The Vine, Leicestershire - April 2014

THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

VINE The

Leicestershire

YOUR FREE BIMONTHLY LOCAL MAGAZINE

WWW.THEVINELEICESTERSHIRE.CO.UK

SPRING IS IN THE AIR SCHOOL’S OUT FOR EASTER ENTERTAIN THE KIDS!

APRIL / MAY 2014 | ISSUE 7

THIS MONTH WE FOCUS ON HISTORIC MARKET TOWN

ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH

WHAT’S ON | CHARITY NEWS | CLUBS | PUZZLES | EASTER 1

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April / May 2014 - Issue 7

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April / May 2014 - Issue 7

April / May ‘14 edition

Welcome... ...to The Vine!

What a wonderful month April is - with Spring and all its natural beauty well under way - here’s hoping for a lovely month ahead.

In this issue of The Vine magazine we’re focusing on Ashby de la Zouch, please take a moment to look through our Feature pages (43-49) - read about this lovely market town, a little of its history and some of the fantastic shops and services it has to offer, we hope you’ll be inspired to visit, we know for sure if you do, you won’t be disappointed.

Schools Out For Easter.........25

Whilst the weather seems to be with us how about an outdoors charity challenge? Choosing from two routes (2 or 9 miles) the Calke Abbey Walk takes participants through beautiful scenery and magnificent settings and aims to raise money for Parkinson’s UK – if you’d like to get involved, see page 17 for more details.

Can you remember the days when you could buy milk straight from a farm? If so then you might be interested in reading about the ‘Old Fashioned Milk Company’ at Oaks in Charnwood – take a look at our article on page 26 and see how you can relive some good old memories.

Adoption & Fostering..........31

And finally, as it’s the Easter holidays coming up, if you’re looking for things to do with the children, then I think we might just have the answers for you on page 25 from Easter Bunny Express Trains, ranger activities, animal roadshows, science shows and fun days, trips to Conkers, Bosworth Battle Fields and Great Central Railways are just a few ideas to keep everyone happy and smiling across the weeks ahead.

Happy reading,

The Editor and Team CONTACT US: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk | 01530 249048 www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Ashby de la Zouch........42 - 49

To submit editorial please email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk ADVERTISING: For anyone wishing to advertise in The Vine, Leicestershire please contact the editor for pricing, deadlines and offers!

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Our Disclaimer: Reasonable care is taken to ensure that The Vine, Leicestershire and website are as accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but no liability can be taken by The Vine, Leicestershire for any errors, opinions or omissions contained herein.9

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Local Charity News Charity Whist Drive The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 3rd April in the Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

Large free car park.

18 - 30? Want To Get Involved With Charity Work?

Rotaract is the social club with a conscience, aiming to have fun whilst raising money for charity and aiding the local community. It is a fun, dynamic and unique international organisation for people aged 18-30, offering a wide range of activities that enables you to try something new, whilst having a great time and making new friends.

If you are 18 - 30 and would like to get involved, meet like-minded people and help out in the local community then drop am email to: r.hallam23a@gmail.com or search ‘Leicester Rotaract’ on Facebook.

Run the Great North & Help Inter Care!

Last year Inter Care raised over £2,000 from the Great North Run. Sadly Malaria is still the biggest killer in Africa particularly amongst the young. With the money raised we could purchase and send Quinine Injections and tablets to treat 1,056 patients with Malaria in rural Africa.

Calling all local runners! This year we have 9 charity places left on the Great North Run on Sunday 7th September, Newcastle upon Tyne. This is a great opportunity to take part in what has been firmly established as the “World’s Greatest Half Marathon.” With live music, refreshments and supporters cheering you on route!

What’s more you can help raise vital funds so for a local cause.

This will help us continue to recycle quality surplus medicines and donate aid to 125 African clinics in Cameroon, Ghana, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zambia.

Registration is £35 with a minimum sponsorship of £250 per place. We can provide any help you might need with your fundraising.

Inter Care does not receive any statutory funding and relies upon grants and donations from the public to provide this lifeline. Please help us continue to treat and save lives of people who otherwise would not have access to basic treatment and care we often take for granted. To register or for more information please call (0116) 269 5925 or email info@intercare.org.uk

Cake Pop & Easter Egg Making Workshop At Warning Zone ‘Friends of Warning Zone’ are holding a Cake Pop and Easter egg making workshop during Easter half term on April 16th at Warning Zone, Frog Island, Leicester.

The day’s events include workshops from Viva la Cupcakes and The Fruity Chocolatier, a family business on Church Gate in Leicester dedicated to creating bespoke chocolate gifts made to order, alternative wedding cakes and unique chocolate sculptures. They also supply a range of cake toppings, cupcakes and cakepops and hold many workshops that cater to all ages. They understand the importance of eating healthily but love chocolate, so The Fruity Chocolatier combines all of their favourite things ‘Your five a day the naughty way’.

The event will take place on Wednesday April 16th, 2014 and there will be 2 sessions to choose from that will last approx.

2 hours. We are also running an ‘adults only’ session from 6-9pm when you can decorate your own chocolate Faberge Egg and will include a glass of Prosecco and canapés. Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase at each session with some great prizes to be won..

There will be limited spaces so don’t wait too long to book. Also note, to avoid missing any of the demonstrations or activities it is essential to arrive on time.

The 3 Sessions are as follows... Session 1: 10.30am-12.30pm, Adult £7.50 Child £6.00 Session 2: 2pm-4pm, Adult £7.50 Child £6.00 Session 3: 6pm-9pm Adults only Chocolate Easter Egg Deco-rating to include Canapes and Prosecco, £20.00 Call 0116 2629739 or email: fundraising@warningzone.org.uk to book your place. More information about Warning Zone can be found at: www.warningzone.org.uk

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Local Charity News Charnwood Branch of Cancer Research Events

Shuttlewood Clarke Foundation Events At Ulverscroft Grange

Saturday 12 April - Soup & Sweet Lunch

Vintage Tea Dance (Copt Oak Memorial Hall)

The ‘Soup & Sweet Lunch’ will take place at Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall from 12 noon till 1:30pm. Admission will be £5 per person. There will be stalls and a raffle.

Friday, 11th April 2014 | £10.00 per person

Saturday, 26th April - Table Top & Craft Fayre This fabulous table top sale will have much to offer including: Bric-a Brac, Books, Crafts, Needlework, Sweets, £1 stall and many more stalls. Refreshments will be available. Stalls are £7 and booking is essential.

Admission will be 50p with children entering free.

There will be ample free parking. All proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak. Copt Oak Memorial Hall, Whitwick Road LE67 9QB 9 next to Copt Oak Pub - 1pm to 3:30pm.

For further details please contact 0116 267 4746.

Trip the Light Fantastic at our Vintage Tea Dance being held at Copt Oak village hall on Friday, 11 April between 2pm and 4.30pm. A delicious afternoon tea will be served and Ken Hill providing music for dancing.

Traditional Afternoon Tea Saturday, 10th May 2014 | 3 - 5pm | £8.50 per person Enjoy views over the Leicestershire countryside before sitting down to a traditional afternoon tea served on vintage English bone china.

Booking Essential for all events. Call 01530 244914 or email admin@shuttlewood-clarke.org. Ulverscroft Grange, Whitwick Road, Ulverscroft, Leics LE67 9QB

Rothley Park Golf Presents £8300 To Marie Curie Cancer Every year the gents and ladies captains at Rothley Park Golf Club raise money for a charity of their choice. Last year the captains, Phil Watson and Pru Lapworth, worked together for Marie Curie Cancer raising money through a wide range of golfing and social events at the club. Phil and Pru recently presented a cheque for £8300.00 to Marie Curie Cancer representative Joan Rampton, who thanked all the members of Rothley Park for their generosity.

“It has been a real pleasure to support Marie Curie this year and to be able to donate to such a worthy cause” say the captains. “Both of us have reason to be particularly grateful for the magnificent service they provide to families and communities locally and we know the money that has been raised over the course of the last year by the golfers at Rothley Park will be put to excellent use. Thank you to Marie Curie, long may the good work continue”.

Ian Agar and Viv Holland, the 2014 Captains have chosen Parkinson’s UK as their charity for which to raise money throughout year.

The Annual LOROS Golf Day LOROS is holding its annual popular Golf Day at Rothley Park Golf Club on Friday 2nd May 2014. This will be the 8th year it has been held and LOROS is delighted that LCM Wealth Management are the main event sponsors for the third year running. LOROS is also grateful to Spire Leicester Hospital for sponsoring the Lunch and Mosdorfer CCL for sponsoring the Hospitality. Team prizes have been kindly donated by Next and Individual Prizes by Sam Spillane of SJ Events and Danny Spillane of Golf Retail Ltd. The event will start at 12 noon with lunch, followed by a shotgun start of the Golf Competition at 1.30pm, dinner and prize presentation with a Raffle and Auction from 7.30pm that evening.

For the first time, players will be able to purchase a maximum of two mulligans on the day.

Diane Morris, Fundraising Manager at LOROS said “I am delighted that Rothley Park Golf Club are once again allowing us to hold our event in such a beautiful parkland setting. There are only two team places left so please contact me quickly if you would like to enter a team on 0116 2318431/2 or email: fundraising@loros.co.uk. Thank you to everyone for supporting LOROS again this year.”

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Local Charity News Ivanhoe Way Challenge In Aid Of Wishes 4 Kids Wishes 4 Kids supporters Richard and Angela Bebbington are pleased to announce applications for the 6th annual Ivanhoe Way Challenge are now open. The challenge, to walk the 37 mile Ivanhoe Way route within 15 hours, takes place on Saturday 21st June 2014. Since the event was launched over 230 people have completed the challenge, raising over £30,000 for Leicestershire Charity, Wishes 4 Kids.

2014 will also see the Ivanhoe Way ‘Half’ Challenge taking place on the same day. The 18 mile route will follow the same route from Stanton Under Bardon.

