remain in use for customers who wish to use it, rather than it being a mandatory payment method.

If you would like utilise the very best in EPoS products and technology, get in touch today via https://www.plm-global.co.uk/contact/

Lottery Funding Success For Blaby Ice House

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 14:54:11 GMT

More than £155,000 has been awarded to Blaby District Council by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of an exciting project to restore and explore the history of the Ice House on Bouskell Park, Blaby.

Dating back to around 1843, the Grade II Listed Ice House was the storage facility for the Victorian manor house, Blaby Hall. A popular method to store ice from the nearby lake to keep Blaby Hall’s food supplies cold and make ice cream, the Ice House was an important addition to the estate. However, the full historical and archaeological features remain relatively hidden.

The successful and comprehensive bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund granted Blaby District Council £156,000 towards a £173,000 project to restore the Ice House to its former glory, helping to preserve its structure and heritage for the future. It is also anticipated to become a tourist attraction for the district as the Council continues to invest in boosting tourism in the area.

Thorough research will be undertaken to uncover the history of its use and efforts will be made to promote the Ice House and pond, highlighting its history with guided visits and community events. A two-day community archaeological dig will also be organised, enabling hand-on learning for both local volunteers and schools.

Planning is already underway, with Blaby District Council having consulted with Leicestershire County Council, a landscaping company, a structural engineer and the University of Leicester Archaeological Services Team. It is hoped that the community archaeological dig will take place in the summer of 2020.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing & Regulatory Services, said: “We are absolutely delighted to secure this funding. Undertaking this project has been an ambition of ours for a number of years and the Heritage Lottery Funding will ensure this is possible.

“We want this to be a community-focused project, involving people of all ages and interests. Our vision is to restore and learn much more about the Ice House to once again become the focal point of Bouskell Park. When completed, it will be a long-term, sustainable attraction that all visitors will be able to enjoy.”

Anne Jenkins, Director of England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “From our 25 years of funding the UK’s heritage, we know that community involvement is key in safeguarding our impressive history for future generations, and we are looking forward to seeing the project to restore the Ice House get underway."

More information about the project will be available on www.blaby.gov.uk over the coming months.

Choose To Move In 2020

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 13:44:40 GMT

A programme which helps residents become more active is returning for 2020.

Charnwood Borough Council’s Choose to Move is a 10-week physical activity programme which offers weekly weigh-ins and exercise classes for anyone looking for a healthy way to kick-start the new year.

The programme starts on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Charnwood College, Loughborough and will be held every week between 7pm-8.30pm.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the Council’s lead member for communities, safety and wellbeing said: “This programme is a great way for residents to become more active in a friendly and welcoming environment. This is just one of the ways our Active Charnwood team help residents increase their physical activity and live healthier lifestyles. I would encourage anyone looking to get more active to sign up for Choose to Move.”

The weigh-in sessions are optional and will take place between 7pm-7.30pm. The exercise classes are suitable for all fitness levels and will run from 7.30pm-8.30pm.

The 10-week programme costs £25 and everyone who attends eight or more exercise sessions will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a 12-month gym membership with Fusion, usually worth around £300.

The Choose to Move programme was formerly known as Charnwood’s Largest Loser.

For further information and to book your place online visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/choosetomove

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland Comedy Comes To Clarence With Mrs Barbara Nice

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 13:13:46 GMT

Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland are very excited to be involved in this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival. On Saturday 8th February from 4pm the public will have a chance to see Mrs Barbara Nice (2019’s Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist and formally of Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights) at Clarence House, Humberstone Gate, Leicester.

Why not come along for a fun filled evening with the nation’s favourite housewife extraordinaire (plus support act) A good time is guaranteed when Barbara is at the helm.

Giggles for a good cause, what’s not to like? Just keep it quiet – her husband thinks she’s at the bingo.

Tickets are £12.00 and will be available from the Leicester Comedy box office 0116 456 6812 or Leicester Comedy website https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/comedy-comes-to-clarence-featuring-mrs-barbara-nice/ You can also pop into Clarence house at buy tickets at reception.

This event is being kindly sponsored by Sharman Fielding Chartered Accountants and Consultants.

For more information please contact Nikky Miles at Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland on 0116 299 2233.

Alex’s Wish Raise Magic £1,000,000!

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 13:46:37 GMT

Locally based charity, Alex’s Wish, revealed at their recently held annual ball that they had achieved their initial fundraising target of raising £1,000,000.

Emma Hallam, founder of Alex’s Wish and Mum to Alex, after whom the charity is named, said, “Six years ago when I set up Alex’s Wish I set ourselves the ambitious target to raise £1,000,000 to help fund vital research and clinical trials to help bring about effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the devastating, life limiting muscle wasting condition - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“Six years later I was able to announce at our recent ball, that we had done it! It’s with thanks to our fabulous supporters and the local business community who has helped us achieve our initial target – and we would like to thank every single of them for their support so far.

“The money raised has been invested in several research projects, clinical trials and supporting trial centres in the UK to run clinical trials, helping us move ever closer to effective treatments for Duchenne. Our latest commitments include promising gene therapy and stem cell therapy. A huge amount of progress has been made, but we still have a long way to go. We are committed to continuing to drive this momentum forward to help THIS generation of children living with Duchenne. We are now working towards securing our next £1,000,000 and will not stop until a cure is found.”

The new fundraising challenge has received its first contribution from donations made at their annual ball. Zoe Edwards, Fundraising Manager said, “We raised an amazing £20,000 at this year’s event. Donations were made via our raffle and ‘Win a Holiday’ prize draw as well as from a silent auction and exciting live auction! Prizes for the live auction included afternoon tea at the Ritz which was kindly donated by New St Chambers, a Fab Clinics beauty treatment which was donated by Fab Clinics, as well as a Belmond British Pullman experience for two and a Europa Park Germany getaway which were both donated by our headline sponsor – Next. I would also like to thank our drinks sponsor - Morgan Sindall - as well as 2XL Commercial Finance for their support of our event. We are now looking into where best to invest these funds.”

Next year’s date for the Alex’s Wish Ball has already been set for Saturday, 14th November at The Hilton (East Midlands) Hotel. Adds Emma, “Every single week in the UK two families will receive the same diagnosis that we did and we will not rest until we find a cure for all boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and stop this terrible disease in its tracks.”

To find out more about Alex’s Wish and Duchenne or to get involved in any of their planned 2020events and fundraising activities, please visit: www.alexswish.co.uk

Loughborough Town Hall Crowned ‘Best Night Out’

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 13:48:48 GMT

Venues, businesses and events in Charnwood picked up a host of prizes in a top regional tourism competition.

Loughborough Town Hall won the best night out category at the Leicestershire Promotions 2019 Tourism and Hospitality Awards while Loughborough was commended in the best market town category.

Charnwood 14-18, a borough council-led event to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War, was also highly commended.

Robbie Kerr, Loughborough Town Hall manager, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award and build on our highly commended placing last year. We have always strived to have our programme of performances and events to be as wide and diverse as possible to intrigue and inspire audiences, alongside ensuring a first-class customer experience. I’d like to thank my team who work incredibly hard all year round to ensure our guests have the best night out during every visit, and to our audiences who continue to support us all year round. “

Sylvia Wright, head of leisure and culture at the borough council which operates the town hall and the town markets, said: “I was really pleased to see so many Charnwood tourism businesses picking up awards. Our borough is becoming an increasingly popular destination for visitors thanks to its stunning landscapes and array of venues, attractions, dining experiences and town centres. These tourism awards are a great opportunity to showcase what the county has to offer. Well done to all the winners and those commended.”

Schools, Athletes, Clubs And Volunteers Recognised At North West Leicestershire Sport Awards

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:57:52 GMT

Exceptional and inspiring sports personalities have been recognised for their efforts and achievements at the annual North West Leicestershire Sport and Health Awards at Hermitage Leisure Centre.

The event celebrated the amazing successes of sportsmen, women, teams and clubs from across the district.

BBC Radio Leicester’s Ian Stringer played host for the evening and was joined on stage by special guest Steve Walsh, the former Leicester City defender who played more than 400 games for the club.

The winners in the 15 categories were:

· Primary school of the year - Ashby Willesley Primary School

· Secondary school of the year- Castle Rock High School

· School team of the year- Ashby Boys Hockey under 16s

· Junior sportsperson of the year - Ella Jackson

· Junior volunteer of the year - Joe Dixon

· Junior team of the year - Coalville Rugby Club under 14s

· Senior sportsperson of the year - Rebecca Elliott

· Senior coach/volunteer of the year - Gareth Lavine

· Senior team of the year - Heather St John's FC

· Disabled sportsperson of the year - Karim Chan

· Club of the year - Belton Villa Football Club

· Healthy lifestyle award - Reema Bhakri

· Community award - Enrych East Midlands

· Active age award - Jenny Carter

· Outstanding contribution to sport and physical activity - Rachel Bird.

The winner of the senior sportsperson of the year award, Rebecca Elliott from Long Whatton, this year qualified to represent Great Britain at the World and European Triathlon Championships. Her silver medal automatically qualifies her for the European Championships in Austria 2020 where she will represent her country for the third time.

Rebecca said: “It was an honour just to be nominated for this award alongside such incredible athletes. I have learnt so much about myself over the last year by training to be part of the GB team and I’ve seen how commitment and dedication can pay off. Being awarded the senior sportsperson of the year award is by far my biggest accolade as this recognises all of the smaller achievements along the way as well as the support and sacrifices of my family, friends and teammates.”

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “This was another special night where we celebrated the achievements of our North West Leicestershire sporting stars. It’s not just about the outstanding athletes and teams we have but also about the volunteers and coaches that work tirelessly to deliver sport in our district. Everyone that was nominated for an award should be immensely proud of themselves, well done to all.”

Planning Application Submitted For New Cemetery In Loughborough

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:54:53 GMT

A planning application to create a new cemetery in Loughborough has been submitted by Charnwood Borough Council.

The Council says the new 14-hectare cemetery could provide burial space in the town for the next 300 years and it will replace the existing facility in Leicester Road.

The proposed new site, which is located off Watermead Lane, to the rear of Nanpantan Sports Ground, received the most support during a public consultation in 2018.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “The town needs a new cemetery and following the consultation it was clear the Nanpantan site was the most appropriate. We have been carrying out more detailed studies of the site and we are now pleased to submit the planning application. It will go through the usual planning process and we would encourage people to have a look at the plans. There will be opportunities to comment during the planning process.”

The Council plans to develop the cemetery in phases with the first phase including space for over 5,000 burials and parking for 40 vehicles. At just over 5 hectares, the first phase will last around 100 years.

The Council is committed to being a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and the application reflects this aim. The cemetery will be the first in the country where the road surfaces will be partly made from recycled plastic. Each tonne of the road materials will contain the equivalent of 80,000 plastic bottles. There will also be six electric car charging stations and It is also proposed for waste bins and outdoor furniture to be made from recycled plastic.

Vehicles would be able to access the proposed site via Nanpantan Road. The access road to the sports facility would be extended towards the proposed site.

The initial cost of getting the cemetery up and running with one-hectare of burial space is around £610,000.

If the application is granted, work would start next year with the aim of the site being ready for burials by 2021-2022.

The application can be viewed here: http://bit.ly/2qUsxhV

The current cemetery in Leicester Road is due to run out of space in 2022.

Over £10,000 Raised For Leicester Charity At Opera Night

Mon, 16 Dec 2019 13:52:08 GMT

On Thursday 6th December, over £10,000 was raised for Leicester charity Hope Against Cancer at a sold-out night of Opera. Taking place at the renowned Jewellers, Lumbers of Leicester, the evening featured British-Ukrainian mezzo-soprano Rozanna Madylus.

Rozana Madylus has been singing for over a decade. After studying at the Royal Academy of Music, she became a member of the Royal Academy Opera and Academy Song Circle. A multi-award winner, Ms Madylus repertoire covers opera staples such as The Magic Flute, Rigoletto and The Barber of Seville. Other singers featured on the night included soprano Julia Sitkovetsky, baritone Ross Ramgobin and tenor Alexander Aldren.

2019’s opera offering was a huge success. On top of the fantastic amount of money raised, it was an evening for the Leicestershire community to come together in support of a great cause. Various companies sponsored different parts of the night. Law firm Glynis Wright & Co were the headline sponsors, with property consultancy Pick Everard sponsoring the evening’s drinks. Design agency Juice Creative supported the event through sponsoring print. Other sponsors of the night included: 360 Autoleasing, Kazzoo IT, Virtual Assistant, Tax Assist, Berkeley Estates, Signs Express, Hanlon Hospitality, Utility Warehouse and PRP.

Hope CEO Nigel Rose said: “I’m so incredibly proud of the Leicestershire community - all Hope supporters in their own right - for coming together and making this a night to remember. It’s been a marvellous evening of culture and celebration, which has raised an extraordinary amount of money for Hope Against Cancer.”

Hope Against Cancer is Leicestershire and Rutland’s cancer research charity, raising money to support cutting-edge research in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Got an event you’d like to run in aid of Hope? Want to help out, donate or volunteer? To find out more about the charity and what you can do to support them, visit their website: https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk/how-can-i-help

Unleash Your Creativity

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 14:02:15 GMT

Are you a creative writer at heart? Have you always wanted to put pen to paper but you’re unsure where to start? Registered Charity Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation is delighted to announce a new monthly creative writing workshop. Here you will learn the skills and gain in confidence in your writing using photos, objects and snatches of a story to prompt memories and spark the imagination!

The monthly sessions are led by Alison Mott, a writer and writing coach from Leicestershire. Alison is renowned for writing historical fiction and nonfiction, stories for children and producing educational materials for schools.

The group will meet on the third Monday of the month – 10.00am -12noon at Ulverscroft Activity Centre. For more information or to book your place please contact Jess Turner on 07714 072828 –the class is suitable for all ages and abilities, now is the chance to unleash your creativity…..!!

Iceland Confirms Blaby Opening Date And Free Car Parking Scheme

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 13:59:44 GMT

Blaby Town Centre’s revitalisation continues apace after the opening date of Iceland was confirmed for January.

The new store will open on Tuesday 21 January as one of 45 new Iceland and The Food Warehouse stores that the company is launching across the country, with Iceland seeing Blaby Town Centre as an attractive location to expand.

As part of the opening and following discussions with Blaby District Council, Iceland will refund the two-hour, 30p parking charge in Enderby Road and Johns Court car parks when spending £5 or more in store. The 30p charge will return to both car parks when Iceland is officially opened.

A High Street Co-ordinator has also been appointed to continue the Council’s commitment to supporting local business and enriching the economy of the district. The role will include helping to promote and market Blaby Town Centre and the other centres in the district as well as linking businesses with key partners and finding any funding opportunities.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “We have worked with Iceland since they announced their intention to open to ensure we have a strong relationship, and we’re delighted they have decided to set up a Parking Ticket Refund Scheme. The Council acted quickly to offset the impact of Waitrose’s closure to ensure free parking was available to support local businesses. With Iceland’s opening, the appointment of a High Street Co-ordinator and moves to refresh the public areas we are confident Blaby Town Centre will continue to attract visitors and become a thriving local town centre.

Keith Hann, Director of Corporate Affairs at Iceland, said: “We are delighted to confirm that our store refit is going so well that we can bring our store opening a week forward. We have also been working closely with Blaby District Council who have supported the town centre businesses over the past few months through their temporary free parking offer for two hours; we understand that this was a temporary measure and will end once our store opens. So we are delighted to announce that we will be offering a refund for the two hour tariff for all customers who spend over £5 in store on presentation of the perforated voucher on each ticket. This offer will apply to both main car parks in the town centre and we hope will show our commitment to being part of the community and supporting all town centre businesses and visitors.”

Largest Christmas Tree Plantation In UK Leading The Way With Unique Eco-Friendly Recycling Programme

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:08:16 GMT

Walker Forestry Service, the largest Christmas tree plantation in England, prides itself on creating unique and strategic forestry services within the UK and have taken their mission one step further this Christmas by launching myjingltree.co.uk.

Their vision is simple; a sustainable and eco-friendly Christmas tree delivery service that's hassle free.

You'll be forgiven for not knowing that a whopping estimated 2.8 million trees are imported into the UK every year. This is a figure which myjingletree.co.uk is passionate about reducing during the next few years and supplies UK trees only. For every Christmas tree they cut down from their plantation, they pledge to plant two more in its place. In addition, the recycling policy the company have in place prevents the release of methane through decomposition, reducing the carbon footprint further.

The motivation for myjingltree.co.uk is to create an eco-friendly Christmas tree delivery service that is unique, fun and hassle free. The company handles everything - customers simply visit their website, select their own tree and myjingltree.co.uk will cut it and deliver it on a date of your choosing. Simple! Then, when we're all bursting at the seams after consuming too many mince pies and everyone has seen in the New Year, they will come and collect the tree during January or at another date of your choice. Both delivery and collection are completely free. The whole process happens online, and the ordered tree can be easily tracked to see exactly when it will arrive.

myjingltree.co.uk offer only the best type of fir A-grade Nordmann trees. Typically, native to the more Easterly reaches of Europe. Nordmann firs can grow up to 61 meters tall. myjingltree.co.uk sell trees at 4-5 feet, 5-6 feet and 6-7 feet tall. The trees are known for their sturdy branches which can support the gaudiest of heavy-weight baubles.

Craig Hands and Jay Golding, the Directors at Walker Forestry Service, are delighted to see their idea come to life and have already received a high level of interest and orders across the UK. Craig has said: "We wanted to create a service that encourages people to buy UK trees. A lot of people don't realise just how many trees are imported into the UK every Christmas. We knew that not everyone has the time to buy a real tree and transportation can also be a challenge! It was important to us that we take that hassle away whilst keeping the service as eco-friendly as it should be. myjingletree.co.uk brings all of these solutions together in a fun and sustainable way. We're encouraging people to keep it real this Christmas."

There is still time to order your tree and if you want to find out more about the treecycling scheme and how to get hold of your very own myjingletree.co.uk, then head over to their website for more information www.myjingltree.co.uk.

Ventola Projects Are The Shining Light At Cheshire Oaks Re-Launched Tenpin Entertainment Facility

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 14:04:28 GMT

Leicester-based provider of specialist electrical LED lighting installations, Ventola Projects, have just completed a major project at the newly re-launched Cheshire Oaks Tenpin bowling centre near Ellesmere Port. Cheshire Oaks has invested more than £1 Million in the recent transformation which includes the latest technology, new attractions and will create more than 25 new jobs.

Ventola Projects have helped to implement some of this latest technology. Managing Director, Mick Ventola and his team have assisted the venue in achieving its ultimate objective; to change the dynamic of the existing design, ensuring high quality white lighting plus the inclusion of vibrant colours through the site. Functionality and controllability were high on the wish-list of the client and neither of these proved to be a challenge for Ventola who understood the wants and needs of the entertainment facility. As per the brief, the finished systems allowed the global control of the facility in just one action, but also offered the flexibility of controlling specific areas separately either via the main controls, from an app or from another PC elsewhere in the building.

The entire project, completed in just 3 weeks, included the installation of lighting across the bar, restaurant, seating area and ten pin bowling alley. Utilising a variety of products from the VAvR LED range, including Linear Optics, CS16 Downlights, CS4 Downlights and VAvR Pixel Tape, Ventola Projects matched the client’s exact needs with the best-suited system available. As well as meeting every detail of the original brief, the Ventola solution incorporated low energy products, removed the need for mains power to any of the fixtures and offered easy ‘plug and play’ installation to minimise future maintenance needs.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Oaks Tenpin bowling has said: “We are very satisfied with the end result and amazed at the functionality of the VAvR LED lighting system, its vibrant colour effects and how it also incorporates conventional white LED lighting for general day to day use at the simple touch of an icon on a computer screen.”

The client wasn’t the only one to be pleased with the end result. Founder and Managing Director, Mick Ventola has said: “This was a great piece of work for us and it was really exciting to be part of such a major project. The total transformation has been much anticipated by the people wanting to enjoy the facilities. I’d have to say we were particularly proud of the end result of our installations, and the lighting in this state-of-the-art venue looked amazing.”

Whilst this may be just the kind of project Ventola is used to fulfilling, the route which brought it to them is slightly more unusual. Their appointment as lighting contractor came from a meeting during a business Expo – in Las Vegas! It seems that there really is no stopping this global, specialised supplier who are shining the light on how entertainment facilities such as this can be transformed.

For more details on Ventola Projects and the solutions they supply, visit http://ventola.co.uk

Age Uk Leicester Shire & Rutland Heating Or Eating Campaign

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:12:20 GMT

We are already waking up to cold temperatures each morning, and it’s easy to take central heating and warm dinners for granted. Both heating and eating are vital for our health in the cold weather, which is why Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland is launching its Heating or Eating campaign.

Winter hardship causes over 50,000 deaths every year in England and Wales. Locally 650 people will die this winter because they can’t afford their heating bills. A staggering fact is that 10% of our counties’ households are in fuel poverty.

The Heating or Eating campaign, which runs throughout the winter, aims to help older people in food and fuel poverty in our local community. All donations received throughout the campaign will be used to provide food parcels, blankets, hot water bottles and winter clothing or to help older people pay utility bills, fix or replace boilers and heaters.

Do you need our help?

If you are over 50 and facing the choice of heating or eating, Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland can help you this winter and can help you prepare for future winters. We can

· Give you a free Home Energy Check and energy saving items which will reduce your heating costs

· Make sure that you are getting your benefit entitlements which will increase your income

· Help you to work with your energy provider so you are on the best energy tariffs

· Signpost you to other services which will help you prepare for and get the support you need during winter

How can you help?

Your donation could save a life in your community this winter. Please donate online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/heatingoreating or by cheque, payable to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA. Please call 0116 299 2233 for more information.

For more information please contact Tessa Trace at Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland on 0116 299 2233.

The Big Weekend Comedy Festival Is Coming To The National Forest

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 14:10:33 GMT

Comedians Zoe Lyons, Tom Binns and Lloyd Griffith will headline The Big Weekend in the National Forest shows next year.

The popular acts will be coming to North West Leicestershire between 5 and 9 February as part of a satellite event of the hugely successful Leicester Comedy Festival.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) has worked with the festival organiser to bring events into the National Forest area during the first weekend of the festival, resulting in a feast of comedy entertainment for all ages.

Venues such as Conkers, Coalville’s Century Theatre and the Lyric Rooms in Ashby are also on board along with other smaller venues such as Coalville’s Elite Gaming Lounge and local libraries to ensure a real variety of performances.

Highlights include:

Tom Binns, creator and star of BBC One’s Hospital People and a favourite on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, will be at the Lyric Rooms, Ashby on Wednesday 5 February.

Zoe Lyons, who has appeared on countless TV shows including BBC’s Live at the Apollo and Mock The Week, will also appear at the Lyric Rooms the following day, Thursday 6 February

A Night with Lee Lard – a Peter Kay tribute act – will be at Conkers on Friday 7 February

Funny Folk Tales and Silly Stories for children from Tom the Tale Teller at Coalville Library on Saturday 8 February

Former Sky Sports presenter Lloyd Griffith and outstanding Irish funnyman Michael Legge head the billing at The Century Theatre Coalville on Saturday 8 February

An interactive comedy quiz for all the family at the Elite Gaming Lounge, Coalville, on Sunday 9 February.

There’s lots more happening for children too with the National Forest’s Funniest Kids and a Kids Comedy club both taking place on Saturday 8 February at The Century Theatre and Conkers respectively.

For more information about all the events and shows, and to book tickets, visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/bigweekend

Mark Fiander, Head of Economic Regeneration at NWLDC, said: “We’re hugely excited to be bringing something different to the National Forest. It’s great to be working with the Leicester Comedy Festival which has already established itself as a favourite in the city, and their experience and expertise is very welcome as we bring our Big Weekend to the people of North West Leicestershire. Tickets are available now and make perfect Christmas presents so head online and view the full programme!”

Support Good Causes This Christmas

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:14:04 GMT

Give the gift of community spirit this Christmas thanks to a festive offer by Charnwood Community Lottery.

People can give lottery tickets as Christmas presents to friends and family who can enjoy the exciting chance to win a prize and know money is also being raised for local good causes.

The lottery was launched by Charnwood Borough Council last year and over £25,000 has been raised for good causes. These include village halls, community libraries, swimming clubs, play groups, scout groups, and various charities.

For every £1 ticket, 60p goes towards helping good causes and players can win up to £25,000.

People can buy vouchers for the lottery which can be gifted to their loved ones for Christmas.

Julie Robinson, head of neighbourhood services said: “Since launching last year lottery players have already raised over £25,000 for good causes in the borough. Christmas is a time for giving and if you want a different kind of gift this year then a voucher for the lottery could be a great option. Not only will you be giving someone the chance to win a prize but you’re also helping to support a local cause. For every £5 gift voucher purchased, £3 will be donated to good causes.”

Gift vouchers for the lottery start at £5 and can be personalised by adding a message to the recipient. People can choose which good cause to support or let the recipient decide.

To buy a gift voucher or to sign up to play the Charnwood Community Lottery, please visit www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk.

