Leicestershire teachers scoop prestigious awards for their commitment

May 17, 2013, 3:57 am

≫ Next: Leicester music duo Uncle Frank sign three-album deal

≪ Previous: What should replace New Walk Centre in Leicester?

Two Leicestershire teachers have clinched prestigious regional awards for their dedication and commitment to the profession. Nisha Kholia, a science teacher from Rushey Mead School, in Leicester, has won the secondary school teacher of the year category, and Pauline Guy from St Cuthberts Primary School, in Great Glen, has scooped teaching assistant of the year in the Midlands round of the Pearson Teaching Awards. The pair will now go to the awards final in London in October where they will mingle with a star-studded line up of guests yet to be announced. The awards are an annual celebration of exceptional teachers and teaching to recognize the life-changing impact of an inspirational teacher on the lives of young people. Nisha Kholia was nominated by Rushey Mead principal Carolyn Robson and a group of students, including Pooja Devani, 18. Pooja, who is studying all three science subjects at Loughborough High School, is a former pupil at Rushey Mead. She said: "Nisha has such a passion for her subject and although she didn't directly teach me, she was always approachable and helped me during her lunchtimes and after school. She really inspired me to take my own love of science further and thanks to her I managed to win a scholarship to study my A-Levels at Loughborough High School. "This award is thoroughly deserved for her commitment." A shocked Pauline was put forward by St Cuthberts head teacher Anne Burbidge, who said she was a "phenomenal support" to all those around her. Mrs Burbidge said: "She works tirelessly to ensure that the provision for the children in her care is of a consistently high quality. Her background in science means that she has a special ability to engage all the children in her care and she makes learning fun. "Pauline is always looking to the future and her enthusiasm is infectious. She's a conscientious, dedicated member of staff and highly respected by everyone who works with her." A stunned Pauline, 45, who has worked as a teaching assistant at the school for the past two years, said: "It's overwhelming. To have such recognition for the work that I do is fantastic. "I love working with the children and other staff - I get lots of enjoyment out of it, but I never expected I could ever win something like this. "I'm really looking forward to the ceremony in London. I think I'll have to get a new outfit for that." The pair will now join fellow winners at the UK final on October 20, which will be filmed and broadcast by the BBC. Rod Bristow, president of Pearson UK, said: "We want to recognise and support inspirational teachers, for their commitment to teaching and learning and improving the life chances of the next generation. It's really important that we create opportunities to say thank you." More than 24,000 nominations were received for the 2013 awards from across the UK. Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson is president of the teaching awards. She said: "I owe so much of what I've done to my fantastic teachers at school and university so it's exciting to join in celebrating what is probably the most important profession of them all."

↧

Leicester music duo Uncle Frank sign three-album deal

May 17, 2013, 4:00 am

≫ Next: Loughborough takeaway damaged in kitchen fire

≪ Previous: Leicestershire teachers scoop prestigious awards for their commitment

Uncle Frank have been favourites on the Leicester music scene for more than a decade - and now the years of hard work have been rewarded with a three-album record deal. The duo - Frank Benbini and Na'im Cortazzi - have signed on the dotted line with MITA Records, in a deal they say could be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. Smiles For Miles, an album they have already worked on and were planning to release independently, will now be put out through MITA later this year. On top of the signing, the band have also been approached by bosses at McDonalds, who have shown interest in using one of their songs in an advert. Frank announced the news today as it was also confirmed the pair would be playing at the De Montfort Hall centenary celebration show in July. "In this kind of climate, even to get a one-album deal with an international label is pretty unheard of, unless you're on X Factor or you're Adele or someone like that," said Frank. "A three-album deal in advance is totally unheard of for an independent act like us, with no big management around. "Me and Na'im initially thought it must be too good to be true." The pair were flown out to a studio in the south of France to play for MITA executives. "We only played five songs and they just offered it to us," said Frank. "They asked us to go out there after hearing a piece of music we'd written for the soundtrack of a Scottish film they were involved with. They heard us and they were blown away." Frank said he did not want to say much about the money involved, but said it was "hundreds of thousands" of pounds. "It's a lucrative deal," he said. "I put a condition in as well - that they have to get me a PK Ripper BMX, which is my favourite BMX from the '80s. They've got 14 days to deliver." And the pair are also hoping to strike a deal with McDonalds. Frank said he hoped to follow in the footsteps of Hollywood star and chart-topper Justin Timberlake, whose single 'I'm Lovin' It' is now synonymous with the fast food chain's adverts. "The first piece of music we sent out, McDonalds said they wanted to use it for a summer campaign," he said. "It's early stages at the minute, so nothing's confirmed, but it would be nice. "I don't eat much McDonalds but if they want to use our music and pay us lots of money to do it then, yeah, I love McDonalds. Give me Justin's money - and (wife) Jessica Biel, too." On a serious note, the singer said he was pleased to see the hard work he and Na'im have put into the duo pay off. Frank, who is also drummer for the internationally renowned Fun Lovin' Criminals, said that side of his work had never made it easier to get his foot in the door for Uncle Frank. "We've been doing this since about 2001 and we both work really hard," he said. "It hasn't come easy. "Anyone who comes to our shows knows the sheer amount of effort we put in." A MITA spokesman said the duo had "a very strong brand and great, timeless tunes." He said: "Uncle Frank convey something that's been sorely missing in music for some time now - that something is soul. "We are looking forward to building a worldwide presence for them." The band will be celebrating with their gig on the main stage at De Montfort Hall at the Simon Says centenary event in July.

