April 2019 - Coalville & Hugglescote Community Eye

COMMUNITY EYE Delivered Monthly, Free To 8000 Homes & Businesses

From Bags To Riches

Slimmers Go For Gold And Raise £900 Donating The Clothes They've Slimmed Out Of

The Huncote Hound Club

Lots Of Fun With Animals And Nature For The Under 16's

Discover Your Local Heritage

With The Festival Of Leicestershire & Rutland Archaeology Saturday 29th June - Sunday 28th July

A E VI IL S OB EW M N B| ST E TE | W LA NT I PR

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April 2019

New Radio Station Launched Carillon Wellbeing Radio

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Next Issue Out Deadline Date: 25th April Delivery Date: 18th May

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PHOTO: Club chairman Colin Readwin (left) presents the cheque to Graham Wightman

Car Club’s Donation To Air Ambulance Charity Article written by Andrew Goodman

The North Leicester MG Club recently made a donation of £1000 to the Air Ambulance Service. At their meeting in March, around fifty of the club’s members welcomed Graham Wightman, representing the two local air ambulance operations, as he gave a presentation and slideshow outlining the work of this vital service.

With one helicopter based at East Midlands Airport and another at Coventry Airport, the local air ambulance service covers Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire and Warwickshire. During February 2019, the two aircraft responded to 341 emergencies, with over half of these missions being flown from the Leicestershire base. Since the service began, over 37,000 call-outs have been undertaken from the two airports. Children’s Air Ambulance Service missions are also flown to transport criticallyill children between hospitals anywhere in the UK, as required. Around 300 such transfers have been carried out to date.

The air ambulance service does not receive any funding from central government, and relies totally on charitable donations, bequests and income from its fiftyseven charity shops to cover the annual budget of £27 million. A large portion of this is taken up by the £1,700 cost of each helicopter emergency callout, and the £2,800 cost of each Children’s Air Ambulance hospital transfer.

After answering questions about the air ambulance from the club members, Graham Wightman was presented with a cheque for £1000 by the North Leicester MG Club chairman, Colin Readwin. The club had raised the donation from the proceeds of their successful, nationally-advertised, 2018 Charnwood Caper Classic and Sports Car Run. A similar event will be taking place on 19th May this year, which will once again be supporting a local charity.

For information about the North Leicester MG Club and The Charnwood Caper Run, visit www.northleicester-mg.org.uk.

For information about the work of the Air Ambulance, visit www.theairambulanceservice.org.uk

Leicester Charity Worker Scoops Female Employee Of The Year Award Article written by Bethany Shakesby

The work of Leicester based charity, Hope Against Cancer, has been recognised once again after winning an award at the Enterprising Women Awards 2019 night.

These awards are held for women who go above and beyond to reach the goals of the company/organisation they work for.

The night was supported by the East Midlands Chamber, at the Derbyshire County Cricket Club. The short listers attended a gala dinner and the evening was hosted by Midlands ITV newsreader Sameena Ali-Khan.

The night was fittingly held on 8th March which was International Women’s Day. Hope Against Cancer’s Corporate & Events Fundraiser, Tracey Hallam was named ‘Female Employee of the Year’. After joining Hope in 2017 Tracey has made a huge impact by constantly raising the profile of the charity by managing and organising fundraising events which are fully supported by the Leicestershire community. The award winners were chosen from a shortlist of 35 finalists by the Chamber’s judging panel.

Nigel Rose, Chief Executive at Hope Against Cancer has said that: “Tracey’s award is so well deserved. She’s so passionate about what she does and always goes above and beyond for Hope. We’re very proud to have her on the team.”

During the night Tracey also found out that she is a finalist at the ‘Women Who’ Awards in the ‘Women Who Achieve for a Charity’ category. This was announced at the ‘Women Who Achieve’ Network night at Coombe Abbey Hotel, which is where the winner will be announced at the Awards Lunch on Friday 7th June 2019.

Tracey said: “I am overwhelmed and honoured to not only win this award, but to also be shortlisted as a finalist for another on the same night. Everything that we do at Hope is to ensure that those affected by cancer have access to better treatments through our research."

Adding to this Tracey explained: “The fundraising we do and the donations we receive all go towards funding vital cancer research right here in Leicester. Our aim is to find improved treatments with the goal of increasing survival rates for cancer patients.”

If you want to know more about the work that this local charity does, or how you can help fundraise, then this information can be accessed at: http://hopeagainstcancer.org.uk

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Protecting Your Family’s Inheritance

Article written by Klara Hesling

PHOTO: Horse of Charlie, courtesy of Carla Jane Photography

Whitwick & District U3A

Article written by Sue Calcutt If you are retired and are looking for activities which are both engaging and sociable then the U3A may have the answer as the numerous Interest Groups cater for most tastes. With more daylight and milder weather, there is no better time to share hobbies and interests with like-minded companions all committed to self-help. Groups Leaders and others will be on hand at the General Meeting to answer any questions and pass on information about the opportunities available.

To find out more about Whitwick and District U3A, come along to St. David’s Church Hall, Broom Leys, Coalville LE67 4RL at 1.45pm for a 2.00pm start. Everyone is welcome as the U3A is a non-political and non-religious organisation. Full details of Whitwick and District U3A are also available from the comprehensive website; search online for www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

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Wenlo Riding For The Disabled Association (RDA) Group Is On The Lookout For A Very Special Horse Article written by Claire Maden

The group, which is based at Meadow School of Riding in Normantonon-Soar, offers children and adults with physical and/or learning disabilities and mental health issues an opportunity to ride and look after horses. At the moment a lack of suitable horses means that the group is limited in the riding opportunities we can offer to some of our older riders.

