April 2023 Your Local Ratby, Kirby Muxloe & Leicester Forest East

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Kirby Muxloe Bowls Club

Article by Dave Cooper

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The game of bowls has been around for a long time but seen to be a “sport for older people”. Whilst that is generally the case amongst most bowling clubs it is beginning to catch on with the younger generations as maybe a sport with more about it than meets the eye. Whilst bowls can be a very competitive sport it is also considered to be a very sociable sport.

There are two different types of bowling for outdoors. Flat Green and Crown green. In Kirby Muxloe, and for that matter most of the midlands, we only consider Flat Green bowls.

In reality, Bowls is quite a simple game, with obvious rules when you think about it. All the action takes place on a finely managed green lawn known, unsurprisingly, as The Green, unless you watch the internationals on TV when it’s a blue mat. A standard square bowling green is lawn, 34-40m long and is divided into six playing areas called rinks with a ditch at either end.

Bowls come in varying sizes determined by hand size, style of grip etc. and three different weights (light, medium and heavy). The size and weight affect the line (direction) and distance travelled. Four bowls make a set. They were originally made from lignum vitae, a dense wood giving rise to the term "woods", but are now more typically made of a hard plastic composite material. Originally only available coloured black or brown they are now available in a variety of colours.

bowling in 1975. Over the years the building was extended by the club members finally in the 1980’s becoming the clubhouse as it is today. A kit shed and machine shed were added later for the mowers and various pieces of equipment needed to maintain the green.

Apart from changing rooms the club has a large function room, bar and kitchen facilities and has an excellent social side usually holding one main social event each month such as Bingo and quiz nights, whist afternoons, Race Nights, Cabaret evenings, BBQs etc. The club room, bar and kitchen are available for hire and is regularly used by the local chess club and Kirby Ostomy Support Group.

The club has a full fixture list throughout the outdoor bowling season (early April to the end of September) covering friendly matches (home and away), league matches, club and county competitions. Club night is usually held on Wednesday evenings for coaching or friendly practice sessions (better known as a roll-up) and hots dogs are usually available afterwards.

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The aim of the game is simple. “Get your bowls as close as possible to a smaller white ball called the 'jack' without going off the rink”. It might sound easy, but the fact that the bowls do not travel in a straight line adds to the tactical challenge. Bowls are manufactured with bias making them follow a curved route as they travel towards the jack. The bowler stands on a mat to deliver the bowls and the jack must be at least 23M from the mat. Each member of the team takes turn to deliver / bowl either 2, 3 or 4 woods depending on the game being played. Each game is played over a fixed number of ends and the score is kept, the winning team being the one with the highest score of shots (i.e., bowls nearest to the jack).

Kirby Muxloe Bowls Club became a reality when a group of local people got together in the mid 1970’s and with help from the Parish Council established a Bowling Club on land donated to the village for the building of the Village Hall and is leased from them. The green was laid and, with the early clubhouse being nothing more than a large shed, was opened to

For those wanting to have a go at bowling the club can provide coaching and the loan of bowls from a stock of sets of bowls covering most sizes. The only thing we will insist on is appropriate footwear in order to avoid damage to the green.

Dress code has relaxed somewhat over the years with clubs moving away from traditional whites, blazers and ties etc. to club sports shirts, grey trousers or shorts.

What happens when the outdoor season has finished? Well, we bowl indoors. There are several indoor clubs (Leicester, Enderby, Barwell) providing great indoor bowling facilities.

The season starts in April so, if you are interested in taking up the sport of bowls or are at least interested in finding out more about the club at Kirby Muxloe then why not contact:

Sue Hartnoll Club Coach on: 0116 239 3479

Dave Cooper Club President 2023

Web site: www.kirbymuxloebowls.club

BOWLING for Beginners and Experienced Bowlers

Ever thought about taking up Bowls? It is well worth thinking about and For those who are not aware: There is a well - established Bowls Club in Kirby Muxloe.

Why Not Come And Visit ‘Mountain Ash’, A Beautiful 2 Acre Garden In Newtown Linford, On Saturday 13th And Sunday 14th May, And Help Us Celebrate Ten Years Of Supporting The National Garden Scheme

Article by Mike & Liz Newcombe

Please spare some time this mid-May weekend to stroll round the garden at ‘Mountain Ash’ and help raise money for the National Garden Scheme’s nursing charities.

Mike & Liz Newcombe’s ‘Mountain Ash’ garden, which is situated halfway along Ulverscroft Lane between Newtown Linford and Ulverscroft, will be open to the public both on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May from 11.00am to 5.00pm.

This beautiful 2-acre garden has excellent views across a wide area of Charnwood countryside. Near the house are patios, a water feature, flower and shrub beds, a fruit cage, fruit trees, greenhouses and vegetable plots. Lawns slope down to a large wildlife pond with a waterfall, a gravel garden and three small areas of woodland with pleasant walks through many species of trees. The lower two thirds of the garden have been created since 2004, with over 200 conifers and deciduous trees planted. There are several places to sit and relax around the garden. Adding further interest, for all ages, there are also about 50 garden ornaments and statues around the garden.

There will be some stalls to browse and tea & cakes to be enjoyed.

Admission for adults is £6.00, children are free and dogs on leads are welcome. Pre-booking is not required and tickets will be available online on the NGS website or can be bought at the gate.

There is a toilet available with exterior access from the garden. The full address is :- ‘Mountain Ash’, 140 Ulverscroft Lane, Newtown Linford, LE6 0AJ. Parking is on the lane.

For further details and some photographs of the garden, see the NGS website – www.ngs.org.uk – (put Mountain Ash into the garden finder)

Protecting Your Family Inheritance

Article by Klara Dixon

Our frontline staff follow Government guidelines for visiting you in your home and they are fully vaccinated. LevLaw Ltd remains here for you.

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 particular interest to couples who have come together and have children with different partners.

A PPT can help each person in a relationship ensuring 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 to be used to purchase a new property, the terms of the Trust remain over the new property.

The Village Writers

Article by David Schonveld

The VILLAGE WRITERS group is looking for one or two new writers.

At the moment we meet via Zoom twice a month.1st & 3rd Wednesdays@7pm. (Members are sent a link)

You don't have to have any standard of writing. Anyone who writes, enjoys writing, or

who wants to get better at it is eligible. We read the writing we've done as homework & get helpful, creative 'feedback' from our friendly others.

The Writers'WORKSHOP group is also looking for one or two members. It's an in-person group, and focusses directly on the many techniques of writing. (eg.description, dialogue, short story,memoir etc) All writing is done at the meeting.

Find out more about either group: text or email David: 07552107461 or aschons98@ gmail com

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

Article by Graham Burton

The 19th April members are going on a day trip to Bath. The coaches leave at 8:30am from Rolls-Royce Leisure. May events on the 2nd our walk & talk group will do a walk round Ticknall. The 9th May members meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure also it will be our AGM. Any new members will be made welcome to this event & to see how the Association works. On the 11th May members are going on a day trip to Harrogate & Ripon markets. Call Anthony Norton 01332 703996 Email anthonynorton@outlook.com. Email: Graham Askew hazelburton44@gmail.com

Ratby Co-operative Brass Band

News From The Bandroom

Article by Steve Plant

Registered Charity No. 1011147

Wow what a memorable day for the Ratby Organisation! Sunday 26th February saw the Mid and Senior Bands competing in the 2023 Midlands Regional Championships. The competition took place in the Core Theatre, The Cube, Corby.

Bradgate Sewing Circle

Article by Glenise Bowyer

Bradgate Sewing Circle consists of a group of Ladies who meet at The Rothley Centre each Tuesday from 9.30am to 11.30am to sew, knit, cross stitch, embroider and socialise over a cup of coffee and biscuits.

Formed some 36 years ago we were predominantly a quilting group but numbers have dwindled over the past three years due to Covid and we would welcome new members to come along and bring their crafts. We are a friendly group and you will find us willing to help each other with their work.

We are holding an OPEN MORNING on Tuesday 16th May 2023 from 10am to 12 noon at the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley LE7 7PR and invite you to come along and join us for a coffee or tea and see what we do.

Both bands had been working extremely hard in the lead up to the competition and the hard work certainly paid off. The Mid Band, Conductor Andrew Mackereth, competed in a field of 15 bands and were awarded seventh prize.

As for the Senior Band, they were awarded second prize and invited to perform at the Nationals Finals to be held at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 21st October!. Huge credit must go the Artistic Director Mareika Gray for her direction and Ian Porthouse, professional conductor on the day. (Ian has been travelling up from Wales to Ratby for rehearsals). This will be the third consecutive appearance for the band.