With the ‘Full’ Challenge starting at The Royal Hotel in Ashby De La Zouch, the route passes Staunton Harold Reservoir, through the rocky outcrops of Charnwood Forest, out to Bagworth, and back along the route of the Ashby Canal, via Shackerstone. Once back in Ashby there will be a well earned meal and drink waiting for the walkers at The Royal Hotel.

There is an administration fee of £18.00 per application and each participant is encouraged to raise sponsorship for Wishes 4 Kids. There has been lots of interest already for this year’s challenge and with places limited to 100 early applications are advised. Registration deadline May 3rd 2014. More information can be obtained by contacting Richard or Angela at enquiries@ivanhoechallenge.co.uk or by calling 07751 259489. Alternatively application forms are available via the website at www.ivanhoechallenge.co.uk.

Sunday Volunteers Needed To Help Those In Hospital Volunteers are needed to join the Chaplaincy Teams at Glenfield Hospital or Leicester Royal Infirmary to push patients in wheelchairs to the services on Sunday mornings. The interdenominational service commences at 10:30 and lasts for approximately ¾ hour. As with all volunteers at Leicester’s Hospitals the Volunteer Services department will arrange your application to be a volunteer and support you through your volunteering. You will need to: • Volunteer at least once a month and if possible be flexible as to which Sunday. Some volunteers do more than one week a month.

• Register as a member and a volunteer of the trust • Be subject to a DBS check (formerly CRB) • Wear the appropriate uniform with short sleeves and no jewellery or watches below your elbows (for infection control) • Wear an identity badge • Attend an induction day which includes, fire training, safety and pushing of chairs which may be at any of the three hospitals On the day you will be asked to arrive at 9.30 to assist with setting up for the service and normally be clear to go by 12 noon. This can vary due to the number of volunteers and patients on the day. When you are volunteering you will have free parking and can claim mileage expenses.

To learn more about this worthwhile service please contact:Pam McMorran, Volunteer Co-ordinator for Sunday Volunteers. Tel: 01530 242201 Email: pam@riverlyn.freeserve.co.uk

4 Chances To Win £5,000 For A Hole-In-One! Lingdale Golf Club at Woodhouse Eaves has come up with a unique plan for their charity open competition on Friday 9th of May this year. Entrants to their competition will have four chances in one round of golf to win a £5,000 cash prize if they score a hole-in-one on any of the courses par 3 holes. That means somebody on the day could walk away £20k richer!

Event organiser Nick Viney say’s “This is the club’s third year of supporting The Harley Staples Cancer Trust and we wanted to create a very special and unique fund raising event, you often hear of a single prize for a hole in one but we will offer a big cash prize on all of our par 3 holes” So far Lingdale have raised more than £20,000 for the Leicestershire charity who are fundraising to provide “Harley’s House”, a relaxing retreat where children with life threatening illness can spend time with their families when on breaks from hospital.

Anyone that would like to enter a team can do so by either phoning Lingdale Golf Club 01509 890703 or enter online at the club website www.lingdalegolfclub.co.uk (then click open competitions tab) or if you would like to support The Harley Staples Cancer Trust through sponsorship of this event call Nick on 07785 927200.

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Local Charity News PRUDENTIAL RIDE LONDON Cycling Event Alex’s Wish charity based in Rothley has been allocated 26 places for this year’s Prudential Ride London on Sunday, 10th August.

Celebrating the legacy for cycling created by the London 2012 Olympic Games, the event starts in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and then follows a 100-mile route on closed roads through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside.

With leg-testing climbs and a route made famous by the world’s best cyclists at the Games, it’s a truly spectacular event for all involved.

Alex’s Wish is raising funds for life-saving research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - a muscle-wasting condition.

Alex (7) from Rothley was diagnosed in 2010 for which there are no cures. It’s a heart-breaking condition leaving those with it wheelchair bound by mid-teens leading to heart or respiratory failure by mid-twenties. £50 deposit will secure your place, plus £500 in sponsorship - every cyclist will receive an event jersey and training and sponsorship advice – a fantastic way to kick-start your fitness in 2014.

LONDON TO PARIS CYCLE RIDE Alex’s Wish is recruiting cyclists to take part in their adventure cycling event leaving London on Friday, 25th July.

Connecting two of the world’s most chic capital cities you will embark on a challenge of a lifetime. The 277-mile ride incorporates beautiful Kent countryside before crossing the channel to experience the quiet French country lanes that wind through traditional sleepy market towns. Upon reaching Paris on Sunday, 27th July, you will then be part of the tremendous atmosphere and culture as the final stage of the Tour de France arrives on the Champs Elysees! £89 deposit will secure your place, plus £1,400 in sponsorship – covers accommodation, expenses and travel.

For details about these fantastic events, Emma Hallam on 07903 349475 or emma@alexswish.co.uk or visit www.alexswish.co.uk 100% of all money raised will go towards funding essential world-class research and clinical trials into this condition.

Charity Walk at Calke Abbey Sunday 13 April 2014 - 10am Choose from 2 routes around this beautiful National Trust property:

2 miles

- circular route through Calke Park, passing the deer enclosure, Staunton Harold Reservoir and finishing alongside St Giles Church and Calke Abbey itself

9 miles - taking in the grounds of Calke Park, passing through fields, woodland and alongside the Staunton Harold Reservoir in the heart of the National Forest.

235 supporters took part in the 2013 Calke Abbey Walk raising a fantastic £16,000 towards the work of Parkinson’s UK. Entry fee: Adults £10, under 12s £5. Plus free Parkinson’s UK T-shirt. Please note, neither of the routes are suitable for wheelchairs or buggies but Dogs on leads are welcome.

Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire, DE73 7JF. Contact Darren Worthy, tel: 0844 225 9832 or email: rf.eastmids@ parkinsons.org.uk www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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INTRODUCING... Leicester Futsal We caught up with Dom Beck, Leicester Futsal President & Head Coach to explain a little about the game....

SO DOM HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED IN FUTSAL? I have always had a passion for football and always enjoyed watching Futsal when visiting places like Spain where the sport is very popular and played at a professional level.

Through my coaching career, I had used Futsal techniques in training sessions and in 2011 decided to start my own Futsal Club, Leicester Futsal.

Leicester Futsal is growing fast and has an adult male’s team competing in the Leicestershire Futsal Fives League.

We offer regular training sessions usually on a Sunday at Brockington College Enderby, Leicester.

We are always looking for people to get involved with our club and we have plans to expand and would encourage anybody interested in playing, or getting involved off the pitch to get in touch with us.

WHAT IS FUTSAL? Futsal is a small sided version of Football, played indoors on a court similar to that of Basketball. It is played to touchlines & with a reduced bounce size 4 ball, this encourages close control in confined areas.

It is popular in south America & across Europe with players Such as, Messi, Ronaldo, & the great Pele to name a few all recognising this game as the one that made them the footballers there are & were.

ISN’T IT JUST 5-A-SIDE? There are many misconceptions about Futsal this being one of those, the game is played with a 5 man team, but unlike traditional 5-a-side there are touchlines which make the game more realistic and relevant to that of football. There are also many other rules that make the game very tactical.

HOW LONG IS A GAME? The games are played in halves of 20 minutes each way, each team is permitted a 1 minute Time Out in each half and the clock is stopped each time the ball is out of play. When the game is stopped the player in possession has 4 seconds to restart play, encouraging quick decision making.

IS THERE A LEAGUE OR COMPETITION FOR TEAMS TO PLAY IN? There is a national league run by The FA, this also consists of an FA Futsal Cup and there are also FA Futsal Fives Leagues, we currently compete in the Leicestershire & Rutland Futsal Fives.

The County FA have recently launched a youth league, and we are hoping to introduce a youth team to take part in the coming months.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED? Get in contact with us and let us know what you’re looking to do, we have lots of voluntary options available for the right people to get into Futsal.

Visit our website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/leicesterfutsal

Leicester Futsal

@Leicesterfutsal

Leicesterfutsal@hotmail.com

For more information about Futsal visit the websites of Leicestershire& Rutland County FA, The FA or Fifa www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Local Clubs Classic Cars & Crafts At Beaumanor Hall Sunday 20th July 2014 Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, hosts the 18th Annual Classic Car and Transport Show plus Crafts inside the Hall on Sunday 20th July 2014.

Over 500 cars are again expected alongside trade and autojumble stalls, children’s inflatables plus Craft Stalls inside the Hall. Last year’s event attracted thousands of visitors and the admission is once again Adults £6.00 – Children £2.50 with free car parking. Anyone interested in exhibiting their vehicle or trading at the Show can contact organisers Transtar Promotions on 01922 643385 or email: transtar@talk21.com Geoff Price, the organiser has been involved in organising events for over 30 years and is pleased to be returning to Beaumanor Hall for the 18th year.

His childhood was spent in the nearby village of Swithland where his mother still lives but moved to the West Midlands in the early 1970’s. His own personal interest is not with cars but buses and over 55 years has amassed an amazing Guinness World Record Collection of over 13,000 different model buses and trams dating back to 1903 in all shapes and sizes from all over the world – The collection includes the first model from his childhood bought in 1957.

His interest in full size buses began with his early days when Barkus, Prestwells, Kemp & Shaw, Allens, Howletts and Midland Red were all operating the buses around the local villages to Loughborough. Over all these years he has amassed many photographs of the operators and has many memories to go with them from his school days.

Please note: NO DOGS are allowed on site except Guide Dogs.

Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust North West Group Friday 11th April 2014, 19:30 pm Calke Abbey Gardens National Trust Head Gardener Steve Biggins’ talk traces the repair and re-development of the Calke Abbey gardens since 1987.

Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch. Admission £2, refreshments included. All welcome.

Contact David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Jim Footit on 01530 262389

Ashby de la Zouch Civic Society

Woodhouses’ Garden Club

The Civic Society is a non-political voluntary organisation dedicated to shaping the future of Ashby de la Zouch while preserving its proud heritage.

