Ratby Library Community Group

Article by Robin O’Brien

Charity Commission Number 1164252

King Charles Coronation

Thus begins the Carolean Era. To celebrate, our church, St Philip and St James held a live screening of the coronation and the Ratby Cooperative Band organised the Big lunch in the orchard. Because the Bank Holiday May 8th had been dedicated a National Day of Volunteering, the library had a role in organising village litter picking along with the Cubs and Scouts.

Judging by the energy shown by our library volunteers and friends in making these exquisite, crocheted crowns, there is no lack of enthusiasm for the coronation. Inside every one of these colourful souvenirs that volunteer Lynne is holding is a Ferrero Rocher to enjoy whilst celebrating. They have been selling fast! King Charles is hoping that the Big Help Out, which took place countrywide, will have created a lasting volunteering legacy. Which leads us to…

A Volunteer in the Spotlight

Keith has been with us a year now and we are lucky to have him onboard. He takes care of the grounds, tending to the large, grassed areas and hedges front and back, and uses his skills for a multitude of maintenance jobs that occur on a frequent basis. Whether plumbing or woodwork, he gets the job done. He is also well known on the Residential Park Homes in Ratby assisting residents with their needs.

Keith is Canadian, born and raised in Nova Scotia. His father was always giving his spare time entertaining by playing the accordion, guitar, and singing to delight people for many years in old folks homes and adult care facilities; in 2007, he was honoured to be given the GG Caring Canadian Award by the Governor General of Canada for lifelong service in volunteering. Growing up with those influences, Keith, along with his three brothers, soon took up volunteering roles. Keith too, was recognised and appreciated for his endeavours. He became Vice President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Anglers and Hunters. He would take children into the outback to teach them to use the woods ethically and safely - a much-needed skill because of the vastness of the Canadian wilderness.

Thank you, Keith.

Regarding the library maintenance, thanks must also be given to Ratby cleaning company PureWater Clean who regularly give their time to clean our windows; it is much appreciated!

Murder Mystery Evening

On Saturday June 10th there will be a murder committed in the library! Ok not really, but there will be a table for dinner guests who will each be a murder suspect and play a well-known person from the Swinging Sixties. An evening of peace, love and rock and roll. You get the idea. If this appeals to you, hurry to book a place, as there’s only space for ten diners.

£15 per person with three course meal included. Fancy dress optional. Mary Jane Faithless anyone?

The New Garden Café

An exciting new venue for Ratby is the new library café garden and work has already started on the project. The garden will be multi-purpose, serving the butterflies and bees, who will be busy in the pollination areas, as well as café tables and chairs on the patio for customers to enjoy a latte with a slice of cake perhaps. The lawn of all-weather Astro turf can be used for the little ones to play on, whilst enjoying an ice cream from our freezer which has now been restocked. Perfect for a sunny afternoon, whether after school or in the holidays!

This watercolour painted by library volunteer Estelle gives an impression of how the garden will look as the plants mature.

New!

For the first time, our resident quizmaster Stephen Roche is hosting a quiz for kids. Aged 7 to 12 they are invited to form a team of four with one adult supervising to enjoy and compete in a fun-filled early evening competition. £10 per team with pizza and juice included.

Finally

Our regular dates include: Bingo and Quiz nights, Monday evening Craft club, Chair Yoga with Clara on Tuesday mornings, Wriggly Readers on Thursday mornings and board games morning on Fridays. Come along to find a partner for chess, scrabble or crib or just to chat.

Not to be forgotten, we also lend out books! Coming next month, a feature on our new additions.

Normal Library Opening Hours:

Monday 10am-12.30 & 2pm-4.30pm

Tuesday 2pm-4.30pm

Wednesday 2pm-5pm

Thursday 2pm-4.30pm

Friday 10am-1pm & 2pm-4.30pm

Saturday 10am-12.30

Article by Penny Wright

Holiday Reading

With two bank holidays over and another at the end of the month it’s definitely time to select your holiday reading.

Going far? Buy recycled books which can be read by the pool and then discarded to make space for all those souvenirs. We’ve set up a table of varied genres featuring all the romances but we are still offering our sale of crime/thrillers on a separate shelving unit so it’s easy to find favourite authors. Both areas will be constantly swapped / topped up with fresh books for you to buy. There is also a unit of children’s sale books to check out. Please help us to make way for more books passed on from our generous visitors. Feel free to bring a carrier bag and just make a donation for what you take away.

Meeting Room

The library meeting room is for hire at £8 per hour (£5 for charities).

Library Garden

Don’t forget to use our garden for meet-ups, teas and snacks or just to sit in a warm spot and read a book! This is a safe place for little ones to run about while parents and carers have a rest!

Café

On May 27th Our popular home-made cakes are on sale at the coffee morning. This is held every 4th Saturday in the month when cakes can be enjoyed with coffees, teas and other snacks. Cold drinks and ice creams are always available.

Cream Teas

Scones served with Rodda’s clotted cream and strawberry jam

24th June

2.00 - 4.00pm

Part of the Midsummer Festival

Rolls-Royce Retired Employees Association

Article by Graham Burton

On the 6th June our walk & talk group will meet at Ockbrook. The 13th June members will meet at Rolls-Royce Leisure from 12:30 to 2:00pm. New members will be made most welcome to this event. On the 25th June members are going on a five day break to Northern Ireland.

Anthony Norton

01332 703996 Email: anthonynorton@outlook.com

Graham Askew

Email: hazelburton44@gmail.com