Leicester Forest East Parish Council

Article by Holly Mann

LiFE Magazine

Leicester Forest East residents should look out for the latest edition of LFE Magazine which is due to be delivered to you mid-May 2023.

The Kirby And LFE Local Christian Aid Team

Article by Gillian Wisdish

Fancy Something Different

Braunstone Civic Centre will be holding a barn dance on Saturday 18th March. This is a fundraising event for the band so put your dancing shoes on and come along for what is bound to be an enjoyable evening.

Ratby Co-operative Day Time Band

The Ratby Day Time Band celebrated its First Birthday rehearsal on Wednesday 8th February at the Ratby bandroom, led by Conductor Ian Bartram. The trustees of the organisation recognised the benefits for meeting up and doing what bandsmen do well and that’s play together. The community spirit was to the forefront as players travel from far and wide. They are performing at a concert in Ratby Church on Wednesday 22nd March at 12.30pm. Free admission to include a cup of tea, soup and a roll with a retiring collection for the Church and Band.

Crescendos and Tooters

Not to be outdone the trustees also recognise the niche of several young, and some not so young, players in the Crescendo Band, led by Becky Moss working hard in preparation for summer concerts. The Tooters Group, led by Sheila Allen, are a talented group of youngsters playing challenging music tailored to assist with their personal development.

200 Club Winners

2023 Prize No. Name

January £50 100 Martin Robinson

February £50 95 Karl Ramplin

Forthcoming Concerts and Events

Saturday 22nd April

Sunday 23rd April

Mid Band concert at Kirby Muxloe Free Church 7.30pm

Senior Band St George’s Day concert at Ratby Church 3pm

For Tickets or further information please contact Sheralyn Newman on 0116 2386954

Christian Aid week this year runs from the 14th to 21st May. There will be a fundraising Tea Party on Friday 19th May at St Bartholomews Church Hall, Main Street, Kirby Muxloe from 2.30 pm 'til 4.30 pm. All are very welcome. There will be no charge for cake and drinks but there will be collection boxes and envelopes for you to kindly donate to the vital work of Christian Aid. We look forward to seeing you there.'

Ratby Village Hall In Main Street

Article by Elaine Sharp

The hall is run by a small committee and is self supporting. The building was erected in the 1950's and used for various purposes over the years.

At present we offer the hall for hire to a number of groups, including a Dance Academy for children, exercise classes and an art group. We class these as our "regulars".

Children’s parties are also popular. Ratby Rascals is a group for younger children and takes place on Monday mornings.

Our Evergreen Club (open to seniors) is also popular. Arranging day trips and short break holidays, pick up points in the village is a real plus.

Bingo is played twice a week and of course they often celebrate birthdays and other special occasions.

Another popular event is our Thursday morning "Drop In" and has been running for over 20 years. The "Drop In" is open to everyone. Coffee, tea is £1 and a warm welcome is extended to everyone.

For more information please contact Elaine Sharp Tel 0116 2387193

RATBY UNDER SIEGE PLANNING IN CHAOS

Over the last 4 years, Hinckley’s Liberal Democrats have continually dumped their unwanted housing developments on Ratby and other rural areas. They have passed 350 houses off Markfield Road without any new infrastructure. Ozzy and Chris working with members of our community have fought to save the Burroughs from Development, but despite having successfully fought off Cawrey’s ambitions for 159 houses off Markfield Road, when it was refused by the Borough, refused by a planning Inspector, refused by a High Court Judge at judicial review. He ruled that this area of countryside needed to be protected for its own sake, this was then overruled by the Liberal Democrats.

When Cawrey reapplied two years ago for 90 houses Chris and Ozzy together with Christine a local resident all spoke against it, with Ozzy highlighting the previous rulings of the Planning Inspector and the High Court to the Lib Dem controlled planning committee all three were shocked, when one of the Liberals looked across and said it makes no difference. The Liberals then passed Cawrey’s application because they are protecting areas they represent from development and dumping houses on the rest of the Borough. Recently, the Liberals have passed a further 75 on the same site now owned by Lagan homes ignoring solid planning objections put forward by Ozzy and Chris and local residents. Lagan Homes is determined to build across the

Ozzy O’Shea

Highly respected Local Borough Councillor Ozzy O’Shea has been selected as one of the two Conservative Borough Council candidates for the Ratby, Bagworth and Thornton ward in May’s elections.

Ozzy, and his late wife Jenny, made their home in Ratby 35 years ago, where they became happily settled and brought up their 4 children.

Ozzy took a keen interest in his children’s education becoming a very active PTA chairman and a school governor a position he held for 29 years before stepping down in 2014 to concentrate on his Council work.

Ozzy has always been very active in the community serving as a Parish Councillor in Ratby for the last 26 years and in May 2007, Ozzy was honoured to be elected to serve as your Borough Councillor with his Colleague Chris Boothby. They have become a formidable team working closely together to resolve issues that residents face and to improve the community they serve.

Ozzy’s dedication to the local community has gained him a well-earned reputation as someone who is always ready to listen, takes time to understand people’s concerns and then takes immediate

PRIORITIES

Our priorities are your Priorities because it is OUR community and local issues affect us all! We shall continue to be available 7 days a week 365 days in a year to address you concerns. We both live within the ward.

Ozzy and Chris over the past 4 years have fully supported the following applications for grant funding from the Borough Council for community projects across Ratby.

Burroughs. We are determined to stop any more speculative development on the Burroughs but are concerned with the Liberal Democrats unfair allocation policy. We both successfully fought and had the Burroughs taken out of the emerging new Local plan for development.

The worry is that the Liberals are already two years behind with their crucial Local Plan which should guide development, their planning department is in chaos, unable to retain staff and are having to try and recruit expensive temporary agency staff with little or no knowledge of the area. The Liberals have recently announced they are now having to defer the Local Plan for a further two more years leaving our highly sought after rural communities at the mercy of the ambitions of developers.

Lib Dems Nationally have called for a target of 380,000 new homes to be built a year – That’s 80,000 more than the government’s target. Enough is Enough Hinckley Deserves a change of power.

action to deal with issues.

Ozzy has high standards and principals and in 2018 and 2022 he refused to take an increase in his Councillor’s allowance as workers were not receiving wage rises.

Having served as a policeman for over 30 years, Ozzy is fully aware of the difficulties facing the police. He has actively promoted initiatives to reduce antisocial behaviour and deal with under-age drinking in the area.

Ozzy Says “It has been a privilege to serve the community as your Borough Councillor for the past 16 years. I believe the skills that I have gained as a police officer combined with my experience as a Parish, County and Borough Councillor, together with my passion for helping people make me an ideal candidate to continue to represent Ratby, Bagworth and Thornton as your representative on the Borough Council.”

Re-electing Ozzy will ensure a strong voice for Ratby, Bagworth and Thornton in a Conservative led Borough Council and he says, "It is great to be given the opportunity to represent my home area once again and I promise to ensure the interests of local people remain my first priority."

Parish and Community initiative Funding Ratby

Projects that we have supported over the past 4 years.

2022-2023

• New Planter – Ratby Parish Council (Ratby)

• Outline: The installation of a new planter to celebrate the platinum jubilee. £224.

• Wildflower soil-bund – Ratby Parish Council (Ratby)

• Outline: To replace the existing knee rail fence and plant a wildflower soilbund to improve and protect a community open space. £1,140.

2020/2021

• Church Improvements – St Philip and St James Church (Ratby)

• Outline: Building works including stonework repairs, repointing, gutter repairs, roof slating repairs and new glazing to windows. £12,000

New Medical Centre, Ratby

We are both so pleased with the progress of the new Medical Centre and treatment rooms off Desford Lane. The Medical Centre will have a private dentist and a surgical suite for minor ops and day case procedures, so that patients will not have to travel to hospitals for some same day procedures. They will also have an independent physiotherapist. Mason’s chemist will also move to the medical centre this is such a positive for the village. We are both so pleased to have supported this through the planning stages.

Ozzy meets the Police and Crime Commissioner

Ozzy knows, only too well as an experienced long serving retired police officer how, Anti-Social Behaviour affects people. Ozzy works very closely with the police beat team to tackle issues raised with him in the community. Chris and Ozzy work as a team and Ozzy takes the lead with community safety. Both Ozzy and Chris were made aware of continuing ASB issues in Bagworth Ozzy met with residents. A similar problem had developed in Ratby with

Chris Boothby

I am Chris Boothby and am standing in the Borough Elections to represent the ward of Ratby , Bagworth and Thornton on May 4th 2023.

I have been a Borough Councillor for this ward since May 2003 and continue work hard for Communities and take pride in helping local residents with local issues.