17th April - The National Garden Scheme

There are monthly meetings on the second Tuesday each month. The April meeting ‘History of Food Culture’ is on 8th April at 8pm. Matthew O’Callaghan, Chairman of Melton Mowbray Food Partnership, will speak on food culture and the revival of local specialities.

The May meeting will be a short AGM + Speaker + Cheese and Wine on 13th May at 7.30pm. Chris Yeoman talks on Ashby de la Zouch’s old cattle market.

Have you ever wondered what goes into making the little yellow book. Colin Olle gives a behind the scenes look at the N.G.S in Leicestershire. This could inspire you to visit some wonderful gardens in our county.

15th May - From the Tropics to the Trent.

Author, RHS judge and garden designer Ian Cooke introduces gardening using big, brash bananas and other bold foliage to create the jungle look - cool ideas for exotic gardening without a hot-house.

Refreshments available. Lift and disabled toilet. Free parking at Legion House or public car park opposite.

Visitors welcome £2. Annual Subscription £8 / £10.

Contact Susanne on 01530 415 654.

We welcome everyone to this friendly club- you don’t have to have green fingers!

27a Legion House, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire LE65 1BQ.

Meetings are in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall at 7:30pm.

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Visitors £3 (adult) and £1 (children) and individual membership £12 (giving free entry to talks) .

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Local Clubs Whitwick & District U3A Loughborough RSPB Local Group Events in April & May 2014 Friday 11th April 2014 A talk entitled Life on the Edge by Michael Webster.

Another visit by Mike (well known local naturalist and author of “the Birds of Charnwood”). Tonight he will explore the marine life of Britain, showing the birds, wildlife and people who work with the sea, and the problems they all face - and why we need Marine Protection Areas. The talk will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.45pm. Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members.

At 7.30pm we hold our AGM – we have vacancies for both Group Leader and Trip Organiser – if you are interested in either of these positions please contact us using the website and you can receive further information.

Sunday 13th April 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group invite you to join them on a coach trip to Frampton Marsh RSPB Reserve in Lincolnshire. Depart from Loughborough University at 7.30 am, fare £18. Booking is essential for this trip.

Monday 14th April 2014 Wildlife Walk at Calke Park at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at SK375227.

Friday 9th May 2014 A talk on Cossington Meadow by Tim Matthews. One of our own local group members who will take us on a walk around this local Nature Reserve, describing all aspects of the wildlife (mainly birds and especially owls), and where and what species might be found. The talk will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.45pm. Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members.

Sunday 11th May 2014 Loughborough RSPB Local Group invite you to join them on a coach trip to Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve in East Yorkshire. Depart from Loughborough University at 7.30 am, fare £18. Booking is essential.

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Wildlife Walk Brandon Marsh near Coventry at 10am until 12 noon. Meet at the nearby car park - SP386757.

Full details of all of the events including finding the venue, booking the trips etc can be found on the group’s website: www.rspb.org.uk/groups/loughborough/

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If you have yet to discover the U3A then April’s General Meeting of Whitwick and District U3A could be just what you need. Regional U3A representatives will explain how the U3A was first started and how it has developed into the large, thriving organisation that it is in 2014.

Please note that we are meeting a week earlier than usual, on Friday 11th April. Our venue is, as usual, St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville. Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00 pm start.

Full details of this event, other forthcoming activities and all our interest groups can be found at:

www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

Shepshed & District Camera Club Tuesday 1st April, 7.30pm - David Bailey Challenge Review of images from the ‘Who Do You Think You Are?, David Bailey? Challenge.

And if we have time, another chance to have your images critiqued by club members. Bring along your prints and digital images.

Tuesday 8th April, 7.30pm - Annual 3-Way Print Battle Annual 3-Way print battle with Coalville and Ashby.

Judge Roger Parry ARPS,HonPAGB, AFIAP Tuesday 15th & Tuesday 22nd April - Easter Break Tuesday 29th April, 7.30pm - Adobe Photoshop Elements Tutorial / Q & A Session Tutorial on layers and blending modes in Elements. Bring along your Elements queries and we will try to give answers on the night.

See the website for further details on meetings.

The club meets once a week, usually on Tuesday evenings.

Please arrive from 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. Meetings end between 9.30pm and 10pm. They are based at the Council Offices, 47a Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LE12 9QE. The annual subscription is £30, £15 for members aged 16 and below. Feel free to go along on any evening on the programme.

For all enquiries please contact Peter Harvey, Chairman: 07740118338 | chairman@shepshedcameraclub.co.uk

www.shepshedcameraclub.co.uk

Concordia Choir Concert Saturday 5th April, 2014 at 7.30pm A concert performance by Concordia Choir at Holy Trinity Church, Ashby.

For tickets telephone 01530 417943.

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SCHOOL’S OUT FOR EASTER! With the April Easter holidays fast approaching it’s time to get planning... we’ve scoured what’s on locally to keep the kids (and yourselves) entertained. Here are our top picks:

Easter Holiday Activities - Conkers Monday 7th April to Sunday 27th April, 2014

Two weeks of family fun during the Easter School Holidays at Conkers, Moira. Circus Skills, Ranger Activities, Crafts, Trevor Hills Animal Road Show, Sublime Science and Flip and Dippy all included in your daily admission ticket. See website for individual activities on the days you plan to visit. For further details telephone 01283 216633 or visit: www.visitconkers.com

Easter Fun Day - Bosworth Battlefield Friday 18th - Monday 21st April, 2014

An all day events programme. Meet the birds, dogs and ferrets. Child admission includes an Easter Egg Hunt.

01455 290429 | £2 per person for all events | For further details see www.bosworthbattlefield.com

Easter Sale with the Bunny Express - The Great Central Railway Tuesday 15th to Thursday 17th & Tues 22nd - Friday 25th April, 2014

Meet the Easter Bunny down at the Great Central there’s lots of fun for the whole family it’s eggstraordinary value too at just £25 for 2 adults and up to 3 children! You can ride the Easter Bunny Express (and jump on and off at all the stations), join in the Easter Egg Hunt, there are colouring in and craft activities, a mini funfair, plus enjoy some delicious free sweets from the Easter bunny!

Enquiries & booking 01509 632323 | www.gcrailway.co.uk | Loughborough, Quorn, Rothley & Leicester North Stations

Easter Vintage Festival - The Great Central Railway 18th to 21st April, 2014

All aboard for Great Central Railway’s Easter Vintage Festival! Get ready to step back in time to a country fayre at Quorn & Woodhouse station. There’s gallopers and a big wheel, traction engines, craft stalls, Edwardian farming demonstrations, vintage cars, commercials and machinery. There’s also a real ale tent with live music. Renown & Repulse showman’s engines have confirmed their attendance! For more information see: www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/vintage-easter-festival/

The Lego Movie (PG) - Family Cinema - Snibston Friday 25th April, 2014 - 2pm

The LEGO Movie follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world.

Tickets: £3 Adult, £2 Child (14 years and under). Tickets can be purchased online via www.centurytheatre.co.uk , through the Box Office on 01530 278444 or in person from Snibston Discovery Museum, Ashby Road, Coalville Leicestershire LE67 3LN - The family cinema is also showing Frozen (U) at 2pm on Wednesday 16th April and Turbo (PG) at 2pm on Wednesday 23rd April.

St. George’s Festival - Leicester City Saturday 26th April, 2014

Enjoy the annual family friendly festival on Orton Square featuring a special appearance from Mike the Knight, who is back by popular demand. There will be music, dance and live performances on the square and in venues across the Cultural Quarter plus the chance to meet a friendly 5 metre long smoke breathing dragon accompanied by his companion, the brave Knight, Sir Aurelious Jones.

With a theme of knights and princesses, the festival promises a day of non-stop entertainment for all the family, full of activities to try out and fun things to do including the fancy dress parade of knights and princesses and the popular dragon hunt. For further information telephone 0116 238 5082 or email festivals@leicester.gov.uk or visit: www.visitleicester.info/stgeorgesfestival

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Local Interest The Old Fashioned Milk Company Lubcloud Farm, home of The Old Fashioned Milk Company and The Farm Shop, has been in the capable hands of Phil Newcombe and his partner Joanne for many years now. Eight years ago they branched out into dairy farming, bottling and selling their own raw and pasteurised milk.

The drinking of raw, untreated milk is held to be beneficial to health; the pasteurisation process destroys many enzymes and friendly bacteria that occur naturally in milk, not to mention a large portion of its vitamin C content. The vitamin A content also becomes harder to absorb. The same decline in nutritional value happens to dairy products made with pasteurised milk, such as milk and butter. Luckily, for anybody that wants to try raw cream, milk or butter, The Old Fashioned Milk Company makes these too and assure us that raw dairy products are perfectly safe and much healthier!

The farm shop saw its grand opening in mid-December and is proud to stock a wide range of organically grown fruit and vegetables. These will soon be joined by a Victorian tea room, serving pots of tea and homemade cakes and sandwiches. Truly a countrified treat for any self-respecting dinner table.

The Old Fashioned Milk Company supplies its products to many local restaurants but also sells them on sight and is setting up a website in the near future making nutritional and organic, not to mention tasty, goods available to all!

Local History Books Local historian, Samuel T Stewart, has recently published three local history books relating to the history of Coleorton and its locality. The three books are:-

• The History of Coleorton and the Locality • Coleorton Pottery 1835 – 1938 • Methodism and Social History in Coleorton and the Locality.

The books, which are very well written and exceptionally well illustrated, cover the history of Coleorton and its locality as well as much of the social history associated with this fascinating heritage village. The author has also completed surveys of the local cemeteries and these are included in the appropriate book.

The books are on sale at:- Coleorton Post Office - Lower Moor Road | Redhall Garage Loughborough Road | Ashby Museum - North Street More detail about the books can be found at: www.coleorton.org.uk/books.html

Coleorton WI Coleorton WI (founded in 1965) meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Beaumont Social Centre, Nottingham Road, Peggs Green. They are an active group and welcome visitors and new members.