Leicester music duo Uncle Frank sign three-album deal

↧

Loughborough takeaway damaged in kitchen fire

May 17, 2013, 4:25 am

≫ Next: Leicester Mercury More magazine wins at Regional Press Awards

≪ Previous: Leicester music duo Uncle Frank sign three-album deal

A takeaway was gutted in an early morning blaze today, leaving two people in need of medical attention. Chiquita, in Ward's End, Loughborough, had just closed for business when the fire broke out in the two-storey building at about 4.15am today. Firefighters spent about an hour getting the blaze under control and at one point there were concerns about a gas explosion. The fire service said the blaze began in the kitchen, causing serious fire damage to the takeaway and smoke damage to neighbouring properties. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics on the scene but did not require hospital treatment. A fire spokesman said: "The cause of the fire was accidental due to residual fat on a range catching fire. "Fifty per cent of the building was damaged by the fire." During the operation to extinguish the blaze, a gas pipe ruptured and firefighters forced their way into the next-door property, The Mattress Man, causing damage to the building as they made their way into the cellar to turn off the gas supply. Jack Stokes, who owns the furniture shop, had to move his stock to a new unit in the town centre today. He said: "I've only been open for four weeks and my friend called me early this morning to tell me he'd heard about the fire. "I got here at 8am and found the firefighters had broken into my shop to turn the gas off, so there was quite a mess. "But the main problem is the smoke, which has probably ruined about £400 or £500 worth of stock, as well as the new carpet I bought when I opened." There are two flats above Chiquita and The Mattress Man but it is not clear whether either of them were occupied at the time of the fire. Jack said: "I haven't seen anyone from the flats but the smoke has definitely drifted up there - there's a real stink upstairs." Jack's colleague Stefan Hassall, who works with him in the shop, said: "Inside the takeaway it's just all black and everything is just cooked and it stinks. "It's like there's been a big gas explosion." Darren Roberts, whose shop Shine Footwear neighbours Chiquita on the other side, was also affected by the smoke. He said: "The smell is the worst thing. "I only get here at about 10am each morning because I come in from Nottingham. "When I arrived I saw the sign up on the front of Chiquita which said 'closed for refurbishment' and I thought that was odd. "Then I noticed the smell. "It's pretty bad in my shop and it could be bad for the clothes and the leather shoes."

Loughborough takeaway damaged in kitchen fire

↧

Leicester Mercury More magazine wins at Regional Press Awards

May 17, 2013, 4:39 am

≫ Next: Leicestershire CCC 234 all out at tea on day three at Northants

≪ Previous: Loughborough takeaway damaged in kitchen fire

Leicester Mercury's weekend magazine, More, has been named supplement of the year at the Regional Press Awards today. The More magazine team have just been announced as winners in their category at the event at Savoy Place, in London. The Regional Press Awards team tweeted: "Congratulations to Leicester Mercury More Magazine Team on the best Supplement of the Year. Big cheers from them here at the awards." Photographer Mike Sewell and More columnist Fred Leicester just missed out on the daily photographer of the year and columnist of the year titles.