Wenlo already owns one horse of its own - Charlie, a 15.1hh skewbald cob, who is an experienced RDA horse and is able to carry our heavier disabled riders. We closely monitor the weight of rider that Charlie is allowed to carry, and the amount of work that he does during a day. The RDA also enforces strict limits on the weights that horses doing RDA work are allowed to carry, in the interest of horse welfare.

Having only one horse available for some of our teenagers and adults to ride has meant that we have been unable to offer some of our riders the opportunity take part in our activities as regularly as they would like - and hardworking Charlie desperately needs to share his workload! It has also meant that we have been unable to offer all of our riders the chance to take part in RDA competitions.

We have been fortunate enough to secure a grant from Wooden Spoon - the children's charity of rugby - to help us cover the cost of buying an additional horse that our teenagers can ride, but unfortunately finding the perfect horse for our purposes has not been easy. We have viewed many horses and even found two that seemed perfect for us - but one turned out to have been misrepresented by the seller, and another failed a veterinary inspection, which made them both too risky to take on as RDA horses.

Do you know of a horse that may suit our purposes?

We are ideally looking for a 16-16.2hh weight-carrying cob. A laidback and calm temperament is a must! As we need a horse that has had a good basic education and plenty of experience of the world, we would only be able to consider horses over 8 years of age. Although we don't have an upper age limit in mind, we do need a horse that is fit and healthy enough to work reliably every day, and is able to turn its hoof to the entire range of RDA activities from simple walk sessions to dressage, endurance and even jumping.

Meadow School of Riding, where the horse is to be kept, is also home to Ashmount and Ruddington RDA so the new horse would benefit riders from all three groups.

For further information please contact Wenlo RDA Group on 07860 245675.

Most people hope that their estate will pass on to their children and grandchildren eventually. But this will not happen for many, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay for care home fees. The solution to help protect your estate is a Will incorporating a Property Protection Trust (PPT). A testamentary PPT can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of the first partner, their Will specifies that their share of the property is placed into trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren of the deceased.

The surviving partner, under the terms of the Trust, has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property for the rest of their life. On the death of the second partner the Trust comes to an end and the property passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased's share of the property it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the children's inheritance is protected. This last point can be of particular interest to couples who have come together and have children from different partners. A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensure that their children inherit their share of the property, while giving their surviving partner the ability to live in the property for the rest of their life. If the surviving partner wants to move to another property they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

Kornerstone Legal services will assess your current circumstances and arrange the trust that will provide the best protection for you, your family and your assets.

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The Heart of England Chorus Article written by Patrick Hunt

What a great response from our mixed “ Everyone in Harmony “ course that started last October, some 40 people came along on the first evening, and to date 18 have fully signed up with our newly formed mixed chorus.

We even took our newest members to their first “ Singout “ at the Loros Christmas Concert in December which gave them a taste of performance in front of a large and appreciative audience This coming May we will be attending the annual Barbershop Convention in Bournemouth, competing as a mixed chorus for the first time.

The inclusion of Ladies into what was a male chorus adds a new and exciting dynamic to our sound and should any other Ladies (and men) wish to join us then just come along, Monday evenings 7-30 Birstall Social Club.

A Chesterfield Doctor Has Helped Hundreds Of People In India Have Access To Vital Eye Services Article written by Mishank Jain

Kantilal Jain, who is a consultant ophthalmologist at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, travelled to Rajasthan, India, where he and a team helped around 400 people over two days as part of charity work.

The people they helped do not have easy access to eye services and were in need of cataract operations or glasses. Mr Jain, who is also a medical director at Lumivision Eye Clinic, said: “I was really, really proud and I am going to go again next year.” People were able to have their eyes examined for free and Mr Jain said he saw around 120 people by himself. Of the 400 people who attended, around 50 were listed as needing a cataract operation and 200 needed glasses. Many of the people they helped were aged 50 and above. A Chesterfield Royal Hospital spokesperson said: “We are lucky to have some terrific surgeons, consultants and healthcare professionals. We are immensely proud of Kantilal and his like-minded colleagues for everything they do at the Royal and, as ambassadors for the hospital, they are a credit to their profession.” And a Lumivision spokesperson said: “We are particularly proud to see our surgeon Mr Jain leading the way in delivering his ophthalmic expertise to help the less fortunate.”

ADAPT SPRING FAIR TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PREMATURE & POORLY BABY CHARITY Sunday 19th May 2019 Thurmaston Memorial Hall Melton Road, Thurmaston 1.00pm — 2.30pm BOO

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Markfield & Thornton Theatre Group's Spring Production: 'Caught In The Net'

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Don’t miss it! Tickets, (priced at 5.00, with no concessions) can be ordered from our Bookings officer Anne on 01530 469714. On our MTTG Facebook page and from any Group member. They are also on sale at Thornton’s Stepin Convenience Store at the corner of Church Lane, Thornton.

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Lumivision Eye Clinic is a dedicated Eye Treatment Centre which offers bespoke care and treatment for all eye related conditions including Cataracts and Laser Eye Surgery.

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'Stripey Honey…

Is Very Yummy!’

Family Theatre At Coalville Library!

Article written by Emma Smith Family theatre is on its way to Coalville Library!

Plant Treats For Garden Lovers At The 1620’S House & Garden Article written by Janet

Spring is in the air and it’s time to get out in the garden and get planning and planting for the year ahead and where better to get inspiration than at the fabulous Plant Hunters’ Fairs at Donington Le Heath 1620’s House and Garden on Saturday 4th May. Over the last 5 years this Plant Hunters’ Fair has become firmly established in the gardener’s calendar as the place to go to get something different and special for your garden.

The plant fair has a brilliant line up of top nurseries from across the country who will come loaded with a brilliant mix of plants and specialities to delight plant lovers of every level of experience with a wide range of perennials, shrubs, rare species and old heritage varieties. The nursery folk will be more than happy to give you the benefit of their experience in how to plant and care for the plants you buy so you can get the best from them.