Each month they have a speaker or demonstration on various topics.

The National Forest Walking Festival 2014 Saturday 17th to Thursday 29th May.

Wednesday 2nd April at 7.30pm “Easter Flower Demonstration” by Gayle Shell.

Join one of the varied walks and explore this ever changing landscape. With over 70 to choose from there are walks to suit every taste and ability, from gentle strolls to strenuous rambles and routes to cater for seasoned walkers as well as pushchairs, wheelchairs and family groups.

For information please contact: Esther Massey (President) 01530 450306 or Geraldine Bedford (Secretary) 01530 222323.

For more information contact Swadlincote Tourist Information Centre: Tel: 01283 563483 or visit the website: www.thenationalforestwalkingfestival.org.uk

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Adoption & fostering Leicester is home to one of the most successful fostering and adoption services in the East Midlands. Staff at Friar Lane in the city centre have built up many years experience helping hundreds of people to become adopters and foster carers for babies, toddlers and school-age children. At present they are actively looking for new carers and adopters from right across Leicestershire and surrounding counties.

“It can take quite a bit of courage to make that first call,” said Team Manager Sara Draycott. “I’m glad to say that people are usually relieved to find out how open and straightforward we are. The truth is: we really do want to say “Yes”. If applicants can be realistic about the children who need new families, and if they are prepared to make a commitment to a child, we will do our best to help them in every way we can.”

Not everyone who calls goes on to foster or adopt. This is usually due to their present circumstances – perhaps because their own children are very young. So the team advises some people to wait till the time is right for them.

“Every day brings new children of all ages into our care,” said Sara. “So we will always need new carers and adopters especially for older children, sibling groups or for children with additional needs.”

The great majority of adoption applicants who complete their assessment are approved in about eight months and successfully placed with a child very soon after. Even after children come to live with their new family, the team will continue to offer support if this is needed. For fostering, it takes around six months from start to finish, but the training and support are still exceptional; in fact OFSTED consistently rate their level of service as ‘Outstanding’.

Have you ever wondered about adoption or fostering?

The advice is: don’t rule yourself out before speaking to an experienced advisor. Single people as well as couples (married or unmarried) can adopt or foster. You can be aged in your 20s, 30s, 40s and older. People of all faiths or with no faith are welcome. You don’t have to be rich, you don’t have to be in a job and you don’t have to be heterosexual.

It doesn’t matter whether or not you have your own children.

All kinds of children are waiting now for new families and you might be just the person one particular child is waiting for.

Please ring 0116 454 4500 for a confidential discussion about adoption or fostering.

Or visit www.leicester.gov.uk/adoption or www.leicester.gov.uk/fostering and find dates for drop-in events throughout the year.

Fostering & Adoption Centre, 11 Friar Lane, Leicester, LE1 5RB.

Charlie’s story “I was over 40 when I started to look into adoption. I was single - never met Mr Right. I really expected that the adoption service would be swamped with applications from young couples and someone like me wouldn’t get a look in.

“So I applied, but with low expectations. A really nice adoption advisor gave me a very honest idea of what to expect and the huge commitment I would need to give.

“The assessment made me feel that I could do this and that I wasn’t expected to be superhuman. I also learned that adoption was not really about MY needs; it was always going to be about the child’s needs.

“Just after I was approved I was given the details of a little girl to consider. Polly was five and had moved around a lot in her short life. As a result she had become very independent and strong willed – much like me in fact. Polly found it hard to trust people and attach to them, so I knew this was going to be a challenge. I had learned in the training and preparation sessions that, with time and understanding, a child can change. Even some of the serious damage that children may have endured can be healed in time.

“When Polly first came, I had been warned not to expect a lot back from her. But then one day she just told me: “Mummy you know I really love you!” You could tell she meant it – her little face had lit up.

“When you go in for adoption, it’s very emotional because it brings to the surface all the regrets you may have had about not having your own child. You wonder: is this going to be second best? But now I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing. I wouldn’t be without Polly for the world.

“Every day when Polly comes running back from school I know I’m the luckiest person in the world.” www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Public Speaking Success for Students of OLCS Our Lady’s Convent School (OLCS), Loughborough has an established ethos of educating the whole individual, focusing on helping each student achieve to their best abilities both academically and in life skills; as demonstrated by the School’s senior public speaking team.

Recently a team of three reached the Rotary Youth Speaks District Final. The Year 12s; Amelia (Millie) Elliott, Frances Devine and Christina O’Dowd, battled against teams from other schools for a place in the National finals. Whilst they didn’t make it through to the next stage Millie was presented with an award for the Best Speaker of the regional competition.

The following day Millie competed at the Catenian Public Speaking competition; an extremely challenging contest. Our Lady’s Convent School has a strong tradition of developing excellent public speakers and in the last six years students have achieved three first places and one second in this competition. Millie spoke on the topic “Technology is not necessarily improving the quality of our lives” and impressed the judges with her delivery and argument to finally be announced winner of the Regional Catenian Public Speaking 2014 event. She will now represent the School at the National competition in Manchester in September.

Open Morning is on Thursday 8th May, drop in and take a tour between 9.30 am and 12 noon to see how the School can equip your son or daughter for life. For more information please ring Mrs Fortescue on 01509 638280 or visit our website: www.olcs.leics.sch.uk Picture: Amelia, Christina and Frances with their Rotary Youth Speaks 2014 awards.

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Local Interest National Trust Leicester Association All National Trust properties are now fully open for the season and most properties in the Midlands have new exhibitions and displays for 2014.

At Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield, this year sees the 400th anniversary of the death of Robert Smythson (1535-1614), the man who designed the great house for his patron, the Countess of Shrewsbury (aka Bess of Hardwick). To mark this event the NT have a year long celebration of his work and the craftsmen who contributed to Hardwick’s unique appearance and design.

Smythson was born in 1535 and is believed to have trained at the Mason’s Company in London. Along with Harwick he designed other great houses including Longleat House in Wiltshire, Wollaton Hall in Nottinghamshire and Burton Agnes Hall in East Yorkshire.

With his innovative and bold style he designed Hardwick to be seen and to wow those who saw it. Therefore a large part of the celebrations will be based outdoors, including commemorative benches for visitors to sit and reflect on the architecture, perspective points in the enclosed garden and contemporary art centred around craftsmanship and architecture.

In the house visitors will learn how the Hall was constructed, the challenges Smythson’s innovative design style set (there is more window than wall), the work of the other craftsmen, as well as how the Trust cares for Hardwick today.

The NT Leicester Association has its AGM on Tuesday 8th April which will be followed by an illustrated talk by Trevor Parr entitled An Apothecary in the 1640’s. The meeting will be held at Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm, admission free.

Following the AGM meeting the Association will commence its summer programme of coach outings, half day local visits and social events. Meetings with speakers will start again in September.

For details of the NT Leicester Association and its Talks Service for other organisations please call 0116 2229133.

Alan Tyler, Chairman

Keeping Specialist Building Traditions Alive Preserving the heritage of our county’s beautiful historic buildings is vital for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

That’s why specialist restorers like R. J. Rowley play such an important part in maintaining our wonderful local towns and villages.

A family-run business with traditional values and traditional building techniques, R. J. Rowley is rightly proud of being specialist restorers, using traditional methods and materials. Based in rural Leicestershire, the father and son team have been restoring listed and historic buildings for over 20 years so they have a wealth of experience working on projects in league with English Heritage, the County Council and Conservation Officers in District Councils.

Projects vary from small maintenance work on residential or commercial buildings of interest, right through to complete renovations of houses, churches, town halls – in fact any building where traditional techniques and local materials are paramount. For instance, they use lime-based materials to allow for breathability and eradication of damp problems which can include French drains.

Bespoke windows and doors are also a speciality, as well as traditional shop fronts and works to churches and church walls.

Members of S.P.A.B, they are fully insured with historic CSCS cards and all their work is guaranteed.

So when preserving the past means investing in your historic building, call R. J. Rowley for specialist advice and a quotation, because they’ve got the expertise and knowledge to make sure that the past is preserved for the present – and the future.

For a ‘no obligation’ quotation please call 01858 545659 or visit www.rjrowley.co.uk

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Local Interest FREE EVENT: Summer Staycation & Motorfest 2014!

The Coalville Town Team are delighted to announce, that after the amazing success of Coalville Motorfest in June 2013 plus the phenomenal Coalville Food and Festival in November 2013...they are back bigger and better for 2014!

Enjoy the start of the summer with ‘Motorfest 2014’. Park your car for FREE at Snibston Discovery Park, wander around the amazing Motorfest car displays, stalls and activities, then hop on the FREE train down into the town centre, where you can browse more festival stalls, eat, shop, play and relax whilst enjoying the musical sounds of the Caribbean children’s entertainment make sure you bring a bucket and spade as the team brings the great British seaside to you!

This year for Coalville Motorfest will take place on Saturday 28th June 2014 from 10am - 4pm.

If you are interested in having a stall for a flat rate of £50 (books, toys, craft, clothing, camping, holidays, heath & beauty, fitness, bikes, driver training, community clubs etc etc) then please email the Coalville Town Team: coalvilletowncentre@ gmail.com

Shepshed ALLeY Group Shepshed ALLeY Group is a registered charity for young people aged 12 (Year 7) to 19 who have physical, mild learning or social interaction difficulties; e.g. – Cerebral Palsy, Dyspraxia, Dystonia, Spinal Injury, injury as a result of an accident, Aspergers Syndrome and other Autistic Spectrum Disorders. The group meets in Shepshed for two hours on Friday evenings throughout most of the year, with the occasional Saturday trip thrown in for good measure. The main aims of the group are to encourage friendship and confidence and to support the young people to develop social and life skills, helping them become more independent. But most importantly, the group is all about fun. We accept members from any locality.

If you know any young people who would benefit from joining the group, or you would like to volunteer please contact us for further information: Email admin@alleygroup.org.uk phone 01509 880375 website www.alleygroup.org.uk.

