The Vine, Leicestershire April 2015

THE VINE, LEICESTERSHIRE

VINE The

Leicestershire

April / May 2015

YOUR FREE BIMONTHLY LOCAL MAGAZINE

WWW.THEVINELEICESTERSHIRE.CO.UK APRIL 2015 / MAY 2015 | ISSUE 13

EASTER BUNNY RUN SPOTLIGHT ON ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH LOCAL SAILOR ELLIE WINS AGAIN! www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk WHAT’S ON | CHARITY NEWS | CLUBS | PUZZLES | COMMUNITY 1

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Welcome... ...to The Vine!

April / May ‘15 edition

Staunton Harold’s Champion..17

Ashby de la Zouch...........28-35

Firstly may we briefly start by wishing all our readers a very Happy Easter.

For us at The Vine we love April, not only is it a lovely time of the year when nature is awakening and our gardens and the countryside around us is coming to life again - but it signals the start of the warmer months ahead and provides us with lots of nudges for us to get outside and into the great outdoors. …and what better way to enjoy the beautiful land we love to live in (and near) than to take part in one of the organised cycle rides and runs that we’re bringing to your attention on pages 12 and 13 respectively, for example: Loughborough Lions are staging a cycle ride to raise money for the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance or how about helping out local charity “Alex’s Wish” they’ve a similarly themed event taking place on 10th May that, hopefully, might be of interest.

If running is more your thing then why not sign-up to take part in the “Bunny Run” – yes you heard us correctly! The Loughborough Beacon Rotary Club are staging their popular annual event on April 19th this year which accommodates both serious and fun runners, including themed or fancy dress and welcomes supporters for other fun and games on the day – jump to page 37 for more information.

Talking of support for charities, turn to page 17 where you can read about the local ‘Charity Champions’ from Shepshed who recently met Samantha Cameron – what’s this all about? Read on to read all about it…and finally to our feature: This month we turn our spotlight onto Ashby with a lot to offer visitors from historic buildings to fine dining or spending a day shopping or browsing about town, we think there’s a little something for everyone in this pretty little locale - see page 28-35 for more information or pop along, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

With lots more to tantalise you please read on and we do hope you’ll enjoy the latest copy of our magazine.

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

Local Club News.................41

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!

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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 LOUGHBOROUGH LIONS 3 C’s CYCLE RIDE Sunday 26th April 2015 In aid of the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance The route will start and finish at Loughborough University and go through Shepshed, Belton, Long Eaton, Worthington to the Cloud Trail and on to Trent Lock, Dishley and back to Loughborough. A refreshment post will be available at the halfway point at Breaston. This is a really enjoyable ride, not a race, through our lovely countryside and will suit both experienced and keen amateur cyclists at around 50 miles.

It will cost £5 per cyclist - each one receiving a t-shirt and a medal. Each entrant is asked to raise sponsorship of a minimum of £50.

The route/entry forms will be on: www.loughborough.lions105e.org.uk or from Ann Parsons, 91 Farndale Dr, Loughborough, LE11 2RG Tel: 01509 232422: mail@charnwoodties.co.uk

The Mayors Charity Bridge Drive

The Annual LOROS Ladies Luncheon

As Mayor of Charnwood, Pauline and myself held a Charity Bridge Drive at Newtown Linford Village Hall on 12th February in aid of my charities, Canine Partners and Exairio Trust.

The event was most successful with all 16 tables taken.

I’d like to thank all the people who helped or made cakes and for the offer of prizes for the raffle.

The photo shows the winner of the event with the most points, Mrs Gail Tillen, receiving her prize.

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Join over 500 Ladies & dine with Alison Hammond in aid of LOROS this May Past guest speaks include Julia Bradbury, Clair Lomas, Anne Widdecombe and Dr Hilary Jones.

This year’s guest speak, Alison Hammond won our hearts by dancing away on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and is a regular presenter on ITV’s ‘This Morning’.

Known for her quick wit, outrageous presenting style, and big heart, nobody gets a better interview than Alison Hammond. Her unforgettable charm and sense of fun rate her number one with celebrities too: she’s tap-danced with Renée Zellweger, rapped with Will Smith, jammed with Russel Crowe, and been serenaded by Hugh Jackman…to name just a few.

Alison’s larger than life personality has taken ITV’s ‘This Morning’ by storm and she is now a favourite of thousands of viewers across the nation. This has afforded her the opportunity to act as ambassador for many different brands.

Other TV credits include her rise to fame in Channel 4’s ‘Big Brother’ where she first won the hearts of the British public. She then went on to appear on ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here’ where she was a contestant in 2010. She has also appeared as a panellist on ‘Loose Women’ and has presented a number of shows including ‘Inside Out’, ‘BBC Exchange’, and ‘Turn on Terry’.

Alison is also an accomplished actress having appeared in various TV dramas, notably ‘Boon’, ‘Chalkface’, ‘Doctors’, ‘Locksmith’, ‘Yes’, and 3 series of the BAFTA award-winning ‘Palace Hill’.

Wendy Marshall, LOROS Fundraising Co-ordinator said; “We are delighted and honoured to have Alison as our guest speaker this year, I am sure with her bubbly personality and wonderful stories, we shall have a fantastic afternoon.”

Tickets for The Annual Ladies Luncheon which takes place on Wednesday 13th May 2015 at King Power Stadium are strictly limited and are priced at just £40 per person. If you would like to attend this event, please contact Wendy Marshall on 0116 2318432.

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Get On Your Bike For A Great Local Charity!

The Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride is back for its 5th year on Sunday, 10th May 2015 sponsored by The Bradleys Supermarket and The Woodies Pub in Rothley. A great local charity Alex’s Wish is looking for people to register to take part in this wonderful event which raises money for a super cause. You can choose between a 20-mile ride or a 40-mile ride and families are welcome – although anyone aged 14+ will need to ride with an adult.

Open to everyone, the 20-mile ride is for those that want a challenge and a reason to get back out on their saddles over the spring whilst the 40-mile is a challenging ride for the more experienced rider.

The ride is on open roads and takes you through the beautiful Charnwood forest countryside with marshals cheering you on at every corner. There is a half way refreshment stop and freshly made hot bacon and sausage cobs and complimentary homemade cakes and drinks to look forward too at the end of the ride. It’s a great excuse to get out in the fresh air and enjoy a morning of fun with friends.

Activities will be available for the little ones throughout the morning at the Rothley Centre so be sure to bring your family along to greet you in at the finish line. They will be able to grab a roll and hot drink in the comfort whilst waiting for you. Soar Valley Cycles is on hand to service your bike before the ride and available throughout the morning.

The Ride starts at the Rothley Centre Village Hall with registration opening at 8.30am followed shortly by a fun warm up session. The Ride takes you around all the local picturesque villages in Charnwood before bringing you back to the start point. The Ride includes Beacon Hill so be prepared for some challenging hills.

Elizabeth Raouf quotes from last year’s ride “I was so impressed with the organisation in general and especially with the marshalling on the course. I was on my own and not really clear where I was going – I was a bit nervous to be honest! But I soon relaxed when I realised how clearly marked the route was. The people marshalling the route were so friendly and encouraging they all had something nice to say to me and were very smiley. The event is definitely going to be a yearly event for me now, and will be encouraging friends to come along next time – a route and ride not to be missed!”

Emma Hallam from Alex’s Wish says “Whatever the weather each year we see around 100 cyclists taking part in this wonderful ride, it’s got a really great feel to it and everyone enjoys the ride knowing they are supporting a worthwhile cause. We also encourage cyclists to raise some sponsorship for this great cause. We would love to attract more cyclists this year and so have extended the ride to include a 40-mile ride too.”

“We’ve almost reached our first milestone of £250k since we launched Alex’s Wish and the Charnwood Forest Cycle Ride is one of our popular events. All money raised will be go towards new clinical trials to help bring about new promising treatments that will help to extend the lives of children and young adults living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Recently, Alex’s Wish has pledged $70,000 into a promising new steroid drug treatment that offers the same benefits but without the serious side effects.”

To register for this event visit www.charnwoodforestcycleride.co.uk or email Emma at emma@alexswish.co.uk a full event pack will be sent to you once you’ve registered.

Alex’s Wish is a charity set-up to eradicate Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The charity was set-up in late 2012 by Alex’s parents Emma and Andy Hallam. The charity name is called after Alex their son who was diagnosed with Duchenne in April 2010 when he was just 4 years old.

They are a non-profit making charity with the sole aim to fund world-class science and clinical trials to bring about a cure or new treatments to help delay symptoms. For more information visit:

www.alexswish.co.uk www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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LOCAL APPEAL: Change Children’s Lives Newlife launches Leicestershire appeal to change children’s lives - just like Robert’s

The family of local Leicestershire boy Robert Clayton are backing the launch of an appeal to provide specialist equipment for children with disabilities in the county.

Robert’s parents are so grateful for the portable safe sleeping environment they now have so they can take their 11-year-old son away overnight that they are urging local people to help change the lives of other local children.

Right now, there are 11 children with disabilities or terminal illness in Leicestershire who need your help to get the specialist equipment that will really change their lives. That’s why leading UK children’s disability charity Newlife Foundation is launching the Newlife Leicestershire Fund – www.newlifecharity.co.uk/leicestershire. It is an opportunity for local people to help local disabled children and every penny donated or fundraised in Leicestershire is guaranteed to support vulnerable families in the county.

Special disability equipment including wheelchairs, walkers, beds, seating and communication aids can help give children independence, keep them safe, relieve pain and overcome challenges. For instance, you could help a child take their first steps or kick a football with their friends. You can help more children like Robert (full story below).

Together we can really change the lives of children with disabilities or terminal illness – supporting them to experience and enjoy life and all that we take for granted.