In the last 20 years, I have been

• Cabinet Member for Rural Issues Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety Lead Member for Planning for the Conservative Group HBBC

trials motor cycles and e-scooters.

Ozzy contacted the beat team and had a meeting with them and they put a strategy in place to deal with these issues. Ozzy also arranged for Rupert Matthews the Police and Crime Commissioner to attend a regular Thursday Morning drop-in session in the Ratby village hall. He was able to discuss first hand local issues in the ward and also discuss the issues in Bagworth and Ratby. Rupert also spoke with residents.

My greatest achievement was starting the Community Response Team that helped local residents over 5 villages in the Northern Parishes on March 16th 2020 just before lockdown.

Along with other volunteers, we were able to deliver food, prescriptions and personal hygiene goods to hundreds of residents.

I ask for your support and vote on May 4th to continue working for you and the Community.

Thank you.

Ratby Library Community Group

Article by Joan Burton

Charity Commission Number 1164252

How will you be spending the Coronation Bank Holiday?

The library has joined forces with the parish church and Ratby Co-operative Band to produce a program of events starting with a live screening of the coronation on Saturday 6th May, a band event of open-air music at the Ratby band room from 12-2pm on Sunday 7th and finally, the Library's village litter pick on Monday 8th May as part of the national Big Help Out. More details of all three events can be found at the different venues.

Geary's Craft Bakeries and Ratby's own Meg-aCakes very kindly sponsored our first Ratby Bakeoff! Children and adults were invited to produce their masterpieces for the chance of winning Master Baker title. Cooked at home and brought into the library for judging we had an absolutely brilliant selection of cakes and biscuits. You'll agree the quantity and quality of the entries were superb. Congratulations to all the different category winners.

Did you buy our Easter Raffle Winning Ticket?

The Easter hamper consisted of goodies donated entirely by the library volunteer staff and was won by 'Janet', the Miss Wippy knitted figure was won by our volunteer Lynne who was present to collect her prize.

New event: Murder Mystery Evening. Saturday 29th April. Scary!

Bingo and quiz nights are occasions for a laugh and a bit of competition. Come along with friends or alone – we're a welcoming bunch. Other regular and very popular events are Monday Evening Craft Club, Yoga with Clara on Tuesday morning,Wriggly Readers on Thursday morning followed by games session on Friday mornings. Scrabblers and Cribbers unite! Look in the library for details as to times etc.

In last month’s article we featured the work of our amazing volunteers. As a result we have welcomed one new recruit, Jax, who is already a confident trained volunteer. We have had other enquiries; please add you name if you think you too could offer a friendly welcome to village visitors. The library is also supported by local firms and individuals who have donated 'one-off' sums to help us stay open. Such donations are tremendously appreciated and go a long way to keep us running. Thank you again.

Grants are another way of supporting the work of the library as a community hub. We have received grants from Asda and H&BCC this year which have helped us to maintain the fabric of the library and provide a warm space with free soup and rolls every Friday morning for several months. Be on the lookout in Tesco's for our bid to win cash via the local community charity box where shoppers drop a plastic token into a box out of a choice of three. We believe this will take place in the Beaumont Leys store soon. Our grant will go towards providing children's gardening and nature activities in our outdoor space. So please, if you want a crop, let your token drop!

Ratby Community Managed Library AGM

Our AGM will take place on Wednesday 26th April in the library. 7pm Start. All Ratby residents are welcome to attend.

Following an unfortunate event when two shelves of crockery avalanched to the floor we WERE short of small white milk jugs. Now we have a supply to last a library life time. Thank you to all who responded to my appeal!

Opening Hours:

Monday 10am – 12.30 & 2pm – 4.30pm

Tuesday 2pm – 4.30pm

Wednesday 2pm – 5pm

Thursday 2pm – 4.30pm

Friday 10.am – 1pm & 2pm - 4.30pm

Saturday 10am – 12.30

Please look out for regular updates on social media and posters around the village.

Bradgate Rotary News –Supporting The Community

Across The Bradgate Area

Article by Alan Rockey

“Sweet Caroline” was being sung as the closing song at the 5th Wellbeing Event organised by Bradgate Rotary Club.

As the line “good times never seemed so good” hands were waving to sumup such a lovely Easter Celebration Event, held at the Adventure Centre, Ulverscroft Manor, curtesy of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation.

Bradgate Rotary News – Supporting the community across the Bradgate area

A Queen Is Crowned: The Story Of How Ratby Celebrated The Coronation In

1953

Article by Sue Boud

“Sweet Caroline” was being sung as the closing song at the 5 th Wellbeing Event organised by Bradgate Rotary Club.

The afternoon was free to anyone from the Bradgate area (Groby, Glenfield, Ratby, Markfield, Newtown Linford and Anstey areas). The purpose of these afternoons is to help the many vulnerable adults and people sheltering to enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment and activity to help combat loneliness. This was quite clearly achieved!

As the line “good times never seemed so good” hands were waving to sum-up such a lovely Easter Celebration Event, held at the Adventure Centre, Ulverscroft Manor, curtesy of the Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation.

The afternoon was free to anyone from the Bradgate area (Groby, Glenfield, Ratby, Markfield, Newtown Linford and Anstey areas) The purpose of these afternoons is to help the many vulnerable adults and people sheltering to enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment and activity to help combat loneliness. This was quite clearly achieved!

Local singers and acoustic guitar players, John Montague and Steve Convey completed two sets with songs from artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. In between the sessions the ever-popular Co-op prize bingo and Fun Quiz kept everyone entertained. During the interval tea, coffee and massive slices of gateaux were served. A free entry to the Easter Raffle resulted in lots of Easter Eggs being handed over to very willing recipients.

Over the centuries a Coronation has brought with it a need for people to take part in local celebrations for the forthcoming event. Following the death of King George V1 in 1952 the people of Ratby set about preparations for their own local celebration of the Coronation of our late Queen Elizabeth 2nd in June 1953.

The article reported that Ratby Primary school headmaster Mr Ballard and his team had been busy. They were proposing to give a souvenir to all children between the ages of 4 and 16 followed by a tea and entertainment which he said would cost approximately £100.

A report in the Evening Mail a couple of weeks later informs us that Councillor Freeman’s house to house was completed, and his volunteers had collected the magnificent sum of £50 (which in modern day equivalent is in the order of £1400).

Local singers and acoustic guitar players, John Montague and Steve Convey completed two sets with songs from artists from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. In between the sessions the everpopular Co-op prize bingo and Fun Quiz kept everyone entertained. During the interval tea, coffee and massive slices of gateaux were served. A free entry to the Easter Raffle resulted in lots of Easter Eggs being handed over to very willing recipients.

A further Wellbeing Event is also planned for Thursday 8 th June in Glenfield with local very talented singer, Sarah Clarke, and will again be open to anyone throughout the Bradgate villages. Again, thanks Leicestershire County Council funding, and support from Bradgate Rotary, this will be a free event, but booking is essential as places are very limited.

A further Wellbeing Event is also planned for Thursday 8th June in Glenfield with local very talented singer, Sarah Clarke, and will again be open to anyone throughout the Bradgate villages. Again, thanks Leicestershire County Council funding, and support from Bradgate Rotary, this will be a free event, but booking is essential as places are very limited.

To book a place for the afternoon please call or text Bradgate Rotary on 07851 796798. Pictures: John & Steve, Bingo, Easter Wellbeing, Hands, Group.

Making a difference in your community – new members are welcome!

To book a place for the afternoon please call or text Bradgate Rotary on 07851 796798.

Pictures: John & Steve, Bingo, Easter Wellbeing, Hands, Group.

We are a Breakfast Club that take a keen interest in the community, the environment, and local causes. Visit a Bradgate Rotary breakfast meeting to see what can achieve with some help We have a mixture of Zoom online meetings as well as face-to-face, in Groby, Anstey and Glenfield Contact us at bradgaterotary@gmail.com or 07817 523518 and we’ll be in touch.

Making a difference in your community – new members are welcome! We are a Breakfast Club that take a keen interest in the community, the environment, and local causes. Visit a Bradgate Rotary breakfast meeting to see what can achieve with some help. We have a mixture of Zoom online meetings as well as face-to-face, in Groby, Anstey and Glenfield. Contact us at bradgaterotary@gmail.com or 07817 523518 and we’ll be in touch.

Ratby Cinema Club For Senior Citizens

Venue Ratby Parish Church - Church Lane LE6 0JE

Film starts at 2pm - Doors open 1-15pm

19th May - 9th June - 7th July - 18th August

15th September - 13th October

10th November - 8th December

Refreshments available after the film

There is no formal cost for admission however we do hold a small raffle and all donations go towards our holiday at home week for senior citizens.