Over 50 local causes have signed up for the lottery and more are invited to join. More information is available on the lottery website.

How Accessible And Supportive Are Rural Leicestershire Employers? Young People Put Them To The Test!

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:23:36 GMT

Eight young people are assessing and scoring the job section on 200 rural Leicestershire employer websites.

The assessment has been designed and is delivered by young people to see if an employer meets young people’s criteria and expectations when applying for jobs online.

This work is being led by Access Generation CIC, a social enterprise involved in the Work Live Leicestershire (WiLL) project.

The WiLL project, which is being led by sight-loss charity Vista, and funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, aims to help over 500 people into work, training or learning opportunities in rural areas.

Young people are often caught in a catch 22; no experience, but need the experience to work.

Access Generation provides young people with a platform and a voice to raise awareness of the issues they face when applying for jobs.

Their peer panel of young peopled aged 18 to 30 are currently undertaking the assessments of employer websites from across Market Harborough district, Melton Mowbray, North West Leicestershire and Hinckley and Bosworth district.

Some of the peer panel members are also living in rural Leicestershire.

Suraya, a member of Access Generation’s peer panel, said: “I live in a rural community and since graduating I have found it hard to find employment. I would love to see more local employers offering graduate or trainee positions and making the job application process supportive to someone who hasn’t got the experience yet.”

The results of the assessments will be published in a report for the WiLL project in the New Year.

Jemma Redden, director of Access Generation, said: “We want this research to be used to highlight the gap in the recruitment process for inexperienced young people and then provide guidance for employers to make the necessary changes to make the process of applying for work accessible and supportive.”

To get your organisations’ website included email jemma.redden@accessgeneration.co.uk

Residents Save Average Of £269 On Energy Bills

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 14:25:32 GMT

Residents who signed up to the Charnwood big Switch have saved an average of £269 a year on their energy bills with the first auction.

Earlier this year the borough council introduced ‘Charnwood Big Switch’ a collective switching scheme to help residents get a better deal and change energy suppliers with ease.

Registrations for the next auction are now open and more residents are being encouraged to sign up for a chance to see how much money they could save on their energy bills.

Alison Simmons, head of strategic and private sector housing said: “The council are committed to helping residents and we are really pleased with the amount of money residents saved through the first auction.

Switching your energy suppliers can be daunting for some residents and we’re hoping Charnwood Big Switch will make the process easier for residents and give them the confidence to switch and save money on their bills. I would encourage residents to register with the scheme, so they are able to see if they are getting a better deal before deciding to switch.”

The scheme is delivered by the Council and iChoosr, an independent specialist provider in collective energy switching.

Collective switching gives people the opportunity to group together and pay less for their energy. Residents can switch electric or dual fuel and can choose to have paper bills or to manage their accounts online.

iChoosr hold three auctions a year and energy suppliers compete to provide the lowest priced tariff in the auction.

It is free for residents to register their interest and registrations for the second auction are now open. The next auction for Charnwood will take place on February 11, 2020.

For more information about the Charnwood Big Switch please visit: charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoodbigswitch.

New ‘The Forest Floor’ Sculpture Unveiled In Ashby

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 14:33:06 GMT

Schoolchildren from Ashby-de-la-Zouch have joined artist Adrian Moakes to celebrate the official unveiling of a new National Forest-inspired sculpture in the town.

‘The Forest Floor’ sculpture is part of the community engagement work proposed by the artist and funded by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC), which commissioned ‘The Heart of the Forest’ tree sculpture nearby.

More than 150 pupils from Ashby’s Hill Top Primary, Willesley Primary and students from Ivanhoe College took part in outdoor workshops led by Adrian, where they studied a variety of nature subjects and made wire models for The Forest Floor artwork. They also learned about the National Forest, how important it is to North West Leicestershire, and ways in which everyone can help look after it.

All of these designs have been recreated by hand and incorporated by sculptor Adrian Moakes in the incredibly intricate galvanized steel piece. Thanks to information boards nearby it’s possible to identify the contribution of each individual student who took part.

This ‘Forest Floor’ design can be found embedded into the ground near the Hood Park gates at the entrance to the new North Street car park.

The project was funded by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) as it supports Ashby Town Council’s plan to create a culture and leisure quarter in the town.

The new artwork complements ‘The Heart of the Forest’ landmark sculpture installed earlier this year. Also inspired by the National Forest it is made out of eight tubular steel curved columns and stands at 8.35 metres at its highest point.

The £50,000 commission for both ‘The Heart of the Forest’ and ‘The Forest Floor’ sculptures, including an extensive programme of workshops and public consultation events by the artist, is in addition to the £1.1 million NWLDC already invested to extend North Street car park by 52 spaces, making the town more accessible.

Sculptor Adrian Moakes said: “I always like to create ways for people to participate in my public art projects, so at an early stage of the big sculpture commission, I proposed to work with Ashby schools to produce an extra artwork that really captured their love of the environment. I’ve put an immense amount of work into this new piece and I hope it’s something that will fascinate everyone for years to come, but most importantly that it shows the great value in encouraging children to express themselves creatively”.

Mark Fiander, Head of Economic Regeneration at NWLDC, said: “This area of Ashby has been vastly improved with the new car park, improvements being made to Hood Park Leisure Centre, the restoration of the Hood Park gates, and now the two completed forest-inspired sculptures. Adrian’s ‘Forest Floor’ is a wonderful addition to the town and with the involvement of all the schools we hope it’s inspired the children to think more about the environment and our place in the National Forest, as well as giving them something that they can visit in the town and be really proud of.”

Luke, a Year 5 pupil at Willesley Primary School, said: “I think it’s good that we’re trying to do something for the environment instead of destroying it.”

Esme, also a Year 5 pupil at Willesley Primary, said: “It’s really good to see our work in the sculpture, it’s made me feel really happy. Adrian was very nice when he came to see us at school and we learned lots of really interesting stuff!”

Charnwood Sports Awards 2019 Winners Announced

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 14:29:02 GMT

Local sporting stars have been celebrated at this year’s Charnwood Sports Awards.

The awards ceremony, organised by Charnwood Borough Council honoured over 30 shortlisted individuals and groups at Burleigh Court, Loughborough on Monday, December 2,

Loughborough Badminton Club was crowned John Sutherington Club of the Year after it won all three Premier Divisions in ladies doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles for the first time in the club’s history.

The Joe Humphries Special Recognition award was given to Jesse Dufton, a visually impaired paraclimber who has continued to climb even though his sight has continued to deteriorate. Jesse relies entirely on feel and some directions from his climbing partner. The award recognises inspirational people who have made outstanding achievements in the face of adversity.

Jesse said: “I was surprised I’d even been nominated so to actually receive the Joe Humphries Special Recognition Award is a real honour. It’s been a lovely evening finding out about the fantastic sporting achievements across the borough and I’m really proud to be a part of it. Congratulations to everyone this evening.”

Other winners on the night included Laura Buddle, a coach at Loughborough Gymnastics Academy won Coach of the Year, Loughborough Lawn Tennis Club Ladies 1st were awarded Senior Team of the Year and Charnwood College Riders won Junior Team of the Year.

There was also a Judges Panel Special Recognition Award given to the Loughborough Foxes u12 football team and Molly Webb who sadly passed away earlier this year at the age of 25. Molly had been a member of the club since the age of 13 and was the manager of the under 12s team.

Runners-up included Pauline Young who was nominated for Best Community Sport/Physical Activity Project for helping to establish a walking netball group in Loughborough.

Pauline said: “I was delighted to find out I had been nominated for this year’s Sports Awards. Walking netball provides people who may not be able to do high impact sports with an opportunity to improve their fitness, build friendships and most importantly to have lots of fun.”

Julie Robinson, head of neighbourhood services at the Council, said: “The Charnwood Sports Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic sporting talent we have in the borough. It was an honour and a privilege to hear about the hard work of our athletes, sports clubs and the dedication of the volunteers and coaches. I’d like to congratulate all nominees and winners on their achievements and also say thanks to all of our sponsors of the awards.”

The categories recognised the achievements of junior and senior athletes, coaches, volunteers and individual projects.

This year’s event was sponsored by Sports Traider, Loughborough College, Team Charnwood, Hit the Street, Loughborough University, Fusion Lifestyle, Leicestershire and Rutland Sport, Active Charnwood Alliance, Idverde, Colton Packaging, Lux Technical and Kangaroo.

The finalists and winners were:

Junior Sportsperson of the Year

Sophie Watson – Winner

Thomas Giles

Will Bell - Winner

Junior Team of the Year

Barrow Town Eagles U9 Football Team

Charnwood College Riders – Winner

Loughborough Foxes U12 Football Team

Outstanding Contribution to Sport & Physical Activity & School Sport

Aimee Merison

Dishley Park Run – Winner

Gorse Covert Health Walk

Senior Sportsperson of the Year

Joe Heyes

Karim Chan – Winner

Katie Boulter

Senior Team of the Year

Charnwood Tennis Women’s 1st Team

Poplar Football Club

Loughborough Lawn Tennis Club Ladies 1st - Winner

Volunteer of the Year

Ann Bullock

Dan Turner – Winner

Holly Shepherd – Winner

Sam James

John Sutherington Club of the Year

Loughborough Badminton Club – Winner

Rothley Park Cricket Club

Shepshed Running Club

Coach of the Year

Krumesh Patel

Laura Buddle – Winner

Paul Nicholls

Best Community Sport and Physical Activity Project 2019

MJFC Ladies- Gemma Jones

LEAP & LEAP Maintainers - Winner

Pauline McCoy

Joe Humphries Special Recognition Award 2019

Jesse Dufton – Winner

Joe Ballantyne

Sue Reynolds

Eye-Catching Buildings In Charnwood Scoop Design Awards

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 14:39:16 GMT

The very best of building design in Charnwood has been honoured.

Charnwood Design Awards, run by the borough Council, recognise high-quality building design and the excellent work of owners, agents and contractors.

The 2019 winners, revealed at an awards ceremony, are Loughborough University Student Village, Fowke Street, Rothley and Mountsorrel Memorial Centre.

Richard Bennett, head of planning and regeneration at the Council said: “I would like to congratulate our winners and all our finalists in this year’s awards. There has been an exceptional level of quality which is very encouraging to see. The Council is committed to improving the quality of design in the built environment because it has a significant impact on our communities. Outstanding design can help enhance our communities, stimulate the local economy and make Charnwood a better place to live, work and visit. We hold the Charnwood Design Awards to give deserved recognition to outstanding design and hopefully inspire other projects. This complements our existing work on a day-to-day basis to encourage good design when supporting applicants in the planning process.”

Loughborough University Student Village was chosen as the overall winner because of the contribution it makes to place-making, sustainability and wellbeing.

Mountsorrel Memorial Centre was considered the best ‘new build’ scheme in terms of architectural quality.

Fowke Street, Rothley was chosen as a winner because of the contribution it makes in terms of new buildings within a conservation area.

Richard Taylor, chief operating officer at Loughborough University said: “We were delighted to be shortlisted for the Charnwood Design Awards and enjoyed welcoming the judging panel to the student village. It was fantastic to find out the project had been chosen as the overall winner. The scheme was a complex project and a real team effort so I’d also like to pass my thanks and congratulations onto our partners. All of the shortlisted schemes this evening demonstrated high-quality design so my congratulations also go to them.”

The other finalists were:

· Storkit Meadows, Wymeswold

· 58 Brook Street, Wymeswold

· The Oaks, 133 The Ridings, Rothley

· Milk Bottle Yard, Forest Road, Loughborough

· Loughborough Schools Foundation Sports Hall

A judging panel visited all sites.

Teabags, Bones, Fish And More To Be Collected As Food Waste Trials Starts In North West Leicestershire

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 14:43:11 GMT

Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK76PrKbXQQ

More than 2,000 households in and around Measham are taking part in a food waste collection trial with North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

The trial is part of NWLDC’s Recycle more… plan, which aims to bring the district’s recycling rate up to 50%.

During the trial all food waste – including plate scrapings, bones, meat and tea bags – will be collected weekly from homes in addition to the usual recycling collections.

The waste will then be taken to a Biogen processing plant in Warwickshire where it will go through an anaerobic digestion process, turning it into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity and heat, and also as a bio fertiliser on local farmland.

The first food waste collection took place on Tuesday 26 November and the trial will last for six months.

The recycling rate in North West Leicestershire is currently 45.9%. Around one third of all waste in black bins in the district is food – most of which is currently sent to landfill.

Once the success of the trial has been analysed the council plans to provide a food waste collection service across the whole district.

This latest trial comes just one month after the council introduced a trial of stackable recycling containers with 250 homes across the district.

Residents in North West Leicestershire separate their recycling at home, which means the council can receive more money for it by selling on high quality separated recycling. Last year the council earned around £500,000 income from selling recycling – all of which was reinvested in council services.

Paul Sanders, Head of Community Services at NWLDC, said: “We have some really keen recyclers in our district and we’re very grateful for people recycling as much as they can. Home composting is a great way of getting rid of some food waste, but you can’t put everything in a compost bin. We hope that these food waste collections will help people to divert even more of their waste away from landfill and help to increase our recycling rate to 50%. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the trial and hope it’s a success so we can start collecting food waste across the district very soon.”

Charlie Measham, who lives in Swepstone, is one of the 2,000 residents taking part in the trial. He said: “It’s good to see the council putting the spotlight on a different type of recycling and offering a new service. We’re looking forward to being part of the trial and helping to increase the recycling rate in the district. I was really surprised to hear the how much waste created by food being thrown away and it’s great that this scheme will reduce the amount that goes to landfill.”

3,000 Free Trees To Give Away

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 14:45:14 GMT

Residents can apply for free trees under a scheme which has returned to Charnwood.

The borough council has once again teamed up with the National Forest and partner idverde to run the scheme which has 3,000 trees to give away and people have until January 10, 2020 to apply.

Matt Bradford, head of cleansing and open spaces at the Council, said: “We’re pleased to be offering our free tree scheme for the second year running. Following the success of last year, we’re giving away even more trees and I’d encourage residents to apply as soon as possible to snap up their free trees. Charnwood is part of the National Forest and this is one way to help make it even greener.”

Last year 2,000 trees were given away to local residents, community groups and parish councils in the borough.

Households and community groups are eligible to choose up to three trees and there is a choice of three varieties; holly, hazel and cherry plum.

The trees will be approximately 20cm – 40cm when they are collected. Each resident who applies for a free tree will be given a guide on how to look after them properly.

Trees will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and residents that apply for a free tree must be available to collect on one of the following dates and locations:

- Saturday January 18 2020, 10am-3pm – Central Park, Syston

- Saturday January 25 2020, 10am-3pm –Derby Road Playing Fields, Loughborough.

To apply online, all residents need to do is visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/freetrees

idverde manages the borough’s parks and open spaces on behalf of the Council.

Blaby District Honours Sporting Superstars

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 14:52:19 GMT

For its tenth year, the Blaby District Local Sports Alliance Awards welcomed the sporting community as the winners and runners-up were announced in eight awards categories on Tuesday 19 November.

Hosted for the first time at the Marriott Hotel, and presented by BBC Radio Leicester’s Ian Stringer to a record attendance of over 225 guests, including the finalists and their families, Blaby’s sporting community came together to enjoy the evening and honour the finalists for their achievements.

The awards were sponsored by Everyone Active, who manage the Council’s Enderby Leisure Centre and the Pavillion in Huncote and also featured a Q&A with Leicester City legend Steve Walsh.

Winners included Braunstone Swimming Club’s record-breaking Alex Casey, who won Young Sports Person of the Year after breaking the county record and finishing sixth at the British National Championships, as well as seven gold medals at the County Championships.

The Sport Person of the Year (with a disability) was awarded to Imogen Bowen. A member of Huncote Hearts GTC, the international gymnast and trampolinist won four gold medals in the Down Syndrome International Gymnastics competition back in June, and won the county’s trampolining competition last November.

Michaella Glenister was honoured with Sports Person of the Year. The GB swimmer won four medals at the British National Championships and won silver in a 1.5km open water race in Mallorca. Michaella took nearly 20 seconds off her personal bests in the European Junior Championships, representing Great Britain in the 400m, 800m and 1500m.

In the Special Recognition Award, three of the district’s sporting stalwarts were honoured for their work. Runner-up Dave Eabry of Vipers RFC was honoured for dedicating at least 15 hours of his time to the club for over 13 years, ensuring the club can function and organising events for the club’s 900 youngsters to take part in rugby.

Second runner-up Martin Stanley has helped secure the long-term future of Saffron Dynamo FC by securing nearly £1million in funding over his decade of volunteering, and recently secured nearly £500,000 for a 3G artificial pitch.

Braunstone Swimming Club’s Kara Shepherd was the Special Recognition winner. Her 22 years and countless hours of service to the club and numerous roles, from admin to Chief Coach, has helped young swimmers thrive, including two of this year’s awards finalists.

John Richardson, Strategic Director at Blaby District Council, said: “We are immensely proud to host these awards and we are grateful to Everyone Active and the numerous other sponsors whose contributions help to make these awards happen.

“The Sports Awards are our chance to highlight the incredible sports stars and volunteers in the area. Whether it’s personal achievement or helping to run our local sports clubs, each and every one deserves their recognition.”

For more information about funding that talented young athletes can access, visit www.lrsport.org.

Active4Life – Health and Wellbeing Award (Sponsored by the Blaby Lottery)

Winner: Jill Larter – Falls Prevention Exercise Class

Runners-up: Anne Warner & Martyn Shephard

Young Sports Person of the Year (Sponsored by The Roseacre Pub Company)

Winner: Alex Casey (Braunstone Swimming Club)

Runners-up: Tegan Grewal (Bowling – Kirby Muxloe Bowls Club) & Yasmine Sheffield (Athletics)

Community Engagement (Sponsored by Leicestershire Rugby Union)

Winner: Emma Tomlinson – (Vipers RFC, Blaby)

Runners-up: Greenfield Primary School (Beat the Street initiative) & Steve Hastings (Kirby Muxloe FC)

Coach of the Year (Sponsored by Rutland Cycling)

Winner: Mark McKenna (Leicester Sharks Swimming Club, Enderby)

Runners-up: Darwin Davies & Lynne Pearson (Kirby Muxloe Archery Club)

Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Palmers Garden Centre)

Winner: Leicester Forest Junior Rockets Cycling Club

Runners-up: Kirby Muxloe Archery Junior Squad & Leicester Forest Rugby Club under 12’s

Sports Person of the Year (with a disability) (Sponsored by Menphys)

Winner: Imogen Bowen (Huncote Hearts Gymnastics & Trampolining Club)

Runners-up: Lydia Kettlewell (Narborough, Karate) & Toby Sweeney-Croft (Athletics)

Sports Person of the Year (Sponsored by Everards)

Winner: Michaella Glenister (Leicester Sharks Swimming Club)

Runners-up: Maisie Elliott (Braunstone Swimming Club) & Libby Smith (Leicester City Ladies)

Local Sports Alliance Special Recognition Award (Sponsored by Fosse Park)

Winner: Kara Shepherd (Braunstone Swimming Club)

Runners-up: Martin Stanley (Saffron Dynamo FC) & Dave Eabry (Vipers RFC)

Charnwood Sports Awards Finalists Are Revealed

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 23:33:42 GMT

The finalists for this year’s Charnwood Sports Awards have been announced.

The awards ceremony, organised by Charnwood Borough Council, received 76 individual nominations and judges have now selected finalists in all 11 categories.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities said: “It was tough trying to narrow down this year’s finalists as we have so many talented and dedicated individuals, coaches, clubs and volunteers in Charnwood.

“These awards are not only a fantastic way to celebrate their sporting talents but to also acknowledge the people who dedicate their time to make it happen.

“A huge thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and good luck to all the finalists.”

The categories recognise the achievements of junior and senior athletes, sports clubs, coaches and volunteers.

Last year’s winners included basketball coach Mark Jarram and Loughborough Town Swimming Club.

This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Monday, December 2 at Burleigh Court, Loughborough. You can keep up to date with the action on the night by following the hashtag #CharnSports19 on Twitter.

Bodie Hodges Foundation Announce Vital New Role To Support Families Bereaved Of A Child Across Leicester, Leicestershire And Rutland

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 23:30:23 GMT

It’s a very sad fact that up until now, there has been little support for families bereaved of a child outside of the NHS across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

In 2012, the Hodge’s family entered a devastating chapter in their life, when their 10-month old son, Bodie, died following a choking accident. It was through this heart-wrenching experience that it became clear to Nick and Donna Hodges, Bodie’s parents, that there was a lack of support for families bereaved of a child.

Donna Hodges, Bodie’s Mother and Bereavement Project Manager of the foundation has said: “It’s one of those things that you just wouldn’t know until you need it. It’s not until a tragic event occurs that you are made to realise the need there is for more support for bereaved families. As fantastic as the NHS are, once you leave the hospital there isn’t anybody available to provide that immediate support. You have to find your own way. As a family we were supported by The Laura Centre, but this was much further down the line.”

The foundation has already made a huge impact on the region in the last 6 years and it’s with a continued passion and determination that the Bodie Hodges Foundation have made the decision to self-fund an initial 3 year full time position of a Lead Child and Family Bereavement Practitioner, and are delighted to welcome Nicola Rhodes, who joined the team in September.

Nicola’s role will essentially be to offer support and comfort to bereaved families from day 1, through to around a year after the bereavement. There are very sadly, approximately 70 child deaths in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland a year, of which Nicola is hoping to work with as many as is physically possible.

Nicola has said: “I am so delighted to be a part of this incredible foundation. The passion that the team have to support other families is contagious and I’m honored to be filling this much needed position for our county. My focus will be supporting the whole family following their bereavement, this work will encompass couples as sadly statistics do show that 80% of marriages don’t survive such experiences. Emotional support for siblings will also be part of what’s offered as the impact of the loss of a brother or sister is immeasurable and early intervention to help children and young people understand their feelings of grief is so important. The sessions with the family can include things like being a friendly face in the early days, talking through their grief, offering activities that help families reflect and remember together, like memory making activities, creative activities and one-to-one emotional support sessions. The success of this role will largely come down to educating those first in line, that the support is available so that the information can be passed on to grieving families. We need the news to spread far and wide across our region.”

Nicola is well placed to make this position a huge success, having spent 18 impactful years working with the Diana Children’s Community Service, in pre and post bereavement support.

If you’re interested in supporting the charity and want to find out more about how you can do this visit: www.bodiehodgesfoundation.co.uk

Council Wins Award For Work With Stray Dogs

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 23:27:12 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council has been recognised by the RSPCA for its outstanding work with dogs.

The RSPCA PawPrints Awards cover five areas of service provided by the public sector that has an impact on animal welfare, including stray dog services, housing, contingency planning, animal establishments licensing and kennelled dog welfare.

Each award has three levels – bronze, silver and gold – and Charnwood Borough Council has won gold for its work to look after stray dogs in the borough, in partnership with College Garth Kennels in Hathern.

In the past year, the council has collected 114 stray dogs from across the borough, a 25% decrease on last year when 151 strays were collected. They are taken to College Garth Kennels and kept there for a minimum of seven days. If unclaimed, the dogs are made available for rehoming.

Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for regulatory services at the council, said: “It was great to discover that we have been recognised by the RSPCA for our work with stray dogs. The environmental health team, along with the College Garth Kennels, do a superb job of ensuring that stray dogs in the borough stand the best chance to be collected and returned to their owners as quickly as possible. The gold award is very much appreciated and deserved, and we will continue to meet the standards required to ensure the highest level of care can be given when dealing with stray animals.”

There will be an event held for all the winners at the RICS in Parliament Square in London on November 26.

For more information about how the council looks after stray animals visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/animals_stray

To find out about more about the kennels, visit www.collegegarthkennels.co.uk

Lightbulb Programme Sees Continued Success

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 23:25:07 GMT

More than 5,400 people across Leicestershire have benefited from a pioneering housing support partnership in its first two years.

Lightbulb is a centralised service, hosted by Blaby District Council, in partnership with Leicestershire County Council, district councils, local Clinical Commissioning Groups, Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust.

Fully launched in 2017, Lightbulb has seen a drastic reduction in the processing time for residents’ Disability Facilities Grant applications from enquiry to completion, reducing from 48.5 weeks before launch, improving to 32 weeks, and now standing at 20 weeks across all Districts.

The latest customer satisfaction ratings have seen 100% of those surveyed confirm that Lightbulb had met their expectations.

The improvement in the time taken to deliver adaptations in homes across the county has also ensured that focus can be spent on more complex cases, as well as delivering 37% more cases overall than was projected at the planning stage two years ago.

It has saved an estimated more than £360,000 for the local economy, with medium to long-term savings estimated at around £2.1 million.

From the installation of grab rails to small house extensions, Lightbulb is focused on making sure that residents can stay independent in their homes for as long as possible, benefitting both the local health economy and the wellbeing of those individuals supported through Lightbulb.

In one case, a lady in Melton was struggling to live in her property due to a combination of difficulties accessing the property and with using the furniture within it. Through one Housing Support Coordinator, the resident was able to have a comprehensive housing “MOT,” leading to grab rails being installed both inside and outside of her property, as well as a bed lever and a small armchair.