Newlife has already helped 295 children in Leicestershire through equipment grants and loans totalling more than £296,100, so we know there is a very real need for a specific county fund. In this way we aim to help more children, more quickly.

Statutory services in Leicestershire often have a responsibility to make equipment provision – but when help is declined, Newlife steps in. The charity challenges many such decisions and has an impressive success rate. However, where we are unable to overturn these decisions, we provide the equipment ourselves through our range of grant and loan services. We do this with the support of front-line health professionals across Leicestershire who have helped Newlife help local children in real need.

The Newlife Leicestershire Fund will support equipment provision for under-19s facing any significant disability, whether acquired through birth defect, prematurity, accident or illness.

Vitally, the Newlife Leicestershire Fund website – www.newlifecharity.co.uk/leicestershire – will enable local people to find out who needs help in their county right now and highlight the support the charity gives vulnerable families. It includes contact details for the Newlife County Liaison Team – tel no 01543 431 444 or email local@ newlifecharity.co.uk – and shows specific ways people can help support local children with disabilities or terminal illness and their families.

That might involve taking part in a local sporting challenge, give you information on how to organise a fundraising event – or even ask you to donate £5 today! Volunteers are also needed to help raise awareness of what we do and how we do it.

We hope that by launching the Newlife Leicestershire Fund, children with disabilities or terminal illness in the county won’t have to go without the equipment they need for everyday life. Newlife Foundation supports families in Leicestershire through a range of free services: Nurse-staffed helpline, Equipment grants, Emergency equipment loans, Sensory and developmental toy ‘pod’ loans.

Bed Boost Means Robert Can Enjoy A Family Sleepover Eleven-year-old Robert Clayton from Sapcote in Leicestershire has severe learning difficulties and physical limitations which mean he can’t walk far and needs assistance with all aspects of his mobility. He has a specialist bed to keep him safe through the night at home, but sleeping arrangements while visiting family or when on holiday are a challenge because of the increasing risk of Robert falling out of bed and injuring himself.

However, thanks to Newlife Foundation providing the family with inflatable cot sides – at a cost of the £858 - the Clayton family were able to go on holiday, safe in the knowledge that Robert couldn’t roll out of bed in the night and hurt himself.

Dad Alex said: “We try to make things fun for Robert and his brother but this means rearranging hotel rooms and putting mattresses on the floor so we know Robert won’t fall far when he rolls over!”

“We used the inflatable cot sides for the first time - and it was great. Now we know that wherever we go now there is April / May 2015 - Issue 13 16 an option to ensure Robert is safe and comfortable.”

Can you make a difference too?

“I didn’t think that being on the other end of a phone could save someone’s life,” says David, a volunteer at Samaritans for nearly 20 years, “But now I see how listening is a really powerful and practical way of getting people through the bad times in life - the type of moments that lots of us can face.”

The Samaritans Leicester branch has been training volunteers to listen without being judgemental for over 50 years and the team is used to people’s first opinions about the work changing. Abbey, who’s a volunteer herself and helps lead the volunteers’ training, says that people often surprise themselves, “At first, volunteers can feel quite awkward - they want to help but they don’t think they know how. When you start training and realise the kind of situations you’ll be helping with, it can be pretty intense and some people find it tough - it’s not for everyone, although most new volunteers enjoy training and go on to find the listening a worthwhile experience”.

Jenny, Director of the branch explains, “Our volunteers are a real mixed bag - some are in full-time work and others are retired, some are single and some in relationships. We don’t ask for qualifications other than to be able to listen without prejudice. There’s no rule on what makes a good listener and actually it’s this difference in background that helps us to help others and makes the volunteering such a positive experience.”

Once trained, listening volunteers share shifts - the Leicester branch is available 24 hours a day, every day. The branch has had over 50 years of unbroken service because of its dedicated team and there is always a need for more volunteers. Being on the phones is only part of the work and there are also projects with schools, prisons and local community groups.

Find out how to get involved: email leicester@samaritans.org or call 0116 270 0007

IF YOU NEED SAMARITAN SUPPORT: Call the local number *0116 270 0007 or the national number *08457 90 90 90 or email jo@samaritans.org *call charges apply

TABLE TOP & CRAFT FAYRE - Saturday 18th April 2015, 12 noon - 3:30pm Bric a brac, crafts, cakes, raffle , refreshments including homemade soup, scones. Copt Oak Memorial Hall, Whitwick Road , Copt Oak, LE67 9QB (next to Copt Oak pub). Stalls £10 - booking essential. Admission 50p - children free.

For further information telephone: 01530 244229, 0116 2674746. Ample free parking. Proceeds in aid of St. Peter’s Church Copt Oak.

CHARITY CHAMPIONS: Shepshed Community First Responders Earlier this month, Samantha Cameron hosted a reception at 10 Downing Street for ‘charity champions’. Amongst the guests were Bob and Susan Lilley who were representing the Shepshed Lions Club Community First Responders.

Local MP, Nicky Morgan, nominated the group because of their work with Shepshed Lions and in particular Bob, who set up the First Responder team.

Samantha Cameron said: “It was a privilege to meet Bob and Susan from the Shepshed Lions Club Community First Responders at 10 Downing Street. They do some amazing work in Shepshed and they have helped so many people by offering a rapid response to those in need.”

Nicky added: “It was a pleasure to nominate the Shepshed Lions Club Community First Responders team and celebrate the sterling work carried out by Bob and Susan. The group are going from strength to strength and have massively expanded their operation since being set up in December 2013. I am also encouraged to hear that they have now expanded into Loughborough too.”

Bob commented: “Susan and I were honoured to have been invited to meet Mrs Cameron at 10 Downing Street. We had a lovely evening and met a number of people who do amazing things for their communities. We would also like to thank the Nicky for nominating us to attend this wonderful event. We will treasure the memories for a long time.” www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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An extreme challenge for an extremely urgent vet facility A team from a Leicester animal rescue charity made their final preparations to brave temperatures of up to -30 C on a 257-km husky-drawn trek across the Arctic late last month.

The team left the UK on the 29th March with the aim to raise as much money as possible towards Woodside Animal Centre’s (RSPCA Leicestershire) £1million Care4Paws fundraising appeal in order to build an essential veterinary facility at the centre on Scudamore Road.

Seven challenge team members from Woodside Animal Centre aim to complete the journey from Tromso in Norway to Jukkasjarvi, Northern Sweden in just six days.

“This is a huge challenge and we are all extremely motivated to achieve it because it is essential to get this vet facility up and running by 2016,” said Gary Wheway, Woodside’s Branch Manager. “The situation is critical. Without it, we simply will not be able to continue to provide medical care for the thousands of neglected and sick animals that arrive at the centre every year.”

The centre currently spends a large proportion of its donations on vet bills.

These costs vary depending on the animal’s condition, and animals involved in cruelty cases often require multiple treatments and can be at the centre for a considerable amount of time.

Suffering animals currently have to be painfully transported to local vets and returned to the centre just after treatment as overnight hospitalisation of the animals is just unaffordable. Outsourced medical care, whilst necessary, is the one component of Woodside’s rehabilitation programme that’s unsustainable unless they are able to build the on site veterinary facility.

For example - Meadow, the West Highland Terrier that was found tied to a park bench in Leicester last year, had to have vet treatment worth over £1,200 including a skin scrape and medicated shampoo washes.

This is why the arctic challenge is so important to the staff members, who are hoping to raise £50,000 towards the appeal. The team are in training, with regular visits to the gym as they prepare to navigate their way through the arctic terrain.

They will travel up to 30 miles a day on husky driven sledges but for part of the challenge they will have to drag their own sledges to help the huskies through the more difficult terrain. They have to erect their own tents, cook their own food and look after their huskies each night.

Before the team left Gary said: “We can’t wait to get started and spend time with our teams of huskies. But we are also very nervous about camping in sub-zero temperatures, coping with sleep deprivation and having to, on occasion, pull the sled and huskies through the difficult terrain including over mountains.”

The countdown to the challenge was officially launched at the SnowDome in Tamworth where the team familiarised themselves to the chilly conditions, met their tour guide and did some harness training with the huskies.

The Care4Paws appeal has already had backing from local celebrities Rosemary Conley, Willie Thorne and Matt Hampson who are encouraging the public to donate.

Gary said: “The success of the Care4Paws Appeal will ensure our centre continues to provide the best animal care possible, and many people have already been incredibly generous, but we desperately need more support.”

Not only will the vet suite allow the centre to continue to provide top quality animal care it will also remove the need for sick and injured animals to undergo painful and often distressing journeys to and from local vet surgeries.

You can sponsor the challenge by visiting www.justgiving.com/arcticchal/. All funds raised will go directly towards the Care4Paws appeal.

Photo: Three of the Arctic Challenge team members at the SnowDome- Chrissy Noble, Gary Wheway and Steve Smith

Charity Whist Drive The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised

by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm on Thursday 9th April 2015. Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

Large free car park. The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Charity Bridge Drive

Wednesday 8th April 2015, 1:30pm Loughborough Lions Club event. Afternoon tea will be provided. £6 pp. To book a table contact Jackie on 0116 2303317 / brianjackie.popple@ntlworld.com.

Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

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NATIONAL TRUST LEICESTER ASSOCIATION During the 1980’s the National Trust acquired most of Dovedale in the Peak District just north of Ashbourne. With its stepping stones it is probably the most well known dale in the National Park and attracts two million visitors a year. The river Dove carved the spectacular limestone gorge over millions of years with its rock pinnacles, spires, arches and caves.