Entry to the plant fair and gardens is just £1.00 with the entrance fee going directly for the benefit of the house and garden. The Old Barn Tea Room will be open and serving refreshments. Entry to the Manor House is optional at normal rates. The plant fair runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday 4th May. For full details of nurseries attending please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk

Friend Pulls Out All The Stops For STEPS! Article written by Janet Russell

Imogen Grosvenor is a regular attender at the Steps Centre in Shepshed where she delights everyone with her gorgeous smile and giggly personality.

Imogen’s mum, Julia, has been taking her daughter to the specialist charity since she was six months old. Imogen is almost four now and participates in the sessions on a weekly basis.

A family friend, Mark Winkless, heard about the wonderful work which is carried out at Steps and has seen at first hand the benefits this has brought to Imogen’s development.

Mark decided that he would like to help Steps and is donating the results of his sponsored Brighton Marathon race to help the Leicestershire charity.

Steps provides a free service for children with motor disorders such as cerebral palsy and Downs syndrome. The centre also supports the parents, siblings and carers of the child attending, helping them to develop the confidence to continue using the activities at home which are taught as part of the Conductive Education programme which is the cornerstone of Steps.

Julia said, “The work which is done at Steps is second to none and it doesn’t stop at the centre. The staff are truly inspiring and always help in any way that they can, including with off-site activities such as swimming lessons, speech and language sessions, with Makaton signing, with the loan of equipment and with any challenging paperwork which comes our way!”

Imogen’s mum went on to say that the staff act as counsellors for the parents and are always on hand to help and support.

Julia told us that Imogen is really thriving! She described her daughter as being confident, funny, outgoing and caring, describing how she met her milestones far quicker than was expected, adding, “I really believe that this was achieved through the intervention of Steps.”

The manager at Steps, Janet Russell described the centre as being a place where little miracles happen every day. Janet said, “The team that works here, from practitioners to admin staff are extraordinarily dedicated to giving the best possible service to the very special children and families who take part in the weekly sessions. We make no charge for our service and raise most of the £250,000 which are the annual running costs, ourselves. All donations, large or small, are most gratefully received.”

Julia concluded by saying, “Steps relies solely on donations to be able to run their centre and 100% of all money raised is spent on the children and the facilities for them. I am appealing to everyone to help Mark and our family to raise as much money as possible by donating to the Just Giving page. Without this centre and its wonderful staff I really don’t know what we would have done.”

Donating through Just Giving is simple, speedy and secure. Go to the website and search for Julia Grosvenor Brighton Marathon 2019.

To discover more about Steps go to www.stepscentre.org.uk

Join us on Thursday 18th April at 3pm for a touching and funny story of how tigers, bees and honey collectors learn to live and play together.

Adventure into the Sunderbans, the land between India and Bangladesh, the home of the Royal Bengal Tigers and Honey Bees, as Mashi takes you on a playful journey into the jungle to discover how the tigers and honey bees struggle for survival.

Mashi brings a new play to young audiences of adventure and fun with music by awardwinning composer Arun Ghosh, song, dance and puppetry, exploring the lives of some of our most precious but endangered species, who unite to save their homes.

This performance is suitable for adventurers aged 5+ and their families and will last for 50 minutes.

Tickets for the show cost £5 or £15 for a family of four and must be pre-booked as spaces are limited.

For more details or to book tickets contact the library on: 0116 3053565 or email: coalvillelibrary@leics.gov.uk Book now to avoid disappointment!

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GOT AN ARTICLE TO SEND US? We are always on the lookout for local news.

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Coalville & Hugglescote Community Clubs & Groups 1188 (Coalville) Squadron http://1188sqnatc.co.uk Forest Road, Coalville 4th Coalville Scout Group Steve Farmer 07887808800 4thcoalville@gmail.com Alternative Book Club Coalville Helena Lomax helenalomax@btconnect.com Ashby & Coalville Lions Club Lynda 07735407637 Bardon Hill Juniors Football Club 07983134033 www.facebook.com/Bardon-HillJuniors-FC-301998146531045 Bardon Hill Sports Club Answer Service 01530 815569 Broom Leys Chinese Wand & Tai Chi Club Les & Sue 01530 836941 Broom Leys Choral Society Whitwick Methodist Church, Hall Lane Christ Church London Road, Coalville Coalville & District Photographic Society www.sites.google.com/site/ coalvilleanddistrictcameraclub Coalville Army Cadets ACF Hut, Waterworks Road, Coalville

Coalville Gymnastics Club 01530 811001 coalville.gymnastics@talktalkbusiness. net Coalville Heritage Society 01530 833521 coalville.heritage@gmail.com www.coalville-heritage.info Coalville Male Voice Choir www.coalvillemvc.co.uk Coalville OAP & Friends Fishing Club Phil Bancroft 07505462898 Coalville Ramblers Robert 07510512446 publicity@coalvilleramblers.org.uk www.ramblers.org.uk/coalville

01530 811215 Hugglescote & Donington-le-Heath Heritage Society hugglescotedoningtonheritage@gmail. com www.facebook.com/HADLHHS

07772224552 casdg.info@gmail.com The Ex-military Girls Group Lou Miller 01530 811041 exmilitarygirls@gmail.com

Marlborough Square Methodist Church Elspeth Myles 07788235573 elspethmyles@aol.com

The Inner Wheel Club Of Coalville Janice jpq26@hotmail.com

Musical Theatre School (MTS) - Steph 07969688215 musicaltheatreschl@gmail.com www.musicaltheatreschl.co.uk

The Rotary Club Of Coalville David Beaumont davidbeaumont57@hotmail.com

North West Leicestershire Model Engineers 07922692076

Whitwick Branch Of The Royal British Legion Lou Miller 01530 811041 louiseamiller62@gmail.com