Due to our licencing restrictions, we are only allowed to advertise the film title in the church building.

For more information, please contact Joan Hawkins Tel: 07545909868

This is the story of how Ratby planned for the forth coming event. As with any National event the initiative has always been the responsibility of the County and local councils And so it was in Ratby when a call went out from Mr A H Barton, the then Chairman of the Ratby Parish Council to the various village interest groups to attend a meeting to discuss plans for the coming event. For the story of how this happened, we have used Archive material from the Newspapers of the day. We were fortunate to be able to work from digitised material in the British Library collections.

Copies of several editions of the Leicester Evening Mail exist to help tell our Ratby story. Work began in November 1952 and we are informed in an article by the Leicester Evening Mail on Nov 8th of a Parish meeting. In attendance were representatives of the Parish and Methodist Churches, and the Village School.

A further group given the task of fund raising was to be led by our District Councillor, Mr Henry Freeman. He stated that plans were already afoot to carry out a house to house collection to raise all the money needed by voluntary effort for the forthcoming events.

The members of the Woman’s institute took responsibility for events for the elderly. When the article was written they had not yet finalised their plans for the treat they planned. (If their efforts were similar to the WI’s contribution to the Queens Silver Jubilee, our senior citizens would have had a splendid time.)

The next group to outline their plans were the Churches. There would be a combined celebration on Coronation Day at the Parish Church, during which the choirs of the Parish and Methodist Church would sing an anthem during the service.

By the spring of 1953 celebrations had moved on a pace. On May the fourth the Leicester Evening Mail headline: ‘May Festival fun at Ratby’ recorded that it was a great success. The event was held on the cricket field. Besides the usual activities such as egg and spoon and sack races, there were several events with a rural flavour. Mr Hubert Sutton was the winner of a live pig in the Long Alley skittles competition. Mr Lester Green we are told won the sheaf tossing competition and Miss J Poyner correctly guessed the weight of a sheep.

In the main arena there was a demonstration by the County Fire Brigade, the Leicestershire Police and the Sea Cadets. The children of Ratby Primary school gave a display of Maypole dancing. Ratby Prize Silver Band provided the music.

The highlight of the day was the crowning of the Coronation Queen, 15 year old Miss Brenda James of Markfield Lane Ratby. She was accompanied by her four attendants: Thelma Barton, Margaret Foley, Christine Green, and Margaret Johnson.

The final event reported by the Evening Mail was a trip to London to walk along the Coronation route. It was sponsored by Mr Lawson Moore, Manager of the Ratby Wolsey Factory which once stood on Stamford Street. On Saturday 31st of May the train left Ratby Station carrying we are told 400 Ratby residents. The train then joined the Leicester line at Desford on route to London.

(We are not sure if the reference to 400 passengers was an editorial error. If true, Lawson Moore’s trip was an act of extreme generosity for this once in life time event.)

We would love to hear your memories of these events. Do you still have your school souvenir or recollect what this might have been? Do you have any photographs of events?

Michael Ball and Sue Boud. (Ratby Local History research group) sueboud@hotmail.com

MIDLANDS LARGEST DISPLAY OF FIRES, STOVES AND FIREPLACES

Warm up your living area with a beautiful fireplace or wood burning stove. Over 50 years experience and a full installation service on hand to guarantee your project runs smoothly.

The Ravel 800 High Efficiency gas fire features the latest in under-log burner technology and is sure to impress with it’s stunning fuel bed layout. The unique burner system allows the fire to be turned to low whilst still retaining an impressive flame picture. Shown here in the Asti Limestone surround.

Great Central Railway Welcomes

New General Manager

Article by Michael Stokes

Malcolm Holmes brings 30 years voluntary career plus transport and management experience.

The Great Central Railways new general manager Malcolm Holmes has taken up his role at the award winning Leicestershire heritage line. Malcolm brings a wealth of transport management and local government experience to the job and has been an active volunteer at the line for almost thirty years.

Malcolm said “I am delighted to be making a formal start at the railway. I’m looking forward to working with the talented team and driving forward our development. Heritage railways face increasing challenges, not least running safely and maintaining ageing infrastructure and equipment. We need to ensure a new generation of supporters get on board and help raise funds to expand and thrive in the twenty first century. I am really excited by the work ahead.”

Richard Patching, Chairman of the Great Central Railway PLCs board of directors said, “Malcolm is a great fit with our organisation which relies on a mix of paid employees and volunteers. He understands the nuts and bolts of operation and combines that with a good strategic vision. We celebrate fifty years of running heritage trains this year and Malcolm will move us into the next fifty.”

Leicester Transport Heritage Trust - Dennis 'n Friends Children’s Storybook – Dennis’s Big Night Out

A delightfully illustrated children’s storybook by Trust member Emily Whitlam, featuring the Trust’s popular Dennis ‘N Friends characters.

Dennis goes on a big adventure, revisiting Leicester City Centre to see how the streets have changed since he was in service!

All proceeds go to the Trust. Book costs £5, plus we are asking a small charge of £2.30 postage and packing.

Total £7.30

To purchase the book, please visit www.ltht.org.uk/shop/ or scan the QR code above.

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?

Can YOU discover the missing words?

CORONATION KING

QUEEN CROWN

WESTMINSTER ABBEY ROYAL CELEBRATION WINDSOR

STREET PART Y CASTLE

BUCKINGHAM

CARRIAGE

THRONE

BUNTING PALACE

Solve the anagrams then put the words into the grid

When the coronation of King Charles III takes place on 6th May at Westminster Abbey, the ceremony – which will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury –will be rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry. However, it will also reflect the monarch’s role today, and look to the future.

Then and now

The Queen’s coronation on 2nd June 1953 was one of the greatest events of the twentieth century. More than 8,000 guests filled the abbey to witness the crowning of the young mother, while crowds lined the route that took her and the Duke of Edinburgh to and from the abbey. Millions more were lucky enough to watch the event on the still novel phenomenon of television, this being the first time the event had been televised.

It has been speculated that King Charles will have a toned-down affair with reduced costs, with suggestions of it lasting just one hour and with around 2,000 dignitaries in attendance.

Break with tradition

The date of 6th May was reportedly chosen in consultation with the government, the Church of England and the Royal Household. However, the date does have some symbolic references to family members:

• Firstly, the coronation of George VI, the King’s grandfather, was in May.

• 6th May is also the birthday of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s son, Archie Harrison MountbattenWindsor, the King’s grandson, who will be turning four on the day.

• It’s also the same date as the late Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, was married in 1960. During the ceremony the King will be anointed with holy oil, receive the orb, coronation ring and sceptre, and be blessed and then consecrated by the Archbishop. Monarchs traditionally sit in the fourteenth-century King Edward’s Chair, and Charles will be crowned with the St Edward’s crown, becoming the fortieth British monarch crowned at the Abbey since William the Conqueror in 1066.

Camilla, Queen Consort, will also be anointed and crowned, as was the Queen Mother when George VI was crowned in 1937.

Man and boy

Charles will be 74 at the time of the ceremony, the oldest ever new monarch. In 1953 the then-Prince Charles was just four years old when his mother was crowned.

As with royal ceremonies, there had been behind-thescenes preparation and practices in the lead up to the big day. Charles’ boyhood memories include how, the night before, the Queen came to say goodnight wearing the St Edward’s Crown as she was trying to get used to its 5lb weight. He also recalled being kept awake by the “thousands of people gathered in The Mall outside Buckingham Palace chanting: ‘We want the Queen’”. Royal author Robert Jobson says: “Charles has adapted to his new role very well and is out connecting with people, which sadly the late Queen wasn’t able to do towards the end of her life.”

Bring out the bunting and celebrate the coronation of King Charles III. These colourful homewares will help you mark the occasion – and will become mementoes to keep long afterwards.