It is in one of the caves, Reynard’s Kitchen, named after a local highwayman, that the National Trust made an exciting discovery last year. They discovered what has been called a “Late Iron Age Hoard” which consisted of 26 coins. Three were Roman from 118BC, 104BC and 46BC which pre-date the invasion of Britain in AD43. The other 23 gold and silver coins were Late Iron Age and connected to the Corieltavi tribe – a tribe usually associated further east (around Leicester, Sleaford and Lincoln) Why and how the coins came to be in the cave is a complete mystery. Was it someone hiding them for a rainy day or someone fleeing as the Romans invaded? We will probably never know. It is however the first time that Late Iron Age coins have been found in a cave.

The other interesting point is that the NT archaeologists carried out the dig in conjunction with the military’s Operation Nightingale. This group was set up by the Defence Archaeology Group to retrain and offer recuperation to service personnel that have been in Afghanistan and other areas of operations.

As the cave is in a difficult location the military personnel were a great help in the challenging conditions. In fact it was one of the military team, Joanne Richardson, who was the first person to discover a coin whist excavating at the back of the cave.

The dig was code named Operation Hades and was kept secret until after completion. The coins are now on display at Buxton Museum.

The National Trust has Easter activities at all of its local properties including Ilam Hall which is only two miles from Dovedale.

The NT Leicester Association has its AGM on Tuesday 14th April which is followed by an illustrated talk “Who lived in a House Like This” by Brian Johnson. The meeting will be held at The Braunstone West Social Centre, St Mary’s Avenue, Braunstone at 7.30pm and admission is free.

Following the AGM the Association commences its summer programme of outings, visits and social activities.

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

AlanTyler, Publicity Officer

Much Admired Local ‘Old Soldier’ & Gentleman Dies in his 99th year At 8.30 am on Thursday 26th February, 2014, John Sheppard DCM, a much loved local “Old Soldier”, passed away after a short illness. John, who was the President of the Rothley & Thurcaston Branch of the Royal British Legion, was in his 99th year and much respected by all Legion members.

John was born on August 6th 1915, during the first World War. He enlisted into 5th Bn The Leicestershire Regiment (TA) on 18.5.1932 at Market Harborough. Served as Platoon Sergeant Major in Norway with 1/5th Battalion in World War Two and was awarded the D.C.M. (Distinguished Conduct Medal) for his actions as the Mortar Platoon Commander, at Tretten, Norway, on 23.4.1940. Using a Boyes anti-tank rifle, he was the first man to knock out a German tank in the Second World War. Taken Prisoner of War, he was in camps in Bavaria and Poland until his release in May 1945. After being demobilized in October 1945, he later served with the 1st Battalion in Hong Kong, 1948-1950. He is listed in the shadow promotion roll in the Green Tiger of May 1951 as Sergeant. Later served with The Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was a member of the General Committee of The Royal Tigers’ Association for nearly 50 years, retiring as Vice-Chairman in 2006. On 27.9.2014 he was one of two Tigers who unveiled the Regiment’s memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum.

John, above all, was a Gentleman and most interesting to talk to and to discuss almost any subject. He was an ideal role model, as President of the R.B.L. and it will not be easy to replace him.

Bon Voyage John 22

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Staunton Harold’s Ellie Is Rya Youth Champion Again!

A promising young Staunton Harold SC sailor is celebrating after being revealed as the winner of the East Midlands’ RYA Youth Champion for the second year running!

Ellie Craig, 15, is one of 13 regional winners of the 2015 RYA Youth Champion Awards, which were created just last year to recognise the outstanding achievement and performances of young people across the range of activities that boating’s national governing body, the RYA, represents including sailing, windsurfing and powerboating.

Having won the inaugural regional RYA Youth Champion Award last year, Ellie, from Norton-Juxta-Twycross, capped another impressive year in 2014 landing no fewer than 35 trophies in total! She also achieved her aim of being selected for the RYA Laser Radial Transition Training squad as she progresses from Junior to Youth sailing.

In addition Ellie also starred for Leicestershire and Rutland Youth Sailing Association (LRYSA) at the National Schools Sailing Association (NSSA) National Youth Regatta in Deal, Kent last July, finishing 1st Topper out of 74 boats, 1st overall female from six fleets (single and double handed) and 1st Leicestershire performer (Haywood trophy).

The Topper is a one-person Junior class and Laser Radial a one-person Youth class, both supported by the RYA on the pathway to Olympic classes sailing.

Ellie said: “Winning the regional RYA Youth Champion Award the first time was surprising so to win it for a second time is pretty unbelievable!

“The highlight of the past 12 months has to be getting into the RYA Laser Radial Transition Training squad because there were over 30 great applicants and only 12 got in. My sailing has progressed hugely over the past year but the biggest improvement has been in my Laser Radial, which I only started sailing full time after the Topper Nationals in August. I have learnt so much from everybody who has given me help and coaching.”

Ellie was nominated by her club Staunton Harold SC in South Derbyshire and selected as a winner by the RYA East Midlands regional committee.

She added: “I cannot emphasise enough how much support I get from the club. Everyone is so keen to give me advice and encouragement, it has really helped me to stay motivated and I am extremely grateful.

“Sailing teaches you so much. It helps with everything from physical fitness to mental toughness and team work. For me doing so much sailing forces me to have good organisational skills as I need to be able to manage my time efficiently to balance school and sailing, both of which are extremely important to me. It is also great fun and I have made so many friends in the sport.”

The RYA Youth Champion Awards were presented at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace, London on Sunday 1 March, although Ellie wasn’t able to collect her award in person as she was competing at Laser Spring Qualifier event at Torbay, Devon that weekend.

Sarah Treseder, RYA Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to announce the 2015 winners of RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards, which celebrate the talents of the many young sailors, windsurfers and powerboaters who are achieving amazing things across the UK.” Ellie has recently had some more good news as she and Staunton Harold club mate Chloe Felton have again been awarded grants from the Leicester-Shire & Rutland GO GOLD Talented Athlete Fund. The girls have received £300 each as GO GOLD aims to support talented young athletes who are performing at a regional level or above in their sport.

Among Chloe’s notable 2014 achievements she won the 2014 IOCA Optimist Midland Championships and was first girl (2nd overall) in the Optimist class at the RYA West Zone Championships last September.

The GO GOLD Talented Athlete Fund is managed by Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport (LRS), the County Sports Partnership for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland, and is funded through Leicestershire County Council, Leicester City Council and Rutland County Council.

For more information on the RYA Regional Youth Champion Awards visit www.rya.org.uk/go/youthchampion

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CARE IN YOUR OWN HOME Given the choice most people in their later years or persons who are finding it difficult to cope with their own personal needs and domestic chores would opt to remain in the comfort of their own home, with the familiarity and memories they hold dear. Care 4 U specialise in providing a service which makes all this possible.

We provide a service to older persons and people with disabilities with the best possible home care which enables you to make easier choices about your quality of life and independence. Our team will always ask you what you want and what you hope to achieve.

Our main emphasis is getting a clear idea of how you, as an individual, want to live your own life and how best the service fits around you and your existing network of friends and relatives.

Care 4 U provides a comprehensive, high-quality service from a team of uniformed and efficient staff. We provide flexible care to suit all needs from domiciliary care daily to live-in care 24 hours a day to include all aspects of support.

Under the latest ‘personalisation’ approach the team aims to ensure the individual has the outcomes that enable them to lead the fullest life possible.

Please ring 0116 266 1800 or email info@care4u-ltd.co.uk for a personal assessment or for further information.

Testimonial from Eileen C...

“I originally started having care four times a day, but soon found live-in-care would be more appropriate for my needs as my family live a distance away. I wanted to remain in my own home, therefore I engaged the live-in service from Care 4 U. They prepare all my meals, do my laundry, attend to my personal care needs, arrange and attend all my hospital appointments with me and cater for all my household duties, including getting the plumber out on a bank holiday!

As you can see from my photo, I have recently celebrated my 95th birthday at the Grey Lady restaurant, which was featured in Newtown Linford magazine. Although I must say, I still only feel 21! I love to banter with my carers, we always have a good laugh together. We often take walks in Bradgate Park, visiting all the tearooms and shops. The Care 4 U live-in service has enabled me to keep my independence, and I haven’t looked back since!”

Testimonial from Eileen H...

“I have been receiving care from Care 4 U for over 6 years now. The care workers are very kind, friendly, helpful and nothing is too much for them. They are always very cheerful and smiling. They are always punctual.”

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RCC Village & Community Achievement Awards 2015 RCC (Leicestershire and Rutland) - Supporting people and sustaining communities for 90 years • Sponsored by Tarratts Jewellers of Leicester • Here is an opportunity for you to show off your village and win recognition for your community • The RCC in their role of supporting and promoting rural communities in Leicestershire & Rutland invite entries for the 2015 Achievement Awards • The Achievement Awards are open to all communities under 15,000 • You may enter one or both categories, with a separate entry for each project: Community and Community Halls For community all sorts of projects are included e.g. a play area, footpath trail, an activity programme for young people, a care project for the elderly, community transport, scarecrow festival, open gardens, village show, pantomime, newsletters, websites and other ways of communication. Cleaner and Greener initiatives, conservation, tree planting, village pond, village green, footpaths, bulb planting, litter picks, recycling, saving energy.

- It doesn’t matter if this is your first time, or if you have entered in previous years. Tell us what you are proud of and what you do for your community Full competition details and entry forms can be downloaded from our website www.ruralcc.org.uk or contact us at Community House 133 Loughborough Road Leicester LE4 5LQ 0116 2662905 competitions@ruralcc.org.uk Closing date is Thursday 30th April 2015. Judging will take place between June 15th and 26th.

THE MONDAY CLUB, ANSTEY, CROPSTON, THURCASTON AND ROTHLEY On the 9th March, we were pleased to invite Mr. Christopher Tarratt of Tarratts Jewellers in Market Street, Leicester.