Leicester Mercury More magazine wins at Regional Press Awards

↧

Leicestershire CCC 234 all out at tea on day three at Northants

May 17, 2013, 5:42 am

≫ Next: Police draw up list of suspects in Madeleine McCann search

≪ Previous: Leicester Mercury More magazine wins at Regional Press Awards

Leicestershire were 234 all out on day three of their County Championship game against Northamptonshire. This left County 121 runs behind the Division Two leaders at tea. Only a fine 64 from Shiv Thakor, on a pitch favouring seam bowlers, saved the follow-on after the hosts' 355 all out yesterday. Leicestershire's batsmen endured a forgettable morning session at Northampton as they slumped from the relevant comfort of 89-1 to 134-5 at lunch, still requiring 76 runs to avoid the prospect of following on. On a morning hit by a couple of rain breaks the County top order could find no answer to the seam bowling of Trent Copeland, who went into the break with figures of 4-43. The only plus for Leicestershire was opener Greg Smith's half-century, though he would not be happy with the manner of his dismissal as he was caught at point cutting a short, wide delivery from Copeland. Ned Eckersley fell lbw to the Australian for 25 and Josh Cobb lasted just two balls before he was bowled by David Willey. County then suffered a major blow on the brink of lunch when skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan, who was looking in good touch, was trapped lbw by Copeland for 19.

Leicestershire CCC 234 all out at tea on day three at Northants

↧

Police draw up list of suspects in Madeleine McCann search

May 17, 2013, 5:53 am

≫ Next: Nigel Pearson WILL be staying as Leicester City boss

≪ Previous: Leicestershire CCC 234 all out at tea on day three at Northants

A senior police officer has revealed a Scotland Yard investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has identified a number of potential suspects. Detective Chief Superintendent Hamish Campbell, who led a Metropolitan Police review of the six-year-old case, said a list of names of possible suspects and other information, including forensic "opportunities", would be passed to the Portuguese authorities. The official Portuguese inquiry into Madeleine's disappearance concluded five years ago, but Scotland Yard launched its review in 2011 after David Cameron intervened on behalf of Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, of Rothley. A team of 30 detectives has worked on the review since then. Mr Campbell, who retired today as head of Scotland Yard's homicide and serious crime command, said: "The purpose of the review was to look at the case with fresh eyes and there is always real benefit in doing so. "The review has further identified both investigative and forensic opportunities to support the Portuguese. "There is more than a handful of people of interest which could be explored further, if only to be eliminated. "The key things are to investigate the case and our work is happening to support the Portuguese." Madeleine vanished from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, on May 3, 2007, as her parents dined with friends near by. It was her 10th birthday earlier this month. Speaking to the London Evening Standard, Mr Campbell added: "The Portuguese hopefully will pursue some of these investigative opportunities with our assistance. "There is room for further work and collaboration to resolve the case. "Of course, there is a possibility she is alive, you cannot exclude it. "But the key is to investigate the case and, alive or dead, we should be able to try and discern what happened." Detectives from the Yard's team have travelled to Portugal around 10 times to liaise with the authorities there and gather evidence in an inquiry which has cost more than £2 million, the London Evening Standard reported.

Police draw up list of suspects in Madeleine McCann search

↧

Nigel Pearson WILL be staying as Leicester City boss

May 17, 2013, 6:12 am

≫ Next: Paragon Quality Foods denies its halal burgers supplied to schools in Leicester contained pork

≪ Previous: Police draw up list of suspects in Madeleine McCann search

Nigel Pearson will be manager of Leicester City at the start of next season. Speculation has been rife since the end of the campaign that Pearson was set to be sacked by City after their failure to gain promotion to the Premier League. National newspaper reports have frequently speculated that City's owners were set to make a change. However, the Mercury understands Pearson's position is safe and he has begun planning for next season's promotion challenge with the club's hierarchy. City only missed out on a place in next Monday's play-off final at Wembley after a dramatic final minute at Watford last Sunday when Anthony Knockaert saw his penalty saved and Troy Deeney scored for the Hornets on the break 20 seconds later. It was the closest City have come to promotion since Pearson's first tenure as manager, when City were again denied a place in the play-off final after a dramatic penalty shoot-out at Cardiff City in 2010. The season before that he lead City to the League One title in his first campaign in charge. Pearson has put together a young squad with scope to improve and develop, and it is understood the club's owners, the Srivaddhanaprabha family, feel progress has been made under Pearson. Also, Pearson has shown he can operate wisely financially and his squad now has more assets than before, with players who have a strong market value because of their potential. With Financial Fair Play regulations due to come in next season, the way Pearson has operated in the transfer market, to remove high wage earners and recruit young and hungry players, is considered an asset. With the backing of the board, Pearson will continue to move on players he deems surplus to requirements and high wage earners, such as Jermaine Beckford who is the subject of Bolton's attention. Then he will be given the funds to strengthen his squad and build on the progress made this season.