Coalville Rugby Club 01530 812090

Oddfellows Friendly Society Group David 01530 224492 davgill097@gmail.com

Coalville Swimming Club www.coalvillesc.gov.uk

Old 'N' Bold Club 01530 814718

Coalville Town Football Club www.coalvilletownfc.co.uk

Riglers & Gigglers Toddlers Group Claire 01530 413963 07535890801

Coalville Town Hockey Club Matt Howells 07980449524 Coleorton & New Lount Volunteer Group John Macdonald 01530 223456 077670294818 http://cnlvg.weebly.com Hermitage Harriers RC

Scotlands Bowling Club Sue 01530 810026 Steve 01530 224128 Table Tennis Sue 01530 587919 The Coalville Adult School Drama Group

Whitwick & District U3A Richard Collier 01530 249377 mem_sec@whitwicku3a.org.uk Whitwick Methodist Church Drop In Cafe Deacon Barbara Crockett 07881408488 Whitwick Netball Club Contact Abby Chambers via Facebook Page Whitwick Retired People Fellowship Mrs B King 01530 835981

Heart Of England Chorus Present 'Our Show Is Just An Excuse For The Afterglow' Article written by Patrick Hunt

What a concert to look forward to, with the European champion quartet headlining, the kids from this years production of “ Oliver “ and “ the Heart of England “ our new mixed chorus.

Tickets can be bought online www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/our-show-is-just-an-excuse-for-the-afterglowtickets-55016504847 on the door or from jansbolt@btinternet.com There is plenty of free parking available at the CO-OP car park opposite the Social Club, so come along and have a great evening’s entertainment on Saturday 27th April.

We look forward to seeing you!

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association Article written by Graham Burton

May events the 14th of May the association members meet at RollsRoyce Leisure Moor Lane Derby at 1:00pm.On the 15th of May members are going to visit the Morgan car factory & a garden centre the coach will leave at 8:30am.

Keep Your Poll Card Safe - North West Leicestershire Voters North West Leicestershire is taking part in a voter I.D. pilot to help tackle election fraud.

The pilot scheme - which requires voters to bring their poll cards with them when they vote in the North West Leicestershire local elections on 2 May 2019 - is one of a number taking place across the country this year.

The results of the pilots will help the Government learn the best methods of preventing election fraud in the UK. Other local areas are piloting different identification methods, including Derby, North Kesteven and Broxtowe.

For all other areas voting is done as normal, with no identification required.

Keep your poll card safe!

Poll cards are delivered to registered voters in North West Leicestershire between

22nd March and 1st April.

If you want to vote in the district and parish or town council elections - keep your poll card and take it with you to the polling station.

Other identification Whilst the easiest way to identify you is your poll card, other forms of I.D. - including passports and driving licences - will also be accepted at polling stations.

A full list of accepted identification can be found at www.nwleics.gov.uk/voterID Register to vote If you have not received a poll card by 1 April it might mean you are not registered to vote.

The deadline for voter registration is Friday 12 April.

Visit www.yourvotematters. co.uk to register.

Lost your poll card?

If you lose your poll card, you can request a replacement by calling 01530 454512 up to 9pm on polling day.

Bev Smith, Returning Officer for North West Leicestershire District Council, said: “North West Leicestershire is taking part in a Voter I.D. pilot to help Government learn the best methods of preventing election fraud in the UK." “It is really important that everyone knows about the need to bring their polling card to vote in the election on 2 May." “Everyone has received a leaflet about voter I.D. with

their council tax bill, and bin tags reminding people not to throw away their polling cards are in the process of being attached to wheelie bins of households throughout North West Leicestershire. We’re also pushing out messages on social media and in local newspapers and magazines."

“If you know anyone who might not have heard this message – please pass it on."

“The message is clear - keep your poll card safe and take it with you on the day of the local elections. If anyone has any questions or concerns, our elections team is available to help.”

LIVE IN NORTH WEST LEICESTERSHIRE?

BRING YOUR

POLL CARD TO VOTE ON 2 MAY 2019 If you have not received your poll card by 1 April please contact the Elections Office immediately where we can check your registration and provide a replacement poll card if necessary.

Everyone voting at a North West Leicestershire polling station at this year’s local elections will need to bring a form of ID

YOUR POLL CARD IS THE BEST WAY TO IDENTIFY YOU – KEEP IT SAFE FOR THE VOTE ON 2 MAY Poll cards will be delivered to homes in the district between 22 March and 1 April.*

* If you have not received your poll card by 1 April - please contact us. We can check your registration and provide a poll card if necessary.

If you lose your poll card or for more information: Visit www.nwleics.gov.uk/voterID Email electreg@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Call 01530 454512

12

Friends Of The Charnwood Forest Article written by Dr D McNeil

The talk at our meeting on the 18th of this month was given by Mr P Tyldesley, Director of the Bradgate Trust, on the subject of ‘Colourful Characters of the Bradgate Park’. Certainly some of their names were equally colourful. For example, in the reign of Edward the Confessor the land was owned by a Mr Ulf. Later it was owned in turn by the Beaumont family, the de Quincys, de Ferrers and lastly the Greys –

Discover Your Local Heritage With The Festival Of Leicestershire And Rutland Archaeology Article written by Kathy Elkin

Saturday 29th June – Sunday 28th July, 2019

rather a let-down namewise, it would seem, but they stayed for 500 years. In 1928 the Park went up for sale and bought by Charles Bennion, who gave it to the people of Leicestershire.

The first mention of a deer park dates form 1241, when it was much smaller than it is now. Over the years bits of land were added and other bits taken away – usually to pay for debts incurred by the family.