Six individual pennants of hand-embroidered pure wool depict the King’s CR insignia, the Crown and the Union Jack, joined to form a beautiful piece of commemorative coronation bunting. Coronation bunting in navy, £125, janconstantine.com

This tea cosy is made from a heavy, goldenyellow cotton drill with a striped lining and a design in freestyle machine embroidery. Coronation tea cosy, £75, poppytreffry.co.uk

Add a royal touch to any dining occasion with this limited-edition printed tray, made from birch, dishwashersafe and suitable for use with food. King’s Coronation tray, £22.50, sophieallport.com

Hang it on your Christmas tree when the time comes, or use it to embellish your party atmosphere –this elegant decoration combines pearls, glass beads and gold embroidery. Coronation orb decoration, £12.95, shop. westminster-abbey.org

Made from pure wool felt, this hand-embroidered pennant is appliquéd with His Majesty the King’s insignia and the royal crown, and is stitched with antique gold thread. Coronation pennant in duck-egg blue, £65, janconstantine.com

Designed and made in the UK, this quirky cushion is based on artist Catriona Hall’s paintings and features His Highness’s beloved Jack Russells, Beth and Bluebell, within the royal coat of arms. Commemorative cushion, £70, doganddome.com

By Katherine Sorrell

This new range of commemorative homewares from Emma Bridgewater includes several different mug designs as well as plates, teapots, tea towels and more. Prices start at £10. emmabridgewater.co.uk

Use a smart set of napkins and add a touch of class to your teatime. Coronation napkin set, £29 for a set of four, nologo-chic.co.uk

ANDY’S Fundraising Walk

WELL DONE ANDY On completing your 'landmarks of Leicester' charity walk HAS RAISED

£1,003

IN AID OF Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (LAMP)

Background artwork by Barbara Bagley Art © www.barbarabagley.co.uk

Andy will be familiar to you as he has been delivering the Your Local magazine single-handedly every month for many years. He completed his fundraising challenge which took place on Saturday 25th March, which was in aid of Leicestershire Action for Mental Health Project (LAMP).

Starting with the Braunstone Park Run, he then walked to Fosse Park, Everards Meadow, The Black Horse in Aylestone via the Great Central Way. Then he adventured off to Grace Road, King Power Stadium and Welford Road Stadium before crossing Victoria Park to take in some culture at the De Montfort Hall, New Walk Museum, Curve and Phoenix. To finish the walk he headed off to the home of more Leicester sporting heroes at the Morningside Arena, before gently strolling around Abbey Park and eventually ending up at Jubilee Square. A huge well done to Andy from us all.

Get Your Lawn Ready For Summer

Article by Ian Walker

With warmer, longer days on the horizon, the beautiful bright colours of your garden are best enjoyed alongside a lush, green lawn. As the centrepiece of your garden, GreenThumb Lawn Treatment Service will ensure your lawn reaches its full potential as a weed-free, healthy, and well-loved lawn.

Our ‘Summer Ready’ Treatment is applied between April and June and features a fully coated fertiliser designed to give your lawn a timed release of nutrition over several months, feeding your grass and stimulating growth. This sophisticated treatment also includes a weed control to help eradicate those which are unwelcome on your lawn, keeping your lawn looking its best ready for summer.

An added benefit of our ‘Summer Ready’ Treatment is that you’ll also receive an application of our fantastic water conserver,

Oasis. Now is the perfect time for an Oasis Treatment as it helps your soil to make the best use of any available moisture, meaning you’ll need to water up to 80% less. Our popular Oasis Treatment now features an innovative, highly concentrated seaweed extract which has proven to have an almost immediate visual effect on the colour of your lawn.

At this time of year, we also recommend implementing a regular mowing regime to help your lawn be the best it can be. Dry, sunny days are the best conditions for mowing, however it’s important that your mower blades are kept sharp or replaced when needed to avoid causing damage to the grass plant. It is also important, especially during the summer months, that your grass isn’t cut too short as this will weaken it, attracting unwanted weeds. When dry, we advise raising the height of your cut from 1” up to 2” and give it a good drink the day after mowing.

Let’s create the lawn we both love. Contact your local GreenThumb branch today 0116 269 4019 or email leicestershirewest@ greenthumb.co.uk

Kirby Muxloe WI

will be holding their Spring Fair

Saturday 29th April 2023

10 – 12pm

St Bartholomew’s Church Hall - Main Street- Kirby Muxloe

There will be a variety of Stalls including; Crafted items, Cakes, Preserves, Bottle Tombola, Books, Plants, Jigsaw Puzzles, Ian the “Cheese Man” Local crafters L&C Creations

Entrance is £1 and Refreshments will be available

We will be sharing any monies raised with the Baby Basics Charity who will have a representative at the Fair to talk about what they do.

LOVE LIFE WITH A LUSH LAWN

Lawns do wonders for our wellbeing. That’s why we’ve devised three programmes of year-round treatments to keep your grass a cut above. From controlling weeds to bringing out the green, we’ll help you to look after the lawn that looks after you.

South

High School

LE67 9TB

EXAMINATIONS INVIGILATORS REQUIRED

£10.88 per hour (Plus 12% additional holiday pay)

South Charnwood High School is currently looking for Examination Invigilators to work as part of a team to support our Examinations Officer.

Experience is not necessary as full training will be provided, but enthusiasm is.

Hours are between 8.00am and 4.00pm (as appropriate for the exams, but you will be required to be available for either a complete morning or afternoon or all day as required)

For an information pack and application form, please see the school website at www.southcharnwood.leics.sch.uk or email: exams@southcharnwood.org

As this job is designated as a ‘regulated activity’ an enhanced DBS check with Barred list check is essential

‘South Charnwood High School – Committed to Safeguarding Children and Young People’

Tel 0116 366 6100

Mob 07540 847320

Email:info@askelectrix.co.uk

YourLocalElectrician

AdditionalLightsandSockets

DataCable

FaultFinding

FullHouseRewires

FuseBoxUpgrades

GardenLightsandsockets

HomeAutomation

PartialHouseRewires

SecurityLights

Website:www.askelectrix.co.uk

Hinckley & District Parkinson’s Group

Article by Robert A. Leake

It can take a big step to attend a Group Meeting for the first time. However, since these articles started to be published numbers at the local group meetings have increased noticeably.

Many in the group are talking about a Podcast that has been launched in recent months for those with Parkinson’s, their families and friends. This is called ‘Movers and Shakers’ and it sounds like a group of friends meeting together to chat about Parkinson’s.

The friends talk about their different symptoms [remember that those with Parkinson’s may have very different symptoms – as many as 40] and treatments in a very positive way. Physical and psychological problems are discussed, ranging from sleeplessness to gambling or shopping addiction! The general reaction is that the Podcast is fun to listen to!.

There are already several episodes available and future ones are planned with a more diverse range of participants. Humour will be a vital part as it is agreed that retaining a sense of humour is vital when you have the condition.

The current group of friends includes Jeremy Paxman, Paul Mayhew-Archer [Vicar of Dibley writer], Gillian Lacey-Solymar and Sir Nicholas Mostyn [a High Court Judge].

So why not check out these podcasts which can be downloaded or listened to on line. Just search for Podcast – Movers and Shakers.

Our meetings continue on the second Sunday of each month, at 2.30 on May 14th at the Mary Forryan Centre; our ‘Challenge’ exercises on Tuesdays at 3.00 at the St. Francis Centre; ‘Movement to Music’ at 2.30 and ‘Singing for Fun’ at 4.00 both on Friday afternoons at the Elmesthorpe Village Hall; plus our monthly ‘drop ins’ at Dobbies at Stapleton on the third Monday of the month, [May 15] between 2.00 and 4.00 in the Restaurant Conservatory. We also have a monthly Carers Group on the third Tuesday each month at the same time as the exercise class. Nordic Walking is on Thursday May 18 from the Acorn Café at Burbage Common. [Ring Peter on 01455 636776 for details]

For further information on any of our activities please contact Janet Kavanagh on 07932615233.

So don’t let Parkinson’s dictate how you live your life, come along and join the Hinckley Group and see the benefits for yourself.

Paul’s Decorating Service

DESIGNER BATHROOMS

Tel: 0116 251 0363 - sales@ designerbathroomsleicester.com

www.designerbathroomsleicester.com - 74 Bradgate Street, Leicester, LE4 0AW

With an in-house team of experts who are all fully trained and qualified to the highest standard, Designer Bathrooms can ensure total customer satisfaction.

Specialising in beautiful bespoke bathrooms and en-suites, specifically tailored to meet their customers’ requirements, they strive to create a bathing experience second to none. Just walking around their exquisite showroom, you have the opportunity to see a variety of over 35 room settings, each perfectly showcasing many industry top brands, as well as a taste of the Mediterranean with Italian and Spanish wall and floor tiles.

From speaking to the team at Designer Bathrooms it’s clear that they want everyone to be able to have a relaxing and inspiring bathing experience. As such they are proud of their quality of service, products and their single level showroom plus they also specialise in accessible

bathing. Their displays include walk in level floor showers, fold down shower seats, grab rails, digital push button showers, lever taps and comfort height toilets.

At Designer Bathrooms it is perfectly clear that they understand just how important it is to make the right choices, for what should be, one of the most relaxing rooms in your home. As such they listen to your requirements and will guide you through the entire process, from first thought to final tile.

So when you’re next considering a new bathroom or en-suite make over, why not pay Designer Bathrooms a visit? You’ll receive a warm welcome as well as expert advice.