Nigel Pearson WILL be staying as Leicester City boss

↧

Paragon Quality Foods denies its halal burgers supplied to schools in Leicester contained pork

May 17, 2013, 7:55 am

≫ Next: Burglary victim Jake offers £10,000 reward to get his jewellery back

≪ Previous: Nigel Pearson WILL be staying as Leicester City boss

A company accused of supplying halal burgers containing pork to schools across the city has said independent tests have revealed it has done nothing wrong. Leicester City Council withdrew a lamb burger supplied to 19 schools by Doncaster-based Paragon Quality Foods last month after it claimed that tests showed up to 50 per cent pork in a sample burger. Leicester firm ESPO conducted the tests on behalf of the city council. However, a spokesman for Paragon Quality Foods said today that results from an unnamed independent specialist showed that the burger did not contain any pork. He said: "The finding was not based on a formal controlled sample in which samples are retained for further independent analysis. "We have since obtained the DNA data upon which this report was based and sent it to an independent specialist. "Based on the conclusion of this specialist, Paragon is satisfied and pleased to announce that the DNA data in actual fact showed that the burger should have been declared as pork-free." The spokesman also said that nine further tests on various batches of the burger manufactured by the company between October 2012 and March 2013 had shown that they were also clear of pork. Leicester City Council had only been using the burger on its menus since January this year. The spokesman said: "Our good reputation has been unfairly damaged and we trust that it will be fully restored." He added that the company was seeking "legal advice". A spokesman for ESPO said: "Paragon Quality Foods has challenged the test results and on behalf of the city council we are in the process of seeking verification on the second result." A city council spokesman said: "We can confirm that we have commissioned our own tests on different batches of the burgers removed from our schools. "However, as this is part of an active investigation we can't comment on the findings of those tests, as this may prejudice any future legal proceedings."

Paragon Quality Foods denies its halal burgers supplied to schools in Leicester contained pork

↧

Burglary victim Jake offers £10,000 reward to get his jewellery back

May 17, 2013, 8:31 am

≫ Next: Leicester City's Liam Moore named in England under-20 squad

≪ Previous: Paragon Quality Foods denies its halal burgers supplied to schools in Leicester contained pork

A businessman has offered a £10,000 reward for help catching intruders who burgled his home and escaped with jewellery worth £25,000. Jake Caratella, who says he is making inquiries across Leicester in the search for the people who targeted his home, hopes the cash will help police catch the burglars. Recently £10,000 in cash and a written apology was left on his doorstep – a sign, he believes, that the intruders are rattled. The 53-year-old former nightclub doorman, who now works as a property investor, returned from a trip to Bangkok in January last year to discover burglars had smashed his security alarm and ransacked his home in Allerton Drive, off Groby Road, Leicester. The haul of jewellery they escaped with included an 18 carat gold ring with a diamond, a Rolex watch, a Breitling watch and Masonic jewellery. It was the seventh time Mr Caratella had been burgled in the 12 years he has lived there. He said: "Having suffered more than enough, I decided to conduct my own investigations to see what I could discover. "It seems as though my efforts are bearing some reward and I feel that I am getting very close to the identity of the perpetrators." He added: "In December 2005, I had a major break-in, where the burglars removed the wall safe and took it away with them, leaving a big hole in the wall. "The freestanding floor safe was smashed open and in total I lost around £50,000 worth of gold and jewellery, for which I was not insured due to high premiums. "I'm still very bitter about this loss as my unique jewellery had a substantial sentimental value. "Gold prices have increased at least five times, which at today's value would have been worth in the region of a quarter of a million pounds." The other break-ins were "minor" matters where intruders had broken into outbuildings, Mr Caratella said. He was devastated by the latest break-in, which happened shortly after 8pm on Saturday, January 7 last year. Mr Caratella has distributed a leaflet in his neighbourhood and placed an appeal in the Leicester Mercury to appeal for help. He has also spoken to contacts in the security industry and from his time as a nightclub doorman in his search for the intruders. "Unfortunately I was not insured again due to high premiums, hence I had high security at my premises, such as a state-of-the-art alarm, CCTV covering the full premises, and the perimeter secured by high gates," he said. "I am determined to get to the bottom of this and catch the burglars responsible." Police today released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace. Pc Adam Goodenough said: "This has been an incredibly lengthy and detailed investigation, made even more complex by the fact that £10,000 was left at Mr Caratella's home. "This isn't the first time that Mr Caratella has been the victim of a burglary and although it has been a year since the last incident took place, we are still determined to find those responsible." Information about the break-in or the man in the CCTV image can be passed to Pc Goodenough on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Burglary victim Jake offers £10,000 reward to get his jewellery back

↧

Leicester City's Liam Moore named in England under-20 squad

May 17, 2013, 8:34 am

≫ Next: MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints, Saturday, May 25, 2.45pm

≪ Previous: Burglary victim Jake offers £10,000 reward to get his jewellery back

Leicester City's Liam Moore has been named in Peter Taylor's England under-20 provisional squad. The call-up is reward for Moore's performances after breaking into Nigel Pearson's first team squad. Manchester United's Michael Keane, who finished the season on loan to City, is also in the provisional squad. Taylor will narrow his squad down to 21 players on Friday, June 7. The World Cup will take place in Turkey between June 21 and July 13 and England have been drawn in Group E alongside Iraq, Chile and Egypt.