Mr. Tarratt’s talk was illustrated by the use a computerised film demonstrating various beautiful artefacts which have been made since the commencement of the business started by his grandfather Mr. George Tarratt in 1913.

At that time the company earned the reputation as a recognised supplier of unique quality silverware. Silver items are not so popular these days, but still in demand for commemorative and prestigious Trophies presented at various sporting events around the country.

George’s son, Ivan, joined the firm in 1936 after training at Wilson & Gill of London and took the firm on from the Art Deco era when the business moved along Market Street in 1967. He expanded its jewellery ranges and Watch lines.

These included Patak Phillips, Rolex, Omega, Cartier and others.

Inevitably the success resulted in a move in 2006 to the fabulous new showroom at 23-25 Market Street. We were delighted to view the interior and Christopher guided us round illustrating the comfortable atmosphere, sympathetic and knowledgeable salesmanship offered by the assistants.

It was also very interesting to witness the work carried out in the creation of fine Jewellery etc. at the back of the shop. Each day the fine dust from the workings of silver, gold and platinum is hooved up and subjected to differing temperatures to melt down the materials, the loss of which would amount to hundreds of pounds.

Christopher is the third generation partner, and the future looks very exciting with new collections, new partnerships and new initiatives moving the business forward.

This was our first Meeting whereby gentlemen were invited to attend and judging from the response they appeared to have enjoyed themselves. Helped, no doubt, by the specially supplied cakes brought along by Mesdames Jenny Kennington, Gill Jefferson and Diane Rouse in celebration of their Birthdays in February.

Our next Meeting will be on 13th April which will be a talk in recognition of the Centenary of the “Ladybird” Books. Do come and join us; I don’t know anyone who did not grow up with a Ladybird Book in their hands! Our Meetings take place at 2.15pm at the Cropston Evangelical Chapel, Station Road, Cropston, LE7 7HP on the 2nd Monday of every month.

Plenty of parking spaces available. To find out more about The Monday Club, please ring me on 0116 2363467. I have an answerphone, so if I am not available, please leave a message and telephone number and I will return your call.

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Ashby - de - la - Zouch

Take a stroll through the streets of Ashby and see what it has to offer you...

Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a small market town and civil parish located on the border of North West Leicestershire, has come a long way since its ancient Anglo-Danish origins.

From its proud 12th century Castle heritage - including direct alignment to the Hastings family and a couple of centuries later, the English Civil War - to its more recent 19th century spa titleage, Ashby enjoys a colourful history as well as an attractive positioning, nestled as it is within the National Forest.

Boasting a wide variety of independent shops and businesses, from jewellers to butchers, plumbers to pet stores, and everything in between, rural Ashby offers a little something of everything.

Its award-winning museum located on North Street for example is also home to the town’s library and Tourist Information Centre, whilst St. Helens Church (lying adjacent to the ruins of Ashby Castle) welcomes visitors all year round. The Castle itself is as impressive below as it is above ground, with exploration of the War-time underground passages as popular as the climb of the tower and the spectacular views it offers.

In continuing the active and outdoors theme, Conkers - the award winning Visitors Centre lying at the heart of the National Forest - is located just a few miles from town, here you’ll find a unique mix of outdoor and indoor activities to keep you and the whole family engaged in for hours on end. Looking a little further afield, why not try nearby Calke Abbey, Staunton Harold Park or Snibston Discovery Park for great days out for all?

Back to Ashby however, and not forgetting the need for sustenance, you’ll find a wide range of high street eateries all to hand as you’d expect, but for great quality local produce you won’t go far wrong with Ashby’s ever-popular Farmer’s Market: running from 9am to 2pm on the third Saturday of each month, you’ll find the finest foods from the region as well as a few specialist stalls for good measure. Pop along to Manor House School on South Street to tempt your taste-buds.

So why not take a trip to Ashby today to see what it has to offer you!

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Funhouse Comedy Club Funhouse Comedy Clubs were founded in 2002 when Nottingham comedian Spiky Mike set up a club upstairs at The Charlotte in Leicester. It now runs at 40 locations across The Midlands and beyond.

The jewel in the crown is the club at Ashby’s Lyric Rooms, which over the past 7 years has hosted Rhod Gilbert, Sarah Millican, Josh Widdicombe and even once a secret appearance by the legendary Jasper Carrott, as well as many less known, but equally brilliant stars of the UK comedy circuit.

The shows run in the intimate 150 capacity converted cinema on the first Thursday of each month and feature four comedians alongside resident compere Spiky Mike who said, “ I love the friendly, fun atmosphere.

It’s great to have comedians every month who have appeared on the likes of Live At The Apollo, Mock The Week etc, alongside the cream of the rising stars. Sarah Millican loves it here and comes back once a year to roadtest new material for her theatre tours.”

If you like to have a laugh with your friends or your partner, this is the region’s premier night out.

Thanks, Mike (Spiky Mike)

www.funhousecomedy.co.uk Telephone: 0115 9525050 | 07968 871568

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Supporting Ashby’s New & Successful Businesses Keeping our local communities thriving...

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 some have been feeling the lasting effects of the economic downturn many are now striving forward and moving onwards and upwards.

Ashby not only has a great selection of the usual shops that you will find along a local high street but it also has some wonderful hidden gems as you wonder around the streets.

Rushton Yard is a great example of this, it is a vibrant square featuring an array of boutique and specialist shops, cafes, restaurants, wine bars and some key service providers too, its entrance is nestled at the bottom of Market Street. 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.

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 to keep them heading in the right direction.

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

www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Ashby Castle Rated by TripAdvisor.co.uk as the number one attraction in Ashby-de-laZouch we think you’ll find a visit to Ashby Castle, located on South Street (LE65 1BR), well worth your time.

Designated by English Heritage as a Grade I listed building, the ruins are also a Scheduled Ancient Monument. However the property itself began life as a Norman fortified manor house in the 12th century before it reached castle status in the 15th century.

During the 1460s the King of England, Edward IV, bestowed the castle to William Hastings who went about extending and improving the castle and its grounds. Some two hundred years later its 27m high Hastings Tower and 3m thick walls were to become essential factors in the castle becoming a Royalist stronghold for the Cavaliers during the 164251 English Civil War. The town of Ashby itself became a vital link between the Royalist South-West and the North (particularly as much of the rest of Leicestershire supported the Roundhead’s Parliamentary cause) however, as the war progressed and Royalist fortunes waned, Ashby, after a prolonged siege eventually surrendered its Cavalier allegiance in 1646. The terms of surrender? The castle’s demolition .

Over the centuries Ashby’s castle and its great hall were rebuilt, in part at least, but it wasn’t until 1819 that the castle became a popular tourist destination, following the publication of Sir Walter Scott’s hugely successful novel, Ivanhoe, where the castle featured.

Combining its fabulous history and following significant stabilisation, the castle, managed today by English Heritage remains an ever popular visitor’s attraction. From exploring the secret kitchen tunnel used during the Civil War siege to climbing Hastings Tower there’s also a veritable feast of exciting events held at the Castle to keep the family enthralled – such as the Easter Adventure Quest - get clue-cracking and seek out your chocolate reward (Friday 3rd - Monday 6th April) or Medieval Life and Laughter - journey back in time and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of medieval England (Sunday 24th and Monday 25th May).

For more information visit www.english-heritage.org.uk or phone 01530 413343.

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What’s On...

Coalville’s First SummerFest In the middle of winter when it’s cold outside, what better to do than plan for the summer? That’s exactly what Coalville Town Team are doing, right now.

This year summer in Coalville is going to be a little different, with our first Summer Fest. The Carnival is coming to town on Saturday 27 June. We are looking for entries from schools, clubs, societies, and businesses from the town and the surrounding villages. Put the date into your diary, and then visit www.coalvilletownteam. com, where you will find full details of how to enter take part in the parade.

In response to requests from so many people in Coalville to have two food and drink events each year, also in the plans for the day is a Food and Drink Festival, with a summer theme. It will happen in the Belvoir Centre all day on Saturday 27 June – so eat, drink and be sure to enjoy the carnival. .

The Town Team won’t let you forget the date – Saturday 27 June – and we’ll let you know more about the day as our plans develop.

Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust - Charnwood Group Regular indoor meetings are held in Woodhouse Eaves Village Hall on the second Wednesday every month from September to May starting at 7.30pm. Admission is £2 for LRWT members, £2.50 for visitors, children free, including refreshments.

Thringstone Community Morning Saturday 4th April, 2015. 10am - 1pm Community morning with a table top sale. Admission: 50p. Everyone welcome.

Community mornings will take place on the first Saturday of every month. If anyone wishes to hire a table or require further details please contact Lorraine/ Janet on 01530 222337 between 9am - 12pm or email: thringstonehouse@btconnect.com Thringstone Community Centre, Thringstone House, The Green, Thringstone, Nr Coalville, Leicestershire, LE67 8NR. Spacious car park.

Website: www.thringstonecommunitycentre.org.uk

Swannington

Regular Events:

Tuesday Afternoons & Evenings - Art Classes, Village Hall Wednesday Mornings - Heritage Trust Land Management Working Party Thursday Afternoons & Evenings - Art Classes, Village Hall Friday Mornings - Heritage Trust Mill Maintenance Working Party Sunday Mornings - Service, St. Georges’ Church

1st Swannington Guides & Brownies

Wednesday 8th April 2015 at 7.30pm - Wildlife Quiz

Contact: Patricia Hibbert Tel: 01530 835441

Come and test your wildlife knowledge in this fun social evening led by the members of the Charnwood Group.

If you wish to bring your own drinks and nibbles to help your memory along then please do. You may organise your team beforehand or make a new team of friends on the evening. Normal admission prices apply.