The Monday Club For Anstey, Cropston, Thurcaston & Rothley Monday 10th March was an “action packed” event for the Club commencing with the long awaited 2nd talk given by Mr Brian Kibble on the life and times of Anstey from the “1800s to the present day”. Once again we were treated to extensive information supported by beautifully preserved photographs of long gone shops, factories and buildings but of which a few had retained their recognisable exteriors. Anstey had always been a hub of small diverse industries which have blossomed into major companies covering Tannery, Dairy products, Brewery and famous Wall Paper creations.

Many of the photographs provoked memories from the Membership as they gradually came up to date.

This talk was followed by a Free Raffle consisting of a box of Marks and Spencers Guest Soaps, which was won by Mrs. Diane Rouse .

We then celebrated the 60th Diamond Wedding Anniversary for Mr and Mrs. Silvester (Madge and Dennis). Madge had brought along two beautifully cooked and decorated sponge cakes, one in vanilla and the other Chocolate which were very quickly and gratefully consumed!! Sincere Congratulations to you both.

Lastly a very appreciative presentation of Gardening Vouchers were given to Mr David Rouse and Mr Mick Whatton who have, over the last ten years, been the “stage hands” supporting the Monday Club and their wives Diane (Catering) and Diana (Sales table) Next meeting: Cropston Evangelical Free Church, Monday, 14th April 2014 at 2.15pm. Speaker: Josephine Burgess Save The Children.

Visitors and new members welcome. Enquiries: Ann Farndon 0116 2363467. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Local Interest Newtown Linford Gardening Club

Bradgate Flower Club

Is it really the beginning of spring? We still have had no snow and very few frosts. As we drive around the area there are daffodils in full bloom even though the snowdrops have not yet finished. We have also seen hedgerows showing the first sign of greening up and leaf buds appearing on several shrubs. Surely there will be something to bring us up short but, at the time of writing, there are no such signs yet. However much pruning is being done at this time, taking advantage of the rainless spells we are having at the moment, so the lull in gardening activity of the past months is coming to an end.

Have you wondered what lies behind the creative genius of the flower arranger?

After a packed evening learning all about the huge range of plants called ‘daisies’, plus some that look like daisies but aren’t, we turn our attention, in March, to fruit and vegetables. The full title for our speaker, David Thornton is ‘Healthy eating Aspects of Fruit and Vegetables’. David Thornton is a national expert on the subject. He is the long-serving secretary of the National Vegetable Society and we are privileged to be able to welcome such a prestigious speaker.

We are holding a plant fair on Saturday April 26th at the Sunday School Rooms in Newtown Linford from 10.00am to 1.00pm. There will be a wide range of plants for sale and also home-made cakes. We welcome all comers to see what we have to offer.

We can also give advanced notice of our celebrity event in the autumn. On November 4th Adam Frost will be coming to Newtown Linford. He has already won gold medals at Chelsea for garden design on four occasions (perhaps five by the time he comes to speak to us!!!) and is now one of the newly established experts in this subject. He appears on our screens at regular intervals and has a reputation as a fascinating speaker with an innovative gardening brain. As last time, when Christine Walkden came to our village we will invite members of other gardening clubs and interested visitors to join us. Put the date in your diary and look out for further details in the near future.

Journey “Back to the Future” with Bradgate Flower Club and be enthralled by the skill and repartee of an experienced demonstrator.

Lee Berrill is the guest for our special Open Meeting at 7.30 on Wednesday 7 May. The venue for this meeting is Groby Community College (off Ratby Road LE6 0GE). Visitors and guests are welcome - entry fee of £8, payable at the door.

Details from Lilian Coleman on 0116 2363191.

New Messy Church Starting in Mountsorrel Do you enjoy craft activities, good food and making new friends? Would you like to go to church but find it hard with ‘wriggly’ children? If so, then Messy Church may be for you.

We start with craft activities, games and puzzles for all the family. Adults can join in too! Next is a short and lively worship time of songs and a Bible story. A free lunch is provided for everyone to enjoy spending more time relaxing with family and friends.

Messy Church is church for everyone- children of all ages, parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends are all welcome. Children will need to bring a responsible adult with them. There is no charge but donations towards the cost of running Messy Church are always very welcome.

Messy Church, organised by Loughborough Seventh-day Adventist church, will be meeting on Saturday 5th April 2014, Saturday 3rd May, Saturday 7th June and thereafter on the second Saturday of each month. We meet at Mountsorrel Methodist Church, Church Hill Road, Mountsorrel, LE12 7JB. Please call 07748 590594 or email loughboroughsdachurch@ gmail.com to let us know you are planning to come. We’d love to see you!

We have welcomed a large number of new members this year and will be pleased if others want to join us. If you are interested in our activities just contact the secretary (tel. 242452 or e-mail 01530242452@ talktalk.net) , or come to one of our meetings to see how you like it before making a commitment (£2 for visitors).

Alternatively give us a ring and ask for a copy of our programme for the coming year and we will be pleased to send one to you.

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Belton Village Hall’s Golden Anniversary Written by Belton residents Amanda Overton & Nicola Williams

March this year marked the 50th anniversary of the village hall of Belton, a small village of just over 300 homes 5 miles North of Loughborough. Belton has a strong community and many traditions including the May Day festivities with dancing around one of the few remaining maypoles in the country. In its 50 years the village hall has served its community well by hosting many functions and celebrations.

The idea of building a village hall was originally introduced to the villagers by the late Mr Joe Bonser of Top Merrill Grange farm in 1953. This led to 10 years of fund-raising by villagers to help raise the £7,000 needed to fund the project. Among the main fund-raising events were the weekly whist drives with the landlords of the two local public houses giving their clubrooms free of charge to support these events. Villagers also attended regular dances held in the neighbouring village of Osgathorpe and enjoyed summer galas on the village recreation ground, all in aid of the village hall fund. In addition, a £3000 government grant was secured by Mr A. Stuart of The Leicestershire Rural Community Council.

Mrs Dorothy Bonser, one of the founder members of the village hall committee.

Mrs Dorothy Bonser is the last surviving founder member of the village hall committee and widow to the late Joe Bonser. When reminiscing about the fund raising efforts she said “I must have made thousands of cups of tea!”

The cabbage field adjacent to the old school was acquired by the committee from local farmer, Mr Harper. Many villagers then set to work to clear and level the site before local builders were recruited to start construction in 1963.

On the 14th of March 1964, in recognition of his support to the committee, Mr Stuart was invited to officially open the new village hall. In spite of the rain, large crowds attended the grand opening where Mr Bonser, chairman of the committee, handed him a pair of golden scissors to cut the golden ribbon.

Methodist minister Reverend Cox blessed the building. The celebrations then began with the ladies of the committee serving wine and cheese and the Shepshed drama group providing the entertainment. The evening concluded with a dance with over 200 people in attendance.

The hall then became the pride of the community, winning the Leicester Advertiser village hall competition for the best kept village hall three times running in 1966, 1968 and 1970.

Rev. Cox and some of the original village hall committee members taken on the day of the opening. Mr J Bonser in the centre next to his wife Mrs D Bonser.

Groups that first used the village hall included the over sixties Welcome Club, the Women’s Institute, whist drives and short-mat bowling. Fifty years on, the whist drives and bowling are still held in the hall today with the whist drives still regularly raising money towards the up-keep of the village hall and many other good causes. Other regular users now also include the Belton play-group, a street dance club for the youngsters and a Zumba fitness class.

The hall has been a great community venue for large events over its 50 years and has seen many street parties for various royal occasions. The hall has hosted many family celebrations such as wedding receptions and birthday parties plus many fund-raising events such as table-top sales and Halloween disco’s to name but a few.

Last summer the village hall was the venue for the revival of the Belton village show, first run by the Women’s Institute many years ago. The show, now run by the Belton gardening club, was a resounding success and an excellent example of how the village community spirit of fifty years ago continues today.

The villagers took part in a 50th year commemorative photo in front of the village hall on Sunday the 2nd of March. This was followed by a special service at the local church, St John the Baptist, celebrating ‘community’.

Top: The over sixties Welcome Club.

Photo taken during the 1970’s.

Middle: Members of the Women’s Institute after a stage performance in the 1960’s.

Bottom: Street party outside the village hall to celebrate the royal wedding of Charles and Diana in 1981.

A couple of weeks later on Saturday the 15th of March, the community came together for a day of celebrations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their village hall. Events were held throughout the day including afternoon tea and cakes, a talk from the Belton history group and an opportunity to reminisce with old photos, concluding with a disco with music from the last five decades. Current societies and users took the chance to showcase their groups to entice new members.

Mrs Bonser said of the celebrations “Joe would be very proud to see the village hall still being supported by the community and its 50th anniversary being remembered in this way”.

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Ashby de la Zouch

© SJC Marketing

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Ashby de la Zouch is the second largest town in North West Leicestershire, an ancient market spa town and civil parish, it borders Leicestershire and Derbyshire, sits within The National Forest and has quite the historical background to boast about, including its very own 12th century Norman castle, today preserved by English Heritage.

Ashby is a word of Anglo-Danish origin, meaning “Ashtree farm” or “Ash-tree settlement”, the Norman French addition dates from the years after the Norman conquest of England, when the town became a possession of the La Zouche family during the reign of Henry III. Ashby de la Zouch made its way in life as integral contributors to the leather, ribbon, coal mining and brickmaking industries. However today by far the largest employer in the town is United Biscuits (think Hula Hoops, Skips and Choc Dips), providing about 2,000 jobs.

Annual events such as the district council sponsored Arts festival (in May) and Septembers’ Ashby Statutes – a fun fair today, but historically a major recruitment event of the 1800s which saw domestic servants and farm worker hired for the year – all still hold pride of place in the town’s events calendar.

In the heart of the town centre you will find everything you would expect and plenty more. Ashby boasts some fabulous shops, boutiques and cafes alongside a daily market and a fabulous farmers market.