These relatively small changes have had a big positive impact, enabling – enabling this lady to live more comfortably in her own home, instead of having to consider a move to any sort of supported accommodation.

Jane Toman, Chief Executive of Blaby District Council, said: “As we reach two years of the service I think it’s important to highlight just how much of a positive difference Lightbulb is making across Leicestershire. This service supports vulnerable individuals and our priority has been to ensure the correct help they need is delivered to them as efficiently and quickly as possible. We have worked with partners from across the county working collaboratively together can make a huge difference and save hundreds of thousands of pounds for the local health economy.”

Lightbulb has been recognised with three awards, named ‘Best Collaborative Working Initiative’ by the Association for Public Service Excellence and Commended at the Home Improvement Agency Awards. It was also given the honour of best Public/Public Partnership at the 2018 Local Government Chronicle Awards.

Residents requiring minor or major adaptations can contact Lightbulb by calling 0116 305 0004 or visit www.leicestershire.gov.uk

£162,000 To Help Council Bid For Up To £25million For Loughborough Regeneration

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council has been awarded £162,000 to kick-start a bid for up to £25 million of investment in Loughborough.

The town is one of 100 places around the country which the government has invited to bid for a multi-million pound Town Deal. The deals aim to regenerate town centres, boost businesses and improve infrastructure.

The towns are sharing £16.4million to develop their plans and bring their communities together.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I welcome this initial funding and it will help us build a strong case as we aim to secure every single penny of the £25 million available. The government is clear that communities need to be involved in Town Deals and I can assure people that the Council will be engaging with residents, partners, businesses and other organisations. It is important we come together to create a shared vision and capitalise on this fantastic opportunity.”

The government has produced a Towns Fund prospectus which provides information to councils chosen to pioneer Town Deals.

Each place will have the opportunity to bid for funding of up to £25 million as part of the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

The funding could be used to redevelop vacant buildings and land, drive private sector investment by supporting small businesses and ensure young people have the skills they need to get good jobs. Communities will also be able to consider how they can boost their transport links and increase access to high-speed broadband.

Lead councils in each place will now bring together a Town Deal Board including representatives from across the public, private and voluntary sectors to develop bespoke Town Investment Plans by summer 2020.

These plans will provide a clear vision for building on their town’s unique strengths to transform its economic growth prospects and form the basis of negotiations with the government. 

Communities and Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “This government is committed to levelling up all parts of the country. We created the £3.6bn Towns Fund to help businesses grow, connect communities and give people the skills they need to succeed. But no place is exactly the same. That is why we want to help local people to decide how this investment of up to £25 million in each town can be used to help create new businesses, new jobs and new homes for generations to come.”

The announcement follows the launch of the My Town campaign, giving local people the chance to share what they love about their town and how they want to see it grow. In just one week, the campaign has drawn over 10,000 responses from across the country.

Charnwood Borough Council is encouraging people to get involved in the campaign by visiting www.Facebook.com/mytowncampaign and have a say.

Briefing Session For Candidates And Agents

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A briefing session is being held for prospective candidates in the Loughborough and Charnwood parliamentary constituencies in the forthcoming General Election on Thursday, December 12.

Charnwood Borough Council is organising the session, which is also for agents, and it will be held in the Council offices in Southfield Road, Loughborough on Monday, November 11, starting at 6pm.

The session will cover an overview of the election processes and arrangements. Candidate and agent nomination and support packs will be available after the session.

Rob Mitchell, Returning Officer, said: “The session will be a chance to find out more about the electoral process and speak to the officers who run the elections in Charnwood. I look forward to seeing people there.”

The deadline for nominations in the General Election is 4pm on November 14.

For further information, confirmation of attendance or if you are unable to attend the briefing and require a nomination and support pack, please contact the electoral services office on 01509 634612 or e-mail electoral.services@charnwood.gov.uk

More information about the election is available on the Council website, www.charnwood.gov.uk/GE19

To keep up to date on the latest local Charnwood elections news, please follow the Council on Twitter @CharnwoodBC and look for the hashtag #CBCelections19. You can also sign up to the Council’s email alerts www.charnwood.gov.uk/alerts

Warning Over HMO Licensing In Charnwood

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Landlords and letting agents in Charnwood who have failed to apply for a house in multiple occupation (HMO) licence are being warned they could face a hefty penalty or prosecution.

HMO licensing changed on October 1, 2018 meaning the rules apply to more properties than before.

Previously, properties of three storeys or more and occupied by five or more people who are not all related had to be licensed by the local authority.

However, since last year the law has removed the three-storey element and now all HMOs which are occupied by five or more people, forming two or more households, regardless of the number of floors in the property, require a licence.

Properties which must be licensed under the new rules were required to apply to Charnwood Borough Council for a licence by October 1, 2018 and more than 260 applications were received.

However, it is likely that there are still licensable properties in the borough for which no application has been received. The Council will be carrying out unannounced visits to properties across the borough to investigate potentially unlicensed HMOs.

Anyone who owns or manages a licensable HMO without a licence could face a civil penalty of up to £30,000, or prosecution. Councils can issue civil penalties for various offences under the Housing Act 2004.

Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for regulatory services, said: “We want to work with responsible landlords and managing agents to drive up standards and the Council will take a tough stance on non-compliance.

“We will not hesitate to use civil penalties and the sums involved can be substantial. I would encourage anyone who is unsure to talk to our private sector housing team who will be happy to provide advice.”

Anyone with information about an unlicensed HMO within the borough are encouraged to contact the private sector housing team on 01509 634651 or at private.housing@charnwood.gov.uk

There are some exemptions to HMO licensing and if you are unsure of whether a property requires a licence, please contact the private sector housing team.

Christmas Concert By Charnwood Voices

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Charnwood Voices invite you to join them for a musical celebration of Christmas on Saturday 21st December at Frederick Street United Reform Church in Loughborough LE11 3BH.

'Joyful & Triumphant' conducted by Nicholas Scott-Burt will feature some new music composed by choir member Jack Arthur Shaw and Harry Scott-Burt.

The tickets cost £10 and will include festive refreshments in the interval - U16s are free.

Please contact tickets@charnwoodvoices.org.uk or choir members for your tickets, there will be some available on the door.

Loughborough Restaurant Closed After Failing To Meet Food Safety Rules

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A restaurant in Loughborough has been forced to close after failing to meet food safety and hygiene regulations.

Charnwood Borough Council served The Mugal E Shahi in Loughborough with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on October 24 after officers discovered poor food safety and hygiene practices throughout the premises during a routine inspection.

The notice forced the business to close immediately.

During the inspection, officers found that preventative measures to stop rodents entering the premises were inadequate and an active pest control contract was not in place. Mouse droppings were found throughout the premises including in a bag of ready to eat pickles and chutney containers.

Officers also found the standard of hygiene was very poor and discovered filthy conditions inside the chiller including mould growing on shelves and dirty fans blowing onto open food in the chiller, presenting a risk of contamination to food. Dirty cleaning cloths were also found.

The council officers were left with no choice but to implement emergency procedures as they considered that there was an imminent risk of injury to the public.

On October 29, Leicester Magistrates’ Court agreed with the actions of the officers and issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, prohibiting the premises from opening until there is no longer an imminent risk of injury posed by the state of the premises. The court also ordered the business to pay £1,000 costs.

The business is currently co-operating with the Council and improvement works are being carried out.

Following the case, Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for regulatory services at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Businesses who serve food to the public need to ensure they understand and follow the rules around food hygiene and safety as they are there to protect people’s health. I’m pleased the courts agreed with the actions of our officers and that the restaurant will not be able to operate again until improvements have been made and there are no health risks to their customers. I hope this is a reminder to all food businesses in the borough that we take food hygiene and safety very seriously and we will not hesitate to take action if we think there is a risk to the general public. We want local businesses to be successful but to also comply with the rules. We would much prefer to work alongside food businesses to help and advise them on how to ensure they are following food safety regulations, so I’d ask anyone who has any concerns to get in touch with us.”

Footloose Stage School Raises Funds For Hope Against Cancer

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The heart-warming rendition of Shrek in aid of Hope Against Cancer and other local charities took place on August 10th at the Footloose Stage School in Thurnby, performed by 34 talented local youngsters.

The show provided a fabulous evening of entertainment and fun, raising an impressive total of £561 by the end of the night. All profits from the show were donated to Hope Against Cancer and other local charities. The money raised will go towards funding local cancer research and supporting clinical trials in Leicester.

Victoria Standing, Hope Against Cancer’s Community Fundraiser attended the event on behalf of the charity and stated: “It was an amazing performance put on by the children. We were delighted to be their chosen charity and the event is a great example of communities coming together to show their support for such an important cause.”

The children who participated in the performance were invited to present the cheque at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and then partake in a tour of the Hope Against Cancer Clinical Trials Facility. Here they learnt more about the charity and the work they do, and how the money they raised would help cancer patients have better outcomes and improved diagnosis.

Hope Against Cancer Leicestershire and Rutland’s local cancer research charity. Working in partnership with local Universities and hospitals, Hope Against Cancer provides the funding for cutting-edge research so that Leicestershire remains a hub of expertise in cancer research and treatment. Every year the charity needs to raise over £500,000 to continue to fund its vital research, so every donation counts. If you are interested in finding out more about Hope Against Cancer and the work they’re doing, you can visit their website: https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Community Garden Gets Co-op Backing

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Blaby District Council’s award winning community garden is set to benefit from Co-op Members, after being selected as part of their community fund.

For the next twelve months, from 27 October until 24 October 2020, every time a Co-op Member buys a selected own-brand, products or service, 1% of the money they spend goes to local causes in their community.

After applying to be part of the scheme, A Place to Grow was selected as a good cause members will be able to choose to benefit from their contribution.

The money from the fund will support the garden, which helps residents become physically active, get involved in the community and meet new people in a friendly and safe environment.

A Place to Grow is both free and sustainable garden for those living with, or affected by a physical or mental health condition. Earlier this year the garden was given a Green Flag award for the ninth time, marking it as an outstanding open space.

The garden is a ‘community health hub’ of Leicestershire Recovery College, delivering a range of courses to people who have lived mental health experience, carers, friends, family and staff. An ‘Empower’ type 2 diabetes course also helps people to reduce their risk of long term health complications.

An outdoor lodge can be hired as a meeting room and the garden also plays host to corporate volunteer days.

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing & Regulatory Services, said: “This is really exciting news for us. The Co-op Community funding will bring huge opportunities to complete projects and ensure that even more people can benefit from A Place to Grow. We feel both proud and lucky to have this garden in our district. It brings huge positive benefits to both those who use it, and the businesses who regularly join us on their corporate volunteer day, helping us with the bigger tasks.”

To become a Co-op Member and support A Place to Grow visit www.coop.co.uk/membership More information about the A Place to Grow Garden can be found at www.blaby.gov.uk/aptg

Charnwood Heritage Plaque Revealed To Honour Local Historian

Tue, 29 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A Charnwood Heritage Plaque has been unveiled to commemorate local historian Lord Macaulay of Rothley.

The plaque was revealed at Rothley Court Hotel at a ceremony held on October 25, 2019 which would have been Lord Macaulay’s 219th birthday.

Lord Macaulay was a British politician, historian, essayist, author and colonial administrator.

Charnwood Borough Council launched the plaque scheme last year to mark people, places and events in Charnwood’s history.

The Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Brenda Seaton said: “It was an honour to attend the unveiling of the plaque to commemorate Lord Macaulay of Rothley. The Charnwood Heritage Plaque scheme is a way of acknowledging the history of the borough and I look forward to seeing many more installed across Charnwood.”

Peter Lewis, who chairs a panel which leads the plaque scheme, said: “It’s great to see the heritage plaque in place at Rothley Court Hotel just below the room where Lord Macaulay was born all those years ago. The aim of the scheme is to ensure people know about the borough’s history and we’re now looking for more suggestions for future plaques. We commemorate not just people but events and local places that are significant in the story of our towns and villages, so I’d encourage people to submit their nominations with supporting evidence.”

It is the third plaque which has been installed in Charnwood to honour interesting people, places and events which have a connection to the history and culture of our borough.

Last year two plaques were unveiled in Loughborough, one to honour the 158 Logistics Regiment and 203 Transport Squadron and the other marked the centenary of the First World War.

The Council would like to hear from communities and organisations about other suggestions for future plaques.

For more information or to nominate a person, place or event for consideration, please visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/heritage_plaques

For the 2020 plaques, the deadline for nominations is March 31, 2020.

Make A Difference To Council Housing Services

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A place on a housing advisory board is up for grabs for someone who wants to have their say on how council housing services are run by the Council.

Charnwood Borough Council’s Housing Management Advisory Board (HMAB) discusses important issues that affect its council tenants and leaseholders including performance of the Council’s landlord service, budgets, policies and investment in properties. The board is made up of eight members: four council tenants/leaseholders, three borough councillors and an independent.

The existing independent board member is coming to the end of their three-year term on the board and so the recruitment process has begun to find someone who is keen to get involved and make a difference to the way services are delivered.

Councillor Paul Mercer, the Council’s lead member for housing, said: “The board is an important part of ensuring that our service is tailored to the needs of our tenants and leaseholders. I t’s important to us to engage with our customers so that we can continue to find out what we’re doing well and where we can do better. This is a superb opportunity to have an impact on the way we deliver our services.”

Any recommendations made by the board will be sent to the Council’s Cabinet and taken into account when decisions about the service are made.

Anyone interested in becoming a member can apply online via the Council’s website at www.charnwood.gov.uk/hmab_recruitment

The deadline for applications is Friday November 15, 2019. Interviews and decision process will take place towards the end of November, with a decision and appointment made in the run-up to Christmas, ready for the new year.

Boost Your VE Day Celebration With A Community Grant

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Party planners preparing for the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day can access a grant to boost their special event.

Community groups, parish councils, voluntary organisations and schools can all apply to receive £250 from North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) ahead of VE Day on Friday 8 May 2020.

The Government has announced the Friday will be a Bank Holiday to allow people to celebrate victory in World War II and surrender to the Allies on 8 May 1945.

Funding applications will be considered for projects with a celebration VE Day theme which could include community parties, exhibitions, historical talks, a VE Day dance or similar events.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “VE Day is a great opportunity for communities to join together to celebrate the anniversary of victory in the Second World War. It’s also an important opportunity to remember all those that gave their lives to keep our country free. We want to support communities with their events by offering this opportunity of a £250 grant. We hope the funding will help make the celebrations extra special and help to bring more people together. Groups, councils, schools and community organisations can head to our website to complete the simple application process.”

Applications for the grants should be submitted online by visiting www.nwleics.gov.uk/VEDay

The closing date for applications is Friday 3 April.

Loughborough Wins Gold At Britain In Bloom Finals

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Loughborough has struck gold at the national RHS Britain in Bloom finals.

Earlier this year the town was selected to represent the region in the small city category at the national awards organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Derry, Harrogate, Kirkcaldy and Rugby had also been nominated for the small city category in the national competition.

The ceremony, which was hosted at RHS Lindley Hall in London, saw Derry named as overall category winner and Loughborough and Harrogate achieve gold. Kirkcaldy and Rugby both received a silver gilt.

The Britain in Bloom judges visited Loughborough during the summer for a three-hour tour of the town. Volunteers and community groups were able to showcase their gardening projects and initiatives.

Marion Smith, Loughborough in Bloom chair said: “This is an excellent result for the town, and everyone involved. It recognises the hard work of our volunteers and community groups on a national level. I’d also like to congratulate the other towns which represented their regions and took part in the competition. A huge thank you and well done to everyone.”

This is the fourth time Loughborough has been at the Britain in Bloom finals. The town was awarded gold in 2016, a silver gilt in 2014 and achieved gold and was named the category winner in 2012.

The Council’s lead member for Loughborough, Cllr Jenny Bokor said: “We were thrilled to find out Loughborough had been selected for the national awards so to achieve gold is fantastic. Bloom is a joint effort and I’d like to congratulate everyone involved for their hard work and commitment. Thanks also go to our partners Serco and Idverde for their continued support of Bloom.”

The result comes after the town was also awarded gold at this year’s East Midlands in Bloom awards for the ninth year running.

Loughborough in Bloom is supported by many community groups, residents, businesses and organisations from across the town, including Charnwood Borough Council.

Recycling Trolleys On Trial As Part Of Recycle More…Campaign

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

New stackable recycling trolleys are being trialled with 250 residents in North West Leicestershire as part of the district council’s Recycle more… campaign.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is working to support residents in increasing the district’s recycling rate to 50 per cent in the next three years.

Feedback has shown that many residents find the current system of several boxes and bags confusing, difficult to manage and easily blow away in windy conditions.

The new recycling trolleys consist of stackable containers on wheels, are significantly more robust and convenient and are being trialled by the 250 residents over the next six months. Feedback will then be collected by the district council with a view to making a new recycling trolley available to all residents, if the trial is deemed a success.

The trolley still requires residents to initially sort their own recycling, before it is taken to the council’s recycling depot where the plastic, aluminium and steel is further separated. All separated recycling is sold for around £500,000 per year – much more than if it was mixed in one bin. This money is reinvested into the council’s services.

Coalville resident Patricia Pearce is one of the 250 people taking part in the trial and received her new trolley earlier this month. Patricia said: “I’ve only just received my trolley and I already think it’s wonderful. My initial thoughts are that it’s tidier, more convenient and much easier to get everything to the kerbside. I leapt at the chance to take part in the trial. I’m passionate about recycling and I’m a regular voluntary litter picker in the district. We all need to do more when it comes to recycling and take some responsibility for it – and I’m glad NWLDC is making changes to support residents in achieving a better recycling rate.”

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “We’re asking residents to recycle more than ever before and we’re fully aware that we need to offer support and improvements to make this happen. We believe the trolleys are a massive improvement on the current system, but it’s important for us to find out if residents agree with us. We’re also taking feedback from the crews on how easy the recycling trolleys are to collect and empty. We’re on a three year journey to improve the district’s recycling rate to 50 per cent and we want residents to be on that journey with us for the good of the environment and the future of our planet.”

For updates and to find out more about the Recycle more… campaign, visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/recyclemore

Marios Tinenti Centre Celebrates Its first 10 Years

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A local community hub in Loughborough recently celebrated its tenth anniversary.

The Marios Tinenti Centre on Russell Street opened in 2009 after the residents decided to stand up to the increase in anti-social behaviour including drug dealing and a fear of crime on the Bell Foundry estate.

The centre was the brainchild of Marios and Cherie Tinenti. When Marios sadly died before it was opened, Cherie continued in his name, and a decade later, the centre has become a valuable community hub, helping and supporting residents with a variety of issues and providing opportunities for people to become more active in the community.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities, said: “What a decade it has been for the Tinenti family and everybody who has worked at the centre since 2009. The communities and partnerships team at the council and the fantastic volunteers at the centre have worked tirelessly for the countless people from the area who have used the facilities and help on offer. I’m sure Marios would have been incredibly proud to see how far the centre has come, and how important it continues to be in people’s lives. Here’s to the next ten years.”

Volunteering opportunities at the centre can be found at www.volunteerleicestershire.org.uk/organisation/marios-tinenti-centre-mtc .

You can keep up to date with everything that is happening at the centre by visiting their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MariosTinentiCentre

The Department Of International Trade To Attend Leicester Business Festival In Hope To Spread Opportunities About Exporting

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

This year’s Leicester Business Festival will be in full swing from the 28th October to 7th November, bringing influencers, innovators and inspiration together in a wide variety of free-to-attend business events.

One of the key highlights is the attendance of the Department of International Trade (DIT) - a much-anticipated visit from this government department. This will be the first time they will have spent an entire day at the festival, during which time they will be giving their advice and conducting presentations – with the main objective of showing how they have helped UK businesses export and grow into global markets whilst also supporting overseas companies who want to locate and grow in the UK.

Their services are provided in over 100 markets worldwide and they are keen to promote the scale of opportunities available for small businesses – a welcome message at a time when there’s so much focus on the doom and gloom and turmoil being caused by Brexit uncertainty.

Alongside the DIT will be Ventola Projects Ltd, who has experienced first-hand, the benefits gained by working together. Ventola Projects Ltd provide specialist electrical LED lighting installations across a wide range of sectors, in which Managing Director, Mick Ventola and his team produce, ship and install orders globally, gaining particular recognition in the USA and the Middle East for the supply of specialised entertainment facility lighting. Some of which may not have been possible without DIT assistance.

The US is not a market which has been traditionally easy to break into, and Ventola Projects readily acknowledge the assistance received from the DIT.

The organisers of the Leicester Business Festival invited Mick to be part of the promotion for UK export due to his role as a DIT Midlands Engine Export Champion, a role which regularly sees him deliver workshops and seminars on international sales. When asked about what he was most looking forward to he told us:

“I’m excited about being able to share the positive news about exporting and the massive worldwide opportunities available for UK businesses. We would never have had the confidence to continue expanding globally if it hadn’t been for the support available from the HM DIT and that is why I am so pleased to work with them to promote their activities to others who could benefit just as we have”

Mick and the DIT will be located at the DIT Mobile Hub expo based at Jubilee Square on the 6th November. As well as giving joint presentations with the DIT, he will also be showcasing Ventola Projects’ VAvR LED range – just one of the products which has been at the root of the company’s success, both here in the UK and the US.

The two events that Ventola Projects Ltd will be involved with are ‘Exporting: is it for you’ and ‘Export to succeed’. To register for your free place, click on one the following links:
https://lbf2019.ticketleap.com/exporting-is-it-for-you/
https://lbf2019.ticketleap.com/export-to-succeed/dates/Nov-06-2019_at_0500PM

To find out more information on Ventola Projects Ltd visit: www.ventola.co.uk

For more details on the Department for International Trade visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-international-trade

To see a full schedule of events at Leicester Business Festival visit: https://www.leicesterbusinessfestival.com/

Marketing Agency Founder Named Business Women Of The Year In East Midlands Entrepreneurship Awards

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Gemma Orton, Founder and Managing Director of Mocha Marketing, a Leicestershire based marketing agency, has been recognised as Business Women of the Year in the East Midlands Nachural Entrepreneurship Awards 2019.

The awards evening took place on 27th September, at the Maher Centre, where Gemma was presented with this accolade in front of over 400 guests, including leaders, investors and sponsors from across the Midlands business community.

The Nachural Entrepreneurship Awards, founded by Ninder Johal, was created to celebrate the ideals, innovation and strategic thinking from business leaders and entrepreneurs. Ninder believes that these individuals drive economic growth and their determination should be recognised and rewarded.

Gemma, founded Mocha nearly 6 years ago, after spending many years in senior marketing positions in the sports industry. Gemma appointed several marketing agencies over the years to work with her teams but says it was these experiences that led her to launch her own marketing agency, because she believed there was a gap in the market for an agency to work with clients as a true extension of their team.

Gemma says about the awards; ‘I really can’t describe how ecstatic I am to receive this award. In a room full of incredible people, I was beyond honoured and humbled to have been awarded with Business Women of the Year. This category is always filled with outstanding women - who I very much admire - and so I find it quite unbelievable to have the trophy on our shelves at Mocha. It’s been an ambitious year for us this year. Our rebrand back in June was a huge step for us and is really supporting our growth and the conversations that we’re having -but what remains the most important element for us, is that we are servicing our clients to the best of our ability. No matter how big our ambition, this can never be compromised. Our entire business is built around our 6 client promises.

When I sat down to write the supporting information for the award once I found out I had been nominated, I really wasn’t sure it would be our year this year. My second son is just a year old and so this year has been all about juggling a growing business with ambitious goals and a young family - if this award means that I can inspire a hand full of women into believing that they can too have a wonderful family and a great career, then it will mean so much more.

As much as this award is for Business Women of the Year, I absolutely stood on that stage and accepted it on behalf of our entire team. Mocha might have been all about me once upon a time but fast forward 6 years and I am no more important that the rest of our team. We are a team and I am so grateful to each and every one of our employees who share the same values for our business as I do.’

To find out more information on Mocha Marketing visit their website: www.mocha-marketing.co.uk

You can also get in touch via email at: hello@mocha-marketing.co.uk or call them on 0116 298 9430

Remembrance Service And Parade Mark World War One Anniversary

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

North West Leicestershire will remember and reflect on the sacrifices of fallen soldiers at a Remembrance Day service and parade on Sunday 10 November.

The Coalville event is organised by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) in conjunction with the Whitwick branch of the Royal British Legion.

The parade leaves Christ Church at 10.35am passing along Hotel Street and High Street, culminating in a wreath laying ceremony at the War Memorial in Memorial Square, which is always well supported by the members of the public.

During the two minutes silence poppy petals will be released from the top of the Memorial Clock Tower in memory of the fallen.

On Sunday 10 November a parade will leave Hermitage Leisure Centre at 2.15pm followed by a service St John the Baptist Church at 2.30pm.

Everyone is also welcome to attend the Armistice Day Service at the War Memorial in Coalville on Monday 11 November at 11am.