Leicester City's Liam Moore named in England under-20 squad

↧

MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints, Saturday, May 25, 2.45pm

May 17, 2013, 9:47 am

≫ Next: Raiders who tried to rob shopkeeper at knifepoint sentenced

≪ Previous: Leicester City's Liam Moore named in England under-20 squad

It is the biggest day in the Premiership rugby calendar – and the Leicester Mercury website will be covering it live. Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints in the all-East Midlands Premiership play-off final is one of the most eagerly anticipated for years. Tickets for the Bank Holiday weekend clash at Twickenham in front of an 80,000 crowd are hard to come by, but we will make sure you don't miss any of the action. Matchday commentator James Sharpe will be providing details of the action and analysis of the game. You will be able to put your questions, views and comments to James during the game through an interactive link on the match commentary or you can tweet him @TheSharpeEnd. Some of those comments and tweets will be shared with the website audience, so please keep them free of abuse. The action will start at 2.45pm on Saturday, May 25, with all the pre-match build-up.

MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints, Saturday, May 25, 2.45pm

↧

Raiders who tried to rob shopkeeper at knifepoint sentenced

May 17, 2013, 10:57 am

≫ Next: 'Our best guess at Greyfriars'

≪ Previous: MATCH DAY LIVE: Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints, Saturday, May 25, 2.45pm

Two masked raiders who brandished carving knives when they tried to rob a shop keeper have been sentenced. Kevin Francis-Smith (18) and a 14-year-old youth demanded cash from the till at the former Supamac store, in Grange Drive, Melton. However, they fled empty-handed after the storekeeper, Jitu Patel, bravely stood up to them, wielding a parcel containing a long metal pole, on May 30 last year. Francis-Smith, of Denton Rise, Melton, who has since turned 19, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years detention, at Leicester Crown Court today. He denied the attempted robbery, but was convicted by a jury at a recent trial. His young accomplice, now 15, who cannot be named for legal reasons because he is a juvenile, pleaded guilty to the offence. He was given a two year youth rehabilitation order, with supervision, and a 30-day specified activity requirement. CCTV footage of the frightening incident was shown in court. The defendants, with hoods and balaclava masks, can be seen pushing their knives towards the victim. Sentencing, Recorder Graham Huston said the knives were "large, dangerous and menacing" and waved dangerously close to the victim's face. He added: "That man had served the local community, providing a valuable service for many years, and worked extremely hard throughout his life. "In the months leading up to his retirement he didn't deserve to be treated in such a violent and mean way. "You two thought it would be an easy push over, but Mr Patel proved to be no push over and he was prepared to chase you two cowardly individuals from his shop. "He was left shaking like a leaf and genuinely believed he was going to die. "Because of your respective ages, I'm dealing with you differently." Lynsey Knott, prosecuting, said the shop keeper - who had run the store for 25 years - was shocked when the masked raiders burst into his shop at 9.30pm. After one of them demanded cash, Mr Patel managed to secretly press the panic alarm and then noticed a pole behind him, which was a customer's parcel. The court heard neither defendant had previous convictions. Shahnawaz Khan, for Francis-Smith said: "He accepts the jury's decision and is genuinely remorseful. "He accepts the impact it would have had on the victim and his family." The court heard he accrued a debt over drug taking and was in need of money at the time. Sarah Knight, for the juvenile, said: "He admitted it as soon as he was arrested and the youth services have engaged with him from an early stage and he's been making good progress." Yesterday after the hearing, Mr Patel said: "The older man should have got four years to teach him a lesson. "It was a very serious and terrifying attack. I thought they would kill me. "But he will be out in a year and I don't think it will have any affect on him. I suppose we will have to wait to see what happens. "The supervision order, I think will teach the younger one something. Perhaps it will make him thing twice about getting involved in something as horrifying like this again." Mr Patel and his wife, Illa, retired last September. The shop is now a One Stop store.

Raiders who tried to rob shopkeeper at knifepoint sentenced

↧

'Our best guess at Greyfriars'

May 17, 2013, 11:33 pm

≫ Next: Leicester Tigers legend Johnson on Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham

≪ Previous: Raiders who tried to rob shopkeeper at knifepoint sentenced

Academics have unveiled a digital recreation of the long-lost friary where the remains of Richard III were found.