Special Events:

Wednesday 13th May 2015 at 7.30pm - What’s new in bat conservation?

Windmills and Watermills open throughout the UK.

A talk by Jenny Harris, Conservation Officer, Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust. Bats are a highly sophisticated group of animals that, because of their nocturnal habits, are difficult to study. However, modern technology is helping us to learn more about their ecology and how to help them. Jenny Harris has been a member of the local Bat Group for nearly 30 years, and conservation officer for the Wildlife Trust since 1992. She finds there is still much to discover about these intriguing creatures.

For further information contact: Kate Moore (Programme Secretary) Tel: 01509891005 email: katemoore123@ yahoo.co.uk , John Spencer (Secretary) 01162 364279, or Maggie Morland (Chair) 01509 890077.

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Easter Egg Hunt - Monday 6th April A family hands-on heritage event to be booked in your diary now. More details in March.

National Mills Weekend - 9th & 10th May Take Teddy To The Mill - Monday 25th May Teddies enjoyed rides to the top of the mill in 2013 and zip wire rides in 2014, the next exciting opportunity for teddies will be revealed in April.

National Forest Walking Festival - California to Calcutta walk - Sunday 17th May Starts at Hough Mill at 2pm. Historical walk including the mid 19th century coal mines known as California, Calcutta and Califat - for people who enjoy lots of historical information and some walking.

See the website for further details:

www.swannington-heritage.co.uk April / May 2015 - Issue 13

Are you as fit as an Easter Bunny?

Challenge yourself by tackling one of the Rotary Beacon Easter Bunny Runs The fourth Easter Bunny Runs, organised by the Rotary Club of Loughborough Beacon, will take place in Beacon Hill Country Park on Sunday April 19th. The event starts at 12 noon, at the Beacon Hill Lower Car Park, Breakback Road, Woodhouse Eaves, LE12 8TA. There are two entirely off-road courses on woodland paths and bridleways. The 10km involves climbing Beacon Hill so is for serious runners (with a course record of 36 minutes 36 seconds), while the 3km easy loop is for fun runners, children and dogs, who can wear Easter Bunny or other costumes if they wish. Hot and cold drinks and massages will be available, and all finishers receive a medal and have the chance to win one of a host of prizes.

If you just want to watch then there are also activities for families, including a bouncy castle, an egg hunt, and a games area.

Money raised by participants will be in aid of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Headway Mission, the brain injury association. The proceeds from the event will be shared between these and other charities supported by the Rotary Club of Loughborough Beacon. Teams of six or more runners can choose to support their own charities.

Full details and registration are available at www.beaconbunnyrun.org. or by calling 07906 915589. You can register online, by post or on the day.

Join us in a day of fun and achievement for all the family!

Ashby Farmers Market Saturday 18th April & Saturday 16th May 2015 Ashby Farmers Market is held at Manor House School, South Street, Ashby LE65 1BR from 9am - 2pm on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Over 25 Producers bringing the

finest foods from across the region.

For further information about the Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.

The Stars are Out Tonight!

Sunday 19th April 2015, 4.30pm Grand Central Chorus is pleased to host the 2013 Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Champions, Toronto Northern Lights in a show that will provide a rare opportunity to see and listen to one of the world’s top barbershop harmony choruses, who have not performed in the UK since 2008.

Toronto Northern Lights, led by their Musical Director, Steve Armstrong, have represented the Ontario District at the Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Competition numerous times since their formation in 1998, winning bronze medals five times and consecutive silver medals between 2001 and 2005. Finally, in July 2013, and when the competition was held in their hometown of Toronto, they won the gold medal!

Grand Central Chorus is one of the UK’s leading Barbershop choruses, having won the gold medals at the British Championships five times, the most recent being in 2012. Grand Central has also represented the UK in the Barbershop Harmony Society International Chorus Competition on several occasions Derby Theatre DE1 2PL | Tickets £15 Under 12’S £10 | Box Office 01332 593939 | www.derbytheatre.co.uk www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Retired People’s Fellowship - Swannington

Meetings are every Wednesday at the Village Hall from 1.00 - 4.00 pm.

The group meet to enjoy cards, dominoes, bingo, afternoon tea and plenty of chatting! It is a very friendly group. They enjoy lunches out and day trips - usually to the coast. This year they will be going to Skegness. If anyone would like to join please call for further details.

Contact: Mary Lumsden 01530 832008. There is a small weekly fee.

Pilates & Yoga Class Thursday at 1:30pm. The Village Hall, Swannington.

Contact: Karen Chappell: 07917 410770 karen@bodylogiq.com | www.bodylogiq.com.

Rothley Ladies Circle Programme April & May 2015 April 14th: Reflections in Rhyme by Delia Bennett April 28th AGM May 12th Charity ‘Make a Wish’ with a representative of the charity May 26th: Friendly get together and have a bit of fun June 9th: Summer Lunch (venue to be arranged) We close on June 9th and reopen in September (dates to be arranged) Ladies Circle,Methodist Hall, Howe Lane, Rothley.

Meetings start at 2:30pm.

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Local Clubs Ashby Bridge Club Ashby Bridge Club is an EBU-affiliated club. We welcome players of all standards. Non-members may play up to three times before joining the club.

Meets Monday & Thursday at 7:00 pm & Wednesday at 1:30pm.

Contact Patrick Dunham pgzdunham@ tiscali.co.uk 01530 510124.

www.bridgewebs.com/ashby

Ashby Venture Theatre Thursday 23rd April to Saturday 2nd May A Month of Sundays - A Comedy by Bob Larbey. At Ashby Venture Theatre North Street, Ashby LE65 1HU. Tickets £8 Wednesday and Thursday nights and £9 Friday and Saturday nights from Ashby Tourist Information Centre tel: 01530 411767. www.ashbyventuretheatre.org.uk

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: 01509 880375 | admin@alleygroup.org.uk

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Loughborough RSPB Local Group Events in April & May 2015 Friday 10th April 2015 TALK; Langford Lowfield & Beckenham Marshes by Paul Bennett + AGM Paul is the Warden of both reserves. Both of these reserves sit within the Trent and Tame River Valleys Futurescape and are recent additions to the RSPB Midlands Region’s nature reserves portfolio. Both sites are still developing, but have already made significant improvements to the regions biodiversity. Langford is a reedbed site and Beckingham is a wet grassland. The talk, which will be preceded by a short AGM, will be held in the Lecture Theatre at the Brockington Building Loughborough University at 7.30pm. Price: £3 Group Members, £3.50 Non members, LU Students with SU card gratis.

Thursday 16th April 2015 WALK: Watermead Park Wildlife walk at Watermead Park at 10am until 12 noon. Car park near sailing club (fee required) – SK607113. Nearest Post Code LE7 1PF.

Sunday 26th April 2015 TRIP: Potteric Carr YWT - Doncaster Join the group for a trip by coach to Potteric Carr YWT near Doncaster.

Potteric Carr is a nature reserve of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) and almost sixty per cent is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Depart from Loughborough University at 8.00am. Fare £20. Booking is essential for this trip.

Friday 8th May 2015 TALK: Magic Queensland & the Red Hot Centre by Gianpiero Ferrari Gianpiero has been interested in nature all his life, and has been taking photographs of every aspect of Natural History for many years.. He is now a successful photographer having won several national competitions. He is a member of many natural history organisations including Lipu UK and Giros Italia.

This presentation is about a six week trip to Queensland and central Australia, to photograph local wildlife, especially the native birds. Other subjects included are landscapes, flowers, a few insects, marsupials, and the Great Barrier Reef. 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, LU Students with SU card gratis.

Tuesday 15th May 2015 WALK: Attenborough Nature Reserve Wildlife walk at Attenborough Nature reserve - off A6005 between Long Eaton and Beeston. Signs to Nature Reserve (past sewage works).

SK516339. Nearest Post Code NG9 6DY. 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/ April / May 2015 - Issue 13

Local Clubs The Big Tidy Up Award - 2015 Keep Britain Tidy Jubilee Awards The Friends of Thringstone, a community group celebrating its 10th anniversary in February 2015, won The Big Tidy Up award at the 2015 Keep Britain Tidy Jubilee Awards in Liverpool on 12th February.

This is a really prestigious national award and they were invited to a ceremony held in front of government ministers and TV celebrities. Their award was sponsored

by Waitrose and was in recognition of innovative and dedicated environmental volunteering. They litter pick daily, have regular quarterly community litter picks, issue newsletters and try very hard to promote a litter free society.

The group have a great website where you can find out more about the group, when they meet, projects and events and lots more: www.friends-of-thringstone.org.uk We’d like to extend our congratulations to the group for all their hard work and their well deserved recognition. The photo shows the groups representatives collecting the award.

Newbold Heritage Group Exhibition Whitwick & District U3A

Newbold Heritage Group will be holding an exhibition entitled “At Work and Play” on 25th April 2015, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm at Newbold School Mobile Classroom Admission will be £1.50.

The group meet on the first Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm at The Cross Keys pub in Newbold, Coleorton.

Everyone is welcome. Please look at their website for more details: www.newbold-heritage.org.uk

LRWT - NORTH WEST GROUP We are a friendly group which meets monthly for talks, visits, conservation work and social events.

All talks are in the church hall of Ashby Methodist Chapel, Burton Road Ashby and begin at 7-30, entry is £2 each.

To find out more about our group please ring David Maltby on 01530 222934 or Margaret Mabey on 01530 412410.

Our work parties are on Friday from September to April at a variety of local reserves. Please ring David Maltby for details.

Forthcoming events: Friday 17th April Roger Bisgrove of Swannington Heritage Trust describes the fascinating mosaic of the newly restored windmill at the Gorse Field nature reserve, the Califat archaeology ‘dig’ and the new Incline.