The Chairman of North West Leicestershire District Council, Councillor John Bridges will also be launching this year’s appeal on Saturday 26 October at the War Memorial Coalville at 11.30am. He encourages as many of you to come along and dig deep for this worthy cause.

The council’s dedicated Armed Forces Champion is Councillor Tony Gillard. He said: “Remembrance Day is a chance to reflect and remember those we have lost, and to show our gratitude to those that are serving in conflicts around the world. Our Remembrance parade is always supported brilliantly by the public and I have no doubt we will see that again this year.”

A number of other parades and services are to be held in North West Leicestershire over the weekend with information available from parish councils or local churches.

If any groups wish to take part in the parade, please contact Angela Bexton on 01530 454603 or email angela.bexton@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

What Could The Hermitage Site Be Used For?

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone invited to a community information and feedback event

Free children’s activities
Representatives from a range of sport and recreation organisations
Open discussion and ideas

A community event to discuss the future of the Hermitage recreation ground and leisure centre site will take place on Monday 4 November at Hermitage Leisure Centre.

The ‘open invitation’ event, which takes place from 5pm to 9pm, will allow local people to give their ideas and feedback about how the site should be used once the leisure centre moves from its current site in 2021.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is keen to encourage leisure and recreation on the site, with paths and cycleways connecting from the new Coalville Leisure Centre, which will be built just off Stephenson Way.

Aside from these initial thoughts, the future use of the site is completely open at this stage.

Representatives from a range of recreation organisations – including Parkrun, Leicestershire Orienteering, the Lawn Tennis Association and Leicestershire and Rutland Sport – have been invited to showcase the activities they represent.

Existing users, including the North West Leicestershire Society of Model Engineers and the Hermitage Harriers have also been invited to host ‘topic tables’ at the event.

Free children’s activities will be available, as well as light refreshments.

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC said: “The current leisure centre will stay open until the new one is ready to receive customers in 2021. It’s important that we have a plan in place for the site once the leisure centre closes so we can see this important piece of land used in the best way possible. We would like to see leisure and recreation leading the way here and would like to explore every possibility, which is why we have a range of organisations ready to speak to people at the event about their particular interest area. Everyone is welcome at this event – you’ll be able to find out about the possibilities for the site and what options might be out there. You’ll also be able to give your feedback and ideas, which we’ll feed into the process when we’re planning what to do with the site. I hope lots of people come along to the event so we get a good amount of feedback.”

Roll Up! Roll Up! The Fair Returns To Loughborough

Fri, 18 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Loughborough will experience all the fun of the fair as the four-day event rolls into town on Wednesday November 13, 2019.

The historic fair, which is in its 798th year, is organised by Charnwood Borough Council and attracts thousands of people every year.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, Charnwood Borough Council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: “It’s amazing to think the fair has been coming to Loughborough for nearly 800 years. It’s such an important event for the town and we’re looking forward to once again welcoming residents and visitors to Loughborough. There will be plenty for the whole family to enjoy including a wide range of rides, stalls and games.”

The fair will include a host of rides including King Frog, Top Scan, Freak Out, Miami Trip and old favourites such as the Cakewalk and Dodgems. The big observation wheel will also return this year offering fantastic views of the town.

The fair will be officially opened at 6pm on Wednesday, November 13 by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Brenda Seaton who will read the official fair proclamation.

Granby Street car park will be closed from 5pm on Monday, November 11 until around 9am on Sunday, November 16.

People can get the latest updates about what’s happening at the fair by following @CharnwoodBC on Twitter and looking out for the hashtag #LboroFair.

Fair opening times:

Wednesday, November 13, 6pm to 11pm

Thursday, November 14, 12pm to 11pm

Friday, November 15, 11am to 11pm

Saturday, November 16, 11am to 11pm

The first official Charter for the fair was granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Despencer, in 1221 by King Henry III. The fair was then held on St. Peter’s Day.

For more information, contact the Council’s Markets and Fairs service on 01509 634624 or email market.fairs@charnwood.gov.uk

Council Tenants Enjoy Annual Networking Event

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Council tenants and leaseholders had a great opportunity to meet and mingle at a networking event recently.

The event, organised by Charnwood Borough Council, took place at Loughborough Town Hall and enabled tenants to meet officers from across various services, including anti-social behaviour, repairs, customer engagement, and housing needs. There were also opportunities to meet representatives of council partners such as Fortem, Falcon Support Services, The Bridge and the Marios Tinenti Centre.

This year’s event saw a record number of 117 attendees, who enjoyed the refreshments and relaxed atmosphere and took home packs containing useful and important information, including the new “Have Your Say” leaflet which details all of the ways tenants and leaseholders can give feedback and improve the services delivered. It also lists ways that tenants can help to improve the community where they live with assistance from the council.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for housing, said: “Every year, more and more council tenants are attending our networking event, and this is fantastic to see. We want to maintain strong relationships with our tenants and leaseholders, and events like these are perfect opportunities for them to voice their concerns, discover important news and information and, most importantly, to meet the officers and councillors who are working hard for them. We intend to repeat the event next year and hopefully even more tenants will be able to attend.”

Loughborough To Get Festive With Christmas Light Switch-On

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Loughborough is getting ready for the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights on Sunday November 24.

Thousands of people are expected to enjoy the event with festivities taking place in the Market Place between 10am-7pm.

The event, which is organised by Charnwood Borough Council in partnership with Love Loughborough, has something for everyone. A charity market will kick things off at 10am, and there will also be a food court, craft and retail market, fairground rides and a Santa’s grotto.

The Sock Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair will also be at the Loughborough Town Hall between 11am-5pm.

The stage will come alive at 1pm with performances by Loughborough Students' Union Sing, St Botolph's School Choir, Bright Lights Theatre School and Loughborough Schools Foundation Big Band.

BBC Radio Leicester’s breakfast duo Jo Hayward and Ady Dayman will host the event from 3pm. Entertainment will include a big screen and live music from Kade Smith, former contestant on The Voice UK.

The Christmas lights will be switched on at 5pm by the young winner of the Light-up Loughborough competition and the cast of this year’s Loughborough Town Hall pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Loughborough University’s Students Union will then take over the stage with entertainment until 7pm.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “The Christmas light switch-on is a great event for all the family to enjoy and get into the festive spirit. This year, we’re pleased to welcome BBC Radio Leicester who will be hosting our light switch-on and keeping everyone entertained all afternoon. Loughborough is also a great place to do some Christmas shopping, so make sure you put the date in your diary and come on down to take advantage of our shops and markets.”

Jo Hayward, presenter on BBC Radio Leicester said: “We’re delighted to be coming to Loughborough to host this year’s Christmas light switch-on. I’m local to Loughborough so it feels really special to be getting into the festive spirit and hosting the event on home turf. There will be lots of fun throughout the afternoon and we may even have a little festive sing song if you’re lucky.”

Emma Bishop, head of enterprise and engagement at Loughborough Students Union said: “We’re looking forward to being involved with this year’s Christmas lights switch-on in the town centre. The Students Union will be taking over the stage after the lights have been switched on to help keep the festive celebrations in full swing.”

Outwoods To Be Returned To Its Former Glory

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A long-term plan to restore the Outwoods in Loughborough back to its true and natural historic state has been revealed.

Charnwood Borough Council, which maintains the Outwoods, working alongside the Outwoods Management Committee, will be gradually removing non-native coniferous trees over the next 10 years. Native oak trees will be planted or allowed to grow back naturally over that time, returning the Outwoods to a natural acid oak woodland.

The project is part of a Countryside Stewardship scheme, run by Natural England and the Forestry Commission, and aims to preserve the ecology and habitats found in the Outwoods.

The Council and Outwoods Management Committee want to turn the woodland back to its natural state after parts of the ancient oak woodland were removed in the 1940s and conifer trees were planted as a crop.

The non-native conifers add little benefit to the plants and wildlife in the local area and over the years have stopped native plants from growing and wildlife from flourishing. Returning the ancient woodland to its natural state will be beneficial for the local area.

Native trees such as birch and rowan will quickly start to grow in the area and planting of new oak trees will start in January next year.

Work is due to start in November when around two hectares of conifer trees will be removed at two different locations within the woodland.

The work will take two weeks to complete and the Outwoods car park will be closed while the conifer trees are removed. There will be no access to the woodland from the main road. Visitors will be able to use alternative parking at Nanpantan Sports Ground and Moat Road and follow the footpath diversions to walk up to the woodland.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said: “The Outwoods is a real gem which is enjoyed by thousands of people each year. However, it is not the true and natural landscape which it was meant to be.

“Removing the conifers means we can return the Outwoods to a more natural state and how it would have been hundreds of years ago. It is all part of careful woodland management and I can assure people that this is in the long-term best interest for the ancient woodland and will be handled very sensitively. It does mean there will be some disruption along the way and trees will have to be removed, but over time the native oak woodland will return to its former glory.”

The Council has worked with Idverde, its open spaces contractor, and the Outwoods Management Committee, the body responsible for overseeing its management, to put the project together.

The Council is working with Tilhill Forestry, which will remove the trees and harvest the timber. The revenue from the timber will be invested back into the Outwoods.

Cllr Hilary Fryer, chair of the Outwoods Management Committee said: “Woodlands need to be managed to ensure they can be enjoyed by future generations. The Outwoods is a precious part of the borough and we need to maintain it. The scheme will help to protect the woods and encourage wildlife to live in the area for a long time to come.

David Jackson, lead adviser at Natural England said: “We’re pleased to be supporting this project which will see one of the oldest woodland sites in Charnwood restored to its former glory, being native oak woodland.”

The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the south of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood.

For more information and the latest updates about the project visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/Outwoodsrestoration

Council And House Builder Work Together To Secure Future For Local Charity

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Hospice Hope, a local charity which provides support for people with life limiting conditions, will have a new home, thanks to a partnership between North West Leicestershire District Council and Bloor Homes.

With land provided by NWLDC and development carried out for free by Bloor Homes, the charity will soon have a new, purpose-built day centre just outside the village of Swannington.

After receiving the news that they would have to move out of their current accommodation in Griffydam by summer 2021, Hospice Hope trustees turned to the district council for ideas.

In response, the council agreed to lease some of its land – currently used to store spare wheelie bins – to the charity and appealed to businesses in the area. Bloor Homes replied within days to say that they would develop a 6,000 sq ft facility at no cost to the charity.

The decision to dispose of the council land was officially made by Cabinet members on Tuesday 24 September.

Bloor Homes will now draw up plans with a view to submitting a planning application in early 2020.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of NWLDC said: “Anyone who has had the privilege to see the work at Hope House will certainly be impressed by the care and support that is provided there. It’s a real insight into the positive impact people can have on other people’s lives. When we were asked if we could help to find Hospice Hope a new home so that they could continue this valuable work, we knew we’d have to do all we could. It’s heartening to know that our aspiration was matched by the generous offer from Bloor Homes to develop a new facility for Hospice Hope.”

Hospice Hope provides free day care at Hope House on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for people with life limiting conditions, allowing carers to take a well-earned break. All services are free – including transport and support services and complementary therapies - and a home cooked lunch is provided when they visit the homely facility. stew

The charity is supported by a dedicated team of more than 50 active and experienced volunteers, who are there to listen and support.

Stewart Shepherd, Chair of the Trustees of Hospice Hope says the charity is delighted with the news: “The need for the support that Hospice Hope provides is growing all the time. The wonderful generosity of Bloor Homes and magnificent support of our district council means that we can plan more securely to meet the needs of the growing number of people who benefit from Hospice Hope services.”

Bloor Homes built and sold around 3,600 new homes across the country last year, working from its headquarters in Measham, North West Leicestershire. The company is enjoying its 50th year and currently employs some 1,200 people directly and many more through its sub-contractor base.

Gary Crisp, Director of Bloor Homes said: “Bloor Homes is delighted that NWLDC has agreed to make the land available for this very worthwhile cause. We can now fulfil our offer to provide the building and look forward to working with all parties to agree the design. We will submit the planning application as soon as possible and look forward to beginning work on the new Hospice Hope facility to enable this worthwhile charity to continue its inspiring work.”

Council Welcomes New Chief Executive

Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council has welcomed new chief executive Rob Mitchell into the role.

Rob, formerly chief executive officer at Ashfield District Council in Nottinghamshire, has taken over from Geoff Parker who retired recently.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of the Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Rob to Charnwood and look forward to what I am sure is an exciting future. Rob brings a wealth of experience and plenty of ideas to help make this Council even stronger in the future so we can better serve our residents and communities. I must place on record my thanks to Geoff and we wish him a very happy retirement. Geoff has been a fantastic servant to local government and he has played a key role in making Charnwood the strong and stable organisation it is today.”

Rob, who lives in the borough with his family and was previously a director at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to be at Charnwood and look forward to working with staff and members to deliver outstanding services to our communities. I am also looking forward to working with the Council’s partners as collaboration is key to successful service delivery.”

Abba Comes To Thringstone

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Thank You For The Music came to Charles Booth Centre, Thringstone on 12 October for a night dedicated to the music of Abba. Treating the audience to all the hits, the dance floor was heaving with everybody having fun and showing some very nifty footwork!

A spokesperson for the centre said ‘It was a great night, and it was lovely to see so many people coming along, dancing the night away and having a good time. We would like to thank Jackie and Sophie for putting on such a first rate performance. That is what we, at Charles Booth Centre, aim to provide for the local community – top quality entertainment at a decent price, and that is certainly what was delivered The centre has a wide range of entertainment coming up between now and the end of the year and would like to thank the event team and the volunteers for their work in providing things like this for us all to enjoy’.

Please www.charlesboothcentre.org.uk for more information, or follow them on facebook and twitter.

Local Business Woman Wins Legal Expert Property Award

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Amanda Payne, Director of Ashby based law firm, Fishers Solicitors, has been awarded the Legal Expert Property Award at the CILEx National Awards 2019.

Having entered the awards back in July, Amanda was up against nominees of an extremely high standard and had to demonstrate excellence in her role as Head of Residential Property at Fishers. The competition ranged from large City law firms to thriving high street practices and also encompassed people from local government and professional institutions.

Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing favourite Claudia Winkleman at Madame Tussauds in London on 5th September, the prestigious CILEx (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) awards evening celebrated its members exceptional talent, innovation and achievement.

CILEx Chief Executive Linda Ford, who was one of the judges for the awards, says: “The entries this year were of a very high standard, giving the judges a tough job to do deciding on who should make the shortlist. It’s encouraging to see the hard work and dedication our members put into providing clients with excellent service and the contributions they are making to the profession as a whole.”

Absolutely thrilled to have won her category, Amanda commented “It means everything to be recognised as a CILEx Property Expert; not only is it a great achievement to be recognised but it also gives me a sense of fulfilment. It’s not just about performing better than others in order to win, it’s performing to my own high ability and standards and now passing on knowledge in land law and the conveyancing process to those more junior to help them achieve great things too.”

Amanda has a well-established client base and reputation in the Ashby area and prides herself in her quest to find a solution for seemingly insurmountable problems. She also regularly blogs and shares her wisdom on social media and has provided lectures in Land Law to CILEx students at NCN College Nottingham.

Love Food Hate Waste At Coalville Library!

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Book onto a special ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ session at Coalville Library! Learn about food waste and what can be done to reduce it at home. There will be quizzes, games, take-home recipes and pizza making! This free session is for children aged 5-9 years old and must be pre-booked through the library.

Love Food, Hate Waste at Coalville Library

Saturday 26th October 10:00am-11:30am.

Call the library on: 0116 3053565 or email: coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk

First Electric Taxi Licensed In North West Leicestershire

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

North West Leicestershire has its first electric private hire vehicle after CK Cars’ new Tesla was officially licenced by the district council.

The Ellistown firm has invested £50,000 in the new car as it looks to adopt a greener and more environmentally-friendly business model fit for the future.

Kelly Hagger, owner of CK Cars, brought the new Tesla Model 3 to the council offices in Coalville where it was officially licensed by North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC).

Having recently pledged to make its own operations carbon neutral by 2030 and to work with businesses and communities on the green agenda, the district council is delighted to have issued a licence for the vehicle.

CK Cars now has three cars in its fleet, employing three drivers. While the new Tesla is their first electric car, the company hopes to expand on this in the future.

Kelly Hagger said: “Times are changing, going green is the way forward and we are ready to embrace that. We’re really proud to have the first licensed electric private hire car in the district and we hope it sets an example that others follow. North West Leicestershire is a lovely, green district in the heart of the National Forest and we want to do our bit to preserve that. The benefits for the environment are huge but we also feel that over the long-term this will benefit our business. We’ll make huge savings on fuel and we believe having a green, environmentally-friendly car will be a huge pull for our customers.”

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder of Community Services at NWLDC, said: “Earlier this year NWLDC declared a climate emergency and pledged to make its operations carbon neutral by 2030, but there is lots that can happen outside of the council to make the whole district a cleaner and greener place. CK Cars are setting a shining example of how a business can adjust to be greener and more environmentally-friendly. We are delighted to have licensed their electric private hire car and we hope it’s the first of many in the district.”

CK Cars can be contacted by calling 07738 877712 or emailing info@ck-cars.co.uk

Leicester Riders Captain Joins Hope Against Cancer As Ambassador

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Leicester Riders captain Andy Thompson has become an ambassador for charity Hope Against Cancer. He joins former teammate Harrison Gamble as the second star athlete to represent the Leicester charity.

Thompson has already taken part in fundraising activities for Hope. He joined Gamble on the charity’s annual trek through the wilderness, Escape the Wild, for a three-day slog in the Lake District. The basketballers also attended the send-off for Hope’s bi-ennial Cycle Challenge - leading the cyclists out as they started their 340-mile journey around the North of England.

Thompson’s thoughts on the charity demonstrate how much he'll be committing to his new role: “Hope Against Cancer is an amazing charity. The work they do supporting and funding research into cancer treatment and prevention is incredible. They’re an amazing bunch and I’m very pleased to be a part of it all. Here’s to the future!”

Thompson’s 15+ year career has seen the Manchester-born star win an incredible amount of trophies. Many of those awards have come in his stretch with the Riders - for whom he’s been a welcome addition, having been named captain in 2018.

Gamble is to maintain his role as an ambassador to Hope Against Cancer - despite leaving Britain’s oldest basketball team to focus on his career outside of sports.

Starting in November 2018, Gamble has thrown himself into fundraising for Hope. He helped to sell Christmas jumpers for the ‘Deck the Halls with Hope and Holly’ campaign, and took part alongside his captain in Hope’s Escape The Wild outdoor challenge.

For the charity, Gamble was full of praise: “A huge thank you to Hope Against Cancer for a brilliant year. I’ve been lucky enough to do some amazing things – and meet some amazing people. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to The Riders Family for the support I’ve had since I announced I was leaving.”

Hope Against Cancer supports cutting-edge cancer research in the Leicestershire and Rutland area. Their CEO - Nigel Rose, said “Harrison and Andy are both brilliant ambassadors for Hope. Their willingness to jump into a challenge is truly inspirational. We count ourselves very lucky to have them on board.”

To find out more about how you can help Hope Against Cancer, visit https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Letting Agent Fined £80,000 Over Unlicensed Properties

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A letting agent has been fined £80,000 for failing to license four houses of multiple occupation in Loughborough.

Orange Living Ltd, trading as Loc8me and based in Loughborough, pleaded guilty to four offences under the Housing Act 2004 at Leicester Magistrates’ Court.

The company accepted it had failed to license four properties as houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) as required by the legislation.

The prosecution was brought by Charnwood Borough Council.

Since 2006, all properties in England and Wales which are three storeys or more and occupied by five or more people who are not all related must be licensed by the local authority.

On October 17 last year, the borough council was informed that Leicestershire Fire and Rescue had been called to a fire in the attic of a three-storey building in Forest Road.

The fire service discovered the smoke detection was battery only; some of the batteries were missing; the detector in the attic had sounded but not very loudly and there were no fire doors along the protected escape route from the second floor.

A Council environmental health officer visited the property with a representative from Loc8me and noticed there were several internal doors which should have been fire doors.

One of the occupiers told the officer they emailed Loc8me’s maintenance team twice in the days leading up to the fire with concerns about the faulty fire detection and lack of fire doors. No-one visited. There were no telephone numbers for Loc8me displayed in the property and tenants had to rely on email or a WhatsApp group.

Upon further investigation, Council officers found an application for a HMO licence for the property had been received on October 1, 2018 but it was incomplete so the property was not licensed.

A number of other HMO licence applications had also been received by the Council from Loc8me but most of them had information and supporting documents missing. They included applications for three-storey properties in William Street, Fearon Street and Arthur Street, Loughborough.

Loc8me confirmed it had full management of the properties for more than 10 years.

Raffaele Russo, one of the directors of Orange Living Ltd, was interviewed by Council officers and he confirmed none of the four properties had a licence.

He stated the lack of HMO licensing was a clerical error.

Mr Russo said the fire alarms had been tested on a number of occasions.

With regards to failure to provide name, address and telephone number in a prominent position in the HMO, Mr Russo did not know whether emergency contact details were displayed in the property but said that tenants used a WhatsApp group.

In court, Mr Russo accepted that there should have been mains-connected smoke alarms on an interconnected circuit and fire doors where needed.

Magistrates fined Orange Living £20,000 for each of the four offences and ordered the company to pay costs of £3,690.

Following the hearing, Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, the Council’s lead member for licensing, said: “This is a significant sentence and I am glad the courts have taken it very seriously. I hope this case sends a message to landlords that they have a significant responsibility to make sure their properties are safe and proper places for people to live. Licensing is there to ensure living and safety standards are met and we will not hesitate to take action and use the full force of the law to make sure those standards are being met, I would encourage landlords to make sure they are complying with the legislation. If they are not sure, then please get in touch with the Council as we would much rather work with people than use the courts. We are happy to give advice and everyone benefits when we work together.”

Consultation Planned On Updated Vision For Charnwood's Future

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A consultation is planned on an updated vision of Charnwood’s future growth.

Charnwood Borough Council is reviewing its local plan which sets out how it will balance future growth in the area while making sure the environment is looked after and communities have the infrastructure they need.

The current local plan guides development until 2028 and the new draft Charnwood Local Plan looks further ahead until 2036.

On October 17, the Council’s Cabinet will consider a proposal to hold a full public consultation on the new draft local plan.

The draft Charnwood Local Plan 2019-36 includes:

retaining 382 acres of employment land in the current plan to help provide for 8,900 jobs needed in the borough until 2036
sustainable locations for an additional 7,300 homes to help meet demand up until 2036. These homes would bring around £43 million for local infrastructure including schools, health, roads and open spaces. More funding would be secured from partners
nearly 4,000 acres of open countryside identified for protection
sites identified for renewable energy to provide clean power for thousands of homes and reduce carbon emissions
proposals on more restrictions on houses in multiple occupation
restrictions proposed on hot food takeaways
retaining and strengthening policies on managing flood risk

Cllr Jane Hunt, lead member for planning, said: “The draft Charnwood Local Plan 2019-36 sets out a clear path of how we will make sure Charnwood remains a prosperous borough and a place people want to live and work in.

“It is very clear that the environment has to be an even greater consideration in the future and we have allocated areas for protection and steps to contribute towards tackling climate change. This would build upon our existing pledge to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and plant 100,000 trees in the borough in the next four years. We are clearly aware that not all elements of the draft local plan will be welcomed and while development is not guaranteed, it is likely to happen and that’s why we need to plan for it. Doing otherwise leaves us exposed to unwanted, unplanned and more detrimental development. Future generations will want homes and jobs and a healthy environment and therefore it’s up to us to put steps in place now to make sure that happens. We are already talking to other providers of public services about how we manage this growth to make sure residents have access to high-quality services in the future and we will be consulting with residents and other stakeholders as we progress. This draft local plan has been put together based on a considerable amount of evidence and should Cabinet approve the consultation, I would encourage people to read it and have a say and help us shape the future of Charnwood.”

The Draft Charnwood Local Plan 2019-36 includes:

land for around 7,300 additional new homes up until 2036, including:

around 1,600 homes around the Leicester urban edge including Syston, Thurmaston, Birstall, Hamilton edge/south of A46 near Anstey
around 2,000 homes in Loughborough
around 2,000 in Shepshed
around 900 homes at service centres - Anstey, Barrow upon Soar, Mountsorrel, Quorn, Rothley, Sileby and Syston
800 homes at other locations in the borough
these homes would secure around £43 million for local infrastructure improvements including roads, schools, health provision, transport and more. When added to the homes already planned for in the current local plan, the total is more than £100 million between 2019-36.

providing 192 acres of general employment land along with a further 190 acres at the Loughborough Science and Enterprise Park to support Loughborough’s continued role in the knowledge-based sector and provide for around 8,900 new jobs to 2036
commitments for securing affordable housing for all new developments of 10 homes or more
a new policy on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) proposing tighter restrictions on new HMOs and applications to create larger HMOs
one additional retail site in Loughborough town centre
support for Loughborough town centre by encouraging a more diverse mix of uses including retail, residential, leisure, office and professional services
greater consideration in the planning process of the number of takeaways in an area when considering proposals for new ones to consider local amenity and support healthy communities
retention of natural open spaces between settlements and green wedges around the urban edge of Leicester
opportunity areas for wind and solar energy installations which could power thousands of homes are identified to help carbon reduction
encouraging sustainable construction methods

More information is contained in the report going to Cabinet and on the Council website www.charnwood.gov.uk/draftlocalplan

Loughborough-Based Author Roger Hubank Releases 1978 Novel, North Wall, As An Ebook

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Award-winning local author Roger Hubank has released his classic first novel, North Wall , as an ebook.