Open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm Private car park available

They look forward to welcoming you soon….

from first thought to final tile

NEW EXTENDED SHOWROOM - OVER 35 ROOM SETTINGS TO VIEW

NEW EXTENDED SHOWROOM - OVER 35 ROOM SETTINGS TO VIEW

Designer Bathrooms are a family business with two generations of experience based in the heart of Leicestershire.

The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group

Article by Judith Upton

The Kirby Muxloe Local History Group generally meets 6 times a year, and membership is open to all. Visitors are always welcome to all our meetings, which usually take place in St. Bartholomew’s Church Hall, Main St., Kirby Muxloe and start at 7.30 pm.

Details of the dates of meetings, together with the topics that will be covered, are shown on the notice board in Kirby Muxloe Library and on our website, which is www.kirbymuxloelocalhistorygroup.org

On Tuesday 16th May 2023, we will welcome the speaker Matthew Morris, who will give a talk entitled “Cardinals, Chariots and Queens”. After the main speaker there will be a brief A.G.M.

An interview with Jan Timson and Joan Bloomfield of Kirby Muxloe- continued In the February edition of this magazine, we featured an interview with the two ladies named above. Unfortunately, their photos were incorrectly labelled and so in this copy we now feature their photos again, bearing the correct names. When I visited Joan, having collected Jan from her bungalow in Kirby, as you may remember, I had to learn how to operate a chair lift. Now, being quite proficient, I was tempted on my last visit to Joan’s flat to take a ride on the chairlift myself. However, common sense prevailed and I walked up the stairs. Once again, I was greeted by a very smart looking lady and we sat down to have another chat. Joan having lived in her flat for twenty years (another error, sorry Joan) was one of the first people to move in to the newly built, independent housing scheme for people who wanted to live in a Christian community. Carey Gardens was built after many years of fundraising by the Free Church and the Parish Church. It provides a safe and friendly living environment for people over the age of 60 and comprises of 13 flats. It opened in 2001.

Now, we turn to continue with their initial interview. We started to talk about the Hoover. As we all know Hoover is a trade name for a particular brand of vacuum cleaner. The Hoover company was indeed the first to produce a vacuum cleaner of its type. It was initially designed by James Spangler, a nightwatchman in New Berlin Ohio, U.S.A. James suffered from asthma and came up with a design for apparatus to remove much of the dust from his workplace. He sent the design to his cousin, Susan Hoover, who passed it on to her husband William. William realised the potential of such an object and after having purchasing the patent, put it into production. The birth of the Hoover company was in 1908. The name stuck and although we now use many different brands -Electrolux, Dyson etc. in many households the vacuum cleaner is still referred to as the hoover. In the early days the vacuum cleaner would have been a luxury item and so not widely used; it became more popular after WWII. For many years preceding the vacuum cleaner, carpet sweepers were more commonly used. Floors were often covered with Lino, many of us remember the shiny, slidy floor covering, often partially covered with rugs. Jan and Joan remember the rugs, peg rugs were usually made of scraps of fabric, pegged into a hessian backing. Jan remembers the peg mats in her parents’ bungalow which were put outside each door and sat on the shiny lino or wooden floor. She recalled that as a child, they were very good for sliding!! Rag rugs also come to mind and also rugs made out of ready cut lengths of wool. Jan’s parents had a beautiful one that was shaped like a pansy and made of many different coloured wools. On cleaning day, the rugs were taken outside, slung over the washing line and beaten with a carpet beater. When Joan had a new carpet fitted in her house, her grandmother was not at all impressed and said “you can’t beat getting them out on the line and beating them until all the dust comes out”.

Now, to cleaning windows. They both said that as children their parents certainly didn’t have a window cleaner and think that they just used a window leather and water. There were no sprays or anything like that! Often upstairs windows didn’t get cleaned at all, although if you had sash windows they could be moved up and down to allow cleaning. Many people sat on the window sill of an open window and hung out to try to clean the windows the best they could. We then began to talk about coal. Firstly, Jan recalled seeing the buses coming up from Ratby carrying coalminers who were on their way to Desford or Bagworth collieries. One bus stopped on Main Street, Kirby and picked up one person only, that was Mr Smith who lived on the corner of Main Street and Castle Road. Later in the day, the buses brought the miners back home, they were covered in coal dust with black faces- no showers at the pit in those days! Joan well remembered the coal delivery. At the time, nearly all bedrooms had fireplaces and so a lot of coal was used. Joan said that when the coal was delivered to her parents’ house, the coalman tipped the coal into the road

and they had to wheelbarrow it down to the coal shed, at the bottom of the garden. Eventually coal was delivered in sacks. Jan has a story about a tip left out for the coalman. The lady of the house was out but the back door was left open (this was common practice), so she left a note on the table saying “tip on table”. You can guess what happened, he tipped the coal on top of the table! I don’t think he got the actual tip!

Last of all the Television. Jan thinks that everything changed when T.V.s arrived. Jan and Joan both remember the tiny screens set in large wooden bookcases or something similar. They both remember the mid to late 1950’s, sitting with their children and watching Muffin the Mule, Andy Pandy, Bill and Ben, the Flower pot Men. Jan’s family didn’t have a T.V. for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, so they went to her aunt’s house. Joan and family living in Ibstock at the time were invited to watch the ceremony on the butcher’s T.V., just across the road. People were so friendly and tried to help each other out. As remarked on before, if living in the countryside the back door was always left open. Even if it was closed, it was not locked and a neighbour would open the door shout “cooee” and if there was no answer just leave, closing the door behind them. Life is so different now.

Thank you again to Jan and Joan

Joan Bloomfield

Jan Timson

Supercars Event - Sunday

11th June 2023

10-3pm

Article by Heidi Eastell

After the huge success of our first Supercars event in 2022, we are set for an even bigger & better event in 2023!

We are so excited for a wonderful day full of Supercars and Hypercars, ranging from Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches, McLarens to Aston Martins and Lotus’s etc- and this year Classic Cars too!

Set in the beautiful grounds of Whatton House, an English Country Garden in the heart of Leicestershire, with its stunning back drop with spacious viewing of the cars, the stunning garden of Whatton House is also open all day for you and your family to enjoy also.

There will be breath-taking displays from the Dako Flying Angels, a Leicestershire based children’s gymnastics display team, an F1 car simulator, Porsche Racing cars by Parkers Classics, with amazing raffle prizes.

There is a Street Food Courtyard full of many tasty Street Food Stalls, Stone baked Woodfire Pizzas, Al’s Hot Dogs, Stacie’s Bubble Pancakes, Toris Burgers, Ice Cream, Project D do-nuts, Childrens Sweets etc

RumBa Cocktail Bar, Beer Bar and Prosecco Spritzba, Coffee etc

The gate opens from 10, for the opportunity to have some breakfast and relax in the garden and surrounding areas, ready for the event to open from 11am.

Alex Hallam and his family will be present, from Alex Wish.

Alex’s Wish was set-up by Emma and Andy Hallam (parents to Alex) in late 2012 to help raise vital funds to help bring about effective treatments and ultimately a cure for this devastating condition. The Charity is named after their son Alex who was diagnosed with Duchenne in April 2010, 2 weeks before his 4th birthday – the diagnosis came completely out of the blue.

Alex’s Wish is now an awardwinning Leicestershire based charity set-up to eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an aggressive form of Muscular Dystrophy that affects 1 in every 3,500 boys born.

Our mission is to help bring effective treatments to help slow down or even stop devastating muscle wasting and help save lives of thousands of children and young adults. Together we will save this generation of children.

By attending this great event, you will be supporting Alex’s Wish and bring hope to every single family affected by Duchenne.

Tickets cost just £10 per adult or £25 for a family ticket https:// alexswish.co.uk/event/supercars/

Great Central Railway Fully Reopens After Two Bridges

Successfully Replaced 4 Bridges Have Been Replaced On The Heritage Line In The Last 12 Months

Article by Michael Stokes

Trains are returning to the full length of the award winning Great Central Railway. Visitors will once again be able to depart from Loughborough Central, Quorn and Woodhouse, Rothley or Leicester North stations for a full round trip of the line hauled by a heritage steam or diesel locomotive.

The line was partly closed in March, while 2 bridgeseach around 125 years old and both near Quorn and Woodhouse station - had to be replaced. This meant temporarily lifting the track, removing old structures and craning in their replacements. Instead of travelling over the main line, passengers have still been able to ride trains, but over the much shorter Mountsorrel Branch Line, to the heritage centre near the village.

To find out more about Alex’s Wish and see the photos from our fabulous day last year https:// alexswish.co.uk/supercar-sunday/

A huge thank you to The Supercars of Birmingham and Ryan Maddison for organising all of these wonderful cars.