VISITS 2015.

Thursday 21st May - Buxton Opera House, Derbyshire www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk | Adults £9, Children £7, Family Tickets: £28 / £21 | 2pm Sunday 7th June - Why not visit Cloud Wood – ‘botanically the most diverse reserve in the East Midlands. Enjoy bird song, meet 10:30 in the lay-by, GR 419215.

Friday 19th June - Visit Swannington Gorse Field reserve and dig. See the horse ginn, smock mill and gorse field reserve. Meet 7:00 pm at entrance to reserve on St Georges Hill, Swannington. GR 172413. LE67 8JW. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

Whitwick and District U3A will hold its April General Meeting on Friday 17th. The U3A offers friendship through learning and social activities to those no longer in full time employment. Our members have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of Interest Groups. At the General Meeting, Group Leaders will be on hand to talk about their groups and answer questions about our U3A. The speaker for the April meeting will be a representative of the Dogs Trust which campaigns on many issues which affect the lives of dogs and their owners. The Dogs Trust has twenty centres throughout the UK, one of which is in Loughborough. Last year, Dogs Trust centres nationwide cared for over 15,000 dogs. The presentation should be very interesting.

Please arrive at 1.45 for a 2.00pm start at St. David’s Church Hall, Broomleys, Coalville. Alternatively, visit our website:

www.whitwicku3a.org.uk

for further details of Whitwick and District U3A.

The Coleorton and New Lount Volunteer Group Coleorton & New Lount Volunteer Group (CNLVG) is set up to do practical work in 2 local wildlife nature reserves - with a few social events too! They are always on the lookout for new members.

Please contact them if you are interested in conservation work; if you could spare a few hours on a Saturday or maybe a weekday; if you want to get outdoors, make some new friends, stretch some muscles or make a positive difference to the area.

Further details and photos on their website:

www.cnlvg.moonfruit.com Email: coleorton11@gmail.com or call: 01530 815045

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True Blue Dance Crew Open Show At Sadler’s Wells !

Sunday 1st February saw 47 Dancers take to the West End Stage at one of the most prestigious venues in Europe, Sadler’s Wells. The dancers aged between 6 and 22 left the village of Ratby via VIP Coach bound for London’s West End, this is the second trip for the Dancers after a fantastic performance last year at Her Majesty’s Theatre. The girls again this year were asked to open the variety show seeing acts from all across the country in front of a crowd of nearly 1,000. The rehearsals have taken place over the last six months for this amazing experience. On arrival we were all briefed and taken to the most fantastic dressing rooms where many stars have taken to the floor for practice. The royal ballet frequent the Sadler’s Wells venue throughout the year and also many dance stars such as “Diversity” have shared the dressing rooms.

We were then met by the stage manager and Gary Weston, Star of many West End productions, such as cats, Mama Mia, Evita and his new role soon to star in the Jersey Boys. Gary took a heart pumping warm up before we returned to the dressing room for our first taste on such an impressive stage.

We were soon called for our first of 4 dress rehearsals. The show, some 2 ½ hours saw True Blue dancers on stage for 4 x 6 minute routines…26 minutes ….. a lifelong dream for so many dancers!

Bright Lights, fantastic sound….The rehearsals were stunning and the reaction from the crowd of dancers and visitors was overwhelming…. Our girls were now ready to smash the evening performance!!

Over 200 travelled from Leicester in support of True Blue…They were very vocal at the show and were all blown away by the stunning performances the girls put out. A Group Modern mix opened the show seeing all 47 on stage, followed by a 20 strong squad of street dancers. The second half saw our very emotional Lyrical routine, danced in pink in support of this years charity, Cancer Research. Our last number was a Beyonce mix performed by the Senior/Elite dancers. All routines saw a standing ovation for the girls.

The outfits for the dancers are all made to measure by my mum, and the work she put in for this event was tremendous.

The group have now made many lifelong friends in the West End and our dancers are commended and credited by all concerned as they are of such a high standard and so professional.

The group have had many offers for future work and are already planning a return trip early next year to the London Palladium!

The group are a non-profit making community team with over 60 members aged from 5 upwards. We train at Ratby Village Hall and Fosse Neighbourhood Centre, and are now into our 17th year as a Group. Alex Pool is the Head Coach and Head of Streetdance, Rebecca Barrett Senior Assistant Coach and Sadie Hurst is the Junior Assistant and Performing Arts Coach.

If you would like more information regarding classes and a chance to perform on a West End Stage - then contact Angie Phillips on 07841 645674……. Reach for the Stars with True Blue Dance Crew!!

Newtown Linford Gardening Club Hello Spring!! Daffodils and primroses are beginning to appear and we have even heard the sound of a lawnmower in recent days. There are buds appearing on some of our shrubs and it probably won’t be long before we see splashes of green appearing on our hedgerows. However we mustn’t do too much too soon – we can often have late frosts to catch us unawares. Nevertheless it’s lovely to see signs of our garden waking up again.

April is the month of our Annual General Meeting and the date when our new programme for the year is launched. We have three trips planned this time. In May we go to Barraca Garden near Earl Shilton; in July we go to Norwell Nurseries near Newark and in August we go to the RHS garden at Hyde Hall in Essex.

We have some prestigious speakers arranged for the coming year, some local and some from further afield. We have two celebrity speakers planned during the next twelve months. Chris Beardshaw, the gold medal garden designer and television favourite is coming in October and in March 2016 we welcome Andy McIndoe who is the MD of Hilliers Nurseries. Looking even further ahead, our celebrity speaker in October 2016 will be Fergus Garrett, who is head gardener at Christopher Lloyd’s famous garden at Great Dixter and renowned as a great speaker. How to obtain tickets for these events will be announced in the coming months, for we expect them to be very popular.

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.

Anne and David Couling www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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Cryptic Crossword

No: 12

ACROSS 1. Compose range? (5,10) 9. Yes, it’s about being constrained by maturity (6) 10. Beastly noises Dave had difficulty containing suddenly left (8) 11. Remains the best trainee on the boat (8) 14. Nevertheless, Man City ends going with pitch roll, returning after premier award (6) 17. Take legal action after early date to ask model back for storing fat (7,6) 20. Required handsome, ruthless and stupid men to cook dreary hot pork (7,6) 23. Marsupial heard swearing a lot (6) 25. House contents found after man then woman provide a description of bookworm (8) 28. Jackson’s work nearly all there about small stream (8) 29. Sponger could have belief (6) 30. One who extorts pretentious disco dancer? (9,6)

DOWN 2. Deny the returned information was digested (6) 3. Taking on round the old wake lines (5) 4. Old country press (5) 5. Snowy paradise ran out novice (5) 6. Cocktail you said not in nasty mug but a tumbler (7) 7. Bond’s section is in, but not on a Monday, being grumpy (5) 8. Derby date confusion for play time (9) 12. Key dress a bit left or right? Remove fast and get into gear for night work (5) 13. Coast or plant borders (5) 15. We’re moved about springs first flower (5)

16. Current I break up weakens around power outage (9) 17. Lots of room for a god to get caught (5) 18. Demand court cover after returning sack (5) 19. Signed in pink Edward (5) 21. Bothered by owning transport (7) 22. Boss held account of returning coins (6) 24. Understand what you can do with a mouse (5) 25. Pale yellow blemishes returned (5) 26. Dark place in Italy I left (5) 27. Get into confusion without alien metal bar (5)

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

Crossword No: 11 Solution

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Sudoku For You!

April / May 2015 - Issue 13

APRIL 2015

The Great Central Railway There is a full and varied selection of events during the month including the big events at Easter, then Railways At Work later in the month, and a Bus and Rail event at Quorn. A good selection of Dining Trains is also available.

EASTER BUNNY EXPRESS This event takes place on the three days either side of the Easter weekend when you can meet The Easter Bunny and Bugsy Bunny on the train, there will be plenty of events to entertain the youngsters at all the stations along the line at the bargain price of £25 for a Family of five.

EASTER VINTAGE FESTIVAL A four day event over the Easter Weekend (April 3-6) where you can step back in time and experience the atmosphere of a Country Fayre at Quorn and Woodhouse Station with steam powered Gallopers and big wheel, also live music at certain times during the event, a real ale bar, craft stalls plus a lot more, also steam train rides to visit the other stations.

RAILWAYS AT WORK WEEKEND ‘EVENING STAR’ LIVES AGAIN ON THE GCR Railways at Work Weekend is a new event for 2015 during the weekend of the 18th and 19th, when our own Standard 9F 2-10-0 92214 will masquerade as 92220 Evening Star the last steam locomotive built by British Railways in March 1960 and withdrawn after only five years, with permission of the National Railway Museum where the real locomotive is on display and owner of 92214, Cromwell Tools, new nameplates will be made for the identity swap and small brass plaques commemorating No 92220 as BR’s last steam locomotive. A number of photographic charters are being arranged. During the weekend period vehicles will be in the yard at Quorn and Woodhouse Station showing how freight was moved around the country and becoming a lifeline to towns and villages before road transport took over.

MAKE A NOTE IN YOUR DIARY Last years very popular ‘The GCR Model Event’ will return again in June for thee days starting on the 19th.

There will be something at every station with over 50 layouts attending representing all gauges/scales, Traders and Model Engineering. Your train ticket includes travel between stations and entrance to all exhibits. For the full list of layouts and traders visit the website, the main parking space will be in the field next to Quorn Station there is limited disabled parking at all stations. Opening times are 10am-5pm Friday and Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday.

QUORN BUS/RAIL EVENT This popular event returns on Saturday, the 25th at Quorn and Woodhouse Station run with Leicestershire Transport Heritage Trust to celebrate vintage bus and train travel.