North Wall is a story of tragedy and triumph. It follows two very different climbers – experienced mountain guide Raymond and amateur climber Daniel, as they attempt an ascent of the fictional Piz Molino, the Alps’ most demanding mountain. But they soon find the psychological trials of the climb are just as challenging as the physical – while Raymond is struggling after being left the sole survivor of a previous expedition, Daniel is torn between his family and life on the mountains. When tragedy strikes on the treacherous 1,200-metre North Face, however, they must overcome their demons in order to survive.

A former lecturer of English Literature at Loughborough University as well as an author and mountaineer, Hubank has been climbing since the 1960s, and has climbed extensively throughout Britain and the Alps.

Commenting on the ebook’s release, Hubank said, ‘It’s over forty years since North Wall first appeared. Now thanks to Vertebrate it’s also taking a bow as an ebook, something I couldn’t have dreamt of back in 1978. I hope the ‘grip factor’ proves to be as high as some of its earlier readers found it, and that it still conveys something of what a major route might be like in those days, gone now, when there were rather more of the Alps to climb than remain today.’

North Wall is now available to purchase as an ebook on Kindle, Kobo, iTunes and Google Play.

Lottery Celebrates Fantastic First Year

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Good causes in Charnwood have come together to celebrate the Charnwood Community Lottery’s first birthday.

Charnwood Borough Council held the celebration event at Fearon Hall, one of the 50 organisations registered for the lottery.

Since launching last year lottery players have raised over £22,000 for a variety of good causes including village halls, community libraries, swimming clubs, play groups, scout groups, and various charities.

Over 37,000 tickets have been sold in the first year, 92 players have won cash prizes and 730 people have won 3 free tickets.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has brought tickets and supported good causes through the lottery over the past 12 months. The lottery was launched to help raise money for good causes in the borough which is exactly what it’s done. We’ve also had a number of players who have won a variety of cash prizes over the past year, so I’d like to congratulate them and thank everyone who has supported the lottery. I’m looking forward to seeing more groups and organisations signing up to the lottery and more money being raised over the next year.”

For every £1 ticket purchased, 60p goes towards helping good causes in the borough.

When a player chooses to support one of the registered good causes, the organisation will receive a 50p donation, with 10p going towards a central community fund. If no charity is chosen, all 60 pence goes to the community fund. The council will use the community fund to continue to support local projects and good causes through its grants scheme.

The top prize in the Charnwood Community Lottery is £25,000.

Among the many groups to have benefitted from the lottery is the Quorn Local History Group which has received over £450.

Dennis Merchant from the group said: “We’d like to thank every player which chooses to support the history group with their lottery ticket. The lottery is great for those groups which may just a little additional funding and I’d encourage any other community groups in Charnwood to looking at registering as a good cause. The money raised through the lottery has been put towards the general running costs of the group and has also helped us to fund equipment such as a projector.”

To play the Charnwood Community Lottery or to find out more about being one of the good causes, please visit www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk

From Rusted Wreck To Bookselling Brilliance!

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 19:07:30 GMT

Troubador’s vintage mobile Festival Bookshop enters a new chapter as it celebrates a year of bringing books direct to readers

One year on, Troubador’s 1966 vintage mobile bookshop ‘Le Bleu’ has been showcasing brilliant books by indie authors to festivals and events across the heart of England. Making its debut in September 2018, this eye-catching first for the indie book industry has found great success in its opening season of selling. The bookshop, with its vintage bodywork which opens up to reveal a treasure trove of titillating titles, proves popular with the public, with many comments on the originality of this ‘novel’ idea.

Designed to bring Troubador imprints, Matador and The Book Guild, direct to readers, the van has attended a number of events, including Christmas markets, the Market Harborough Holistic Fair and country shows. With its bright Troubador blue livery, the bookshop has certainly caught people’s attention and has been personally invited to events as a result, including the Flintham Show in September 2019 and Leicestershire’s Big Textile Show, held at Leicester Racecourse in October and attracting visitors from across the East Midlands.

A specially curated range of titles grace the shelves as core stock, and the bookshop also carries a range of specific event titles, celebrating local authors and offering exclusive discounts to customers. ‘Le Bleu’ has proved a quirky, but effective way to spread the word about indie authors and self-publishing far and wide.

Speaking about the Festival Bookshop’s success, Troubador’s Managing Director Jeremy Thompson says: “The Festival Bookshop grew out of an idea to bring the best of self-publishing to a whole new audience. We wanted an innovative way to demonstrate our commitment to selling our authors’ books as well as publishing them and the Festival Bookshop has provided that and so much more.”
One little blue van’s journey over the English Channel…

Beginning life as a flatbed truck on a donkey farm in the centre of France, ‘Le Bleu’ was imported to England where it was lovingly converted from rusting wreck to gleaming new bookshop. Retaining the classic corrugated bodywork of the iconic 1966 Citroen H-Vans, the bookshop was built up from its original flatbed truck to a standard enclosed van, but with an extended wheelbase. The bookshop still sports the original but refurbished three-gear engine – with a top speed of just 45 mph – and left-hand drive position, along with almost all of its original features.
About Troubador

Troubador Publishing is an independent UK publisher offering a range of publishing options to authors, from assisting independent authors with specific requirements (Indie-Go), through full service self-publishing (Matador), to partnership and mainstream publishing (The Book Guild Ltd). They also organise a range of events for authors, including the annual Self-Publishing Conference (25th April 2020). Serious about self-publishing, Troubador has been named as the number one self-publishing company in the UK (The Independent Publishing Magazine (November 2018), knocking Amazon off the top spot.

Robins And Rainbows Update

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 08:52:55 GMT

We have completed a couple more challenges since our last update, the first being an open water night swim at Rutland Water, where we donned our wetsuits and swam the 600m course under the stars. It was a beautiful night and amazing experience

On 20th September at 8.31pm the Robins and Rainbows Team set off on a 75km walk in the Peak District. Our mission to complete it within 24 hours! We took a steady pace through the night with the help of a mountain leader to guide the way in the darkness. There was some tough terrain with steep hills to negotiate but by daybreak the team had made good progress covering over half of the mileage and in good spirits despite the lack of sleep!

It was a beautiful sunny day and now we had the light with us, we continued to make our way through the stunning Peak District with the cows and sheep cheering us on. At this point we were self-navigating so lots of mulling over the map but we were still making good time.

As the day wore on, we were getting more and more tired, we’d been walking for hours with no sleep and were feeling a little like the great unwashed! It became very much a mind over matter mission, legs and feet were wanting to give up but we were all determined to finish it. And at 7.36pm we passed the finish line feeling extremely accomplished. 23 hours of walking, 75km, a few blisters, a bit of blood, a lot of sweat and the odd tear accompanied by lots of laughs, dubious singing and random hallucinations but we did it! A fantastic team effort by all.

Thank you to everyone who supported us on the walk and continue to do so throughout the year.

Our current fundraising total is now a fantastic £2322! This all goes to Together Against Cancer in memory of Kim Pye.

Our next event is a Fashion Show on Friday 15th November at The Royal Oak, Kirby Muxloe, followed by The Rutland 10k night run.

If you would like further information on Robins and Rainbows, you can view our Facebook page, Robins & Rainbows or email RobinsRainbows19@gmail.com

Christmas Flower Extravaganza

Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Tickets are now on sale for Loughborough Flower Lovers' Club's Christmas Open Meeting on Thursday, 21 November, when members of the public are invited to what promises to be a wonderful evening's entertainment by the celebrated floral designer, Jonathan Moseley, whose demonstration is entitled 'Let's Get Creative for Christmas.'

Jonathan features regularly at all of the major RHS shows including Chelsea, Hampton Court, Tatton and Malvern, and delivers seasonal events at many prestigious locations. Some may remember him as the Floral Expert on BBC2's The Big Allotment Challenge. He is a passionate advocate for British flowers which he enthusiastically promotes to the public when demonstrating at any major event.

His humorous and friendly approach makes him one of the UK’s most popular demonstrators, guaranteed to thrill audiences with his amazing displays delivered with speed, efficiency and skill.

Although the performance starts at 7.30 pm, the doors will open at 6.30 pm to give all those attending time for free light refreshments. There will also be a tombola and a raffle. The raffle prizes will, of course, be the spectacular flower arrangements produced during the evening.

Anyone who loves flowers or would just like an enjoyable evening out in good company is welcome to come along to the friendly club. There's no audience participation, just sit back, relax, and be entertained.

The event will be held at Our Lady's Convent School, Gray Street, Loughborough, LE11 2DZ, where there is plenty of free parking within the school grounds.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from 01509 853740, 01509 880099, 01509 842334, or on the door.

Free Tree Opportunity For North West Leicestershire Residents

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A scheme that has helped to plant more than 100,000 trees in North West Leicestershire is back for its 11th year.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) works in partnership with The National Forest and HK Wentworth Ltd to make thousands of free trees available to all residents and community groups in the district every year.

The Free Tree Scheme has been running annually since 2008 and has given out 103,000 trees over the years since. More than 28,000 of those were given to residents and groups in its 10th anniversary year in 2018.

Four different types of trees are available this year:

Dogwood
Field Maple
Holly
Hazel

The trees are approximately 60cm – 90cm (two to three feet high) when they are collected and come with a guide on how to look after them properly.

Households can apply for up to two trees while community organisations such as environmental groups, allotment societies and wildlife groups can access a larger number of trees.

Running at the same time is the council’s Hedge Fund where residents, landowners, groups and schools can plant new hedges. The offer includes up to 30 metres of a mix of hawthorn and hazel hedging, with field maples every 10 metres.

Applications for free trees open on Monday 30 September and will close on Friday 25 October.

Alison Bursteinas received free trees through the scheme last year, and said: “This is a fantastic scheme which adds colour and encourages wildlife to flourish in the district. It’s a brilliant idea making the area green and colourful and it’s a pleasure to live in a district that encourages this.”

Councillor Andrew Woodman and Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “The free tree scheme continues to grow year after year and it was brilliant to smash the 100,000 mark last year. We’re calling for everyone in the district to consider a free tree, take advantage of the opportunity and be part of a huge community effort that is helping to keep our beautiful district green.”

People can find more information and submit their applications online at www.nwleics.gov.uk/freetreescheme2019

Residents that apply for a free tree must be available for collection on Sunday 17th November.

Have Fun This Autumn With Charnwood’s Holiday Activities

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

From archery to dodgeball there are plenty for the kids to do during the October half-term break.

The borough council’s Active Charnwood team have put together activity sessions from Monday, October 14th until Friday, October 18th to help keep children active during the holidays.

Activities include arts and crafts, football and den building at The Outwoods.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities at the Council said: “The holiday activities programme always proves popular, and I’m pleased we’re able to offer a variety of different sessions to keep children active and entertained this autumn. There are also activities such as orienteering and a treasure hunt which are suitable for the whole family, so everyone can get involved in the fun.”

Activities on offer include:

All-stars cricket
Arts and crafts
BoxFit
Climbing
Futsal
Forest schools
Horse riding
Laser quest

Activities are taking place across the borough including Thurmaston, Mountsorrel, Shepshed and Loughborough.

Prices start from £4 and some activities are free to attend.

Wild Card holders can also enjoy great discounts on all activities. If you are aged five to 16, or have a disability and live or go to school in Charnwood, you can get your hands on a Wild Card by visiting www.charnwood.gov.uk/wildcard

For a full list of activities available in October and to book online visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/holidayprogrammes

Bookings can also be made by calling 01509 634561.

Loughborough Students Encouraged To #THINKcommunity

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Students are being encouraged to think about their local community at the start of a new term in Loughborough.

Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough Police and Loughborough University are working in partnership once again to urge new and returning students to #THINKcommunity, #THINKsafe and #THINKbins as the new term gets underway.

Police, council officers and university staff will visit hundreds of properties in Loughborough on October 3 and 4 armed with ‘goodie bags’ which focus on the three main THINK messages, including being a considerate neighbour.

Among the ‘goodies’ will be a free tea towel featuring useful safety information including how to prevent burglaries, look after valuables, and be a good neighbour.

Councillor Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities, safety and wellbeing said: “As a proud university town we want to make sure both new and returning students are part of their local community. There is a lot of information to take in when starting university and moving to a new area. By visiting students, we hope we can welcome them to the town and answer any questions they may have about living in Loughborough. It’s also important to make students aware and understand that they are moving into residential areas and to be considerate to their neighbours.”

The team will launch the campaign on Storer Road, in Loughborough, where they will door knock from 9.30am on both days.

PC Peter Stacey is Loughborough University’s new beat officer.

He said: “I’m looking forward to getting to know the student community and welcoming them to the town. I’ll be a familiar face at the university throughout the year and will be attending freshers’ week along with the rest of the team and hall talks to ensure the new academic year gets off to a good start. As always, we want to ensure students’ safety and that they and local residents can live happily side by side. I’m always here to help and happy to talk.”

In addition, the university will also have its Student Street Support Team out and about during freshers’ events to provide welfare support to students. It will also help to minimise noise disturbance to local residents as a result of large numbers moving from the campus into the town at night. The team’s work will continue throughout the year, typically on Wednesday and Friday evenings.

However, to keep this to a minimum during freshers’ week, the university is providing buses to and from the campus at peak times.

Jenny Ardley, Loughborough University community warden said: “Our door knocking exercise, the Student Street Patrols and provision of buses to take students into town are important elements of our multi-agency start of term plan. My team of community wardens will continue to work with the other agencies as the term progresses to support local residents and students.”

Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan is supporting the campaign and will be dropping by during the week to see how the visits are going.

The hash tags #THINKcommunity, #THINKsafe and #THINKbins will be used on social media throughout the year, along with advice and information for students.

Cancer Survivors And Doctors Cycle 340-Mile Round Trip, Raising Over £45,000 For Local Charity

Thu, 26 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

On the evening of Tuesday 17th September, cyclists on Hope Against Cancer’s 2,500 Furlongs Cycle Challenge returned to Leicester after a 340-mile trip around the north of England. Starting and finishing at Leicester Racecourse, the route took in the Yorkshire Moors as cyclists passed through some of England’s most famous racecourses - Doncaster, York itself and Market Rasen. So far, the event has raised over £45,000.

The 2,500 Furlongs Challenge, named in-keeping with the equestrian theme, is a bi-annual fundraiser organised by Hope - Leicester’s cancer research charity. The money raised through the Challenge and the Home-coming Party will go towards funding research into the prevention and treatment of cancer, with each cyclist raising a minimum of £1,000 to support local cancer research.

40 cyclists took on the Hope Challenge over the last 4 days - made up of people from the local community, Hope Through Business club members and even a Hope-funded researcher or two - including Dr Sam Khan. One of the most incredible participants is David Lillyman - who rode alongside his daughter Rebecca. In 2014, David was diagnosed with throat cancer at the age of 46. After months of treatment at the Hope Clinical Trials facility, he was remarkably given the all-clear. This was David’s second Challenge - he rode in the previous one back in 2017.

Another incredible rider came in the form of Chris Trethewey. Like Dr Sam Khan, Chris is a Hope-funded researcher who recently swam the English Channel, raising over £10,000 in the process. Whilst Chris was only meant to be involved in the event in a support capacity, he ended up riding an impressive 115 miles on the last day of the Challenge.

Starting on Saturday 14th September, the Challenge’s send-off was attended by a number of Leicester’s key dignitaries and supporters. The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mr Mike Kapur, gave a rousing speech to send the cyclists on their way, whilst Leicester Rider’s Basketball team captain Andy Thompson and player Harrison Gamble led the riders out of the city. Both are Hope Against Cancer ambassadors. A motorcycle escort, in full Hope regalia, also accompanied the cyclists to the city limits.

The Leicestershire business community also came together in support of Hope Against Cancer for the 2,500 Furlongs Challenge. The event had two main cash sponsors - ISF Coatings and insurers Marsh and Co. Two businesses also stepped in as Vehicle Sponsors for 2019: Farmer and Carlisle Toyota and once again Sandicliffe Ford. The all-important cycle kit was sponsored by Knights Solicitors. Food and drinks sponsors included the Co-op, Blackfriars Bakery, Britvic, Walkers, University of Leicester, F&B Fruit and Veg, Sunrise Eggs, Morrisons, Melton Mowbray branch and Spice of India, Melton Mowbray.

Finally, the Home-Coming Party was sponsored by property and construction consultants Pick Everard. Duncan Green, of Pick Everard, who is a Hope trustee and took part in the 340-mile cycle challenge, has raised over £6,000 alone.

Hope CEO Nigel Rose was immensely proud of every cyclist who took part: “The 2,500 Furlongs Cycle Challenge has proved to me once again just how inspirational the Leicestershire community is. It gives me great pleasure to tell you that £45,000 has been raised for vital, local cancer research and it is always is a privilege for me to be part of the support crew on the cycle rides. Our cyclist and support volunteers are a key part of the Hope Against Cancer family of supporters and I’m overwhelmed by the generosity, hard work and commitment of everybody that took part”.

To find out more about how you can get involved in future Hope fundraisers, visit https:// www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk .

Ventola Projects Ltd Completes Sponsorship With Leicester Riders Basketball Club For A Third Season

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Leicester Riders are one of the oldest and most successful basketball teams in the UK.

As they prepare for the start of their 2019/2020 season, leading LED lighting and electrical specialists, Ventola Projects Ltd are pleased to announce they are renewing their sponsorship for the high-flying team and the Riders Charity Foundation for another season.

This sponsorship also extends to their Mascot ‘Hotshot’ and the Leicester Riders cheerleading team, who volunteer their services to all home games, and when they aren’t performing at the arena, they are busy coaching cheerleading at Dynamites based at various locations around Leicestershire, for young adults and children in their local areas.

Dynamites and Leicester Riders Cheerleaders can sometimes be seen at other venues such as Leicester City Football Club, Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Silverstone Race Track, corporate events, etc to carry out cheerleading shows or dance routines for private hire.

Amy Owen, owner of School Of Cheer can be contacted for more details.

Founder and Managing Director of Ventola Projects Ltd, Mick Ventola, has said: “All of the team here at Ventola are delighted to be sponsoring the Riders once again. We all thoroughly enjoyed watching them last season and we can’t wait to see what is in store this season.

When asked why he has continued to sponsor them, he explained: “I think it is important to sponsor and support those around us give so much to the community, this team has consistently helped to place Leicestershire on the map, and the cheerleaders give up their time to help other – and without sponsorship they are unable to do so, or to make the necessary advancements they need to continue rising!”

Just last year the Riders made great progress as a team as they were announced to be the first UK side to play in Europe after their acceptance in the 2018/2019 Basketball Champions League.

The pre-season kicks off for the Riders on Saturday 7th September at 7:30pm, which will see them compete against the USA Select team at the Morningside Arena, Leicester. Before the match, between the hours of 3-6pm the Morningside Arena will also see a ‘Riders Family Fun Day’ in which Leicester Riders fans will be able to enjoy a day of fun with some great activities, including a having their photo taken with the team mascot and joining the ‘Learn to Cheerlead’ session.

For more information on the Leicester Riders visit: http://www.leicesterriders.co.uk

For more information on Ventola Projects Ltd visit: https://www.ventola.co.uk

Escape! Leicester In Aid Of The Fire Fighters Charity

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The Fire Fighters Charity is holding an Escape Room tournament at Escape Leicester on Saturday, 2 November 2019 from 8am throughout the day. This event will raise funds to support the Fire & Rescue community and their dependants with mental, physical and social wellbeing.

“Fire Service personnel and their families are always there to look after us and fundraising for their Charity is just one of the ways we can give something back” says Events Fundraiser Laura Challis. “Join us to see if you’re able to escape the room within an hour and to see if you’re able to beat other teams in escaping first.”

It costs just £12.50 per person to take part which is half the usual price! This price includes entry in to the tournament where there are trophies to be won for those teams beating all the others to escape the room the fastest.

“This is a great opportunity for anyone to come down and enjoy entertainment in aid of an extremely worthwhile cause, The Fire Fighters Charity.” says Service Co-Ordinator, Station Manager Karl Anderson. “Many Leicestershire Firefighters, colleagues and their families have been supported by all the Services the charity has to offer, and this is an ideal and fun way to generate the much-needed funds to allow this service to continue.”

There will be drinks and snacks available to purchase and also the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets to win some wonderful prizes raising further funds for The Fire Fighters Charity. Huge thanks to Lands End, Oakham who have contributed to our raffle. To book your places visit: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/events-categories/escape-leicester If you have any questions about the event, don’t hesitate to contact Laura Challis at lchallis@firefighterscharity.org.uk or on 07798 725560.

By supporting our Charity you’ll be helping people like Zoe and Jamie from Leicestershire: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/case_study/zoe-and-jamie

Taking Early Childhood From Ordinary To Extraordinary

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The date for the launch of the much-anticipated second book from The Curious Approach has arrived and it’s promising to create quite a buzz – for all the right reasons!

The book title - ‘From ordinary to extraordinary’ - accurately sums up the hopes of the authors and co-founders of The Curiosity Approach, Lyndsey Hellyn and Stephanie Bennett, who experienced an amazingly positive reaction from their first book and quickly realised that they truly had the power to make a difference in the Early Years setting.

The passion within these ladies is almost infectious and there is no doubt that they have been spurred on since their first release, energised by its global success and the shared stories of motivation and inspiration.

At a time when there is much in the media about the potential health issues associated with a more sedentary lifestyle and a general concern about the mental wellbeing of our youngest generation, it seems that the launch of this book is timely, to say the least.

When asked about the idea behind this new book, Lyndsey and Stephanie said: “Following the publication of the first book we saw the fantastic posts on Facebook and other social media which showed the transformation that it had initiated within Schools, Nurseries and with Childminders. The ‘before and after’ journeys for those who took on the accreditation was astounding, and it really did represent ordinary people (just like us) achieving extraordinary results. From Ordinary to Extraordinary celebrates this and represents the people who are helping make such a difference to children’s lives”

So, what is the theme of this second chapter in The Curiosity Approach’s own journey? Its main focus is on enabling readers to discover the ‘why’ aspect of what they do. In this changing age where technology plays such an important part in everyone’s lives, the learning environment has changed and understanding this is key to effectively inspire the children of today - who will, after all, be the adults of tomorrow.

Regardless of whether the childcare setting becomes fully accredited in The Curiosity Approach as a result of reading this book, or if it simply takes some of the key learnings from it, it will make a significant difference to how they instill the desire to learn and discover new skills in the children within their care.

That difference is exactly what The Curiosity Approach hope to achieve – and on a global scale. With over 50 years of combined teaching and leadership experience they have been able to shape the learning environment to bring awe and wonder into Early Childhood. Their aim is to inspire the next generation of thinkers and doers - and that means that they want to reach both the children themselves and their educators. The first book went some way towards this goal, but this newly launched chapter takes the aspirations to a whole new level, allowing the like-minded ‘Tribe’ of existing and new Curiosity Approach followers to go further and deeper into the journey of enlightened learning.

The whole ethos of The Curiosity Approach and its founders can be explored further via their website at https://www.thecuriosityapproach.com/ and of course details of how to get hold of a copy of exciting new book can also be found on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1999876210?ref=myi_title_dp too.

Top Tips For Preparing Your Home For Winter

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The colder months are creeping in on us and it will soon be time to dig out the gloves, scarves and hats. But how can you prepare your home for winter?

In this article we will cover some of our top tips to get your home winter ready, including;

Give your radiators some TLC
Give your gutters a clear-out
Check the roof
Wrapping up
Leaving the cold at the door
Keeping the boiler ticking over
Block up that unused chimney
Upgrade your windows
In your garden

Some of these tips may be quite easy to do whereas others could be a little bit more of a hassle, but once done, you may notice a difference! Let’s take a look at some of our top tips.

Bleed your radiators
Bleeding a radiator can seem like a daunting task. But it’s really easy and will help keep your home warm this winter. If your radiators are cold at the top and hot at the bottom, that means they need bleeding.

To do this, turn off your heating and get a cloth and a bleed key ready. At the top of your radiator, turn the valve anti-clockwise until you hear a hiss (don’t worry, it’s only air). Hold a rag below to catch any water that drips. Once water starts to flow, tighten the valve up and you’re done.

By setting your heating on low during the day, either manually or on a timer, your house will stay warm enough to prevent frozen pipes becoming an issue. An hour in the morning and an hour in the evening will be enough. This is especially important if you are planning to go away during the winter months.

Give your gutters a clear-out
Soon the leaves are going to start falling and although it is not a nice job, it is important to make sure your guttering is clear of sticks and leaves. Once you’re up the ladder, make sure the pipes can carry water away from your home. This prevents damp from getting into your walls which can cause damage.
Also check for rot, warping and flaking if your gutters are old; it may be time to replace them with new uPVC gutters and drainpipes which will also improve the look of your home for many years to come, plus they are low maintenance too.