“Our Mountsorrel trains have proved extremely popular,” said the Great Central Railway’s new General Manager Malcolm Holmes, “and they have helped bring in visitors and income while the main line was shut. Our railway was built 125 years ago so it’s absolutely vital we continue to keep everything in good condition. Investing in the line means it can be a vital asset to the East Midlands for years to come."

The Great Central Railway has replaced 4 bridges in the last 12 months, a major undertaking for the visitor attraction. One of the bridges is essential for the Reunification scheme, a project to link two separate halves of the GCR back together. The other 3 were all on the main line between Loughborough and Rothley. The main line is reopening in time for a vintage fair talking place at Quorn and Woodhouse station over the Easter weekend.

"I would like to thank so many people," continued Malcolm. “Our staff and volunteers have worked really hard to complete these works on time and meanwhile keep trains running on the branch line. It’s an honour to be part of such a great team. Much of the finance has been provided by the David Clarke Railway Trust, the official supporting charity of the GCR, so I’d also like to thank everyone who has donated over the years. Together we’re keeping heritage alive and welcoming new generations of families to Leicestershire.”

Also, a huge thank you to our main sponsors Lamborghini Bentley, Berkley Insurance, Janine Edwards Wealth Management and Lumbers.

The Alex’s Wish team and family hope to see you on Sunday 11th June.

Grease Comes To Bosworth Academy “Greased Lightnin’!”

Article by Adam Hodges

Bosworth Academy became Rydell High towards the end of March with the Post 16 production of the musical Grease.

“Having the privilege to put on our very first Post-16 production has been fantastic,” said Director Mrs Jones before the show.

“Providing our older students with this opportunity is something that we have been striving towards for a long time. It has been an absolute honour working alongside these magnificent students, watching them progress and develop has been the most amazing thing to witness and I am so proud of each and every one of them.

“Sheer determination and passion are the ingredients to this performance; all students have worked tirelessly since we began rehearsals in September”.

The T Birds and the Pink Ladies strutted on the stage and one of the stars of the show, Kiya K who

Charnwood Forest Geopark Upcoming May Events 2023

WEDNESDAY, 17 MAY 2023

AT 10:00

Guided Hike - Forest Industry: Shaping People and Landscape

This walk celebrates the physical and human geography of this industrial part of western Charnwood Forest, which has been extensively quarried for hundreds of years. As well as walking around Cliffe Hill and Hill Hole quarries, you’ll learn about the people who worked there in the nineteenth century.

• Booking essential. To book please contact JAttard@nationalforest.org 07976 865450

• 8 miles, 4 hours, 8 stiles

• STARTING POINT: Markfield church, LE67 9WD. On street parking near Markfield church or small car park in the village

SATURDAY, 20 MAY 2023

AT 09:00

plays Rizzo, said that performing has been “an absolutely amazing feeling and now feels that I have ticked off a big goal on my bucket list for being here at Bosworth”.

Neely G who plays Danny said that the performance allowed everyone to “show off all of the hard work that the whole cast and directors have put into making it the amazing show it has turned out to be and top off Year 13 with a bang”.

Charlotte K who plays Sandy said that her character becomes stronger at the end of the play by reclaiming her confidence.

“In a similar sense, I have grown into a more resilient and determined person over the last few years and doing Grease has improved my self-belief massively!” says Charlotte.

Grease also sees Year 9 student Poppy L-S star as T Bird Doody and she is “really thankful” to be in the production “especially with almost everyone being older than me”.

“Rehearsals have probably been the highlight of my week since I started, they are so fun and I’ve made friends with people I would have never even talked to before,” says Poppy.

Choreographer Miss Green added “we are very proud” of the students and “what they have produced.”

Guided Hike - A Trek through Time: Geology of the Charnwood Forest Peaks Join the Charnwood Forest Geopark team for a trek through geological time! This hike will take you through more than half a billion years of earth history, using the outstanding geological heritage of Charnwood Forest to tell stories of ancient fossils, continental collisions, and icy glaciers.

• Booking essential. Please email jmatthews@nationalforest.org

• 15 miles, 8 hours, 8 stiles

• STARTING POINT: Bradgate Park Main Car Park, Newtown Linford LE6 0HB

SUNDAY, 21 MAY 2023

AT 11:00

Guided Walk - Geological Treasures of Shepshed

Join the Charnwood Forest Geopark team for a guided hike through the amazing 600 million year old history of the Shepshed area. Discover some of the oldest rocks in England, and travel back in time to when Leicestershire lay at the centre of a giant sandy desert!

• 4 miles, 3 hours, 2 stiles

• STARTING POINT: Morley Quarry Car Park LE12 9EU

• For this event no booking is necessary - meet us at Morley Quarry Car Park

WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 2023

AT 14:00

Guided Walk - Forest

Placenames, Forest People

Join the Charnwood Forest Geopark team for a fascinating heritage walk around Thringstone, Whitwick and Swannymote. Using only the evidence from local placenames, we’ll take you back in time more than a thousand years to explore the Anglo-Saxon, Viking and Norman communities of Charnwood Forest.

• Booking essential. Please contact JAttard@nationalforest.org 07976 865450

• 4 miles, 2.5 hours, 0 stiles

• STARTING POINT High Cademan, LE67 5US Cademan Woods Car Park

Kirby Muxloe Podiatry Practice

TEL: 0116 2392024

Just cal our small, friendly firm - whether it’s one window or a full house - with approximate sizes, and we’ll give you a price OVER THE PHONE or a free call out if you prefer.

Leicester Forest East Community Library

Article by Paul Turner

April Coffee Morning

The April coffee morning on the 1st April (no joke) was held with a good attendance and various stalls. One of the volunteers (Kath) was selling her home-made produce including chutney, jam, flowers and freshly harvested leeks.

The May coffee morning is replaced by the afternoon Tea - 29th April 2023 - 2pm to 4pm

The planned May coffee morning which is on the same day as King Charles III coronation has been replaced by a special Afternoon Tea prior to the coronation which will include sandwiches, small cakes, scone and tea (or coffee if you prefer). This is a 'Ticket Only' event and tickets are limited so pop into the library for your tickets as soon as possible. The deadline for the purchase of a ticket is Friday 21st April.

May Fair – 13th May

2023

There are more stalls than before at the May fair with the library having a plant sale as well as second hand books and jigsaws for sale. Please come and support the library and the local traders who are selling their wares. Coffee and cakes will also be available.

Busy Bees

Busy Bees is an activity session for toddlers or pre-school age children in the library on Fridays. Take part in our craft activities in a warm, safe environment with tea and coffee for the adults available to purchase during the break. There will be different activities every week so pop along and see what is happening. All activities are free but a donation towards the running costs of the library would be appreciated.

Opening times and QR Code to contact us

Opening Hours Mon 2pm - 5pm Tue Closed Wed 10am – 4:00pm 6pm - 8pm Thurs 10am - noon 2pm - 4pm Fri 2pm - 5pm Sat* 10am - 1pm * 1st Saturday of the month coffee morning 10am - 1pm

Art House Leicester Is Back

Article by Kate Moore

Article by Penny Wright

We’ll be decorating the library for the Coronation!

Kirby Muxloe Spring Bird Watch. The Ducks and Canada geese are taking over the Castle Moat and the Castle itself is open to visitors for Easter.

Have you added your own viewings of birds spotted locally to our board?

Recently 2 Buzzards were observed from the library and noted down. Some lovely bird drawings are also pinned up.

Book Sales

Our Table Sale of Crime / Thrillers Books has been greatly reduced. We’ve sold a lot!

We’ve added a few more which have been donated recently but are now wondering which genre we should offer next. Perhaps Romances for the Spring? Do pop in and see what’s on offer.

A new set of shelves in the main lending library is replacing the old spindle shelving which is heavy and difficult to move.

You may have seen the new Community Books section, up to date library books which will be changed more frequently. Currently these are just in front of the desk.

The Paper Easter Quiz is on sale at just £1. Entries to be in by 24th April for a chance to win a £10 gift voucher. An Evening Quiz with fish and chips provided is taking place on 21st April.

Room Hire

Our meeting room is the cheapest room available for hire in the village and we have vacant evening slots!

The Library Garden will be open for the warmer days with trimmed lawns, tidied hedges and cleaned tables. Entry is through the main library room. Collect your drinks and snacks on the way through. What could be nicer on a sunny day than enjoying coffee and cake outside?

Home Made Cakes are on sale at the coffee mornings on the 4th Saturday of the month.