Greyfriars was demolished in the 1530s and had been largely forgotten until excavations by the University of Leicester seeking the remains of England's last Plantagenet king.

Now, however, staff at De Montfort University have produced a series of images showing how the building, dating back to the 13th century, may have appeared.

A team has used some archeological evidence published by the University of Leicester, a speculative image in a historian's book and examples of other Franciscan friaries to come up with a "best educated guess" about how the church would have looked.

They have also placed it within the surrounding present-day buildings.

As well as the prize discovery of Richard's body, archaeologists found fragments of masonry, glass and tiles from the friary. The discoveries have informed the recreation.

Dr Douglas Cawthorne, from De Montfort University's digital building heritage group, said: "There was great interest in the remains of Richard III, but the church in which he was found is an important part of his story and one that has been a little bit overlooked.

"We wanted people to see an interpretation of what it would have looked like.

"It helps create a mental map for observers and helps people understand how this lost building relates to the city they can see today.

"There will be discussion and debate about how close we have got to it, but it's probable that that's what it looked like.

"The great thing about the Franciscans is that, like the Roman army, they built everything the same.

"There are a number of other Franciscan churches that still exist. Though they are mostly ruinous, they give us a good clue for Greyfriars."

The church was destroyed during the Reformation in the reign of Henry VIII, who split England from the Catholic Church in Rome because it would not approve the annulment of his marriage to his first wife, Catherine of Aragon.

Across England, monasteries were closed, looted and demolished by the King's officers. In many cases, masonry was recycled and used for new buildings.

PhD student Asem al Bunni, 29, has recreated Greyfriars' nave, choir and steeple, using specialist software.

He said: "I hope people will be interested in the interpretation we have come up with. In part, it is based on an elevation in John Ashdown-Hill's book The Last Days of Richard III.

"When you see it among the buildings today, it is clear how large the church was.

"I really enjoyed doing it and there is more to do."

There are plans to digitally recreate other parts of the Greyfriars complex such as the Great Cloister, guest house, chapter house and the dormitories where the monks slept.

'Our best guess at Greyfriars'

↧

Leicester Tigers legend Johnson on Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham

May 17, 2013, 11:35 pm

≫ Next: Food firm denies halal burgers contained pork

≪ Previous: 'Our best guess at Greyfriars'

Leicester Tigers legend Martin Johnson is urging his former club to take nothing for granted against debutants Northampton Saints, with the nightmare of his final Twickenham run-out still fresh in his memory.

On paper, it would take a brave man to bet against Leicester Tigers from regaining the Premiership trophy they last held in 2010, as they head into their ninth-straight showpiece.

Standing in their way this time are fierce rivals Northampton, who are appearing in their first final having dispatched top-of-the-table Saracens 27-13 in the semi-final, inflicting a first defeat at Allianz Park on the London outfit in the process.

And it is this impressive display last time out, as well as the previous two final losses to Sarries and Harlequins, that means Johnson is adamant that Tigers can't just count on past experience later this month.

And former England captain and head coach Johnson knows only too well what he is talking about. His last game for Tigers came in the 2005 Premiership final loss to Wasps, a side they had beaten three times already that season.

"My last game was a final at Twickenham and we ended up getting heavily beaten by a team we had beaten three times that year, so anything can happen," said Johnson, who was speaking at the launch of the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle, an eight-mile ride past London's iconic landmarks that will see 50,000 people take to the capital's streets on August 3.

"When you are playing in a final, it is different from when you are going for the league. Saracens topped the league but lost a one-off game in the semis.

"But I think it is good that way because to win World Cups or Grand Slams you have to win those big one-off games.

"It is brutal at the end of a long year if you have won the league and then get beaten in one game – but that is the way it is.

"Quins last year turned up and played very well and deserved to win. You have to step up and win it and neither side will want to lose to the other in the final so it should be a cracking game.

"People often talk about the European Cup final where Northampton lost a big lead as an example of them not being used to final experiences, but I don't think that comes into it at all.

"You can look at it in two ways and say that they got to a European Cup final and not a lot of teams have even done that."

However, given the fact that Johnson racked up 166 appearances for Leicester, helping them win five Premiership titles and two Heineken Cups along the way, there are no surprises as to who he is supporting next Saturday.

"Leicester have been to Twickenham finals a lot," he said, "while Northampton have been to a lot of consecutive semi-finals," he added.