Check the roof
While you are up the ladder, check for cracked or missing tiles as these will let rain in, causing damp and even rot. If you aren’t keen to get up high on a ladder, it may be worth getting a professional in to inspect your roof for you.

If your conservatory has a polycarbonate roof, it most likely becomes a cold, unused space in the winter. There are many benefits to changing the roof of your conservatory to a warmer one. A tiled roof is very energy efficient and they are proven to reduce heating bills. And whatever the season, a tiled replacement conservatory roof will have you and your family enjoying this space with a comfortable temperature all year round. By ordering one now, Progress Windows can have it installed before the cold sets in.

Wrapping up
Other than checking your loft insulation is up to standard, you can also keep your pipes cosy by wrapping then with lagging, stopping them from freezing and avoiding blockages and burst pipes. (Garages and where pipes are outside are the main problem areas). Know where your stopcock is just in case of flooding.

Leaving the cold at the door
If you are feeling the chill from draughts in your home, a good place to start checking where they are coming from is gaps under your doors, around your letterbox and the edges of window frames.
Autumn is a popular time for homeowners to replace their old doors with new energy efficient composite ones. Not only is there a wide range of styles and colours (giving your home a delightful new look in winter), but by having a Progress composite door installed in your home, you will reduce the amount of energy you use which means lower energy bills.

At the end of October our clocks move back an hour giving us less daylight hours. Protecting your family & home is always important and in the dark, the added security of a Yale lock will always bring that extra peace of mind. All of our door & window components are designed & tested to the highest BSI security criteria.

Keeping that boiler ticking over
During the winter months, it is always a good idea to heat your home for at least an hour every day, even if you are away. This will keep things running smoothly – if you don’t know how to set your timer and don’t have the manual, you will always be able to find instructions online. While you are checking your boiler, make sure the pressure is around 1 bar (the pressure gauge will be on the front, or underneath your boiler where the pipes are). If it is too high or low, get an engineer in for a service.

Block up that unused chimney
An open chimney will suck up much of the heating from a room. While you can buy rubber chimney balloons to stop this happening, an easy effective way to stop your heat escaping is to simply use an old pillow. Just remember to remove it if you do decide to light a fire!

Upgrade your windows
If you haven’t already, installing double glazed windows will significantly affect the temperature of your home and reduce heating bills. Progress Windows are able to offer the highest energy efficient rating A+14 window, exceeding industry standards and with no energy loss whatsoever. A window from Progress Windows will keep the warmth in and be draught free.

In your garden
If you have any large trees in your garden, it is important that they are well trimmed before the frost sets in. Winter temperatures bring the risk of trees freezing, resulting in broken branches, and possibly damaging your home or vehicles.

Always keep pathways & drains clear from leaves and debris. Not only are these a potential slip hazard, but they can cause blockages in your drains, resulting in flooding on paths which can be a big problem when freezing weather sets in.

Learn how Progress Windows can help get your home winter ready
Call us now for a free, no obligation design & quote.

T: 01455 632731
W: www.progresswindows.com
A: 30 Westfield Road, Hinckley, LE10 0QW

Save Money – Go Energy Shopping

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Residents are being reminded to sign up to the Charnwood Big Switch for the chance of saving more than £240 a year on their energy bills.

The Council launched the Charnwood Big Switch last month and residents are being urged to register before the first auction takes place on October 8th.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for housing said: “There are only a few weeks left for residents to register for the first auction. This scheme can help residents get a better deal on their energy bills by switching suppliers. We understand that it can be daunting for some people to switch their suppliers which is why we’ve launched this collective scheme. Residents don’t have to switch if they don’t want to but by registering, they will be able to see if they are able to get a better deal and save money.”

Charnwood Big Switch is delivered by the Council and iChoosr, an independent specialist provider in collective energy switching.

iChoosr hold three auctions a year and energy suppliers compete to provide the lowest priced tariff in the auction.

It is free for residents to register their interest and registrations for the first auction are now open.

For more information about Charnwood Big Switch and to register visit: http://bit.ly/CBCswitch

Loughborough In Bloom Strikes Gold

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Loughborough is blooming proud after being awarded gold at the East Midlands in Bloom awards.

The town also won the Best Small City category, achieving 190 points out of 200, the best score the town has ever received.

This is the ninth year running Loughborough has won gold since 2011.

The awards ceremony took place on Wednesday September 18 in Chesterfield.

Marion Smith, Loughborough in Bloom chair, said: “We’re once again absolutely delighted with winning gold for the ninth year. Loughborough in Bloom really is a community effort and this year’s result is testament to everyone’s hard work and commitment. I’d like to thank everyone involved including Love Loughborough and Loughborough University for their support. It was also great to see Barrow and Syston pick up silver awards in their categories, so congratulations also go to them.”

Loughborough launched a new town centre colour scheme of vibrant pink, purple and yellow to celebrate the Loughborough Market Charter which was signed almost 800 years ago in 2021.

The beacon in Queens Park was planted with bright colours including begonias and geraniums.

Councillor Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough, said: “Loughborough looked blooming brilliant again this year and it’s wonderful that the town has won gold once again. I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved this year and to our partners Serco and Idverde for their continued support of bloom. This is a wonderful achievement for our town. Loughborough was also proud to welcome the judges from Britain in Bloom this summer and we’re keeping everything crossed for those awards later this year.”

Cllr Hilary Fryer, who sits on the Loughborough in Bloom board and has been involved for many years, said: “Loughborough in Bloom is a team effort, I’d like to thank all of the volunteers and community groups for committing their time to help Loughborough to blossom this year. Being awarded gold for the ninth time in a row is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved.”

There were also awards for Love Loughborough, Hardwick House School and the Griffin Pub in Loughborough.

The Loughborough in Bloom effort was supported by community groups, residents, businesses and organisations from across Loughborough.

The town was selected earlier in the year to represent the East Midlands in the small city category at the Britain in Bloom awards organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The winners will be announced at a national ceremony in October.

Festival Of Life And Death Leicester 2019

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 15:34:22 GMT

FoLaD 2019 will also be the first Future Humanity Cafe

2-6pm Sunday 8th September at
Feelgood Farm, Anstey, Leics., LE7 7FN

Free. Informal. Come any time 2-6pm.

A gathering for changemakers and anyone interested in/affected by:

• wellness and health, human, community, societal, global
• arts and nature, joy and life, universe and everything
• authenticity, and what it is to be human
• grief, suicide bereavement/prevention, emergent solutions
• sensitivity, growth via trauma

and how these things relate to and help us in:

• climate change, ecosystem, environment
• other human existential threats/opportunities
• and what we can do about it all (which is a lot)

Free tea, coffee, water, fruit and flapjacks.

Future Humanity Cafe will also combine elements of Feelgood Farm’s Good Grief
and Climate Cafe pop-up events.

For details/queries/contact see: Future Humanity Cafe on the FeelgoodFarm.co.uk and FestivalofLifeandDeath.org websites, or email ac@alanchapman.com

Shortlinks: bit.ly/folad2019 and bit.ly/futurecafe8sep

For clinical/crisis support contact: Samaritans.org 116 123, thecalmzone.net 0800 58 58
58, NHS 111, or your GP.

Countdown To Edible Forest Festival In September

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A feast of unique food and drink events across Charnwood from 7-15 September 2019

The annual Edible Forest Festival returns next month with some amazing events to celebrate the best in local food and drink at unique and iconic settings around the ancient woodland of Charnwood Forest.

From 7-15 September 2019, there will be a range of tasty food and drink events including afternoon tea in the iconic Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, dining under the stars in one of our unique dining pods, Trappist Brewery Tours, Safari Supper around Charnwood’s finest eateries and another outstanding Secret Gourmet evening with Michelin star holder, Chef John Duffin. New events at this year’s Festival will include a cider tasting night, cheese pairing and a vegan day.

Many events have already sold out so organisers are advising that people secure their tickets as soon as possible. Tickets for the remaining events can be booked online at www.edibleforest.co.uk

Cheese Pairing
At the Cheese Pairing event at the spectacular Nanpantan Hall on Thursday 12 September, Tim Brown from the Melton Cheeseboard will provide his expert knowledge on pairing delicious cheeses such as Sparkenhoe Leicester, Long Clawson Stilton, Bosworth Field, Lincolnshire Poacher, White Stilton and Baron Bigod, with local wines, ales, ciders or even a wee dram.

Scones on the Lawn
Join us on 7 September in the extraordinary surroundings of the forest's own arts and crafts house, Stoneywell Cottage. Now preserved for the nation by the National Trust, you will get to sample a selection of up to 10 different sweet and savoury scone recipes featuring Red Leicester cheese, bilberries from Stoneywell heathland, sorrel from the garden and herbs from the walled kitchen garden. Accompanying dips and toppings including clotted cream, relishes and mayonnaise. After your scone feast, you are free to enjoy the beautiful grounds and house as your ticket includes entrance to both.

Family fun from field to fork
This great new family event on 14 September is a really exciting, fun introduction for families to the importance of understanding the provenance of our food. Guests will meet at Stonehurst Farm where you’ll be transported around the farm and fields on the back of a tractor. Stopping along the way to see and learn about the crops and produce from Farmer Tom, you’ll also get the chance to get your hands dirty by digging up some of your own food straight from the ground. All this will be sure to work up an appetite, so hop back on to your tractor to head to the barn for a supper of Stonehurst produce including hog roast, jacket potatoes, salads etc. (vegetarian option available.)

Mash and press sessions
Charnwood Cider and Anstey Ales are offering a brewery tour and cider and ale tasting session at their new home, the Mash and Press in Anstey on 11 September. You can find out how this delectable local produce is created from Rob and his team and find out which of the many ciders and ales created are your favourite. This experience includes a brewery tour and cider talk, and four half pint drinks of any cask ale or real cider.

Tea in the Tower, Old John, Bradgate Park
One of the favourites of the festival is afternoon tea in the iconic Old John in Bradgate Park. You can enjoy delicious homemade produce whilst enjoying the spectacular views from this amazing vantage point.

Vegan Day
On 15 September, our famous ‘Tea in the Tower’ goes vegan for a whole day. You can enjoy our fabulous Tea in the Tower experience in our Picnic Pod with a wholly vegan menu.

Dining pods in the heart of the Forest, Abbots Oak, Copt Oak
The unique dining pods make a welcome return to the festival for a second year. Set in ancient woodland, diners can enjoy an intimate picnic of tasty local produce in one of the pods or enjoy dinner whilst watching the evening stars.

Safari Supper
Hop on the vintage Midland Red bus and dine around the forest, enjoying a different course of wonderful local forest food at some of the best pubs in Charnwood, exploring the ancient forest on your way.

Secret Gourmet
Enjoy a gastronomic experience with a forest-inspired menu created by Michelin star holder, Chef John Duffin. The Secret Gourmet unique forest location will remain a secret until days before the event.

Trappist Brewery Tour
There will be a unique opportunity to take a tour of the UK’s only Trappist brewery at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. You can discover the art of traditional monastic brewing at one of only 12 Trappist breweries in the world. One of the monks will propose a guided tour of the plant, which is operated exclusively by the community. The tour will end with a beer tasting.

Edible Forest Breakfast, Bradgate Park
Build up an appetite with an early morning ranger-led tour around Bradgate Park where you will learn all about the edible produce that can be found within the park. After the walk you can tuck into a well-deserved, hearty breakfast made up of tasty local produce.

The Edible Forest festival was created by Leicestershire Promotions and is supported by Charnwood Borough Council and Everards.

New Dementia Support Group Is Launched At Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Earlier this year registered charity Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation launched a new dementia support group for behaviours that challenge. Helen Baxter Activities Coordinator at the Foundation said ‘changes in behaviour can be one of the most difficult aspects of living with dementia, both for the person with the condition and those around them’ She added ‘Challenging behaviours usually happen when a person is feeling confused or distressed and trying to make sense of what is happening around them – our new support group aims to offer individually tailored activities for people living with dementia together with their partners, friends or carers’.

The group will meet on the third Thursday of the month - 1.30pm-3.00pm at Ulverscroft Activity Centre. The new social group is for people under 75 years of age living with dementia with behaviours that challenge, together with their partners, friends or carers. For more information regarding the sessions please telephone Kathleen Wass on 07860 639693

Ernie White Memorial At Fosse Meadows

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A memorial for Blaby District Council’s former leader Ernie White will take place at Fosse Meadows on Thursday 22 August.

Ernie White led Blaby District Council for 11 years and was hugely respected for his incredible service to the community and in the ward of Stanton and Flamville, covering Sapcote, Sharnford and Stoney Stanton, the villages he represented as a District Councillor for so many years.

First elected as a District Councillor in 1983, he became leader of the Council in August 2004 until he stood down as a Councillor in 2015. Ernie was also a County Councillor for more than 40 years.

When stepping down in 2015, Ernie summed up his 11 years as leader by saying: “(We grew) in confidence and ambition, opened ourselves up to challenge, become focussed on the priorities of our communities and become determined to make a difference through what we do and how we do it. We are very ambitious for our area, and focussed on doing our very best for the people living, working and visiting the District and for the businesses that are based within our boundaries. We strive to do the right things, do them quickly and not let bureaucracy, dogma or pessimism stop us.”

After his sad passing in January 2018 and in agreement with Ernie’s family, the Council has created a quiet area for reflection at Fosse Meadows in his memory and will be placing a commemorative stone at the spot on the chosen date which would have been Ernie’s 78th birthday.

Local granite stone for the memorial has been donated from Croft quarry by Aggregate Industries, as Ernie was a valued member of the Liaison Committee.

Any member of the public wishing to attend the short, informal event will be welcome; it will begin at 12:30pm.

Those looking to attend are asked to email civics@blaby.gov.uk to give the Council an idea of numbers on the day.

Please note that from the car park the memorial location is a walk of approximately a quarter of a mile. Visitors are welcome to bring friends and family to the event, and to enjoy the park before and after the ceremony.

Help Local Assistance Dog Charity To Raise The Woof!

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Osgathorpe based national assistance dog charity, Canine Partners, is inviting locals to ‘Raise the Woof’ at an open evening on Thursday 29 August 2019 as it seeks local help to build its brand new specialist kennels.

The charity, which trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with physical disabilities across the UK, is opening its doors and inviting locals to join them for drinks and canapes, while finding out more about the build.

Visitors will be able to see how the kennels are taking shape from the outside, and enjoy a tour of the Midlands Training Centre. They will also get the chance to see Canine Partners’ working dogs in action in a live demonstration and ask questions in a Q&A session with the charity’s Director of operations, Richard Smith.

Richard said: “The new kennel building will be able to house up to 40 dogs and will also include a veterinary room, kitchen and outdoor runs, giving us space to allow our dogs to rest between training sessions. We are the only charity in the UK with a Midlands Training Centre providing assistance dogs for people with physical disabilities and the new kennels will enable even more partnerships to be formed.”

Canine Partners trains amazing assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities, boosting their confidence and independence.

The open evening will take place from 6-8pm on 29 August 2019 and will include drinks and canapes.

To book your place, email: raisethewoof@caninepartners.org.uk or call Cat Harvey on 01730 716 026.

Donate today by visiting: caninepartners.org.uk/donate and choosing the Raise the Woof option in the drop down menu.

Charnwood’s 'Big Switch' Offers Energy Bill Savings

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Residents in Charnwood are being offered the chance to sign up to the ‘Big Switch’ with the possibility of saving more than £240 a year on energy bills.

The borough council has launched the Charnwood Big Switch, a collective switching scheme to help residents change energy suppliers with ease and get a better deal.

Cllr Paul Mercer, lead member for housing said: “The Council is committed to helping residents and this scheme could help them get a better deal on their energy bills. Switching suppliers can be daunting even though they may be paying too much for their energy.

“By joining the collective switching scheme residents will be able to switch suppliers with ease and save money on their bills.

“I would encourage people to register with the scheme because they can then see whether they are getting a better deal before deciding to switch.

“The scheme also provides an opportunity to encourage energy efficiency and help to reduce the number of households in fuel poverty.”

The scheme is delivered by the Council and iChoosr, an independent specialist provider in collective energy switching.

iChoosr hold three auctions a year and energy suppliers compete to provide the lowest priced tariff in the auction.

It is free for residents to register their interest and registrations for the first auction are now open. The first auction for Charnwood will take place on 8 October.

For more information about Charnwood Big Switch and to register visit https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/charnwoodbigswitch

Piano Recital By Renata Konyicska

Mon, 12 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Trinity Methodist Church, Markfield

Friday 1st November 2019 7pm

Renata is a Hungarian concert pianist based in London, having studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. She first performed for us in 2017 at the inauguration of the beautiful new piano at the Methodist Church - an evening of wonderful music by Chopin and Liszt. Quite simply Renata was breath-taking, with a staggering technique and depth of musical maturity. Everyone loved her and she immediately accepted an invitation to return last year and again wowed us with another spectacular performance. We are therefore extremely excited to be welcoming her back for what promises to be another outstanding performance.

Renata has performed all over the world, winning many competitions and performing at the highest level. She has said how she feels very much ‘at home’ in our church. Following her last recital, we now arrange the audience seating so that as many people as possible can see her play; we feel this makes for a more intimate and special performance.

50% of the tickets have already been sold without this being advertised, so please secure your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets: £10 (under-16s £5) – paypal now available as well as cash or cheque

Please email markfieldmethodistchurch@yahoo.com or call 07979 607099

Further info about Renata and much more on our website - www.markfieldmethodistchurch.org or FB page

Make Sure You Are On The Electoral Register

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Thousands of forms are being delivered across Charnwood to ensure the borough’s electoral register is up to date.

Charnwood Borough Council will be delivering around 76,000 household enquiry forms to homes and residents are being urged to respond.

Every year the Council must check its electoral register is up to date and letters are sent to all households asking people to confirm the details or inform the Council of any changes.

The aim is to make sure that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered and can have their say in future elections and referendums.

One form is being sent to each household and people are being asked to check whether the information that appears on the electoral register for those living at their address is correct.

If the information is not correct (if people have moved out or in to the property) then residents need to let the Council know as soon as possible so individual electoral registration forms can be sent to those who need to register to vote.

Geoff Parker, the Council’s Electoral Registration Officer, said: “Having the right to vote is very important and I would urge people to respond to the letter when they receive it on their door step. It is a legal requirement to respond and dealing with the form promptly will avoid us having to visit your property and door-knock to get the required details. Responses can be made by phone, online or by post using the pre-paid envelope provided.”

The Electoral Registration Officer needs the information to be able to publish a complete and accurate electoral register on December 1 each year.

Having your details on the electoral register will:

allow you to be able to vote
improve your credit rating
make it easier to access council services
help you avoid a fine

Full details of how residents can complete the form online, by phone, via text or by post are all contained in the document sent to them.

Any residents who have any questions can visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/electoralservices or contact the elections team on 01509 634546.

Robins & Rainbows, Local Charity Team To Complete A Year Of Events!

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

On the 20th July 2018, Kim Pye passed away after a hard fought battle with breast cancer. During her fight, Kim found a lot of support from a local Leicester charity called Together Against Cancer, based in Thurmaston.

Kim found visiting the centre a positive and uplifting experience, particularly when medical treatment was no longer an option and she enjoyed taking part in the nutrition workshops and meeting lots of wonderful people going through similar journeys, which provided Kim and her family with such valuable support.

Knowing how amazing Together Against Cancer was for Kim, it made it an easy decision for her family and friends to choose to support them in their quest to raise money in Kim’s memory.

With this in mind, Robins and Rainbows was formed and dedicated to a year of fundraising events to be able to give back to the charity that meant so much to Kim and her family.

Robins and Rainbows have been completing challenges and so far, have conquered Scafell Pike, a 26 mile walk around Rutland Water, a 21 mile walk through the Peak District (in continuous rain!) and the X Runner Water Wipeout.

The following events are also planned, Rutland Open Water Night Swim, 10K Rutland Night Run, Santa Run in December and a fashion show.

September sees the team, hopefully, completing their biggest challenge yet, the Peak District Silver Challenge which covers 75KM in 24 hours, starting at 9pm . On the 4th August the 26 mile Dovedale Dipper will be completed and on the 27th August there is a curry night at Harrison Spice in Ratby, where tickets are just £15 for three courses. £5 from each ticket sold will go to the charity.

So far, the team has raised £460.00 of the £3500.00 target. If you would like to donate and would like further information on the ticketed events, please go the their Just Giving Page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/robins-rainbows-challenges

For more information on Together Against Cancer and the support they can provide, please visit www.togetheragainstcancer.org.uk

Man Fined For Leaving Rubbish Outside Home

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A man has been fined £440 after he left 80 bags of rubbish outside his property and failed to remove them despite repeated warnings from Charnwood Borough Council.

The Council took action following complaints from the public about the unsightly and smelly waste outside the home of Kevin Rose, 60 of Burleigh Road, Loughborough.

In September 2018, the Council received a complaint about a large build-up of waste on the front and side of the privately-owned property in Burleigh Road.

A Council officer visited the property and there were around 30 bags of waste. The Council issued a warning letter to Mr Rose stating the waste needed removing.

However, by October 5 more bags of waste had accumulated and a community protection notice was issued. The notice required Mr Rose to remove the waste or face possible prosecution.

In November 2018, a Council officer visited the property and the amount of waste had increased to around 50 black bags and the Council was forced to remove the waste at a cost of £117. However, at this point the pile of bags had grown to around 80.

The Council then brought the prosecution against Mr Rose for breaching the community protection notice. He did not enter a plea.

Leicester Magistrates Court fined Mr Rose £440 for breaching the notice, ordered him to pay £440 costs to the Council and a £44 victim surcharge.

Following the hearing, Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for regulatory services said: “People need to take responsibility for their own waste and ensure that it is disposed of properly. We tried to engage with Mr Rose on several occasions and gave him plenty of time to remove the waste before issuing the notice. Leaving waste to build up on the front of your property is not acceptable. Not only is it unsightly but it can present risks to people’s health.”

Great Central Railway Hosts A Chinese Delegation Of 40 Business Professionals From CRRC

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A Chinese Delegation of 40 business professionals from CRRC, the world’s largest supplier of rail transit equipment spent a day at the Great Central Railway this week.

The delegation are visiting the UK for a month long study program as part of their studies at the International Business School Suzhou.

They started their tour in London looking at the Cross Rail project and the new Paddington Station. Their next port of call was Derby whereupon they took time off to spend a day at the Great Central Heritage Railway in Leicestershire to discover how it used to be.

After a round trip on the heritage line, they were taken on a tour of the locomotive repair works before departing for Derby in the afternoon.

Marketing Manager from the railway, Michael Stokes said “The graduates really enjoyed their day of travelling behind a steam locomotive and found it very amusing travelling at 25mph instead of 250mph!”

There Should Be A Will And There Is A Way!

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:31:19 GMT

For some years now, local charity Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland has campaigned to reduce the 7 out of 10 people who die without a will.

To that end this year, more than twenty offices of local Solicitors have generously agreed to reduce their Will Writing charges for older people to only £35 + VAT for a single uncomplicated Will. Whilst this is a huge reduction of around £100 with no strings attached, in earlier years some people have chosen to recognise needy local older people by leaving a greatly appreciated gift in their will to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland or making a donation, where the need is great especially in these difficult times.

The offer is available from 1st September until 31st October. Hundreds of people took advantage of this superb, low - cost deal last year in what proved to be a very successful initiative by the charity. Details are available from 0116 2992233 or https://www.ageuk.org.uk/leics/get-involved/fundraising/will-writing/

Commenting, the Executive Director of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, Anthony Donovan said, “Most people appreciate that it is extremely important to make a Will, but either never get round to it or continue to put it off on the basis that they are too young and it is something that they will do when they are much older. Unfortunately, 7 out of 10 people die without sorting it out, in spite of the clear benefits. By making a Will you take the pressure off those nearest and dearest to you who will receive your money and property, rather than it being left to the rules of law to decide. Even if you have made a will, perhaps it was so long ago that it is time to consider whether it needs revising. Don’t miss this opportunity to put matters straight!”

Loughborough Competes In National Gardening Competition

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:27:20 GMT

Loughborough was in full bloom as it took part in Britain in Bloom on July 30.

The town was selected to represent the region in the small city category at the national awards organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Loughborough in Bloom is supported by a large number of community groups, residents, businesses and organisations from across the town, including Charnwood Borough Council.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, the Council’s lead member for Loughborough said: “We were delighted to represent the region and it was a pleasure to welcome the Britain in Bloom judges to Loughborough. Although it started to rain towards the end of their tour, I hope they were able to see how hard our volunteers work to help Loughborough blossom. We also welcomed the East Midlands in Bloom judges to Loughborough not so long ago and once again I’d like to thank everyone involved for their dedication.”

Britain in Bloom competition judges went on a three-hour tour of the town giving community groups the chance to showcase their gardening projects and initiatives.