This summer, help celebrate the rich and fascinating heritage of our two counties. Explore the archaeology of your local area, watch experts at work and experience the excitement of archaeology with have-a-go events.

Cropston reservoir occupies one of the latter ‘bits’. About the time it

On Saturday 29th June the Leicestershire and Rutland Festival of Archaeology – the UK’s biggest archaeology festival – begins; and with over 80 events planned over four weeks, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than before.

the son of Elizabeth Woodville who was one of those powerful women

The Festival has something for everyone, with family friendly activities at museums, guided walks of our counties’ historic sites, talks by experts, displays and exhibitions, and chances to get your hands dirty with a bit of excavation.

Whether it’s a visit to the excavations at Bradgate Park to find out more about the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey; or a tour of the Glenfield Tunnel, one of the earliest steam railway tunnels in the world; or a chance to build your own Roman Leicester in Minecraft, there are all sorts of fantastic and unique opportunities to explore thousands of years of secrets hidden beneath your feet.

passed to the people the council had added more land, and as well an agreement was reached with the trustees of Bradgate Wood to bring that under the Bradgate Trust as well. The house was the ambition of ultimately of the royal household. It was her grandson who finally finished the project in about 1520. It was occupied until 1732 when the new owner prefered one of his other houses.

The Grey family were one of those moderately successful families of their age. They seemed to be politically adaptable, changing sides several times during the Civil War, though not always at the right time.

They were good at having their lands confiscated, then restored to them. They slowly accumulated titles, often it seems by marriage, and they were good at not producing heirs. This latter strength meant that often distant relatives occupied Bradgate in the absence of an heir, and did result in 1732 when the relative preferred his current dwelling to

This year the festival in Leicestershire and Rutland runs for four weeks from Saturday 29th June to Sunday 28th July, and includes the Council for British Archaeology’s nationwide Festival of Archaeology (13th – 28th July).

Bradgate House.

The Festival brings together local archaeological organisations to showcase all that is great about our local archaeological heritage.

Peter Liddle, Festival convenor, commented: “We are extremely pleased with this year’s programme. There is something for all the family, from children’s craft events at museums around the county to serious lectures.

We are particularly proud of the guided walks programme that grows every year, giving people the chance to explore sites with a local expert who can explain its unique history.”

limbo. This was thanks to Henry VIII declaring children of his previous

From May, Festival leaflets will be widely available from your local museum, library or tourist information centre (and many other places across Leicestershire and Rutland).

who had a bit of a gambling problem; he took up owning race horses,

The outstanding name, of course, is Lady Jane, the ‘9-days queen’, though for four days before she was proclaimed the country was in marriages illegitimate. Nobody knew where they stood when he shoffled off. Mary stepped in and order was restored. At this moment the Greys demonstrated their political versitility which resulted in yet another family talent – having their heads chopped off.

The last Grey of note seems to have been George Harry (1828-1883), and even had a race track around Old John tower. He actually lived in Field Head House, and when he died he left it to his widow to restore

The programme will also be accessible to downloaded online at https://leicsfieldworkers.co.uk/festival-of-archaeology

the family fortunes.

To find out more about what is going on elsewhere during the nationwide Festival, visit https://festival.archaeologyuk.org

The ‘Friends’ meet in the Woodhouse Eaves village hall at 7.30 p.m. once a month as well as organising visits in the summer.

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The Huncote Hound Club – Lots Of Fun With Animals And Nature For The Under-16s Article written by Jane Walters

At Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid (L.A.A.), Forest Road, Huncote Activity Mornings for the Under-16s Here at Leicester and Leicestershire Animal Aid (L.A.A.), we are passionate about promoting animal welfare and a love of nature, and we believe that by educating youngsters we can create our Ambassadors of the future.

Our Huncote Hound Club is a special club for animal-lovers aged 16 and under. Members receive a very interesting Quarterly Newsletter packed full of information including updates on our furry residents, fun competitions and tips on how to care for animals and the environment.

Take a look at the photos to see how much fun we have! It costs just £8 for a full year’s membership.

New members also receive a metal badge and a certificate.

One of the highlights for members is the opportunity to attend ‘Activity Mornings’ at the Centre (Elmwood Farm, Forest Road, Huncote), which are held four times a year. The youngsters find out how to look after animals, nature and the environment whilst having lots of fun and, more often than not, making an enjoyable (and educational) mess! The next activity is planned for June.

Some of the many and varied activities have included making pinecone bird feeders, baking doggy muffins and biscuits, bug-hunting and turning nature detectives. We also have a tour around the Centre and usually get to meet the residents.

You can join our Club online at www.leicesteranimalaid.org.uk or call us on 01455 888 257, or for general information, email: info@ leicesteranimalaid.org.uk Huncote new Community Garden and Totem Pole Thanks to the support and generosity of Mars Petcare UK we have created a Community Garden on our site which will be opened soon, during spring. One of the features is a carved Totem Pole and the sculptor, who generously donated it to us, asked the Huncote Hound members if they would draw animals and birds that she could include in her design.

At the March activity morning for the Huncote Hound Club, the children and young people were excited to see their designs carved into the totem pole and got to work painting their creations. The youngsters are looking forward to making full use of the garden at their next meeting in June including pond-dipping, looking for insects, discovering who has made their home in the ‘bug hotel’ and bird-watching - seeing the different types of feathered-friends visiting the newly planted garden.

All very exciting and all in the fresh air.

New Radio Station Launched Carillon Wellbeing Radio Article written by Dr Terri Eynon

A new radio station was officially launched on Tuesday 19th March.

Carillon Wellbeing Radio, licensed to broadcast on 1476AM and online at www.carillonradio.com is the new community radio station for Health and Social Care in Leicestershire.

Carillon Wellbeing takes Hospital Radio into the 21st Century, out of the wards and into people’s homes and NHS premises. Cheerful music from six decades of sound is mixed with quick tips to keep you well and happy.