For visitor attractions there’s also the nearby Calke Abbey, Staunton Harold Park, Snibston Discovery Park and the fantastic National Forest to explore.

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RUSHTONS YARD There’s no two ways about it - Rushton Yard is a hidden gem. Situated in the quaint town of Ashby de la Zouch, its entrance is nestled at the bottom of Market Street. The court was developed in 1986 from run down cottages, plucking and dressing sheds and even courtesy of a large fridge, from where, once upon a time, ice was imported to and then sold.

Today Rushton Yard is a vibrant square featuring an array of boutique and specialist shops, cafes, restaurants, wine bars and some key service providers too, let’s take a look at four of them to give you an idea of what the yards has to offer: Florrie May Interiors (8 Rushtons Yard) is a beautiful two floor boutique shop hosting a wide range of quality home and giftware products at prices to suit all budgets. Florrie May’s are passionate and proud to stock a large number of British made products including candles, lanterns, frames, mohair throws and hand written greetings cards.

Othe treasures include a range of ornate mirrors, chandeliers, lamps and clocks – so why not pop in and see them between Tuesday and Saturday from 9.30-5pm.

Zamanis (11 Rushtons Yard) was started by Pejman Zamani 23 years ago and is today still synonymous with locally sourced produce, quality dishes and a warm, hospitable welcome. With customers often traveling far and wide to sample this fine Italian’s varied menu it’s no surprise why Zamanis has been in business for so long. Open seven days a week, Zamanis caters for walk-ins, reservations and group bookings, give them a call (01530 560719) or pop in to enjoy the taste sensation yourself.

Darcey & Bate Accountants Limited (3 Rushtons Yard) is a firm of Chartered Certified Accountants specialising in providing professional services to sole traders, partnerships and Limited companies. With over ten years experience Darcey & Bate Accountants know that just being good is not good enough so why not give them a call on 01530 414 285 / 07525 421 454 or pop in to their offices for a cup of tea or coffee and a free no obligation chat.

Enigma Hair Salon (9 Rushtons Yard) is an independent salon offering cuts, finishes, colours, treatments as well as specials for weddings and other occasions (plus much, much more including beauty products). Providing the highest quality of professional service and innovative excellence customers leave feeling confident about their hair each time, every time. Established for over 25yrs now why not book your appointment online or contact them on 01530 411323 (open six days a week).

Outside of the above, Rushton Yard also plays host to a number of special open air events, most traditionally held over public holidays, one such example of this being the May Bank Holiday Ashby Arts Festival.

Commencing on Saturday 17th May and running for two weeks (until the 31st May) Rushton Yard plays host to free street entertainment which more often than not gloriously spills out on to Market Street and other areas around town. From Way of the Wyrd Morris Dancers to the Ashby African Drummers there’s also Mikes Open Mic, outdoor galleries, photography exhibitions, music and literary events for all ages and abilities and much, much more.

If you’d like to get involved, as a volunteer or as an artist, please contact Barbara Royds (broydsey@gmail.com).

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© SJC Marketing

Supporting Ashby’s New & Successful Businesses Our High Streets are vital to the health of our communities and Ashby de la Zouch is no exception. A safe, attractive, bustling Market Street is central to helping the town and the surrounding villages thrive and whilst many have been feeling the lasting effects of the economic downturn some are ahead of the curve in moving onwards and upwards.

Holme Tree Kitchens for example recently moved to larger premises (Unit G3) at Ivanhoe Business Park, whilst, the Business Park itself is busy readying more units to accommodate the demand for more floor space – all good signs. New shops like Florrie May Interiors, have also recently moved into the area (July 2013), a welcome addition to the Rushton Yard retail community.

Ashby Glass Ltd is another such success story – upsizing their premises from 17 The Green to 26 Tournament Way (LE65 2UU) in order to meet the demands of a growing customer base. Guaranteed to beat any like for like quote, taking pride in their friendly and professional service and a no pressure sales ethic are all attributes that have helped allow this local family business to become the leading local specialist in the supply and fit of windows conservatories, UPVC and Composite doors (see page 44 for further details).

We strongly believe here at The Vine that it’s important that we all support our local businesses, retailers, eateries, industries and attractions, and more so today than ever before – alongside the above – and in conjunction with all our featured advertisers, may we say: may this long continue.

A thriving community is a happy community - shop locally and keep our high streets and towns alive!

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Introducing the Ashby Ladies Business Group The local ‘new style’ networking group was started in April 2012, as many local independent businesses felt they were being overlooked – the group caters especially for businesses which are owned and managed by women.

The aim of the group is to encourage business women to get away from the work place for just a short time in the busy working day and to give them the opportunity to meet likeminded women from the local area, share experiences and also to network and promote their businesses.

The group has an informal structure which many of the ladies have found far more comfortable and successful than the hard sell method used in some more traditional style networking groups.

There are no long dull speeches, but the group does have an interesting short relaxed guest speaker slot at each lunch event. Lunch time events take place every 2 months with a very popular morning coffee meet up in between these.

The Ashby Ladies Business Group website promotes all the members businesses as well as news and events – www.ashbylbg.co.uk and there is also a lively Facebook group page.

The group is a non-profit networking group and at the moment there are around 70 local business ladies involved (and growing rapidly). Already there have been some great success stories in the group and new members from all sectors of business within the Ashby area are welcomed.

The Ashby Ladies Business Group has a diverse range of talent and the group has caused a lot of interest among the business women in the local area (see local businesses involved on their website).

To find out when the next meeting is, keep an eye on the ‘News & Events’ section of the website: www.ashbylbg.co.uk If you require any further information or would like to get involved, please contact Sue Crooks on 07505 847807.

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The Great Central Railway There is so much happening in April it is difficult knowing where to start.

So lets try with Easter when we have Easter Bunnies Express and Easter Vintage Festival in between.

Then for one day only we have a Bus/Rail Spring Event.

April 2014 Easter Bunny Express This is a seven day event either side of Easter with plenty of activities to entertain the children with something happening at every station. Mini craft market, meet Easter Bunny and get free sweets, face painting, Easter egg hunt, Funfair and miniature railway, colouring in and craft corner. All the action takes place between April 15-17 the first week then between April 22-25 the second week.

Easter Vintage Festival The event takes place over the four day Easter weekend (April 18-21) with the atmosphere of a Country Fayre at Quorn Station with steam powered Gallopers and big wheel, craft stalls, steam trains, plus much more you would expect to find at a Country Fayre.

On Friday at 10am it will be possible to watch us assemble the Gallopers, then in the evening there is also live music with The Roosters, and a beer tent.

Quorn Bus/Rail Spring Event The Great Central Railway alongside Leicester Transport Heritage Trust are staging a one day event to celebrate heritage rail and bus travel between 10am and 5pm on the 26th. Two free heritage bus routes from the station, and there will also be a display of buses and commercial vehicles and stalls in the car park. Why not take a bus ride and then a steam train ride?

Dining Trains There are the usual dining trains running during the month with two Murder Mystery’s on the 11th and 25th and a Easter Sunday Lunch in place of the normal train on 20th.

Preview Of Events For May There are two Bank Holiday weekends on the 5th and 26th, Swithland Gala on the 10th and 11th, Classic and Vintage Vehicle Fest on the 17th and 18th with a Beer Train on the 17th only and Midweek running on the 27th to the 29th. The normal dining trains will be running with a Murder Mystery on the 16th and Pullman Fine Dining with Live Jazz on the 30th. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Also there are the usual Dining Trains with a few extras!

Mountsorrel Branch More than £600,000 of grant funding from Lafarge Tarmac’s Landfill Communities Fund has been granted to the group that restored the Mountsorrel Branch this will be used to build a small halt and car park at Bond Lane to form a terminus on the branch and to also create a heritage centre in Nunckley Hill. This will be based round three historic buildings the former Time Office and two other buildings. They will all be carefully dismantled and then rebuilt and restored. They will then be connected by a sympathetically designed new build which will allow the external appearance of the old buildings to be retained.

The building will then be fitted out as a tea room and heritage centre. The grant will need some match funding, some already is in place but more needed. If you would like to help with a donation send cheque payable to DCRT and write Mountsorrel Railway on the back to 112 Balmoral Road, Mountsorrel, Loughborough, LE12 7EW. If you are a tax payer a Gift Aid form can be downloaded from the web site www.mountsorrelrailway.org.uk

Bridging The Gap The fund now stands at over £380,000. Network Rail took ground samples earlier this year to determine what needs to be done for the foundations. These will be passed on to the bridge design team which will help them to make informed decisions about the new structure. If you would like to make a donation visit the GCR web site and follow the link.

For all the latest information visit the website at: www. gcrailway.co.uk or phone Loughborough on 01509 632323.

Dave Allen, Duty Station Master, Rothley.

Photo: Ex Leicester City Transport No 217 AEC Bridgemaster 217 AJF owned by Leicester Bridgemaster Group during a Diesel Gala and Leicester Bus Running Day in September, 2011.

The next Bus/Rail day event takes place at Quorn on Saturday, April 26.

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EVENTS DIARY

It’s FREE to add your community event to our events diary email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk. Please send details in by 8th May 2014 for the June/July Summer issue.

Susan Boyle In Concert | Tuesday 1st April

Colour Blast Dash 5k Race - Sunday 27th April

For the very first time in her phenomenally successful career, Susan will be holding her own on the stage in Leicester performing a sensational and contemporary repertoire of iconic album tracks and never heard before classics that will captivate and enthrall the audience.

Tickets: £37.50 - £45 | De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester LE1 7RU | Box Office: 0116 233 3111 | 7:30pm

Colour Blast Dash is a happy, healthy and ridiculously fun 5k run! Put on your all white clothes and prepare to be colour blasted with coloured powder and run through foam on this fun, spectacular paint blasting 5k ( ages 14+) or 2.5k ( ages 4+) course. The run raises much needed funds for The Laura Centre in Leicester.

Registration from 9am, Warm up 10:30, Adult Race 10:45, Rascals Race 12:00.