Marion Smith, Loughborough in Bloom chair, said: “It’s been a very busy year for our volunteers, and everyone involved with Loughborough in Bloom. Community groups and volunteers have been working around the clock to ensure green spaces and gardening projects are in full bloom and look wonderful. Taking part in the national competition is a real testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication.”

Loughborough previously represented the East Midlands at the Britain in Bloom UK Finals in 2014 and 2016.

Other towns being judged in the small city category this summer include Bury, Derry, Harrogate, Kirkcaldy and Rugby.

The winners of each category will be announced at a national awards ceremony in October.

Queen’s Park Flying The Flag As One Of The UK’s Best Green Spaces

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:09:59 GMT

One of Loughborough’s beauty spots has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag for the eleventh year running.

Loughborough’s Queen’s Park, which is managed by Charnwood Borough Council and its open spaces contractor i dverde, has achieved the national standard of excellence once again.

The Forest Road Green Belt Gardeners in Loughborough also received a Green Flag Community Award for creating and managing wildlife areas in the town.

Cllr Jenny Bokor, lead member for Loughborough said: “I’m delighted Queen’s Park has once again been awarded a Green Flag. This award celebrates the hard work and dedication in maintaining green spaces to a high standard. As well as a beautiful green space, the park has lots to offer to visitors including a museum, play area and the Carillon Tower. Thank you goes to our partners idverde and the volunteers at Friends of Queen’s Park for their hard work in ensuring Queen’s Park retained its Green Flag. We should also congratulate everyone involved in the Green Belt Gardeners who do some fantastic work for the benefit of others.”

The green flag scheme is run by Keep Britain Tidy and recognises and rewards well managed parks and green spaces in the UK and worldwide.

For more information about green spaces in Charnwood visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/parksandopenspaces

Free 'Learn To Sing In Harmony' Course 2019

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:02:05 GMT

Due to the overwhelming success of last September / October

“ Learn to sing in Harmony “ course we are holding another course starting Monday 23rd September through October

So come on why not be part of ' Learn to Sing in Harmony '

The free 'Learn to Sing in Harmony' course is being held by Heart of England Chorus at the Birstall Social Club, Wanlip Lane, Birstall, LE4 4JS

Aimed at both newcomers and those who have not sung for a while, the course is to encourage more men and women both young and older to take up singing, which is increasingly acknowledged as being an aid to a healthy lifestyle.

There are many men and women who would love to sing but most never get around to trying, don’t have the opportunity or maybe are too self-conscious to give it a go but the simple fact is that just about everyone can sing. Attendees learn within a group which makes it less daunting, there are no embarrassing public auditions and it’s free!

With the professional help of our Musical Director Ian Phillips participants will be helped to discover their voice, learn the techniques of making the most of it and how to use it in four-part harmony with others. There’s no need to worry about reading music as the teaching methods employed are designed to help quickly learn the specially-commissioned song.

For men and women who haven't sung for a few years this course is the perfect way to ease their vocal chords back into action. Regular singers may also find the course useful to learn different voice parts, in a relaxed and friendly environment.

The course will run from 7-30pm to 10pm All the material will be provided with access to course teaching materials.

P.J.Hunt Secretary 0116 2675 339

Email: jansbolt@btinternet.com

Chief Executive Appointment Is Confirmed

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:12:58 GMT

Charnwood Borough Council in Leicestershire has confirmed the appointment of its new chief executive.

Councillors approved the appointment of Rob Mitchell, currently chief executive officer at Ashfield District Council in Nottinghamshire, at a special meeting on Monday, July 29th.

It follows the announcement that current Charnwood chief executive Geoff Parker will be retiring later this year.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “I am delighted Rob’s appointment has now been confirmed. His track record of delivering outstanding public services is second-to-none and we are excited to have him on board. Charnwood is a strong, vibrant borough and Rob is joining the organisation at a critical time as we identify our priorities for the future. Rob will play a key role in helping us achieve our ambitions.”

Rob said: “After four fantastic years at Ashfield District Council, I am delighted to be appointed as chief executive of Charnwood Borough Council. I am looking forward to building upon the excellent work already carried out in Charnwood and driving the Council’s ambitions forward at pace.”

Rob, who is expected to start in his new role in the autumn, joined Ashfield in 2015 and was previously a director at Tamworth Borough Council. He lives with his family in Quorn, Charnwood.

Edible Forest Festival Returns To Charnwood Forest

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 14:05:02 GMT

The annual Edible Forest Festival returns this September to celebrate the best in local food and drink at unique and iconic settings around the ancient woodland of Charnwood Forest.

From 7-15 September 2019, there will be a range of tasty food and drink events including afternoon tea in the iconic Old John Tower in Bradgate Park, dining under the stars in one of our unique dining pods, Trappist Brewery Tours, Safari Supper around Charnwood’s finest eateries and another outstanding Secret Gourmet evening with Michelin star holder, Chef John Duffin.

New events at this year’s Edible Forest Festival include a cider tasting night, cheese pairing and a vegan day. Additional new events will be announced shortly. People can sign up at www.edibleforest.co.uk to make sure that they get first in the queue when tickets go on sale.

The Edible Forest festival was created by Leicestershire Promotions and is supported by Charnwood Borough Council and Everards.

Secret Gourmet
Enjoy a gastronomic experience with a forest-inspired menu created by Michelin star holder, Chef John Duffin. The Secret Gourmet unique forest location will remain a secret until days before the event.

Trappist Brewery Tour
There will be a unique opportunity to take a tour of the UK’s only Trappist brewery at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey. You can discover the art of traditional monastic brewing at one of only 12 Trappist breweries in the world. One of the monks will propose a guided tour of the plant, which is operated exclusively by the community. The tour will end with a beer tasting.

Tea in the Tower, Old John, Bradgate Park
One of the favourites of the festival is afternoon tea in the iconic Old John in Bradgate Park. You can enjoy delicious homemade produce whilst enjoying the spectacular views over from this amazing vantage point.

Dining pods in the heart of the Forest, Abbots Oak, Copt Oak
The unique dining pods make a welcome return to the festival for a second year. Set in ancient woodland, diners can enjoy an intimate picnic of tasty local produce in one of the pods or enjoy dinner whilst watching the evening stars.

Edible Forest Breakfast, Bradgate Park
Build up an appetite with an early morning ranger-led tour around Bradgate Park where you will learn all about the edible produce that can be found within the park. After the walk you can tuck into a well-deserved, hearty breakfast made up of tasty local produce

Safari Supper
Hop on the vintage Midland Red bus and dine around the forest, enjoying a different course of wonderful local forest food at some of the best pubs in Charnwood, exploring the ancient forest on your way.

Cider tasting night, Mash & Press, Albion Street, Anstey
Charnwood Cider will be offering a brewery tour and cider and ale tasting session at their new home, the Mash and Press in Anstey. You can find out how this delectable local produce is created from Rob and his team, and find out which of the many ciders and ales created are your favourite.

Cheese pairing
A truly unique event where you will get to sample a wide selection of regional artisan cheeses, each carefully matched with local ale, cider, wine and cordial, beautifully presented and under the expert tutelage of our very own Cheese Meister!

Vegan day
Look out for our very special event when our famous ‘Tea in the Tower’ goes vegan for a whole day.

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicestershire Promotions said: “We’ve delighted to bring back some of our amazing favourites from last year, as well as a few new events, specially-created to tickle your tastebuds! Events have traditionally sold out very quickly so our advice is to book early and avoid disappointment.”

Love To Boogie! Poppy Fields Music Festival Ibstock

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 13:53:43 GMT

Saturday the 17th August will prove a red letter day for the people of North West Leicestershire when Poppy Fields Music Festival takes place at the Pretoria Road showground, Ibstock.

A feast of entertainment is on offer, with tribute artists from The Jam, George Michael and Frankie Valli, to name a few. But headlining this year's event is non other than T-Rextasy live outdoors this year.

This is really building into one of the 'must see' events in the area with a range of wonderful music that will appeal to everyone no matter what age. All proceeds will go to the Ibstock Ex-Forces fund and Royal British Legion. With the tickets on sale at very attractive prices, it makes sense to book your place as soon as possible.

For more information on our cause and for ticket availability visit our website

Tickets are also available from Kats Anqtiues, Coalville and Ibstock Town Cricket Club, Ibstock.

So come on down! Let's have a great day out - see you there on August 17th!

Marie Curie Charity Cinema Day

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Marie Curie Charity Cinema Day on Saturday 17th August at Mountsorrel Memorial Centre.

Only £2.50 per film.

All proceeds going to Marie Curie.

Bar opens from 5.30pm - Peppercorns Cafe on-site for lunch orders.

Popcorn and Dreamy Cow ice cream available from the box office.

9.00am Sing (2016) U
11.30am Aquaman (2018) 12
2.00pm The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012) 12
4.30pm The Greatest Showman (2017) PG
7.00pm Dirty Dancing (1987) 12
9.30pm Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) 12

Mountsorrel Memorial Centre, 105 Leicester Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7DB

Changes To Bulky Waste Service Confirmed

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Changes to Charnwood Borough Council’s bulky waste collection service have been approved.

The Council is one of only a handful of authorities in England to currently offer a free collection for some bulky items from people’s doorsteps.

Currently, Charnwood residents can request from the Council three free bulky waste collections each year and only face a charge after exceeding that amount.

However, the Council’s Cabinet has agreed to introduce a £20 charge for each collection for up to three items. Officers will also consider an exemption scheme for people experiencing exceptional hardship.

The Council will review the changes after six months and ensure promotion of alternative methods of collection to residents.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, lead member for major contracts at the Council, said: “We must ensure we are operating as efficiently as possible and that means looking at alternative ways of funding services. The changes will help ensure we can maintain a high-quality, frontline service.”

Cabinet approved the changes at a meeting on July 4th.

The current bulky waste service costs around £105,000 to operate and introducing the charge is expected to generate around £60,000 a year.

The new charges are due to be introduced in October.

More information is contained in the Cabinet report .

Cat And Kitten Report From Leicester And Leicestershire Animal Aid Huncote (LAA)

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Well, it’s been an extremely busy few weeks in our Cattery with the patter of lots and lots of tiny paws! With more than 20 adorable kittens either born at the Huncote Centre, or recently brought in under eight weeks old, staff and volunteers have been making sure they all get the love, attention and dedicated care they all deserve.

Also, gentle CiCi , a 10-month-old stray, is now Mum to 5 beautiful, tiny kittens. Being so young herself, she initially struggled with her new role as a mum. However, with lots of encouragement, love and a helping hand to take over some of the feeds, she has adapted brilliantly. (Details of all kittens are made available once they are old enough, and ready, to be re-homed).

We are a registered charity founded over 50 years ago, and we care for more than 400 cats and dogs each year who have been lost, abandoned, neglected or because their owners find they can no longer care for them. We don’t receive any Government funding and rely on the generosity and kindness of the community to help us to continue to help cats in need like CiCi and her kittens. Could you help us care for these animals?

Please do come and see us, consider becoming a Member, attend our fundraising events or perhaps you would like to volunteer in our animal-loving family? The Huncote site is not far away, located half-way between Desford and Enderby; just 20 -25 minutes’ drive from the Market Bosworth area.

Call Jane on 01455 888 257.

CAT REHOMING PROCEDURE

Here are just a few of the cats currently being cared for at Leicester & Leicestershire Animal Aid, Huncote, and looking for their forever home.

You can come and visit the Centre and view the cats in the Cattery any day, ( except Wednesday ), between 11.00am and 2.30pm. http://www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk/re-home-a-pet/rehome-a-pet

If you are interested in giving one (or more) of our cats a home, please give us a call on 01455 888 257 or come to the Centre, chat with staff, and fill in an Interested Parties form. You can obtain a hard copy of this form at the Centre or download it from our website and email / send it back to us: info@leicesteranimalaid.org.uk

Please be aware that we are unable to re-home kittens or cats to a home within close proximity to a busy/main road. This is to protect their safety. An exception will be made for cats that have already lived, and are happy to continue to live, as a house cat. Thank you for your understanding.

It Is Easier Than You Think To Make A Difference To The Life Of A Child In Care

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Barnardo’s are looking for volunteer befrienders called Independent Visitors (IV) to spend a few hours each month with a child or young person who is looked after by the local authority.

IVs make a real difference by spending quality time with a child or young person to share a hobby, sport, or interest. It is the little things that the IV does with their young person that makes the biggest impact by building confidence and resilience; it can be as simple as a kick about or a picnic in the park.

Barnardo’s offers volunteers thorough training to prepare them for the role they are taking on including classroom induction and safeguarding training days. All volunteers are assigned a support worker to provide on-going support and guidance and the service reimburses volunteer’s out of pocket expenses and mileage.

Independent Visitors are ordinary people making an extraordinary contribution to the lives of others.

If you would like to find out more please call 02476 372596 or email: coventry&warwickshirecrs@barnardos.org.uk

HMO Study Makes Recommendations

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A study looking at the impact of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Charnwood has been published.

The assessment has taken place as part of Charnwood Borough Council’s review of its current Local Plan which guides where future development should take place.

The study was commissioned to help understand and assess the impact of HMOs on local communities and review the effectiveness of the Council’s existing planning policies.

A number of recommendations have been made and will be considered as part of a new draft Local Plan which will guide development up until 2036. A full public consultation about the Local Plan will be held later this year.

Cllr Eric Vardy, lead member for planning, said: “We know there’s often a lot of interest in HMOs in Charnwood so we are pleased to share these findings with people. The recommendations will be considered as part of the drawing up of a new Local Plan and I would encourage people to take part in the consultation and give their views.”

Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for licensing, said: “While this particular policy relates to planning, as the lead member for licensing, which is also used to regulate HMOs, I am pleased the study has taken place and the recommendations will be considered.”

Currently the Council’s planning policy says a concentration of 20 per cent of HMOS (small or large) within a 100 m radius of a planning application is an important material consideration when determining planning applications.

The assessment recommends to:

reduce the HMO threshold from 20 per cent to 10 per cent
keep the 100m radius but consider expanding it to a minimum number of properties where natural or built features e.g. roads/rivers significantly impact the number of properties included
consider the issue of population density - a practical solution to this would be to take account of the number of large HMOs in the radius
the threshold should remain as one factor considered in determining applications
sandwiching of properties between two HMOs should be avoided
continue to apply the threshold only to Loughborough as the evidence identifies that most wards outside of Loughborough have only small proportions of HMOs
extensions to HMOs should be included in the policy with a clear policy approach.

The full report can be viewed at www.charnwood.gov.uk/HMO_study

Lottery Mow Helping The Fab 50!

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Charnwood Community Lottery is celebrating a milestone as the 50thgood cause has signed up to take part.

Friends of Hallam Fields joined the lottery recently and is a parents and teachers association raising funds for Hallam Fields primary school in Birstall.

So far, more than £10,000 has been raised by the lottery, which is run by the borough council, since it launched last year. Good causes include community libraries, swimming clubs, history groups, scout groups, play groups, village halls and various charities.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for Communities said: “We’re delighted to have Friends of Hallam Fields on board and wish them every success. The lottery was introduced to offer groups and voluntary organisations an additional way of funding the services they offer. It’s fantastic to see so many different groups signed up for the lottery but there’s always room for more. It’s free for good causes to join the lottery so I’d encourage all non-profit organisations, charities and clubs to register. Good causes that are interested in joining the lottery can find out more by visiting our website.”

Hema Mistry, chair of the Friends of Hallam Fields group said: “Funds raised through the Charnwood Community Lottery will help enhance the children’s school experience through additional events and activities. As a new school that only opened in August 2017, every extra bit of funding helps us support the children in a big way. The lottery offers parents, teaches and the local community the chance to help support a small primary school while still having the chance to win a prize. We’ve only recently joined the lottery, but I’d like to thank everyone who has chosen to support us with their ticket so far.”

For every £1 ticket purchased, 60p goes towards helping good causes in the borough and people can choose which good cause to support when buying their ticket.

The top prize in the Charnwood Community Lottery is £25,000.

Among the many groups to have benefitted is Living Without Abuse, a charity which supports women, men and children that have been affected by domestic abuse.

Living Without Abuse joined the lottery when it launched and has already received £466.

Debbie Hughes, chief executive officer at Living Without Abuse said: “The Charnwood Community Lottery offers the charity some additional and regular funding to help us deliver services to residents in Charnwood. As a good cause, it doesn’t cost us anything to be part of the lottery and the money raised so far has been used to help families recover from domestic and sexual abuse”

To play the Charnwood Community Lottery or to find out more about being one of the good causes, please visit www.charnwoodlottery.co.uk

Iceland To Open Store In Blaby Town Centre

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Supermarket giant Iceland has confirmed that it plans to open a new store in Blaby Town Centre in late January 2020.

The new store will be located in the former Waitrose premises, and is one of 50 stores opening up and down the country under the company’s Iceland and The Food Warehouse fascias during its current financial year to March 2020.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “I am delighted to hear that Iceland are coming to Blaby Town Centre as I feel they will be a great fit in terms of their product and will attract shoppers and visitors from all over the District. It was a sad day when Waitrose closed but this news will be a great boost to our valued businesses in the town. On top of the free 2 hour car parking that we announced last week the future is suddenly looking a lot brighter for the town. We have also agreed to invest in an officer to support our Town and Village centre business groups and work with them to establish annual events, improve marketing through social media and make the little aesthetic changes that can make a big difference. January 2020 may seem a way off yet for the store to open but it will come round quickly!”

Keith Hann, Director of Corporate Affairs at Iceland said: “It is great to finally announce that we are bringing Iceland to Blaby. The store will be in an excellent location at the heart of the town centre. We are really looking forward to meeting our new customers and celebrating the opening. The store will showcase the wide range of choice that we offer including not just the frozen food for which we are famous but also fresh and chilled food, food cupboard staples, and beers, wines and spirits. We do have a number of other store openings taking place before Blaby, but the good news is that we are on our way! We will continue to work closely with the District Council and keep everyone informed of our opening plans.”

Man Jailed For 30 Weeks After Breaching Injunction

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 20:31:29 GMT

A man has been jailed for 30 weeks after breaching an injunction which banned him from begging and entering parts of Loughborough town centre.

Charnwood Borough Council secured the conviction against Terry Spencer, 53, of Lovett Court, Sileby after the injunction was breached over 90 times.

At Leicester County Court, Spencer admitted to entering the town centre and breaching the injunction between December 2017 and April 2019.

The Council secured the injunction in December 2016 which banned Spencer and other individuals from entering Loughborough town centre and from engaging or threatening to engage in conduct which could cause harassment, alarm or distress in the town centre. The Council took out the injunction in the interests of public safety following a number of incidents of anti-social behaviour linked to drug-taking and drug paraphernalia being left in public places and begging.

Spencer was previously jailed for four weeks in July 2017 and again in October 2017 for six weeks for breaching the injunction.

Spencer, who has 97 previous convictions, told the court he was sorry for the breaches.

After the hearing, Cllr Deborah Taylor, the Council’s lead member for communities, said: “We have a duty to ensure members of the public feel safe and protected when visiting the town centre. The Council took this injunction out to prevent repeated anti-social behaviour in the town. Mr Spencer has breached the conditions of the injunction on many occasions and therefore the only option was to once again pursue this in court. The injunction remains in place and we will continue to work with our partners including the police to take action when appropriate.”

Shepshed Nursery Raises £1,000 For Local Children’s Hospice

Mon, 22 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Funds raised at Summer Fair held to celebrate the 30th birthday of Children 1st Day Nurseries with all proceeds donated to Rainbows Hospice for children and young people as part of company’s pledge to support 30 good causes throughout its anniversary year.

Children, staff and parents at a popular Shepshed nursery, Children 1st @ Shepshed , are pleased to have raised £1,000 for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People at its Summer Fair which took place last weekend.

As well as guest appearances from Pepper Pig and Elsa from Frozen, there were craft and food stalls, a tombola and raffle tickets on sale. Despite the rain, the event was attended by several hundred people from the local area, including pupils past and present.

The event raised £460 on the day and this has been match-funded and contributed to by the company to bring the overall total to £1,000.

In addition to supporting Rainbows, the Summer Fair was organised to celebrate Children 1st Day Nurseries’ 30th anniversary. With the best interests of children and their families at the heart of its ethos, the company, which has five nurseries in Leicestershire decided to mark this significant milestone with a year-long programme of activity to raise funds for a range of children’s clubs, charities, groups and local initiatives. The company has pledged to match fund all proceeds raised by its 24 nurseries as part of this.

The nursery consulted with staff, parents and carers to identify the local organisations which they plan to support throughout the year. For the Summer Fair, it was decided that the money raised, along with contributions from directors and staff at the company’s head office in Long Eaton, would be donated to Rainbows.

Tracey Highton manager of Children 1st @ Shepshed comments: “Several years ago the team here at Shepshed sadly said goodbye to one of the young children in our care due to a terminal illness. Rainbows provides incredible care for children and young people, helping to brighten up short lives, so it is a cause close to all our hearts. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported our 30th Birthday Summer Fair. We know our donation will directly benefit someone locally when they are going through a tough time.”

Children 1st Day Nurseries plans further fundraising activity throughout its 30th anniversary year across its 24 settings within the Midlands and South Yorkshire.

Since the company was formed in 1988 by Margaret Mason OBE and her family, it has grown to be one of the UK’s leading, family owned, childcare providers, with 83% of its settings rated as ‘Outstanding in All Areas’ by Ofsted. The company now cares for 3,621 children and employs over 600 people.

Margaret Mason, Children 1st Founder and Chief Executive comments: “To celebrate our anniversary we wanted to involve all our settings and their local communities who have shown great support over the last 30 years. It’s our nursery teams, parents, carers, many of whom have been with us since we started, along with the local community, that have helped to make Children 1st the successful company it is today. We felt it was important to use this wonderful milestone to help children and their families who are facing difficult times and to do this throughout the year, so we have maximum impact. I am therefore delighted to support local and national good causes with a range of events at our nurseries.”

Looking For A Family Day At The beach? Look No Further Than Coalville By The Sea!

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Firm summer holiday favourite Coalville by the Sea will be returning to the town on Friday 2 and Saturday 3 August.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) will transform Needhams Walk into the popular giant sandpit loved by children every year. It offers families a chance for a day on the beach without having to take the long journey to the coast.

A plentiful supply of buckets and spades will be provided and, for the first time ever, donkey rides will be on offer for youngsters. The free family event also features entertainment, music, games, crafts, refreshments and of course plenty of ice cream.

All of the sand has been generously donated by Coalville-based builders merchant P&R Building Supplies.

Visitors are encouraged to use town centre car parks. Remember to bring something to sit on and be prepared for the weather.

Councillor Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration at North West Leicestershire District Council, said “Why spend hours sitting in the car when you can visit the beach right here in Coalville? We’re really proud to be bringing this free event back to the town again as we know it’s incredibly popular with families. A big thank you to P&R Building Supplies who will once again supply the all-important sandpit. Get the dates in your diary and don’t miss this fantastic event – and keep your fingers crossed for plenty of sunshine!”

Lee Glover, Managing Director at P&R Building Supplies, said: “We’re also happy to support Coalville by the Sea. As a business we are made to feel very welcome in Coalville, and supplying the sand one way of saying thank you! It’s a fantastic, popular and well-organised event and we hope lots of you head down to Needhams Walk to enjoy the event.”

Needhams Walk can be found between Belvoir Road and the town centre car park off High Street, Coalville.

WORD! Over The Moon With Second Festival

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A unique, award-nominated Leicester poetry and spoken word night will launch its annual festival with a celebration of spoken word, poetry, ecology, wellbeing and, this year, the Moon.

WORD!, one of the UK’s longest running poetry and spoken word nights, uniquely supported by the NHS, hosts the second WORD! in the Garden at Attenborough Arts Centre on Thursday 25th July 2019.

The all-day celebration is designed to get people thinking about health, history, the environment and ecology. It will feature artistic collaborations like the centre’s relaunched garden amphitheatre, a new garden mural by award-winning local artist Scott Bridgwood and an exhibition of artworks by members of the Artspace Collective. It will also celebrate the Apollo 11 Moon landing’s 50th anniversary with a Moonshine Word! Jam lunar-inspired music and lyrics workshop.

WORD! in the Garden will artistically unveil a host of UK native species plants and wildflowers alongside a new 20ft high mural, artworks, music and poetry - all lunar lit in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing.

The event, which also promises garden tours and butterfly cakes as standard, is free from noon to 7:30pm, when there will be a charge of £7/£4 for the final WORD!

Attenborough Art Centre’s courtyard garden was created by ‘The Green Room Gardeners', led by the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT)-backed Brightsparks arts in mental health group with the help of Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust.

Lydia Towsey, arts in mental health co-ordinator at LPT said: “The Green Room is a fantastic example of ‘cutting edge’ co-production and LPT is delighted to work hand in garden-glove with Attenborough Arts Centre, Brightsparks, WORD! and a range of others to transform and launch a previously disused space - into a haven of health and artistic activity. Over the last year and a half, Green Room Gardeners have been improving Attenborough Arts Centre’s courtyard space for the enjoyment of all, while demonstrating the therapeutic power of gardening, from watching something grow to connecting with others and nature. We hope to inspire audiences to get involved and grow their own - health, wellbeing, creativity and more.”