Supporters from Leicestershire County Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, Coalville Town Football Club, West Leicestershire CCG and many other stakeholders came to celebrate the launch of this new volunteer-led community initiative.

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Based in studios in Coalville town centre and at Loughborough Hospital, Carillon Wellbeing broadcasts 24/7 with a wide range of locally created programmes. Listen in for Solid Gold 60s, Motown Memories, Supersonic 70s, 80s Unplanned as well as Poetry for Wellbeing.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

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The Huncote Hound Club is just £8 a year and the money helps to sponsor a cat pod and also a dog kennel at the Centre.

15

16

Experience A Genuine English Country

Fair - Visit St James’ The Greater, OaksIn-Charnwood, Country Fair Article written by Joe Stanley

Spring Bank Holiday Monday 27th May If you’re in need of some entertainment for the whole family this spring bank holiday weekend, why not come along to the Oaks in Charnwood Country Fair on Monday 27th May at St James’ the Greater on the Oaks Road, in the heart of the idyllic Charnwood Forest?

There has been an annual event for the benefit of this magnificent church since the 1940s when garden parties were held on the vicarage lawn, attended by anyone who was anybody in the local community. This small and gentle affair has, over the decades, grown and expanded as it has become more popular with people from all over the area, and is now sited in the large field opposite the Oaks in Charnwood Tennis club.

The popularity of the Oaks Country Fair continues to grow year on year, and its dedicated volunteers are always thrilled to welcome thousands of people through the gates every May. There’s plenty to see and do for all ages, including arts & craft stalls, vintage car & tractor displays, the church raffle, quad bike & fairground rides, face painting, archery, a maze, and country games such as skittles. There are always plenty of local businesses represented, and it’s a great opportunity to see what services are available in your area. Also visit the local history group tent, and discover the story of the Charnwood Forest.

One of the highlights is always the Flower Festival in St James’ church itself, which was consecrated on the day of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and subsequently acquired a number of lances used that day in the Duke of Wellington’s victory, which are mounted inside. The floral decorations are created by the volunteers of the church, and are a spectacular centerpiece to the quiet, contemplative atmosphere inside – take a few minutes to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – before the demonstration of St James’ bell ringers!

A range of refreshments will be available throughout the day, including BBQ & hog roast, ice-cream, donuts, and of course the classic country fair cake stall, while a selection of live music will be heard. In addition, the ever popular Dog Show will be making a return (get your bookings in), this year presented by the doggy charity Apollos Angels; do you have the handsomest dog? Best puppy? Most adorable fancy dress?

Come and find out for certain!

Entry to the St James’ the Greater, Oaks in Charnwood, Country Fair is only £3 for adults, and free for under 16s with free parking available on site. The fair runs from 10:00-16:30, but why not make a weekend of it?

Campers are welcome from Sunday 26th for a small charge of only £5.

For all inquiries find us on Facebook at ‘Oaks in Charnwood Country Fair’, or contact oakscountyfair@shepshedandoaks.co.uk

From Bags To Riches… Slimmers Go For Gold And Raise £900 Donating The Clothes They’ve Slimmed Out Of Article written by Sharon Dawson

So confident they’ll never need their larger sizes again, slimmers across North West Leicestershire have raised £900 by donating the clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of to Cancer Research UK. The Coalville, Whitwick and Thringstone Slimming World groups collected bags of clothes, shoes, homeware and accessories as part of the Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw.

The bags will be donated to local Cancer Research UK shops as part of the national fundraising campaign, which this year goes ‘gold’ as Slimming World celebrates its 50th birthday year. As part of the Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw, anyone who finds a special golden bag is in with a chance to win a VIP shopping and makeover experience.

The Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw aims to raise awareness of how keeping a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer. Each of the filled bags is worth around £25 to the charity, and this year’s campaign is aiming to beat the total raised in 2018 – an incredible £3million in just two weeks. Since 2012 the partnership has generated more than £12million worth of stock.

As well as fundraising, the partnership between Slimming World and Cancer Research UK aims to raise awareness of the links between obesity and cancer. Since 2012 the partnership has generated more than £12million.

Sharon, who runs the Coalville and Whitwick Slimming World groups, is delighted to have raised so much money for charity. She says: “Seeing members donate their too-big clothes is just the cherry on top for me as a Consultant. What I find so special is seeing members transform before my eyes as they lose weight. Many go from shy, apprehensive individuals who join with their confidence at rock bottom. They don’t believe they could ever lose the weight they dream of losing. When I look them in the eye and tell them they absolutely can be the size they want to be – whatever that is – and that I truly believe in them, things start to change."

“At group members learn to remove feelings of guilt around food, and instead feel empowered by all the Free Food they can enjoy on Slimming World’s healthy eating plan Food Optimising. Through Food Optimising, they learn to change the way they think about food by making changes to the way they shop, cook and eat, and they lose weight without ever feeling like they have to restrict a thing or go hungry."

“Members also make friends in group, they celebrate success together and they are there for one another through the more challenging times too. As the weight drops off and the energy levels soar, many of them become more active too – walking, swimming, playing with the kids… there really is no stopping them! They shed the shackles of their former selves – including the clothes they’ll never fit in again too."

“So many people don’t know how much of a difference losing weight can make to health – including reducing the risk of developing a range of problems including some types of cancer. Hopefully this campaign and our efforts for charity will help inspire more people in North West Leicester to improve their health and change their lives by losing weight too. I’m so proud of my members and their efforts. They really do put their heart into everything they do. Whether it’s their weight loss, supporting each other each week or raising money for charity... they continually blow me away!”

Anyone who would like to find out more about Slimming World or the Big Golden Slimming World Clothes Throw is invited to get in touch with Sharon on 07855 250017 or visit any of the local groups.