"Those two in a final at Twickenham, it's the first time that has happened in this competition so that is going to be fantastic for the area.

"I live right on the border and do run into the occasional Northampton fan. I think it will, hopefully, be a great final and I am hoping for a Leicester win."

Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle will take place on an in central London on Saturday, August 3. For more information please visit:

www.prudential ridelondon.co.uk

Leicester Tigers legend Johnson on Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham

↧

Food firm denies halal burgers contained pork

May 17, 2013, 11:35 pm

≫ Next: Mice droppings found at Leicester City's stadium

≪ Previous: Leicester Tigers legend Johnson on Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham

Food firm denies halal burgers contained pork

↧

Mice droppings found at Leicester City's stadium

May 17, 2013, 11:36 pm

≫ Next: Burglary victim offers £10,000 reward

≪ Previous: Food firm denies halal burgers contained pork

Mice droppings were found at the food kiosks and executive dining areas inside Leicester City's King Power stadium.

During one inspection by environmental health officers, a dead mouse was found in a store area and a mouse was seen running about in a food kiosk, Leicester magistrates were told.

Yesterday, Compass Contract Services (UK) Ltd, which runs catering at the stadium, was landed with a £16,000 bill after pleading guilty to three charges of contravening food hygiene regulations.

Prosecutor Nicki Agalamanyi told the court how 10 of the 16 food kiosks inside the ground had evidence of mouse activity during a routine inspection by Leicester City Council environmental health officers on March 3 last year.

Miss Agalamanyi said a pest control company employed by the football club to monitor the site had already made 52 visits to the ground between January 2011 and February last year. She said mouse activity was found on 35 of those visits to the stadium and various action plans were suggested.

Miss Agalamanyi said city environmental health officers then made eight inspections at the ground between March 3 and April 17. Despite action plans being drawn up and cleaning done, when officers visited on April 17 there was still lots of evidence of mouse activity.

She said: "There were dropping in the Great Hall, the Walkers Hall and there were droppings on napkins on shelves in the Weller Lounge.

"There was a dead mouse in a cooking oil filter in a ground storage area."

Birmingham-based Compass admitted not putting adequate procedures in place to control pests at the stadium.

The firm also pleaded guilty to not ensuring that the premises were adequately protected against pests.

The company admitted that food and materials stored in kiosks were not kept in appropriate conditions designed to protect them from contamination from pests.

Claire Morrissey, representing Compass, said there had been a breakdown in communication within the company and with Leicester City FC. She said: "This company is the largest provider of contract catering in the UK and Ireland and employs more than 50,000 people. There were policies in place to deal with these issues but they were not followed. The company apologises for this. A very limited risk was presented to the public. This is not the case where the whole stadium was overrun by mice."

She said more stringent daily checks had been put in place to try to prevent a repeat of the breaches.

Compass was fined £8,000 with £8,245 costs.

Chairman of the bench Tony Whitmore said: "The level of contamination was not as bad as it sounded but it affected a lot of outlets. I am concerned by the lack of activity by a large and experienced company. Management are there to manage."

A spokeswoman for Leicester City Council said: "Compass catering has co-operated fully with the council in our investigation into the incident and hygiene standards at the stadium have significantly improved since March 2012.

"On the last inspection in March 2013, the premises were awarded the top rating under the food hygiene rating of five, which is the highest mark available."

After the case, a Leicester City Football Club spokesman said: "We are aware of the situation that unfolded 14 months ago with our stadium catering contractors, Compass Group, and the steps that have been taken to rectify the issues arising, including a change of management in charge of stadium catering operations.

"We sought assurances that health and safety procedures would be thoroughly reviewed and, following the award of a five star health and safety rating from the environmental health officers earlier this year, are confident these matters have been resolved."

Mice droppings found at Leicester City's stadium

↧

Burglary victim offers £10,000 reward

May 18, 2013, 12:01 am

≫ Next: Health project is extended

≪ Previous: Mice droppings found at Leicester City's stadium

Burglary victim offers £10,000 reward

↧

Health project is extended

May 18, 2013, 12:30 am

≫ Next: 'Problems on industrial scale'

≪ Previous: Burglary victim offers £10,000 reward

More patients with serious lung conditions are to benefit from a scheme to help keep them out of hospital.

The Leicester City clinical commissioning group (CCG) is extending a "telehealth" project to a further 100 patients with lung disease, known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

A computer will be installed at their home and each morning the patient has to answer a number of questions about their breathing and general health as well as testing their blood pressure.

The answers are then sent electronically to a specialist respiratory nurse.

If there is concern about the results, the nurse will telephone or visit the patient to help prevent a chest infection or other complications developing.