The courtyard garden was funded and supported by Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew and the University of Leicester’s Well Being Matters (via the Edith Murphy Foundation). WORD! In the Garden - has been funded by Arts Council England and curated and produced by WORD!

£10,000 Raised For Hope Against Cancer In English Channel Challenge

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

At 6am on the 12th of July, Mr Christopher Trethewey embarked on a challenge which would see him eventually swim 21 successful miles across the English Channel raising an astonishing £10,000 for Leicestershire based charity, Hope Against Cancer.

Christopher currently works alongside the Hope Against Cancer Facility Trials Facility, which offers cancer patients the opportunity to take part in research trials to develop new cancer treatments. The main project he has currently been working on is to create better ways of monitoring lymphoma patients, something of which the Clinical Trails Facility specialise in.

The route of this swim started South West of Dover at Shakespeare’s Cliff and came to an end at Cap Griz Nez in the South West of Calais. Before this challenge, there were many precautions that Christopher needed to put in place, such as sustaining up to 8,000 calories a day to maintain metabolic temperature and combatting hypothermia in the 15-16C waters.

Other obstacles could have included an exposure to jellyfish stings, cramps and the tides which could have affected the success of the swim. During swimming, he had the watchful eye of Eddie Spelling, from The Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation who piloted the boat which accompanied Chris’s swim.

The success didn’t come without hard work and determination. For the last year Christopher has been training, which included swimming lengths of 15,000m and spending time in the cold-water at the Stoney Cove Diving Centre in Leicester. Before even attempting to cross the channel, the CSA (Channel Swimming Association) has to be satisfied that you can complete a 6-hour swim in similar temperatures to that of the English Channel.

When asked why he chose to fundraise for Hope Against Cancer he said: “My motivation comes from the patients I see every day at the Clinical Trials Facility and the Leicester Royal Infirmary Haematooncology Unit. I have befriended wonderful people who have succumbed to this non-discriminatory disease that is cancer. This swim has been a mere speck compared to what these people have to manage. The swim was by far one of the most challenging things I have ever done but reaching the end line was an amazing feeling. I am proud of what I have achieved and how much money I’ve been able to raise to help this fantastic charity. I’d do it all again if I could!”

Nigel Rose, who is the Chief Executive at Hope Against Cancer has commended Mr Trethewey by saying: “The effort and bravery that Chris has shown both in the long build-up and during this challenge makes everyone at Hope incredibly proud. Not only does he work towards improving treatments for cancer, he has now raised money to help that research continue. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of those who have supported Chis and donated to this cause.”

T o find more information on Hope Against Cancer, you can visit: https://www.hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

Green Flag Honour For Community Garden

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A community garden in Enderby supporting positive health and wellbeing has been awarded a prestigious Green Flag Award for the ninth year running.

Blaby District Council’s A Place to Grow garden helps residents of the district become physically active, get involved in the community and meet new people in a friendly, informal and safe environment.

The free and sustainable garden is aimed at supporting and encouraging those living with or affected by a physical or mental health condition to enjoy the outdoors. An outdoor lodge is also available for hire as a meeting room, and the garden also plays host to corporate volunteer days.

27 individual criteria were assessed at A Place to Grow, including being a healthy, a safe and secure site and a welcoming place with community involvement. Feedback following the assessment from Green Flag Award said that A Place to Grow has: “Involvement with the community is the absolute heart and soul of this sustainable community garden. The site is a successful and well-managed and this is reflected in the positive benefits received by the users of the site. It is apparent that there are numerous benefits to the users and active participants of the garden; the community aspect of the site is fantastic”

Councillor Sharon Coe, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing & Regulatory Services, said: “This award is fantastic and a fitting reward for all of the staff, service users and volunteers who all work so hard to make the garden such a welcoming, safe place. We are all extremely proud of A Place to Grow and the positive impact it has on users health and wellbeing. Every year we see new people joining existing volunteers to benefit from the garden, and it remains an important part of our leisure offering.”

For more information on getting involved in the garden, visit www.blaby.gov.uk , e-mail leisure@blaby.gov.uk or call 0116 272 7703.

Districts To Meet On The Pitch After Couch To Goal Programme

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Adults looking to improve their health and fitness have the opportunity to join a football-based Couch to Goal programme in either Charnwood or North West Leicestershire.

The aim is for people to get more active by taking up football in a relaxed environment with fellow players of a similar fitness level.

Organised by Charnwood Borough Council and North West Leicestershire District Council, two 10-week courses will run at the same time. When the programme is complete the two teams will meet each other in a friendly game, testing their new-found fitness and skills on the pitch!

The initial sessions take place weekly at:

Hood Park Leisure Centre, Ashby, on Tuesdays from 23 July between 6.30pm and 8pm.
Soar Valley Leisure Centre, Mountsorrel, on Thursdays from 25 July between 6.30pm and 8pm.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities for Charnwood Borough Council said: “We are committed to providing a wide range of events and activities to help residents in Charnwood become more active. The new Couch to Goal sessions offer people a great opportunity to get fitter while having fun, learning new skills and meeting new people. I’d encourage anyone who may be interested to book onto the sessions and give it a go.”

Zara Barnes, the course leader from the NWLDC Health and Wellbeing team, said: “We know there are lots of people in our district that would love to get fitter, healthier and lose some weight, but perhaps lack a little bit of the confidence required to get started. Couch to Goal is great opportunity to get active playing football in a friendly environment with people in similar shape also looking to get fitter. Sessions are relaxed and fun but we’ve kept a competitive element for the end with a match against members from the Charnwood Couch to Goal course, which will be great fun.”

The subsidised sessions cost just £2 a week. To book onto the Charnwood programme call 01509 632534 or email Samantha.chamberlain@charnwood.gov.uk

To book onto the North West Leicestershire programme call 01530 454606 or email zara.barnes@nwleicestershire.gov.uk

Plans Submitted For Coalville Leisure Centre As Work To Renovate Hood Park Leisure Centre Gets Underway

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The planning application for Coalville’s new £23 million leisure centre has been submitted in the same week as renovation work begins at Hood Park Leisure Centre in Ashby de la Zouch.

The steps come just two months after North West Leicestershire District Council’s leisure partner Everyone Active took over management of the two main leisure centres in the district.

The 25 year contract with Everyone Active includes a complete renovation of Hood Park Leisure Centre, as well as a brand new leisure centre being built in Coalville on land off the A511 near Stephenson College.

Coalville Leisure Centre

The planning application for the new Coalville Leisure Centre is now available to view at www.nwleics.gov.uk/planningapplications (application reference: 19/01343).

Subject to receiving planning permission, North West Leicestershire District Council’s (NWLDC) new leisure partner Everyone Active will build and operate the new leisure centre, whilst the council will own the building. The new facility will replace Hermitage Leisure Centre , which will stay open until the new one is ready.

The planning application explains how the building will achieve the environmental accreditation BREEAM status, with LED lighting throughout, air source heat pumps, electric car charging points and photovoltaic panels on the roof that will harvest energy from daylight, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

Outside, the proposed building aims to reflect its woodland surroundings, with impressive wooden beams swooping down over the pool area and a large glass front playing host to the reception area and café. A trim trail, natural play spaces and a cycle track will be featured in the grounds around the centre.

Inside the building, the plans show the gym with views across the parkland surrounding the centre, with the range of other facilities including three squash courts, clip and climb, spin studio, an eight court sports hall, an eight lane swimming pool and a learner pool.

NWLDC’s planning committee is expected to consider the application in October, with work likely to start on site before Christmas.

Hood Park Leisure Centre

The renovation work at Hood Park Leisure Centre began on Friday 12 July, with internal work expected to be completed by Christmas.

Tying in with the school holidays, the work includes a new 75- station gym created upstairs, a dedicated group cycling studio, a new reception foyer including grab and go food, as well as refurbished squash courts and changing rooms.

Fitness classes have been temporarily moved to the neighbouring Ivanhoe College while the renovation takes place. The gym will be in full use until the new gym opens and both the indoor and outdoor pools will stay open seven days a week over the summer.

Councillor Richard Blunt, Leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “We’re pleased that the plans to improve leisure in the district are moving forward with such a pace. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the renovation at Hood Park, which will create a modern, fit-for-purpose centre with some impressive new facilities.Having learnt to swim at the outdoor pool many years ago it is great to see the improvements coming forward for the next generation.”

Dan Hicks, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “It’s been an exciting week for both leisure centres and we’re delighted to be a step closer to bringing state-of-the-art leisure facilities to the local community.”

Stay Well On Your Travels

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Looking forward to getting away this summer? The following tips should help to make sure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons.

Bolster your defences. A strong immune system is important at all times but especially so when we travel. The stuffy confines of an airplane cabin are the perfect breeding ground for germs. Echinacea purpurea is one of the best immune-supporting herbs there is, so make sure this makes it into your hand luggage.

Take the stress out of the journey with Jan de Vries Emergency Essence. It can help to restore balance and is particularly popular with reluctant flyers.

Support your digestive health with a good prebiotic supplement before and when you travel. Don’t eat anything that looks undercooked or raw and avoid buffet food that may not have been kept at the right temperature.

By far the most common cause of tummy trouble abroad and diarrhoea especially, is dirty or contaminated water. Only drink bottled or canned drinks and remember also not to use ice in your drinks.

If you do succumb to ‘holiday tum’, drink plenty of water to help prevent dehydration; experts recommend between two and three litres a day especially if you’re in a hot climate.

If mosquitoes and biting insects are a problem, a good insect repellent on exposed skin should help. Neem seed extract is a popular alternative to DEET-containing sprays and the scent of neem masks your individual scent, making you less easy to find.

Finally, have fun in the sun but do so safely. Always wear a good SPF and avoid sitting in the sun when it’s at its strongest.

Bon voyage!

For further advice, visit Gary and his team at Healthy Route, 18 Silver Street, Leicester.

Free Parking In Blaby Town Centre

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Up to two hours free parking is coming to two car parks in Blaby Town Centre from 9am on Wednesday 24 July

Following the closure of Waitrose and pending news of a replacement business, Blaby District Council is committed to supporting the businesses in the town centre. The Council has worked pro-actively with the businesses to find out what can be done to ensure that Blaby Town Centre succeeds. Offering free two hour parking for the foreseeable future was considered.

As a result of feedback from businesses and listening to residents and the Parish Council, free parking for up to two hours will be available in Johns Court and Enderby Road.

Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This is great news for the businesses and shoppers of Blaby Town Centre. It also shows that we will listen to the feedback people give us - we want our town centre to thrive.

“The loss of Waitrose was a disappointment to Blaby but the town centre still has plenty going for it. This move will encourage visitors to spend time in Blaby for free and see that there are lots of places to visit, shop, eat and enjoy.”

Tim Cole, Partner at Blaby-based opticians Edmonds & Slatter, said: “We are delighted that Blaby District Council has listened to businesses’ feedback, and the introduction of two hours of free parking in the town centre will help us, especially as we wait for the former Waitrose site to be occupied. Our Blaby Today partnership with other businesses and the Parish and District Council, has been focused on discussing and supporting town centre improvements, and we’re looking forward to more progress in the coming months.”

Car park machines will be updated to issue free tickets. Both car parks will continue to be patrolled by enforcement officers who will still issue Penalty Charge Notices to anyone overstaying on their ticket or parking incorrectly. The impact of the changes will be monitored and evaluated and help to inform the Council’s decisions in the future.

Blaby District Council is also finalising plans for other measures to aid the businesses and support continued growth of Blaby Town Centre including marketing and event support. Free WiFi was also installed earlier this year to help shoppers experience, with numbers using this service are increasing weekly.

Coalville Park Lands Green Flag Award For Excellence

Tue, 16 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Coalville Park has become the first open space in North West Leicestershire to achieve the coveted Green Flag award.

The news comes as the park throws open its gates for Love Parks Week – with a whole host of free activities planned.

Green Flag status is reserved for parks and green spaces that set a high standard and are appropriately managed to meet the needs of the communities they serve.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) manages Coalville Park and submitted a Green Flag application after a long period of work to improve the park.

This included creating the Friends of Coalville Park community group, which now works with the council to develop future plans and ideas for the space.

As well as its play equipment, skate park, outdoor gym, 400 metre running track and tennis courts, the park has two dedicated gardens.

A huge amount of work has also gone into developing the Peace Garden which pays tribute to the sacrifice of our Armed Forces both past and present, and helped the park to achieve its ‘Centenary Fields’ status last year.

Sitting alongside the Peace Garden is the community and sensory garden, which is designed to be an accessible space for local residents of all ages and abilities to get involved with gardening activities.

To achieve Green Flag status NWLDC had to prove that the park:

Is a welcoming space
Is healthy, safe and secure
Is well-maintained and clean
Is environmentally friendly
Pays attention to biodiversity, landscape and heritage
Has community involvement
Has a suitable a management plan

In awarding the Green Flag, the assessment team commented: “The team has a range of complementary skills and seems to work well together. It is a forward-thinking, positive team who are open to new ideas and ways of working. There is still a lot of work to do, but a good start has been made. Thenew ‘friends’ group sounds like it has some keen and positive members.”

Councillor Andrew Woodman, Portfolio Holder for Community Services at NWLDC, said: “Our parks team has worked tirelessly to make Coalville Park into a fantastic community space and they deserve a lot of credit for that. This is a huge feather in the cap for Coalville, no other park in the district has achieved Green Flag status and I hope this new award encourages more people to come and enjoy the park than ever before. We’re really pleased to be working with the new Friends of Coalville Park group on future plans and improvements. Bringing more people into Coalville is a big part of regenerating the town and this Green Flag award will only help us to achieve this aim.”

Andy Sipika Chair of the Friends of Coalville Park added: “We are absolutely delighted to hear the good news about the Green Flag after everyone has worked so hard to achieve it. We’re looking forward to building on this and improving the park with better facilities and more events, so that more people come and enjoy our lovely park.”

Get Together With The Girls For A Night Of Fun And Exercise

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:50:28 GMT

Women in Charnwood can enjoy an evening of fun and exercise whilst also raising money for charity on Friday August 16.

The Charity Girls Night Out is organised by the borough Council’s Active Charnwood team as part of the This Girl Can campaign.

This Girl Can is a national campaign developed by Sport England which aims to celebrate active women and encourage people to take up a new sport or activity.

Money raised will be donated to local charity Living Without Abuse. The charity supports women, men and children that have been affected by domestic abuse.

Cllr Deborah Taylor, lead member for communities said: “The charity night is a chance to get together with your family or friends and have fun whilst exercising. It’s a great opportunity to try out a new activity whilst helping to raise money for a good cause. The event has been popular in previous years, so I hope it’s another fun night out for everyone who attends.”

The event is for women aged 16 and over and is being held at Charnwood College, Thorpe Hill, Loughborough from 6-9pm.

There will be a range of activity taster sessions to choose from including Konga, Boogie Bounce, Zumba, Netball Now, Yoga, Bangra Blaze, Burlesque and Bubble Football.

Tickets are £7.50 and include a T-shirt to wear on the night.

There will also be stalls available providing information on health and wellbeing or people can pamper themselves by booking in for a massage, body glitter or visiting the nail bar.

Book a place by visiting https://www.charnwood.gov.uk/this_girl_can or for more information call 01509 632534.

Janet’s Charity Challenge Helps More Cancer Survivors Live Life To The Full

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 21:48:02 GMT

A breast cancer survivor has raised nearly £700 for the charity which helped her regain physical fitness and confidence after treatment.

Janet Harding set herself the personal challenge of walking part of an ancient Spanish pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, in May.

But when generous friends and family heard about her plan, they asked if they could sponsor her and she decided to set up a JustGiving page for Supporting Confidence Through Exercise (SCTE).

The Measham-based charity runs In the Pink, a Pilates-based gentle exercise programme which helps with physical and emotional rehabilitation after breast cancer treatment.

The pioneering course is one of the only ones of its kind in the UK.

Janet, 64, was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ – or pre-cancerous cells - in November 2017 following a routine mammogram. She was told by consultants that she needed a full mastectomy.

The news came as a bombshell as she had taken retirement from her job as a part-time accountant only weeks earlier and was looking forward to spending time with her new baby granddaughter.

“It was a tough few months and everything happened quickly. I tried to stay positive and just be grateful that I didn’t have to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

“I had a surgical reconstruction using muscles from my back. What I wasn’t prepared for was that after that, I found some day-to-day things, like mopping the floor and hoovering difficult, because I was very stiff.

“Before treatment, I went a Pilates class, but afterwards I felt I couldn’t go back. I was very self-conscious because my body and my abilities had changed.

“By chance I heard about In the Pink and it was a gift from heaven. I went along every week for eight weeks. It’s even given me the confidence to go back to my old Pilates class.”

The Camino de Santiago, or Way of Saint James, is an ancient pilgrim route across northern Spain to the Cathedral where the remains of Saint James are enshrined.

Janet, who lives near Market Bosworth, walked 115k from Sarria to Santiago in eight days.

“For me, the walk started off as a personal challenge. After all the surgery over the last 18 months, I had no idea if I had the stamina or the will to keep going day after day.

“Now I know I can achieve more than I expect to, I know that I am stronger than I believe, and I know that exercise really has given me the confidence to fight back and to look forward to the future.”

The next In the Pink programme starts on Tuesday, September 24 at Ashby Road Sports Club in Hinckley. Each course is free, runs for eight weeks and takes a maximum of ten participants.

Michelle Scott-Worthington, SCTE’s programme coordinator, said: “We can’t thank Janet enough for fundraising for us. Stories like hers make everything we do worthwhile.

“We are passionate about making sure that every In the Pink programme is free, so that we are accessible and open to all breast cancer survivors – and donations like this make that possible.”

Find out more about SCTE and In the Pink at scte-activities.org.uk or call them on 0300 365 9791.

Council Awarded For Work With Food Start-ups

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A project which supports food start-up businesses has won a regional award.

Charnwood Borough Council’s food safety team won the Best Small Business Friendly Regulatory Approach at the Federation of Small Businesses’ (FSB) Leicestershire and Rutland Local Authority Small Business Friendly Awards.

The award celebrated the Council’s business coaching project, created and delivered by the food safety team. The initiative gives new food businesses in Charnwood information and training to help them achieve the highest possible food hygiene rating when opening.

Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for regulatory services, said: “I am delighted the Council has been recognised for the way it approaches supporting businesses in the borough.

“We know it is really important and effective to engage with businesses and help them meet the relevant standards or laws which are there to ensure public safety. Well done to the team for their excellent work and we will continue to work and support businesses in Charnwood.”

FSB local authority awards run across the UK and are designed to highlight, share and celebrate the best work, projects and business support initiatives for micro, small and medium sized firms

Jennifer Thomas, development manager for FSB said: “There are some great initiatives happening across the Leicestershire and Rutland which really help to level the playing field for smaller firms, and this support is vital to our local small businesses – we thank all of these authorities for their work on these projects.”

As well as offering free advice and support, the project includes the delivery of a food safety course which gives new business owners the opportunity to achieve a Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering and offers people the opportunity to learn the basics of food hygiene.

People who attend the course learn about legislation, food safety hazards, temperature control, food handling and principles of safe food storage.

The next dates for the food safety course are October 24 and January 23, 2020 .

For further information please contact a member of the food safety team on 01509 634656 or visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/foodsafety

Astronauts Explore! Drama Workshop At Coalville And Ashby Libraries

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Do you like creating stories and acting them out? Do you want to be a part of a fun and exciting workshop?

Come along to Coalville or Ashby Library and join Chorus Theatre as we celebrate Space Chase, this year’s Summer Reading Challenge. You don’t have to have any previous acting experience - as long as you love having fun then this is the workshop for you! You will work alongside professional facilitators to help bring your ideas to life. The possibilities are limitless! All you need to bring is yourself, your creativity, and your imagination.

£3 per child, pre-booking is essential. For ages 4-12 years.

Astronauts Explore! Drama Workshop

Ashby de la Zouch Library – Monday 29th July, 10:30am-11:30am

Coalville Library - Tuesday 30th July, 2:30pm-3:30pm.

Call Coalville library on: 0116 3053565 or email: coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk or Ashby Library on: 0116 305 5917 or email: ashbydelazouchlibrary@leics.gov.uk

Projects Awarded Over £20,000 In Grant Funding

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Groups in Charnwood have been awarded £22,500 to support local projects.

In the latest round of grant applications for 2019-20, Charnwood Borough Council awarded funding to several community groups.

Falcon Support Services was awarded £10,000 towards a project which will support sex workers in the local area. The pilot scheme will run three drop-in sessions a week where people are able to seek support and advice. The grant from the Council will help to fund one session per week.

Age UK Leicester and Rutland was granted £3,500 for the Men and Women in Sheds project which aims to tackle isolation amongst older people in the borough. The Shed is where people come together and engage in activities such as carpentry, metal work, repairs, crafts and gardening.

Fibromyalgia Friends Together Leicestershire, a Charnwood based group which hold monthly meetings to support people with fibromyalgia was awarded £2,200. The funding will be used to help develop their activities further.

Other grants awarded included:

£1,500 to Seagrave War Memorial Hall towards the installation of LED lighting
£1,600 to TS Sabre and TS Cutlass Navy Cadet Force towards First Aid training and kit
£1,200 to Birstall Methodist Lunch Club towards running costs
£2,500 to Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society towards the Watermead Wet Reed Bed project

Cllr Deborah Taylor, the borough Council’s lead member for communities said: “I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support such a wide range of projects during the latest round of the Council’s grant scheme. We’re committed to helping our local communities develop and these groups and organisations offer activities which help tackle a number of issues faced by residents. I’d encourage any groups in the borough who need support with their projects to take a look at what’s on offer and consider applying for a grant in the next round.”

The deadlines for the next round of grants are:

Loughborough community grant, deadline July 16, 2019 - The grant can provide up to £2,000 for voluntary sector and community organisations and projects, which deliver activities with community benefits in Loughborough. These grants can cover running costs (for up to one year) or one-off equipment costs.

Community Development and Engagement Grant, deadline, August 1, 2019 - The grant is open for any organisation working in Charnwood and can provide up to £10,000 towards running costs and one-off equipment costs.

Community Facilities and Feasibility Grant, deadline, August 1, 2019 – The grant can provide a maximum of £20,000, up to a maximum of 50% of the cost of a project which assists with the renovation, improvement and provision of community buildings, and small-scale environmental improvement schemes. Feasibility studies grants awards grants of up to £5,000, to a maximum of 50% of the cost of feasibility studies as part of the development plan to undertake substantial refurbishment or propose a new-build community facility.

For more information about the Council’s grants schemes visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/grants

Film Showcases Charnwood’s Investment Potential

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

A film showcasing Charnwood’s commercial potential to investors from around the region, nation and the world has been premiered.

InCharnwood, the borough council’s regeneration brand, commissioned the film as part of its strategy to attract more inward investment into the area.

Be at the Centre of Innovation promotes the borough’s many commercial strengths for new and expanding businesses, while capturing the superb landscape that Charnwood lies within.

It also includes interviews with key business leaders who highlight Charnwood’s central location and connectivity to the rest of the country; it’s high-quality workforce and its reputation for innovation and technology.

Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Charnwood has a fantastic offer to the business world but someone has to bang that drum and let them know we are here and what we are about. This film is a great way to do that and we will be pushing it across all channels to businesses around the region, country and the world. Charnwood is at the heart of the UK, with outstanding links by road, rail and air and has a great mix of small businesses and major global brands. When you add in a skilled workforce, a university with a worldwide reputation and an outstanding quality of life then it is easy to see why our borough has a bright future. We must continue to work hard and share the message that Charnwood is a great place to do business and to invest in. When investors are looking to move or expand we need to be able to succinctly sum up everything that the borough has offer and this film does that in just a few minutes.”

Cllr Eric Vardy, lead member for inward investment, said: “Charnwood is the land of opportunity for new and existing business and this film showcases everything we have to offer. I am pleased that, as a council, we are able to showcase the borough to investors in all corners of the globe.”

Be at the Centre of Innovation was premiered at Holywell Park Conference centre, Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park on July 10. It has been produced by a Loughborough-based company Affixxius Films.

The eight-minute film features interviews with business leaders in the borough including Steve Evans, Regional Business Leader at 3M Healthcare, Professor Robert Allison, Vice-Chancellor of Loughborough University; and Martin Traynor, Vice President of Loughborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

It also features success stories from local business such as Gill Cooke Personnel which provides workers for the commercial and industrial sector, including many high-tech businesses and Miles Latham, managing partner at Affixxius Films.

Miles says there is nowhere better in the UK to start a business.

Key to the borough’s growth is the Loughborough and Leicester Science and Innovation Enterprise Zone, covering nearly 290 hectares of development land across four individual locations. That includes Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park, already one of the largest in the UK, which is set to expand, a move strongly supported by the Council.

The film will be shared by InCharnwood and partners online and on social media and used at various events around the country.

The film can be viewed on the inCharnwood website: www.incharnwood.com

Keep up to date with the latest news from InCharnwood by following them on Twitter @InCharnwood and also look for the hashtag #InCharnwood.