17

ired be inspwith Slimming World MONDAY 5.30pm and 7.30pm WHITWICK Hall Lane Methodist Church Near Tressall Road Tel Sharon 07855 250017 *open Bank Holiday Mondays* *NEW GROUP TIME* TUESDAY 6:30pm WHITWICK Hall Lane Methodist Church Near Tressall Road Tel Jacqueline 07731 613788 THURSDAY 5.30pm and 7.15pm COALVILLE Coalville Adult School Bridge Street LE67 3PW Tel Sharon 07855 250017 Parking near Co-op SATURDAY 8.30am THRINGSTONE Charles Booth Centre Tel Carrie 07875 739979

slimmingworld.co.uk 0344 897 8000

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County Cllr Michael Wyatt M: 07773 341531 E: mikewyatt1@hotmail.co.uk

Detailed Plan For 360 New Homes In Hugglescote Is Approved Article written by North West Leicestershire District Council

North West Leicestershire has made a stride towards meeting its housing need after an application for 360 new homes in Hugglescote was approved.

Outline planning permission for the scheme was already approved in December 2014 with members of North West Leicestershire District Council’s (NWLDC) Planning Committee granting reserved (detailed) matters – which looked at the finer details of the scheme on Tuesday 12th March.

The site on land off Grange Road sits within the limits to development shown in the adopted Local Plan and forms part of the wider south east Coalville development. This part of South East Coalville has been earmarked as a large area for up to 3,860 new homes in the future as housing need grows.

The reserved matters application included:

Beware - Offensive Signs Local residents have contacted Cllr Michael Wyatt after several offensive signs have appeared in the area.

Local councillor Michael Wyatt has spoken to the Police and reported the signs which are classed as hate crime.

If anyone notices any in their local area then please either ring the Police or contact the District Council so they can arrange for them to be immediately removed.

Cllr Michael Wyatt said, “Any offensive signs must be removed as soon as possible. We cannot and will not tolerate such behaviour within our local community. I have spoken to the Police and contacted the Chief Executive of the District Council asking for immediate action. Hopefully this is a one off and no further incidents like this will happen again.”

• A small area of land reserved for a possible extension to Hugglescote doctor’s surgery

• Areas of large public open space • Two children’s play areas • Various other areas of smaller public spaces and green infrastructure.

Financial contributions towards healthcare, education and a new primary school in the South East Coalville area, and highway maintenance and improvements were secured at the outline planning stage in 2014. The outline approval also states the development must include a minimum of 7.5 per cent affordable housing.

Councillor Nigel Smith, Chairman of Planning Committee at NWLDC, said: “With the outline plan already approved in 2014, the committee agreed that the details submitted in this reserved matters application met with the Local Plan we have adopted since."

“This land has been long been earmarked for housing and as the need for new homes grows, this is a sensible application for the North West Leicestershire."

“Ensuring there are suitable contributions towards green spaces, education, health and other social needs was very important to us and we’re pleased these have already been secured from the developer.”

Also at Tuesday night’s planning committee, an application to change the building use of the Halfway house in Belvoir Road, Coalville, was approved.

Cllr Michael Wyatt Has Asked The Council’s Coalville Special Expense Committee To Back A Proposal To Help Brighten Up Our Town Cllr Wyatt spoke at the committee about Coalville in Bloom after many residents and local businesses have indicated they would support the idea of more flowerbeds and hanging baskets for the area.

Cllr Wyatt said, “Coalville in Bloom in 2020 would be a brilliant way to brighten up our town, and it would be a great opportunity to get local businesses and local residents involved in a scheme that could help to make our town cleaner and greener for everyone. I just hope the council’s officers, who at times are somewhat negative at any thought of doing something new will embrace the idea instead of coming up with reasons why it cannot be done. Having Coalville in bloom in 2020 is achievable, and a step in the right direction to help brighten up our town which desperately needs to shake off its grubby appearance which most people associate our town.”

Permission was granted to create a mixed use building for a restaurant and a bed and breakfast. The proposed development includes a new two-storey rear and side extension. Committee members added conditions that will insist the landowner maintains the access road to a suitable standard so that residents that use it to access their properties are not inconvenienced.

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County Cllr Dr Terri Eynon T: 01530 832622 E: terri.eynon@leics.gov.uk

The state of Coalville Last month ward Councillor John Legrys and I were at two 6-hour drop-in events in the town centre. Officers from the ‘Choose Coalville’ regeneration project were there to answer questions and clear up some misunderstandings. We all agree that Coalville could do with a makeover. From people who live in the town, you hear comments like Coalville has ‘too many nail-bars’, or it ‘needs a bowling alley’ or that ‘the precinct should lower the rents’ so shops can afford to trade there.

You and I may or may not agree with these suggestions, but it doesn’t matter either way. These are all matters for private businesses. So is the sorry state of the Mitchell Grieve site and the failure to develop the land by the Ford Garage. Your Council cannot tell private businesses what to do. We can’t make them set up in the town. We have to have a jolly good and legal reason to shut any of them down.

Only promise what you can deliver Some less scrupulous candidates in the forthcoming election are already promising a multi-screen cinema. I wish some of them had read this poster, written by officers not politicians, on the wall at the Choose Coalville event. Of a cinema, it said ‘We’d love this too and are trying to encourage investment of this sort in the town. These types of businesses are all privately owned and the ultimate decision of whether or not to come to Coalville lies with them.’ A bit like putting a nesting box up in your garden, you can make space in the town for businesses to fly into and hopefully settle. You can’t drag them here by sheer force of will. I don’t think politicians should promise things beyond their power deliver as it only upsets people, but that doesn’t seem to stop some of them doing it.