DINING TRAINS The usual selection of Dining Trains are available but on Easter Sunday there will be a special Easter Sunday Luncheon train running also two Friday Evening Murder Mystery Dining Trains.

PREVIEW OF EVENTS IN MAY To start the month there is a three day May Day Bank Holiday special, followed by a Classic & Vintage Vehicle Festival during which a real ale train will be running, another Bank Holiday Special during the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, there will also be Midweek Running following this Bank Holiday and to round off the month the second Swap Meet of the year at Quorn. There is a full compliment of Dining Trains to choose from, and also a Murder Mystery and a Pullman Dining evening with Live Jazz.

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: The last edition of The Vine showed LMS 8F No 48624 in non authentic red. During the Winter Steam Gala the engine was in a filthy www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk 45 dirty weathered condition like the last days of steam on British Railways, 48624 is seen at Loughborough during the Sunday of the Gala.

nstruction Harrison Landscaping - Garden Design & Co As spring draws ever closer and the warm memories of a previous summer seep into thought it is perhaps time to start thinking about reinvigorating your outdoor living space by creating a safe and inviting area to play and relax in.

Safety has to be the main priority so check for loose fence panels, broken tree branches and loose paving etc. The winter months can cause havoc with all brick work and once frost damage starts it will only get worse.

Whatever shape or sized garden you have Chris at Harrison Landscaping will have a solution for you. His eye for the overall picture has become well established throughout the Charnwood area.

From sandstone patios under wisteria covered pergolas to Acer enhanced raised beds.

Beautiful and level lawns, straight as an arrow fencing and crystal clear ponds, Harrison Landscaping is your one stop shop to a beautiful garden.

To keep your family in fresh produce why not try some of our raised beds constructed from new tanalised sleepers, these can be made to any size and height and advice on how and what to grow is always available free of charge because Chris loves his fresh vegetables especially asparagus and the sweet and tender purple sprouting and is always keen to spread the word.

Chris'Top tip

As much as I enjoy a well designed decking area it does have its pitfalls. Two accidents this year already, one involving a elderly lady who slipped and hit her head!

The grooves in the timber allow any water to act as an aquaplane and any algae can also make it very slippery. A good quality decking cleaning agent will cure the algae issue and should be applied as well as a stiff brushing on a regular basis.

Enjoy your garden!

Top Twenty Hit For Hermitage Harriers Hermitage Harriers were out in force once more in the third race of the LRRL winter league. Thirty five Harriers tackled Kibworth 6; a race notorious for its steep climbs and beautiful countryside scenery.

The Harrier’s ladies team delivered an outstanding performance with four ladies finishing in the women’s top twenty.

First home was the club’s ‘new girl’ Bonita Robinson in 10th position with a time of 43.20. She was quickly joined by a dynamic duo in the shape of Joanne Matthews and Mia Weston who crossed the line 16th and 17th and just one second apart with times of 44.26 and 44.27 respectively. Matthews also claimed third place in the vet 40-44 category.

Katie Wright was fourth female home in a time of 44.52 and 20th place. In addition, the club also fielded five new lady runners: Jodi Nicholson, Abi Crane, Teresa Bradshaw, Debbie Nicholson and Gemma Cave, who all performed exceptionally well on a challenging course.

Similarly, the men’s team had a very successful race with Matt Adcock flying around the course in an impressive time of 33.19 and claiming 2nd place overall. He was in good company, when he was joined shortly after by Jason Williams who crossed the finishing mat in 6th position with a time of 33.51. Ryan Twigg was next home in 35.34 and 17th position.

Shaun Coulton and Gavin McDermott took the next two team spots with 21st and 25th position and times of 35.46 and 36.01 respectively. A 30th place finish by Craig Hinds in 36.13, secured six men inside the top thirty runners for the club.

The team was completed by Kristian Bravin in 33rd position with a time of 36.17 and Paul Gregory in 36.24 and 34th place.

As always, there were impressive performances across the entire club with many individuals smashing times and targets. On her debut league run for the club, Jodi Nicholson smashed her previous 6 mile best time by almost five minutes with her time of 51.44. Darryl Johnson also took a considerable chunk of two minutes off his PB with a new best of 51.31 alongside Tracey Richardson-Lyne whose finishing time of 57.26 saw her shave 2 minutes off her 6 mile PB. Colin Mayes also produced an impressive PB with a new time of 50.57. Furthermore, Pete Armstrong smashed his PB for the course, taking 3.40 off his former best time. The club’s vet 50 record for the course was also broken by Shaun Coulton who bettered it by around 3 ½ minutes. Kibworth 6 was also the first six mile race for both Fraser Harris and Debbie Payne who both delivered fantastic runs for the club.

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EVENTS DIARY Town & Country Guided Bike Ride Sunday 5th April, 2015

A 16 mile led bike ride on a mix of cyclepaths and quiet roads and rural tracks suitable for adults. This ride heads north out of Coalville joining cycle route 52. The ride takes in Grace Dieu, Belton, the Cloud Trail and Worthington before returning back to Coalville.

This is a moderately challenging route as there are some short and steep climbs along the way, but no one will get left behind.

The ride is organised by the Leisure Services Team at North West Leicestershire District Council, and led by British Cycling trained ride leaders.

Places are limited, pre-book by phone on 01530 454 606 or by email at zara.barnes@nwleicestershire.gov.uk Meet for an 11am start at Snibston Discovery Museum, Ashby Road, Coalville, LE67 3LN.

Easter Vintage Festival Friday 03 - Monday 06 April, 2015 The Great Central Railway - experience a country fair at Quorn station with steam powered gallopers & big wheel, traction engines, vintage tractors, steam powered wood sawing, live music & real ale tent, craft stalls, steam train rides and vintage classic vehicles. Relive the romance of a bygone era...

Quorn: LE12 8AG | www.gcrailway.co.uk | 01509 632315 Tickets: Adults £15, Child £9, Under 5’s free.

It’s FREE to add your community event to our events diary email: editor@thevineleicestershire.co.uk. Please send details in by 8th May 2015 for the June / July issue.

The Latimer Players present...

Wife After Death A Comedy by Eric Chappell Thurs 23rd, Friday 24th & Saturday 25th April 2015 Described as a ‘terrific evening of love and laughter’. This raucous black comedy sees the friends and colleagues of the late, Comedian and national treasure, Dave Thursday, gather beside his coffin to pay their last respects. His widow has arranged a funeral to remember, complete with horse-drawn hearse and attendant dog. When an unexpected guest turns up, a series of revelations reveal Dave’s dubious past and guests are left to ask themselves whether they ever really knew the ‘real’ Dave and who would have the last laugh?

Tickets are £7 and available from Anna Lacey on 0116 2362692

St George’s Day Barn Dance Friday 24th April, 2015 Come and dance to the fabulous Derbyshire Ranters Ceilidh Band, real ale bar and locally sourced burgers.

Tel: 01332 863501 Email: jane.clayton@btinternet.com Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey Price: £12.

Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire DE73 7LE.

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 Madeleine McCormick on 01530 224254 or 07729 110401. She can also be contacted at mccormick-family@dsl.pipex.com

Wednesday 01 April | Coleorton WI ”Simple Upholstery” - John Brown. Coleorton WI 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. Contact Esther Massey (President): 01530 450306 or Geraldine Bedford (Secretary): 01530 222323.

Wednesday 01 April | Ashby Computer Group A friendly group that helps with learning about computers, laptops, iPads etc. All sorts of general upskilling including iPad keyboards, emailing, loading pictures , accessing settings and Apps, attachments to emails and lots more.

For more information contact the groups Leader, John Howlett on 01530 461774. Meet at 16 Winchester Way at 2.00 pm

Thursday 02 April | Fun House Comedy Club Fun House Comedy Club at Ashby Lyric Rooms, Lower Church Street, Ashby. LE65 1AB, Tel 01530415039. Doors open 7.30pm Starts 8.15pm All Shows £10 advance (unless stated otherwise), food available 7.30pm to 8.pm.

Friday 03 - Sunday 05 April | Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Follow the Easter trail that will lead you to your Cadbury prize. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tel: 01332 863822; Email: calkeabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk; www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey; Price: Child £3.50. Normal admission charges apply to park and garden. 11am - 3:30pm. Calke Abbey, Ticknall, Derbyshire DE73 7LE.

Saturday 04 April | Three One Act Plays and a Fish & Chip Supper - Ibstock Palace The multi award winning Little Acorn Production Company present three one act plays, a drama and two comedies. Drama; The Canary Cage by Diane Raffle. Three women all with a story to tell, but is one of them a killer? Comedy; Caught in the Act by Bruce Kane. A couple in bed and the partner asks that fatal question, ‘How was it for you’ and gets some surprising answers. Comedy; Job for Life by Wayne Roberts. A security guard spends his life guarding a box, but what’s in the box? A fish and chip supper will also be provided during the interval with tea, coffee and cake to follow and a licensed bar available. Tickets are £10 each and only available in advance. 7pm start. Contact Chris Shreeve on 01455 631235, email: Cchriszena@aol.com or the Ibstock Palace 01530 262400 for more details or tickets enquiries.

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EVENTS DIARY Tuesday 07 April | Family Bushcraft Day A great mini adventure for all the family. Build a good shelter, create fire using friction, make effective pot holders for over the fire and sample some tasty wild foods. Adults: £45, children: £25. Spring Wood, Staunton Harold, Leicestershire, DE73 8BJ. 9:30am 4pm. For further details see www.woodlandsurvivalcrafts.com. Contact Dave: 01530 411861 / 07736 225035.

Wednesday 08 April | Lego Day - Snibston - Coalville Workshops, Mosaics, Lego hunt and the Lego Movie. You can choose your workshop for either Captain America or Wonder Woman for £10 per workshop. This includes the £5 model to keep. Movie 2pm. £2 per child, £3 per adult. Booking recommended..