Victoria Park, London Road, Leicester, LE1 6ZG Visit the website for all the details: www.colourblastdash.org

War Horse - The Concert | Saturday 5th April A reading by celebrated author Michael Morpurgo with music from BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winners: John Tams and Barry Coope A powerful story, told through the eyes of a horse, which moves from life on a farm in peaceful Devon to survival on the Western Front in the First World War.

Dino Babies - Monday 14th & Wednesday 16th April

This is the epic story of a horse, who did not have the human frailty of taking sides.

Come and make your own little terrible lizard egg complete with hatchling… what will you choose a toothy Raptor or a leggy Brachiosaurus?

Listen to the story that inspired Spielberg’s movie and the internationally acclaimed stage show. Extraordinary storytelling accompanied by heart rending music.

New Walk Museum and Art Gallery, 53 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 7EA | Tel: 0116 225 4900 | 11am to 1pm & 2pm to 4pm £2.50 for activities for activities (payable at the museum shop)

Loughborough Town Hall, Market Place, Loughborough, LE11 3EB | Box Office: 01509 231914 | Tickets: £17/£16 concessions. £10 under 16s, schools and students | 7:30pm

Sunday Afternoons | Messy Church Community activities on Sunday afternoons at Viscount Beaumont School organised by St Mary’s Church, Coleorton. Open to all and free of charge. Details from St Mary’s Curate: Rev’d Nick Gurney 01530 457367. .

Wednesday 02 April | Voices & Volumes Talk Join Voices and Volumes Club in association with The Magic Attic for a talk on ‘The Farming Year’ by Angela Sargent. Tea/coffee and biscuits provided. £2.50 including refreshments | 2.00pm | The Magic Attic, West Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9DG | Tel: 01283 819020

Thursday 03 April | Funhouse Comedy Club Appearing this month are Jonny Awsoum - A comedic whirlwind Jonny’s feel-good brand of musical comedy has seen him rise from fresh faced newbie to a highly sought after headline act in a matter of months. Audience members don’t just leave entertained, they leave as fans. Nick Revell - “Revell’s pedigree goes back to the Eighties, but his patter is as relevant today as it ever was” London Evening Standard Also appearing are Paul F taylor and Chris Ashton. Compere Spikey Mike.

The Lyric Rooms, Ashby LE65 1AB | Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8.15pm | Tickets £9 in advance from website or call 0115 952 5050.

Saturday 05 April | The Everley Brothers and Friends Tribute Show A fabulous tribute show at Ibstock Palace Theatre. Including special guest tributes to: Hank Marvin, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis.

Performance starts 8pm | Tickets £10 | Tel: 01530 260460 | High St, Ibstock, Leicestershire LE67 6LH

Saturday 05 April | Ashby Museum Kids Club ‘Young Historians’ Kids’ History Club - First Saturday of most months. FREE ENTRY! This months theme for the Kids’ History Club at Ashby Museum is “The Romans”. Open to all children of primary school age. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

FREE | 1pm to 4pm | Ashby Museum, North Street, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1HU | Tel: 01530 560090

Saturday 05 April | Cropston Evangelical Free Church Coffee Morning Coffee Morning on the 1st Saturday each month. Donations given to Click Sargent’ the children’s cancer charity. All welcome.

Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HD

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April / May 2014 - Issue 7

EVENTS DIARY Tuesday 08 April | Ashby Writers’ Club - Manuscript Meeting: Members’ Own Work Visitors are welcome at a nominal fee of £4 per speaker meeting. £3 per comp/manuscript meeting (includes tea/coffee).

22nd April Meeting - speaker: Nicola Valentine (and Nicola Monaghan): novelist Meetings are on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise specified | Congregational Church, Kilwardby Street, Ashby | 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Thursday 10 April | Leicestershire & Rutland Badger Group ‘The Myths surrounding Badgers & Bovine TB’. Jack Reedy, Media Spokesman for the Badger Trust, will present an informative, illustrated talk on this important subject.

Admission £1 refreshments included | Contact Dr David Duckett on 0116 2597231 | Midlands Co-operative Society Sports and Leisure Club, Birstall Road, Birstall

Sunday 13 April | Dark Age Donington Explore life among the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings in this fun hands-on family event. Pop in to the Old Barn Tea Room for tea and cakes too!

Donington le Heath Manor House, Manor Road, Donington le Heath LE67 2FW | Cost Adults £3, Children £2 | Further information telephone 01530 831259

Monday 14 April | Charnwood Flower Guild - Coalville Charnwood Flower Guild meets every second Monday of the month for an evening of entertainment with flowers. They are affiliated to The National Association of Flower Arranging Societies. This month’s theme is “Memories of Village Life” with Jean Ford from Newthorpe, Notts.

Visitors £5 | The Adult School, Bridge Road, Coalville, LE67 3PW | 7.30pm

Wednesday 16 - Thursday 24 April | Easter Holiday Train Rides at Snisbton Created by Robert Stephenson, the railway once joined the Swannington to Leicester line, one of the earliest railways in the world.

Ride along the line on our Hunslet Diesel locomotive - call ahead to avoid disappointment 01530 278444.

Snibston Discovery Centre on Wednesdays and Thursdays this Easter fortnight. Normal admission prices apply.

Monday 21 April | Easter Egg Hunt Easter Egg Hunt at Hough Mill, Swannington - use the treasure map to follow the treasure trail and find the historic answers that will lead to an Easter Egg. Meet Teddy Miller and his family (even buy their books) and enjoy all of the Hough Mill activities such as grinding wheat into flour using the hand quern, getting weighed on the long arm sack scales, using the grain measures in the grain box, dressing up as Mr and Mrs Miller that you would expect in a 200 year old windmill.

Runs from 2-5pm . To make sure that an Easter Egg is reserved for you, book your place by emailing chairman@swanningtonheritage.co.uk

Friday 18th to Monday 21 April | Easter Quest Adventure - Ashby Castle Young adventurers wanted this Easter weekend! You’ll meet characters from the past with intriguing stories of times gone by maybe a forgetful King. They’ll need your help. Will you rise to the challenge on a quest that involves cracking clues and exploring the hidden corners of Ashby de la Zouch? Champions will be richly rewarded! It’s time to get hands-on with history.

Ashby Castle, South Street, Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1BR from 10.00am - 5.00pm | For further details telephone 01530 413343 Entrance: English Heritage Members - Free, Adult - £4.70, Child, 5-15 years - £2.80, Concession - £4.20, Family - £12.20

Hallaton Bottle Kicking Hallaton Bottle Kicking is one of the UK’s oldest and longest continually running events believed to date back over 2000 years and happens every Easter Monday. It is a contest between the neighbouring villages of Hallaton and Medbourne and a fantastic spectacle to go and watch! 2pm | Free entry | Hallaton, Leicestershire, LE16 8UE |

Thursday 24 April | Hanson’s Auctioneers Valuation Day - Whitwick Valuation day with Vanessa Savage representing Hanson’s Auctioneers at Coalville Rugby Club from 10am - 3pm. So bring along your items for valuation, interest, insurance or to sell at Hanson’s auction. Valuations are FREE, donations to the work of Hospice Hope are welcomed. For further information about Hospice Hope telephone 01530 837267 or visit www.hospicehope.org.uk.

Tuesday 29 April | Ashby U3A Ashby de la Zouch U3A General Meeting at Congregational Church, Kilwardby St. 2pm. Speaker: Norman Ripley: “The delights of running a village shop and Post Office”. Come and join us, bring a friend. Visitors £1.00 All welcome www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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What’s On...

Newbold Heritage Group

FREE Course For Adults!

Exhibition - Industry in and around Newbold Coleorton from 1700 - 2010.

Saturday 10th May 2014. 10 - 4pm at Newbold School Annex, School Lane, Newbold Coleorton. LE67 8PF.

Every Wednesday 3.30 until 4.30 pm during term time Castle Rock School (near Forest Rock Pub), Whitwick

Enjoy A Day In Our Gardens With The National Garden Scheme Monday 26th May 2014, 11.00 - 5.00pm As part of the National Garden Scheme you are invited to look around and enjoy six Newtown Linford village gardens that you probably have only seen from the road, or path. Four of the properties have the River Lin as a friend, either running through, or along the boundary.

On the Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 26th May, from 11.00am until 5.00pm, Woodlands (86 Main Street), Lin Croft (88), Bank Cottage (90), Dell Cottage (92), Dingle House (94A) and Apple-tree Cottage(114) will be welcoming you all to enjoy stunning displays of Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Wisterias, a prolific Exochorda known as The Bride, and depending upon the weather this Spring there could be some displays of tulips. You will be invited into a colourful courtyard garden, see a small lily pond, and gardens on many levels.

Home made teas will be available at Bank Cottage and Apple – tree Cottage where you will be able to sit and relax. All the gardens have a southerly aspect so if the weather is fine you can enjoy the sunshine, the view, and the wonderful home made cakes.

In addition we will have a Plant Stall including home grown seedlings.

The National Garden Scheme has been raising money for nursing and caring charities since 1927. Over 3700 gardens are just waiting to be discovered nationally and we are just 6 of those.

Entrance £4 adults, children free. Unfortunately the gardens are not suitable for wheelchairs, and we ask you not to bring your dog.

Dick Howard

Report to reception to obtain visitor sticker at 3.30pm, the session will be for one hour every Wednesday during term time only.

You will be shown to a classroom and offered tea and biscuits whilst the students help you with iPad/ computer/iPhone technology etc.

Contact Jan Croft: 01530 244865 or Kay Webster: 01530 249080 for further details and lifts.

CHARITY CONCERT: Music in the Park Saturday 7th June 2014 This highly popular charity concert is fun for all ages, and is held in the beautiful grounds of Wistow Hall (by kind permission of the Brooks family).

Bring your own picnic and enjoy music by “The upBeatles” (a Beatles tribute band) and the award winning “Hathern Brass Band”.

This is then followed by a fabulous fireworks display in front of Wistow Hall.