Get out more There are things that the Council can do to help. I am pleased to see at least one new café owner staying open late to take advantage of our free parking after 3pm. As a result, the place is buzzing with young people in the evenings enjoying milk-shake, coffee and luscious cakes. Moving the council-run market to the Litten Tree will create a big space in the town centre suitable for a leisure provider to occupy, but big entertainment providers need to believe there will be enough customers for them in Coalville. The more people pack out the existing venues, such as the volunteer-run, Council-owned Century Theatre, the more likely it is that our town will be seen as a place where people like to go out and have fun.

Make democracy work for you If you fail to understand how democracy works you can end up believing that democracy is a failure. Deep down we would probably all like to live in a world where Big Daddy Council Leader clicks his fingers and makes nice things happen for us. But we are not children and this country is not a dictatorship. With freedom comes responsibility and the chance to make difficult choices.

If you want to understand what the next set of Councillors can and can’t make happen in Coalville, have a look at the posters on www.choosecoalville.co.uk

Local Company Eliminates Plastic Packaging Article written by Gemma Patel

The T Bird Gifts, based in Whitwick, is a local company keen to do their bit for the planet by helping to tackle the plastic pollution crisis.

In 2016, a global population of more than 7 billion people produced over 320 million tons of plastic and this is set to double by 2034. Every day, approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find their way into our oceans.

The T Bird is a supplier of personalised gifts; everything from mugs, clothing and cushions, to cuddly toys and engraved wooden gifts. This means that they get through a lot of packaging each day, from the items arriving from suppliers and in sending the personalised gifts out.

Having previously used plastic mailing bags, The T Bird looked for a plastic-free alternative and found a solution, thanks to Lil Packaging!

All items will now be sent out in a range of card packaging that is made from 100% recycled post-consumer waste paperboard, which is printed with eco-friendly vegetable/water based inks, so it is 100% recyclable.

The business owner, Emma Clarke said “As a family, we are going plastic-free wherever possible and we felt that it was important to do the same in the business. Whilst we can’t always control the amount of plastic that we get from our suppliers, we can regulate what we send out to our customers, which is why we have invested in 100% recyclable, 100% biodegradable & 100% sustainable packaging. If we all do our little bit for the planet, it will hopefully start to make a difference.”

The T Bird has the facilities at their premises to recycle card, plastic & paper and anything they can’t recycle at work, the team take home for recycling! They are also creating Eco Bricks with the plastics they have no control over, for example the packaging their mugs are delivered in from their supplier. The team are also saving anything non-breakable but unsellable to fill a suitcase to send with a friend to Rwanda in October.

To support a local business, visit www.thetbird.co.uk to see their range of personalised gifts that you can receive in eco-friendly packaging. Or to cut out packaging altogether, you can drop into their premises on Church Lane in Whitwick to collect your items!

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MP Andrew Bridgen

M: 01530 417736 E: andrew.bridgen.mp@parliament.uk I have had some feedback on the points I mentioned about the District Council last month. As stated, the District Council have frozen their element of the Council Tax, that’s not the whole of the Council Tax as it is also made up of County Council, Fire, Police and Parish Council precepts. However because of the way the Conservative administration has managed the District Council, the freeze in Council Tax has saved the average local tax payer £280.

The prospect of a cinema being built in Coalville is also closer than ever before and whilst I appreciate their will be some scepticism given the false dawns of the past, what is different now is that over a thousand

Calling All Knitters - Keep Those Knitting Needles Clicking For The Big Knit!

Article written by Peter Ralphs

new homes are being built in the District each year and with the area

The Big Knit campaign continues through 2019 and Age UK Leicester

having one of the fastest economic growth rates in the Country, We

Shire & Rutland is calling on Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to

are a far more attractive prospect for the leisure industry to invest in

keep knitting or join in for the first time!

and I firmly believe that the Council can get this over the line. You only have to look at the investment going into our Leisure Centre’s with a big upgrade to Hood Park and a £20million brand new Leisure centre for Coalville. This is a District which people want to live in and business wants to invest in and for our children and future generations, we need to make sure that is the way it stays.

Whether a knitting ninja, purling pro, crochet connoisseur or just keen to have a go it’s time to get wild about wool and join the Big Knit.

Now in its 15th year, the campaign needs to recruit more knitters to help create an impressive 1.6 million hats to adorn innocent smoothie bottles. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, Age UK receives 25p, and that money helps the Charity support older people who are facing later life alone.

Tony Donovan, Executive Director of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland said: “We need local people to join us and help knit as many miniature hats as possible to help us hit our huge 80,000 local target by July 2019.

It’s such a fun campaign to get behind and it does so much to help older people in our area. The money raised will make a big difference to the lives of older people by funding our hugely important services and classes. These services, which include Day Care, dementia support, Men in Sheds and befriending amongst so many others, give local older people the chance to come along and make friends, learn new skills and most importantly have fun.”

Last year alone, more than one million hats were lovingly created

Monetary Prizes - Card bingo

Bring your own buffet and drinks to share

nationally, with designs including the hugely popular unicorn, grizzly bear, fluffy sheep and desert island.

For more information on The Big Knit contact Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland on 0116 2992233 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/leics/get-

WHEN

WHERE

Saturday 8 June 2019 Doors open - 7pm

Thornton Community Centre 175 Main St Thornton LE67 1AH

th

involved/fundraising/the-big-knit/. Please send completed hats to Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland at Lansdowne House, 113 Princess Road East, Leicester LE1 7LA or hand them in at any of our 24 shops or Resource Centres.

Tickets - £5 per person. Maximum number per team = 6.

(Teams can be arranged on the night – pre booking essential)

Contact Gill Tapping – 07719 882144 – gilltevents@aol.com www.thorntonvillage.org

This year’s hat knitting patterns are available to download - to find out more visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/bigknit or pop into any of our addresses to request a leaflet.

23

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