Telephone 01530 278444 or see website for further details. 10am - 5pm. www.snibston.com

Thursday 09 April | Charity Whist Drive The next in the series of Charity Whist Drives organised by Derek Farr will be held at 7.30pm. Admission £2.00. All players welcome.

Large free car park. The Rothley Centre, Mountsorrel Lane, Rothley.

Friday 10 April | “Paddington” - Century Theatre - Coalville After a deadly earthquake destroys his home in Peruvian rainforest, a young bear (voice of Ben Whishaw) makes his way to England in search of a new home.

At the Century Cinema, Snibston, Coalville LE67 3LN. 7:30pm. Tickets £3.50 are available on the door, subject to availability. Doors open 30 minutes before the start of the film

Monday 13 April | Ashby - Medium Walks Group Ashby U3A’s Medium Walk group do walks of up to 6 miles. Any one interested please contact Carole Harriman on 01530 222634.

The group are looking for new members so if you are interested in walking around 5 miles and be home for lunch, then please do go along. Meet at Atkinson Road, Ashby, to walk to Blackfordby, start at 10.00, 5.5 miles.

Tuesday 14 April | An Evening of Local Wildlife Photography - Ashby Ashby Civic Society present an illustrated talk. Martin Vaughan will show his collection of award winning photographs of local wildlife. 8:00pm at Ashby Council Chamber, Legion House, South Street, Ashby. Non member visitors welcome to attend the talks cost £2. For further details contact: Susanne Tandy 01530 415654.

Saturday 18 April | Coleorton Parish Annual Litterpick This year’s Litterpick will take place on Saturday 18th April. The timings will be: 9.45 am at Beaumont Green, 10.45 am at Peggs Green Rec, 11.45 am at The Moorlands. This just takes an hour or two and makes a big difference to the look and feel of the parish.

All equipment and bags will be provided, just bring sturdy shoes and clothes and gloves. You don’t need to book just turn up!

Once again MacDonald’s Coalville will provide a voucher for each youngster who takes part! (Youngsters should be accompanied by an adult). We will be supported by Street Environment Managers from NWLDC. If you have any questions please email Sue at parishclerk@coleorton.org.uk or phone her on 01530 510471.

Saturday 18 April | Ashby de la Zouch Farmers Market 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 the Farmers Market telephone 01530 261660.

Saturday 18 April | Palace Social Dance - Ibstock A very popular evening of Ballroom, Latin, and Sequence Doors & bar open at 7.30 pm. Dancing from 8.00 pm ‘till 11.00 pm.

Tickets: £5.00. The Palace Community Centre Ltd, High Street, Ibstock, Leicestershire. LE67 6LH | Tel: 01530 262400 | Email: enquiries@thepalaceibstock.co.uk

Tuesday 21 April | Thringstone WI April Meeting Topic - St Georges Day, speaker Mike Kennedy. Competition - Novelty patriotic hat (to be worn). Come and join us for an interesting evening, you don’t have to be a WI member and will be made very welcome.

7.30pm Methodist Church Hall, Thringstone. Details from Helen Dickinson 01530 458872 or Susan Oxbrough 01530 459295.

Friday 24 April | Armageddon Pro Darts Event - Whitwick A invitational pro darts event consisting of the best players in the PDC today including Bristow, Winstanley, Van Gerwen, Bunting, Barneveld, Walker, Smith, kellett, Gurney, Newto, Brown, Hine and Foreman.

Hermitage Leisure Centre, Silver Street, Whitwick, Leicestershire, LE67 5EU | Ticket prices £25 or 4 for £80 or £65 VIP entry | For tickets and for further information please call - Tel 01530 811215 | www.mdapromotions.co.uk

Sunday 26 April | Market Bosworth Farmers Market Over 30 Producers bringing the finest foods from the region. Every fourth Sunday from 10am until 2pm. The Market Place, Market Bosworth CV13 0LE. 9am - 2pm. www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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SCHOOL’S OUT FOR EASTER! With the Easter holidays already upon us we’ve scoured what’s on locally to keep the kids (and yourselves) entertained. Here are our top picks:

Easter Holiday Activities - Conkers Easter Vintage Festival - GCR Saturday 28th March to Sunday 19th April, 2015 Two weeks of family fun during the Easter School Holidays at Conkers, Moira. Entertainment in the covered Amphitheatre, Ranger Activities, Craft Activities, Story Time, Wizards Whirlwind Show, Trevor Hills Animal Encounter, Pirate Pat, Fluffy Easter Chick Crafts 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 Bunny Express - GCR

Tuesday 31st March - Thursday 2nd April, 2015 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’s a ‘rabbit run’ trail, 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

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3rd to 6th April, 2015

Experience a country fayre at Quorn Station with steam powered gallopers and big wheel, traction engines, vintage tractors, steam powered wood sawing, live music and train rides. For more information see: www. gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/easter-vintage-festival/

Lego Day - Snibston

Wednesday 8th April, 2015 - 10am - 5pm Come to Snibston for a fun filled day out! Workshops, Mosaics, Lego hunt and the Lego Movie. You can choose your workshop for either Captain America or Wonder Woman for £10 per workshop. This includes the £5 model to keep. Movie 2pm. £2 per child, £3 per adult. Booking recommended. Tel: 01530 278444 or visit: www.snibston.com

St. George’s Festival - Leicester City Saturday 25th April, 2015

Enjoy the annual family friendly festival featuring music, dance and live performances on the square and in venues across the Cultural Quarter.

The festival promises a day of non-stop entertaiment for all the family, full of activities to try and fun things to do; including the fancy dress parade and the dragon hunt. Tel: 0116 238 5082, email festivals@ leicester.gov.uk or visit: www.visitleicester.info/stgeorgesfestival/

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THE VINE DIRECTORY

CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES Caroline James.............................. 55 Smartly Stitched Tailors.................. 14

EDUCATION & CHILD CARE Magical Maths Club........................ 14 OLCS..............................................42 Rawlins...........................................42 Richard Hill School Charity............. 42

FOOD, DRINK & VENUES Bradgate Party Tents...................... 39 Burleigh Court................................ 39 Farmers Market.............................. 32 George & Dragon........................... 38 The George Inn.............................. 24 The Grey Lady Kitchen & Deli........ 38 Mews Bar....................................... 35 NLPO Tearoom & Store.................. 24 Smithards Bakery........................... 32 The Vine Restaurant....................... 30 Vintage Afternoon Tea Parties........ 32 Woodcock Farm Shop.................... 21

GARDEN Bradgate Estate Management........ 20 Charnwood Tree Services................ 7 Garden Blueprints.......................... 51 Harrison Landscaping.................... 47 H20 Design....................................... 8 L B Grounds Maintenance.............. 20 LB Landscaping.............................. 54 Outdoor Solutions........................... 14 Roecliffe Tree Surgery.................... 20 Total Tree Services......................... 21

GIFTS Ashby Jewellers............................. 34 Shellbrook Toys.............................. 32

HAIR & BEAUTY Hair By Josephine.......................... 51

HEALTH Care 4 U......................................... 25 Charnwood Hearing Centre............ 53 Helping Hands................................ 47

HOME Absolute Window Solutions.............. 2 Ancient & Modern........................... 32 Ashby Decorators Centre............... 28 Ashby Tile & Bathrooms................. 31 Broughtons....................................... 6 Carpet Cuts.................................... 56 Charnwood Kitchens........................ 7 Charnwood Oaks...................................6 Coalville Furniture Superstore........ 18 CV Lane........................................... 6 Daniel Chapman............................. 14 DeVol...................................... 10 + 11 DG Plumbing.................................. 53 DP Furnishings............................... 14 Glenfield Electrical.......................... 14 Glenwood Interiors......................... 18 Gloss Interiors................................ 29 Graham Botterill - Soft Furnishings... 14 Holme Tree Kitchens...................... 28 Ibstock Kitchens............................... 4 The Light House............................... 6 Loft Storage Solutions...................... 3 Logburners Ltd................................. 3 Low Woods Furnishings................. 24 Martin Allen Flooring......................... 4 MDW Fireplaces............................... 7 MGAS............................................. 18 My Spa UK..................................... 15 Papillon Blue.................................. 32 Plastic Fantastic............................... 8

HOME continued...

RJ Rowley...................................... 24 RSJ Roofing..................................... 4 Shuttlewood Decorators................... 5 Splashout....................................... 27 Tiles 4 Less.................................... 18 UK Gas Services.............................. 8 Watson’s Electrical......................... 14

LEISURE Bradgate Drama Society................... 38 Bradgate Park Early Summer Fair.... 38 Funhouse Comedy Club................... 30 Just Bikes........................................... 32 Holiday Home in Norfolk................... 51

MOTORS & TRAVEL Bond Street Car Service................... 5 Cropston Garage............................ 53 JPH Motors..................................... 14 Redhall Garage.............................. 32

PETS Anstey Cattery................................ 51 Glebe Von Wood............................ 21 Retreat Boarding Kennels.............. 51 The Veterinary Surgery.................. 51

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Advanced Insurance Services........ 29 Computer Angel.............................. 54 Dodds Solicitors LLP...................... 47 Independent Insurance Bureau...... 33 MB Sign Design.............................. 54 NFU Mutual.................................... 35 Prusinski Solicitors......................... 50 Roy Green - Sales & Lettings............. 3 Timms Solicitors............................. 35

RECRUITMENT

Care 4 U......................................... 53 Health Equals Wealth..................... 21

Please remember to tell our advertisers that you saw them in The Vine 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 2015 - Issue 13 52 Alternatively you can visit the website to find out more: www.thevineleicestershire.co.uk

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