The concert is supporting 2 Leicestershire & Rutland charities: “LOROS” and “HOPE Against Cancer” and is organised by the Wigston Rotary Club (last year £10,000 was raised for good causes!).

Wet or dry the show goes on. No fires or barbeques allowed and no dogs.

TICKETS: Adult £12.50 (On the day/night £15.00) : 12-16yrs £5 : Under 12’s Free FREE Parking Gates open at 5.30pm, the concert starts at 7:30pm and the fireworks display will be at 10pm.

For more information & Credit Card Hotline: 0116 2318431 Tickets are on sale at Baileys at Wistow Rural Centre, Glebe Garden Centre (Countesthorpe) and at all 24 LOROS Shops throughout Leicestershire & Rutland, including Oadby, Blaby, Market Harborough, Wigston, Leicester Market Place and Queens Road Bookshop.

Bradgate Drama Society Friday 16th & Saturday 17th May, 2014 The Society’s Spring production is Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘Snake in the Grass’, a ghostly thriller which will have you on the edge of your seat.

Performances are on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th. May beginning at 7.30pm in Newtown Linford Village Hall.

If you’d like to join us for an extremely spooky night out tickets, price £7, are available from Lesley Baker (01509 890771) or Toby Manning (01530 2415298) or by e-mail at bradgatedrama@gmail.com

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April / May 2014 - Issue 7

What’s On...

Broom Leys Choral Society

St George’s Day Celebration

Saturday 12th April, 2014.

Saturday 19th April 2014

Broom Leys Choral Society will be performing Maunder’s ‘Olivet to Calvary’ and Stainer’s ‘Crucifixion’ at Whitwick Methodist Church, Hall Lane, Whitwick (opposite Whitwick post office) at 7.30pm on Saturday 12th April.

The concert will be conducted and accompanied by Anthony Wilson ARCM, ALCM, and soloists are Lyndon Gardner and Alan Speight.

Tickets are £7, available by telephone from 01455 290840 or by email: tickets@broomleyschoralsociety.org.uk More information is on the society’’s website: www.broomleyschoralsociety.org.uk

The 23rd April, as all good English men and women will know, is St George’s Day, the national day of the English.

At this time the Leicester Branch of the Royal Society of St George is holding its annual banquet at Devonshire Place in Leicester, when all good English folk drink a toast to the Queen and to “Englishness”. The banquet will be held on Saturday 19th April and is one of three annual events organised by the branch, the other two being a similar banquet held on or near Trafalgar Day in October and a Carol Service just before Christmas.

Easter Egg Hunt - Swannington Monday 21st April, 2014 Easter Egg Hunt at Hough Mill, Swannington - use the treasure map to follow the treasure trail and find the historic answers that will lead to an Easter Egg. Meet Teddy Miller and his family (even buy their books) and enjoy all of the Hough Mill activities such as grinding wheat into flour using the hand quern, getting weighed on the long arm sack scales, using the grain measures in the grain box, dressing up as Mr and Mrs Miller that you would expect in a 200 year old windmill. Runs from 2 - 5pm .

To make sure that an Easter Egg is reserved for you, book your place by emailing chairman@swanningtonheritage.co.uk

The RSSG is the leading patriotic society of England and in no way a Nationalistic organisation. All who hold the “Englishness” and English heritage close to their heart are welcomed and a number of our ethnic friends are members. The National Membership Fee is £15 per person per annum and this includes the receipt of the Society’s quarterly magazine. You will, I am sure, appreciate that it is even more important in these difficult times to hold on to and cherish our heritage and love of our Country.

To join or make further enquiries call our secretary Audrey Berry on 0116 286 3656 or email on johnalan.berry@ virgin net. You will be made most welcome.

Ashby Farmers Market Saturday 19th April 2014 Ashby Farmers Market at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR. 9am - 2pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. For further information on either Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.

How fast can an Easter Bunny Run? Join us in a day of fun and achievement for all the family!

On the morning of Sunday 6th April you can attempt a serious 10K or a fun 3K in the beautiful Beacon Country Park at Woodhouse Eaves in the Rotary Beacon Easter Bunny Runs. Whether you run for the enjoyment of it or sponsored for charity, both runs are suitable for all abilities and are entirely off-road along woodland pathways and bridleways although only the 10K includes hill climbs. Everyone finishing gets a medal and there will be a host of prizes as well as the opportunity for a warm-down massage.

If you simply want to watch or to take the family, there will be hot food and drinks, a bouncy castle, an Egg Hunt and games for the children.

The event is organised every year by The Rotary Club of Loughborough Beacon and full details and entry forms are available on the website. www.beaconbunnyrun.org | Tel: 07906 915589 ENTRY FEES: Advanced Entry: 10K – Adult £15, UKA Registered £13 3K – Adult £10, UKA Registered £9; 14 years and under £5, UKA Registered £4 On the day entries will incur an additional £2 administration charge Dogs are welcome only on the 3k fun run, NOT on the 10k run.

Sunday April 6th 2014 at 12 noon | Beacon Hill, lower car park, Breakback Road, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8TA www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Crossword No: 6

PUZZLE PAGE

ACROSS 1. English church attender worldwide! (8) 5. Writer of documents (6) 10. Large beer? (5) 11. Person in office currently (9) 12. Flight of steps (9) 13. Become liable (5) 14. Stick to (6) 15. Melodious (7) 18. Omen (7) 20. Very small but having potentially devastating power (6) 22. Yearned (5) 24. Magnificence (9) 25. Brightness (9) 26. If this is on the cake, it is of additional benefit (5) 27. Reduce 25 across (6) 28. Not of this world (8)

DOWN 1. Help (6) 2. Type of duck that looks a bit like another wildfowl without its tail and queen (9) 3. Recognition of mutual need (15) 4. Stir (7) 6. Uniformed doorman (15) 7. Relating to the lower part of the small intestine (5) 8. Completely (8)

9. Cry of fear (6) 16. Hooped skirt (9) 17. Spread out in a disordered fashion (8) 19. Herbal infusion (6) 20. Mild illness (7) 21. Economical (6) 23. Greek poet called Simpson? (5)

Look out for the crossword solution in the June / July issue!

Crossword No: 5 Solution

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Sudoku For You!

April / May 2014 - Issue 7

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

57

THE VINE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Caroline James.............................. 35

EDUCATION Anstey Kumon Centre.................... 32 Grace Dieu..................................... 32 OLCS..............................................33 Rawlins Community College.......... 32 Richard Hill School Charity............. 24

FOOD, DRINK & VENUES The Bradgate.................................. 28 Farmers Market.............................. 48 The Flying Horse............................ 29 The George Inn.............................. 29 The Grey Lady Kitchen & Deli........ 28 The Old Fashioned Milk Co............ 27 The Queens Head.......................... 28 The Restaurant at The Mountsorrel... 29 The Vine......................................... 42 Vintage Afternoon Teas.................. 14 Woodcock Farm Shop.................... 50 Zamarni’s........................................46

GARDEN Bradgate Estate Management........ 38 Charnwood Tree Services.............. 39 East Mids Mowers & Machines...... 38 Garden Blueprints.......................... 14 LB Landscaping.............................. 38 Neil Johnson Landscaping............. 39 Roecliffe Tree Surgery.................... 39

HAIR & BEAUTY Aqua Hair.......................................59 Enigma Hair Salon......................... 46 The Hair & Beauty Gallery.............. 14 Molly Coddles................................. 24

HEALTH Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 57 Charnwood Physiotherapy............. 57 Helping Hands................................ 59 Quorndon Care............................... 59

HOME ABD Picture Framing...................... 57 Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Ancient & Modern........................... 48 Anstey Homecrafts......................... 57 Ashby Decorators Centre............... 44 Ashby Glass................................... 44 Ashby Tile & Bathroom................... 45 Borrajo Electrical............................ 14 Broughtons....................................... 6 Carpet Cuts.................................... 60 Charmwood Fine Arts..................... 14 Charmwood Pine Furniture & Kitchens....... 6 Charnwood Conservatories.............. 7 Charnwood Kitchens........................ 5 Charnwood Oaks Roofing & Building..4 Coalville Decorators Centre........... 18 CV Lane........................................... 4 DeVol...................................... 10 + 11 DG Plumbing.................................. 57 Florrie May Interiors....................... 46 Gloss Interiors................................ 43 Graham Botterill - Soft Furnishings... 14 Halls of Ibstock............................... 21 Holme Tree Kitchens...................... 44 Just Frames.................................... 57 Keller Construction........................... 3 The Light House............................... 4 Loft Storage Solutions...................... 5 Logburners Ltd................................. 3

HOME continued...

Martin Allen Flooring......................... 6 Mr B................................................14 My Spa UK..................................... 15 RJ Rowley........................................ 3 RSJ Roofing................................... 18 SOUK de la Zouch......................... 43 Splashout....................................... 20 Terry Allen Painter & Decorator...... 57 Watson’s Electrical......................... 14 Wonderclean.................................... 4

LEISURE Bradgate Park Fair......................... 24 Just Bikes....................................... 48 Longcliffe Golf Club........................ 24

MOTORS Cropston Garage............................ 57

PETS Glebe Von Wood............................ 50 Posh Paws..................................... 50 The Retreat Boarding Kennels....... 50 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 50

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Adoption Services.......................... 30 Advanced Insurance Services........ 42 Bentons Estate Agents..................... 8 Computer Angel.............................. 34 Darcey & Bate Accountants............ 46 Dodds Solicitors LLP...................... 34 Leicestershire Lettings................... 27 NFU Mutual.................................... 42 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 34 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings........... 27 Timms Solicitors............................. 42

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TELL OUR ADVERTISERS THAT YOU SAW THEM IN THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE MAGAZINE If you would like to submit editorial or advertise in The Vine, Leicestershire then please telephone: 01530 249048 or email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk April / May 2014 - Issue 7 58 Alternatively you can visit the website to find out more: www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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April / May 2014 - Issue 7