Patients are also allocated a "health coach" to help them manage their condition.

Rachel Braithwaite, a specialist respiratory nurse working for the CCG and the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, which runs community and mental health services, said: "This scheme is really helping patients.

"Usually I would only get to see my patients once a fortnight. This system means I can pick up information on their health and wellbeing daily, so I'll know instantly if they are feeling a bit poorly and need me to pop in and give them a check-up."

A pilot project involving 50 patients is estimated to have saved about 50 emergency hospital admissions.

It also saved £100,000 which will be re-invested in schemes such as early detection of COPD.

Patient Claudia Gethin, of Braunstone, said: "Having the computer in my home means that every morning when I wake up I can go on the system and enter how I am feeling.

"I did used to go into hospital quite a bit with my lungs, but since having this in my home and the support I feel a lot happier.

"I know that if I start to get a chest infection, Rachel will see my results and pop round to check my chest. It gives me peace of mind."

Professor Azhar Farooqi, a city GP and chairman of the CCG, said: "We are delighted with the results from the first 50 patients and we have seen a real improvement in their quality of life.

"We have received fantastic feedback from the those using the equipment and, generally, most patients seem to be feeling a lot more confident about managing what can be a worrying condition, in their own home.

"Research shows if patients do suffer an episode of ill health they can recover faster at home. By expanding the project, we hope to keep even more patients out of hospital."

Health project is extended

↧

'Problems on industrial scale'

May 18, 2013, 12:30 am

≫ Next: New showroom refit for appliance retailer- DR Electrical

≪ Previous: Health project is extended

Villagers claim their community is going to be overwhelmed and roads brought to a standstill if plans for a giant industrial park are approved.

Paragon (Coalville) Ltd wants permission to build up to 10 warehouses and industrial units on fields to the east of Ellistown.

A planning application has been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council for the 90-acre site – occupied by Little Battleflat Farm, owned by co-applicant Jacqueline Lees.

It proposes 1,300,000 sq ft of manufacturing and industrial floorspace, to be accessed from Beveridge Lane, together with a community wood.

Opponents said it would swamp the villages of Ellistown and Battleflat, was unnecessary and would result in traffic gridlock.

Members of Ellistown and Battleflat Action Group handed in 226 letters to the council from people objecting to the development.

Group secretary and parish councillor Penny Wakefield said: "New industrial units are simply not needed, as proved by the fact that so many lie empty in the neighbouring Interlink and Bardon 22 industrial parks.

"We feel it is crazy to build yet more units when there are so many empty ones.

"If this is allowed to go ahead, it will also result in a huge increase in traffic and noise and decrease in air quality.

"A report states that there would be 800 car parking spaces and 300 for HGVs – but existing roads are not suitable for that amount of traffic, in villages already clogged up with traffic and lorries."

Ellistown resident Jim Walne, 30, said: "This giant industrial park will result in the loss of important agricultural land –it may not be top grade but is still useful for food production.

"It will also mean the loss of wildlife habitats, hedgerows and trees, which are much valued by residents."

Coun Wakefield also raised the question of village identity.

"This application is together with the approval of 800 homes to be built nearby and the possibility of a further 3,500 in the coming years," she said.

"Ellistown and neighbouring Hugglescote will become one huge urban sprawl."

Opponents also referred to the recent Ellistown and Battleflat Parish Plan, in which 91 per cent of respondents did not want any more employment land being allocated on green spaces in the area.

In a report supporting its application, Paragon said the development would create jobs and meet the desire of the Government to help reinvigorate British manufacturing.

It said: "This application is made in direct response to occupier demand, rather than as a speculative development.

"The intention is to provide new, quality employment premises which meet a specific demand not currently met by vacant or other available premises within Coalville."

'Problems on industrial scale'

↧

New showroom refit for appliance retailer- DR Electrical

May 18, 2013, 1:20 am

≫ Next: VIDEO: Firefighters tackle blaze at quarry in Croft

≪ Previous: 'Problems on industrial scale'

DR Electrical- One of Leicester's well established appliance specialist are in the process of re fitting their large showroom.

They are looking to bring things upto date with more of selection of large appliances such as Range cookers and side by side fridge-freezers. Sales manager Rob is looking to offer a retail experience that the modern consumer expects. He commented- "We need to give people a reason to come into our shop. In the past our showroom did not reflect our first class service. The showroom was over displayed and not well merchandised"
" We taking a leaf out of Apple- You do not need to display everything you sell, you need to give people space and also information on your product range using IT. We want develop sell "online instore concept".

It really will be the best of both worlds

↧

Latest Images