Library Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm 2pm - 5pm

Tuesday 9am - 12pm 2pm - 6pm Wednesday 2pm - 5pm Thursday Closed Friday & Saturday 10am - 1pm Sunday Closed COFFEE

First conceived in 2008 with just three houses taking part, Art House had grown into a hugely popular local event and a permanent fixture in Leicester’s art calendar, until COVID and all the associated restrictions meant the 2020 plans were put on hold. Both the organisers and the artists who had signed up were extremely disappointed, as no doubt were all the regular visitors.

The gap of three years has brought with it a few changes. There have been two people at the heart of Art House since the early days, Kathy Klein and Sue Ryan. After many years of hard work and unstinting dedication, they decided it was time to pass the baton onto someone new. Fortunately a willing volunteer stepped up in time to ensure that 2023 would see Art House resurrected.

The ethos remains the same: extraordinary art in ordinary houses. This art trail gives artists the opportunity to display their work in the informal atmosphere of a domestic setting and promotes the idea that original art in any medium enhances a home and can be appreciated outside a gallery or commercial setting. Whatever floats your boat, how much more enjoyable to have something you’ll not find elsewhere and to know its provenance. Many visitors love talking to the artists about their ideas, their processes and the techniques involved. Many exhibitors are also happy to discuss the possibility of commissions.

This is very much a joint venture dependent on local householders and participating artists coming together and being fully committed to making this a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors. Spread between properties of different architectural periods, the houses themselves are of interest and demonstrate that across diverse styles of homes there is always a spot for a piece of original art of some kind. This concept is at the heart of the

weekend. Our hosts will soon begin to store away their own treasures to make room to show, between them, the work of over 50 artists.

If you’ve been before you’ll know the event stands out as one of the best showcases for original art in a wide variety of media in the city and by introducing new artists on a regular basis, each year will offer something new. Whatever your particular passion may be - paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles or jewellery - there will be something here to appeal to anyone interested in individual craftsmanship.

So if you’re interested in original art and you’ve never managed to make it to Art House Leicester, then get the date in your diary for an exciting new experience. Friday evening, 9th June from 6 pm to 8.30 pm is the first opportunity to look at what’s on offer. On Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th of June venues will be open from 11 am to 6 pm.

There are nine properties opening their doors but with the usual abundance of quality items you will certainly need a whole day to really appreciate the event. To make life easier, a hopper bus will operate between venues on Saturday and Sunday.

Art House has always supported various charities and Tart House on Holmfield Road is the main fundraiser for the charities. On Saturday and Sunday they will once again be organising a wiling band of volunteers to serve drinks and home-made cakes in the garden to weary art seekers. Local musicians will provide an accompaniment of live music. Profits raised through the hard work of the Tart House hosts will go to Bone Cancer Research and Mind. Music and refreshments will also be on offer on Springfield Road where Gelato Village will be serving their award winning ice creams.

Art House wishes to record its sincere thanks to Stoneygate and Knighton wards for their continuing support for this event.

For more information please see our website www.art-house.org. uk. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Help With Hayfever

Article by Raj Sheladiya

Do you suffer with hayfever? As many as 20% of us do, and this number’s on the increase.

An allergic reaction such as hayfever can be explained as an excessive reaction to a normally harmless substance. The immune system identifies the harmless substance, in this instance pollen, as dangerous, and produces an antibody called IgE, which triggers the production of histamine. Histamine is an inflammatory chemical that causes an array of unpleasant symptoms, including running nose and eyes, itching and burning in localised areas such as in the throat, nose and eyes, puffiness, swelling and mucus formation.

Pollen counts can be high any time from March through to September, BUT, if you are prone to hayfever, there are a number of measures you can take to stay one step ahead.

Do your homework! stay up to date with the latest pollen information in your local area by checking your 5-day pollen forecast.

Lighten your toxic load by avoiding junk, keeping your caffeine and alcohol intake low and avoiding nicotine. Simple steps, such as drinking plenty of water and keeping your bowel moving daily, can also help.

Avoid dairy foods as they cause mucus formation that can exacerbate hayfever symptoms, and keep your intake of refined sugar low. Sugar can trigger surges

Birstall and District Art Society

and drops in blood sugar levels that cause adrenalin production to kick in, which involves the production of histamine - just what you don't want.

Make sure you’re sleeping well. Whilst scientists are still trying to figure out the exact relationship between sleep and the immune system, studies show that sleep helps to shift the balance of anti-inflammatory proteins so that the immune system can recognise and respond better to bugs and allergens, which may help to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Plant remedies can also help. Approximately two weeks before your usual symptoms kick in, take Luffa operculata twice daily. Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets from A.Vogel contain seven tropical herbs, including Luffa operculata and Galphimia glauca, to help with allergy to grass and tree pollen. They are non-drowsy and so will not affect your ability to drive or use machinery.

If your eyes are particularly sensitive to hayfever try Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops. With hyaluronic acid and chamomile, they provide a soothing solution for red, itchy eyes as a result of hayfever-causing allergens, and can be used with contact lenses and glasses.

For further information contact Raj Sheladiya and his team at Health & Glamour, 17 Leicester Road, Wigston, LE18 1NR or call 0116 288 9424.

Loughborough Flower Lovers' Club

Article by Heather Cake

At its next meeting on Thursday, 20 April the Loughborough Flower Lovers’ Club will welcome the experienced NAFAS Area Judge and qualified teacher, Sharon Badger from Market Harborough, with a demonstration entitled ‘A New Lease of Life’.

Sharon’s inspirational demonstrations include a variety of designs in traditional, modern and contemporary styles, with something for everyone. A keen gardener, she likes to use seasonal plant material wherever possible. Meetings are held at the Amherst School, Gray Street, Loughborough LE11 2DZ from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on the third Thursday of each month. There is parking within the school grounds, and the venue is warm and spacious. All the audience has to do is just sit back, relax and be entertained by an expert, and perhaps buy a raffle ticket to win one of the many displays produced during the evening.

Visitors and new members can be assured of a very warm welcome, and are charged a small entry fee. Particularly welcome are those who are new to flower arranging.

If you would like to know more, please ring 01509 853740.

Article by Elaine Wise

Our Early Evening Art Sessions are now up and running at Wanlip Village Hall on Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

They are an informal get together, in a friendly atmosphere for anyone to come along and paint or draw in their own style and medium, at their own pace. Although it is not a teaching class, it is hoped to have some workshop sessions from time to time.

The cost is £3.00 per session (to cover the hall hire costs and refreshments). No booking is required – Just turn up. You really will be most welcome.

In addition to the Wednesday evening sessions, members can meet every Friday morning from 9:30 to 12:00 at Birstall Co-op Sports & Social Club, for an informal painting / drawing session. No booking is required – Just turn up. You really will be most welcome.

Anyone wanting to see if our art sessions (Wednesdays and Fridays) are what they are looking for, can come for up to three weeks for just the £3:00 session fee. After that they would need to join the society to be able to continue

Ratby Yard Sales

There is still time to register your address to hold a ‘Yard Sale’ and sell your unwanted treasures from the comfort of your own drive, path or garden on spring bank holiday MONDAY 1st MAY 2022 between 10am and 3pm.

coming. Our members can be any age, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied to meetings by a responsible adult.

We hold evening, Live Art Demonstrations once a month and full details are on our website www.badas.uk The next one, which will be on 11th April, is by Sallyann Brackett, making a welcome return to us. Her subject will be British wildlife. She employs a technique that uses pen & ink on tissue paper which is then collaged onto a background canvas. Old maps and book pages can be used in the background. Highlights and hints of colour are added afterwards using watercolours and acrylics.

The demonstration evenings are held at the Tara Palmer-Tomkinson Centre at the Cedars Academy Birstall. The charge for nonmembers is £4. They start promptly at 7:00pm and finish at 9:00pm.

On the 9th of May, it will be a local artist, Lesley Brookes, providing the live art demonstration. She will be producing a landscape in acrylic and the subject will be the Norfolk Broads.

We also run a few series of art classes during the year as well as one day art workshops.

Although our name is Birstall and District Art Society, our members come from all areas of Leicestershire, including Rothley, Syston, Thrussington, East Goscote, Groby, Quorn

If you live anywhere in Ratby you can register to be on the map by following the link https:// form.jotform.com/230746464006352 . There is a small charge of £2 to have your yard sale added to the map.

Scan the QR code with your phone to get directly to the form.

Or leave a message on 07768235585 with your Name, email, address and phone number.

If you would like to spend your bank holiday wandering around Ratby village in search of a treasure or a bargain you can call in at St Philip and St James Church / Church Rooms, LE6 0JF where you can buy a printed map on the day. Drinks, Snacks and homemade cakes will also be being served between 10am-3pm, in aid of Church funds.

We warmly welcome people from within the village to set up stalls and people from surrounding villages to visit the event.